Immortality, that was Zouken's greatest wish.
To live forever, to not die, to continue life as it is. So he can always live on past the pitible life spans of others, and smile as he watches those he knew waste away while he continues strong. That should be his fate, his destiny.
Yet time and time again has shown obstacles to get in Zouken's way.
The failure of his dwindling pathetic family line. The other Masters who were to incompotent to produce any actual results. Not to mention the homunculus who should be the Holy Grail getting wiped out so easily. Zouken having to watch war after war end with so much wasted blood with no results to show for it, making these battles pointless in the grand scheme of things. With his own soul rotting year after year, making his patience grow very thin.
Which is why Zouken made his move during the fourth Holy Grail War, and was able to get the young daughter of his 'ally' Tohsaka, and had planned to use her to create a powerful descendant for the fifth war. Her magic circuits being perfect with so much talent. However, then Zouken discovered the remaining fragment of the Holy Grail and made his move.
While not as perfect as the Einzeberns method, Zouken created his own Holy Grail, and implanted the pieces into young Sakura. Even better, the fifth Holy Grail War started much sooner than anticipated with Zouken pondering if he should make his move then and there. That is until a voice came and spoke to him.
"Why wait, when you can move now."
"Who is there?" It had been a few days before all seven Servants were gathered, and Zouken, inside his household in the basement, looked around. Getting his magecraft ready to use, and to attack whoever had dared to enter his domain and ready to feed his worms.
Then, a shadowy figure came which Zouken couldn't see properly. On his guard, Zouken got ready to strike. However, the strange figure wrapped in mist then spoke.
"I am not here to fight Zouken, but to give you a calling." Zouken was still poised to attack, yet decided to humor this person anyway. If only to gather more of his worms and being interested in who this man is and how he got here. After all, breaking through his defenses is no easy feat.
"A calling you say." Zouken speaks as he takes the form of an old man. His winged bladed insects right beside him with teeth snarling at the stranger. "And what may that be stranger?"
"Of immortality." Now that caught Zouken's interest, but he didn't show it. Instead, narrowing his eyes at the stranger of how he knew of his fondest wish.
"Immortality you say. Explain." In that instant, the stranger raised his misty hand and from it, a small cloud came out and began forming. Until it revealed a man of white hair, a cane, and a suit with white skin.
"This man here has attained an immortality similar to the Serpent." Certaintly that is most interesting to hear. The Serpent, the only man alive who had been able to accomplish something no other has done. The only one who ever succeeded in turning the unchangeable soul to a changeable information. However…
"I seek true immortality." Zouken scoffs at this stranger's image. "So what if another has attained the same gift as the serpent. For his reincarnations are not even true versions of him, but inferior copies."
"True. But this one is different." The stranger then says. "While he has changed, it is not because of the inferiority of his reincarnations, but because he allows himself to change." Zouken paid closer attention, which the stranger noticed. "Yes. If this man wished to, he could suppress the ego and ID of his host, leaving him and only him, as his soul remains the same. Untouched. Unchanged. Forever him with the only true change being the bodies he goes off to."
Now that...was something Zouken could appreciate.
In other words, this man achieved a reincarnation that was superior to the serpents. And while the switching bodies thing felt annoying, so long as Zouekn achieved immortality, he was fine with just that as well. It was no different from his current form, where he must consume other bodies to continue living, yet where he has soul rot, if what the stranger said was true, then this person didn't experience such a thing.
Yet there was still something that made Zouken far from trusting.
"Why tell me this stranger?" He says as his insects were now in range to attack. They would go at speeds matching a human bullet, meaning they couldn't be stopped.
"Because," The stranger said, where for a moment Zouken could have sworn he saw a small smile through the mist. "I felt this would make things so interesting."
The wing bladed insects struck. Their teeth or stingers attempting to slice through or bite down on the stranger. On contact however, the stranger dispersed into a black mist and vanished. Leaving only Zouken behind and his insects, where Zouken then felt a sting in his head. Gripping his head, Zouken then realized it actually wasn't that part of his rotting body, but in fact his eyes that were stinging. Then, he heard the stranger's voice one more time.
"I have given you a small gift. One that lets you see the nature of a soul." The stranger's voice got softer, until it spoke for the last time. "Now then, let us see what you can do when you meet Ozma."
