Fate/Broken Melody Chapter 4: Assassin vs Berserker

Orpheus PoV


The grocery store was an incredibly foreign idea to me. Greece of course had markets and stalls, but just having everything be so accessible…it was nothing short of a miracle. Even having been informed about this development through the grail was no substitute for seeing it with my own eyes.

These people were truly blessed by the gods.

No, I was underestimating humanity. Of course the blessings of the gods helped, but undeniably this all came at the cost of blood sweat and tears of the previous generations. All working together in order to forge a better future for their children.

A future they wouldn't ever see.

They'd bury and water the seeds, but they'd never know of the shade they had built.

…It was beautiful…if a bit regretful…

And maddening.

The automation of things was a bit scary. Mercilessly and without much thought creating without any emotion behind it. Even with objects that only served to better benefit humanity…I couldn't help but frown.

When something is made it needs to be done by hand. Intentionally, and with thought. A blacksmith may make a ton of swords in order to better equip an army, but each sword had his effort put into it. Each one slightly different from the other.

A perfect carbon copy…such things were unusual. Unsettling, even.

But perhaps I only think like this because I'm not from this era. In which case maybe it's best I keep my thoughts to myself.

Thankfully my feelings had no bearing on food. Livestock have always been bred to be sold and eaten. This was no different. Even if the packaging was all the same.

After getting a rather decent supply of tea bags, I decided it was time to head home. Taking the long way around by going through the nearby forest in order to search for some herbs that may be helpful to Medea. Herbal remedies might not be as strong as actual magecraft but it was still better than nothing.

Besides, it's better to be prepared than not.

Would it have been better to do before grocery shopping and carrying several bags of food on my back? Yes, but in truth I simply hadn't thought that far ahead. Shopping for so much food instead of scavenging and hunting in the wild was still a rather new concept for me.

The forest was quite a nice place. I could tell it was well maintained by the local wildlife. Once again likely due to the lack of need to hunt.

The trees were a good distance apart, perfect for traveling. The only real complaint I had was that it was a bit too hilly for my tastes. Thankfully I had obtained loops in the grocery bags to hook them over my body instead of carrying them with my hands. So there was no risk of them falling out of the bag.

Now that I was even deeper in the forest, I felt a bit…relieved. The smell and feeling of nature having been something I didn't know I had been missing. The hustle and bustle of the city was just that different of a place. Even the occasional webs between the trees felt somewhat calming visually.

Even if it did remind me about a monster or three that-

My thoughts paused for a moment as I encountered a bounded field. Causing me to blink a bit in response. I had been a bit too careless and hadn't really bothered to keep up my guard.

Not that I ever really do so, haha…

Still, after encountering a bounded field, it's quite possible that whoever set it up would take offense to my presence. Then again, just because a bounded field was set up didn't mean that their owner was near…

No, but that was a safe enough guess to make. I mean, it would just be stupid to risk staying further in such a field. Especially since I'm quite terrible at being sneaky.

Right. So I…hmm? Ah, Asclepius Herbs.

…I might not know exactly what they were called, but I do remember them being used on wounds. Ah, but the bounded field…

Hmm, if they haven't responded already, then I was probably fine. Even so, I'd just get these herbs and be on my way. Ripping them by the roots in order to maximize their effectiveness.

Ah. A can of tomato sauce had rolled away from one of my bags. As I stepped down to pick it up, a loud roar echoed throughout the forest. Causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand up.

I froze for a moment in order to quell the feeling I got in my chest, but it only got worse when the very ground I stood on was beset by small tremors. Which served as a rather powerful source of encouragement in order for me to start going the opposite direction.

But whatever was chasing me down was MUCH faster. As it didn't take long for the tremors to worsen, and the sound of trees being trampled to reach my ears.

Despite already making my way out of the place, I doubt they were simply going to just let me go. Eventually I finally caught sight of whatever monster was starting to chase me down.

I paused for a second in my footsteps. Relief flooding my lungs as I breathed in. My fear being assuaged by the quickly approaching figure.

"Oh, it's Heracles."

