Ch 48: A Fire Lit

Guinevere

(32 weeks 5 days after the birth of the 8th)

"Ah, Ancestor. Just the person I wanted to see."

We halt our examination of yet another memory recorded in the Earth that might have pointed towards King Rama's resting place, scowling as we meet our least favorite creature's gaze.

"Nyarlathotep. To what does this Guinevere owe the dubious pleasure?"

With a dark chuckle the creature merely raises it's blackened palm and with a swirl of smoke and dust an image forms.

A teardrop shaped gem of admittedly stunning quality, deep bronze in color yet transparent to an astonishing degree, small enough to fit comfortably in this Ancestor's hand.

"This, Ancestor, is the key to finally summoning your King."

"Those words are familiar, creature. Familiar in their falsehood. And what purpose would this gemstone serve?"

Even through the unchanging mask this Guinevere can tell the monster is smiling.

"You are suspicious. Good. About time you grew a brain, if you don't mind me saying so. As for the gemstone? If memory serves it is called Amaterasu's Tear."

Our curiosity is admittedly piqued.

"And what purpose would it serve in reviving King Rama?"

"Several centuries ago, by my count, said Goddess incarnated upon this plane and was accosted by a Godslayer. The battle went on for quite some time, the span of a few months I believe, before the Slayer finally achieved a conclusive victory. Somewhat surprisingly, the Goddess shed a single tear, creating a singularly powerful artifact as a sort of commemorative gift to mark the end of their battle, apparently impressed by the Slayer's fortitude."

This Ancestor raises an eyebrow in surprise.

"Truly? Such an artifact would indeed make for a powerful catalyst…but this Guinevere doubts it would have enough power to fully begin the revival. Such a prize would have long been found by others."

"Quite correct, at least about it having already been found. The Humans of what they refer to as the, 'History Compilation Committee', have guarded this artifact for many a year now. But there is a caveat to this relic…it will only provide it's power to the long dead Godslayer, it now being little more than a curiosity and research specimen."

This Ancestor narrows her eyes in suspicion and inquiries, "So why do you seek it if it would serve you no purpose?"

A chilling laugh is the creature's only reply.

"You still doubt my talents? Such little faith…"

This Guinevere sets aside her fear and trepidation, gathering her courage for the declaration to come.

"This Guinevere refuses to help you, creature. You have done naught but spit on this Ancestor's quest and lie at every given opportunity. More than that, she is assured that you have no intention of using this artifact to revive King Rama in the first place!"

For a long moment this Ancestor meets the faceless gaze of the despicable creature before her-

-and it gives an acknowledging nod.

"Fair enough points, I suppose…but, amusedly enough, I do intend to actually revive your Hero King this time. You are connected to the world at an instinctive level, surely you felt that shift in the fabric of reality not more than a week or so ago?"

We slowly nod our head.

"That was the 8th Godslayer and the Monasteries preparing to wage war."

Those names spark an immediate and visceral reaction in this Guinevere, both Sir Knight's former warnings and her own observations coming to fore.

"They were the cause of that? This Ancestor had merely concluded it was a Heretic God descending…"

"A reasonable, if entirely incorrect, assumption. But seeing as how my own chances of survival will be far greater with your King having eliminated the threat than they will be without, I think you can understand my more earnest desire to proceed with the ritual."

…This Guinevere finds herself torn.

Nyarlathotep cannot be trusted, not in the slightest. In fact, this Ancestor wouldn't be surprised if the creature had no intention of reviving King Rama at all!

But…Sir Knight's warning about the Monasteries, the 8th Devil King's own actions and desire for the Grail, as well as that worrying pulse of unknown energy that apparently came from something he did…can this Guinevere really just ignore that threat?

We feel a heavy weight settle in our chest, an unfamiliar dilemma facing us. Before, our duty had been clear and simple.

Empower the Grail and revive King Rama.

But now?

Everything has become so…uncertain.

Which choice is the right one?

Unable to hold back her defeated sigh this Guinevere rises to her feet and gives an accepting nod.

"Very well, creature…where is this artifact that needs to be recovered?"

Without so much as a snide insult-a rare occurrence indeed-the creature swiftly responds, "The building known as Tokyo National Museum. While I may be able to infiltrate the building on my own…there has been a strange vigilance in the city as of late, at least from it's Magic practitioners. You would have greater chance of retrieving the Tear than I would."

…This Ancestor is mostly certain that is a blatant falsehood, the creature just doesn't want to bother with the actual theft itself.

"On that note, dear Lancelot will accompany you to provide rescue if needed. Rejoice, Ancestor…your prized companion will be returning to her previous duty of ensuring your safety. Is that not cause for celebration?"

We can only stare at the monster hatefully as Sir Knight materializes and stands ready with a blank expression.

"On your way, Queen of Camelot. I wish you luck in this endeavor…"

It's parting words coincide with it seemingly melting into the ground, Sir Knight neutrally watching this Guinevere.

Wordlessly we turn ourselves into the wind and depart for our destination, exhaustion and worry over the uncertainty and validity of our quest wearing heavily on this Guinevere's soul.


…For all of the creatures claims that this city was under heavy guard, slipping past the inattentive Mages-and subtly influencing the few attentive ones-had been worryingly easy.

This Guinevere looks down at the gem grasped in her hand once shed by this land's Goddess, a parting gift to her conqueror that she for some unfathomable reason made…

We resist the urge to sigh and re-manifest ourself on the streets outside of the museum, most of the passerby ignoring this Guinevere through the minor application of a Spell that would hide our presence.

…This Ancestor is surprised at the melancholy that permeates her soul at seeing so many happy faces, at the upbeat mood of the local populace as they go about their respective duties in life.

And what is this Guinevere doing? Returning to her tormentor that will undoubtedly use this artifact to only further cause us pain? Have we truly lost all sense of pride and justice?

