How did this happen? Rather, he should have expected it, but he can still scarcely believe it. The roars and shrieks of wyverns clash against melodious notes behind him. The Caster, Mozart, having stated he'd stay in the back to fend off the dreaded creatures remains true to his words. And in front of him, a scene of awesome skill and terrible abilities unveil themselves with each passing second.

When they had arrived in fifteenth century France, the historical irregularities were blatantly clear, the strangeness of the sky, and the war-torn land in what should have been a time of peace. The appearance of wyverns swooping in to indiscriminately attack villages and towns only showed how the situation had gone from bad to worse. Mashu and Ushiwakamaru had already fought a lion's share defending the first town before she appeared. The sainted girl, Jeanne D'Arc. But even with a Ruler at their side they soon found their combined abilities insufficient to combat the true source of the threat:

An altered Jeanne and her Berserk Servants, hell-bent on vengeance and catastrophe.

They only narrowly escaped thanks to the efforts and appearance of two other masterless Servants, another Rider and Caster. Marie Antoinette and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. And now, in the disheveled square of an out-of-the-way village, they find themselves face to face with the two Berserk Servants once more. Vlad the Impaler and Carmilla the Blood Countess, back for revenge. They haven't even afforded any time to rest, and despite the relatively fresh faces and power Marie and Mozart have brought, he's still unsure if they have a chance against the two empowered enemies. But they have to fight.

"Does it hurt? Do you wish to die?! Not yet...I'll squeeze out every drop of your delicious blood..." The cruel mocking voice of the Berserk Assassin still rings around in his mind, even as he hurries from street to street, protected by Caster's spells.

"We'll take care of this! Go save the villagers!" Ruler's voice had been reassuring enough, but he knows with her weakened parameters and how barely rested Rider and Shielder are they would have a brutally difficult fight ahead. Their only saving grace lies with the Marie Antoinette. The graceful queen of eighteenth century France. But even with her unspent reserves, just looking at Berserk Lancer alone frightened him. He didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay and lend support with whatever spells he's capable of, but...

"...trust in us Master, we'll do our duty as your Servants!" Ushiwakamaru's voice, along with Mashu's firm and convicted nod convinced him elsewise. Those piercing blue eyes, tempered in the furnace of countless battles already, reinforced him enough to leave them. But he couldn't help but take a final look back as he took off with Caster. The last thing he had saw were the four Servants, turning to face their adversaries, and the Japanese warrior unsheathing her katana to lead their charge.

And now he finds himself running, darting street to street and yelling at the top of his lungs in crude accented French. Mozart's spells and musical attacks afford him some degree of cover from the wyverns the two Berserk Servants had brought with them. But even then, there's already been too many close calls with razor sharp talons. Still, he doesn't need to think twice about banging on any doors and urging the occupants to make for the village nobleman's manor. At least there the guards and militia are well-equipped enough to deal with incoming threats, so long as Caster remains with them.

"Fortissimo!" A high-pitched and strong sound wave blasts out from Mozart's conductor's baton, exploding against a diving wyvern's head and causing the creature to shriek and dissipate. "How are we coming along, Master?"

Despite the amount of running they've done so far, the Servant scarcely seems out of breath. Quite a surprise given his string of illnesses and poor health in life. As a Servant it would seem his constitution has been greatly reinforced. Though as he had personally put it when they met, he's merely an "artist with a talent for music". The way another blast of sound knocks another swooping Wyvern out of the sky leaves him doubting, however.

"Huh...hah...well...one moment-!" They finally stop by the gate leading out of the village. By this time, his lungs are burning and he has to lean himself against a barrel to catch his breath. French guards frantically yell at the villagers and refugees to organize themselves for escort to the lord's manor. And even they themselves looked frightened by the occurrence going on within the heart of the village. He can't blame them though, to watch even a Demi-Servant such as Mashu fight would be enough experience with true combat prowess for a lifetime. Another Wyvern shrieks as it's struck from the sky, the shadow of its corpse soon veiling over his eyes as he looks up. He barely has time to blink at the defeated creature plummeting towards him, although the foul monster's body dissipates before impact.

"It should be the last one, Master!" Caster flourishes his conductor's baton as if he had just ended a performance. However, he looks far from pleased. The Servant's eyes are focused on the road leading to the centre of the village. And they both know what's going on there.

"G-great...we'll...I mean...I'll have you escort these men, Caster!" His words come out rather disjointedly, but his thoughts are back in order. If any Wyverns attack again, he's sure the guards would have little in the ways of defending against the creatures without Servant support.

