AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 21 The Lost Kitty's Search
Chat Noir huffs, running down the alleyway leading the Enemy Programs that spotted him in the open.
"Enemy detected, capturing him is a top priority!" One of the Enemy Program informs the others.
The blonde Hero turns his head, hearing their chatter. "So I'm that important to you guys? Awe, that makes me happy to know!" Chat turns to the left, meeting a dead end.
The Hero of Destruction stood up straight. "Well dang, a dead end." Chat sighs, scratching the back of his head.
His ears twitched, hearing the clanging of Enemies approaching him. "Surrender in the name of the Eternal Empire." The leader of the Enemy Programs demanded of the young Hero.
"Well, I went far for this long." Chat held up his hands, turning around to surrender. Two Enemy Programs approached him, and a smirk grew on his face. "But I don't think my friends are okay with you taking me to your prison."
Suddenly wrappings appeared around the two Enemies and engulfs them in a ball.
BB landed on top of the ball, causing it to implode. "Enemy Servants detected! Anti-Servant program installed." The Enemy Program leader informed the group.
"What a bother, you guys don't really understand whom you're messing with." The violet-haired AI stated. "Then again, you guys are just machines, you can only follow your Programing."
The Moon Cancer swiftly leaps to the side, dodging the Enemy's strike. "How dare you attack while I speak." BB raised her pointer and tapped on the ground.
Shadow figures appear from the sludge she created and destroyed them.
"Indeed, such rude machines could never understand politeness." Johanna appeared from behind, she swung her Staff, creating a wave of light that dismantled the rest.
The Ruler looks around, sensing no other enemies around them. "Seems like we've taken care of the ones who were patrolling the streets," Johanna stated,
"Gotta say, those were nothing compared to the Servants that met us," BB stated, looking around in case they missed a few.
"I wonder, what will it take to bring down those people." Chat approached the two Servants, curious about the game plan for them. "I remember Ritsuka said they were infused with Hephaestus's essence, making them more powerful than you all."
BB scoffs, turning to face her ward. "Way to brighten the mood, Kid." The AI sarcastically said,
Chat deflates, seeing he has just offended the Moon Cancer. "I-I didn't mea-"
"Master, you don't need to apologize," Johanna informed her master. "We understand that the enemy is powerful." The first female Pope said, not minding the comparison.
The Moon Cancer rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "And this is why I hate Holy Servants, they're always too forgiving," BB stated.
Chat Noir chuckles slightly, sensing a bit of hostility between them. He steps between them, trying to calm the tension, more on the Moon Cancer's side than his own Servant's. "Okay, you two, that's enough. We're on the same team, right?"
"More or less," BB responded to the Hero of Destruction. "I serve my Senpai, she serves you. Completely different scenarios."
Johanna smiles, shaking her head. "Even so, our interest in saving master's World from this Lostbelt." The Ruler stated before tackling the reason they're out in the open. "Now, shall we discuss what should we do now?"
"Right," Chat answered, looking out from the alleyway. "If memory serves me right, this is where Bunnyx showed us the route of the safe house." The Hero of Destruction stated.
"And based on the street layout, this is where Marinette's Family bakery is located," Chat added, taking note of the familiar landmarks. "There, that's the building. I know that balcony anywhere." He stated, seeing lights were still on at the bakery.
The Hero rushed into the street, causing both Servants to panic a bit. "Oi! Don't go running off!" BB growls, feeling like she's babysitting some Child. "Damnit, Ruler come on!" The Moon Cancer called out to the Pope.
Johanna sighs, following the two out into the streets of the Empire.
The small group swiftly made their way through the hostile streets, heading towards the bakery.
Unbeknownst to them, a Viper was observing the three within the shadows.
Chat Noir slowly halt his movements, seeing if the coast was clear. He turns around, seeing both BB and Johanna approaching him.
"(Hey, don't run off like that!)" BB scolded the young Hero, catching up with him.
"(Master, you shouldn't run off where the enemy could see you.)" Johanna scolded softly to her master, knowing that it was dangerous out.
"Sorry guys, I was just-" Chat paused, hearing a loud gunshot from the distance. "What was that?" He looks at where the noise originated from.
