AN: Sorry that took so long, please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 12 Separation in the Eternal Empire
Chat was surprised to see a Servant appear this soon in the mission. However, that doesn't mean that she wasn't welcomed.
The Hero of Destruction smiles at his new Servant, welcoming her to the team. "Hello, I'm Chat Noir-um, hold on for a moment." Chat said, holding out his hand with his Miraculous. "Plagg, Claws In."
Chat transformed back into his Chaldean outfit as a black blur came to his side. Plagg groans, feeling the damage that Adrien took when fighting those Servants. "Speak about punches, those Servants can literally kill a Human. Good thing that Mystic Code Da Vinci gave you two is able to protect your body."
Adrien looks at his outfit, smiling that he didn't take any major damage. "Chaldean technology sure works wonders."
"Chaldean? Oh, you must be working with Fujimaru!" Pope Johanna smiles, ecstatic to hear that the Chaldeans are here working their magic to save Proper Human History.
"Wait, you know of Ritsuka?" Adrien looks at the first Pope to be a woman. "Did the Grail tell you that or-"
BB chuckled, now recognizing this Servant now. "I see, so you're Pope Johanna from the Traum Singularity. The Pope who was a part of the Restoration Realm that rebels Proper Human History." She laughs, remembering that Pope from the Chaldean records.
The Model and Nature Spirit turns to the Moon Cancer, hearing the explanation of who this Servant was. "Wait, rebel? What do you mean, BB?"
Johanna cleared her throat, a bit embarrassed to say about what transpired in the past. "W-Well, there was a time where Servants were Summoned to a Singularity and rebelled against Proper Human History. It was the influence of someone that cause a big mess for Fujimaru," She chuckled, looking to the side.
"B-But that doesn't mean I'm not on your side this time!" The Ruler Servant jumped, explaining that she was truly on the side of Humanity. "I answered your call to this Lostbelt, and I devote myself to you, master!"
Adrien gave a light chuckle, unsure how to feel about a famous Pope such as herself calling him master.
BB and Plagg look at the young master of Humanity, seeing how he will respond to the Ruler's explanation. "Hey Kid, what will you say? This woman is practically allowing herself to be your Servant." Plagg chuckles, knowing that the blonde will get embarrassed.
"Yeah, my Senpai accepts her either way," BB smirks at a now blushing Adrien. "How about you? No matter what, you Summoned her, and now having Command Seals, you're her master."
The blonde Model groans, finding this situation perplexing. Even if Plagg says that he's his Holder/Owner, he doesn't like using the terms, let alone master. But at the end of the day, there wasn't any choice.
"I'm happy to be your master," Adrien offered his hand to the Ruler Servant.
Johnna placed the scroll back to wherever she was keeping it and shook her master's hand. "And I'm happy to be working with you to save your home."
BB gave a small applause to both Heroes for coming to an agreement. "As much I want to leave you two be with…this," she points to the two of them. "But the longer we stay out here, the enemy will find us. I don't know about you two, but I don't want to get caught when my Senpai is waiting for me."
Adrien and Plagg sigh, realizing that they are stuck with her for the time being. "We get it, you're devoted to Ritsuka!" The Kwami of Destruction cried, having enough of the AI complaining.
Johanna smiles at the three, already been informed by the Grail of their situation. "You guys need a place to hide for the moment, right?" The Ruler asked the group.
"Well, yeah? Can't you tell by the roaming enemies around us?" BB motions to the sky filled with Moby Dicks and Enforcers.
Adrien looks at his new contracted Servant, "So you got a place to suggest?" He asked her.
Johnna nodded, pointing to the building behind her. "This building right behind me seems to be abandoned, the lights like some others across the street are off." She explains, walking to the back door. "We can hide out here until we receive word from everyone else. Um…you do have some way to contact them…right?"
BB sighs, "Yep, I'm on it. this is practically my back alley," The Moon Cancer gloats, receiving another rolled eye from Plagg. "I can also place a Bounded Field around us just to be safe."
"Then let's go, before we're caught." Adrien walks forward, opening the door for them.
Somewhere else in the Cybernetic City, Lancelot spirited on the rooftops of the buildings. His visor glowed, seeing a spot to rest for the meanwhile.
Ladybug closes her eyes due to the rushing wind on her face. She held back her scream before they landed gently, and Lancelot placed her down on the ground.
