"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Mental link"
"Noble Phantasms"
POV
Chapter 43: Takeout.
Solaire's body crashed through a tree, shattering the oak trunk and sending splinters shooting off in all directions, his body continued to ragdoll through the air before burying itself into the ground.
Lucien jumped away from a similar strike, the glowing blade batting the kirkhammer upwards and sending him stumbling backwards. Ludwig let out a screech and made to press the assault.
Then Gough slammed an arrow into his side, using the elongated projectile as a melee weapon, he ripped the serrated head sideways, tearing a large chunk of flesh out of Ludwigs body, the beast let loose a scream of agony which quickly shifted into a snarl of aggression as it began slashing the moonlight greatsword towards him. Gough made to leap back, far too slowly to avoid the attack in full as it cuts its way across his chest, effortlessly cutting through his steel armour.
Gough rolled backwards as blood spilled from the wound, his uninjured arm pressing into the gash to stem the flow. Ludwig growled, clasping the arrow stuck in his body and tearing it free, cocking his arm back and holding the weapon like a javelin. Gough widened his eyes behind his helmet in realisation and made an attempt to move far too late as Ludwig hurled the arrow towards him at breakneck speeds.
The arrow speared through his shoulder, sending him reeling backwards with a cry of pain. The beast was unable to take advantage of the attack before Lucien slammed his greathammer into his back leg, the snapping of bone as his ankle bent inwards heralded a cry of pain. Ludwig whirled around, the moonlight greatsword carving a line through the dirt as it arced upwards towards the hunter. Lucien jumped back, barely seeing his distorted reflection mirrored in the surface of the blade as it passed a hairs breath from the front of his face.
His left hand snapped upwards, pistol clasped tightly in it as he quickly took aim at Ludwig's shoulder. Squeezing the trigger, the quicksilver bullet shot threw the air, tearing a small hole through the Beasts shoulder. Ludwig growled in responded, raising his sword into the air before he pointed it downwards.
Lucien jumped back as Ludwig stabbed the sword into the ground, the area around him briefly lighting up in a pale blue colour before it exploded, sending a shockwave of energy blasting out in a radius around him.
The blue energy slammed into Solaire's shield, sending him skating backwards slightly but failing to knock him over, however he suspected that had he been closer it would have been a different story. Solaire shot forwards, shattering the ground beneath his feet as he rocketed towards Ludwig, the glazed over eyes of the Beast caught sight of him as he rapidly approached, quickly ripping his sword free from the ground and swinging it towards the sun knight. Raising his shield above his head, Solaire heard the scraping of metal as the sword was barely deflected over the top of him as he continued his charge. Pulling back his sword arm, he thrust the straightsword forwards, burying it to the hilt in Ludwig's front right leg beneath the second joint in the leg.
Before Ludwig could attempt to strike again, Solaire twisted the blade and retched it to the side, the deep popping sound heralded the joint becoming dislocated. Ludwig grunted in point, falling over and extending one of his spare legs to take up the slack of the now ruined limb. Raising his shield above his head, Solaire blocked the heavy punch that Ludwig directed towards him, the clawed fingers slamming into the shield like a hammer. Solaire felt his bones protest against the strike as Ludwig reeled back his arm a second time. As the fist approached, Solaire struck first. Swiping his shield to the side, he slammed the metal disk into Ludwig's fist, parrying it to the side before slicing upwards towards his wrist. Ludwig retched his hand back causing Solaire's blade to claim only a single finger rather than the whole hand.
The index digit dropped to the ground with a quiet thud.
Ludwig screamed in a mixture of agony and rage, clasping his greatsword with two hands he brought it back like a baseball bat, glassy eyes fixed on Solaire. The knight leapt away in an effort to avoid the strike, raising his shield just in case. The glowing blue blade glided through the air, slamming into Solaire's shield and effortlessly cleaving through it, Solaire let out a bloodied cough as the blue blade carved its way through his chest and sent him rocketing away into the distance, rag dolling through the nearby tents before coming to a halt.
Lucien watched the knight get punted with a sour expression, quickly turning his head back to Ludwig and raising his greathammer again. Ludwig span around to face him in an instant. He ducked down fast enough to avoid the strike that had been launched against him, barely feeling the wisp of wing pass above the back of his neck where the moonlight greatsword barely avoided decapitating him.
Kicking himself forwards, Lucien launched himself beneath Ludwig, swinging the kirkhammer upwards into their ribs. The rock hammer made contact with a heavy thud, spinning around Lucien proceeded to slam the hammer into the back of the nearest leg.
The ground beneath Ludwig glowed brightly, Lucien charged out of the circle of light just before the moonlight greatsword was stabbed into the ground, the shockwave of the explosion knocking him through the air before he hit the ground in a roll, quickly getting back to his feet. He widened his eyes, raising the hammer above his head just in time to block the downwards strike of the blade. He felt his knee's hit the ground and his arms start to protest under the power of the strike, Ludwig's face looming over him menacingly as they continued to push down with all their might.
Lucien felt his arms start to groan as inch by inch, the edge of the glowing blue blade came closer and closer to his face. A blue blur crashed into Ludwig's side, the beast stumbled slightly which allowed for Lucien to dive away from the blade. He stood up to see the copy of Ash stood near the beast, bastard sword pointed towards it with two hands. He looked over his shoulder just in time to see the woman shuffling over to where Solaire had been launched, likely to provide healing arts to him.
He only had to ensure that she had enough time to do so.
Throwing the kirkhammer away, he thrust his hand into the ground as it turned slightly murky. His hand grasping the handle of a long silver greatsword and slowly pulling it out of the ground. He gripped it in two hands, holding the flat of the blade in front of his face with the tip pointed upwards. Closing his eyes, he sent a mental command through the sword. Seconds later, the blade erupted in a brilliant blue light.
Ludwig's head snapped towards him in an instant, the eyes widened slightly as it took sight of the sword now held in the Hunter's hand. Then slowly trailed down to the sword held in its own hands, darting between the two identical glowing blades.
Twirling the blade in his hands, Lucien left a trail of blue blight as the sword glided through the air before coming to a rest on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and looked up towards the Beast. The wordless challenge was issued.
Ludwig charged.
Masters POV
The flat of Ash's blade was brought up just in time to block the beam of red energy. The unkindled released a grunt as the power behind the attack knocked him off his feet and sent him blasting through the air and crashing through the outer wall of the forum, sailing through the air and colliding with the nearest building outside.
Beams of red light danced across the room as the Servants attempted to file out of the cramped conditions. Arash knocked several arrows, loosening them towards Aldrich's head. The central eyes moving up the flesh pillar glowed and as a red shield manifested in front of the Saint, blocking the arrows. Arash clicked his tongue, throwing himself into a roll as the space he was in was vaporized in a burst of flames.
The Dragon Slayer armour slammed its shield into the ground in front of Mash, who was desperately attempting to drag Verndari away as they made for the entrance of the door. His detached limb still lying in the ground where it had fallen. A burst lance of energy carved itself along the Berserker's helmet, melting the left most side of it. The armour released a groan as it continued to use its body as a shield fort he others.
"Leaving so soon?" Aldrich mocked "You just arrived! Why not stay a while?" he jerked his right hand upwards, a pillar of flesh shot out of the ground in front of him, taking the brunt of a comet of blue light courtesy of Gwyndolin. The Lord glaring at Aldrich from behind his helmet as he dismissed his staff and readied his bow. The eyes trailing up the pillar slowly regenerated, instantly fixing their gaze upon the lord, their cross shaped pupils narrowed as the Lord felt the air around him change. He disappeared in a burst of light seconds later, just avoid the pillar of fire which erupted from the spot where he had stood.
"What the hell is he!?" Ritsuka panic shouted as he leapt out of the room, Beatrice following after him while shooting off soul spears at the Saint, for all the good they did. The spells being deflected or blocked with ease.
"I don't know!" Olga exclaimed back at him, her eyes wide and frantic as she shot a glance of her shoulder "Ash said Lev was a demon but I didn't think this would happen! Most demons aren't even supposed to be that powerful!"
"It can be discussed later." Nero cut them off, although she similarly had sweat trailing down her brow "We must first deal with him."
The wall on the right hand side exploded outwards, Sif being launched through the air with a hideous burn across his right side as he cluttered across the ground in a heap. Gareth smacking into the ground face first not too far from him, quickly looking up and catching sight of her wounded mount "Sif!" she span around as the tentacle burst through the wall she had been launched out of, glaring down at her before unleashing a barrage of spells towards her. Gareth jumped around, dodging them with some effort as they destroyed the street.