Johanna looks around, not hearing a thing. "I didn't hear a thing, master." The Pope said, looking at the AI from the Moon.
BB looks around, seeing some golden dust from the other end of the City. "If that dust tells me anything, Senpai or your girlfriend must've killed a Servant or a Servant from our side died."
The Hero of Destruction shook his head, not thinking too much about the latter of what BB said. He cleared his throat, turning in the direction of Marinette's Bakery. "Anyways, let's go into the Bakery. Marinette's parents must be helping the people here,"
"Master, I don't thin-" Before Johanna could say anything, her master left for the front of the Bakery.
BB walks forward, looking at the side of the building. "Hmm, a Bounded Field…"
Chat opens the Bakery doors, expecting Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng at the counter but to his surprise was a full-on bar. It was bigger than it was in the past, probably they've renovated near the time in the past to now.
He looks to the counter, expecting to see both Marinette's parents. However, what he saw were two children, a boy with mint hair and a girl with pink. "W-Where is-"
"Master, didn't we say don't run off like that?" Johanna and BB caught up with the young blonde Hero,
When they looked around the Bakery, they were shocked that it was different from what they expected. "This is a Bakery? It looks like a full-on bar," BB exclaims, noticing most of the occupants were uncaring of her outburst.
Johanna sighs, seeing the dark slump that the Lostbelt Parisians are in. "To think the Humans of this World would go whenever things look bleak." The Pope commented, doing a little prayer for the Parisian's salvation.
Chat walks further into the bar, looking around the once former Bakery. Seeing there's no ounce of a familiar sight of the once Bakery. 'What happened here to make one of Paris's best Bakery into something like a bar in an apocalyptic movie.' The blonde ponders, seeing the despair and depressed people jugging away with beer and alcohol.
A man stood up, stumbling from the number of drinks he'd partaken in. He walks towards the exit, bumping into Chat's shoulders on purpose. "Oof, sorry I didn-"
"Oi, what's the deal? Wanna fight?" The drunken man barked, glaring at the young Hero.
Chat raised his hands, trying to defuse the tension. "N-No, you were just walking and-"
"You're blaming me for something you have obviously done yourself!?" The drunk man grew more hostile by the second with every word Chat Noir said.
Chat frowns, glaring at the man. "Look I didn't mean to-"
BB and Johanna quickly came to Chat Noir's side, defending him from the drunken man. "Hey, we have seen what happened, and you purposely bump into him." The Moon Cancer defending the young Hero. "Unless you want a piece of this, then I suggest you run!"
The drunken man looks over to the Pope, adjusting her Staff. "Ngh…fine, next time you won't get away, kid!" The drunkard quickly left the three, not wanting to get hurt.
Johanna sighs, turning to her master from a soon-to-be brawl. "Master, I believe it's best to stick with us from now on." The Ruler stated, not wanting him to get into serious trouble.
"How disappointing, here I thought something interesting was about to go down." The trio turns to the counter, seeing the pink-haired girl sighing at a letdown. "But what can you do when there are two Extra Class Servants here,"
"You're a Servant, aren't you?" Chat asked, catching the wording that described both BB and Johanna.
The Pink haired Servant smiles, motioning her hand to her Brother. "We are Servants. Both my Brother and I share the same Spirit Origins." She introduced themselves to the three. "We go by Assassin of Paris,"
"Assassins?" Chat wasn't expecting two Kids to be killers, but then again he has seen weirder things before.
The mint-haired boy shrugs, putting away the glass in the cupboards. "Many Servants have been appearing here lately, considering they are from Chaldea." He commented,
"Does this mean you're working with Fujimaru and Ladybug to restore Pari-"
"We're more of a collaborator. We take no sides whatsoever, but we hand out information from time to time." The girl Assassin explains their purpose in this Dystopian World.
BB nudged the Cat-themed Hero by the shoulders, "(Kid, information is what we're looking for.)" The Moon Cancer reminded the young Hero.
Chat nodded, approaching the two Assassins. "If you're giving out information, then what's the price for it?" The Hero asked, wanting to know if they have anything on the other's whereabouts.
"Interesting, right Brother?" The pink-haired girl looked over at her Brother.
"Yes, Sister," The mint-haired boy commented, turning to the Hero of Destruction to do business. "We can discuss payment later, but for now…what do you want to know?"
