Return to Null Chapter 19:
The Dress of Heaven
The white haired woman smiled, her face still radiant despite the recent events. Her compatriots, however, felt like their blood had just frozen and defrosted within the space of a few seconds.
"That wasn't funny." repeated Kiritsugu, face still hidden.
"It was a little bit funny, you have to admit," replied Irisviel, smiling like a devil.
"I agree with him, that wasn't funny," continued the Older Waver, "Well, that aside, how's your condition?"
Irisviel focused, realizing they still have two more Elemental Copies to worry about, along with the Original. She took a deep look into her own body, using a trick passed down since Justeaze's time to observe the two Elemental Justeazes. She had to view her body like a Matryoshka Doll, with another inside…
"I think I'm stable right now," said Irisviel, "These two were meant to be taken back by the Original, so they shouldn't start trouble…"
"Then…" asked Mashu, realizing a potential issue, "Does that mean Justeaze can do to you what you did to Water and Earth?"
A quiver reverberated through the group. Irisviel could become a target if they were not careful to protect her.
"That won't happen," said Kiritsugu, "I won't let it."
"My hero!" said Irisviel, smiling like a damsel, "Though I don't think it'll come to that. In her current state, Justeaze has no desire to complete the Heaven's Feel ritual. The Servants are probably more of a meal to her than I am…"
"What about the two Elemental Copies you absorbed?" asked Assassin, "Would she desire to take them back?"
If anything, it was a consistent trait for the Hassans to not leave behind weapons.
"There's a possibility, but-" started Irisviel, before stopping and taking a moment to think, "Wait, then…maybe…?"
The woman began muttering to herself, an idea forming in her mind. Even if the other Elemental Copies were defeated, there was still Justeaze to worry about. If she could do THAT, then…it might just be enough to even things out.
Elsewhere, three more battles were occurring. Saber opted to take on the original Justeaze alone to buy everyone some time, and proved to be more than capable of holding her off while keeping away from her. Close by, a resplendent blaze shot through the air, a tendril of fire thrashing about like a lash. It appeared impossible to dodge, covering both air and ground rapidly. To one such as Diarmuid, however, the attack was unfocused and easily avoided. A leap here, a twist there, it was impressive-looking but not altogether impossible to avoid.
"Just stand still!" yelled the source of the attack, Fire Justeaze as she glared at her meal dodging her attacks effortlessly.
"No, I don't think I will." quipped Diarmuid, dancing through the attacks with the grace of a stag.
"Grr…Water and Earth at least got a taste before they went down…they'll never let me hear the end of this unless I snatch up a whole Servant!" yelled Fire Justeaze again, sensing her 'sisters' disappearance. "And that runt over there won't be appetizing in the slightest!"
"I'm standing right here you know!" Young Waver shouted back, firing several bolts of magic at Fire Justeaze.
"I know, that's why I said it, you idiot!" Fire Justeaze said in irritation. "Why can't you be cool and composed like that handsome Lancer over there?!"
Diarmuid said nothing, but noted that the two other Elemental Copies had vanished. No, he thought, they weren't gone entirely but…well, it was good enough for now. He had to keep his attention on his opponent; while her attacks were easy to read and dodge, they did do an effective job at keeping him from closing the distance with Gáe Buidhe. He had no defensive Noble Phantasm or spell in his purview; maybe if he had his sword…
The two continued their dance, each trying to break the stalemate in their own way all the while the young Waver continued to aid Diarmuid as best he could. Air Justeaze gazed at them from afar, her mind wandering as she floated out of range for her foes below her.
"That guy has a spear that can harm us…" said Air Justeaze, "Yet Fire still insists on eating him first. Well, that's how she's always been. Or, I guess, that's how the Original was."
Emiya nocked another arrow, firing it straight at his foe with deadly accuracy. She simply twisted out of the way of the attack, unbound by normal flight restrictions. Cú created two fireballs, which homed in on Air Justeaze, but were swallowed up by tendril, sheathed in furious winds.
"Ah, that tasted good, though a bit spicy," said Air Irisviel, a passive smile on her face, "It might've been bad for Water or Earth, but I rather like the taste."
"Dammit," muttered Cú, confirming his suspicion, "Should've figured it out from the comments about eating us, but still…"
Their opponent was meant to devour Servants, so regular Magecraft effectively provided meals to them. At least, Magecraft on that level.
"She dodged my arrows, however. They must have their limits, or at least their own capabilities differ as to what can be absorbed." added Emiya, noticing the difference in treatment of their projectiles.
Cú took stock of his capabilities: Striking Death Flight could probably wipe her out in one blow even with her regeneration, but he'd risk blowing everyone else up with him. Otherwise, Barbed Impaling Death would be his choice, but she wisely kept out of range of his attack.
Emiya could feel Cu's thoughts, trying to find a weakness to exploit. He could try Hrunting, as it has tracking properties…
The Archer went through the template, the size, dimensions, weight, history, and everything about the sword went through his mind. Until, with a flash of light, the sword appeared in his hand. With another light show, the sword became an arrow.
It launched, seeking its target like a ferret, matching tit for tat no matter how Air Justeaze tried to fly away from it. Eventually, it struck true, embedding itself in the woman's heart with a splatter of blood from her mouth.
"That…that was rude!" yelled Air Justeaze, angrily gazing at the white-haired Archer, "What sort of man just sticks an arrow into a girl's heart? Your parents should have raised you better!"
With a sickening, squelching, sound Air Justeaze ripped the arrow out of her torso. Her flesh regenerated quickly, to the point where even a blown out heart wouldn't kill her decisively.
"Not bad, but do you have any other tricks?" asked Cú, noticing the lack of damage.
Emiya couldn't answer, his mind trying to run through the various swords he's seen, trying to find one that could turn the tide.
"You first." said Air Justeaze, taking the opportunity to counter attack.
She whipped up another tendril of wind, which thrashed about furiously. Both Cú and Emiya knew they had to avoid it, but they were having difficulties with such an attack. They were now on the defensive, using their own instincts and skills, respectively, to avoid getting swallowed up by the vortex.
"Tch, just our luck…" muttered Emiya, "Crap!"
A second tendril had appeared, catching the two completely off guard. Cú quickly drew a few lines in the air, creating a shield from Magecraft to try and protect them. The shield barely stood up, being torn apart and devoured by the second wind tendril. It did, however, give enough time for the Lancer to dart to Emiya, and get them both out of range.
The two righted themselves away from Air Justeaze, the two wind tendrils now in their line of sight.
