Fate/Extra: Equestria

Week One

With Every Loss, You Gain More Wisdom

Day Two

Alright, after the second hug tackle from the girl behind the counter at the cafe. I was able to get a good amount of Ether Shards to heal Saber when we go to the Arena this evening. Still wish that everypony in this school would stop staring at me like I’m a plague victim, but I’ll push that to the side and focus on the task at hand. Just as I was about to leave Taige’s classroom, I hear an electronic noise. It seems to be coming from the portable terminal I stashed in my pocket. When I remove it, I see some words displayed on the screen.

: :The next combatants will be announced on the second floor bulletin board : :

Combatant announcement…..Oh wait! This must mean who I’m going to battle one-on-one with. Hm, I’ll head over to the second floor bulletin board to find out who I’m fighting. After gathering my notes and my bag that Taige gave me, I made my way outside and headed towards the bulletin near the steps. I was a bit reluctant to look over at the board, but I mustered up the courage to see who I was going to fight in the first round. On that now dreaded white piece of paper posted there, two names have been written. The first name is my own. The other name is-

Master: Shinji Matou
Battlefield: First Chimeric Lunar Sea

“So...you’re my first opponent? I’m surprised that a horse like you managed to qualify.” My ears twitches upon hearing a young but male voice coming from behind me. Looking behind myself, I see a young male student with royal blue hair wearing this school’s uniform walking up next to me. I’m gonna take a shot in the dark and say that this is Shinji Matou.

“But I guess here, all things are possible. Hey, you might even be the most powerful magus here.” He said in a sarcastic tone. “Oh who am I kidding. We’re at different levels even though I’m a human and your a horse. But still, I should congratulate you.”

“Congratulate on what?”

“I guess being a mediocre has its advantages. You get all of these handicaps and whatnot. Keep in mind that this tournament is all about true strength, so don’t get too overconfident. But I do have to say that the guys who’re running this are geniuses. Just look how intense the first round is.” he said as I raised an eyebrow towards him. “Come on, I mean forcing people to give up friendships in order to win? That’s pretty insane. Oh what a cruel mistress fate can be, right? Even me, the strongest Master here, is pained by this.” I’m finding it hard to believe that he’s conflicted by this war. If anything, it looks like he’s enjoying this way too much. After that little outburst, Shinji puts on a plastic smile and pats me on the shoulder. Well, let’s keep things clean, okay? It should be a good fight. After all, you’re a Master, too. When we see each other again, it will be as enemies. Don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re an animal.” Shinji said as he extended a hand towards me.

I was hesitant at first about shaking the human’s hand. But after thinking it over I was about to shake it, only for Shinji to move his hand out of the way. I was taken by surprise by this as I looked up at him as he dawned a smug grin on his face. With a flick from his hair, Shinji simply laughs as he made his way down the hall….I have to fight Shinji and his servant. No matter how many times I repeat myself, the meaning of those words fail to register in my brain. Do I have to kill him, a creature from another race, when I don’t have any clue as to why? This whole situation has fast become a nightmare. If Shinji’s making light of the situation, why do I feel like I’m trapped in Hell…

“Cocky little brat.” Saber said as she appeared right next to me with her helmet on. “How dare he treat you like you’re not a threat and make fun of you. I have half a mind to run my sword through that fucking bastard’s body.” she said before summoning her sword into her hands. I yelped as I stood in between her and her target which was Shinji.

“You know you can’t do that while on school grounds! Do you know how much trouble we can get into if you attack him?”

“...We could always find a place here no one will notice.” She said as I shook my head no, which caused her to sigh and dismissed her sword. “Fine, lord knows I wouldn’t be able to do it anyway what with SE.RA.PH watching everyone and stuff.”
.

[Evening]

I’m still finding it hard to believe that classes are still being held even though there’s a war going on. I mean, I guess it makes sense if you want to learn some things about the human history. And for some reason it’s a bit relaxing to be here, but I think it’s a bad idea for them to have classes during the war. Well it’s not my place to say what’s wrong and what isn’t. Class was over and I have more important things to focus on. Mainly Shinji and what his Servant is. While I was about to be lost in my thoughts, an electronic chiming sound came from my terminal as I pulled it out to see what it has to say.