Mash jumped in front of the pair of Master's, blocking a stray bolt of power with a grunt.
"Verndari!" Ritsuka called out to the steel knight, gaping at the missing arm "O-Oh God! Y-your arm!"
"Worry about it later!" Verndari gave a pained shout in reply, slowly rising to his feet and hefting his mirror shield out in front of him "I can still defend you, my Liege. That is all that is needed!"
"B-but your arm-!"
"Servants are being comprised of magical energy!" Olga shouted at him, attempting to sound more composed than she actually was "Given enough time it will eventually heal."
"Oh…" Ritsuka let out a sigh of relief "Alright but-"
"Talk later!" Ash's voice cried out as the black fireball hurtled above their heads, crashing into the centre of the tentacle of flesh and burnt away a large portion of its central body. "Where's Gwyndolin!?"
"Still inside with Berserker!" Olga called back to him "I'll try and Get Berserker-"
A flash of red accompanied by an explosion was soon followed by the form of the Dragon Slayer armour sent skating out of the doorway, portions of its armour singled and streams of burn marks running up its shield. The armour let out a menacing groan as Gwyndolin soon formed next to them, his face set in a frown "This is far stronger than I recall Aldrich being."
"He consumed the Demon Lev." Ash informed him, dropping down next to the group "But I know of few demons that could even grant this level of power."
The front of the forum shattered, debris being sent flying in all directions as Aldrich came barrelling outside, the river of sludge trailing behind him soon flooded the street as he towered over the group. The tentacles adorned with the glowing red eyes soon followed after him, each one glowing brightly as they stared the group down.
Aldrich stared down at them impassively, then slowly began to spread his arms wide "Your escape from the structure was unfortunate, but it is of little consequence. Mobility will provide you with no advantage."
"That remains to be seen!" Gareth shot back at him, kite shield in front of her as Sif gradually attempted to get back to their feet. Aldrich spared her barely a glance in response.
The tentacle to his left turned, the eyes running up its body focused in on them. They then widened, a wave of black fog exploded out from the sludge, instantly rushing towards the group. Mash widened her eyes in alarm, thrusting her shield forwards "Lord Chaldeas!" the shield glowed a brilliant blue as it soon enveloped the masters in a protective barrier.
The others were less fortunate. Ash speared his sword into the ground as the cloud slammed into him with the force of a tidal wave, instantly he felt pain assail his whole body and if the cries of pain were any indication, he was not the only one to feel this way.
Arash leapt out of the street, hooking an arm under Beatrice just before the cloud hit, soaring through the sky before he landed down on the roof of a nearby house, laying Beatrice down and spinning around to face Aldrich. Knocking two arrows and launching them towards the nearest tentacle. The projectiles gored through the meat pillars, instantly puncturing through their bodies and leaving gaping holes going straight through them.
If it affected Aldrich in any way, he didn't show it. Merely raisin her arms and then clenching them around his chest with a smirk. The centre of Aldrich's torso began to glow an insidious orange as a right hand slowly pushed its way out of him. The limb continued to extend out of his body, stretching on for far longer than was natural.
"Naïve. Very Naïve!" Aldrich cackled, the limb twirled above his head as the hand opened up before it shot forwards. "Stolen Phantasm! Zabaniya!"
Ash looked up just in time for the red hand to run itself along his chest. He snarled, batting it away from his body and jumping into the air. Pulling back his left hand and readying a pyromancy.
Arash's clairvoyance kicked in, he widened his eyes in alarm and instantly took aim towards the red limb.
Far too late to act.
The hand retracted until it was in front of Aldrich's grinning face resting in its palm was a transparent image of a heart.
The hand clenched downwards around the beating organ.
Ash instantly constricted his body, coughing out blood and clasping over the area of his heart as he crashed into the ground, sword falling from his hand and burying itself in the ground.
Mash barely caught sight of him as the cloud dissipated widened her eyes as she saw he writhing form "Ash-san!?"
Arash's arrows struck the arm seconds later, Aldrich released a hiss of pain as the power behind them obliterated the palm of the arm. He scowled at the Archer before drawing the hand back into his body.
"Zabaniya!?" Olga choked "But that's a Noble Phantasm of the Hassan! How did-"
"You think that with the Grail in my possession I would not partake in discovering new abilities to usurp?" The Saint scoffed "There were many servants I partook in...And not simply limited to Assassins." a manic grin came across his face as his eyes drifted over to Nero "You claim to be an Emperor? Then feel the power of your predecessors!"
He clasped his hands together, slowly pulling them apart as a weapon started to take shape. It had all the hallmarks of being a spear, were it not for the fact that both ends appeared to be chiselled out of blood red stone.
Gripping the handle of the spear, he thrust it upwards towards the sky "Stolen Phantasm!"
The ground beneath the group began to violently rumble, Verndari groaned as he marched to the front of the group. Sensing trouble.
"Pravus Voluisse Corruptus"
Verndari thrust his shield forwards as the street exploded upwards in a scattering of tiles and dirt "Spegilheimur!" the mirror of his shield expanded, soon forming a thin reflective barrier which barely protected the Masters behind him.
The darkened tree formed of bramble violently thrashed around as it burst from the ground, the branches spearing through nearby buildings and attempting to breach the barrier, the weight of the tree fell upon Verndari's shield. The knight buckled slightly, gritting his teeth in effort. The dirt under his feet began to sink downwards as he was gradually pushed back.
"This….sword is…." Ash coughed out a mouthful of blood, slowly pushing himself to his feet "The...abyss itself…" he ran his hand across the onyx blade and causing it to catch fire, bringing it under his left arm and hunching his body forwards "The dark soul...of man...clea-ARGH!" he was cut off when several branched of the bramble skewered his body, wrapping tightly around him as they began to cut deeply into his limbs.
Even with his senses mostly dulled, it was quite the experience of pain for him.
"Ash!" Ritsuka called out in alarm "By the-"
"Reinforce my attack." Ash called through the mental link "I can clear away the tree...do it!"
Ritsuka grit his teeth before nodding his head, activating his mystic code and thrusting his hand towards Ash "Momentary reinforcement!"
Ash felt a rush of power through his limbs, pushing himself through the dried branched and snapping several in the process "The dark soul of man clears all away!" sweeping the burning blade in front of him, he released a wave of black fire towards the tree "Elfriede!"
The abyssal fire spread across the branches, greedily consuming the perverted tree. Aldrich watched with a scowl, raising his hand to command the pillars again when he was struck with a burst of arrows, throwing up one of the pillars to act as a shield, he glared in the direction of Gwyndolin as the God prepared another salvo.
"You-ARGH!" Aldrich reeled back, snarling in agony as his eyes turned downwards to see the giant axe of the Berserker buried in his central pillar. "Begone!" he swept his arm across the air, the tentacles behind him flashed with light before they unleashed a barrage of spells, strafing the entire road upwards.
A red blur shot out of the clouds. Nero dashed through the air, face set in a fierce expression as she brought her burning sword down on the nearest tentacle. The red blade was buried down to its hilt, with a cry of effort she dragged the weapon downwards. Opening up the tentacle with the mysterious fire which clung to the blade.
Aldrich snarled, thrusting his hand towards her and launching several pillars at her. Nero ducked and weaved as they slammed into the ground, sending waves of the sludge in all directions as they attempted to grab her.
The crimson lance in Aldrich's hands disappeared, soon replaced by an elongated staff with an exaggerated blade made of bone. The tip of the spear glowed a brilliant purple as the Saint waved it through the air, leaving behind a trail of glowing orbs which soon began to rain down upon the street.
Ash staggered behind Mash's shield as the group hid in an alleyway, falling onto his back before Verndari dragged him along with his single arm.
"Ash!" Ritsuka was at his side instantly "How bad?"
"...He crushed my heart." Ash coughed out, then gestured to the multiple lacerations lining his torn armour "And I am not in the best of condition I am afraid...I am regretting my lack of estus."
"Your spirit core has been destroyed and you're still here?" Olga gaped at him, Ash shook his head.
"The few benefits of being undead." He released a bloodied mirthless chuckle "My 'spirit core' as you describe it resides in my head. It is not the first time my heart has been run through."
"So you can recover?"
"Not immediately, I am afraid." Letting out another cough, he spat out a mouthful of blood onto the street "Even my healing Pyromancies will take some time…"
"Your mystic code has healing spells on them." Olga snapped at Ritsuka "Get him on his feet while your other servants do what they can with Aldrich, we need every available hand here." her head snapped to Verndari "If any more become grievously wounded, can you protect them?"