"Two? Guess we must've really pissed her off now." said Cú, noting the change in dynamics.
"No…it's something else," said Emiya, noting the change.
Using his Clairvoyance, he saw Diarmuid and the younger Waver fighting Fire Justeaze, who had also created two fire tendrils to assault them with. Whatever the cause, it seemed like it had affected all the Elemental Copies at once…
"Naughty children…must be punished…" said Air Justeaze, before relenting, "Though using two at once is awfully exhausting…"
Her eyes trailed off, only halfway paying attention to her prey. Thankfully, thought the two, their opponent was not as headstrong as the others.
"She's supplying them with more power." said Emiya, voicing his conjecture.
"Huh?! Who is?" asked Cú, readying his spear in case of an opening.
"The Original. With their forces halved, she's diverted her strength into her remaining forces." explained Emiya.
It was logical; why waste energy on familiars that were no longer present. Unfortunately, that also means the last two become stronger.
"Faker!" said an arrogant, condescending voice.
THUD!
Emiya felt something hard and metal strike his head. It was nowhere near fast enough to kill a Servant, and the impact was blunted…
It was a sword. He had a sword launched out, hilt first, and struck him on the head. He couldn't see the Golden Servant…but he had a very good feeling that the bastard was laughing at him.
"What's that?!" asked Cú, surprised by the sudden appearance of the dull, yellow, sword.
"Just popcorn from the peanut gallery…" said Emiya, remembering the sight of the yellow sword. This Gilgamesh had used this one to-
There, an idea. Without taking a second to explain, Emiya knocked one more arrow and shot it into the sky.
"You missed. I think you might need to get your eyes checked, Archer," said Air Justeaze, still lazily floating above her foes, "Though, you weren't the Archer for this war, were you? I suppose that's fitting."
"Well, that's just how I-that's just how Chaldea operates," quipped Archer, as he grabbed the yellow sword, "There will be an opening, you must take it."
"...Right!" said Cú, red eyes blaring. There was no time to explain or plan things out. If Emiya's hypothesis was correct, then the timing must be right; if either Fire or Air Justeaze is taken out too early, the remaining one will become much stronger. The memory of another white haired girl struck out in Emiya's mind; one consumed in the darkness…
Emiya leapt into the air, his Circuits burning painfully as he forced all of them open and then some. It would take every last drop of magical energy in his body for this to succeed…
"Tch," clicked Air Justeaze, "You're coming to me? If I was your mother, I'd give you a long talking-to about pursuing women."
Two wind tendrils whipped up, intercepting Emiya easily. It was foolish to take to the air when confronting one who controls the wind after all. They sought out their prey, and Emiya had no way to intercept or dodge them.
"Rho Aius!"
A seven petaled flower, each petal as strong as a castle wall, sprung forth from his hand and positioned itself between Emiya and the wind tendrils. At that, Cú also took to the skies, leaping with incredible force to meet Emiya in the air.
Despite its power, the Aius was specialized for defense against missiles, projectile attacks. The tendrils began absorbing the power from the shield, eroding the petals and making the shield falter. It would last only a few seconds, and then Cú and Emiya would be helpless in the air.
Taking a deep breath, Emiya charged the yellow sword Gilgamesh had provided and held it up to reinforce the Aius.
"Beagaltach!"
A brilliant golden aura erupted from the sword, and spread like a bubble around the duo. With two defensive Noble Phantasms, the tendrils were repelled. Like a tank flying through the air, the two were unassailable. It was then that Air Justeaze realized she had made a calculated mistake…
"Gáe…Bolg!" yelled Cú, spear in hand as he kept on flying through the air.
The three landed. Emiya fell into a heap, his reserves of magical energy completely depleted. Cu landed fairly gracefully, his spear tip covered in blood.
THUD!
Air Justeaze landed face first, her chest ran through and leaking blood. Her veins began darkening, as if they were poisoned, while blood continued to leak freely.
"My injury…it's not closing up…" uttered Air Justeaze as she coughed up blood.
The curse on the spears was working to restrain the woman's regeneration. She couldn't feel the wound heal like it had before.
"That's the effect of the Gáe Bolg. Believe me, I know how much it hurts," said Emiya, unable to stand, his face right next to hers.
"So it would seem," said Air Justeaze.
She stretched out her hand, and placed it on Emiya's head, pressing down his spiked hair. At this range, she could absorb him through touch alone, not even needing her tendril. It wouldn't heal her, but it would guarantee she brought down at least one Servant with her.
"Your hair was out of place. You should always make sure to look your best in case there are girls around." said Air Justeaze, softly fixing Emiya's hair.
"S-Sorry about that." replied Emiya, embarrassed at being treated like a kid again, especially by someone who looked so much like her…
"It's okay," said Air Justeaze, who then turned to where the fight with Fire Justeaze had also concluded, "Fire has also fallen; I'm pretty sure she's yelling at the man with the Love Spot right about now."
The arrow Emiya had launched was actually a Projection of Beagaltach. With the younger Waver applying support spells, his sword in his mouth and both spears in hand, Diarmuid had also taken down his opponent. The four Elemental Justeazes had all fallen, and Irisviel approached the downed Air Justeaze.
"Ah, Emiya?" asked Irisviel, concerned about the boy, despite him technically being older than her right now.
"Yeah, I'm fine," said Emiya, lazily giving a thumbs up, "Though going by yourself, I assume you're here to finish her off."
"That's right, it should be exactly what we need against the Original. Sorry, Air, but you're going to be coming with me." explained Irisviel, looking down at Elemental Copy.
"Beh, does this mean I'll have to share a room? Just don't put me with Earth, she's so annoying…" muttered Air Justeaze, pouting in a strangely cute fashion.
"GET AWAY!" yelled Cú as he grabbed Emiya and Irisviel and carted them off.
No sooner had Irisviel finished absorbing Air Justeaze than an inky-black tendril burst from the shadows and tried to absorb Emiya and Irisviel. It then pursued the Hound, hungering for his magical energy.
SLICE!
It was cut apart by the red spear in Diarmuid's hands. He had avoided the black tendril that had absorbed his foe, and rushed over to protect his allies. These tendrils were different, he noted; his red spear hadn't been capable of cutting through them before, probably due to them being sheathed by the elements, but the black ones were a different story.
The tendril quickly regenerated, and stretched out to attack Diarmuid. He grunted, dismayed that Beagaltach, even in its altered form, had shattered after he had slain Fire Justeaze, and he could no longer draw on its protection.