We can only stare miserably at our surroundings, seeking any kind of worthwhile excuse as to avoid completing our task. This Guinevere supposes it's unlikely that she can even use being discovered as an alibi, as the fake she left in place of the original Tear won't be discovered for some hours in all likelihood…

"Excuse me, are you lost?"

This Ancestor turns around at the sound of a curious voice-

-and finds her blood running cold.

The presence emanating from the young Japanese man is unmistakably that of a Devil King, that roiling, chaotic power unmistakable to one as sensitive as I.

This must be the Godslayer Godou Kusanagi, the Demon King who causes destruction in every one of his conflicts on a massive scale and collects young maidens from every culture around the world!

This Ancestor's luck truly knows no bonds on the depths to which it can sink…

"Oh, sorry, judging by your looks you probably don't speak Japanese…umm, are you rost, rittle girl?"

…Little Girl?! This Guinevere is most certainly not a, 'little girl'!

Reminding ourselves to not speak in the royal 'we' lest we give ourselves away we retort, "I am not a little girl, thank you! I'll have you know I'm far older than I may appear! And Japanese is fine, thank you. Your English accent is atrocious…"

Silence falls and this Guinevere realize she just insulted a Devil King of all beings, one who's womanizing tendencies are well known. All we can do is wait with bated breath-

-as the Rakshasa Demon sheepishly scratches the back of his head and admits, "My mistake, I just recently learned English…but I still get some of the syllables mixed up."

Eager to soothe any unpleasantness this Guinevere might have inadvertently created we force a tone of cheerfulness and reply, "Completely understandable. And allow me to apologize for my earlier snappiness, you…caught me off guard."

The Godslayer offers an uncomplicated smile that sends an odd lurch through this Ancestor's chest for reasons she can't understand.

Perhaps it is some type of Authority?

"No worries, it's fine. Are you here to visit the museum?"

"Yes, I'm visiting this country for an unfortunately short amount of time and wish to see as much of it as I can. I suppose I'll be off to visit some other sights then…"

We hope the Godslayer accepts this excuse-

"Ah, do you need a few recommendations of places to visit? Or perhaps I can show you around? Er, sorry if that sounds a little weird and out of the blue…"

…Damnation. Now we are well and truly trapped.

Either we refuse the Godslayer's offer and potentially offend the Demon, or we accept and are subjected to his company for however long this will take…

Well, this Guinevere had asked for something to distract her…this seems like that very something.

However dangerous it may be.

"Why thank you, if you have the time I would greatly appreciate a native showing me the city. May I have your name?"

He gives that odd smile that creates the strange sensation in our body, easily replying, "Godou, Kusanagi Godou. And yours?"

"…Gwenyth."

"Gwenyth-san, hmm? That's a pretty name."

…This Guinevere is starting to understand how this Devil King earned his reputation of a womanizer.

Although…he is rather handsome, what with his exotically narrowed eyes and unassuming smile.

Perhaps…perhaps if this Guinevere plays her part perfectly, she might be able to enlist the aid of this Godslayer.

To that end we link our arm in his-purely for our own purposes-and smile, asking, "So, Kusanagi-sama, where shall we go first?"


"So what is the Bunkyō area like, Kusanagi-sama?"

"I keep telling you, Gwenyth-san, it's fine to call me Kusanagi-san, not sama. Makes me feel more important than I really am…"

Despite our self, this Guinevere giggles at the novelty of a Devil King being self-deprecative and cheerily teases with, "But you are my esteemed tour guide! Is it not proper to refer to one of superior standing as sama?"

"Well, it's a bit trickier than that. Besides, it's mostly used for guests or clients, and you're most definitely a guest here. Technically, I should be calling you sama!"

"Hmm…a fair point. Very well, I shall start referring to you as Kusanagi-kun then!"

His eyes amusingly widen as he hastily asks, "Wait, you're headed in the wrong direction there Gwenyth-san! That's for-"

"People who are friends or close associates, correct?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"In that case, you can begin referring to me as Gwenyth-chan!"

"I-"

We offer up our most compelling expression of innocence and the Devil King crumbles like a castle with sand for it's foundation.

"If you say so…Gwenyth-chan."

…This Ancestor is a foolish woman indeed.

She thought herself immune to the wiles of this particular Devil King…and yet here she is, forgetting her duty, her calling…and instead, she is having fun.

Exploring the city with no ever-present threat breathing over our shoulder, no responsibility tugging at us…tis a breath of fresh air and the more this Ancestor experiences of it the more she wishes to keep experiencing it.

"Gwenyth-chan, have you had anything to eat yet? We've been walking for awhile now…"

We bring our attention back to the present and the question presented to us. While this Ancestor needs not consume sustenance the way a Human might…she is not adverse to the idea.

"That's an excellent idea, Kusanagi-kun! What did you perchance have in mind?"

"Well there's an excellent crêpe shop maybe a block from here, are you interested? It's not necessarily filling, but not a bad choice for a snack…"

We demurely smile and reply, "You know best, Kusanagi-kun. I would be most happy to try some of these treats."

The matter settled he leads this Guinevere towards the aforementioned shop, all the while explaining the history of the establishment that we only listen to with half an ear.

Mostly…we are coming to believe that maybe, just maybe…this Ancestor's quest is not what is best for the world, at least not when considering her current handicap.

"Gwenyth-chan? Do you have a particular flavor you would like?"

We're startled out of our thoughts as we notice the Devil King patiently waiting for us to come to a decision, prompting us to swiftly gaze at the variety of displayed information.

These 'crêpes' appear to be some kind of bread with fruits and cream wrapped inside, although this Ancestor is unsure of what to get…

A brief smile of nostalgia crosses our face as we see one of the available options consist of freshly picked cherries, memories of a life nearly forgotten coming to this Ancestor.

"The cherry crêpe, huh? Alright, we'll go get that one then."

