Fate/Broken Melody Chapter 9: Assassin and Berserker vs Saber and Archer

Lord El-Melloi the second. Aka, Waver Velvet PoV

The Holy Grail War.

Members of the Clock Tower had a rather…romantic view of what actually went on in one. It was brutal. Violent. Unsavory. How strong a master was only a small factor. What really mattered was how strong the servant was, and the bond that could be formed between the two.

That is to say, most wars were decided pretty much the moment all of the servants had been summoned.

It was ridiculous, really. Just a big game of chance between a bunch of idiots. I could only wince in annoyance by remembering how stupid I had been when I had entered Fuyuki ten years ago.

…I had hoped to have a bit more time on my side. Normally grail wars were about sixty years apart. So I hadn't really been planning on coming back until then. Even just a week ago the idea of returning to a grail war and being victorious was just a pipe dream. Not something that had been actually tangible.

Until I had been sent word that the Holy Grail War had suddenly started up again. I had responsibilities that still needed to be resolved within the Clocktower, but I couldn't just abandon this chance. It was one of the few things that drove me forward.

The figure of that man…

Either way, it didn't really matter. If I died, then that would be that. But if I succeeded with the summoning, then at the very least I'd be able to smooth over any dissatisfaction with a Holy Grail. Hopefully that would be enough to satisfy Reines when I returned.

If I returned, at least.

"Is something wrong sir?"

Gray asked, as people started to finally funnel out of the plane. Yet I still hadn't made a move to get up from my seat. Her face…it was somehow much more vexing now that I had actually returned to Fuyuki.

"…It's nothing. I'll get over it."

What a stupid thing to say. If it had been nothing, then there would have been nothing to get over. Clearly my mind had been left back at the Clocktower.

I of course was well aware of the truth of the matter. Getting up and leaving the plane would force me to actually accept that I was in Fuyuki. That the Holy Grail War was indeed going to happen. That I had a real chance of truly achieving my dream.

It was heavy. Oppressive, even. Enough to make me hesitate to even get out of the chair.

What if I failed? No, even worse, what if I succeeded and still died? Of course I wouldn't be all to bothered, but I'd be leaving Reines out to dry. Maybe she or Luvia would take Gray in, but that also hadn't been planned out either. My responsibilities were holding me back.

…All I could do was feel an almost intense guilt for taking such a selfish action. And yet I also knew that there was nothing that was really going to stop me.

Because this was the one thing I-

"Oh? You still haven't left brother?"

…Huh?

"Oh, miss Reines, I didn't realize you had come as well."

Gray's voice echoed out with a bit of surprise, causing me to immediately bolt up out of the chair. Only to confirm that she had somehow also boarded the plane right under my nose.

She seemed to take quite a lot of amusement at my expense. Flicking her hair back before continuing to walk off the plane. Trimmau following shortly behind.

…I needed a smoke.

*~o~*

Orpheus PoV

I couldn't help but notice…

"Ah, Orpheus! I've already prepared breakfast for you."

That Medea has been a bit…

"Are you leaving Orpheus? Then I'll accompany you."

…Different.

Not that I was complaining. If anything it was improvement from how she was acting earlier. She was also acting much more like the Medea I had known in the past, though a bit more mature with her actions. She wasn't firing beams off at any sort of problem with a smile on her face, for one. Instead she simply threatened to do it.

She was also much more proactive. Perhaps due to losing her previous workshop, though I've heard that she's already started to set up another in the castle.

It was still incredibly different from the Temple, where she had been living a mostly secluded lifestyle. She also only wore her cloak occasionally, instead of constantly. And even when she did, her hood was rarely up!

She certainly looked better this way, that's for sure. Not that the whole mysterious mage didn't have it's own appeal.

Hmm, wait.

"Medea, did you do something with your hair?"

I questioned, causing her eyes to widen slightly. Her face speckled a bit with a shade of red as she seemed to break away from my eyes. Ah, that might be a bit embarrassing to be noticed by a friend, huh? How thoughtless of me.

"I-I did, actually. I hadn't realized you paid such detailed attention to me…"

Well then, it was time to correct my mistakes. By boosting her confidence up!

"Haha, what are you saying Medea? How could anyone look away from such beauty? I'm certain that other servants will know you're a princess just by a glance."

