Chapter 105: Master's & Troll's POV
~Kariya M. POV~
[Fuyuki City, Ryuudou Temple]
Ugh…
I woke up feeling strangely well-rested for someone in my condition. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was sleeping on a comfortable bed and not some random alley in Fuyuki City.
Wait… I remember the events unfolding. My eyes widened searching around my surroundings in a concerned tone, "Where…? Wait, Sakura!"
Searching around I noticed there was another bed on the other side of the room, and there she was sleeping peacefully. The sight was too beautiful to disturb so I made sure to limit myself tearing up silently.
She's safe. She's safe away from that old vampire.
I couldn't help but rub my eyes thinking this was a dream even flinching as I pinch myself. I felt the pain but Sakura was still there as I muttered in disbelief, "We did it… and we survived, somehow…"
That was when I heard a grunted response from Berserker this time of grudging respect from what I could tell sighing in relief fulfilling my deal to him with a smile, "My wish to save Sakura has been answered so I'm only fighting to fulfill my end of our bargain."
*Thud*
Opening the door to reveal Mash coming through smiling greeting the both of us as Sakura slept peacefully, "Morning Kariya. Seems like I have come in good time. How's your rest been?"
Taking in a deep breath I exhaled feeling as good as new not in constant pain in a respectful tone to our saviors, "Whew… good. It's been a VERY long time neither of us felt any good restful sleep. You have our thanks, young man."
Mash smiled holding a mirror as I saw my reflection in shock return to normal as I touched my face explaining in a proud tone, "Aw you're gonna make me blush. While you were asleep Medea, and I did some fixing with the Crest Worms in both your bodies out of your systems. Even managed to return your life force and face by yours truly! Be amazed thank you very much! Heh!"
I can tell the kid is being proud but I'm more shocked by his words. Holding the mirror as I touched my face returned to normal no longer scarred from the damn worms.
His words made me doubt I could have a full life again, but he hasn't betrayed my trust and did everything he could to help. He made his intention clear as I sighed a breath of relief thanking him again, "Sigh… again you have my thanks, young man. Hopefully, Sakura will return to her mother Aoi, and Rin her sister…"
But that was when he asked another serious question I must consider as he spoke, "And if the off chance the mother doesn't…?"
I sucked my lips before finally responding to what I'll do if Aoi doesn't have Sakura back in a determined tone, "In that case… I'll take care of her. She has the Matou name and I'm the closest living relative here by name. I'll do my best to make her happy."
He smiled curtly nodding at my answer leaning back seemingly satisfied with my answer as he curtly said, "Good answer. I can only hope the little girl gets a good life. And hey since I blew up the manor you could stay here for free. I simply need a legal guardian to take care of the place from time to time if you're interested."
Destroyed… ah!
Right Berserker did mention the home of the Matou's has been burned down to the ground along with Caster causing it by his command. Nothing was left behind not even ash remained just complete devastation. I wouldn't lie the idea is tempting and I'm currently homeless doesn't help.
But if it's to make Sakura happy I wouldn't mind taking over, but I soon spoke in a thankful tone catching his attention, "It would be an honor. But how about we wait to see Aoi I can perhaps convince her and if not… I'll gladly take up your offer for her sake."
He nodded at this as a strange creature or dog was curled next to Sakura with him responding in a friendly tone, "Good to hear. Best rest up there are a few things I need to do but the Holy War will end soon. Saber. Rider. Caster. And Berserker are the only ones remaining right? And your Servant has some history with Saber, right?"
I curtly nodded unsure where he was going with this as Mash nodded with a neutral expression, "In that case, she's all yours then. There's something I need to do before we confront them and I'll use my leverage."
I raised an eyebrow as soon another girl appeared pouting and lightly entering through the door yawning, "Mister Mash you said you'll take me to where my mama is?"
Mash smiled helplessly as he replied clasping his hands together and apologizing to the other child bribing the child with food, "Sorry Illyasviel. But some things popped up with the earthquake that happened around Fuyuki City. But I promise to make up for it with some homemade breakfast. Any of your choice!"
She jumped up and down happily as she left in peace I connected the dots raising an eyebrow at my savior, "So… she's part of the Von Einzbern Family, correct? One of the Master's mothers?"
Mash nodded explaining himself crossing his arms unashamed in the slightest leaning his back to the wall, "Pretty much. The father wouldn't but the mother? That's a whole different story if it came down to it. But I must set up the invite for them. It's something they can't ignore. Tell your Berserker we will attack the castle tonight."
I paused at this considering the time has come huh?
Sigh… I can't tell if a mastermind or simply a child. I suppose I'll stick around for Sakura's safety, and I can tell Berserker is pleased by having the chance to attack the King of Knights tonight.
I just can't wait till this Holy Grail War is over.
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~Waver V. POV~
[Outskirts of Fuyuki City]
Oh, I'm so FUCKED!
Taking part in the Holy Grail War. As of last night, there are only 4 Servants left. Saber, Rider, Caster, and Berserker. The mysterious Age of Magus Caster Medea cleared out 3 of the other Servants.