Then, the presence of the stranger's voice vanished entirely, leaving only Zouken and his worms behind. The elder Matou standing still as he then looked around, sensing nobody but him. Then, Zouken looked into a nearby mirror, and saw the gift this stranger somehow gave him. The gift to see the soul as the stranger told him, where Zouken could see a rotting soul in the mirror, representing him. Grinning, Zouken decided to continue his plans for the fifth war until he could find this Ozma while continuing his own plot just in case the stranger lied to him.
Days later, he found and saw Ozma.
Who was every bit as immortal as the stranger told Zouken, who laughed as Ozma then released a powerful barrier that snapped through his binds and rushed at him, where he threw a punch that caused Zouken to fall apart into a pile of worms. Yet that did little to stop Zouken who just reformed many meters away while his bigger worms he made, crawling out of the trees.
All of them were massive, and took time to make. But they could stop regular bullets alone, and can snap a human in half like nothing. With a simple command, Zouken had them rush at Ozma who looked at him and said one thing.
"Who told you that name?" One of the giant worms he command attacked. Going at a speed comparable to fifty miles an hour, with the old man turning at it with a bored look on his face. He then lifted his hand and then threw a punch.
"Scrchua!" Which caused the front half of the worm to crack and burst into a nasty pile of goop and disgusting flesh. The worm then falling onto it's legs dead. The man known as Ozma then looking at him, and while maintaining a calm façade, his eyes were anything but calm.
"I ask again. How do you know that name?" He asked with killing intent. Zouken grinned once his body fully reformed, then laughed.
"You truly are strong despite appearances." Killing one of his giant worms like so. Not to mention facing Servants, even if not at full force. Handling Caster's familiars for such a long while, and using magecraft he's never seen before. "Yes. You are perfect for me."
Ozma was then in front of him, and yet despite that Zouken still grinned as once again his head exploded into a squirming mess. The blade worms nearby attacked, yet were unable to pierce through whatever barrier surrounded Ozma's skin that shined green. The man then held his grabbed cane, and smacked each one so quickly, afterimages were seen. He then ran up to Zouken and lifted him by the collar as Zouken's head regenerated at last.
"I believe I asked you a question." Ozma told Zouken who felt no fear, just amusement.
"Why so mad at the reveal of a simple name, Ozma." Zouken mocked as his numerous worms got closer to Ozma. Not that they would do harm, as that barrier that surrounded his body might still be active. Zouken noticing how whenever his worms tried attacking the skin, a small green light protected Ozma.
As for Ozma, now known as Ozpin, he was getting frustrated. Yet not just that either, but also felt uncertainty at this man. Having no idea how anybody knew his first name, before the deal with the Gods.
'I haven't told anybody that name in eons.' Ozpin thought as he held Zouken yet kept an eye on all the disgusting creatures surrounding him. Eyes then focused to see what tricks this false old man might have, who just grinned at him serving to frustrate Ozma more as he didn't know who this man was. Of how he knew his greatest secret, and thought in paranoia if this old man knew his greatest enemy. "What do you want?"
"Oh. What I want." The shriveled old man chuckled, even as Ozpin tightened his grip. "Many things really. But there is but one thing I must have above all else. And you are the key to getting it."
"How is that so? This is our first time meeting." Ozpin retorted as he got ready to use magic just in case. Putting away his cane, he held his free hand at the carnivorous worms on the chance they would attack.
"It is our first meeting, face to face. And I just wanted to meet the man who has claimed...eternity." Ozpin's eyes widened, and from his hands fire burst out. Fire more powerful that it should have been, that instantly wiped out the surrounding worms in a blaze of heat that caused them all to screech while doing no harm to him and this man who must be working for her. Big, small, or even flying, they all burnt to a crisp before becoming reduced to ashes. Ozpin then stopping as the worms behind him were no more.
Then, Ozpin raised his hand at Zouken and spoke with a deadly tone, "How do you know that part of my power? Do you work for her?"
Zouken could tell he was serious, even if he didn't understand who this 'her' is. Knowing that his words set the man off and that he would truly burn him alive. Those were the eyes that have killed before, and Zouken would just be another person to die by this man's hands. Granted, he'd still be alive and going thanks to having other worms around. Plus, he learned all he knew of this man right now. While maybe not all of it, he could see trying to devour him now would be futile thanks to whatever innate barrier he had and potentially other powers he had. So Zouken said one thing.