: :The primary cipher key has been generated: :

Primary cipher key…? What the hay is that supposed to be? I guess it’s suppose to be a key of some kind, but to what I wonder...Maybe I should ask Father Kotomine about this message. He did say that all participants have the right to ask about any of the basic rules of the tournament. Maybe I can find him standing in the hallway like he usually does? Once I gather all of my belongings, I made my way out into the hallway and headed towards the stairs. Once I was there, I soon saw Kotomine making his way upstairs as he dawn on a fatherly smile.

“Ah, the young Master from yesterday. I have a few things to say to you before you head over to the Arena.”

“You mean about the Cipher key thing right? Because I was about to come and find you so I can ask you about that.”

“Then that means the computer registered that your Primary Trigger has been generated. Two Triggers must be retrieved by the end of each week, if you mean to participate in the tournament.”

“Tiggers?”

“A trigger, or cipher key, is a key to the Coliseum and a way to cull weak Masters. All Masters are required to obtain them during the course of the preparation period. Fail to obtain the Triggers in the allotted time, and it will be...game over..as most people put it.” He said which kinda got me worried on the matter of the game over part….I prefer not to think about it. “Don’t look so worried. It’s a simple task to prove you’re ready for the Elimination Battle.”

“That’s...reassuring.” I said as I shook my head to get the thought of losing out of my head. “You said I have to collect two of the keys, what do you mean by that.?”

“The Arena itself will be divided into two floors. And one Trigger, or cipher key, is generated per floor. So obviously, that results in two per match-up. It’s the job of the Master to go and retrieve these cipher keys. For convenience, everyone refers to them as Primary Trigger and Secondary Trigger. You will be notified through your portable computer terminal when a Trigger generates.”

“Thanks, I really need to know what they were before heading off to the Arena.” I said as Kotomine simply nodded.

“One more thing before you go. Combat between Masters is prohibited in the Arena and on campus at all times. If for some reason a fight occurs, the system will shut it down within one minute. As a penalty, the status of any Master caught fighting on campus will be downgraded.” He said before walking past me. “Good luck young Master.”

“Geez, this place and it’s rules are starting to annoy me on so many levels.” My ears twitches upon hearing Saber’s voice as I began to make my way downstairs.

“Well it’s a good thing I didn’t let you go and kill Shinji. Otherwise we both would be in trouble huh?”

“I’m still saying that we can still do it in secret. We just need to find a way to do it without the system knowing it.”

“Saber….”

“Alright, alright. Geez, I was just joking….mostly.” I rolled my eyes to her joke as I made my way down to the first floor of the school. Once I was there, I took notice to Shinji standing there looking off in the distance towards the arena. Well he was until he heard my footsteps and looked over at the steps that I was coming off from.

“Twilight, going to get the Trigger? Well, it sucks to be you. I’m going in right now, too.” A total cretin like you won’t be able to find it, but good luck anyway! Hahaha!” He said laughing while walking to the Arena. It was then that my Servant made herself noticeable as she appears next to me.

“Snot nose little punk. Immature though he may be, we cannot let an insult like that pass. His total lack of respect and maturity is truly disgusting! He needs to be beaten thoroughly.”

“I’m pretty sure doing that wouldn’t help in his case. But fighting him in the Arena can be helpful seeing how we’ll be able to see what his Servant looks like.”

“Then let us be on our way. It’s time to educate that vermin on talking shit about us with the blade of my sword.” She said before disappearing. I’ll be honest, I’m a bit scared about fighting another Master. Especially if this Master is in a league far beyond mine, but I can’t afford to give in to my fears. I’ll see how he fights first before I think of a battle plan. I took in a deep breath to calm myself before putting on a determine expression and making my way to the Arena.

(Arena)

Once I entered into the Arena, Saber appeared right in front of me with her sword at the ready. I’m a bit surprised, normally Saber would appear beside me and say some kind of backhanded comment about myself, but seeing her with a serious expression on her face took me by surprise.

