Chapter 6 - Caster and Lancer

Medea of Colchis had spent the better part of a week watching the movements of her opponents in the Holy Grail War. She had seen the master of Saber and later Assassin, essentially storm into the home of the Master of Rider. When he, Saber, the Master of Rider, and Rider herself leave the mansion it went up in spectacular fashion all contained behind specialized Wizardcraft style runes and wards. As far as anyone around the mansion knew the smoking crater left behind had always exsisted a lasting reminder of World War II. She had to admit the Master of Saber and now Assassin was intellegent and he had conducted the war so far with minimal bloodshed. Her knowledge of who he was, was rather shocking, Harry James Potter-Emiya. His name permeated the Throne of Heroes, as a Caster, Assassin, a Rider, and even a Saber. His biggest claim to fame was defeating Voldemort, saving his world and brand of magic from a blood purest. In other worlds he was simply a modern story book character both from the written word and various modern media. But searching through her memories provided by the Grail she had met him, herself on multiple occasions, even falling for him in some of those worlds. Knowing his life and how he reacted to outside threats, she knew he had some sort of plan one that would alter the history of the Grail War in this version of the world. Pursing her lips reaching out to the Outer Walls of the Temples vast compound she could feel Assassin intently from the trees using her ability to mask her presence somewhat.

It came as a shock to her that Assassin was a child who 'looked' barely like she was entering her eighth or nineth life year. She knew deep down if Atalante had been in this war as Archer she would never be able to strike down Assassin, her one weakness were children and her greatest flaw. Medea sighed slightly, turning her focus back to one of her familiar's who were currently watching the Von Eisenbarn castle. Her greatest hope was that Saber and Berserker would kill each other looked to be foiled. Harry Potter had too much charisma and was surprisingly subtle when he needed to be, What is his end game, who will he approach next, me, Archer, or Lancer? Cloasing her eyes looking into her minds eye at the Greater Grail and the Lesser Grail. One was sitting quietly deep in the cave underneath the very temple she currently sat in. The second was currently hovering in the Von Eisenbarn castle, with a long sigh she went to the seven cards noting Saber and Rider were still missing, Where are they both Saber and Rider are still alive, I've seen them, it's like they don't exsist in the Greater Grail , the only way that could occur is if they were severed... She froze sensing something shift she quickly went back to looking at the two grails and found the smaller one had vanished. "NOT POSSIBLE!?"

XXX (A few minutes earlier...)

Illyavael Von Eisenbarn stood nervously covering her private areas after she stripped down to her birthday suit as Berserker entered wordlessly to set a large pewter cauldron down in middle of her workshop directly above a decent sized firepit. Harry had used the Augmenti charm to begin filling the cauldron with water. Walking over he looked down at her a faint smile on his face as well as a slight blush. "It's time," he stated. She nodded as he gently scooped her up into his arms, she blushed heavily feeling his warm arms wrapped around her bare legs and his hand on her bareback.

"You're doing this to cop a feel," she quipped with dry but nervous sarcasm.

"Two things wrong with that statement, both end with an 'ew'," Harry quipped glancing down at her as he moved up the stairs leading to the lip of the cauldron. "First you are my sister even though your not biologically related to me, second regardless of the fact you're nineteen, you look like your ten and I don't have a lolita complex."

Illya giggled as he gently helped her slide into the surprisingly tepid water in the cauldron. "Will this really work?"

"Positive," Harry stated gently patting her head. "Now just relax and just think of this as a really weird bath. Heck maybe when we're done you'll look your proper age."

Illya glared at him as he stepped down to gather the items he would need. She turned to Berserker who had moved up to take part in his roll of the ritual. She watched as Harry gently opened the urn containing their father's ashes, she watched him wince sadly as he dug through the ashes no doubt looking for a significant piece to use the wasn't totally damaged. His hand came up with what looked like a finger bone.

Arturia slowly ascended to stand next to Heracles prompting both Emiya siblings to look at her in confusion. "I wish to be the one to give my blood freely, Harry."

"Your certain?" Harry asked as he joined them getting a nod.

"I failed to help Irisvael, I feel I need to do this to make amends," Arturia explained.

