The following story is a [FAN-FICTION]! All Fate series are all owned by TYPE-MOON and its respective owners. Please support the official franchise.
SPOILER WARNING: This one-shot is a direct sequel to Fate/paradisus Scramble! If you haven't read it yet, please check it out first before reading this story. Thanks.
Fate/first light
One Shot - Subject G
8/14/2024 Venezia, Italy Daytime - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
In the iconic city of Venezia located in Italy where it has been a home for its fantastic architecture and canals that the small boats can sail through. While it is one of Italy's second best hotspots for tourists alike… But somewhere within the empty lot hidden within the alleyways where a man wearing a debonair velvet suit and black pants was seen arriving to meet up with a particular orange haired girl wearing an eyepatch to cover her other eye… That young woman was Ophelia who has decided to come up with an operation that the man is unaware of. But, it was something that involved a deal.
"So… I hear you decided to call me out? Some sort of a discussion you want to know about?" The man said to her as she nodded.
"Of course, this is simply a meeting between us, Mr. Krowloc." Ophelia continued. "Are you aware of what happened four months ago in Siesta City? The reputation of the American Mages Association has somehow tarnished due to their involvement. Is that true to believe?"
"Seriously? Them? Look, miss. I left right before the Siesta Holy Grail War ended in some disaster. Those guys only asked the Nishizono, Hitotsuyanagi, and the Benedikta family to assist them in creating the Grail as some sort of their… advertisement. If you ask me, they're just willing to bring up more trouble now things went to shit real fast. Though, right after that… a few magus who used to work for the association have already begun forming themselves a new kind of group. And luckily for me, I'm one of those people who joined. Now, enough of these discussions. Why do you want to know, exactly?" Krowloc asked her in question as she pondered on that moment.
"Nothing, really. After all…" Ophelia continued as she let out her calm but serious expression. "You shouldn't be escaping the association during its downfall, Mr. Krowloc."
"Huh?" Krowloc responded in confusion as someone appeared behind him… The young man with blonde hair and wore a red jacket as he had a sword wrapped in red cloth approaches the scene. He then looks back at her with slight anger "Y-You…! You set me up, didn't you!?"
"Perhaps I did. But since you gave me the information I need. I'm afraid that you cannot escape from us." Ophelia said as she looked at the blonde haired man. "I see you've arrived on time, Ryuga."
"And I sure did. Kanata and I arrived on time. Well… he was tired from all the running, of course." Ryuga said as he looked at Kanata who was seen breathing heavily.
"Man… why did you have to bring me out here for…?" Kanata asked him as he simply sighed. But as for the man Krowloc. He isn't too pleased with this intervention. He looked up in the sky to see the camera drone hovering in the sky where he immediately noticed the logo that he's familiar with.
"Damn it… As I thought… You punks are from Chaldea!" Krowloc immediately assumes them as the drone hovers down next to Ophelia.
"Uh oh… Seems that he knows us very well, Leader…" The voice of Jinako spoke through the drone. While she isn't present. She is kept inside the vehicle parked somewhere as she would do her operations on using tech as her speciality.
"That's fine for now. First, we'll apprehend you." Ophelia glared at the man as he gritted his teeth when he stood back a little.
"To think that I'd share most of that information with these Chaldea punks… Fine, I won't give up that easily… Arise…" Krowloc grabs out a dark purple vial from his pocket as he throws it down on the floor, creating a cloud of smoke surrounding him as everyone covers their faces from the smoke blast.
"Jinako! Fly up!" Ophelia commands her as she did so with her drone in order to get a better view. As the dark purple smoke clears where Krowloc is now surrounded by his own personal skeleton soldiers wielding swords and axes made out of bones.
"To think I would end up using my bone soldiers to deal with you brats. I'd be more than happy to make this quick and painless for you all. But that's no longer an option. I'll have them kill you where you stand." Krowloc said with intimidation as the bone soldiers proceeded to ready themselves against the crew of Chadea Agents.
"Hey, Ophelia… I don't think you all could take them all but I can. But even if I use my sword, I don't want to create some commission. Permission to use our Servants?" Ryuga asked her as she nodded.
"Permission granted. Hector. You're up!" Ophelia called out her Servant as it appeared out of thin air.
"W-What!? A Servant!?" Krowloc said in shock.
"So this is the man we're dealing with? Hopefully he's not that strong but his skeletons do seem like a problem." Hector said as he was smoking a cigarette as he let out a blow of smoke as he took it out from his mouth to drop it and step on the cig to extinguish it.
"Tch… no matter what. Handle them! Now!" Krowloc ordered his bone soldiers as one of them proceeded to charge directly at Hector. But he was rather unfazed as he swung the tip of his spear, swinging it upwards as the bone was destroyed in pieces. But, a few other bone soldiers went for Ryuga and Kanata instead.
"It's coming!" Kanata warned Ryuga of their impending approach. But he knew what he had to do.
"Nagao. It's your turn." Ryuga called out his Servant where it would start appearing out of thin air along with Kanata's Servant, Okita Souji.
[STAB! SLASH!]
Nagao has thrusted her spear as it pierced the skull of the soldier. While Okita had slashed another in the blink of an eye as it released a burst of wind. As the rest of the soldiers were destroyed… Krowloc attempted to run as Karna had appeared out of thin air as he stopped.
"You're not going anywhere…" Karna said to him with a threat as Krowloc proceeded to step back until Ryuga approached him with a right hook to his face as he fell on the floor. "Y-You cretin! Do you know who I am!?"
"Yeah. We do. And you have a lot of explaining to do, Krowloc." Ryuga said to him as the group surrounds him while he proceeds to grab him by his suit.
"C-Careful with this suit! It cost me tons, y'know!?" Krowloc exclaimed as Ryuga decided to punch him one. "O-OW!"
"I said shut up. She has something to say to you." Ryuga said as he held him as Ophelia approached him.
"I don't like to ask this again but… Tell me who are you working for, really? There's been rumors about a new organization that was formed last month after the group of magus defected from various branches in Europe and America. Now speak." Ophelia spoke to him as he chuckled a bit with cockiness.
