CHAPTER 4: SINISTER SHADOW CITY PART 4

"Please, no…"

Sharp claws ripped into the man. A death cry echoed out in the barren streets. Red eyes glowed like fire in the dark of the night.

"The lovely song and sweet taste always brings delight."

Bringing the blood stained claws to his mouth, he licked the flowing liquid.

Yet, something was in the air. Light as a feather, the man leapt to the rooftops. There was the sound again. It wasn't the typical cries of despair that had become commonplace in the city. No, it sounded more back and forth. More like…a battle.

His eyes glowed once more with glee. Finally, a more interesting prey. With a wide smile, he leapt forward to find his next source of entertainment.

—

"To think you came all this way only to get ambushed and need my help. Hmm…and it looks like you've picked up a few new people."

The Archer approached the trio, revealing herself. Dressed in white and black, the woman sported slightly messy black hair tied into a long ponytail hanging to her right.

"So you picked up a Master and a Servant. Interesting finds." she said, observing the pair. "Looks like we'll be working together."

"The redhead is Saya and the other's Mash. You two, this is our Archer teammate. She's Hua Mulan. Now, speaking of interesting finds, what did you find?" Arsene sped it up.

"Someone's impatience." Mulan said. "Though I understand the need. The Assassin we encountered isn't the only Servant in the area."

"Alright, then let's head back." Saya proclaimed.

—

The brunette in the gothic lolita dress stared out at the city. Everything in this area was hers now. Little by little, things were being prepped for the next step.

"Mistress, I've identified some of the resistance." Sawney Bean said as he stepped forward.

"Tell."

She listened as he told of the three he encountered and of the mysterious Archer.

"It seems the Chaldea they told us of has arrived. Do as you will, but keep an eye out for them. I'll let you have your fun, but make sure to eliminate these four and any others that would disrupt my rule."

As Sawney disappeared, the woman in black turned to walk back into her castle from the balcony. It was clear all these Servants she had swarming about didn't appreciate her. Still, they had their uses. And if everything proceeded as it currently was, she wouldn't need them for long.

—

As the quartet walked back to their base, Mulan began to report her findings.

"The castle's been unchanged. However at one point, I detected a strange figure briefly. A group of citizens tried entering the castle grounds, but before I could act, they were dead and only a slight shadow was visible. The knights patrolling couldn't move that quickly. It would appear they've got an Assassin guarding the grounds."

"Yet another one." Arsene spoke up. "It would seem they enjoy hiding in the dark."

"That isn't all." Mulan began again. "The castle seemed to have others watching it from afar."

"Do you think they could be possible allies?" Mash chimed in.

"Most likely. Given they were weary of the area, they definitely aren't on their side. Once we arrive back, we'll discuss our next course of action."

—

Marie Therese continued reading as Houdini entered the room. The Caster took a quick seat across from her.

"They should be back soon. Hopefully they bring good news." Houdini said.

Marie Therese marked her page, setting the book aside.

"Let's hope." she said. "I've always hated this. Being powerless, forced to watch as terrible things happen around you. All those people like us, trapped in their homes, unable to do anything about it. Still, if we can learn more about them, we should be able to strike back even if our group is like this. Plus having those two will be quite helpful."

Marie Therese approached the window. She looked out, seeing the jungle of steel around her. Yet something drew her eye. Glancing below, a solitary figure stood. They returned her glance, their red eyes glowing almost unnaturally. He grinned, flashing sharp teeth.

"Harry, come here." she said. The Caster walked over to the window, seeing the same thing.

"That's not good." he said. "We need to go, looks like we've been found."

Yet before they could do anything, the figure leapt up. To their shock, the next thing they knew, they were crashing through their fifth floor window.

"Greetings." the cloaked man said. He drew a hand from his cloak, revealing bloodstained claws. "How about we have some fun?"

"Get back." Houdini commanded Marie Therese. As she stepped back, he shot forth the chains on his arm. The chains wrapped around the figure, binding him tight.

The man smiled. He breathed in, looking down at the chains. As he exhaled, blue flames spilled from his mouth, melting the metal surrounding him.

"A defensive move right off the back. Most Servants would strike. I'm guessing neither of you are particularly strong fighters." the man continued to grin. "I guess this will make it all the more fun."

He leapt forward, slashing at Houdini. His claws raked his chest, shredding his clothing and drawing blood.

"Warn the others, I'll hold him off as long as I can." Houdini said. The white haired woman nodded, rushing off.

"Good decision." the man said. "Part of me does quite enjoy the chase."

"I might not be strong, but I can at least hold you until others who can arrive. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's putting on a spectacular show."

The cloaked Servant lashed forth, barely missing the Caster's face. Yet Houdini stood firm.

"Let us see if you can handle my Miraculous Escapes."

Chains shot out across the room, wrapping the man tight. Suspending him midair, more bindings encased him. Appearing from behind, a large case opened up, trapping him inside.

"Let this hold him." Houdini murmured.

—

Marie Therese ran down the streets. The lights of nearby buildings illuminated her way as she sought out the others. She just had to find the ones she'd sent out on a mission.

Tripping, she tumbled to the ground. Feeling the cold pavement, she heard a voice from above.

"Are you okay?"

Looking up, she saw a man she didn't recognize. However, she could tell he was just a concerned citizen. It was the middle of the night, the most dangerous time, yet he was willing to brave the dangers to help.

Getting to her feet, she brushed herself off.

"I'm fine. But you need to get back-"

Before she could even finish her sentence, it happened. A large shadow grew over them. A sickening crunch was heard as the man before met its source. The man in the black cloak landed squarely on the man's head, having built up enough force to crush it as it hit the ground.

"Still unable to find your friends?" he teased.

"How…" she let out.

"Your little friend back there wasn't much of a fight. Now, let's have some more fun."