Assassin. Archer. And Lancer was done and killed with the Masters followed suit. I couldn't help but swallow my own spit regretting my hasty choice complaining out loud, "I should not have participated in this holy war…"
However, Rider heard me as he looked at me complaining with disappointment, "You're saying this now, boy?! Now, boy –"
I didn't care as I yelled at him about our current situation explaining how thoroughly fucked we are in exasperation, "Rider! Caster took both, Lancer and Assassin out last night! Along with their masters! That means I'm as good as dead! Throughout this whole Holy Grail War, Caster has been undoubtedly playing everyone from start to finish! From the Master's death where they defeated two Servants on their own! I am – I mean, we are completely outmatched! Tell me, could you have defeated both Assassin and Lancer in a single night in rapid succession?! COULD YOU?!!"
I ranted and raved until I tired myself out running out of words to throw. Rider soon asked me with a neutral expression, "Are you done?"
I just sighed in exasperation deciding to not waste my breath retorting to Rider knowing his one-track mind finally coming to my decision, "I'm in over my head Rider. There is no doubt about that, so I think I will bow out of the Holy Grail War."
Rider nodded at my actions crossing his arms and agreeing with my decision wholeheartedly, "I understand, Waver, there is wisdom in retreat against a powerful foe. Will you see me off before leaving?"
I sighed at my Servant's actions but regardless nodded. If I was seeing my Servant off, I would be there to see my friend off. Then one small party for old time's sake having a friend like him glad to have me around.
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~Irisviel V.E. POV~
[Daytime, Einzbern Castle]
Saber stood at the side of a conference as her Master and I discussed strategies with Kiritsugu frowning holding a letter as he spoke, "The Master of Caster has given us time to adjust. Both and Berserker allied together against us."
Kiritsugu inhaled and exhaled smoke looking frustrated as Saber made her voice clear with evident disdain having her arm healed, "That despicable man! He dared to go after all of us without hesitation!"
I slowly nodded fearing what he had done to my daughter. As Kiritsugu opens his mouth eyes looking down on the paper invitation, "And to make matters worse it's 2 against 1. 3 if we add Caster Master…"
Saber glanced at me with a mixture of sadness and pity as Kiritsugu gritted his teeth realizing a key factor clenching his fist, "There are currently 4 spots in Fuyuki where the leylines converge. The Tohsaka Manor, the Fuyuki Chapel, the new residential area east of the city center… and Ryuudou Temple have been freshly established. Damn it…"
I couldn't help but mutter out loud in a defeated tone knowing what our enemy meant to do speaking my voice, "3 Servants in total have died. When one meets the same fate… then the Holy Grail will begin to manifest… and judging the note he knows he needs to capture me and defeat you to obtain the Holy Grail."
Kiritsugu looked over what we had to do but there was no way we could face such odds against us. So, we began to make plans hoping to win against the odds stacked against our favor.
Despite the odds Caster still needs her Master to function. If Kiritsugu can get a hit, then we have a chance. All we need is one single opportunity to aim for the Master of Caster to win the Holy Grail War.
We must do. Failure isn't an option as this is all in or nothing. For Kiritsugu's wish and Saber's, we must prevail… but Illya…
I couldn't help but clench my fist realizing I'm a horrible mother… While we discuss plans, I hope Kiritsugu has a plan to save our daughter I don't think I can move forward if the worst comes of it…
/////
~Kischur Z.S. POV~
[Clock Tower]
Hmm… I see this world timeline has been utterly fucked up. No surprise there.
Sitting down using my OP Magic I couldn't help but chuckle lightly witnessing the Holy Grail War after seeing where Caster is supposed to be Bluebeard is wait for it… Medea the no-win timeline witch!
What a twist! And no surprise either when the Master of Caster is a friend of mine who created his so-called Gamer Guild!
Jack old boy you've done it again! Bringing poor teens and kids into a death-defying adventure in the name of the game we called Life. Must have plenty of spare time to pull this off.
And when we included his first member Silva Knights along was a blast. But keep that power of friendship crap away from me and my magical energy laws verse rules, please… I don't need our Type to be defeated by fucking My Little Pony Friendship is Magic Logic here...
Nope, sir… Not unless they're magical girls. Then we can talk business but otherwise NOPE leave that shit out of my worldline!
Regardless though it seems like he hasn't noticed little old me in the slightest. He even took the Jeweled Sword Zelretch or simply the Jewel Sword blueprints from the box I gave to the Tohsaka's a very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, and VERY long time ago.
Well… it was their fault for losing it. And judging by his actions he intends to cleanse the Holy Grail in the process. This is… GREAT!
I grinned leaning back I won't have to deal with that mess and let the younger generation that aren't prideful retards handle it! Although I should visit the lad since his weirdly going about Multiverse Travel.
Perhaps as a gift from Jack and Silva helping me against Type-Moon in the past, I should visit the lad to see how I can traumatize and troll – er… Ahem! I mean help the poor lad out. Yes, that's right help not troll, cripple, or traumatize him in any way, shape, or form!
Hmm… if I make him my apprentice by name, I could get away with it.
Not like my former many, many, many, many, many, and MANY interns. They didn't make it past the Re: Zero or Akame ga Kill world for starters dying to a vampire woman or a random sadist throwing ice. But hey at least those that did returned came back with lesser limbs when they left!
And to those that didn't… welp. They didn't make it very far as Magus quitting my apprenticeship and Clock Tower. Sigh… no spine in them I swear.
I'll spook the poor lad when his safe. Surely that will bring a smile to my face. What a nice man I am.
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A/N: Sorry for the late update power was out in my area so I couldn't post this chapter as soon as I could. Hope you guys like it we're nearing the end of the Fate/Zero and into the next portion.