"Heh… You're desperate for information, huh? Surely you haven't heard of The Syndicate, have you?" Krowloc spoke as Ophelia began to think as this was her first time hearing it.
"The Syndicate…?" Ophelia pondered.
"Hah. Seems you all aren't aware of it. Sure, we grew tired of the Association up until then. Perhaps you weren't aware of the situation going on about what's happening for the past few days. So I might as well let you in on our tiny secret. How's that? Surely you'd let me go and we can call this a day! What do ya say?" Krowloc said as he was willing to give information and secrets about it… Ophelia was willing to hear him out.
"Ophelia?" Ryuga asked her.
"Don't worry. I'll handle this." Ophelia continued as she looked at him straight to his face. "Please, go on."
"So you wanna know? Heh… Fine then…" Krowloc continued as he spoke. "I'm sure you aren't aware of what's going on. But from what I can tell you of what we've been doing behind the scenes. The Syndicate had managed to snatch something that we needed. A Holy Grail appeared in Oslo, Norway and we managed to secure it. The Association took notice but we managed to get away with it despite some casualties within our group. But it's ours now."
This took everyone by surprise along with Ryuga as he tightened his arms with visible anger.
"The Holy Grail… is it a real deal? Or is it just a fake to summon some calamity that happened in Siesta?" Ryuga pressured him as the latter felt the pain.
"O-Ow! Watch it! Let me speak, alright!?" Krowloc pleaded as Ryuga lightens his arms. "To ask you the question if the Holy Grail is the real one… Yes… It's a real deal. And the Einzbern are involved in this ever since the Nishizono family is no more."
"The Einzberns being involved?" Ophelia continued as she looked at him. "Then I believe that's all the information we needed. Ryuga, you can let go of him."
"Whatever you say." Ryuga complied as he let him go as he proceeded to adjust his suit.
"So much for bruteness, forcing me to leak all of this information to you Chaldeans over this operation. Now then… I suppose this will conclude our talks here. Now then… if you're excuse me-"
"I'm not done, Mr. Krowloc. There is something I need to ask. A final one if I may." Ophelia continued. "Do you know where they're going to use the real Holy Grail somewhere?"
"Ugh. Seriously? Fine. I guess it won't hurt to say much. Ever since we've secured the true Holy Grail. We already have plans up ahead to set up another Holy Grail War in the next five years. And if you wanna know where it'll be set? It's already decided. It's going to be in D-" Krowloc was interrupted as someone had infiltrated into his mind as some sort of telepathy.
"You have failed us once again, Krowloc. To think you would share information with outsiders of our plans… While you have proven yourself about your loyalty to The Syndicate. It seems that we have misjudged you…"
"W-What are you talking about-" Krowloc was interrupted again as the voice spoke once more.
"Silence! We refuse to listen to your petty reasons no longer. You have betrayed us. Therefore, our judgment is final. You will die for interacting with those foolish outsiders who call themselves Chaldea. Farewell and good riddance."
"N-No! S-Stop! What are you doing!? Agggh! Rrrgh!" Krowloc is being controlled by someone from outside as his body begins to move on its own as both of his hands grab his neck tightly as he is strangling to death.
To the other's eyes, they think that he's trying to end himself but Ophelia knows that someone is silencing him behind the scenes. He fell on the floor as he continued to be strangled more and more. He could no longer breathe. Until his final moments… a crack within Krowloc's neck snapped as he was killed… or rather, he took his own life by someone responsible.
"N-No way… He did not kill himself… right?" Kanata said to them as Ophelia shook her head.
"No. It was someone controlling him as if he's being silenced to reveal any information that The Syndicate has. This is a problem…" Ophelia continued. "The mission is complete despite the information we have. We'll have to return back to the Storm Border so it can pick us up. Ryuga… I know your time living in Italy is short. But…"
"I know." Ryuga continued. "I guess our job isn't over yet I suppose. I'll return to Savoca and start saying my final goodbyes before we return to the Storm Border but… Is it wise to let the Director know of this situation?"
"Most definitely. Now then, let us go." Ophelia says as she leaves the area as Kanata, Okita, Karna, and Jinako's drone follow her. Ryuga pondered about the Holy Grail being a real deal.
"Ryuga-dono. Is there something wrong?" Nagao asked him as he shook his head.
"Not really. I was just thinking. Let's go meet up with her." Ryuga said to her Servant as she nodded and went up ahead. He proceeds to look at the body of Krowloc one more time as he speaks to himself. "The Syndicate… Whoever they are… They're definitely up to no good, then…"
And so, Ryuga leaves the area to catch up with them. With the mysterious group known as The Syndicate who had acquired the true Holy Grail in their possession. It is unknown when they will make their moves. Only time will tell…
-[TWO YEARS LATER…]-
3/12/2026 Fujimaru Apartment Residence, Minato, Tokyo, Japan Morning - Clear Sky
First Person POV
Background Music | Persona 5 OST - Beneath the Mask
It was morning… Or rather… I woke up in the morning in order to go about my day. I was in the bathroom to watch my face after brushing my teeth. I just need some water to help me keep myself awake. Of course, I have blackish-brown spiky hair and blue eyes… Am I really that tired? Huh… Either way, I'm still awake so that's what matters. Just as I finished doing so. I headed out the bathroom after drying myself with a towel where I headed to the main living room in order to relax and probably kill some time. Anyways, the names Ritsuka Fujimaru. 18 years old. Been living in this apartment alone for the long time. Well… not really alone. I have a twin sister named Reisen but… she prefers to call herself Gudako for some reason. Can't complain about it anyways. But, my parents have been traveling abroad for the past two years now and they haven't come back. While I'm used to living alone… until the day I joined Chaldea Foundation after I saw its recruitment posters at the subway station in Shinjuku. And well… I did join. Plus… it was a very traumatic experience of being experimented on… just to wield some magecraft… I looked at my Command Seal on my right back hand, knowing that I've become a Master Agent for Chaldea in order to make the world safe as they say. But, I do hear someone cooking in the kitchen. There was a young woman with black hair up into a ponytail as she wore a velvet red turtleneck sweatshirt and black short skirt. Plus, she has those golden eyes. Then again, she is a black haired beauty. Though, she has that long red scarf over her neck that she wears all the time. However, she noticed that I was already here.
