#The result of reading SCPs and second hand Fate exposure

[lorddoom01]

Chapter 2: Dead men walking

Able walked through the forested mountain, easily retracing his steps. With nothing to kill, he was left alone with his thoughts. Something he hadn't been afforded in some time, as usually he'd be faced by a gauntlet of death the second he exited his tomb. He wasn't sure if he liked that or not. But there was a fight waiting for him, or at least he hoped so. He had no way to tell how long it had been since they lady with the fairy sword had cut him down. He suspected it wasn't too long, it still seemed to be the same season as he woke before and the trees didn't seem to be much taller. Then again, he wasn't much of a tree expert. His-

A tree toppled over as he tried buried that thought, but his anger was already ignited. He hurled the sword he had used to cut the thick tree at a fleeing rabbit, skewering it easily. A black club appeared in his hand and he began to violent smash the tree's remains. His blows echoed far as he pounded the tree into splinters and the rabbit into nothing more than blood stained dirt, but these actions did little to quell his anger. A branch snapped behind him and he whirled around to deliver his wrath upon this interloper. Beside a tree stood a man in red coat and black body armour. His hair the opposite of Able's, short and white. Though what drew Able's attention first was the black and white swords the man was armed with, raised and ready to strike. His hatred faded away and the monstrous scowl on Able's face changed to a grin. He always liked a good fight, and this looked like someone who might give him one.

Archer heard the mysterious man well before spotting him. He thought about just shooting him from afar, but they needed information. He easily snuck up behind his target, this interloper far too distracted by his assault on a downed tree and dead rabbit. He matched the description he had managed to gather, however the man's tattoos seemed to glow to a small extent. He projects the blades Kanshou and Bakuya into his hands and then deliberately steps on a branch as he exits his hiding place. The man spins around, and Archer readies a stance. For a second, he saw the hate and rage in the man's face. It nearly matched that of Hercules. But he was surprised at it melted away instantly into a smile, Archer also noticed the glow of the man's tattoos disappeared as well.

"Stub your toe?" Archer would ask playfully, not dropping his guard. "Just lost my temper," replied Able as he tossed aside his club. It instantly vanished and just as quickly was replaced by a pair of black short swords. Archer frowned internally. His eyes could see the man's hands vanish for a split second and reappear with the blades, but he couldn't see anything that identified what magic was used. He also didn't like how the man didn't take any sort of battle stance, openly inviting him to strike first.

Several seconds pasted as neither moved. Able waiting to see what his opponent could do, Archer neither wanting to strike first or fall into a trap. But he was willing to use the momentary peace to make conversation.

"Who are you?" "Able"

The response was quickly followed by the ring of metal on metal. Able lunged at Archer with his right sword, aimed at the Servant's heart. Archer easily turned way from the strike and deflected Able's other sword, aimed at Archer's side. His right blade caught Able's left and redirected the blade to pass behind him. Archer was now in a very odd position, in between Able's outstretched arms and with a weapon free to stab him with. It was too exposed. Archer jumped away, rather than strike. He narrowly avoided a pair of daggers in his back. Able had swapped his short swords for daggers held in a reverse grip. "Are you crazy?" Archer asked as he retreated. In order to stab him in the back, Able had willingly opened himself to be stabbed by Archer. Able laughed as he swapped the daggers for the short swords again. "I've been told I might be." The left sword disappeared and Able flicked his hand at his opponent. Archer narrowly avoided losing an eye, swatting the thrown shuriken a mere inch from his face with his right blade. However, at the same moment he felt something pierce his stomach. In the moment his own sword had blocked his vision, Able closed the distance and had stabbed Archer with his remaining short sword. Just as quickly, Archer returned in kind with Kanshou in his left hand. But rather than the stomach, he stabbed where the man's heart should be. Both opponents retreated, each taking a weapon of their foe with them. "What is your name?" Able asked as he pulled Kanshou from his chest. Archer grimaced in both pain and frustration. Able didn't seem all that bothered by the hole in his heart. "Archer." He'd grunt out before removing the black blade in his stomach. The blade felt strange in his hand. It was like it was going to dissolve at any second, only his grip on it kept it from disappearing.