"Is that so!?"

Huh, I seemed to have actually embarrassed her further. I hadn't even thought that was truly possible with Medea. I thought she would have mostly blown away my words, while maybe taking a bit of pleasure in them. If that.

Had something triggered her into being more self conscious with herself? Ah, she did argue sometimes with Illya, perhaps that's where this was coming from.

"You are…quite a dashing prince as well."

Medea stated, her eyes fixed firmly straight ahead instead of my surprised expression. Hmm? A dashing prince? Me?

Ahhh! I see what she was getting at.

"Oh no, my father may have been a king but I wasn't actually raised as a prince or anything. I'm not actual royalty like you."

I said, waving my hand back and forth to dispel the notion. Hah, royalty. I couldn't even imagine leading a group of people, much less an entire country. I didn't have the skillset for that kind of stuff.

Nor should I ever be trusted with something so important.

"I wasn't trying to imply…er, that is…"

Medea seemed to be a bit troubled in trying to find her words, before finally coughing. Regaining her poise with a slight frown before staring me down with a look that froze me in place.

"What I was trying to say was that you're quite handsome as well."

…O-oh. Well now, I couldn't help but blush myself at that. Ah, how embarrassing. Even if she said that out of a sense of obligation, it was quite nice to hear.

I wasn't sure what put her in such a good mood, but I'm glad that it happened.

"M-medea, I think I can eat by myself…"

My attempts to stop my master from treating me like an infant had little to no effect. As she simply continued to attempt to feed me by hand. For someone who's just about never cooked to my knowledge, she wasn't bad at it at all.

Which is why lunch was a rather nice affair in the Einzbern castle. If a bit awkward. If there was one thing I could fix though…

"Eh? Shouldn't you be acting your age, Caster?"

Illya stated, her red eyes gazing mockingly down at Medea from across the table. Her food having been prepared by the other homunculus's in the castle. Unfortunately it seemed Heracles didn't get any but well…technically servants didn't really need to eat.

Even so, I felt it was a bit unfair to leave him out…

Medea's smile instantly fell. Turning into a slightly annoyed expression. Not the kind you'd wear if someone was annoying you, but the kind you'd wear if you noticed a bug on your shoe.

"Hmm? Did the brat say something Orpheus?"

Illya's hands hit the table, causing a barely noticeable smacking sound. Her face quickly became reddened in anger as she pointed a finger outwards towards Medea. Who was much more focused on attempting to feed me by hand than Illya's outburst.

"Who are you calling brat, you old hag!?"

Medea suddenly dropped the piece of food that was in her hand as her face became increasingly scarlet in color. Grimacing before turning back to Illya.

"Hag!? You dare insult me!?"

Illya huffed in response. Smirking slightly due to finally ruffling Medea's feathers before tilting her head upwards. Oh my…here they go again.

"Don't worry about it too much. You wouldn't want to add another wrinkle to that face of yours, would you?"

"At least I don't need several seat cushions to see at eye level. It must be difficult to be looked down on by everyone."

Medea snapped back. Mirroring Illya's smirk in sadistic pleasure as she obviously took offense to her comment. This was pretty much how most meetings between Illya and Medea went…

A-at least Illya wasn't threatening to crush Medea to death with Heracles anymore. So that was a positive!

"Ladies, perhaps we could table this discussion for a later date?"

I spoke up, hoping to end this before it got any further. Both girls threw their gaze in my direction, but only Illya suddenly had a rather mischievous look on her face.

"Hey, big brother, who do you think is the cuter one between us?"

"Huh?"

I responded with genuine surprise before noticing that Medea was now staring daggers at me. Oh no, I wasn't going to get dragged into this. I'm quite certain that I'll be annihilated no matter what side I chose.

Which meant I had to give an answer that made both parties happy and satisfied.

"I believe-"

But just as I was starting to give such an answer, Illya pressed forward. Showcasing that my answer wasn't as important as pushing Medea's buttons.

"Everyone loves girls that are young and cute. The same can't be said for those that are senile and fossilized."

This time it was Medea who hit the table with her open palms. Standing up in annoyance as she glared at Illya.

