บท 11: Chapter 10: End of the Orleans Singularity!
Jeanne D'arc let out a happy hum as she brushed her hand through the long hair of the slumbering boy on her lap.
'fufufu...he's so cute in his sleep.'
That thought was gone as quickly as it came as he face turned a bright red.
'W-what am I thinking!?'
To be honest, Jeanne had fallen asleep as well. Not too long after Issen and ended up draped over him. Thank god that she woke up before he did...
Shaking her head, she continued to brush through Issen's hair, the normal pony tail it's in undone and the hair falling freely.
Today is the last day that they will be together, unless Issen summons her.
'No, he said he will, but maybe I could...'
Jeanne closed her eyes in thought before reaching for a string around her neck and taking out a wooden cross that was slightly burnt. It's the same cross that the kind English girl had given her before she was burned at the stake.
At first she thought that it was just a gift from the lord, but now it might have a different purpose...
Feeling Issen stir on her lap, Jeanne placed the cross back where it was and looked down just in time to see his eyes open.
Happy amythest eyes met confused and tired Onyx as Issen wondered the hell was going on and why he was using Jeanne's lap as a pillow.
'Wait...the famous lap pillow!? When did this happen!? Let's see here...I remember talking to Jeanne about strength as well as promising to summon her, and then...I fell asleep!?'
None of the inner panic had showed up on his face as he kept it as stoic as possible, but his eyes were slightly wide and cheeks gaining a pink hue.
Issen shot upward, much to the disappointment of Jeanne who nearly pouted.
"I'm sorry! Was I like that all night?"
"It's fine, Issen-Kun. That position wasn't uncomfortable for me at all."
"That's one way of putting it..."
Jeanne gained a red face as she realised that her words could be interpreted another way but chose to ignore it.
"Still, I apologize for just falling asleep on you like that." Issen said as he tied his hair back into its normal pony tail.
"No no, its fine! Besides...half ways through I ended up falling asleep on you..."
"Huh? Did you say something?"
Jeanne hastily shook her head with a pink hue to her face as she tried to erase the memory of how she woke up.
"It's nothing!"
/0\
Jeanne and I walked back to the main camp where I was then confronted by two familiar servants.
"There you are, puppy! We were about to go searching for you!"
"Yes, master. You weren't off messing around with that saint over there, were you?"
I pushed away Kiyohime lightly as she got too close for comfort.
"First off, don't call me puppy. If anyone is the puppy, it's you. Second off, who I am with is none of your concern." I stated coldly.
For some reason these two girls annoy me, especially Elizabeth. It's not like I hate her or anything, she's just too loud...and arrogant. Especially for someone who lost to me so easily.
Kiyohime on the other hand...well I don't dislike her. She is just too clingy and too much of a yandere. I will not attract the attention of a yandere!
Though contrary to my beliefs(and hopes), Kiyohime gained a red face and rubbed her thighs together!
"Being dominated can be good too..."
Noooooo! She's a masochist too!?
"Ahem!" Jeanne coughed loudly, sending Kiyohime a glare. "We need to discuss a plan of attack before going to the Orleans."
"Yes, who here has any experience in leading an army?"
Out of all the servants, only Arturia and Siegfried raised their hands.
"I am a king, so it is natural that I know how to lead an army. However, neither of us have an army." Arturia said the last part sadly, causing me to pat her on the shoulder.
"Indeed, our numbers are few and are enemies are many. However, the most of the enemy is weaker than us. In that case, there are two entry points. We can break through the front and have a team sneak through the back. However, the enemy has long sensed our location. Meaning that by trying to be sneaky, we would have already been seen…In short, this is the strategy." Siegfried stated.
"Break through the front then." I nodded.
"...exactly. Master and I will deal with Fafnir, the rest need to keep the wyverns from attacking us along with the enemy servants."
"...understood. I lack combat experience but I will do my best!"
"Heh! Frontal assault, huh? Sounds fun!" Cu grinned while Scathath shook her head with a sigh.
"Master, I also don't have much experience but I promise that I shall show you I am worthy of this holy sword!" Lily stated with determination.