He looked a bit…different, but I still could memorize that figure and face from just about anywhere. He was THE Heracles after all. The man who had ascended to godhood. The son of Zeus. The slayer of the Hydra of Lerna. Fellow Argonaut.

A friend who I could…definitely…count on?

Ah. Right. Holy Grail war.

Which meant…

"Oh, it's Heracles."

I whispered under my breath as he quickly closed the distance between the two of us with massive lunges.

Uh oh.

I was off like a racing arrow. Even knowing that I wasn't as fast or strong as Heracles. But that didn't mean I was going to make it easier for him to get his hands on me.

My feet hit the ground so hard it fractured the ground, but that was nothing compared to Heracles. With every step his momentum churned up the earth. Causing dirt to be flung this way and that as he moved.

It didn't even impede his progress. It was like the trees and dirt were simply water. No, even water had weight. It was more like simple ribbons of paper harmlessly bouncing off his mass.

And by the gods was he massive.

Thankfully I did at least have something he didn't. Besides, the groceries I mean.

I had the power of music on my side!

Madness overtakes the minds of berserkers. There was no better cure than a song to calm the mind and relax the body. A rhythm to beat in tandem with a heart. A cadence to soothe the ears. A sound to ensnare the mind.

And I knew just the one.

"I've been reading books of old, the legends and the myths~"

Not all songs needed to be created by me. That was the beauty of music. It was something that everyone could touch upon. To be human was to sing. To be human was to be able to play an instrument.

To be human was to love music.

"Achilles and his gold, Heracles and his gifts~"

The guitar on my back was quickly brought to the front. Causing several bags of food to come tumbling to the ground in my haste. Unfortunate, but a necessary sacrifice.

Turning back I noticed my voice already having an effect. Heracles's movements becoming a bit more sluggish…at least until he ripped several trees from the ground with just one hand, and proceeded to launch them in my direction.

Thankfully his senses had been dulled, otherwise I would be having a lot more difficult in dodging flying trees. Most of them went wide, but when they hit the ground the tremor that was felt jarred me slightly.

But it wasn't enough to get me to stop playing.

Heracles started to approach again, but he had obviously been worn down. The maddened look in his eyes slowly fading away for something more recognizable.

Where there had once been a crazy and primal bear of a man on a rampage, there was now someone calmer. A powerful warrior, one with the bearing of something approaching royalty. No, it wasn't very elegant, but it was indeed noble.

It was the proud bearings of a true hero.

Heracles looked at me through normal eyes. The madness within having dissipated. As he had stopped his rampage, I decided to slowly approach. He simply continued to watch with a frown as I did so. Not wavering except to breathe.

Eventually I called out to him.

"Heracles! It's been awhile. Do you remember me? I…wouldn't be too surprised if you didn't actually…"

I winced before rubbing the back of my head. It wasn't as if I was the most gifted of the Argonauts of course. And they had definitely prioritized strength above almost all else.

Even so, I would like to at least believe that I contributed a fair bit to the cause.

Heracles continued to watch me with a frown for several seconds…until finally he closed his eyes. And a a small but unmistakable smile rose to his lips. Causing my heart to swell up in turn.

I mean…it was Heracles. Heracles. It wasn't everyday someone like that was able to remember you. Especially with such a fond looking smile. I was quite moved.

…And inspired enough to write a song about this!

I continued to close the distance between Heracles and me until I stood right in front of him. My hands on my hips as I stared upwards. Honestly it was almost painful how much I had to crane my neck up to stare.

"So, what brings you out around these parts, Heracles?"

He didn't answer. Instead he continued to smile while opening his eyes. A calm gaze still settled deep within them. Eventually however he placed his massive hand on my shoulder. Something that was rather awkward to do as even just a finger was about as wide as my entire shoulder.

So I didn't think much about it when he lightly gripped my right side.

"I assume you're participating in the Holy Grail War, yes? Then do you-"

I paused mid sentence due to my body suddenly being picked up. My mind having stopped functioning in order to process the events that were unfolding.

Heracles rather gently tossed me over his shoulder before slowly turning around and walking back the way he came.

