AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 38 Setback
Loud explosions and shouting from outside the Prison echo throughout the Empire. However, that's not the only thing making some noise.
Slashes and clanging of Swords overrun the noises that the Resistance members fighting against the Eternal Empire's forces.
These were Servants Battling it out, Constantine blocks a thrust by the Musketeer before going in for his own strike. "HA!" The Rider slashed at the Enemy, only for him to dodge it.
D'Artagnan jumps back before adjusting his Rapier to prepare to strike the Emperor. "F-For a Rider, you are very skilled with the Sword." The red-haired Servant complimented the Skills the former Emperor had with the blade.
"My Class designation doesn't affect my Skills with a Sword, Saber," Constantine stated, holding out his Sword to the Musketeer. "As long as I can wield my Sword, I shall do my best to see my master's goals to completion." The Rider stated.
"How admirable," D'Artagnan smirks, a bit jealous of Constantine's Bond with his master. "But your strong Bond will not persevere over me!" The Musketeer announced, ready to thrust his Rapier at the Emperor.
D'Artagnan dashed forward, thrusting his Sword at the Rider. "HAA!"' The Saber cries out at the Chaldean Servant.
Constantine responded to raise his Sword to deflect the tip of D'Artagnan's Rapier. The Musketeer leaps back, repetitively striking him. "Hmm…" The Rider held on, not breaking his defensive position from the Enemy's attack.
At the other end of the Courtyard, Ryuko commands the Resistance Soldiers to destroy the Enemy Programs gathered in the Prison. "Keep going, we need to buy more time for the Infiltration Team to escape!" The Hero of Perfection ordered the Soldiers.
They all cried, sending bullets at the robotic Enemies.
Ryuko then turns to her side, feeling the ground beneath her feet rumble. She looks up, seeing Koyanskaya pulling up her TAMAMO Tank right next to her. "Things are going smoothly-" The Miraculous Holder flinched, hearing explosives going off on the other side of the yard.
The two turn their heads, seeing Lancelot start shooting the Watchers and Enforcers from the sky. "AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUURRRRRRR!" The Berserker roars, holding two guns in his hands.
Scraps of Metal fell from the sky, breaking off pieces of the Prison walls. "More or less…" Koyanskaya sighs, reloading her rifle. She looks at the Prison, curious about what was taking the Team long, "It's been a good fifteen minutes since they entered the Prison, what's taking them so long!?" The Alter Ego asked, getting worried for her master,
"Based on the sounds coming from within the Prison, then they must be fighting the Inquisitor stationed here," Ryuko explains to the Secretary of Chaldea. "I sent Berserker to aid in the fight, so it might take a little longer."
The Alter Ego sighs, looking back at the Prison. "Well, whatever is happening, I bet my master is taking a pleasant side journey in helping that Inquisitor," Koyanskaya commented, knowing her master very well,
Ryuko found that odd that a person who wants to help an Enemy truly. "Your master is a strange one. But I can't help it, Louis shares the same ideals as him." The Saber sighs, "I just hoped they come out all right."
"HA!"' Constantine pushed away the Enemy Servant, dashing toward to attack him.
D'Artagnan and Constantine continued their duel, their blades clashing with equal power.
After dealing with and freeing Lancer of the Eternal Empire or Lugh from the Eternal Empire's control. "All right, Lancer is no longer under the Empire's control," Ritsuka stated, turning to the approaching group.
"But shouldn't he be awake by now?" Ladybug asked the master of Chaldea. She looks at the orange-haired Divine Spirit, "Akutagawa was fully awake after getting hit by Nero's Noble Phantasm."
Kali approaches the Hero of Creation and master of Chaldea. "It must be because Lancer is a Divine Spirit." The Pseudo-Servant commented, "Though he's a minor Divine Spirit, all Divine Servants have more power than regular Servants. I should know, Kali is a well-known Deity."
Nero nodded, "Umu, let's take him back with us." The Roman Emperor suggested, knowing what her master would want.