"I see you're awake, Master." The woman said to me, "I, Danzo, just finished making breakfast for you. It isn't much but I hope this satisfies you."
"Oh. Thanks, Katou-san." I thanked her as she brought it to the table just to join her. Though, she made it for me but not her.
Oh yeah, that's Katou Danzo. My first Servant that I summoned now that I work for Chaldea. She classifies herself as Assassin but I was informed by my higherup named Shinano who told me that there has not been a Holy Grail War lately so I was told. But still, we can still use Servants since they're connected to Chaldea's own summoning system. So that's a good thing I guess. Anyways, I proceeded to eat my breakfast casually just to start out my day. She even handed me a cup of water for some hydration.
"Master…" Danzo asked me as I looked at her.
"What is it?" I asked her back as she was willing to speak.
"Have you been sleeping well? If not, is there something wrong?" Danzo asked me about things going on regarding my sleep schedule. But I shook my head in response. "I see…"
"It's alright. I'm fine, Danzo-san." I reassured her knowing that she's been overprotective of me ever since I summoned her. She calls herself a doll, a machine or something like that. But I wasn't familiar with her story either. While I continued eating as she looked at me… This gives me an idea. "Say, Danzo-san. I know it's strange and all but… You want to head to Shinjuku and take a look around? We could buy some groceries as well to stock up some food. It's getting a bit dry at least."
I mean, it's true. We've been running low on food supplies for the past few days so it's quite a problem. But I did ask her if she wants to join me to do things once in a while. She was surprised for a small moment but regained her composure. And was willing to comply with a nod and a bow.
"I'd be happy, Master. Danzo will accompany you no matter where you go." Danzo replied graciously as I chuckled a bit. Though, I might as well ask her something.
"That's great. Also, on one thing. Can you call me by my name instead of Master when we are in public spaces? I don't want to see people take it the wrong way possible." I included the fact that it'll be for the best. My Servant seems to understand when it comes to going out in public filled with people.
"Understood, Ritsuka-sama. I will do my utmost behavior in public spaces." Danzo replied as I finished up my breakfast and drank the water until it was empty. I had seemingly decided to clean it up myself at the sink to make it quick. Just as I finished, I looked at her.
"Alright, ready to go?" I asked her as she nodded. Just as we were heading out of my apartment that I live in the moment I opened the door…
"Good morning, Ritsuka-kun. I hope you slept well, did you?" The voice of a woman that I'm familiar with as she has that kind smile… I know her, alright.
"O-Oh… Shinano-san… Hey…" I was oblivious of her arrival but I greeted her casually. That is until she brings out the bag for me. "Huh?"
"Groceries. I bought them for you so you don't have to go out there yourself." Shinano said as I took the bag from her hands.
"Err… thanks. Can't believe that you're one step ahead with these things." I said to her as a compliment as she giggled.
"I aim to please. Now then, after you stock them up. How about we go to Shinjuku and spend time together. Not as squadmates but as friends. It's always a good thing to know about each other. Don't you think?~" Shinano had her hands behind her back and leaned her body to look at my face. I looked away a little as I chuckled awkwardly.
"I-I guess…?" I spoke as if I had a sweatdrop.
"That's great. Just let me know when you're ready." Shinano said since she would be waiting for me so I suppose I wouldn't complain otherwise. Then again, I just need to stock up on those groceries and be on my way with Danzo and Shinano-san accompanying me. But as I looked into the bag while I was in the main living room…
"What the hell…" They were all just instant ramen cups that she bought for me… eight of them…
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan Daytime - Clear Sky
Background Music | Persona 3 OST - When the Moon's Reaching Out Stars
And so, time passed and the three of us were walking down the busy streets of Shinjuku. Danzo and Shinano were with me as we were living our most normal lives as possible. Everyone is always busy just to get from one place to another while there are others who are simply chatting with each other. That's what society is. I've been wondering to ask Shinano about something so I guess I can bring it up.
"Say, Shinano-san. Where is your Servant? Is he not with us?" I asked her.
"Don't worry. He's in his spirit form to watch us from the top of the building so everything's all good. You don't have to worry about him." Shinano replied as I seemingly understood her reason. However, we noticed a huge TV screen on one of the buildings which appears to be some news going on.
TV News: "In the recent news. One of Tokyo's biggest idol singers, Sei Karibuchi was found dead at her residence in the Minato district. Fans were struck with grief upon hearing of her death shook her fans to the core. While the murder weapon is believed to be a knife where she was stabbed with. Camera footage shows that the hooded man had snuck inside her home and stabbed her in cold-blood, only for him to leave the scene a few seconds later. Authorities have spoken that they were working on this situation to find the killer responsible for ending Sei's career. However, the story will develop as the time goes. In other news…"
"Oh dear… that's rather unfortunate. To think building up an idol career would end up in death is not something you see everyday. Perhaps you know of her, Ritsuka-kun?" Shinano asked me about it as I knew nothing about her.
"Not really. It's my first time. I'm not too well versed in the idol career." I said to her with my straightforward response.
"Is that so? Well, it's okay if you're not aware. That's how life goes. People live and die. It's how the cycle works." Shinano replied as she would continue. "But, is it okay if we can make a quick stop at the nearby cafe? I need some caffeine to make my day better. Is that alright?"
"If that makes your day better, sure. But I'm not going to order anything at the moment." I replied to her choice as she nodded and smiled.
"Suit yourself." Shinano replied as we continued to walk. I noticed Danzo who is still getting used to walking with us in public. "I see you're attached to him, Danzo?"
"Y-Yes! Danzo is pleased to walk with Ritsuka-sama and Shinano-dono as well. So it is indeed a fresh breeze to go out with people at a time like this." Danzo said with a blush as I smiled at her and petted her head.
"It's alright, Danzo. You're with me so everything's all good." I reassured her as she nodded.
"T-Thank you, Ritsuka-sama…" Danzo responded shyly as we continued walking our way to find the nearest cafe just to stop there.