"I can't believe it…" said another voice, though still familiar to all, "I went through all the trouble of crafting the Elementals, and they all had to go and die on me!"
Justeaze, cloaked in the darkened garb of the Dress of Heaven, had erupted from the shadows in the center. She had a revolted and disgusted look on her face, as if she had witnessed something foul and unbecoming.
"She's here?!" asked Older Waver incredulously, "No, wait…that's another Copy, isn't it."
"Another Copy?" asked Mashu, confused by the new foe.
"As Irisviel explained, traditional hermetic Alchemy involves manipulations of the four classical elements; fire, water, earth, and air. However, there was a fifth element that was considered a cornerstone to all, quintessence." explained Older Waver, "I guess Justeaze prepared a fifth just in case she needed to show up herself. Go back up Diarmuid, he won't be able to hold her off by himself."
"Looks like she had a plan of her own." Younger Waver said. "And just when I thought we had this won…"
There were five then. The fifth one was hidden, and only capable of appearing when the other four had fallen. That was the working theory at the moment. For her part, Irisviel felt a pain erupt in her chest. She had suspected this would happen, and struggled to stand when Cú had placed her back on the ground.
"It's still incomplete then…" said Irisviel, holding her chest, "I still need Fire to complete them."
"Fire was taken by the fifth Justeaze," said Cú, "Any way you can make those…things and try to take her away?"
"No, sadly…it's taking all of my power to just keep the three balanced within me…" said Justeaze, "And if Quint was smart, she'd probably have already assimilated Fire…this plan has failed…"
"No, Lady Irisviel!" declared Saber, who had rejoined the fight, "I do not agree with that sentiment."
"Weren't you supposed to hold off the original Justeaze?!" Young Waver asked.
"I did until she decided to throw a tantrum and disappeared!" Saber answered. "So we still have time to finish everything.
"Strangely, we're like-minded there," said Kiritsugu, joining the group.
"I'm surprised, fake Assassin," said Saber, confused by the sudden ally, "It's not like you to be so straightforward."
"I just don't think the Fire Justeaze is gone. Diarmuid's yellow spear pierced her, inflicting a curse of unhealing on her body. If she was fully assimilated, then that curse would've passed on as well," explained Kiritsugu.
Quintessence was fighting Mashu and Diarmuid, her tendrils swarming them to search for a weakness. However, she had no cuts or injuries on her body; like Kiritsugu had opined, Fire was still inside her.
"We're back to the same question," said Cú, frustrated by the exchange, "This lady needs to get the fire lady out. How do we do that?!"
It was a difficult problem, thought Irisviel. It was clear that Mashu, due to her unique status, and Diarmuid with his red spear, could even approach Quintessence. She was a copy of Justeaze after all, whom they had seen as a massive threat.
"If Lady Mashu can withstand those black tendrils, then I should as well," declared Saber, her pride as a knight beaming.
"Getting close means she'll drain you dry. Even with your reserves, it won't be enough." said Kiritsugu.
"He's right, we already ran the risk of having a Servant face against the original." Younger Waver said. "Unless…."
He and Irisviel looked down at her hand, a plan forming in her mind, before staring back at him, with both of them grinning like idiots.
Mashu and Diarmuid were still fighting Quintessence. She gave off a degenerate atmosphere, not helped by her tendency towards distasteful faces. She unleashed more tendrils, the two barely able to fend them off. It was clear she was taking her time, her sadism clearly imbibing her from finishing the battle quickly.
"I…I don't know how much longer I can hold out…" said Mashu, her arms numb.
"Just a bit longer…" said Diarmuid, his legs feeling sluggish now.
"I'm not much for the eggplant, but the tall one looks like a decent meal," said Quintessence, "I'll drain you to your last drop, then dump you at the feet of your Master so you two can watch the world be swallowed up…"
Mashu felt a quiver of fear in her heart, though pushed it out of her mind to focus on another attack. Diarmuid also felt a pang of fear; despite her power and standing, Fire Justeaze possessed a certain degree of nobility that was completely missing in this Justeaze.
Then, the wind itself began to change. Quintessence turned around, sensing a proper foe.
Saber was running toward her, her sword in one hand…and Irisviel in the other. She was cradling the woman, shielding her however she could as she rocketed towards Quintessence. !
Quintessence's face, already a pale-ash color, turned paper-white for a second as she felt a genuine fear. Of all the meals gathered before her…that woman was her natural weakness.
She turned away from Mashu and Diarmuid, and unleashed eight tendrils of darkness at Saber. The wind around her invisible sword warped and created a wall to protect her. Against the might of eight tendrils, however, it could only hold for so long. It was buffeted away and the tendrils slammed right into Saber.
"Gr…these things…GAHHH!" yelled Saber, forcing her magical energy to surge through her body.
The tendrils slowed her down, but could not stop her advance. Quintessence could feel the flow of energy, but balked at the taste. Still, she just needed to drain Saber dry, which shouldn't take long. She could already feel the mighty dragon weakening with every step taken…
"With this Command Seal I order you, replenish your magical energy, Saber!" commanded Irsiviel.
With a surge of light, a Command Seal vanished from Irisviel's hand, and Saber was revitalized with more magical energy. The blonde Servant continued her charge, refusing to pay any mind to the pain the black tendrils inflicted.
Quintessence floated backwards a tad, having forgotten the Command Seals for a moment. She then smirked, a certain memory coming back from the Original.
"Those things, eh? I suppose you might serve a use after all, bug boy!" said Quintessence.
She reached into her chest, and pulled out a beetle with powerful limbs. It shot out, independent of the tentacles, and attached itself to Irisviel's hand. Immediately, she could feel the Circuits in that hand, along with her Command Seals, shut down.
It made logical sense; Zouken Matou, or Makiri as Justeaze knew him, had created the Command Seals. Hence, he also had the means to shut them down, just in case…
Irisviel gripped the beetle, but it held firm to her hand. Any of the Servants could smash it easily, Irisviel herself could find a way to get it off…given time. Time they didn't have.
"Almost out of energy again, little Saber. And no more Command Seals from your Master. Makiri managed to do something good for me in the end after all." said Quintessence, smiling cruelly.
Thankfully, Irisviel had planned for this.
"Saber, with this Command Seal I order you, replenish your magical energy!" said Kiritsugu Emiya from afar.
On his hand, was a single Command Seal. Just in case Quintessence had a means to shut down Command Seals, Irisviel had left him with one. With that one Command Seal gone, Saber was revitalized, her eyes set on delivering her Master to her foe.
