Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter has originally been edited by TM11 when this chapter was originally released. On April 1st, 2020, this chapter was edited again by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, Studio Pierrot... and other people.
Fate/Stay Night is the property of Konoki Nasu, Type-Moon, Aniplex
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
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"Hello." -Normal talking
"Hello." –Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Kon'nichiwa [Translation of Hello]
Chapter 34:
Scene Change: Kurosaki Household - Early Morning
Suddenly, a circle of fire began to form in front of them. Ichigo instinctively jumped in front of Artoria. The flames intensified for a moment before dissipating, revealing a new servant. She appeared human, with fox ears and a tail. As she turned around, her yellow eyes met theirs, and her long pink hair was tied up neatly.
"Hello," she said calmly. "I'm Tamamo-no-Mae, summoned under the Caster class. I ask you, are you my master?"
Everyone stared at the new arrival, trying to process the situation.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Ichigo thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by Mysteria, her voice filled with concern.
"Ichigo! Scáthach returned carrying an injured Rin and Illya!"
"Okay," Ichigo said, his tone resolute as he turned to face the group. "We need to leave now." Without hesitation, everyone was ejected from the trainer.
Scene Change: Ryuudou Temple
Upon arrival, they found Illya unconscious. Shirou immediately rushed to her side.
"ILLYA!" Shirou yelled as he knelt beside his step-sister. Ichigo turned to Scáthach.
"Scáthach, what happened?"
"We weren't the only ones there," Scáthach replied.
"Sakura was there?" Ichigo guessed.
"Correct," Scáthach confirmed.
At that moment, Illya slowly began to stir.
"Illya!" Shirou cried out in relief.
"Hello, big brother," Illya murmured weakly before glaring at Scáthach. "Why did you leave Berserker behind?"
"I left him because he asked," Scáthach explained.
"What happened there?" Ichigo asked, looking at Scáthach for more details.
"When we arrived at Einzbern Castle, Illya and Berserker were attacked by Sakura and a wave of Black Mud," Scáthach began. "I could sense an overwhelming presence of evil and corruption within the Black Mud."
"It corrupted Sella and Leysritt," Illya added, her voice shaky. "They were my maids."
"I see," Ichigo said, his brow furrowing as he looked at Scáthach. "Please, continue."
"When we arrived, Illya was standing on Berserker's shoulders. Beneath them was the Black Mud. Its black tentacles were trying to pull Berserker into the sludge, attempting to corrupt him into another servant for Sakura. He fought back, but couldn't break free. When he saw Rin and I arrive, he carefully grabbed Illya and threw her toward us. I managed to catch her. He told us to leave, and I retreated with both girls."
"I had to knock her out because she fought against Scáthach's grip," Rin added, looking down at Illya with sympathy.
"Illya," Ichigo asked gently, "Do you still have a connection with Berserker?"
"I do," Illya responded quietly. "But it feels weak like something is blocking the connection."
"I see…" Ichigo said. He turned to Assassin, who had been listening intently. "Assassin, do you have any insight into Sakura's plan?"
"I believe I do," Assassin said. "Based on Pride's memories, Sakura has given three orders to her servants. The first is to fight any servant of their choosing. The second is to kill that servant. The third and final order is to kill themselves at midnight."
"I see." Ichigo paused, then turned to Rin and Illya. "Is there anything happening tonight that could be related to Magecraft?"
Rin and Illya thought for a few seconds before their eyes widened in realization.
"The Lunar Eclipse!" they exclaimed together.
"There's significant mystical symbolism connected to the Lunar Eclipse," Rin added.
"So, Sakura must be trying to perform some sort of ritual at midnight," Ichigo concluded, and both Rin and Illya nodded in agreement.
"But why would Sakura attack Illya and Berserker? They haven't directly attacked her," Shirou asked, confusion written across his face.
"I think she knows," Illya said, her voice trembling.
"Knows what?" Shirou asked.
"That I'm the vessel of the Lesser Grail," Illya confessed.
"WHAT?!" Rin yelled, shock evident in her voice. Ichigo and Shirou looked confused.
"During the Third Holy Grail War, the Lesser Grail was destroyed," Illya explained. "The Einzbern decided that the Lesser Grail needed to be mobile and able to protect itself. So, they created a homunculus named Irisviel von Einzbern."
"But… that means…" Shirou stammered.
"Yes," Illya said, her voice tinged with sorrow. "She was my mother and Kiritsugu's wife. When I was born, I was modified to become the new Lesser Grail."
"All right then!" Ichigo said, his voice cutting through the tension and gaining everyone's attention. "With the information we have, let's form a plan." Everyone nodded.
"Before we begin, Master, I have something to add," Caster said, stepping forward.
"Go ahead, Caster."
"Ryuudou Temple must be defended at all costs," Caster said seriously.
"Why?" Ichigo asked, furrowing his brow.
"Based on my research, Ryuudou Temple will be the site where the Greater Grail forms."
"Wait… what's the difference between the Lesser and Greater Grail?" Shirou asked, clearly confused.
"The Lesser Grail is the container that holds the mana of the dead servants," Rin explained.
"The Lesser Grail is then used to summon the Greater Grail," Illya added.
"I see," Ichigo said, processing the information. "Is there anything else?"
Everyone fell silent, and Ichigo looked around. "We'll split into two teams. The offensive team will focus on taking the fight to Sakura, while the defensive team will stay here at Ryuudou Temple to protect it and the remaining Masters."
He paused for a moment to survey the group.
"The defensive team will consist of Tamamo, Angela, Akasha, Mysteria, Caster, Archer, and Gilgamesh."
"Why am I on the defensive team?" Akasha asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I would like to know the reasoning myself," Gilgamesh added, crossing his arms.
"Because both of you are our final hope if the offensive team fails," Ichigo said firmly.
"I see," Akasha said, her expression softening.
"Very well," Gilgamesh said with a nod.
"So, all of us are on the offensive team?" Artoria asked.
"Correct," Ichigo confirmed. He turned to Angela. "Angela."
"Yes, Master?" Angela replied.
"Gather your squad and find Sakura's location."
"Understood," Angela said as she and her squad disappeared in an instant.
Ichigo turned to his servant and the others. "For now, rest and prepare. We have a long night ahead."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Shirou. Rin." Archer called out, drawing their attention.
"What do you want, you traitor?" Rin snapped, her eyes narrowing.
"Archer is an ally," Ichigo said calmly.
"What!?" Shirou exclaimed, bewildered.
"Why?" Rin asked, her confusion mirrored in Shirou's eyes.
"I did all of that without fully understanding the situation," Archer said. She pulled them aside and began to share her story. Ichigo could sense Archer, Shirou, and Rin enter a pocket dimension.
Ichigo turned to see Illya sitting alone. He walked over and sat down next to her.
"You all right?" he asked. Illya sighed.
"Could I be honest?" she asked.
"Go ahead."
"I'm not all right. I don't know what to do now. I was raised to believe that Daddy abandoned me to raise Shirou. Now I found out that was a lie. Before, I was content with dying after I achieved my revenge… now I'm not sure. Especially since I'm going to die one way or another."
"What do you mean 'one way or another'?"
"As you know, I'm the vessel for the Lesser Grail. For the Lesser Grail to appear… I need to die. I knew this before… But now I want to live… But I don't know how." Illya began to cry. Ichigo wrapped his arms around her, offering comfort. He stood there patiently, waiting for her tears to subside. Eventually, Illya stopped crying.
"Illya, I know this is really hard for you, but I need to ask you a few questions. Is that okay?"
Illya nodded.
"Thank you. When you become the Lesser Grail, is it your entire body, or just a specific part?"
"My heart acts as the catalyst and transforms my body into the Lesser Grail," Illya explained.
