Fate/Blackened Sugar

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "You have experience? It's pretty good all things considered."

You took a bite out of your meal and chewed once more. The flavor was strong enough to stand out from the usual meals you had. You noted the intricate combination of spices that really seemed like it was pulled from a recipe book and recreated down to the very minute detail.

"You have experience?" You asked her as you chewed, "It's pretty good all things considered."

"I cooked a lot in my old world. I had someone to impress after all, I wouldn't dare feed bad food to that person," Manaka proudly said with a smug smile as she glanced at you, "Consider it an honor, you two."

"Whoopee doo," you cheered with a dry tone while eating some more.

"Was it an important person?" Miyu asked with a slight tilt of her head.

"Oh yes. A very important person," Manaka sighed while looking to the air with a dreamy look, "You'll understand it when you grow up."

"No, I think it's better if we explain," you said as you gave Manaka a look before turning to Miyu, "You see, that girl is in love."

Manaka turned to you with a frown, "Oh you, how cruel of you to destroy the image I was cultivating."

"You're going to confuse her if you keep that up," you argued with a shake of your head.

"Love?" Miyu asked with a confused look.

"Yes. It's when a person has romantic feelings for another," you explained as you held up your hand, "It's a rather human emotion that gives rise to many others. To cherish, to protect, and to care for something is to love it. Manaka over there is in love with her Prince Charming so much that she made good food."

"Prince Charming?" Miyu repeated with a frown.

"Calling him a Prince would be a gross understatement bordering on insult. But no, he's no prince. That man, valiant and kind, was a King," Manaka said as she rubbed her shoulder, "Words can't do justice describing his personage."

You glanced at Manaka and realized how bad she got it. You took another bite and tried finishing your meal while Manaka was distracted.

"What is your wish, Miss Manaka?" Miyu asked as she stared at the girl behind the counter.

Manaka met her gaze and for a moment, gold eyes stared back into serene blue. The two girls sharing a look for a moment before Manaka replied.

"Simple, Miss Holy Grail... To meet my King once more and grant his wish," Manaka explained as she twiddled her thumbs, "That much... I would do that much for him."

"The things we do for love," you sighed as you shook your head.

"Isn't it also because of love that you aim to win this War, Hans?" Manaka asked as glanced your way.

"Of course. For the participants of this battle, this Holy Grail War, if we're not fighting through desperation, greed or for glory then we fight for love," you said as you looked towards Miyu, "To fight we must have our reasons. It's through battle that we test our reasons against one another. In the past, that was enough to decide who was worthy of the Grail. Those who were weaker than the other fell and lost."

"Is that how you lost your arm?" Miyu asked you with a blank look.

"Yes. I fought another Master and they took my arm off. Hopefully I can avoid that fate during my battles here," you said as you shook your head.

"You still fight despite being at a disadvantage, why? Is it for your wish?" Miyu said as she turned to look at her meal.

"Yes. It's for my wish. It's something I find definitely worth fighting for," you replied as you sat at the counter by her side, "No matter what stood in my say."

You looked at Manaka then and she only smiled back in response. In the end, sooner or later, the two of you too would clash.

It just wasn't time yet and so this peace was permitted to stay.

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

You opened your eyes as you found yourself lying on your desk. You grimaced as you found yourself etching runes on paper again and leaving them scattered all over the floor. You let out a breath and opened your drawer to take out a piece of candy.

Caramel.

You popped it into your mouth and let it melt into a sweet flavor which slowly woke you up. It was sweet, very sweet...

"Master," a voice echoed behind you, making you turn to see Assassin kneeling before you, "I've returned."

"So you have. Good day, Assassin," you replied as you managed a small smile.

"I hope you were well in my absence, my Lord. I have news to report now," Assassin said as she stood up.

"What is it?" You blinked in surprise.

"Lancer is active once more and I've sighted Caster's new lair within the city," Assassin said as she met your gaze, "I'm prepared to eliminate them at your command. Whichever you choose."

Temporary Peace
​

[] Have Assassin pay Lancer a visit and decide the viability of eliminating her from the war.
[] Have Assassin pay Caster a visit and decide the viability of eliminating her from the war.
[] Order Assassin to utilize her talents to the limit it could go and have her spy on Manaka, Berserker and Miyu before reporting back to you.
[] Order Assassin to relax and sit by your bed to rest. She's done enough work for the whole night already. You won't take no for an answer, you'll even make her some food.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Have Assassin pay Caster a visit and decide the viability of eliminating her from the war.

"I see. You sure you don't need a break?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow, "I'm worried about your wound and if you're working yourself ragged."

Assassin shook her head and placed a hand over her chest, "No. I should be fine. As long as I receive a steady supply of mana from you, I will be okay."

"I see. Well then, what I want you to do now is pay Caster a visit and decide if we can eliminate her from the war. Finishing her off now would be a boon to us since her presence presents a roadblock," you told her as you met her gaze, "But I want you to talk to me before you plan out how to kill her or her Master. Don't go deciding things on your own again."

"I will not. I promise, Master," Assassin said as she gave you a confident look.

"Good. I'm expecting good news," you said as you waved at her, "Oh and by the way..."

"Yes?" Assassin asked as she was about to leave.

"Be careful out there, Chiyome," you said with a small smile.

Assassin blinked before wearing a determined look, "Yes. I will return safely."

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

Assassin had traveled far in the past half hour and returned to where she detected the swirl of magical energy she found before. Having jumped from building to building, she ended up landing on top of s rooftop overlooking a warehouse by the bay area.

This was Caster's lair, Assassin could feel it. She took off and moved to enter it. The split between the outside and inside of the bounded field was obvious and the transition was quick enough to be missed.