"Ah, little puppy. There's sort of someone I want to meet and take down first. Is it alright for me to get her first?"
I grabbed Elizabeth by the head, a tick mark throbbing on my forhead as I squeezed tightly.
"Call me little puppy one more time and I will crush your skull. As for the servant your going against...whatever, try not to die."
"Aaaahhhh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please let me go!" I dropped her to the ground and she quickly got up, glaring at me. "Why do you keep doing that!?"
"I will speak to you like a normal person when you remove that stick from your ass. I don't deal well with arrogant people, especially ones who aren't even as strong as they make themselves sound." I stated coldly, flashing my sharingan.
"I will…. Probably inevitably face the 'Dragon Witch'." Jeanne said.
"Can you win?" Saint George asked.
"...yes. I will win. I know I am the real Jeanne, and I shall save France."
I smiled lightly at hearing Jeanne's proclamation. I'm glad that she erased the doubts that she was fake.
"Yes Yes Yes! That is it, Jeanne! I too will save France in my way! Issen-San, you can rely on Amadues and I to distract the Wyverns!"
"I guess I will have to do as such..." The musician sighed.
"Hmmm, I see."
To be honest, I have a plan to take out most of the Wyverns in one move, but they can deal with the stragglers.
"Then I will be with Master. I will spew flames at all of our enemies." Kiyohime smiled.
"You can leave the long distance attacks to me."
W-well, Shirou is our only archer after all...
"I'll trust you to explore your surroundings. This is where the fight will be, I've prepared nutritional drinks and a bucket sized sake cup!"
"You useless doctor!"
Roman has been getting more and more useless lately! Now he's just going to watch and eat snacks like its a movie!?
"Hey! I don't have much to do now anyway...you have a servant for almost every job!"
"In other words, no one has any other problems do they? Well then, Master, we wait your commands."
"Lets go and win!" I smiled.
"Understood! To the Orleans!"
Jeanne raised her banner and we walked off towards the final battle.
There was a few wyverns but then a servant appeared, she had blonde/green hair, cat ears and tail, a maddened look in her verdant green, cat-like eyes.
"…..I'm going to kill you…..I'm going to kill you! It doesn't matter who, you shall fall by my bow."
"Archer…. She's also been maddened!"
"Normally she would never serve under the 'Dragon Witch'." George said sadly.
Cu was sent out to deal with her, he has protection against arrows so he is the best fit against Archer.
...well Scathath is as well, but she just left it to Cu.
In the end, I ordered Cu to release his NP and pierced the heart of Archer.
"…..this is good, this is good. My, how unfortunate to be put in such a malicious role."
I smiled sadly at the archer servant.
"I'm sorry. Maybe one day I will summon you and then you can use your bow for a more heroic reason."
The archer smiled softly and nodded her head. "I will await that day. Go, and defeat that dragon."
I gave a firm nod gripping my hands into fists.
"I've confirmed Berserker Archer has perished. At the same time I've detected something large! It seems there is a large mass of Wyverns approaching alongside Fafnir!"
"Master, this is it! Are you prepared?" Siegfried asked.
"Yeah, let's finish this."
Not a moment later did we see Fafnir and a literal army of Wyverns, Jeanne Alter standing atop the head of the great dragon.
"Hello, my other remainder filthy self."
"….No. I'm no remainder, and you're not either, 'Dragon Witch'."
"….? You are me aren't you? What are you trying to say?"
"…Right now, nothing I say will reach you. Once this fight ends, then we can wholeheartedly talk about anything you wish."
"Nonsense….! Behold this dragon! Behold this cluster of dragons! Our homeland has become a nest for dragons! They will consume every single living thing and turn France into a barren wasteland! This shall be the world's conclusion. This shall be the world's fall. At the world's end the dragons shall destroy each other. An unending conflict, an unending hunt. This is the true Hundred Years' War. The Wicked Dragons' Hundred Years' War!"
I snorted as I heard the wyverns and Fafnir roar in agreement. Before they could charge forward, a familiar man with an army behind him showed up.
