Ah I am an awful person. I promised it wouldn't take too long and it did. My life got extremely hectic with the addition of a new family member...a 13 week old white and black goldendoodle puppy named Kaiser. He's been a little spitfire and demands all the attention from me and his father, so my writing time has been...lacking. I will be finishing up Septem next chapter and will be doing an intermission that I've been planning but it's a little late in coming. In any case, enjoy yourselves and I'm sorry for how long this took.
Septem: The Emperor
Cira raced down the embankment, using the spear in her hand to slow her descent before hopping off and continuing towards a tall, scarlet eyed woman dressed in dark armor. Her long red hair caught the wind and streamed behind her like a flame. She leaned against a tree with a blood red spear over her shoulders. She quirked an eyebrow, though the lower part of her face was hidden by a mask of black cloth.
"You're late, Sétanta," she stated, not moving from her position.
"Blame Ferdiad," Cira stated, taking a step forward, "He stole my armor and ran around the house refusing to give it ba-!"
She screeched as she felt something grab her ankle and yank her up into the air. The woman scoffed as she pushed off the tree and poked Cira with the butt of her spear.
"You, Sétanta, need to remember to watch your surroundings,"
"Yeah, yeah, lemme down!" Cira snapped, thrashing and trying to undo the snare around her ankle, "Very funny…"
The red-haired woman rolled her eyes and slashed at the rope, cutting it and sending Cira collapsing to the ground with a loud 'oof!'
"Ow…" she groaned, getting to her feet, "Alright, what're we doin' today…"
"I believe I stated that," the woman said, "Get back down the mountain to the house in one piece."
"That's all!?"
The woman seemed to exude an aura of smugness and her eyes gave just the hint of a smile.
"Well, if you survive the trip back down we will talk,"
"...Sometimes I wonder if you're really a demon rather than a goddess…"
Cira slowly opened her eyes to a pale white and violet blur above her.
"Oh thank goodness you're awake!" Mash's voice was hoarse and Cira felt a hand squeezing hers gently.
"What...happened?" Cira asked, trying to sit up only for pain to rocket down her left side.
"Easy there, Master," Cu Chulainn warned, "I've been working as hard as I can to heal ya up but...my runework is sketchy at best,"
Cira turned her head to face him noting the sudden change of class from Lancer to Caster as he continued to draw gently glowing runes in the air. They burned green for a moment, before shattering into sparks and dripping down onto her body. Shiny burn scars marred her skin and had scorched off the sleeve of her blouse.
"How long was I out?" she asked.
"Couple hours," Cu Chulainn shrugged, "Long enough to get you back to Rome. Least you're healing nicely, so that's good,"
"Boudica?" Cira asked, sitting up and wincing.
"Ah, lay back down," Cu Chulainn ordered, "You're in no condition to move yet. But yeah, Boudica's fine. She's miffed that she let herself get taken that easy but she's back on her feet and she and Spartacus are currently splitting open skulls of United Empire goons,"
"Artoria and Lily?"
"We are fine," came Artoria's voice as she and Lily came to Cira's side, "More worried of you, Master. You must be more careful,"
"I know, I know," Cira sighed, "I didn't think I'd get hurt,"
"And therein lies the issue," Artoria deadpanned, "You are not a Servant, barely a mage. You cannot get yourself into positions like that. You must always have at least one of us with you. Else what happened today will happen again, do you understand?"
"Yeah…" Cira nodded.
"Good," Artoria crossed her arms and gave a slight smile, "Good heavens, with as much trouble you seem to bring to you...I could have sworn you were one of my knights. Even they tend to pale in comparison to that."
"Seriously?"
She gave a short laugh.
"I believe the worst ones were Galahad, Percival and Gareth," she chuckled, "Those three were inseparable and always found some form of trouble. I believe the saying goes 'They had one brain cell between them' and Galahad had it most of the time,"
She gave a fond smile and patted Cira's good shoulder.
"Rest, Master," she said, "When you get feeling better, we shall have to do something about this upcoming battle,"
"I'm surprised Nero hasn't tried to bust down the door," Cira admitted.
"Perhaps she is busy," Artoria said.
"Like hell," Cu Chulainn grinned, "I told you to give her a status update because I couldn't leave Master. You didn't, did you?"
