Fate/Blackened Sugar

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Use an Escape Route. Assassin will break through the Blackened and escape out of the Pyramid. She's done enough and she should focus on running now.

She was getting swept up. Assassin had time to grab hold of herself and focus on what mattered now. While it was true that information on the Blackened's capabilities was important, she didn't have to go through such a risky method. That's right. She had seen enough of what she could. It was time to pull back and letting her curse devour her here wouldn't amount to much other than compromise Hans.

Assassin felt that Saber was right. Out of every Head of the Mochizuki, she ended up being the most compatible with it. Hans truly has helped her get this far, huh? She couldn't let herself fall here. That would not only be shameful but Hans would just end up doing something stupid if anything happened to her. He was after all a simple man once she truly had him under her finger.

For now she had to make her retreat. Judging from the Blackened's moves, he couldn't just leave that necklace be. It would prove to be quite the tool to give her an advantage but she couldn't get to it from where she stood now. Her eyes darted to the exit and figured out a way to get past the Blackened. Orochi's curse continued to crawl all over her body but she had it restrained for now, letting it drip into her spirit to give her the burst of strength she needed.

Rushing forward, Assassin made her way towards the Blackened as a feint and make him think she was still after him. The Blackened predictably reacted as he swung his staff upwards and fired off bursts of lights in the air. Assassin dodged and weaved past them before she jumped and tossed pellets into the air, having them detonate.

Smoke burst forth as Chiyome hooked herself to the ground to avoid the piercing beams of light penetrating the smoke. She tossed out a firecracker to the far right and had it explode to which the Blackened reacted.

He slashed through the air with his staff, splitting the smoke apart before he glanced to his side to see Assassin pass him.

Slamming his staff into the ground, light swirled and coalesced into the bestial form of a monster of glittering stars. Assassin looked up to see that it took the form a faceless Sphinx looking down on her. It then tensed and swung its arm at her, blazing claws lighting up as Chiyome drew upon a Shinobi tool and expanded a metal umbrella which took the brunt of the blow.

Through the molten steel and shattered debris, her serpentine eyes glared at the Sphinx as it moved to swing again. However she was already on the move, evading the strike and going under the creature as mud gathered at the entrance of the chamber. The Blackened Servant rose up and swung his staff at Chiyome, forcing her to swing her sword and clash with him.

How persistent!

The ground began to glow before Chiyome disengaged just before the man was swallowed by a beam of light. His body burned as he took the two kunai Chiyome threw and endured, the kunai promptly exploded and knocked him back. Assassin took this chance to get past him as he turned and grab her arm.

"Gragh!" Chiyome gasped as she was thrown straight into the frame of the chamber's entrance before pinned there.

She looked into the Blackened's golden eyes before she noticed his corruption clinging on to her flesh. Was he trying to corrupt her as well? No, it's the mud that was doing this.

"S-Saburou!"Assassin growled as she summoned her Serpent and it hissed upon smashing against the Blackened, freeing Assassin. The Serpent was promptly torn apart by the Blackened's bare hands but Assassin was already gone.

She managed to dash up and looked at the spot the Blackened pinned her down. The corruption didn't take root so she was safe for now but that was another thing to report. Whatever happened, Servants must not come into contact with that mud. Otherwise they'll just end up like the Blackened as well. It's good to have confirmation but Chiyome wasn't about to stick around to find out more.

Her eyes widened once the passage switched from what she remembered. Forks and intersections were closed off and walls shifted as the ground itself quaked. She grunted as she leaned against the walls before noticing that the Blackened must have been shifting the interior of the Pyramid itself to keep her boxed in.

Chiyome reached into her pouch and held out a glowing green gemstone. Luvia handed her this particular gemstone and told her to crush it.

"Show me the way," Assassin breathed as she crushed it in her hand, watching it break apart and the dust drift through the air and spark electricity. A sharp tendril of light then flew through the air and guided her forward.

Assassin moved down the passage and rushed through the numerous halls. Traps were set and even as she tripped them, she had enough perception and dexterity to clear them without getting hurt. The light moved her from the underground and she felt herself rising higher and higher up the pyramid.

Murals lit up as she ran, Assassin didn't stop for anything until she came upon a hall with pillars lining up the side of the carpet leading to the exit. The glowing green light turned into a sphere and floated by the side of Assassin's head as she looked ahead. Someone was waiting for her at the end of the hall, causing the Servant to stop and look.

A girl with blonde hair and blue eyes stood at the far end of the chamber and had her eyes widen in surprise. She then cracked a smile and placed a hand upon her lips before pointing to the right. The wall collapsed, revealing a passageway not previously there.

"Ayumi?" Assassin breathed but she blinked once and the girl was gone, only the passage she made remained. The green light then went haywire and popped, leaving Chiyome with no guide to lead her out of the Pyramid.

The ground bubbled and from the mud emerged the Blackened Servant, rising up slowly as he had to drag his body out of the floor.

Assassin didn't waste anymore time and moved to the new passage that was opened for her. The Blackened managed to get up and chase her but the entrance sealed itself off even to the Blackened. Assassin staggered back staring at the reformed wall as she found herself in Darkness, leaving her to adjust for a moment in order for her to see.

Once she did, she ended up realizing that she was looking down a dark hall. What was strange was that she can feel wind up ahead.

Assassin kept moving until she turned a corner and found an open room concealed behind some white curtains. She stepped forward and walked through it to find that it was a modern looking room with a bed, a table and some furniture. What was surprising was the girl that stood looking out the window.

"Miyu?" Assassin asked, causing the girl to turn in surprise.

Miyu tensed before turning to look right into Assassin's eyes. She stared in shock for a moment before she parted her lips, struggling to find her voice.

"Assassin?" Miyu murmured as she inhaled sharply.

She was being kept here? Then... Did Ayumi point Chiyome in the right direction somehow? No, the window was there, she could make her escape but Miyu was here...

She could take the girl. She could take her here now.

With a serious look, Assassin stepped forward, "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"Don't!" Miyu cried out as she held up her hand.

That put Assassin to a stop, "Miyu?"

"You... Shouldn't be here. No, maybe this is for the better," Miyu murmured as she clenched her fists. Assassin was confused but Miyu soon raised her head and spoke, "Please tell Hans and the others to abandon the War."

What?

"Tomorrow, Ayumi told me that the one controlling the Blackened will come. I'm going to bargain with Manaka to stop her from doing this. To end this War," Miyu said as she met Assassin's gaze, "I... I can talk to Manaka. If I bargain my ability as a Grail, maybe she'll just stop this whole farce."

Assassin grimaced and said, "You... You'll just end up putting yourself in danger. There's no telling if that person would even listen."

"She helped us in the past and surely if I offer something in exchange she'll do so again. She can be reasoned with," Miyu decided as she wore a determined look, "That way, you won't have to fight her... Or her Beast."

"Miyu... Do you realize what you're saying?" Assassin asked.

"If this war will only bring its participants suffering, then as the Holy Grail I will put an end to that suffering," Miyu answered as she opened the windows and let the gentle midnight breeze in, "So go... I'll handle things here."

"Where does that take you then? What happens to you?" Chiyome questioned with a sharp tone, "Where does that leave 'Miyu Sakatsuki'?"

Miyu winced but otherwise didn't meet the Servant's gaze. she could only say in a quiet whisper, "Sorry..."

Assassin wore a grim expression before she noticed the wall bubble with black mud. Time's up...

Way Out
​

[] "I see. So we have until tomorrow then. Hans will enjoy the challenge. Just sit tight here... We'll definitely save you, okay?"
[] "You're underestimating our stubbornness, Miyu. Seems like we still have much to talk... But we'll do so after we rescue you."
[] "Hans made his promise to protect you, didn't he? You don't have to do that. He'll come here tomorrow... We'll both come for you."
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "You're underestimating our stubbornness, Miyu. Seems like we still have much to talk... But we'll do so after we rescue you."

Assassin turned to Miyu and gave her reply, "You're underestimating our stubbornness, Miyu. Seems like we still have much to talk about..."

The black mud on the wall began to bubble some more and the Blackened reached out with his dark hand. His golden eyes burned with silent fury as Miyu gasped in shock as she staggered into her bed.