Johann joined up with everyone along with Assassin of the Resistance. "It'll be a lot of trouble if it turns out the Talisman didn't work on him." The Assassin commented, placing his Rifle away,
"Well, we can always put him in the containment area when we get back," Johann added, turning to Louis who quickly joined the group. "Am I right, young master?" The Musician asked,
"That's right, Prometheus might be able to boost the cell where we put Lancer-er I mean Lugh," Louis added, being hopeful that the former Inquisitor would be an ally when he awakens. "Then we can talk once he wakes up."
Viperion and the others joined up, hearing the young Resistance Leader. "That's a good plan you made, Louis." He commented, agreeing with the blonde Boy's idea.
Louis smiles, happy that he was able to help out in this small situation.
Kali prompted herself to carry the orange-haired Lancer, turning her head to the group. "I shall take Lancer. My strength will not hinder if I carry Lancer back to the Base." The Goddess of Destruction informed them.
"Alright, Berserker," Ladybug nodded, seeing this plan would work out once they left the Prison.
Chat's cat ears twitch, hearing the voices of the Resistance overcoming the Enemy Programs outside. "The Soldiers are driving the Enemy's numbers down; we should get out of here before reinforcements come."
Johanna agrees with her master, "I agree, we better go and regroup with the Assault Team and return to Prometheus Base." The Ruler commented,
"Based on our current situation, I believe we're at the final stretch in the mission of falling the Eternal Empire," Moriarty commented, noting there are only a few Servants left in the Empire's Forces.
"Right, everyone, let's go!" Ritsuka cried with everyone cheering at their victory here.
Things were going how they planned, however, Viperion can't help but feel like something was off.
Constantine gave a strong slash outside the prison at the Empire's Saber Servant, causing him to hurl into the Prison's wall.
The Rider's strike caused some minor wounds on D'Artagnan's body, indicating he had lost. "GAK!" He coughs out blood, gazing up at the Emperor.
Constantine held his Sword at D'Artagnan neck, ensuring that he doesn't move. "You're beaten." The Emperor stated,
Ryuko and Koyanskaya smile, seeing that their assault on the Prison was a success. "Saber has been defeated," Ryuko looks at the Alter Ego next to her.
Koyanskaya smiles before noticing the large group of People exiting the front doors of the Prison. "And not only that but master and his group have successfully freed the Prisoners." The Beast of Cherishment informed the other Leader of the Resistance.
The entire Army cried joyfully at the sight of the freed Prisoners being led by the masters, Servants, and Viperion. Then they all saw a familiar orange-haired Servant being carried on the back of the Goddess of Destruction.
"I-Is that the Lancer of the Eternal Empire on Berserker's back?" A Female Soldier asked, seeing the Enemy unconscious.
"D-Did they beat him? He looks like he's unconscious," A Male Soldier added, noting the unresponsiveness to the events around him.
Another Soldier who witnessed the Battle between Akutagawa and their Chaldean Allies. "I believe they defeated him and turned him to our side." He informed his fellow Soldiers what had happened to Lancer.
Everyone cheered at another Ally to join their Resistance, "YES! Another Servant joining our cause!" A Soldier exclaims,
"With another Servant joining us, then we can have the advantage over the Empire!" Another Soldier exclaims with joy just like everyone.
Ritsuka took note of the cheering Resistance Soldiers, hearing them what happened to Lugh. "I didn't expect everyone to be cheering for our escape." Chat Noir commented, smiling at the Soldiers in response to their cheering.
Ladybug stares at her Boyfriend, acting himself whenever there was cheering for their success. "Chat, don't celebrate just yet. We're not out of the woods just yet," The bluenette said to the blonde Hero.
Louis couldn't help but laughs at the chemistry between his Parents from the Present. "Hahaha, you two argue just like my Parents!" The blonde master smiles at the Heroes from the Present.
Ritsuka heard the young master bonding with his Parents from the Present. His eyes turn to his Servants, noticing the frightened faces. "Huh? Why is-"
"RITSUKA LOOK OUT!" Ladybug warns the last master of Humanity.
The Magus looks up at the sky, only to cough out blood. "GAK!"