With a silent nod Harry turned to the cauldron and began the ritual. "Bone of the father, willingly given you will revive your daughter," he moment the bone touched the water it began to froth and bubble a white glow began the eminate from the bottom the cauldron. "Flesh of the Protector to form a new body strong and true," Heracles extended his hand where Harry grabbed the giant's pinky finger and sliced it off using Lily. The giant didn't even grunt in pain as his finger dropped into the bubbling, seething, glowing waters. The moment it was absorbed into the waters it brighten taking on an irradescent glow of whites and silvers, confirming to Harry the ritual was performing just as he suspected. "Blood of the Friend may you breathe life into the body ensuring the revival." Arturia took Lily from Harry and gently raked the blade over the palm of her hand. Closing her hand into a fist squeezing a drop of blood which fell into the cauldron. The moment it dropped and dissolved, the cauldron was engulfed in silvery light and smoke. The trio stepped down from the platform and waited on baited breath as the smoke slowly dissapated. Standing where the cauldron once stood was Illyavael Von Eisenbarn looking like the nineteen year old young woman she was originally suppose to be, the only difference she had a healthy tan all over her body, her pale pink hair was a slightly darker shade, and her red wine eyes took on more burgandy color. She looked down and 'eeped', glaring at her two servants long enough for them spring into action grabbing up clothing they found in the late Irisvael's closet for her daughter to wear.

After she finished dressing noting her brother had his hand over his eyes once the smoke had cleared. To noble for his own good, it's any wonder he's married to the King of Knights. Her sides of her eyes crinkled in mirth as she slowly sauntered up to her step-brother slipped in behind him and whispered huskily into his ear. "Am I so hideous?"

She giggled hearing him sigh, "this is going to be a thing for you isn't it."

"Your my brother I need to keep you on your toes somehow," Illya smirked flipping her hair over her shoulders.

"What's next Harry?" Arturia spoke up earning a frown of annoyance from Illya but turned to stare waiting.

"Caster, Lancer, and Archer," he responded then looked at Illya. "First is Caster, she'll be our biggest real threat. Bazette stated she wants Kotomine for trying to kill her. However he still has Gilgamesh with him." Illya looked at him questionably. "He was Archer in the last grail war, he and Kotomine joined forces late in the that war somehow. Dad doesn't know how but I suspect he was involved in killing Rin and Sakura's father though I have no proof just a theory that makes sense."

"How dangerous can Gilgamesh be?" Illya asked.

"If he ever put everything into his attacks and didn't think everything was beneath him, I say he's practically unbeatable. Thing is he makes Lucius Malfoy look like a saint in comparison, the guy is arrogant on top of boastful, he'll never take anything seriously until last minute. He believes everything not tied down and has a bit gold in it is his," Harry snorted. "Fortunately, myself and Archer are uniquely equipped to deal with Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon."

"But Caster is the current priority, in order to sever the Holy Grail we need to convince her to become her Master's familiar whoever he or she is," Harry sighed. "The problem is Caster is Medea of Colchis, the infamous Witch of Betrayal, just hoping for that title isn't true."

Heracles grunted Harry turned looking up at the mute giant who shook his head, "Berserker said she wasn't a traitor, that she was betrayed by Athena and Jason," Illya stated seeing images over her link with him.

Sighing deeper rubbing the bridge of his nose looking weary, "Of course, well nothing to it now." He closed his eyes focusing on Jackie the moment his mind came in contact with hers he noted her mirth. What is so funny, sweety?

XXX

Jackie watched in growing humor as the cloaked lady, with the pretty blue hair and pointy ears kept pulling out her hair in frustration of some kind. Several of the children from within Jackie found it hilarious, while other looked on in confusion or indifference. The servant Assassin had over a thousand different children within her and as such her personality varied but was always depicted as the picture of innocence. After all what was more dangerous than a child who never knew or was taught morality, the basics in the difference between right and wrong, with only one creed distributed throughout her amalgamation survival at all costs. Jackie's limited mindset currently was on her new parental figures, one her new daddy was warm (magically powerful and able to give her a constant stream of prana and mana to sustain her), two he was going reward her for being a good girl (essentially following her creed as his servant), and finally allowing her to play (giving her this mission to spy on Caster). The last time she had been summoned her last parental figure was a big meany and she killed him, fortunately she had a new parental figure after that but unfortunately she had no real warmth to speak of. So Jackie had to rely on playing to get warmth and eating specialty meals to maintain time however she had warmth, she had love, and she had both a daddy and a mommy even though her new mommy reminded her a lot of the Saber of Red and Ruler from her last war.

What is so funny, sweety? She felt her daddy ask over their link she immediately opened up her vision to him to watch what she was seeing in regards to Caster flipping out. She heard her daddy sigh and giggled, her daddy was so funny. Meet me at the entrance to the shrine down at the bottom of the hill, I'm bringing Uncle Berserker with me. Jackie's eyes glinted in pleasure, more family. Maybe this time she'll get her wish, she can finally have a life filled with warmth and family.

