FATE\Deus Decipit

Chapter 26: Only a Fool Would Say That

11:25, The Backstreets of Glyfada

Chrysaor stood in a defensive stance between the two Monicas with both of his swords drawn. His feet were wide, his body lowered, his swords pointing slightly to either side in order to guard his Master completely.

She stood directly behind him, her knees slightly buckled with her arms held uselessly but instinctively in front of her chest.

The other Monica stood about thirty paces away from them, her form shifting in the fog almost like a mirage. Monica couldn't help but look 'herself' up and down, comparing their forms. It was exact, like a mirror image, at least in terms of appearance. The mirrored Monica stood in a neutral stance with a plain expression while she, herself, stood defensively with no attempt to hide her fear and concern.

They stood on the sidewalk beside a main road cutting through Glyfada, perhaps the only road with four lanes on either side. The streets were well lit, granting a dreamlike air to the environment as it showered the fog.

She spoke under her breath, as if afraid that the world would collapse on her if she spoke too loud, "What's going on?"

How many times had she asked that question today?

She felt Chrysaor's voice all around her, 'Likely another Servant, or else an illusion cast by one. We don't know if they're hostile yet, so just stay behind me.'

What did he just do with his voice? Was he speaking to her with his mind? She couldn't write off the possibility at this point, and so elected not to question it, not now anyway.

He spoke, aloud this time, his body rising and straightening to speak clearly, "Servant, Saber. The girl behind me is not a participant in the Grail War, and so attacking us will result in immediate disqualification by the overseer. If you wish to talk, we can, and if not, we ask that you retreat peaceably."

The mirrored Monica tilted her head slightly, as if confused.

She felt a knot in her chest as the pressure of the situation weighed on her, but this was also an opportunity, wasn't it? Maybe she worked for the overseer directly. Or maybe she knew where to find him regardless.

She decided to hedge her bets, "Do you know the overseer? Or where to find him?"

Chrysaor turned to her quickly with wide eyes and a pale expression, a mixture of surprise and fear.

She had made a mistake.

The mirrored Monica closed the gap between herself and Chrysaor with swiftness that only he could rival. As she leapt and brought her blade down towards his head, he raised both of his in an "X" and blocked the attack.

As time stood still for those moments, she could see clearly the blade that had appeared within 'her' hands. It was a strange thing, almost teardrop shaped and transparent, as if glass or quartz, with a ripple that moved up and out from the hilt. 'Her' expression was a cold determination, dedication without emotion, slightly furrowed and clearly focused.

She couldn't help but take a step back. It was all so sudden. A mixture of guilt and panic churned her insides as she watched the fight unfold, paralyzed in fear.

But their position wouldn't hold for long, and Chrysaor had advantage in his physical leverage. He crossed the blades in a reverse scissor, sending her small form back and up into the air with physical strength beyond his immediate appearance. As he did, he leaned slightly to his left, and used the leverage to turn and send a forward kick into her stomach-

She winced instinctively, failing to break the association between herself and her mirrored form.

-But the attack didn't connect.