Fate/Stay Night Fan Fiction ❯ Inevitable Decay ❯ Destined ( Chapter 4 )

Inevitable Decay

Chapter 4: Destined

 

Last time on Fate/Stay Night:

“Lancer introduce yourself.” His voice boomed out with force and volume, and Shiro was rather sure it wasn't anything higher then normal.

 

“My class is lancer, my name is…”

 

A/N: My description of lancer is based on a mix of historical paintings and modern culture. See chapter one for disclaimer, enjoy!

 

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The city outskirts, a place deserted of most life. Only a few dare to live in such a horrible a place full of wild animals, the poorest of the poor in most cases. One man, his senses heightened beyond his control. Fleeing, fleeing for the very life he had once been granted. Face flushed, body sore, feet blistered. How long had he been running? Had it been an hour? Or two?

 

The ground scrapped at his bare feet, the blood staining a trail behind them. Finally he forced himself to stop, balancing against a tree as his lungs tried to catch its bearings. How could anyone chase him that long? The man never even ran. He was surrounded by trees, the dark greenery blocking the sun from above. His chest heaved in force, the soft squeaks and howls of animals burned into his ears.

 

Collapsing to his knees the rocks dug into his flesh but he was already too numb for feeling. Dizzy, the loss of blood made it so. Tired, the long hour of running made it so. Eyes, dark yellow eyes surrounded him. They were so lifeless and cold, glazed over in a dull stare. Their only reason to exist was to obey…obey as they did in their previous lives. Silver, he could see the shining points of steel as spears closed in on him. He was too tired to break through, and drained of maryoku he couldn't fight back.

 

A voice, arrogant and strong boomed through the forest. His pursuer was such a capable killing machine, born and bred for such a cause. His laugh cruel and foul rang through him, his footsteps followed by snapping twigs and leaves…getting closer and closer. “The magi send their minions to try and stop this war…and everyone they send will die.”

 

“W-why….please….I can go back…a-and stop them from sending more. Please! I have a family…t-two little girls!” His body gave out, pressing back against the tree as he stared at the approaching evil, his final plea a worthless cause. A wall of steel kept him from running, blades parted to allow their master through. Two forms approached him, their bodies becoming clear to his eyes. One he knew, the other he did not. A servant…no other thing could look so devilish. The servant dressed in lavish blue and gold robes, ancient designs of wealth and power. A cap much like a scholars perched on his head, a light fog following his footsteps. Despite the noble appearance those eyes dug with such scheming and manipulation, seething with contempt and hatred.

 

“Is that so? Then I will be sure to find your family and personally send them to you in hell, so don't say I never gave you anything. I really am such a nice guy…” His self musing was cut through by his smirk that quickly terrified all speech from the man, he would surely make well on the promise. His servant stared with the same smirk, a wave of his hand sending two of the lifeless minions forward. “Caster do you really want it over that fast? I was going to torture him…”

 

“Don't bother, torture those who defy you…not those who beg. It will be much more enjoyable that way.” Satisfied with the answer his master said no more, watching as the spear tips shown one last time before plunging into the man who still clung to life. The blades pulled out, dripping with the beautiful crimson liquid. The mage cried out into the sky cursing his fate as the blades plunged in again with the rip of flesh, once again failing to finish the job.

 

“Useless men…” backing his toys from the man caster approached casually, his hand pressing against the still mans forehead. A bright red light came first, then the black smoke rising from him. The man let out an ear piercing scream, his body slowly beginning to burn in to ash and drift off into the wind.

 

Sigel watched in silent amusement, how could his servant not call that torture? He would definitely enjoy watching his ideas on it. The soft patter of feet caught his attention, a red cloaked man strolling up to his side. “Ah brother you made it…”

 

“Of course…” lowering his hood he stared off at the scene idly, not daring to comment. His face looked of polished jade, flawless from every angle except for a slight burn along the left side of his neck. He had hair with the look of a raging fire, rising from his head a short distance. Yet his eyes still held the same menace of his brother, filled with a deep seated desire for revenge. The only difference was he hated to see people suffer and would much rather see a quick death.

