AN: It's almost done with this Anomaly, just one or two epilogue chapters. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Ch 61 A Grandfather's Resilience
Everyone's eyes were on the Storm Border, rising from the Seine River. Inside the Border, every Chaldean Staff was working full steam to ensure that everything was set for the use of the Hume Barrel.
In the Engine Room, Nemo Engineer was sweating pools of sweat to make sure none of the Triton Engines didn't overload. "Keep that valved in the same Position!" Nemo Engineer orders the Marines and Engineer Crew on what to do. "Keep checking on those Hydraulic pressures, at any given moment it could burst and we have to redo everything again!"
"We don't want that, do we now!?" Nemo Engineer asked the Engineer Crew he's been put in charge of.
"NO, SIR!" The Human Crew responded, doing their best to regulate the Magical Energy throughout the Storm Border just to power the Humme Barrel.
Nemo Engineer sighs, wiping away the sweat accumulating on his Forehead. He then turns to Fred Weasley who was assisting a Senior Member of the Chaldean Engineer Crew. "Weasley!" The red-haired Boy turns to the Engineer, hearing his Name.
"Yes Sir?" Fred responded, handing off his Duties to an Available Marine, replacing his place.
Nemo Engineer looks at the Wizard who has an assignment for him. "Weasley, I need you to keep track of the Poseidon Engine Magical Levels." The Nemo Copy informed Fred, wanting him to keep an eye on the Levels.
The red-haired young Man nodded, taking up the task. "You got it, Sir," Fred turns around, heading to the Terminal near the Poseidon Engine, checking the Magical Energy Numbers that are being regulated throughout the Border's Haul.
Fred saw how the Numbers were stabilizing, indicating that everything that was powering the Storm Border was all right. The red-haired Wizard turns to Nemo Engineer, reporting to him, "Sir,"
Nemo Engineer looks back at Fred, hearing him call. "The Magical Energy provided by the Poseidon Engines is looking good!" Fred informed the Chief Engineer of the Border,
"Got it!" Nemo Engineer held his Ears, calling the Command Room, "Hey, Main Unit, the Magical Energy levels are all good!" The Engineer Unit informed the Captain.
In the Command Room, Captain Nemo overheard what his Engineer side said through the Comms. "Alright, all things here on the Bridge are going smoothly," Nemo said, approaching the Stirring Wheel. "Vice-Commander Goldolf, it's your Floor now,"
Goldolf turns to the Captain with Da Vinci, Holmes, and Sion standing beside him. "R-Right, of course, Captain." The Magus turns to the Working Staff on the Terminals, clearing his throat and addressing them.
"Attention, all Staff of the Storm Border, we are approaching the final segment of using the Hume Barrel," Goldolf informed the entire Border Staff of the situation.
-ZZZ- As you all were aware, the use of the Humme Barrel is a last resort for Enemies that threaten the entire World and the Future of Humanity. -ZZZ- The Vice-Commander continues to address the entire Border. -ZZZ- Director Fujimaru, our only master, and the Servants accompanying him have done everything they can to get to this point in the Mission. -ZZZ-
"Now it's our turn to finish the Job," Goldolf said, glancing up at the Windows, seeing them rising from the Seine River. The City of Love soon came into full view, "All Hands, prepare yourself. Even though the director and the Servants have the Enemy restrained, it doesn't mean she's defenseless."
Goldolf sighs, leaning back in the director's chair after that announcement to the Border Crew.
"You did well, Vice-director," Mashu stood beside the former director of Chaldea, showing her support in her Husband's absence.
"I-Is now? It's been quite a while since I've actually addressed something this dire," Goldolf said to the former Demi-Servant. "The last Time I did this type of announcement was when we fought for Proper Human History in Antarctica." The Head of the Musik Family commented,
Holmes stood next to the director's chair, listening to the conversation. "You're doing just fine, Vice-director." The Ruler said to the blonde plump Mage. "Even though it has been a long Time since you were placed in this position." He commented,
Goldolf hums, appreciating the Advisor's Words. "Much appreciated, Holmes." He said before chuckling in a rather nervous tone. "N-No matter who we're facing, ORT, the Alien God, the Twelve Olympians, it's still a stressful position! T-This is the reason why I left the position of director of Chaldea to Fujimaru!"
The Magus gave a little groan, trembling in his Seat. "I could feel my Hair turning grey as of this moment," Goldolf complains to both Holmes and Mashu, knowing they understand his predicament.
