Red (Velvet) / Waver Velvet (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
adropintheocean) wrote2015-05-19 09:40 am
adropintheocean) wrote2015-05-19 09:40 am
[MEMORIES 12 - 23]
The castle banquet part two: Assassin attacks. The march of the Ionioi Hetairoi. (significant neutral)
[a gift (after the Prince's rescue) | Day 426 | nonshareable (flower seed; plant)]
Scene transcript - episode 11.
+ Taken onscreen.
-
Robbing the library. "TINY! Your ambition is tiny!" (trivial negative)
[Game 333 - death - Dog | Day 428 | shareable 4/5 (white carnation; pluck petal)]
Scene transcript - Episode 2.
+ Taken offscreen.
-
Learning about his grandmother and the Velvets' (limited) history of magic. An ambition is born. (significant positive)
[Game 336 - scavenger hunt - Eliza's Brother | Day 433 | shareable semi-indefinitely (scrap of paper; write on)]
Pre-canon memory.
+ Taken offscreen.
-
Assassin is dead! Having a minor tantrum at Rider for not wanting to do anything. Seriously Rider can you do something besides eat snacks and watch TV? (trivial neutral)
[Game 337 - a bet - Chance | Day 434 | nonshareable (chocolate coin)]
Scene transcript - Episode 3.
+ Taken offscreen.
-
His parents' funerals. (significant negative)
[Game 340 - Personaquest - Marjory & June | Day 438 | shareable ~4/5 (apple; take a bite)]
Pre-canon memory.
+ Taken offscreen.
-
Receiving his letter of acceptance to Clock Tower's Evocation Department. (significant positive)
[a gift (after defeating the Darkness plague) | Day 441 | shareable ∞ (pink plastic teacup; pretnd sip)]
Pre-canon memory.
+ Taken offscreen.
-
Camping out on a leyline in order to restore Rider's mana. (trivial neutral)
[Game 342 - make a hero - Snow White | Day 448 | shareable ∞ (quill pen; write)]
Scene transcript - Episode 20.
+ Taken offscreen.
-
Being publicly called upon and ridiculed in front of his peers; Kayneth tears his thesis apart and discards it. (significant negative)
[Game 345 - what is love? - Cutie Velvet | Day 452 | shareable ∞ (plush fish & Kunzite globe; attach together)]
Scene transcript - Episode 1.
+ Taken offscreen.
-
Caster's nightmare workshop. "If my Master were unmoved by such a sight, I would have to strike him." (significant negative)
[Game 347 - the fearful garden - Maleficent | Day 454 | shareable ∞ (silver-backed mirror; look into)]
Scene transcript - Episode 9. GRAPHIC GORE/BODY HORROR WARNING.
+ Taken onscreen.
-
Battle at the Mion. Caster's horror. Second summon of Ionioi Hetairoi and the release of Excalibur. (significant neutral)
[knight brokerage activation | Day 455 | presumably nonshareable ([memory form unknown?])]
Scene transcript - Episodes 13-15.
+ Taken onscreen.
-
SWEET HOLY MOTHER OF ROAD RACES. Saber destroys Rider's Gordius Wheel. The long walk home and the rooftop conversation with Glen. (significant neutral)
[Game 349 - roles - Story | Day 457 | shareable ∞ (prism containing his Command Seals; hold & contemplate)]
Scene transcript - Episode 22.
+ Taken onscreen.
-
"My Servant, by the seal upon my hand, I command you...Rider, fight until you achieve victory. Win the Holy Grail. And...take the world for your own." (significant neutral)
[Game 350 - a bow, a blade, and teeth - Giant | Day 459 | shareable 3/4 (ball of cloud; pull off some fluff)]
Scene transcript - Episode 22.
+ Taken onscreen.
The overall impact of these is a lot of game-changer revelations with regards to the actual events of the Grail War; a lot more of his actual bonding and formative experiences with Rider and the War back; a whole lot of guilt and upset (some of it survivor's guilt of a sort, with regards to the dead in Caster's lair); a profound sense of how deeply serious the Grail War got and just how in over his head he was; the novel experience of someone finding out he was a deceiving mage brat and accepting him in anyway; the equally novel experience of Rider truly acknowledging and befriending him after their trials by fire; and the action he took with all of these things weighing down on his head.
Or, in emote form: щ(ಥДಥщ) ??!?!?!?!!??!?!
MEMORY 12
Waver: Assassin?!
More and more Assassins of all shapes and sizes begin to materialize behind the first one, in little flares of shadow and prana, until Waver, Rider, Iri, Saber, and Archer are surrounded. Rider looks to Archer.
Rider: Is this your doing, Golden Boy?
Archer: Tokiomi humiliates himself.
Waver: This isn't fair! Why are there so many Assassins!?
Assassin: We are one, become many. A Servant who is many and also one. A servant who is one, with many shadows.
Waver: A Servant with multiple personalities has split into separate bodies for each? R-Rider, hey...
Rider: Calm yourself, boy. Even those rude enough to interrupt our banquet may yet help show us who is the greatest King.