 

“Great, I need you to scout out the city for masters. Caster had already found two and has already sent some minions to test what kind of power they hold. The board is set and all the pieces are in place. Every servant has been summoned, so once I clean up some of these straggling magi I will join you.”

 

“Right…” with a flick of his wrists the red hood flew back over his face, his form turning and walking for the city. He heard the final gargling scream of the poor mage as he took off into the distance.

 

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“My class is lancer, my name is Honda Tadakatsu” thinking back momentarily Shiro recalled the name, the information imbedded into his head from history class slowly pulling it to the front. “Wait…the legendary Honda?” That grin never left Tohsakas face, a great deal of pride for her summoning.

 

“Yes that Honda, said to have never gained a wound in battle.” This time around she had taken no chances and made sure she summoned at the peak of her powers. She checked every clock four times and prepared everything to be ready at the exact time.

 

Saber still made no acknowledgment to the fact, her own place in history too far before the massive warrior to know his identity. As she listened to the short exchanges between the two masters she calmly interrupted “excuse me Shiro, should you not inform her about the other master?”

 

Snapping back quickly he nodded his head “that's right I forgot about that.” Finally a lot more interested in the conversation Tohsaka placed the various finished foods down on the table which included sushi, rice, and various other tasty delights. “What about another master? Wait you saw one!?” She would have insisted he give the information immediately if she had known.

 

“Yeah, this kid named Clyde showed up and tried to kill me. His servant was assassin, I don't really know much more” so used to telling the story Shiro easily picked food onto his plate while he spoke, noticing that a good deal had already been emptied onto sabers. Lancer ate slower then he would have expected but that didn't stop the amount of food consumed.

 

“You could have at least found out where he lived! Your hopeless….well at least you would recognize him if you saw the kid again right?” He nodded his head with a mouthful of rice, gulping it down with a smile “this is great!” Sighing to herself Rin piled a small amount of food in front of her, picking at it properly instead of just stuffing it in her mouth like Shiro. “With the way you're eating I would think you haven't had anything decent in months.”

 

“Well that's because I haven't” food disappeared from the table in large quantities and it wasn't until then he realized Ilya wasn't there to enjoy it. “Hey wait a minute where did Ilya go?” Lowering her bowl slowly Tohsaka pressed a finger to her chin “let's see…she was leaving when I got here, saying something about research. So it should be fine, anyway I figured we would scout out the city after this. That way we can try and locate some more threats.”

 

“That sounds good” bowls and plates emptied within minutes, the dishes piling up one after another. Somehow Shiro just knew he would be washing them too. Patting his stomache he felt rather full, a feeling long forgotten to him in the absence of Rin and Sakura. How he ever lived on instant, store bought and burnt food he couldn't tell.

 

“That was astounding Rin, thank you!” With the slightest of smiles she shook her head, chuckling slightly. “You're thanking me for something so simple? Don't be stupid, I'll expect a lot more when it's your turn” his face paled slightly as his imagination began to think up all the horrible spells she could hit him with upon receiving bad food.

 

As the color continued to drain from his face she smiled again “I'm just kidding you, I'll just deal with whatever you can make. I'm sure it isn't much” she excused herself and disappeared down the hall, flinging a part of her hair back as she turned the corner.

 

“So um…lancer, what are you in the war for?” His eyes once closed swiftly pulled open in an intimidating stare. His arms folded with a slight rattle of metal. “I am in the war to fight, which is the reason for war after all”

 

“Eh, I don't think it's quite that simple. Isn't there something you want from the Holy Grail” the servants look didn't waver for a minute, radiating brute strength. “I have no need for a grail, only a spear and a battle. I have my spear, I only need a battle.”

 

Sabers silent lips spoke up “I should hope your loyalty is as strong as your spear.” She had both heard stories and seen the back stabbings servants could commit. Some were loyal; others were likely to cut down their own master.

 

“I should hope your sword is as sharp as your tongue” they entered into a rather long staring contest. Shiro could have sworn he saw bolts passing between their eyes. “Eh…you two sure get along well” laughing nervously he found both pairs of eyes staring at him quickly resulting in him shivering. Both of them suddenly smiled, which only served to scare him more.

 

“We were just testing each others resolve Shiro, no need too worry.” He remained utterly silent, looking around the room for anything to catch his attention. Tohsaka strolling in was what he noticed. “What are you all still sitting for? I did say we were scouting right?

