AN: Enjoy the Chapter.
Ch 32 The Real Plan
The room was silent, Gabriel sat in a meeting room with Viperion and Louis on each side. The retired Fashion Designer looks across the table,
The Chaldean master sat calmly between Ladybug and Chat Noir. His Servants were sitting around the table. Throughout the Eternal Empire mess, he has met many Servants,
The moment the Eternal Empire was first established, many Servants appeared. Each fought valiantly but fell to the Eternal Empire Servants over time. Now there are only a handful of Heroic Spirits from what they call Proper Human History.
However, the Servants gathered among them were similar to Assassin Louis Summoned back into his Mansion. Every Servant here looks and feels stronger than the ones he met.
The old man couldn't help but gaze over to Chat Noir from the Past. He wanted to say something to him, but Nathelie took over, seeing it was too quiet for a meeting.
Nathalie cleared her throat, looking at the Chaldeans. "For starters, I would like to share my gratitude for bringing Louis back. Ever since he went to the surface, we were planning on sending some people in search of him." The elder bluenette explains.
"It's not a problem," Ritsuka smiles,
"To be honest, he manages just fine with those two Assassins helping him out," Ladybug explains, remembering the pink-haired girl and mint-haired boy helping her Son.
"Two Assassins? Ah, you mean the Collaborators." Gabriel knows what his Daughter-in-law was talking about. "Those two Servants, my Grandson tends to visit them whenever he likes." Gabriel chuckles,
"Anyways, now that we have met I believe introductions shall be underway." Gabriel places his hand on his chest, reintroducing himself to the Chaldeans and the Heroes. "My name is Gabriel Agreste, one of the Leaders of the Resistance." He introduces himself.
Nathalie went next in introducing herself to their guest. "I'm Nathalie Sancoeur, the assistant to Mr. Agreste and manager of the Resistance." The bluenette woman introduced herself to the Chaldeans. We've heard about your exploits in the past, Mr. Fujimaru, and how you defeated Avenger of the Eternal Empire."
"To be honest, we're grateful for defeating her along with a majority of the Empire's Servants." Nathalie continued, expressing their gratitude for the defeat of Marie Alter.
Louis nodded, looking at the Chaldean master and the two Heroes. "Yeah, we were worried that we might be facing two major threats from the Empire when the time comes for our strike." The blonde boy explains, jumping into the conversation. "The Resistance might've fallen if you didn't defeat that Woman."
Gabriel looks at his Grandson for interrupting their conversation. "Louis, please refrain from speaking out loud." He said to the blonde master. "I apologize for my Grandson's interruption."
Chat Noir noticed that his Father was acting the same prior to his Mother's return. 'Father is acting like how he acted when Mother disappeared.' He mentally thought, taking note of the stern demeanor he saw countless times.
The Hero of Destruction looks at his Son, looking away from his Father. The expression on Louis's face reminds him of himself when his Father wasn't paying attention to him before. Something he surely doesn't want to see in his Future Children when he decides to have some with Ladybug.
He flinches, thinking of having Children with Ladybug sitting beside him. "Master, are you all right? Your face is bright red." Chat looks at his Servant, looking at him with a concerned face.
"It's nothing, Ruler, I'm just thinking about something." Chat Noir smiles at the female Pope he'd Summoned.
"If you say so, master." Johanna obliges to her master's statement,
Gabriel looks at his Son, noticing the red markings on his hand. "When Caster said that more masters will be coming here, especially when he said that two of the masters were the Past Ladybug and Chat Noir, I didn't believe him." He stated, looking at the two Heroes of Paris.
"And yet, here you two are with Command Seals in your hand just like Louis," Gabriel commented, being proven wrong by their appearance.
"I take it that you are displeased by ourselves being masters, Gabriel?" Ladybug asked the person she looked up to.
Nathalie shook her head, catching their misunderstanding with her boss. "I'm afraid that you misunderstand what Gabriel is saying, Ladybug." The Assistant explains to their guests. "In truth, your appearance here was relieving," She stated.
