AN: Enjoy the Chapter.
Ch 27 Message from the Paladins
"Spots Off," Ladybug cried out,
"Claws in!" Chat Noir followed what his Lady said,
The two Heroes of Paris detransformed back into their Civilian clothes as their Kwamis floated beside them.
Adrien looks at his Kwami, pulling out some camembert for him. "How're you doing, Plagg?" The blonde asked his Partner.
Plagg stretched his arms before taking the cheese from his Owner's hand. "Considering that we hardly had any time to rest and keep on going around the City, peachy." He lifts the cheese to his nose, sniffing the smell of it. "Hello, my dear old friend,"
Marinette giggled, watching the Kwami of Destruction eat the stinky cheese in a single gulp. She then took out a macaroon for her Partner, offering it to her in her palms. "Here you go Tikki, you earned a big macaroon for your hard work today."
"Thanks, Marinette." The Kwami of Creation smiles, her eyes widening at the taste of the macaroon. She looks over to Marinette, appreciating her thoughtfulness. "Marinette, where did you get a strawberry-flavored macaroon?" She asked her owner.
"Well, right before we left for the Sakura Labyrinth I baked some macaroons for everyone." The bluenette explains to her Partner, "After what happened to Berserke-I mean Liz Void, I figured that something sweet should be able to lighten the mood. It just so happens we got some strawberry filling in the fridge, so I used it."
Tikki smiles, "Like always, you always think of what others are feeling." She commented.
"That's right," Adrien smiles at how considerate Marinette was to the people around her. "I'm glad that you kept your way of thinking despite everything, Marinette." He said kindly, sitting next to her.
Marinette blushed, pushing away her hair from her face. "It's not a big deal, I just want to help, that's all." She said softly.
Plagg belches a small green gas cloud, interrupting the moment between them. "Plagg! Do you really have to do that?" Tikki scolded her fellow Nature Spirit for being rude to their owners.
"Hey, I haven't eaten for how many hours now. I always have gas when I eat something for the first time for a long time without eating." The Nature Spirit explains nonchalantly to the three.
Adrien shook his head at his Partner still being himself despite their situation. He then turns to his Girlfriend, curious about what she and Ritsuka were doing. "Marinette, during our separation, what did you do?"
Marinette looks at the blonde boy, hearing his question. "Well, after we got separated Berserker took me and Tikki to an abandoned building where we hide for a while." She explains to Adrien, "We went around, trying to hide from the Watchers and Enforcers hovering above us. Eventually, we encountered the Berserker of the Void or Elizabeth Bathory Void and then met up with Ritsuka's group."
"Soon we came up with a plan to defeat her with the help of Future Viperion and Archer of the Resistance." Marinette continues explaining what they did as Adrien listens to her. "Oh, and we have more Servants on the team to face the Emperor."
Adrien was surprised by how much both Marinette and Ritsuka were able to do so much while their separation. "W-Wow, you defeated the Hungarian Blood Countess and made a small army of Historical Figures."
Tikki nodded, "That was a hard fight, her singing was able to lower our endurance and strength." The Kwami of Creation explains what the battle between them and Liz Void was like. "It's fortunate that Viperion and Archer were able to play music countering her music."
"Was that screaming this Liz Void singing?" Plagg asked, sitting on the table in between Adrien and Marinette's beds. "We heard it from the other side of Paris."
"That was loud enough to reach the other side of the City!?" Marinette asked; she knew Liz Void's singing was loud, but she never knew it could reach the other side of the City.
Both Adrien and Plagg nodded, confirming they heard the enemy's singing. "Well, at least you were able to defeat one of the major Servants on the enemy's side and was able to get one to our side," Adrien commented,
Marinette nodded, "After Liz Void's defeat, the Resistance Collaborator has asked us to meet with him." The bluenette explains, continuing her story. "He gave us some valuable information and is currently treating Charlie with the help of Ruler and a Servant Ritsuka Summoned."
