AN: Enjoy the chapter.

Ch 29 The Mural

Facility One

Louis snuck out of the base, evading the detection of Prometheus's sentries. After sneaking to the surface, he immediately headed to the one place where it all started.

The young blonde Boy peeked from the alleyway, seeing if there were any Enemy Programs in the vicinity. "Alright, the close is clear." Louis smiles, seeing he has a clear path to the Bakery.

He stood up from the ground, quickly ran out of the alleyway, and headed toward his Grandparents' former Bakery.

Louis was one step closer to the Bakery only something beneath his feet. "GAH!" He stumbles back, avoiding the snapping jaws of a Fishbite.

The Fishbite snaps its jaws at Louis, coming closer to the young master. "No, get away!" The blonde Boy exclaims, trying to get away from the Enemy.

No matter how many times he shouted at the Empire's Machines it refuses to listen. 'All I wanted is to see both of them. Is that asking too much!?' He shuts his eyes, preparing to meet his fate.

Suddenly a strange cry caught the young Leader's ears. "H-Huh?" Louis opens his blue eyes, seeing the Fishbite halt its advancement on him. Then his eyes spot two knives impaling the top of the Machine. "K-Knives?"

"Geez, to think you would come out of the safest place in all of this Lostbelt." Louis looks up, seeing a familiar pink-haired Assassin standing behind the Fishbite.

Stepping from behind the pink-haired girl was her Brother, "Well, well, if it isn't our little Customer Sister." The mint-haired Assassin said to his Sister, approaching the young Boy they met before.

"A-Assassins, you saved me." Louis blinks at the two Servants, getting up from the ground. "Thank you, but what are you doing out here instead of inside my Grandparents' Baker-er your Bar?" The Son of Ladybug and Chat Noir asked the two.

The pink-haired Assassin waved her hand, "Oh, Louie we saw you heading towards our little establishment from the moment you enter that little alleyway." She commented before getting serious with him. "So? Why are you here, if either the Heroes or Assassin or your Grandfather hears that you came to see us, they'll be very displeased." She warns the young blonde boy.

"Have a good reason, oh Leader of the Resistance?" The mint-haired Assassin asked Louis.

Louis blinks at the two Counter Force Servants, unsure if he should tell them why he's out here. Since they are on the neutral side of this conflict, however, that doesn't matter since they are neutral. "I-I heard that Bunnyx brought the Chaldeans and…my Parents from the Past to help."

The blonde boy looks at the two with a serious expression. "Since you two are the only people here, I want to call in the favor I owe you two," Louis stated,

The Siblings looked at each other, smiling before answering the young master. "So, what do you need us to do?" The pink-haired Servant raised her eyebrow at him.

Western District

The Louvre, what was once a tourist attraction, is now an abandoned and lifeless area. Every corner of the Louvre was swarmed with Vipers and Swindles, patrolling the area for any enemies.

"How is it, Assassin?" Chat asked the Leader of the Resistance about the enemy layout.

The White-haired Servant came down from the edge, looking at the group. "I see some Vipers and Swindles guarding the Louvre. I can't get a good look at the insides since it collapsed." Assassin of the Resistance explains.

Ritsuka frowns, "They must be there since we've encountered Foreigner of London." He commented.

"I don't think so," Akutagawa stated, causing everyone to gaze at him. "I vividly remember the army layout. Karl der Grobe wants all Historical sites to be protected and observed." The former Enemy explains to the group.

"Really? Why's that?" Ladybug asked the Berserker,

Nero nodded, seemingly understanding what their Enemy was planning. "Umu, if I were to be in charge of this Lostbelt then I would preserve the History and memories of what makes my Nation great." The Saber stated with pride.

BB chuckles, looking at the Saber face, "Roman Emperors are sure weird when it comes to Rome." The Moon Cancer commented,

The Red Saber grins at her, taking her comment as a compliment to her reign. "Thank you, BB for those kind words." Nero thanked the AI.

"It's not a compliment, you glorify Emperor." BB gave the Servant a blank stare.

"Alright, alright, that's enough you two." Johanna broke the two's argument up, "We still need to find a way inside the Louvre."

Chat looks at the area below them, trying to find a way around the Enemy. "I don't see an opening we can use to get around them." The Hero of Destruction observed.

