Fate/Blackened Sugar

[] "Ophelia wait... About what I said that night. It... I'm sorry. I didn't mean any of it."

You watched her about to go out the door when you spoke up, "Ophelia wait."

The woman stopped and turned to face you. Your words somehow just ended up coming out that time. You weren't really sure how to do this so... You perhaps you could just wing it. Not that it'll matter much in the future aside from this pit in your stomach.

"About what I said that night. It... I'm sorry. I didn't mean any of it," you told her in a heavy tone. You met her gaze and shook your head, "I don't know if it means much to you but I just wanted to toss that out there."

"For what? To give your conscience a break?" Ophelia questioned you as she faced you once more.

"Perhaps. Take it how you will, I don't plan on making it worse," you replied as you shook your head.

"You're horrible at making apologies. But that's just how it is for us Magus, isn't it? I sometimes envy the common folk for their ability to be frank in these cases. What you said that night doesn't bother me, Hans," Ophelia said as she crossed her arms while meeting your gaze, "Had you been a lesser man, I would have done the same. But you're stubborn so obviously it won't work."

"Not that you'll let me off as soon as this ceasefire is over," you said with a low chuckle. You sighed as you straightened your back, "I take it you have some sort of plan?"

"Mostly brute forcing your defeat. Your body is failing you, Hans. You can't last much longer," Ophelia said as she turned away.

"Well, I suppose if I joined your Chaldea once it's all over, maybe Wodime can help me heal up. I'm sure you can put a good word in for me," you smirked as you watched her open the door.

"I wonder if letting you two meet would be for the best," Ophelia said as she rubbed her shoulder.

You sighed as you sat on your bedside, "I wonder too... I really wonder."

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

You stepped out of your room to be greeted by the sight of Luvia and Sakura having tea in the gazebo. They turned towards you as soon as you stepped into view but soon relaxed once they noticed that Assassin wasn't with you. Luvia still eyed you suspiciously but you didn't try and addressing that for now. You just wanted to see how they were rather than making excuses for your conduct towards them.

Despite your current state and standing in the war, you have managed to evade and retaliate successfully against every single participant, them included when it truly came down to it.

"We were wondering when you would wake up. We had half of our mind going ahead without you," Sakura said as she held her teacup in her hand.

"Doubt you were worried though, considering the circumstances. Unfortunately, I'm awake now. I apologize for the inconvenience," you replied as you stopped before their seats.

Luvia scoffed as she looked to the side, "Among other things."

You smiled her way and said, "That is true. I can't deny that. That aside, how are you two? Lady Artoria spoke of you two when we met, hopefully you have had a lengthy discussion with her?"

"We have and we're fine, Hans. For now at the very least. Lancer has recovered from her wounds but her Spirit Origin is damaged. Even then, she can still put up a fight," Sakura said as she met your gaze with a determined look. She hasn't backed down... Even if Chiyome won the fight in that graveyard, Lancer was still standing...

No doubt that Medusa planned on a rematch once the Blackened situation was dealt with. No way that woman would take the loss lying down.

"That's good to hear," you replied with a nod.

"Why don't you take a seat, Derrinsmith," Luvia offered coldly as she crossed her arms, "Saves us the sight of you under the sun."

"Don't mind if I do then," you said as you stepped closer and sat before them on the free seat, "I'm still getting my bearings. I'm surprised Ophelia went along with this."

"She actually advocated neutralizing your Servant when offered to join this shaky alliance but Miss Hortensia remained strict with the ceasefire. Miss Phamrsolone is quite aware of the danger you pose as she had already illustrated to us," Luvia said as she gave you a hard look.

You blinked under her gaze before replying, "Well, I'm just that sort of man. Hard to kill and stubborn."

"We've noticed and you've demonstrated it several times on both sides with us and against us," Luvia said as she leaned back in her seat. She then set her gaze upon your own as she continued, "But the bottom line is, that if you win..."

"Luvia," Sakura spoke in a warning tone.

"Heaven's Feel... That's what you're trying to accomplish. One Petty Grail isn't enough so you've sought to gather seven of them to create a greater energy source to conduct a War on a bigger scale. A Petty War such as this is already under the threat you've outlined to us. The Threat of the Blackened interfering with the War but Hans, have you truly considered what could happen with a War on that Scale?" Luvia asked as she leaned forward, "The Association, the Church, and the Noble Families will not stand idle if they catch wind of this."