Archer: So you'll invite them to the banquet as well, King of Conquerors?
Rider: Of course! The King's words are for all to hear. If they have come to listen, it matters not if they are friend or foe.
Rider dips a ladle into the barrel of wine, and raises it overhead, gesturing to the Assassins.
Rider: Now, don't hold back! Any who would speak with us, come forth and take a cup. This drink is as your blood!
One of the Assassins hurls a knife, shearing the ladle asunder. Wine spills upon Rider's shirt, and upon the ground. There's a susurrus of laughter.
Rider: Very well. As I said, this drink is as your blood. If you insist on spilling it, so be it.
A ferocious wind picks up around Rider; the Assassins brace themselves, and Waver huddles close to the ground against its force. Rider's abruptly back in his full royal trappings, rather than the T-shirt and jeans he was wearing; his cloak billows out behind him.
Rider: Saber! Archer! Here is our banquet's final question. Must the king be alone?
Saber: The king must indeed be alone!
Rider: No, you don't understand at all. I suppose I'll have to show you exactly what a real king is.
The world around them...vanishes, driven back by some tremendous light and pressure; for a moment everything is confusion, and then . . . it's quiet. The wind dies. Waver chances opening his eyes . . .
They're in a vast desert, nothing but sand under sky; the sheer scale of it takes his breath away.
Irisviel: This is . . . a Reality Marble? That's impossible . . . a mental image realized into the real world?
Rider: . . . hn. Here, my armies once rode across the land. The place all the heroes who stood with me through joy and sorrow will never forget.
A tremendous sound begins to make itself heard: marching feet, clashing steel. Rider spreads his arms as though to encompass it all.
Rider: I can make this world real because it still exists within our hearts!
Over the dunes they appear: rank upon rank upon rank of armies, cavalry and foot soldiers marching in step, spears and banners raised and resplendent. Waver's eyes flash over them, picking out notable faces here and there in the front ranks, but none register specifically. All he can really do is struggle to absorb how huge the oncoming force is.
Rider: Behold my endless armies! Their bodies destroyed, and their souls offered to the world as Heroic Spirits. And still, these legendary heroes pledge their loyalty to me! My bond with them is my greatest treasure, my path of kingship! The ultimate Noble Phantasm that I, Iskander, possess. Ionian Hetairoi!
The soldiers cheer, a tidal wave of noise. Waver finds himself trembling.
Waver: Each of these . . . is a Servant!
A fierce black mare, in gold-spiked red harness, pushes at Iskander's shoulder with an imperious snort. He turns towards her, arm around her neck, stroking her mane. Bucephalus, Waver thinks, in the tiny part of his mind that isn't gibbering; Alexander the Great's legendary steed.
Rider: It's been a long time, partner.
Rider turns to face the rest of his troops before mounting. The Assassins shift into a loose cluster, their numbers dwarfed now.
Rider: A king must live a grander life than any other's, and embody his people's image of admiration!
Hetairoi: [brandishing their spears, their flags] YES! YES! YES!
Rider: He who is worthy of all heroes' envy, and he who leads their way, is the king! Therefore, the king is not alone! For his will equals that of all his followers together!
Hetairoi: YES! YES! YES!
Rider: Now, then. Shall we begin, Assassin? As you can see, what we have created here is a plain. Unfortunately, with our superior numbers, we hold the advantage.
Rider draws his sword, a signal -- and leads the charge.
Rider: ANNIHILATE THEM!
The thunder of hooves as the cavalry charges, skirting Waver, Iri, Saber, Archer; choking sand and dust; hot wind. They can only watch. Some of the Assassins fight back; some try to flee; some, like the lady Waver first saw, stand and face their deaths unflinchingly. At the end of it, Rider raises his sword once more with a roar, and his troops echo it in triumph.
And then . . . it's over. The desert is gone, and Rider takes another cupful of wine, seated by the barrel as though nothing ever happened. Waver looks around in a daze; Iri and Saber are kneeling in a huddle, and Gilgamesh has remained seated and aloof throughout the entire spectacle.
Rider: That ending wasn't as much fun as I'd hoped for. We have said all there is to say. I suppose that will do for today.
Saber: Wait, Rider. I still...
Rider: You, keep silent. Tonight was for the kings to converse. But I no longer recognize you as a king, Saber.
Rider summons down his chariot again, and then sheathes his sword, looking over his shoulder at Saber. Waver races for the chariot, shaken and glad to be leaving at last.
Rider: Little girl, wake from your sad dream. If you don't, you'll someday lose even that modicum of pride you retain as a Heroic Spirit. The dream of a king you spoke of is a curse.
Saber: What?
But they're already leaving; the oxen drawing Gordius Wheel into the sky with ease. Neither of them look back.
MEMORY 13
Waver: R-Rider... [gasps] Idiot! What's wrong with you, breaking the shutter open like that?! Why didn't you take spirit form, like when you went in?
Rider: I can't carry these in spirit form. Stop panicking. You make me sound like a thief.
Waver: If you're not a thief, then what are you!?
