Fate/Blackened Sugar

[] "Will there be a third? Maybe I won't be as awkward then."

You held your lips and replied, "Will there be a third? Maybe I won't be as awkward then."

"Indulging you will only make you fond of it," Assassin said as she placed a finger on your lips, "Hope this has cleared your eyes a bit."

"Oh believe me, I'm well aware. You can stop looking at me weird every time," you replied with a sigh, "Still, is this a Kunoichi thing?"

"You'll know when I use my skills from that trade," Chiyome giggled before meeting your gaze, "Thank you. My heart feels lighter now."

"And this won't get in the way of winning the war?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Of course not. But I'm going to have fun while we go through it now," Assassin said as her eyes had a playful glint in them.

You gave her a look before speaking, "Still, even if this is how you feel, you know it won't last."

"But I can at least be happy till we part ways, don't you think? The future is nice and all but what matters to me is the present," Assassin said as she held your hand and placed it on her cheek, "My everything for your victory, My Lord."

You took your hand and instead rubbed her head, "How mature. Well then, let's make the most of this War while we can."

For the first time in awhile, you truly felt at peace.

.....
....
...

Breakfast came in the morning with Assassin cooking it. Miyu seemed chipper than the night before and Ayumi was eating more. Sakura was able to sit on the table alongside all of you but Lancer had decided to stay as far away as possible while glaring a hole at the back of your neck.

Someone sure wasn't happy with Assassin waking up.

"How's the food?" You asked Miyu with a raised eyebrow.

"Satisfactory," Miyu nodded as she took another bite.

Sakura smiled and said, "I could use some pointers if you don't mind, Assassin."

"It's nothing. Truly," Assassin said with an embarassed look while looking aside.

"It's not bad at all. It reminds me of home," Ayumi said as she used her chopsticks, "It's great."

Assassin glanced at you while you simply smiled her way. You then decided to take off their attention off her now that they were eating. You had to admit, Assassin's cooking had grown superb on a short amount of time.

It was almost like some manner of magecraft itself.

"I do have something to say," you began as you set down your utensil. You glanced at the others and said, "We'll be going out as soon as we can to retrieve Luvia."

Sakura tensed at that before frowning, "On your own?"

"We don't have time. While I trust that Luvia isn't someone to die easily, I'm also privy to how Magi treat their prisoners. She'll most likely end up being used as bait for us to grab but before that could happen, I would like to tip things to favor us," you explained as you leaned on your seat.

"Wouldn't that only put her in more danger?" Ayumi asked with an uncertain look.

"Better now than wait for whatever they have plan set in. Besides, Archer's Master is a mercenary and if Theodore is anything to go by, he'll be the meticulous sort," you replied as you sighed.

"You want to rob them of the initiative, is that it?" Sakura guessed as she met your gaze.

"And isn't that what we're supposed to do? Assassin and I will be more active... If it means taking Miss Luvia back, we'll get it done," you answered with a calm tone.

"You speak with such confidence. And how can you succeed where we failed?" Lancer growled as she emerged from Spirit Form.

Sakura gave her a look, "Lancer."

"By offering ourselves up," you answered as you glanced her way, "Your group didn't account for that man's intervention that night. Surely even you can take him on now that he's revealed himself... Or are you wary after a simple defeat?"

"Hans," Assassin intoned as she gave you a sharp look.

Sakura prepared to stop Lancer but the Servant merely glared at you.

"Seems like you're looking better now that your Servant is up. Good. At least you can put up a fight later," Lancer hissed under her breath. She crossed her arms and walked by Sakura's side, "So, do you have a plan or are you just going to put yourself on a platter?"

"Well... I'm open to suggestions," you nodded as you gave her a smirk.

Sakura and Chiyome simply looked defeated as you and Lancer glared at one another. Fortunately, someone spoke up besides the two of you. Miyu raised her hand in the midst of the tension.

"Minerva would want me too. That mercenary has his sights on obtaining me as well, which is why there's a high chance of them working together. We can split their attention at least and leave one side to the other," Miyu said as she pushed aside her meal to look your way, "The Luctworths seek to win my approval one way or the other and they can't deny my usefulness in their plans...I would like to leverage my worth if it can split those two factions up. Lancer can protect me during that time."

"But wouldn't that just attract Rider's Master too?" Ayumi asked in concern.

"All the better. It'll be a three way fight between Servants. A battle Lancer can excel in with her talents," Miyu said as she clenched her fist, "This will make it safer for Hans and Assassin to take on Archer."

"That would risk you, however," you pointed out.