"Really?" Tlaloc raised her eyebrow at the two, not convinced that these two were relieved to see them. "I agree with what Ladybug, your tone doesn't reinforce it,"
Both Gabriel and Nathalie raised their eyebrow at the Servant's words.
Ritsuka chuckles, holding his hand towards the Pretender next to him. "I apologize for Pretender's statement, Mr. Agreste. She has the tendency to question things regarding Human phrasing." He explains.
Tlaloc merely closes her eyes, not minding her master's explanation of her thoughts.
Gabriel nodded, having two similar instances when a non-Human Servant didn't understand Human phrasing. "I completely understand what you mean, Mr. Fujimaru." The retired Fashion Designer commented, "We have two Servants here who are Divine Spirits."
"Divine Spirits? You mean you got Gods working with you?" Ladybug asked, being briefed on what Divine Spirits are back on the Storm Border.
Chat looks over to Tlaloc, remembering the introduction of the newest Servant back in the Louvre. "Pretender, you're a Divine Spirit too, right? You did introduce yourself?" The Hero of Destruction asked, realizing they have powerful Gods on their side.
"That's right!" Louis exclaims, turning to the Modern dressed Servant, "I was just around the corner while you guys Summoned your Servant. Assassin was hiding my presence until you detected us." The blonde boy stated,
Louis crosses his arms, remembering the scene before saying something he shouldn't. "The Rain God Tlaloc…wait, didn't you also introduce yourself as Huitzilopotchli? A War God?" He asked, catching the confusing introduction.
Gabriel and Nathalie looked at Tlaloc with shocked faces. "The Aztec God of War and the God of Rain!?" They both exclaim at the major deities of Aztec Religion being mentioned.
"You're a major Deity in Aztec Pantheon! To think we have someone like you on our side boost our forces!" Nathalie exclaims, seeing the possibility of success.
Assassin of the Resistance looks at his master, frowning at what he revealed. "Master, need to I remind you that revealing a Servant's True Identity is rude?" The Servant reminded his young master.
Louis quickly covered his mouth, realizing his mistake. "Oops, sorry…" He looks at both Ritsuka and Tlaloc.
"It's fine, Tlaloc here doesn't really care if her True Name was revealed," Ritsuka stated, already knowing that's not her True Name.
"R-Really?" Louis at the black-haired Servant.
Tlaloc nodded, "Indeed, Tlaloc, Huitzilopotchli, Pretender…call me whatever you want." The Pretender stated, "To make it simple, Tlaloc will suffice."
"R-Right…"
Soon Prometheus appeared behind Gabriel and Nathalie, "Forgive my intrusion, but I do believe we're diverging on the topic." The Machine God stated, reminding everyone of the situation.
Machiavelli nodded, standing up from her chair. "Caster is right, introductions can be done later." The former Servant of the Eternal Empire said. "We're working on limited and at any moment Ruler's plan will succeed,"
"She's right, Machiavelli can you share the information you have on you?" Viperion asked the Collaborator of the Resistance.
"Right, Caster the information please?" Assassin of the Resistance looks over to the violet-haired Servant.
Machiavelli nodded, complying with the two Resistance Leaders' request. She looks at the Machine God watching them from behind. "Caster, if you would bring up the Empire's map? And open communications to the rest?"
A little machine pops out from the ceiling, projecting the map of the Lostbelt. After that was done, Prometheus opened a crypted line of communication with the rest of their allies.
Three holograms appeared around the table, one is with Bunnyx at the Base with the Summoning Circle, the other is with Archer of the Resistance along with the other Chaldean Servants, and the final was a connection to Storm Border with Archimedes answering the call.
Archimedes was the first to speak in their meeting, turning his attention to his master. -ZZZ- Master, I take it you manage to get yourself some new information? -ZZZ- The Caster asked his master.