"What….!?"
"...Gilles...!"
"Fire! This is the critical point for the defense of France! All shells fire, fire, FIRE! Do not fear! Do not lament! Do not fall back! If you are truly human, then fight with your life! I'll say this again! We shall never fear! The reason for that is because…The Saint is before us!"
"...gilles..." Jeanne muttered as she stared at the army.
I smiled as I saw a great fire in the man's eyes, an expression only a human faced with impossible odds can have.
"….Hmpf. What a strong conviction, it makes me want to vomit. Wyverns! This Saint, this army, this motherland of France! Burn everything to the ground!"
"Nope, not gonna happen."
"Master!?" Arturia called out.
"Don't worry, I'll end them all here."
I made two clones, we nodded at each other before walking forward, each of us flashing through hand seals.
"'Wind release: Great Breakthrough!""
"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"
Just as both clones unleashed a large amount of wind, I released a stream of fire. The fire caught up in the wind and the oxygen lit up, forming a giant curtain of searing hot blue flames that engulfed the majority of the wyverns!
"What!?"
The wyverns were burned alive, their bodies still alit with blue fire. There was a cluster that remained alive however.
It was at this time that Siegfried walked forward with Balmung held tightly in his hands.
"Hmph. This is the 3rd time that we meet again. It seems that whether it is a different space-time, world, or form we are always tied together!"
"Siegfried…!" Jeanne Alter snarled.
"Wyverns! Wicked dragons! I am right here! Siegfried is right here! Once more I shall throw you back into the darkness. I swear it upon my justice and faith!!"
While that was epic and all...
"...there aren't many Wyverns for you to kill though..." Lily muttered from behind us.
Yeah. Part of your claim was invalid. Compared to before, this amount of Wyverns is nothing.
"My servants, move forward!" Jeanne Alter commanded with gritted teeth.
Suddenly two familiar servants jumped in front of us as Amadues and Marie went to take down the remaining Wyverns like planned.
"Hey everyone! Remember, good health is most important!" What? "I am Chevalier D'eon. Although I may be fighting on the side of evil my sword has not clouded. Now, fight with all your strength! For the sake of destroying this evil!"
I see...another 'good' servant that was made to serve Jeanne Alter.
The other one, Lancer, snorted in disdain as he crossed his arms.
"….So you've let out your true colors. How depraved, how wretched, are you not ashamed? However, above all else, to be destroyed is most shameful. I, a mere puppet in a pathetic body, shall be the one to request a wish from the Holy Grail."
Don't they have the holy grail though? Why didn't he make a wish then?
"Celebrate for I am the immortal vampire. See the stories of my fiction, what I have truly left behind."
"Vampire, huh? Shirou, you and Cu will take care of Dracula here." I pointed at Lancer with a thumb.
"Do not call me by that blasted name!"
I turned to the fuming enemy lancer who was currently glaring daggers at me with my mouth falling open.
"You actually are!? It was a joke!"
That seemed to only piss off Berserker Lancer off more as he let out a roar and charged forward with a stake in his hand.
"Master! I will take care of Saber!" Scathath shouted as she shot forward.
Cu came in front of me and blocked Lancer, a cocky smirk on his face.
"Master, you can leave this to archer and I! You and the others take care of the dragon."
I nodded my head and said a thank you before rushing out to the dragon.
"Wait, master...isn't that Sanson?" Mashu stopped me and pointed to the side.
Sure enough, there was Sanson fighting against Amadues and Marie.
"...we will leave him to them. They have unfinished business with each other aftet all."
"Issen-Kun...are you sure?"
"Yes. Marie had defeated Sanson all on her own before, with Amadues at her side, she will do it again. Believe in our friends."
Normally I would feel uncomfortable leaving my comrades to fight, but I can't always be there. Besides, I know that those two will win.
"Right!"
Once again we made our way to the Dragon who is staying back with Jeanne Alter ordering her wyverns.
Unfortunately another enemy servabt had gotten in the way, a familiar face.
"Why you-! Why you, why you, why-"
"Shut up! One time is enough!" I hit Elizabeth on the back of the head.