A sudden wave of embarrassment washes over this Ancestor and she hesitantly says, "Um, forgive me if this seems rather strange…but I have no money to pay with-"

"That's fine, I can afford one easily, they're not very expensive. Why don't you grab us a table instead?"

…A Devil King of such generosity? Tis a day for unexpected happenings…

As we seat ourselves at an outside booth this Guinevere turns her thoughts inwards, considering her options if she truly does decide to abandon her labor.

Were she to travel to the Netherworld she is fairly assured none would be able to find her…but the thought of hiding until the end of time in such a lonely realm does not appeal to our palette.

Perhaps…perhaps this Devil King would value our expertise and aid? We are a Divine Ancestor of not inconsiderate skill, perhaps we could offer our talents in return for protection?

After all, if this Devil King is truly a womanizer surely he would be receptive to a beauty such as ours if we begged him for aid? And, to be perfectly frank…

A blush adorns our cheeks as we squirm in our seat.

The idea of being this Godslayer's bride, or even a mistress, is not entirely revolting…he has been nothing but humble and polite, qualities this Ancestor is sure aren't merely acts.

"Here you go, Gwenyth-chan."

We gratefully accept the meal as Kusanagi returns, taking a careful bite of the treat…

Delicious!

Very well, our mind is made up. For the moment this Ancestor shall offer herself to the Devil King before her. Given time to think and plan, perhaps this Ancestor will find a way to achieve her goal without causing an apocalyptic disaster in the process.

"Gwenyth-chan?"

"Yes, Kusanagi-kun?"

He carefully sets his own crêpe down, a cautious expression adorning his handsome features.

"This question is a little out of the blue, but I kind of have to ask it. Why did you take the Tear of Amaterasu?"


Godou

No sooner do I utter those words than the girl across from me starts shaking, her already porcelain skin going a shade paler and rampant fear showing in her expression.

…Crap, I really could have segued into this conversation better than I did.

"Er, you don't have to worry Gwenyth-chan, I'm not mad or threatening you or anything, I was just, umm…curious?"

Thankfully she no longer seems like she's going to pass out and merely looks up at me like a cornered animal, her voice quavering as she asks, "H-how did you know I had t-taken the Tear, Campione-sama?"

"You can just keep calling me Kusanagi-kun, or san if you want to. All of that 'Campione' stuff makes me uncomfortable."

That earns me an incredulous look and I have to resist the urge to sigh, instead continuing with, "The HCC, the main Mage Organization of Japan, has a rotating guard of Hime-miko's that keep an eye on the Tear, it being an incredibly powerful artifact that could cause no shortage of problems if it was stolen by someone who knew how to use it. One of my, well…friends, Mariya-san, was on duty today and let me know the instant it was taken."

…After about eight different failed cellphone calls, but she got it to work eventually…

Unfortunately the girl before me immediately goes back to being terrified, no doubt expecting me to unleash some sort of horrible punishment upon her.

Sometimes the reputation most Campione have built for themselves works against me. Maybe the 8th had a point after all…

"Gwenyth-chan, it's fine. You're not in any danger, so you don't need to be so worried."

She takes a shuddering breath and hesitantly asks, "Forgive me if this sounds impertinent, Kusanagi-san…but why did you not immediately take back the artifact when you confronted me? What stayed your hand and compelled you to treat me with, well…kindness?"

There's an awkward silence that there's no getting around.

"Well, to be blunt…you looked sad."

Her utterly perplexed expression has me embarrassingly averting my eyes.

"You could have taken the Tear and run immediately, or you could have tried to barter it back to the Magi...or any other reason, actually. Instead, when I saw you standing in front of the very building where you stole from, you seemed…trapped, almost."

Yet more silence follows-dammit, at times like these I almost wish Erica was here-before the tiny girl speaks up, her voice shaking as she explains, "You are…correct, Kusanagi-san. And I apologize for this, but I have not been entirely truthful thus far…"

My instincts as a Godslayer shift slightly, recognizing the young woman before me as a being of power. Not necessarily as a threat, but definitely someone a cut above your average Magician.

"Our full title is Guinevere, and we find ourselves in…an unpleasant situation."

I hide my frown as I recognize the name as that of the Divine Ancestor that had previous dealings with both Luo Hao-onesan and the Black Prince in order to revive a Deity called The King of the End.

While the HCC hasn't found out much more than that, just the title, 'King of the End', is ominous enough.

"Recently we found ourselves accosted by several foes, two of them being Pallas Athena and the 8th Campione. We managed to escape that battle with the aid of our guardian, but it came at a cost. The 8th took this Guinevere hostage while our ally was occupied with the Snake Goddess and forced our defender into an unenviable position, necessitating us to expend the power we had amassed to carry out a specific ritual in order to escape."

"The ritual to bring about the King of the End?"

She flinches and, in a very small voice, replies, "…Yes, Kusanagi-san."

I sit back with a frown and digest all this.

It's pretty obvious the 8th showed up before me with Athena shortly after this supposed fight with Guinevere-chan…but taking her hostage? That sounds like something Old Man Voban or the supposedly amoral Black Prince would do, definitely something at odds with what his subordinates told me he hopes to accomplish with the current age Mage Associations.

…But then why would he bother listening to Athena's last wishes? She had made it pretty clear that the 8th had absolutely no incentive whatsoever to spare her, so why did he do so anyway when he planned to finish her off one way or another? And Erica hadn't gotten anything out of him other than he still wanted me to take my time thinking about his offer…

Thoughts for another time. Instead I curiously ask, "What exactly is the King of the End, Guinevere-chan?"

The look she gives me abruptly makes me feel like I just asked what 2+2 equals.

"You…you truly don't know?"

"Should I?"

