AN: Enjoy the Chapter
Ch 18 The Void Countess's Final Act Pt 1
"So, what you're saying is that the Holy Grail War is still ongoing?" Koyanskaya scoffs, finding this claim to be ridiculous. "That's really funny, you two."
Ruler of Paris glared at the Fox, "It's true, if the Holy Grail War is over then both you and Chat Noir's Command Seals should disappear," The bluenette Hero points to Ladybug's hand,
"I'm sorry but I thought the Command Seals were just a reaction to the time when we Summoned Ha Mulan, Illya Muroments, and Catherine Monvoisin," Marinette stated, remembering those Servants during their confrontation with Marie Alter.
"Marinette's right, now that those three and Marie Alter are gone, isn't this Holy Grail War or something should be finished?" Tikki asked, munching on some pastries provided for her in the base.
Moriarty shook his head, "Anything will happen during a Holy Grail War." The Ruler explains to the two. "This includes masters,"
Ritsuka agrees with his Servant, having his fair share of Holy Grail Wars. "I knew something was going on when you two receive those Command Seals." He nodded, placing his hand on his chin.
"I'm just curious about this Grail War," Violet asked the group, "If this is a Holy Grail War, how come there are so many Servants Summoned in this World?" The Alter Ego asked, noting the many Servants gathered in one place.
Ritsuka turns to the Sakura Face, noting that he didn't properly introduce himself to her. "I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself to you." The Magus said to the new Servant. "I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru,"
Violet blinks at the Chaldean master, blushing at his politeness. "Nice to meet you, I am an Alter Ego Servant. A High Servant composes of three Divine-Spirits but call me Violet." She introduced herself to the black-haired Magus.
"Nice to meet you, Violet," Ritsuka gave a bright smile to the tall woman.
"Violet was the first Servant both me and Berserker met before meeting up with Charlie and Alter Ego," Marinette explains to the director of Chaldea.
Everyone turns to the Mad Dog standing at the entrance of the base. "Hey, Archer; are you okay?" Nero asked Archer of the Resistance.
The Roman Emperor saw his face a bit contorted, eyeing the new Alter Ego Servant. The light-brown-haired Archer shook his head, turning to the Saber Face. "Sorry, it's just…I don't feel right with the Alter Ego."
Nero paused before looking at the violet-haired Alter Ego. "Umu, now you mentioned it. She does seem familiar like we fought in a distant place," She ponders,
"Anyways, to answer your question, Violet. If I have to guess, the Servants that came with Ruler of Paris are Servants Summoned by the Grail of that time." Ritsuka explains to the Alter Ego before them. "The Servants who were Summoned to the Eternal Empire are the response to the Lostbelt and the people's wishes."
"Okay, but you said seven masters are currently here. So where're the seven Servants?" Marinette asked the Chaldeans,
Charlie places his hand on his chin; thinking of the first part of the Eternal Empire's Holy Grail War. "Well, let's consider the Servants that we met previously."
"That's right, you met Ha Mulan, the Archer Servant. Illya Muroments, the Rider, Catherine Monvoisin, the Assassin, Osamu Dazai, the Caster, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, the Berserker; D'Artagnan, the Saber who now serves as the master of the Anomaly. " Ruler of Paris said the names of the Servant she manifests with. "Lancer's True Name still remains unknown to me. We never told each other our names and I never use my True Name Revealment Skill on them."
Tikki thought for a moment, "You can reveal a Servant's True Name?"
"All Ruler Servants have the Skill to identify Servants' True Names right on the spot when needed it," Moriarty informed the red Nature Spirit. He placed his hand on his chest, "Take it from a Ruler like me,"
Viperion looked at the two Rulers, having a thought cross his mind. "Hey, I have a thought. Why don't we try to uncover all the Imperial Inquisitors' True Name." The Hero of the Second Chance suggested.
"That sounds reasonable, currently we know most of the Servants' True Name under the Empire's control." Xu Fu said, supporting the Moon Cancer's suggestion.
From the looks around the room, everyone seems to agree considering their current predicament.
However, the Vermillion Bird who was observing the strategy meeting cleared his throat. "Normally I would just advise the resistance and you all, but this is something I must intervene." The Caster spoke.
"Mmm? You have never been known to intervene, Caster." Archer of the Resistance asked the Familiar flying over to him.
"Yes, but it's imperative that you must not attack the Lancer of the Eternal Empire yet." Caster advises the group of unique Heroes.
The Servants looked at each other, curious why he said that. "If I may, Caster." Constantine looks at the Familiar before them. "Why would you not have us investigate and have us reveal Lancer's True Name?" The Emperor asked.
The Familiar's face remains steadfast, looking at the Heroes of the World. "Right now, I can't say much right now at your current stage. But I can tell you that I still need some more prep time for the final stages of the final plan."