For the sake of all the fleeing refugees, they both understand Caster would have to provide escort.

"Very well then." The musician nods his head once. "But I'll have you know, I'm worried about our party, especially Maria. Those Berserk Servants are nothing if not maliciously powered."

It takes a moment for him to process Mozart's words. But after a second, he recognizes the Servant's request. Ensure the rest of the party's safety. The mere mention of the beautiful queen's name brings up the image of her smile in his mind. Then Mashu's. Then Jeanne's. And then finally...Ushiwakamaru's. It's then that he knows. As their acting Master he'd bring them all back safely. With as much conviction as he can muster, he does his best to give an assuring smile.

"I'm sure they are holding, Caster. I'll rejoin them and provide as much backup as possible! We'll drive them out of this place!" The volume of his voice surprises even himself. Though not so for the male Servant, who returns the smile.

"Then I'll entrust them to you then, Master. I'll do what I can to fulfill my own duties! Godspeed to you!" Immediately, he turns his attentions to the frantic crowd. A display of phantasmal instruments appears with a wave of his baton. "This way ladies and gentlemen! Follow the music, and keep as calm as you can!"

Of course as the large group departs, it leaves just him. Standing there in the middle of an empty village street. Turning around to face the road leading back towards the middle of the village, he suddenly feels very much alone. There, without any Servants to protect him, and without any knowledge of offensive magecraft, he would have to hope no other Wyverns appear. But still, he has his own task. The four female Servants aren't only fighting for his sake, but for the sake of everyone who lives here. Even if the prospect of temporary isolation terrifies him, the fact his two contracted Servants are risking their very existence supresses his fears.

Gritting his teeth and balling his hands into fists, he sprints forward.

Utter devastation beholds him even before he makes it to where the fighting is. Smashed walls, homes crumbled and ruined, wooden stakes sticking out of the ground, and even hints of blood splattered across the area. He sincerely hopes the blood's source isn't what he thinks. The first time they had fought Berserk Servants, it nearly became a do or die situation. And the dying part was more likely than the other. Luckily, Marie Antoinette and Mozart both had the element of surprise during their timely rescue. However, now it seems even with the addition of the two Servants, it wouldn't be enough. And Caster's task is to the defense of the fleeing villagers.

"KYAAAAH!" The sudden scream causes his heart to skip a beat. It's still a distance off, but its volume is clearly high enough to reach him from down the main street. It's not a battlecry, but a scream of terror. Unbeknownst to him, it only causes him to sprint faster. Even as his legs begin to burn and his lungs threaten to jump out of his throat, he presses on. He can feel it, his Servants are in danger. And as their master, he's responsible for them; after all, he already promised Caster their safety.

Tearing through the street with as much speed as he can muster with a full-on sprint, he arrives at the square. The subsequent screeching halt he makes nearly causes him to fall flat on his face. It's not because he's afraid to enter the fray and cast whatever support spells he's capable of. Rather, someone had smashed into the wooden stall beside him upon his arrival. The construct falls to splinters with the force of the impact. He doesn't even have time to breath as he quickly casts his eyes towards the ruined stall. There sprawled in a heap on her back, Ushiwakamaru.

"R-RIDER!" To say his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets is an understatement. Panic overtakes him. Even as the battle rages on in his peripheral vision, he rushes to the fallen Servant's side. She's bloodied and battered, to be sure, but if she's in such a condition, the others are likely just as bad, if not worse. Her flowing raven-black hair is in a bit of a mess, as is her normally unblemished skin. Thin cuts and bruises adorn her body. It seems even her superior agility hasn't been enough to help her avoid damage. On her usually beautiful and framed face is a grimace of pain and effort.

Rushing over to the girl's side, he swiftly presses his palm against her stomach where she had sustained a glaringly painful cut. The warmth of her blood contrasts the coolness of her skin. Still, it's a silken soft sensation, even in her state. Just as soft as Mashu's. But he has more important tasks on hand rather than simply staring and admiring her. With as much focus as he can gather, he concentrates himself to cast a healing spell upon her. It's the most basic of basics, but he's practiced enough to at least reknit the cut skin and internal damage to some degree.

"Hnk...wh-what..." The Servant's lips sputter a few words and her blue eyes crack open. She coughs harshly before inhaling sharply.