"Just Archer?" Able would ask, his tone of respectful clarification. "No," Archer replied as he tried to composed himself. He was happy to see Able was willing to wait for him to reply. He could use that time to heal himself. A panicked voice filled his left ear, which he ignored for now.

"I am Emiya, an Archer Class Servant. What of you, is it just Able?" Archer replied, trying to sound as respectful. Able sighed, "Its a bit of a mouthful." A weak attempt to get out of saying it. Archer remained silent, doing his best to give Able a look of disappointment. All to buy himself more time. Able relented after a few seconds and spoke, "Able El Asem. Son of Adam El Asem. Sword of Adam. Star of the Morning. My name is etched in iron."

Several things went through Archer's mind at once. Firstly, was that phrase at the end. He could feel power in it, some impression of ownership. Secondly, a distinct sense the name had been pronounced wrong. He had no idea why, but it felt incomplete. Lastly, the names Able and Adam were ringing bells in his head. Those were clearly biblical names, but this man was still unknown to him.

"You're right, that is quite the mouthful." Archer would reply. His stomach would was mostly healed now. Able lunged, little need for conversations now. But the instant he had both feet off the ground, Kanshou exploded violently. Able was hurled sideways, minus most of his right arm. He'd slam into a tree with enough force to smash through it. He'd roll to a stop shortly after.

Archer didn't approach, doubting it had actually put his opponent down. "Hey, can't we talk for a bit more?" He'd ask, buying more time. His back up was coming soon. Able quickly got back on his feet, looking like he had enjoyed being blown up. Archer's heart sank as he saw Able look past him, at something behind him. A large black club would appear in Able's remaining hand. "Not exactly sporting, but I'm down for two on one."

Archer spun around, praying it was just some hiker that had come to investigate their fight. Or maybe his back up had arrived faster than he'd been told. But he knew better. Fate had never been that kind to him.

"This is quite interesting," spoke Gilgamesh. The King of Heroes leaned casually against a tree in his gilded armour, his short blonde hair illuminated by a ray of sunshine peaking through the tree tops. Archer was however spared an over blown speech from Gilgamesh. He heard Able lunge once more and Archer narrowly dodging the large club swung down on him. Gilgamesh frowned and stopped leaning against the tree. "Hey-" Gilgamesh was interrupted and forced to dodge as the club had been flung at him. It easily smashed through the side of the tree he'd been leaning on. He'd glare angrily at Able. "You will show me respect, peasant!"

Able responded with a visible roll of the eyes. He glanced around for Archer. He caught a glimpse of his red coat behind a tree. A large black great sword appears in Able's hand. He charges at the tree, aiming to thrust the sword through it. However, he is stopped as something strikes his position from above at great speed. One of Gilgamesh's arrows. The impact threw up a cloud of thick dust.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to see if you'll return a third time." Gilgamesh would say dismissively, stepping back a bit to avoid dust falling on his armour. He had also spotted the red coat, but noticed it still hadn't moved. It was obvious Archer wasn't wearing it. He began looking for where the servant was really hiding. "But you might be able to tell me." Archer silently sat in canopy of the tree he pinned his coat to. "Pull back," he tried to quietly order through the communicator in his ear. Gilgamesh's head snapped towards him.

Archer desperately summoned his bow, conjuring the string first so he could already start drawing it. But it wasn't Gilgamesh finding his hiding spot that caused his haste. It was the large great sword emerging from the dust cloud, hurled at the King of Heroes' neck. Archer fires an arrow just in time. It hits the blade. But rather than tumbling (and presumably slapping Gilgamesh in the face with the broadside), it vanished.

Out of dust charged Able, a bejewelled sabre still empaled in his torso. A black lance held in his remaining arm, aimed for Gilgamesh's heart. Archer loosed another arrow. He really hoped this man didn't have just two lives. Archer was surprised as the man began to turn in response to his arrow, but it was too late. The arrow shot through the man's neck, separating his head from the body. Archer shuddered as he saw the head smile approvingly at him, before it rotted to dust before hitting the ground.

"I appreciate the effort, but I could have handled him." Gilgamesh would say as he turned his attention back to Archer. "If you do wish to help me, please enlighten me as to how both of you have returned." Archer stayed silent. This was a really bad situation.