"My priority is to making sure Master's rest is undisturbed, and I have been performing that admirably," Artoria stated, "With that, Lily and I shall take our leave,"
"Get better soon, Master!" Lily smiled, "We'll make sure no one bothers you!"
Half a day had passed before Cira was up and going. Thanks to Cu Chulainn's runework and Cira staying as still as she could, she was up a lot faster than she should have been. Nero had wasted no time and immediately marched them all towards where the United Empire's capital had been. Boudica had put Cira and Mash in her chariot, keeping the young Master from walking too much as Spartacus happily marched alongside it.
"I still do not think this is wise," Boudica stated, "You were injured badly and she decides to move out immediately the moment she found out you are able to walk. Arthur had the right idea when it came to not informing her you were awake,"
"I knew it," Cira chuckled, "Even though I told her not to cause trouble she still finds little ways to not deal with Nero,"
"She is wise in a way," Boudica added, snapping the reins of the chariot and making the horses move a bit quicker, "And has more restraint than I ever had. Were it not for me, you would not be injured and we would have been done with this place…"
"Don't beat yourself up over that," Cira said, "I would have gone after any of you. Besides, it taught me something important,"
"And what would that be?"
"How to dodge."
The Briton Queen gave a laugh before shaking her head in amusement. Mash just shook her head and closed her eyes, Cira on the other hand gave a wry grin and leaned her head against the side of the chariot, wincing as one of the burns pulled.
"Though I'm not too good with it for sure," Cira admitted, "Guess I'll have to get better,"
"Just...don't hurt yourself, please…" Mash sighed, "At least don't hurt yourself so much that we will have to worry about emergency evacuating you back to Chaldea and attempting to restore the era at a later date,"
"I will do my best," Cira promised.
"The battle ahead will be a hard one," Boudica stated as she pulled on the reins and brought the horses to a stop, "But it seems it is coming soon,"
Cira stood up, looking at the head of the army, hearing Nero speak and the tail end of her words reaching Cira's ears.
"...Now is the time for the False Rome to fall!" Nero called out as Cira and Mash left Boudica's chariot and started towards Nero, weaving their way through the army, "As my swords, annihilate every one of those pretenders! My sword is the original Flame, and the sound of it clashing is like a star streaking across the sky! Listen in awe and praise it! Rejoice, my Swords!"
Cira's watch beeped and Romani's voice rang from it as the soldiers surged forward.
"I could hear her voice and the cheers over here too," Romani stated, "She sure does know how to raise morale,"
"The battle's started already," Mash said as Cira became aware of her other Servants converging in.
"There is no evidence of Servant activity," Artoria's voice rang as she, Lily and Cu Chulainn exited spirit form and stood next to Cira.
"If I remember right," Cu Chulainn said, leaning on his staff, "Miss Emperor there said we'd be part of the castle raid,"
"Which...potentially means we should be finding that court mage," Lily finished.
"Professor Lev…" Cira frowned.
"He killed the director," Mash continued, gripping her shield tighter, "And proclaimed the world ended. There's no room for sympathy,"
"Agreed," Cira nodded.
"I want you two to be very careful," Romani ordered, "We don't know what will happen when we run into the one holding on to the Grail. A dragon was summoned by the last person who held it...we don't know what will happen this time around an-hold on…."
Romani's face went lax.
"Servant Signature detected...it's…right in front of you guys…"
Cira looked up at the front gate, seeing Nero standing completely still, her sword dangling from her fingers as she looked at the man before her.
He was tall, heads and shoulders above everyone else with a positively regal air that radiated visibly around him. His bronzed physique was fit to the point of making any modern body builder jealous and his crimson eyes looked around the battlefield with...almost sorrow and pride. His golden jewelry clinked as he raised his hand and planted the butt of his spear in the ground.
The soldiers...fell still and silent.
"Brave ones," the Servant said, his voice low and rumbling, carrying over the now silent battlefield, "You are truly brave, and that is why you rule over the current Rome."
Nero regained her composure and stood straighter, her green eyes narrowing in slight confusion. The Servant looked at her and he gave a warm smile.
"So you are Nero?" he questioned, getting a curt nod from her, "Ah I see. How beautiful, how adorable, how gorgeous. I can see how you held Rome up with those slender arms of yours, now come. The past, the present and the future, all that is Rome loves you."
And with that he walked back inside the fortress. Cira motioned for her Servants to follow her and they made their way to the shell shocked Nero. The moment they got to her, the battle started up around them again.