"This is Depressing….Isn't it, my other self!" Carmilla said.
Huh? Other self?
"Master, Elizabeth is the younger version of Carmilla." Arturia whispered to me.
Eeeeehhhhh!? They look nothing alike though!?
Not to mention Elizabeth is a 'dragon' servant and Carmilla is a vampire!
"That's my line! Why are you a servant….!" I turned my attention back to the conversation.
"If you think about. From my point of view, why was I summoned as such a mediocre servant, it's so far off and abhorrent…..!"
It seems that Carmilla is just as disgusted with her other self as Elizabeth is.
"There's no one else I fear more and respect than the blood countess. The form of true completion. Much different than you, who is far from completion. The one who drank fear and become a Heroic spirit, is right here. But how about you? You are also one who drank like me. Refusing to age, you successfully sealed that fear."
Elizabeth took a step back out of shock while I frowned. So she did drink blood...
"But of course that's only natural. Just by looking at you, you can see that I am the formation of sin and guilt. I accepted my sins, the falsified documents of slaughter!" Carmilla finished, she then cane forward with her scepter and attacked Elizabeth.
"….That's right..." Elizabeth muttered, barely holding up against her other self.
"You are my true nature. I am one of the possible conclusions. You are the embodiment of my unchanging crying sins. To turn my back on you, would be the same as turning my back on my sins. Even so, I can't deny my misfortunate other self! No matter how disgusting and deceitful I am, I cry and shout." Elizabeth yelled, tears forming in her eyes as she blocks another attack with her spear.
"I-I don't want to become like you!"
Well, shit.
Upon hearing the annoying Lancer servant, I resolved myself to fight. Later I need to rethink my opinion of Elizabeth, but for now I will help her in the fight against her other self.
"How foolish. We are both ghosts of the past, you deny our fate?" Carmilla mocked.
"Of course I already know that. Even so, that's all I got! Lend me a hand, little puppy-no, Issen! Please help me defeat this other me! Please use your full power to defeat me!"
"About time you used my real name. It's fine, I suppose I can wait to defeat the dragon for a little while more." I stated, glancing at the dragon and burning corpses of wyverns.
Fafnir is still waiting, it seems that they are quite cocky...
Good, I will use it to our advantage.
Turning my sharingan on, I kicked off the ground towards Carmilla. Her scepter glowed a dark purple before she sent a wave of....is that blood?
I flickered to her left, holding Kusanagi in a reverse grip and sent a slash at her neck. Carmilla blocked with her scepter effortlessly, but Elizabeth was already behind her with her spear.
"Tch!"
Clicking her tounge, Carmilla kicked at my stomach, which I saw coming and jumped over, before blocking Elizabeth and summoning an iron maiden from a portal and dropping on her younger self who managed to dodge.
"Rasengan!"
I shoved the blue ball of a swirling chakra directly into her back, sending her flying forward with a large wound.
Lightning courses around my hand before I put it to tbe ground, sending archs of lightning at Carmilla.
'Chidori Nagashi!'
The blood countess was able to dodge, but once again Elizabeth charged forward and stabbed her spear three times before twirling it around and slamming the shaft into the face of Carmilla.
Carmilla growls in annoyance more then pain as she easily recovered and slammed her scepter into her younger selfs stomach before sending another wave of that blood at her.
While the two fight, I morph my eyes into the EMS before gathering a bit of chakra before unleashing it.
'Amaterasu!'
Black fire exploded around Carmilla, the flames just barely missing Elizabeth.
"What!?" Carmilla shouted within her cage of flames.
I have to act fast, all things considered, a servant can actually survive the flames and simply dematerialse to cast away the flames!
This time I used my right eye and shaped the flames!
'Kagutsuchi!'
The flames sharpened and stabbed into Carmilla similar to her iron maidens.
The assassin servant spat out a glob of blood as she was stabbed through and burned from the inside.
A mirthless chuckle escaped her lips.
"I didn't expect you would be able to to that...your flames are truly dangerous, boy."