Unlike last time, the scenery did not drastically change skin to the interior of a Reality Marble. The bounded field surrounding the area was more of a defensive measure against intruding elements but didn't seem to be sophisticated enough to bar Assassin's entry.

She approached the warehouse and noted that there were sentries posted. They seemed to be inhuman automatons of some sort, clearly of otherworldly make. Were they Caster's guards or another Servant's?

Assassin slipped past them in the shadows and detected the faint lingering presence of a Servant. She froze and kept to what darkness there was as a Servant stood at the top of the warehouse. Her lone eye widened and saw a woman with jet black hair overlooking the entire compound.

Her sea patterned kimono flower with the wind as a bow and quiver hung on her back. You recognized a naginata attached to her as well as she kept a careful eye on the surrounding area.

Assassin kept low and stared at the Servant and figured that this was Archer. Then, would that mean that Caster had enlisted the help of Archer this time around?

She felt the need to confirm this. Her Master must know. Assassin slipped through the openings in Archer's vision range and stayed out of her sight before moving to an unguarded section of the compound.

Assassin stepped climbed up the side of a truck and jumped to move onto an open window. She slipped inside and crept in the dim light as she noticed the swirl of magical energy inside where the interior was different from the exterior. It was the same as being inside the hospital within Caster's Reality Marble.

The interior of the warehouse was fully furnished with marble glass floors and what seemed to be a large hall leading within. Assassin muted her presence even further and stepped into the heart of the complex.

Moving silently, Assassin reached the innermost location of Caster's lair. She found Caster and her Master speaking to someone across their long table.

Assassin remained out of sight but behind Caster and her Master while an old gentleman was seated on the opposite end.

"I see that you're recovering well," the gentleman said with a kind tone, "Certainly your defense against Assassin, Berserker and Rider has left you ragged, Luke."

"I did what I could. Gloat all you want but my goal remain the same," Luke said with a grim tone.

"Of course, of course. My family has transferred your poor mother out of the War's battlegrounds. There may be hope for her yet assuming you keep up with your performance," The gentleman said with a nod.

"I'll help you and your little alliance. Just help me in return to win this war. Mother... She will not last the winter," Luke said with a shake of his head, "Theodore..."

"And we can see your worry, my boy. The Luctworth are more than willing to give aid and care for your mother's affliction. I promise you, this partnership will not be one you will come to regret," Theodore said as he spread his arms, "With our combined forces, we will be able to snatch the Grail from Assassin and her Master. The Luctworth are also paying a high price for the head of that man, it would certainly help in maintaining your mother's medical needs."

"I don't want to hear it. Just... Tell us when you need us and we won't get in your way," Luke said as he glared at the elder gentleman, "We're counting on you to pull your weight. You and that Archer of yours."

Assassin kept silent and laid low as she tapped into her connection with her Master.

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

You were in the middle of managing your messages on your tablet when you perked up.

"Master. I'm near Caster and her Master. However it would seem like that they've allied with Archer and her Master. The two Masters are in dialogue at the moment while Archer is outside. Caster is beside her Master now. I have clear shot."

"So they've already recovered this fast," you murmured as you narrowed your gaze, "Guess I can't be surprised by this."

Would you risk ordering an attack now?

Hunting​

[] Order Assassin to finish the job. Kill Caster's Master and get out of there fast.
[] Order Assassin to pull back and stick to recon. You need to know what they're going to do next.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Order Assassin to finish the job. Kill Caster's Master and get out of there fast.

This would be your best and only chance to do this. If it's Assassin then she can do it. You considered your option of getting her to stop and wait for more information but time was running out.

You let out a breath as you gave her the order, "Go. Kill the Master and finish the job."

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

Assassin got the permission and immediately lowered her presence even more. She had a clear path to take. Caster and her Master were wide open and even if there were any defenses in Assassin's way, she could brute force through them.

She slowed her breathing and eyed her target one last time. The enemy Master was still in deep discussion with the other man. She held her hand over her sword and moved.

It only took a split second.

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

Luke Myers was a simple young man. He knew of life as a Magus was filled with dangers that could kill him but he had little choice in the matter following his family being abandoned by his father. His mother had failed to provide his father with a suitable heir for his magecraft, with Luke being a mediocre Magus with no redeeming talent.

But that didn't stop the boy from rising to the occasion and protecting his mother. Even with her failing health, he sought to cure her disease through magecraft until he caught wind of the Holy Grail War. A distant war fought in the far East where one's wish could come true.

It was because of this that he made preparations for his own entry until the day the red marks appears on the back of his hand. A sign of the ritual choosing him as a Master.

He summoned his Servant and called upon a beautiful figure from the Throne to aid him.

He summoned Caster.

Using his Seals upon meeting her, he immediately gave her two binding orders.

"Stay and protect my mother."

"Fight and win this war."

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

Assassin was upon the Master of Caster, cutting off his head in a fluid motion. It was a ferocious and inhumanly fast strike as she had come from the shadows and cut through the Master with ease.

Blood danced in the air as Caster reacted, the woman's eyes widening in horror. Assassin turned in the air and hit the ground, sliding on her feet as the Master's body dropped dead.

She turned her blade and looked towards the man called Theodore.

Darting forward, Assassin bared her blade towards him and lunged.

"ASSASSIN!"

A djinn appeared before Assassin and smashed her path with its arms. This was followed by a Great Explorer baring a scimitar at her and forcing her to block it.

Assassin turned to see Caster's eyes be filled with both shock and rage as she clutched her Master's disembodied head. Blood stained Caster's dress as she slowly stood up and the interior of the warehouse shifted.

Assassin saw the hand of the corpse and noticed that the command seals had all been spent. What did he spend it on? Why wasn't Caster vanishing?

"Hahahahaha! So that was one your plan, boy! How brilliant! How utterly brilliant!" Theodore laughed as he slowly stood up from his seat and held his stomach, "Using your Seals to bind your Servant to this world! Truly, where do you hear that?"