It was now Quintessence's turn to be surprised. They were too close, far too close to be comfortable. The woman moved to fly away and find easier prey…but was stopped by the sudden appearance of a stone prison.
"None of that!" said Older Waver, deploying his Noble Phantasm to trap Quintessence.
There was no way out, with a final push, Saber launched Irisviel at Quintessence. The latter moved to defend herself, but Irisviel gripped her torso…and sank in.
Suddenly, everything was still. Quintessence had stopped moving, her limbs and face were devoid of all energy and motion. It felt like an eternity, waiting for what would happen. Saber in particular felt like she must do something; it was like torture to wait for her Master like this. Especially since she was the one who had delivered Irisviel to her…
"Just wait, Saber." said Kiritsugu.
Then, a heavy cloud descended upon all. The party had assembled, waiting for Irisviel to absorb Fire and come back to them. They hadn't realized they had someone else arrive.
"So, they had failed me," said Justeaze, from behind everyone.
In the air was Justeaze. Not an Elemental Copy, but the Original. She was well and truly angered by her Copies' weakness, and was hungering for magical energy.
"She's here?!" asked Older Waver incredulously.
"Of course she is!" Younger Waver answered. "Saber told us she disappeared, remember?!"
Their last foe was before them, and they were clearly spent and on their last legs. Cú started charging up his spear, hoping to snag a mutual kill if he could.
It was for naught, however, as they noticed a massive cage of darkness surrounding them. While they were distracted, the Original had been preparing a trap. She could do more than just create tendrils, after all. This was a feeding pen for her, with all her meals ready to be devoured. No amount of speed would help, and Beagaltach, still in Emiya's hands, couldn't be activated as Emiya and Diarmuid had no more magical energy left.
Countless tendrils appeared from the walls of the cage, reaching out to devour. Everyone took battle positions, hoping to find some way to repel the attack and counter. Everyone, that is, except for Emiya, who simply walked up to Quintessence, still frozen. He reached out his hand, trying to let Irisviel know that they needed her now.
BANG!
The sound of an eruption reverberated. Quintessence faded away in a sea of golden sparkles, a look of peace on her face. In her place…was Irisviel.
She was no longer in her previous clothes; she was wearing a white minidress with a diamond cut that exposed her navel and her brassiere underneath. Her arms were cloaked with a robe that draped behind her, while her legs were sheathed in thigh-high boots. On her head was an ornate white and gold crown. She really looked like the Original now, just in white.
Immediately, she let out a burst of light that filled the party right before they were pierced by the tendrils. They were expecting pain, but felt none when the tendrils struck. They were losing a little magical energy, but it was quickly being replaced by Irisviel's light. With a collective effort, the part broke out of the cage, Irisviel joining them.
Justeaze was mortified by the appearance of her 'other self'. With the Four Elementals, plus Quintessence, Irisviel had performed a ritual within herself. Rather than turning into gold, the purest metal and receptacle for the Grail, she had become the Grail in a different sense.
"Ahh, oh my!" said Irisviel, taking in her new appearance. She instinctively put her hands to cover her belly and thighs, which were now exposed, "I-I didn't know the Dress of Heaven would be so-so bold! Hehe, it is very pretty though…"
The red circular marking on Irisviel's torso changed, a fire symbol appearing within while flames appeared around Irisviel.
"Don't cover up!" said Irisviel, or at least whom they hoped was Irisviel, "A real woman shows off her goods. See, even that handsome-but-lame drifter over there is enjoying the show! Though the original's underboob is kinda hot…maybe we can ditch the brassiere…"
The circular marking changed again, this time an earth symbol.
"No! This is the perfect amount of flesh to be shown," said Irisviel, "Any more and we might as well be parading around like common prostitutes. Elegance and poised are a woman's greatest weapons in the bedroom."
Another change, this time returning to normal.
"St-Stop it you two! This is serious!" cried out Irisviel, embarrassed at the exchange, "Ahem, I apologize for that. Well, I know this is sudden, but I believe our chances of victory are adequate! If you stay within my light, I should be able to protect you from the Original."
"Huh, well that's unexpected." Young Waver said. "Not exactly how we planned it, but this will definitely do!"
Kiritsugu loaded his pistol, his steely gaze directed at Justeaze. "Time to finally end this farce once and for all."
The team did not need any more to say in the matter, and they all rushed at Justeaze, as if one well oiled machine. Irisviel initiated the battle with several glass blades, to which Justeaze tried to counter. However, that left her open to an attack from behind courtesy of Assassin and Mashu, knocking her forward into Saber and Cú, the two Servants thrusted their weapons at the corrupted vessel, but she twisted her body at the last second, grinning as she dodged their strikes. Justeaze pinned them down with her blackened blades, ready to devour Saber first, but Mashu threw Diarmuid into the corrupted vessel's side, allowing the Lancer to use his spear to slice into here side. Justeaze howled in pain, and unleashed a wave of magical energy to knock her opponents off their feet. The older Waver, however, managed to counter it with the help of his younger self and Irisviel, rendering the attack inert. The Caster and his younger self then proceeded to fire several bolts at Justeaze, most of which she absorbed, and dodged the rest. Without skipping a beat, Emiya and Kiritsugu fired bullets and arrows to try and pin her down, to which Justeaze snarled and fired several blades at them. Emiya conjured several more blades to counter them, but only managed to slow them down enough for Irisviel to destroy them completely.
Both counter guardians saw the corrupted vessel come closer to them, and drew their blades, slicing into her so as to keep her on the defensive. Justeaze simply healed from the wounds and erected a small barrier to prevent a sneak attack from Assassin, but in the process did not pay attention as she saw Mashu raise her shield, and allowed Saber and Diarmuid to use it as a platform to launch them into the air, helping them land their strikes upon Justeaze. The corrupted vessel snarled and was about to retaliate, but the younger Waver shot twelve bolts of magecraft at her, not missing once. Justeaze was about to attack the boy, when the Older Waver pinned her down with bolts of his own, allowing Cú an opening to pierce Justeaze's leg. The corrupted vessel retaliated by pushing Cú away, but Cú used his runes to land on his feet and summoned Gáe Bolg to his side once more to land another attack. Justeaze wisened up, and blocked it with her blades, but Saber and Assassin struck her from behind, with Mashu and Irisviel attacking her together with their own strikes. Emiya and Kiritsugu joined in, shooting the corrupted vessel in the head, knocking her forward. The group then moved out of the way as Justeaze tried another push back, but it was here that Justeaze realized her greatest mistake. She fell for their trap.