"I'm happy that Charlie is being treated," Adrien said, knowing that Charlie took on major damage to his body. "Was he the one that gave you the Talisman to bring Berserker to our side?"
"Yes he was, he gave us three Talismans to bring the Servants to our side," Marinette commented, taking one more Talisman to show the Hero of Destruction.
Plagg finished his camembert before speaking. "Now that Berserker of the Eternal Empire is on our side there are two more Inquisitors left on the enemy's side." The Kwami of Destruction commented.
"Um, don't forget, that Caster and Saber that we met back in the past," Tikki spoke up, now remembering the other two Servants serving the Empire.
"That's right, how can I forget about those two," Adrien said, also remembering the red-haired Saber and the violet-haired Caster. "Now that I think of it, we didn't encounter those two yet."
Marinette also remembered that those Servants were still alive. "They most likely staying at the Palace at the center of Paris and next to that huge cube." The bluenette assumes,
Plagg nodded, seeing that the Hero of Creation might be right. "Felix must have those two doing something than hunting us down."
"Anyways, what about you, Adrien, Plagg? What were you doing during our separation?" Marinette asked the blonde boy beside her.
Adrien smiles, "Well, BB, Plagg, and I manage to escape into an alleyway. We were looking for somewhere where to hide out and somehow Summoned me a Servant." The blonde explains, looking at his Command Seals on his hand.
"That woman dressed like a religious figure?" Marinette asked, she was surprised that Adrien was able to Summon a Servant. She smiles, happy for her Boyfriend Summoning a Servant to help. "That's great, we got even more help to save Paris."
"So? Did you Summon your Servant, Marinette?" Plagg asked, curious if she had Summoned a Heroic Spirit.
Marinette didn't cross her mind that she could Summon a Servant of her own. Truth be told, with everything literally being tossed at them, she didn't have time to Summon one. "Other things were happening that completely slipped my mind."
Tikki looks at her owner, finishing her macaroon. "Now that we're able to have some downtime, you can Summon a Hero to help us!" The Kwami of Creation exclaims,
Tikki has a point, now that they aren't running around, she can Summon a Servant to help like before. "Yeah, that's a good idea!" Marinette stood up from her chair.
"Then let's ask Ritsuka to help! I'm sure he's willing to-" Adrien paused, hearing someone outside knocking on the door. "Who is it?" He asked who was behind the door.
"Master," Johanna called for the blonde boy, "It's me, Ruler. I'm letting you know that everyone is gathered in the meeting room. They're discussing their plans against the Eternal Empire with the Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth." She informed the two in the room.
Adrien stands to his feet, hearing his Servant. "Okay, we're going to meet you there, J-Ruler." He called out to his Servant.
The two Heroes heard the Pope's footsteps leaving the door, returning to the meeting. "Well, we better join the others, Marinette." Adrien looks at his Girlfriend, about to head out to the hallway in his civilian form.
"W-Wait, Adrien don't go out just yet." Marinette stands up, grabbing the Model's hand. The young Blonde boy looks over at her, confused about why she's stopping him.
"Why, Marinette?" Adrien asked,
Marinette stood from the bed, eyeing the Mystic Code Chaldea handed them. "We're still in our Civilian wear. The Resistance Soldiers might know us-well the Future us." She said,
"I wouldn't be too worried about it Marinette," Tikki spoke, floating over to her owner. "Viperion and Bunnyx have been leading them along with the Servants in the Resistance. They ought a seen they detransforms many times." The Nature Spirit spoke.
Plagg nodded, hearing the conversation. "Sugar cube's right, I mean with everything going to shit, do you really think that everyone would care who you are?" The Kwami of Destruction asked the two Heroes before.
Marinette ponders on what Plagg said, "Still, I don't want any possibility that the enemy could figure us out." The bluenette commented.