"I see. Then I might have a solution. I need to go see someone." Ichigo stood up, transforming into his Shinigami form. He summoned Yorugetsu and stabbed the sword into the air. Illya's eyes widened as the blade disappeared. Ichigo turned the sword clockwise. In front of him, a traditional Shōji door appeared. The door slid open, and Ichigo quickly stepped through it. Illya watched as the door closed behind him. A few minutes later, the door reappeared, sliding open as Ichigo walked out.
"Uh… where did you go?" Illya asked.
"Just had to console a friend in the Seireitei," Ichigo replied.
"Isn't that where Daddy is?"
"Yes," Ichigo answered. "Anyway, I needed to get this device." He held up a small device that resembled a handheld scanner.
"What's that for?"
"I'm going to use this to create another body for you."
"Uh…"
"Don't ask any questions until the end. I'm not even sure if this will work," Ichigo warned.
"Do it," Illya said.
"Very well." Ichigo pointed the scanner at Illya and pressed a button. A beam shot out, scanning her. Illya stood still as the scanner moved over her body. After a few minutes, the scanning stopped.
"You can relax, Illya," Ichigo said, as the scanner compiled the data. "Illya, how old are you supposed to be?"
"Fifteen."
"Well, I have some good news and some complicated news."
"What's the good news?"
"I can create a new body for you."
"But?"
"But, I need to surgically move all your command seals onto the new body."
"How long will that take?"
"Let me get Caster here," Ichigo said. "Caster, when you're available, please come over here."
"Very well. Give me a few minutes," Caster replied.
"So, Illya, how tall do you want your body to be?" Ichigo asked.
"Um… about Onii-chan's height," Illya replied.
"Okay." Ichigo pressed a button and showed Illya the image. She gasped. What appeared in front of her was a mirror image of her mother.
"Is something wrong?" Ichigo asked.
"It's just that… it looks like a mirror image of my mom."
"That's what the scanner's algorithm calculated, based on the scan and your height request."
"Um… can my hair be a mix of black and silver, like hers?" Illya asked, pointing at Mysteria, who had pitch-black hair on the outer layer and golden blonde inside.
"Let's see…" Ichigo said as he adjusted the scanner. After a few minutes, he showed Illya the updated image. The model's hair was black on the outer layer, with silver underneath.
Soon, Caster arrived.
"You need something, Master?"
"I do. How long will it take to transfer all of Illya's command seals into her new body?"
"It depends," Caster replied. She turned to Illya. "May I?"
Illya nodded as Caster cast her analysis spells.
"Hm… based on my findings, I would be able to do it."
"How long will it take?" Ichigo asked.
"I estimate it would take about an hour."
"I see… How long will it take to set up?"
"Not long. Maybe ten minutes, if I can use her blood to draw the ritual circle."
"All right then." Ichigo pressed a button on the scanner. A small pill popped out of the bottom of the device. Ichigo caught the pill and threw it on the ground. A small pink explosion covered the area. When the dust settled, Illya's new body was revealed.
"Wow," Illya admired, looking at her new form. "How are you going to put my soul into this new body?"
"Surprisingly easy," Ichigo said as he sent the scanner into his mindscape. He pulled out a pair of black gloves with skulls engulfed in blue flames. "Caster, catch her body."
Without warning, Ichigo pushed Illya's body, separating her soul from it. Illya's eyes widened as she realized her soul was now separated from her body. She looked down and saw a chain connected to her soul.
"Is this my soul?" she asked.
"It is," Ichigo replied.
"You're going to explain everything to me?" Ichigo smiled.
"Yes, Illya," Ichigo said, as he severed Illya's Chain of Fate.
"Gah!" Illya gasped from the pain. Ichigo grabbed her soul and pushed it into the new body. Illya opened her eyes and tried to sit up.
"Remain lying on the floor. I need to check if everything worked," Ichigo instructed as he analyzed her.
"It appears the soul is staying with the body," Hōgyoku said, manifesting herself.
"Is her chain of fate reconnecting with the body?" Ichigo asked.
"No, but it isn't deteriorating either," Hōgyoku said.
"Can we do anything to force the Chain of Fate to connect with the gigai?"
"Possible," Hōgyoku said as she placed her hands on Illya's chest. A violet glow began to emanate from her hands as she used her reiatsu to force Illya's Chain of Fate to connect with the gigai. Ichigo stood there, silently watching the process.
"Ichigo," Yhwach's voice called out. Ichigo turned to see Yhwach appear before him.
"Yes, Yhwach?" Ichigo responded.
"With Assassin's help, I've managed to create two schrift for you," Yhwach said, holding up two glowing schrift orbs.
"What do they do?" Ichigo asked, curious.
"One allows you to manipulate shadows, and the other grants you the ability to kill anything. However, activating the second schrift will consume a massive amount of your reiatsu," Yhwach warned.
"Okay," Ichigo replied, taking one of the orbs. "I, Kurosaki Ichigo, bestow upon myself this schrift." He pressed the orb into his chest. Instantly, Ichigo felt his reiatsu flow unconsciously into the shadows below him.
"Assassin, please leave my shadow for the time being," Ichigo commanded.
"Yes, my God," Assassin replied, stepping out of his shadow. Ichigo then formed tentacles made of shadows, followed by creating a wall from the shadow and reinforcing it.
"This is very interesting," Ichigo said, turning to Yhwach. "What else can I do with this?"
"You can also enter and move through the shadows. However, you cannot jump from one shadow to another unless they are connected," Yhwach explained.
"I see," Ichigo said as he submerged himself into the shadow. It felt like being submerged in water. He began walking, and it felt just like normal movement. Suddenly, he crashed into an invisible barrier. Looking up, he saw that he had reached the edge of the shadow. Ichigo pulled himself out and walked back to Yhwach and Assassin.
"There is one more ability," Yhwach said. "You can create beings from shadows."
"Are there any limitations?" Ichigo asked.
"They can only follow simple instructions, and they will cease to exist if they run out of reiatsu," Yhwach answered.
"I see. How do I make one?" Ichigo inquired.
"It's similar to creating walls and tentacles," Yhwach said. Ichigo closed his eyes and focused. Slowly, a humanoid figure began to rise from the shadows. It was dressed in dark blue robes, with glowing red eyes. Ichigo opened his eyes to see the figure standing before him.
"Appear behind Yhwach," Ichigo commanded. The shadow figure disappeared into the shadow and reappeared behind Yhwach. "Come back to me." The shadow ninja vanished once more into the shadows and reappeared beside Ichigo. He reabsorbed the remaining reiatsu from the figure.
"Have you thought of a name for the schrift?" Yhwach asked.
"I do," Ichigo replied. "This will be known as Schrift U: The Umbra."
Yhwach handed him the other orb. "Here is the second one."
"I, Kurosaki Ichigo, bestow upon myself this schrift," Ichigo declared, pressing the second orb into his chest. A red glow enveloped him. He could feel an overwhelming surge within him, a power that made him believe he could easily kill Aizen, Yūhabahha, or anyone who stood in his way. Yhwach placed a hand on Ichigo's shoulder.
"Calm down, Ichigo," Yhwach said, his voice steady.
Ichigo took a few deep breaths, slowly regaining control. "Thank you, Yhwach."
"No problem, Ichigo," Yhwach responded.
"This will be known as Schrift S: The Slayer," Ichigo said. He turned to Hōgyoku, who was standing up. "How did it go?"
"I managed to connect both the soul and the gigai," Hōgyoku replied. "I also ensured that her magic circuits fully transferred over."
"I'll take over from here," Caster said, gently lifting Illya and carrying her to a ritual circle.
"So, what do we do next?" Hōgyoku asked.
"For now, keep her body safe. We'll need Illya to see what comes next," Ichigo explained. Hōgyoku nodded and returned to Ichigo's mindscape. Ichigo turned to see Jeanne and Avenger assisting Artoria, who was using her flagpole as a makeshift spear.
