AN: Welp, Rani Kali is a bust. Didn't expect that they would add both Kali and Durga into the game. So in response to the change, I've changed some things about Rani Kali in this chapter, The updated version of ch 36 is up.

Ch 40 Investigations

Marinette opens her eyes, greeted by a dark place. "W-Where am I?" She asked herself. She looks down at herself, seeing that she was in her Civilian clothing.

Marinette blinks, realizing she is alone. "Tikki? Where are you?" She called out her close Friend, curious where the Kwami was. "She's not here with me," She commented, looking around the dark place.

"Where is this place? It's just a dark place and-oof!" The bluenette Teenager bumps into something, like a wall. Marinette stumbles back, holding her head. "W-What was that? A door?"

The young Hero pushes the wall, slowly opening it to the other side. The light shines brightly, prompting Marinette to cover her eyes.

Walking forward, Marinette enters a Skyscraper's top floor. Opening her bluebell eyes, Marinette was greeted by a World filled with Water.

Instantly Marinette recognize this place, a place where her nightmare took place. "T-This place, it's where-"

"My Lady…" Marinette froze in fear, recognizing the chilling voice. "There you are," She quickly turns around, seeing the one whom she loves and fears.

"C-Chat Noir, w-what are you-no, I thought I fixed everything after I erased my name on your gift!" Marinette said, getting scared already by the sight of him.

The Altered version of Chat Noir shook his head, "Marinette, my precious Lady. How can I forget the gift you gave me?" The Alter Ego smiles, approaching the bluenette as she steps back. "Why are you stepping away from me? All I want is you, Mari…"

Marinette shook her head, running to the other side of the Building. "We were meant to be together, just you and me-"

"No! You're not supposed to exist, you're supposed to be in another Timeline!" Marinette held onto her heart, having nowhere to run.

Chat Blanc smiles, touching Marinette's chin with his claws. "Now, now, didn't Ritsuka and Chaldea teach you all about Lostbelts? Even if you erase your mistakes, I'll always exist!" He laughs, forcefully kissing her.

Marinette tries to fight back, but can't as another Chat Blanc appears and pins her before another, and another.

"NNOO!" Marinette woke up in a cold sweat, huffing from her nightmare.

"Marinette! Are you okay?" Tikki approached her Owner, seeing that she was pale. "You looked like you're having a nightmare."

The bluenette turns to her Friend before looking around. "T-Tikki, how did we get back here?" Marinette asked.

"Chat Noir carried you when we all came back," Tikki explains to her Owner how they got her. "Everyone made it safely without any more major casualties. But to say the least, we did have a major casualty."

Marinette then remembers what happened at the Prison. "S-So, Luka is…dead?" She asked, her voice shaky from the events that transpired.

Tikki avoided Marinette's gaze, not wanting to see her sad expression again. However, she did answer her question. "Y-Yes, Luka is no longer with us." The Kwami of Creation informed the bluenette. "The only thing that he left for us is the Ouroboros Bracelet. He knew that if Chat Blanc was able to absorb Sass, then he'll be unstoppable."

"Then it wasn't a dream, that was really Chat Blanc," Marinette said to herself, now remembering the Altered version of her Boyfriend.

Then she realized something, Marinette sat up quickly, getting out of bed. "Adrien, he saw Chat Blanc! I-I have to-"

"Marinette, stop! You're still pale, you need to rest some more!" The Nature Spirit tries to prevent the young Hero from getting up.

The two argued with each other when the door slid open. "Oh, Marinette. You're awake, I'm glad to see you well." Marinette and Tikki looked up, seeing a familiar face.

"Mrs. Agreste?" Marinette asked, seeing an older version of Emilie walks into the room.

The elderly Woman smiles at Marinette, "Yes, but do call me Emilie as you used to-or your other self who's just outside with everyone," Emilie stated, walking over to the young version of her Daughter-in-law. "Hmm, your fever is down, a good sign." She smiles.

Emilie steps back, looking at her Daughter-in-law. She saw the expression she always makes when she was worried. "I know that face, Marinette. Tell me what's wrong?"

"W-What!? There's n-nothing wrong!" Marinette gave a nervous laugh at the blonde Woman before her.

"Marinette, I have known you for a long time. Though you're the younger version of the Marinette I know. But you always stutter when you have something to hide." Emilie stated, smiling at the young Hero. "Now, why don't you let everything out? I'm here to listen."

"Do I really stutter when I'm hiding something?" Marinette asked, seeing Emilie nodding to confirm it.

The bluenette looks at her Kwami, looking for her opinion. Marinette saw Tikki nod, seemingly trusting Future Emilie. "Okay, well…it's…the events that happened recently. Viperion's Death and…"

Emilie smiles, fully aware of what happened at the Prison Raid. "Adrien Agreste Alter right? I mean Chat Blanc now since his True Name has been revealed." The elderly Woman said, catching Marinette off guard.

