AN: Please enjoy the capture.
Ch 24 The Truth of Rashomon Pt1
Ritsuka sighs, sitting outside of the Sakura Manor with a cup of tea in his hand. He took another sip, "Master of Chaldea, are you okay?" The Magus turns around, seeing the violet-haired Sakura face approaching him.
"Ah, Violet, was it? I thought you would be resting before we return to base." Ritsuka asked the Alter Ego standing behind him.
"Y-Yes, I was just resting. But I took notice that you are worried for Charlie." Violet commented, observing the Chaldean master's worried expression before.
The Magus chuckles, looking back at the permanent night sky above them. "I thought I was hiding my concern," Ritsuka took another sip of his tea.
Violet sighed, looking down at the black-haired man. "When Charlie entered the back room with Alter Ego and Ruler, your brows lowered slightly." The Alter Ego took note of the little detail on the master's face. "Is Charlie an important Servant to you?" She asked.
"Yeah, Charlie is an important person to me," Ritsuka answered the newest member of their group. "He was Summoned in the body of my late Grandfather,"
Violet's eyes widen, now understanding why the master of Chaldea had a concerned expression before. "No wonder you were worried, that Servant is practically your family." The Alter Ego commented.
Ritsuka nodded, looking back at the night sky. "Yeah, he's the only family that supports me during a time." He chuckles, remembering a different Charlie from Traum. "I met another Charlie back in a Singularity. I'm not sure if he would show again like the others considering that this Charlie is different with only vague memories of that time."
Violet nodded, listening to Ritsuka's worries for his Servant. "Interesting," The Alter Ego was about to ask more questions to the master of Chaldea, only to be interrupted when Rama and Marinette enter the scene.
"Master, we have news of Charlie's recovery." The King of Kosala informed the black-haired Magus.
"What is it, Saber?" Ritsuka asked his Servant and ally.
Marinette took the moment to tell him about the former Servant. "It's best to hear it for yourself from Caster,"
Ritsuka nodded, looking at Violet, wanting her to join them.
Once everyone has gathered back in the meeting room, Caster returns from the back room.
Xu Fu and Ruler of Paris weren't with them, indicating that Charlie's treatment wasn't finished. "I'm sorry to call you here, Fujimaru without bringing good news. Charlie is yet to recover, however…"
"However?" Ritsuka asked, sensing something is up.
"However, I did manage to find a way to make Charlie's Spirit Origins whole again," Caster informed the worried Magus.
Everyone was relieved that there was a sliver chance to bring Charlie back to his former self.
"Da Vinci said that something in this Lostbelt might be able to boost Charlie's Spirit Origins," Rama said, remembering the briefing before entering the Lostbelt. "Is that what you were trying to say?"
The powder blue-haired Caster chuckles, seeing Chaldea was one step ahead of them. "I expect nothing less from Chaldea's residential genius."
Koyanskaya looked at her master, both picturing Da Vinci laughing and taking the praises that Caster said.
"So what do we do for Charlie?" Tikki asked, wanting the best for the former King of the Franks.
"Well, first we need to find out who is closely associated with Charlie in this very Lostbelt." Caster explains to the nature Spirit, "If that person was here then Charlie's Spirit Origins will return to its proper state."
"But most of the Servants here are wiped out," Tamamo spoke up, remembering it was clear as day. "So finding the right Servant will be tricky."
Caster held his hand towards his fellow Caster, "Now hold on, Tamamo. I think there were a few Servants that oddly enough had a relationship with Charlie."
"Really? Who?" Ritsuka asked, knowing what their next mission was.
"I believe it's somewhere near the western district." Caster showed an image of the Eternal Empire, pointing to a pinging area. "From this area, there seems to be a Servant trying to manifest here but can't,"
"Luckily, it's where my Associates has seen your blonde friend with two Servants protecting him." Caster gave the Chaldeans helpful information they can use.
Marinette and Tikki smiled with glee that Caster was able to find Chat Noir's whereabouts. "That's great news! Where is he currently at?" The bluenette asked the Grand Servant.
Caster smiles, pointing to the area where the blinking light of the Servant trying to manifest. "Right around this area,"
"Talk about coincidence," Koyanskaya commented, finding it hard to believe that the blonde kid is in the same area as a Servant manifesting.
Ritsuka stood up from the mats, looking at everyone around him. "Seems like we have our next mission," He stated, "Saber, Alter Ego if you could stay here with Caster and Tamamo Hime and protect Charlie?"
The red-haired Saber nodded, obliging to his master's request. "I'll do my best, master."
"Very well, I take it that Fox woman is coming with you two?" Violet asked the master of Chaldea and the Hero of Creation.