Assassin and Ritsuka joined in with the blonde, taking a look for themselves. "They have each side covered, the only way in is-"

"A frontal assault," Assassin concludes what the master of Chaldea was thinking. He turns to the others, taken aback by the rash decision.

Ladybug held out her hand, unsure if they should proceed with this plan. "Now hold on, facing the enemy head-on seems to be reckless." The Hero of Creation stated, "Is there no other way to get in without being noticed?"

"I have to agree, this plan is risky to proceed with, Assassin," Johanna added her thoughts to the conversation.

Ritsuka looks at the two, understanding where they are coming from. "I get it, you two don't want to get the attention of the Empire. But what other choice do we have?" He asked before discussing their game plan.

"So, if I know Ruler then he has already found a way inside himself with the Archer and Viperion. So it's only us." Ritsuka continues, looking at the area below them. "Our task is to get in and meet up with them. First, we need a big enough distraction that it gets the attention of the Enemies."

BB stood up, feeling like she was fit for the job. "Hai, hai, I get-"

"BB, you're going with us. Nero, Johanna, and Akutagawa will be our distraction team." Ritsuka informed what the plan was to the group. "Assassin, can you get the rest of us inside the Louvre?" He looks over to the Leader of the Resistance next to him.

The white-haired Assassin nodded, seeing that plan was plausible. "I can do that, master of Chaldea. Just give me an opening so I can do what my Class specializes in." Assassin of the Resistance smirks, already finding a place to enter the Louvre.

A few minutes have passed, and nothing seems to be out of the ordinary that the Enemy Programs detect.

Suddenly a burst of fire combined with a blinding light gained the attention of the Vipers and Swindles.

They all faced where the fire and light originated, "Umu, over here you slithering machines!" Nero called out to the Empire's forces. "Pay close attention to the star of the show!"

"Do you really need to call yourself that, Saber?" Johanna asked, recalling her Halo back to her.

Akutagawa prepared his Mystic Code, ready to attack the Enemies. "We got their attention, that's all it matters. Now let's go, AAGGGGHHHHH!" He leaps into the Swindles and Vipers, destroying every last one of them,

"Hey, leave some for us too!" Nero followed the Berserker's lead, taking out a few of the Enemies.

Johanna sighs, seeing those two having a little contest on who can destroy the most Enemies. "Even if killing isn't my cup of tea, this is a completely different situation." The Ruler raised her Staff, "Here I come!" She leaps into the Battle, destroying a few for herself.

On the right side of the Louvre, Ladybug, and Chat Noir halt their advancement. Their attention was on the three Servants buying time for them to get into the Louvre. "Here I thought that those enemies were too much for them," Ladybug commented, seeing she was wrong.

"I always knew they could handle that task well. After all, they did leave their marks in History." Chat added, knowing they can distract the Enemy.

"Oi, you two stop yapping and start following!" BB scolded the two Heroes for stopping mid-way to their destination.

Ladybug flinched, hearing the Moon Cancer calling them out. "R-Right, sorry!"

"We're coming BB," Chat and Ladybug resume their way to the ruined Louvre.

Assassin of the Resistance leads the infiltration into the ruins of the Louvre safely. They entered a small hole that was big enough to fit an average size, Human or Servant.

Once they entered the hole, the group was met by a dimly lit room. Many priceless artworks and artifacts on the first floor were destroyed by the collapse of the Louvre.

It was like a nuclear bomb has dropped on the Tourist site. Steel beams stuck out of the ground and into the second floor, and many broken pieces of Statues were scattered on the floor.

Truly a sad sight for any Parisian who is dedicated to the arts.

"This place was booming with History, now it's just a ruin," Chat commented on the state of France's many famous sites.

"I know, just thinking of the many times we've been here only to see it in ruins." Ladybug walks around the first floor of the Louvre. "I wonder what happened to Alix's Family here?" She asked herself, wondering where they went.

Assassin halted, turning to the Hero behind them. "I can assure you that the Kubdel Family is safe in our main Base." The Servant informed of what happened to Bunnyx's Family. "The first thing that the remaining Heroes have done is to gather everyone who has close ties with the Mircale League. Though I can't say for the others they can't save." He stated.

