Section 5: Chiron the Sage's Combat Exercise

Dismembeeer!!! Wheee!!!

We won!

Ugh!

Hooray!

The Rider of Black, Astolfo. The Saber of Black, Siegfried. The Saber of Red, Mordred.

I can confirm that they've all disappeared.

Truth be told, I have mixed feelings about this... But at least we were able to outwit them and win.

I hate to think of what might have happened if Avicebron hadn't realized what they were up to...

...

Uh!?

...I'm all right. I think my control over the Greater Grail just wavered a little bit.

It's odd, though, considering how many Servants we've defeated... Does this mean my ownership of the Grail wavering has nothing to do with this war?

What happens when it wavers?

It means someone other than me will take possession of the Greater Grail.

Hmm.

If they want it that badly, why don't you just let them have it?

You're not even a Servant, right? Why kill yourself over this?

A Servant once tried to use this Greater Grail to make a wish come true.

And I'm the one who stopped that from happening.

So, I guess...I kind of have a responsibility to make sure the Greater Grail is never misused.

...We don't really understand, but okay. It sounds like you had a hard life.

...I wouldn't say that. It may not have lasted long, but I enjoyed it.

Anyway, the battle is now over.

Fujimaru, do you know the Rider of Black...er, Astolfo?

I see. Then you also know how...difficult he can be at times.

He's a lot of fun, too, though...

I see... Well, try not to be too shocked by how he behaves.

He's easily the most unhinged out of all fourteen Servants.

？！

Anyway, it's encouraging to know that both the Black and Red Sabers will soon be joining us.

Though I have to say, our "family" is growing rather large...

？！

I've been thinking the same thing. Still, we'll just have to do our best.

Hiya, people I've never met!

Nice to meet you. You must be Astolfo.

And you two must be...

... ...

...Well? What's goin' on here, Custodian? Just give us the quick version, yeah?

Of course. I was just about to.

I see. So that is why both the Black and Red camps have gathered here.

Very well, I shall lend you my aid.

Thank you.

So this isn't the Great Holy Grail War? Damn. What a drag.

Go ahead and sit the rest out if you want. Not like one more Saber's gonna make a difference.

...What was that? You wanna fight or something, punk?

Hey, so you DO get it!

Things are getting worse by the day around here. It's all we can do just to keep our heads above water.

If you're not gonna help us fight, then get lost.

...Now I get it. 'Course, it was pretty obvious just looking at you.

Oh yeah?

You're pissin' me off. C'mon. Let's go. You and me. No weapons. Just fists.

Now you're talking...!

Uhhh!!!

Hey! What was that for, Frankenstein!? That really hurt!

Huh? ...Don't fight in the courtyard?

It's small, and if we fight, we'll kill the flowers?

Uh!

...Tch. Fine, whatever.

You heard her. If we're gonna do this, we gotta take it outside.

...Eh, pass. Moment's gone. She took all the fun out of it.

Oh yeah?

I'm glad to see such esteemed heroes getting along so well.

The hell we are!

Not to worry. You'll get along fine once you start fighting side by side, whether you like it or not.

And I will not take no for an answer.

Heh... It seems things worked out nicely.

Gimme a break...

Took the words right outta my mouth. Now then.

Custodian, have you started losing ownership of the Greater Grail, or not?

I have, yes. I'm steadily losing control.

？！

Then there's no point in fighting these guys off.

I see. Then what do you suggest?

Oh come the hell on. You're telling me the "Great Sage" hasn't figured this out? The only thing still left is the Hanging Gardens.

Yes, I suppose you're right. I'd been putting it off because of how dangerous it is...

...but now that we have this many capable fighters on our side, attacking it has become a viable option.

However, I believe the Hanging Gardens is the Assassin of Red...Semiramis's Noble Phantasm. Correct, Sir Sieg?

Yes.

As long as she's in that garden, Semiramis is as powerful as a Ruler.

Back when we were fighting her, all she did was just bombard us from her garden.

But, if we board the garden ourselves, it will be a different matter.

All twelve of us will have to focus on defending ourselves when we're there.

Our chances of victory are...slim at best.

Why do we not simply attack now, before nightfall?

I actually tried sending a flying golem in there yesterday, at Chiron's behest...

...but as soon as night fell, it was teleported back to the surface.

So we believe that our enemy has already taken measures against a daytime attack.

Shoulda figured it wouldn't be that easy.

Yes, that WILL make this very difficult...

I have only seen it from a distance at night, but its defenses are obviously quite formidable.

Were you able to make it up there, Custodian?