"Miss Luvia doesn't deserve to suffer. In fact, as the Grail, I see her as an outsider to the war. She's not even supposed to be involved," Miyu said as she looked between you and Sakura, "And the lives of outsiders have no purpose being spilt in this battlefield... Which is why I have no plans of granting the Mercernary's Wish for violating that. I'll do this in exchange for Miss Sakura's promise to keep Miss Luvia from direct conflicts for the duration of this War."

Lancer grimaced but otherwise said nothing while Ayumi could only remain quiet. Sakura sighed before giving the girl a gentle smile.

"I see. You're not wrong. If your mind is made up, then I'll respect that decision," Sakura said as she looked towards you, "Then I'll leave Luvia's rescue to you?"

"You can count on me," you answered with a nod.

.....
....
...

"I feel envious,"Ayumi admitted as she washed the dishes.

Sakura glanced at the younger girl with raised eyebrows before smiling sadly, "About what?"

"About being useful. At this point, what am I but dead weight to all of you. Had I been better I would still have Berserker. I would be able to do something," Ayumi murmured as she cleaned a bowl. She had a resigned expression as she spoke, "I can't believe this. I set out to run away from these sorts of problems but here I am agonizing over this. I must look stupid."

Sakura stared at the girl as she dried the bowls and plates. She then set down the plate in her hand and said, "We can regret the past all we want but it's in the present that we can make the biggest difference. It's fine to feel that way but you can help in more ways than you could imagine."

"I'm a third rate Magus, Miss Matou. I shouldn't even be here... But yes, while that's true I still want to do something,"Ayumi said as she turned to meet the Matou's gaze, "Everyone is trying so hard and here I am..."

"Sometimes all we could do is be safe. I know that feeling well. That helpless feeling. It sticks to the back of your throat and you can't quite breathe. I'm well familiar with that feeling. It's why I'm here after all," Sakura said as she looked down at her Command Seal, "But I found that doing things my own way helped. I feel quite hypocritical considering my own reasons for joining this War but staying put here is the best you could do. It may not be the greatest feeling but giving our allies the peace of mind of our safety can help a lot."

"Why did you join this War? Frankly speaking you don't seem to be the type," Ayumi wondered with a frown.

Sakura smiled as if she was remembering something she'd rather forget, "Well... Let's say years of pent up emotions could do nightmares to one's heart."

She held a hand to her chest as she grimaced.

"Such ugly emotions just ended up spilling out. Like mud from a cup. I was saved regardless by people I hurt. Let's just say that my magecraft went out of control," Sakura replied as she tried to act tough. She remembered though...

The feeling of vermin beneath her flesh, crawling on her back and making her feel filthy. The last haunting laughter of her Grandfather still ringed in her ears and plagued her nightmares. But she was older now, stronger... She was in this fight to strengthen her spirit. Seeing the girl before her now reminded her of her helpless self.

"I learned to trust the people around me. Hans, Miyu and Assassin... They may seem odd but they seem like good people. If anything were to happen to you, I'm sure they'll help you too. You can't help them directly but right supporting them in quiet times like this helps," Sakura said as she held up her finger with a nod, "Just by being Miyu's friend is helpful. Even without your Servant, I'm sure you can do a lot of things while here."

Ayumi considered her words before looking down at her plate, "You know, sometimes I wonder if the girl possessing my body would be more helpful here. But if you say so, I can try my best too."

"That's good," Sakura smiled.

Ayumi cracked a smile too before a white hot pain flashed through her mind. She dropped the bowl into the sink where it clattered before she fell on her knees. Sakura moved to catch her and support her.

"Ayumi?!" Sakura called in alarm.

"I'm fine, Miss Sakura. This body... It's just not cooperating sometimes," Ayumi spoke as she kept her head down, her voice clear and bereft of pain. Lancer appeared from sensing Sakura's distress and stood by.

"What happened?" Lancer questioned with a sharp voice.

"She collapsed," Sakura answered in a worried tone before turning to Ayumi, "Maybe you should rest, Ayumi."

"I... Think I will. You're so kind,"Ayumi replied as she met Sakura's gaze, "Your words gave me much to think about. Thank you."

Sakura didn't know why but she felt a chill run down her spine. She didn't sense anything different about Ayumi but... No, maybe it's just her imagination. She then turned to her Servant, "Lancer, help her to her room. I'll speak with Hans about this."

"We'll go together," Lancer said with a frown but Sakura shook her head.

"It's fine," Sakura reassured her, "Just take her. I'll clean up here."

Something was wrong. She could feel it but she'll just have to ask Hans about it. He should know more.

.....
....
...