Ladybug nodded, holding her heart, hoping that her Parents are safe,

Chat approaches Ladybug, seeing the worried expression on her face. The bluenette looks over to him, seeing the Hero of Destruction comforting her. "Don't worry, I'm sure they're all right. I bet they're at the Base Assassin mentioned."

"Yeah, I'm sure you're right." Ladybug smiles at her Boyfriend comforting her.

"if you two lovebirds are done gawking at each other," The two Heroes looked at BB staring at them. "We still have to unclog whatever is blocking the Mana flow to the Base."

"R-Right," Ladybug cleared her throat, looking at Chat Noir. "C-Come on Chat, let's keep up with Ritsuka and the others."

The two Heroes followed the group into the deeper levels of the Louvre. Ritsuka looks at BB, hearing what she said to the two. "I see you have taken a liking to Ladybug and Chat Noir, BB." The Magus smirks at the Moon Cancer.

BB scoffs, rolling her eyes. "As if, you know I never had an ounce of care for Humans. Especially ones from a Dystopia like this one." The Moon Cancer stated.

"Then why were you watching over them, BB?" Ritsuka asked with a smug expression.

"Your smug expression irritates me, Senpai." BB frowns at the master who gained her interest. "I'm only doing this because you asked me to look after them. It's what Kohais do," She said,

Ritsuka shrugs, "If that's your reasoning, then I won't push it." He shrugs, knowing too well that BB has indeed taken a liking to these two.

"Um…Ritsuka, you need to see this!" Chat called out for the Magus, making both him and the AI rush down the stairs.

Once they arrived at the third floor, Moriarty, Archer of Kosala, and Viperion were standing before a large ancient mural.

The mural was made of stone, it looks like the People in this era had recently excavated it before the Empire arrived.

Ladybug approached the mural, seeing a large star and an eye with two figures beside them. One of a woman with large hands and the other is a man holding a Sword. "This wasn't here before. I would remember seeing a strange mural when we last visited the Louvre." She commented.

Viperion stood beside Ladybug, looking up at the mural. "It was added a few months back. Bunnyx said that her Father and Brother found this mural in Tassili n' Ajjer." He explains to the Hero of Creation. "It was a find of the century, that is before the Cube landed a few months later."

"That star is unsightly, it's giving me chills," Chat commented, feeling like the eye was watching them. "So what does it say? It's a mural, so it gotta mean something." He asked.

The Servants bit their lips, knowing what this meant.

Archer cleared his throat, "Well…it's a-"

Moriarty shook his head, "Master, I believe it's only right to tell the Humans what this mural entails." The Ruler stated, knowing he was well informed about it.

Viperion, Ladybug, and Chat Noir looked at Ritsuka, waiting for him to explain. "You know what this mural depicts, Ritsuka?" Ladybug asked.

"Please, share Ritsuka." Viperion urges him.

"Well…I'm not too sure where to start…" Ritsuka steps forward, looking up at the mural. "For starters, this describes a time in the Neolithic Age, or in Magecraft terms the Age of Gods."

Chat's eyes widened at what he heard. "Wait, so you're telling us this mural is older? Back when Civilization first started out!?" He asked.

Viperion chuckles, "Wow, both Bunnyx's Brother and Father were having a hard time trying to decipher what the mural was." He stated.

"So, what it says?" Ladybug asked.

Ritsuka took a deep breath and proceeded. "Long ago, a Star landed on Earth, and a White Titian was born." He informed the group what the mural was depicting. "The White Titian ravages the Earth, destroying the lost Continent in the process and ending the Age of Gods. Only a Hero with the Holy Sword can defeat this disaster."

"W-What? So this White Titian is like some space alien invader?" Chat asked, getting the gist of what the mural is saying. "This sounds Science-fiction to me but…I feel like what you said is true."

"It's the truth, that's what this mural is telling us," Moriarty confirms what his master said was true.

Ladybug looks over to Ritsuka, curious about what this all means. "Ritsuka, I think this mural and the Cube or Moon Cell that everyone is talking about aren't a coincidence." She said.

"I think you're right, Ladybug. It also means that Altera going missing is connected with this mural and the Moon Cell arriving on Earth." Ritsuka nodded, agreeing with the bluenette on this.