"I will overlook this instance of you issuing me commands." Verndari gruffly replied as he manifested his mirror shield again "But yes, should any more become too injured to fight I will do all I can to protect them until they can move again."
"Alright." Olga let out a sigh of relief as she peaked her head around the corner "Just hope its enough."
The tentacle swept through the air, colliding with the midsection of the dragonslayer armour and knocking the suit off its feet. The hunk of metal was flung through the air before it slammed into the ground with a heavy thud.
Several soul spears slammed into the tentacle as Beatrice continue to jump around, desperately avoiding the return fire from the Saint. Her face awash with panic as a beam of energy lanced just by her head.
Ducking down, the tentacle shot just over her head and smashed through the building behind her. Spinning around, she swung her catalyst upwards as a glowing sword manifested around the staff. Slashing into the red eye which glared down at her.
It took all of a second for the eye to regenerate itself and narrow at her immediately.
A dozen arrows slammed into it, destroying a large section before it could unleash its spells upon her. Beatrice eyes caught the blur of Arash leaping through the air as he continued to harass the tentacles, continually loosening dozens of arrows at a time.
"Pest!" Aldrich roared at the Archer, thrusting his arm forwards and firing off a wave of spells towards the man. Arash widened his eyes as he leapt off the building he had been crouched on. Moments before the barrage struck it and virtually erased the building from existence, burnings remains of brick and tile were blasted across the battlefield in a buckshot of debris.
Aldrich gripped the speared Catalyst with both his hands as he turned his attention to Gwyndolin, sweeping the spear through the air and unleashing a single projectile of brilliant violet towards the Lord. Gwyndolin unleashed an azure copy towards it as the two collided with each other, resulting in an explosion of magic.
"I see your power was not exaggerated, Lord Gwyndolin." Aldrich mocked with a sneer "As grateful as I am to Sulyvahn for removing you as an obstacle, a small part of me with saddened that I lost the opportunity to prove my superiority over you."
"Thee should show the deceiver far more courtesy than simple thanks." Gwyndolin replied, the corner of his lip twitched upwards "He prevented thee from experiencing a humiliating death."
Aldrich's expression flattened out as his eyes narrowed "Bold words indeed. But it is not I who currently flees for my life."
"Thou art unused to combat." Gwyndolin waved his hand, disappeared in a burst of light. Aldrich felt pain lance across his back moments later as he reeled forwards, a snarl made its way onto his face as he span around swinging his staff and unleashing another beam of light behind him. The attack obliterated the empty building. "When dealing with the simple minded. Simple tactics are most effective."
Another wave of soul arrows rained down on him, the saint raised a pillar above his head to block them before he snapped his eyes back down to the street. Gwyndolin stood in the centre of the ruined market. "And thee are the most simple of all. The deceiver achieved my death through his own hands, thou art carrion. No more than some common rat." he disappeared in another burst of light as the spot he was standing on became consumed in fire. "Good for kindling and naught else."
"You dare-!" Aldrich roared in fury as he drew the staff into the air again, only for a red blur to slam into his side. Nero slashed her burning sword upwards as she shot past the Saint, slicing through his right arm below the elbow. Aldrich hissed as the limb fell from his body, the catalyst falling with it. Dozens of red eyes locked onto the Emperor in an instant, all burning with unspoken levels of rage.
"Arash! Go for his head!'"Ritsuka called through the mental link as he peered out from his hiding spot. Arash gave a brief acknowledgement as he knocked a single arrow, pulled it back and took aim towards Aldrich's puppet body.
Aldrich reeled back as an arrow slammed into his skull, puncturing through his left eye and appearing out the back of his head. He screamed, remaining gripping at the shaft buried in his face. His remaining eye instantly locked onto the Archer, who had the gall to crack a smirk and give him a small wave before he instantly schooled his features and knocked another arrow.
Raising his remaining arm, Aldrich made to thrust it forwards when he felt himself topple forwards. His eyes trailed down to see Sif blur past him, the dark greatsword in his mouth splitting open his central pillar of support.
Time moved into slow motion for him as he saw the small blonde knight with the giant lance rush towards the now open wound in his body. She thrust the giant spear into the hole, the explosion of magical energy followed moments later. Gareth sprinted away as the wound turned into a gaping hole running all the way through Aldrich's body.
Arash's arrow slammed into his left side, obliterating his shoulder and sending the limb hurtling behind him. With a mental command, he desperately attempt to raised the remaining tentacles to act as his shield.
The Dragon Slayer armour buried its large axe into the nearest pillar, splitting it in half horizontally and leaving a gap in his defences. Aldrich's eyes constricted in fury.
"Incineration Ritual!" He cried out, his voice a mix of desperation and rage at the fact that he had been pushed back so far. He was splitting his energy between maintaining the barrier and attempting to regenerate himself. He mentally clicked his tongue, it was a gamble but if he died here then everything would have been for nothing. With the sound of shattering class, the dome around them broke down as Aldrich felt power once again flood his body. His remaining pillars positively hummed in power as he finished coursing the magical energy through them "Flauros!"
The street exploded in pillars of light.
Sulyvahn POV
He heard the sound of shattering glass moments before he heard the explosion. He cut down the final hollow before him before snapping his attention over to the direction of the commotion. He watched as the barrier which had surrounded the forum collapsed, soon followed by the explosion of light.
'It seems Aldrich is becoming desperate.' He mused, if he was being honest, he would have expected this outcome to occur far earlier. He would have frowned if he had lips. 'Perhaps he has consumed more powerful figures.' it would make sense.
Casting a final glance over the street, he turned his body towards the explosion. Mentally debating something in his mind. The Chaos Witch and burning Golem were still moving through the streets, clearing up the remaining pockets of resistance. He had no true desire to face Aldrich in combat, whether or not he was more skilled than the Saint was a moot point. Aldrich always did have power to his advantage.
A rumble echoed across the city from above, casting his sight upwards, Sulyvahn saw the vortex begin to glow with a deep blue. Then he felt something impact against his skin. He blinked, then hissed as he felt the subtle burn from it, flicking his hand to his face and brushing it away.
He stared down at the black liquid he had swatted from his person as it hit the ground.
"Abyss?" He muttered under his breath in shock, head darting back up to the clouds "...Its going to...rain abyss?"
He snapped his head back to the direction of Aldrich. The choice of whether or not to intervene had been taken out of his hands.
Servants vs Ludwig POV
The two glowing blades danced across the battlefield, the ethereal glow each produced exploded outwards with each clash. Ludwig was a whirlwind, having found some fresh form of vigour as he ruthlessly advanced on the Hunter.
Ludwig swung the blade downwards, smashing it into the ground as Lucien rolled away from the strike. Spinning around, he thrust the blade towards Ludwig's wrist. The beast twisted the blade in the ground, tearing it free and sending a show of dirt into the Hunters face. Lucien growled in annoyance as he bat the debris aside, only for the glowing blade of Ludwig to come flying through the rain of dirt towards him.
Where it clashed with the Bastard sword of the copy of Ash. The clone's knee's buckled under the weight of the blow but did not break under it. Lucien used the opportunity for what it was. He threw himself forwards, jumping over the blade and rushing straight for Ludwig's chest. Glazed eyes locked onto his form, within a split second Ludwig hefted his blade into the air, throwing the clone of Ash away and punched downwards with his free hand towards the Hunter.
Spinning to a halt, Lucien held his sword up so the edge was pointed towards the oncoming punch.
The ethereal sword effortlessly cut through Ludwig's fist, his own momentum carrying the forearm further and further along the edge of the sword as it was split down the middle all the way up to his elbow. Ludwig's cry of pain was cut short when a bolt of lightning struck his right cheek. The beast staggered with the blow, pulling the remains of its arm back before it locked onto the form of Solaire. Cecilia stood just behind him with the subtle glow surrounding the two begin to fade away.
"My thanks, Lady Cecilia." Solaire nodded to her, the exposed skin across his chest from the strike healing over until it was pristine.
"Thou art most welcome." The woman bowed her head to him before casting her eyes over to Gough "I shall provide aid unto Ser Gough."
"I will ensure no harm comes to you in that time." The Knight replied as he strode towards Ludwig "That is my promise to you, as true as the sun shines above my head." he gripped his straight sword with two hands, twisting his body as he held the blade up so it was running parallel to his cheek.