Rider: There's a big difference. A cowardly thief would sneak away in the night. The King of Conquerors sings triumphantly as he leaves with his loot!
Waver swipes the books from Rider's hand.
Waver: Tch--! I'll carry these. Now disappear. Disappear right now!
Rider: Very well! I shall leave you to carry the spoils. Be careful not to drop them.
Rider dissipates into the air, thankfully. Waver feels some of the strain on his Circuits ease; it's easier to help maintain a dematerialized Servant than a solid one.
Waver: UGH, WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!?
He starts running back along the way to the Mackenzie's house, but tires quickly, stopping under a lamppost to catch his breath. He gets his first good look at the books Rider stole: Homer's Odyssey and a book of world maps.
Waver: The summoning went fine, so why is this happening? And what's the deal with these books, anyway?
A huge hand plucks them out of his arms; startled, he turns to find Rider materialized again behind him. Rider starts to flip through the atlas.
Rider: I told you. They're preparations for the war. War cannot be waged without maps. [...] Hey, boy, where are Macedonia and Persia?
Waver: W-what's with that attitude?! I'm your Mas--
Rider meets his eyes; the force in that look sends Waver stumbling back and falling on his ass, the word dying in his throat.
Rider: I'm well aware that you are my Master. Did we not forge a contract?
Waver: ... yes.
Rider: [takes a seat near him] I'm more interested in learning where the territories I ruled over are.
Waver: ... [shifts over to look at the pages, and points] Around here, I guess.
Rider: ...gyahahahaha! Tiny! I spent my life conquering that land, and look how tiny it is! Very well! I cannot wait! Where are we now on the map, boy?
Waver: [pinpointing Japan] Here.
Rider: Right on the other side of the world, then. Pleasing news yet again! This will guide us in the coming battles.
Waver: Guide us?
Rider: First we head to the other side of the world! We go west, and only west. And we shall conquer every land we pass through! I shall return to Macedonia triumphantly, and my people will hold a festival to honor my revival. Hahahaha...exciting, is it not?
Waver: Do you even know what you're here for?! You're here for the Grail War! The Grail!
Rider: That's right. Speaking of the Grail, I forgot to ask...what will you do with the Grail, boy?
Waver: [suspicious, with a hint of hurt] W-why do you want to know? Why would you care?
Rider: If you are also intent on conquering the world, that would make you my enemy. The world cannot serve two lords.
Waver: World conquest?! ... I--I'll tell you what I want. I just want people to treat me fairly. The people at the Clock Tower don't acknowledge my talents, and I want to change that!
Rider belts Waver across the face, sending him flying.
Rider: Tiny! Tiny, and so narrow-minded! How foolish! You're in this battle just for your reputation? And you dare call yourself my Master! How disappointing! If you wish so desparately for others to revere you . . . [picks Waver up by the back of his collar, like a puppy] . . . perhaps you should use the Grail's power to grow another thirty centimeters.
Rider lets Waver go, and settles down to look at the maps some more. Waver sets his jaw, clenches his fists. How dare he talk back to me like that! He's just my Servant! I'll show him!
Waver raises his hand, the Command Seals tattooed on the back of it glowing faintly red. I address my Command Spell . . . abiding by the Grail's laws, I order Iskander, King of Conquerors . . .
He stops himself, tears of rage pricking his eyes. Calm down. A Master can use his Command Spells to compel his Servant's obedience only three times. I won't be able to control him if I use them all.
He stops feeding power to the seals, and resumes a seat beside Iskander instead.
Waver: I have no complaints, as long as I get the Grail. Do whatever you want afterwards --
Rider: [exasperated] Yes, okay! I'll acquire the Grail for you!
Waver: You seem confident. What makes you think you can win?
Rider: Are you saying you wish to see my power?
Waver: O-of course! You need to prove that I can rely on you!
Rider almost smiles, then draws his sword instead, bellowing.
Rider: I am Iskander, King of Conquerors! With the swing of my blade, I declare my supremacy!
Everything goes dark; an ominous spiral of thunderclouds overtakes the sky. A huge strike of lightning throws Waver backwards and onto his ass yet again; when he recovers himself and the smoke clears, it reveals an enormous war chariot drawn by a pair of oxen, lightning shimmering across its spokes and shafts.
Rider: King Gordius made this very offering to Zeus. Its renown must be the source of my designation as Rider. If you want the Grail, then go find me a Heroic Spirit or two! Until then, I shall entertain myself with these maps.
MEMORY 14
Waver asks her about some of the odd things he sees her doing, usually when his father's not around (some small tricks with water and magic circles, some exercises to ground herself and focus her power) and she explains what they are and something of how they work. Waver is absolutely fascinated and asks if he'll be able to do these things too, once she passes the Crest on to him next year; she tells him he may be able to do more than her.
Outside viewers may get the impression that Waver's mother is being honest but also reserved about how she tells Waver these facts, in order not to overexcite him (since she does doubt he'll have much more ability than she does, with reason); however, young Waver's imagination is captured, and he falls asleep imagining Future Him as a mighty magus indeed.