Caster held up her hand as a monstrous giant rose waist first and swept the ground, only for the Djinn to come and try to hit Assassin. She bared her Shinobi tools and threw them into the air, using hidden wires to direct them through the surrounding area and cutting through Caster's summons.

"You're... Not getting away!" Caster roared as the walls to around the warehouse crumbled as she drew upon a scroll.

Opening it, light flooded the air before blinding Assassin where she stood. There was a change in the air and she opened her eyes to see an ever expanding desert.

"One Thousand and One Nights(Alf Layla wa-Layla)," Caster whispered as she held her Master's head before dark clouds began creeping within the Reality Marble.

Lightning coursed through the air as Caster was elevated from where she stood by a stone staircase. Monsters and all manner of beasts rose from the sand as a storm kicked up the nearby dunes to form a swirling wall of violence.

Assassin stood alone as she looked up at Caster giving her a tearful glare.

"His wish... Was beautiful!" Caster breathed as she held her staff in hand, "You will pay for this, Assassin. I will not rest until you are vanquished!"

Assassin grimaced as she turned her blade and stared down the monsters Caster had called upon. Taking a step back, she turned to see the man named Theodore stand between her and the exit.

A moment later, a figure entered the Reality Marble. Archer had a smile on her lips as she revealed herself.

Assassin was trapped.

The first of the monster, gigantic warrior brought down his hammer on the Servant but Assassin dodged and vaulted over its hammer. Jumping, she spiraled through the air and cut through the monster's head.

Djinns and snakewomen hissed at her as they called upon their powers to unleash a furious inferno. Assassin dived down to avoid being hit, slicing throuh the Lamias and driving her blade into the head of a Djinn.

Twisting the blade, Assassin turned and flipped through the air and hit the sand. Thieves and vagrants bared their blades as Assassin swept the sand in the air creating curtain just as kunai flew out it.

Bodies dropped as Assassin broke through the curtain of sand and slashed through two thieves. Blood danced in the air as she knelt down the ground.

Caster grit her teeth as she held up her hand to summon more monsters.

Assassin simply cleaned her blade and lowered it. Closing her eye, she recalled her Master's words.

"Be careful out there, Chiyome."

Assassin opened her eye as she stood before the host of monsters Caster had summoned.

Spoiler: BGM

FATAL BATTLE
VS
CASTER
​

Assassin brought her hands to her sword and got ready. The howls of monsters sounding more like mourning cries.

Serpent's Strike
​

[] Assassin will dodge through the monsters and get to Caster as soon as she can. Cut her down from her stone throne! This Job will be completed!
[] Assassin will cut down Caster's monsters and exhaust her magical supply. Assassin didn't understand the mechanics of how Caster still existed but a battle of attrition would be in her favor.
[] Assassin has a different win condition. If she could escape this Reality Marble, she can win. She'll have to run from the monsters and fight a retreating battle and break through Archer!

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Assassin has a different win condition. If she could escape this Reality Marble, she can win. She'll have to run from the monsters and fight a retreating battle and break through Archer!

Assassin saw a path to get to Caster. But she had other ideas for this battle. If she were to escape, then she can simply strike again at a later date. Taking on Caster's horde now would only be a futile effort in her part.

She'll get overwhelmed even if she did reach Caster's throne. Assassin drew tiny balls between her fingers as one of the giants rushed towards her. She threw them on the ground and clouds of smoke erupted in the air.

The giant missed as Assassin vanished from its sight, only for the Servant to shoot towards the exit.

"Catch her!" Caster roared as Assassin ran as fast as she could.

Rocs descended from the sky and bared their claws, forcing her to dodge and flip over their attacks, leaving behind clusters of bombs attached by strings. The air was filled with explosions as Assassin slid down the sand.

She ran, her feet were light on the sand as she rushed to the wall of winds. Flames appeared and a wall of fire stopped her advance as an Ifrit barred her path and unleashed an inferno to turn her into cinders.

Using a kunai attached to a rope, Assassin threw the Shinobi tool at the monster and latched on to its head, pulling herself up to avoid the flames. She then pulled herself towards the monster as it swung it's fist at her.

Her blades danced as she spiraled down along its arm before hitting it's shoulder, cutting its head off as she landed behind it. With the wall of fire keeping the other monsters back, Assassin saw her exit.

However...

Several arrows flew by to intercept her.

Assassin stopped and deflected three just as one grazed her cheek. A moment later, something fell from the sky and nearly cut her in half. Assassin met face to face with Archer wielding that long naginata she had before.

With a single swing, Archer swung her weapon and forced Assassin to block, sending the latter sliding back.

"A little rude of you to be leaving so soon. You'll be leaving that woman wanting," Archer said as she gave Assassin a stern look, "You will not pass."

Assassin dashed in and the Servant clashed with her, swatting aside her strike and forcing her to slash once more. The two of them struck each other, slashing and parrying as sparks flew in the air before Archer pushed her back.

She stepped forward and extended the reach of her glaive, swinging hard as Assassin blocked it, redirecting the blow twice. Assassin stepped back to brace herself and thrust as Archer blocked her blow and kicked her into the ground.

Assassin fell and rolled into the sand as she grit her teeth.

"Shinobi. What a joke," Archer sighed in disdain as Assassin struck and had her swing blocked. Archer spun her weapon and slashed down, splitting the sands.

Stepping on the naginata Assassin moved in and clashed against the shaft of Archer's weapon. Archer shoved her back before jumping to swing her naginata, forcing Assassin to step back.

Sand flew into the air and Assassin dived and rolled to avoid the arrows Archer fired. Using her Shinobi tools, Assassin tossed her kunai and shuriken into the air, using thin wires to slash them down and extending her reach.