Cosmostar Coffee, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan Daytime - Clear Sky
Background Music | Persona 5 OST - Everyday Days
"Ahhh…~ This is way much better than the previous coffee shop I last visited in Yokosuka…" Shinano was in bliss as she simply sipped the coffee in joy. Yet, Danzo and I simply watched since I decided not to order anything. We could just watch her finish what she's doing. I just don't understand why we need to go to Cosmostar Coffee these days. "What's the matter? Are you not interested in coffee?"
"Not really. We were waiting on you. So I was thinking if you have something to say… serious? You're the squad leader, right? Has the director told you anything about this?" I asked her questions about it from the moment she finished drinking her coffee entirely. And a few seconds later, she was ready to respond.
"I do. And I'm sure you're aware of what's going on, right? Subject G?" Shinano mentioned that name before as it pops up in my head… Two years ago when I was a rookie in the Chaldea Foundation, the director had told me about the situation. The mysterious figure they've been chasing down for the longest time… Subject G. No one knows who G is. Not even Shinano, me, or anyone working at Chaldea.
"Subject G…" I said the name of the individual just to ponder about it as she nodded.
"The one and only. It seems G has resurfaced two years later and has already begun its move. As the director told me… this person has most likely become very dangerous. The last location that G was at was the container yards near the docks within Tokyo, which is basically Chaldea territory. The guards there were seemingly killed by swords sent by G." She then proceeds to grab out her phone as she shows it to me as I look at this photo… The dead bodies of guards who were simply doing their job.
"These swords… are they?" I asked her as she nodded.
"They're Noble Phantasms. Though, we have no idea what it is… Which is why I was given special permission to investigate the area thanks to the Director. Plus… you should check my phone just in case. After all, it's a mission that we'll undertake." Shinano said as I looked at her phone again as the screen switched to show on display.
[CHALDEAN MASTER AGENTS ACTIVATED]
[MISSION TYPE: EXTERMINATION]
[OBJECTIVE: NEUTRALIZE SUBJECT G]
-[Squad B]-
Master: Shinano Kisaragi | Servant: Tristan (Archer)
Master: Ritsuka Fujimaru | Servant: Katou Danzo (Assassin)
Master: Caules Forvedge | Servant: Frankenstein (Berserker)
Master: Kadoc Zemlupus | Servant: Anastasia (Caster)
Just as I saw the list of Masters Agents along with the portraits of our faces along with the Servants as well, I looked back at her as she simply smiled.
"Seems we're activated now. However, I've already conducted a plan since Subject G likes to crawl during the night at the same location again. We won't go there now but it's best if we do it at night. And I know what you're thinking…~" Shinano continued. "Why can't Squad A do it, as your mind says? Well, they've got their hands full as they're on the mission in Oslo to chase down a member from The Syndicate. I'm sure you're aware of the information that my co-worker Ophelia had explained about what happened two years ago during their mission in Venezia, no?"
"Not really?" I replied to her in confusion as she was a bit surprised.
"Oh, right. You were not informed since you're a new member within my squad." Shinano clears her throat. "Ahem…! Ophelia gave me the information of what happened. The man named Krowloc who works for The Syndicate had seemingly stolen the true Holy Grail located in Oslo. Sadly, he was killed by his higher peers before any more information could be released. I can't assume that Subject G is part of The Syndicate but we might as well confront it before we could kill it. Do you understand now?"
"Y-Yes, Shinano-san. I think I do get the whole gist of it…" I said to her sheepishly as she proceeded to finish what she was doing, drinking coffee. Of course, she took her phone as well.
"Good. Then I won't have to repeat it twice. Otherwise, you would have to fill in those missing words like a puzzle. Now then, Ritsuka… I will be staying at your residence if you don't mind.~" Shinano said as I was quite skeptical of it.
"May I ask why you want to hangout at my apartment, exactly?" I asked her as she looked at me with her hands behind her back when she turned around a little to make eye contact.
"Because I want to. Having my own room at the Storm Border is great but it's rather boring the more you stay there. I'd rather experience the normality that you people have in your everyday life, y'know? So, you'd allow it?" Shinano had to ask me that as I had a hard time talking to her as my Servant was just standing there with me.
"W-What? It's just that-" I was interrupted as Shinano clasped her hands together as she had already decided.
"Great! It's decided! I'll be staying at your apartment until nightfall so we can proceed with our mission. I hope you have the things I provided you from that morning, Ritsuka-kun.~" Shinano has straight up decided to stay at my apartment as I let out a sigh and a slight facepalm.
"Honestly… You're unbelievable…" I said to her with slight annoyance, knowing that she's the captain of the Squad she runs. I can't disobey her regardless.
"Ritsuka-sama. She's our captain… Yet, you still need to obey her orders." Danzo informed me as I just mentioned before.
"Y-Yeah… I guess…" I replied as things would turn out for me on such a strange day. Why did I drag myself into this mess in the first place…?
Container Dockyard, Tokyo, Japan Midnight - Clear Sky
Background Music | CounterSide OST - ADC GROUND ONE
As hours passed by, it was finally night here in Tokyo. But Shinano and I, along with our respective Servants, made our way here at the entrance to the area where the pile of containers were kept in a stack. Sure, they're meant to be delivered from one place to another. But to think that she said that Subject G would be here because this is also the territory that the Chaldea Foundation owns apparently. Of course, the entrance gate was left open and no one was there to operate it. Even the guards, too. Just what happened here…?
"Nervous?" Shinano asked me as I looked at her. "I know how you feel, we all feel that most of the time. But it's always better to be brave and face it head on."
"Right… Thanks Shinano-san." I thanked her as we noticed someone behind us… There were two people. I believe those were the Master Agents that were supposed to meet us. Caules and Kadoc… I met them before when I first joined but Kadoc always seemed to be… a downer-type. I wonder what's his deal?
"Shinano. We've arrived just as you asked." Caules spoke with the leader of the squad.
"Good. I like it when people arrive on time. And what of you, Kadoc? I heard you've been paying a visit to a record store in Shibuya. Is that true?" Shinano said to him as he scratched the back of his head.
"Well, of course. Can't miss out on the deals they had available. So I bought the vinyl record of AC/DC as part of my collection." Kadoc continued. "So… is that all? Just the four of us? Weren't we supposed to get an operator assisting us today?"