-
* The actual canon, which his mother has edited heavily because she's talking to a five-year-old here, is that Waver's grandmother was a magus's lover and picked up those basics during some presumably very interesting pillow talk sessions.
MEMORY 15
Waver: Assassin's been killed! Hey, Rider, big news! One already down!
Rider . . . continues to recline on his side and eat cookies while watching TV. Waver's room is a mess: Rider's littered piles of military literature and models, as well as empty bowls and drink bottles, throughout. A video of helicopters shooting at each other is playing on the screen.
Waver: Hey...HEY! Did you hear what I said?! Assassin's been defeated! Come on, that means the Holy Grail War's begun. I've been out scouting and researching, and all you've done is watch TV and pig out, day after day after day! You're more useless than a familiar...than a rat! And I told you to dematerialize when I don't need you! I'm providing the mana you need to do it, too.
Rider: ...look, who gives a damn about Assassin? A cowardly sneak who hides in shadows is no match for me anyway. ...regardless, boy, here's the good stuff!
He gesticulates at the screen, where an advanced fighter plane is being demonstrated.
Rider: See, like this huge black B2 thing. Spectacular! I'd like to order ten; what do you think?
Waver: [deep sigh] With that kind of money, you could just buy a country outright.
Rider: Ah, I see. So the problem is a lack of funds. If there were just a huge city around, treasure-laden like Persopolis, we could plunder all the wealth we needed...though, this man Clinton will be a formidable opponent. Likely to put up a better fight than King Darius.
Bill Clinton is indeed giving a speech on the TV now.
Waver: A...anyway, we're damn lucky Assassin was the first to go. You're the type who favors full-frontal assault, right? It benefits us to be rid of the guy who trips people up with clever traps.
Rider: [still intent on the TV] I could use some of these Tomahawk contraptions, too...
Waver: [yelling] We can scratch Saber, Lancer and Archer, the three knight classes, and Berskerker, since he's only good at mindless destruction, off the list! Given your Noble Phantasm, none of them will be a problem. The only one who'll give us issues is Caster. If we could just figure out his identity, we--
Rider: How did Assassin fall? Which Servant defeated him? Did you not see it happen?
Waver: ...It was Tohsaka's Servant, I think. His outfit, his attacks -- everything about him was bright, shiny gold. It was over in an instant, I couldn't--
Rider: FOOL!
Rider flicks Waver on the forehead painfully hard, knocking him back on the bed.
Rider: When I fight, I intend to emerge victorious! How can I accomplish this if you cannot attend to the details!? Did you notice anything else besides his flashy appearance?
Waver: That's easy for you to say...! It was pitch dark, and the fight only lasted a sec...
Rider holds his flicking fingers up again threateningly. Waver frantically covers his forehead and tries to switch subjects.
Waver: H-hey, Rider, Servants only have one Noble Phantasm, right?
Rider: In theory, though there's no point trying to understand a Noble Phantasm with just numbers. They're items that have come to personify the Heroic Spirit, either through legend or historical anecdote. That includes weapons with a particular ability or unique attack.
Waver: Then, is there a Noble Phantasm that could let the wielder hurl ten or twenty swords at his opponent?
Rider: A sword that can split into infinite copies...? It is possible. That could be its special ability.
Waver thinks back to his blurred glimpse: But, the weapons looked too different to all be copies.
Rider: Either way, I'll know his true identity once I engage him.
Rider slaps Waver on the back, smashing him into the bed and knocking out his wind.
Waver: [coughing; doesn't try to get up] You think that's a good idea?
Rider: Yes! That's what excites me! Food, sex, sleep, battle...whatever you do in life, be certain to derive all you can from it! That's the only way to live!
There's some more bickering here, about the merits of going out and hunting the other Servants down straight up, culminating in --
Rider: [draws his sword, preparing to summon his chariot]
Waver: No, no, NO! Not in here! You'll blow up the whole house!
MEMORY 16
His parents have both died of a lingering illness. Waver feels very numb through the duration of this memory and goes through the motions more than anything; he thinks he should be feeling sadder than he is, but can't quite bring himself to. Mostly he's tired and hopes they're no longer in pain.
MEMORY 17
He actually screams "YES!!!" out loud once he skims the first paragraph:
Dear Mr. Velvet --
Congratulations. You have been selected for admission to the autumn term . . .
MEMORY 18
Rider: Is that any good?
Waver: No, it's terrible. Probably the worst Japanese cuisine. . . [more deliberately] You know where we are, don't you? This is where I summoned you. You should be more suited to this location than any other in Fuyuki, and recover that much faster. I'm going to stay here all day, doing nothing but sleeping. Take as much mana from me as you need; just don't kill me. That should help you recover.
Rider: [laughs] You should have said something earlier, when you noticed. Realizing you've been found out after the fact is, well...it's embarrassing.
Waver: Idiot! You should have spoken up first. If I need you, and you can't fight at full strength, I'm the one who'll be in trouble! [pause] Why didn't you tell me?
Rider: I thought I'd be able to tough it out a bit longer. The river battle was more taxing than expected.