A white misty blur punched right through Ritsuka's chest, "RITSUKA!" The three masters exclaim at the cornerstone of both Chaldea and their Resistance.
"AHAHAHAHAHA! YOU WERE TOO COCKY IN YOUR ESCAPE!" Looking up stood Felix Graham de Vanily on top of a Moby Dick watching the killing blow. "You were off guard, thinking just because I left Lancer to deal with your Servants means I went back to the Eternal Palace." He laughs at Ritsuka's blunder.
Felix's face contorts into a wicked grin at the Death of Humanity's final master. "NOW I HAVE ACHIEVED SOMETHING NONE OTHER CAN DO! I KILLED HUMANITY'S CHAMPION!" The Anomaly master laughs,
"ALTER EGO OF WHITE, KILL EVERYONE HERE!" Felix ordered the Lostbelt Servant to slaughter everyone in the Courtyard.
Ritsuka was fading, falling to the ground once Alter Ego of White pulls out his hand. He could only hear the muffled sounds of everyone calling for him. His vision was blurry, not seeing things clearly, but he could make out the Servant was being decimated by the Alter Ego.
'D-D-Damnit…he's right…I was a bit hasty.' Ritsuka mentally thought, feeling his life leaving his body. He then realizes something that he didn't think of before. 'O-Oh, right, Mashu and Romani…I didn't even say goodbye to them…'
He closes his eyes, letting the darkness take him until he hears someone's voice. "Second Chance!"
A flash engulfs the entire Courtyard then the entire Lostbelt.
Ritsuka opens his eyes, shocked to be alive. He was running, but this was just- he turns around, hearing Louis speaking.
Louis couldn't help but laughs at the chemistry between his Parents from the Present. "Hahaha, you two argue just like my Parents!" The blonde master smiles at the Heroes from the Present.
"Huh? What just-"
"Master, are you all right? You're slowing down a bit." Ritsuka turns to Nikitich, looking up at him.
"R-Rider, no, I'm just…confused," Ritsuka answered the Bogatyr's question.
Nikitich blinks at her master, curious about what he means. "I'm not sure what you mean, master." The Rider said, trying to understand him. "I don't mind if you tell me what's on your mind, master."
Ritsuka looks at the white-haired Servant, while still running through a familiar hall. "I-I don't understand myself, but I think we've been here before." The Magus told his Rider Servant.
"You're right, I'm not sure what you mean," Nikitich answers her master question,
"Master, keep your head in the game," Moriarty advised his master as they approached the exit. "We're almost out of the Prison."
Ritsuka couldn't help but have a DeJa'Vu moment, "We're here! Call everyone to retreat!" Louis exclaims, entering the cheering crowd upon their arrival.
Now that they'd entered the courtyard, Ritsuka halted his advancement, having a bad feeling. " Master, what is-"
"MOVE!" Ritsuka pushed Nikitich to the side as a white blur fell from the other side of the Empire.
Ritsuka closes his eyes, ready to accept his death when someone pushed him forward. His hair was just below the white blur. Turning his head, he saw Viperion smiling, the white blur thrust his arm into his chest.
The Magus fell to the ground, looking at the Hero of Intuition who pushed him. "V-VIPERION!" Ladybug cried out, seeing the teal-haired Hero being impaled by the Enemy.
Chat Noir was stunned, seeing blood pouring from the wound in Viperion's chest.
Everyone screamed, quickly leaving the entrance of the Prison, being led by the Servants.
Louis on the other hand was shocked by the sudden attack. He staggers forward, his face paling at his Uncle being killed by the Enemy. "U-U-Uncle L-L-Luka…" He held out his hand towards the Hero of Intuition.
"Tch…" Viperion glares at Louis and the others. "STAY BACK!" He quickly took off the Ouroboros Bracelet from his wrist before Alter Ego of White could absorb him. "ASSASSIN, TAKE THEM AWAY FROM HERE! ESPECIALLY LOUIS!" He called out to his fellow Leader.
He tosses the Bracelet to the white-haired Assassin, grabbing it in midair.