Assassin moved to escape out the window, "But we'll do so after we rescue you."

The Blackened fully emerged from the wall as the window began to shut. Assassin went faster and managed to take the jump, diving through the opening and escaping out the window. She then found herself soaring out the air and looked up to see the swarm of wings and claws.

She took out her blue gemstone and spoke into it, "RIDER!"

From the sky came a white comet, it tore through the air and dived straight down towards where Assassin was. She was able to see it tear through the mass of Sphinxes flying in the air before Pegasus spread it's wings to halt it's descent.

Rider held on to the steed's reins before holding out his hand. Assassin reached out and grabbed hold on to him as she looked back at the window to see Miyu looking back at her. She then grabbed on to Rider's shoulder as they flew through the air. The Sphinxes moved to dive down at them while Pegasus evaded them.

"Did you get what you needed?" Rider asked as he glanced behind him.

"I did," Assassin sighed as she looked to see the monsters come for them, "We have to lose them, Rider."

"On it already, miss Shinobi. Hold on tight, my friend will loosen up now," Rider warned her as he tapped the winged steed on the side and it responded by beginning to glow. Chiyome took out three clusters of smoke bombs and tossed them behind her just as Pegasus flapped its wings once.

The air left behind her was filled with a wall of smoke just as Pegasus broke the sound barrier. The explosions from the bombs were enough to distract the Sphinxes but the sonic boom left behind by Pegasus knocked several of them out of the air. The smoke should aid in making those things lose their scent, preventing them from tracking them back to the church.

Chiyome watched the Pyramid grow smaller and smaller as Pegasus shot forward, only to realize that she was hovering over the city now. Pegasus circled the entire downtown area and Rider noted that they weren't being chased anymore.

"I'll drop you on top of a building and stay in the air for a bit. We'll rejoin back at the church but make sure we're not being followed," Rider advised before gliding Pegasus down a building.

Chiyome hopped off and landed on top of it before Rider went off elsewhere. Assassin couldn't help but sigh as she recalled the expression on Miyu's face. She looked down her hands and felt that they were cold. Closing her eyes, she could feel Orochi's curse slowly adjust itself to her Spirit Origin. Now that she wasn't rejecting it out of self hate, it was no trying to coexist with her.

Much has happened tonight but she couldn't help but wonder if she could have done more.

Maybe that's why she felt odd without having Hans direct her on her actions. She always tend to miss things on her own.

"Can't get distracted now. We have to save Miyu after all..." Assassin said as she recalled Ayumi guiding her to where Miyu was earlier.

She grimaced and closed her eyes. That was going to be a problem, huh.

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

It was morning when you gathered alongside the other Masters to hear Chiyome's report. You raised an eyebrow upon hearing her sabotaging the leyline connected to the Pyramid. You didn't like hearing about it given the considerable risk she went through trying to run from the Blackened but she made it out in the end.

The Pyramid was protected by a curse which slowed her down, only adding to your suggestion of dragging the Blackened out and fight him away from his home turf. Not only that but it seemed that from Assassin's encounter with him, he seemed to be gaining power while within the Pyramid. He could appear anywhere at anytime within the Pyramid but that doesn't seem to be the case when he's outside.

This was just making the Siege option look worse by the moment. So to sum it up, you had a near impenetrable fortress riddled with traps and curses which could even affect Servants. Not only that but it was guarded by a superpowered Blackened Servant and numerous Phantasmal Beasts that would make the Age of the Gods blush, and you have to take it all down before Manaka wakes up for good.

According to Rider, the Sphinxes hanging at the top of the Pyramid were strong, fast and resilient and they had numbers to boot. If that Pyramid ever decided to go ahead and blast the whole city away on a whim then it'll be a worse situation compared to the last war.

"Just my luck, huh?" you sighed as you sat in your room and rubbed your forehead.

You weren't the only one who had their heads aching though. Luvia and Sakura were stunned upon hearing the report and Ophelia was pale as a sheet. Minerva remained impassive as she listened while Caren remained unfazed, though Artoria did sigh loudly once or twice.

"Still, I'm glad you came back safe. We sure have a big night tonight, huh?" you chuckled as you watched Assassin emerge from the shadows in the corner.

Assassin stood before you and crossed her arms, "We couldn't delay it, not with the time limit we have."

"Have you told anyone about Miyu's intentions?" you asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"No, just you. Still, do you think they'll go over the Siege idea?" Chiyome asked as she had her arms behind her back.

"Hopefully now they won't. Not that you lied anyway," you replied as you shook your head, "Though in this case, you'll end up going back there on your own."

"I know. But better me than anyone else," Assassin hummed before she sat by your side, "Besides, I promised Miyu last night."

"You too, huh?" you chuckled as you glanced at her.

Assassin leaned her head against you and rested her hand against yours, "Forgive me but I may be picking up some of your bad habits."

"Well, as long as it's the right ones," you sheepishly replied before Assassin sat up straight and wrapped her fingers around yours. This made you blink in surprise, "What's wrong?"

"I'll save her. Definitely," Assassin said as she lowered her head without meeting your gaze.

Another Promise
​

[] "I know. I know you will."
[] "No. We'll save her together."
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "No. We'll save her together."

You managed a small smile before pulling your hand away and lifting up her face, "No. We'll save her together."

"Together?" Assassin blinked.

"Yep. I'll go with you. It's only right," you decided as you met her gaze. You smiled and added as you placed your hand on her shoulder, "I still have some unfinished business to deal with."

"What of the others, won't they need you?" Assassin questioned with a frown.

"I'm useless if I stay with them. Besides, wouldn't you want me close by for morale support?" you chuckled as you watched your Servant scowl at you, "What? You don't like the idea?"

"Forgive me, My Lord but I think that's the height of foolishness," Assassin pointed out as she gave you a sour expression, "That's just needlessly risking your life when you could stand back in a safe distance."

"Is that your preference?" you asked her with a raised eyebrow.

Assassin lightly punched your shoulder, "Stop teasing me."

"Ow! So quick to anger. So much for being a cool Shinobi," you chuckled as your Servant sighed and leaned on your shoulder.

"You demand much from me and yet you haven't given me my just reward for my efforts," Assassin said as she glanced your way with an unhappy pout.

You winced and awkwardly scratched your head, "Did I?"

Assassin leaned closer to you, kneeling one leg on the bed as she grabbed your shoulder, "Yes. You tend to end up being hyper focused on certain things that you forget others entirely. It's surprising you managed to get this far."

"Maybe it's because of that, that I managed to live this long?" you shrugged before Assassin placed a finger upon your lips and smiled.

"It's also the reason why my advances bounce off you, you fool. You're a fantastic Master but a useless human being when it comes to these sorts of things," Chiyome said as she frowned at you, leaning closer and closer.

"Is your Kunoichi pride still hurt?" you asked with an awkward laugh.

Chiyome then shoved you into your bed and you looked up to see her eyes resemble a serpent about to gobble you up, "What if I said yes?"

You reached out towards her and moved her hair to reveal her face giving you a flushed look, her expression being red all over. You then pulled her towards you and hugged her.

"Sorry... And thank you for helping me," you told her as you closed your eyes, "You've done more than you needed to for a dumb guy like me."

Assassin pressed her head against your chest and held on to your clothes, "Idiot..."

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

The plan was simple.

It was to lure out the Blackened from his Pyramid and fight him on even grounds. With his army of Sphinxes, he could easily match the strength of four waiting Servants alongside himself. Caren had positioned the makeshift alliance so as that the Pyramid wouldn't make an attack upon the City itself.

The battle would be contained within the mountainous area where there were next to no people. Fighting the Blackened in the open was paramount no matter how many Sphinxes he threw at the four servants. They couldn't afford facing him while he was within his temple or risk being overwhelmed by his advantages over them.

In the meantime, Assassin will be retaking Miyu back from the Pyramid itself, infiltrating it once more while the Blackened's attention was split. It would be the only time she could do it and any future attempts would be thoroughly stonewalled beyond this point. You accounted for this by asking Luvia to provide Assassin with the same gemstones as before to aid her.