"W-Well, that was something." The Hero of Creation spoke to the Mad Knight of the Roundtable. She looks around the area they were in, and after a good look, it was clear that this place was barren of people. "I didn't expect that it'll be like that,"
Ladybug looks around the area, confirming what she thinks was true. "Seems like we're safe for now, Berserker." She looks back at the Servant.
Lancelot nodded, still standing guard.
"Spots off," Ladybug transformed back to her Civilian form, Tikki flew out from the Earrings now floating next to her.
Tikki looks at the two with concern written all over her face. "Is everyone okay? Marinette?"
Marinette nodded, "I am, Tikki. So is Berserker," She looks at the Knight, unsure what to do next.
"That's good, but what are we going to do now?" The Nature Spirit asked her allies, "By now, those guys are probably looking for us now." Tikki looks up, seeing the Moby Dicks on the move,
Marinette looks up, she then realizes that the night sky hasn't changed. "That sky…something's off with it."
Tikki floated next to her owner, agreeing with the oddity of the Parisian sky. "Yes, but we can worry about it later, Marinette. We need a place to come up with the next-"
Suddenly a loud clang interrupts the Kwami's sentence, both turned around to see Lancelot busting the doorknob of the building next to them. "Berserker, what are you doing?" Marinette asked, thinking that the noise was loud enough to gain the attention of the Empire.
"Arrrrtttthhhhuuurrr…." Lancelot points to the door, indicating that they will hide in the building for now.
"We're hiding in that building?" Tikki asked, receiving a nod from the Mad Dog.
Marinette smiles at Lancelot's quick thinking. "No wonder you were a Hero in the past." She looks up, seeing a Moby Dick and a few Watchers heading in their direction. "Let's go in, quick."
The three quickly head inside the abandoned building, the spotlight flashed over at the alley they were in before leaving.
Marinette huffs at the close call, she looks around noting that nothing has been here for some time. She saw a window and approach it, having a view of the City.
"Marinette?" Tikki and Lancelot stood together, watching as the bluenette gazed upon what has come to her home.
"Paris…it's different than what it was in the Present," Marinette commented, seeing the dull and oppressed City.
Tikki floats over to Marinette, sitting on her shoulders. "Tikki, we have to save Paris. No matter what's the cost."
The Kwami nodded, "Yes, we have to save everyone who's under the Emperor." She turns to Lancelot, standing in the middle of the room. "Right, Berserker?"
Marinette turns around, looking at the Mad Knight. "Berserker? Are you alright?" She saw him just standing in place, unsure what was with him. She saw his visor still glowing red as usual,
Lancelot looks at the Hero of Creation and nods,
"Seems Berserker is being on guard," Tikki floats over to the Black Knight, she waved her numbs in front of his face. "It's too bad we can't understand him well," she stated, watching him look at her.
"At least we know he's not seriously injured," Marinette commented, looking at the Guardian who's protecting her. "On other matters," She looks back at Paris, worried for Adrien and Ritsuka lost in the Cybernetic City.
The bluenette walks back to the window, "We need to find everyone and defeat the Empire before they destroy our History, our home."
Tikki nodded, "And we will, but first we should figure out what to do next." The Kwami of Destruction stated, "Any wrong moves will cause some trouble."
"Then Berserker, if you will can you help us on what to do from here?" Marinette asked the Knight; she knows that it was difficult to speak with him but he could nod if they made the right call.
Lancelot nodded, listening to the pair on their planning.
Somewhere else in the City
Ritsuka, Nero, and Charlie were following this mysterious Servant that saves from being captured by the Inquisitors of the Eternal Empire. The Moby Dicks above them were shining their lights down on the streets in search of them.
"We're almost at one of the many hideouts that the Resistance uses." The Mysterious Servant informed the Chaldeans running behind her.
Nero caught what this Servant just said. "Does this mean you're a part of the Resistance?" She asked her.
The mysterious Servant looks back at the blonde Roman Emperor, "No, I'm a Rouge Servant with the knowledge of the current situation. There's one more Servant who's waiting for us there, " She explains to the Chaldeans before looking at Ritsuka. "Also, I want to be useful for Fujimaru this time around."
"I'm sorry, but did we meet somewhere?" The black-haired Magus asked the Servant who is aiding them. "You feel familiar, even with the cloak you're wearing," Ritsuka stated,
"Turn left," The Servant informed the Chaldeans, now heading inside the alleyway.
