Fate/Blackened Sugar

[] Etch some runes on the ground and let gravity be his judge. You're done with this farce.

You looked ahead and etched three runes on the ground before imbuing them with the magical energy you had. Your circuits flared and you watched the runes come to life and distort the air before you.

Scripts etched themselves in the ground and twisted the air there too. At the hands of a more adept Magus such tricks would have been more useful in an array of applications.

But for you, they served their purpose.

The elderly Hitman drove straight for you until he came upon the range of your runes. Gravity turned against him and he lost control of his vehicle, forcing him to abandon it... Only for him to remain seated on it as gravity pulled down beneath him.

You let him pass and he ended up crashing into a parked car and fly towards a window. The bike exploded and you prepared yourself for the next assault. The old man jumped off the broken window he went through and landed on his feet, unfettered by your trick.

You were hoping he would smash into a wall and turn into paste but it seemed that was too much to ask.

"Not bad at all Mr. Derrinsmith. No wonder you were able to evade the agents of you family like that," the Hitman praised as he clapped his hands.

He then loosened his tie and spread his arms.

"But I am a persistent man. You would have to do better," the old man declared as he kicked off the ground and dashed forward.

"Manaka, step back," you warned as you raised your cane.

You reinforced your arm and caught the Hitman's blow. You braced yourself before ducking and swinging your cane at his legs, only to lean back to avoid his jab.

He then stepped in for an upper cut as you swung down your cane at him. The blow sent you sliding back while he clawed the ground as he came to a halt.

You noticed a shining pieces of steel on his gloves as he pressed his hand on the runes you etched. Siphoning the magical energy you used to activate the runes, he disabled their effect and converted it as his own.

"Ah youth, how pleasant," the Hitman chuckled as he raised his fist and smashed it into the ground.

Spikes of rock thundered towards you as you reinforced your legs to dodge out of the way.

"You could do better," Manaka noted behind you. You glanced at her as she gave you a look as if she was assessing you, "Why stick with runes? Do you find them fun?"

The elderly man ahead of you frowned.

"Oh yeah. They're gifts and I'm not one to squander them, you know?" You replied as you slammed your cane into the ground.

"It's similar to watching an eagle neglecting its wings to hunt," Manaka said as she crossed her arms.

The Hitman charged through the spikes of earth and jumped into the air. You met his gaze and held out your cane.

"Gandr," you whispered and a bolt of magical energy fired from your cane.

The Hitman punched through it, "Ehwaz!"

Light filled his vision as you clicked a button on your cane and it extend a small blade upon the head of your cane. You pressed your thumb upon it and drew blood as you let yourself bleed.

The elderly man landed before you as you splattered blood in the air.

"Let this curse be paid with blood. Let order and chaos be put to the Scale," you declared as you watched the droplets halt and expand into crimson smoke, " Scarlet Teardrops( Delusional Fog) ."

Your magic circuits burned hot as the cursed fog flooded the air and rushed towards the enemy Magus.

"Not bad, boy!" He laughed as he clapped his hands with enough force to split the fog apart.

You dashed to the side and evaded his vision as you channelled your magical energy through the fog made from your blood.

"Sowilo," you breathed as you etched a rune from a distance with your cane, the fog acting as fuel and engulfing the elderly man in flames.

The Hitman stepped forward and extinguished the flames with a single punch. Cinders danced around him before his eyes widened and he felt for his chest. A strained look appeared upon his face as he looked at you.

"This is..?" He asked as he coughed out blood.

"The cursed fog I left behind. It won't kill you. Curses aren't meant to kill after all. They exist to punish and inflict suffering upon others," you explained as he fell down his knees, "They hurt, they bring agony, and without the proper respect they turn against their casters. They're meant to warn others... You won't die but you would certainly wish you were dead."

You tapped your cane once on the ground. A black box began hovering beside your head.

Manaka's eyes twinkled as she saw it.

"Runes are fun and all but let me give you a taste of what I'm truly capable of, Old Man," you declared as you tapped the black box, "Now... Let Calamities Dance... Let Loose the Depths of Despair..."

The black box turned and twisted like a rubic cube.

Your circuits responded to your chant as you directed the box towards your foe.

" Black Box of Calamities( Faux Pandora) ," you finished chanting as smoke rushed out of the black box.

However just as the old man was about to be struck, red light shined in front of him. You recognized that light, it was a command spell. The crimson miracle brought forth the figure of Archer in front of the Hitman.

She didn't hesitate in tearing her own arm right off its socket and casting it to the Swarm of Curses. You frowned as the Curses latched upon the flesh and corroded it by encompassing it all at once. Archer bled but she remained unscathed from your attack.

She knew how to counteract Faux Pandora?

"Theodore, it's time to leave," Archer said as she regrew her limb.

"HEY! WE'RE NOT DONE YET, WOMAN!" Berserker roared from nearby as he landed on the street.