You on the other hand will be waiting outside to meet with Miyu and Assassin once they got out. However you were hoping to spring a meeting while you were there. You were after all a person of interest. A delectable bait that a certain someone wouldn't be able to resist messing with. It was how you ended up in the woods that you were in now, looking up at the golden Pyramid which nestled itself at the slope of the mountain.

"Christmas Eve," you breathed as you looked up the sky.

It was time. Your Command Seals began to burn with crimson light as you ended up with your vision.

You were soaring high up the sky, your gaze turning downwards. Your eyes locked with the Pyramid where your vision promptly zoomed down, through the Magical Barriers surrounding the Pyramid and the thick steel walls which covered it. Your sight led you through winding halls and corners before you ended up inside a chamber.

Miyu was standing there with the Blackened by her side, his golden eyes opening before he stood up.

You gasped and fell down your knees, feeling your Command Seals burn as you clenched your fist.

It was startin-

Your eyes widened to see the top of the Pyramid light up and fill with a brilliant glow. Magical Energy was gathered in the air as the entire complex pulsed, a massive sphere forming at the top of the Pyramid. It shined with brilliant blue light before turning dark and churning with black and red. Your gaze was fixed upon the ball as it resembled something akin to a black sun.

"Oh shit," you breathed before the Pyramid fired.

BOOM

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

Sakura watched the pillar of black light come towards them, only for Caren to step forward and hold up her arm.

"By my Command Seal, Artoria Pendragon, I order you to use your Noble Phantasm!" Caren shouted as scarlet light emerged from her body and latched upon the Knight King of Camelot.

Sakura's eyes widened as the invisible blade Artoria held burst to reveal a Holy Sword. Shining with a surging golden glow, the Holy Sword was soon filled to the brim with raw power. Artoria stepped forward to meet the approaching pillar of light, taking two steps as she held her sword before her. Her golden hair swayed as she moved before motes of light swirled around her.

Those that were present watched in awe as the woman held up her sacred blade.

Artoria faced the pillar head on as she spoke, "Break through this storm of darkness. Become the Light to Pierce this madness. Shatter it all! EX...CALIBUUUUUUUURRRRR!!!!!(Sword of Promised Victory)"

Artoria brought down her Holy Sword and called upon its raw strength, unleashing a gold beam of light which thundered to meet the black pillar. the two forces smashed into one another and caused an all encompassing blastwave which devastated the mountainside. The air rang and nearby humans were brought down to their knees.

The impact was enough to cause the air to shudder and the ground to quake.

The two forces pushed against one another with the black light surging with power to send the golden light back. Artoria grunted from the strain as the wind howled all around her. Her light was being pushed back but she stood her ground otherwise. She braced herself and unleashed the Magical Energy she had in reserve, forcing her Noble Phantasm to release more output.

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

"Oh... I know this light."

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

You watched the two sides clash and you could feel the wind blowing past you as you held on to a tree. You then saw how they both dissipated at the same time and shattered. To think that the Pyramid would have that firepower as an opening act. That Blackened Servant wasn't leaving things up in the air, huh?

You then saw the Sphinxes flap their wings and dive towards the location where the four Servants and their Masters were located.

"It's starting," Assassin murmured as she stood by your side.

"I know. We're putting an end to this tonight," you declared as you looked up at the Pyramid.

Assassin walked past you and glanced your way, "Your orders, Master."

Opening Act​

[] "Bring Miyu back!"
[] "Retrieve the Holy Grail, Assassin!"
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "Bring Miyu back!"

"Bring Miyu back!" you ordered as Assassin smiled before taking off. She kicked off the ground and made her jump, her body vanishing out of sight while you watched her go. You then turned your attention to the battle happening in the distance, the sight of the air being cut, of monsters being cleaved and of Heroes doing battle against the forces of darkness.

You would have laughed if it wasn't so beautiful. You looked down at your gemstone Luvia gave you before you spoke into it, "How's things?"

"Couldn't be better if that's what you're asking. Artoria needs some time to rest before she could join the others but we're doing well for three Servants facing a number this many. Rider has warned us not to get too close unless we want the Pyramid's power to affect these monsters. Which could easily make this fight turn ugly," Caren reported from the looks of it while you watched throngs of Sphinxes fall and shatter upon being hit by pink light.

"All you need to do is hold out. Assassin's just entered the Pyramid. Now it's just the hard part of getting this plan to pan out," you sighed as you leaned against a tree by your side.

"Funny. I was wondering if you were still making out with her," Caren snorted followed by a scandalized cry from Luvia near her.

"And you call yourself a nun. In any case, there's only a limited number of Sphinx. All you have to do is whittle their number until Mr. Ozymandias steps out of his Pyramid. Either way, the noise you're making should give Assassin the chance to kidnap Miyu," you replied as you narrowed your gaze up the top of the Pyramid, "Just watch out for that attack from before."

"We can't let that attack reach the city. Just that attack was enough to weaken a Heroic Spirit like Artoria. We won't survive another hit. Fortunately it seems to be the type of thing that can't be fired consecutively," Caren observed down at the battlefield, "This plan all hinges on us working together and doing our part. Make sure you support Assassin over there."

"You don't have to tell me," you sighed before you cut off the line.

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

Lancer gasped as she caught herself from being hit by a Sphinx, only to perform a counter which resulted in the beast losing its head. She then turned and split the head of another before she slashed through two more in one swing. Compared to the specific Sphinx she fought alongside that Shinobi, these ones were nothing.

There were many of them but with Servants to support her, she was able to hold on her own. She tried restraining her hands and instincts as she glanced at the man also wielding Harpe in his hands. His stench never failed to irritate her, it reminded Lancer of that Derrinsmith but ten times worse than usual. He was after all, the man who killed her.

"Lancer! Focus!" Sakura ordered before Lancer weaved beneath the swings of the Sphinxes before she jammed her scythe underneath one and cutting.

Rider glanced at her and she grit her teeth. She couldn't stand the way he was looking at her. That look of pity he has behind that mask of his can't be hidden. Lancer braced herself and swung her scythe around her cleaving a clearing in the wall of flesh which surrounded her.

Rider saw this and was surprised before she turned and cut apart several Sphinxes in his way, leaving both him and her staring at each other.

"Perseus..." Lancer hissed.

"Medusa..." Rider murmured.

The two of the pivoted and cut their foes coming up behind them, splashing blood in the air as Sphinxes fell one by one.

"When this is over, I have a score to settle with you!" Lancer barked as she slashed through three Sphinxes at once.

Rider grimaced behind his mask before replying, "In your state? Don't even try."

"Haha! Let the little lady try. She might just surprise you, boy," Saber replied as he hammered his fist down a Sphinx before lifting it up and swinging it at its brethren. He had yet to draw his sword and had been fighting mainly with his fists.

Minerva stood by with the other Masters and was watching the battle silently. She had her arms crossed as she looked past the battle and towards the Pyramid. This was going to be a long night.

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

Assassin moved towards the entrance of the Pyramid. Running while under the cover of her presence concealment, Assassin immediately felt the effects of the Pyramid hit her with the force of a speeding truck. She almost tripped over and lost control of her concealment. It was like a great weight had fallen on her shoulders, leaving her gasping for air upon coming close to the Pyramid.

It was only obvious that they would up their security. Assassin grit her teeth and reached deep inside her and let out a breath, feeling a certain curse begin to crawl all over her body. Her right eye changed to become more serpent-like as her teeth sharpened while she slowly got up her feet. This was a small price to pay.

It felt like there was something coiling and squeezing at her beating heart but she took another step before breaking into a run once more. She had to find Miyu and fast. Running through the entrance of the Pyramid, Chiyome found that the sentries guarding the front had vanished.

Running up the staircase from the entrance, the interior of the Pyramid quickly shifted. She looked back to see that the entrance had vanished leaving only a glowing mural. Assassin noticed the ground vanishing leading to a pitfall trap so she made her move and ran towards a passage and slid inside it.

Once she was in, the entrance shut behind her, leaving her inside. The Pyramid shuddered as its interior changed and twisted once more.

Observing the walls, she could feel the Pyramid slowly gathering power once more.