Constantine nodded, understanding that Caster's plan was something crucial later. "I see,"
"Final plan?" Ritsuka asked, having a familiar sense of the way Caster was speaking.
"Are you planning for something, Caster?" Marinette asked the Familiar of the Collaborator.
Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth sighs, having a slip of the tongue. "I-I misspoke, that wasn't supposed to come out," He sighs before shrugging it off. "But there's nothing to do about it now, anyways Viperion you know why we must take care of Berserker of the Void. "
"Yes, that's right. The reason why we aid your escape is also to request your aid." Viperion explains to the Chaldeans, "I'm sure Bunnyx explains everything to you and how we're struggling just to stand against the Empire."
Ritsuka looks at Marinette and Tikki, still conflicted that they need to destroy this version of Paris to save their own. "Yes, we know what we must do."
Viperion cleared his throat, gaining his composer. "If we are going to work together, then we must share what we know of the enemy."
"Of course," Ritsuka spoke, being the one with enough experience to be the leader. "Then let's share what we know of our target." The director of Chaldea stated.
The Hero of the Second Chance looked at both Archer of the Resistance and the Familiar. They both nodded in approval, "Alright, then let's share what information we both have."
"First, our target is the Berserker of the Void. She's been a major thorn in the Resistance's side." Viperion informed the Chaldeans.
Archer of the Resistance steps forward, "Before the Resistance was formed, during the Counter Force serge. I was a part of the initial surge with many others," The light-brown-haired Archer explains. "But my allies were eliminated by Berserker of the Void, I managed to escape but without any injuries."
Ritsuka looks at Xu Fu for her insight. The Alchemist jumped, having an insight into what he wanted. "I-I can confirm that what Archer of the Resistance was saying is true." The Alter Ego confirms that what the Servant said was true.
"I can also confirm that he's a Pseudo-Servant and a Caster." Xu Fu continued, analyzing the Servant.
"A Caster? But didn't you say you're an Archer?" Rama asked, looking at the Servant in question.
Archer cleared his throat, unsure how to answer the Chaldeans. "Well, I was a Caster Servant upon my materialization but due to my injuries an ally has to alter my Spirit Origins." The light-brown hair explains his unique situation.
"Huh, that explains a lot actually." Ruler of Paris commented on the feeling she has for him. "I was just having a hard time identifying your Class. You have both the appearance and sense of a Caster,"
Ritsuka shrugs, turning to his Servants who dealt with unknown Class designations before. "Just like before, right?" He smiles at them.
"Umu, master." Nero chuckles, meeting many of those examples. "So, what's so important that we have to take on the Berserker of the Void?"
"I'm not sure, all Caster said was that he needs data on the Servants on the Eternal Empire's side." Archer of the Resistance explains, looking at the Familiar on the table.
The Familiar tilts his head, acting like any other bird. "Oh, right…that's something you don't need to concern yourself with just yet." The Caster spoke through his Familiar. "All you need to know for the time being is that I'm working on something that will be helpful to you all."
Many groans, recognizing this type of vague way of speaking.
"So you're that type of Servant, how annoying." Violet sighs, placing her hand on her side.
"I knew you remind me of that Beast Hunter and Magus," Koyanskaya huffs, crossing her arms,
Violet looks at the Fox, raising her eyebrow at her. "So you don't like those types of people? Then I believe you and I are going to be good friends, Koyanskaya." The Alter Ego smirks at her fellow Alter Ego.
Koyanskaya chuckles, also liking this Servant. "Mmmm, I believe you are right, Violet." She commented.
"Now that we've told you our side of this conflict. I believe it's you guys' turn to tell us what you know." Viperion asked, waiting for their trade.
Ritsuka nodded, "Right, seems like a fair trade." The Magus crossed his arms, looking at one of the leaders of the Resistance, "Where do I start first…"
"The True Name would be the best, master," Moriarty advises his master on what to do.
Ritsuka nodded, turning back to their new allies, "We can tell you who the Berserker is. In fact, we can tell you about her,"
Viperion nodded, learning that a Servant's True Name is the most valuable intel to get. "That would be great, master of Chaldea."
"You guys call her Liz, does that mean you know her?" Marinette asked,
"Her True Name is Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess. She's the source of inspiration for Carmilla the Vampire," Ritsuka informed the others of who the Berserker is.
"E-Elizabeth Bathory? You mean that Hungarian Countess that bathes in young women's blood?" Viperion asked, knowing of her legends. "Great, I knew something was supernatural about her when she was singing."
"Viperion?" Marinette asked, seeing the expression he always makes whenever he's worried.
Nero nodded, stepping into the conversation. "Umu, however, this Liz is not the one currently in Chaldea's Storm Border. She's an Altered version of her with the power of the Greek God of th-"
"We know of the Klironomia that the Empire is using." Archer of the Resistance stated.