I don't…I wasn't sure…

Oh.

Oh no.

"H-Heracles? I'm flattered, truly. I mean, who wouldn't count themselves lucky to be the partner of the uh, illustrious legend?"

Heracles said nothing. Only continuing to slowly make his way towards some unknown location. Likely to…to…

…Just thinking about it was enough to send shivers down my spine.

"But the t-truth is Heracles I'm uh…I'm not really into other uh…you know….men."

I revealed, yet he still did not respond. He just continued to step along as if I hadn't said anything.

I was more horrified than ever.

There was only one person who could save me now.

"Medea! MEDEA!"

I telepathically used my connection to my master in order to speak. After a few seconds of silence, she responded.

"…Yes?"

"We have a problem! A big problem!"

"What's the situation?"

Immediately Medea's tone fell into something that was much more serious. As expected, if there was someone I could rely on, it was Medea. Yes, that's right. She would be able to think of something.

"It's my ass, Medea! I believe my anal virginity is at stake."

"…"

I felt some sort of pop in the telepathic bond that…that…wait, did she just block me!? What!? Why!? This was serious! As serious as serious got!

OH GODS PLEASE!

Anything but this!



*~o~*

…The walk was much longer than I had thought it'd be. Made only more awkward by the slow but steady progress Heracles was making with every step.

So I attempted to liven up the atmosphere by trying to strike up a conversation with Heracles. To no success. He was still as silent as ever.

How odd. Perhaps something about being summoned as a Berserker took away his ability to speak coherently? If it was the madness enhancement though, it should have been almost completely nullified, or at least substantially dropped several ranks.

…Temporarily of course. I was good, but I wasn't capable of just completely erasing another servants skills. Though that would be quite the interesting trick!

As attempting to conversate wasn't going well, I instead started to sing songs. Which was with a bit of difficulty due to my posture being flung over Heracles's shoulder. Still, I made it work.

I wasn't one of the greatest musicians of all time for nothing.

I wasn't too sure if my songs were as enjoyable for Heracles as they were for me, but if I had to guess I think they were. Probably. Hopefully?

The truth of the matter was I kind of…forgot my situation a few minutes into my singing. Indulging myself wholeheartedly into music and in simply having fun.

About half an hour later I was struck from my stupor by Heracles finally crossing into a large castle like area. Causing me to pause and admire the surroundings. Whoever owned this place seemed to care a great deal about their garden. It was very orderly and neat…almost to a absurd degree.

Sterile. That's the word that comes to mind when I examine it. Safe, beautiful, but only because it has never touched anything from the outside.

Which in turn makes it incredibly fragile.

It was a bit sad, now that I think about it. Hmm…perhaps I should dedicate a song to it?

As I pondered on whether to create a song around the garden, or to sing one of the new age songs I've heard so often, Heracles finally took me off his shoulder. Now that I was facing forward, I could see a rather ornate looking table and chairs on some sort of patio like place.

Heracles placed me onto one of the chairs rather roughly, bruising my backside slightly. Then he simply…started to walk away and into the nearby castle.

…Well, I guess we were technically already inside the castle. Hmm.

Several minutes had passed, and Heracles still hadn't come back. Eventually out of boredom I took out the lyre out of my pocket and decided to string it a bit. Making sure everything was clean and just right for later.

Oh what the heck?

I might as well play a few tunes no-

My arms were quickly restricted against the chair, causing me to blink a bit. The lyre immediately fell out of my hands but I was quick enough with my legs in order to catch it between them.

Upon further inspection of my arms, it seems they have been bound with some sort of wire like object. Interesting. I wonder if they could work as replacement strings?

Looking back towards where Heracles had disappeared off to, I was now greeted with his return. As well as a much smaller girl right next to him. She had long white hair and red eyes. Her skin looked rather pale and she wore a rather foreign looking hat on top of her head.

"Hmm? Who are you, mister?"

I watched as she slowly made her way over to the table before climbing up rather humorously onto the side of chair to sit in it. Obviously I was polite enough to not remark on the event and she continued on as if that hadn't happened in the first place.