"Unreturning Formation: Stone Sentinel Maze!"
The Older Waver's Noble Phantasms activated with a bright light beneath Justeaze. Soon, several black and red pillars fell from the sky, surrounding her as a hexagonal top crashed onto the pillars. Justeaze tried to break free, but felt herself slowly losing strength. The older Waver panted as he kept his focus on the Noble Phantasm. "There, she's trapped…let's just hope she won't break free any time soon."
"Then it's time to end this….."
Everyone turned around and saw Ritsuka slowly making his way towards them with the help of Tokiomi's staff, his injuries making his movements sluggish and labored. Mashu and Emiya tried to rush to his side, but he gently gave them a look telling them to not worry about him. They all looked down and saw the little spherical cage, and the prisoner within.
"Lord El-Melloi II, can you do something so our little guest can speak to us?" Ritsuka asked.
"I can speak for myself you brat!"
"Ah, so the pathetic bug can speak." Cú said. "Honestly it's commendable in a way."
"So that's his true form then…." Young Waver muttered. "What an ugly thing to be…."
"Ya really must be delusional if ya think ya got any power now, ya damn troglodyte." Ritsuka snarled. "Especially for what's gonna happen next."
The worm felt a chill in the air as it felt all eyes on it. "W-what do you mean?"
"How long do we have until she breaks through?" Diarmuid asked.
"I don't know," The older Waver answered. "But we must be quick, or else we won't be able to pin her down again."
Ritsuka nodded and turned his fiery glare upon the worm inside the mercury prison. "You will watch this. Say goodbye to all your hard work."
The worm then thrashed and wiggled inside, trying to break free of its prison. "No! You can't do this! After everything I sacrificed, all that hard work! You can't just destroy it!"
"Sacrifice?" Emiya muttered while clenching his fist. "You do not get to talk about sacrifices. Not after all the atrocities you pulled."
The worm felt the Archer's glare upon him, but also everyone else's. It then turned its attention to Mashu, hoping for reprieve. "You there, you're a reasonable girl. I kept my promise didn't I? So please try to convince them so that they see reason."
Mashu folded her arms across her chest, her eyes turning stone cold as she lowered herself to stare at the worm. "No, I do not think I will. You do not get to make demands or favors from me. Not after promising to take me and a little girl, have your bugs violate us, and then do it yourself and act like it is some sort of game."
The worm stopped its movement as Mashu hissed those words in its face. The Shielder's gaze merely sharpened as she dug in her heels. "You are nothing more than a pathetic little creature, so do not expect help from any of us."
The lilac haired girl turned her attention to Ritsuka, her heart sinking at seeing his injuries, but buried her concerns as she stepped closer to him and nodded as Fou leapt off Ritsuka's shoulder, and back onto hers. "Are you okay to continue?"
"I am, thanks Mashu." Ritsuka answered.
"Then allow me to hold onto that thing." The older Waver said. Ritsuka nodded slowly and handed the mercury prison over to the Caster. The Chaldean Master turned to Irisviel and the younger Waver and gave them nods of approval.
"You two ready to finish this?" Ritsuka asked.
"Of course!" Irisviel said.
"Just say the word, and we'll get it done, the three of us." Young Waver said.
"Okay….let's begin." Ritsuka muttered. "Let the barrier down!"
The three Masters stared at Justeaze for a moment as the older Waver weakened the barrier, before they turned to their Servants of choice, the three in question readying their weapons as their Masters raised their hands.
"By the powers of our Command Spells!" The three Masters shouted in unison using every Command Spell they had left. "DESTROY THE HOLY GRAIL!"
"NOOOOOOOOO!" The worm shouted from its prison. But no one paid any mind to it.
Diarmuid, Saber and Assassin felt the overwhelming surge of Magical energy permeate their bodies, and with this single act of power, allowed them to use the full power of their Noble Phantasms. Diarmuid and Assassin used theirs in tandem to swarm Justeaze on all sides, making sure her healing factor could not activate all at once. Saber breathed heavily as she charged up her Noble Phantasm, waiting for her two teammates to move out of the way. The moment they felt she was ready, they leapt out of the way, and Saber raised her blade high.
"Ex….calibur!"
The moment Saber swung her blade, Justeaze widened her eyes and screamed in terror as she was enveloped in a bright light. Her body slowly vaporized into dust. Everyone heard her dying screams until silence fell upon their ears, and by that time, the light dissipated, and all that remained was the scorch marks upon the earth. The Chaldeans, Irisviel, and the young Waver all took a breath of relief and realization.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Fourth Holy Grail War was now over.
The three Masters went back to everyone else, exhausted, but also with pride and relief as they heard Ritsuka's communicator still buzzing with cheers and shouts of delight. The young Waver put a hand on Ritsuka's shoulder, smiling in disbelief. "You are bloody crazy, you know that?"
Ritsuka chuckled weakly. "All in a day's work for Chaldea…."
"And with that out of the way, what shall we do with this?" The older Waver asked, holding the mercury prison and the worm. Ritsuka's eyes hardened as he stared at the worm, and noted that it didn't move, nor shout, in fact it didn't do anything at all, but curl up as if it simply….gave up. It was still alive, that was for certain, but it was clear that it simply did not have it in itself to continue its ambitions.
Zouken had finally been broken, and lost the will to live.
"Set it down on that rock over there." Ritsuka said coldly. "That way it can look at where Justeaze stood in her last moments for the rest of its worthless life."
The older Waver nodded and set the worm and prison down exactly where Ritsuka asked. And as that happened, everyone felt a glow shimmer around them. They turned to see Saber, Diarmuid and Assassin finally starting to disappear.
"So this is it then." Assassin said.
"I guess so." Diarmuid replied. The Lancer turned his attention to the Chaldeans and gave a bow. "It has truly been an honor to fight alongside each and every one of you. Especially you, Cú Chulainn, Lord Ritsuka, and Lady Mashu."
"Hey, it's been a blast having you around Diarmuid." Cú said. "If you ever make your way to Chaldea, let's finish our little spar!"
Diarmuid smiled and nodded. "I would be honored to."
With a small wave and smile, Diarmuid was the first victor to return to the Throne. Assassin felt her time was coming up and stared at her Master with a slight smile. "Thank you for saving my life earlier, Master Waver. I know Rider would have been proud of what you accomplished tonight."
"I should be grateful I made it in time." The young Waver said. "And thank you for your help, Hassan."