Charlie looks around, recognizing this place in the Present. "This place…we've been here before." The former Servant stated,
"Mmm?" Nero looks at her fellow Chaldean Servant.
The former King looks around once more, informing the others. "This place is that movie theater you went to for that movie opening, Ritsuka," Charlie said to his Grandson.
"A theater? Excellent!" Nero exclaims, excited to perform for her master and the other Servants hiding there.
"Yes, now quickly before the Moby Dicks find us." The Servant opened a secret entrance to the movie theater for the Chaldeans. The three enter the abandoned movie theater, letting the Servant close the entrance as the lights flash near the doors.
Inside the movie theater, the Chaldeans and the mysterious Servant were resting yet on guard due to the light outside.
Ritsuka huffs, wiping away the sweat from his forehead. "T-That was a close one," He looks at Charlie, huffing due to his condition. "Charlie, are you okay?" He asked, concerned for his well-being.
The former King of the Franks waved his hand at his Grandson, not wanting him to worry. "I-It's fine, it's been a long since I ran as a Human." Charlie chuckles, reexperiencing his Humanity.
Nero approached her fellow Servant, "You should take the chance to rest, Charlie." She stated, helping him sit on the chairs.
Ritsuka turns to the hooded Servant standing by the chairs. "Thank you for saving us…um…"
"Archer, you may call me Archer, Fujimaru." Archer introduced herself to the Chaldean master, inclining her head to the Magus.
"Archer, it's nice to meet you-"
Charlie looks at the mysterious Servant, finding it strange that this Archer knows his Grandson/master. "Archer, you said that you know Ritsuka. Do you happen to know him from somewhere?" He asked. "Are you perhaps a Servant who made a contract with him in some event or in the past?"
Ritsuka nodded, finding both her height and voice familiar. Then he saw a strand of red hair coming from the hood. "YOU'RE-"
"Urmila, is that you?" A voice called out to the Archer. Everyone turns to the stage where a red-haired young man is tied in a ponytail, he was similar to Rama but wearing an orange Indian sleeveless tailcoat. The chest was open and wearing red gloves. He has black pants and shoes with their laces wrapped around his legs. "Oh, it seems you've brought the Chaldean master and his…Servants? I'm sorry, but you're a Servant, right?" He looks at the former King of the Franks.
Charlie blinks, seeing his yellow eyes now looking at him. "Ah, you're talking to me? Wait, never mind that." The former Demi-Servant looks back at the new Servant joining the room "Just who are you?" He asked.
The red-haired male Servant blinks, seeing that both the Roman Emperor and the Chaldean master. He sighs, crossing his arms across his chest, "Fine, I'm Archer of Kosala. One of a few Counter Force Servants that remains in the former City of Love."
"W-Woah, hold on there were a lot more Servants here at one point?" The Emperor of Roses asked the two Servants.
The mysterious Archer nodded, looking at the Chaldeans. "Yes, there was an army of Servants fought against this Lostbelt. But they were wiped out in a white flash." She explains to them.
"A white flash?" Ritsuka asked the Servants before them.
The male Archer nodded, "Before we tell you more since I've introduced us to you Chaldeans." The Archer of Kosala stated, crossing his arms. "It's only right to introduce yourselves to us back-"
"UMU!" Nero steps forward, being flamboyant as ever. "I'm known as Saber, a loyal and devoted Servant to my Praetor, it's an honor to meet fellow Servants of Humanity." She announces to the Servants before them.
Charlie nodded, waving his hand at the two. "I'm a Saber too, well used to." He stated, "My status as a Servant was taken from me, and currently on a quest to regain it."
Ritsuka walks forward, standing before the two Servants of Humanity. "I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru, a master of the Chaldea Security Organization, here to dismantle the Lostbelt." He introduced himself. "We are here with two new masters from the past and a few of my Servants. We got separated and unsure where the other group went."
"We know who you are, Fujimaru." The mysterious Servant pulled down her hood, revealing a familiar face. "After all, I was the one who took the curse from my Husband's body,"
She removed the cloak, revealing clothing and a yellow cloth around her waist. She has white boots with the one on the left leg a bit higher and a Divine Bow behind her.