The reaction's good, it's enough to allow him a sigh of relief. The injuries she sustained weren't as deep as he thought. He can't fully heal her, but being able to bring her back to consciousness is already a win in his mind.

"Y-you...hah...crashed into this stall...huh...hah...just as I got here, Rider!" It's just then he realizes how hard he's panting again. But he's still able to muster a smile as he watches his Servant gaze up at him and blink rapidly with her blue eyes. Within a second, they sharpen and focus themselves.

"I see..." Nodding her head, the young warrior sits herself up, shaking herself lightly. The wood splinters drop off of her as she slowly gets back to her feet.

"Thank you for tending to my wounds, Master! But we still have a battle to tend to!" Her voice is a bit worn, but the effects of his healing efforts seem to be yielding immediate fruit. The smirk she gives him is fleeting, as is her glance. "The enemy still stands, and we haven't had time to launch an offensive! Please, aid the others, and I'll see what I can do to launch a surprise assault on our adversaries!"

Her charisma takes him off guard. He didn't expect her to be so swift in her recovery and eagerness. But it's the best they've got so far. He nods his head.

"I'll be depending on you then, Rider!" He's sure he imagines it, but for the briefest of seconds he's sure she had a look of surprise and blush upon her face. Or maybe all the running has deprived his head of oxygen and he's hallucinating. Regardless, his Servant nods her head firmly in return.

"Then allow me a moment to gain some distance, my strike is most effective after I've covered some ground."

"Huh? What do you mea-...!?" With one good and solid leap, the agile Servant makes her way up the roof of the building behind them, disappearing. He doesn't even have time to blink, such is her speed. But it's just as well; he has other things to pay attention to.

Turning his head towards the square, he's finally able to survey the field of battle. There, Berserk Lancer is effortlessly batting away Shielder and Ruler's attacks with his spear. And with each parry, he counterattacks brutally with wide sweeps from his weapon, forcing the two to give ground. Even though Mashu and Jeanne's unwavering resolve enables them to defend themselves and relaunch effortful counterattacks, they're fighting a losing battle. The sounds of metal against metal primarily come from his two Servants doing what they can to weather Vlad's monstrous strength. He can see the damage from their uninterrupted battle showing clearly in the damage to their armor and clothes. Crimson trickles of blood paint across the stone tiling of the village square. And it's not Berserk Lancer who's supplying the paint.

The thought returns to him, how did this happen?

"I'll crush you! Then wring out your blood and bathe myself in your youth!" The cold cruel voice sends shivers down his spine, and he turns to see Berserk Assassin's barrage of dark magicks flow out of her iron staff. The dark oozing attack seems almost liquid, but the way it flows wickedly in the air indicates their true nature. The wall of glass and roses which arise to block shatter just as quickly, Marie Antoinette's lovely face marred by the pain of her injuries. Even as she tries to smile in defiance he can already tell she's at her breaking point from Assassin's unrelenting attacks.

"So this how the ladies of Hungary compose themselves? Your form and behaviour is unbecoming of someone who thinks themselves as beautiful!" The French Rider's retort is quickly followed by cascades of light flowing forth from the queen's daintily gloved hands. Her counterattack obliterates the dark magicks aimed at her, cutting a swath past each projectile. The dark spherical oozes splatter on the ground behind the graceful queen, missing their mark. Unfortunately, the Berserk Servant effortlessly avoids the return attack just as easily. And without even so much as moving. Rather she flickers momentarily and reappears to the side, bearing a dreadful surprise. The dark blobs writhe and twist to form themselves into chains before he can even holler his warning.

"WATC-...!" Too late, the dark bindings strike and wrap around Marie's wrists and ankles from behind, immobilizing her.

"Hya! T-these...-!" This time, he knows Rider's unable to break free. Struggle as she might, her lithe limbs are firmly bound by the darkened chains. Truly, at this very moment she's naught but a helpless girl. But he's not; as long as he's able to command his Servants than they should be able to...-

"It matters not what you say, you're nothing but insignificant to me! I only desire your blood, and the blood of the Saint!" Carmilla's depraved smile causes his stomach to twist upon itself and he knows she's being literal in every sense. "Now then, Lancer, stake this foolish young girl!"

There's a loud clang as Berserk Lancer bats Jeanne away from him, knocking her into Mashu with little effort. The two of them hit the stone tiles in a heap, even as Ruler swiftly scrambles to recover right after. Without a second thought, he quickly focuses his attentions to Shielder. He's not use to casting a healing spell in such a quick succession, especially right after he's already healed Ushiwakamaru. But he needs every one of them in the fight if they hope to survive. His body begins to shake with a degree of effort, the mana within him flowing. It's the price he has to pay to entwine two spells. If there's any fortune in the current situation, it would be the change of targets between the two Berserk Servants.