"I should be thanking you for truly being a worthy Master in my eyes, after I had to serve…..well, it is best not to speak ill of the dead, or of a man who lost his father." Assassin turned her gaze upon Ritsuka for a moment, and Ritsuka could swear he saw a sad smile on her face, but before he could ask her, she disappeared back to the Throne.
"Well, it seems I am the last one to say my goodbyes." Saber replied. The King of Knights turned her attention to Irisviel and bowed just like Diarmuid. "It has truly been an honor to have fought by your side, Lady Irisviel. I wish you luck in all of your endeavors, and hope that you live a happy life."
"Thank you Saber." Irisviel said. "Though I think it won't be a goodbye you know. I do have some…plans, if it's possible."
Saber stared at Ritsuka's communicator, and saw her other self smirking back at her, causing her to chuckle. "I see, then it really won't be a good bye in this case."
The blonde woman turned her attention to Kiritsugu, growing a devious smirk of her own. "I leave my Master in your care, Kiritsugu. Keep her safe, won't you?"
"That's not what I am created to do." Kiritsugu said. "But…perhaps protecting something, instead of killing, would be a good change of pace."
Saber and her conversation partners smiled at each other for a moment before she too finally departed, leaving the rest of the team by itself.
"So what happens now?" The young Waver asked.
"Now, it's time for us to bring everyone home." Roman answered from the comms. "The Rayshifting process is already starting to begin."
Irisviel stared at the Chaldeans with a hint of curiosity. "Is…is it really okay if I go with you?"
"Of course!" Mashu said. "We have enough room to bring in more people now thanks to Da Vinci working on the pods. So Mr. Kiritsugu should come along as well."
"Besides, technically since you were part of the cause of this weird timeline, taking you with us should help it flow better." Older Waver answered.
"Very well, I guess I could see what Chaldea is like." Kiritsugu replied.
A loud, haughty laugh soon broke the conversation as Gilgamesh walked towards them, clapping in amusement. "Well done, mongrels! You have given me very precious entertainment indeed! I shall come along as well!"
Emiya and Cú clicked their tongues in annoyance, but did not voice their feelings on the matter. They both knew that the current situation would require them to depend on Gilgamesh, if he felt interested in doing anything for Chaldea, that is. Ritsuka groaned, but did not argue either, and simply gave a nod to Gilgamesh as he stepped close enough to them to Rayshift alongside them. With a final wave to the young Waver, the group finally disappeared into the void. Waver could only smile weakly as he gathered his thoughts before leaving the cavern, and the worm within it for good.
Meanwhile on a different island, on a small beach, a white haired man watched as a little girl played in the water, smiling as she laughed and made a child-like sand castle near the edge of the water. She definitely needed this after so much turmoil. However, soon, a faint tug in his heart took him out of his stupor, and he stared at the sky for a moment. A faint smile on his lips formed, and the weight of his burdens finally lifted.
"Uncle Kariya? Is something wrong?" The little girl asked.
Kariya looked at Sakura and shook his head. "No, nothing is wrong. We're finally safe. I can just tell."
(Meanwhile, back in Chaldea's Command Center)
Everyone waited for a few moments before they saw the glowing lights appear in the coffins, and silently watched as everyone but Ritsuka emerged from their pods. Mashu and Emiya rushed to Ritsuka's pod, and helped him out of it gently, the black haired teen still clutching onto Tokiomi's staff. Ritsuka stared at everyone for a few moments, before he could hear them cheer once again, chanting his name as Tatsuko rushed to his side.
"You are one crazy badass!" Tatsuko shouted. "Way to go, bud!"
Ritsuka chuckled weakly. "I sure gave that monster hell, and I'd do it all again if I could."
With a moment to catch his breath, everyone suddenly went silent as Ritsuka raised his hand, and performed the Chaldean salute with conviction and pride. "Told you guys I'd win!"
The workers of Chaldea simply clapped and cheered once more as Ritsuka slowly made his way up the stairs. Soon, those cheers and claps silenced and soon replaced with gasps and fear. Ritsuka couldn't hear what they were saying, and his vision became blurry as he became dizzy. His body finally reached its limit, the black haired Master groaned and nearly fell to the ground on his face, if not for the timely intervention of Perseus and Blackbeard. The two men picked him up, and wrapped his arms around their necks to support him. But to everyone's surprise, Ritsuka was still conscious and aware.
"Thanks guys." He said weakly.
"You did good, kid." Perseus said. "You did good."
"Okay everyone, make way!" Blackbeard shouted. "We have to get him some help and fast!"
"Bring him to the Med Bay!" Medea said. The Caster turned to Roman with a reassuring gaze. "I'll take care of it from here, so you just stay here and focus on our guests."
Without letting him say anything, Medea and the two men proceeded to rush Ritsuka to the Medical wing to treat his injuries. Mashu was about to rush to go with them, but Tatsuko raised an arm and stopped her from going, not wanting her to worry too much over their injured partner. Roman took a few deep breaths and returned his gaze upon the new arrivals. "Sorry for not being good hosts, but Ritsuka's injuries were a major concern here."
"He's going to be okay, right?" Irisviel asked.
"Medea is a skilled healer." Artoria answered. "He will be in good hands."
Irisviel breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness."
"And when shall I be given a tour of this establishment?" Gilgamesh demanded. "It is unbecoming to not address a king such as I!"
"Ah, forgive us for our negligence." Roman answered. "I shall give you the tour myself if that shall suffice."
Gilgamesh stared at Roman harshly, his arms folded across his chest. "Are you the one in charge here?"
"I am."
Silence filled the air, the tension grew stronger and stronger as the two men stared at each other. However, a faint smile formed on Gilgamesh's lips, showing his satisfaction. "Splendid! Then show me around your base, and try to amuse me, acting director."
Roman nodded and gestured to Davinci to handle the rest as he took the golden Archer out of the Command Room. Kiritsugu and Irisviel looked at the Caster as she took a deep breath and smiled at them. "I can also get someone to give you both a tour of the place, or would you rather wait for a couple of days?"
"I'd rather be shown where my quarters will be for now." Kiritsugu answered. "The tour can wait for all I care."
"I'd also like to wait for a few days." Irisviel said. "I'd rather wait until Ritsuka is recovered enough so he and his two friends here can give me the tour themselves."
Davinci giggled. "I think that's a splendid idea. Now, will you two be sharing a room? Or separate?"
"I'd like to bunk!" Irisviel said.
"I'd like separate rooms." Kiritsugu answered. "Though…perhaps with a door connecting them. For now."