"I don't have time," Chiyome breathed as she held out her hand and summoned forth black serpents to emerge from her shadow. They lunged forth and allowed her to connect her senses with them. They went further beyond where she stood and sought out passages which she could take faster than she could going by herself.

There was only two ways she could go through while discarding the many others as traps and dead ends.

Up... Or down...

Up meant going to the chamber where Miyu should be held while going down meant descending to the necklace the Blackened Servant felt protecting. One was her ultimate mission while the other was an insurance for the battle ahead.

Epicenter
​

[] Go Up and Save Miyu
[] Go Down and retrieve the Blackened's Necklace

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Go Up and Save Miyu

There was no time to spare. Chiyome followed the Serpents leading upwards and hurried up. Running as fast as she could without missing a beat. Darting through halls and corners, she eventually sensed something up ahead.

Even as she tripped several traps upon passing, she evaded them by sliding low and jumping to avoid spikes shooting out the walls. She hit the ground as her snakes slithered through the corridors and she kept going even as the debilitating curse of the Pyramid weighed down on her.

Finding Miyu was her job and that was exactly what she was going to do.

Her footsteps were nonexistent as she darted down the halls. She eventually came upon a chamber leading to the next portion of the Pyramid. Running through it, she glanced to the side and saw a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes smile at her as she passed.

She hit the brakes but she was already past the entrance. The path backwards was quickly sealed, leaving her unable to go through it.

"Ayumi?!" Chiyome cried out as she pressed her fists against the wall.

There was that problem to consider as well. Chiyome grimaced before stepping back from the passage and turning back. She was close, she could sense Miyu's presence nearby. She ran further ahead and could sense the battle that was going on outside, the serpent she hid in her Master's clothes was keeping him safe as he waited out in the woods.

She can't falter.

Assassin came upon one last hall before she saw an entrance to another chamber. Walking past the entrance she was soon met with the sight of a throne room.

Pillars held up the opulent ceilings filled with murals and glyphs while the floor seemed to be made from marble, making it reflect light which came from the moon outside the building.

A red carpet was laid out leading to the throne beyond. It was a high throne where steps preceded it numbering several dozen. It looked down upon the entire room, a seat befitting that of a King.

Torches lit up upon the pillars blazing with life and giving the entire room an eerie atmosphere. Assassin moved to the side and kept hidden as she looked up who was sitting upon the throne.

Instead of a Blackened King wielding the authority of the black sun, a girl sat upon the Throne. She was dressed in a light blue jacket and leggings as her boots hung off the edge of her seat. Miyu had a distressed look on her face as she sat all alone on the throne with her eyes closed.

Assassin kept low and looked around, trying to figure out if she had been spotted yet. However when she decided that she wasn't, she figured that she could move. Keeping to the shadows, her presence as it's lowest, moving towards the throne while staying out of sight.

Miyu was just sitting there with her eyes closed, holding on tight to the arms of the throne. Assassin grimaced before she kicked off the ground and swung a hook up on a pillar. She then tugged herself through the air to land a few steps before the throne itself.

Miyu noticed the disturbance before Assassin ran up to her and canceled her presence concealed.

"Assassin?" Miyu gasped with wide eyes.

"I told you I'd be here," Chiyome replied as she stood before the girl, "I'm getting you out of here fast. Grab on to m-"

"Assassin!" Miyu cried out before Chiyome dodged out of the way of the descending staff coming for her head.

She then looked up to find the Blackened towering over her as he raised his weapon and fired a beam of light. Forced to jump to the side and evade, Assassin landed on the stairs as four more beam shot downwards and kept her back.

Miyu tried getting off the throne but the Blackened raised his hand to stop her. With one glare, he jerked his head and forced her back on her seat. Assassin grimaced as she drew her kunai in response before more lights crashed down until she was back on the ground level.

The Blackened Servant crossed his arms and floated down to her level. He then lowered his staff and stood in a defensive stance with Miyu back at the throne. He was probably saying that if Assassin wanted Miyu, she would have to get through him.

"Fine. Let's do this!" Assassin snarled as she darted towards him with her blade drawn.

The Blackened smirked as she thrust her sword into his chest. Her blade sank into his chest and her eyes widened to see him unfazed by it. She turned the blade and tore it out of his chest only for her to see his beating black heart regenerate.

The ground lit up and Lances of light fell from above, forcing her to flip back and evade.

The Sun God King
​

[] Assassin will use Ibuki Daimyojin Engi and unleash the curse of Orochi upon the Blackened.
[] Assassin will use Ame no Habakiri and cut apart the Blackened before her.
[] Assassin will utilize her shinobi tools and try to wear down her opponent for as long as she can.
[] Assassin will focus on trying to get past the Blackened and escaping alongside Miyu.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Assassin will focus on trying to get past the Blackened and escaping alongside Miyu.

Assassin readied her blades as she let out a deep breath. The Blackened King responded by raising his staff and regard the Servant with disdain. She just needed to get past him and take Miyu. Where she lacked in power she made up for her speed, if she could just get Miyu away from the Blackened then she would have a chance at winning.

Assassin moved, kicking off the ground and darting forward to which she was met with the King firing several beams of light. Chiyome moved and evaded it through sheer skill and instinct, sliding beneath beams and jumping over them, she threw several kunai and shuriken at her foe to which the King simply held up his hand and caught them with the black mud.

One of the kunai exploded and wrapped the King in black smoke. Assassin used this chance to rush past him but just as she was about to climb up the stairs, a fist flew out of it. Chiyome was forced to stop and stomp on the ground as the Blackened missed his swing, only for a cannon barrel to appear beside Assassin. Her eyes widened before she took the full brunt of the blow right on her side, shooting her straight at a pillar.

Her body struck a chunk off the pillar and she fell on the ground.

"Assassin!" Miyu cried out as the Servant was left coughing blood on the ground.

She then had her eyes widen when the ground was filled with glowing circles, prompting her to move out of the way and evade as pillars of light fell down. Her Curse wrapped around her own soul and sank its fangs into her heart, causing her own body to morph as she pushed her body to the limits.

The Blackened simply raised his hand and fired several shots from the artillery which appeared behind him. He was calm, collected and able to discern her every move. Chiyome dodged and weaved as she sought to get close to her foe but was kept at bay. She can't even get past him with her dodging all of these volleys at once.

"Assassin stop! You need to leave!" Miyu pleaded as she leaned from her throne.

"Never!" Assassin snarled as she clapped her hands and spread them out, summoning several tools her she threw each one of them into the air.

The throne room was soon filled with smoke which could obscure one's vision before pellets were tossed up the air. They cracked and split, exploding into violent white light which robbed the sight of others. However the Blackened was ready and hammered through the smoke with his piercing light as a shadow passed him by.

Assassin ascended up the steps before the King reformed at the top of the stairs where Miyu was. Artillery cannons revealed themselves and fired straight down. Assassin grit her teeth, dodging and weaving through every shot as she had pieces of her body shredded upon her ascent.

A smoke bomb exploded before the Blackened before a blade thrust out of it and cut his head. Assassin managed to get past him and reach out towards Miyu with her han-

BLAM

A pillar of light hammered down where Assassin was before she could even reach the Grail. Miyu's eyes widened and slowly began to fill with tears, turning her gaze to see the Blackened's head be attached by black mud to the stump of his neck. His head was pulled back down and regenerated, allowing him to face Assassin as she was on all fours, burnt on every limb with pieces of her flesh torn off.

"M-Miyu..." Assassin gasped before a pillar of light came crashing down.

BLAM

A beam fell.

BLAM

BLAM

BLAM

BLAM

BLAM

Assassin's body was burnt all over by the might of the Sun, the Blackened King staring down upon her in contempt as he finally lowered his staff. Miyu's tears slowly slid down her cheek as she watched her friend endure the punishment bestowed by the God King.

"Miyu... Hans... Will... Save you..." Chiyome rasped even as her entire body had been turned black by the sun's rays.

Miyu watched as the Blackened walked over to the body of the fallen Servant and stomped on her back. Chiyome let out a weakened gasp as she grit her teeth, looking up at Miyu before the King stomped through her body, forcing it to vanish into golden light.