Archer grabbed hold of the old man and carried him away, the two of them escaping from the area. Berserker tried to give chase but soon stopped as he lowered his swords.

You eyed Archer's escape route before looking down at the arm she had fed to your curses. She's like a lizard... But you doubted that was what she was. An Immortal from the Orient, capable of regenerating her limbs at impossible speeds.

The upkeep for her must be huge...

A hermit? Or something else..?

You turned to hear clapping echo through the air. You turned to face Manaka as she clapped her hands with that serene smile on her face. She walked up to you and stopped right before you.

"That was fun. You looked really cool back there, Hans," she praised as she stood on the tips of her toes to pat your head.

"I would have appreciated you not spoiling my act," you replied as you grasped her wrist and gently pushed it aside.

Berserker seemed to have calmed down as he walked towards you, "Looks like you fended that guy off. Not a bad job, boy."

"An honor, coming from a Heroic Spirit," you said as you bowed his way.

Manaka then leaned by your side with her hands behind her back, "So... I guess this means our friendship is official?"

"You could say that. My doors are open for the two of you. Maybe I can even introduce you to my Servant," you said as you faced them both, "A pleasure to be working with you two."

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...

And so ended the second night.

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...

You didn't know how you got to bed that night. But the next thing you knew was that you were awake in your safehouse again. You... Vaguely recalled providing Manaka and Berserker a room in your building before you limped your way back to your own room.

Sleep escaped you as you slowly stirred away. You sensed a presence before you shot upwards to see Assassin standing by your door with an apron and tray. She had a pink bandana on her head with her hair tied behind her head.

She blinked in surprise upon meeting your gaze before she spoke, "Good... Good morning, My Lord."

"Assassin... Good morning," you breathed as you calmed down.

She brought the tray by your bed and set it down, "I brought you breakfast. Miss Manaka had helped in preparing this. I hope it is to your liking."

You blinked. Who did what now?

"So you met her already. Right. I was hoping to introduce you properly but I just collapsed. Assassin, should you really be walking around?" You asked her as you glanced at where her wound should be.

"It's been a day, Master. If I'm truly debilitated by such a wound, I wouldn't be a proper Shinobi. I've had worse injuries in my past life," she said before she glanced at you and pushed the tray, "Now please eat."

You looked down at what she made. It was omelette and some rice. There was a smiley face on it.

Well... It was one way of starting your day.

"Miss Manaka wishes to speak with us as soon as you're ready. She will be with Berserker in the living room of the suite," Assassin said as you took a bite.

It tasted... Plain. You blinked and found that odd when just a few days ago her cooking could be classified as a biological weapon. You took another bite and it just tasted plain. Filling but plain. It felt normal.

Chiyome was giving you an expectant look from the side, "How is it?"

[] "Not bad. Could use a little flavor though. But it's definitely filling."
[] "It's an improvement. You're really getting better, aren't you? Thanks, Assassin."
[] "Can't wait for the next dish. Think you can one-up this one? I'm looking forward to it."
[] Write in...

[] "It's an improvement. You're really getting better, aren't you? Thanks, Assassin."

Judging her meal right now, it was certainly better than the last. You wouldn't be putting her down by complimenting her now, would you? Setting down your chopsticks, you washed down your meal with the nearby water.

"It's an improvement. You're really getting better, aren't you? Thanks, Assassin," you told her with an impressed look.

"I have been practicing in my mind. I'm slowly recalling things but I believe that I have yet to truly gain a grasp on it. But your words mean a lot, thank you, Master," Assassin with a gentle smile.

"No problem. Why don't you stay a bit? I can run you up to speed on what happened last night," you offered to which Assassin seemed surprised. She then nodded and stood by your bed as you got to explaining.

It didn't last that long though but you did give her a brief description of the Servant you fought last night. Thinking back, you still didn't know who that Servant could be. Berserker was sort of easy to guess but an Immortal Archer just left you confused.

A Japanese weapon and clothing that was a sea patterned kimono. Those were the most you could get out of her description aside from her immortality. It felt like it was at the tip of your tongue but you couldn't say it out loud.

"An immortal woman. I can't say such a person existed in my time period," Assassin admitted as she grimaced, "But if your words are true then this will be a difficult opponent to defeat."

"Not if you get to her Master first," you said as you finished eating your breakfast.

"That is my purpose after all," Assassin said as she looked down at her hands.

You smiled and placed a hand on her head, "Well, I'll be with you during that time. You won't have to fight her alone, got it, partner?"

"Yes. I understand," Assassin said as her shoulders relaxed.

It was just about time for her to truly shine after all.

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...

You got out of your room before noon rolled around. You took a shower and wore a new dress shirt and pants as you stepped out of your room. You limped towards the living room with your cane and found that it was already occupied.

Manaka was having tea by herself while Berserker looked out the window. Assassin shadowed you by your side before revealing herself as Manaka met your gaze.

