The Battle Of Fallen Heroes

Jalter hated her predicament. She was sure she could swiftly handle her other half and her new frail advisor, but she didn't calculate a new player sharing a similar ability to her. It was infuriating!

As their respective weapons clashed, Jalter found herself immersed in the fight. She didn't understand this. She was always quick to handle things without a hassle but enjoyed the sudden thrill. Steel against steel, the metallic sounds filled the air as her flag pole blocked attacks from Malzeno's sword. 

She was so lost in the fight that her previous rage for her other self was a forgone thought, a mere afterimage as she found someone else as equally as cynical and rancorous. The more she attacked, the more she learned. The same could be said for Malzeno. They were learning more and more about each other as they continued to look for opportunities to attack one another.

Malzeno's sturdy sandals dug into the ground in a crescent-shaped fashion as he swung his sword in an arc. The trajectory would undoubtedly slash through Jalter's elbows, but just as he was going to collide fully, his attack was blocked by a long silver spear. The clanging of metal resounded like a gong being viciously beaten. 

.

.

.

Jalter blinked before she groaned to see that Vlad had saved her. "I don't remember asking for your intervention, Berserk-Lancer."

"Sorry, but that attack would've killed you. As far as I'm concerned, I'm disposable," Vlad answered back smoothly, but in a manner Jalter wouldn't scold him for disrespect.

Malzeno took a step back to let the two of them have their dispute, but he was interested in Vlad III. A Hero whose history was a curse, with people believing he was a true Vampire when he was nothing but a man protecting his country. Malzeno could relate, but he was truly what was deemed a "Vampire."

"Hmph. I was enjoying myself. I would expect someone of your nature to stay out of the way," Jalter reprimanded, her dissatisfaction palpable, but the Hero Of Romania remained firm.

"Yes, that is true. But I would like to test myself against an opponent like this. You said this was a Dragon? But he also feels like a Vampire as well."

Malzeno chuckled as he slammed the tip of his sword into the dirt. "You're correct. I'm a bit of both."

"A Draconic Vampire? Fascinating. You seem to be the real deal!" Vlad said excitedly. Carmilla found Vlad's behavior foreign, and a frown marred her face. 

"Tch, it's bad enough. Our skills seem to cancel each other out," Jalter ignored Vlad's enthusiastic voice.

Malzeno rubbed his chin. "Let's make a deal."

"Do I look like I'm up for something like that?" Jalter's eyes narrowed, but Malzeno felt like he was being glared at by a small kitten. It was cute but not dangerous enough to warrant caution.

"I am from another World entirely, and I only represent an individual of my species. Whether I'm the strongest or the weakest, I care not for that, but as I stated before, I want to see if you're truly capable of burning this planet to the ground."

'What're you getting at?"

"It's simple. If you defeat me, I will sit out the rest of the battles, allowing you to do as you please, but in no way will I switch sides, and if I win, you give up the Grail. It's a win-win."

.

.

.

"Tch," Jalter couldn't feel any deceit from Malzeno, his words were honest, and that's what pissed her off. Yet, she couldn't deny that she felt her heart stop when she saw the look on his face when his sword was going to cut straight through her and shatter her Spirit Origin. 

"Should we trust the words of our enemies, Master?" Carmilla voiced her concerns. Her eyes never left Malzeno's figure.

"No, but an enemy wouldn't give such details about their origin. Although it sounds ridiculous, coming from another World entirely is still better than being in the dark," Vlad answered, but Carmilla snorted.

"Your sudden behavior change is disgusting," Carmilla shook her head.

"Stop your petty argument. If you wish to fight, Berserk-Lancer, go for it. I want to fight my other half."

With the tension returning, Malzeno remained unaffected; his arms were crossed, and the air around him changed. It wasn't restrictive or suffocating anymore, but tranquil and serene.

"A spear…I guess I have to respond in kind," Malzeno spoke vaguely as his sword dissolved into small gold particles before a spear appeared in the exact position of the dissolved sword. It seemed to contain the sword's handle, but the top half was shaped like a spear or lance, with the same color pattern as the sword. 

The lance had the calm air of nobility but an imposing aura of a beast. The red gem seemed to glow, turning off and on like a beating heart. 

"You have the right to worry, Lady Carmilla, but you have to respect your elders every now and then. Especially when said elder wishes for a glorious fight."

Smooth words which seemed to tick Carmilla off. His words were…infuriatingly honest, and she felt the drive to argue fly out the window. 

"I appreciate you talking sense into this young lady. She isn't how she used to be," Vlad remarked as he spun his iron impaler between his fingers.

"I have some experience in that department," Malzeno chuckled as he gripped his lance tightly. His body and mind worked as one to teach him to wield it. It was like using his tail, but with more effort. 

"Carmilla…Berserk-Rider and Berserk-Saber, do not intervene. If it seems like I'll fail, then that is how it was supposed to be," Vlad walked forward, as did Malzeno, but they didn't strike each other.

Raising their respective weapons, they allowed them to connect for a moment. It was a noble start to a battle to determine the fate of France, but Malzeno and Vlad cared little for that. The thought of crossing spears against a worthy adversary was fresh on their mind.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

AN: Writing this while down with Covid again, so next chapter will be delayed by a few days. Although this was ready for Friday, I couldn't find the energy to do anything. There may be mistakes here and there but I hope you still enjoyed the chapter. 

I'm not used to writing characters like Vlad at all, but going off his real-life counterpart and the Fate version, I think I did pretty solid. 

Let me know your thoughts! I'll see you all next chapter.