"And yet you haven't told them," you pointed out as you glanced her way, "Knowing the risk... The threat I pose, you haven't."

"Because I know you're a reasonable man. Sakura believes it as well. We're warning you, Hans... This may be too much for one man to handle," Luvia warned you in a heavy tone as she scowled at you, "The destruction it would entail if it goes wrong, it may even cause unknown forces to stir."

Sakura sat in her seat as you studied Luvia's face. She was right. There was a heavy risk. There was the danger and the threat of untold destruction. The lives of many would be put to the gallows with one wrong move from one unfortunate clash. It was a War which could dwarf the original Wars which took place in Fuyuki.

But still...

"Ten years. Ten years, Luvia," you said as you looked down at the back of your hand, "I've had ten years to consider things. To plan and take into account every risk and threat. I've thought about it for ten years. Whatever you've thought about whatever you fear, I've gotten there first. I know the risks but after ten years of thinking about it, I've decided to go on."

"That's true. To gather Seven Grails, you must have fought through different battlefields. We can't imagine going through that. Only Emiya has strolled through the same number of Wars," Luvia said as she crossed her arms.

You managed a small smile, "That's why I said I've thought about it a lot. Still, if you're still against it then I have an offer."

Luvia and Sakura blinked in surprise. You leaned back on your seat and relaxed once you saw their expressions.

"If I win this War and as I am setting up the next, I'll grant you two the opportunity to be Masters," you offered as you met their gazes, "If you truly want to keep that War from getting out of hand, why not have a direct influence on it by being Masters?"

You stood up from your seat as you glanced at them.

"If you truly think I should be stopped, you'll get your chance. Who knows, with such a War, perhaps you would have the chance to realize your own Wishes. You're all expecting me to win when my body is falling apart... But if you try hard enough, you might just beat me. Just be warned that I won't go down without a fight," you told them as you gave them a warm smile, "Please consider it... But first, we need to deal with the Blackened. Assuming I survive the fight, that's something to look forward to, huh?"

"You... You would give us that opportunity?" Luvia asked as she too stood up.

"Of course. I'd rather have you folks as my foes than representatives of the Clocktower. I'd hate to face a Lord or worse, Kirschtaria Wodime," you said as you walked away, "God, that would be a Nightmare. I'd fucking lose in an instant."

Sakura and Luvia could only stare at you as you walked away. It would be a better idea if you just handed out invites. That way you knew what you were dealing with. The thought of making your odds smaller by letting randoms join in was making you squeamish. Maybe you should go ask Ophelia if she'd join... But then again, you'd have three pairs gunning for you.

....

How about that Doll Scathach kidnapped?

She was dumb so she'd be easy to kick around... Right?

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

You were headed back to your room and were walking down the hall when you raised your head to see Assassin standing before your door. She turned to face you and had a look of relief once she found you.

"I was wondering why I wasn't sensing your presence. You could have at least told me," Assassin said as she crossed her arms.

"Sorry. I just wandered off. Ophelia dropped by the room earlier. Didn't expect to see her instead of you," you said as you smiled down at your Servant.

"I noticed. I let her in since it would get her to cooperate. She didn't do anything untoward to you, did she?" Chiyome asked as she narrowed her eyes on you.

"I'm more surprised you'd let an enemy Master near me in my state," you admitted as with a low chuckle.

"She's not that sort of woman. I can tell but still, I have to make sure," Assassin said as she shook her head, "Forgive me if I'm out of line but I am simply concerned."

"I know. You had your hands tied. Still, did you take care of me in the past few days?" you asked with a curious look.

Chiyome perked up before looking to the side with a slight blush, "I... Yes."


[] "Sorry for leaving you alone. I'll try staying up next time."
[] "You really did that for me, huh? Guess I owe you another one."
[] "Can't keep imposing on you like this. You'll have to tell me something you want later."
[] Write in...

[] "Can't keep imposing on you like this. You'll have to tell me something you want later."

Looking down on her, you then looked aside and scratched the back of your neck, "Can't keep imposing on you like this. You'll have to tell me something you want later."