"How's it going?" Ichigo asked.
"She's improving quickly," Jeanne said.
"Hello, Ichigo," Artoria greeted.
"Hello, Artoria. How's the training going?"
"It's going well," Artoria replied, tightening her grip on the flag. "I'm not sure why Myrddin gave me this flag, but I'll continue to train with it."
Ichigo nodded, understanding. "Did the merger with Saber result in anything?"
"It did," Artoria said, summoning Excalibur and Avalon. "I've gained resistance to holy attacks and increased damage against holy beings."
"Interesting. Anything else?"
"I can also transform into her," Artoria said, glowing with golden light. Her cold yellow eyes turned green, and her black and red armor shifted to blue and silver. Excalibur turned golden. "When I assume this form, I gain resistance to demonic attacks and increased damage against demonic beings."
"Interesting. So, you didn't have these abilities before?"
"No," Artoria answered.
"I see. How often can you change forms?"
"As often as I want," Artoria replied.
"I see. Is there anything else?"
"I also gained her memories," Artoria added.
"Oh, really? Are there any similarities?"
"From what I can tell, the main decisions deviate from the past and the Fourth Holy Grail War," Artoria explained.
"I see. Continue training with both forms," Ichigo instructed. Artoria nodded and resumed her practice.
"How are you feeling, Avenger?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm a good master, but I wish to burn our enemies now, not wait," Avenger replied a gleam of excitement in her eyes.
Ichigo smiled slightly. "Patience, my Dragon Witch. Once we've gathered enough information, we'll unleash you to burn all my enemies with fiery vengeance."
"Excellent!" Avenger exclaimed.
Ichigo walked over to Mysteria and Tamamo. "How are the defenses coming?"
"It's going well, husband," Tamamo responded.
"Why did you call me husband?" Ichigo asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because I want you to be my husband," Tamamo said, her tone playful.
Ichigo groaned. "We'll figure that out later, okay, Tamamo?"
"Figure out what, husband?" Tamamo smirked, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
"Can you tell me how the additional defenses are coming along?"
"Caster managed to plant the seeds for all of her Dragon Tooth Warriors at the base of the mountain. They'll serve as the first line of defense. Due to Ryuudou Temple's ward, they'll all need to climb the stairs. We've added various trap spells, runes, and seals along the stairs. They're designed to function like landmines—activating when someone steps on them or after a set amount of time," Mysteria explained.
"I see… what about flying monsters or super-large creatures?"
"We've got something for that too," Mysteria said. "We've set up gravity runes that activate if a giant monster steps on them. They bind the creature with gravity spells, increasing the gravitational pull around it by ten times."
"What about flying monsters?"
"I have fox spirits scattered throughout the forest. They'll detect any anomalies and take out any threats," Tamamo said.
"What else can you do?" Ichigo asked.
"As you know, Casters are traditionally defensive and supportive servants. I'm no exception. I can cast a wide range of spells."
"What about the mirror?" Ichigo asked.
"This is my Noble Phantasm. I can use it as a melee weapon." Tamamo grabbed her mirror and swung it around. "I can also use it to activate my Noble Phantasm, Eightfold Blessing of Amaterasu. For a short period, it reduces the amount of magic needed for casting my spells, heals me, and boosts the power of my magic. This effect extends to nearby allies as well. But with the amount of energy I'm drawing from you, it may be obsolete."
"I see. What spells can you cast?"
"All kinds. Healing spells, curses, enchantments, illusions, just to name a few."
"I see. Not to be mean, but that seems kind of lackluster for someone who is a fragment of Amaterasu."
"I know. To be summoned as a servant, I had to cut off my tails." Tamamo freed her single tail from her robe. "It reduced much of my abilities. If I were at my full power, I would have access to more techniques and authority."
"I see… after this, I'll help you regain your strength."
"Very well, Husband," Tamamo said.
"Please call me Ichigo, not Husband," Ichigo replied.
"Very well, Master," Tamamo said with a smirk. Ichigo groaned and walked away from her.
"Ichigo, Angela, and her squad have just returned," Mysteria said.
"Thank you, Mysteria," Ichigo replied. "Everyone, please gather in the main room of the temple." Ichigo broadcasted through the servant connection. A few minutes later, everyone sat down in the main room of the temple. Ichigo noticed Chad holding Illya as she adjusted to her new body.
"Are all of you all right?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, Ichigo," Chad replied.
"It feels weird. I'm still not used to being this tall," Illya said.
"You'll get used to it," Ichigo reassured. Shirou, Rin, and Archer finally returned.
"Wait. What happened to Illya?" Shirou asked.
"I removed her soul and placed it in another body," Ichigo said casually.
"WHAT! That's something only possible with Heaven's Feel!" Rin exclaimed.
"Um… what?" Shirou asked.
"Heaven's Feel is what magi call the Third True Magic. It allows the user to materialize the soul, preventing it from dispersing when it no longer has an anchor," Rin explained.
"Interesting. These gloves allow me to eject the soul from the body." Ichigo held up the gloves. "The soul is connected to the body by something known as the Chain of Fate. Once the Chain of Fate is severed, it begins to deteriorate. When the Chain of Fate fully deteriorates, the soul is corrupted and becomes a monster—known as a Hollow. The Shinigami are tasked with purifying Hollows and ensuring that souls are sent away from the Land of the Living so they can enter the reincarnation cycle or reach the Soul Society to live there," Ichigo explained. Angela and her squad returned.
"Are all of you all right?"
"Yes. Some minor injuries, but nothing to be concerned about," Angela replied.
"Very well. What did you find?"
"We located a few areas with significant mana. The first was the Fuyuki Church, where the church supervisor had been. We discovered he was allied with Sakura. We tried to capture him, but he managed to escape when Berserker attacked us."
"Berserker. Is he all right?" Illya asked.
"Wait. You're Berserker's master. How are you here?" Angela asked. Ichigo quickly updated her on the situation.
"I see…" Angela nodded. "Berserker appeared to be more... berserk than before."
"Oh no," Illya murmured. Everyone turned to her. "When Berserker was first summoned, I couldn't control him at all. Even with the extra command seals, it took a long time for us to connect."
"Anyways, we managed to escape Berserker. Afterward, we decided to investigate another mana hotspot. We moved to the forest and found a destroyed castle."
"The Einzbern Estate," Illya mumbled.
"When we arrived, all we saw were ruined buildings. We explored the castle and found this." Angela pulled out a vial of black liquid.
"That's the Black Mud," Illya identified. Angela handed the vial to Caster.
"I'll analyze it and see what it is," Caster said as she left the room.
"We left the ruins to check the final location. It was in a populated neighborhood. While exploring, we spotted her standing in the courtyard of a house. She saw us and smiled. We all summoned our weapons, ready to fight, but she continued to smile and gestured around her. We realized what she meant—if we attacked, the local civilians would be at risk."
"So, we need to evacuate the civilians," Ichigo said.
"How?" Shirou asked. Ichigo pulled out the trainer.
"We'll create a copy of Fuyuki City in the trainer. We'll go to every house and make sure all civilians are asleep. After that, we'll place them in the duplicate houses, unaware of what's going on," Ichigo proposed.
"Is it safe for them to be in the trainer like that?" Shirou asked.
"Is that what you did with the residents of Ryuudou Temple?" Rin asked.
"No. I moved them to a safe location," Ichigo answered.
"Shouldn't we do that with the rest of the citizens?"
"I don't want to ask the owner of the safe place to see if she has more space to store people." Ichigo admitted. "Tamamo, do you have any basic hypnosis spells?"
"I do. Give me a few moments." Tamamo pulled out some talismans and wrote on them. "Here." She handed Ichigo the talismans. "By placing this on a house, everyone inside will immediately feel an urge to sleep. Give it about a minute, and everyone will be asleep."