"What was that?" Cira asked.
"Could that…" Nero sputtered, not taking her eyes off the doors, "No, no that can't be…"
"Are you alright, Nero?" Mash questioned, "You do not look well...did someone put a spell on you?"
"I'm not detecting any use of magecraft on my end," Romani piped up, "So nothin' from magecraft or a Servant's skills…"
"Looks like Missy Emperor there saw a ghost," Cu Chulainn stated as he nonchalantly drew a rune in the air and a fireball erupted nearby, sending soldiers flying.
"Rome...but that person…'he'..." Nero stammered, "Just one glance...and I understand...He is truly…"
"Nero?" Cira asked.
"Rome itself…" Nero breathed.
The Servant's voice rumbled over the battlefield again, causing Nero to freeze and Cira to look at the doors again.
"I'm sure you understand, Nero," the Servant's voice called, "Now come back, come back to Rome dear child. Rome is the true leader of the United Empire. You should join as well, you shall be forgiven for everything. Rome shall forgive you. Rome will even love that inner beast of yours. Rome is the only one that can do that. For I am Rome."
"You...can't be…" Nero croaked, "I had wanted to believe...I had hoped...but you stand in my way! You are the founding king of the nation! Our Holy Progenitor! How could you stand in the way…"
"Let's go after him," Cira suggested, "He wants us to go into the castle and that's likely where the Grail is. The sooner we take out that Grail the sooner we get things back to normal,"
Nero looked at Cira and her pale face gained a smile, turning ever more confident by the second.
"You're right," she smiled, "No matter who the enemy might be, I must not stray from the path. I shall finish what I started! Thank you, Cira...I feel like my eyes are wide open now,"
"Are you sure this is the right way?" Nero huffed as the group made their way into the fortress.
"This is the second time I've gone to the emperor," Jing Ke snorted, "Don't worry, I promise I'll guide you to the throne room."
"The city is impressive," Nero admitted, "They managed to replicate the city down to the smallest cobblestone. Even the interior is the same,"
"Shouldn't you be able to get to the throne room easily then?" Cira asked.
"And deprive Jing Ke of her job!?" Nero gasped, scandalized, "In all seriousness, it should not be this perfect...did they do this by some spell?"
"It's possible," Romani piped up, "Such a thing wouldn't be too out of reach for the Grail,"
"Shhh!" Jing Ke hissed, "Be quiet! The enemy's noticed us...they're not human…"
"And not Servant," Artoria stated, "It seems to be some form of Monster formed by magecraft,"
There was a soft hissing sound and Cira's blood ran cold. The sound of claws on tile and a long, low growl rumbled through the air.
"Oi, Missy Emperor," Cu Chulainn started as the gleam of eyes caught the torchlight in the hall, "You guys head towards the throne room with Master and Mash, we'll hold these things off,"
Artoria and Lily bolted forwards, their blades flashing in the dim light as they connected with sharp claws and razor teeth. Cu Chulainn pointed his staff at the creature, thick green vines exploding from the floor and wrapping around the creature's jaws as it snapped at Lily.
Cira grabbed Nero's wrist and bolted towards the throne room. They burst through the door and into the large room, the Servant known as Holy Progenitor Romulus standing in the center. His scarlet eyes burned warmly as he saw Nero.
"Ah, there you are, my beloved child," he smiled.
"Umu, I am here!" Nero replied, holding a hand to her heart as she rested her other hand on the pommel of her sword and raised her head high, "O proud founder of our great nation, King Romulus!"
"Splendid Radiance!" Romulus praised, "In that case, should I call out your name, 'Emperor'?"
"Oh there's no need," Nero preened, "Just call me what you did just now. Whether it is the past, the present or the future. I am the one and only fifth Emperor of Rome! Holy Progenitor, O King Romulus! I hereby challenge you with my warriors, my swords!"
"...Oh boy," Cira whispered, "Mash, get ready,"
She turned her attention to the Servants in the halls.
"You guys get here as soon as you can, Nero just challenged Romulus to a fight,"
"I'll allow it Nero Claudius," Romulus laughed, "Show me you can trample over Rome's love with your love!"
And before Cira could say anything in protest...Nero dashed forward with sword ablaze, swinging at Romulus, who blocked it with what Cira could describe as a tree trunk.
"Mash!" Cira cried.
"On it!" Mash nodded, dashing forward to join Nero.
