~ Scáthach’s POV ~

I never thought I would see the day where I gave up my longing for death in search for life. It was strange, yet I felt renewed and hopeful in a sense.

To think that one conversation with my Master would change the way I view life and death, and not only that but to actually develop feelings for the man. My emotions haven’t been so chaotic in centuries, but it wasn’t a bad feeling. It was nice.

My Master, Reyes, though seemingly cold and uncaring at times is very thoughtful of others around him, or at least within his group. He offered to take everyone out to the city to get a better understanding of one another. Illya suggested that the two of them should just go alone while Caster and I could guard the castle.

I was slightly annoyed at the attempt to keep Reyes’ attention to herself, but my annoyance was son forgotten when he said that he’d take everyone out to spend some time together. Meaning, I could get some time alone with him as well while he was out of his combat gear.

All I have to say is that he looks very charming, I actually had to ward off other women away from him when they got too close. ‘Damn that annoying waitress.’

In the end, Illya Caster and I thoroughly enjoyed our ‘quality time’ with the man each of us fell in love with. We were all fairly hostile against each other when it came to matters concerning Reyes, though the man himself doesn’t really understand why much to our dismay. Other than that, the three of us interact with each other fairly well.

Anyway, our time spent together around town wasn’t just for socialising. It was also for observing a particular person of interest, Shirou Emiya.

Regardless of what Reyes told me beforehand, I couldn’t imagine the red-haired boy as a Servant. His future self that is. To be able to take part in the Holy Grail War as a Servant, it just didn’t suit him. But I know better than to judge one’s potential before seeing it.

During my first day of spending time with Reyes, everything was fairly peaceful and relaxing until nightfall came. It seemed as though the ‘story’ was starting, if she remembered correctly. I still couldn’t get my head around the fact that my life was a part of a script, but I accepted it as a fact nonetheless.

From our position we spectated the fight between Archer and Lancer, though I was shocked to find out that Lancer was my former student. Reyes apologised for not mentioning it since it slipped his mind apparently. I don’t blame him though, with his vast knowledge of the multiverse it wouldn’t be surprising to miss a few pieces of information here and there.

Looking at my student I felt mixed emotions swirling around. On one hand I feel a sense of nostalgia just from seeing someone from my ‘past life’. On the other, I feel somewhat indifferent. Even if he was my student, the only people I’m concerned about or interested in talking to are those in my Master’s little group, and above all my Master is the most important person to me.

Their fight was entertaining to watch. Archer would mostly counter Lancer’s advances and respond by either deflecting the blows or twisting his body out of the way, while Lancer just attacked mercilessly trying to create an opening for him to use to his advantage.

As this was going on, Reyes had spotted Archer’s Master approach the corpse of Shirou Emiya and struggled in her attempt to revive him. She was successful, but she had left before she could witness the result of her actions.

Tailing the boy from afar, we watched on as Shirou accidentally summoned Saber and confronted Lancer before he was called back to retreat. Not even a minute later, she sped off to engage the little girl and Archer as they reached the house.

After listening in to bits and pieces of their conversation before they entered the building, Reyes finally spoke up in his naturally deep voice, “Well then, it’s time we finally got this story going. Wouldn’t you agree Scáthach?”

Smirking a little in response I simply replied, “Yes Master.”

‘Oh, I love how adorable he looks when he’s excited!’ I thought with much pleasure as I gazed at his face.

~ Reyes’ POV ~

‘It’s finally time to get some action.’ I cheered mentally, as Scáthach returned to the Einzbern Castle to pick up Illya so that we could start a fight with Saber and Archer, just as Hercules did. Only difference is that I’m the one fighting instead.

At first, I had thought that my interference with bringing in Caster to my small group, would cause some big changes to the timeline because of Assassin. However, since Assassin has also joined our group, it’ll be easier to stage certain ‘canon’ events. But, after discussing it with the girls we thought that it wasn’t worth all the trouble and just decided to stay out of the majority of the war.

We only needed to kill Gilgamesh since if he wins, everyone is going to die. As for everything else? We couldn’t care less. But tonight, I just wanted to have some fun and let loose.