Adrien nodded, looking at Plagg who was finished resting up. "Sorry for making you work so much Buddy." The Model apologizes to his Kwami,
"I get it, Kid, just make it quick." The Nature Spirit spoke, not minding the urgency of the situation.
"Tikki, are you ready?" Marinette asked her Kwami, wanting to make sure she is rested up before transforming.
The Kwami of Creation nodded, floating over to the bluenette. "Yes, let's go, everyone!" Tikki exclaimed, raring to go.
A flash of light shined behind the door, After a few moments both Ladybug and Chat Noir steps out.
A Resistance member approached the two, seeing the light. "Are you two all right?" She asked.
"Yeah, we just need to recharge and all," Ladybug explained to the Soldier.
"So, is Ritsuka up yet? We want to speak to him about something." Chat stated, asking the hooded Soldier.
"Yes, but there's an important meeting going on." She explained to the two Heroes. "I think it's best for you two to join."
Ladybug and Chat Noir looked at each other before heading towards the meeting place. Once they arrived they were met by Ritsuka standing with Assassin of the Resistance, Bunnyx, Constatine, Nero, Koyanskaya, and Akutagawa.
At the center were two hologram panels, one is with Moriarty and the other was with Chaldea. Ritsuka turns around and smiled at the two young Heroes. "Good afternoon you two. Did you sleep well?" The Magus asked the two.
"Um, yeah to be honest it's nice to sleep in a real bed after a while." Chat cheekily said to their ally. "So, what's going on here?" He asked, getting to the point.
"Seems like something important is going on," Ladybug stated,
Nero nodded, "Umu, you are correct Ladybug." The Emperor of Roses turns her head to the center of the room. "We're discussing the next phase of the plan."
BB sighs, leaning on the couch she was on. "To make it short, we have two options to choose from." The Moon Cancer stated, "One we go and meet up with everyone else to rescue our captured allies, but…"
-ZZZ- Our sensors detect high Servant readings in the map the Resistance sent us. -ZZZ- Archimedes spoke on the other end of the hologram panel. -ZZZ- From our data collected from the Present, I can tell you all that the Saber of Gascony and Caster of Versailles are present there. Along with a few of our missing allies, -ZZZ-
-ZZZ- Not only that, but our sensors detect a Divine Spirit in their ranks. Assumably the Lancer of the Eternal Empire. -ZZZ- Moriarty continued, sharing the same data as everyone.
"Divine Spirit…that could pose a problem if we're not careful," Johanna spoke, sharing her thoughts on the matter. She looks at Ritsuka, "You have at least three Divine Spirits in your ranks, right Fujimaru?" The Pope asked.
Ritsuka looks at Moriarty and Archimedes. "A bit more than that, but they're with Ruler at the moment and a few are with the Caster helping another Servant." He explains. "But I can request the Archers for assistance, right?"
Moriarty looks over to the side, speaking to the two Archers in the room. He turns back to the panel, nodding in response. -ZZZ-Yes, both Archers are ready to depart when ready. -ZZZ-
"Well, that takes care of the one mission," Ladybug commented before asking what the other one was. "What about the second one?"
Assassin looks over to Bunnyx, whom she nodded in response. "Before we tell you, I believe it's only right to let you all hear the message of the Servants that were once here."
"What?" Chat asked, watching the Hero of the Last Chance press some buttons on the terminal.
Soon three hologram panels appeared on the screen, One panel has a knight with blue hair, another knight with green hair, and one with red hair.
-ZZZ- Greetings, whoever is watching this recording; we are the Servants that teamed with the residents of this Lostbelt to overthrow the Eternal Empire. -ZZZ- The blue-haired Servant greeted the Resistance and Chaldeans.
"Woah, are they Servants? They look like the Servants we have with us." Chat commented, taking note of the armor.
Bunnyx nodded, turning to the Hero of Destruction. "Yes, they're Servants that first appeared when the Empire defeated the Miracle League." The maroon-haired Hero explains before turning back to the message.