Well... During the Great Holy Grail War, the Black Team's Master's used stolen airplanes...

And RiderAstolfo, that is... Well, he rode his hippogriff up to it, dodging its defenses all the way.

On top of that, our Ruler used a defensive skill that protected us from more than half of the bombardment Semiramis unleashed from her garden.

Right now, we have Achilles's chariot and Astolfo's hippogriff, but

I'm afraid it will be difficult to attack the garden with those alone.

Convenient as it would be were she to simply open the garden's gates to us, I rather doubt she will be so accommodating. More likely, she will defend her garden quite fiercely.

Hey, Chiron, got any brilliant ideas to get us in there?

Such things are always useful when there is a weakness to exploit, but I am afraid no amount of planning or brilliance can break those defenses.

I'm afraid we may have no choice but to charge through the front door. Sir Sieg, is your true body recovered enough to be able to move?

...I've had it resting the last few days to focus on healing up.

If nothing else, it should be able to fly now.

But even so, breaking in will be difficult. If I take another Noble Phantasm, I'll fall right out of the sky.

Especially if it happens to be Siegfried's.

His Noble Phantasm is especially dangerous to me, given that it slew a dragon.

Even the slightest scratch from it could send me crashing down.

...I'm sorry I caused such trouble for you while I was on the opposing side.

Ugh.

...?

She says, "Don't worry 'bout it."

Unfortunately, we have no choice but for you to fly if we are to assault the garden's front gates.

It's not that I'm scared... Well, no, I guess I AM scared.

I'm scared I won't actually be able to do thisthat I won't be able to get you there safely.

Oh? Apologies. It seems I was not clear. We will, of course, ALL be contributing to this frontal assault.

You may be the Greater Grail's Custodian, but I would never put this entirely on your shoulders alone.

In that case, Astolfo and I'll back you up, since we can both fly too.

Damn skippy we will!

Don't worry, I promise we'll keep you and Fujimaru safe up there!

Then I'll stay here and watch theOn second thought, I'd better come along too. I'd be no match for those Dragon Tooth Warriors on my own.

Well, I'd better prepare a sonnet to sing the praises of you, our great heroes! That will surely make fortune smile upon you!

Now then, I'm off to write! Only a few hours left until deadline! Time to get that ink flowing, William!

Hmm. In my case...I suppose I'll have some golems fly in front of the dragon, to act as his shield.

If I make full use of the Millennia Fortress's walls for material, they should last at least a little while.

I suppose I could pick off any attackers with my bow...

... ...

Do you know something, Custodian?

Atalante, you, uh... You have another Noble Phantasm.

I heard you used it to fly during the Great Holy Grail War.

...The Calydonian Boar's pelt!

I remember now. You are right. There IS more than one way to use the boar's pelt.

Surprising that I would use it to try to win the war, though... I must have been quite desperate.

？！

I will figure something out.

I do not know that I will be able to stay in the air for overly long, but I should be able to defy gravity for at least a short while.

Mommy, Mommy. Can we use our mist?

？！

Uh-huh. It can...uh... What's the word again?

You know, I can choose who it goes around. Do you know what I mean, Mr. Horse Servant?

So you can freely select who your mist envelops...

That sounds like it can be directed, then.

Yep! That's it.

...Aha, now I see. So back then, that's how she

We're gonna ride on Mr. Custodian's back along with Mommy!

Yes, good point. Avicebron, Shakespeare.

I'd like you two to ride on Fafnir's back as well.

Ugh...

Hey, Frankenstein... I mean, Berserker?

Uh?

You and I are gonna team up, so I want you staying put on the ground.

Ugh? Uh...?

Ah, don't worry so much! I got a brilliant plan, trust me!

Is there a legend about you flying that I was unaware of?

Nah, nothing like that. Don't worry, though. I'll figure something out!

Long as we get up there, it doesn't matter how, right? I'll get us there! Just you watch!

We'll go shooting up there like a rocket!

Hell no!

Shh.

That's a damn secret, okay?

Uh...?

？！

What about you, Siegfried, Chiron, and Spartacus? What will you guys do?

Good question...

I'll accompany Achilles in his chariot. Assuming that's all right with you?

Fine by me.

Chariots aren't made for just one rider anyway.

Wanna ride on my hippogriff with me, Siegfried? I'm sure we can find room for one more!

...It would seem that is my only option.

I'll make sure to defend against the other me's Noble Phantasm.

Guess that just leaves this guy. Hey, Spartacus.

I refuse.

Why!?

You bear the stink of oppressors. Now that I know our destination, I will find my own way!