Waver, who has been chowing down at speed through this conversation and taking a sleeping aid, gets up and spreads out a sleeping bag, settling in.
Waver: Your greatest attack requires massive amounts of mana. When I suffered no ill effects, at first I assumed it was merely efficient. Rider. You've been expending your own mana rather than draw on mine, right? You've done it twice now.
There's a lot of feelings behind that sentiment: guilt; the old familiar I'm not good enough ache; hurt. But for once in his life he's able to tamp those down in favor of concern.
Rider: Yes, well...if I draw mana from you when I go all-out, I could end up endangering your life.
Waver: That's fine. I started this fight. If I don't shed blood and make sacrifices, winning would be meaningless.
Rider: [sighs]
Waver: I just want to prove it. Prove that I, that even I, can accomplish something so grand.
Rider: But boy, that's only if the Grail really exists.
Waver: !
Rider: I too once waged a war for something that may or may not have existed.
Waver: Okeanos.
Rider: Correct. I promised them I'd show them Okeanos. They believed me, and happily followed me. Many died, spending their last moment still dreaming of seeing Okeanos. When I got my hands on this era's knowledge, it really hit me. To think the world was round and closed! What a cruel joke. But after seeing that map, I had to accept it.
Waver: [exhales]
Rider: ...I don't want anyone else to die chasing fantasies. If the Grail's existence were certain, I'd admire your determination to risk your life. Unfortunately, it isn't.
Waver: Even still...even still, I am your Master!
Rider: [glad laughter] Boy! You've gained confidence, haven't you? I must say, your Magic Circuits seem stronger than normal. I think a good day's rest here will supply enough energy to act tonight!
Waver: [sleepily] What do you plan to do?
Rider: Let me think...tonight, I'll begin with Saber.
Waver: At this rate, how much can you recover by then?
Rider: If I only use the Gordius Wheel for flight, it shouldn't be a problem. However, I only have one use of Ionioi Hetairoi left within my abilities.
Waver: [yawning] Oh...
Rider: I think we should save it for Archer.
Waver: Then why do you want to go after Saber?
Rider: Saber...I must defeat her. It's my responsibility as a Heroic Spirit.
Waver: What are you talking about?
Rider: [quiet] If I can't beat some sense into that foolish girl, she'll follow the wrong path forever. That would be too sad.
Waver: Well, do what you want.
He drifts off.
MEMORY 19
Kayneth: In the world of magic, pedigree determines rank. This is because the secrets of magic simply cannot be learned within a single generation. The parents must spend their lives training, and pass the fruits of their labour down to their children. This is why the oldest magical families are the most powerful. [...] Some of you may be wondering why I am presenting such basic knowledge. Yesterday, you see, a student handed in an essay.
He holds up a thick sheaf of papers; Waver catches his breath in recognition.
Kayneth: The title is, "How Wizardry Should Be in the New Century." This paper objects to the accepted theory I have just presented. It argues that a deeper understanding of spellwork and skillful mana control could enable someone to bridge the gap. In other words, even someone with a very limited pedigree could become a first class mage. I will admit that this essay has taught me something.
As Kayneth speaks, students in the hall mutter and murmur to each other, and Waver starts to beam smugly . . . but Kayneth slaps the heap of paper down on the podium.
Kayneth: Quiet! I'll be clear. Every word of this paper is drivel. Bloodlines determine magical skill. That is an irrefutable truth.
Waver gets to his feet, abruptly.
Kayneth: Waver Velvet. I find it lamentable that one of my students would harbor such delusional beliefs.
Waver: Sir, I only wished to raise the issue to the Magus Association, as they haven't addressed it --
Kayneth: Waver! Your family has only produced three generations of magi, correct? It seems to me that, compared to the Association's long history, your lineage is still a bawling infant. A baby must learn to speak before it can talk back to its parents.
Waver, humiliated and enraged, bows his head as the students around him burst into laughter.
MEMORY 20 (WARNING: GRAPHIC GORE/BODY HORROR)
Rider and Waver crash through a huge stone drainage channel, debris flying up and striking off the protective shields Waver's deployed around them. Sparks fly as they travel, lighting their way. The oxen and wheels ride straight over masses of unnatural tentacles in the water; the smell is humid, dank, and not quite right.
Rider: See, this is paying off already!
Waver can't help but smile a little, if weakly, but the moment passes; the tunnel widens into a huge central chamber, very dim. The chariot slows, stops; Waver peers into the darkness, his eyes not yet adjusted. There's some sort of small, soft wheezing sound. It's very cold down here.
Rider: Hn. Too bad Caster's not home.
Waver: Is this some kind of water storage?
Rider: ...hey, boy. It's better if you don't see this.
Waver: Are you kidding me?! If Caster isn't here, we should at least look for clues as to where he's gone, or we'll never find him!
Rider: That may be so, but don't do it. This is too much for you.
Waver: Shut up!
He crushes a pair of pills in his hand, flinging them into the air; the chemical reaction sparks a slowly sinking flare. He throws another as he jumps off the chariot and moves forward, and another. Pale green light fills the chamber, flickering and dazzling him. Before he can see again, he steps on something bulky and yielding; stops dead as warm fluid spatters over his clothes and face. He wipes some off for a look; it's blood.
