The Search for the Dragon Slayer

Aaron sarcastically mirrored Prelati's sigh, " If your demons aren't evil, but we are definitely heading towards evil creatures, how might they be related then? And once again, I can't stress this enough, the book is made of SKIN and has a BOUND AND NAKED CHILD on the back. Are you really fucking buying this guy's bullshit Gilles?!"

Prelati just laughed whimsically. Gilles looked back uneasily. "He's here to help." He went back to directing troops.

Artoria overheard much of the conversation and was wondering silently if they really needed Prelati among their group. She wasn't about to an attack an ally on the eve of battle, though.

"Okay I'll bite. Can I hold it?" he held his hands out for the book, hoping some of the knowledge he'd gained from Julian could tell him something about the thing.

Prelati smiled, then tucked the spellbook back into his vestments. "Nah."

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours, " he winked, growing a rosebud out of his palm.

He eyed the rosebud with interest, but just smiled and looked away. "Maybe you'll get a chance to see it in action later."

He retracted the rosebud and shrugged, " I'm sure f I was ten I'd be more tempting..."

Prelati's smile wasn't exactly comforting. They weren't walking for much longer when they saw some shapes on the horizon approaching them; a flock of dragons.

Gilles motioned for his soldiers to take up positions. As they set their cannons and loaded their crossbows, a voice called out to them up ahead.

"What's this? So many little piggies have turned out for my concert!"

A girl with a dragon-like tail looked down at them from the top of a tree.

"WOW GROSS." Aaron began to hang back from the man before he was distracted by the enemy ahead. He was 99% certain he did not want to hear this concert. He removed the bracelet to prep Darius, but also kept an eye on Father Badtouch.

His own tome falling open in his hand, Phillipus moved closer to Aaron, voice low. "Remember, this is a Singularity. We can't do anything about the inevitability of de Rais' corruption, no matter how much we wish it so. If Prelati shows himself to be a threat before our goal has been reached and the rayshift takes us back, then we have license to act accordingly."

He looked out to the trees and nodded, jutting his chin out slightly. "I've heard your repertoire before, Countess. Dare I say it was a bit... off-key?"

Bathory puffed up her cheeks and stomped on a branch. "What are you talking about?! I've never seen your face before in my life!" She produced her spear in one hand. "Whatever! If you don't like my singing, then you clearly have no taste!"

Turn 1

Servant Initiative

A: Bathory
B: Mordred, Darius, Siegfried
C: Paracelsus, Artoria
D: Mashu

Bathory jumped down and sped forward, aiming the tip of her spear for Phillipus' face. "Take this!"

Damascus carried out 1 launched of one (CLASH.) :

Phillipus threw up his hand, creating a shimmering Barrier between himself and the young woman. [B RANK]

Darius leapt in front of the barrier, grinning and striking with his axes in a manner meant not only to harm, but pull her inward. He wanted to break her in half with his own two hands.

Kittenboxxing carried out 1 launched of one (CLASH.) :

The lance struck and cracked the barrier, but didn't quite break it. Then as Darius leapt forward, she tried to stay back out of his reach.

Damascus carried out 1 launched of one (CLASH.) :

The axe nicked her shoulder and made her stumble backward.

Elizabeth Bathory
HP: 170/200
MP: 100/100

Immediately afterward, Siegfried came in with his greatsword.

Siegfried v Bathory:
Damascus carried out 2 launched of one (CLASH.) :

,

Though Sieg only grazed her, the magic in his sword flared to life as it caught the scent of her dragon blood.

Elizabeth Bathory
HP: 120/200
MP: 100/100

Turn 1

Servant Initiative

A: Bathory
B: Mordred, Darius, Siegfried
C: Paracelsus, Artoria
D: Mashu

Darting in from behind to pinch her from all sides, Mordred thrust Clarent, sparks of a Mana Burst flying from the blade to the pommel.

fuyumin carried out 1 launched of one (CLASH.) :

Elizabeth Bathory
HP: 20/200
MP: 100/100

Bathory stumbled back, bleeding heavily from several wounds now. "This is... unbelievable! How could you..."

Artoria jumped forward next. "It was foolish of you to think you could take on all of us by yourself."

Bathory snickered at her. "Who says I'm by myself?"

Artoria noticed the arrow coming out of the corner of her eye, speeding for Avalon's chest. She moved as quickly as she could to interpose.

Archer v Artoria (interposing):
Damascus carried out 2 launched of one (CLASH.) :

,

Artoria's invisible sword deflected the arrow at the last second, and Avalon felt the tip of the arrow whiz over her head. Artoria scanned the horizon, but couldn't see the figure that had shot the arrow.

Turn 1

Servant Initiative

A: Bathory
B: Mordred, Darius, Siegfried
C: Berserk Archer, Paracelsus, Artoria
D: Mashu

Phillipus narrowed his eyes, peering around them. After glancing at Bathory to send a pair of gems whizzing towards her, vines of green energy wrapped around his foot as he began chanting. [SENSE OF THE EARTH: Detect Life/Spirit through the earth and flora for <gm allowed> yards]

fuyumin carried out 2 launched of one (CLASH.) :

,

"No, no, no, no!" She ducked under one gem to take the second gem directly to the face.

Elizabeth Bathory
HP: 0/200
MP: 100/100

[[Skill: Battle Continuation]]
Damascus carried out 1 launched of one (Saving throw.) :

[[HOW YOU WANNA DO IT PHILLIPUS]]

"Not this time, brat!!" The gem hit hard between the Lancer's eyes and kept flying, bursting to make a large exit wound right before the Spirit shimmered into oblivion.