"To think we're facing a Vampire of all things." Viperion shook his head before looking at everyone.
Ruler of Paris and Marinette looked at each other, knowing Viperion well. "Viperion, are you okay?" Ruler asked her ex-boyfriend.
The teal-haired Hero nodded, taking the moment to calm himself. "Yes, I'm fine." Viperion cleared his throat, "Let's just focus on Berserk-no, Elizabeth Bathory."
"We call her, Liz Void." Sita inserted what her group calls the Berserker of the Void.
Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth hums, finding that name curious. "What an interesting name, I like it!" The Familiar stated. "Now, while you all were talking, I took the liberty to send a Familiar to check things in Liz Void's territory."
"And? What do you see, Caster." Constantine asked the Vermillion Bird.
"A lot of Empire Forces surround the entrance and audience, including Ryunosuke Akutagawa." Caster reported to the Chaldeans.
The Emperor sighs, placing his hand on his chin. "By the sounds of it, it seems that the numbers won't decrease anytime soon," Constantine stated.
"Taking them head is risky," Archer of Kosla stated, "Though we do have powerful Servants on our side, we can't forget that they have Theos Klironomia."
"We are struggling to overcome their advantage," Sita added, looking around the meeting. "Going in with the forces we have isn't wise."
"Don't forget, the opponents are Berserkers, one of the strongest and most durable Servants." Xu Fu added her opinion, "They can be unpredictable in both their mindset and their strength."
Everyone agreed, having faced all sorts of Berserkers in the past. "So let's plan for any outcome in the mission," Charlie stated, being the positive one in this mission.
The Servants along with Viperion were discussing what to do in eliminating Liz Void.
Marinette explores the base they're calling their home away from home. "Marinette? Is something on your mind?" The bluenette turns around, seeing Tikki floating next to her.
"Tikki," Marinette smiles at the presence of her friend. She looks at her Kwami, unsure what to think. "I-I'm not sure what to think, Tikki. I thought the Holy Grail War that Ritsuka spoke about was done."
"I thought that everything would cease when we defeated Marie Alter and when Emilie returns to being Human," Marinette stated, seeing things are going off the road. "But things just became unpredictable. Even when we didn't find Adrien and the others who were with him."
Marinette chuckles, looking at her Command Seals. "On top of that, I'm sure that Adrien probably has Summoned a Servant by now." She assumes,
Tikki could sense the uneasiness of her owner, she floated over to her. "Marinette, if you're having doubts about yourself, then I highly ask anyone here for advice." The Nature Spirit turns to the group, still planning on what to do. "They have some experience with this."
The bluenette nodded, finding Tikki's words to be reasonable. Her eyes look over to Ritsuka, "Thanks Tikki, and I already have someone in mind to talk to." Marinette stated.
After a few minutes of planning with the Servants and Viperion, they came to the plan the Chaldeans used with some added adjustments.
Ritsuka and Viperion stood up, "Seems like we've are in agreement." Ritsuka stated,
"Yes, I shall contact the main base to request reinforcements for this mission." The Hero of the Second Chance added,
"Then rest before we head out everyone," Nero stood up, crossing her arms. "It'll be a struggle, but we will persevere!" She announced, lifting the spirits of everyone.
Many chuckles at the Rose Emperor's personality for those who know her.
Ritsuka smiles before noticing Marinette and Tikki at the corner. The bluenette motioned her to come over, "Mmm?"
The Magus approached the two, curious why they call them over. He stood before the young Hero and Nature Spirit, "Marinette, Tikki, what is it? Is something bothering you two?" Ritsuka asked.
"Ritsuka, I have a question for you, if you don't mind that is," Marinette asked the Magus.
Ritsuka nodded, waiting for her question. Marinette looks at the director of Chaldea, "I'm…I'm not sure about this," She stated.
"Not sure about what, Marinette?" Ritsuka asked, not getting what she was saying.
Marinette showed her Command Seals to the seasonal master, "Being a master, you have many Servants under your leadership and Summoned new ones. But I can't help but feel useless as a master who is supposed to Summon Servants."
Ritsuka understood what Marinette was saying, He placed his hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Marinette, no one's expecting you or Adrien to Summon a Servant when you accompany me to the Lostbelt. Even if the Holy Grail War is continuing, you have no obligations to Summon one now,"
"However, I can tell you this." Ritsuka continues, "There will be an opportunity where you will be needed as a master."
"Needed to be a master…an opportunity…" Marinette looks down at her Command Seals, appreciating his insight into her doubts. "Thank you, Ritsuka. That's really insightful,"
Ritsuka chuckles, "Well, you two are new to being masters. It's only right for me to teach you the ropes," He placed his hand on his side.
Tikki floats between Marinette and Ritsuka, happy to see that the Magus was able to help Marinette's doubts. "See Marinette? I told you there's nothing to get worried about."