The white-haired Servant grabs hold of Louis, feeling him struggle. "Master, calm yourself. Moon Cancer-Luka, cannot be helped now." Assassin said to the blonde Boy. "We have to go before he targets us."
Louis struggles in his Servant's arms, trying to get free. "NO! WE CAN'T LEAVE UNCLE LUKA! ASSASSIN, WE HAVE TO GO BACK!" He cried, tears pouring down his face.
Luka chuckles, looking at the Servant who killed almost the entire Miracle League. "You're too late in absorbing my Ouroboros Bracelet," He smirks at the Alter Ego of White.
"…" Alter Ego didn't respond to the failed opportunity to add another Nature Spirit to his already immense power.
"Alter Ego, kill that man, he serves no purpose now that he's dead," Felix ordered the remaining Inquisitor left in the Empire's forces. "Just kill everyone else, but brutally kill him to make sure that he doesn't somehow come back."
Alter Ego of White doesn't hesitate for a second, he took out his hand forcibly from Luka's chest. "GAK!" Luka gasps, coughing out more blood from his mouth.
The teal-haired man looks up at the Servant of the Eternal Empire, a sword a sharp object forms in his hand.
Luka closes his eyes, accepting the fate he now faces. "I'm sorry that I couldn't be with you all in the end…" In a flash, Alter Ego decapitated the Hero of Intuition,
Johanna quickly took Chat's wrist and Ladybug's, following the running crows. "Master, Ladybug, we have to go!" The Pope said, forcibly taking Chat Noir and Ladybug away from the entrance, not giving them time to comprehend what has happened.
Machiavelli and Nero quickly went toward their master, "Preator, are you all right?" The Saber grabs hold of her master, assisting him to his feet.
"Nero," Ritsuka was being dragged by the Roman Emperor. "I-I just have this feeling that…"
"Now is not the time to explain, master," Machiavelli said to the black-haired Magus. "You can talk about it when we're safe-"
"Seems like you indeed turned traitor, Machiavelli." Felix gazes down from the Prison wall, frowning at his former Ally. He placed his hand on his chin, smirking at the Author. "I think you deserve some form of punishment for your treachery."
With a snap of his finger, the Prison began to do something. Loud machine sounds emits from the Prison, causing some to wonder what was happening.
"W-What was happening?" Koyanskaya asked, seeing the Prison starting to glow brighter.
Ryuko looks up at the Prison, unsure of what was happening. "I-I'm not sure, this never happened before." The Hero of Perfection stated before seeing the walls opening up, revealing an army of Enemy Programs ready to be deployed,
Ladybug's eyes widen at the number of Eternal Empire Soldiers within the Prison. "T-There's a lot of Enemy Programs!" She exclaims at the sight.
"Felix…" Chat Noir growls at what his Cousin has dished out, he really is trying to kill them.
The Anomaly master shifts his eyes to the Hero of Destruction, smiling at him. "Alter Ego, eliminate Chat Noir," Felix ordered the remaining Servant under his command.
The white blur turns his attention to the blonde Hero below the retreating Resistance. He went straight for Chat Noir in a flash, using the same Weapon that killed Luka Couffaine in cold blood.
"CHAT NOIR, LOOK OUT!" Moriarty noticed the sudden change in the Enemy's movements.
Chat looks forward, seeing the Alter Ego of White heading straight for him. He quickly took out his Baton despite having a few minutes to transform back.
Just as he was about to defend himself, and possibly meet his end here. A loud clash caught the attention of the Hero of Destruction.
"W-Wha…" His Cat-like eyes widen at who defended him from Alter Ego's attack.
Felix's eyes lowered at the sight below him, frowning at the one who was defending his Cousin. "So you turned traitor as well, what a pity." The blonde master said,
Chat Noir gazed upon a red-haired Servant who defended him. "Y-You! W-Why did you save me?" The Hero of Destruction asked the Servant before him. "D'Artagnan?"