"It's called being mature. Sure, little girls are cute, but they're also obnoxious and immature. Real men prefer women who have aged like fine wine, and don't throw hissy fits over every little thing. Right Orpheus?"

Medea stated, turning her head back to me at the last second. Oh gods, she's really trying to pull me back in this again, huh?

Just then Illya spoke up.

"Yeah Orpheus, tell her she's past her expiration date!"

Et tu, Illya!?

…I'm getting the feeling that it's only going to ramp up from here…

*~o~*

I couldn't help but wince as Medea applied pressure onto my shoulder. Clicking and fastening the prosthetic in place. As a heroic spirit my arm was regenerating slowly but surely, due to the ample amount of prana supplied to me by Gaia, Medea, and the surrounding forest.

Even Medea had been rather surprised by the amount of power I was able to accumulate in such a short time. Which I took as a compliment. I was mostly self taught, so any sort of failure or success on my part could on be attributed to me.

However, the healing process was still too slow for Medea's liking. So she came up with an idea for a magical prosthetic that would act as my arm until it finally came back.

It was a rather nice and sincere gesture. One that I was rather thankful for…until I saw it, that is.

The arm was uh…pretty darn evil looking.

It looked very realistic, with a bit of muscle and just about perfectly matching my arm that was still attached. Besides the whole pitch black color of the thing, that is.

There were little silver like rings around each knuckle of the finger, allowing it to bend. There was also a silver line that ran from the bottom of the arm to the palm, where it ended in a circle.

But it's not the fact that it was darker than the night sky that made it seem evil. Nor was it the fact that it was mostly made out of bones of some monster I was better off not knowing.

No, the problem was that the arm itself was filled with curses and spells. Courtesy of Medea saying that it would protect me, and to that I didn't doubt. Though I was quite certain just by looking at it that the curses were probably of the…lethal variety.

Though I wasn't exactly a hand to hand fighter, so it was unlikely that I'll ever actually use them. At least, I think most of them were close ranged curse abilities. Some of Medea's explanation had gone over my head.

All I really cared about was having an arm again.

Man, was it really inconvenient to just have one arm. Sometimes I just found myself trying to use it without realizing it's gone. It also made me rather upset to think about all of the instruments I had temporarily lost the ability to play.

So having two arms again was quite the nice feeling. Even if I didn't quite like how…ominous it felt attached to my skin.

Oh well, I guess I'll get used to it. It was just a little while anyway.

As Medea finally finished the last touches, I was able to flex my new fingers. Causing shivers to go down my back as I did so. It felt natural…which was a bit unnerving in of itself.

It reminded me of the ship of Theseus thought experiment.

"Thanks Medea. I really appreciate this."

Medea waved off my words with a soft smile.

"It was nothing. Keeping you safe is my duty."

…Hmm? Was it just me or…no, what was I even thinking? Haha, how stupid of me. For a moment I thought that sounded vaguely romantic. It was much more likely she meant it from a place of being the one to summon me here. But from that angle, it was me who was supposed to keep her safe.

I nodded in satisfaction and matched Medea's smile as she gazed down at me. It was rather nice to have pleasant moments in the company of…of…

…Medea's fingers were now drifting onto my chest. As I had to remove my shirt in order to fuse the prosthetic, I currently didn't have anything on my upper body. So she was just touching my skin.

Which was a bit…inappropriate. Or at the very least it definitely felt that way.

"Medea?"

She continued to smile at questioning tone. Making me feel rather silly once again. Even as her fingers continued to explore my chest.

"Orpheus…I've-"

Whatever Medea was about to say was interrupted due to the nearby door being bashed open. Heracles and his…club? Brick? Whatever the hell that thing he was wielding having finally bashed down the door.

After he had done so, Illya jumped off his shoulder before stalking inside the room with a frown. Until finally she saw both Medea and me.

"Can't you have waited for another hour or two? Just how needy are you!?"

Medea hissed, causing Illya's face to scrunch up in annoyance towards her. Eventually deciding to stick out her tongue in Medea's direction before turning back to me.

"Orpheus, we're going out. You'll be accompanying me with Berserker."

I nodded before putting my shirt back on. Hopping off the chair before strolling towards Illya. I gave an apologetic look back to Medea, but she seemed more interested in giving Illya a seething look.

"Where are we going?"