"Hello Caster, is everyone listening back on the Border?" Ritsuka asked about the newest additions to the Technical Development Division team.
-ZZZ- Yes, everyone who's in the Command Center is all accounted for. -ZZZ- Archimedes stated as Goldolf took his place.
Goldolf cleared his throat, greeting the director of Chaldea. -ZZZ- Director Fujimaru, what pre-tell did you call? -ZZZ- The Magus asked his ally.
Moriarty took over, informing the Storm Border. "Mr. Musik, we have acquired some information best for everyone to listen from the Resistance's Collaborator." The former Apostle of the Alien World said. "Our good friend, Ms. Machiavelli."
Goldolf coughs, being caught off guard by who the Collaborator was. -ZZZ- Machiavelli!? As in Niccolo Machiavelli? The Servant who attacked the Wandering Sea!?-ZZZ- The Musik Head panicked, looking to see the Servant recorded on their Security Cameras at the Wandering Sea.
"What happened in this Wandering Sea?" Ladybug asked, sensing some hostility from the Vice-director of Chaldea and the former Empire Servant.
The violet-haired Servant turns her head to the Vice-director, "I'm aware of my actions in the Wandering Sea have caused some to be wary of me." Machiavelli stated, "However, I'm determined to help you all out in defeating the Emperor."
Everyone remains silent, hearing the proclamation that Machiavelli made. None attempted to speak until Da Vinci (Caster) appeared. -ZZZ- I can vouch for that Niccolo is sincere with her words. -ZZZ- The Renaissance Woman stated, giving her word that the Caster was telling the truth.
-ZZZ-After all, I have known her since I was alive. -ZZZ- Da Vinci looks over to her friend, smiling at the small reunion. -ZZZ- Even if she has been Summoned as Female, like me. -ZZZ-
Machiavelli smiles, grateful for her friend in vouching for her. "I appreciate it, my friend; but do you really need to add that part?" The Caster asked the Technical Head of Chaldea.
Da Vinci chuckles, seeing that even if Machiavelli is now a Woman, she still retains her personality. "Very much like you, Niccolo. Always having the last thing to say,"
Ritsuka smiles, seeing that Machiavelli's alignment was resolved. "If Da Vinci says what Machiavelli said is genuine, then I have no choice but to trust her." The master of Chaldea said, expressing his trust in the Caster.
-ZZZ- O-Oh, I see,-ZZZ- The blonde Magus flinched, realizing the importance of this call. His face shifts to a serious expression. -ZZZ- Very well, if the director and the Technical Head trusts Machiavelli then there is no reason to worry. -ZZZ-
Johanna nodded, having faith in the Caster's alignment. "As long as Machiavelli is willing to work with us, then it'll be all right going forward." The Female Pope stated.
Nero raised her hand, "Umu, though I like to see this group getting along; but don't we have little time to act?" The Emperor of Roses reminded everyone of what was going on.
"Right, how can we have got carried away." Ladybug's eyes widen, placing her hand on her head. "We're latterly on borrowed time,"
"Ladybug's right," Gabriel agrees with his former enemy. He looks at Machiavelli, ready to proceed with the meeting. "Machiavelli, if you would…please proceed with your information."
Machiavelli nodded, taking over the meeting. "Now that everyone is here, I can share with you what I have." The Caster turns to the map, "The Eternal Empire or Karl der Grobe's plan is coming to completion. The Magical Energy the Moon Cell produces is going to the Eternal Palace." She points to the Moon Cell where the Eiffel Tower was, next to the Moon Cell was the Eternal Palace.
"What exactly is the Empire siphoning off the Moon Cell for?" Chat Noir asked, curious about Karl's plan.
Ladybug ponders before remembering the giant Mech that the Anomaly Emperor used to communicate with them when they first encountered the Inquisitorial. "That Mech, the one we encountered when we got here."