Romulus slammed his lance down to knock Nero off balance, only to get met with the sonorous ring of Mash's shield blocking it.
"I forgot to mention, I do have more than swords in my arsenal," Nero grinned as Mash pushed forwards and knocked Romulus off balance slightly, "I have shields too,"
"Wonderful!" Romulus beamed, dodging a strike from Nero and another one from Mash.
The two danced and darted around the Lancer Servant, Nero bending elegantly backwards into a bridge as Romulus' lance swiped so close over her nose that the spear tip cut some of her hair, making it rain down in a small golden shower.
The doors burst open and Jing Ke, Artoria, Cu Chulainn and Lily charged in, spattered with blood and ash. Cu Chulainn raised his staff and Romulus had to dodge out of the way of the fireball that erupted between him and Mash. Jing Ke rushed forwards with dagger in hand, swiping at his throat only for him to bend backwards out of the way, sending her silks fluttering over him and blinding him long enough for Artoria and Lily to charge in. He deftly spun his lance and knocked both Excalibur and Caliburn's blades to the sides, causing both King and Princess to dance backwards, blades scraping the marble with harsh screeches.
It was then that Romulus caught sight of Cira and raised his lance towards her. The throne room rumbled and Cu Chulainn raised his staff, slamming it into the ground. A runed circle came into being around him and Cira, rebounding the attack as Romulus hurled his lance at them, rushing forward to grab it and swinging again, only for Cu Chulainn to block it with his staff.
"Dammit...this is what I get for switching classes…" he hissed, "The old hag would have been scolding me."
"Cu…" Cira started, only to yelp as Cu stepped to the side, grabbed her around the waist and hurled himself to the other side of the room, using his staff to stop himself.
"I think he's figured out we're going to be protecting you at all costs," Cu Chulainn stated, "Oi! Saber!"
Artoria looked up at him and Cu Chulainn grinned.
"CATCH!" he yelled, picking Cira up and throwing her.
Artoria immediately dismissed her blade and leaped into the air, grabbing Cira and landing gently on the ground right as Romulus slammed into Cu Chulainn, sending him flying into the throne, but not harming him as the runes sputtered out.
"Are you alright?" Artoria asked, setting Cira on her feet.
"Yeah," Cira nodded, "Just a bit shaken up...I didn't expect him to throw me!"
"Irishmen," Artoria sighed as a loud roar rang through the area.
Both of them looked up just in time to see Nero rush forward, driving her sword straight through Romulus' midsection. The Servant gave a soft 'oof' as he looked down at the much smaller woman. He gave a proud laugh and lay a hand on her golden head.
"Your love is dazzling, Nero," he praised her, "My eternal crimson and gold empire. I entrust it all to you and your heirs,"
He started breaking apart, golden flakes flickering off his fingers and toes, causing his voice to get an echoing tone.
"Don't forget," he ordered, his body breaking apart and leaving golden wisps behind as his voice whispered out, "Rome is eternal. Therefore, the world must be eternal. Remember that,"
And he was gone.
"We've defeated the Servant, Lancer Romulus," Mash announced, setting her shield on the tile as Nero straightened up, "We're victorious,"
"Well, in that case," Nero smiled, dusting her dress off and lifting her head high, "Umu! Rome shall be restored to its former glory!"
Cira's watch beeped and Romani's form flickered into being once again.
"That's true, but do remember we haven't found that Court Mage...or the Holy Grail," he said.
"But the United Empire has met its end! Is that not right, tiny mage?" Nero asked.
"Well yes, that's true more or less, but without that Holy Grail our purpose here is…"
The sound of a slow clapping thundered through the air, making Cira jump clear out of her skin. She whirled around to see the source, only to see a familiar face stride out of the darkness next to the throne. Tall and thin, his green suit coat and furred ruff seemed...out of place in the current era, more at home with the 2010s rather than here. His scarlet gaze seemed to almost glow with hellish light and Cira's Servants all put her behind them, Mash's shield at the forefront as her eyes flashed gold.
"...Professor Lev," Cira whispered.
Master: Cira Albion
Servants:
Servant: Shielder- Mash Kyrielight
Servant: Saber-Artoria Pendragon
Servant: Lancer/Caster-Cu Chulainn
Servant: Saber- Saber Lily
Servant: Berserker- Spartacus
Servant: Rider- Boudica