"I'll be waiting daddy," came her reply leaping from the tree where she watched Caster and headed for the bottom of the hill.

XXX

Harry and Berserker moved toward the main hall Arturia quietly followed at the exit to the castle he turned to her, "Not this time Arturia, while I know Illya and her quards can deal with most mundane intrusions, if Lancer, Gilgamesh, or that bloody priest show up they'll need someone to guard them.

"Do not like it, Harry," Arturia stated in protest.

Giving a wane smile reaching up gently caressing her shoulder the Teen-Who-Won. "I know, but I'll be far safer with Berserker and Assassin. Illya is still recovering from her transformation while she's a lot stronger from before she can't fight a Servant if one chooses to show up," he could still feel some apprehension coming from her through their bond. "I'm not as reckless as I was during my first three years at Hogwarts. If the negotiations fall through she still getting severed from the grail just I'll be turning her into a magical core for Jackie instead of turning the Slytherin locket and Heracles into a magical core for her and her master."

"I understand," the former servant watched as he and Berserker left.

Harry set up some last minute wards around the exterior of the castle grounds berfore he apparated to the base of the temple.

XXX

Cu Chulainn watched from his perched not far from the castle his new master had ordered him to gather information about the master Harry Potter. The former Irish hero snorted knowing exactly who Harry Potter was from meeting him countless times on the Throne of Heroes. A war hero, a revoluntary, powerful wizard, surprisingly good swordsman, one of the best broom riders in recent history, but above all else one of the truly noble men on the Throne. It was this nobility and a lot of surprising preplanning that was currently making this arguably the single most bloodless Holy Grail ever. So far the only casualities if one could call it that was Zouken and Shinji, even that was pushing it. Cu also felt the grail weaken slightly after Harry and his servant stormed the Matou mansion. So whatever Potter did to Rider had his current master worried. Now Potter had parlayed to visit Illyavael von Eisenbarn and emerged with Berserker in tow heading for Caster's location, where he felt both Caster and Assassin. It confused him though, why did Potter have two servants, Saber and Assassin.

"Where did Master Potter go?" his master asked.

"Judging by his overpowered magical signature apparating out, he and Berserker are moving to confront Caster and her Master, Master," Cu gritted out the last word.

"So he struck an alliance with his step-sister, hard to imagine," his master surmised. "Was his Saber servant with him?"

"Not sure, but if he struck an alliance with the Eisenbarn she maybe guarding Illyavael," Cu explained.

There was a long pause as Lancer's master mulled over the pros and cons of an assault while the master of Saber was away. "Continue watching Potter the more information we can gather on him the better. What news on Archer and Rider?"

"They apparently have also formed an alliance, but considering their siblings it's kind of a given. Though neither appear to moving forward in the war, if anything it feels like a friendly cold war between Potters camp and the Tohsaka camp," Lancer stated. "I can't really get close to do more I'm a Lancer not an Assassin, which Potter has by the way."

"Two servants and he isn't feeling any drain," another long pause. "I'm missing something, what is Potter's end game," Lancer's master whispered.

XXX

Appearing at the entrance to Ryuudou Temple Harry stared up at the long climb grunting in annoyance just as Jackie astralized in front of him, her eyes alight with mirth and wonderment. "Anything new I should know about, Jackie?"

"Nope, miss Caster settled down after a bit," the Assassin tilted her head slightly. "Um, will I be able to play with her?"

"If things go south likely yes, but I'm hoping it won't," he smiled lightly ruffling her hair. "Few people survive your unique brand of playing, dear," Jackie giggled nodding. "Hide and seek mode again stay along the wall, if things do go south your fully authorized to use your Noble Phantasm."

The little girl nodded eagerly before astralizing again he could feel her reach mid way up the hill in one leap and then reach the edge of the wall surrounding the temple in the second. With a tired sigh Harry began marching up the stairway Berserker quietly walking behind him in his astralization.

Upon reaching the gated summit he spotted Medea of Colchis hovering in the middle of the grounds. "What have you done to the Greater Grail?" she asked firmly.

With a shrug of nonchalance, "I severed Rider from the grail using an obscure rune based ritual that essentially turned Medusa into Sakura Tohsaka's familiar," he paused blushing slightly. "And Saber entered into a Soul Bond marriage relationship with me turning her into my familiar, I think."

"What of the lesser grails?" Medea asked.

"Gone transmuted into magical circuits for Illyavael and Sakura," Harry almost growled that out, the very idea turning two people into living sacrifices for ancient old men struck far to close to home for his taste. "I came under the flag of parlay to give you and...," he blinked as Souichirou Kuzuki emerged from the temple. "Professor Kuzuki," his eyes raised a moment looking between the history teacher for his mundane high school and the Caster servant, "I knew you were into history professor but I didn't think you would bring it home with you."