Archer stood her ground and aimed at each individual Shinobi tool to shoot them down with god-like swiftness. However Assassin used this opening to dash in and cut, her sword being caught by Archer's bow.

"Out... Of my way!" Assassin snarled as she slipped past Archer's bow, deflecting it to the side and aiming for the Servant's heart.

Chiyome's blade sunk into Archer's chest, drawing blood. Archer went limp, falling to her knees before slumping forward. Pulling her sword out, Assassin was about to step back when a hand caught her blade.

Her eye widened as Archer gave her a bloody smile an kept her in place.

"I told you. You will not pass," Archer declared as she glanced to the side.

Assassin turned as well to see a fireball thrown by a Djinn thunder towards her. She let go of her sword before jumping back, watching Archer be engulfed by the flames.

Hitting the ground, Chiyome let out a breath and watched as burning figure stepped into of the flames.

Archer yanked the sword from her chest and tossed it at Assassin's feet. Archer's kimono burned but only it's fringes were left smoldering, paper charms marked the inner layer of her clothes to prevent elemental damage.

Archer's flesh burned and her skin turned black from the heat but she healed fast. She remained a haunting beauty looking down at the face of death.

"What now, little Shinobi?" Archer whispered as she spread her arms.

An immortal monster at the front and a horde of monsters at the back.

It began to rain.

Lightning arced through the sky as Archer took a step forward with her naginata in hand.

Immortal​

[] Keep breaking through Archer's guard. Assassin needed to do it fast! Before Caster's monsters catch up to her!
[] Turn back, kill Caster. She was the mortal target here and much easier to kill. Assassin just needed to get past her summons!
[] Assassin will use her Noble Phantasm and brute force her way through Archer and Caster's efforts! She needed an opening, just one!
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Assassin will use her Noble Phantasm and brute force her way through Archer and Caster's efforts! She needed an opening, just one!

She can break through. Assassin knew that and was able to see herself getting past Archer despite the latter's immortality. If this were a normal fight, she could easily kill Archer over and over again but she didn't have the time to do so. Not with Caster breathing down her neck...

No, she had to break through as best she could. She let out a breath as she picked up her sword.

"Let this curse flow anew in my veins. This curse, my curse, shall be our curse together," Assassin whispered as she gathered magical energy from her supply. She held out her hand, "Kuchiyose - Ibuki Daimyoujin Engi.(Summoning - Omen of the Great God Ibuki)"

Magical energy spiked in the air as Assassin floated a few inches from the ground. Tainted divine power rushed through the surrounding area and flooded with an unbearable presence. Archer's smile turned into one of alertness as gargantuan serpents bared their fangs towards her.

Archer moved and cut through the first Serpent and thrust her naginata into another. She drove the serpent into the ground before pulling out Prayer Beads.

"I see, so that's your true nature," Archer said as she held her hand before her chest in the midst of the curses, "Let the Buddha dispel your corruption."

The Prayer Beads she held cracked and shattered, releasing light which pierced through the serpents to keep them at bay.

"Passage of 800 Years(The Gift of Eternity)," Archer declared as the beads turned into a bow tipped with lotus flowers.

Drawing upon its string, Archer fought through the serpents and fired, piercing through their scales and bodies and hit... Nothing.

Her eyes turned to the side to see Assassin pass her by, rushing to the exit and causing Archer to dispel her Noble Phantasm. She drew her regular bow and aimed, firing a precise shot as Assassin escaped.

Assassin plunged herself through the storm walls, sand cut her flesh and battered her body as she moved. But she used her serpents to push herself forward just as she looked back to see an arrow come for her. Assassin was hit right on her shoulder and gasped out in pain.

She was pushed out of the warehouse and was sent rolling on the ground. Assassin tore out the arrow on her shoulder before standing up. Caster's Master was dead...

Assassin stepped back and vanished into the night.

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

The Reality Marble shattered. The sand, the storm, and the winds all vanished as if they were never there, leaving a sobbing Servant as she clutched the head of her Master. Tears ran down her cheeks as fear gripped her heart, death never came closer than it did just now.

Her heart was pounding, her hands cold as she kept her head down. She failed him. She had failed this young man and it was tearing her apart inside. Despair filled her form as she sat on the bloody ground and felt only pain.

"What a grand tragedy. Assassin had her sights on you since yesterday," Theodore said as he walked forward with his hands spread out, "Woe, Caster."

"Silence," Caster hissed as a thief took form to raise a blade at the man's throat, however Archer blocked it as she came by.

"You cannot sustain yourself with just the two command seals given to you. You will last a few days before vanishing, unless you can find a new Master to serve," Archer warned her with a stern look.

Theodore knelt down and took off his hat, getting on Caster's level, "And I am more than willing to share your burden. This was not within our plans, Caster... But if you work with me, we might just be able to mount an counterattack... Vengeance for this poor young man."

Caster raised her head and met his gaze. It reminded her of her King... Of the mad King she sought to appease all those years ago.

But something burned in Caster's heart, something greater than fear.

Theodore only smiled as Caster sobbed before him.

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

Your name was Hans Derrinsmith and you were waiting on your suite's living room. You had a quiet dinner with Miyu during Assassin's absence and you spoke in length with the girl acting as the Holy Grail. She was starting to emote more with every interaction you had with her but while this was happening, you couldn't help but worry about Assassin.

Miyu was perceptive enough to notice your discomfort. She told you to get some rest before she yawned and departed for her room with a book om economics under her arm. That girl was becoming more and more of an oddball.

But here you were, waiting in your sofa. You didn't even have a glass of alcohol to help you through it. Assassin must be focusing hard to not respond to your hails...

You blinked and you noticed a shadow stand by the window. Moonlight shined down on Assassin as she returned at last.