The blood countess then turned her attention to Elizabeth.
"It's not that the future is denying our past life. It's our past life denying the future. What an irresponsible girl. But, because of that…. It's depressing yet dazzling." Carmilla shook her head.
"Oh…. Back into the darkness. At the very last moment… The light at the end of the tunnel, that light. Ah, I see….. it must be that I'm neither living nor dead, I am both."
Like all the others, Carmilla vanished in motes of golden light.
"…..Goodbye. My future. Sad and separated, all I have is myself. My sins have not lightened, my fears have not disappeared. Even so, no matter how many times, I will always deny the future, and every time I will sing."
I deadpanned at hearing that. Please don't sing, everyone's ears will surely die.
"Well done, master."
I turned to Arturia. "I'm surprised you all didn't help."
"If anymore joined in on the fight then we would have just gotten in each others way."
Well, that is true.
I snuck a peak at the sky and smirked slightly at what I saw. It's only a matter of time now...
"Let's go!"
We broke though the last layer of enemies and finally confronted the dragon itself.
"After breaking through many layers we've finally reached the end of the path.….Well done, Master."
"Thanks! Couldn't do it without any of you."
It seems that Amadues and Marie are just about to finish off Sanson, same with Shirou and Cu with Lancer.
"The wicked dragon is right in front of us. This allows us to have an all-out battle. Will we be able to win, I do not know."
"Wait!? Please don't suddenly say something so disheartening!" Mashu retorted nervously.
"There's only one thing engraved in my memory. Not the fights of sure victory, but the countless defeats that make small victories so memorable." Siegfried lectured.
"Carefully carry out the plan, move boldly, watch your surroundings, and concentrate on one spot. Like the sea, like the sky, like the light, like the darkness. Combine the two conflicting actions. If we can't do so, then we won't be able to defeat Fafnir."
My plan has already begun, yet I suppose I am the only one who knows it right now. It's only a matter of time before...
"Yes, we will stand by master!" Arturia exclaimed, holding out Excalibur.
"I wield Ascalon, the holy blade that slays dragons! I shall assist in this battle!" George stated.
"Hmm...master, are you ready?"
"Yeah, let's take down this dragon!"
"Whew...what a bold master we have." Siegfried smiled before holding up his blade. "I shall send you back to the earth once again, wicked dragon….!"
Fafnir let out a deafening roar in response and unleashed a large fireball!
"Senpai! I may not be able to attack Fafnir, but I can defend us! Stay behind me!"
Mashu charged in front of us and blocked the fireball with her shield!
Fafnir narrowed its eyes as if it was annoyed with Mashu, it the raised a claw and pounced down on us.
"Everyone dodge!"
We all scattered, the claw slamming into the ground at a fast pace but Siegfried quickly attacked and cut through the hide of Fafnir, a gash forming in its claws.
Fafnir roared in anger and let out a breath of fire at Siegfried. I quickly flickered over to him and surrounded us with my armored Susanoo.
I fired some arrows at Fafnir but the dragon flew upwards to avoid them.
"Incoming!"
I grunted in annoyance as I saw Fafnir nose dive and then started to breathe out fire as he was falling.
'Amaterasu!'
Black flames started to eat away at the dragon fire, causing Fafnir to come to an abrupt halt.
"Those flames...are burning Fafnir's fire!?" Jeanne Alter yelled.
Fafnir used it's wings and tried to blow the black flames at us.
"Foolish dragon, unlike you who's flames are wild and uncontrolled, I have complete control over my flames. They will only harm those I want them to!"
I put out my flames with my right eye, causing a bit of pain but nothing that can't be handled.
"EXCALIBURRRRR!!"
"I'll prove I can use this holy sword too! Caliburn!"
Arturia unleashed her noble phantasm and hit Fafnirs side, pinning him to the ground! Then Lily unleashed a beam like attack from Caliburn that hit Fafnir and exploded.
"Yasaka no Magatam!"
My Susanoo roared before throwing the three beads at Fafnir.
"Siegfried! George!"
"Right!"