“That aura...Exercise caution Master. That weakling Master and his Servant are somewhere nearby. But like you said pony. This may be a good chance to obtain information. Why don’t we follow them while they’re in the Arena?” Saber asked as I nodded in agreement. “Be sure to take careful observation of both the Master and the Servant. Because you need to know what they are and can do before the end of this week. Otherwise it will be difficult to fight them on the seventh day.” She said before taking the lead and headed through to the first section of the arena from yesterday.

Once we walked toward the second section of the Arena, I saw two figures blocking our path. The one on the right was Shinji, while the on his left was a woman with long magenta colored hair and was wearing….is that a pirate outfit that she’s wearing?

“There they are; that ignoble little punk and his Servant. I’m gonna enjoy ringing that little neck of yours when I get my hands on you!” Saber said as she aimed her sword at Shinji.

“You’re late Twilight. While you were crawling along like the slug you are I obtained the Trigger!” He said as he showed me the Cipher Key while laughing. I was at first impressed by how fast he got his Trigger, but was soon unamused by this due to him showing it off like it’s something to brag about to his friends. “What’s with that look? Your skills are pathetic compared to mine, so don’t be so harsh on yourself! And speaking of you losing, let me introduce my Servant. I’m going to win; it’s not like it matters to me. If you can’t even get your cipher keys, you might as well accept your game over right here and now!”

…..I’m starting to dislike him more and more by the second...Calm down Twilight, I’m sure he must have a nice side to him. He’s possibly just pretending to-

“Seriously, feel free to turn her into a bullet-ridden corpse whenever you feel like it!” Never mind, my compassion for him has gone down the drain real quickly. I soon look over at his Servant who smirked at his order and flicked her hair.

“Okay, but are you sure you’re done gloating? I found myself enjoying your meaningless chatter.” She said before looking at me. “As you can see, when it comes to talking to others, my Master is a total social retard, right? Seeing him actually having a conversation with you, I thought we could settle this peacefully.” Was kinda hoping for that as well. But giving how this conversation is going, that isn’t going to happen if we keep meeting each other like this.

“Where in the hell do you get off analyzing me!? She is my enemy! Will you hurry up and maim her already!?”

“Look at the tough guy! I have to admit I admire the fact that you’re evil enough to give a girl like her a beat down. The darkness of your grubby little soul is impressive, Shinji. Oh yes, I expect a generous reward later!” She said before taking out a pair of pistols, aimed them at me, and fired. I let out a yelp as Saber’s sword blocked the path of her bullets as they were deflected off behind us.

“Your fight is with me Pirate!” Saber said before bolting off towards Shinji’s Servant while deflecting the oncoming bullets that the pirate fired upon her. Once Saber was close, she quickly tried to bring her sword up to try and slash at the Servant’s chest. Though her attempt was blocked as the pirate used her pistols to block the sword and counters with a kick to Saber’s head. I winced at Saber’s head hitting the Arena wall as it left a small crack on it, only to repair itself as she quickly tackles the pirate to the ground and delivers a barrage of punches to her face. I was a bit impressed at Saber’s speed and power behind her punches, but I was even more impressed that the pirate was able to dodge them with little to no effort as she kicks Saber off of herself and counters with a bullet to Saber’s shoulder causing her to stagger backwards.

“Cheap shot, bitch.” Saber said as she cracks her shoulder. I notice the same crimson color lightning coming off from her body as she bolted off once again, only this time it was like a bullet getting shot out from a gun. Before I can register what happened, I heard the sound of metal clashing with each other as Saber was attacking the pirate servant while the Servant was parrying & countering Saber’s blade each time she uses it to try and cut her. Just as Saber surprised the pirate with an uppercut to her chin, the sound of an alarm went off within the Arena as both my Servant and Shinji’s returned to us. Once Saber returned, I soon fell to my knees and began to pant. T-That’s weird, I don’t remember doing anything that required my strength or anything. So why am I this tired?

“Crap...it looks like the SE.RA.PH has its eye on us. Oh well, there’s no need to take her out right now anyway.” He said before looking at me with a smug expression on his face. “You know, I like seeing you grovel in the dirt like trash. Beg hard enough and I might make you my underling. Who knows...I might even share some of the prize money with you.” Shinji laughs to this as he and his servant quickly disappeared from our sight. I Soon felt Saber walk over to me and helped me up to my feet.