She looked disheveled and almost as if she had been taken and slammed around. You noticed the healed wound on her shoulder as she met your gaze. But this time, she gave you a small smile.

"I'm back, Master," Assassin said as she stumbled forward.

You got up and caught her with your arm, keeping her from falling. You blinked and noticed her problem.

"You're out of mana?" You asked her as she tried to keep herself steady.

"I needed to use my Noble Phantasm to escape. I apologize... But Caster's Master is dead. His death shed some light on Caster's status," Assassin replied as she held her head, "She can sustain herself well enough to exist past his death. I suppose, I only managed to anger her."

"No, you did what you could. Hey, stay with me. Don't pass out," you told her with a frown.

"I apologize..." Assassin said as she blinked.

"In any case, you need to rest up. Come on," you told her as you limped to your room with her in tow, "They got you good, huh?"

"I succeeded in assassinating the Master... But Caster yet lives... And Archer and an older man was present there," Assassin explained as you brought her to your room. You set her down on your bed where she sat on the edge while you took a seat by your desk, "Archer... Also used her Noble Phantasm."

"The immortal?" You asked with a frown.

"Yes... A lotus tipped bow. Do... Do you know of an immortal that lived for 800 years?" Assassin asked you with a weak voice.

You tried thinking about it as you took your cane and pressed a switch to extend a tiny blade on its handle. Pricking your thumb, you bled yourself on a vial and filled it.

"I'll look into it. But I do have my suspicions... Scheherezade, or Caster, will be a problem in the future, that much I'm certain," you said as you offered your blood vial to Assassin, "Here, take this. It should help with your fatigue."

Assassin gingerly took the vial and downed it in one go. She started to look better after that and nodded in thanks.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll be having a tough time managing things," you told her as you set down your cane.

Assassin immediately fell into your pillow and shut her eyes. You moved and took the blanket, tucking her in as she slept. Her breathing rose and fell as she finally relaxed.

You were about to move away when Assassin's hand lightly held on to your sleeve.

Crossed Blades
​

[] Stay. You'll try and relax as well. It's been a stressful evening.
[] Leave. You can't get attached. She's just a Servant and you need to check your defenses.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Stay. You'll try and relax as well. It's been a stressful evening.

You noticed that her hand wouldn't let you go. You figured that you can just pull away but you didn't. You looked down at her sleeping peacefully before you sighed and simply sat where you were. You have been working pretty hard and the thought of tomorrow was getting to you.

You needed to relax. Tomorrow, you'll be fighting for your life again. Thinking about that, it made you feel s little guilty leaving things to Assassin.

You sighed as you crossed your legs and leaned back on your seat, holding her hand as she slept. The smell of blood was obvious enough in her presence but you were used to it. You didn't fight your way to this stage without getting used to a few things. You remained by her side and closed your eyes.

Sleep soon took over and you were falling into the world of dreams.

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

You dreamed.

You dreamed of a small house sitting in the corner of the woods. You could hear cries and shouting within. A loud smack was heard and a small body fell out the door.

A child in rags mewled in pain, tears sliding down her cheek as she nursed her bruise.

"It's your fault! The Miko have told us that your birth would bring prosperity! And yet why? Our crops failed, our lands plagued with serpents, why would you do this?!" An imposing man roared from within the house.

"Father," the girl gasped.

"Those marks on your flesh. Truly you're cursed! Cursed!" The man spat before shutting the door.

The moon was red that night and the girl only sobbed, clutching in her hand dried snake skin. She stood up and sniffled as you watched her walk away. You watched her step away from the house as you took a step forward.

"Hey," you called out to her yet your voice never came. It was as if you had been silenced.

But the girl stopped then. Her head turned to where you stood and you saw her eyes. Her left eye was dark and normal but her right one was strange. The girl's right eye was reminiscent of a serpent's color.

You tried reaching out for her as your vision slowly turned black.

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

You opened your eyes to find your hand reaching upwards. You then realized that Chiyome was looking down on you with a surprised look. Your hand was close to brushing against her eyepatch.

"Are... Are you okay, My Lord?" She asked as she pulled back.

You blinked and held your head, "I... I fell asleep? What time is it?"

"It is near the break of dawn. 4am if you would," Assassin explained as she sat on the chair, "Is there something wrong?"

You looked at her as you held your head. It was this early...

"You were talking in your sleep. Though they were mostly incoherent," Chiyome said as she met your gaze.

"Dream Cycle... It's a phenomena in which I get to see your past. Sorry, I know it's something common between Master and Servants but I feel like I'm intruding on something," you admitted as you checked the clock nearby.

Assassin shook her head, "It is nothing. Whatever you may see, I do not mind. When I became Shinobi I have cut off myself from the family which rejected me. It was through my training that I learned to be stronger. Whatever you saw, you had every right to see, you are my Master after all."

".... Six days. You're still being formal after all this time," you told her with a shake of your head, "Don't you get tired?"

"It is only proper manners," Assassin said before you chuckled.

"Try as you might but you are cracking here and there. Lighten up," you told her as you glanced her way. You gave her a more serious look, "Still, are you feeling better now?"

"I am. Thank you. I cannot afford to rest when tonight is the night we defend Lady Miyu," Assassin said with a nod.

You smiled and said, "Well, I trust that you'll do your best in helping us out. I know I'm putting a lot of burden on you. So I'm sorry about that."

"It's my duty, Master," Assassin strongly argued with a determined look, "It does not bother me at all."

"That so? Thanks," you said as you rubbed the back of your head, "Have you been awake long?"

"Yes," Assassin nodded.

"I see," you replied as you glanced at her.

A Short Rest​

[] "Why don't you ever take that eyepatch off? Is it some sort of secret weapon?"
[] "I have a request. Do you mind letting me see your right eye? I mean, it's fine if you don't. Color me curious."
[] "We should go and start the day. Do you mind cooking breakfast, Assassin? The stress didn't let me have a good dinner last night."
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "I have a request. Do you mind letting me see your right eye? I mean, it's fine if you don't. Color me curious."