You sat on the bench as your breath smoked from the cold. You had a can of coffee from a vending machine at hand while you thought about your next move. This wasn't the first time you were up against a Merc.

"Bet he won't be as kind as that Kairi fellow," you sighed as you shook your head.

"Reminiscing?" Assassin asked as she spoke from the rails ahead of you.

You looked up to meet her gaze, "Well, I'm trying to think of ways to kill an Immortal. I doubt it'll be as simple as killing her Master. Worst case is I have to face him myself."

"But knowing how he trounced Luvia and Sakura at the same time, I can see that you're hesitant," Assassin noted as she crossed her arms.

"I fought a fully functioning Doll designed to kill me specifically in the last war, I don't get why I'm apprehensive about this," you said with no small amount of frustration.

"Well, first of all, you don't know anything about our foe. Aside from utilizing runic magecraft and some advanced necromancy, there's little you know. Unlike Sakura, Caster's Master and Manaka, this is an unknown foe," Assassin calmly pointed out as she gave you a small smile, "I can see that this is a glaring weakness of yours."

"I can't exactly send you out again. We can use the fact that the enemy probably thinks you're out of commission to our advantage," you said as you tapped your can on your knee. You then took a big sip and sighed, "Big risks all around but we can't waste the chance Miyu and the others are giving us."

"That is true. But it is an unreasonable task, fighting a new and unknown foe with little information while rescuing someone? You're a Magus, not a miracle worker," Assassin reminded you as she shook her head.

"There's a first time for everything," you replied as you leaned back on your seat. The door leading back into the building opened and Assassin concealed herself.

Sakura Matou appeared in a light green coat and cream colored skirt. Her hair was tied into a ponytail as she walked up to you.

"Did you have anything to discuss?" you asked with a curious look.

"It's Ayumi. She just collapsed suddenly," Sakura said as she rubbed her arm, "She seemed fine but I'm worried."

"Is this normal?" you frowned as you leaned forward.

"This isn't the first time either. She says that it's because her body had been tampered with but I'm not certain if I believe," Sakura answered as she met your gaze, "Do you think it's something else?"

Other than the fact that Manaka was slated to come back on Christmas Day if you didn't end the War? You're not sure what to think but this could be worrisome. Something was probably triggering this but you didn't exactly have the leisure of figuring it out. Luvia came first before this but this could spiral out of control if you leave it unattended.

"What if I told you... That the girl whom turned Ayumi like that will be returning and confronting me?" you proposed with a raised eyebrow. You carefully watchedas Sakura's expression turned from worried to incredulous.

"What?" Sakura blinked.

"Well...I guess I only told Luvia this given you two had a spat when I had the chance," you said as you tossed your empty can to the trash, "The Blackened, you're familiar with them, right? She was my ally at the beginning stages of the War. A powerful near omnipotent Magus possessed Ayumi and changed her appearance. Now, what I suspect is that since her body has changed, she's finding it difficult to adjust now that they've switched. That may be the cause of her collapses... Among other factors."

"Like the girl that possessed her coming back?" Sakura said as she grimaced.

"Ayumi is a bomb that we'll have to deal with but I'm more concerned about Luvia now. There could be other triggers besides what we know but... I don't suppose there's blonde, handsome Knight Kings on white horses around now, huh?" you chuckled hoping to lighten the mood.

Sakura didn't share your sentiment as she crossed her arms, "And when do you exactly plan to set out?"

[] Tonight. You won't be wasting time. The longer you idle, Luvia will be in a worse state.
[] Tomorrow. You have preparations to make. You're up against an unknown after all.
.....
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...

The sound of luggage rolled through the streets. A woman in a black suit was consulting a tourist's map as she walked, her green eyes hidden behind thick sunglasses. People would at time stop to look at her, captivated by the sight of her as she tried blending with the crowd. She could only sigh and wonder if she was standing out more than usual even when she was backing her homeland's soil.

From what she could tell, she was nearing her destination. At the very least she found solace in her journey being over. Still, she couldn't help but notice the heavy atmosphere which hung over the city. Christmas was just nine days away or so yet the city felt tense and suffocating. While Christmas songs and carols drifted through the air, the jubilant cheer carried by the holidays wasn't present among the people.

"Sakura and Luvia haven't been in contact either," She murmured as she saw the overall signs of a Grail War being fought in the shadows.

The woman finally found her destination, a small church tucked between two buildings. Pulling her luggage behind her, she moved forward. If those two couldn't be contacted then she would have to consult with the Church first. She didn't want to risk Rin panicking any more than she should upon finding out that her Sister had gone silent for the past few days.