"ASSASSIN!!!" Miyu cried out as she fell off the throne to grasp at the golden motes of light left by her rescuer. However her screams fell deaf to the ears of the Blackened King.

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

{BB DOJO} {BB DOJO} {BB DOJO}

Spoiler: BGM

​

At first... There was nothing. Then came everything!

But you already knew that, didn't you?

Opening your eyes, a pit of dread settled in your stomach upon realizing you found yourself in an oriental training ground. A Dojo you supposed but one re-decorated to be some sort of studio for some reason.

BB showed up in her usual flair and smug countenance as she winked and greeted you, "Welcome, Senpai to the second ever BB Dojo! I'm our host and lovely guide, BB! What does 'BB' stand for you ask? Well you just have to raise my bond points to know!"

"Back again already? Either you fell for this Mooncancer over there or did you mess up somehow? I'm hoping the latter or else even I won't help you," Chloe said as she crossed her arms.

"In any case! Seems like you have a bit of pickle in your hands! Facing Ozymandias one on one is a daunting task but not impossible! Especially not with trusted allies and powerhouses you left outside of the Pyramid," BB said with a wink as she began her guide, "The Pyramid is currently emitting several passive effects which put intruders at a disadvantage, it would be helpful to keep them in mind."

"One of them is all Noble Phantasms are turned off and Divinity of other Deities. In the Pyramid, only the God King Ramses exists to rule. That's one of the big reasons why Ozymandias must be lured out of the building. But that doesn't really help you in this situation, huh? Well, it sort of does," Chloe said as she tapped her cheek.

BB then walked over to you and grabbed your cheeks, "This information slices those two options you have for this encounter. But what about the others? Well, one of them got Assassin killed because of your carelessness, Senpai."

"No, no, they had the right idea. They were just had the wrong mindset," Chloe said as she waved her hand.

"Against a calm, collected and calculating Blackened like Ozymandias, your best chance at escaping with Miyu if he was erratic, distracted and impatient. Now this option would only be viable if you took the time to grab the Necklace you've been seeing awhile back. It's a pretty little thing. It belonged to Ozzy's wife and he loved her so much that he could fight through his Blackened state for a few moments. If Assassin had it then this whole situation would be a whole lot easier. Buuuuut since you didn't get it, you can't cheese Ozzy in this manner," BB giggled while giving you a cruel smile.

Chloe then added," Which leaves you with the tools option. While it's true that you can't kill the Blackened with those, it would serve as a way for Chiyome to study and find her own path in slowing down that bastard. In that situation, you'll have to trust Assassin to survive and hold on while hoping for something else to happen. Who knows, maybe Chiyome might actually remember she's a Priestess and get to exorci-"

"Chloe that's for the next time they fuck up again! Do you want them to leave us here forever?! A-Anyway, Senpai, if you choose the tools option, it'll turn into a fight of attrition. If you keep going down this path, things will take a very long time and a very hard time before you can win. It's winnable but it will definitely not be easy," BB giggled as she ran her hand on your face, "Though, you can always coward out. BB will use her special time powers of love to put you back where you want to be. Oh? Theres no guarantee Chiyome will survive using her tools than she did here? Oh silly senpai, you're so silly. Would BB ever lie to you?"

"That's pretty creepy, BB, control yourself," Chloe said with a dry smile.

You really didn't feel like coming back here again...But still...

"Good luck, Senpai. The end game is so close!" BB laughed before your vision turned black.

{BB DOJO} {BB DOJO} {BB DOJO}

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

BAD END
[] Return to 'Epicenter'
[] Return to 'Sun God King'
[] Give up​

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "Bring Miyu back!"

"Bring Miyu back!" you ordered as Assassin smiled before taking off. She kicked off the ground and made her jump, her body vanishing out of sight while you watched her go. You then turned your attention to the battle happening in the distance, the sight of the air being cut, of monsters being cleaved and of Heroes doing battle against the forces of darkness.

You would have laughed if it wasn't so beautiful. You looked down at your gemstone Luvia gave you before you spoke into it, "How's things?"

"Couldn't be better if that's what you're asking. Artoria needs some time to rest before she could join the others but we're doing well for three Servants facing a number this many. Rider has warned us not to get too close unless we want the Pyramid's power to affect these monsters. Which could easily make this fight turn ugly," Caren reported from the looks of it while you watched throngs of Sphinxes fall and shatter upon being hit by pink light.

"All you need to do is hold out. Assassin's just entered the Pyramid. Now it's just the hard part of getting this plan to pan out," you sighed as you leaned against a tree by your side.

"Funny. I was wondering if you were still making out with her," Caren snorted followed by a scandalized cry from Luvia near her.

"And you call yourself a nun. In any case, there's only a limited number of Sphinx. All you have to do is whittle their number until Mr. Ozymandias steps out of his Pyramid. Either way, the noise you're making should give Assassin the chance to kidnap Miyu," you replied as you narrowed your gaze up the top of the Pyramid, "Just watch out for that attack from before."

"We can't let that attack reach the city. Just that attack was enough to weaken a Heroic Spirit like Artoria. We won't survive another hit. Fortunately it seems to be the type of thing that can't be fired consecutively," Caren observed down at the battlefield, "This plan all hinges on us working together and doing our part. Make sure you support Assassin over there."

"You don't have to tell me," you sighed before you cut off the line.

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

Lancer gasped as she caught herself from being hit by a Sphinx, only to perform a counter which resulted in the beast losing its head. She then turned and split the head of another before she slashed through two more in one swing. Compared to the specific Sphinx she fought alongside that Shinobi, these ones were nothing.

There were many of them but with Servants to support her, she was able to hold on her own. She tried restraining her hands and instincts as she glanced at the man also wielding Harpe in his hands. His stench never failed to irritate her, it reminded Lancer of that Derrinsmith but ten times worse than usual. He was after all, the man who killed her.

"Lancer! Focus!" Sakura ordered before Lancer weaved beneath the swings of the Sphinxes before she jammed her scythe underneath one and cutting.

Rider glanced at her and she grit her teeth. She couldn't stand the way he was looking at her. That look of pity he has behind that mask of his can't be hidden. Lancer braced herself and swung her scythe around her cleaving a clearing in the wall of flesh which surrounded her.

Rider saw this and was surprised before she turned and cut apart several Sphinxes in his way, leaving both him and her staring at each other.

"Perseus..." Lancer hissed.

"Medusa..." Rider murmured.

The two of the pivoted and cut their foes coming up behind them, splashing blood in the air as Sphinxes fell one by one.

"When this is over, I have a score to settle with you!" Lancer barked as she slashed through three Sphinxes at once.

Rider grimaced behind his mask before replying, "In your state? Don't even try."

"Haha! Let the little lady try. She might just surprise you, boy," Saber replied as he hammered his fist down a Sphinx before lifting it up and swinging it at its brethren. He had yet to draw his sword and had been fighting mainly with his fists.

Minerva stood by with the other Masters and was watching the battle silently. She had her arms crossed as she looked past the battle and towards the Pyramid. This was going to be a long night.

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

Assassin moved towards the entrance of the Pyramid. Running while under the cover of her presence concealment, Assassin immediately felt the effects of the Pyramid hit her with the force of a speeding truck. She almost tripped over and lost control of her concealment. It was like a great weight had fallen on her shoulders, leaving her gasping for air upon coming close to the Pyramid.

It was only obvious that they would up their security. Assassin grit her teeth and reached deep inside her and let out a breath, feeling a certain curse begin to crawl all over her body. Her right eye changed to become more serpent-like as her teeth sharpened while she slowly got up her feet. This was a small price to pay.

It felt like there was something coiling and squeezing at her beating heart but she took another step before breaking into a run once more. She had to find Miyu and fast. Running through the entrance of the Pyramid, Chiyome found that the sentries guarding the front had vanished.

Running up the staircase from the entrance, the interior of the Pyramid quickly shifted. She looked back to see that the entrance had vanished leaving only a glowing mural. Assassin noticed the ground vanishing leading to a pitfall trap so she made her move and ran towards a passage and slid inside it.