…No, it went deeper than that. It was almost as if she wasn't even aware of how that could even have looked.

How interesting.

"Would you believe me if I said I was a friend?"

I asked, slightly moving my arms so they'd be in a bit more comfortable position. Now that I was a bit closer to the girl, i could see that she was just slightly...familiar?

Maybe I was imagining it.

The girl seemed to squint her eyes before tilting her head. Her gaze seeming to almost run through me before looking down at my hands. Humming a bit before starting to kick her legs out.

"Hmm? A friend? And what does a friend who won't even give out his name want?"

Ah, hmm. Well, she definitely had me there. I couldn't exactly give out my name without outing myself as a servant. Something she seemed to be currently unaware of.

I now found myself a bit thankful that Heracles seemed to have lost the ability to talk. Otherwise I'd be in a bit of a difficult situation.

…Not that I already wasn't in one.

"Ah, that. Well, nothing really. I was just picking some herbs in the forest-"

"The forest that the Einzberns own, you mean?"

The small girl stated calmly with a smile going across her face. One that did not seem to reach her eyes. Ah, I see. 'Einzbern' must be her family.

"My apologizes, I hadn't realized that you had owned it. I would be very grateful if you'd allow-"

"-You're not a very good magus, are you?"

I blinked in surprise as the girl continued to watch me closely. A smile that didn't seem to budge still on her lips. Her hands slowly crossed with each other before she put her chin gently on top.

"What makes you say that?"

I asked, leading to the girl to close her eyes.

"Any magus with even the most basic of knowledge would know that anything within a bounded field is likely owned by another. It is also common knowledge where the three big families of Fuyuki are situated. Something that you don't seem to be aware of."

After speaking she opened her eyes. This time staring squarely into my own as if to peer into my very soul. It was quite refreshing, to be honest.

"So I have to ask again…who are you, mister?"

A strange wave of mana washed over me. Further helping to punctuate her words. Hmm? Ah, I see. She was attempting to use a spell in order to dull my senses and get me to tell the truth.

Well wasn't that a bit rude? Even if it had no chance of working, it was still rather discourteous. Though I couldn't deny that I had been the one to be rude first, with not disclosing my name.

Very well. Medea would probably not be a fan of this, but she'll probably be a bit understandable when I explain that Heracles was RIGHT THERE.

After thinking for a few seconds, I decided to finally respond.

"Forgive me for my lack of manners. My name is Orpheus. A friend of Heracles, and hopefully, a future friend of yours as well miss…?"

The girl's eyes widened at my admission before staring hard at me. The smirk on her face having been wiped away in an instant. After a few seconds she glanced over at Heracles while bridging her fingers over her nose.

It was rather cute in a way.

"…That would explain why Heracles didn't immediately kill you…and yet I can not feel your presence as a servant. Even with you standing right in front of me. Which means you're either hiding yourself with a spell, it's some sort of presence concealment, or…"

She paused, a smile starting to grow slowly but surely on her face. Her eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. I found myself curious enough to push the question.

"Or?"

That seemed to be just what she was waiting for as her smirk widened. She brought a hand up as if to attempt to cover up her amusement.

"Or you're just really weak."

I physically recoiled at that. It was the truth of course, but it still rather hurt just being pointed out like that. Honestly, compared to Heracles there wasn't a man on earth who wouldn't seem lesser.

…Well, even without taking Heracles into account, I was still rather weak compared to other heroes. Even in my own time.

Ah well, it was never really about slaying monsters or any sort of feeling of justice for me. The only thing that I really wanted…was to just have fun.

"Hahahaha! Your expression is priceless!"

…While I like entertaining others, this isn't quite what I had in mind. It took the girl awhile to finally be able to somewhat stimmy her laughter. Though amusement was still written across her face, not that she made an attempt to hide it.

"There's no need to pout, mister."

…I was not pouting.

Eventually the girl cleared her throat a bit before extending her hand across the table. The table was rather decently sized so she barely covered even a fourth of it. Which meant I was forced to stretch my own arm across the table to an uncomfortable extent.