"Like I would tell a fool like you."
Fire was then the last thing Zouken saw as his body was burnt alive and laughed as he couldn't wait to meet Ozma again. The next time they meet, he'll have the ritual ready to devour the body and more. But for now, he'll continue watching Ozma for both his greatest strengths, and his weaknesses.
Morning came upon this new day, and thankfully, it happened to be the weekend. As such, Shirou could sleep in a bit longer than usual. Something he didn't mind, considering the actions of last night. Facing Caster, those dark familiars, and then his body feeling tired from all that moving. By the time Shirou opened his eyes, he yawned and sat up on his bed, stretching himself and feeling much refreshed.
'Though tonight's dreams were certainly weird.' Shirou thought as he recalled the dream he had. Particularly, of Musashi eating the boar with Assassin doing the same while Archer cooked. Man that was a weird sight to see, even if it was never real.
Getting up, Shirou went to his drawers where he then put on his usual clothing and took off his sleepwear. Once he got changed, he went to the restroom and did his business, brushed his teeth, and splashed some water on his face for a slight wake-up call. Once he did all that, he then went to the kitchen to make and then eat some breakfast.
"Mm. So good." Only to find Musashi already eating some of his cereal without any regret of taking it for herself. Shirou looking at how she greedily ate more and sighed. Then knocked on the wall with his hand, grabbing her attention. "Huh. Master?"
"Morning Musashi." Shirou gives her a good-morning, before looking at the table. Seeing it was a mess with many bowls and spoons. "I see you've been eating."
"Oh, uh, that." Musashi giggled nervously as she saw her own mess. She then waved at Shirou as if to change the mood saying, "Morning."
"You know," Shirou says as he walks to the table, and picks up the empty dirty bowls. "I would have made breakfast eventually for you all."
"Yeah, but I got hungry." Musashi tells him as she finishes off her cereal. "Still, sorry for the mess."
"It's alright. Besides, you did pretty well yesterday against that...familiar?" The giant boar that nearly crushed them. It was certainly a sight to see, with Musashi knowing what he referred to.
"Yeah, I've seen such familiars before."
"You have?" Shirou asked.
"Yep." Musashi answers, as she remembers the past. "I've been in a lot of places before. And seen lots of things including all sorts of monsters. Heck, I've even seen Oni before on some island where a huge big-chest woman was there with a guy on a motorcycle."
At times like this, Shirou couldn't tell if these stories are true or not, since history never spoke of this. Then again, history got her gender wrong and seemed to miss her flashy abilities like that x-beam attack. So Shirou was inclined to agree.
"Sounds like you have quite the adventurers." Shirou smiled.
"Yeah, I have." Musashi can agree to that all right. Recalling her journey from good times to the bad ones. "Faced all sorts of monsters and villains. Though," Musashi giggled as she thought back to last night. More importantly, of that man in the mountain. "Not often I see such a handsome man with amazing techniques."
"Right, Assassin." He honestly didn't look like much to Shirou. But he'd be the biggest idiot if he didn't acknowledge the swordsmanship he revealed to them. I mean, that move in the end, the three blades coming all at once. "That move he made against the boar was amazing." More impressive than anything he had.
"Amazing. Not even." Musashi waves her hands as her eyes light up. "It was absolutely fantastic!" In all her travels, Musashi has faced many worthy swordsman to battle. That man though, Assassin, he was on another level. His skill with the blade, that calm attitude, that handsome face and wonderful hair…."Ah! So handsome!"
"R-right." If there's one thing Shirou knew about his Servant, is that she liked pretty boys. "Still though, you do realize he's an enemy?"
"I do." Musashi tells Shirou, none of her wooing from earlier now seen. "It's a shame, but it seems he's on the enemies side this time around. We'll have to face each other soon enough." Musashi leaned back on her chair and crossed her arms but grinned. "Not that I would mind battling him. If anything, I can bet he'll be the biggest battle for me yet."
"That's...good?" Shirou decided not to ask anymore, seeing it as a bit of a bother now. The young teen now finished putting the bowls away, and started to wash them. Turning on the sink and grabbing a sponge, slowly washing each one one-by-one with soap and then rinsing them after. "Still, was that Caster really that powerful?"