Ludwig let out a howl as Lucien slashed upwards through the front of his body, the blade carved up his midsection before being wretched free. The Beast recoiled away from the Hunter, waving the sword through the air and unleashing arcs of brilliant blue light towards the man. Lucien ducked and rolled inbetween them, the ground becoming scorched as they impacted behind the Hunter.
Solaire disappeared in a burst of speed before he reappeared in the air above Ludwig, sword pointed downwards as he descended. Ludwig looked up just in time for the knight to plant the tip of his blade in their elongated forehead. Thrashing their head around wildly, Solaire attempted to push the sword in deeper before he caught sight of a flash of blue in the corner of his eye. He kicked off of Ludwig's skull, sending his head snapping to the side with the force of the jump just as the moonlight greatsword passed just above his face.
Flipping through the air, the sun Knight landed on the ground next to Lucien. The Hunter gave him a quirk of his eyebrow before turning his attention back to Ludwig "Not bad, didn't go deep enough."
"Quite so." Solaire nodded his head "He has quite the thick skull."
"Where's the woman off to?"
"Healing Ser Gough."
"The giant? Hmph." Lucien grunted in response "He's not much good in this type of close fight, but better than nothing."
"Thou shalt be up soon, Ser Gough." Cecilia assured him, casting a quick glance over her shoulder as Solaire and Lucien rushed Ludwig together. Turning back to the giant, she held her hands out in front of her as the subtle golden glow surrounded his body.
"Healing miracles, Milady Cecilia?" Gough coughed out as he sat up, hand going to the arrow buried in his shoulder. Resting his hand on the shaft of the arrow, he took in a sharp take of breath before ripping it free from his body, a low hiss of pain followed "Apologies...thou may find thyself busy for some time."
"Tis no issue." Cecilia dismissed instantly, head flicking back over to where Solaire and Lucien in were "Thy help is required."
"I know." He grunted "Heal my shoulder." lowering his body closer to her, he presented the wound "As long as I can loosen my arrows, tis more than enough."
Cecilia nodded her head, shifting her focus over to the wound.
Masters POV
The smoke began to clear as the ruins of the street were unveiled.
Mash's cross shaped shield was placed protectively in front of Nero, the Emperor releasing a hiss as she firmly pressed her hand onto the burn on her right side, her normally tied up hair was loose, freely fluttering in the wind.
Verndari was panting heavily, looking over his shoulder to make certain that Ritsuka, Olga and Ash were still safe. The undead servant now attempting to get back onto his feet, the wounds on his body no longer looking as horrific as they had been moments earlier, but he was still sluggish.
While it wasn't essential for unnkindled to function, having a destroyed heart was still something that would hamper the body.
Ritsuka cast his sight over the wreck of the street, the surrounding buildings had been levelled entirely as mysterious fires spread across the area. He felt himself cough heavily as smoke and ash from the attack assaulted his lungs.
Debris exploded upwards from a nearby house as the Dragon Slayer armour emerged from the ground. Hefting its shield up and revealing the undamaged form of Beatrice. Sif came sliding to a halt at the far end of the street, Gareth sat atop the wolf with a look of shocked panic on her face. Having just barely been able to outrun the attack.
Looking further across, Ritsuka caught sight of Arash. The bowman was covered in rather hideous burns across his right side where the blast had caught him.
A flash of light later, Gwyndolin reappeared, virtually unscathed from the attack.
A sudden gust of wind emanated from the origin of the attack, dissipating the cloud of smoke and revealing the form of Aldrich. Flesh and bone stitched itself back together as the Saint gradually regenerated their body, although at a far slower rate than they had done previously.
Aldrich stared at them impassively for a few moments before he looked upwards, a small smile soon began to stretch across his face as he gazed into the sky. Ritsuka followed his sight upwards and soon felt the flood leave his face.
The vortex of clouds in the sky was glowing, or rather it was the complete opposite of a glow. An absence of colour that it couldn't help but shine brightly, a paradoxical existence. The clouds converged inwards and began to thunderously growl, the Saint stretched his arms into the sky as vortex began to spin faster and faster, slowly moving downwards towards the Saint.
"You should be in awe!" Aldrich exclaimed, his voice tinged with reverence "You shall bare witness to Aldrich, Demon Saint of the Deep. My essence will spread across this world and consume this era." his eyes fell down until he locked gazes with Ritsuka "Contemplate your insignificance as mere mortals. Take a pittance of solace in the fact you forced some effort out of me." the cyclone of black liquid approached the Saint until it was barely a hundred metres from the ground.
Golden chains sprang from the ground, wrapping themselves around Aldrich instantly. The Saint sneered at Gwyndolin who made ready their bow "The pitiful actions born of desperation of an antiquated being are no longer of concern to me." tensing his body, the chains exploded in a shockwave of red energy "I need no longer fear you, weak as you all are now." he hand began to regrow, flickers of light formed at his fingertips as his bone spear catalyst reformed itself "Had I more time. I would make your deaths last years, but I am simply eager at the prospect of claiming my rightful place as quickly as possible." his fingers enclosed themselves around the shaft of the weapon as his expression turned smug "So I shall simply kill you all now. Starting with you Gwyndolin."
Lowering the spear, the blade began to glow with violet lights and release hum which began to grow in intensity.
He unleashed the beam of energy as Gwyndolin threw up a transparent shield. The Lord grit their teeth as the attack impacted against his defences. While it was true he looked no worse for where, he had been expending far too much magical energy when fighting Aldrich. Worse was that although he now had a contract with the human and was able to gain magical energy, his reserves were still no where near their peak.
His shield began to crack, loud enough that it could be heard across the battlefield. Aldrich's expression turned victorious as the beam intensified in power.
A purple beam of light shot across the field, slamming into Aldrich's shoulder and causing his attack to dissipate. Aldrich hissed in pain and Gwyndolin allowed himself a small moment of relief before his head turned towards the direction of his saviour. In any other situation he would have gawked in shock, but as it stood he was simply too tired to properly react beyond a slight groan.
"Is that the gratitude I am to receive?" Sulyvahn scoffed as he strode past Gwyndolin "Perhaps I should have left you be."
"Did thee expect words of thanks?"
"Not truly." Sulyvahn admitted, turning his head away from Gwyndolin and towards Aldrich "But I didn't think it would have been necessary to begin with. I had thought the Lords were powerful beings."
Aldrich, meanwhile, was staring at Sulyvahn in disbelief "Pontiff? Wh-What is the meaning of this!?"
"I had thought it was obvious." Sulyvahn replied in a tone that made it clear the answer was simple "I am here to stop you. Admittedly, I had hoped to avoid this encounter but it simply can't be helped." turning his head to stare at Verndari, Ritsuka, Ash and Olga he let out a slight chuckle as he caught sight of the Ashen One "That is quite the pitiful state you are in."
"Do not tell me you came simply to mock me." Ash bit back with a snarl, pushing himself to his feet. The glowing orb of the healing Pyromancy began to fade away as he experimentally rolled his shoulder a few times.
"Not at first." Sulyvahn replied "But the temptation is certainly-"
"What possible motive could you have to stop me!?" Aldrich cried out in confusion "You agreed with my plan from the very beginning! And saving Gwyndolin of all things? I thought you hated the Lords most-"
"I fail to recall at what point I told you I agreed with your plan." Sulyvahn responded with a shake of his head "And I told you I despised Gwyndolin for his actions, not his being. If he had simply allowed the Flame to fade away I would have had no issue with him. Much like I have no issue with this world." tightening his grip on his two greatswords, he twirled them through the air before levelling the burning blade in his right hand at Aldrich "It is merely that I find your plan disagreeable."
Aldrich blinked at him before he fell quiet for a few moments. Rising himself up before exhaling "That does indeed fall in line with your way of thinking, I suppose. I now understand I should have expected this outcome, had I known you were present." a smirk soon came to his features "But you are far too late, Sulyvahn. My ascension towards almightiness is nigh. Once I make contact with the Deep, none can stop me. As skilled as you are, that alone are not enough to make up for the deficiency of power."
"I am well aware of that." Sulyvahn admitted with a nod, earning a brief look of surprise from Aldrich "It is why I decided to employ some aid."
Aldrich furrowed his brows "Wha-" a stream of fire slammed into the nearest tentacle, instantly scorching it before spreading downwards. The flames seemingly having a mind of their own as they greedily spread across the flailing limb. Aldrich let out a cry of shock and pain as he recoiled away from the burning limb, eyes quickly travelling away from it towards the source of the attack.