"Umu, sounds about right." Nero opens her hand to the table. "That giant Machine Karl der Grobe used to greet us is probably what the Magical Energy is being used for." The Roman Emperor stated, looking around the table.
"That Mech would need a lot of Magical Energy to even power a Noble Phantasm that large," Ritsuka explains, supporting the Saber's statement.
Many agree with what the blonde Emperor and master of Chaldea said. "But the question is what exactly is the Emperor planning to do with his Mechanical Mech suit?" Louis asked the group,
"Machiavelli, any thoughts?" Gabriel asked the Collaborator of the Resistance.
Machiavelli shook her head, unable to answer the retired Fashion Designer. "Unfortunately I do not know what the Emperor nor my former master is planning." The violet-haired Caster apologizes to the Resistance and Chaldeans.
-ZZZ-If I may intrude, then I might be able to shed some light on this matter. -ZZZ- Holmes interjected, finding this was the right time to join the conversation. The Ruler's image replaced Archimedes's image,
Moriarty rolled his eyes at his Archenemy, butting in whenever he wanted. "(Here we go…typical of Holmes…)" The Ruler whispers to himself.
Viperion was curious about what Ritsuka's Advisor had in mind on the Emperor's plan. "Can you share what you have in your mind, Mr. Servant? It would be helpful for us to do so."
"What about Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth? Isn't he supposed to be providing information since he's a Grand?" Nero asked, wondering what happen in their communication with the Grand Servant.
-ZZZ- Unfortunately, Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth hasn't made contact in a while. -ZZZ- Bunnyx explains to the group. -ZZZ- Right before you all got Berserker on to our side; he sent a Familiar telling us that he'll be preoccupied with healing a Servant's Spirit Origins.-ZZZ- The Hero of the Last Chance looks over to Ritsuka and the rest of his Servants.
"Sorry, our group has someone injured in our group. Caster said that he can heal him with Alter Ego and Ruler's help in Sage Arts." Ritsuka explains the reason why Caster wasn't able to provide information to the Resistance.
"No one blames you for wanting to help your Family to be healed. I will do the same thing as you, even if it hinders others." Ladybug stated, seeing no reason for the Chaldean master to apologize.
"Yeah, if that Servant is your Family, then we don't mind if you have others helping out." Louis nodded, understanding why Caster hadn't spoken to them lately.
"In any case, let's continue. We can worry about the lack of support from Caster when the time comes." Gabriel signals Holmes to share his insights.
The Ruler nodded, -ZZZ- Now, from the information I have heard and the past events that happened so far, it's right to assume that Karl der Grobe is planning to expand his territory. -ZZZ- The Advisor deducted based on the evidence gathered on the table.
"Pre tell, why do you think Karl der Grobe is planning to expand his territory, Ruler?" Moriarty asked his fellow Ruler Servant. "It doesn't make sense, considering we're in a Lostbelt."
Chat raises his hand, having a question in mind. "Um, if I can ask, why does expanding the Empire's territory seems impossible?" The Hero of Destruction asked. "It sounds reasonable to me that he wants to take over the World considering the technological and Military strength the Emperor has at his disposal." He stated.
Ritsuka looks at his fellow master, knowing the answer. "Mr. Agreste, Ms. Sancoeur am I presume that contact with other Countries is lacking in success?" The Magus asked the two elderly adults in the room.
"That is correct, Mr. Fujimaru," Nathalie confirms what the master of Chaldea was saying. "Ever since the Eternal Empire establish itself, contact with other Nations was cut off." The Secretary said.
"So contact with other Nation was cut off? How is it possible?" Chat Noir asked, not sure how that was possible. He turns to his Girlfriend sitting next to him. "Ladybug, you and Ritsuka manage to meet Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth outside the City. Did you see anything outside of Paris?" He asked, wanting to make sure there was something outside of the Lostbelt.