Her expression suggests that I absolutely should…but trepidation rapidly replaces befuddlement and I try to soothe her worries as gently as I can with, "Guinevere-chan, you have my word that I won't try to harm you in any way, no matter what you tell me."

Her beautiful red eyes meet mine and she worriedly searches my face for what I'm guessing is any sign of deceit…before sagging and quietly replying, "The King of the End is an old God, one who has always arisen when too many Devil Kings walk the land. The King's purpose is to slay these beings and bring an end to their tyranny. The title, 'King of the End' is in reference to their quest often resulting in the end of an era, natural disasters and mass exterminations of civilization often being the end result. That is the one who I was attempting to revive…"

I take a moment to process this new information, Guinevere-chan stiff as a board in her seat with her head downcast, obviously expecting me to go back on my promise.

Sometimes I miss the days when I was just a High School student.

"Guinevere-chan, you don't have to worry, I'm not going back on my word."

Her head suddenly shoots upwards with blinding speed, disbelief etched across her doll-like features.

"Y-you won't? But this Ancestor was-and potentially still might-continue with her quest…"

I try to put on my most reassuring smile.

"I don't think that's something I need to worry about all that much, Guinevere-chan. I mean, here you are, telling me the exact details of your plan that would have killed me when you have no reason or benefit to doing so, when telling me might have resulted in serious harm to you if I took the news badly. Why don't you tell me the rest of your story, you mentioned there were several foes?"

Shaking herself out of her stupor the tiny Ancestor rallies herself and quickly replies, "Yes, Kusanagi-san. Perhaps the most dangerous and vile creature this Ancestor has ever had the displeasure of meeting, a monster known as Nyarlathotep."

She practically spits out that name and I frown as I try to recall where I've heard that name before.

Wasn't it on some advertisement for an anime a few years back?

"Wait, you don't mean the Cthulu Nyarlathotep, do you!?"

The beautiful Ancestor only shakes her head and replies, "It is not a deity this Guinevere is familiar with, thus she cannot say."

Her expression turns furious.

"What she can say is that the monster cannot be trusted on any level. It has led this Ancestor astray many times and even enslaved our protector, making a mockery of our quest and everything it stood for. More than that, this Ancestor has been unable to resist it since she is too weak to fight it and…and…"

I'm left at a loss as anger gives way to sadness, the young woman before me suddenly breaking down in frustrated tears, small hiccups wracking her delicate frame.

And drawing the nasty glares of several other patrons.

This isn't my fault, stop staring at me like that!

Thinking quickly I gently take the girls arm and hurry her out of the shop, several choice mutterings about my disgusting deviancy following me as I do so, a still sniffling Guinevere-chan latched onto my arm.

I hate my life.


"Are you alright now, Guinevere-chan?"

Taking a shuddering breath the slip of an Ancestor hurriedly bows as best she can from our sitting position on a bench in a nearby park, replying in a mortified tone, "Forgive this disgraceful Ancestor, Campione-sama! To show thee such a disgraceful sight…"

I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes and sternly tell her, "Guinevere-chan? What did I say about the whole 'Campione-sama' bit?"

"Ah, my apologies, Kusanagi-san!"

Letting a small smile make it's way onto my face I easily reply, "Don't worry about it…feel better now that all of that is off your chest?"

She cutely blushes and quietly whispers, "Um…yes."

"That's good to hear. So, what are you going to do now?"

She blinks once in surprise.

"…What this Ancestor is going to do now? Perchance, could you explain that statement, Kusanagi-san?"

"Exactly what I said. What's your current plan?"

I'll admit it's actually quite adorable how bewildered she seems right now.

"Y-you…are asking us? Despite our admitted plan of reviving a God specifically created to kill your kind?"

"A plan I think we're both certain isn't going to actually happen, or at least not right now. And I'm not in the habit of forcing my views on others, or giving out cruel orders."

She turns her gaze downwards before shakily asking, "How…how are you this understanding? This Guinevere had always pictured Campione to be willful tyrants, not…not like you, Kusanagi-san!"

A nostalgic smile appears on my face as I consider her words.

"You know, Guinevere-chan, not too long ago I wasn't like this at all. I was passive, mostly preferring to ignore the Supernatural side of things in my life unless it was practically in my face and demanding my attention. A very smart woman snapped me out of that mindset, telling me to, 'not discard magnanimity and majesty, merely temper it into a weapon that will both protect and attack'. I would have been pretty foolish to ignore her final words, so I decided to take that lesson to heart and started being a bit more active in my responsibilities, whether I enjoyed them or not."

Never mind that I'd asked the four girls to help me in both martial and Magical skills, something they'd been almost unnervingly eager to teach…

Guinevere-chan seems to be lost in thought before she suddenly stand up, walks directly in front of me-

-and throws herself into a dogeza, forehead pressed into the dirt below and making me instinctively feel like Old Man Voban, having such a cute and innocent girl prostrate herself at my feet.

It's NOT the kind of feeling I like.

"Kusanagi-san, this Ancestor has a request to make of thee! Please, allow her to serve under your rule!"

"Huh?! Wait, first-"

"We understand that a great King such as yourself likely has significant resources and prodigal talent under your command, but as a Divine Ancestor surely you may find some use for us among your retinue?"

"No! I mean, yes, I could, but please stop bowing!"

Because even more people are now giving me death glares, assuming the worst as to why I have some underage foreigner bowing and scraping in the dirt before me.

…I really, really hate my life right now.

Thankfully Guinevere-chan brings her head off the ground, a slight smudge of dust on her fair skin and I sigh before leaning forward and wiping it off, her face going red for some reason as I do so.

"Are you sure this is what you want, Guinevere-chan? You are offering to join forces with a person that's obviously opposed to your mission…"

Slowly rising to her feet the Divine Ancestor honestly explains, "This Guinevere's choice was well considered, Kusanagi-san. She is convinced that it is a worthwhile cause for a worthwhile ruler. Additionally…"

Her face yet again turns bright red, fingertips poking together as she shyly mutters, "This Guinevere has heard tales of your appreciation for women and she is not…adverse, to the idea of becoming your bride, or even mistress…"

…WHY IS THAT MY REPUTATION, EVEN AMONG THE DIVINE?!