The stoic former assassin simply raised an eyebrow turning to Medea, "What's going on?"

Medea blushed at Harry's crack, "He came here under parlay, well what do you want?"

"The Holy Grail Wars to end, to do that the Grail has to be severed from this plain of exsistance, in short four to five Servants need to either be turned into familiars or made into straight up mortals. Medusa and Arturia were made familiar's through rituals or a soul bond, I intend to do the same for Assassin and possibly Lancer if he's so inclined once he's freed from his current master. I can do the same to you or I can give you a humunculus body though you'd have to make a major side trip to Greece to obtain a bone fragment from your father, but everything else is present," Harry explained.

"I know this ritual you speak of I take it you've modified it from it's dark origins?" Medea asked dropping to the ground her butterfly like wings vanishing.

"Yes, it's the same ritual I used on my step-sister before coming here, I no desire for the grail and considering its nothing more than a Monkey's paw you shouldn't either," Harry explained. "To give an example you might understand, say you wished for a new life," he paused. "The grail in it's cruelty would snuff out someone you would consider close to, to give you that new life."

He could see both Medea and Kuzuki tense the only indication they looked at each other was from Kuzuki's eyes shifting toward Medea. "You know this how?" Kuzuki spoke up.

"My adopted father saw what his wish would entail if it had been granted, I a single life for ten, ten lives for a hundred, a hundred lives...well you get the idea. He wanted the world to be at peace, problem is with humanity their are only two options," Harry explained.

"Death or enslavement," Medea scowled under her hood.

"When he realized this he had his Saber destroy the grail in the war, the result was the infamous Fuyuki Fire," Harry stated causing Kuzuki to stiffen. "Yeah, the whole reason behind it was because during the Third war three idiots thought it was a good idea to summon the embodiment of All the World's Evil to this plain as a new Servant class: Avenger."

Medea sighed summoning a table plopping it down between her and Harry who had moved to stand just out of reach of her to use Rule Breaker if she so desired. However she also found Harry to remarkably well mannered and if she wasn't already happy with Kuzuki and Harry wasn't in a Soul Bond relationship with Saber, she could easily see herself standing alongside him. "What of this other ritual the one to turn me into Kuzuki's familiar?"

"It's a mutli-directional ward and runestone ritual using me as a conduit and two sacrifices, you and Kuzuki would obtain a magical core and have a familiar link with each other, the sacrifices are," Harry pulled out the locket of Salazar Slytherin still containing the last linger Horcrux of Tom Riddle junior. "This is Voldemort's last horcrux a soul of a powerful warlock and...," he glances up at Heracles. "...a former friend who wishes to help you by giving his life for yours."

Medea looked at both the locket then at her long time former companion her eyes soften a bit. "Herc, your willing to actually do this for me?"

The massive giant walked slowly up to her kneeling down to one knee to look directly into her eyes, using her own brand of Legilimency read her form comrads memories. Pulling away eyes in tears taking a few breaths before turning to Harry. "How long will this take?"

"Less than three minutes," Harry quietly producing twelve runestones standing moving into the middle of the room after Medea vanished the table. Taking deliberate movements placing each stone in four different circles. Pulling out the Cloak of Invisiblity, the Ressurection Stone, and the Elder Wand first placed the locket in the upper right side circle from his position, he waved Heracles to the one to the upper left. He then spun around blushing slightly at the starcrossed couple. "Um, for this you'll need to undress, my apologies."

Medea simply raised an eyebrow before letting loose a smirk. "I can only imagine what Medusa and her master did after they became master and familiar."

"A rather over enthusiastic hug," Harry blush increased slightly.

Kuzuki normal stoic demeanor cracked slightly, "If I recall the myths Medusa was rather well endowed and I know for a fact Miss Matou is no slouch in that department for a fifteen year old young lady."

Harry nodded before his features darkened. "You may not of known this professor but her grandfather used Crest worms upon her and used their side effects to have Shinji rape her repeatedly since she hit puberty."

Medea eyes narrowed. "Then whatever you did may have let them off lightly.

"Let's just say the last things Shinji was feeling before he was transmuted into a magical core weren't pleasent and leave it at that," Harry stated as Kuzuki and Medea finished undressing. "Jackie once this is finished I'm going to be weak for a minutes I suggest you come inside," he spoke aloud a second later Assassin appeared looking worried. "It's time," he whispered as both Medea and Kuzuki moved into there runestone wards and Harry began speaking in gaelic.