The Hero of Creation shook her head at her Boyfriend's question. "Yes, we did manage to get to the outskirts of Paris, but the only thing I could see further on was the Sakura Manor where Caster resides. The other thing was Cherry Blossom Trees Labyrinth from the eye could see." Ladybug informed what they saw when they met with the powder-blue-haired Caster.
"What? H-How is that poss-"
-ZZZ- Kitty Noir, I've been trying to establish contact with other Countries outside of Paris; however whenever I tried there's some kind of force blocking me to do so. -ZZZ- Bunnyx informed the young Heroes.
"Figures, the Lostbelt was cut off in Proper Human History." Ritsuka sighs explain why the contact with other Countries was cut off. "That's the only explanation I could think of."
"C-Cut off?" Chat asked; he knew that Lostbelts were dead-end Human History from the mini-lesson on the Storm Border. But he didn't expect that Paris was literally cut off from the rest of the World.
"That would explain why we couldn't contact other Countries." Gabriel nodded, having a feeling this was the case. "But if the Empire was cut off from what you call Proper Human History; then why does Karl der Grobe want to expand his territory?"
-ZZZ- Elementary my dear; the Eternal Empire has been sending most of their forces to the Present. The Queen, Marie Antoinette Alter has ordered someone to send an attack from the Empire to the Present, -ZZZ- Holmes stated, explaining what he deducted. -ZZZ- Both the Present and the Future intertwine with two Counter Guardians coming to stop them both here and where you all are at. That only leaves one place the Empire is looking to expand. -ZZZ-
Louis's eyes widen, catching on to what the Detective was hinting. "Oh my God, he's planning to invade the Present and establish another Eternal Empire in the Past!"
"Umu, the Temporal Anomaly that we've detected was still active even before we entered the Lostbelt," Nero commented, seeing that was the possible plan for the Emperor to go.
"So the Eternal Empire still has its eyes on the Paris of the Past!" Ladybug exclaims, realizing what the Father of Europe was planning.
Chat pounds his hand on his fist on the table, "To think the Emperor is still planning to invade the Past when he already has an Empire of his own." The Hero of Destruction growls,
Moriarty looks at Machiavelli, being with Karl der Grobe longer than anyone present in the room. "Is this accurate, Machiavelli? Is this what the Anomaly Emperor is planning all along?" The Ruler asked,
The Caster nodded, "It seems plausible that Karl der Grobe wants to keep his Empire thriving forever. Since he is a ruler in life, it only comes naturally that he wants to expand his rule." The former Empire Servant commented, agreeing with the notion. "I believe you're on the right trail, Ruler."
-ZZZ- I was simply adding my suspicion on the matter, Caster. -ZZZ- Holmes answered.
"Then we have to stop him before he got the chance to enact his plan to invade the Past!" Louis stated, not thinking things through.
Assassin of the Resistance held back his master, looking down at him. "Master, please think this through. We still do have not enough Soldiers even to attempt to do a siege on the Eternal Palace." The Counter Force Servant stated.
"Not to mention that Alter Ego of White, Foreigner of London, and Lancer of the Eternal Empire are still present in their Military," Johanna stated, reminding the group of the foes they need to defeat.
Tlaloc opens her hand, "What about the Saber Servant, D'Artagnan? Are we to presume that he's not going to join us?" The Pretender asked Machiavelli.
"As I said before, he must keep with the appearance that we are still loyal to our master," Machiavelli answers the Servant's question. She sighs, continuing with their meeting. "Now that we establish what Karl der Grobe is planning to do, we can proceed with the other plan."
"Other plan?" Johanna asked,
"Yes, a plan to bolster our numbers so we can do a siege on the Eternal Palace," Gabriel stated, smiling at what they have planned.
An image of a Prison appeared on the map, indicating their goal. "Right here is where the Resistance Soldiers are being held; and with them are three Servants from Chaldea." Prometheus proceeds with the information he has.
Ritsuka frowns, thinking about what his Servants were going through in the Prison. Especially with Altera, "So, what's the plan?"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.