-ZZZ- By the time you see this message, to put it bluntly…we're dead. -ZZZ- The orange-haired Servant stated, not pulling any arms.
"Oh no," Ladybug covered her mouth, hearing these three died before they got here.
Koyanskaya huffs, crossing her legs. "Get used to it, Kid. This is the life of a Servant." The Beast of Cherishment commented.
"Now, now Koyanskaya. There's no need to put it harshly." Ritsuka smiles at his Secretary. The Alter Ego waved her hand, not caring what she said.
Nero steps next to the Hero of Creation, crossing her arms. "Don't feel bad, Ladybug. We know the risk when the Counter Force calls upon us for help." The Roman Emperor commented.
"Well said, Saber," Constantine commented on the Saber's statement. The black-haired Servant looks at the bluenette, adding his comment. "If Humanity is in peril, then it's up to us Heroic Spirits to lend aid, like you two when defending your home."
Ladybug nodded, hearing how these Servants were willing to sacrifice their lives to protect Humanity. "I think I get it." She commented.
"If you are done speaking, I think we should continue." The white-haired Servant looks over to the Emperors and the Hero.
"Oh, right, sorry about that." Ladybug apologizes to the leader of the Resistance.
Assassin looks over to Bunnyx, allowing her to continue playing the message.
-ZZZ- So sorry to make things grim on the first thing you heard but it's best to hit the frying pan when it's hot… -ZZZ- The green-haired Servant ponders on what he said. -ZZZ- Is that how you modern Humans say it? Hmm? It's similar? -ZZZ-
Chat chuckles, seeing how the green-haired Servant is actually chill. "Wow, I expect a Servant from History to be serious, but I guess I was wrong." The blonde Hero commented.
"That goes for show, things aren't written in stone," BB added,
-ZZZ- Ahem, anyways, that's going off-topic. -ZZZ- The blue-haired Servant stated, looking back at the people who were watching the message. -ZZZ- Allow me to reintroduce ourselves once more. We are Servants Summoned to aid this World in felling the Eternal Empire. -ZZZ-
The blue-haired Servant placed his hand on his chest. -ZZZ- For good courtesy, we shall tell you our True Names, seeing we are no longer there to assist you. -ZZZ- He stated,
"Wait, pause it," Ritsuka said to Bunnyx who obliged.
"What's wrong, Chaldean master?" Assassin of the Resistance asked, curious why he had Bunnyx paused the recording.
Ritsuka looks at the Assassin, "Is it really okay with you to have your allies reveal their True Names like that?" He asked the leader of the Resistance, "I know they said they're willing to reveal it to us, but that doesn't sit right with me."
-ZZZ- Mr. Fujimaru, I understand that you want to respect the dead. -ZZZ- Holmes appeared on the transmission. -ZZZ- But consider this as their last stand to aid Humanity,-ZZZ-
Archimedes joined in the conversation too, -ZZZ- I concur, it's best to respect their decision. -ZZZ- He stated.
Ritsuka sighs, knowing all too well that these Servants gave everything they have in trying to restore Paris. "Okay, let it play." He said, allowing Bunnyx to resume the message.
The blue-haired Servant resumes, introducing themselves. -ZZZ- I am the Ruler Servant Summoned to this World, my True Name is Archbishop Turnip. One of the members of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne. -ZZZ- The Ruler introduced himself to the people who were watching the message.
Ladybug coughs, looking at the Servants on the hologram panel. "Y-You mean one of Charlie's Paladins!?" The bluenette stated.
"To think we had a few of the King's lackeys here," BB scoffs, crossing her legs.
Koyanskaya looks at Assassin of the Resistance and Bunnyx along with the other Resistance members. "So, they all die at the hands of the Eternal Empire."
They all nodded, confirming what the Beast said.