Quelaag lowered her sword and stared at Aldrich in disgust "You ate my friend. Prepare to die you hideous river of shit."
Before Aldrich could respond, A metallic roar echoed out above his head. Turning his eyes upwards he reeled back just as the black armour of the Smelter demon crashed into the ground in front of him sword first, the blade penetrated up to the hilt into the sludge surrounding Aldrich.
The Saint smirked "You mis-"
The Smelter demon twisted the blade, unleashing a wave of fire from their being which instantly blasted the front of his body. Aldrich recoiled with a cry of pain as the extreme heat burnt away at the pillars as the Berserker ripped its sword free of the ground, still burning, the servant slashed the blade through his midsection as he attempted to retreat, earning a sizzling sound of meat being burnt as it was carved up.
Ritsuka gaped at the sudden attack before Ash walked past him "I would feel sick if I owed my victory to Sulyvahn." he muttered under his breath, sending a glance towards his Master "Shall we have a second go of it?"
The boy cracked a smirk his way "Yep." soon steeling his expression "Archer!" he called out to Arash, the servant looked over to him through his one working eye "Get over here! Ash ready a healing spell for when he gets here." the Saber nodded and raised his palm again.
"I feel as though I should warn you that I cannot cast many Pyromancies after this." Ash mentioned as the orb left his palm just as Archer slid to a halt in front of him. Ritsuka shook his head.
"Doesn't matter. As long as Archer can fire his bow, its enough." He looked over his shoulder "Director? How is your Berserker?"
The woman blinked suddenly at being addressed before casting a glance over at her Servant, the armoured being ripped its axe free of the ground before turning its head to face her "He is still capable of fighting."
"Mash!" Ritsuka cried out to the Shielder as the girl brought Nero over to the healing spell. As they approached he helped sit the Emperor down gently on the ground. Biting his lip he looked over her "How bad?"
"Hardly a concern!" Nero boasted, a smile coming to her face "While I am quite horrified that I should be seen in this state, I am nonetheless pleased that the tide has turned in our favour!" she blinked before looking up at the glowing orb above her head "Umu! I must confess, this healing magic of yours is making me feel quite wonderful!"
Ritsuka allowed himself a small chuckle at he behaviour before turning to Mash "Keep running interference, try and protect everyone as best you can."
"What about you and the Director?" She replied back, Ritsuka gave her a tiny smile in response.
"We'll be fine." He tilted his head and activated the mental link "Beatrice, can you still cast Sorceries?"
"Yeah...I'm actually not that badly injured." She sounded rather surprised by that fact "Do you...um...want me to cast some more?"
"Keep your distance and cast harassing spells towards Aldrich. Aim for the eyes of his weird tentacle things." Ritsuka got an affirmative before he turned his attention to Gwyndolin and Sulyvahn "I don't suppose you're raring to go, Gwyndolin?"
The Lord gave him the closest approximation of a flat look as he could give with half his face concealed behind a helmet. Sulyvahn merely scoffed and advanced on the action "I will do what I can. I suspect Gwyndolin shall join me soon enough."
"Provided Lady Quelaag leaves anything to slay." Gwyndolin remarked, a small note of amused nostalgia in his voice "She is quite the monster when angered."
"What about me and Sif, Master?" Gareth's voice caused him to jolt and turn around to face her "What are we going to do?"
"His tentacles are where he shoots most of his beams." Ritsuka explained "You and Sif run around and try and cut them down, or at least distract them." he pointed towards the sky "We need to kill him and claim the Grail before whatever that nasty black goo is touches him."
"On it!" Gareth beamed and nodded "Lets go boy!" the wolf released a howl before shooting off towards the action.
Servants vs Ludwig POV
The bolt of lightning struck his upper torso, Ludwig recoiled backwards with a growl as the electricity spread across the area of impact. The lightning burning away at the nerves in his body before it dispersed, Ludwig growled as he swept the blade through the air, releasing a wave of energy towards Solaire. The knight rolled to the side as the projectile of light exploded on the ground where he had been stood.
Shooting forwards like a missile, Solaire slashed through the lower front leg of Ludwig. The beast stumbled as it tried to balance itself out.
Swinging his own Moonlight greatsword through the air, Lucien released a small wave of energy of his own. The arc of blue light struck Ludwig in the chest, leaving a burn mark in place as the beast screamed in agony.
Raising his sword above his head, Ludwig struck. Repeatedly swinging the blade into the ground like a club as he tried to strike the two servants with a fanatic fervour. Debris was flung in all directions as Ludwig destroyed the environment as he attempted to reach the pair.
Lucien back-peddled as Ludwig viciously slashed towards him, the glowing blade passing scarce inches from his body each time it was swung. Holding up his own sword, he knew it was folly to try and match Ludwig's strength, so he attempted to parry or divert the blows away from him as best he could.
The blade was thrust towards his chest, tilting his body and holding his sword at an angle, the moonlight greatsword scrapped across the flat of the blade and barely avoided running through his shoulder. Ludwig twisted the sword in his grip before pushing towards the side. Sweeping the Hunter off his feet, his hand darted into his coat before ripping out a pistol. With barely a second to aim, he pulled the trigger and allowed the quicksilver bullet to fly. The ball bearing impacted Ludwig's cheek, blasting small hole in the side of his face.
Ludwig merely growled in annoyance before twisting his body to block a strike from Solaire. The Sun shining brightly down upon him as his form began to glow. The two stayed locked for a few moments before Solaire managed to push Ludwig back slightly, the beasts eyes narrowed as it applied more force behind its sword arm. Solaire responded in kind as the battle of strength quickly turned into a shoving match.
A barbed whip wrapped itself around Ludwigs sword arm, the beasts gaze snapped down to the rope and then followed the trail along to Lucien. The man holding the extended cane weapon tightly with one hand before he pulled. Faced with being attacked in two separate directions, Ludwig found their strength divided between the two servants. They swung their wounded arm, still torn down the middle from their attack against Lucien, towards Solaire like a pseudo club. The knight caught the movement out of the corner of his eyes, parrying Ludwig's sword upwards as the Hunter pulled the arm towards him, he twisted his body towards the oncoming arm and slashed downwards as the limb just shot past him. Cutting the remains of the arm off.
Spinning on his heel, Solaire reeled back his arm holding the sword and stared up at Ludwig before hurling his blade towards the Beasts neck. The straight sword shot through the air like a missile before it slammed into the target, burying itself in Ludwig's throat. The beast attempted to grasp at the sword but found itself still lassoed by Lucien's whip.
Pulling as hard as they could, Lucien felt his feet slowly being dragged through the mud as he found his strength outmatched by the beast. A steel gauntlet quickly took hold of the other side of the whip. Solaire gripped tightly against the weapon and began pulling alongside Lucien as the pair slowly started dragging Ludwig's arm towards them, the barbs along the steel line began to dig into the wrist which caused the clawed fingers around the grip of the sword to slowly loosen their hold.
With a cry of exertion, which came out more as a bloodied choke, Ludwig tightly gripped his sword in his one hand. The blade instantly burst into life with a brilliant light as his glazed eyes fell on the pair of servants.
Ludwig stopped pulling against the strength of the two servants, the tension in the whip instantly slackened as the pair stumbled backwards. Eyes wide with alarm as Ludwig swung the blade towards them, power radiating from the weapon indicating that he was preparing to unleash a series of projectile slashes towards them.
An arrow the size of a small tree instantly ran him through the chest with enough force behind it to send him stumbling backwards. Moonlight greatsword being flung from his hand as his mutated head looked down to the projectile buried in his torso. Slowly trailing his eyes up as Gough knocked another arrow.
The giant let out a pained groan as he strained against his wounded shoulder, the miracle only being partially successful in healing him in the small time frame. Ludwig choked out a mouthful of sickly black blood as he struggled to remain on his feet. His body wavered as his legs started to buckle.
Pulling back the bow to the point where the frame began to groan in protest, Gough stared at Ludwig for a tense few moments.
Then loosened the arrow towards the beast, striking him in the head. The arrow punctured clean through the beasts skull, taking the top half of his head with it as it disappeared off into the distance. Ludwig's body abruptly dropped like a puppet whose strings had been severed, their body remained upright for a few seconds before it teetered over and unceremoniously collapsed to the ground.
Solaire and Lucien took their eyes away from the body as it started to flake away into golden motes of light, panting heavily as they turned to the Giant who dropped his bow and fell onto his backside.