"I'm here." The voice spoke through our comms as we listened. "This is Mable Macintosh. I'll be your operator for this squad for this mission only. You are to search out Subject G and neutralize the target. But can't be clear who it is, so tread with caution."
"Understood. As long as you're hidden within the sky with that drone you're using. You're good." Shinano replied as she looked at us along with our Servants. "Don't worry about Tristan. I told him to find a vantage point so he can get a… clear shot. Now, shall we proceed?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Me, Kadoc, and Caules spoke in unison.
"Then let's go." Shinano said as we followed her when we entered this area.
It just feels awfully quiet here. But we've been trained to take part in mock missions within the simulator at the Storm Border. Sure, we're all prepared but not us. We're not suited for combat but Shinano is capable of doing so. From what I can remember, she fights with a scythe which came from a demon she contracted with. Rumors say that she fought against a Servant named Nagao Kagetora. Hell, her strength was nearly on par against her.
"No… NO! PLEASE! HAVE MERCY-" The voice of a male pleaded in mercy as we heard the gut-wrenching sound…
[STAB! GUSH!]
The sound of a blade killed someone as we were hiding in one of the containers. Sure, we're near the scene of the murder that took place here just recently but I was nervous… She did say that before but she's right… we need to tackle it head on.
"You're just near the area of that person who was seemingly killed. You might not like it but… be ready for anything. Captain Shinano of Squad B, you and your members are clear to engage. But do be careful…" Mable said through our comms as Shinano nodded.
"Understood… Now then, let's hunt down our prey, shall we?" Shinano said to us with her smirk as most of us remained our composure just to agree with our leader. I looked at my Servant as Katou seemingly nodded. She was ready for anything. Well then… we might as well go for it…!
[STEP STEP STEP STEP!]
We all stopped hiding behind the containers as we brought out our Servants to confront the target that is supposed to be Subject G. But when we arrived… We found a woman with red line tattoos streaking from her body. She had blonde twintails hair and red eyes as she wore some sort of golden armor plate with her chest being exposed… Does she even need full armor? Well nevermind that… she was near the container with the logo that I'm well too familiar with… Chaldea Foundation…
"Oh? And what do we have here?" The woman spoke as she looked at us. "I see more common rabble have decided to stop me from what I seek. Mongrels of all mongrels never cease to amuse me."
"That tone of voice, your tattoos, and that gold armor… I remember you all too well. To think that you get to live in this world after what happened in the Fourth War. I'm quite amazed by how you were showered by the Mud of Fuyuki. Overall, it has been a while, Subject G… No… Gilgamesh." Shinano calls her out as I begin to remember that name… Gilgamesh… Gilgamesh… Wait… I need to ask her.
"Hold it." I asked her. "Isn't Gilgamesh a man? I don't get it at all…"
"It's more than that…" Caules spoke in as he tipped his glasses. "I did read the files during my time at the Clock Tower. After Gilgamesh was showered by the Mud of Fuyuki by the end of the Fourth Grail War. He went into hiding until the Fifth War came in. He was seemingly killed by Lancer and her Master… Makoto Kurashiki. However, his soul still lingers and has managed to continue living with that new body he found."
"So you're well versed and aware of my existence? Hoh… To think you understand. I would have given you my praise. However, you stand before me. The King of Heroes such as myself." Gilgamesh continued as she proceeded to look at her hands. "While this body is not mine. She is a perfect vessel which allows me to live. However… should you stand in my way…"
The golden portals appeared next to her as swords were slowly coming out of it as it was ready.
"Well shit, this ain't good…" Kadoc gulped upon this moment.
"I suggest that you die a pitiful death!" Gilgamesh exclaimed as she shot out the hail of swords from her portals.
Background Music | CounterSide OST - IRONS ON FIRE
[FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH!]
"Caster!" Kadoc called out his Servant Anastasia as she stood in as she closed her eyes and lends her hand out in front of her.
"If I must…" Caster said coldly as she forms a large wall of ice that is sturdy enough to defend us from the attack.
"The wall isn't gonna hold… We need a plan here, Shinano!" Caules asked her as she simply smiled as usual.
"Oh, don't worry. I have everything sorted out… Tristan? If you please?~" Shinano called her Servant, that he is very far away… but I know what she is doing.
Third Person POV
Far from the docks of where they would be at. Tristan was seen standing on one of the rooftops of the buildings in Tokyo. With his eyes closed all the time. He can still sense and see regardless. He held his bow ready while the weapon he carries is also a combination of a harp.
"I know exactly where you are…" Tristan said calmly as he was about to pull the arrow back but instead, he uses one of the strings as his main attack. He placed his index finger on the string as he pulled it to create a harmonic sound…
[FWOOSH!]
The flash of red light zooms through the air at incredible speeds. Though, in calculation of how fast the arrow can go. It went just as fast at over 300mph. Then back at the container yard where Gilgamesh's portals get sniped away as they disappear. The ice walla shatters after Caster lowers her hand.
"H-Hey, Caster! You okay?" Kadoc asked his Servant as she turned her head a little as she nodded.
"I'm still good. But I'm not sure if she will continue to attack us again…" Anastasia informed her Master as he simply gritted his teeth and clenching his hands.
"I wonder… Who is this mongrel who decided to show away my treasures…" Gilgamesh wondered as she sensed more red arrows heading her way as she used her golden portals to shoot weapons out of it to block the incoming arrow attack.
At the moment's notice… Katou had stealthed behind her as she used her blades from her arms to approach Gilgamesh. When she turned around to find her presence that easily… She had no choice.
"Smoke bomb!" Katou exclaimed as puffs of smoke began to burst out of her body parts as it began to surround the enemy as it was shrouded in smoke. Gilgamesh only stood there as everything fell quiet. But she felt her presence regardless as she grabs out the sword from her portal to block the attack to the left. Katou was already dashing through the clouded smoke like a true assassin but…
"RAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Frankenstein yelled in pure rage as she leaped up in the air and swung down her iron ball mace…
[CLANG!]
"Hmph. Is that all you can muster? Pathetic. You're not worthy of gazing at my benevolent presence of the king! Begone!" Gilgamesh exclaimed arrogantly as she summoned more portal directly in front of her as the blades began to shoot right at her as she jumped back and rapidly swung her weapon to knock the blades away.