Both dragon slayers began to unleash their noble phantasms, the aura shaking Fafnir and made him shake off the two attacks before unleashing a huge amount of fire towards us!
Mashu once again went in front of us, this time slamming her shield down with Jeanne next to her, raising her banner.
"Deploying Noble Phantasm-"
"Luminosite-"
"Lord Chaldeas!"
"Eternelle!"
A great barrier formed in front of the two girls thanks to Mashu's Noble Phantasm while Jeanne's banner created it own yellow barrier surrounding us all, not only that but healing our injuries and replenishing our energy.
"OOHHHHHHH!"
The French soldiers also got the bonus from Jeanne's NP, all of them rushing out and hitting the wyverns and other monsters head on.
"Tch!"
"This-!"
The flames started to push them back but-
"Ascalon!"
"Oh sword let thee be filled...Bal-munnggg!"
The two dragon slayers were able to unleash their noble phantasms in time and forced the dragon to cease it's attack.
"Huhu...Hahahahaha! Even after all that you couldn't defeat the dragon!"
Fafnir was wounded and it can't fly, but it's still moving!
Alright, it should be good now! I flashed through some hand seals before unleashing the jutsu.
'Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire!'
Two 6m dragons made of pure fire was released from my mouth and flew towards Fafnir...and then curved upwards and exploded into the sky.
"You totally missed! Perhaps your fear caused you lose accuracy!" Jeanne Alter sneered while Fafnir also seemed to laugh.
Fafnir once again let out a fireball, causing me to bring up my Susanoo.
"Missed? It went right where I wanted it to." I smirked.
"What-"
DRIP DRIP
"...rain?"
Everyone looked up at the sky, pitch black clouds with rain already falling. I covered my right hand in natural lightning and put my 'will' into it.
CRASH
Thunder rumbles through the area.
"He created the clouds using the fire...? For what reason?" I heard Scathath mutter, it appears she's defeated Saber.
Yes, using great annihilation was also to create the nessasary first step in using this jutsu.
"Oh god of lightning, I beseech thee!"
A loud roar comes from above the clouds, a giant eastern styled dragon head made of pure lightning peaked out the clouds.
"This jutsu's name is Kirin!"
I sent another bolt of lightning to the sky, Kirin roars as it climbs back up the clouds, showing off its long body.
"Begone with the thunder clap!"
I brought down my hand, Kirin coming crashing down with the speed of a lightning strike, biting into the neck. Everyone shielded their eyes as the blast was blinding.
"Impossible….!" Jeanne Alter growled.
Fafnir was already fading from existence when we looked again, coupled with all the previous attacks, Kirin finished the beast off.
Kirin has enough force to completely obliterate a small mountain, Fafnir was already weaken from all the attacks it took so Kirin was enough.
"...We defeated it..." Mashu muttered, disbelief in her voice.
"Issen-Kun, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, that attack hardly uses any of my chakra."
I don't create the lightning Kirin is made of, I tame the lightning made from the storm and then have it attack my enemy. However, obviously it takes a good amount of time to make the clouds.
"That is something you would see during the age of the God's, and even then you would have to be a very skilled magic user." Scathath stated, crossing her arms.
I shrugged, turning to Cu and Shirou. Both are a bit damaged and tired, but lancer was done for.
Now all that's left is Jeanne Alter.
"Let's settle this battle with the 'Dragon Witch'." Jeanne mimicked my thoughts.
"Yeah."
"Let's leave the other servants that are not of chaldea to finish off the remnants and we should follow the 'Dragon Witch'." Mashu advised.
"That's right. Please leave this to us. Take Kiyohime and Elizabeth."
I turned towards Siegfried with a raised eyebrow, why does he want them to come with us?
"Understood. I'm in your hands, Master."
My right arm was taken hostage by Kiyohime, causing me to feel uncomfortable as I felt a particularly unamused glare at my head...a couple of them actually.
"That's all right but, hey, why us?"
Siegfried, George, Amadues, and Marie all smiled stiffly. T-these jerks are pushing then off on me!
"I'll get you all for this..."