“Damn, I really have gotten weak in this place if I couldn’t hold my ground against some of her attacks. That and syphoning some of your magic in order to do that really did make things difficult for you if you’re quickly tired from this.” Well that answers one of my questions on why I felt somewhat drained from the fight….wait I have magic?

“What do you mean you-” Before I could ask her what she meant by that, I was soon cut off by her talking again

“But I think it was worth it. Because it was foolhardy of him to exhibit the extent of his power merely for sport.” She does have a point there. That pirate servant was using a set of pistols so she might be an Archer class servant maybe? I’ll see if Saber might agree with what’s on my mind about it.

“That and if his Servant uses projectile weapons it’s possible that her class might be Archer?” I asked as Saber shrugs.

“Maybe, but Archers usually shoot from a far away distance and try to conceal themselves.”

Matrix Level 1: Obtained!

“Once again, having an egghead as a Master really does pay off. A bit slow in most parts, but as we progress throughout the week you’ll start to get the hang of things about how the Holy Grail War works.”

“....You know I can’t tell if you’re praising me, or just messing with me when you say stuff like that.” Which I’m sure she should realize it by now that I can’t tell the difference between the two...well I can, but with her it’s kinda hard.

“I know, that’s what makes the expression you have on your face priceless to see.” Saber said as she laughed...She reminds me of somepony….but I don’t know who though. “Anyway, enough with the idle chit-chat. Let’s go and get that Cipher Key thing and then head on back to our room so you can recover for tomorrow.” She said before walking forwards into the arena. I simply let out a sigh as I began to follow after Saber, while keeping an eye out for anything that might be useful in our fight with Shinji at the end of the week, or just some enemy programs that might sneak up on us.

Night

Today was finally over once we found our Cipher Key. It wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that I was running out of steam after the fight with Shinji and his Servant. It was a bit risky for us to fight them seeing how we didn’t know how they fight and what not, but I guess in this war we all have to make risky choices in order to win. Once we entered into our Private Room, I quickly rushed over to the bed Saber and I made and collapsed onto its as I groan.

“You really need to work out more if you’re this tired.” Saber said as I looked up at her with a deadpan expression on my face. “But I guess me draining you of your magic didn’t really help with that either.”

“Yeah, about that. You never told me that you Servants could syphon off magic...I didn’t know I had any inside myself.”

“Should’ve told you about that, but I guess it slipped my mind due to thinking you knew about magic seeing how you’re a unicorn...pegasus...pony thing. Sorry about that.” She said before a let out a tired sigh. “But hey, now’s a good time for me to explain it. Or what code casting is.”

“Code Casting?” I guess that’s another term for magic here seeing how we’re kind of in a giant super wishing computer.

“Think of it as a means of supporting your Servant in battle. You can only use them if you have a formal wear gear on.” She said before reaching into my bag and tossing me a scarf with a phoenix like theme pattern on it. Once I touched it, I felt a strange surge of energy coming from it as I quickly moved it away from my hands. “Most Formal Wears is infused with powerful special abilities referred to as Code Casts. Of course, you’ll have to put it on if you want to be able to use magic like that here.” I’ll put it on tomorrow, right now I just want to relax and rest for tonight along with looking over some things on what we gathered from the Arena.

“Saber, on a scale of one to ten. How badly was it when facing Shinji?”

“On a scale of one to ten….zero if I’m being honest. We’ve failed miserably today.” I kinda had a feeling that it was like that. “But don’t let that bring you down. If we could get more information on them, then we could make a plan to where I can make them taste the sharp end of my blade. After all. One cannot be a hero without their name being known. That’s why thanks to Secret of Pedigree, I don’t have to worry about my identity being discovered by other Servants and/or their Masters.” Almost forgot about that. So long as her helmet is covering her face, I don’t have to worry so much about it. But that doesn’t mean I have to lower my guard because of that. Tomorrow will be day three of the preparation period. We’ll have four days left to figure out who Shinji's Servant is and plan out a perfect attack plan for when the seventh day arrives. But for now, I’ll worry about it later. I felt my eyes getting heavy as I let myself drift into slumber.