Nothing is impossible for me. The sky is but one more obstacle to be overcome.

Please calm down.

Spartacus, you may be a Servant, but I don't believe you have any skills or Noble Phantasms that would let you fly.

Nothing is impossible in this world.

If birds are capable of flight, then humans must be as well.

If I must become a bird to reach the garden, then that is what I shall do.

Yes, I shall be a small, elegant bird, soaring gracefully across the sky...

A-a bird, you say...?

Cock-a-doodle-doooooo!

？！

...Well, you cannot expect to become a bird overnight, Spartacus. If I were a bird, I would be insulted to hear you think it such a trivial thing to do.

Perhaps we could send a rope down for you? With muscles like that, you should have no trouble climbing up to the garden.

... ...You are no oppressor...

What the hell does this lunkhead use to figure out what's an oppressor anyway?

Good. Now we all have a plan to reach the garden.

Indeed.

...Probably.

？！

I will prove to you that my muscles are truly worthy of your absolute trust.

All right, then. You three new Servants will officially join our battle lineup.

Our next step is get you acclimated to working with Sir Fujimaru as a team.

Sounds good to me!

Understood.

Aw, c'mon. Really? Do I gotta? I already know how to fight just fine.

Indeed. I am certain a warrior of your skill can manage quite capably.

But working with a team requires more than mere combat skill alone.

Besides, there's nothing better than the feeling one gets after landing a beautiful team combo.

All the more so when it happens in live combat, rather than in practice.

...All right. I guess I could give it a shot.

(She's like putty in his hands...!)

'kay then, I'll go first! Looking forward to fighting with ya, Custodian!

Thank you. The pleasure's all mine.

Avicebron, would you mind creating some training golems?

Very well.

All right, Astolfo, focus on teamwork, and do not run off on your own.

Aye, aye, sir!

I will offer advice, but nothing more. Good luck, you two.

Wooowie! I'm all tuckered out! Bleeeah.

Teamwork is an excellent way to compensate for one's weaknesses, but it can also greatly enhance your strengths as well.

Try to keep that in mind once the fighting begins in earnest.

'kaaay!

Siegfried, you're up next.

Right.

Most of your opponents' attacks will be focused on you, Siegfried.

You may block them, heal from them, evade them, trade places with another... You are, in short, free to handle this however you see fit.

Well then, here we go!

Now I see. This is nice.

... ...

？！

Oh, no, everything's fine.

I guess I just got caught up in the moment... Let's keep going.

Last, but certainly not least: Mordred.

Yeah, yeah, fine. This teamwork stuff's a pain in the ass. I'm just gonna go nuts.

That's perfectly fine. We will simply follow your lead.

Wait, really? You will?

Of course. Rampaging about like a Berserker seems to suit you rather well.

Well, hey, how 'bout that. Guess I don't gotta worry about you clowns. I like that!

Okay, Master, what do you say we get this party started!?

Are you two ready?

Mordred appears to be well suited to quick, decisive battles, so let's try to hit the opponent as hard and fast as we possibly can.

Your goal will be to take out the heavy golems before they can become a threat. All right, begin!

...Damn, that was close! These golems are way tougher than I thought!

But I'll finish these jerks off!

Brilliant work.

Aw yeah, piece of cake!

Have you got a handle on how all three teams operate now?

Great. Then let's take a break.

We still have some time until the sun sets and the Hanging Gardens shows itself.

I see... Then let's discuss our teamwork a little more, shall we?

We should still have enough time for that.

？！

I'm afraid we will need to leave this fortress behind. If you have any unfinished business here, now is the time to take care of it.

Uh...

I'm sorry, Frankenstein. Well...you could pick some flowers to take with you, right?

Uh!

Aw, look at her, all excited...

You two really are good friends.

Who, us? Eh, it's pretty simple.

We're a lot alike.

You are...?

Forget it.

Anyway, what about you and the Saber of Black? You got some kinda problem with Siegfried?

No, nothing like that. At least, not as he is now.

Aw, really? And here I was thinking he must've handed you your ass back during the other war or something.

That's...

Sir Custodian, may I have a word with you?

With me...?

Okay. What's this about?

It seems none of us has any memory of the Great Holy Grail War we once fought here...

That's right. I think you've all been summoned from the records leading up to it.

Usually, your memories would be engraved in the Throne of Heroes, but the versions of you here right now are not actually complete.

Alternatively, someone might have sealed them away on purpose. Perhaps whoever is orchestrating all this.