My open palm meets my face and I tiredly explain, "Guinevere-chan, I don't know where you heard that, but I'm not some harem collecting sleazebag."

"Oh! Um, my apologies, Kusanagi-san…it's just that I'd heard rumors of how you had seduced the Diavolo Rosso from Italy…"

More like she seduced me, but ok I'll give her that-

"Rescued a brave Shrine Maiden from the grip of the oldest living Devil King after her beauty and fragility transfixed you…"

Sure, I can see how that can be misconstrued from an outsiders perspective-

"Fought off a God of Steel alongside a Witch, then took her to your bed after you accepted responsibility of her body after she had been abandoned by the aforementioned oldest Campione…"

Ok now that's a bit exaggerated! Liliana-san isn't that loose of a woman and we have a perfectly friendly relationship-

"This land's Mage Association, wanting to further cement their relationship with you, sent a maiden wielding a legendary sword to your side, where you accepted the gift heart and soul after being suitably impressed with her skill."

…I mean, maybe? That's sort of correct-

"And, most recently, you saved a young Shrine Maiden from the clutches of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, vowing to take her as your fifth wife despite her age…"

THAT'S WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS! Hikari-chan isn't one of my lovers!

A monumental sigh makes it's past my lips and I dryly inform the girl, "All of that isn't true…well, at least the details aren't, the broad outline is…I guess…"

Shaking my head I realize I'm getting off topic and instead say, "Look, Guinevere-chan, you don't have to become my lover, mistress, bride, concubine or whatever if you want to become my ally. Just don't do anything to hurt my friends and associates and we'll provide the same protection."

The awestruck expression on the Ancestor's face, like she can't believe she was offered such a boon, is a real sight to see.

It also makes me wonder just how much she was put through until now…

Smoothly rising to her feet Guinevere-chan bows low and gratefully intones, "Our most humble thanks, Kusanagi-san…allow us to return the Tear of Amaterasu as the beginnings of atonement for our actions-"

"That cannot be allowed."

Before I can even blink there's an armored figure mounted on horseback standing directly behind Guinevere-chan, one gauntleted hand placed directly on her forehead.

Shit, they must have used Godspeed-

-I charge forward, inwardly calling for Ama no Murakumo and desperately trying to reach the Ancestor's frightened expression-

Just a hair too late as there's a brief flash of purple light and Guinevere-chan is gone, only the mounted figure left behind.

A snarl appears on my face and I angrily growl, "What did you do with her?!"

"That is none of your concern, Godslayer. What does matter-urk!"

I'm shocked out of my anger as the knight suddenly topples off of their steed, landing with a loud clatter on the ground while the warbeast disappears without a sound.

What in the-

With a pained groan and shaky movement the figure hauls itself into a kneeling position, knees and palms flat on the ground while ragged breaths emanate from it's throat, their body spasming as if it wasn't fully under their control.

"Godslayer…please, hear my final request…"

With what looks like a herculean effort a metal clad arm reaches up and rips off the helm, revealing a truly astounding western beauty with honey colored hair and piercing blue eyes, the only mar upon her perfect features being dark rings under her eyes and a heavily lined forehead as she scrunches her eyes as if in pain.

"My life…end it! And rescue the Ancestor…we can no longer fulfill our duty and we cannot remain sane for very long…"

I finally snap myself out of my stupor and quickly ask, "Who are you? And what's happening to you? I don't-"

"Devil King, I beg of you…take my offered power and save my charge! There is no time to explain! That vile monster may retake control at any moment!"

I have only like a million questions I want to ask…but Guinevere-chan's words come back to me, of how her protector was 'enslaved' against their will.

Instinct and reality take over and I bury my questions, deciding that taking action now is better than taking action later.

"I understand."

With that I quickly step forward, Ame now fully manifested in my hand and the Deity before me dematerializes her armor, exposing her pale skin to the black steel of Susanoo's favored blade.

Overruling the voice inside me that says doing this is wrong I swiftly slide the sword into the God's heart, trying to make things as quick and relatively painless as I can.

With a smile of all things the God lets out a quiet breath, a small trickle of blood leaking out of her mouth as she whispers, "Ahh…my gratitude, Rakshasa Warrior…"

"…May I at least know your name?"

With a bloodstained grin that somehow mixes thankfulness and pride, the Deity replies, "Lancelot du Lac, Godslayer. Ahh, truly a shame we could not have met under more amicable circumstances. That fire in your eye…we would have had a truly entertaining bout, I can tell that for certain…perhaps in the future. Fare thee well, Devil King. And good hunting."

With a brief shimmer of light the Goddess disappears, a wave of something crashing through my brain, the sound of charging horses and clashing lances echoing as I receive a new Authority, knowledge instinctively manifesting inside of me.

Knight's Vow.

Only applicable when what I deem as an innocent is in danger, but all the more useful for it's restrictions…

"On this Knight's word we now ride! For honor, and chivalry! Swift as the wind to the innocent's side! Ride, ride! Knight's Vow!"

There's the familiar rush of power as the Authority takes effect and with a clatter of metal and hooves thirteen mounted Knights manifest before me, all of them bearing slight differences in their armor and coat of arms but I don't have time to pay closer attention.

Instead I leap onto the back of the nearest one and concentrate hard on the image of Guinevere-chan, providing an image for my Authority to follow.

And I almost get thrown off as the thirteen figures leap into motion with incredible speed, galloping across the rooftops with such grace that aside from the initial burst I barely even feel the undulations of the horses beneath me.