"Answer me! I'd rather not test both of your resurrective powers."

The sabre that had been in Able began to glow, readied to fire at Gilgamesh's command. The voice in his hear spoke again. Archer sighed defeatedly and slowly slid out of the tree. "Sure, sure. Just let me put my coat back on. The wind is a bit chilly."

Gilgamesh didn't lower his guard, but he refrained from attacking as Archer retrieved his coat. It was now that Archer realized something was odd. The sword he had pinned his coat to the tree with was still there. He hadn't used Bakuya, but instead the black blade he had taken from Able. It hadn't disappeared, and seemed to have transformed. No longer a sword made of a black material, it now seemed to be a sword painted black. The paint itself beginning to crack and peel, a golden glint beginning to shine through. Archer pulled the blade from the tree and tucked it into his belt.

Archer turned his attention back to Gilgamesh, holding his hands up in surrender. "How I'm back is a long story. And I don't think you'll believe half of it. We should look for somewhere comfy to sit while I recall it."

Gilgamesh merely narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "You will tell me here and now."

"Short version then." Archer says with a defeated tone. "I'm from the future."

"The future?" "Yes" "How?"

A voice chimed in Archer's ear. "Well-" Archer suddenly moved to grab the sword tucked into his belt. Gilgamesh frowned as he effortlessly shot the sword at him. Then something slammed into his back, far too focused on Archer to have noticed yet another combatant. Before he could catch a glimpse of what had struck him, he'd be launched violently forward, colliding with his own sword and throwing it off its mark. Archer turned and moved to his right to avoid the air bound king, and watched as Gilgamesh flew between a narrow opening between the trees.

"Ack!"

Archer choked momentarily as his saviour grabbed him by the back of the collar, and yank him off his feet. He was dragged along at high speed in the opposite direction of Gilgamesh's trajectory, though not as clear. Pain shot through his shoulder as he bumped a tree trunk. He wouldn't object for the time being, Medusa was a Rider afterall. They'd probably make more distance with him being dragged behind her.

The Saber and the Second Son

The night sky was clear. The full moon glowed and the stars twinkled in all their glory. However the blonde haired woman who stood in the suburban streets could not enjoy beautiful view, her focus on a more unsettling sight. A figure was walking down the street, she could feel the murderous intent pouring off of him. She could almost smell the blood on his hands. The street lamps illuminated the man. He easily stood a foot taller and stood in stark contrast to Artoria Pendragon. His skin an olive tan to her fair white complexion. Long, thick black hair hung freely from his head. He only wore a rag of fabric, which hung from his shoulder to provide himself some dignity. He was covered head to toe in tattoos, Artoria could see glaring demon faces and recognized symbols and glyphs of truly heretical devotion. His grey eyes met her green ones.

The man stopped a few meters away from Artoria. His hands were dripping with blood. He looked her over and raised an eyebrow in contempt. He was not impressed by her choice of battle attire. A blue puffy dress and not a weapon in sight. Still she stood here in clear challenge of him, so he took a battle stance and harden his expression. In an instance, he closed the gap between them. His speed caught Artoria off guard, but she was still able to avoid the reckless right jab he had aimed at her face. She twisted her body counterclockwise and bent her head back. As she did, she raised her right arm in a diagonal arc. The man jumped back as it passed by the front of his chest, but it was far too late. A long gash appeared on his chest, as if slashed by a sword.

Artoria rotated back to fully face her foe as he retreated, but was shocked by what she saw. Her opponent was merely confused. He'd look at the wound then to her several times. He wasn't in pain. He wasn't even winded. A smile crept across his face as he took another battle stance holding a pitch black short sword in one hand. Artoria eyes widened in shock. She hadn't seen any weapons on him when he arrived, even his tunic was too ratty to hide such a blade. So how was he suddenly armed? She didn't have time to contemplate as he once again launched an attack. He opened again with a lunging strike, aimed at her chest this time though. She parried the blow with her invisible sword, and attempted to slash his chest again. The man, however, backed away in time to avoid the blow. He immediately surged forward again, bringing down his blade on her.