Illya smiled rather cruelly.

"To go meet with my younger brother."

Hmm?

*~o~*

Illya and Heracles lead me past a cemetery as they came up a road. I was rather interested in seeing Illya's 'real' brother in the flesh. My curiosity was definitely peaked at this mysterious man.

Illya was rather tight lipped about the whole thing. Seeming deep in thought as well as determined to get her destination on time. Eventually we finally came on a group of three individuals walking down the road.

Each one of them was someone I had already met.

There was Rin Tohsaka, the master of Atalanta. Which likely meant Atalanta was in her spirit form just wandering around. Likely close by.

The second was the mysterious Saber I had faced a bit ago. The third being her master that was trailing in front of her. She seemed to be wearing some sort of…oversized raincoat?

It was amusing if nothing else.

I hadn't expected that we would run into them, but it would appear that this was in fact Illya's entire plan from the onset. Which…was a bit strange. She didn't come across as a liar, nor did she need to. But the only guy who could possibly be her brother was the red headed boy, who was obviously older than her.

Not to mention he looked nothing like her. So when did her brother come into play?

Regardless, Illya and Heracles stepped out of the shadows to greet the four of them. I shouldn't be too surprised, Heracles was indeed strong enough to be able to solo two servants on his own. Though hopefully there wouldn't be any casualties here.

"Don't worry. If things go poorly I'll step in."

Medea spoke through our telepathic bond. Reassuring me of her presence. I of course didn't doubt Medea's skills for a second, but I didn't think they'd be necessary. After all, if it did come to a fight Heracles was more than a match for just about any opponent.

Illya finally revealed herself to the group. Stepping onto the mist covered road with a smile on her face.

"Hello, brother. I see you've finally summoned your servant."

Illya called out, her gaze traveling to…the red headed boy? Huh. Maybe he was younger than I thought? I guess appearances could be deceiving.

"…H-huh? Who are you?"

While Rin and Saber reacted with the proper amount of caution, the boy simply seemed confused as to Illya's presence. As well as the hulking form of Heracles next to her.

Illya frowned at his words before turning away and to the side.

"…So that's how this is going to be, huh? Alright then. I'll just have to show you…my new brother!"

Illya splayed her hand out towards me with a gleeful look…oh! Right. I guess this is the part where I reveal myself?

Unlike Illya's dramatic entrance, mine was much more awkward as I had to jog a bit to get to the same destination. I had been intending to watch from the sidelines as was my proper place as a spectator. But it would seem Illya had other ideas.

Illya smirked before putting her hands on her hips as I stood next to her. Rin's eye twitched in confusion while Saber gave me a wary look. The red headed boy still seemed rather floored at the current situation.

"Hi!"

I greeted them all with a wave of my hand. Causing Rin to groan a bit. Illya however continued to smile with her eyes closed before finally opening them. A smug look over taking her face.

"This is my new older brother, and he's much more entertaining than anyone else could ever hope to be."

…Hmm? Wait a minute, was that even something to brag about? No, before that, where exactly was this conversation going?

"…Who…are you?"

Illya's face immediately fell. Her eyes locking onto me before nodding. Attempting to indicate…something?

"Orpheus. Kill him."

Hmm?

"Huh!?"

"Master, get back!"

Both the Saber and her master reacted quicker than I did. Heck, even Rin did as I just stood their dumbly at her orders. Yet she continued to point out her finger in an almost sadistic manner towards the trio.

…She…she was going to send Heracles to back me up though, right? Like, she wasn't actually expecting me to go toe to toe with two masters, a Saber, and likely an archer, was she?

Oh gods.

This was my life now.

All I could do was sigh as I stepped forward. My hand drifting into my jacket in order to pull out an instrument. Almost immediately I could tell that Atalanta was getting farther away, even without being able to see her in spirit form.

Her presence was accompanied by her song. Pinpointing her exact location would be a bit much, but it was pretty simple to tell when the song was getting further and further away. Because it simply got quieter and quieter without disappearing completely.

Oh man, I was going to need to keep an eye out for her, wasn't I?

At the very least, Saber and her master hadn't made any moves just yet. But by the way Saber's body was tensing up, she was certainly getting ready to. Yeesh. I got the express feeling that I absolutely didn't want to face her in close combat if I could help it.