Taking advantage of that I bring out my phone and rapidly place a call to Erica, praying that she picks up quickly since time is going to be of the essence.

[Godou? How rare of you to-]

"Erica, I need you to mobilize as many members of the HCC as you can and head in the direction of Mt. Odake! Mariya-san found someone trying to steal the Tear of Amaterasu and now I'm chasing after the person who took it! It's most likely the Heretic God Nyarlathotep who kidnapped a Divine Ancestor and is now trying to escape!"

There's a second of stunned silence and then my most loyal Knight's voice returns with, [Understood! We're already on our way! Be careful, beloved…if that truly is a deity from the Cthulu mythos-]

"There's no telling what it might be capable of, I know. I'll see you in a bit."

I hang up and briefly marvel at the fact that in less than half-a-minute I've already traveled a number of kilometers, my Authority informing me that we've almost reached our destination.

[Be ready for anything, Partner. I don't have a clue what this thing might be capable of but I doubt it's anything good.]

[Got it, Ame. I'm just glad you're here to back me up…]

The sword makes a sound like it's about to reply-

-when the Knight I'm riding with suddenly jerks to the side with a violent motion, a blast of white fire screeching by us and my eyes snap towards where it came from.

Some hideous, humanoid figure covered with a bizarre combination of armor, gears and flesh that parodies what a person might look like raises it's right arm and with a flash as bright as the sun one of my Authorities' knights disappears in a flash of flame, the rest continuing on undaunted.

"Come to me, for the victory! Immortal Sun, lend me a quick, shining steed. Fire of the Sun that dispels the dark, may it engulf you!"

Ame suddenly busts into solar flames as he and I channel White Stallion's power into the sword, a grim smile appearing on my face.

Time to protect my kingdom, I guess.

Rising to my feet even as the facet of Knight's Vow zigs and zags to avoid the oncoming blasts of fire I raise Ame high above my head and shout as I swung downwards, an arc of purging fire shooting towards the creature from no more than 200 meters away.

Whatever that thing is leaps out of the way, arm-cannon-thing once again pointed in my direction as it fires-

Which satisfies the conditions for the Raptor to activate, allowing me to jump off the horses back and close the distance before whatever this thing is can attack again.

I guess it isn't all that fast as I can use Godspeed to rapidly appear by it's side and ram the still burning Ame into it's chest, where the flames begin to burn all the brighter-

-and they abruptly fizzle out and die as some sort of mist ejects from nozzles all across the thing's body, small bits of it coming into contact with my skin-

-and I shout in sudden pain as my arms are just so cold, instinctively letting go of Ame and pulling back, scowling at the creature as I do so.

"Dythalla!"

I'm briefly surprised at the being's voice, it being an oddly synthetic warble like a badly tuned radio.

And then the ground beneath me shakes as if hit with a minor earthquake and I turn around to see some insanely massive reptile-thing bearing down on me, thirty meters of scaly flesh and saurian head framed by a mass of writhing tentacles about to pulverize me into the dirt beneath it's feet.

"O' mighty bull that possesseth the horns of shining gold, grant me your aid!"

This fits the conditions necessary for using the Bull rather nicely.

Even as a gargantuan foot slams down on my position I get my arms up to guard just in time, the ground cratering around me in a twenty-meter radius.

Unfortunately, that keeps me from moving and that strange armored figure raises that glowing gun in my direction once more.

Dammit, I need to-

-not really worry, apparently. The ten mounted fighters still standing from Knight's Vow finally enter the fray, four of them ramming into the being with the gun and knocking it aside, one lucky strike even slipping into a bit not covered by armor, causing a black ichor to spew out of the wound.

The remaining six leap up onto the massive lizard-thing's back and ram their weapons into it's flesh, causing the giant creature to howl in pain and suddenly thrash about, freeing me from where I'd been pinned.

"Ame!"

The black blade once again materializes in my hand, an annoyed voice admonishing me with, [Why'd you let go of me so easily? I thought we were partners!]

[Sorry, sorry…it caught me off guard, won't happen again.]

I prepare to use the Goat, planning to start attacking from a distance-

-when a veritable frenzy of unnerving, black appendages burst out of the ground and move to aid the other two creatures.

The four knights attacking the one with the gun find two of their number yanked off their horses and physically crushed by two overgrown tentacles, freeing up the cybernetic being to destroy the last two knights with a blast of it's weapon.

The others attacking the giant aren't crushed by the feelers…but they are briefly restrained, allowing the massive beast to throw itself onto it's back and smash them beneath it's bulk, signifying the end of my backup.

And then a third monster appears, this one even more hideous than it's compatriots.

Skin the texture of charcoal and burnt wood, a distended body with three 'legs' and an elongated torso studded with tentacles of varying length, a blazing, yellow eye located atop it's 'head' and glaring at me with an eldritch anger.

And just below that eye, with only her chest and head hanging free from the freak's body is Guinevere-chan, some kind of gag keeping her from speaking but her eyes are alight with fear and dread as she locks her gaze with mine.

"Now isn't this an unpleasant surprise…to what do we owe the non-existent pleasure, Godling?"

I level Ame at the trio as they slowly close ranks no more than twenty meters away, Authorities primed and ready to be used at a moment's notice.

"You have both a vassal and a friend of mine. Release her!"

There's an amused scoff from who I'm assuming is Nyarlathotep, the nightmarish creature replying,

"A friend? A vassal? Goodness, Betrayer Queen, you certainly work fast. What did you do? Spread your legs and beg for table scraps?"

Guinevere-chan's eyes glisten with tears and an unthinking rage roars to life in my chest.

"She did none of those things! What she did took far more courage than simply offering her body. It took more guts to tell one her potential mortal enemies the truth than anything I bet you've done!"