Down at the Terminals, Luna, Ginny, and Hermione overheard the Vice-director's little rant. The bushy-haired Researcher looks at her fellow Witches before them.
"Vice-director Musik is really panicking now," Hermione commented, taking note of the conversation behind them.
Ginny turns around, finishing her duties at her Terminal. "From what the Senior Staff said, the use of the Hume-Barrel Rayproof is the last resort that Chaldea has against an Enemy who is really powerful." The red-haired Witch said,
Luna nodded, confirming what Ginny said. "That's right, normally from what my Father said this Weapon is something for dire circumstances." The blonde Witch informed her Friends. "In normal circumstances, director Fujimaru and the Servants can handle the Mission well. But with this situation-"
Just when Luna was about to continue to speak, the entire haul began to tremble. Soon the alarms blared across the entire Interdimensional Craft,
"W-What the blazes!?" Goldolf was caught off guard by the sudden shaking of the Border. "What was that tremor we just felt!?"
Nemo staggers up, feeling the Attack on the Storm Border's haul. "Something outside is Attacking the Storm Border," The Rider informed the entire Crew of Chaldea.
Sion immediately went to a Terminal, to check the root cause of the Attack. "The Attack originated from the Enemy. Even though Sefar is being restrained by both Kingprotea and Tenochtitlan and everyone's casting major Debuffs, she can still Attack." The Atlas Alchemist informed the Room.
Mashu turns her Heels, ready to get suited up in the Ortinax. "I'll meet Da Vinci and get suited up in the Ortinax." The violet-haired Woman told everyone. "The best I could do is to defend the Storm Border's Haul."
Holmes turns to Mashu, hearing her suggestion. "No, wait Mrs. Fujimaru, you don't have much Time to put the Ortinax." The Ruler said to the former Demi-Servant. "By the Time you get to the outside on the deck, the Border will sustain significant damage!"
"B-But-"
-ZZZ- Hey everyone! Sorry, we're late to the party! -ZZZ- A familiar voice came on the Comms of the Border.
"This voice…" Mashu said, recognizing the voice speaking from the Comms.
Luna quickly scanned the outside of the Storm Border's Deck. Her eyes then spot Two familiar Spirit Origins readings on the screen. "These Two Spirit Origin Signatures, even if they are different from what we have on the Records, they're nonetheless the same."
"Ms. Lovegood, per tell what are you saying?" Goldolf asked the blonde Witch sitting on the Consoles.
"They're Servants from Chaldea's Spirit Origin Records, Vice-director. The first one is none other than Charlemagne, but his Spirit Origins is…improved?" Luna asked, seeing the Saber Servant back in fighting spirit. "Whatever happened in the Lostbelt, Charlemagne is back in fighting form, if not better!" The young Witch informed the Command Room.
"What about the other Spirit Origin reading, Ms. Lovegood?" Holmes asked, curious about who was with the King of the Franks.
Luna did some checking and comparing the second Spirit Origins readings with the list of Servants within the Spirit Origins Records. "The Second Spirit Origin with Charlie is another of our own Servant. The one who went missing from the end of the First Operations!"
"It's the Saber Servant, Altera the Hun!" The blonde Witch informed the Border who was with the Saber Servant. "But her Spirit Origins…something is off with it…"
Mashu's eyes widen at who is outside. "Altera-san? Then she was within the Lostbelt all this Time." The Assistant director of Chaldea commented,
Holmes's brow frowns, turning to the Staff having a question on what Luna said. "Ms. Lovegood, what do you mean something is off with Altera's Spirit Origins?" The Detective asked the Staff Member.
Luna turns to the Commanding Officers of Chaldea, "Altera the Hun's Spirit Origins has the readings similar to Arturia Pendragon Lily's, Alexanders's, Medea Lily-basically the Console shows her Spirit Origins as a Lily Servant."
-ZZZ- Ahahaha, there's an easy explanation for Altera Larva's condition. -ZZZ- Charlie laughs, expecting this kind of reaction from his Allies.
-ZZZ- I could provide a detailed explanation about my current condition if you like, -ZZZ- Altera Larva piqued into the conversation, feeling like she should be the one to explain.
Goldolf cleared his throat, dismissing the chance for an explanation on why the Saber is a Lily Servant. "A-As much I would like a full report on what happened, now it's not the Time!" The Vice-director of the Storm Border said, "Right now we need the Border protected from Attacks from Sefar." Goldolf said, requesting the assistance of the Power of the Two to protect the last resort of Humanity.