He can see now. It's a smorgasbord of children's bodies, dissected and spread out, left in grisly heaps, hanging on racks or stuffed in boxes. Their killer has made things out of the bodies -- a wheel of arms, skin shirts, a human umbrella, a clock set in a child's skull. There's a horrific whimsy to it all. Worst of all, there's a small girl on a central slab, dissected and dismembered beyond saving, but barely alive, aware; she's looking in their direction. The sound he heard was her labored breathing.
Waver, understandably, starts freaking the fuck out; he's violently sick on the floor, weeping and panicking -- just overloaded on horror.
Rider: I did try to warn you.
Waver: [anguished; crying] Shut up! Don't make fun of me...damn it...
Rider: This is no time for stoicism, fool. If my Master were unmoved by such a sight, I would have to strike him.
Waver: Striking who...idiot...you're perfectly calm...!
Rider: Trust me...this is also no time to be emotional.
Rider slices his sword through the air, deflecting a thrown dagger, which drops to the stone. He hurls it through the cave -- Waver just glimpses a shadowy form as it's impaled. Adrenaline kicks in through the horror.
Rider: My Master is in danger!
Waver: Assassin. That's impossible, he's already dead...
Rider: No time for surprise, boy.
Two more Assassins start coming into view, brandishing knives...but then they melt away, back to the shadows.
Waver: How?
Rider: How is not important. But any who believed Assassin was dead have been gravely deceived...
Waver: They ran away...didn't they?
Rider: Don't let your guard down. Two have fallen, but at least two remain. We can't know how many more there are, either. This location favors them...we need to withdraw now.
Waver: Should we really just leave it like this?
Rider: We might learn more by investigating...but leave it. If we destroy the place, it should at least set Caster back.
They climb back onto the chariot; it doesn't take a lot of lightning to give the girl a mercy stroke, and set it all ablaze. Waver can't watch for long.
MEMORY 21
Waver: Einzbern, do you guys have a plan? Lancer said you fought Caster before.
Irisviel: We must defeat him as quickly as possible. Right now, Caster is providing the mana to keep the creature in this world, but if it finds food to sustain itself, all is lost. We must kill Caster himself before then.
Rider: I see. So we must end this before it reaches shore. Caster's hidden himself deep in its body; what's your plan?
Lancer: We force him out. That's the only way. If we can expose his Phantasm, my Gae Dearg can break the spell in one strike.
Saber: Can you throw it through Caster's Phantasm from this shore?
Lancer: If I can see it, it's simple.
Saber: Then Rider and I will meet it headlong. How does that sound, King of Conquerors?
Rider: Well enough. My chariot can travel anywhere. But how will you attack it on the river, Saber?
Saber: I have the Lady of the Lake's protection. Water cannot impede me, no matter its depth.
Rider: That is rare indeed! I want you for my army even more.
Saber: You'll pay for that line later...but now, let's deal with Caster.
Rider: Indeed. Then I'll strike first! [cracks the reins]
Waver: WAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
The army starts sending jets down! Saber runs on water! Saber and Rider land some powerful hits on Casterthulu but Waver points out that it's no good; the beast regenerates too fast and Lancer still can't see Caster to get a shot. Tokiomi and Archer arrive, also on a jet Archer was apparently keeping in his treasury what the fuck Archer. Archer barrages Casterthulu with some missiles and almost hits Rider but then decides harpooning giant squids that won't die is boring.
Fortunately, before he can leave, the army jets arrive and promptly become cannon fodder for the squid. Waver watches it eat a jet and grow approximately ten gazillion eyes! The other jet attempts a suicide run but is interrupted by Berserker jumping on top of it and turning it into his Noble Phantasm. Yes, the entire jet with the pilot inside. Berserker and Kariya also give zero shits about the giant squid and choose to engage Archer in an aerial battle with bonus mind-controlled missiles instead. They proceed to do this for the rest of the fight.
At one point the Gordius Wheel actually gets trapped by the tentacles, which start to strangle the oxen; Waver screams for help, Saber cuts them loose, and Rider thanks her. It's not too long after that that the tentacles all freeze in place (which is when Kiritsugu kills Caster's master), and Waver feels a fluctuation of the prana powering the monster -- "It stopped?" -- but then it starts up fighting again, more ferocious than ever.
Rider: Hey, Saber! We're getting nowhere; fall back!
Saber: Don't be ridiculous. We must stop it here.
Rider: We're at a stalemate right now. Fall back. I have an idea!
They return to shore, where Rider explains to Lancer, Iri and Saber: he'll pull the monster out of the world and into his Ionioi Hetairoi, where he'll keep it busy for a while (though not even his armies are going to be able to defeat it) while the rest of them come up with a plan to kill it once and for all. Rider tells Waver to stay behind in order to act as his communication link to the real world.
Waver: Any ideas? He said he'd buy us time, but if we can't come up with something we're back to square one. Einzbern, any thoughts?