As I was thinking to myself silently, I observed Shirou conversing with Tohsaka. After they had finished with their conversations I soon followed them to the church where they should confront Kirei Kotomine.

Getting near the church I had to stop outside along with Saber, but unlike her I don’t want to enter due to the bounded field surrounding it. I thought I felt it’s presence so I confirmed it with my Sharingan, which can also see magic as I’ve tested it before when training.

As the two enter the church, Assassin returned to my side with Illya in her winter coat and scarf.

“So Illya, looking forward to seeing your older brother?” I asked her.

She snorted in a blunt response, “No, not really. He’s the boy that my father left me for, which did make me curious as to what made him so special for my own father to abandon me. But, after your description of him all I can say is I’m disappointed. For Kiritsugu to raise a suicidal maniac with a hero fetish is stupid.”

Her reply didn’t really come as a surprise to me, as she already told me of her distaste of Shirou’s foolish personality and goal. She was mostly annoyed by his desire to be a hero of justice and save as many people as possible. Though she did admit it was an ambitious goal, he was still foolish.

After my explanation she pointed out how she hated the fact that he was spouting out his philosophies to the world that he failed to see Sakura in need of help. The girl that he sees everyday at home and school for years, was suffering and he didn’t notice. Not just about her plight with the worms but with her relationship with Shinji as well.

Shinji was well known for his harsh treatment to his ‘sister’ amongst his peers and yet Shirou didn’t help her at all. At school and when he was visibly abusing her, yes but not when he couldn’t see her. He only targeted the opportunities he could see instead of aiming for a long-term solution. Illya labelled Shirou as one of the most foolish people she’s ever seen because of this, which lead to her disliking the boy greatly.

“His fetish aside, should we prepare for our fight?” I asked with a hint of glee.

With her lips curling up in amusement she said, “Well, I wouldn’t want to keep you from having a little fun, would I?”

“No, you wouldn’t. Scáthach, stick to the shadows as I confront Saber and don’t come out until I say so, understood?” I said as I glanced to the side.

“Yes Master.” She replied while sneaking off further away.

As I saw the two Masters leaving the church I summoned my combat gear in place of my casual clothes. Dark clouds formed around me and covered my entire being and quickly vanished as quickly as they appeared and I stood tall with my Nevermore equipment along with a two-handed axe that I borrowed from Leysritt, I can’t go around using my guns after all. I’ll have to thank her again later.

But for now, it’s time to have some fun.

~ Archer POV ~

According to my own memory, Berserker should be appearing soon along with Illya. Remembering my own encounter with Berserker from my time was anything short of pleasant. He was a literal monster with a great amount of power, and tonight I’d have to face him.

Approaching Tohsaka and my idiotic past self was Illya, the only little sister I’ve ever known and failed, with a small smile across her face. But something was wrong, and I was thrown through a loop. Behind her was a Servant, that I could tell, but what was confusing was that it wasn’t the same as my Berserker. It wasn’t Hercules, not like from my time.

Illya greeted us with some small talk though it was very short lived, soon enough Tohsaka ordered me to get into position for some long-ranged attacks. Quickly I retreated to the top of a skyscraper within the city and readied my bow.

I was surprised by this change in history, but I quickly refocused my attention to the new threat. This was unexpected, and that’s what made this new situation dangerous. I remember how Hercules fought, his abilities and strengths. I was prepared to face him, but I wasn’t prepared to face whoever it was wearing that raven/crow like mask.

The Berserker class is one of the strongest classes when compared to the others, all of them having some monster like capabilities when on the battlefield and facing against one with no hint to their strengths is foolish.

All I could do was observe and surprise him when his guard is down.

Suddenly the cloaked figure seemed to give off a primal roar with its beak snapping wide open. ‘It’s not a mask?!’ I thought in slight shock and it seemed to catch everyone else off guard as well.

As it leaped into the air I released a volley of arrows (swords) at the Berserker, exploding on contact. Deflecting the arrows with strength and precision the figure is pushed back and explodes as my last arrow goes through his defence.