"Illyasviel von Einzbern."

Ah, right. People in this day and age had two names. Sometimes even a third. It was a bit too complicated for my liking.

"Nice to meet you, Illya."

I decided to simply shorten her name before responding. Namely due to being rather unsure of whether or not I could pronounce her full name correctly.

And I was quite certain if I did fail she'd laugh at me again. That or ask Heracles to end my life.

Her face brightened up at that before nodding along while moving her hand. It was a rather small delicate thing. One that seemed to lack power behind it.

Ah yes. I can see why Heracles would respond to her summons.

"Likewise. As a reward for not only being honest, but also being a friend of Berserker's, I'll make sure you're the last to die."

My eyebrow twitched.

"Ah…how…kind of you…"



*~o~*

Illyasviel von Einzbern PoV


Grandfather told me about the people of the land once. How different they looked, how strange their values were. But it was mostly within the context of the Holy Grail War.

The primary take away was that they weren't us. A pretty obvious deduction that didn't really need to be pointed out, yet pointed out it was. For what reason I couldn't even imagine.

The Einzberns were the Einzberns.

Everyone outside might as well be an enemy. Some enemies could be reasoned with or negotiated, but when push comes to shove, they will try to kill us. There is always an incentive to try to end my life and bring the downfall of the Einzberns.

It was simply profitable.

Berserker was the greatest hero who has ever lived, and was the greatest possible servant to summon. There was no enemy he couldn't beat. No task that was too tall for him to surmount.

If he was around, I was safe.

Which is why I felt no fear from the foolishly honest servant across from me. Giving away his true name like it was no big deal. Well, giving Berserker's true name was no big deal, but for the complete opposite reason. Instead of being so strong it wouldn't matter, he seemed to be so weak that even if he shared his name there was no meaning behind using it to gain an advantage.

Why bring a hammer to kill a bug when a fly swatter works just as well?

It just wasn't necessary.

Then there was Berserker's strange behavior after arriving back at the castle. He has always been gentle, but he had seemed somewhat more…tranquil. There was a strange moment in walking towards the courtyard where I thought Berserker was going to actually say something.

It was quite odd.

Yet not only did he not kill the enemy servant, he allowed him to get rather close to me. This could only mean that even at a distance Berserker was fully capable of stopping and destroying him in an instant.

Something the servant readily admits to, with some embarrassment. I'd have felt bad for his master if it wasn't for the fact that there was simply no servant in the world they could summon that even had a chance of beating Berserker.

There was no doubt in my mind that if I ordered Berserker to kill him, he'd do it in a heartbeat. The only reason he hasn't already must be because he not only doesn't see him as a threat, but is also rather amused by him.

In which case, it would be rather rude to Berserker to get rid of his entertainment like that. Besides, even with just one conversation I could see why he'd be so amused.

His reactions were quite comical.

"I don't believe I've ever heard of Heracles ever being anywhere close to you, Orpheus."

He blinked for a second before smiling. Fond memories obviously surfacing to the top as he started to excitedly speak.

"Oh, yes. We were both Argonauts. Helping Jason get the golden fleece."

I hummed at that before tapping my fingers on the table.

"Oh, right. There was a footnote about that in Heracles's legend, wasn't there?"

He was abashed at my words. His cheeks becoming slightly rosy as his eyes failed to meet my own. Instead choosing to mumble under his breath.

"…Footnote?…Well…I guess compared to the Twelve Labors…"

My own eyes narrowed in amusement as he awkwardly fidgeted. Finding himself uncomfortable and unable to really refute my words.

He was almost like Leysr-no, no, that was too far.

He was much more like…a toy. Something to simply play with.

There was only one thing I found almost off-putting about him. I've walked into Fuyuki several times now. I've seen the people that walk around, the clothes they wear, their strange looking hair, and even the color of their skin.

And yet…

This man…Orpheus…he is the only other person in all of Fuyuki that looks different.

He was the only one that didn't look like they belong to the outside world, but rather…

…he seemed almost like an homunculus himself.