"But what does that mean?" Viperion asked, seeing this is new information to him.

"I don't have any clear idea, but I do know someone who can. Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth." Ritsuka stated, knowing he could shed some light on this mystery.

Ladybug and Viperion nodded, knowing their Collaborator would be helpful in this. "That sounds like a good plan to me," Viperion answered. "I'm curious what he looks like."

"Plus we can check on Charlie and the others staying behind in the Sakura Labyrinth." Ladybug smiles, having their things sorted. She turns to Chat Noir, smiling at him. "And Chat, you haven't met Caster, right?"

Chat Noir shook his head, "I haven't, but from what you guys are saying about him, he must be someone important."

"Great, we have our next plan of action. But don't forget that our plan is to unplug what's blocking the Mana towards the Base with the Summon Circler." Archer reminded the group of their original plan.

Moriarty agrees with the Counter Force Servant on that notion. "Yes, we'll lead the way where we think the plug is." The Ruler said.

"That would be great, Ruler," Ritsuka said, following the Crime Lord further on the third floor of the Louvre.

They all enter a dark section of the third floor, where it was hard for them to see what's before them. "It's dark, I can see anything in front of me," Ladybug said,

"Neither can I, is there a light switch somewhere?" Archer asked anyone if there were light switches around them.

"Hold on, I can help. I got night vision in my mask; I think I see a switch just a few feet away." Chat walks up to the light switch, flipping it to turn on the lights.

The lights turned on, revealing a room filled with damaged Museum exhibits of many cultures. "Okay, so…where do we start looking for the thing that's preventing the Mana from flowing to the base?" Archer of Kosala asked, seeing there are many places to check.

Ritsuka looks over to BB, knowing this is where the AI shines. "All right BB, you have a knack for sensing where things are." He trusts his Servant to do her thing.

"First off, that's programming and virus master, and second I'm a Moon Cancer, not a Caster." BB looks at her master but shrugs either way. "I'll try either way, but I make no promises." She stated.

"Alright, everyone else start searching for anything that seems out of place or odd," Ritsuka said as everyone spread around the room to find what was blocking the Mana flow.

Many of the Servants went to what they thought was the cause of the blockage.

Archer approached a tapestry donated from India, "Heh," He smiles, being reminded of his home Country.

Moriarity stroll around, taking in the exhibits that the Humans have yet to unveil to the public. "So these exhibits were what? Recently discovered by the Researchers from this time?" The Crime Lord asked, picking up an old Sword on the broke display case.

Viperion nodded, being the one with information about what happened before the Empire's arrival. "That's what Alix said, both her Brother and Father have been getting many denotations from museums across the World. Many of these were from unknown origins."

"Huh, so even now many things are being discovered to this day," Ladybug commented, looking around the exhibit. "I wonder where these relics originated from." She said, looking at something from Ancient Egypt.

Assassin of the Resistance looks at everyone, "This place where the majority of the Servants were sent by the Counter Force was Summoned." He chuckles, looking around the room.

"There are so many Catalysts here, it's no wonder the Counter Force sends so many Servants," Ritsuka added, looking at a rather familiar Aztec structure before him. "Hmmm…this is familiar. This kinda reminds me of-" He looks at BB who was standing behind him.

"BB do you think-"

BB steps forward, looking at the Aztec structure. She sensed that this was the origin of the blockage of Mana. "This is the thing that's blocking the Mana to the Base, Senpai." The Moon Cancer explains, confirming that he was right on the spot.

Everyone looks at the master and Servant pair, hearing that they found the blockage. "You found what's causing the blockage, Ritsuka, BB?" Ladybug asked as both she and Chat Noir went over to them.

"Where did you find it, Ritsuka?" Chat asked, looking at the Aztec structure.

Moriarty approaches the group of masters, looking at the structure they were standing before. "How interesting, if the records from Chaldea are correct then this is once part of a great Aztec City." He smiles.

The red-haired Archer looks at the former Apostle of the Alien World, curious about what he means. "Ruler, what do you mean? Is this an important item that master used in the past?"

"If the mural told us anything, then we have for anything," Moriarty stated, having an inkling feeling where their mission would lead.

"So this is the source of the blockage, how do we unblock it?" The Hero of Intuition asked the Ruler Servant.