Your thoughts returned to the dream cycle you had. She said she wasn't bothered by it but if it was being shown to you, it could be a fundamental part of her personality. It was through these phenomena that both Master and Servants could understand one another.

You've had the same experiences with your previous Servants before and they always made you curious. It took no small amount of coaxing and asking for them to open to you. You wondered if Assassin could be the same.

That eye really made you wonder...

You turned to her and asked, "I have a request."

Assassin blinked in surprise before nodding, "Of course, Master. What do you need?"

"Do you mind letting me see your right eye? I mean, it's fine if you don't," you added at the end there with an awkward chuckle, "Color me curious."

Assassin seemed to be even more surprised as she held the cloth that concealed her eyes. She hesitated before giving you a reply, "I do not wish to upset you. It's a rather grotesque sight after all. The mark of Orochi's curse lingers upon this side of my body, it's disgusting."

"Try me," you told her with a raised eyebrow.

Assassin nervously rubbed her arm before sighing, "V-Very well..."

Chiyome took the cloth and slowly pulled them off. What you saw was reminiscent of the dream you saw where that girl's eye was similar to that of a snake. Assassin's eye was bright gold in color with her pupil turned into a slit.

The birthmark of snake scales stopped beneath her eye as it coiled around her body. She sat before you with a nervous look, bracing herself while keeping her head down.

"I always hated myself. This body and the curse that courses through it. Our family carried this curse for generations since Koga Saburou," Assassin said as she looked at her hand, "It was because of this curse that I couldn't be normal. From the very start, I could only kill and slaughter my foes, nothing else."

You watched as Assassin held up her hand and a black snake slithered into existence. Her right eye stared at it and it stared back at her.

"I too am nothing more than a snake. Slithering down the ground and striking from the shadows. There's no honor or glory in my kills, merely accomplishments. Jobs to be done," Assassin said as the snake slithered down your bedside and crawled towards you, "I was good. Good enough for people to fear me. I was a blade to be wielded against the foes of my Lord. I truly thought I couldn't be anything else."

The black snake crawled up you arm as you lifted it, watching it hiss at you and bare its fangs. You didn't flinch as you stared at the dripping poison which escaped its maw.

"Don't you fear me, Master? Such a cursed existence that could kill you in your sleep being nearby, doesn't it make you afraid?" Assassin asked as the snake on your hand lowered its head and vanished, only for you to meet her gaze.

You considered your thoughts before giving her your reply, "Well, I would be a poor Master if I was. Heroic Spirits are grand existences... But behind them all is a human being that they once were. Humans that could laugh, cry and be angry. Knowing that, I could never be afraid of them. They're people too even if I tried distancing myself from them."

"Is that so?" Assassin asked.

"What I do think, Assassin, is that you're letting that self loathing get to you. You can be capable of great things," you told her with a nod, "Not just killing, I think you have a knack for taking care of people and well... Your cooking is improving. It's true that your curse pushed you to become what you are, but it can't stop you from pursuing things you actually love. Mochizuki Chiyome is a stronger woman than some silly snake's curse."

Assassin looked at you and said, "Is it truly that simple?"

"No. Nothing ever is. But it's a start," you told her with a smile as you pointed at your head, "It's all in the head."

".... I see," Assassin said as she looked down herself.

"Chin up, buddy. No need to be sad. Besides, that eye?" You said as you gave it a closer look, making Assassin lean back. You then thought about your next words.

Eye to eye​

[] "You look beautiful with it."
[] "To be honest, you look pretty cool."
[] "It's super rad, you know?"
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "To be honest, you look pretty cool."

"To be honest, you look pretty cool," you chuckled as you met her gaze.

"Cool..." Assassin repeated as she looked down herself, "I never would have described it as that."

"Well, I say it as I see it. It looks pretty cool," you said as you sat by your bedside and added, "It's not disgusting at all. I could look at it all day if I could."

Assassin blinked before blushing red, "I'd r-rather you didn't."

"You're just shy about it, you know?" You chuckled as you smiled her way.

"Hans, please," Assassin said with an exasperated tone.

"Oho? Calling me by my name now? What is it Chiyome?" You smirked as you gave her an amused look.

Assassin winced before lowering her head, "Forgive me. I spoke rudely."

"It's fine, you know? You're becoming more casual," you said as you stood up and grabbed your cane, "Better watch out, because this is only the beginning."

"You... Are quite the strange Magus," Assassin sighed as she shook her head, "Normally, your kind wouldn't waste time with this sort of thing."

"Well, I'm not your typical Magus. I'm just a selfish man chasing something beyond my grasp," you told her as you shook your head.

"Selfish you may be, but you're a step above the typical Magus," Assassin said as she met your gaze, "That is what makes you different."

"Noted then. I need to fix myself up. Can you wait outside while I change?" You asked her as you turned her way.

"Understood," Assassin replied as she vanished from your presence. You couldn't stop smiling. You were figuring out how she ticked.

Now you just needed to survive the night.

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

Assassin sat on the sofa while Miyu inspected her. The little girl gave Assassin a close look and frowned before crossing her arms.

"Cool right?" You asked as you stood by.

"Master, I don't think this is necessary at all," Assassin said as she blushed.

"I think it is indeed 'cool'," Miyu said as she leaned back.

"Lady Miyu," Assassin said in a whine.

"I don't understand your apprehension, Assassin. I agree with Mr. Hans' observation. Your eye could be seen as disgusting by yourself but has the opposite impression on us. It is indeed cool. Also you certainly look prettier without the eyepatch," Miyu replied as she moved to fix Assassin's hair.