I mean, Shirou knows he himself didn't stand much of a chance against her. How she easily caught him, and gave off a dangerous air. But what did Musashi think of her? Can Saber not battle Caster and win? That's what he wanted to know.
"I'd have to say yeah." Musashi answers him. "The air she gave off was different, not to mention I didn't hear her say any incantations when she shot those spells. Heck, she's definitely above most spellcasters I've met." Those she faced ranged from weak to pathetic. Sure she might have seen a few diamonds here and there, but Musashi beat them all up with sword power. That woman however, had strong magic and a powerful ally. If anything, it's best not to underestimate her.
"Got it." Best to talk with Rin then later on. Just Rin really, as Shirou would rather not talk to Archer. That bastard...he really didn't like him after all. How a guy like him became a hero is a mystery that Shirou didn't want to bother finding out.
Footsteps were then heard, and then came Ozpin. He saw the two and looked at them, saying, "Ah. Good morning you two. I see you're up and about, aren't you."
"Hey Ozpin." Musashi waved. "I see you finally got up to. Were you busy last night or something?" Right, that. After the events of yesterday, Shirou recalled going to bed with Ozpin going somewhere, then he got captured by Caster. Shirou assumed he must have fallen asleep, and while Musashi noticed his disappearance, guess Ozpin didn't.
"I was busy with a little searching was all." Ozpin sat down at the table. "Attempting to see any strange movements, but there wasn't much at all."
"Well, sounds better than what happened to me yesterday." Shirou tells Ozpin as he's nearly done washing the dishes. Ozpin looked a bit confused, so Shirou decided to inform him of what happened when Ozpin left. How Shirou ended up captured by the Servant known as Caster. Where then a bunch of freaky giant animals came out and attacked them, giving everybody a slight shock until they were defeated.
Ozpin certainly took it well though. "That seems like...quite the night."
"An annoying night." Musashi says. "That Caster certainly was a jerk, taking the Master away and trying to hurt him. That's why karma had that giant boar crush her home."
"I guess you can put it like that." Though Shirou did feel bad for Issei. I mean, that place is his home along with other people last he heard. Already damage was happening in this war, and Shirou can bet it was only going to get worse.
As for Ozpin, he was thinking to himself a little, 'Familiars of black with bone armor...a coincidence?'
As the two men though this, suddenly, a knocking could be heard. Stopping the water from the sink, and quickly drying his hands, Shirou went to the door where he then opened it, wondering if it was Sakura. He hasn't seen her in a bit for a while. Instead of her though, it was someone else.
"Ah. Emiya. Nice to see you."
"Oh. Shinji." Shirou says as he recognizes that hairstyle anywhere. "You're here?"
"Of course I'm here, Emiya. After all, we're partners." Right. The partnership they made. Shirou may have forgotten that for a bit. To be fair though, last night was just that hectic.
"Right, that we are." Shirou says to Shinji, who then moves past Shirou without even being invited in.
"So, you got breakfast ready." Oh boy. Shirou forgot he had this attitude.
"Not yet. I was busy doing dishes." Shirou tells Shinji as he closes the door. "But you're welcome to wait until I make it."
"I suppose so." Shinji then moved to the kitchen. "At the very least though, I can have some cer-" Shinji then stopped when he saw Saber and Ozpin. Freezing as he noticed them and they him. Shinji then turned to Shirou and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward the living room. "Who are they?" He hissed.
"Uh, my Servant and ally." Shirou states bluntly as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I get the Servant, but not the ally!" Shinji gritted his teeth.
"...who's the person there?" Ozpin asked Musashi once the two were out of sight.
"Just Master and his friend I think." She replies.
Back in the living room, Shirou just scratched the back of his head. "Look, Shinji, that guy over there is just someone who decided to help me out."
"Help you out." Shinji scoffed. "Please Emiya, you have me now. So you don't need this guy anymore."
"But he's been teaching me magecraft." Shirou points out. "And isn't having more than one ally a good thing." Shinji clicked his tongue, but didn't retort. Even he knew having more allies is good, and the Matou supposed having an additional member can be useful. More so when the time came to throw him under the bus if he or Shirou got in trouble.