As the smoke clears I could see the cloaked man standing tall and unharmed, not even his clothes were singed.

“Tch!”

It was irritating to see my attack being brushed aside as if it were nothing. But from what I could see, this new Servant wasn’t inferior to Hercules by any means so far. ‘This is going to be a long night.’

~ Tohsaka Rin POV ~

After Archers attack was shrugged off like it was nothing, Berserker swiftly moved in close towards us, “Emiya-kun!”

The ground broke where Berserker appeared as he swung his two-handed axe at Emiya, as if it weighed nothing, with Saber jumping in front, countering the earth shattering blow.

The Servant was pushed back by Saber and they sized each other up silently before engaging in a rapid exchange of blows at inhuman speeds with sparks flying everywhere I couldn’t help but voice out, “I almost can’t keep up with them.”

Saber briefly paused as she cleared some distance away from Berserker, “Strong.” She muttered before launching the offensive once again.

As Berserker swung his axe down, Saber sidestepped as it dug itself into the earth and she held it in place with her foot to make an opening for herself, “She’s got it!” I exclaimed happily.

But my words soon meant nothing as Berserker released his weapon and was displaying a high amount of flexibility and intelligence as he counter attacked with deadly grace while flipping around the place as he fought, which wasn’t how a normal Berserker fights, “*gasp* He’s so flexible? What about all that classifies him as Berserker?!” I said in shock with worry showing on my face as well as Emiya who seems more fearful than worried.

Saber briefly says a few words but I’m still a bit dazed that I didn’t hear her, and a sudden explosion of blue flames engulfs Berserker.

Holding my breath, I’m even more shocked to see him unharmed and few moments later while Saber and Berserker are fighting I hear the small girl speak up, “Finish them off Berserker.”

Clenching my teeth, I spat out, “Like I’ll let you.” Ignoring Emiya calling out to me I threw out some special gems that shattered as they hovered over the hostile Servant, creating a dark magical barrier that crushes him as Archer let out another volley of arrows that pierces his back and explodes not a second later. Only to witness the monster once again unharmed and with no visible signs of fatigue.

Emiya said in a fearful voice, “Is he invincible?”

With no other options left, I could see Saber luring Berserker away from the clearing and into the forest. With nothing else to do Emiya and I chase after them to watch the fight as it carries on with ferocity.

~ Illyasviel POV ~

‘*Sigh*, I feel like Reyes is having a bit too much fun fighting against Saber. Well he’s quite adorable even when he’s a bit bloodthirsty.’ I thought as I was walking towards the cemetery.

I’m not particularly worried about his safety since I have confidence in his strength, but I hope he doesn’t get too caught up and ends up cut in half like my Servant in another parallel universe. The plan was to shake them up a bit before we head back to the castle and wait for the next set of events to occur.

I watched the ongoing fight, with Saber moving gracefully towards Reyes as he continued to smash the environment around him. Sidestepping one of his swings, Saber stepped forward and aimed her sword at his neck.

Before it could connect, Reyes simply ducked and elbowed her in the stomach. As she was sent flying back, Reyes followed her to prevent her from recovering and swung at her while in mid-air.

Bringing her sword up to her side she blocked the heavy blow with some trouble before deflecting it away from herself. Trying to gain some distance she leaps backwards only to find Reyes sticking closely to her.

As the fight continued Reyes’ actions seemed to become more and more chaotic and out of control and I could hear his laughter increasing as he did. Deciding that it was time to retreat home I walked closer so that the others could hear me. “This is boring, I thought you would prove to be amusing but this isn’t much fun.” I said in a bored like manner, have to keep up appearances after all, plus I am a little bored from just watching.

Over the two months I’ve spent with Berserker, he’s taught me many things. Whether it was a small or mundane task to training physically to the occasional philosophical wisdom he showed. The training was harsh, but very effective. I could probably hold my own against a mid-level martial artist in their teens.

Mostly because of my small size and enhanced speed from reinforcement which was taught to me by Reyes. Apparently, his old technique of self-reinforcement held the same principles as his new one which integrated the use of prana which made it deadlier than ever before.