"Are these talismans reusable?" Ichigo asked.
"They are, as long as the talismans aren't destroyed," came the reply.
Ichigo turned to Angela. "Do you think your squad could handle it?"
"We can," Angela responded confidently.
Ichigo showed her how to import people into the Trainer and how to create a copy of the house. After that, Angela and her squad disappeared. Caster walked back, holding the Black Mud vial.
"I finished my analysis, and I'm quite surprised by what's in here," Caster said.
"What's in there?" Shirou asked.
"The physical form of the concept of Evil," Caster replied.
"Angra Mainyu," Ichigo murmured.
"So, he has returned?" Artoria asked.
"Not fully," Caster corrected. "The liquid doesn't have any indicators typically shown from a Servant's Noble Phantasm."
"So what does that mean?" Rin asked.
"It means someone has been given the same ability as Angra Mainyu," Caster explained.
"But that's impossible," Illya shouted. Everyone turned to her, confused. "In the Einzbern library, there was a thought experiment. An experiment where a human fused with a Servant as it was being summoned. The human would suppress the Servant's thoughts and gain all of their powers," Illya explained.
"Reminds me of the Vizard's Hollow Suppression technique," Ichigo thought.
"We should see how they're doing," Zangetsu chimed in.
"So, we're thinking that Sakura gained Angra Mainyu's abilities?" Ichigo asked. Illya and Caster nodded. "Would it be possible for the Servant to take over the power, suppressing the human's thoughts and taking over the body?"
"That possibility was also brought up," Illya said.
"So, it's possible that Sakura isn't in control of her actions. It could be Angra Mainyu in control of Sakura's body," Rin said.
"Illya, did the Einzbern test out that theory?"
"I don't know," Illya admitted.
Ichigo nodded. "Tamamo, Caster."
"Yes, Master?" Caster responded.
"Do either of you know any spells to combat possession?" Ichigo asked.
"I don't," Caster admitted.
"But I do," Tamamo said. "The thing is, it's very time-consuming to prepare and execute."
"I see," Ichigo said.
"You're thinking of trying to separate the two?" Rin asked.
"Correct," Ichigo replied.
"Even if we separate them, we still have to defeat Angra Mainyu," Illya pointed out.
"For now, rest and prepare for the upcoming fight," Ichigo said. They all nodded. Illya joined Rin and Shirou, and they followed Archer outside.
"Ichigo, what would you have me do?" Chad asked.
"For now, I want you to rest and recover from what happened earlier," Ichigo said.
"But I'm-"
"Chad. I can tell you're not fine. Just stay here," Ichigo insisted. Chad nodded and walked back to Rider. "Caster, Tamamo, and Mysteria."
"Yes, Master?" Caster responded.
"Can you make some sort of charm that could repel Angra Mainyu's curses?"
"I'll see what we can do," Mysteria said as they all walked to another room. Ichigo summoned Longinus and sat down, placing the spear on his lap as he entered Jinzen.
Scene Change: Longinus Mindscape
Ichigo once again appeared in Longinus's mindscape.
"Hello, Ichigo. What can I do for you?" Jesus greeted him.
"Hello, Jesus. I have a few questions about Longinus's abilities."
"I'll try my best to answer them."
"How do I purify a person?" Ichigo asked.
"It's really simple. You must cover the person with holy energy."
"Would stab them with Longinus work?" Ichigo asked.
"You don't need to stab them. It works if they're just touching Longinus."
"What if they're far away?" Ichigo inquired.
"It's less effective from a distance because the corruption has more time to resist long-range purification."
"Is there anything else I need to do?" Ichigo asked.
"The last step is to say this prayer: 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, and then concentrate your holy energy into purifying them,' (1)" Jesus instructed.
"I see… will it even work if I'm not a Christian or Catholic?"
"It will. The prayer helps you get into the proper mindset to purify someone with Longinus."
Ichigo was about to ask another question when he suddenly felt someone shake his body.
Scene Change: Ryuudou Temple
Ichigo opened his eyes to see Avenger in front of him.
"Avenger, what's going on?" Ichigo asked.
"Come and see for yourself," Avenger replied. He grabbed Longinus and sent it back to Ichigo's mindscape.
Ichigo walked to the entrance of Ryuudou Temple to see Black Mud geysers shooting from the ground.
"Is that...?" Ichigo began.
"Yes, more of the Black Mud," Caster said.
"Luckily, the wards can prevent the raining Black Mud from entering the Temple," Mysteria said. Ichigo watched as the Black Mud landed on the barrier and slipped back down.
"Has anyone contacted Angela yet?" Ichigo asked.
Jeanne and Scáthach shook their heads.
"Angela, do you copy?"
"Yes, Master?" Angela's voice came through.
"Did you guys finish yet?"
"No. We still have a few more neighborhoods to go. Ever since the Black Mud geysers started, we've been forced to knock the people out and send them straight into the Trainer."
"Do you need assistance?"
"Yes. We need more fast servants to gather the rest of the people. Also, be careful—the Black Mud can form monsters to attack."
"Thanks for the warning. I'm sending Scáthach and Raikou over to you," Ichigo said as he cut the connection.
"Scáthach and Raikou, go and assist them," Ichigo ordered. They nodded.
"Wait," Tamamo said as she and Caster took out a handful of charms.
"We managed to create these talismans," Caster said, handing them out. "These talismans will prevent the Black Mud from corrupting you. Testing shows they last about 10 minutes before turning to ashes." Scáthach and Raikou each took one and put it on. They could feel a thin layer of magic wrapping around their bodies.
"Make sure you give some to Angela and her group," Ichigo added. They grabbed a pile of talismans and safely stored them.
"Stay safe," Ichigo said.
"Don't worry, Ichigo," Scáthach reassured him.
"Don't worry. Mama is going to be fine," Raikou added, offering a comforting smile. They quickly ran out of Ryuudou Temple.
"Very well," Ichigo said, taking a charm from Caster and placing it around his neck. "Everyone's ready?"
"Wait," Illya said. Ichigo looked at her. "What about Berserker? Are you planning on killing him?"
"If that is the last resort," Ichigo replied.
"Oh," Illya responded quietly. Assassin slipped into Ichigo's shadow. Artoria shifted into her holy form.
"Ichigo, I'm coming with you," Akasha said, glaring at him. Ichigo sighed, remembering the times Moka would glare at him like that.
"Fine," Ichigo said. Akasha transformed into her battle attire. Ichigo, Artoria, Akasha, Jeanne, and Avenger left Ryuudou Temple, leaving Shirou, Rin, Chad, Rider, Tamamo, Mysteria, Caster, Archer, and Gilgamesh to defend the temple.
"Will Ichigo and them be all right?" Chad asked.
"Don't worry about Master. He will be fine," Gilgamesh reassured them.
Scene Change: Matou Residence: Basement
Sakura stood in the basement, holding a black grail dripping with Black Mud. She ignored the sludge as she stared at Berserker, who was restrained by the Black Mud. Despite the corruption, Berserker wasn't fully under her control. She had to use her command seals to get him to obey.
"Is it because of his Mad Enhancement, or is this Berserker's attempt to remain loyal to Illya?" Sakura thought, her gaze never leaving her servant.
"Mistress, it appears Ichigo ordered his servants to evacuate all the citizens of Fuyuki City," Kirei's voice interrupted her thoughts as he walked down the stairs.
"I see... so they are coming," Sakura replied, her voice calm.
"They are. Ichigo and a few servants just left Ryuudou Temple."
"They took over Ryuudou Temple?" Sakura asked.
"Yes. Ichigo and his allies took over Ryuudou Temple, and Caster's servants reinforced the wards around it. My familiars can't get through," Kirei reported.
"I see…" Sakura said, her red eyes glowing ominously. "Stall them as much as you can."
"As you wish, Mistress," Kirei said before walking away. Sakura smiled, her eyes glowing brighter as she prepared for what was to come.