"You're mine!" Katou said as she was prepared to decapitate her…
[CLING! FWOOSH!]
"A-Aah!" Katou felt the response from her attack as the burst of wind clears out the smoke, she swung her sword to force the assassin away as she was flung to the air until she landed on the top of the shipping container.
Ritsuka POV
"Damn it… none of our Servant's attacks are getting through…" I gritted my teeth knowing that this woman is definitely strong. No one has ever landed a single attack on her let alone her weapons she stashed from her golden portals. Katou attempted to attack her but again, it was no use. She had already figured out her Concealment which is a problem.
"Then I suppose it's my turn…" Shinano then brings out a black pen from her pocket as it was burning in black flames with neon green outlines… "Shi.~"
[FWOOOOOOOOOOSH!]
The black pen begins to burn and morphs into a Oni-like demon covered in flames as it roars and shifts into a crooked scythe with green streak from her blade as she twirls it around gracefully in order to challenge Gilgamesh.
"Oh? So you intend to get in my way, too? Very well, once I kill you. That weapon of yours will be included in my treasures." Gilgamesh glared at her as Shinano kept her composure as she smiled.
"If you can take it off from my cold dead hands, that is.~" Shinano lightly taunted her as she simply sighed.
"Then so be it, mongrel." Gilgamesh retorted as she summons golden portals as it shoots out blades at her as she swings and twirls her scythe to block the incoming attacks sent by the King of Heroes.
She was fighting gracefully with ease. And the looks on her face, she looks completely experienced when it comes to butting heads with just one powerful enemy. I remember back at the Storm Border when she fought against Nagao Kagetora previously. All I can tell you is that she is a fantastic fighter.
[CLANG TWANG! CLASH! CLING!]
The blades clashed each other continuously without end as Shinano had already taken a step back as her scythe as it was engulfed in flames. She twirls her weapon once more as she swings it to her left as it sends out an oni-like flaming demon directly flying towards Gilgamesh as she wasn't unfazed at all.
"Is that all you can muster? Pathetic!" Gilgamesh then shoots out another sword that pierces through the flaming demon as it fades away. Shinano used the side of her scythe's blade to block it as she was knocked back a little.
"Captain!" I yelled for her as I ran up to her just to help her up.
"I'm fine… She's really a handful to deal with, alright. But we still have our Servants to use… Archer! Fire another volley!" Shinano called her Servant as I looked up in the sky where the volley of red energy arrows were beaming down on Gilgamesh like a swarm…
[BOOSH! THOOSH! BOOM!]
The sound of crashing earth struck the King of Heroes as all hundreds of arrows had made an impact. The dust of smoke billows away as we all say that to our surprise… She managed to survive Tristan's raining swarm of arrows. Yet, none of the projectiles have landed a single hit on her. However, Katou was standing on top of the container as she used her finger guns directly aimed at her as she let out a flurry of bullets.
[RATATATATAT!]
Gilgamesh had responded by calling out more golden portals, instead of more swords… she proceeds to bring out shields that were intrigue as she was being protected by it. But, her fingertips begin to feel the heat as she stops firing as the smoke billows out from her gunbarrel.
"Tch… Proceeding to artillery fire!" Katou said as her back opened up as it revealed to be wooden-like artillery shells as she fired it into the air as it came diving down on her as the shells proceeded to create a destructive impact on her. But to no avail, she survived regardless. After that, she would return back to me knowing this is impossible. She had used more golden portals to send out more swords to protect her as a result.
Background Music End
"Are you done? If so… I must take back what's mine." Gilgamesh then proceeded to grab her sword from her portal as she slashed down the lock which was tightly secure. She then opens the doors to find out much to her unamused-look. She had gotten what she needed. A drill-like lance with red lines all over…
"So, you decided to go out of your way just to retrieve Ea? Is that it? That is Chaldean property just so you know." Shinano said to her as she turned around. The moment she did so… she was angry…
"To think all this time… you would steal my beloved treasure and hide it away from me? As expected from you mongrels. But you have made a dire mistake of stealing what's mine. For that, your sentence will be death. All of you! Be executed!" Gilgamesh busted into anger as she was about to summon more golden portals that were surrounding us like a dome. Oh we're so screwed…
"Damn it… Shinano… I don't think we're going to live…" Kadoc warned her as she kept her composure as she remained calm.
"Perhaps. Either way… We might as well call this mission a failure-" Shinano was about to speak until…
"You have yet to play a miniscule role. Despite your efforts, of course." The voice of a young male echoed within this area as it captured our attention.
"Oh? Another uninvited guest making an arrival here. I suggest you stop hiding." Gilgamesh threatened.
"Your empty threats do not scare me, King of Heroes. But, you have brought out your rarest treasure that I need. I must thank you… I'll be taking it back." The voice replied as it waned into silence… and then…
Background Music | Persona 4 OST - Borderline of Madness
[SLASH! SPLURT!]
The invisible air slashed Gilgamesh's right arm that carries the legendary sword Ea as she was completely unaware of it as the right severed arm fell onto the ground. She noticed it until her head shifted to her right but a little up where she saw the young man with gray hair's face close-up. The golden portals surrounding us disappear.
"Boo.~" The young man spoke as Gilgamesh quickly took a step back 10 feet apart. "Aww… did I scare you? I bet I did. Though, I must say that I should thank you for appearing to take back what you've lost."
"W-Who is that guy… H-He just appeared out of nowhere…" Claules said in shock as he tipped his glasses once.
"Fool… I have no time in your pointless squabble. Yet, you nearly struck me down like an Assassin. Foolish…" Gilgamesh glared at him as he shrugged.
"Oh please. I'm no Assassin. I'm a magus. Just like the rest of them over there." The young man then shifted his eyes towards us and back to Gilgamesh. "Oh! Where are my manners… I am Noah Yunshu. As you can see, I currently work for a certain organization that wants me to get the job done. What I mean is… I'm here to retrieve Ea. My… employers want it for a certain reason. But hey, you dropped it just for me! I think you deserve a gold star for your effort."