She stepped inside the Church and moved aside as some Church goers passed her. Looking ahead, she was greeted by peculiar nun with snow white hair and golden eyes. The Nun raised an eyebrow upon seeing her before making an approach.

"Greetings traveler and welcome to the Lord's abode," the Nun greeted politely though the politeness didn't reach her eyes. They were calculating and cold, "My name is Caren Hortensia. I manage this Church in the place of the Priest. How may I help you?"

The woman took her glasses off, "My name is Elise Watson. I'm Tohsaka Rin's Aide and I'm hoping to find information regarding Sakura Matou and her companion. You wouldn't happen to know anything, Miss Administrator?"

[] Tonight. You won't be wasting time. The longer you idle, Luvia will be in a worse state.

"We'll be going tonight," you said as you met her gaze, "We can't afford to waste time. Especially not at this stage of the war."

"Forcing an encounter this soon, they may realize something is amiss," Sakura said with a worried look.

"I get that but it's a risk we'll have to take," you replied as you leaned against the wall, "Sorry for pushing this on you so soon."

"No it's okay. You're the one going out there with no reinforcements," Sakura said as she rubbed her shoulder. She then met your gaze, "Will it be really okay?"

"You'll just have to trust us. Luvia said that you have a friend coming by. Do you recall?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. She... She should be arriving soon. I'll try and contact her but with how this whole situation is set up, I think it would be better if we kept her existence hidden for now," Sakura said before adding, "I want a few cards of my own on hand."

"It's your choice. Just take care of Miyu for us. We'll get Luvia back from the Merc," you assured her as you got up your seat, "Archer will die by tonight."

.....
....
...

Night soon came just as the sun descended down the west. The city came to life as lights filled every building even as the clouds above covered the heavens. Your breath smoked as you looked down your watch, your coat swaying with the wind as you walked down a sidewalk with your cane in hand. Gripping hard on the silver handle, you were alert and awake for the battle that was to come.

You kept your nerves at ease as you made your way towards the giant Christmas Tree on the City Square up ahead. The holiday cheer was in full swing at this point. A good nine days till Christmas was left on the calendar after all and people were prepping as best they could. Though the heavy atmosphere around the city was noticeable, that wasn't enough to cancel the whole holidays.

The city was tenacious like that.

You were being hunted and what better way to entice your hunters by showing the huge target on your back. They would certainly enjoy that.

Snow began to fall though their descent was gentle. You kept moving as the sounds of Christmas Carols filled the air. You looked ahead and stopped among others waiting to cross the street. Looking around, you kept a calm appearance while you waited. You noticed some civilians stealing glances at you while you waited before the light turned green.

Stepping ahead, you crossed the street as the nearby traffic stopped. You could feel several gazes behind your back.

"Do it on my mark," you breathed as you stepped on the other side of the street.

A crowd awaited ahead and you decided to walk with them. Families and tourists walked by one another as you felt the presences behind you follow. You then tapped your cane once and a cold breeze passed you. Behind you, Assassin had managed to cut the throats of your pursuers once by one. Stabbing in their bodies before driving a blade into their skulls, only to move away with the silence of a wraith.

Bodies fell but no one paid them any mind. That's not normal, did they have charms to conceal their presence from others even in death? You didn't linger as you continued walking towards the Christmas Tree. Reindeers and Santa Claus Snowmen were being judged for a contest as you neared, the lights from the Tree twinkling like hundreds of stars.

You stopped upon noticing that some people glanced your way. A man looking at his phone by a lamppost, a couple taking pictures of one another, an elderly man sitting by the bench with his own cane and many more. It would seem that at least a hundred people were silently observing you.

They knew you would be here.

You then turned to see a man walk towards you. He wore a white winter coat and had short blonde hair. He had a familiar look about him, only then did you realize that he looked similar to the old Hitman you once fought. That man named Theodore. Then this man must be his kin or something. To utilize another person as a decoy Master was simple yet difficult to pull off.

Had Manaka not killed the old man when she did, they would only cause more pain at this stage of the war.

You're way luckier than you should be.

"Are you Hans Derrinsmith?" the man asked as he breathed smoke from his lips, lowering his cigarette as he met your gaze.

"You should know that by now given your job. Though I suppose it's some sort of weird courtesy thing?" you wondered with a raised eyebrow. You faced him before smiling, "Since I'm already famous, how about you tell me your name?"

The man narrowed his gaze before nodding, "Matthias Gwence. Grandson to Theodore Gwence, my ally and Caster's second Master."

"Eager to follow the old man to the grave? I can help you with that," you said as people passed by.