“Let’s go Berserker, we’ll kill them later.” I said coldly.

Tohsaka and Emiya visibly relaxed at the chance to leave peacefully until they’re prepared, Emiya more than Tohsaka, while Saber kept glaring cautiously at Berserker.

Returning to my side, Reyes silently lifted me up onto his shoulder and walked away, “Bye bye! Be sure to find us when you’re ready to have some fun next time.” I shouted over my own shoulder.

Leaving the area behind I lightly smacked Reyes’ head, “You were enjoying yourself too much back there.” I accused.

Chuckling darkly to himself he jokingly says, “It’s good exercise.”

It was still a little unusual for him to make jokes like that from what I could tell, but I’m glad. It just means that I’m that much closer to him. It’s a nice change.

~ Reyes POV ~

Illya was right, I was having too much fun back there. Enjoying the fight too much wouldn’t be beneficial for anyone, especially since my Mad Enchantment almost activated itself until I was stopped by Illya.

I probably would have killed the others if I hadn’t been forced back to reality. I’m surprised that a few words from Illya was able to bring my conscience back though. In future I should try to solve this issue about my bloodlust, I’m not going to outright reject it though.

No way in hell, have you seen what happens to every MC that has a second personality or personification that represents their insanity or affinity to all that is evil? They all go into some shit about morals and having the will to prevail over evil only to merge with their darker side in the end. I say, fuck that! I’m a try and merge with it as soon as possible.

If it’s a part of me then what’s there to reject in the first place? The main point is to have self-control, though mine has been eroding over the years it’s still going strong.

How to go about it though is the question. I’ll have to go deeper into this at a later date, right now there’s a war to fight.

As we enter the Einzbern castle, we are greeted by the two resident homunculi maids and my Servant, Caster.

Stepping forward one of the maids spoke out, “Welcome back Ojou-sama, Reyes-sama, Scáthach-sama. How was your fight against the others participating in battle?”

Hopping off my shoulder Illya replies calmly, “It was very disappointing really. They didn’t stand a chance against Berserker.” She finishes with a hint of pride.

“That’s nice Illya, did you enjoy it as well Reyes?” Leysritt questioned.

Clicking her tongue in annoyance Sella turned to her fellow maid, “Leysritt, it’s improper to address Ojou-sama and Reyes-sama without proper respect.”

“You’re just being uptight like usual Sella.”

“Uptight! How dare you, at least I’m not a lazy individual with no manners.”

“You need to relax, you’re causing a scene.” She replied with a hint of amusement.

Scowling one last time at Leysritt Sella calmed her features before speaking, “My apologies, would you like some tea brought to your rooms later?”

“It’s alright Sella, and I’d like some please.” Illya replied.

Scáthach and I just asked for some water, and the maids left to prepare our beverages. Finding Caster in the living room we sat down and reviewed tonight’s encounter with her.

“So, what are your thoughts on the fight Master?” Caster asked.

“Hmm, it was very enjoyable. I haven’t been able to fight freely like that in a long time.”

“That’s good to hear. If I may ask, where exactly are we going after this is all over? You never really explained where our next destination was.”

“In truth I don’t actually know where we’ll be going, I arrived in this world after spinning a roulette so I assume the next world we enter is also going to be random. All I know is that we’ll be able to leave a few days after the Grail War has ended as ROB had informed me shortly after my arrival.”

Accepting my answers, Caster silently drank her tea as I relaxed on the couch before departing from the group.

I’m definitely interested in what the future holds for us but I can only hope that I’ll be able to grow stronger in the next world I find. Either that or somehow earn enough money to purchase some useful items from the Abyss Auction since I can’t afford anything of worth on it.

Fortunately, ROB provided me with a holographic tablet that had access to it. Although, it seems it left out the fact that I can only purchase items of interest that belong to current world I’m in. I’m curious as to how the Abyss Auction apparently exists in every reality considering it hinted at this being the case. I’ll have to file this information later.

Now, all we have to do is wait… again… I need to find a hobby.