 

“Wait you meant now?” She scowled slightly, a hand planted firmly at her hip. “Of course I meant now, if we wait too long no one will be outside too observe idiot!” At her hustling he quickly prepared to leave, throwing on a light coat in case the weather changed.

 

Surprisingly Shiros prediction was right on the money, as soon as the group stepped outside an odd chill blew through the city. Something about it made him feel uneasy, it seemed to linger and moan about as if following them. They had only traveled a street or two when Tohsaka stopped with a frown “We won't cover any ground like this, let's split up.”

 

Both of their servants by now had taken spirit form to avoid the suspicion of those still roaming. “Are you sure that's a good idea? They might attack while we are vulnerable” his argument was dismissed with a flick of her wrist. “We both have servants, and if anyone attacks me I can deal with it. As for you…well I'll sense the presence of battle through the maryoku and should make it in time. That is if you don't do something stupid and get cleaved.”

 

Reluctantly agreeing Shiro split off down another street constantly asking saber for anything she might feel. Although she usually just said things were clear things begin to change. “Shiro, something odd is happening” stopping in his tracks Shiro quickly looked around thinking she saw something. “What do you mean? I don't see anything.”

 

“It's not that…but I feel something strange, the air around us is…tainted. I can't really explain it any better.” Nodding quickly Shiro took it to heart, checking around every corner and constantly looking over his shoulder. Before long he skidded to a halt once again, a soft trail of stained blood leading off into a back ally. “That can't be a good sign.”

 

The form of saber appeared next to him, the idea of a threat worse then someone seeing a foreigner in armor. “It must be a trap, it would be better to call Rin for backup before proceeding.” Although she didn't mind fighting it was never a good idea to go forth without any information at all, they didn't even know their enemy.

 

“What are you talking about!? Someone could be hurt! We can worry about ourselves after we check it out!” Further objection came on deaf ears, Shiro already taking off down the dark corridor. Saber was quick to follow sighing at his reckless behavior. The farther they got the darker it seemed to get; soon all light was extinguished from the place.

 

“Wait…this ally can't be that long, maybe we should head back” the ground rattled ferociously, breaking and cracking under his feet before the dark around them suddenly vanished, replaced by the bright beating of the sun in…a forest?

Saber quickly dropped into a defensive stance, cold eyes scanning their surroundings. “We are on our enemies turf now; I would suggest the utmost caution Shiro.” Nodding grimly he tapped into his maryoku with deep concentration to form a pair of short blades in his hand, the bright gold colors shimmering in the light.

 

“What you don't like it?” The voice of Clyde rang out from atop one of the many trees surrounding them, the portions of light breaking through the tree tops generously illuminating him from all angles. The wind blew past him throwing his green hair around wildly. “Welcome to my servants playground, the forest of illusion”

 

Saber lunging forward with great speed leaped at the young master, slashing through the weak body with ease…too much ease. A puff of smoke was her only reward for her attack. “You see in this grand masterpiece you can never tell what's real or not.” Behind Shiro he stood smirking slightly.

 

Flipping around Shiro too attempted a quick slash only to watch the young boys form morph into that of the servants, blocking the attack and knocking him down with a fierce kick straight to his ribs. Saber was at his side in moments, breaking through the guard of assassin who vanished into the shadows once again.

 

Saber helped her master up quickly, standing back to back with him. “Shiro, I need you to act as another pair of eyes. Don't try to attack, stay with me and watch where I can not”

 

“Sure thing” he had no reason to disagree considering their predicament, they were at a major disadvantage. The grinding of metal caught his ears from behind but he remained still as saber clashed briefly. Moments later the shadowy figure phased in front of him. “He's here!”

 

“Duck!” Leaping over his lowered form she smashed her blade heavily into the chained sickle, forcing the assassin backward several steps with a quick swing before she was met with nothing but air. Their mutual defense was broken from a sky bound attack. “Run!” Separating and spreading they turned to watch the descending form of assassin smash into the ground with unprecedented force, throwing up rocks and ground in every direction. Within the dust cloud the servant stormed out slashing wildly at the dazzled Shiro.