Ritsuka placed his hand on the structure, knowing exactly what to do. "Simple, we use a Summon Circle." He smiles,

"WHAT!?"

Once the Summon Circle was placed, Ritsuka stood before it and the Aztec structure. "Ritsuka, I know that Summoning a Servant is a big deal, but do you really have to? I mean the Empire might pick it up." Ladybug asked, concerned of the outcome.

"I understand your concern, Ladybug. But trust me, if this per tells anything then this is the only option." Ritsuka stated, adjusting his sleeves.

Ruler stood beside the Summon Circle, supervising the Summoning. "The Servant that master's going to call will be beneficial later on, Ladybug. Now BB, Viperion," He turns to the Moon Cancers, doing their thing.

"I need you two to observe the Mana flowing here. If my calculations are correct, it should be able to flow through the Leylines again." The Ruler explains to the two.

BB scoffs, "I told you, I'm no Caster but I'll do my best."

"Same here, I may be new to this Servant Class thing, but I got what you're saying," Viperion stated, being instructed by the AI on how their Class do things.

"What about us? Do we need to do something?" Chat Noir asked, standing with Ladybug, Assassin of the Resistance. and Archer of Kosala.

Ritsuka looks at the three, "I need you three to keep an eye out, I understand that the others got things handled above but we're not sure of the inside." The Magus explains, seeing them nodding.

Ritsuka took a deep breath before holding out his hand. "Okay, I'm ready."

"Remaining Saint Quartz are in place," Moriarty informed his master, ready to proceed.

" Let silver and steel be the essence.

Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation.

Let Humanity's wishes crystallized.

The Summoning circle began to glow blue, the Saint Quartz started to glow a blue hue.

Let the wishes of those who cannot be heard to be heard.

Let me be your anchor on this plane to serve those who cannot.

Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Throne.

he Command Seals glowed brightly; the Saint Quartz soon dissolved into liquid. The liquid began to merge, creating a body.

From your collapse shall be our beginnings to a new path to the future.

For I embodied that is all good in the world and you shall be the defender.

For rings of light appeared around the bodies of the Heroic Spirit answering Ritsuka's call. A myriad of colors shines with sparks of gold in the room as it forms two more rings.

To those who hear to their will and reason from Gods to Men, Heroes to Villains then answer!

My will creates your body, and your body shall be the sword of justice for the innocents.

To those who hear the plea for help then heed my call! If you do respond to those who plead!

The mass formed as the rings merged with the Hero Ritsuka summoned.

Come forth in the line of Duty! Guardian of the Scales!"

Ritsuka and the others opened their eyes after shielding them from the light. "D-Did it work?" Ladybug asked, seeing a female Servant standing in the Circle.

The Servant Ritsuka called for was a pale female wearing modern clothes. A green jacket and short black overalls, sunglasses, and a beret. "I knew it was from that City.

The Servant looks at Ritsuka, then close her eyes.

"I've been constructed… no, I've arrived in answer to your summons." The Servant greeted the master who she met back in the Seventh Lostbelt.

"Hello. Servant, Pretender. If you know me already, please keep it to yourself, due to your circumstance." The Pretender placed her hand on her chest.

"I'm the rain god Tlaloc or the tribal God and War God Huitzilopotchli. Please call me by the name you feel is more appropriate. Neither is any different for me… you know." She said to Ritsuka.

Ritsuka smiles, "Been a while, Tlaloc. How you've been?"

Tlaloc closes her eyes, "Indeed, master. The last time we met was during Nahui Mictlan." She looks around, noticing the abundance of Servants gathered in this World. "Seems like you need my assistance, master. I, Tlaloc shall do my best to accomplice your mission,"

"I have no doubt, Tlaloc," Ritsuka answered back to his Servant.

The Pretender noticed something watching them from the shadows. "You there, come out peacefully or else." Everyone looks over to where the Servant was pointing to the shadows.

Walking out of the shadows was a familiar violet-haired Servant,

Chat and Ladybug's eyes widen at the person who appeared before them. "Nicolo Machiavelli!"

Machiavelli held her dress, inclining her head to the Chaldeans. "Greetings, Chaldeans and members of the Resistance, I've been expecting you all," The Caster smiles at the group.

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.