Mashu looks at the Comms. "Charlie-san, Altera-san, I know you two encountered a lot in the Parisian Lostbelt, but can you lend your Power just this once?" the former Demi-Servant asks the Two Chaldean Servant.
Charlie laughs through the Comms at the request they made of them. -ZZZ- Really, Mashu? Golf? You should know as Chaldean Servants defending Humanity is what we sign up for.-ZZZ- The King of the Franks said, already ready to protect the Border, even without their request.
-ZZZ- Yes, do what you must to defeat the Enemy. We'll be defending you from Sefar's Attack, -ZZZ- Altera Larva said, readying Photon Ray in her Hands.
"R-Roger," Goldolf cleared his throat, raising his Hand to the rest of the Border's Staff. "Alright, everyone prepare to aim at the target. Our Enemy is the White Titian that destroyed countless Pantheons Twelve Thousand Years Ago and the one who's responsible for wiping Atlantis off the Geological Map!"
"Our Enemy is designated Class, Foreigner; Sefar." The blonde Magus informed the Border. "It's imperative that we destroy every last piece of her! We wouldn't want a repeat of the Gigantomachia here in this Dimension."
Outside of the Border, on the Deck, both Charlie and Altera Larva were defending stray Beams originating from the White Titian.
The Ocean of Milk swirls around the green Dome around the Battle, protecting the rest of the City from the Battle.
Jeanne D'Arc was deploying her Noble Phantasm, protecting the Servants and the rest of the Heroes of Paris from the Serial Phantasm. Both Nero, Octavian, and Abe-no-Seimei were also still deploying their Noble Phantasm to hinder the Enemy Foreigner.
Sefar cried out as both Tenochtitlan and Kingprotea lost their grip. They soon took hold of the Foreigner Enemy, restraining her Arms, doing their very best to prevent Sefar from doing another Attack like that.
"HA!" Charlie held his Sword, materializing his Thirteen Swords. A myriad of colorful Beams were released, countering Sefar's Attack.
Altera leaps in the Air, slashing the incoming Beams at the Border. "Sei!" The Lily Servant cries out, defending the Aircraft.
The King of the Franks huffs, turning his attention to the Saber next to him. "Say, Altera, you're connected to Sefar, right? What is your opinion on the success rate of a victory?" Charlie asked the Saber, knowing she was in a similar position in the Past.
The Saber took a moment to ponder on the question before answering Charlie. "About Seventy to Fifty Percent. As long as the Core is intact then the net the Gigantes will surely come to be." Altera Larva explains to the King.
"That's a really specific calculation," Charlie commented before shaking his Head, not wanting to think of a failed outcome. He looks back at the Lily Servant, wanting to know what to do to make the odds work in their favor. "Is there any other way to make the odds be on our side, Altera?"
Altera Larva nodded, having one idea in her Mind. "Yes, though I do need to find an opening to the Core." The Saber said, requesting that from her fellow Chaldean Servant.
Back in the enclosed dome around Sefar, everyone was anticipating the defeat of the Enemy. The Ocean of Milk that Kingprotea produced for Debuff Sefar was still in effect,
Kingprotea slipped a bit, causing the White Titian to release an Attack. "Ngh!" The Alter Ego of Yearning gritted her teeth, holding Sefar down the best she could.
Tenochtitlan adjusted her Mecha's parameters, sending more strength and Magical Energy into her Arms and Legs. The Pretender gazed up at her screen, seeing the struggle Kingprotea was having. "Kingprotea, are you okay? You slipped earlier," She asked,
"Y-Yes, Tenochtitlan! I just slipped on something beneath the Ocean," Kingprotea said, regretting making a small mistake like that. "I hope that the Storm Border was too damaged from that Attack," The violet-haired Alter Ego said, hoping the Border was okay.
Ritsuka was watching intently at the Battle between them and the White Titian. "Is the Storm Border okay? That Attack Sefar made was something unexpected." Ladybug asked, hoping their only Weapon was unscathed.
Chat Noir gritted his teeth, wanting to do more than just wait around and let the others do all the work. "There must be another way or something we can do to hinder Sefar!" The Hero of Destruction said, gripping his Fist tightly.
The bluenette Hero turns to her Boyfriend hearing his Words. Ladybug understands Chat Noir's frustration in not being able to lend a helping Hand to the Servants. "I understand how you feel, Chat Noir. But we can't do anything yet." Ladybug said,
"Yeah, with that Sea of Milk just below us still running, I'm pretty sure if we even land into it we'll be washed away." Rena Rogue added, seeing the logic of why they couldn't help.