Once she was in, the entrance shut behind her, leaving her inside. The Pyramid shuddered as its interior changed and twisted once more.

Observing the walls, she could feel the Pyramid slowly gathering power once more.

"I don't have time," Chiyome breathed as she held out her hand and summoned forth black serpents to emerge from her shadow. They lunged forth and allowed her to connect her senses with them. They went further beyond where she stood and sought out passages which she could take faster than she could going by herself.

There was only two ways she could go through while discarding the many others as traps and dead ends.

Up... Or down...

Up meant going to the chamber where Miyu should be held while going down meant descending to the necklace the Blackened Servant felt protecting. One was her ultimate mission while the other was an insurance for the battle ahead.

Epicenter: Redux​

[] Go Up and Save Miyu
[] Go Down and retrieve the Blackened's Necklace

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Go Down and retrieve the Blackened's Necklace.

Assassin hesitated before she considered her options. She didn't have much time left on the clock and the curse of the Pyramid had been weighing down on her body more on more. But even then she felt that she could still go down a detour and make a grab for that necklace the Blackened was keeping safe.

Even when it's body and spirit origin had been corrupted to such an extent, it still made a point to protect it the last time she was here. Which could only mean it held a strong enough significance to him that he would go that far to safeguard it. Assassin moved and decided to descend the Pyramid while keeping a low profile.

With the uproar the others were making, that Blackened should have his attention split towards them. If she retrieved that necklace, would that bastard try and take it back? He seemed rather protective of it.

If she could lure him out of this pyramid then that would give the others the chance to pin him down outside. Assassin ran as fast as she could, darting through halls and passageways as she descended into the Pyramid.

Assassin kept moving, silently making her ways downwards as her snakes mapped out the rest of the pyramid. She could feel the entire building surge with power for some reason but she couldn't stop now. She had to make it or risk everything in the line.

Eventually, Assassin ran into an opening leading to a large chamber. She knew what this place was... Assassin looked over the steps and saw the necklace sitting on the same pedestal as she had left it yesterday, the ruined remains of the Leyline root obliterated behind it.

Assassin jumped and landed before the necklace, noticing that it was emitting a rather warm glow. Gentle light caressed it like that of the warm days of the sun, careful not to burn or char it black. Assassin could feel a presence not outside or in her surroundings, but within the necklace itself.

Chiyome held up her hand and moved to grab it, pulling it down from the pedestal and-

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

You opened your eyes to notice that the battle was still going on as you stood at the edge of the woods. Snow fell from the sky as the clock ticked by n your watch. Your breath smoked as you looked onwards to see that the group of Heroic Spirts had managed to cut down a majority of the Sphinxes which came out of the Pyramid only for them to begin moving forward.

Artoria must have recovered enough to provide assistance to the others as they took the first step. They cut and cleaved through their foes but the closer they got to the Pyramid, the stronger the remaining monsters became.

You looked at the back of your hand and inspected your Command Seals, only to feel it sting as you felt the presence of someone behind you. You turned and were met with the appearance of a young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her gaze met with yours as the two of you locked eyes, your fist clenching as she cracked a smile your way.

"Merry Christmas, Hans," Manaka greeted you.

Snow continued to fall between you two.

"Yeah, same here," you replied with a low tone.

"Think you'll be fine staying out here? You'll just catch a cold if you wait here," Manaka said as she walked towards you.

"Where's Ayumi?" you questioned her.

"Sleeping," Manaka answered as she held a finger to point to her head, "Don't worry, she'll be fine for now. Still, it's amazing how you came across this radical plan. Only you could have come up with it. You never cease to surprise, Hans."

"I'd appreciate it more if you cut this shit out. You're the one behind all of this. This is your mess and I don't plan on wiping your ass now that it's gotten this bad," you told her in a steely tone to which Manaka turned to face you.

"But I can't. You see, it's more akin to a computer program that's set to accomplish its task it was made for. The Beast will continue to churn out Blackened until the last Servant is defeated. You could say that beyond this point, I have no more influence on it," Manaka explained as she raised her hands, "Though I could mess with you here and there to see what you would do."

"Oh sure, I'm sure that's hilarious for you," you scoffed.

"But it is. Visiting this world taught me a lot of things. You have taught me much as well. Now all that's left is seeing the conclusion," Manaka said a she looked down her hands, "The reason I became this way was because I lacked something... All of this was just a simple simulation on my return to my original world. But at the very least, I figured I should have some fun."

"I don't share your perspective on what's fun or not, Manaka," you plainly told her.

"Of course not. Because even for a Magus, you're closer to a normal human being while I have a connection to the Root. I will never understand your perspective in full but... I could try," Manaka said as she walked past you, "I'm looking forward to our duel. Just how far will you go, Derrinsmith?

"As far as I could," you replied with a grim tone.

Manaka grabbed your sleeve and made you face her, her finger pressing upon your chest. You felt something white hot carve itself upon your heart before you lost your strength in your legs. You gasped and fell down holding on to your chest.

"You should catch up to Assassin if you can. Didn't you promise to save Miyu together?" Manaka asked before you formed icicles and tried stabbing her, only to find that Manaka had vanished.
.....
....
...

Assassin found herself in a vast white expanse. A warm breeze caused her hair to dance behind her as she held up her hand before her face. She could feel someone standing behind her, causing her to turn in surprise and face the person. She was met with the appearance of a woman with tanned skin and warm brown eyes.

She was wearing a white one piece dress and had her hands behind her back, the necklace Assassin sought to acquire was wrapped around her neck. Chiyome was at a loss for words, wondering if she fell for a trap or something but her worries seemingly evaporated once the woman before her spoke.

"Please. Save my King," the woman asked her.

Assassin stared at her and found that her throat had lost its voice, causing her to hold her neck in surprise. She then looked at the woman again whom was giving her a sad smile.

"Spare him from this torment. Free his soul from the clutches of the Beast," the woman asked as tears began to well up in her eyes, "Please... Save Ramses."

Assassin blinked before closing her eyes and wearing a determined look. She then held out her hand and nodded. She'll do it.

"Thank you... I will... Leave things to you," the woman said as she took off her necklace and handed it towards Assassin. Holding on to the necklace, Assassin was filled with warmth which caused even the coiling pain of her curse to subside.

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

Assassin held the necklace in her hand upon returning to reality. She looked down and inspected it, the necklace bearing the scent of flowers before she turned to notice that no alarms had gone off. The Blackened must have yet to notice that she got this thing now. It would probably help distracting it during a fight.

Still, if it was this necklace, she could probably lure the Blackened out as it is. She didn't have to charge in and get Miyu now. But there's no telling what could happen if Miyu is left alone in the Pyramid. Would it be wise for Assassin to take on the Blackened alone now?

Key Item
​

[] Assassin will ascend to where Miyu is alongside the necklace. With the necklace, she should be able to put up a fight.
[] Assassin will step out of the Pyramid and lure the Blackened out of his place. This will give the others the chance to fight him all at once.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Assassin will step out of the Pyramid and lure the Blackened out of his place. This will give the others the chance to fight him all at once.

Assassin inspected the necklace in her hand before she held it tight. She had to get out of this place and put some distance between her and the Blackened for now. She could escape easily given the security would be tighter the further she went in. Assassin vanished from before the pedestal and made her way back up the steps.

She took out a gemstone given to her by Luvia before she crushed it in her hand. It should lead her out of here if she just followed it. It was a premade spell locked within the Gem that should answer according to her desires and intention. Assassin ran and moved through the tight halls following the green light as it drifted through the air.

She kept moving with the necklace in her hand until she sensed the outside just ahead. However the Pyramid began shifting its layers once more, seemingly changing the layout of the interior passage by passage. Assassin pushed her top speed as she ended up dashing the last stretch just as stone walls and pillars appeared in her way.

Assassin managed to get out by sliding the last few feet out and throwing herself into the air. She looked at the chamber she flew out from before landing on her feet and turning away. She ran straight out the entrance and darted towards beyond the Pyramid's influence.

She then took the necklace in her hand and raised it in the air, "BLACKENED GOD KING! I HAVE SOMETHING THAT'S YOURS! COME FORTH AND FACE ME IF YOU WISH IT RETURNED!"