"It…" Gough exhaled "Twas no dragon...but it made for a worthy hunt…" he panted heavily, turning their head to look over their shoulder "...I do not believe I can do much more I fear…"
"My jobs done…" Lucien remarked as he pushed himself to his feat, rolling his shoulders as his form began to fade away "Only here for that one."
Solaire got to his feet, extending a hand to Lucien "I am most pleased to have met you. I do so hope we can meet again in jolly co-operation."
Lucien stared at the outstretched hand for a few moments before he extended his own and clasped it "Never met an actual knight before…" he mused, staring Solaire in the eyes through his helmet "Certainly act like the children stories." Solaire let out an amused laugh in response. Looking over to the City, Lucien took a step away from Solaire as the handshake ended "Hope they see it through."
"Indeed." Solaire nodded to him "Farewell, Sir Lucien."
"Not a Sir." Lucien grunted, but shook his head "Farewell, Sir Solaire. Hope we don't meet again."
"That's a little rude, I think. My company is not that bad, surely?"
"It isn't." Lucien chuckled mirthlessly as his form faded away "But mine is." with his parting words, his body scattered to the wind. Solaire watched it float away before turning around and making his way to where his sword lay in the ground, pulling it free.
"Canst thou still fight?" Gough questioned him, Solaire let out a small laugh.
"...Not well, I am afraid." He chuckled, slowly making his way towards the city again "But I am a Warrior of Sunlight. It would be a great disservice to my order if I did not make the attempt."
Gough let out a small laugh in response "Thy patron Lord would like thee much I believe."
Solaire paused, looking over his shoulder and up at Gough "...Thank you. Truly, your words are…" he let out a small sigh "They are most welcome."
"Be off then, Warrior of the Sun." Gough nodded his head "Should I fail to see her again, give my regards to Lady Quelaag and Lord Gwyndolin."
"Worry not." Solaire replied "I shall pass along your warmth if I am unable to." he paused when he caught sight of Cecilia stood in front of him "Is there an issue?"
"If it would not be too great a burden on thee, it is my desire to be with Milord." She paused "I...have never seen the end of one of his tales...it would please me greatly to be there for one of his victories."
Solaire smiled at her behind his helm, sheathing his sword and extending a hand to her "Do you wish me to carry you, or shall your summons do so?"
"I no longer have the strength to call upon Milords shade." She admitted abashedly. "...It would not be too great a burden for thee?"
"Of course not." Solaire laughed "Come, if it is a firekeepers wish to see the end of the glorious adventure of their Lord, then I shall abide it."
Servants vs Aldrich POV
Mash darted in front of Quelaag, swinging her shield out in front of her and blocking the spell which mean to strike her. Aldrich seethed before a blast of blue light struck the eye which had fired the spell, the red orb exploded as the sorcery struck true. The tentacle reeling back as more spells landed.
Aldrich snarled in anger, raising his spear and allowing the purple hue to take shape-
Sif slammed into his side, causing his body to violently lurch and the spell to go wide, completely missing its target. The wolf slashed at his body before spinning off and running away, Aldrich changed his sights to the mongrel-
A blue explosion of magical energy destroyed his right most tentacle, the meat pillar keeled over as Gareth's form sprinted away from it, her lance humming with power as the light wisps flickered away from the glowing midsection of the Lance.
Several beams of light slammed into his body, Aldrich recoiled as the burn marks spread across his torso, barely managing to catch sight of Gwyndolin lower his staff and ready his bow again. Aldrich widened his eyes in alarm, raising a pillar from the sludge beneath his body to act as a shield.
A glowing purple blade instantly sliced through the tentacle wall, the defensive measure falling to the ground as Sulyvahn blurred past him in front. Within the span of a second, nearly a dozen arrows struck his body moving up towards his head, the glowing projectiles burned him where they struck, turning his central pillar into a pincushion.
It was a one sided massacre. Whenever Aldrich attempted to make some measure of counterattack, three or more servants would respond at any given time. Either Mash of the Dragon Slayer armour would act as shields for the attacking servants while it was all he could do to prevent himself from being overwhelmed entirely.
His attempts to raise more tentacles to replace the ones he lost virtually failed, even with the Grail he could feel himself being completely outmatched. Not that he could draw upon much power from it, he had been using it to support the ritual. He could feel the Abyss drawing closer to him, all he had to do was survive long enough to ensure that he could make contact with the Deep.
The issue was in the surviving aspect of his plan.
Quelaag's sword erupted in a jet of fire, extending far longer than her blade had done previously as she swung it through the air towards his upper body. In a feeble attempt to protect himself, Aldrich raised his puppet bodies arms to try and protect his head. Quelaags attack instantly scorched his skin, the chaos flames burning his arms to ash and continuing on until they struck his upper body. He leaned back to avoid the worst of the damage, far too slow to save his right side, the attack cleaving away the upper right portion of his torso and robbing him of his arm yet again.
The saint barely had enough time to let out a cry of pain before another arrow punched a hole through his right side. His body snaked backwards, slamming into the remains of the Forum behind him as his eyes travelled further up the street.
Arash knocked another arrow as the burns gradually healed across his body, loosening it and striking Aldrich further down towards the base of his pillar, causing him to heavily lean over to one side.
Aldrich doubled over, heaving severely as he felt the sickly sensation of blood rise up through his throat. His eyes flickered over the group in front of him, desperately he started to channel all the magical energy he could muster. Raising his single hand into the sky outstretched as if to grasp something "Incineration Ritu-" his attack was cut off, a spew of blood erupted from his mouth as something thudded against his body. He could feel a cold sensation running through his chest as something had run him through.
He slowly lowered his gaze to his chest.
Seeing the black sword of Ash buried up to the hilt in his midsection, fixing him in place into the stone wall behind him. Aldrich's eyes burned with rage as he stared into the T shaped visor of the unkindled. He could think nothing more than the rage, the sheer humiliation of being denied his ascension yet again by the very same unkindled.
The same worthless creature which had denied him. His remaining arm lashed out and enclosed itself around Ash's neck, gripping the servant tightly as his eye burned with fury. His chest parted open, revealing a red eye, cross shaped black pupil focused on the Ashen one in front of him. He heard Ash's gasp of surprise at the sudden appearance of the Mystic eye on his chest. It didn't matter.
If he died, he would at least take the accursed unkindled with him.
A cry caught his attention, a blur of red appeared to his left and quickly got closer. Aldrich's head snapped towards it, only to notice the form of Nero rocketing towards him. Sword alight with fire and her face set in a soundless cry as she approached him.
The eye on his chest snapped its focus towards the emperor and glowed brightly, the pupil constricted itself as a beam launched towards the Emperor.
Ash set his sword on fire seconds before. The unkindled ripped the burning black blade outwards, causing Aldrich's aim to go wide. The magical spear of power went just left of the Emperor, instead of taking away her head it succeeded only in burning the right side of her face as she approached him.
Aldrich felt time slow down as the Emperor approached him, the burning sword slicing through the air towards his neck while Ash tore the Onyx blade up through his body, splitting the eye on his chest in half as they cleaved their way through.
'I was so close...Just one more step...and I would have-'
Nero's blade fell, cutting straight through Aldrich's neck and sending the head flying from his body at the same time Ash ripped his sword upwards, splitting the torso vertically as they kicked away. The hand around his neck went limp, planting his boots on the body he pushed back with all his might and kicked it into the wall. The pillar collapsed backwards and fell through the remains of the stone building. The tentacles keeled over, their form no longer being created as they were reduced to sludge's of meat.
Ash felt his back slam into the ground with a wheeze as Nero hit the ground, rolling for a few metres before she came to a stop. Hissing in pain as her hand clasped over the wound on her right side, the ugly burn mark which spread across the upper portion of her cheek.
"Ash-san!?" Mash called out to him, Ash slowly sat up and gestured to the body, the form of Aldrich slowly flaking away into golden motes.
"Forget me...The grail-"
"Is right here."
A silence purveyed across the battlefield. The heads of everyone slowly fell onto Sulyvahn, the Pontiff holding the golden chalice in his hand "I was right, he did in fact keep it further in his sanctum." he mused, staring over the cup with a fascination as he turned his eyes to the sky "To think that he was mere moments away from opening up a portal to the Deep…" he let out a chuckle "Thwarted by the same unkindled and the Lord he devoured." the caster turned his eyes to the fading form of Aldrich "I am no true believer in fate and pre-ordained destiny...but it is in situations like these where I am forced to wonder."
"…" Ash pushed himself back to his feet, using his greatsword as a crutch "The Grail Sulyvahn. Now."
