AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 22 The Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth
It was very crowded within the City of Patricius; however, the streets were not filled with the Citizens of Paris. They were bustling with Enemy Programs and other units for the Empire's forces.
Observers were floating above the streets, keeping an eye on the surrounding area for members of Chaldea.
Each Enemy Program with Vipers or Swindlers was invading people's houses, taking those who seemed suspicious by Empire standards.
Enforcers were on standby as the Enemy Programs delivered the Parisians under suspicion to them. They were marked as inmates and taken away to prison for holding.
While the enemies were doing their investigation, they failed to notice that the Chaldeans were hiding in the alleyway, observing them. Xu Fu has set up a concealment talisman
"(I can't believe what I'm seeing.)" Ladybug stated, feeling guilty for not helping the mistreated people. "(This is like a dictatorship I've read about in History.)"
Ritsuka nodded, eyeing the area. "(I know this might be hard on you, Ladybug. But try to ignore it.)" The Magus said, sensing the shock from what he said. "(I too feel guilty not helping them like this, try seeing things like 'if we're captured then we can't help the people.)"
Ladybug knew what Ritsuka said was true, if they were to be captured then they can't save Paris. "(You're right,)"
"(Hey you two, enough talking and let's get going.)" Rama, seeing the area they were heading was clear. He waves to Koyanskaya, receiving her signal from the rooftops.
"(Saber's right, there are fewer Programs there now,)" Charlie stated, turning to Violet, Xu Fu, and Ruler of Paris.
Xu Fu first headed to the other side of the streets, setting up a concealment talisman just like before.
"(Alright, Charlie. I'll take care of you.)" Rama grabs hold of the former Servant, swiftly skipping over to the Alchemist.
Ladybug looks over to Violet, approaching her. "(Ladybug, you'll be with me.)" The Alter Ego stated, receiving approval from the Hero of Creation.
"(Right, I'm trusting you.)" Ladybug was hoisted in Violet's arms as they leap to the other side.
Ruler held onto her master, still maintaining the concealment talisman. "(It's our turn master. When I deactivate the Concealment talisman, we have got to the other side before we're detected.)" She informed the black-haired Magus,
"(Got it,)" Ritsuka nodded, ready for the Counter Guardian's signal.
The Counter Guardian quickly lowered her hand, grabbed onto Ritsuka, and leaped over to the other side.
"(Okay, based on the map that Caster provided us if we are to take this hear sewer line,)" Charlie looks at the manhole cover, being gently moved by Rama. "(It should take us to where Caster is located.)"
"(Still, using the sewer system to get to where we need to go?)" Violet asked, looking down and smelling the stench emanating from the underground. "(It smells terrible not like the last one,)"
Rama looked at the High Servant before him, "(Of course it smells, it's the sewers, Alter Ego.)" The King of Kosala stated,
"(Just bear with it, Alter Ego.)" Ladybug said, approaching the manhole. "(It's the best option we have to stay hidden.)" The bluenette entered the sewer with Xu Fu following her, with Charlie and Rama close behind.
Ruler and Ritsuka walk back carefully, ensuring that no sound was made for detection. Ritsuka went into the sewer first before the bluenette dropped the barrier and swiftly leap into the sewer.
Once everyone was inside the old Parisian sewer, they all relax a bit but were still on guard. "Alright, I don't think we need to worry about any enemies patrolling the sewer systems," Rama said, sensing fewer of the Enemy Program's Magical Energy Signatures.
"Still, I rather be on guard than betting on chances." Xu Fu stated, sensing the same amount of enemies as the King of Kosala.
Ladybug looks around the sewers, having two paths to go. "Okay, which way should we go Charlie?" the bluenette asked the one with the map.
The black-haired man pulled out the wristwatch given by Viperion prior to their departure. "Based on the map from Caster, if we head to the right side we should see a fork," Charlie explains to the group. "From there, we head straight down to the one to the left and it'll lead us outside the City."
Violet looks to the right of the sewer pipe, "Then let's go, the area we were just at will be huddled with enemies." The Alter Ego stated,
Ritsuka nodded, turning to the right. "Okay, move out everyone."
The group continued their way through the sewers, encountering only a few enemies. They quickly discard them before they could alert the others above in the City.
"Ha!" Ladybug and Ruler toss their yo-yos, snagging the enemies in a net of strings.
Rama and Violet leap into action, "Sei!" The Alter Ego extends her spiral arm and impales the first Enemy Program in the chest.
Ritsuka held out his hand to his Saber, "Saber!" Mana travels to the King of Kosala's Sword, enhancing his power.
"Hup!" Rama held his Sword above his head before slashing down and splitting his opponent in half.
Ritsuka huffs, looking at Xu Fu who placed a Bounded Field to prevent any signal transmitted. "Is that the last enemy?"