Assassin then took another gem from her pouch and tossed it into the air, letting it explode into bright crimson light.

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

Caren looked towards the distance and saw the red flare, she knew it was from Assassin. Only one person could get that close and do that in this stage, then could that mean she got out as soon as she got in? Did she get Miyu at last? What came next wasn't what she expected however since Hans contacted her through their blue gem communication device.

"Chiyome called. She's bringing the Blackened to you. Get ready!"

Caren blinked before she turned to the others, "Brace yourselves! The Blackened is descending!"

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

Assassin looked up to see something flash in the sky from the top of the Pyramid. She moved, dodging a pillar of light that came her way before she broke into a sprint. A golden boat emerged from the Pyramid and aimed their cannons straight down at her, firing volley after volley as she ducked and weaved, dancing through the storm of beams as the Boat itself descended.

Assassin kept running with the necklace in hand as the Blackened glided just above her, firing the entire time as she dodged behind some trees. The golden boat used its main guns and fired straight into the ground, piercing through soil and bedrock beneath the earth, burning through with such raw power that it caused earthquakes beneath the earth's crust.

Using a grappling hook, Assassin jumped and latched on to a tree, giving her more maneuverability but the Boat simply tried sniping her out of the air. She jumped and kicked against several tree trunks only for the volleys the golden Boat fired to miss her entirely, this lowered her guard since she thought she was safe, only for a hand to grab her neck as she flew out the woods.

Chiyome was smashed into the ground as she looked up to see golden eyes filled with rage above her.

"YOU DARE?!"

The Blackened's booming voice roared in Chiyome's ears as her neck was squeezed. She didn't let go of the necklace and before the Blackened could smash her head open, a blast of wind knocked the Blackened away. His staff returned to his grasp and he swung it down but the King of Knights was there to meet him and they exchanged blows.

"I WILL HAVE WHAT IS MINE, SERPENT."

The Blackened roared as he managed to deflect Artoria's blow and call upon a pillar of light to hinder her advance towards him. He was about to swing down his weapon on Chiyome as she stood up but he was stopped once again. Lancer and Rider held their respective Harpe to block the blow before pillars of light burst from the skies.

The two were knocked back just as Artoria lunged to stab him in the back. The Blackened turned and parried her blow before turning in place to evade the rest of her swings. The Blackened met her blows as Lancer and Rider joined in to push him back. Seeing his disadvantage, the Blackened roared and his golden boat fired.

The Servant were then scattered as the Blackened was left standing in the inferno. Massive figures appeared and caused the ground to quake with each of their steps. Golden wings unfurled above the flames as a body wrought from the image of the cosmos revealed itself. It was a beast that resembled the monsters the Servants had been fighting at the beginning of the evening but it was much bigger and the power they felt from it was far stronger.

It was a Sphinx but at the same time it wasn't, it was a concept, a being of raw power, a creature that could no longer be rightfully called a monster. The very cosmos swirled within its form as its faceless head turned to look upon the Servants surrounding it. Its visage began to glow before gaining more and more power.

"RUN!" Rider yelled before the Sphinx fired off a blast of raw power which devastated everything that got in its path. The ground was sundered and the air was split, debris was kicked into the air and the flames could be seen for miles.

The faceless Phantasmal Beast spread its wings and howled before the Blackened raised his staff.

The Golden Boat aimed its cannons downwards as Chiyome stood alongside Artoria. They bared their weapons but before the golden Boat could fire, lightning descended from the sky and smashed into the barrels before they could fire. Saber had managed to cut apart the artillery cannons connected to the Boat and landed on the side.

Lancer used her chain to swing Harpe in the air and slam it against the Sphinx and tugged at its shoulders to make it face her. Rider then moved in and jumped to try and slash at its neck but the Sphinx managed to knock him into the ground. Artoria charged forth and swung Excalibur, only for the Blackened to block her with his staff.

He turned and evaded, summoning a barrel from his golden Boat to stop Saber from cutting him in half.

His golden eyes were filled with rage and even with all the foes which assailed him, his eyes remained on one person. It remained fixed on Chiyome as she held the necklace of his beloved wife.

"RETURN IT! IT IS NOT YOURS TO TAKE, THIEF! RETURN IT AT ONCE AND YOUR DEATH WILL BE SWIFT!"

"Assassin! We'll handle him. GO!" Artoria cried out as she glanced behind her, "We can take him!"

The Cosmo Sphinx howled in the night sky and spread its wings, flapping once to create powerful gusts of dust and smoke. The Golden Boat fired once more, forcing Saber and Artoria to split up. Rider and Lancer tried dragging the Cosmo Sphinx back down with their chains but it refused and simply fought back with raw strength.

The Blackened proceeded to summon beams of sunlight which Artoria and Saber moved to evade.

Assassin simply ran back to the Pyramid in hopes of getting to Miyu.

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

You were watching the events unfold before you as you leaned against a tree.

"Hans, the others have the Blackened. I'm returning to the Pyramid to get Miyu," Assassin reported as you looked at the Pyramid in the distance.

"Good. The plan's working... I think?" you murmured as you observed from a distance, "Be careful though. There's no telling what's waiting up ahead."

"Understood. Just stay there. I'll be with Miyu soon."

Staying, huh?

You held your chest, right on the spot where Manaka inscribed something on your heart. You were knowledgeable enough to know it's not a curse or a hex but it did provide a convenient effect of negating ill effects on the body. Almost like... She was inviting you in the Pyramid itself.

A Petty War
​

[] Follow after Assassin. You want to get to Miyu as well, besides you promised.
[] You paused, sensing the presence of someone nearby. Turn and face them, whoever they were.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Follow after Assassin. You want to get to Miyu as well, besides you promised.

You moved forward, leaving your place at the edge of the woods and making your way towards the Pyramid. While the others were busy, you needed to get to Miyu as well. You made a promise to her after all so you can't just sit back and wait for Assassin. While it would be the smart thing to do, you were never one to sit around and wait. Besides that, you were invited to the Pyramid yourself.

You're not about to let Assassin face Manaka by herself. Not on her own, you wouldn't. Reinforcing your bum leg, you walked faster and faster until you broke into a run. Magical Energy coursed through your body as you felt the cold December wind on your face. It was nearly twelve midnight, Christmas was coming. You were running out of time.

So you ran and ran.

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

Spoiler: BGM

The battle raged on as the Servants sought to overcome the Blackened, only for him to face them head on with renewed rage and vigor. His strength was worthy of that of the title of King of Kings. He smashed against Artoria's blade and kept Susanoo at bay with a blast of sunlight. The Blackened turned to parry Perseus' slash before grabbing Lancer by the neck and smashing her into the ground.

The Cosmo Sphinx set its body on fire, melting the ground it stood on with its sheer presence as the golden boat fired volley after volley. The Blackened was able to push back the Servants as he dueled them on his own. Black mud rose up to aid him but Artoria sliced it apart, grimacing at the familiarity of it. It reminded her of the Grail Mud.

Saber readied his blade, clad in lightning before he slashed and was met with a blast of sunlight which he promptly cut apart. A fist then swung at him, causing the Demigod to catch it. His arm absorbed the shockwave before he was blown past Lancer. She faced the Cosmo Sphinx as it lunged at her, taking a swing at her body before she lashed with Harpe by swinging it at the end of her chain.

Powerful blasts of magical energy surged for and forced her to duck and weave out of the way, watching the very ground melt.

Rider saw this as he rendered himself unseen using his Mantle, hoping to strike at the massive creature's legs but was held at bay by the extreme heat released by the creature. Using the Mantle was all he could do to not be targeted by the Golden Boat. Rider thought about how they could all gang up to land a hit on the Blackened but the Corrupted Servant seemed lucid enough to keep them all at bay.

Harpe was the best weapon against the monstrous Sphinx but it was testament to its power on how it was able to keep fighting despite being struck multiple times by Lancer and Rider. This Blackened was truly formidable, he felt lucky enough to down the Golden Boat last time with Bellerophon but now...