Scene Change: Matou Residence: Outside
Ichigo and his servants arrived at the neighborhood where Angela had spotted Sakura.
"Keep an eye out. We don't know what traps she has," Ichigo warned. The group nodded, moving carefully toward the residence.
"Master, there appears to be a ward around this place," Scáthach reported.
"Any dangers to us?" Ichigo asked.
"It doesn't appear so."
"Proceed with caution." They carefully approached the house. As they crossed the ward line, they soon arrived at a black gate marked Matou. The door slid open easily, and they entered the residence. They quickly spotted a man standing outside on the porch.
"Kotomine Kirei. The Master of Assassin in the Fourth Holy Grail War," Artoria identified. Before they could react, Kirei dashed toward them, wielding three long, slender rapier-like swords in each hand, using them as claws. He swung them at the group. Jeanne blocked the attack with her flagpole. Akasha and Avenger charged at Kotomine, with Avenger attempting to stab him with her flag.
Kirei pushed off from Jeanne, dodging Avenger's attack. He threw the blade-less handles of his broken swords and drew more from his sleeves. Meanwhile, Akasha fired bullets from her guns. Kirei blocked the bullets with his swords, shattering them.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed as Berserker charged out of the house.
"RAHH!" He roared, charging at Ichigo.
"Jeanne and Akasha, continue with Kotomine," Ichigo ordered. The two nodded. "Artoria, Avenger, distract Berserker." Artoria and Avenger nodded and charged toward Berserker, employing hit-and-run tactics. Artoria would get Berserker's attention, while Avenger would strike at his unguarded back. Once Berserker shifted his focus to Avenger, Artoria would strike again.
Ichigo activated Schrift U: The Umbra, summoning shadows around Berserker to bind him.
"RAHHHAHHH!" Berserker screamed as he struggled against the shadows. Ichigo summoned more shadows, wrapping them tighter around him.
"RAAHHAH!" Berserker continued to thrash, but Ichigo wasn't done. He summoned Longinus and stabbed Berserker in the chest.
"RRRRRRAAAAAHHHHHH!" Berserker howled in pain, his struggles intensifying. Ichigo poured his reiatsu through Longinus.
"Have mercy on me, O God…" Ichigo prayed as holy energy began to emanate from the spear.
"According to your steadfast love…" Berserker's black skin began to crack as a golden light shone through.
"According to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions," Ichigo continued, pushing more holy energy into the wound. "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity…" The shadows holding Berserker were destroyed, but he remained still. "And cleanse me from my sin…" Ichigo finished as the golden light blazed around them.
The blinding light faded, and Berserker was back to normal. Ichigo withdrew Longinus, and the wound immediately sealed.
"Thank… you… Ichigo," Berserker said, his voice filled with gratitude.
"No problem," Ichigo said, though his attention was now diverted by the ground shaking around them. Cracks began to form, and violet light seeped through.
"What's going on?" Jeanne asked.
"I'm not sure. It has to do with Sakura," Ichigo deduced.
The ground gave way beneath them, and a geyser of Black Mud shot out from the cracks. Ichigo raised his hand and activated Schrift V: The Ventis, forming a barrier of air to shield them. They saw Sakura floating beside the geyser.
"It's too late. The ritual has started," Sakura announced, her voice cold.
"Ichigo, what's going on there?" Yasaka asked through the peerage link.
"Yasaka? What's happening on your end?"
"I sensed something redirecting the natural flow of the leylines toward Fuyuki City."
"Can you stop it or divert it away?"
"I… I can."
"Then do it."
"I'll try."
"I can see you're trying to stop it," Sakura remarked as the violet light began to fade. "But I've already told you—IT'S TOO LATE!" Sakura screamed. The Black Mud began to bubble and something rose from it. It had a humanoid shape, armored, with some wielding swords while others held spears.
"GO!" Sakura commanded. The Black Mud Warriors surged forward.
"Berserker!" Ichigo shouted. Berserker turned toward him. Ichigo placed several charms around Berserker. "This will prevent the Black Mud from corrupting you again."
"Rah," Berserker grunted. Ichigo lowered the barrier around them, and Berserker charged at the Black Mud Warriors, swinging his stone sword. Ichigo returned Longinus to Yorugetsu. Everyone rushed at the Warriors.
"The Holy Grail. The Holy Grail." The Black Mud Warriors chanted as they attacked Ichigo.
"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo yelled, unleashing his signature technique. It destroyed several of them, but they quickly regenerated and kept charging. Ichigo and the others continued to battle the Mud Warriors. For every one they destroyed, more appeared.
"We need to end this," Ichigo said.
"How?" Akasha asked.
"Maybe my Noble Phantasm can help," Jeanne suggested.
"No! I won't let you use that," Ichigo yelled.
"We need to end this… at the source," Avenger proposed, looking toward Sakura.
"Ichigo, go and stop this. We'll handle the Mud Warriors," Artoria said.
"All right then," Ichigo replied, shunpō'ing in front of Sakura. She was slightly startled by his sudden appearance. She stood on the Black Mud, using it as a platform, while Ichigo hovered in the air before her.
"Sakura, why are you doing this?" Ichigo asked.
"Why? Because I need to repay a debt I owe."
"A debt?"
"Yes, a debt. To my Master. He was the only one who cared enough to help me in my darkest time," she answered. Black Mud shot out and attacked Ichigo, but he dodged.
"What are you even doing?" Ichigo asked.
"My master was an ordinary human. But he was randomly chosen by his people to be Angra Mainyu, the physical manifestation of All the World's Evil. My master is simply returning that burden to the world," Sakura explained, as the Black Mud continued to lash out at Ichigo.
"Why, though? Why does your master want to do that?" Ichigo asked.
"Simple. He never asked to be the holder of All the World's Evil. He just wants to return it to the world."
"By cursing everyone with the corruption in the mud?"
"Every human can be evil. Some suppress the 'evil' and embrace the 'good,' while others suppress the 'good' and embrace the 'evil.' This never-ending battle between good and evil causes chaos, mayhem, destruction, and death. My master isn't trying to destroy the world; he's trying to save it."
Ichigo looked at Sakura, then realized what she and her master were trying to do. He remembered a quote.
"What do you do when there is an evil you cannot defeat by just means? Do you stain your hands with evil to destroy evil? Or do you remain steadfastly just and righteous, even if it means surrendering to evil? (2)"
"So… your master wants to use the All the World's Evil to stop the Evil of Humanity. But what about the remaining evil?" Ichigo asked. Sakura didn't respond.
"If that's how you truly feel, then… I'm sorry." Ichigo switched Yorugetsu with Longinus. "For the lesser Evil of Humanity is better than the Greater Evil of the World," Ichigo said, shunpō'ing in front of Sakura and stabbing her with Longinus. "Have mercy on me, O God…" Ichigo prayed. Longinus began to emit holy energy.
"According to Your steadfast love…"
"NO!" Sakura screamed. The Black Mud charged at Ichigo.
"According to Your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions." The holy energy surrounded Ichigo and Sakura, protecting him from the Black Mud's attacks.
"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity…"
"STOP IT!" Sakura shouted, trying to push Ichigo away. Her red eye began to flash.
"And cleanse me from my sin, and then concentrate Your holy energy into purifying them!" Ichigo finished. He and Sakura were engulfed in golden holy light.
Scene Change
Ichigo opened his eyes to find himself standing in an empty space. There was nothing around him.
"Hello." A voice called out. Ichigo turned to see someone standing there. He had dark skin, black hair, and glyphs tattooed across his body. His clothes consisted of a tattered red waistcloth, a matching bandana, and black bandages on his forearms and shins.
"Angra Mainyu?" Ichigo guessed.
"I am," Angra Mainyu replied.
"So, why am I here?"