"Sita!" Ritsuka exclaims at a familiar from the America Singularity.
Nero looks at the reincarnation of the Hindu Goddess of Luck, "So you're Rama's Wife, Sita." She smiles,
"Just wait until Rama sees you again." Charlie chuckled before realizing a major part of their tale. He looks at Ritsuka who also noticed the problem.
Ritsuka smiles at his old friend. However, he knows there were some things questionable about her Summons. "Sita, how are you even here? You're aware that he's here too." He informed the impossible Servant.
"I'm aware, however with a certain Monkey Divine Spirit altered the curse. With some assistance with Archer's Noble Phantasm." Sita explains to the master before looking at the male red-haired Archer next to her.
The Archer of Kosala nodded, looking at the master of Chaldea with his amber eyes. "I have been supporting Urmila with my Second Noble Phantasm," The red-haired Servant stated, "With the help of the Divine Spirit that was once here and my Noble Phantasm, as long as a certain Servant doesn't recognize her, she can stay materialized in this Lostbelt."
"I-I see, you seem to know a lot of Sita and Rama's curse." Ritsuka looks at the Servant sharing Rama's appearance. "Do you happen to know-"
The red-haired Archer smirks at the black-haired Magus. "Yes, I do happen to know the two of them closely." The Counter Force Servant informed the master. "You can say we're practically family."
Ritsuka nodded, catching on to the condition for Sita to stay and help. "I get it, so Urmila is the name you're calling yourself?"
"Urmila or Archer will be alright. If we're like this, then Sita would be fine." The red-haired girl informed the master she met in America. "But with Lord Rama, please call me Urmila,"
"Well, that's some unfortunate condition, it must ache your heart knowing you have to hide from your loved one." Charlie looks at the Wife of Rama, feeling bad for the condition she was in.
Nero looks at the male Archer, "I'm sorry to change the subject but you'd say that there was a Divine Spirit here? Where is he?" The Emperor asked the Hero.
Sita sighed, turning to the Archer of Kosala who nodded for her to tell them what happened. "Just a few days ago, Berserker has a confrontation with the Berserker of the Eternal Empire and was defeated." The Queen of Kosala informed the Chaldeans.
"So the Divine Spirit you're working with is gone," Ritsuka sighs at a potential ally gone like that in a snap.
"Yes, but there are a few still around but we're only in contact with one so far." Archer of Kosala informed the Chaldeans. He then remembered something important, "Speaking of contacts, there's someone who informed us of your arrival." He motions his head to the backstage of the theater.
Ritsuka looks at the two Sabers behind him before looking at the red-haired Queen. "Sita?"
"It's fine, he's someone who's been gathering the remaining Servants everywhere to fight for Proper Human History," Sita informed the master of Chaldea.
"Oh? A collaborator? That's the most fortunate news we got so far!" Nero strutted behind Ritsuka. She turns to her fellow Emperor sitting on his seat, "You're coming, right Charlie?"
Charlie waved his hand, still a bit tired. "I'll catch up, just go ahead of me. I'm just adjusting to my Human state." The former King stated.
Nero looks at Charlie worriedly before obliging to his request. "Umu, if you insist."
Archer of Kosala pushes aside the tarp behind the stage, showing the backstage. "Here, though he's not here physically, his familiar is here in his stead." The red-haired man explains,
"Familiar, you mean that your Collaborator is a Caster Servant?" Ritsuka enters the backstage, looking around for the Familiar that the Archer of Kosala.
Suddenly a small flaming ball flew around the room before diving down into the dusty crates. It landed as the flames disburse revealing a red bird with two feather tails yellow and the middle red. One the forehead has a five-pointed pentagram and a fire pattern feather on the head.
Ritsuka and Nero stood before the red bird, curious about this Familiar. "A-Are you this Caster's Familiar that Archer of Kosala is talking about?" He asked the Familiar.
"Yes, I am, greetings Chaldean master and Red Saber. I am Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth." The Caster introduced himself through his Familiar. "I do apologize for my lack of etiquette, but I have many other tasks that need to be attended to for your mission's success." He explains.
"What do you mean?" Nero asked, curious what the Servant was saying.
The red bird ruffled his feathers before looking at the Roman Emperor. "I'm currently preparing something that'll assist you all against the Eternal Empire so to speak. I'm also coordinating others to protect the people of Patricius, as you can hear I'm bounded with work." The Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth explains to them.