"Wait, master! I was injured in that battle against berserk Lancer. I should probably stay back with them." Shirou interjected, Cu actually agreeing with him it seems.
"Too bad. When we end the singularity, all of my servants have to be near me when we rayshift. However, if you two are injured, I guess you'll just have to stay in the back and watch." I smirked, the last part aimed towards Cu.
You bastards can't escape from this, if I have to suffer then you do too!
We ran after Jeanne Alter, entering a slightly unnerving castle that just screams vampire to me.
There was some more zombie soldiers and werewolves, but we easily cut them down.
"Wait, ahead is a servant! Watch out!"
We saw the servant soon after Roman informed us of that. The servant was the same one that told Jeanne Alter to retreat. He's wearing a coat, having darkened skin, and a slightly deformed face with his eyeballs looking like they are going to pop out. A disgusting aura seems to radiate off of him constantly.
"Oh my oh my, long time no see hasn't it."
"Gilles….!!"
"I never would have imagined you defeating Fafnir and coming this far into Orleans…..Honestly, I'm in admiration."
I frowned as Gilles looked us all over with that creepy smile that quickly morphed into rage.
"However! However! Ah, Saint! And also your comrades! Why do you hinder me!?" He screamed, a black substance flying off him and hitting the wall with a hiss causing Elizabeth to gag.
"Put yourself in my shoes. Everything was trampled, moreover Jeanne D'arc was killed!"
"I understand your point, but I have one question. Gilles de Rais. Is the person you serve, really me?"
Jeanne asked Gilles that with a stern look, it's clear that she's dissapointed at what Gilles had become but for now chose to ignore it.
"…..How dare you, how dare you how dare you how dare you say such prohibited words! Even a Saint embraces anger, even a Saint embraces despair!" More of that black aura erupted from Gilles as he screamed bloody murder. "That is, without a doubt Jeanne D'arc. The hidden side of her darkness!"
"I see. Then all the more reason, for me the one without darkness to confront her."
The situation is grim, to say the least, but I notice that Jeanne has no belief that Jeanne Alter is a part of her.
"Jeanne. Even if you are her other side I won't allow this hindrance!"
We all frowned in disgust as Gilles unleashed a black, starfish like thing. All of the females instantly lost all desire to fight while I was also hesitant! This is digusting!
Not only that, but Wyverns had somehow attacked as well. They are certainly quite skillful of they can maneuver in such a small space.
However, we managed to defeat the wyverns and push back Gilles who had unfortunately escaped.
"..."
"You okay there, Jeanne?"
I placed a hand on Jeanne's shoulder as I called out to her, she was being oddly quiet.
"Huh!? S-Sorry! It's nothing! *Cough* More importantly, it's time to face the 'Dragon Witch'. There's nothing that can stop us now. Let's go!"
Why is she so flustered? It's way too suspicious!
Either way, we ended up reaching the throne room where Jeanne Alter was waiting for us.
"'Dragon Witch.'" Jeanne greeted the alter servant.
"You've finally reached me here. Gilles should be still alive but did you restrain him somehow?" Jeanne Alter shrugged. "Well whatever, I've already finished my preparations."
"Let me tell you this…. These are Issen-Kun's words. This is the one thing, that I want ask as well."
Ah, so she's asking about that? Good, I know she will understand better now.
"It's a little late for questions." Jeanne Alter sneered.
"It's an extremely simple question. Do you, remember your family?"
Everyone went completely silent as they stared at Jeanne in confusion, I remained where I was and simply closed my eyes.
"...…What?"
"Jeanne....san?" It seems that Mashu is confused as well.
"Like I said, it must be a simple question. No matter how vivid the memories of the battlefield are, I still remember my many distant memories as a country girl. Even though you are my dark side, there's no way you could've forgotten your past lifestyle. No, because you could not forget, you despaired, grieved, and resented in betrayal and hatred."
I opened my eyes and looked at Jeanne Alters face alternate from confusion to slight panic as she clutches her head, trying to remember.
" I...am…."
"You don't remember, do you?"