Irisviel: Ah--um...! [fumbles out a ringing cellphone] How do you use this?!
Waver: [takes and activates it]
Kiritsugu: Iri?
Waver: No, this is...I mean...
Kiritsugu: Ah, Rider's Master, correct? Good, I need to speak to you too.
Waver: Who is this?
Kiritsugu: It doesn't matter. Caster disappeared because of your Servant, yes?
Waver: Yes, I suppose.
Kiritsugu: Then let me ask you: when Rider dispels his Reality Marble, can he return whatever what was inside to a specific place?
Waver: To a degree. The range would be limited to about a hundred meters, but it should be possible. Rider is able to control where he rematerializes.
Kiritsugu: Good. When the time is right, I'll fire a signal flare. Have him release Caster directly beneath it. Can you do that?
Waver: I can...I think. Probably.
Kiritsugu: One more thing. Give Lancer a message. Tell him Saber's left hand holds an anti-fortress Noble Phantasm. [hangs up]
Waver: Huh? ...
Waver relays the message; Lancer is surprised, Saber angry for a moment, then both are chivalrous at each other and Lancer breaks Gae Buidhe in half despite Saber's protests, healing her left hand. Saber promises to carry their hopes for victory and makes Excalibur actively visible for the first time . . . prompting Berserker to start attacking her with his jet instead of Archer.
There's a ripple in the air that signals the undoing of Rider's Reality Marble; Waver concentrates on summoning a messenger and snags Mithrenes, passing on Kiritsugu's command. Lancer goes after Berserker so he can stop distracting Saber, Rider releases the monster in the right spot, and Waver watches as Saber gathers glittering light and energy from the world into her sword.
Waver: The light...
Irisviel: It shines. That sword is a vision, seen by every soldier scattered on the battlefields of past, present, or future. In their final moments, it is a dream both sad and noble. She carries their will as her pride, rallying them to hold to their loyalty. The undefeated king sings loud and clear the name of the miracle she holds in her hands. Its name is --
Saber: EXCALIBUR!
This memory ends with an extremely pretty, extremely high-budget explosion.
In conclusion, Waver has seen some shit.
MEMORY 22
Waver: Is someone chasing us?
Rider: Oh, so it's Saber. Saves us the trouble of searching for her. By the way, boy, are those contraptions usually so fast?
Waver: She's on a bike? ...no, that's impossible. But with Saber's Riding skill...
Rider: So, that's the game. Well, this is fun; I'll has to respond in kind.
Waver: We're landing?!
Rider: Change of plans! We'll settle our feud with a race.
The chariot touches down; Waver braces himself to not fall out, frightened and exhilarated.
Waver: Fine! Just don't do anything stupid!
Rider: Fear not! Nothing in heaven or on earth can stop me!
I don't even know what to say about this race. Saber uses her powers to literally armor the motorbike into a laserhorseTronbike and make it as fast as the wind yet still able to cut tight sharp corners; Rider uses the spikes on the chariot wheels to gouge entire boulders off the roadside cliff face to fall on Saber; Saber divebombs them on her bike only for Rider to deflect her sword with his own, bike and all; and finally they both stop on a stretch of road. Saber realizes they don't have Irisviel but prepares to attack anyway.
Waver: Hey, Rider...are we really going to charge from here? At this distance? Head on?
Rider: The sword of light she used at the river requires a moment before activation. We'll strike then.
Waver: Why take such a crazy risk?
Rider: Precisely because it is crazy. If she loses after all this, she will be utterly defeated. Perhaps she may be convinced to join my ranks yet.
Waver: You desire that so much?
Rider: On the battlefield, she is like a star sitting upon the world. But only by joining my army will she learn to truly shine.
Gripping Rider's cloak, Waver thinks, with a chill of understanding, He never cared for his enemy's territory or treasure. He wishes to rule their very souls, but without humiliating or destroying them. That's what made him the King of Conquerors.
Waver: [letting the cloak go, folding his arms] All right, Rider. Just win, however you must.
Rider: [puts an arm around his shoulders] Boy, you've finally begun to understand conquest, haven't you?
They grin at each other momentarily, then Rider brandishes his sword, pulling up the reins until the oxen rear. They ride Saber down as she prepares to strike.
Rider: Glory lies beyond the horizon! Let's go! Via Expugnatio!
Saber: Excalibur!
Waver quite possibly passes out from the force of the attacks; when he comes to, he finds himself dangling from Rider's arm. Rider himself is stuck up in a tree. The Gordius Wheel has been utterly destroyed. Saber looks up and marks them.
Rider: Sorry, boy. I screwed up.
Waver: Rider! Ionioi Hetairoi!
Rider: [shakes his head] I'm only willing to expend the chariot on Saber.
Waver: But still...
Saber changes her mind about attacking them further, gets on her bike, and roars off.
Waver: She's gone...
Rider: So that's a motorbike, eh? Marvelous...
Waver: THAT'S what you say after being defeated?!
Rider: ...
Waver: Say, Rider . . . how do we get back to town?
Rider: Well...We'll have to walk.
Waver: I was afraid of that.