"See?" You chuckled as you leaned on your cane. Though you noticed the critical observations Miyu made in that short while.

Miyu began tying Assassin's hair as she glanced your way, "Still, you only have 12 hours to prepare for your defense. No doubt that Caster and the other Servants would be looking to snatch me away at that time. Have you gone over your plans?"

"Well we're certainly not letting them break through here... I have a special place to meet them at," you told her as you looked at your phone.

"You're going to draw them out?" Miyu asked with a frown.

"Yes. We'll need to defend you for half an hour before transporting you away. Under no circumstances that we can let them get you," you told her as you faced her.

"Why not?" Miyu asked you.

"Well, we still have a bet, right?" You replied as you walked towards her, "Or have you had a change of heart?"

"I won't fall for your tricks," Miyu said as she gave you a look, "I'm just a Grail. My purpose is to judge those who are worthy."

She's really denying her autonomy as a person, huh? What kind of life did she live until this point?

You walked to an armchair and sat down, "I asked around, Miyu. About how your family got involved in this war."

Miyu's eyes widened as she stopped tying Assassin's hair, "You did?"

"Your family's traits were in danger of being exposed to the other Magi. So you all ran to the Luctworth for help?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.

Miyu turned her gaze down and nodded, "That was indeed how it happened. I was then tasked with this purpose of being the Grail, as the Child of God. This ritual was for our sake, that much is true, but my purpose hasn't change, which is to judge and choose."

"So that's how you see it," you murmured with an understanding look.

Miyu frowned at you, "What is that supposed to mean?"

She hasn't really entertained the thought that they could be lying to her. If the Luctworth were truly looking after her family, then would they go to this length for her?

As a child of God, what could their plans for her be?

"Nothing. In any case, I have an area where we could hold the defense. Manaka is already out there to prepare but I don't trust her doing a decent job by herself. Not only that, but I doubt Berserker could stop her when she truly gets going," you sighed as you crossed your arms.

"Where are we holding the battle?" Miyu asked with a curious look.

"It's an amusement park," you replied as you turned her way.

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

To be exact, it was an abandoned one covered in layers of Bounded Fields. Miyu stepped in with a wide look in her eyes as she turned her head from one attraction to the other. Due to financial problems. The park was forced to close several months back. Some traces of people could be seen left behind on the empty halls.

You wandered through this place from time to time in order to set it up for future use. You sent Manaka here to kill time in hopes she would reinforce what meager barriers you could make.

"There's barriers to turn away unsuspecting people from getting in. Several layers of alarms to blare when Servants or beings of similar power step in and a couple of traps to slow them down," you said as you limped forward with your cane, "Now I don't know what Manaka did but it seems like she threw in her own stuff into the mix."

"Would that be a good thing or a bad thing?" Miyu asked in her thick blue coat and leggings, she rubbed her hands together as she stared at the Ferris Wheel.

"I don't know," you admitted as you shook your head. Miyu walked up to a merry-go-round and stared at the horses and the dead ride.

Miyu placed her hand on the railing and you watched as the ride lit up and the music for it began to play. Miyu's eyes widened as she watched the ride turn and the horses sway up and down.

"I... Will be busy for awhile," Miyu said as she glanced at you.

You checked the time. There's still several hours before the Grail let out the signal.

Light in Winter​

[] Stay with Miyu. You'll accompany her for a bit. She's clearly interested in the place, so you might as well hang around.
[] Meet up with Manaka. You have to make sure she wasn't going to pull the rug under you. She's been too quiet lately. Leave Assassin with Miyu.
[] Construct a familiar to watch over Miyu. You need to inspect the place alongside Assassin for possible ambush points she can use.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Meet up with Manaka. You have to make sure she wasn't going to pull the rug under you. She's been too quiet lately. Leave Assassin with Miyu.

"Assassin, mind watching over Miyu for a bit? I have to go look for our accomplice," you said as you glanced to your side to find your Servant standing there.

Assassin had her head bowed as she replied, "Yes, Maste-Uwah!"

"Come, don't be slow," Miyu said as she pulled Assassin along. You watched them enter the carousel as you leaned on your cane. The song of the ride echoed all around the defunct park as you turned to walk away.

Assassin should keep her safe. Besides, if anything happened, she should be able to react fast. Until the Grail revealed itself tonight, this place should be well hidden enough. You moved along down the park's path and walked by the central fountain area.

The Scrap Bird flew overhead and directed you to where Manaka was. You went eastward towards where the bay area was located. You passed by the closed shops and shutdown kiosks as well as rundown rides.

You kept walking as you detected the air of foreboding you normally felt when you were around Manaka. Was it just her magecraft that was doing that? It's not friendly at all, wasn't it? You recognized your work in keeping this entire park hidden and protected but it was also layered in magecraft you didn't know.

It had to be Manaka's work.

That was your only guess at this point. You continued walking as you came into view of an overlook. The waters of the city's bay was visible over the rails as you got into view. The gray skies provided a gloomy backdrop to the view as you took notice of Berserker smoking nearby with his arms crossed.

His Master wasn't far ahead, a young woman looking over the rails as she leaned forward.

"Did you two wait long?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

Berserker turned to you and said, "She's been busy. Frankly, I don't like that she's busy. Makes her unpredictable. I don't know what sort of magecraft she's been doing but she said it was a surprise for you."

"For me? It's either something bad or troublesome," you noted as you shook your head.

"Still, you're a good chew toy for her. So long as you keep being entertaining, you should be fine. Now though, it's just a matter of her showing her hands," Berserker said as he took his cigarette out of his mouth and blowing it into the air, "Good luck."

"I'll need it, Berserker. Definitely," you sighed as you walked forward. You eventually came close enough for Manaka to perk up.

She turned and gave you a bright smile, "Oh! You finally came around!"