Marinette stares at Emilie, didn't realize she was caught up with current events. "S-So you knew about Alter Ego-er, Chat Blanc!?" She asked,

The blonde Woman smiles solemnly at the news. "Yes, after you all return from the Prison, Ryuko has informed the Resistance about the mission and lost a major foothold in our Resistance." Emilie sighs, worried about what will happen in the Future.

"What about Chat Blanc?" Marinette asked,

"Chat Blanc…I heard about him being the only sole being in a Lostbelt just like this one." Emilie explains what she heard from the others. "To think Adrien is capable of destroying a Moon and Humanity."

Marinette quickly responded to Emilie's statement. "It's not Adrien's fault that he destroyed the World, it's my mistake that lead-"

Tikki stops Marinette from speaking, not liking how she blames herself for how Chat Blanc turned out. "Marinette, you didn't know what will happen when you sign your gift to Adrien!" She pleads for her to stop blaming herself.

"But-"

"Tikki's right, Marinette." Emilie agrees with the Kwami of Creation. "You didn't know what the end results are. Many of us make mistakes, even a small one could turn a big one but all it matters is that you mend it."

Marinette ponders on what Emilie said. She smiles, feeling a bit better after hearing that.

Tikki floated next to the elderly blonde Woman, complimenting her. "Great job, Emilie! Marinette needed some reinsurance." She commented.

Seeing that smile, Emilie was satisfied. Then she got another idea to make the Hero from the Present a hundred percent. "Marinette, I got something to show you that might lift your spirits."

The bluenette looks at her Future Mother-in-law, curious about what might it be. "What might that be?"

"Only one way to find out." Emilie smiles.

Somewhere else in Prometheus Base, the Resistance Soldiers were mourning the loss of Luka Coffine. He was one of the backbone of the Resistance against the Eternal Empire, someone who sees things in a whole new light.

With him gone, the light was flickering before their eyes.

"Pity, these Humans were so determined to go on this mission; but after losing someone important." Koyanskaya crossed her arms, can't help but feel pity for them. "Well, I can't say much."

Rama, Johann, and Johanna agree with the Alter Ego. "That we can agree, Koyanskaya." The Saber commented before noticing most Servants aren't here. "Say, do you guys know where everyone is?"

"Well, Assassin of the Resistance is coordinating the Final attack against the Empire with the remaining Leaders with Ruler and Pretender," Johann informed the group. "That Alter Ego, Taikoubou, and Machiavelli are with Charlie, Lugh, and Altera healing their Spirit Origins up-oh! And everyone else is doing what they can on Caster of the Sakura Labyrinth's request"

Johanna nodded, overhearing Caster's Familiar speaking to Constantine, Akutagawa, with Archer of Kosala and BB on the other end. "That's right, I heard he wants them to specifically do something for the upcoming Battle." The Ruler stated.

"Ha, Grand Servants do work in mysterious ways," Koyanskaya spoke,

Ritsuka walks around, now having time to get some rest was going to do some investigating. "Praetor, there you are! What are you doing?" Nero greeted her master.

"Nero, hey. Do you know where Rani Kali is?" The Magus asked the Emperor.

"Hmm? Why you ask, Praetor?" Nero asked, curious about what her master was going to do.

Ritsuka sighs, leaning on the wall and telling Nero what was in his mind. "Do you remember Ordeal Call? I know you didn't play much in it but it's something that came across in my mind once we met Rani."

Nero nodded, hearing about it from the others. "Umu, I don't know much about it but the thing I know is it's a way to prove yourself to Humanity of your innocence and also granted you the title of their chosen." The Emperor stated.

"That's right, one of the places is in the Papermoon; and that place I met Durga and the Alter Ego, Kali," Ritsuka informed the Emperor.

The Roman Emperor's widen, realizing the misidentification of Rani Kali. "So Rani Kali isn't the Goddess Kali since she's an Alter Ego Servant." She commented before speaking again. "But Servants materialize into different Classes all the time than their primary ones."

Ritsuka nodded, taking that into account. "True, if it's the case; however Kali's Vessel or Durga's is Sakura Matou." He said, remembering the master from the System Grail War. "But this Kali's vessel is Rani XII, not Sakura."

Nero nodded, remembering those names in another life. "Then what do you want to do, Preator? Confront Rani Kali?" The Saber asked.

"Actually, that's what I'm going to do," Ritsuka stated, catching Nero off guard.

Nero didn't expect that from her master, then again, her master is not like all masters. "Umu, I have to admit, I'm curious who Rani is." The Saber commented before smiling, "I'm coming with you, Preator."

Ritsuka smiles at the Emperor, knowing that he can count on her for backup. "I couldn't have anyone better with me on this investigation." The Magus stated.

"Umu!"

"Ahem, if you don't mind, master of Chaldea may I join you?" Both Ritsuka and Nero turn around, seeing an orange-haired Servant standing behind them.