"However, that doesn't mean that I'm not up-to-date with current events." The Familiar stated, "Ever since you attend Collège Françoise Dupont, I've kept a close eye on your adventure."
Ritsuka's eyes widen, instantly remembering a red blur when he, Jeanne, and Jalter enters the High School. "So it was you who was at the roof of the School." He started, now confident that it was this Servant's Familiar he sensed.
Caster laughs, "You do have a keen eye, o master of Humanity." The Familiar nodded, confirming what the master said was true. "Yes, I was there in the past, or rather my Familiar and let me tell you, your battle between the Empire's Servant and Marie Antoniette Alter was something!" He claims, never witness anything like it before.
"So, you're here to help us then Caster?" Ritsuka asked the Grand Servant Candidate. "If so, there's som-"
"I'm quite aware of your circumstances, Ritsuka Fujimaru. I have confidence that your friends are safe." Caster ensures that worried masters of his allies. "Your four Servants are with Foreigner in a hideout, both the young Heroes you brought with you are with your Servants and the two Riders are sent to the prison."
"I do know about your Grandfather's situation," The bird looks at Charlie, recuperating at the audience. "I'm sorry to hear that he won't be able to fight."
Ritsuka nodded, appreciating his condolences. "Thank you," He looks at Nero, relieved that none of them have died yet, "That's good to hear, but still we're separated."
"Umu, at least they're not in immediate danger, Praetor," Nero commented and looked at the Familiar Caster sent, wanting to know something. "Caster, if you don't mind, can tell us where our comrades are?" She asked.
The bird shook his head, "Unfortunately, I cannot. By telling you where your allies are will let the Eternal Empire trace you back ." Caster explains why they can't go out and search for their friends yet. "For now, rest and take the time to formulate a plan. I shall contact you on what to do next." He looks over to the Archers currently present in the room.
"Archers, can I trust you to be with the Chaldeans from now on?" The Familiar asked the Servants of Human History.
Sita nodded, "Of course, we're Servants of Pan Human History." The Archer stated, turning to Ritsuka, "It's our duty to protect Humanity."
Archer of Kosala smirks, crossing his arms. "If Urmila is siding with the Chaldeans then I have to too," the red-haired Archer stated, "I don't mind taking on the Eternal Empire again, this time we got a master to support us."
"Thank you, everyone." Ritsuka smiles, gaining new allies already to save Marinette and Adrien's World.
"Umu, umu! Things are shaping up for us, Praetor!" Nero cheered, happy to have more help to add to their forces. "Now we need to formulate a plan for what to do next!"
"Right, but first…" Ritsuka turns to the Archers, knowing what to do next. "Sita, Archer of Kosala. If you would make a-"
They nodded, agreeing with what Ritsuka is offering. "Of course, Fujimaru. Whenever you're ready." Sita stated, fully prepared to join the ranks of Chaldea.
Archer of Kosala placed his hand to his side. "I'm alright with that, if it's to save Humanity then I perfectly fine with forming a contract with you, master of Chaldea."
Nero steps back, giving Ritsuka some room for him to make a temporary contract with the Counter Force Servants.
The black-haired Magus held out his Command Seals over the two, closing his eyes as he chants the ritual. "Take heed, my will creates your body, and your body shall be the sword of justice for the innocents." The Command Seals glowed red as the two's bodies glowed too.
"If you obey this will and reason then obey me and be the tool for the protection of Humanity!" Ritsuka cried, creating a contract with the two Archers.
Sita raised her head, placing her hand over her chest. "Servant, Rama's Wife, nice to meet you." She looks to the side, a bit nervous to be making a contract with Ritsuka. "I don't know if someone like me can be useful to you." She clasps her hands together and approaches her new master. "But I'll do my best!"
"Glad to have you, Sita." Ritsuka smiles, turning to the other Archer in the room.
Archer of Kosala inclines his head to the master, pledging his loyalty to him. "Servant, Archer of Kosala. Forgive me, master for not sharing my True Name." He looks up at him, still determined to serve him. "However I shall do my part to serve you as a Servant!"
Ritsuka smiles, nodding at the Archer before him. "Happy to add you to the team, Archer of Kosala." Now they have allies of this Lostbelt to assist them, for now resting should take priority before doing anything and they did.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.