Patricius: The Eternal Empire, Underground Facility Five
-ZZZ- Ritsuka, wake up. It's noon. -ZZZ-
Ritsuka opened his eyes, hearing the familiar sound of his Wife's voice. "Good afternoon, Mashu." He greeted the violet-haired girl.
-ZZZ- Afternoon, Ritsuka. -ZZZ- Mashu greeted back, -ZZZ- Ritsuka everyone is at the meeting room, ready to discuss the next move. -ZZZ-
The Magus got up from the bed, stretching his arms. "At least I have gotten some rest," Ritsuka commented before putting his Mystic Code back on.
Mashu nodded from the past, happy that her Husband was able to get some rest after defeating Liz Void. -ZZZ- That I'm happy to hear, Ritsuka. Another thing, we manage to reestablish the tracker on Marinette-san's Mystic Code. -ZZZ- She informed the master of Chaldea.
"That's great, but what about Adrien's?" Ritsuka asked, stepping out of his room.
-ZZZ- Unfortunately, since you've recontacted us, Archimedes is working on extending the search base of the Parisian map from our side. -ZZZ- Mashu further explains, having the Scholar for his expertise.
Ritsuka nodded, "Seems reasonable, I remember when Archimedes was Summoned; he said he has a relation with the Moon Cell." He crossed his arms, remembering when he was first Summoned in Chaldea.
-ZZZ- Yes, Archimedes-san said that the Lostbelt resembles the Moon Cell base on his records. -ZZZ- Mashu explains, having that conversation during their Battle with the Elizabeth Void.
"Ritsuka?" The Magus turns around, seeing the bluenette girl walking out of her room with Tikki floating next to her. "You overslept too?"
"Good afternoon, Marinette." Ritsuka greeted his friend, "We did face a powerful adversary yesterday, getting rest whenever you can be good."
The Nature Spirit sighs, "I still can't believe that we defeated Elizabeth Bathory Void that easily." Tikki said,
Ritsuka shook his head, "Not really, she's still formidable but due to the assistance of Johann and Viperion's Noble Phantasm. Those two have taken advantage of Liz Void's Madness Enhancement and somehow disrupt the Hephaestus Klironomia."
"Can you easily disrupt Hephaestus Klironomia?" Marinette asked the expert in Lostbelts.
"Not that I'm aware of, the only way that I know of to defeat someone infused with Theos Klironomia is with another Servant infused with Theos Klironomia, a Grand Servant, or the said, God," Ritsuka explains what he experienced during Atlantis and Olympus.
"You saw an example for yourself, the syringe with Athena Klironomia." The Magus reminded the young Hero and Nature Spirit of what happened in the Present.
Marinette frowns, remembering how the adult version of her Boyfriend or Husband sacrificed himself to save her home. "Yeah, I remember." She answered.
Tikki saw the sad face on her owner's face. "M-Marinette don't be sad! Avenger is always with us, even if he's no longer with us physically!" The Kwami stated, making her feel better.
"Yes," Ruler of Paris materialized before the masters and Nature Spirit, hearing their conversation. "Even if Avenger, my Husband is no longer here with us. I know that he's watching us do our best to save our Homeland."
Marinette looks at her older self, feeling a bit better from what the Counter Guardian said. "That made me a bit ease, Ruler." She smiles softly.
Tikk smiled at the Counter Guardian, giving her input into their conversation. 'Good job, Mar-I mean Ruler.' The Nature Spirit mentally thought.
Mashu came on, curious why she appeared. -ZZZ- Um, Ruler, why are you here? Did Viperion ask you to call Ritsuka, Marinette-san, and Tikki-san? -ZZZ- The violet-haired woman asked the Counter Guardian.
"Ah, Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth is requesting all Chaldeans to meet at the center of the base." The bluenette Hero informed the Heroes from the Past.
"Right, shall we go, Marinette, Tikki?" The Magus looks at the two Partners.
Both nodded, following Ruler of Paris into the meeting area.
Once inside the meeting room, everyone was gathered around the table and couch. Each was spread out, doing whatever they want and waiting for the two masters.
Charlie and Viperion step forward, "Well good morning, you two." The former King greeted the two. "Slept well?"