"I wanted to talk with you."
"Talk with me?"
"Yes. You see, Angra Mainyu is split into two aspects: the Human and the Monster. The one controlling Sakura is the Monster aspect. We used to be the same, but one decision changed that. When I first became Angra Mainyu, I hated humanity. I despised my people for cursing me this way. Many saw me as a monster. But over time… as I watched my people die before my eyes… I began to love the world. And with that simple thought, Angra Mainyu split."
"So, why am I here?"
"I want to thank you for stopping the Monster aspect," he said.
"Thanks?"
"No problem. I have one small request."
"Name it."
"Forgive Sakura," Angra Mainyu said. Ichigo looked confused.
"When Sakura was younger, she was thrown into a pit full of crest worms." Ichigo's confusion deepened.
"Imagine large worms," Angra Mainyu continued. Ichigo nodded.
"Anyways, these worms devoured her flesh and entered her body in every possible way. And I mean every possible way, even places that shouldn't be touched." Ichigo growled in brotherly anger at the thought.
"Her cries were ignored by her guardian. Soon after, she was implanted with fragments of the corrupted Holy Grail. At that time, my monster aspect resided within the Holy Grail. My monster aspect saw her as a suitable container for his plans. So he saved her and ultimately throw her away."
"I see..." Ichigo said.
"I will see what I can do."
"That is all I'm asking for," Angra Mainyu said as Ichigo was blinded by white light.
Scene Change: Outside Matou Residence
Ichigo opened his eyes to see that Longinus was still embedded in Sakura's chest. He quickly pulled the spear out. Suddenly, all the Black Mud began to consolidate. Ichigo performed a Shunpō, carrying the unconscious Sakura.
"You managed to remove Angra Mainyu from her?" Jeanne asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
"I did. Keep her safe." Ichigo handed Sakura over to Jeanne. He turned to Artoria. "Do you think Excalibur could destroy all of this?" he asked, gesturing to the growing sphere of Black Mud above them.
"I can try, but it will take a minute." Artoria began gathering her mana into Excalibur. The Black Mud sphere started to fall.
"It's trying to flood everything," Ichigo said, his voice tense.
"I'm ready," Artoria said, raising Excalibur above her head. The blade began to release a golden energy. "EXCALIBUR!" she yelled as she swung the blade downward. The golden energy shot directly toward the falling Black Mud, crashing into it with a massive explosion. Artoria lowered her blade, but the Black Mud slammed into the ground, flooding the area in waves.
Ichigo quickly activated Schrift G: The Gaia, raising the earth around them to form a barrier.
"How... how did it survive my attack?" Artoria asked disbelief in her voice.
"The Black Mud can resist an Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm. We need something stronger," Jeanne explained.
"Jesus, do you think Longinus could purify all the Black Mud?"
"I don't think so. Longinus might even get corrupted by all the Black Mud," Jesus answered.
"I see." Ichigo turned to Akasha. "Will your Noble Phantasm be able to destroy the Black Mud?"
"No. I believe if I use it, the Black Mud will corrupt it."
"I'm going to try something," Ichigo said, equipping the Jigoku no Yoroi. He took a deep breath and sprayed Hell Fire from his hands onto the Black Mud below them. Everyone watched as the corrupted fire began to burn the Black Mud.
"What… what was that?" Avenger asked, mesmerized by the chaotic fire.
"Hellfire," Ichigo replied.
"H…Hellfire?" Jeanne asked. "As in the fire used to punish the devil and his angels?"
"Um… yes?" Ichigo responded, watching as the Black Mud tried to escape the Hellfire. Ichigo commanded the fire to split into smaller groups, trapping the Black Mud. After a few minutes, all the Black Mud was burned away. Ichigo extended his hand as the remaining Hellfire shot toward him and returned to Hell. He stomped his foot, causing a stone pillar to sink into the ground.
"Everyone, when possible, regroup with me at Ryuudou Temple," Ichigo announced as he dispelled his armor. A few minutes later, everyone had gathered back at Ryuudou Temple.
"Caster, can you check if Sakura is okay?" Ichigo asked.
"Very well, Master," Caster replied as Jeanne handed Sakura to her. Caster carried the unconscious girl to a guest room, beginning her diagnostics.
"Tamamo and Mysteria, can you go through the town and clean up any damage from the battle?"
"Yes, Master," Tamamo replied.
"I can't. I'm still the Ward Keeper. I can't leave the Wards," Mysteria said.
"I see," Ichigo responded. "Yasaka, can you hear me?"
"Yes, Ichigo. So, you managed to stop it?"
"I have," Ichigo confirmed. "Can you send me the Ward Keeper of Ryuudou Temple?"
"I can. Have Mysteria carve the necessary symbol on a door."
Ichigo turned to Mysteria. "Yasaka is going to send the Ward Keeper here. She said you need to carve a symbol on a door." Mysteria nodded and walked to a nearby door, carving the symbol. A few seconds later, the symbol glowed, and Ryuudou Ryu entered the room.
"Hello, Mysteria. Is it over?" he asked.
"It is," Mysteria replied.
"Very well." Mysteria and Ryu walked away.
"When Mysteria returns, get started on repairing any damage," Ichigo said.
"Yes, Master."
"So, what are we going to do about the Holy Grail?" Illya asked.
"Does it even have enough mana?" Rin asked.
"What do you mean, enough mana?" Shirou asked.
"To use the Lesser Grail, six servants' worth of mana is needed. Seven servants' worth is required to reach the Root," Rin explained. "After analyzing the Lesser Grail, I've determined it doesn't have any mana in it."
"What about all the mana from Sakura's servants?" Shirou asked.
"All that mana went to the Lesser Grail inside Sakura," Ichigo replied.
"So, what should we do with it?" Shirou asked.
"We'll destroy it," Ichigo said.
"What?" Rin exclaimed.
"Think about everything that happened," Ichigo continued. "How many people would have died if we hadn't evacuated the entire town?"
"But the Holy Grail War was supposed to be a secret," Rin argued.
"And yet, the news reported the disappearance of children due to Gilles de Rais and his master," Artoria commented.
"You should know. You almost were one of those children," Archer added. Rin sighed in defeat.
"Even if we do this, the Mage's Association will find out and they may retaliate," Rin said.
Rin and Illya stared at Ichigo as he laughed. Ichigo soon calmed himself.
"Sorry about that. I was imagining a group of Magi coming here to attack those who are my friends," Ichigo said, becoming serious. "I charged into the Gates of Heaven when I was fifteen to rescue a friend. I shattered the Gates of Hell when I was seventeen to rescue my sisters. Magi who believe they are the strongest in the world is nothing compared to what I've fought before," Ichigo declared. Illya and Rin stared at him, searching for signs of a lie. They found none.
"Very well," Rin said. "Illya and I will try to dismantle the Holy Grail System."
"I'll go with you. As a Ruler-Class servant, I may have proper authorization to adjust the Holy Grail System," Jeanne added.
Suddenly, Hōgyoku and Kyōka appeared.
"We'll join you," Hōgyoku said, and Kyōka nodded.
"Who are you?" Rin asked, eyeing the two newcomers.
"I'm Kyōka. I am one of the many fragments of Ichigo's soul."
"Just how many secrets are you hiding?" Rin asked. Ichigo smiled.
"Come on, Rin-san. Ichigo won't reveal his secrets to just anyone," Kyōka said. Rin sighed. Rin, Illya, Jeanne, Hōgyoku, and Kyōka left to dry and dismantle the Holy Grail System. Caster reentered the room.
"Caster, how is she?"
"Physically, she's fine. However, she's in a coma," Caster replied.
"I see."
"So, Shirou," Archer said, staring at him. "Have you thought about what I told you?"
"I have... Should I be allowed to be like that?"
"Shirou, statistics show that two people die every second somewhere in the world. So how will you save those people?"