"As you wish then, Assassin." The vampiric Servant grins cruelly, personifying every aspect that would invoke the terrifying image of Count Dracula. Pointing the tip of his spear at Marie's position, his grin grows into a bloodthirsty smile as an overwhelming wave of oozing dark crimson gathers around his weapon. "KAZIKLI BEY!"

The crimson onslaught of blood and stakes springs forth, bursting outwards and towards the bound princess. He doesn't even need to take a second glance to instantly recognize the fear in her eyes as she opens her mouth to scream.

"KYAAAHHH!"

He wants to run over and shield her, but he knows it's impossible. He'd only end up getting himself killed, and nothing from his repertoire of spells would be able to stop a Noble Phantasm.

It's why he made an effort to entwine his emergency haste and first aid spells together in the first place.

"Mashu! Lord Chaldeas!" The words flowing out of his mouth matches the speed at which his kouhai appears in front of her comrade.

"Hai, Senpai!" Despite her roughed up state, the pink-haired Demi-Servant quickly slams down her shield in front of herself and Rider. The gigantic barrier blooms outwards with a beautiful display of holy energy just as Lancer's blackened attack slams into it. The sound of liquid splattering across surfaces echoes through the square, the dark crimson liquid's force nullified by Mashu's ability. Even so, she's throwing herself against the gurgling attack, bracing her diminutive body against the shield. The energies from her channeled ability hold steady, spreading outwards to fully encompass its user and her charge. The darkened chains restraining Marie crack then crumble upon contact with the protective energies. Though free now, the two of them can do little against Berserk Lancer's onslaught. To step outside of the protective field would be a death sentence, what with how the fatal energies flow around it. And worse yet, the offensive capabilities of Vlad's Noble Phantasm seem to be rapidly draining Mashu.

It's then he sees Ruler.

She had taken the opportunity to make a beeline towards Assassin, who had been busy restraining her target up to that point. Though it seems the Berserk Servant's awareness and reflexes are just as inhuman she is. Despite Jeanne's best efforts to strike the sadistic woman with her spear, she misses by the narrowest of margins. Within the moment, Carmilla's already teleported herself behind her mark.

"What a lovely face...how much will you bleed once I tear it off?" Darkened chains erupt from her iron staff, snaring the French girl. "Well then, Dracula, I've captured a wonderfully stupid young peasant girl! This time, we'll be able to partake in her blood I am sure..."

"Say it isn't so. Has our opportunity arrived? And I would have you refer to me by my proper name, Blood Countess." Berserk Lancer's assault on Marie and Mashu finally halts. But by this point, withstanding the attack has taken its toll on Shielder. The pink-haired Demi-Servant collapses to her knees, barely holding herself upright against her own shield. Marie, while slightly better, is quickly subdued as a black bolt of energy smashes against her before she can turn on its source. As she hits the ground, Carmilla returns her attentions to Jeanne with a predatory look.

It's then he feels helpless. Completely and utterly helpless. He's gotten his Servants into a situation where they'd be slaughtered, the difference in power clearly shown here. Even with the additional two Servants who had joined up with them, they still didn't possess enough capabilities. And now he'd see them all pay the-...

"Don't despair!" Jeanne's voice cuts through his thoughts, forcing his gaze towards her. Even as she fights against her restraints her eyes are towards him. Adorning her expressions, an encouraging smile. "Don't ever give into despair, Master! God is with us always! It doesn't matter if-..."

"Shut your mouth peasant girl! What is taking you so long Vlad? As a self-proclaimed gentleman you make a lady wait? Shall I just take the honor and drain her with my Iron Maiden then?" Carmilla hisses with impatience, wrenching her staff close against herself. The bindings around Ruler rustle and tighten in accordance to their master's whims. Sure enough, it forces a grimace of pain upon the saint's face. "Much better now...I think you're prettier when you're in pain. Maybe you'll let me hear you scream before you die? After that...I might help myself to your Master's blood."