Ruler rolled her shoulders, taking the moment to sense her surroundings. "I believe that's all, master." The Counter Guardian said, walking towards him.
"These enemies weren't so bad, unlike the ones above us," Ladybug commented, turning to Volet and Rama returning from slaying the Enemy Program.
"That's because there were only a few enemies compared to a whole platoon in the City," Rama explains to the Hero of Creation, "Numbers can make a simple mission into a difficult one for either side," The Saber said.
"In any case, I believe we can continue to our destination." The violet-haired Servant turns to the former Servant with the map. "Hey, how much longer until we're out of the City?" Violet asked the black-haired man.
Charlie looks at his wristwatch, checking the map. "About a few more minutes or so," The former Servant informed the group.
"I hope so, I feel like the smell is seeping into my Spirit Origins." The High Servant said, wanting to leave the sewers immediately.
"Calm down, Violet. W-We're almost out of the sewer s-system." Xu Fu said, ensuring her fellow Alter Ego that they were almost out of the sewers.
Ladybug smiles at the Servant she met in the City. "You really don't like going into sewers, eh Violet." The brunette Hero commented on the Alter Ego's hatred for sewers.
Violet scoffs that Ladybug's wording for her displeased for walking in the sewer systems. "Don't like isn't the right word to describe my feelings towards the sewers." The Alter Ego stated, "I would use disdain to describe my feelings right now."
"You better get used to it, Violet." Charlie smiles, causing the Alter Ego to look at him. "We're using the sewers as a way to travel around the City."
"Is it possible to switch sides now?" Violet groans, almost tripping into the sewer water.
Everyone chuckles at what the Alter Ego said before continuing their way through the sewers. "I don't think that's possible, Violet." Ritsuka held his mouth, chuckling at her.
After a few more minutes of walking through the sewers, the group made their way out of the sewer system.
Both Ladybug and Ritsuka covered their eyes upon exiting the pipe. When they opened them, they revealed a forest of Sakura trees spread across the outskirts of Paris.
Everyone was baffled by the scenery of foreign trees outside the Eternal Empire. "C-Cherry Blossom trees!? W-What's going on here?" Ladybug questions the area before her. "There should be other Cities outside of Paris,"
The bluenette Hero looks at Charlie, wanting to recheck the map. "C-Charlie, i-is that map, right? There should be Cities here instead of a Cherry Blossom Forest." Ladybug asked the former Servant.
"I can confirm that this forest is on the map," Charlie informed the shocked Hero. "The Cherry Blossom forest extends for miles, even passing the borders of Spain and Poland."
Ritsuka held onto his chin, hearing what his Grandfather said. "So this Lostbelt has extended to other countries as well?" He asked himself, never experiencing this type of situation before.
Ruler of Paris looks back at the Eternal Empire, seeing the tip of the Moon Cell. "Looks like this forest is preventing the Lostbelt from expanding into the timeline." The Counter Guardian sensed some powerful Magical Energy in the forest.
"Considering that the forest is Cherry Blossom Trees, it's also known as Sakura Trees," The Magus stated, having a gut feeling that this was Caster's work.
"So, it's Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth's Bounded Field?" Rama asked, sensing some familiar Mana from the Sakura Forest. The King smirks, turning to Koyanskaya leaping from the walls surrounding the Eternal Empire,
Ritsuka and the others look at the former Apostle of the Alien God. "So, I have checked around and detected the enemy didn't follow us." The Alter Ego informed everyone, "I guess that concealment talisman worked to conceal yourselves from the Empire's detection instruments."
"Glad you're back, Koyanskaya." Ritsuka greeted his Secretary joining their small group. "And thank you for your scouting."
Koyanskaya winks at her master, "Of course, NFF Services will always bring the best results to their loyal Customers." The Pink Fox said pridefully.
"Seems like everyone is here," Charlie commented, turning to the entrance of the Sakura Forest.
"Then let's venture inside to meet our Collaborator." The red-haired Saber stated, pointing to the Sakura Forest.
(Insert Fgo OST The Distant Wind)
The group made their way into the Sakura Forest, treading through the dirt path. Sakura petals were falling to the ground like snow on a winter day.
Despite everything, Ladybug couldn't help but be in awe by the foreign trees. "I've never expected a forest to be outside of Paris," Ladybug said, finding the whole scenery peaceful and romantic. "Only if Adrien was here to see it,"
"Don't worry, Marinette; we'll find Adrien eventually." Ritsuka cheered the bluenette up, taking in the surroundings. Pretty much everyone in the group took a look around them, the fact a Caster was able to make a forest was impressive.
Ruler of Paris watches as a Sakura petal fell past her face, "Territory Creation is no joke, this is amazing." The Counter Guardian stated.