"Fine. Fine." Shinji yields to the logic Shirou gave him. Sitting down on the sofa and crossing his arms. "I suppose more hands are better than just a few. Just remember, it's us in the main alliance, not them."
"Sure Shinji." Whatever made him feel good. "In that case, is that why you're here? To get started against the other Masters?"
"Yep." Shinji gives a smug grin. "With your Servant and mine, we can work together and defeat any other Master in this game. Like say for starters, Caster or Assassin. The weakest Servants in the game."
'They sure didn't seem weak to me.' Shirou thought as he recalled those nasty spells and three sword attack.
"Or maybe we can get Tohsaka's Servant if she refuses to work with us." Shinji added.
'I can only see her killing us.' She already tried with Shirou back at the school, with her Servant being a jerk.
"Maybe even get Berserker. I mean, they're known to be insane. I bet it's some dog that can't speak. Meaning it'll be easy to kill." Shinji laughs.
'It'll strangle us instead.' Shirou remembered that morning and the terror Berserker was.
At this point, Shirou realized that Shinji hasn't even met the other Servants yet at all. Because if he did, then he wouldn't be saying these cocky lines as if it would be an easy battle. Maybe it's a good thing they're working together, if only so Shirou could ensure Shinji didn't do anything crazy and get himself killed.
Still, excluding Archer and Rin, Shirou supposed they would have to go after one of the Servants sooner or later. In which case, Caster and Assassin did seem optional. Or more particularly, Assassin anyway.
'Wait a minute.' Shirou then realized something while Shinji rambled on about their victory by working together. 'I've met Berserker, Caster, Assassin, Lancer and of course Archer and then...Rider.'
Excluding Lancer, Caster, and Assassin, Shirou knew the Masters of Berserker, Archer, and of course his own. Yet he never once considered who's Shinji's Servant could be. Yet Shinji mentioned going after Caster, Assassin, and Berserker. Meaning either he's the Master of Lancer or...Rider…
Shirou gripped his fist but made no movement or questioning. He'll find out sooner or later who Shinji's Servant is, and when he did...he supposed it all came to Shinji's answers.
"-ey. Hey. Hey!" Shirou then felt a finger flick his forehead, getting his attention again.
"Oh, sorry. What were you saying?" Shirou then paid attention once more with Shinji rolling his eyes. Well, he supposed Shirou always did get distracted easily so decided to repeat himself again. Honestly, what an idiot.
"I was saying that we should find Assassin and take him out." Shinji repeats himself. "Assassin's are known as the weakest in the Holy Grail Wars, next to Casters. They're only good points being that they have Presence Concealment against Masters, but are weak in parameters."
That wasn't entirely untrue. While Shirou felt Shinji was underestimating Assassin too much, Shirou didn notice that Assassin didn't seem very strong overall. If anything, with the exception of his sword skills, Assassin didn't seem all that tough in terms of strength, speed, or even endurance.
'Not that I can go easy on him, since Musashi sees him as a threat.' Shirou thought. Still, if Saber and whoever Shinji's Servant is worked together along with Archer, then likely Assassin would lose against the three Servants. Thus taking out one of the seven Servants of this war.
"Okay, I suppose that can work." Shirou tells Shinji, agreeing with him. "In that case, can you show me your Servant."
"In good time, Emiya." Shinji smirked. "For now, we should next go to Tohsaka and see if she'll join our little alliance. If not, then we take out her Archer and be through with her." In that case, the confrontation will be very easy once Shirou reveals he's working with her. He wondered how Rin would feel to know that Shinji partnered up with him? Guess they'll find out later.
"Sure. Guess we can visit Rin first."
"Excellent." Shinji grins. "Now go make food so we can be fueled by it. And make it quick, don't want to keep her waiting."
Shirou sighed and went toward the kitchen. "Alright. Four meals coming up."
"Huh. Four?" Shinji then calls out. "I get the old guy, but what, you're feeding your Servant to?"
"Yeah. I mean, Servants need to eat and all." That's why Musashi must always be eating his food. Wasting all that energy on all those fancy attacks. Heck, it made sense when Shirou thinks about it. Shinji then gave him a deadpanned look.
"Emiya...you do realize your Saber is a Servant, right?"
"Yeah." Where's he getting at?