The man named Noah was humming happily as he proceeded to pick up the right arm holding Ea. But, he decided to forcefully get the severed arm out and tossed it aside. The moment he placed his hand to grab the handle of Ea… this sent Gilgamesh into a fit of unbridled rage.
"How… HOW DARE YOU TOUCH EA WITH YOUR FILTHY HANDS, MONGREL! I WILL EXECUTE YOU UNTIL THERE IS NO MORE OF YOUR REMAINS ARE LEFT!" A furious Gilgamesh then summons golden portals behind her as it was directly aiming at Noah. He didn't seem to care but he knows what she's doing. He then proceeded to use his left hand as he made a gesture where he would drag his index and middle finger to create some sort of a draft of wind as if he was drawing. But no, he was drawing a straight horizontal line. When his finger stops at the point where Gilgamesh had already begun to shoot swords from her portals at high speeds… Noah smiled…
"[Draft…]" Noah said in his native language that I heard of what he said… It was chinese. The burst of wind created from the line shot out a blast to blowback the swords sent by the King of Heroes. She was standing there as the sword was being blown right back at her as most of the swords didn't even hit her.
"I-Impressive… What on earth is that magecraft…" I said in awe.
"Not that I heard of…" Kadoc replied to me as we watched.
"Now then, King of Heroes… As much as I want to toy with you a little longer… I shouldn't waste my breath fighting you. After all, you're just a soul within the body of a homunculus." Noah continued as he still held Ea in his hand. He proceeds to draw a line of wind on the ground around him as if he was doing something. "As for you, Chaldeans. I know you have answers to tell but I'm dreadfully in a hurry."
"And you're going to take Ea? Who are you working for, exactly?" Shinano demanded.
"I'll suppose I'll let you in on this… I work for the Syndicate. I'm sure you know they're responsible for stealing the real Holy Grail and placing it somewhere else. The location? I'm afraid you'll have to figure it out for yourselves. Until then… Farewell." Noah then bids us a sudden goodbye as the draft of wind quickly takes him away as he disappears out of thin air.
Background Music End
"Tch… I will be back… Be grateful that I haven't considered killing you, mongrels…" Gilgamesh then quickly disappears out of sight as she leaves the area… We all survived from this hellish aftermath but this was the most unexpected. We all stood up properly as Shinano was using her comms to inform Mable.
"Mable… Mable, come in." Shinano continued. "There was some unexpected occurrence. A man known as Noah Yunshu works for the Syndicate. And worst of all… he has stolen Ea."
"Really? Now that's something you don't see everyday. What about Subject G?" Mable said through the comms, referring to Gilgamesh.
"The subject escaped… Most likely trying to find Noah." Shinano replied.
"I see… Either way, you all survived so that's what matters. Head on back to Storm Border, guys. And Squad Leader Shinano? Make sure you report to the Director about this situation. Mable out." Mable said as her drone proceeded to fly away from the area. We were all tired aside from our Servants. The encounter with Subject G… now whom we call Gilgamesh has escaped the scene as Katou approached me.
"Master… are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" Katou said to me.
"I'm fine. We're all alive so that's what matters. Thanks for your concern though." I reassured her as she seemed to nod.
"Ritsuka-kun. I know we're supposed to head back to the Storm Border but you should head home and relax. You deserve it. But don't worry, I'll talk to the Director about it." Shinano said to me. Though, why would she want me to head back home and relax? Well either way, I can't say no.
"O-Oh… Okay, then. Think you'll be free tomorrow?" I asked her as she casually winked at me.
"Only time will tell. My schedule is booked right now.~ For now, head on home. Me and the others will head on back. Until then, best for you to have a good night." Shinano said as she, Caules, and Kadoc proceeded to leave. Just as they did. I was about to head back as I felt a small slight of fatigue as Katou got me.
"Master. You're tired. But do not worry. I will carry you home safely. Is… Is that alright?" Katou asked me as I responded.
"On second thought… please do…" I said to her a little weakly as she nodded. She carried me in bridal-style as she proceeded to run swiftly and leap at higher altitudes. I could feel the breeze on my face as she is doing her best to get me home as soon as possible…
Fujimaru Apartment Residence, Minato, Tokyo, Japan Midnight - Clear Sky
Background Music | Persona 5 OST - Beneath the Mask
After we arrived at the apartment residence. She put me down as I stood still as I had some energy left in me. As soon as I used the key to open the door, we both headed inside. But that is until I was met with a certain person who I'm familiar with… my sister. She had reddish-orange hair where she was kneeling on the floor to eat some small dinner during this midnight. Of course… it's Gudako…
"Where have you've been, brother? I assume it's that Chaldea stuff again?" Gudako asked me as I sighed as I kneeled on the table to have a conversation with her.
"Pretty much. And if you're asking… it was merely patrolling around the vicinity. It's nothing special." I lied to her as she seemed convinced.
"Uh huh…" Gudako continued. "As for me… I wanted to head back here. Been a while ever since I started studying at the campus. You know how things go."
"I know but… This is a rare surprise for you coming back." I said to her as she laughed a little.
"What are you talking about? It's normal for me to come back here from time to time. And I'm glad to see you again, Katou-san." Gudako said to my Servant as she nodded.
"Yes. It's a pleasure to see you again, Gudako-dono." Katou replied as she decided to kneel on the floor next to me.
"So… about your work at Chaldea… What was it like?" Gudako asked me about it. "It has been two years since you've become very familiar with their line of work."
"Honestly. It's nothing out of the ordinary. You've been staying at the university for two years as well. It's not the same." I continued. "But… I just get the feeling that I'm just not pulling any weight to contribute. Shinano-san is the only person who I like but she is the type of person to get it done."
"Oh? Let me guess… does my sibling have a crush on her?~" Gudako only teased me as I became a little flustered.
"C-Can you knock it off, sis!?" I retorted as she laughed from my response.
"I'm only kidding!~ But hey, I know you're pushing yourself to your limits and all. But if you really want to make Shinano-san happy. Just do what you gotta do. Perhaps you can take her out on the date. Is that what you're trying to do?" She asked me about this idea as I sighed.
"I'm working on it… Besides… Shinano told me to head home after the last mission went… unhinged." I explained briefly how it went.