The Saber pushed back the Enemy Alter Ego away from the blonde Hero. Alter Ego floated back, unsure if the others could tell if he was staring at them or not. "…"
"Isn't that simple? I decided to side with you and fight for Humanity." D'Artagnan stated, eyeing the master with his violet eyes,
"Y-You are!?" Chat asked, a bit expecting that since Machiavelli has abandoned Felix as his Servant. "Well, any help would do now,"
The Saber nodded, responding to Chat Noir's statement. "Go, I'll hold off the Alter Ego of White for you all to escape." D'Artagnan held his Rapier, leaping towards the misty Servant. "Rider, take him away from here!"
Alter Ego responded to his former Ally's attack, slashing away the Rapier.
Chat Noir watched as the Musketeer and the strange Servant battle out. Suddenly he felt someone grab hold of his shoulder, prompting him to turn around. "Chat Noir, what are you doing? We're ready o depart from the Prison!" Constantine told the master, Ladybug, and the others are outside the gates.
"B-But what about-" Chat turns to the Battle with the Alter Ego, seeing that he was overpowering D'Artagnan.
"D'Artagnan is doing his Knightly duty to buy time for our escape." The Emperor said, regrettably saying those words, not wanting to leave anyone behind.
Slash after slash, D'Artagnan leaps back from the Alter Ego, evading his attacks. The Saber huffs, taking note of how the composite Servant was holding back. 'Is he holding back? Usually, he's a mindless Machine who will not hesitate to kill a Servant.'
'In any case, I have to buy more time for them to escape.' D'Artagnan turns his head back to the escaping Resistance. His eyes widen at Chat Noir still behind him, "What are you still doing here? Get out here while you'll still can!"
Constantine quickly pulls the master away from the Servants, joining the others in their retreat.
"Heh, you were distracted, Saber." Felix smiles wickedly.
D'Artagnan's eyes widen, swiftly turning back to the Alter Ego of White. Just when he was about to defend himself, the powerful Servant thrust his hand through the red-haired Servant's chest, "GAH!" D'Artagnan gasps, feeling the impact of Alter Ego's thrust.
"N-Ngh, I-I have to thank that Rider for taking that master away. But I'm not done yet." D'Artagnan gritted his teeth, lifting his Rapier in the air, "I'll see you that you don't get out of here scot-free!"
D'Artagnan impales the Alter Ego's body, however, his Rapier phases right through his body. "W-Wha-"
"HA! Do you think that a mere Weapon could pierce Alter Ego, Saber?" Felix laughs at the failed attempt to kill the powerful Servant of the Eternal Empire. "Since he assimilates with the many Kwamis of the Miracle Box, he obtains every power that those little pests possess!"
Felix kneels on one knee on the wall, grinning at his former Servant. "Basically we made him intangible, so any physical attacks are meaningless!"
The Saber chuckles, seeing that most of their information was held back from him. "I-I see…well, at least I went down doing what I was good at…" D'Artagnan closes his eyes, accepting his fate. "Maybe…I will be Summoned by Chaldea…"
"Don't hold onto false hope, Saber." Felix glares down at the fallen Saber. "Alter Ego, kill him. He serves no purpose anymore now he's a traitor."
Alter Ego removes his hand from D'Artagnan's chest, causing him to stagger back. "GAK!" The red-haired Servant coughs out some blood, dropping his Rapier. "D-Damnit,"
"…" Alter Ego dashed forward, propelling his hand once more toward D'Artagnan.
His hand touches the Musketeer's chest, and the white aura engulfs D'Artagnan's body before turning to dust. Once the grey reaches every corner of his body, winds blow through the Saber, turning into golden dust as D'Artagnan returns to the Throne of Heroes.
Felix remains still, not affected by D'Artagnan's disappearance. "What a shame, I did admire the Three Musketeers, too bad Chivalry has been long dead." The master turns to Alter Ego of White, noticing that the Resistance has left the Prison.
"Alter Ego, go after those Resistance. There's still a traitor and masters to get rid of." Felix orders the remaining Servant who obeys him,
"…" Alter Ego of White flew towards the sky, dashing towards the direction of where the Resistance are heading.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.