Artoria blocked the blade with her own, though she quickly had to grab it with both hands to stop the force of the man's swing. The man wasn't similarly occupied, he extended his left hand under their locked blades. A pitch black dagger in it. Artoria wasn't able to dodge it. However rather than finding her stomach, it bounced off of a chest plate that had magically formed around Artoria's torso. The man jumps back, well outside either of their blades reach. The dagger he had used was nowhere to be seen. He'd raise his sword and point it at Artoria.

"What is your name, warrior?"

Artoria was startled by the man's voice. His voice carried intelligence and respect. He looked every bit the berserker as Hercules, she would have expected him to be as lacking in conversation.

"Why would I bother telling a murderer like yourself that?" Artoria replied as she exploited the lull in the fight to readjust her own stance to a more aggressive one. The wound she had inflicted didn't seem to be affecting him at all, still open and bleeding. She couldn't let him control the fight with that level of stamina.

"I like to know those who are worth my time." He'd say with a smile. The man would tense to lunge again, but this time Artoria closed the gap first. With both hands she swung to the left, then the right. His black blade sprayed sparks as he blocked both attacks. She'd thrust forward and he dodged to her left. He fell for her faint. She'd pivot to her left, swinging the extended sword at his chest again. The invisible nature of her blade caused him to misjudge the distance and she scored another slash across his chest. Not as deep as the first, but still a serious wound.

Artoria couldn't relish in her success as her assault came to an end. Her opponent swung down at her. She quickly raised her blade to block the black long sword the man was now wielding. Once again a weapon just appeared in the man's hand, while there was no signs of the other blades he had used. The first swing she blocked easily. For the second swing, the man grabbed the black blade with both hands and swung down again and again. An onslaught of overhead blows he delivered upon Artoria, which she was only able to block against. She felt each blow through her whole body, the ground cracking beneath. After a dozen strikes, she was able to counter him. Artoria deflected his blade to her right side. However, the man instantly let go with his right hand. Artoria got a far better look at what magic this man was using.

It was so brief an action she couldn't be sure if she really seen anything. The man's hand seemed to disappear into a hole in the air, then reappear holding a black dagger. It quickly approached her face. She twisted her arms to point the tip of her blade at the man. The man shot backwards as the blast of air slammed into his chest, he flew down the street. Artoria quickly gathered herself. She felt pain from her right arm, she suspected she might have sprained something releasing Invisible Air without properly bracing herself. She felt blood on her left cheek, he had still managed to cut her.

Her opponent landed with little grace, smashing into the side of the car. He was still for a moment, then he peeled himself free of the car. Even at this distance, Artoria could see the glass in his back. And the ecstatic smile on his face as he stood up straight. He then began running full tilt towards, he'd be on her in seconds. She raised Excalibur as she saw the man move his arms in throwing motions. Three of his black blades flew through the air at her. She easily swatted the three daggers out of the air with her own blade. She grimaced as the man had yet again pulled a new blade out of thin air. A pitch black great sword, held at his left side. She prepared to be batter again by the man's strength. He made to swing and she prepared to block the attack. Mid swing, the blade vanished. Artoria couldn't defend herself in time as the man transitioned into a low left hook, swinging under her guard.

She heard the crunch of her armour, felt spikes pierce her side, before she was launched down the street. Unlike her attacker, she was able to land on her feet. She skidded to a stop with the help of Excalibur digging into the pavement. She'd glance at the wound in her side, then up at her foe. A black spiked gauntlet was on his left hand, and a sick grin on his face.

"Are you sure you won't tell me your name?" He would ask as he walked towards her. "No," Artoria replied as she steadied herself. She noted he was breathing heavier now, but barely. She was chipping at his stamina. But he had dug deep into hers. She was burning too much magic. She watched as the great sword reappeared in his hands. Her own sword vanished as she recoated it with Invisible Air. She took a draw sword stance, her blade pointed behind her. The man charged her again. He'd raise his sword over his shoulder and that was her opening. She released Invisible Air again. She rocketed forward, instantly closed the gap between them, and then shooting past him. She stopped a few feet behind him, her blade fully extended in front of her. She heard him give a little laugh. "Excellent form!" he'd say gleefully. Artoria spun around in frustration and panic, she was certain she had cut clean through his torso.