"Are you sure bringing one Servant is enough to protect you, Ritsuka?" Tikki asked the black-haired Magus.
Ritsuka nodded to the Nature Spirit floating next to the bluenette girl. "Yes, I'll send a cryptic message to our allies once-"
"No need, I've sent a Familiar to the base requesting suitable Servants to assist in this mission," Caster interrupted Ritsuka's sentence, already a few steps ahead.
Marinette stood up with Ritsuka, finding that they were all set for their next move. "Then let's head out! We have allies to meet up with." She said with enthusiasm.
Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth smiled, "And don't forget if you encounter one of the Imperial Inquisitors, weaken them then use the Talisman on them."
"Got it," Marinette said, looking at Tikki who was ready to move out. "Ready Tikki?"
"As always Marinette!" The Nature Spirit said, ready to get going.
Ritsuka looks back at Caster and Tamamo. "We'll be back with Adrien and the others,"
Caster nodded as he watched the Chaldeans leave his Sakura Manor. "Caster, if you would can you send a Familiar to watch them?" Rama asked the Grand Servant, wanting to be there in case anything went wrong.
"You're worried for your master, King of Kosala?" The powder-blue Caster asked the Saber Servant staying behind. Caster nodded, throwing a Talisman into the air,
The Talisman burned as the ash reformed into a Vermillion Bird, "Go forth Suzaku and watch over the master of Chaldea and the Hero of Creation." Caster ordered his Familiar,
Suzaku took flight and followed the Chaldeans out of the Sakura Manor and into the Sakura Labyrinth.
Eternal Empire, Patricius, Western District
"N-No! Wait, I won't disobey the Eternal Empire!" A man panicked, surrounded by the Attack Programs and Cluster Horns. "Please, I-I have a Daughter at home!"
"Negative, anyone who disobeys the Eternal Empire shall be punished severely." The Enemy Program announced, disregarding the begs from the man and his fellow Parisians.
The man and his fellow man closed their eyes from what they expected. However a loud crash happened unexpectedly,
They opened their eyes only to be greeted by a Baton impaling the chest of the Enemy Program.
Their eyes shifted to where the Baton ended to see a young blonde boy holding a Baton through the enemy's chest.
"Ngh! Run!" Chat Noir shouted, holding back the enemy.
The man didn't think twice when the Hero of Destruction paved a chance to escape. "Come on! We need to get out here!" He shouted to his fellow Parisians.
"B-But what about-"
"Don't worry," A commanding voice echoes through the streets. "We will support him, just get to safety." A bright light manages to disrupt the functions of the Enemy Programs, buying the people some more time.
Johanna appeared behind the group, raising her staff. "This way, we've cleared this area!" The Ruler singled them to the alleyway to the left.
"R-Right," The Parisians rushed over to where the Servant was singling to. However, some of the Enemy Programs were immediately switched back on and went into Battle.
"Gah! T-They're back online!" A female Parisian panicked, seeing the Emperor's Soldiers heading back to attack mode.
"Enemy Servants detected, commence Anti-Servant comba-" A pink liquid encroached on the Enemy Programs' feet and started to melt their feet.
The Enemy Programs were in a panic, "Unknown element cording our functions, requesting-"
Black wrappings appeared from the shadows, decapitating the heads of the Enemy Programs. "Now that was easy," BB steps out of the shadows, tapping her Baton on her hips.
"These Enemy Programs aren't that strong when there's no Commander around." The Moon Cancer commented, looking around at the melted parts of the enemies.
Chat Noir huffs, putting away his Baton to his belt after defeating his second Enemy Program. "Really? I only defeated two and I was still struggling a bit." The blonde Hero said, walking over to the Servants.
BB scoffs, looking at her ward. "That's because you're a Human that just awaken your Magical Circuits." The AI said to the Hero of Destruction. "To a Servant, this is like fighting automatons."
"Master, please be careful when aiding us." Johanna approached her master, taking a look around their area. "Even if you're capable of fighting, these enemies are a bit stronger than you faced in your time period."
Chat nodded, noting the strength difference between Enemy Programs and Attack Programs. "Yeah, I noticed how stronger Enemy Programs are than the ones back home." He commented,
BB turned her head to her allies, detecting some reinforcements heading their way. "Alright, we've been out here for too long. Reinforcements are heading our way," The Moon Cancer informed the two.
"Got it, Ruler let's go!" Chat agrees with the AI, not wanting to face the enemy reinforcement.
Johanna nodded, following the two back into the alleyway to escape from the reinforcements.
Once the three got into the alley and far enough from the reinforcements, they all took a breather. "We can't keep popping up and save whoever is in trouble," Johanna commented, still on guard in the alley.