Rin also seemed to be preparing for combat with…some strange looking rocks? No, Jewels…Hmm? Ah, spells under the domain of Hades.

…What an absolutely terrible match up for me…

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to be as gentle as possible."

I stated in a reassuring tone, only for all three adversaries to become increasingly worried and on guard. Whereas Illya was now glaring daggers at me. Ah…I just couldn't win, could I!?

"Get back, Master!"

Saber stepped forward. With a burst of strength she practically covered the stretch of distance between the two of us in an instant. Indeed, had I been taken by surprise at the distance, I'm not sure there if there would be anything I could really do in response. My response speed was certainly several levels below her own.

She was faster than me…was what I had thought at first. But in truth her speed beforehand had genuinely been near my natural level, if not on it. Which meant there was some sort of trick to her speed. A temporary boost seems likely. Allowing her to hit above her weight class.

As expected of a prodigious hero, she was full of surprises.

That likely being the case though…meant it could be used against her. If she wasn't used to constantly reacting at those high speeds, then she could easily be caught unawares.

For example…

I finished pulling out the trumpet from my jacket before finally blowing into it. Causing sound to blare out from it. Saber took all of this in, but still didn't change her trajectory.

It made complete sense from her perspective. Stop me from whatever I was doing as quickly and succinctly as possible. Then quickly move on to the other threats.

There was no need to pivot or dodge, because there was no attack incoming.

Or at the very least, that's what she had thought.

The world in front of the trumpet disappeared. Unlike when I had been playing the guitar, there was no massive upheaval of dirt. There was no invisible force slamming everywhere at speeds that would make anyone's head spin.

No, the ground simply crumpled into nothing. Breaking down until it left a mess that couldn't be seen with the naked eye…unless you were Atalanta, I guess.

There was nothing Saber could do in that moment. It wasn't a steady attack that was traveling at the same speed she was. No, it was much faster. It was, after all, the speed of sound itself.

Even so, Saber was still able to block it with her invisible sword.

It didn't help her by much, of course. As the attack wasn't something that could be blocked in such a manner. Her armor immediately shook and crumpled under the blow. Her limbs shaking and shifting under it's weight before in the next half second…she went flying backwards.

A blast from her sword combined with her legs kicking off the ground seemed to be the cause. Allowing her to avoid the rest of the brutal onslaught. Even if she did have to slam herself through a guardrail and into the side of a manmade wall on the other side of the road.

…How incredible. As should be expected of a true hero. They were as durable as roaches.

"Saber!"

The yell from Saber's master was enough to snap me out of my stupor. Atalanta still hadn't made any moves, but I shouldn't let my guard down. Even with Saber's master running at me with a pipe in his hands.

…Hmm? Wait, what was that last one?

My head tilted to the side as a pipe slammed down in the space where it had been a moment ago. A quizzical look graced my face as I looked back over to Saber.

Yep. She was still buried in the wall, pulling herself out. Atalanta hadn't shown herself just yet. Rin was slowly rounding on Illya…

And Saber's master was attempting to…fight me.

"Eh?"

"Haaa!"

I could only respond with being completely flabbergasted as he kept swinging his weapon around. Attempting to hit me in the ribs, upside the head, or even disable one of my legs. All of which were easily dodged and evaded with deft movements.

Of course they were…I was still a heroic spirit after all.

Jeez…I know I wasn't exactly the strongest, but even this was pushing things.

I stepped back. Pivoting on my back foot before darting to the right. Causing the boy to stumble forward as he swung, putting too much force into his swing. To his credit though, he was at least quick to recover. Immediately turning and swiping to the side.

Which was also avoided.

"Hey now, you do realize I'm a servant, correct?"

I attempted to make sure with the angry redhead with a worried look written across my face. Something he didn't seem to care about as he kept swinging wildly at me. And of course continuing to miss.

"It doesn't matter who you are!"

…Is that right? I couldn't help but continue to watch him with a frown as my body bended backwards. Avoiding his sideswipe yet again.

"Servants, masters, I don't care about any of that! If I see someone in trouble, then I'll help them! And if I seem someone causing trouble, then I'll stop them!"

…I see.