"It doesn't matter. If I manage to save them, what matters is the attempt."
"Then you'll become someone like the Shirou in my timeline, abandoning everyone who cared for him to save the faceless masses. Those faceless masses will call you a hero until you fail. Once you fail, they'll call you a villain and a failure," Archer said as she walked away from Shirou.
"Why is he so stubborn?" Archer thought.
"Based on your story, Shirou didn't feel the love and care in your timeline. However, there's a chance for that with Illya and Rin in the picture," Ichigo replied, watching as Rin, Illya, Jeanne, Hōgyoku, and Kyōka returned.
"So, what happened?" Ichigo asked.
"Well… it's possible to dismantle the Holy Grail System," Rin said.
"We must first separate the servants from the Holy Grail," Hōgyoku said.
"Caster, Assassin, and Archer," Ichigo called out. Caster and Archer looked at him as Assassin floated out of Ichigo's shadow. "I promised all of you a chance for a new life with me. Do you still wish for that?"
"I do. I swore vengeance to Aphrodite, and you promised me that chance," Caster replied.
"Very well then," Ichigo said as he summoned a Bishop Chaos Piece. "This might feel weird," Ichigo added as he pushed the piece inside Caster. Suddenly, Caster began to glow. Caster could feel something completing, as if she had been missing something and just found it. Her eyes widened when she realized what had happened.
"You all right, Caster?"
"You managed to fully pull me out of the Throne of Heroes," Caster said.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo replied.
"When servants are summoned, only a part of them is summoned, while the rest remains in the Throne of Heroes. What you did was pull the remaining parts of me from the Throne of Heroes here."
"I see." Ichigo nodded as he moved to Assassin. "If my God is willing to bless me, then I will happily accept," Ichigo said as he summoned a Pawn Chaos Piece and pushed it into Assassin. Assassin glowed, just like Caster.
"Are you all right, Assassin?"
"Yes, my God. Your magic has granted me a rebirth to serve you," Assassin said. Ichigo shook his head as he turned to Archer.
"Yes. This might be my only chance to escape being a Counter Guardian," Archer replied.
"Archer," Rin said. "Wouldn't you rather be my familiar?"
"No, Rin," Archer said. "Knowing you, you'd use me as an actual servant—cleaning the house, cooking for you, assisting with the Jewel Sword, and other stuff. I feel that Ichigo will allow me to live the way I wish to live."
"If you follow a few rules," Ichigo added.
"I see…" Rin said.
"Besides, you wouldn't want me interfering with any of your plans, especially since I can technically become the Head of the Tohsaka Clan. After all, I'm still technically you," Archer added. Rin glared at her as Archer smiled. Ichigo summoned another Pawn Chaos Piece and pushed it into Archer. Archer also glowed and became human again.
"Thank you, Master, for this," Archer said as she hugged him. Ichigo smiled at the gesture.
"Um… what about Berserker?" Illya asked.
"You could bind him as a familiar."
"Wouldn't the strain from binding him as a familiar overload my Magic Circuits?" Illya asked.
"Not anymore," Berserker answered.
"You… you're sane?" Illya asked.
"I am," Berserker said. "It was due to Ichigo's purification. He managed to restore me to my true self."
"I see…" Illya said. "What if you go out of control?"
"I might be able to help with that," Caster said as she brought out 12 large bands.
"Medea…" Berserker said.
"Hello, Heracles. It's good to see you sane," Caster replied. "Anyway, these bands will help restrain your powers, each band restricting a thirteenth of your total power."
"How will I release the restraints?" Berserker asked.
"Do you trust Illya?"
"I do."
"Then she will have this," Caster said as she took out a small golden ring. "She will be the one to release your restraints, one at a time." Caster handed the ring to Illya, who placed the bands on Berserker—three on each arm and leg.
"How do you feel?" Illya asked.
"I feel weaker and heavier as if I am carrying the weight of the world again," Berserker said.
"Good. Give it a bit of time, and you'll get used to it."
"So, how will I unseal Berserker?" Illya asked.
"You need to say this phrase: 'By my command, release the First Labor.' Each Labor corresponds to one of the bands."
"I see," Illya said. "Berserker, can you kneel in front of me? I need to place my hand on your head." Berserker knelt and lowered his head. Illya placed her hand on his head. "In the name of Illyasviel von Einzbern, I bind thee to me as my familiar!" she said. A red seal appeared below them. All the command seals on her body glowed and disappeared. Illya could feel her servant's connection to Berserker change. Soon, the red glow died down.
"Are you all right, Illya?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm all right," Illya said as Berserker stood up. "How are you feeling, Berserker?"
"Good, Mistress," he replied.
"Mistress?" Illya asked.
"It's how a butler would address his mistress," he explained. His clothes transformed into a white suit with a striped dress shirt and black bow tie. He handed her a red rose.
"Despite his heroic feats, he was a gentleman at heart," Caster added. Chad, the silent giant, turned to Rider.
"Do you wish to remain here?" Chad asked.
"I do. I had fun with you, Maestro," Rider replied.
"Chad," Ichigo said. Chad looked at him. "Did you figure out how you managed to summon Rider?"
"No."
"I know," Rider said. Ichigo and Chad turned to him. "It's because of that." Rider pointed at Chad's coin necklace.
"My necklace?" Chad pulled it out, noticing a faded snake carved on it.
"That necklace was used to worship me, Quetzalcoatl," Rider explained.
"Oh," Chad replied, placing a hand on Rider. "In the name of Yasutora Sado, I bind thee to me as my familiar!" He said. Chad looked at his hand as the command seals glowed and then disappeared. He could feel the connection between him and Rider change. Soon, the red glow faded.
"You okay, Rider?"
"I am, Maestro. And you can call me Quetzalcoatl, or Questz," Rider said. Jeanne sighed.
"I feared this would happen," Jeanne said.
"What happened, Jeanne?" Ichigo asked.
"One servant must be at the Holy Grail to initiate the process and be used as fuel to dismantle the Holy Grail System."
"What?" Ichigo's eyes widened.
"So, one servant will be sacrificed to dismantle the Holy Grail System," Ichigo concluded.
"Correct," Jeanne said.
"Is there an alternative way?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm not sure. It will require delving into the archives of the Tohsaka, Matou, and Einzbern families," Rin explained.
"I see." Ichigo turned to his servants. "Which of you wishes to make the necessary sacrifice?"
"I will," Angela immediately answered.
"Oh. I thought you would be one of those who wish to live again," Ichigo said.
"Oh, I do want another chance to live, but not in this timeline. It's too primitive compared to the timeline I'm from," Angela said.
"I see," Ichigo replied.
"However," Angela said as she summoned her squad, "I will allow any of you to join Ichigo if you wish," Angela announced to her squad. Hana stood up.
"As expected," Angela said.
"You're not surprised that we wish to leave your squad?" Hana asked.
"No, I'm not. You didn't go through the intense brainwashing process like the others," Angela said.
"Angela, follow me. Let me show you what needs to be done to start the process," Jeanne said.
"Angela, can I use your squad to help put everyone back in their homes?" Ichigo asked.
"Sure," Angela replied, and they disappeared. Ichigo and the others began the tedious effort of returning everyone to their respective homes.
Time Skip: Two Hours Later
With everyone's help, all the unconscious citizens were pulled from the train and placed in the correct houses. Shirou and Rin helped figure out which person belonged in which house. Soon, everyone reconvened at Ryuudou Temple. They were waiting for Angela and Jeanne.
"So, is everything ready?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes," Jeanne replied.
"Angela knows what to do to end the Holy Grail System," Jeanne said, and Angela nodded. Ichigo turned to Artoria and summoned a Knight Piece.
"This is your last chance to back out," Ichigo said.
"I want this," she answered.
Ichigo pushed the piece into her. Suddenly, there was an explosion of mana.