"Lugh! You're up," Ritsuka exclaims, didn't expect the Lancer of the Eternal Empire to be up and about. "Are you well enough to even stand up?" He asked, concerned about the Counter Force Servant.

Lugh grins, rolling his shoulder back at the Chaldean master. "Yep, your Servants are good in healing despite both not having experience in the healing field," The Divine Spirit commented before saying what he wants to say. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I wanted to apologize for what I did to Charlie and the rest." Lugh apologizes to both the Chaldean master and the Roman Emperor. "I was fully aware of my actions; however, I wasn't in control of myself." The Lancer stated.

Ritsuka shook his head, understanding that Lugh wasn't himself when they faced him. "Don't be, Lugh. It's Karl der Grobe's orders and Foreigner's influence that you should attack Charlie and the Resistance." The black-haired Magus said, offering his hand to the God of Light.

"If it means anything, I want you to join us in defeating the Eternal Empire and save this World." Ritsuka smiles, offering the Lancer a chance to redeem himself.

"Heh, now I can see why my Son has taken a liking to you, master of Chaldea." Lugh shook Ritsuka's hand, accepting the Temporary Contract.

Nero smiles, seeing things are getting better in the long run. "Umu, umu! This is what I like to see! Preator, shall we go find Rani?" The Saber asked,

Ritsuka nodded, heading to find the Berserker of the Resistance.

In another part of Prometheus Base, Rani slashed a Sparring Program. Her mind was clouded, unable to think clearly since she materialized; however, one thing is for sure.

She has to defeat the Eternal Empire. "AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHH!" Slashing another Sparring Program, she failed to realize that the door slides open.

Not thinking straight, she tossed her Khava at what she thought to be Sparring Programs. Nero and Lugh immediately materialized their Weapons and defeated the Sword.

"W-Woah, that was a close one." Ritsuka chuckles, seeing that he almost met Death right there.

"Master, are you alright?" Lugh asked, looking at him with red eyes.

Ritsuka nodded, gathering himself after that close call.

Rani paused, realizing who it was. Standing straight, she greeted the Chaldean master. "Ritsuka Fujimaru, I didn't realize you were there; I apologize." The Berserker spoke.

"It's fine, Rani," The Magus said before asking her the reason why they approached her. "Rani, if you mind, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" The Divine Spirit asked the black-haired Magus.

"Rani, are you sure you're Kali?" Ritsuka asked the Berserker which received mixed results.

Rani steps back, glaring at the master of Chaldea. "What does that mean? Of course, I'm Kali the Goddess of Destruction, that's who I am and what the Authority I possess!" The Berserker steps forward, prompting both Servants to get in front of Ritsuka. "I share the power of Shakti, the Primordial Goddess of the Hindu Pantheon!"

The Divine Spirit raised her head at Ritsuka, seeing his attempt to defy her. "You dare to question who I am, Human?" Rani asked. "Be warned, I will kill you if you step out of line again."

"No, I'm not defying you. Rani, if you're truly Kali then what happened to Durga?" Ritsuka asked,

Rani paused, hearing what the Magus said. "Master of Chaldea, what do you know of Durga?" The Berserker asked, lowering her guard.

Ritsuka looks at the Divine Spirit, answering her question. "I have met Durga and Kali; both were powerful in their own right. However…" He stares at Rani, "They are Summoned at the same time."

"That's right…Kali is another facet of Durga which is also a facet of Parvati." Lugh commented, having some knowledge of Hindu Mythology. "So, that means Durga should be Summoned too in this Lostbelt."

Rani looks done, pondering on what has been said. "You're right; if I'm really Kali…then Durga must be with me…but…"

Ritsuka looks at the Servant, confused about her Identity. "Rani, was Durga Summoned with you when you materialized?" The Magus asked.

"No, she wasn't. I was Summoned after the first wave of Counter Force Servants were defeated." The violet-haired Berserker stated, remembering that she was alone when Summoned. "Because…I wasn't Summoned by the Counter Force. I was Summoned by the Moon Cell,"

"Moon Cell? As in the one sitting right in the middle of Paris?" Nero asked, assuming the Moon Cell was just there to hold the Lostbelt together.

Rani nodded, "I'm not sure who I am, but I can still tell that I'm still an aspect of Shakti. There's no denying it." The Berserker stated, feeling it right in her Divine Core. "It must be my Madness Enhancement that's preventing me from seeing things clearly."

Ritsuka nodded, understanding that she wasn't lying. Rani is still a Divine Spirit, and her Noble Phantasm is proof she was an aspect of Parvati. "Well, whoever you are, Rani. I swear I'll help you figure out what your real True Name is." The Magus offered his hand, smiling at the Pseudo-Servant.

Rani nodded, accepting Ritsuka's offer to help find out who she really is. "I appreciate it,"

AN: So, the funny thing is, I planned for Durga to be a Rin-face that appeared in the last Anomaly but that was scrapped. Anyways, please leave a comment or review.