He finds himself gritting his teeth, his hands balling into fists. She...Jeanne...is right. He can't give in now, not when they've come this far already. And especially not against the two sadistic Servants. Even if his body is already strained beyond its capacity, he'd go against them. Until his entirety collapses. Despite his quivering limbs, he focuses in on Rider. She's the least incapacitated. If he can heal her and infuse her with enough mana through his spell, she should be able to use her Noble Phantasm and...-

A bolt of blackness flies towards his face at such a speed he barely has time to take cover. The stone wall of the building behind him explodes as the malefic attack crashes into it. He's alive, but only by the smallest of margins. If he hadn't trained his reflexes in the Chaldea Gate, he's sure he'd be dead. But the damage is already done; he isn't able to fully complete his spell on time.

"We can't have you interrupting. Stay right there and don't try anything stupid now..." Berserk Assassin's voice practically purrs with satisfaction. A voice which fills his heart with dread as he's forced to watch the unfolding scene.

"Apologies, Carmilla. Even with Berserk traits, I had to recollect myself. Now then..." The vampiric Lancer slowly raises his lance and aims it towards the restrained Ruler.

"KAZIK-...!"

"Dan-no-ura! Hassotoubi!" The familiar voice rings true in his ears suddenly, echoing throughout the square. And with a silver flash of steel he sees her.

Ushiwakamaru.

Time slows to a screeching halt, her lithe form blitzing past Vlad's body and spear. She's so fast he doesn't even see her swing her sword. Rather, he only sees her landing gracefully a bit away beside her opponent with a low crouch before she straightens her slender legs.

"Li...-?" This time, it's the Berserk Servant who looks surprised as he turns to look at Rider...

...before blood suddenly erupts from his body and spear hand. The lance he's clutching clatters to the ground, his right arm amputated from the elbow down. His right hand still grips his spear, but now without a way to truly use it. Across his stomach is a clean horizontal slice, the wound oozing with blackened blood as the Servant drops to one knee.

"I-impossible!" He sounds outraged, staring at the blood pooling around him.

Calmly, Rider glances back behind herself, a small smirk on her face. "This is it for you." With a fluid flourish of her blade, she flings the blood from her katana onto the stone.

And this is it for the battle as well. Recollecting himself, he swiftly stands up from his cover and focuses on Marie again. He can feel his entire body burning with effort, but his first-aid spell is taking form again. Rider's timely appearance energizes him, even if he might be feeling the effects of this strain later on, he has to give his all right now. And of course, he has to provide at least some praise.

"Great work, Rider!" He finds himself coughing right afterwards, his throat much drier than he had previously thought. But she hears him. Regardless of her wounds, she's still receptive to his words. The way her blue eyes light up to his praise, and how her smirk grows into a joyful smile, both are as rich a reward as their secured victory. Well, soon-to-be-secured victory.

There's still the matter of Assassin, and her dark binding chains restraining Ruler. The very same ones now appearing and creeping up around Rider's le...

"RIDER! WATCH OUT!" He can't scream out his warning fast enough as not only do the chains appear below her, but also a dark and ominous construct.

An Iron Maiden.

Before she's able to even properly process what's suddenly captured her, the torture device snaps shut around her entire body.

"MUST I do EVERYTHING?" Berserk Assassin practically shrieks out her rage. Dark chains snake out of her iron staff, the first one looping around the torture device, locking it tighter as a splash of blood gushes out. "I'll have you pay for this with your blood! Every single drop of it! I'll wring you dry, then tear you to pieces and feed them to your master!"

"Proudly bloom, the dance shall continue! Now then, Guillotine Breaker!" The words reverberate across the square, glass roses blooming across the stone floor.

It's enough to garner Carmilla's attention, causing her to turn towards the general direction of the voice in her anger. "AND SHALL I TORTURE YOU NEX-...?!"

...before she's subsequently run over by a massive glass stallion.

He can only stare in disbelief as the graceful horse tramples the Berserk Servant under its hooves, effortlessly snapping the chains restraining Ruler. The light it gives off seems to be bringing Mashu back to consciousness as well. The burning sensation in his body dissipates in the healing energy, the living transparent construct bounding across the square. Smashing against the Iron Maiden, its controller makes several attempts to force it open just as Jeanne hastily gets back to her feet.

"My flag, protect my comrades! Luminosité Eternelle!" Unfurling her own Noble Phantasm and hoisting it into the air, the Fleur de Lis shines on brilliantly with its soothing light. Immediately, its effects flow around him and he feels his exhaustion washing away. The rays of hope cast down upon the Iron Maiden causes the dark metal to begin to creak then crack. Finally, after another second, it bursts open before disintegrating, releasing its captive.