"I-Indeed, I-I'm capable of creating my own territory but not to this level." Xu Fu said, feeling a powerful Servant energy around them. "Caster must be a powerful Heroic Spirit if he was able to prevent the Lostbelt from expanding."
Rama looks back at the Eternal Empire, "It doesn't seem that the Anomaly or the Lostbelt Emperor nor his Servants aren't too concerned about their Lostbelt expanding or not." The King of Kosala commented.
"You're right, Saber," Charlie commented, looking back at the City they left. "If the Eternal Empire plans to become a new Human History, they should focus on spreading their territory."
The former Servant held onto his chin, trying to figure out what the Empire is about. 'What are they planning.' Charlie ponders what the Lostbelt Emperor was thinking.
It passed at least forty minutes or so, the group walked aimlessly within the Sakura Forest.
Xu Fu huffs, dragging her feet and trying to keep up with the group. "I-I don't if it's me, but I feel like we've been walking for hours." The Alter Ego stated, catching her breath as the others stopped.
"Now that Alter Ego mentioned it, it's like we're wandering endlessly," Violet commented, looking around the forest. "Every turn we make always felt like we ended up in the same place where we first started." The other Alter Ego added,
Ritsuka turns to both Koyanskaya and Ruler of Paris. "Koyanskaya, Ruler, can you go above and scout things out?" He asked.
The bluenette Counter Guardian turns to the Beast Candidate, "Tch, very well master." Ruler of Paris wasn't too keen on working with the Pink-haired Fox. Koyanskaya reminds her of two certain people she hated back in life.
Koyanskaya huffs, placing her rifle on her shoulders. "If you say so, Fujimaru."
Both Ruler and Koyanskaya took to the trees, only to be repealed back to the ground. The two landed on their feet, confused about what just happened.
"The hell?" Koyanskaya asked herself.
"Are you two all right?" Ladybug asked the Servants, watching the whole thing. She looks up, seeing a strange barrier shining in the night sky. "Looks like there's a barrier above us."
Xu Fu approached one of the Sakura Trees, placing her hand on the trunk. "As I thought, this Bounded Field doesn't only stretch through the perimeters of the Eternal Empire, but also the sky." The Alchemist stated.
"Caster must be really preventing the Lostbelt from expanding if his Bounded Field reached to the skies," Ritsuka commented,
"Not only that master, but the Bounded Field is designed as a maze." The Alter Ego explains, having the chance to really get behind the scenes of Caster's Bounded Field.
"What does that mean, Alter Ego?" Charlie asked,
Xu Fu removed her hand from the trunk, turning to the former King. "It means that when we entered the Sakura Forest, we essentially entered a Maze or Labyrinth." The Alchemist explains.
"So that explains Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth part," Rama commented, finding both humorous and a bit annoying.
A rustling was caught in Koyanskaya's ears, and she swiftly turns around and aims her rifle at the bush. Rama drew his Blade, joining with the Beast. "Show yourself!" The King of Kosala demanded whoever is hidden in the bush.
"Mikon, please don't attack." A familiar voice but soft-hearted spoke out through the brush. "I was sent by Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth to guide you all to the Palace."
Ritsuka and the older Chaldean Servants' eyes widen, seeing a familiar and yet different Servant. "Y-You're another tail of Caster, aren't you," Charlie stated, recognizing the face immediately.
Another form of Tamamo-no-Mae appeared before them. Instead of a red or blue kimono, this one has a lime green one with flowing hair down to her waist. "Mmm? I see, so you're acquainted with me already," She commented.
The Tamamo face inclined her head to the Chaldeans. "Greeting Chaldeans and Hero of Creation, my Class is Caster. But do call me Tamamo Hime."
"So you really are one of Tamamo's Tails," Koyanskaya commented, sighing that they have another Tamamo join Chaldea soon.
"Tamamo Hime? As in Tamamo-no-Mae?" Ladybug asked, hearing that name before. "I heard that name in an anime I watched before."
Ritsuka looks at Ladybug, explaining who Tamamo is. "Tamamo-no-Mae, a Nine-tailed Fox Spirit is a Divided Spirit from the Japanese Divine-Spirit Amaterasu." The Magus explains. "Tamamo is famous for being blamed for Emperor Toba's illness. Thus making her an Anti-Hero, however, all she wanted is to be a good Wife."
The bluenette Hero was a bit heartbroken from the story of the Kitsune. "That's horrible," She looks over to Tamamo Hime then noticed the familiarity with Koyanskaya. "Wait, hold on. Koyanskaya, are you another Tamam-"
"Nope, I just took the Saint Graph of Tamamo-no-Mae. That's why I'm considered as a Tamamo face, not one of the tails." The Alter Ego explains her origins, "The Tamamos that Chaldea know is back on the Storm Border."