"On the contrary, I would like you to go see him for me. Though as things are, I doubt we can settle this the way you envisioned. You... Are a difficult man to kill, Mr. Derrinsmith. The past wars have forged you into the unkillable Magus you are now," Matthias said as he tossed aside his cigarette and crushed it underfoot, "And I have been given the honor of taking your head as my prize."

You stared at him as the snow fell, "How much?"

"Twenty Million in British Pounds," Matthias said as he raised his hands, "The Luctworth have paid a great deal for this."

"You can't fight me here or did you forget? We're a stone's throw away from the Clocktower. This war is being carefully observed and one wrong move could bring the entire Association down your head... So no fancy moves, Mr. Gwence," you warned him with a cold tone.

"Please, you give me little credit, Mr. Derrinsmith. I wouldn't be in this business if I were not able to calculate the risks and kill a few Enforcers," Matthias said as he held up his hand and snapped his finger.

.....

And yet nothing happened.

Matthias' eyes only sharpened.

.....
....
...

Bodies were cut apart near rooftops. Bombs that have been planted were all taken off in quick succession with their planters killed by black serpents. A man sought to escape yet let out a death gurgle upon a katana being driven into his spine.

A snake's hiss was all that was left.
.....
....
...

You tapped your cane and caught the Mercenary's attention.

"You... Give me little credit, Mr. Gwence," you repeated his words as you leaned on your cane. You felt your circuits flare as you gripped your cane, "I wouldn't have won six wars not being able to keep up with the rabble I fight."

Matthias blinked before a smirk curled upon his lips, "You're an interesting man. It seems like you are worth hunting."

You didn't wait for him to react. As soon as another crowd of people came between you two, you activated a rune which hid your presence. A step above from the charm they used, you used the crowd to get away and make some distance. You made your way to the city library nearby as you left Archer's Master standing alone.

.....
....
...

When the crowd vanished, Matthias noticed that Derrinsmith had vanished. It was inevitable but the hunt was only beginning. He placed a hand on his earpiece and spoke.

"Ladies and gentlemen, find him and kill him," Matthias ordered as he glanced at the library, "Archer has a snake to catch."

.....
....
...

You stepped into the City Library, moving past the entrance and reception. You made your way to the rows of bookshelves nearby, glancing at a few people at the lounge reading their books. You felt a shiver run down your spine as you stopped and moved to a random aisle. There were several men that walked right in with noticeable mystic codes in hand.

You pressed your back against a shelf before you began walking up a set of stairs, climbing to the second floor. There were little to no people here so you quietly moved behind another shelf. You etched a rune on the ground and kept walking. Sliding your cane into the sheathe on your hip, you took out a pen and wrote at the back of books.

Footsteps came rushing up the stairs, you had to hurry.

You ripped a page out with your teeth before dropping the book. Inscribing a rune, it began to emit a glow before flying out of your hand. You watched it take to the air and get the attention of your pursuers. The paper split and shined with blinding green light. You walked to the far end of the second floor, drawing runes as you went.

You then pocketed the pen and moved to the next set of stairs. Your pursuers saw you.

"There!" one of them cried out as you turned away.

"Sweet dreams," you breathed as the bounded field activated, causing them to all fall one by one. Their consciousness were robbed, leaving them trapped within the confines of their minds.

Rising to the third floor, you looked out the window and down at the crowd by the Christmas Tree. You felt Assassin tug at your connection, causing you to hide behind a shelf to speak with her.

"Is this truly wise? I can't find Archer. I think it would be safer for you to have me there."

"I can handle a few grunts. Focus on searching for Archer's hiding spot. She has the advantage wherever she's perched at. I can't risk you getting tagged," you replied as you listened for the presence of others.

"...If you say so. Then what of that man?"

"I need him alive. He knows where Luvia is," you replied as you hovered your hand behind your waist where a handgun was strapped, "I'm sufficiently armed. If not more than I feel like I should be. Just find Archer and keep her out of my hair."

"Are those your orders, My Lord?"

You smiled, "Have fun, Assassin."

Five of whom you presumed to be Matthias' men stepped into the third floor. You cut your connection with Chiyome and grabbed hold of your cane to stand up. Now how will you play your cards?

[] Use your cane and cast your Curses to deal with your foes. It'll cost more of your prana but the kills are guaranteed.
[] Use your pen and inscribe your Runes to give you an edge. It's more flexible but won't guarantee the neutralization of your foes.
[] Use your handgun and Shoot through their magical defenses. You have six magazines worth of ammunition, no need to be stingy now.