-ZZZ- Well, since we're telling them who we are, I guess I can go next. -ZZZ- The green-haired Servant cleared his throat, smiling at those who were watching. -ZZZ- Hello people, I am a Saber Class Servant, Oliver of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne! -ZZZ-
"Another Paladin? Well, considering we are in France, it's natural they were Summoned." Ritsuka commented, assuming that was the case.
Finally, the last Servant from the hologram panel was next. -ZZZ- Well, I guess it's my turn. -ZZZ- The red-haired Servant said, looking at the people. -ZZZ- I'm also a Paladin of Charlemagne, the one who holds the Holy Sword Froberge. I am the Saber Servant, Rinaldo. -ZZZ-
-ZZZ- How interesting, Paladins that introduced themselves all possess Holy Swords…-ZZZ- Holmes commented before putting the pieces together. -ZZZ- By Jove, I got it! -ZZZ-
-ZZZ- What is it, Holmes? What did you realize?-ZZZ- Goldolf asked the Advisor of Chaldea. -ZZZ- And don't you give 'it's not the right time' bullshit. -ZZZ- The Vice Commander stated.
Holmes turns to Ritsuka and the others. -ZZZ- Mr. Fujimaru, everyone, exactly how many Saber Servants have you encountered? Minus the Sabers that accompany you and the one in the Empire's roster? -ZZZ-
"None to be exact, we have encountered Archers, Casters-almost every Class minus the Sabers," Ritsuka informed the Ruler Servant. Then it hit him, how come he didn't realize it before?
-ZZZ-Ah, now you understand…-ZZZ- Holmes stated.
"Um, some of us here are confused." Nero raised her hand, not getting what the two are thinking. "Holmes, can you share what you and Preator are thinking?" The Emperor or Roses asked.
"Yeah, I would like to know as well," Chat commented.
Holmes cleared his throat, -ZZZ- My apologies, I assume you all figure it out by now. -ZZZ- The Detective stated, assuming they were smart to put the pieces together. -ZZZ- In any case, the Servants that were listed as deceased were Saber Class Servants. Heroes who possess Holy Swords, a Divine Construct.-ZZZ-
"Okay, so they have powerful Divine Artifacts. What's the difference between a Saber and a regular Heroic Spirit?" A Resistance Soldier asked the Detective.
-ZZZ- In a regular Holy Grail War, the Servant whom most people aim for is the Saber Class, -ZZZ- Moriarty explains how most Holy Grail Wars work. -ZZZ- Since the Servants here are mostly other Classes, it's right to assume the Empire has killed off not only other Servants but mostly…-ZZZ-
"The Sabers…" Ladybug said, finally realizing what the Empire has done. "But why? I get they are the strongest, but why them?"
Ritsuka knows it too well, he looks at Ladybug and Chat Noir. "Simple, the Saber Class has the highest chance for a Servant to be Summoned with a Holy Sword." The master stated.
"A Sword that can eliminate outside threats in an instant," Johanna said, saying what all Servants should know in their heads.
-ZZZ- It makes sense now, doesn't it? -ZZZ- Holmes stated, -ZZZ- By getting rid of Servants with Holy Swords then the Eternal Empire has a better chance to proceed with their plans. Such as Charlie's incident back in the past. -ZZZ-
Chat nodded, "So by getting rid of the opposition then they can do whatever they want." The Hero of Destruction stated. "By is it really the reason? I don't get why the Emperor wants to get rid of the Sabers where they have one in their ranks."
"That can be answered by the Paladins," Assassin said, allowing Bunnyx to play the message.
Archbishop Turnip resumes on the panel. -ZZZ- By now, I do believe you all took notice that the Eternal Empire is eliminating all Servants, mostly with Holy Swords. Truth be told, only we Paladins were Summoned with Holy Swords and the ones that the Emperor was targeting by sending his strongest Servant upon us. -ZZZ- The Ruler stated.
-ZZZ- You don't need to discuss it, it's plainly obvious why. For the Eternal Empire's Emperor, the Anomaly Empire is none other than…-ZZZ-
"Karl der Grobe."
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.