The actual walk home is offscreen and takes a few hours, but Rider stays dematerialized. They talk, to keep Waver from passing out on the roadside; not of new things exactly, but without much snapping and with a better understanding of each other. As Waver staggers up the front steps, he hears Glen Mackenzie call from the roof.
Glen: Hey, Waver! What are you looking at? Over here!
Waver: Grandpa? What's going on?
Glen: Never mind that, come on up. I want to talk to you.
Waver: Why must it be on the roof again... Grandpa, can we talk later?
Glen: Come now, boy.
Rider: He likes you.
Waver: That's just because I hypnotized him-- [covers his own mouth]
Rider: Oh, go on! That old fellow seems like he really wants to talk. I'll hang around and keep an eye on things, so relax. No need to be shy.
Waver: It's not about being shy...
Nevertheless, he heads up to join Glen on the roof.
Glen: This here is the best spot to watch the sun rise. Have a seat. I made coffee, so warm yourself up.
Waver: Grandpa, how long have you been up here?
Glen: I woke up early in the morning and you still hadn't come home, so I thought I'd watch the sky and wait for my grandson. We used to stargaze this way all the time when you were little...Do you remember?
Waver: Yeah, I do.
Glen: When Martha and I decided to live in Japan, we built our house here on Miyama Hill, and made sure to include a skylight allowing roof access. So we could sit out here, like we're doing now. That was our old dream, to stargaze on the roof next to our grandchildren. Never thought it would come true, though.
Waver starts as Glen puts a hand on his shoulder.
Glen: Our real grandchildren never once came out here with me. I've always watched the stars all by myself. Waver, you aren't our real grandson, are you?
Waver: ...!
Glen: I'm not sure why Martha and I thought you were for so long. Honestly, you've always been a bit too nice to be one of ours.
Waver: Are you angry?
Glen: Well, I suppose I have the right to be. But lately, I've been seeing Martha smile cheerfully. I never would've imagined it. Honestly, I'm grateful to you two. Besides, I can tell from the look of you that you don't mean us any harm by living here.
He pours Waver -- who is fortunately too tired to flail from confusion and shame -- more coffee.
Glen: Well, how about it? I'd like it if you could stick around a while longer.
Waver: ...I'm sorry. But I can't promise that. There's no guarantee I'll even make it back alive again.
Glen: So the two of you are risking your lives?
Waver: Yes.
Glen: Well, I don't know what could be so important you'd be willing to die for it. But when you've lived as long as I have, and you take a moment to consider your life, you realize that really, nothing out there is worth more than it.
Waver -- who's stood up by now -- glances quickly back at Glen, and then out at the skyline, an odd look on his face. Is that true...?
MEMORY 23
Rider: So, this is the beginning of the end.
Waver: Yeah. So this is it...
Rider materializes his full battle gear, slashing the air with his sword. Power wells up; a bolt of lightning bridges the heavens and Iskander's blade.
Rider: Now, if our battlefield has been decided, I must comport myself so as not to bring shame to the Rider class! Come forth, my faithful steed!
Bucephalus leaps forth from a portal, rearing up with a fierce whinny. Rider swings into her saddle; Waver watches with a strange welter of feelings -- sadness and resolution paramount.
Rider: All right, boy. It will be a rougher ride than the chariot. . .hm? What are you waiting for? Get on.
Waver: [shaking his head] Only the powerful can continue.
He holds up his hand, calling on the power of his Command Seals, one by one.
Waver: My Servant, by the Seal upon my hand, I command you . . . Rider, fight until you achieve victory.
Both of them watch as one-third of the bold red mark vanishes from his skin, leaving only a faint smudge but contributing itself to Rider's power.
Waver: By the Seal upon my hand, I command you . . . Rider, you must win the Holy Grail.
A second mark fades.
Waver: And by the Seal upon my hand, I command you . . . Rider, take the world for your own. I will not tolerate your failure.
The last mark fades.
Waver: There. I'm no longer your Master. [turning away] Get moving. Go wherever you please. You're just . . .
Rider scruffs him by his collar, lifting him into the air.
Waver: Gyahh--
Rider: I shall go in a moment. But after issuing all those long-winded orders, surely you're prepared to watch me carry them out.
Waver: [flailing] Idiot, idiot, idiot! I have no Command Spells left! I quit being a Master! Why would you take me? I...
Rider deposits him on the saddle.
Rider: You may no longer be my Master, but you are certainly my friend.
Waver looks back at him in shock; Rider grins. Waver . . . starts to cry.
Waver: I--I am? You really don't mind a kid like me? You'd let me come with you?
Rider: [amused and fond] After all the battles we've fought together, how can you ask that? Idiot. [slaps him painfully on the back] We've faced every enemy as partners. You are my friend! Stand tall and consider yourself . . . my equal.
Waver: [goes COMPLETELY RED; grabs Rider's cloak to dry his face off with]
Rider: Now then, I'll begin with your first order. Watch closely, and I shall fulfill it!
Bucephalus leaps into the air, galloping on the wind towards the falling lights.
Waver: ...yeah. Go get them. I'll be watching!