Rather than be enraged the thing just laughs and mockingly replies,

"Oh, young love…such a pretty little thing. But as you no doubt know, keeping secrets between lovers is a terrible crime. Did her truth make mention of her quest to revive a God that is specifically meant to kill Devil Kings? Of how she was the very same girl that helped free Sun Wukong upon your land?"

I cast a thoughtful glance in the Divine Ancestor's direction, her face crestfallen as I slowly reply, "No…she didn't mention the part about Sun Wukong, which almost resulted in the death of someone very important to me…"

Tears now freely fall from Guinevere-chan's eyes-

-before I fiercely add, "So I guess it's a good thing that I don't care. I believe that she wants to make amends, and that she deserves the chance to do so. This is my last warning, Nyarlathotep. Let. Her. Go."

For several seconds that almost stretches into a minute it's silent…before the freak laughs yet again, it's tone playful as it says,

"A magnanimous Godling, isn't that a novelty? Unfortunately for you, Slayer…I never particularly cared what your response was. After all…"

There's the sound of someone ripping the air itself in half and all of the sudden a giant portal appears behind the trio, some horrific spider-like monstrosity using it's legs to keep the path open.

"I only needed to keep you talking, fool."

My blood runs cold as I realize I was tricked, preparing to dash forward with the Raptor-

-and that enormous blazing eye flares into incandescence, something I can only describe as existential dread briefly incapacitating me and causing my legs to stumble, even if only for a second-

-and the portal closes, taking the creatures and Guinevere-chan with them.

"DAMMIT!"

[Partner! Calm down, throwing a tantrum won't solve anything. Keep your head straight and we can start hunting those things down all the sooner, if we're lucky we'll find them before too long.]

While I really want to break something right now, furious that I was tricked so easily…Ame has a point.

I take a deep breath and get my temper under control, looking towards Tokyo's horizon as I spot a red and blue light heading in my direction, most likely Liliana-san using her Flight magic and Erica following hot on her heels.

I have work to do.


"…And see if the Crosses have anything on any previous incarnation of Cthulu mythos deities, I think I ended up fighting against three of them."

Liliana-san frowns, her fairy-like features accentuating the negative emotion and she replies, "I will try, Kusanagi-san…but I'm fairly sure this is the first instance of anyone actually encountering those very same deities."

Erica nods and backs up her friend/rival with, "I agree with Lily, you just seem to attract all kinds of unique trouble, Godou."

"Don't I know it…"

Offering a quick bow Liliana-san makes to fly off, but not before saying, "Umm…very well then, Kusanagi-san. I shall be going!"

Offering a grateful smile that seems to make her go red in the face for whatever reason I reply, "Take care, Liliana-san. Thanks for all your hard work."

As the fairy knight speeds off I turn to Erica who's shaking her head, playfully saying, "Toying with such a fragile heart as Lily's? You're far more of a beast than I thought, Godou…"

I try for a smile…and don't quite make it, heavily sighing instead. Of course, Erica catches that immediately.

"Godou, is everything all right?"

"…Not really. I let those three things get away with Guinevere-chan and who knows what's happening to her right now? And it was for such a stupid reason! I just stood there for like a minute, not doing anything like an idiot!"

Soft lips suddenly brush my cheek, catching me off guard as I stare at the Diavolo Rosso, an understanding smile on her face.

"Yes, you made a mistake, my beloved…but are you not now all the wiser for it? You need only bemoan your mistakes if they are repeated, not made. Should these creatures again cross your path, you'll now be ready to educate them on what happens when they aggravate my King."

A smile I have zero control over crosses my lips and I quietly whisper, "Thanks, Erica…"

"But of course, beloved. Now if you will excuse your finest Knight, she has commands to carry out. Ciao!"

With a cheerful goodbye Erica leaps off and I quickly shake my head before squaring my shoulders and taking a deep breath.

Erica is right, lamenting over poor decisions and actions won't do me any good. Only learning from them will.

Alright, time to head home for the day then. Shizuk-

Brrt, Brrt!

…Well, no one said I can't walk and talk at the same time.

I check my phone as it continues to ring, glancing at the caller I.D. to see if it's anyone I know or just a solicitor-

-and almost trip as I see it's from Italy.

…It's just a coincidence, right?

…Right?

"…Hell-"

[Godou-kun! Buddy, bestie, brother from another mother…how's it going right now?]

It takes everything I have not to shatter my phone in my hands.

"Doni, I want to know how you keep getting my number. And I'm busy right now, just skip the bull and get to the point."

[Gee, guess I called at a bad time? Oh well! Anyway I was calling to see if you were up for a duel! It's been a pretty dull few weeks and I was-]

"I'm not in the mood. I'm hanging up now. And not just because you didn't tell me how you got this number. Again."

His annoying voice is a petulant pout as he replies, [Jeez la weez, Jereth is never this grumpy when I talk to him…actually he usually is, but he ends up listening anyway…]

Against every bit of common sense that tells me to just hang up and let this conversation go I find myself curiously asking, "Who's this Jereth person that actually bothers to listen to you in the first place?"

[Huh? You didn't know? That's our youngest brother, dummy! Jereth the 8th Campione!]

I let it go that Doni of all people just called me dumb, instead reflecting that now I actually have a name to go with the previously unknown 8th's identity.

Still no face though…and Doni is still talking.

[…And let me tell yah, that fight two weeks or so ago was something else!]

That clicks as I remember many of the European Mage Associations being in an uproar about something and I accusingly ask, "That was you two? Why am I not surprised…"

[Hey it wasn't just me and Jereth! Alec joined in as well! Although we became pretty good buddies by the end of it…]

"Of course you would drag a third party in to stop you…"

Seriously! While the Black Prince doesn't sound like the kind of person I would get along with, I can sympathize with him trying to put a stop to someone as willfully destructive as Doni messing up his territory…

[Oh, he didn't try to stop us! As a matter of fact he was teamed up with us before the fight even began!]

"…Teamed up?! Against what?!"