"Hm?" The Pontiff turned to them, then looked down at the chalice in his hands "Ah yes, this little thing. I had heard so much about it and to think it was no more than a mere wine goblet. Such a tiny thing with so much potential…"
Ash tensed his hand as he made to take a step forwards.
"And if I were back in Lothric, I would have used this in a heartbeat." He went on, carelessly tossing it towards Olga. The girl let out a yelp as she juggled the Grail before clutching it tightly to her chest. "It seems we always discover that which we desire when we no longer have need of it." turning his head back to Ash his laugh was far more hollow this time "I suppose that is another example of fate."
Ash's head darted between the Grail and Sulyvahn in obvious confusion "What-"
"What good would the Grail do me now?" Sulyvahn scoffed "There is no cycle to undo here and any attempt I made to use the Grail would merely freeze this era alone. I refuse to lower myself to the Gods level...speaking of." he turned to face Gwyndolin.
The Lord stared back at him for a few seconds "Indeed…" he then scowled "Thou art a cur."
"Name calling?" He mocked "How base Lord Gwyndolin."
Quelaag looked between the two with a raised eyebrow "I thought you were going to kill him?"
"Twas before he…" He grit his teeth, almost choking on the words "...Rendered aid unto me. To strike him down now would be an act of insult to the Lords."
"The Honour of the Darkmoon Knights." Sulyvahn remarked "Where aid is granted, it must be gifted in turn."
"Snake."
"A rather ironic insult."
Quelaag rolled her eyes as the two began trading insults between each other, moving over to Mash with a smirk "See where Honour gets you?"
"I would rather her view of Honour not be skewered by your poisonous words." She rolled her eyes at Verndari's growl, turning her head to snark back before she froze. Her eyes fixing themselves on his missing arm.
"…" Quelaag bit her lip as a laugh started to build in her throat, Mash felt a headache coming on "...I suppose it was fortuitous timing that the filthy little chaos demon was here to lend a hand to the helpless knight."
"…" Verndari's helm stared back at her impassively for several seconds before the man replied to her in a tired tone of voice "I fucking hate you."
"Such crass language! For shame!" Quelaag replied a false look of shock writ across her features "To think you would use such words in the presence of a young maiden like Mash!" she gestured to the lilac haired girl would looked like she would rather be anywhere but there.
Verndari glared at her before he turned away and gradually marched over to where Ritsuka was, the boy crouched down by the Emperors side.
"I-It's not that bad, right?" Nero asked him through gritted teeth, Ritsuka opened his mouth to reply then closed it again. "R-right?"
"...I'm sure you can get some make up-"
"Oh Fortuna...Why did you abandon me!?" Nero wailed, slumped her shoulders "How can I claim to be an aspect of Venus if my beauty is marred in such a way!?"
"Well-" A glowing ring appeared around the Emperor, the pair stared at it in shock before the light travelled upwards, consuming her form for a few seconds before it parted. Nero and Ritsuka being left blinking in shock before he felt his eyes widen as he gaped at the Emperor.
Nero caught his expression and felt a pang of anxiety in her, the pain which had assailed her had vanished but it was a numb feeling as if it had never been in pain to begin with. It was only made worse by the shocked look on Ritsuka's face. "W-what? What's wrong?"
"Y-your face…"
"What about my face!?"
"I'd say it worked well enough." Ash's amused voice cut in-between the two of them. Nero and Ritsuka's head snapped towards him just in time to see Cecilia lower her hands from Nero's direction while Ash stood next to her with his arms crossed, Solaire just behind him shaking his head in bemusement.
"C-Cecilia?" Nero gaped, then hid herself "Do not gaze upon me like this! I cannot bare the shame of being-"
"That is the strangest reaction to being healed I have ever seen." Solaire chuckled, Nero paused as his words, turning back to him.
"Indeed." Ash similarly let out a small laugh as he pat Cecilia on the shoulder, the Firekeepers shoulder slightly slumped and a tiny frown on her face "I am certain it is only an exception Cecilia, I am sure the next one you heal will be more welcoming of the result."
"H-healed?" Nero parroted, her hand going to her face as widening as she started to pat down at the area of her face which had been burned "A...A mirror! I need a mirror!"
Verndari chose that rather poor moment to approach them "My Liege-"
"You! You have a large Mirror as a shield!" Nero pointed at him, eyes wide and frantic "Give it to me!"
"What in the bloody-!?"
"Give it quickly!"
"Get the-! Hands off-! Verndari struggled as Nero tried to pry his shield out of his hands "Emperor Nero! Dammit Woman!" he huffed, turning his shield so it faced her "What is it?"
Nero stared at her reflection in the shield with a shocked awe, gingerly reaching up and pressing her fingers into the completely healed cheek several times. She pulled her hand back and stared at her fingers before a giddy smile came to her face.
"Still can't believe I missed the fighting." Solaire lamented "I ran all this way too."
"From how you look I would say you were not exactly missing opponents." Ash gestured to the burns and cuts in his armour "What happened?"
"Well...I got into a fight with the strangest of horses."
"Cecilia!" Nero's cry brought their attention to the Emperor as the woman glomped onto the firekeeper. Ash stiffened at the sight, which wasn't missed by either Arash or Gareth who merely rolled their eyes in amusement at him. "You are a precious gift of the Gods!"
"I…" The woman in question had a completely baffled look on her face "Thy thanks is most welcome but...but this display of affection is-"
"Nonsense!" Nero beamed, hugging the woman tighter "None may spur an Emperor's affection!"
Olga stared at the Grail in her hands before her eyes travelled back to the spot where Aldrich had disappeared. The woman bit her lip as he shoulders trembled slightly.
"Director?"
"W-what?" The woman jolted, turning around to see Ritsuka staring at her with concern.
"Is something wrong?"
"...No." She coughed into her hand, desperately trying to avoid showing the slight tremble in her movements "We have retrieved the Grail and defeated Aldrich. The cause of this singularity is resolved." her eyes travelled up to where the Cloud above their heads had been moments ago, the sky now clear blue.
"Should we...um...contact Roman?"
"We sh-"
"-lease answer!" Romani's panicked voice came through "Please! We don't have anyone else to send down and she's starting to scare me now!"
"Romani?" Olga blinked in confusion as she turned on her communicator, the Doctor's frazzled face came up moments later "What on Earth are you talking about?"
"Director?" The man let out a sigh of relief "Thank goodness, please tell me Fujimaru-kun is alright, I'm getting worri-" he let out a sqwak as he was pushed away from the screen, the sound of a scuffle was heard as Olga and Ritsuka exchanged looks of confusion before turning back to the screen.
"Anchin-sama!"
Ritsuka choked on air.
Sulyvahn stared down at his hand as his form slowly turned transparent "It appears our time here is drawing to a close."
"Your time perhaps." Gwyndolin mused with a small amused expression, Sulyvahn stared at him, noticing that his body wasn't turning transparent.
"What?" The Pontiff stared at him, tilting his head in confusion "But without the source of our summon here, we should no longer-"
"Amusing." Gwyndolin chuckled "For all thy claim to intellect, thee never thought to forge a contract with the Chaldeans." the Lord gave him a beatific smile which lacked any trace of kindness or humour "Fare well, Deceiver."
Sulyvahn's curse was cut off as his body vanished.
"You enjoyed that." Quelaag mused "How vindictive of you."
"I may not have been able to kill him, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying his passing." Gwyndolin replied, he slowly turned his head to face Quelaag as she began to vanish into motes of light, his expression became more sullen "...Lady Quelaag-"
The woman raised an expectant eyebrow at him, Gwyndolin let out a scoff "Quelaag." the woman gave him a tiny smile "It...so you see again...I…"
"I'm sure we'll meet again." The woman waved her hand, giving him a tiny smirk "Besides, I refuse to leave you to stew among the company of mortals...they don't deserve to be burdened with your morose attitude."
Gwyndolin covered his mouth, barely holding back the tiny laugh that escaped his lips "The last word as always."
"Well...I do have to speak for that giant oaf as well." She remarked with a shrug "...I wish he could have been here...Always was a little slow."
"The warrior of sunlight passed along his regards." Gwyndolin replied "...And I am sure you shall meet him again…" his smile took on a mischievous edge "You have yet to confess your love for him."
Quelaag sputtered "Wha-you!? The fuck do you-" she recognised Gwyndolin's look of victory.
"So this is how it feels, no wonder you enjoy it so much."
"Oh you son of a-" Her form dissipated into the wind.