"Artoria!" Ichigo shouted, blowing the dust away. He kneeled beside her. "Are you all right?"
"I am," Artoria said as she stood up. Ichigo was shocked. Artoria had grown slightly older and taller. In her hand was a black spear with red spikes on the side.
"Artoria, where did you get the spear?" Ichigo asked.
"Impossible," she murmured.
"What's impossible?" Ichigo asked.
"You somehow pulled not only my body from the Battle of Camlann, but you also brought Rhongomyniad to me as well," Artoria explained.
"So, you wield both Excalibur and Rhongomyniad now?" Ichigo asked.
"I do."
"Wait… what did you mean when you said your body at the Battle of Camlann?" Artoria gave him a sad smile.
"At my dying breath, Ayala appeared before me. I agreed to become a Counter Guardian if I were to get the Holy Grail. This resulted in me appearing in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Holy Grail Wars, with anomalies to my summoning."
"I see. You gained access to another Noble Phantasm?" Ichigo asked.
"Correct. I can use Rhongomyniad to release a large cyclone of energy, enough to destroy any fortress."
"Impressive," Ichigo said.
"I can also call for my trusted steed to ride into battle," Artoria added. Suddenly, a horse appeared. It was fully black with a white mane, red eyes, and covered in silver and red armor.
"Ichigo, just how powerful are those pieces?" Rin asked.
"I don't know. Originally, these were a gift. He told me to pour my energy into them. When I was done, my energy caused the pieces to evolve further," Ichigo said. He turned to Gilgamesh.
"Don't bother asking. I will stay with my King of Heroes," Gilgamesh declared.
"Very well." Ichigo summoned a pawn piece and pushed it inside Gilgamesh.
"You... you used a pawn piece?! You dare use a pawn piece for your queen?!" Gilgamesh yelled, drawing his sword.
"Will you allow me to explain before you try to attack me?" Ichigo asked.
"Fine."
"Yes, I used a Pawn Piece for you due to your versatility. The Knight piece, the one I used on Artoria, is focused on speed and quick attacks—exactly what a knight should be. The Bishop piece, the one I used on Caster, is focused on increasing energy reserves and magic output. The Rook piece focuses on increasing attack and defensive power."
"What about the queen?" Gilgamesh demanded.
"The Queen can use all three simultaneously, but they're all currently occupied."
"What about the pawn piece?" Gilgamesh growled, more annoyed than before.
"'The Pawn can promote into the other four pieces, either in enemy territory or with my permission.'"
"I see…" Gilgamesh said. "He is right. I can use the Knight piece to boost myself when I use my blades to fight, or the Bishop piece if I wish to use my magic or my weapons as Broken Phantasm." Ichigo smiled at Gilgamesh.
"Fine," Gilgamesh said. Ichigo pushed the pawn piece into her. She glowed briefly as the piece pulled the remaining body from the Throne of Heroes.
Ichigo turned to Scáthach.
"I know you wished to die, but will you join me?" Ichigo asked.
"Might as well. After fighting against the Corrupted Cu, it did teach me one thing."
"What is that?" Scáthach smiled.
"I still love to kick ass."
"Very well," Ichigo said as he pushed the Rook Piece inside her. She glowed briefly as the piece pulled the remaining body from the Throne of Heroes.
"You okay, Scáthach?"
"I'm fine, Master," Scáthach replied.
Ichigo went to Raikou.
"Are you ready, Raikou?"
"I am, son," Raikou said. Ichigo sighed.
"Why do I have a feeling Kaa-san and Raikou will fight over me?" Ichigo thought as he pushed the Knight piece into her. Raikou glowed briefly as she reunited with her remains from the Throne of Heroes.
Ichigo turned to Akasha.
"You know Moka, Elizabeth, and your stepchildren will freak out with your return." Akasha smiled.
"Oh, I can't wait. I also want to see Mikogami's face when he sees me in the flesh," Akasha replied. Ichigo took out the Minor King Piece and inserted it in. Once again, there was an explosion of mana.
"Akasha!" Ichigo said.
"I'm all right. Just a massive headache," she replied.
Soon, Mysteria and Tamamo returned.
"Hello, you two. Is everything back to normal?"
"Yes. The Hellfire managed to destroy all the Black Mud," Mysteria said.
"All the needed repairs were simple enough," Tamamo added.
"Great," Ichigo said as he turned to Tamamo. "Tamamo, do you have a wish?"
"I do. To live a wonderful life with my husband."
"Um… husband?" Ichigo said.
"Please no. Please no. Please no!"
"Of course. Husband," she replied.
"Damn it!" Suddenly, he was embraced by Akasha and Raikou.
"You're not stealing my Ichigo," Akasha growled.
"You're not stealing my baby boy," Raikou growled. Ichigo stood there as he sighed.
"Should I put everyone who wants to be my wife in the trainer and let them go to war in there?" Ichigo thought as he wiggled himself away from Akasha's and Raikou's grip. Ichigo walked to Tamamo.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, my Husband." Ichigo shook his head as he pushed the Bishop piece inside her. Tamamo began to glow.
"Gah!" Tamamo screeched. Ichigo could see more tails beginning to grow. He saw Tamamo growing slightly taller. Tamamo soon stopped glowing.
"Well… that was unexpected."
"What happened?"
"You see… the tails that I cut off ended up becoming their servant. With your Chaos Piece, it managed to gather all eight other Tamamos and pull them and my remnant from the Throne of Heroes here."
"I see… we'll discuss how much power you've gained." Tamamo nodded in agreement as he turned to Avenger.
"About time," she said. Ichigo rolled his eyes.
"Well, it's your turn. Are you ready, Dragon Witch?"
"I am." Ichigo pushed the Pawn piece inside her. Avenger glowed briefly before disappearing. Ichigo turned to Hana.
"Are you ready?"
"I am, master," Hana said. Ichigo pushed the Pawn piece into her as well. They both briefly glowed before returning to normal.
"Jeanne, are you ready?"
"I am." She said. Ichigo pushed the Pawn piece inside her. She began to glow briefly before disappearing.
"Angela, we are done," Ichigo said.
"Very well," Angela replied.
"Thank you for your service."
"No problem. Take care of your servants," Angela said. A few seconds later, Ichigo could feel a wave of energy flow around them. Jeanne, Rin, and Shirou began to glow red. Rin and Shirou looked at their hands to see their Command Seals fading away. Ichigo looked at Jeanne's back to see her angel-wing-shaped command seals also begin to fade away.
"Looks like it's all over," Ichigo said.
"Indeed," Shirou said.
"Um… what about Sakura?" Rin asked. The door slid open as Sakura slowly walked out. She turned to Rin.
"Nee-san?" she asked.
"Sakura, do you remember anything?" Rin asked.
"Pain. I could feel them crawling everywhere…" Sakura said as she shivered. Rin instinctively hugged her sister.
"Call me if you need me," Ichigo said as he wrote down his phone number and handed it to Shirou. Ichigo snapped his fingers, and his modified Black Challenger SRT Hellcat appeared. Once again, Ichigo blew their minds with the appearance of the modern foreign car.
"H…how?" Illya mumbled. Ichigo smirked as he placed his finger over his closed lips.
"Alright everyone, get in the car." Akasha took the passenger side, while everyone else filled the back of the car.
"How is everyone going to fit?" Shirou asked. Ichigo continued to smirk as everyone easily fit in the car.
"Are you related to Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg?" Rin groaned. Ichigo ignored her question as he entered the driver's side. Ichigo rolled down the window and waved goodbye. He opened up a Garganta and drove in.
"D-did he just open a portal and drive the car in?" Illya asked.
"Um… yes. Yes, he did," Shirou confirmed.
"He has to be related to him. I know it!" Rin complained.
Author's notes:
(1) Psalm 51:1-19.
(2) Evil Paradox from Code Geass.