[Well, the four gods, of course. I'm surprised you didn't hear about this, Godou-kun, it was truly a battle for the ages!]

…Four gods? Versus three Campione?

How did the details of this not reach me?

"Doni, what were you and the other two doing fighting off four gods? And don't just say, 'because it was fun'! I want to know what the other two were in it for."

[Hmm…I think they wee trying to find some artifact or something? They never told me and I never asked. Something about a Bling of the End…no, King of the End! Heh, definitely the second one. Could you imagine a piece of jewelry causing the apocalypse?]

I don't reply, mostly because my blood went cold at Doni's casually stated words.

…The 8th and the Black Prince teamed up to retrieve an artifact related to the King of the End? And they somehow got Doni to help them?

[Godou-kun? Helloooooooo? Godo-]

I absentmindedly hangup, completely lost in thought at this latest bit of information.

…The 8th's previous encounters with Guinevere-chan, his actions with Athena…The Cthulu Deities wanting Amaterasu's Tear to almost certainly perform a ritual that may or may not be related to this King of the End…not to mention the Black Prince and the 8th searching for said King.

There's too much going on that I don't know about that looks more and more like it's going to affect me and those I care about.

…Well, there is another resource out there that I haven't contacted yet, that I'm on sort of good terms with and might be able to help me in some manner or another.

I think it's time I got into contact with John Pluto Smith again.


Guinevere

Fear and triumph blaze through this Ancestor's chest even as she finds herself held completely immobile in the grasp of the vile creature, arms and legs painfully compressed and held at awkward angles, the other disgusting allies of Nyarlathotep we had no knowledge of gathering around the deceiving beast.

"Well timed, Atlach-Nacha. Escaping would have been far more difficult had you not shown when you did…"

The horrific Spider-like creature makes a noncommittal noise and we take a moment to examine our surroundings, a wasteland of nothing but rock, snow and howling winds.

"Well well well…now what am I going to do with you, Ancestor?"

That yellow eye slowly tilts forward, creating an arch from where it can glare at us even as we challengingly stare back, despite being trapped in the monsters body.

"I'll confess to actually being impressed! Endearing yourself to a Godslayer would have indeed been no small protective shield…unfortunately the one you picked was almost as foolish as you are."

The creature seems pensive for a moment before maliciously adding,

"Actually, that's not entirely fair to the Godslayer. At least he seemed capable of learning from his mistakes. You, on the other hand, seem determined to fail in as many ways as possible."

We gather our courage and spit on the beast's eye, a small trail of steam arising from where the liquid landed and we triumphantly retort, "This Guinevere's actions were not the failure you deem them, Nyarlathotep, at least not on this occasion. The Godslayer of the East now knows of you, and knows of my kidnapping. One of the beings you so rightly fear is now going to be hunting you, and only you."

There is a few tense moments of silence-

-that is abruptly broken as the creature shoves a pair of claws into this Ancestor's chest, drawing a shocked gasp from our throat.

The attack is not physical in nature, but it instead carries with it a sense of violation, of having our Magic being invaded by something other.

After some time the torment ceases, the creature's appendage withdrawing and clasped within it is the Tear of Amaterasu, a dull ache being left behind in this Guinevere's body as our restraints are suddenly released, our body falling to the ground below.

This Guinevere commands the wind to slow our descent-

-and is shocked when she instead lands heavily, being driven to her knees.

How…why did the wind not obey our request?

"Are you feeling weak, Ancestor? You should be, I left a small part of myself behind in you. Can't have you commanding any suitably impressive level of Magic, now can we?"

We frantically feel our body, desperately hoping it not to be true-

-and to our dismay there is a small ball of something just below our throat, a foreign intruder that is sealing off a great deal of our power, so much so that we cannot even sacrifice our life and assume the form of a Dragon.

Glee is evident in the monster's voice as it patiently explains,

"Now, while I would ordinarily take over your breaking personally, I have a great deal of work to do and little time in which to do it. And I will even grudgingly admit to being impressed at your inventive resistance. So your punishment for defying us will not lie with me, but with another. Mynogrha? Feel free to indulge in your disgusting hobbies."

Alarm spreads throughout this Ancestor's mind as her body is suddenly wrapped in several warm, slimy appendages that upon closer inspection resemble…phalluses.

"Consider yourself fortunate, Queen of Camelot. You may find yourself actually coming to enjoy your torture, should you lower yourself to such a level."

"Oh Nyar-nyar, you really need to learn to loosen up a little…then again…"

We find ourselves raised up into the air by the disgusting appendages and flipped around so that we may meet our captor's gaze, an alien beauty that is matched only by it's wrongness of design, disgust and instinctive fear warring for dominance in this Guinevere's breast.

"That will be this Little Ancestor's duty…"

With a disgusted scoff Nyarlathotep turns to leave, it's other allies going with it, the only further words this Guinevere hears from it are a muttered,

"And just where was Hastur during this whole adventure? He was supposed to aid us…"

Then all is silent except for the excited panting of the ingrate above us, as well as the sound of tearing cloth as it rips apart this Guinevere's dress, exposing her small clothes.

We can only turn our head to the side in order to avoid the sight before us as the disgusting being idly murmurs, "Now which hole to play with first?" and focus on the warm feelings we experienced when in the company of the 7th Godslayer.

For now, this Guinevere will bide her time…but should the opportunity present itself, she shall no longer be bound to the Grail, there now being a sanctuary waiting for her.

That thought alone is worth a smile even in these circumstances.


Apologies for the slightly delayed update, but yesterday was both a celebration of my Grandma's 90th b-day and of finals finally being over so I totally put this on the backburner for awhile XD

Normally I reply to reviews right now but my laptop is out of commission for the moment and I'm doing this on my phone, so I've had to delete words several times already and that'll have to wait till next chapter when I don't have gorilla thumbs.

Till then!