"I think I get it now." Ladybug nodded, understanding a bit. Her eyes then caught Ritsuka approaching the Tamamo, "Ritsuka?"
Ritsuka stood before Tamamo Hime; the Caster inclined her head, respectfully greeting him. "Tamamo, do you mind if you can guide us to Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth's base?" He asked kindly.
Tamamo Hime nodded, smiling at the master of Chaldea. "Of course, that was the reason I was sent here." The Caster Servant held her hands to the path behind them, showing them the correct path. "This way to the Sakura Palace, Chaldeans."
The group resumed their track through the now-called Sakura Labyrinth. This time, they have a guide with them to show them the way.
Ritsuka moves closer to Tamamo Hime, curious about her. "Tamamo Hime, I'm curious about something." He asked the Caster Servant.
"I will answer anything you ask, Fujimaru-sama." The lime green Kimono Caster responded to the Chaldean master.
"I have a good idea of who the Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth's True Name is." Tamamo Hime looks at the last master of Humanity, smiling at him.
The Divided Spirit giggled, "Caster did say that you might know. You did meet him once during your journey." Tamamo Hime commented, "Are you nervous?" She asked.
Ritsuka sighs, remembering that they didn't officially meet but still, "A bit, it's been many years since we last spoke together."
"Ritsuka, do you know Caster of the Sakura Labrinth?" Ladybug asked the Magus of Chaldea, walking next to him.
"Well, not officially. I know of him through my other Servants who knew him." Ritsuka explains to the young Hero of Creation. "We only spoke through text during an urgent time."
Ladybug nodded, "I see, so it's like meeting a pen pal for the first time in person." The young Hero of Creation compared the situation to a common practice.
Ritsuka held onto his chin, pondering the comparison Ladybug used to describe his situation. "Mmm, now that I think of it. It's exactly how I describe my relationship with Caster."
The two laugh, bonding on the small conversation they were having.
Eventually, the group eventually managed to get past the Sakura Labyrinth, entering a new territory outside the Eternal Empire.
(End Song, insert ost Swordsmith's Hermitage)
The Chaldean and their allies stood before a Japanese torii. Beyond the gate was a large Japanese house, and at the front was a Zen garden and some smaller Sakura trees as decorations.
"This is definitely Caster's base," Ritsuka noted the Japanese-style structure before them.
Ruler of Paris approached her master, sensing a powerful Magical Energy presence within the house. "(Master, there's a powerful Servant in the house there,)" She whispers in his ear.
"I know," Ritsuka paused, looking at the Caster Servant they met heading inside the manor. "Tamamo?"
Tamamo Hime turns around and smiled at the Chaldeans. "Before I welcome you to the Sakura Manor, I must see if you're trustworthy to meet the master of the Manor." The Servant stated, not moving an inch from where she stood.
"Wait, what? I thought you were to guide us to this place?" Ladybug asked the Counter Force Servant. "Why you're deciding to get in the way of that!?"
The pink-haired Fox held her chest, answering the young Hero. "The reason is to prove your trustworthiness. Nothing more and nothing less." Tamamo Hime stated, "If you were to beat me, and one of Caster's Familiars; then I will continue to guide you to him."
Koyanskaya scoffs, loading her rifle for this moment. "I knew something was fishy when I first laid eyes on you." She commented, "Alright, then I'll go into battle then."
Rama steps forward, materializing his Brahmastra in his hand. "Then I, Saber shall join the Battle to prove my master's worth." He looks back at Ritsuka, nodding at him to fight.
"Why do we need to fight when things are dire." The bluenette Hero sighs, seeing that time is of the essence.
"It can't be helped; Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth is a powerful Servant." Ruler of Paris stated, placing her hand over Ladybug's shoulder. "We need to prove ourselves before we get his full help."
Ladybug shrugs, ultimately agreeing with her future self. "I guess you're right."
Tamamo Hime smiles, seeing things were settled. "Two Servants and two opponents, a fair match-up indeed." She turns to the Manor, raising her head. "Byakko, come and assist me." She called out to the Familiar.
A bolt of lightning struck down in front of the torii, causing dust to shroud the area. Everyone peered their eyes open, seeing a white tiger with blue electrified eyes standing beside the Fox Spirit.
"Byakko, the Lighting Beast of the Four Guardians from Japanese Mythology," Ritsuka said, recognizing the lightning from the Mythology Chaldea researched.
Ladybug flinched, knowing that myth from master Fu and the many references she read. "A-A Divine Beast of the Gods," She chuckles, feeling like they weren't up for that. However, what they faced in the Eternal Empire doesn't compare to a fight testing their trust.
She took a deep breath before looking at Ritsuka, "Are you ready, Ritsuka?"
"Sure am, let's show them whom they are messing with," Ritsuka smirked, signaling the two Servants to attack. (End Song)
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.