"Then you should realize, Servants don't even need to eat. They get all their energy from their Masters mana." Upon hearing those words, Shirou froze. Memories of the past few days, of Musashi eating his food without his permission. Devouring it all saying she needed the energy.
'If she doesn't need to eat…' Shirou's face went blank as he remembered her just eating just now. 'Then...what was all that udon and stuff all about earlier?'
Looks like he had more questions than answers, while Shinji shaked his head at how dumb Emiya was for thinking Servants needed food. A good thing he's here to help Shirou. Otherwise, he'd be fooled to give the enemy a meal and then get stabbed. Moron.
Now time to go to Rin's house, where Shinji and Shirou try to make an alliance. One that I doubt will go well when Rin discovers the third member.
On the other side, Ozpin met Zouken and was not pleased one of his greatest secrets was revealed, with Zouken planning something bad. Learning this information from...someone.
And yeah, I'd like to think Ozpin's reincarnation is superior to Roa. When Ozpin first reincarnated, he instantly took over the body and was more or less the same while the dude from before was just gone. Meaning Ozpin can easily take over his hosts forms but doesn't as he chose to live alongside them. Something Zouken will want after he makes his...preparations.
In any case, for now let's move on to see what the Brothers have been up to. Until Next Time.
A perfect lifeform. That was what she was. One that everybody who faced her knew, yet continued to fight. Wishing to save those that remained, and defeat her in order to end this final Singularity.
So despite their natural and rightful fear, Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mask Kyrielight stood against the massive life form known as Tiamat, the primordial Goddess that was making her way here to Uruk, the last stand. Her mud sweeps across the land with her army of Lahmu making their way towards them for this final battle.
"Senpai." Mash says as she stands her ground. "Are you ready?"
The orange haired Master Candidate smiled, as she held Mash's hand. "Of course I am."
"Great." Romani Archman smiles as he sees the two looking ready for battle. "We'll need all the morale you have once Tiamat arrives."
"Indeed." Da Vinci says. "Once we get her into the underworld, we'll have to act fast and ensure we can defeat her by using every method we have." Da Vinci then sighed. "We can't let their deaths be in vain."
Ritsuka gulped, knowing what Da Vinci meant. The other Servants that were with them, all gone to buy them time. That's right, their sacrifices couldn't and wouldn't be in vain. Which is why they'll do their damn best to stop Tiamat from wiping this world, and stop her in order to face the true culprit of the Singularities. Solomon.
A loud roar can be heard, which was Tiamat getting closer.
"Alright then." Ritsuka breaths out. "Guess it's g-"
Suddenly a blaring sound could be heard on her comms. "Huh?"
"Oh crap!" Roman then yells out as his image comes to face the two girls. "You two need to get out of there, now!"
"D-Doctor!" Mash is surprised by his urgency. "What's going on!?"
Da Vinci takes over, and she isn't any less worried than she is now. "Our analyzers. They have detected two high-energy beings! W-We don't know where they came from, but their in your direc-"
Too late.
From the sky, two powerful lights can be seen with everyone alive looking up.
Ritsuka, Mash, Ishtar, and those in Chaldea along with others as they saw two streaks of light falling down...towards them. As the two attempted to move, Ishtar narrowed her eyes as she sensed something...alien.
Regardless, none of them had any fear to worry as the streaking lights of purple and gold weren't even going to fall directly at them. Just near them as the lights then landed around fifty meters away, yet caused the very air to hit them and nearly forced Ritsuka and Mash to fall on the ground. In Chaldea, those watching were freaking out.
"Not good!" Roman shouted. "The-the energy we're detecting. It's similar to Tiamat. Whatever just hit has the power to travel between stars! And there are two of them!"
"Oh come on!" Ritsuka shouts. They already had to deal with Tiamat. Now they had to deal with two more dangerous beings. Mash, realizing the danger, stepped up in front of her Master and held her shield up. Ishtar also gets ready as the dust settles to reveal...Timat's...brothers?
"Oh great. Where are we this time?" The one to first speak is a being of purple dark light with ram horns. While not having an actual face, he didn't seem amused. "This...Is not our destination."
"No, it isn't." The golden one with antlers says as he speaks himself. "Actually. This world seems to be...fragmented."
"Fragmented!?" The purple one looked at the sky. Of the band of light. "It's somehow worse than the one we visited."