She was shocked to see she had, most of his body was crumpled on the ground. The top half of his chest has held up by his arms, with disturbing ease. He faced her with a manic smile. "What magic binds you still to this realm?!" she'd demand. "None," he'd reply calmly as colour drained from his face. "I do hope I don't take too long coming back for our rematch. This was fun." He suddenly collapsed, dead. Cautiously, Artoria relaxed her stance. Then took a step back as the man's body began rapidly rotting right before her eyes. In mere seconds, he was reduced to dust. Nothing remained of him. She carefully looked around, raising her guard again. After a few moments of nothing happening, she lowered her guard again and dismissed her armour. She had a bad feeling this was the start of something terrible.

Several weeks later, in a dark cave, a tomb sat. It was a large cube, three meters tall, wide, and deep. The thirteen locks upon the single entrance began clicking one by one, as each released. The door swung slowly open. Able El Asem stepped out, his tattooed body reborn. He hoped not too much time had passed, it would be a shame if that woman with that fairy sword had died to someone else. He wanted that pleasure for himself.

[lorddoom01]

The Saber and the Second Son

The night sky was clear. The full moon glowed and the stars twinkled in all their glory. However the blonde haired woman who stood in the suburban streets could not enjoy beautiful view, her focus on a more unsettling sight. A figure was walking down the street, she could feel the murderous intent pouring off of him. She could almost smell the blood on his hands. The street lamps illuminated the man. He easily stood a foot taller and stood in stark contrast to Artoria Pendragon. His skin an olive tan to her fair white complexion. Long, thick black hair hung freely from his head. He only wore a rag of fabric, which hung from his shoulder to provide himself some dignity. He was covered head to toe in tattoos, Artoria could see glaring demon faces and recognized symbols and glyphs of truly heretical devotion. His grey eyes met her green ones.

The man stopped a few meters away from Artoria. His hands were dripping with blood. He looked her over and raised an eyebrow in contempt. He was not impressed by her choice of battle attire. A blue puffy dress and not a weapon in sight. Still she stood here in clear challenge of him, so he took a battle stance and harden his expression. In an instance, he closed the gap between them. His speed caught Artoria off guard, but she was still able to avoid the reckless right jab he had aimed at her face. She twisted her body counterclockwise and bent her head back. As she did, she raised her right arm in a diagonal arc. The man jumped back as it passed by the front of his chest, but it was far too late. A long gash appeared on his chest, as if slashed by a sword.

Artoria rotated back to fully face her foe as he retreated, but was shocked by what she saw. Her opponent was merely confused. He'd look at the wound then to her several times. He wasn't in pain. He wasn't even winded. A smile crept across his face as he took another battle stance holding a pitch black short sword in one hand. Artoria eyes widened in shock. She hadn't seen any weapons on him when he arrived, even his tunic was too ratty to hide such a blade. So how was he suddenly armed? She didn't have time to contemplate as he once again launched an attack. He opened again with a lunging strike, aimed at her chest this time though. She parried the blow with her invisible sword, and attempted to slash his chest again. The man, however, backed away in time to avoid the blow. He immediately surged forward again, bringing down his blade on her.

Artoria blocked the blade with her own, though she quickly had to grab it with both hands to stop the force of the man's swing. The man wasn't similarly occupied, he extended his left hand under their locked blades. A pitch black dagger in it. Artoria wasn't able to dodge it. However rather than finding her stomach, it bounced off of a chest plate that had magically formed around Artoria's torso. The man jumps back, well outside either of their blades reach. The dagger he had used was nowhere to be seen. He'd raise his sword and point it at Artoria.

"What is your name, warrior?"

Artoria was startled by the man's voice. His voice carried intelligence and respect. He looked every bit the berserker as Hercules, she would have expected him to be as lacking in conversation.

"Why would I bother telling a murderer like yourself that?" Artoria replied as she exploited the lull in the fight to readjust her own stance to a more aggressive one. The wound she had inflicted didn't seem to be affecting him at all, still open and bleeding. She couldn't let him control the fight with that level of stamina.