It wasn't complex at all. An incredibly simple worldview. Morally upstanding. One that seemed to believe in the concept called justice. Yes, I can see it now. With the rhythm that surrounds him, and the light tonal dissonance…

Reality didn't matter. The impossible opponents before him were simply obstacles to overcome or die trying.

He had a heroic way of thinking.

I stood my ground this time. Allowing him to finally reach me with his pipe before reaching out with my hand and grabbing it mid swing.

And shattering it into pieces. I bit back a sigh as he seemed a bit surprised at the result, before taking several steps back and…making another one.

This era was much nicer than the one that I had been born in. The constant intervention of the gods was no longer needed. The threats to humanity had been mostly dealt with. So much so that the only true threats to most humans were other humans. And even then it was rarely over survival.

It was an era where heroes were no longer needed nor asked for. Because there was simply no real reason for them to rise up and make a difference.

And yet…people like him still existed.

As the redhead took a stance, I pulled out another instrument from my jacket. Unfortunately it seemed that the trumpet wasn't able to endure the strain I had put on it. Which meant I had to draw out my old trusty companion, the lyre.

"Then you leave me no choice. I won't let you reach for those stars, no matter what."

I felt her eye before the blessing revealed itself. A great bright light of blue illuminating everyone in the vicinity. Saber, her master, Rin, Illya, and Heracles were all effected.

The eye of the great mother was upon them.

Heracles and Saber weren't too effected by it, though that's not exactly too surprising. It wasn't something that would effect servants all too much. At least, as long as their class wasn't caster.

Their masters however…that was a different story.

Illya grimaced before hunkering down. Grabbing the side of her head in pain as red lines flickered across her body before quickly disappearing. Perhaps it was due to the distance she was away from me, but she seemed to recover rather quickly, if still obviously affected.

Rin Tohsaka seemed to almost fall down on her butt. Having difficulty with her balance as she shakily tried to stand on two legs, before quickly wobbling away. Ah, she must have grasped what was happening to her rather quickly then.

Unfortunately Saber's master wasn't as lucky.

"Ah!?"

He quickly fell to a knee, with his body leaning heavily to one side. As if he was about to tip over. The pipe in his hand already dissipating under Gaia's gaze.

His legs kept fidgeting. Showcasing he was attempting to move them but wasn't very successful.

"Don't try it. Under Gaia's grace, that which shouldn't exist on this earth is forced out. But as long as you mages keep using prana, then it'll endure. However, under Gaia's direct gaze, that cost is increased substantially."

The master of Saber took several breaths before pushing up with his leg. Surprisingly enough, getting to his feet…though almost falling over as a result.

"It's not something most wi-er, sorry, uh…maguses can endure easily. For servants like Berserker or Saber, this is nothing. They don't really cast spells all that much. Their master is a different story."

My eyebrow twitched as I watched him completely ignore what I was saying as he attempted to do some sort of spell on his arm. Which OBVIOUSLY failed.

Was I talking to a brick wall or something!?

He seemed practically anemic afterwards. Causing me to sigh before my features softened.

"…Don't worry. I'll make sure neither you nor Saber is killed. You have my word."

He didn't respond. I'm not sure if he could even hear me in the state he was in. So I just started to pluck a few strings of my lyre.

There wasn't a bone in his body that could still resist the affects of my lullaby as he swiftly fell into the world of dreams.

"Shirou!"

Saber cried out, as she finally freed herself from the debris. Well, it was obviously less about the debris and more about her own physical state of being.

Well, as long as I have my lyre out, I might as well turn my lyre against her. I knew I could trust Heracles to cover Illya in case the worst happens.

Her mind was strong. Strong enough to be able to take one of my best lullaby's. However, even the strongest minds have their weak points. Sleep and exhaustion was obviously not hers.

Unfortunately, I was at a loss as to what her weak points are. So instead of guessing what it could possibly be, the better idea would be to focus on MY own strengths. What emotions I was best at eliciting.

Sadness was the easiest emotion for people to empathize with. Everyone has lost something or someone they cared about. Everyone has had trouble at some point. Everyone has felt unbearable pressure, enough to make you want to scream.

It was easy to relate.

As I strung my lyre, my voice sung out with a melancholic note. One that immediately put a damper on everything in the vicinity. Which, unfortunately for Saber, included her.