"Unhinged? Can you clarify?" Gudako asked me as I sighed.
"I don't know. It's just unhinged… that's all you need to know, sis… I'm going to bed…" I decided to stand up as I was going to my room to sleep.
"Wait, Ritsuka. Hold on. I know you don't want me to say but… Don't push yourself too hard. Try to do your best and live towards that future. That was dad's words, not me. But still, you should take it to heart. And maybe you could live a good life. After all, seeing you working for Chaldea can be a blessing… or perhaps a curse." Gudako said those words about taking things to heart… So I stood there as Katou was next to me. "I know you're tired and all but… get some sleep. I understand that things are gonna make you busy for tomorrow. As for me, I gotta head back tomorrow morning for my exams."
"Thanks… You should sleep as well, sis." I said to her as I decided to head into the room. Just as I did. I yawned as I decided to lay on the bed and prepare myself to sleep.
"Master. I know you're going to sleep. But Danzo shall remain outside to watch out for incoming intruders. Is… Is that okay?" Katou asked me as I responded.
"You do that. I just needed a good sleep to prepare for tomorrow. And… be careful up there, okay?" I said to her as she nodded.
"Do not worry about me. But thank you, Master… Have a goodnight." Katou then proceeded to leave the room as I was left alone to lay upon the bed. The mission that happened over there really caused some chaos. And this was something that we'd never expect. Just how is Gilgamesh alive in the body of a homunculus… I have no idea. None of it makes sense. However, just as I was about to sleep. I suddenly got a phone call as I picked it up. Instead, it was a message from her…
"I had a talk with the director of what happened and he seems to be aware about the existence of both the Syndicate's involvement and Subject G's identity. Aside from that… I'm free tomorrow. Consider this a date from yours truly. I've already picked a place that I want to go, if you don't mind, that is." Shinano posted the message to me as I read it in my mind. So, I replied with a sticker showing an anime character with a thumbs up as I turned off my phone.
A date with Shinano, huh? Well either way, I'm stoked. Despite this fateful night, I think everything will become fine as is. But my work as a Chaldean operative is not over. Syndicate and Subject G are still around and either of those two will not stop. Which is why I made a clear reason to join the Chaldea Foundation and my answer is simple. To save what remains.
Opera Theatre, Location Disclosed Midnight - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Background Music | Persona 5 OST - Interrogation Room
Meanwhile somewhere within the place of the grandeur area of the opera theater. Noah had opened the doors at the seating area as he walks down the red carpet where the spotlights were shining upon the three, who appears to be the founders of the Syndicate… but also the founders who were responsible for assisting with the American Mages Association for creating the Holy Grail for unknown reasons after what happened from the events at Siesta City.
"And so I see. Lord Sato Hitotsuyanagi and Lord Jubstacheit von Einzbern… It seems you are missing a third. I heard the news that the Lord of Nishizono was slain years back." Noah said to the two. Sato and Jubstacheit who sat on the rickety old chairs whose face was covered by a black cloth but the third was left missing since there was the chair there.
"We are aware of that. That man who calls himself Ryuga A. Noulith is a very dangerous magus. A man responsible for slaying Goza Nishizono. His death was… deeply concerning." Sato said in a weakly old voice. "He was a vital member of the Syndicate. Don't you think so?"
"I think not. He has failed to deliver on his broken promises. Let alone being desperate to save his pathetic magus family name. The Nishizono is gone. But we have decided to have another one take its place." Jubstacheit said as another person who decided to step out of the shadows as Noah saw. There was a young man with black hair and wireframe glasses as he sat on the chair. "Lord Julian Ainsworth. He is worthy of being one of the new founding lords of this Syndicate."
"Hmph. It's merely a matter of time when that old fart decided to die by the hands of his own former family member. It's nothing to be expected. But I did hear the news that we've managed to secure the true Holy Grail that we stole in Oslo. And as for you… Noah, yes?" Julian continued. "I assume you merely seek an audience to speak with us. What tidings have you brought us? This better not be a joke…"
"A joke? Surely you jest. I have great news to you three that I have bought you the treasure that you desire to seek all this time. I present to you… Ea…" Noah then grabs out Ea as he kneels, known as the present to the three. Jubstacheit stood up as he approached him slowly step by step as he took Ea from Noah's hands as he looked at it.
"So he speaks true, Lord Einzbern." Sato continued. "The sacred sword that once fell a god is within our hands. With it, the next step for the Syndicate will continue. Noah… our loyal servant. Let us give you your new assignment."
"A new assignment? Sure, I'm all ears. What is it that you want me to do?" Noah said to them as the spotlight shines behind him as he turns around. To his eyes… was the true Holy Grail, a pure golden chalice placed on the stand surrounded by the seats.
"That right there is the real Holy Grail. The others were meant to bring forth a calamity. But this one is very special. The three of us have already decided what we're going to do with the Grail. Which is why you come in." Julian said to him as Noah looked at it for a small glance as he turned back to the three.
"Listen carefully, Noah." Jubstacheit speaks. "You are to bring the true Grail… to initiate a new Holy Grail War in Aalborg… For the sake of Syndicate's goal."
And so… with their plans heading into a new direction… Aalborg, Denmark. Would be the next location… another victim for a city to be plunged into a new Holy Grail War in the future years to come… And with that… the spotlights begin to disappear one after another. As the last one flicks off… It was pure darkness.
[TO BE CONTINUED IN…]
[FATE/NOVISSIMA DISSONANCE]
Author's Notes: Hey, all. Thank you for reading the one-shot that will bridge between Paradisus Scramble and the upcoming Novissima Dissonance. This was something that I wanna try in a while. Of course, this is my first story to feature a main character that already exists within the Fate franchise. I tried my best in doing my own take of Ritsuka of who he is but with this story complete. This would bring forth new mysteries for the sequel. However, it's undecided of when the first chapter will be released. I would say it would be around somewhere at Q4 2023 all the way within 2024. The ideas I made are still in concept progress. But the main setting for the next Holy Grail War for the sequel will be indeed Aalborg, Denmark. So again, please look forward to it when Fate/novissima Dissonance comes out… when it's ready. Until then, take care.