"I like to know those who are worth my time." He'd say with a smile. The man would tense to lunge again, but this time Artoria closed the gap first. With both hands she swung to the left, then the right. His black blade sprayed sparks as he blocked both attacks. She'd thrust forward and he dodged to her left. He fell for her faint. She'd pivot to her left, swinging the extended sword at his chest again. The invisible nature of her blade caused him to misjudge the distance and she scored another slash across his chest. Not as deep as the first, but still a serious wound.

Artoria couldn't relish in her success as her assault came to an end. Her opponent swung down at her. She quickly raised her blade to block the black long sword the man was now wielding. Once again a weapon just appeared in the man's hand, while there was no signs of the other blades he had used. The first swing she blocked easily. For the second swing, the man grabbed the black blade with both hands and swung down again and again. An onslaught of overhead blows he delivered upon Artoria, which she was only able to block against. She felt each blow through her whole body, the ground cracking beneath. After a dozen strikes, she was able to counter him. Artoria deflected his blade to her right side. However, the man instantly let go with his right hand. Artoria got a far better look at what magic this man was using.

It was so brief an action she couldn't be sure if she really seen anything. The man's hand seemed to disappear into a hole in the air, then reappear holding a black dagger. It quickly approached her face. She twisted her arms to point the tip of her blade at the man. The man shot backwards as the blast of air slammed into his chest, he flew down the street. Artoria quickly gathered herself. She felt pain from her right arm, she suspected she might have sprained something releasing Invisible Air without properly bracing herself. She felt blood on her left cheek, he had still managed to cut her.

Her opponent landed with little grace, smashing into the side of the car. He was still for a moment, then he peeled himself free of the car. Even at this distance, Artoria could see the glass in his back. And the ecstatic smile on his face as he stood up straight. He then began running full tilt towards, he'd be on her in seconds. She raised Excalibur as she saw the man move his arms in throwing motions. Three of his black blades flew through the air at her. She easily swatted the three daggers out of the air with her own blade. She grimaced as the man had yet again pulled a new blade out of thin air. A pitch black great sword, held at his left side. She prepared to be batter again by the man's strength. He made to swing and she prepared to block the attack. Mid swing, the blade vanished. Artoria couldn't defend herself in time as the man transitioned into a low left hook, swinging under her guard.

She heard the crunch of her armour, felt spikes pierce her side, before she was launched down the street. Unlike her attacker, she was able to land on her feet. She skidded to a stop with the help of Excalibur digging into the pavement. She'd glance at the wound in her side, then up at her foe. A black spiked gauntlet was on his left hand, and a sick grin on his face.

"Are you sure you won't tell me your name?" He would ask as he walked towards her. "No," Artoria replied as she steadied herself. She noted he was breathing heavier now, but barely. She was chipping at his stamina. But he had dug deep into hers. She was burning too much magic. She watched as the great sword reappeared in his hands. Her own sword vanished as she recoated it with Invisible Air. She took a draw sword stance, her blade pointed behind her. The man charged her again. He'd raise his sword over his shoulder and that was her opening. She released Invisible Air again. She rocketed forward, instantly closed the gap between them, and then shooting past him. She stopped a few feet behind him, her blade fully extended in front of her. She heard him give a little laugh. "Excellent form!" he'd say gleefully. Artoria spun around in frustration and panic, she was certain she had cut clean through his torso.

She was shocked to see she had, most of his body was crumpled on the ground. The top half of his chest has held up by his arms, with disturbing ease. He faced her with a manic smile. "What magic binds you still to this realm?!" she'd demand. "None," he'd reply calmly as colour drained from his face. "I do hope I don't take too long coming back for our rematch. This was fun." He suddenly collapsed, dead. Cautiously, Artoria relaxed her stance. Then took a step back as the man's body began rapidly rotting right before her eyes. In mere seconds, he was reduced to dust. Nothing remained of him. She carefully looked around, raising her guard again. After a few moments of nothing happening, she lowered her guard again and dismissed her armour. She had a bad feeling this was the start of something terrible.

Several weeks later, in a dark cave, a tomb sat. It was a large cube, three meters tall, wide, and deep. The thirteen locks upon the single entrance began clicking one by one, as each released. The door swung slowly open. Able El Asem stepped out, his tattooed body reborn. He hoped not too much time had passed, it would be a shame if that woman with that fairy sword had died to someone else. He wanted that pleasure for himself.