"Not to mention...under attack." The golden one turns to see Tiamat with the other doing the same. Both watching the massive lifeform stomping her way towards Uruk with her army of Lahmus. "Huh. That strange ocean and creatures...It's like yours."
"Is it?" The purple one seems to scoff. "Pretty sure they're different aside from superficial similarities."
"...huh?" Ritsuka says as she watches the two talk. "Wait. Are they...our enemies, or no?"
"No idea. But best not to anger them or anything." Roman advises them. "I don't believe they are with Tiamat as first assumed, however, considering the immense energy they have, we don't want to mess with them."
"Wise choice human." Roman flinched along with everybody else, as suddenly the two beings were in front of them. Ishtar readied herself for a fight, but the golden one raised his hands.
"Calm. Calm. We're not here for a fight."
"We aren't?" The purple one says like he didn't care. "I wouldn't mind a good old fashioned battle. Been a while since we've fought."
"Wait, you're not with...her!" Ritsuka points at Tiamat. The purple one appeared to be insulted.
"As if we'd work for some…" He then looked at Tiamat. "Highly mental and unstable being like her. Actually, what is she?"
"A Goddess from the looks of it, and a powerful one at that." The golden one replies. "Quite frankly, she reminds me of you on a bad day. The endless mud, the countless creatures, and of course the rampaging she's doing to wipe out the world."
"Oh please." The purple one waves his hand. "I do that intentionally. She seems to be doing it half-assed."
Suddenly, to break the mood, Roman spoke. "So then...you aren't here to destroy the earth?"
The purple one then said, "Not unless I feel like it." Just not now since he already blew up one version of the damn planet already. "Plus, it seems that one is already doing a fine job at it."
Tiamat roared, as she sensed the two beings. The golden one looked at her and raised a hand. A purple beam that would have annihilated any regular person was then blocked by a golden circular shield.
"I get the feeling we aren't well liked by this one."
"You think?" The purple one says, and if he had eyes, would be rolling them. "She just tried to kill us."
"So then...you'll help." Mash and Ishtar looked at Ritsuka who actually asked such a question.
"Nope." Who then got a cold answer. "This isn't our world, thus not our problem."
"Come brother," The golden one then says. "This may not be our world, but you can't be happy in letting these humans face a rampaging Goddess with a gruesome death."
"I don't see why not. I do that all the time."
It started to become clear that while these two were not enemies, they certainly couldn't be called allies of sorts as they seemed to have gotten here by chance, not intentionally. Still, from what Ritsuka saw, they seemed tough and talked casually of Tiamat's destruction like it was a normal thing. So bravely, she spoke up once more.
"Please Gods from...wherever you come from." She then bowed her head a bit. "I ask if you can help us defeat Tiamat."
"Tiamat?" The gold one looked at the Goddess. "That Tiamat."
"Huh. She looks more different from what I last recall." The purple one then says. "Then again, we haven't seen her in...well, quite a long while."
"Y-you know Tiamat?" Mash says in surprise.
"When you live as long as we do, you meet all sorts of beings out there." The golden one says. Then looks at Ritsuka and contemplated a bit. "Brother, it has been a while since we've aided a human and their prayer for help. And she certainly isn't like her."
The purple one seemed to think it over a bit.
Then he fell down as a blast actually hit him from Tiamat who scored a hit. Granted, it didn't kill him but did leave a nasty mark on his back which regenerated. Though while it regenerated, the attack did do one thing.
"That freak is dead!"
Ritsuka's comm went off again.
"Okay, what just happened!?" Roman yelled. "The energy readings near you are going higher."
"Uh…" Ritsuka then saw mist covering the purple being...and become much larger. "I think we just got some back-up."
"Decent back-up to." Ishtar says as she sees the purple one now take the form of a dragon with a sheep skull for a head. "Like Tiamat, they aren't Divine Spirits, but full on Gods."
"Then I suppose it's a good thing the Counter Force isn't exactly at full power. Otherwise, it'd try to restrict them." Da Vinci chuckles as they see the purple one finish his transformation. The golden one shrugging and in a flash of light, becomes a dragon as well that floats in the air.
"Cool. Then I guess we have better odds." Ritsuka smiles as she and everybody else then face down Tiamat and her army. This was going to be a rough battle.