"I hate to admit it, but she's right." BB agreed with the Pope. "Our efforts won't do anyone good if we continue like this."
"I know," Chat sighs, placing his hand on his head. "We're only doing this because those Servants say that there were many small fights with other Servants. If there are fights then it must be either Ritsuka or Marinette." He stated, hoping his intuition was right.
Johanna saw her master was stressing over their situation. She approached him and placed her hand on his shoulders, "Try not to worry that much, master." The Ruler comforts him. "Even if our situation is difficult, know that the Lord is in our favor. There will be light at the end of our path." She shared her insights, hoping this would calm the blonde boy.
Chat looks up at his Servant, chuckling that someone from the past is comforting him. "Thanks, Johanna, to think someone from the past is comforting me." The Hero of Destruction smiles at his Servant.
"I just notice how stressed you were, I figured that something positive might help." The Pope smiles, hoping her words of wisdom made Chat Noir better.
"As always, these religious type Servants will find a way to be positive in times of uncertainty." The Moon Cancer scoffs, listening to the two next to her.
Chat looks over to Ritsuka's Servant, hearing her comment. "You know if you don't like what we're saying, you're more than welcome to stay silent."
BB huffs, shrugging at whatever Chat Noir was saying. "As much I would like that, someone here has to be the realist in this group." The AI stated, sensing a familiar presence nearby. "Well shit, that Berserker is here."
"What do you mean, BB?" Johanna asked the Moon Cancer, seeing her ready to leave for cover.
"I mean I hacked the street cameras and currently see a familiar black-haired Servant with a bunch of minions." The Sakura face informed the group of the pending threat just a few meters away.
The only Servant that matched that description was the one they met when they first entered the Lostbelt. "That guy before!? He's here!?" He asked, receiving a nod from BB.
Johanna stood straight, recognizing the situation. "Okay, let's get going before we're caught." The white-haired Servant said,
They agree and continue their way through the alleyway to evade the Inquisitor and his platoon.
Back on the streets, Akutagawa approached the scattered remnants of the Enemy Programs. He leans down, picking up one piece.
"Sir, there seem to be no traces of the enemy here." The first Attack Program reported to the platoon leader, "It seems we've missed them."
Akutagawa's coat morphs into a dog's head, something he was given before leaving on his mission. "We didn't miss them, they're still in the district. They're hiding," The Berserker looks at his platoon, holding out his hand.
"Search the area, the Hero of Destruction and his allies are still here." The Author ordered his Enemy Programs to search the district for the wielder of the Cat Miraculous.
The Enemy Programs received their orders from their leader. "Orders accepted,"
They all spread out within the area, in search of the Hero of Destruction and the allies he came across.
The black-haired Author faced the open streets of the Western district. His Mystic Code raised the dog's head, sniffing the air. "Mystic Code installment. Fetch." The eyes of the dog's head glowed and pointed to the left side of the district.
"Heh, like hunting rats." Akutagawa chuckles, heading in the direction of where his Mystic Code is pointing to.
Bellow the Western district of the Eternal Empire, Ritsuka, Ladybug, and Koyanskaya ran through the sewer systems once more.
-ZZZ- Master, can you hear me?-ZZZ- Ritsuka paused, hearing a transmission finally getting through.
"Caster, is that you?" Ritsuka halts his advancement, stopping to speak with the Assistant Technical Division Head.
Archimedes appeared on the comm network. -ZZZ- Yes, master, seems like we've made contact after a few hours of silence.- ZZZ- The Caster said, happy to hear they're doing all right. -ZZZ- Anyways, master, we have detected a faint signature in the area above you. -ZZZ-
Ladybug turns to Ritsuka, overhearing what the Scholar is reporting. "A feint signature? Is it Chat Noir, Caster?" The bluenette asked the Servant in the Past. "Where is he?"
Mashu took over after some digging around in the Command room, -ZZZ- Base where you are, it's hard to pinpoint where exactly Adrien-kun is, however, I can tell you that he's in the area. -ZZZ- The former Demi-Servant informed the three.
"How about Servants? Are there any Servants in the vicinity, Mashu?" Koyanskaya asked the Technical Assistant.
-ZZZ- Two Chaldean Servants are nearby, and a hostile Servant is on the surface. -ZZZ- Mashu informed the group. -ZZZ- And by the looks of it, it's a Berserker.-ZZZ-
Ladybug looks at the two, having a feeling who this was. "It must be Ryunosuke Akutagawa, the Servant that materializes with Ruler of Paris." The Hero of Creation stated,
"He must be on the hunt for your Boyfriend," Koyanskaya commented, smirking at the bluenette Hero. "So, this mission has turned into a rescue mission." She gave a light chuckle; however, Ladybug wasn't laughing.
