Behind Crude Walls

As they run toward the source of the lights, the vibrations grow stronger, nearly causing them to lose their balance as the ground shakes beneath them. As they get closer, the sounds of battle become audible—metal clanging, explosions, and war cries fill the air. Bazett halts abruptly, signaling for Star to stop as well with a raised arm. She wants to proceed cautiously, not rushing into whatever may be happening until they grasp the situation. And so she speaks quietly;

"We are really close... Let's keep it down for now, and see what is going on."

"That is if we don't get caught."

Star and Bazett walk closer to the commotion cautiously, inching closer until they witness the chaos firsthand. Taking a cover behind a dense bush, they observe the unfolding events while remaining concealed, or at least hoping so. As they observe the scene, they witness two figures locked in intense combat near the entrance of a large cave. Bazett silently mutters;

"Are those... servants?.."

"No... not that one."

Star points at the heavily wounded orange-haired man engaged in battle with a knight clad in black armor, wielding a black long sword emanating dark red and purple light;

"Then, a Master?"

"Possibly. That servant. Packed with magical energy, I can feel down to my bones."

Star was a little impressed by this servant. They continue to watch the battle before them while hoping the knight in black armor remains too preoccupied with the fight to sense Star's presence. The presumed master wielded two machete-like blades in his hands, tirelessly striving to gain the upper hand against the servant. Star leaned in towards Bazett, speaking in a low tone;

"We are not planning to stay here and watch all-night right?"

"What do you mean? We don't kn-"

"If we don't do something, that master is probably going to die pretty soon enough. Don't tell me you're expecting some miracle where this master actually beats that servant alone."

Bazett narrowed her eyes, trying to think while keeping her gaze fixed on the master boldly confronting the servant. And then, with a powerful force, the servant kicks the master, sending him directly towards a nearby tree, where he grunts loudly upon impact. Despite Bazett not wanting to risk herself and Star in an unknown battle, she ultimately makes a decision.

Rising from her crouched position, she stands up and speaks at Star just as the knight's long sword begins to shine brighter with its ominous dark hue, preparing to land the final hit on the master;

"That master might prove useful. Guess we don't have a choice! Let's go!"

Star throws a sly chuckle and his guitar materializes in his hand once more, now in its axe shape, ready for action as he rises from the ground as well, both revealing themselves. Star wastes no time, lunging directly at the knight in black with his guitar while Bazett sprints at the injured master in hurry.

But before he could make a move, the knight sees Star, acts quick and swings "his" sword at Star before he could get close enough. The sword crackled with dense magical energy, pulsating with an ominous glow.

Rather than shining, it seemed to devour the light around it. With a swing, the knight unleashed a massive beam of dark magic, hurtling toward Star at incredible speed. Star swiftly responded by swinging his guitar directly at the wave of dark magic. The flames engulfing Star's guitar surged in size, slashing the wave in half and nullifying the knight's attack while speaking;

"Way to go!"

And he continues rushing at the knight without stopping. Bazett was slightly amazed at Star's feat as she hurried towards the injured master to ensure his safety, while Star engaged in combat with the enemy servant;

"Are you alright? You are badly injured."

"W-Who are you?"

As Bazett checked on the master, she took a closer look at him. He was just a young kid. Despite her frustration with this new event, she didn't dwell on it and picked up the young master from the ground as he faintly spoke all tired and worn out from the battle;

"W-Wait... I need to- Go t-there... Put me down."

"No. I am taking you someplace safe. You wish to die?"

Then as Bazett was carrying the boy, his hand pointed at the cave's entrance;

"S- Sakura..."

Meanwhile, Star and the black knight continued to battle. Knight's sword and Star's guitar clashing together again and again. He was still limiting himself and holding back, only this time he was able to fight more freely. Since the fight Star had with that lancer served as a learning experience on which attacks could adversely affect his master.

Each clash between the servant's sword and Star's guitar reverberated with immense power, almost powerful enough to nearly launch him skyward with every impact. This servant was full of raw power. He didn't stop or hesitate to go full force on Star, launching one powerful attack after another, each mirroring the great wave of dark magic he had unleashed with that sword, moments ago. Star grew increasingly fatigued as he continuously nullified and parried each attack. Just how much mana could that knight have to be able to do the same powerful attack over and over again?;

"So- Hngh! You don't really talk too, do you? *Huff* "

The knight was completely silent just fighting Star while having no emotion on his face. He had a small mask covering his eyes on him and an spiky heavy armor aside from his long sword, serving as protection. After a flurry of clashes and swift swings, Star seized an opportunity to strike the knight's head with his guitar.

However, the knight managed to partially parry the blow, causing it to glance off his visor/mask. As a result, the mask slipped off his head, revealing his complete face. It was a feminine face, devoid of emotion, with dull, golden-yellow eyes staring back. Which left Star surprised;

" *Huff* *Puff* Look at that—full of surprises eh?"