Then again, my song went further than just surface level empathy. It hit people personally.

Regrets. Everyone has made mistakes. If they only had a chance to change that…If only they had been stronger. If only they had been wiser.

Anguish. The wounds weren't there any longer. Yet, those scars will never heal. Because the pain they had inflicted went deeper than just the surface.

Mourning. Why did they have to leave? It wasn't fair. Death never is. Why couldn't it have been them? Why couldn't it have been me?

Depression. Did their actions even matter? What exactly did they even change? Or even worse…did they only make things worse?

As I once again focused on reality, I had to wipe away my own tears before turning towards Saber.

She was distraught. It was quite clear that her shaky movements wasn't something that was completely physical. She bit her lip as she attempted to move forward…but she didn't even seem to be capable of looking at me as an enemy. Her eyes were completely glossed over.

She was no longer even fighting me. Rather, her own inner demons were a much more pressing matter-

My eyes immediately glanced down the road. The Fuyuki fog was thick, but not nearly thick enough to cover the sounds of music down the road. My vision narrowed as I focused on listening further, confirming what I was listening to.

…It was dark and low tones. Ones that betrayed their owners own twisted nature. A haunting melody where the instruments were practically shrieking against each other.

What the hell was that?

What kind of hero is-

That momentary distraction was rather costly, as my side soon had an arrow buried deep within it. Then another. And another. And another…

Atalanta, it seems, has taken her shot.

The coppery tang of blood entered my mouth. It was a bit distasteful if I was being honest. Some of the other Argonauts talked about how the taste of blood only got them more excited for battle. That definitely wasn't the case for me.

Another arrow hit me in the next quarter of a second. And another. And another. And another.

Two were firmly planted in my left arm. The one that was my original one, and not given to me by Medea. Several hit the false arm, but those thankfully seemed to simply bounce off.

Hmm, now that I seem to focus on it, there seemed to be some sort of strange aura coming from said arm. One that seemed to be lashing out at the very arrows landing on my right side. Or at least they had been before being snapped in the air.

Unfortunately the protection didn't exactly cover my whole body. As several more arrows pierced into my skin. One even did so on the nape of my neck! Now that was a bit painful.

If I didn't know any better, I'd guess that Atalanta was aiming for everywhere but my head!

…Hmm. So she figured that out, did she?

Finally the barrage of arrows stopped. Leaving me still standing with about…fourteenish arrows lodged in my body. Ah. So this is what being a pin cushion feels like.

Can't say I really care for it.

A burst of light shined down next to my side. Causing me to blink a bit as I genuinely left wondering if Atalanta was hitting me with her Noble Phantasm as well. Thankfully instead it was just Medea. Who's hands were immediately by my side.

"I'll protect you."

…For some reason I could feel my face going flush at that. The serious tone she said it with, the hardened eyes accompanying it…

It was honestly one of the most romantic things I've ever heard.

"A-ah, mmm."

I stuttered a bit, for once in my life I was at a loss for words. Medea whispered something under her breath. Some sort of foreign spell that caused my side to tingle before actively spitting out the arrows from my body.

It was…incredibly unnerving. Just thinking about it made me a bit queasy. As the arrows fell from my body, they immediately levitated above the ground, before quickly flying off in the direction I believe they were shot at.

I couldn't help but notice how quickly my flesh was knitting itself back together. Quickly making me become right as rain in a matter of mere seconds. No, not just healed but…feeling better than ever.

…Besides the missing arm of course.

"BERSERKER!"

Illya's voice screamed out, startling me out of my reverie. Medea however seemed perfectly calm as she didn't so much as react to the scream as she continued to look me over.

I had thought Illya was being attacked, as Heracles roared to life, only to quickly pass me within the span of seconds and into the outskirts of Fuyuki City.

While Illya seemed to be almost fearful, it didn't seem to be because she was wounded. Otherwise she'd have forced Heracles to be with her. Instead she seemed to be looking at…me…

Ah. I see.

She quickly made her way over as Medea finally stood up before launching herself into the air. Her cape unfurling as she pointed a hand over towards a nearby rooftop. The one that had a bunch of arrows circling it before divebombing down.