"I was trying to make sure things were fine here and if you needed help. I hope you do have some things for me to do?" You told her with a curious look.

"Well, if you mean reinforcing those barriers you made, I added a layer of my own if you don't mind. Aside from that, I was just busy calling out to my child," Manaka said with a bright tone as she held her hand behind her back.

Amusement
​

[] You're not even surprised anymore... Well, only a little bit, "Okay, sure. I'll bite. What's this about and will it eventually kill me horribly somehow?"
[] "You... Have a child? That doesn't sound good. Is it?"
[] "Oh. That's nice I guess? How can... Your child help us?"
[] "I have questions. A few I admit I'm wary to ask out loud, to be honest."
[] Just nod and smile, Hans. Don't dig deep.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] You're not even surprised anymore... Well, only a little bit, "Okay, sure. I'll bite. What's this about and will it eventually kill me horribly somehow?"

You were human. There was no denying that. Humans had these things called instincts to ensure their survival and to preserve the continuation of the future generations. At the moment, you stood before the girl named Manaka, a young woman with exceptional talent in magecraft limited only by the body she was currently in.

Right now, you felt the need to run as far as possible... Or eliminate her where she stood. But you couldn't, that would be like throwing a bomb at an inferno or shooting a gun at a tornado. It was a futile effort. So you could only stand before her as she smiled and declared that absurd sentence.

A child?

You're not even surprised anymore...

A sigh left your lips, "Okay, sure. I'll bite. What's this about and will it eventually kill me horribly somehow?"

Manaka blinked at that before cracking an amused look, "Well that's certainly a reaction. But no, it shouldn't kill you. I think."

"That doesn't inspire confidence," you said as you leaned on your cane, "Answer the first question."

"It's a secret weapon that will help us win this war," Manaka giggled as she held her finger before her lips, "After all, I doubt we can hold off an attack by all of the servants at once tonight."

"So you were trying to get some help?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"In a fashion... But Miyu is still empty so the signal is rather weak," Manaka said as she walked past you.

"Signal?" You frowned.

"Servants need to die if we can fully make use of this ritual," Manaka said with that serene smile of hers, "Think of it as using the souls fueling the grail as a means to reach beyond our world into mine. Oh... Come here, I'll show you."

Manaka walked off towards an attraction. You followed her closely and you looked to see that she walked into the Hall of Mirrors.

Following her, you gathered your courage and went in. The lights dimmed as you stepped in while Manaka turned and beckoned you to follow. You did and you were soon surrounded by mirrors reflecting your body.

You saw yourself, the broken man that you were as you had the sense not to get lost in the maze. You followed Manaka as she was no doubt trying to lose you while she was ahead. You were starting to feel a distinct flow of magical energy contained within this hall.

The mirrors themselves seemed to be being used for something but you didn't know what. They were... Bouncing something within them. You could have sworn you saw something in your reflection. Still, that was all it took for you to lose Manaka.

"Over here, Hans."

"No, over here."

"What are you looking there for?"

"Hans, are you lost?"

Her voice echoed all around you, whispering into your ears, speaking into your mind. You kept walking, you kept moving, that was until you had enough and you imbued your cane with a dispel to dismantle her tricks.

The cacophony of voices were silenced and you were left hearing a giggle as Manaka stood ahead of you. She walked to her left and vanished once more.

You followed and eventually, you caught up with her.

You were at the heart of the glass maze, Manaka holding a hand against a large mirror before opening her eyes. She stared at you from the reflection and smiled.

"Here it is!" Manaka asked as she held out her hands, "What do you think?"

You looked around and frowned. There wasn't anything truly out of the ordinary except for this heavy weight of dread weighing down on you. No, you were wrong... You could see thin lines like tree branches interconnecting with each mirror.

The magical energy in this room was dense, a normal person would have passed out.

"Manaka... What is..?" You blinked before you saw it.

An eye.

A blasphemous eye. It was peering behind Manaka through the mirror as you turned to see the figures of people clamouring within the mirrors and being consumed. They were faceless people, normal people, people... Who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Behind you Manaka stepped by, "Don't worry. You're my friend, Hans."

She placed her hand on your shoulder as she whispered into your ear.

"What is this, Manaka?" You asked her with a measured tone as she let you go.

"It's similar to tying a string to a can and speaking through it to deliver your voice to another person. This room, a workshop I made today, is the string that can let me talk to my child," Manaka said as she hummed and held her hands behind her back, "Like I said, the signal isn't strong enough. So my connection is weak... But I can feel it... And it can feel me. Look, it's already sent us help!"

You watched as Manaka stepped back as a body was being slowly pushed out of the mirror. You then beheld a woman with vibrant blue hair, donning armor of divine make as she was slowly being pushed out.

Her body... Was blackened.

Corrupted smoke left her form as her eyes had a hint of gold in them.

"Shells. Empty husks. Once we kill more Servants, we'll be able to call more. We'll be able to win this war. Isn't that great?" Manaka said as she cupped the woman's face.

You shifted in your position, "That's... A servant?"

"An empty husk. Not as powerful but... Powerful enough," Manaka said as she turned to you, "We'll protect Miyu and guarantee an interesting result for this War. Right, Hans?"

"That's... True," you said with a grimace.

"Good! Now we'll need some time before we can get her out. She'll be ready before Miyu reveals herself to the other Masters. No doubt it will be a fine surprise," Manaka said as she giggled.

Mirror​

[] "Tell me, who are you really? How can you do these things? Tell me the truth."
[] "So this is your plan. Fighting the attackers and pulling this surprise when their guard is down?"
[] "What did it take, Manaka, to make this? It almost seems like you knew about this place before I told you last night. Isn't that interesting?"
[] Walk out. You can't stand this place. The air was enough to make your stomach turn.
[] Write in...