Irisviel pouted. "Fine, be that way, spoilsport…"
"Then allow me to show you." Emiya said calmly.
"Why thank you!" Irisviel said as she patted Emiya on the head. The white haired Archer did not know how to respond to this gesture of affection, and turned to Kiritsugu for aid. However, the elder Counter Guardian simply smirked slightly, and allowed it to continue. After a few seconds, the three of them left the Command Room. As they left, Irisviel and Artoria smiled warmly at each other and gave a small nod before the doors closed. Cú then walked up to Artoria with an amused grin.
"Well, looks like you won the bet." He said.
"That I did." Artoria said with a smirk.
"So….do you have any ideas what I have to do?"
Artoria nodded deviously. "I have an idea…"
September 5th, 2015
"Are you really okay with this Cú?" Kojiro asked.
The Lancer laughed. "A bet's a bet, and I kinda like this punishment. It's gonna be fun for everyone."
The rest of the group consisting of several spectators, Artoria, Emiya, Medea, Medusa and Heracles stared at Cú as he sat in the barrel with several slits made. It was decided by Artoria that Cú would be part of a game to alleviate the tension of what happened, and out of her own amusement. The game chosen was a good old game of Pop-up Pirate, with Cú being the pirate.
Soon the door to the training room opened up, and the group witnessed Tatsuko and Mashu walk in, with Teach and Ritsuka following behind them. The black haired boy was healed of most of his injuries, but some injuries would need some more time to heal, especially his torso, and so he was bandaged up to help the healing process. Bandages given to him by Medusa and Da Vinci, both of whom gave Ritsuka quite the scolding about his recklessness of his battle with Zouken, and using two Mana Prisms against the inventor's wishes respectively.
"Well well, if it isn't the hero himself!" Eric shouted.
Ritsuka groaned. "Please don't call me that…."
"I agree." Emiya said. "Anyway, are you okay with this as well, Captain Teach?"
The Rider bellowed and nodded. "I think this game sounds hilarious! Mind if I be the judge?"
"Go right ahead." Artoria answered. Black Beard then gestured to the Chaldean Trio and Fou to follow him to get front row seats as the game was about to begin.
"Is it me, or has this happened before?" Medusa asked.
"Now that you mention it ... .It does give a sort of deja vú feeling." Medea replied.
"Oh who cares, are we starting or not?" Cú asked. The participants all looked at each other and nodded. It was time to begin the game, but out of good sportsmanship, they waited for the judge to give them the signal. As soon as Blackbeard and the Trio were settled in, the pirate captain raised his hand, his smile as bright as a kid in a candy store.
"BEGIN!"
Artoria rushed in with her fake blade, lunging into one of the slits. The strike went in true and swift, but Cú was not hit in the slightest, causing the Lancer to laugh. "Well, looks like you're still in!"
Emiya rushed in next with his blade, but it too did not hit him. "Looks like that was a dud too."
"Okay next!" Cú said proudly.
A bellow of laughter filled the room, causing everyone to feel a chill in the air. "Aren't you a sight to behold, you mutt!"
Everyone in the room turned to look up and saw Gilgamesh standing upon the rafters, grinning down at Cú.
"Since when did you get in here?!" Cú shouted.
"It does not matter! Not when such a sight makes me happy." Gilgamesh replied. "However, this is taking too long! Way too long!"
Everyone gasped as Gilgamesh conjured several portals, and out of them came several fake blades similar to the ones used by the other players, but of more quality materials.
"Gate of Babylon."
"Hang on, the use of Noble Phantasms is forbidden for this game!" Cú shouted.
"I am the rules." Gilgamesh said sternly. With a simple wave of his hand, the fake blades shot towards Cú, making the Lancer scream in terror. Blackbeard widened his eyes and immediately used his body to shield the Chaldean Trio in the event some of those blades missed. However the storm of toy blades hit Cú and the barrel on the dot, completely destroying the barrel and Cú shooting up in the sky until his head crashed into the ceiling above, causing Medusa to gasp.
"Cú Chualain died!" Artoria shouted.
"Oh my god, he killed Kenny!" Tatsuko shouted back.
"You bastard!" Ritsuka shouted.
"You're not human!" Emiya shouted at Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh laughed in amusement to their reactions. "Rule Breaker!"
"Hey, that's my line!" Medea shouted.
"Your things are my things!" Gilgamesh countered.
Medea shrunk a bit and pouted. "He's the oldest bully in history…"
A muffling sound caught their attention, and as they looked to find the source, they saw Cú trying to wiggle his head out of the ceiling.
"Oh, false alarm everyone, Cú's alive." Kojiro replied. Heracles leapt up into the air and grabbed Cú, and freed him of his situation, both of them falling back to the floor on their feet.
"Thanks big guy." Cú said as he brushed himself off. "Warn us next time you golden asshole!"
Gilgamesh continued to laugh, but Ritsuka groaned as he rubbed his temples.
"Is everything okay, Senpai?" Mashu asked.
"I'm gonna need a lot of pain killers for this headache right now…." Ritsuka muttered. Mashu simply patted his back in sympathy as everyone else scowled at Gilgamesh. It would seem that despite overcoming overwhelming odds, the golden Archer would prove to be a much more challenging ordeal….
(In a dank, dark room, Zouken groans as he wakes up. The Mage is shocked to see he is back in a human like form, but is tied to a stake, with hot wax being poured on him)
Zouken: What is this?!
(Unknown voice over the radio): Hello, sleepy head. I must say making a new body for you from scratch proved quite the sickening challenge.
Zouken: Who are you? And where am I?
(Voice on the radio): Oh me and my friend here are simply….observers. As to where you are, let's just say you will not be setting a single foot inside our studio, so we have you in a secure location to begin your punishment.
Zouken: Punishment….but I already lost, and I don't have the will to….wait…..I want to live again…what have you done to me?
(Voice): Oh I simply restored your will to live. It'll make what happens to you all the sweeter. Especially since I gave you a new physical body instead of one made of bugs!
Zouken: W-what are you going to do to me?
Voice: I don't think I need to explain it to you. After all the shit you pulled, it's high time for the souls of your victims to have a bit of justice.
(With a snap of fingers, several flames erupt at the bottom of the stake, and Zouken screams as he is burned alive in wax and wood. Meanwhile, OC and Yatsu watch the spectacle, eating snacks and drinking fruit punch as they watch Zouken suffer)
OC: Man I'm so glad our boss gave me the green light to make that torture chamber for that shit stain. Ah, hello everyone, welcome back to Chaldean Chronicles. And as you can see, we have our special guest…..who is busy screaming his head off at the moment, wouldn't you say, Yatsu?