"Yeah, thanks for asking Charlie," Marinette said as Tikki sat on her shoulders.
"So what's going on? Why does Caster want to talk about." Tikki asked the two.
Viperion took over, answering the Nature Spirit. "I believe it's best to have the rest of Chaldea in this meeting." The teal-haired Hero motions his head to the middle.
"Right."
Ritsuka and Marinette sat on the couch at the center of the room. A holo-projection of Mashu with Goldolf, Sion, and Holmes standing behind her.
-ZZZ- So what is this about? Is something going on? -ZZZ- The plump man asked the group.
Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth took the center, smiling through his Familiar. "First, I want to congratulate you all on your victory over the defeat of one of the Imperial Inquisitors." The Familiar chirped, "I can confirm that Elizabeth Bathory's Spirit Origin is no longer in this Lostbelt. Her Territory remains dark, however, patrols have increased with Berserker of the Eternal Empire taking command."
Goldolf paled at once good news turn into bad ones. -ZZZ- Y-You mean to say that the enemy's forces have increased their patrols? How is that good news!? -ZZZ- The Vice Commander exclaims at the information.
"I know that sounds bleak but trust me this is the ideal time for their increased patrols." Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth explains. "With the Empire's attention to the streets, you all can meet me in person."
"Huh?"
-ZZZ- What? -ZZZ- Goldolf was confused just like everyone in the Storm Border.
The Familiar smirks, "I get you are confused still, but to make it short. I have completed the analysis of the Servants controlled by the Eternal Empire," The Grand Caster Candidate explains further why they should meet. "All I request is that Alter Ego and Ruler of Paris accompany you two to my territory."
Xu Fu flinched, looking at the Familiar. "M-Me?"
"Yes you, Alter Ego. Your knowledge of Taoist Sage Arts will be beneficial for my secret weapon." Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth explains to the nervous Servant.
The Alter Ego gulps, feeling the pressure from this important task. "I-If it's the b-beneficial of master and his mission," Xu Fu sighs, still uncertain about this.
The bluenette Counter Guardian smiles at the Servant of Chaldea. "Let's do our best, Alter Ego." She said, lifting her spirits.
"If it's something that would help us further in fighting against the rest of the Imperial Inquisitors then I suggest it's worth the risk," Moriarty commented, seeing it was no easy feat in defeating the Berserker of the Void.
Holmes came on the comms, agreeing with his younger nemesis. -ZZZ- That we can agree, Mr. Fujimaru, and Ms. Dupain-Cheng, do be careful when going to the surface. -ZZZ- The Ruler stated, -ZZZ- From what we gathered, Berserker or Ryunosuke Akutagawa is skilled in tracking down his targets. -ZZZ-
"So it's a sneaking mission, not that different from what we were doing before," Marinette commented.
"Still, be careful Marinette," Violet said, standing behind her. "If possible, can I accompany this mission?"
Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth ponders, seeing the new and strange Servant before him. 'Now this is strange, I've met almost every remaining Servants in this Lostbelt. Was she recently Summoned by the Moon Cell?' He asked himself mentally, 'I need to keep a closer eye on her.'
"Very well, we do need escorts for these two." The Caster stated before hearing Rama steps forward. "And on top of that, bring Charlie too. I would like to evaluate his condition in person rather than via Familiar."
Charlie blinks, hearing his name in the conversation. "Alright, if you think that's a good idea, Caster."
"If escorting these Servants is the most important thing, then I shall go as well." The King of Kosala stated, "Please, allow me to go, master. Knowing that you all met with the enemy so soon is a shame upon me as a Servant."
Sita frowns seeing her Husband beating himself over the situation before. "(Lord Rama…)"
Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth ponders once more of what the King of Kosala said. "Very well, an extra hand wouldn't be so bad." He looks over to Koyanskaya, sending a mental message to her.
"Tch," The Fox clicked her tongue, getting the message.
-ZZZ- Now that the group has been decided, I would like to request something.-ZZZ- A new voice entered the fray, A brown-haired man wearing an open shirt came through the video feed. -ZZZ- Since master and Ms. Dupain Cheng are going to where Caster is stationed, I would like you all to try and capture an Enemy Solider, since a Mathematician is there, I would like him to dissect the enemy so we can learn more. -ZZZ-
"Caster," Ritsuka thought for a moment about what Archimedes said. He gazes over to Moriarty and nods at him. "Alright, that seems reasonable than standing on standby."