"We need to get to Adrien before Akutagawa gets to him," Ladybug stated, worried for her Boyfriend.
Ritsuka held his hand to Ladybug, not wanting to do anything reckless when aiding their Ally. "Now hold on, we need to think this through carefully. Remember, Akutagawa is a Berserker with Hephaestus Klironomia, and you know how difficult facing one could be."
The Hero of Creation was about to say something, but Ritsuka does have a point. "You're right, so what's the plan?" Ladybug asked.
"Well, we have to find the two Servants sent from our base first," Ritsuka said with a smile,
Back on the surface, Chat Noir and the two Servants ran through the alleyway. Each exit they reached was a dead end or swarming with Enemy Programs.
"Shit, they're trying to box us in," BB stated, passing another swarmed exit.
Johanna looks up, seeing that some Watchers observe their every movement. "We're being watched, no wonder they're trying to close the gap." The Ruler said,
Chat clicked his tongue, seeing that the Eternal Empire is really getting serious about their capture. His cat eyes spot a clear opening for them to use as an exit. "There!" He pointed to the end of the alleyway, where on the left was a clear opening.
"I see a way out of here," Chat informed the two Servants with him.
"Then let's go, any longer here is another problem rising." The Moon Cancer commented as they turned to the left passage.
The group huffs, heading down the alley they entered. They saw a path leading to an opening to the streets, and from there they planned to face the enemies.
They exited the alleyway, thinking they just got out. "Alright, we're out." Chat said to the Servants, "Now we can deal with-"
Chat halts his statement and slides on his feet to stop.
"Master!" Johanna steps in front of the Hero of Destruction, seeing the leader of the Enemy Program platoon.
BB joined in, drawing out her Baton upon seeing the Servant. "Well, it seems we've fallen for their trap." The violet-haired Servant commented, cursing herself for not noticing the enemy's plan.
Chat gritted his teeth; he looked behind him and saw the Crixes and Vipers blocking the entrance to the alleyway. "We can't go back to the alleyway now, they've blocked it." The blonde Hero informed the two.
"Damnit," BB cursed at their predicament.
Ryunosuke Akutagawa approached the three, as the two dog heads from his Mystic Code appeared behind him. "You Chaldeans were hard to find, separating like that. Good call, but eventually we would find you all," He said,
"Master, stand back." Johanna held her staff in front of her Summoner, not wanting him to get near the Inquisitor.
Akutagawa noticed the new addition to the group, "Interesting, so you were Summoned to this Lostbelt like the others, Pope Johanna." The Berserker greeted the former Second-in-Command of the Restoration Realm. "If the circumstances were different then I would greet you properly."
"Ruler, do you know this guy?" Chat Noir asked his Servant,
Johanna took a closer look at the Berserker Servant, finally recognizing his height and gesture. "Ah, that's right. You were a part of the Restoration Realm's army," The Ruler said, "You were oddly reasonable back then for a Berserker Servant."
BB scoffs that this Pope knows the enemy. "So he was a part of the Traum Singularity that my Senpai was in." She frowns at another annoying factor in their situation. "So, anything to note of, Ruler?" She asked her ally due to the fact she knew him.
"W-Well, he can be unpredictable with his sudden outburst," Johanna informed her allies, she then heard the said Servant chuckle.
Their attention was back to the Berserker, giving off a peal of madding laughter. "Is that all you can about say about me? Oh my dear, Pope, I'm hurt." Akutagawa commented, his sudden change in personality caused tension in the group.
Johanna approached her former ally, "What do you mean, Berserker? You were a part of Lord Constantine's army and-"
The Author grins manically at them, indicating that he's more hostile now than mere moments ago. "How unfortunate that you don't remember, we had such a friendship during the Battle with the Via Regalia Realm. I'll kill you for your insolence," He gazes toward Chat Noir, seeing the three marks on his gloves. "Starting off with your master."
Akutagawa held out his hands, the dog heads rushed for Chat Noir, "Master!" Johanna pushed him away to BB and raised her Staff to counter.
"Ruler, no!" Chat exclaims as BB held him back.
Just when things look bleak, a slash split the heads from the Mystic Code and disappears.
Both Akutagawa and Johanna's eyes widen, seeing the Servant that sliced through the Mystic Code. "Well, this is a surprise." The Servant landed in between them,
"C-C-Co-" Johanna was at a loss, she didn't expect to meet him here but she should've.
Constantine smiles at his old friend from the past, "Hello, Johanna. Its been a while,"
"Emperor Constantine."
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.