Chat Noir listens to what his fellow Heroes are saying. "I-I know, but I can't jus-"
Ritsuka listens to the conversation taking place beside him. His eyes gazed at the Storm Border, watching carefully if the Interdimensional Vessel was damaged, holding out hope nothing bad happened.
The black-haired Magus sighed relief when the dust cloud cleared, revealing that both Charlie and Altera Larva present at the Border's Bow. "The Storm Border is unscathed, Charlie and Altera were able to defend it from Sefar's Attack!" Ritsuka informed the Heroes of Paris.
"That's good to hear, Ritsuka! Then we can continue what we've planned!" Ladybug exclaims, seeing there's still a chance of victory.
Ritsuka turns to Chat Noir, hearing all his rant of worry. "Chat Noir, I understand your worry and feeling useless right about now." The Foreign Magus spoke to the Hero of Destruction, who responded with shame.
"I-I'm sorry, Ritsuka." Chat Noir apologized for how he acted during the Battle. "I know that this isn't the Time for me to complain about not able to hel-"
"However, we can't take any risk in this Battle," Chat Noir looks up at the Chaldean master, hearing him continue to speak. "That's why once the Storm Border is in place, I need you to do something that only you can do."
The young Heroes of Paris listen to what Ritsuka wants Chat Noir to do for him. After explaining what the blonde Hero was going to do, they were ready to proceed.
"Now I got you, right you can count on me, Ritsuka," Chat said as the Comms activated,
-ZZZ- Director Fujimaru, we're ready to proceed with the use of the Hume Barrel. How about your end? -ZZZ- Goldolf asked his fellow Magus,
"Just about, Goldolf. Just get ready to fire when you see an opening." Ritsuka responded before using his Bond to communicate with a Servant, "Altera Larva, are you ready to regain your strength?" The Chaldean master asked his Saber Servant.
Altera Larva nodded, ready to deploy her Noble Phantasm. "I'm ready, master!"
Ritsuka smiles, shifting her sight to both Kingprotea and Tenochtitlan still restraining the Foreigner. "Alright, Tenochtitlan, Kingprotea now!" The black-haired Magus ordered his Servants to release the Enemy.
"Roger that, master!" Kingprotea released Sefar as Tenochtitlan dismissed her Noble Phantasm, moving out of the way from the Enemy.
Sefar was freed from the grips of both Servants, she also felt the Ocean of Milk disappear beneath her Feet. She cried out, about to resume her Attack on Paris,
Chat Noir saw the opening, acting swiftly. He leaps off the buildings and runs all the way to the Enemy's Feet. He ran passed the others as he raised his Claws, "Get far away, all of you!"
The Servants and the other Heroes saw what Chat Noir was going to do and prompted them to vacate the Area.
A Dark orb manifests in the Palms of his Hand as the Hero of Destruction reaches his destination. "AH! Cataclysm!" Chat Noir slams his Claws at the ground, causing the pavement beneath Sefar's Feet to crumble and fall.
The ground beneath Sefar's Feet collapsed from under her, causing the Foreigner Enemy to fall into the giant Chasm.
Everyone saw that Sefar was stuck on the ground, hearing her cry in frustration.
Seeing the opportunity Altera Larvae ran to the edge of the Border's Bow,
"Here I go!" The Saber lifted Photon Ray, standing at the Bow, and raised it.
"HHAAA! Sword of Mars!"
A multicolor Beam of Light shot into the Sky, creating a layer of Spell Singles above the City. Wings of Light soon sprouted behind the Lily Servant as she floated in the Air.
"Star of Tears, light from the Sky." Altera Larva shifted her Sword to the side, her eyes dead on set at the back center of her Old self.
The Saber moved Photon Ray back into a thrusting position, ready to launch herself at the Enemy. The Sword of Mars began to swirl around in a rapid motion, and before anyone could see, it became a whirlwind of Light.
"Fairy Snow…Photon Ray!" Altera launched herself from the Border, rushing to the Core of Sefar.
A trail of light illuminated the Sky as it made its way to Sefar, in a flash, Altera Larva reached the back of the White Titian, thrusting her Sword into the back of her former Body, drilling into it to retrieve the Core.
Sefar felt a sudden pain from within her Body, almost like something was drilling through her. Then out of nowhere, her Chest bursts as something zooms right through her.