Several bright beams came out of her cape, as well as her hand before crashing into the rooftop. Blowing it to smithereens in the process. The explosion could be felt even from where I was currently standing, causing me to shiver in response.

…To be quite honest I was starting to feel a bit bad for Atalanta. The deck was seeming incredibly stacked against her at the moment. It was practically unfair.

I mean, Medea AND Heracles? Just one was enough to make a man regret being their enemy. But both of them? At the same time?

That was just…abysmal luck.

I'll offer up a prayer for Atalanta's safety when I get back home.

"…Hhh…"

My attention was brought back to the incredibly slow walking Saber. Oh, right! Saber. I had momentarily forgotten about her as well. Though to be fair she was making it incredibly easy.

Her mind was currently a complete mess at the moment. Although the effect was temporary, the fact of the matter is that it effected her to a rather impressive level. Which said less about my talents, and more about her own insecurities.

Medea landed back on the ground next to me. Her hand once more finding it's way on my shoulder. I've never known her to be so physically affectionate before. It was quite the welcome surprise, to be sure.

"Are you alright, Orpheus?"

I squeezed both of my palms open and close. Testing my muscles and joints before giving her a warm nod.

"Yes, all thanks to you, of course."

Medea's cheeks reddened in response, but she kept my gaze. Her eyes and facial features relaxing a bit.

"I'm glad…"

…Medea's hand lightly caressed the side of my face. Causing my own hand to rise up before taking hers within my own.

"Medea, I-"

"I will…save…Britain…"

Hmm? Both my gaze and Medea's went over to the struggling Saber, who had finally got within distance of us. Britain…so she was a European hero then? Well, that narrowed it down a bit.

"…I…will…restore Camelot…"

Okay, now that narrowed it down considerably. Morgan le Fay? No, that didn't make any sense. She was also quite hated by the people and reviled as a villain.

Saber's eyes finally met my own. Her clouded only eyes closing before lifting up her invisible sword. Light shined around it for a moment before finally revealing itself…

…

That…

That was Excalibur.

That's…King Arthur!?

"That's King Arthur?"

Medea stated in a tone that was much less surprised and panicked than my own internal one. As she calmly observed Saber as she finally opened her eyes.

"…Haaaaa!"

I blinked as King Arthur slowly dropped their sword to the ground in front of me. In such an arc that even a child could have dodged or parry it. It was lacking just about any possible force. Even just letting it go from her hands would have been more fruitful.

She seemed to stare at the ground in disbelief as she completely and totally missed.

"…Uh, you do realize you've lost, right? You don't need to keep doing…this."

I stated, gesturing to Saber's whole…demeanor. To be quite honest I was starting to feel a bit bad with how pitiful her movements currently were. Saber's mouth opened as her arms shook…before finally she dropped her sword.

"…Ah…Ahhhh!"

Her knees fell to the ground as she gazed up. Her eyes still clouded over as tears started to well up and fall. Eventually Saber was outright venting all of her frustrations on the ground with choked sobs.

…Yeah, if I hadn't been feeling a bit bad before, I was feeling just terrible now. Wincing with every weak blow she landed on the ground. Medea however seemed a bit…amused?

Oh my. I didn't want to even think about the implications of that.

I stumbled a bit as Illya finally caught up with us and launched herself into my side. And by that I mean she jumped and slammed her elbow in the side of my ribs with an look that was both parts worried and annoyed.

"What were you thinking, allowing yourself to get hit by all of those attacks!?"

She quickly berated me, causing me to look down at her with a smile. I could tell it was all coming from a rather heartwarming place. So I placed a hand on top of her head before ruffling her hair.

"Don't worry, I'm alright."

Illya quickly swatted my hand away.

"You better be! Loser! Good for nothing! Weakling! Wimp!"

Every word from her mouth was like another arrow to the body. No actually, I think I would have preferred the arrows. My eyebrow twitched as I continued to smile with a strained look.

"…I-I got the job done though, didn't I?"

Illya harrumphed before looking at the master of Saber. Who seemed to be having a pleasant enough dream on the ground. Or at least he had been before Illya kicked him in the side.

"…I guess so."

Illya stated with a pout and her hands on her hips. Oh boy, she was a tough one to satisfy, wasn't she? Still, she was reliable when it counted. I couldn't really ask for much more than that, could I?