And even with all the healing energies Marie and Jeanne have given, he can still see the severity of Rider's wounds. Freed from her cruel confines, the badly injured Servant crumples to the ground covered in her own blood.

"RIDER!" He acts on instinct, his voice and legs carrying him over towards her as fast as he can humanly go. She's still breathing.

Barely.

Her wounds are horrific. Despite the combined healing energy from two Noble Phantasms, it seems being trapped in Carmilla's Iron Maiden granted her barely any of the benefits. Puncture marks from the interior of torture device cover her torso and legs. Her blood flows freely against his clothing, dying his white uniform crimson as he wraps his arms around her. Supporting the back of her head with his left hand in an effort to see if she can even sit up, he realizes the futility of his actions. The reality of the situation grips his heart and freezes the liquid in his veins.

"R-Rider...are you...can you hear me? P-please...please don't die..." He holds her closely to his chest. Her usually lively yet sharp blue eyes are closed and expressionless, almost as if she were in a dreamless sleep. He finds himself breathing erratically in panic, his free hand pressing against her the center of her chest. There's scarcely a heartbeat to feel. He can barely focus, but he tries to cast another first aid spell anyways. But that's just it, it's only first aid. For wounds this deep, it wouldn't be nearly enough.

But it provides some relief.

The bare minimum healing which reknits the puncture wounds on the surface. And as he holds her against himself, he hears her cough.

The quietest cough one can give. His eyes can only widen, his heart skipping a beat.

"Rider...please live...please be alive..." He stares down at her beautifully framed face, hoping. Hoping so hard she'd open her eyes and smile at him again. His hand begins to shake from the mana expenditure once more, but he keeps his hand against her steady. It's then he finally sees her eyelids flutter and open. And to his horror, there's none of the usual liveliness in her eyes.

Simply dull blue orbs, staring up at him as her lips move. Yet no words can be heard. It's a false relief, to see her in this state. Her weakened heartbeat is fading despite all his efforts.

"Ushiwakamaru, stay with me now!" He can hear himself cracking. Once again, her lips move, and he can see tears forming at the corners of her dulled eyes.

"O...-onii..." Her voice is nearly silent, devoid of any energy, let alone life.

"I'll save you! I swear..." Even if every ounce of being is telling him he cannot.

"O-...Onii...sama..." He feels the cold brush of her skin against the back of his right hand. Somehow, she had managed to bring up her own right hand to hold onto his. But it's a failing grip, the pressure she applies as if to squeeze him barely registers in his mind. And for her to call out for her brother…

"...p-please...don't...abandon...still useful..." The gathered tears at the corners of her blue eyes roll down her cheeks.

"N-nii...sama...I'll always...serve you...p-please...dont leave...Ushi..waka..." Her hand trembles weakly against his, and he can only find himself holding her closer. Then he realizes it.

He's her brother right now.

"I won't leave you...I'll stay with you until the very end! So please, Ushiwakamaru...don't die, not now!" His entire body is burning now. His desperation drives him beyond his normal limits as he channels his entirety into his healing spell. His words seem to have little effect on her failing body, but they manage to garner the slightest and smile of relief from the Japanese girl.

"Nii-sama...Ushiwaka will...stay with you...until...the end...too..." Her quaking hand gives him another soft squeeze, but this time it's barely there.

"Then stay, stay with me!" He can't let her die. He won't let her die. She saved him, no, she saved all of them. And he would save her. He has to. Even if it would cost him.

Even if her hand is already slipping off.

"...Onii-chan...I...I..."

Even if her smile is fading.

"...I'm...alright...

Even if her eyes close.

"I'm...happy...with...y...-"

Even if she falls back asleep.

He shakes her. He rocks her against him as her warmth fades.

Wake up. Please, wake up.

"USHIWAKAMARU!"

Well then, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Took me a while to figure out just how I would be able to describe Carmilla's Iron Maiden and its functions (especially its OHKO on Female Servants in game). That being said, I'm trying not to utilize the combat triangle of the game within this sorta work because in my opinion, it's pretty bull (see Fate/Zero Rider VS Assassin, you'll get what I mean).

Anyways, that being said. I hope this'll help stave off the anticipation while I work on the next bit. And in case you guys are wondering, "Ushiwaka" and "Ushiwakamaru" are both acceptable names (trust me I r smrt, chk Wiki). At least in my opinion. Now then, because she's dead I can totally work on different Servant.

PS: Just kiddin'.