Viperion looks at the group, seeing they're ready to get back outside. "Then let's move out,"
"Hai!"
Patricius: The Eternal Empire, Underground Facility One: Prometheus
"I see so the Chaldeans have taken out the Berserker of the Void." Assassin of the Resistance receives word from Viperion and Johann of what has transpired lately. "That's news worth sharing with the entire Resistance."
-ZZZ- Yes, Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth requests that some Chaldeans meet up with him. -ZZZ- Viperion reported back to the face of the Resistance. -ZZZ- Our Collaborator has a secret weapon that might help us with the Lancer and the other Berserker. -ZZZ-
The white-haired Assassin placed his hand on his chin, curious why he listed two Servants. "What about the Alter Ego of White? Does he have something to take care of him?" He asked.
Viperion shook his head, -ZZZ- Not that I'm aware of, but you know how he works. -ZZZ-
The Assassin nodded, "I know." He cleared his throat, now glaring at the Hero of the Second Chance. "We'll continue searching for the other Hero and Servant on our end. Once you've got the secret weapon Caster spoke of, I believe it's time to meet the Chaldeans halfway."
-ZZZ- You're sure? Alright then, -ZZZ- Viperion replied, about to end their communication. -ZZZ- Until the next report, Assassin. -ZZZ-
The Assassin nodded, ending the transmission with Viperion. He turns around, his eyes gazing down at the one who called him into this World. "Master, what are you doing here? I thought you would be with your Grandfather and Grandmother?"
"I was headed down to meet with them, but I heard you talking to Uncle Luka." The blonde boy explains, looking up at his Servant. "So…they, did it? They killed an Imperial Inquisitor?"
Assassin of the Resistance sighs, nodding an answer to the young boy. "Yes, they have killed the Berserker of the Void, Caster has developed a weapon that could take out the other Inquisitors." He explained.
Louis continue to look at his Servant, "Then how can I help? Auntie Alix is monitoring the Eternal Palace's activities and Auntie Kagami and Berserker of the Resistance are at the facility keeping an eye on the prison."
"I want to help out rather than stay here and let you and the others do everything. I am a master, someone that is a key figure in the Resistance." The young boy looks down at the floor, feeling useless as a master.
Assassin placed his hand over his master's head, patting it to comfort him. "Master, you may feel like you're not doing anything for the Resistance, but you are." The white-haired man stated, ensuring his master he was doing something important.
"You keep the Refugees here calm even if you're not a part of the leadership." The Servant from the Counter Force stated, "That's a big job that only you can do, you have a Charisma that only a few Humans could possess." He smiles,
Louis nodded, feeling a bit better from Assassin's words. "I think I understand, Assassin."
"Good, now go to your Grandparents, master. Your Siblings might be with them." The Counter Force Servant said,
Louis obliged, walking out of the communication room, and going to look for his Family members.
Assassin sighs, frowning at how determined his current master was. He turns around, heading back inside the communication room. "Master, I swear as your Servant I will achieve your goals." He looks up, noticing the protector of the Facility waiting for him.
"Are you all right, Assassin? You seem uncomfortable." Prometheus asked the Counter Force Servant, sensing the sudden spike in worry. "Is it young Louis?"
"I'm fine, Caster." The white-haired Servant stated, "And it's not master, I'm just thinking how I'm going to do the reason I was Summoned."
Prometheus ponders for a moment before speaking. "Are you sure? You are aware once the Emperor is defeated this World will disappear." The God of Knowledge stated,
Assassin chuckles, sitting down on the chair in the room. "Of course, it's clear as day ever since I was Summoned."
"And your reason?" The orange eye asked the Servant. "On being Summoned,"
"Isn't it obvious? You know my History, Prometheus. I killed only one person, and that person I deemed evil." Assassin crossed his legs, placing his knuckle over his cheek. "And the Emperor is someone I also deemed evil."
Prometheus wants to play this game a little longer, "Still, entertain me, Assassin,"
The white-haired Servant smirked, "To kill Tyrants,"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.