"What are you standing around for, boy?!" Lancer roared as she moved to engage the Sphinx, "Will you be a coward once more?!"

She spun downwards as the Sphinx evaded her strike, only to gather energy to purge her from existence. Rider moved his chain and pulled her right back, saving her from being obliterated.

"Focus, Medusa. It's not everyday we get to fight like this," Rider chuckled as he held his weapon.

"I'm not holding back. Don't blame me if I cut your head off," Lancer snarled as they both faced the Sphinx and Golden Boat.

On the other side of the battlefield, swords clashed with a staff. Artoria was sent reeling back as Saber smashed against the Blackened, meeting the God King's rage filled gaze before they broke apart. Beams of sunlight descended as Saber grinned and cut them all apart before they could strike him, leaving a trail of lightning in the air.

Artoria performed Mana Burst and charged forward to engage the Blackened King. The Blackened turned to her and called upon the Mud to crash unto her. Artoria was able to cut through it before a blast of sunlight nearly blew her head off. A hand pulled her shoulder back as a pillar of light nearly crashed down upon her from above.

Saber had saved her from being pierced before the two of them charged at the King.

"FALL!"

Golden Cannon Barrels fired and forced the two Servants apart, breaking their charge's momentum but they otherwise continued. Artoria went low while Susanoo transformed into lightning to smash down upon his opponent before a beam of light cut his path off. Artoria sliced apart the light before she took the brunt of the Blackened King's blow.

Grunting in surprise, she weaved beneath the second swing as the Blackened struck and swung at her. The ground split and burst into golden light, blinding her and robbing her senses. The Blackened saw his chance to blow her apart with a pillar of light but Saber rushed his back and forced him to block the blow.

"Eyes on me, buddy," Saber sneered before they disengaged.

He then gathered Magical Energy within his blade, causing even the Blackened to tense up and moved ahead of the swing. The air itself was cut apart and what flames that were raging in its path was snuffed out. The Blackened then held up his arm to create a flood of black mud to reach towards Saber but they were split apart with a swing.

"What's wrong, God King? Afraid of a little wind?" Saber taunted with a smirk on his lips.

The Blackened's Response was a full volley aerial strike from the Golden Boat which hovered in the air.

The Earth was scorched but Susanoo cut apart the beams of light while Artoria made her move. She thrust Excalibur at the Blackened's back but was met with his staff once more. She locked weapons with the King as Saber sliced apart every single volley the Golden Boat had to offer.

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

You were running, putting one foot ahead of the other as you felt a dreadful weight on your shoulders. You ascended up the hundred steps you felt like you were running up on. You ran and ran until you faced a passage that led through the interior of the Pyramid. You held a hand over your chest and it seemed that Manaka's charm was just enough to stave off the worst effects this Pyramid had on your body.

If it wasn't for that, you would have been dead already.

Letting out a breath, you stepped towards the entrance of the passage and went in. The entrance behind you immediately shut and the Pyramid began to quake and rumble. Magical Energy began to gather all throughout its surface, the layers were shifting, it's just like what Chiyome reported. You saw how the path ahead rearranged itself to become one staircase leading up.

You didn't hesitate and ascended, running as you did.

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

Artoria was pushed back and she managed to deflect a burst of light that came from the Blackened King. Susanoo slashed from the side and the Blackened called upon a pillar of light to catch him, only managing to burn his side as Saber's blade managed to cut the King's side. Mud formed on the ground and knocked him back.

The King of Knights and King of Kings faced one another and exchanged blows.

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

Murals began to light up as you looked ahead. Stair after stair you cleared them while not missing a beat. You were going to get Miyu back. You kept running as you ascended even when your lungs began to burn slightly.

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

Lancer managed to knockdown the Cosmos Sphinx as her flesh burned. Rider pulled her out as he covered for her, raising his Mirror Shield to take the brunt of the Sphinx's blaze. Perseus grit his teeth as sweat dripped down his brow, Medusa's eyes widening before she snarled at him.

"Why?!" she roared.

"I can't beat it alone. We have to do it... Together!" Rider roared as the flames vanished, giving them both the chance to run forward. Rider went ahead and stopped, using his shield as a platform for Lancer to let her jump. She then swung Harpe right beneath the Sphinx's faceless head, right where its jaw should be before she dragged it back down.

"PERSEUS!" Lancer screamed.

"ALTOGETHER NOW!" Rider yelled back as he took out a sack.

Lancer's eyes shined bright while Perseus drew the head of the Gorgon from the sack.

"MYSTIC EYES OF PETRIFICATION(CYBELE)."
"MYSTIC EYES OF PETRIFICATION(CYBELE)."

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

You were almost there. You were running as fast as you could and you cleared what could have been thousands of steps now. Murals lit up as you passed them, etchings on the wall that were too...Detailed to be from Egyptian origin. They featured characters and scenes not of this world or of the past but something about them told you to dread what was coming.

Something told you that the future wasn't all it was cut out to be.

So you ran. You ran until you reached the top and found yourself looking down a lit passage filled with torches. Statues towered along the aisle before you walked ahead. There were two passages opened at the sides and you could hear footsteps coming from the right, the sound of someone running.

You turned and saw Assassin sliding to a halt, her eyes widening to find you here.

"Hans?" Chiyome asked in surprise.

"Yeah. Sorry, I got invited in. Took the short way in," you said as you looked at the path behind you.

"This place should have killed you. No normal human could have gotten this far," Assassin said with a grim tone.

"Well... Manaka invited me," you said as you jerked a thumb to your chest, "Figured that's why I'm not dead yet. Still, we can't stay here. So why don't we rescue our Princess?"

"I see. Let's go," Assassin replied as the two of you ran ahead towards the double doors leading to what could only be the Throne Room.

You and Assassin moved as one and kicked open the door leading to the throne room. The first thing you noticed were the shiny marble floors reflecting the torchlight coming from the numerous pillars. A red carpet was spready outwards towards the steps at the foot of the Throne. Sitting upon the Throne wasn't a regal King or Pharaoh... But a simple child.

A girl with golden eyes and black hair wearing a light blue jacket and holding on to the Throne's arms with a hard grip.

Her eyes lit up upon seeing you and Assassin. Miyu couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"You... You came," Miyu murmured, tears welling up in her eyes.

You and Assassin stepped forward to get to her but the light from the torches were all snuffed out. You and Assassin were left with only the moonlight coming from the outside to see. A dreadful cold wind came from the Throne as mud began to gather around it. You looked up to see someone standing beside Miyu, a girl with blue eyes and blonde hair.

"Merry Christmas, Hans," Manaka greeted you as she spread her arms, "Are you ready?"

From the Mud emerged... A monstrous visage. You knew what it was, you and Assassin faced it before. You would never forget the Devil's eyes for as long as you lived. Mud began to gather at the side of the Throne room as the Beast opened its maw and howled, spitting mud and corruption as it glared down at you and Chiyome.

The twisted crown upon its head evident of its identity... But it was only one head.

"Try not to die. Our fight's only just begun, Magus!" Manaka cheered as she raised her hand and the Beast blasted an invisible force which pulverized the spot you stood on.

Assassin had fortunately managed to grab you and set you near the entrance.

"Orders, Master?" Assassin asked you as she bared her blade.

You held up your hand as it burned bright with scarlet light, "We'll take her on."

Spoiler: BGM

GRAND BATTLE
VS
THE BEAST OF REVELATION I
BEAST 6 (SINGULARIS)
​

"This should be easy enough. Come on, Hans. Show me how you'll overcome this trial!" Manaka called as she excitedly leaned past the Throne.

Take Miyu Back
​

[] Work in Tandem with Chiyome, split the Beast's attention and try getting to Miyu. Grab the girl and escape!
[] Support Chiyome in taking down the Beast. Wear it down and keep hitting it hard. Blow it apart and never let up!
[] Hold out and endure. Make it a battle of attrition and wait for the others to come to your aid. Send out a distress signal!
[] Set up Faux Pandora. Watch how Chiyome fights and find an opening you could curse the Beast again. It worked once, it'll work again!
[] Have Chiyome target Manaka. Maybe if she's dealt with, this thing will retreat back. It could be your only chance!