"Your time as a master will come, you just need to wait." The Nature Spirit added, wanting to make her owner feel better.
"Thanks Tikki," Marinette smiles before noticing Sita walking over to them.
Ritsuka and Tikki turn to the incarnation of the Hindu Goddess of Luck, "Archer, is there something you need?" The Magus asked the Queen.
The red-haired Goddess nodded, "Master, Ruler, and Caster want to talk to you about something important regarding Chaldea." Sita stated, passing the information to him.
"Alright, let's go." Ritsuka turns to Marinette, seeing she's doing well. "Marinette, if you ever have any more doubts then you can always talk to me."
Marinette nodded, feeling comfortable talking to him. "Yeah,"
"Talk to you later, Ritsuka," Tikki said, appreciating his help.
Ritsuka followed Sita to the center of the base, there stood Moriarty and Koyanskaya with the Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth.
Moriarty looks at his master, "Greetings, master. I'm glad you're here," The Crime Lord greeted his master.
"Ruler, is there something going on?" Ritsuka asked the Strategist before him.
"Not really, I was just talking with Caster and Koyanskaya about the mission," Moriarty explains to their master. "We believe in making some use of our comm system for this,"
Ritsuka blinks, turning to Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth. "If our plan is to succeed, then having Chaldea handle the communications will be useful." The Vermillion Bird added,
The master of Chaldea looks at Koyanskaya, shrugging at what they discuss. "I don't really care, it's up to you, Fujimaru if you want to utilize Chaldea's comms." The Alter Ego stated, giving her master the chance to decide.
Ritsuka ponders for a moment, after thinking of the pros and cons of using the comms during their mission he came to a decision. "Alright, though it's risky we need a way to communicate."
Moriarty chuckles, happy that his master understands. "Wise decision master, I'm happy you see things reasonably."
"I shall make contact with the Storm Border," Koyanskaya stated, approaching the terminal. "But I can't guarantee that the Eternal Empire would detect it."
"I'll take care of that issue," The Familiar stated, flying over to the Terminal. He did some chants, inscribing a pentagram on it.
Koyanskaya huffs, placing an emulator and hooking up something under the panel. "Tch, Onmyoudou arts always getting in the way." She complains, not liking how he's supporting her while working.
"Ah, so you don't like Onmyoudou. Nice to know, good Secretary of Chaldea," The Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth commented. "Anyways, let me put some protection and illusion in your technical-"
"Shut up and let me work." The pink-haired Fox barks at the Familiar, going into the interface of the Terminal and linking up their current time with Chaldea's time. "You Casters
Ritsuka looks at Moriarty, hearing the Fox and Familiar arguing about the comm system. "Well, another day in Chaldea, right?"
Moriarty chuckles, "Indeed, master. "
Void Territory
Liz Void grumbles, watching the Enemy Programs return from their scouting. "Anything to report?" The Altered Liz asked the soldiers of the Empire.
"None to report my Lady. The Chaldeans have disappeared from our sights and detection." The Enemy Program reported to the Berserker.
Liz Void growls, punching the metal pole on her stage. "Damn those Chaldeans ruining my perfectly perfect concert!" She cursed. "Continue to find them and don-"
"Forget it, Elizabeth Bathory Void." Liz Void looks behind her, seeing Akutagawa approach her. "The Emperor requires no more wasted time in searching for those who already left your territory."
The black-haired Servant frowns, glaring at her with his crimson eyes. "The soldiers under my authority need to resume our patrols of the Empire. Rumors of a resistance forming are spreading, and I must resume my hunt for the Heroes of Paris." Akutagawa stated, turning to the soldiers under his leadership.
The Enemy Programs that follow the Berserker of the Eternal Empire turn to the exit and retreat to the streets.
Liz Void growls, looking at the leaving reinforcement she called for. "So you're leaving me to deal with the Chaldean pest!?" She growls.
Akutagawa leaps down from the stage, following his platoon, "If you are having trouble with the Chaldeans then all you need to do call for reinforcements just like last time." The Berserker stated, ignoring any other argument from her.
Liz Void frowns, taking Akutagawa's sentence the wrong way. She watched as the second Berserker of the Empire left her territory. Once he left, she roars and then implants her Spear into the stage. "Then if you won't help me, I'll show you something worth your time!"
"I'll give you all a show worth remembering!" Liz Void raised her hands, a castle erupted from the ground with speakers on the brick walls.
Dragonoid wings spread from her back, and Liz Void took the air before landing on the tip of her Spear. "Be dazzled by the greatest hit of the Servant World!"
Liz Void leans back, her hands holding her mouth. "###### Báthory Erzsébet!"
A loud song burst throughout the city, and those who were far away screamed in pain at the loudness. However, those who were in close proximity were not so lucky, a nightmare at its finest.
AN: Please leave a comment or review.