"I hope you're enjoying your stay. Are the accomodations to your liking?" You asked as you drew closer to the girl before you.

"It's all fine. I hope you don't mind me using your kitchen. Assassin needed the help so I offered mine," Manaka said as she smiled your way.

Berserker glanced at you and kept his arms crossed. He was still putting quite the distance between himself and his Master... Or whatever was possessing his Master.

"I don't mind. You're free to use my facilities as you please. Still, I was told you had something to discuss with me?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.

You took your seat on the sofa by Manaka's left as she sipped her tea. She set down her cup and smiled your way. It never stopped unsettling you how she looked at you the way a child would at a school pet.

"Tonight, the Grail will announce its presence again. When that happens, the other Servants and Masters will act again. Now it's just a matter of whether you're going to join in or not," Manaka explained as she held her hands together, "It's a requirement to win the war to convince the Grail. With the time it has spent with Caster and her Master, it would no doubt favor them even when you steal it away."

Which would make things difficult if you had to defend it from other Masters. The Grail would have its own thoughts by then and judge others to be more worthy than you are.

Manaka glanced at Assassin by your side and said, "She's hurt and it would take time for her to heal. Would you risk her in the inevitable fight?"

"I am a Servant. No matter my state, it is my duty to fight for my Lord's wish," Assassin said with a firm tone.

"You look like a stiff wind can blow you over. You think you can last?" Berserker questioned Assassin from the side.

You tapped your cane on the ground, letting its dull this echo, catching everyone's attention.

"Thank you, Assassin. Berserker does pose a point. You're far from optimal at the moment but... That's not to say I can't do anything to support her," you said as you glanced at Berserker. You then turned to Manaka, "We'll go. I would assume you would to. I can't let Berserker do the heavy lifting and no doubt that Assassin is tired of staying here. So we will go. What I'm worried of is what happens next."

"You mean defending the Grail?" Manaka hummed as she tilted her head.

"You count your eggs before they hatch? Aren't arrogant, boy?" Berserker noted as he looked your way.

You gave him a smile and said, "With a capable ally and a powerful Servant, why shouldn't I have confidence in our victory? Not unless you doubt yourself and your Master, Berserker?"

This comment made Manaka turn to her Servant, making him scoff and cross his arms.

Manaka for her part began to giggle, "Oh wow. This alliance is more fun than I thought."

"The more the merrier, isn't that the saying?" You agreed with her for the sake of it.

"Still, why are you fighting, Hans? Do you have a wish?" Manaka asked as her eyes twinkled in curiosity.

"Isn't that a bit personal to ask?" You wondered as you tried to deflect her question.

"We're friends after all... So maybe we can share more things about ourselves," Manaka said as she gave you that chilling stare behind her serene smile.

Your Wish.

In all your battles... It remained the same.

You fought Seven Wars, won Six, lost One. The pain of losing your left arm returned but you kept a composed look.

"My wish is simple. I want the core of this Grail," you explained as you met her gaze.

That interested Manaka a bit, "The... Core?"

"Essentially the concept which makes the Holy Grail capable of granting wishes. The Grail we fight for is weak compared to the grand ritual originally conducted in the far East," you explained as you recalled, "It can't even be a fraction of what miracles true Heaven's Feel could achieve but that in itself doesn't matter. While it can perform minor miracles it can't give me what I want."

"Which is?" Manaka asked once more.

"I want to see someone again. Someone I lost. Someone I failed to protect," you told her as you recalled the figure of a girl thrust upon a Grail War, "For that, I need power. Seven Grails, that's what I need. I have six and i only need one more. If I could get my hands on this one, I could conduct a Holy Grail War on par with the dismantled Fuyuki Wars."

Manaka stared at you while Berserker watched your expression. Assassin kept silent as you raised your head.

"I've been fighting for years now. I've killed many to realize my wish. I can't stop now. That's why I fight," you finished as you leaned back on your seat, "People come and fight for different reasons. Some of them beautiful, others simply revolting. My wish wouldn't compare to their grand visions but I'll fight for it. Even if I have to pay an arm and leg for it I would."

In the last war, you came so close to winning. Had you won, you would be fighting in your final war by now.

But that Doll... Even if she tore your arm off and dragged you down to more battles, you couldn't bring yourself to hate her. She had a stronger drive to obtain her wish than you did... Even if it would result in the disappearance of an entire city.

"This person you're trying to see again... Do you love them?" Manaka asked as she leaned forward toxl study your face.

You thought about it...

"Yes," you replied as you met her gaze.

Manaka blinked before her lips curled into a smile, "Then, we're more similar than I thought, Hans. Wishes like that... They're beautiful."

Beautiful, huh?

[] "When you meant the same... Does that mean you have someone you wish to meet too?"
[] "What about you, Miss Manaka? What wish do you have?"
[] "Beautiful... I wouldn't exactly describe it as such. But it's something I'm looking to see through till the end."