Chiyome blinked in surprise before she gave you a warm smile, "Best be careful with such promises. As a Shinobi, I have great self restraint. Letting me go wild may not be wild."

"You're not that type of person. Try something else," you told her with a sigh as you chopped her head lightly. Chiyome stuck her tongue out at you as you moved to enter your room. However just as you two were going in, footsteps caused you both to stop and glance to the side. A man was walking down the hall to approach the two of you, causing Chiyome's eyes to sharpen as she put you behind her.

The man was wearing a dark green kimono with the pattern of swirling clouds upon it. He was tall and well built, his rugged face giving away his oriental origins. His eyes were dark but carried with them what could only be described as hidden power. You braced yourself as the man soon came to a halt before you.

"Lord Susanoo," Chiyome referred to the man by his true name as she lowered her head, "It is an honor to meet you."

Saber regarded her before nodding, "Well met, little Shinobi. I see your Master is doing well now. My Master sends her regards."

"Sure she does," you managed to say as you met the man's gaze.

Saber managed a smirk at that and said, "Indeed. But that aside, it's a rarity for us to meet like this. This ceasefire has brought about the strangest of alliances. I have been meaning to speak with a descendant of the one cursed by my Nemesis. I've seen your blade, it is the same as mine. Would you allow me to grant you pointers on how to wield it?"

Chiyome blinked before she stepped back in surprise. She then glanced at you with a worried look before speaking, "I... While it is an honor, Lord Susanoo, I cannot go ahead without my Master's permission."

"You have to tell us what the catch is first, big guy," you said as you wrapped your arm around Assassin, "This can't be out of the goodness of your heart."

"Well, my Master wishes to observe this teaching session. Of course, you're welcome to be present as well," Saber said as he nodded towards you.

Minerva, huh? That's something. she wouldn't be stupid enough to try something during the ceasefire, especially not after last time. Saber probably waited for you to wake up before meeting with Chiyome. Well, judging from earlier, Chiyome would have probably turned him down somehow. What fortunate timing this all has been, huh?

You considered it for a moment before you pulled Assassin close as you nodded, "Sure. We'll let you give us some pointers. Though I don't see how this helps you in the future."

"It would at least make our eventual showdown... Interesting than rather than not," Susanoo confidently replied. This guy wasn't kidding and you could feel Assassin shudder under your touch just from looking at him.

It would take all she had to stand toe to toe against him. Perhaps this meeting would allow her some insight to how he fought. Assassin at least relaxed upon giving your permission.

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

Saber and Assassin were speaking with one another in the garden. You were watching over them before you noticed Minerva standing nearby, observing as well. You walked over to her as she glanced your way, her expression immediately souring once she met your gaze. Well, that's an expression, alright.

"Somehow I doubt that Saber got your permission for this. Can't imagine how that feels for you," you told her as she turned to face you.

"Is this the part where I laugh?" Minerva asked as she crossed her arms.

"Isn't it funny? It is to me, you know, seeing you here in your current state. Makes me feel good after your record in the past war. Not so strong without your back ups, huh?" you chuckled to which Minerva clenched her fist, "Ah, ah, ah... You initiate hostilities and you'll only end up looking bad."

"I'm going to murder you once this shitshow is over," Minerva threatened as she grit her teeth.

You smiled, "Remember what I said? You kill me and what happens next? What are you left with? Do you think presenting my head to that old man will get you anything?"

"Shut up," Minerva growled.

"You're a smart girl, Minerva. You know when you're being given the shaft already," you told her as you placed your hand in your pocket. You glanced at your Servant being taught by Saber, "You've ended up doing your best bringing that body to grandfather and what do you get? Doesn't that make you angry?"

Minerva glared at you from where she stood.

Oh you can have fun with this...

[] Continue Mocking her incompetence and situation. She deserves it for being an asshole to you and everyone else.
[] Try and entice her to join your side now that she's all but discarded by the family.
[] Redirect her frustrations elsewhere, you won't kill her if you beat her but no doubt another Doll can be her target.
[] Maybe you shouldn't try to antagonize her. Make genuine attempts at befriending her even if she tries to rip your head off.
[] Write in...