"...Farewell, Quelaag." He whispered to himself "...I wonder if they remember summoning's." he suddenly thought to himself, then shivered at the thought of what Quelaag would do if she saw him again.
Nero stared at the vanishing form of Cecilia with a shocked expression, Ash stared at Solaire as the knight nodded to him.
"I hope we do meet again." Solaire held his helmet under his arm, smiling at Ash as he did the same "It has been too long since I fought with a fellow Warrior of the Sun."
"To you as well." Ash nodded back to him, extending a hand to him "When we meet again-"
"We shall partake in jolly co-operation!" Solaire finished with a grin as he clasped the limb tightly "Goodbye. Ash of Lothric."
"May the blessings of the Sun be with you, Solaire of Astora." The knight nodded back to him as his form disappeared, Ash swallowed the lump in his throat as he turned to Cecilia. He opened his mouth only for the woman to shake her head.
"Do not speak of partings, Milord." She gave him a small smile "We shall meet again." Ash blinked at her.
"How can-" She cut him off when she tapped the metal cover across her eyes.
"As painful as it was…" Her smile widened "It provided a great comfort." her head turned to Nero "I thank thee, Emperor. Thy kindness to me has been most welcome."
"...Do you have to go?" Nero's voice sounded somewhat small.
"I do." Cecilia nodded "But like Milord, I am sure we shall meet again." she paused for a few moments, fidgeting slightly "...If it would please thee, I pondered upon whether we could be...friends."
Nero gave Cecilia a slow blink before her face turned bright "Umu! For one who ensure the preservation of the flower of Olympia, friendship is but a small reward!"
Cecilia smiled "Farewell Nero…" She turned to the Unkindled "Farewell Ashen-...Farewell Ash."
"Farewell Cecilia." Ash nodded back to her as she vanished, releasing a breath before he slid his helmet back onto his head. Hiding away his expression. He looked over his shoulder, back towards Ritsuka and the Director before turning down to look at the Emperor "If Cecilia believed you would meet again, then she spoke truthfully."
"Umu...such a kindly woman."
"…Yes."
"...Indeed."
"No."
"But-"
"Absolutely not."
"What is she said-"
"She wouldn't."
"How do you-"
"We are not going through this again."
"But she-"
"Not. Again."
Nero let out a low growl before huffing and looking away with a pout, her eyes then fell upon someone else and gleamed with interest. Ash watched as she stalked silently towards Olga, his helmet hiding his barely amused smile at her antics.
"That will end well." Arash called out from behind him.
"Did your seeings tell you that?" Beatrice looked at him in intrigue, Arash let out a scoff of amusement and shook his head.
"I don't think that clairvoyance is necessary for this."
"H-How did she even get there!?" Olga gaped at the screen "How!? No one summoned anything did they!?"
"I don't know!" Roman called back "She literally just appeared in Ritsuka's room! She came to the command room still holding his bedsheets!"
"My what!?" Ritsuka squawked in shock "Why!?"
"The thought of my Anchin-sama being in danger was terrible to my maidenly heart." Kiyohime lamented, still cradling the bedsheets in her arms "I felt as though I had to be close to you, so that I could send my love to you wherever you were."
"That's…" Ritsuka gave her a strained smile "That's a very nice sentiment…"
Olga and Roman gave him a flat look while Kiyohime squealed in delight "I knew you would understand, Anchin-sama!"
Ritsuka let out a small whimper, then noticed the look Olga was giving him "What?"
The woman rolled her eyes "You need to grow a spine. She is apparently your servant, tell her to leave you be and not to make unwanted advances. Its nothing challenging to rid yourself of troublesome clingy-"
"Pale rose!"
"Uwaah!?"
Olga released a cry of surprise as she found herself swept off her feet and carried bridal style by Nero "Gaze upon my face, Pale Rose!" the Emperor beamed down at her "Cecilia has restored my beautiful visage and undone the crime that was the attack on my beauty by the foul creature! Is it not wonderful!"
"Put me down!"
"You know...Director." Ritsuka coughed into his hands, completely missing the frantic motions of Romani to tell him to not say anything more "I hear that getting rid of clingy people is really nothing-"
"You third rate hack!" Olga hissed at him "When we get back to Chaldea so help me!"
"D-Director." Mash interrupted her with a hesitant expression "We...um...should probably get back to Chaldea." she gestured to the other Shielder "Verndari-sensei's wounds…"
"R-right." Olga composed herself, staring blankly at the Emperor "Can you please set me down…"
"...Umu…" Nero muttered, setting her back on her feet. A frown flitting across her face "You are leaving so soon? But...what about a celebration? I have not even rewarded you."
"That is…" Ritsuka raised his hands "That isn't necessary Emperor Nero. We're fine just helping out."
Nero gave him a strange expression "But-"
"Really." Ritsuka shook his head at her "Its fine." he looked back at the screen, Kiyohime was staring at Nero from behind her fan, her eyes squinted dangerously "Also we...um...have a slight situation to sort out."
"W-well…" Nero rubbed her forehead "...Cecilia did say we would meet again…" she eventually nodded her head, her expression shifting into a wide smile "Umu! It is decided! When we meet again! I will throw you a grand feast to celebrate your achievement here! We will hold many games in your honour!"
"That sounds like something I'd like to see." Romani called out from behind the screen "Like some kind of...um...Olympic games."
"Olympic?" The Emperor scrunched her face up "I was leaning more towards Nerofest, formless voice."
"I mean its catchy but that's a little on the nose right?"
"Romani." Olga gave a polite cough and gave him a tight smile "The Rayshift."
The Doctor gave a nervous chuckle "R-right! Beginning the procedure now."
Ritsuka and Mash sweatdropped at the Doctors antics before turning back to face the Emperor, giving one last nod towards her as a light slowly surrounded them.
"Farewell!" Nero waved at them "I look forward to meeting again!"
With a flash of light, the group vanished. Leaving only Nero stood in the centre of the ruined city.
Second Singularity: The All Consuming Empire – Completed
AN: Second Singularity done and dusted! Resting at a lovely twenty chapters long and taking up a majority of the length of the fic thus far.
Anyway! So why did I initially change the second Singularity up a bit? Well...It wasn't really my favourite and while I wouldn't be as boastful to say I improved anything…
I wanted it to make a bit more narrative sense…I also realised I sidelined some of our more favourite characters but don't worry. They'll be summoned soon and get their spot in the limelight.
Mainly because the Servants like Spartacus, Jing Ke, Boudica and that are kind of sidelined. I want to give some of the lesser known Fate and Dark Souls characters some presence to them.
Kind of why I made the Looking Glass Knight into Verndari to begin with. He is technically the second OC character I have written with some depth...like ever. The first being Ash and the third being Lucien. The Chaldean staff don't really count too much as they've had bits and pieces.
But I like what I did with Verndari. He's fair, but he's a little stern when it comes to combat and has a fixed sense of what he considers right and wrong and isn't too afraid to let his opinion known to anyone other than his Master.
Anyway. As I said previously, this is mainly a Dark Souls focused fic. The presence of other Characters like Lucien and Ludwig from Bloodborne was like a nice cameo. They won't have a great impact on the story outside. Its like when you had that FGO and Garden of Sinners event.
Anyway, had some questions about whether or not I would include Elden Ring and the like. I'll be honest.
Dark Souls 1-3 and Bloodborne are the only souls games I've played. I wasn't able to play Demon Souls when it came out, namely because I didn't own a Playstation at the time, and I'm too poor to afford a PS5 (If there was ever one in stock) I haven't played Sekiro...because I haven't, don't really have an excuse for that one. As for Elden Ring, I probably won't be able to play that until the end of next month for various reasons.
Will I include other Fromsoft characters? Probably, but don't expect them to have as great an impact on the story at all. It's still a Dark Souls focused fic.
Anyway, As you can see...The Chapters got way longer. We went from like 4k words in the beginning to now 10k.
Actually, I think this Chapter will put the stories total word count up to around 270,000. Huh, go figure.
See you next time!
Also, the question of shipping…
I'll be honest. I didn't really consider it all that much until recently. I wasn't going to ship Ritsuka with the Servants...because they're dead and there are various crimes surrounding that.
I joke, I joke! But seriously, he was definitely going to go with Mash.
As for Ash?
Well...Not so much for him really, it just didn't seem right for me to ship him with anyone.
As for other Souls characters?
Well...As you've probably seen with Arkon's dialogue, he's got a bit of a crush on Nagao Kagetora. There will be other instances of such things.
Whether anything comes of them?
Who knows…