 

Blocking several strikes he made a bold slice towards the servant, only to feel his own shoulder be cut in to brutally. The pain coursed through him but Shiro refused to scream out, instead backing up into a defensive posture. Saber thankfully cut off the agile attacker.

 

“You use teamwork well, the foundation of battle. Yet without speed you are just waiting to be slaughtered.” Leaping forward he left fire on his trail, smashing himself with sickle forward straight into sabers defense, pushing her backward several feet before being thrown back. He repeated the process but shifted to the left at the last second and slicing through the side of sabers armor, piercing through flesh.

 

Gritting her teeth saber brought her blade down upon him, or what used to be him. A log fell to the ground as hay floated down after. “What kind of trickery is this…?” She missed fending off the next attack as well, dropping to her left knee as he cut into her leg through the thin steel skirt.

 

“Is this all you can grant me?” Phasing into the shadows he dropped down at her from behind, his sickle sinking into her upper arm as she turned. Sabers free hand tightened at her sword, forcing it forward and plunging it through his chest.

 

“Ugh!” The wound dug in deeply, the agile warrior pulling off the blade while jumping a good distance back. Smirking slightly saber returned to her knee, planting her sword into the ground. “You may have illusions but you still have to commence the attack” unfortunately there were only so many parts of her body she could block with, and only so much time before it gave out on her.

 

“Your reputation is not without merit…” he seemed unaffected by the large gash through his body, yet it still noticeably affected his speed. Attacks began to come at a more acceptable pace, giving saber time to weakly counter and push him back. Both were running on low power.

 

The only flaw of an illusion was its inability to counter a strong defense. If one could not draw an enemy into an attack then there was no room for petty tricks. Sabers body heaved from the strain of keeping up the fight, although the outside wounds had already closed themselves up the damage was still done. Forcing her body to stand saber quickly pulled into an attack stance, the mighty blade although much heavier then she remembered still sharp for a strike.

 

“Foolish…” he waited patiently for her strike, allowing her to approach and letting her strike down a pile of leaves, then cut down a tree, and finally a large rock. Growling saber tried again and again to finish the battle before she was completely drained, but before long she found herself surrounded by a good 10 of him. “What want me to guess which one you are?” The forms only smirked.

 

“I'll guess this one!” She chose wrong, and the real one attacked from behind. Leaping from hiding Shiro flanked the servant, only to see him leap backwards and into the air. Unfortunately for assassin saber was already airborne right after, catching up quickly. The tip of her blade shined as once again she plunged the sword into the depths of his mans chest a bit higher, those wide eyes staring at her in utter fear as she sunk it up to the base.

 

Withdrawing the blade she kicked apart from him, landing on the ground with a long skid, dust whipping up around her. The other servant smashed into the ground un-ceremonially, a small crater forming a nice hard pillow for him. Despite the heavy injuries the form was already gone from its hole, perched now on the branch of a tree, gripping it for balance.

 

The only thing that stopped the battle from continuing was the sound of a long high pitched scream, the voice of which belonged to Clyde. “My master is in danger, we may continue this later.” The trees, grass and bright sun were replaced by the ally they once ventured into, now dully lit they found themselves in the middle alone.

 

Sighing slightly Shiro gripped his shoulder slightly “What do you think happened…?” She frowned slightly, beaten body still holding her sword tightly. “What's about to happen to us…we're surrounded.”

 

“How can we be surrounded, I don't see a thing!” A spear thrust itself through the wall, his short blades grinding in to it as he parried. Spears began to thrust themselves at them from all angles, sometimes walls of them. Anytime they tried to escape they were blocked. “Shiro, hold on tight!” Before he knew it she had looped an arm around him, skyrocketing upwards while kicking the wall to proper herself away from assaulting spears. The two landed softly on the roof, preparing to defend as over three dozen men rose from the ground. Their eyes were of lifeless yellow, mere puppets to some greater evil. Battle gowns of all colors draped their pale bodies, but strangely enough they at least looked human.

 

How were they supposed to fight under such fatigue?

 

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A/N: Ha I decided to end it there, don't really know why. Sorry! If any of you don't know who Tadakatsu Honda is…well, I can try and help you if you email me. Or use wikipedia, which always works sometimes. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!