Everyone saw the Saber piercing through the Enemy's Chest, in her Hands was a blonde Boy who was unconscious. His clothes were tattered, he was missing his Shoes and his once nice dress Pants were now shorts.
"She did it! She got Felix out!" Ladybug exclaims, seeing Chat Noir's Cousin out of the Alien's Body.
"He was inside of Sefar's Body!? He was her Core this whole Time!?" Rena Rogue asked in shock, hard to believe this was truly happening.
Ritsuka turns to the Hero of Illusion, nodding to her question. "You get used to the idea of People being used as Batteries. Remember where Catherine Monvoisin kidnapped a bunch of People and drained their Energy?" He asked,
Rena Rogue nodded, remembering that incident very well. "Ah, right yeah I remember."
The White Titian cried out in pain, feeling her Magical Energy depleted from her Core being ripped out.
Chat Noir headed to where Altera Larva landed with his Cousin, checking if he's okay. "How is Felix? Is he…"
Altera looks at the worried blonde Hero, answering his plight. "He's breathing, but unconscious. His Command Seals are all used up, he's no longer a master." The Saber said, looking back up at the defeated Foreigner.
"Then…we won…" Chat said, following Altera Larva's gaze,
"No, not yet. We still need to destroy her, indefinitely." Altera Larva said, feeling the Winds shifting in their favor.
Sefar continued to cry out in pain, frustrated by how things were going. (Insert 【FGO】Lostbelt 7 Part 2 - Hume-Barrel Rayproof BGM)
Hovering in the Air, the Storm Border's Bow glowed even brighter than usual. Charlie raises his Holy Sword, adding more Power to the Hume Barrel's blast.
The Pseudo-Servant glared directly at the Enemy, Joyeuse glowed a bright Hue as Twelve Swords appeared beside him, signifying his Twelve Paladins in Life and Myth. "This…is the Attack that'll save this World and its People." Charlie smiles, pulling back his Sword,
Inside the Border, everyone is working to the Bone, ready to Fire at the Enemy. "All preparations are a go! Ready to fire the Hume Barrel at the Target Sefar!"
"W-Wait, what is…Charlemagne is on the Hume Barrel's Blade!" One of the Staff informed the Command Room, seeing the Saber on the edge.
Goldolf and the others turn their Heads, seeing the Monitor of Charlie raising his Sword. "W-What the blazes!? Tell him to get out of there!" The Vice-Commander ordered the Staff,
Sion approached Goldolf, seeing the Magical Energy Levels on Charlie. "Goldolf, Charlemagne's Magical Energy is reaching its limit. He intends to use his Noble Phantasm alongside the Hume Barrel." The Alchemist stated,
"T-That's suicide!" Goldolf exclaims, knowing how important Charlie is to Ritsuka. "Shut down all instruments! Prepare to disengage-"
"We can't!" Nemo interjected, denying the request. "If we do then Sefar will recover and we'll be back to square one. Even if we can do that, the Hume Barrel is at its final stages; they're no turning back!"
"Damnit!"
Mashu looks at Charlie, seeing that this was his plan all along. "Charlie…" She said, holding something Charlie gave to her.
"Be sure to give this to Ritsuka when this is done and over, Mashu. I'm counting on you."
Back on the Bow, Charlie chuckles to himself at the situation he found himself in. "Man, here I thought I could stay a little longer…" He smiles, wishing things were different. "But as a Servant…as your Grandfather; no as your Family, Ritsuka. I swear I'll do anything to make sure you are happy with the Family you build…even if it's without me within it."
The Pseudo-Servant raises his Sword, moving back his Feet, ready to deploy his Noble Phantasm. "Grant me the Power to protect everyone…my Sword, my Weapon, show the shining Light of Humanity!"
Charlie launched himself as the Hume Barrel released the Beam of Light toward the One who threatened Humanity.
The Twelve Swords that materialized also shot Beams of Light, racing across the Parisian Skyline. The sight was like a rainbow, a Rainbow filled with the Hopes and Dreams of Humanity gathered in one deciding Attack,
"Joyeuse…ORDER!"
Charlie cried out, slamming his Holy Sword into Sefar as the Beam from the Hume Barrel engulfed her, causing a ray of Light to shine across the Anomaly.
In his final moments, Charlie smiles, having one last glance at his Grandson. "Be sure you win…Ritsuka." He was engulfed in the same Light, causing the Saber's Spirit Origins to disappear alongside Sefar.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.