Y: The head is a very special structure; even tapeworms have heads, and they're just segments of sex organs meant to make more tapeworms. Truly fascinating
OC: …..Okay…..was not expecting that, but that's definitely interesting. And- oh he's dead already. Look at the ash and bones. I guess we made the flames too strong. Oh well, time for round two!
(OC snaps his fingers and the cell is restored to its former state but with explosive barrels surrounding the cell barring the middle, with Zouken's body restored and alive)
Zouken: I'm….alive? But how? I was burned to a crisp!
OC: Oh did you think we'd let you off that easily? That is adorable! Oh no, no no no no. You won't die permanently until we get bored of you. We'll keep killing you over, and over, and over again until we can't think of anything else to kill you with. Speaking of which, it's time for more punishment!
(OC snaps his fingers again, and a particular Clown Prince of Crime appears in the cell alongside Zouken)
Joker: Huh? How did I end up in Arkham already? I just stepped outside of the bank after killing those captives, so how did I-
OC: Oh you're not in Arkham, I summoned you here for a special occasion Mr. Joker. And I am not one to tolerate you in the slightest, so consider this a huge favor.
Joker: Favor eh? What does old Joker have to do for you?
OC: Kill that old man in front of you.
Joker (looks at Zouken up and down, then shakes his head): And why would I do that? Where's the sport in killing him?
OC: He's actually a Nazi who threatened to kill Batman himself.
Joker: ….. Never mind, I'll do it!
OC: Splendid! Here, I think you'll love the gift I'll be giving you.
(OC snaps his fingers and in Joker's hands a crow bar appears)
Joker: Oh you know me so well!
OC: Enjoy some play time, you filthy animal.
(OC and Yatsu watch as Joker beats Zouken to death with the crow bar)
OC: As you can tell, I don't take half measures hehehehehe. In any event, it's time to do a brief recap of everything that has happened. And it only took us…..holy crap it took us only two days to write this entire thing! That hasn't been done since the first chapters Vlad and I wrote!
Y: It was a long one, and the battle with the Elemental Justeazes really evolved quite a bit. Glad to see them with their own personas; I remembered Sayoko Ohara had given different voicelines to the Elemental Iris fought in the Zero Event, so I had that in mind when constructing the Elemental Justeazes. They were fun, I can see them as a fun dynamic in the future.
OC: I'll say, and even more impressive is that you wrote most, if not all of that fight yourself with me just tweaking some things due to both of us missing some things. In fact I had no idea about the fifth clone until you wrote it in.
Y: I provided a bit of a hint. Irisviel and Justeaze are referring to the classical elements used by hermetic alchemy; most fantasy fans know them as the 'standard' fantasy elements ala Avatar (which is amusing since it uses the more western set compared to traditional Chinese elements in Chinese alchemy). Those 4 are the fundamental building blocks of most creation, ala Plato, but there exists a fifth element, quintessence, whose absence and omniscience is understood. Basically, it's a 'well yes, but no'; that is not a unique thing to attribute to modern writers. Since one of alchemy's goals was the pursuit to immortality, then combining the Elementals inside Quintessence as a cauldron would be a ritual for creating the Elixir of Life. Bit of fun trivia
OC: And somehow I didn't even notice that. Well either way, it ended up the same. Irisviel now has the Dress of Heaven, but didn't have to die to achieve it. We'll probably explain more of that in the following chapters to wrap that up, but we didn't want to bog the finale down with too much. And we also had that awesome moment of everyone working together to bring her down, and then the moment where the Holy Grail War, and this arc, finally coming to a close, after more than a year of writing it. I actually considered having the three Masters making a speech about how it's the end of the arc, and then have them tell their servants to destroy the grail and Justeaze, but after thinking about it, simply getting rid of her was the wisest decision.
Y: I like that this gives Iri some extra chops considering that she's rather 'meh' gameplay wise. You'd think her becoming the Grail would be really cool, but noooo. But in any case, it was a satisfying ending considering Iri's focus on growth in this story. The Wavers were fun to see interact, and the Grail getting blown up is always good to see.
OC: Indeed it is. However, we must now keep in mind Irisviel is a little more nerfed here due to the situations, but not too badly nerfed. But more on that later. I also added that little scene with Sakura and Kariya because I felt like it'd be a nice little bit of closure for Kariya. I know I said that I wasn't really fond of anyone in Fate Zero aside from Irisviel, but….after thinking about it, and seeing Kariya grow, I felt a bit more of a soft spot for him here, so he deserved that in the end. And of course Ritsuka finally succumbed to his injuries, but the boy stayed conscious! He's got willpower made of iron. Thankfully he got mostly healed by Medea, but the Golden Fleece can only do so much, so he still has to let some of his injuries settle before he's good to go.
Y: Yeppers, especially compared with how Urobuchi wanted to write the ending with those two. Yikes. And yeah, Kariya got off a lot better here compared to before. Ritsuka's win was nice, good use of Kayneth's mercury. If he knew that the ruffian would use his mercury in that way, he'd probably be pissed, touched, and laughing his ass off all at the same time. Golden Fleece heals the spirit, but the flesh is still soft and easily bruised, mwheheheh.
OC: And now for the epilogue! Yeah that's right, we did a Carnival Phantasm reference as that entire scene just for all of you! Also for our own amusement. It was nice seeing Cú being such a good sport about it for the most part and everyone else playing along. Though the only difference here is that Gilgamesh didn't use actual swords here. I just thought he'd like to troll them by using higher quality toy swords just to make it more interesting for him.
Y: It was a pretty good one, pop-up pirate and all. Gil is in a slightly better mood, true. Though perhaps he used SNI in Carnival Phantasm and knew Grail-kun would rewind time for Lancer so he could try to escape his deaths. Knowing Gil, either option is fairly likely.
OC: True, but at least Cú didn't die here…..yet. In any case, thank you all for waiting patiently for the finale. It has been a long time coming, but the Return to Null arc has finally come to a close. Next up we will be writing the chapter dedicated to Atsuko Tanaka, and we already have ideas for that one. Thank you all for stopping by, and we hope to catch you again for the next chapter. Owen Chaser and Yatsu, signing off.
(The two hosts wave their hands goodbye as they hear an explosion behind them, the Joker having decided to return to his universe after lighting a fuse to finish off Zouken. The two hosts look at each other and discuss what punishment to inflict on Zouken next).