I'm told you still have your memories of the war, Sir Custodian. If that's true, I have a question for you...

Of course. ...Anything.

Did I stay true to myself?

... ...

I... I'm afraid I can't answer that.

I see. That's all right. I was just curious.

No need to give it further thought.

Now that I've been summoned here, whatever grudges I may have held in the past are of no importance.

I will simply fight to the best of my ability.

Thank you. That will be a huge help.

That said, I still find it hard to believe that you are this evil dragon, Sir Custodian...

？！

I did. ...I only hope I need never fight such a battle again.

It is too terrible to recall...but the feeling of it is forever etched into my soul.

？！

?

What is it, Master of Chaldea? You look terribly embarrassed.

An apology?

Hmm, I don't know what it is you are sorry for... But I promise you, I'm fine. You needn't worry about me.

You are a Master, a crystallization of the future.

If you deem my aid necessary, I would be glad to lend it to you.

I, uh, I see.

So Siegfried fought a different Fafnir in Orleans...

...Don't worry, Fujimaru.

I'm sure he meant it when he said he never wanted to fight a battle like that again...

...but I doubt a hero like him would let something like that stop him from stepping up when he's needed.

I'm sure he'll do whatever he has to. All the more so if the fate of humanity is at stake.

After all, he's the sort of man who would risk his life just to save a homunculus like me...

He even put me ahead of his own desires, and those of the person he had pledged to fight.

He ended up throwing all that away, because of me.

I don't regret doing what I had to do to survive. But, I guess...

...Hmm, it's hard to explain.

I wanted to survive, and I want Siegfried to continue fighting.

I feel like those two desires contradict each other, but then again, maybe they don't...?

？！

...Yes, I suppose I do.

After I became the Greater Grail's Custodian, I learned a lot of things I would have been happier not knowing.

Among them were things that happened without me having been aware at the time.

...The last Servant Atalante fought was Achilles.

Frankenstein was forced to use her Noble Phantasm's full power when she fought with Mordred, even though she knew doing so would be suicide.

And...a great hero like Siegfried gave up his heart, all to save my life.

They fought long and hard to acquire the Holy Grail. All of their wishes were pure and righteous.

But in the end, I was the one who ended up with the Greater Grail.

...Ever since then, I've been wondering whether I did the right thing or not.

What would you have done? Would you have been able to accept a wish like that, and allowed the Greater Grail to grant it?

Or would you have made the same choice I did?

Or...would you have taken another option? One I didn't see at the time...?

？！

Right. That makes sense.

... ...Hm?

That's weird. It's not as though my problem has been resolved, but...

...for some reason, I feel a bit better now.

？！

...That could be it.

It's hard to repress the urge to talk. Maybe that's not so surprising, since I've manifested as a terminal.

We still have some time before we leave for the Hanging Gardens. Would it be okay if we talk a little more?

？！

Thank you. In that case...

...I'd love to hear about the Servants you know. Without violating their privacy, of course.

...I see. So you know a ninja, huh?

Mechanical? But...she's not a robot, then?

I had no idea they had the technology back then to create a machine capable of becoming a Heroic Spirit.

I guess ninja really are something else.

So Divine Spirits have materialized in your world? I see. I guess that makes sense, given the crisis humanity is facing.

Huh? The goddess of virginity and the moon that Atalante worships is actually a besotted romantic?

And Orion...is a tiny teddy bear? ...Are they even strong?

...I would think that being loved by so many people is a good thing.

So why do you look so exhausted?

It's a heavy weight to carry? I wasn't aware love had mass.

I guess I still have a lot to learn...

Blackbeard. The pirate.

I see. I understand now. That one is beyond understanding.

Thank you for sharing all that. Chaldea...sounds like a lot of fun.

？！

I'm afraid not.

It might be possible, but even if it was, I'm obligated to stay here and take care of the Greater Grail.

Once this battle is over, I'm going to stay here. I'm...waiting for someone to show up.

That's the one decision I can't change.

？！

If it was difficult or painful to do that, I might not be able to handle it.

But it's just a long wait, so it's no trouble at all.

Still...it's nice of you to be concerned about me. I appreciate that.

I was worried I might have upset you, summoning you out here all of a sudden like this.

...The next battle is going to be for the Hanging Gardens.

Avicebron said he would make a saddle for you, so make sure you hold on tight to that.

But even if you fall, I'm sure one of the heroes will save you.

It could be Astolfo, Achilles, Atalante, or Avicebron...

...but whoever it is, I'm certain one of them will save you if you need it.

Anyway, we'd better get back. We need to get ready to leave too.