"That's…. that's, so what!" Jeanne Alter yelled, her panic turning to rage. "Whether I have my memories or not, I am a part of Jeanne D'arc and that's something that can't be denied!"
"You are right. Whether you have the memories or not, it doesn't matter. However, because of that, I've decided now. I will defeat you, 'Dragon Witch', not with rage but with compassion." Jeanne claimed, swinging her banner to the side.
"Tch...! Servants!"
Familiar shadow servants materialized and burst forward at us.
"Those are the shadow servants from Fyuuki!" Mashu gasped, blocking the spear of Lancer.
A stream of fire slammed into Lancer and assassin, Mashu yelping in shock as she hastily retreated.
"Kiyohime-San! Please be careful!" Mashu yelled.
Kiyohime just giggled before turning to me. "Master, leave this to Elizabeth and I~!"
"Who said you can boss me around! B-but I guess I can help since you did help defeat my other self..."
I rolled my eyes, but nodded my head. By the looks of it, Jeanne is already facing off against Jeanne Alter.
My other servants were waiting for my orders, watching the fights, It seems that Cu and Shirou decided to help out the two dragon servants.
'Jeanne, do you need help?'
I saw Jeanne parry Jeanne Alters banner before slashing at her neck, only to be blocked.
'No! Please allow me to deal with her.'
I bit my lip when I saw Jeanne get hit in the leg, reluctant to allow her to face Jeanne Alter alone.
'...very well. I know you will win.'
'Thank you!'
/0\
Jeanne Alter unleashed her NP, causing all of the other servants and Issen to pull back while Jeanne unleashed her own NP.
Small tears started to form in Jeanne's banner as she blocked the flames and Lances, she was getting pushed back.
However, without warning Jeanne is engulfed in a gentle light, her NP's power increased and she felt her own energy restored! Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a smile on her masters face, right hand raised to show that a command seal has been used.
'That should be enough, right Jeanne?'
His gentle voice rung inside her head, causing her heart to beat quicker and a warmth creep up her cheeks.
'Thank you, Issen-Kun...no, master!' Jeanne replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Haaah!!"
With one final battle cry, Jeanne pushed back Jeanne Alter before bursting forward and stabbing her blade through her opponents chest.
"Wh…..at…..?" Jeanne Alter stumbled back, eyes wide with disbelief as she already started to disappear.
"It can't be. Impossible. This isn't possible, it's a lie. After all, I am the owner of the Holy Grail! How could the Grail holder be defeated? Even though….!"
"Oh, Jeanne! Jeanne! What a tragic appearance…!"
Once again Gilles appeared, instantly going to Jeanne Alters side, propping her up in his arms.
"Gilles…."
"However, you can now be in relief for Gilles de Rais is here. Now, you can sleep in peace."
"But I haven't, haven't destroyed France yet…."
"I will accept that responsibility. Put your full trust in me. It's all right, you won't die. You're just a little…. Just a little tired. Close your eyes, and rest. When you awake, I will have completely ended everything." Gilles spoke in a soft voice.
You're, you're right. Gilles…. If you continue fighting, then I can be in relief…."
And like that, Jeanne Alter vanished into motes of golden light in Gilles arms.
"..."
The caster servant remained silent, the singularity not breaking down despite the supposed cause vanishing. In his hands was a golden chalice that he placed in his coat.
"As expected, it was you wasn't it?"
Jeanne stated with a stern expression, already back at Issen's side.
"You have a sharp intuition." Gilles smiled creepily.
"Um, Jeanne-san. What do you mean?" Mashu asked, some of the others confused as well.
"It wasn't the 'Dragon Witch' that had the Holy Grail. No, that servant never originally sat in the throne of heroic spirits. I can only conclude that it was not my overflowing darkness, just as Issen-Kun had thought." Jeanne stated, closing her eyes before glaring at Gilles.
"….Well then, how did you obtain this powerful force? Could it be it wasn't from the Holy Grail. Perhaps then it was from the 'Dragon Witch'."
"That's right. It was all for the 'Dragon Witch'. That is the Holy Grail itself."
Elizabeth looked utterly confused while everyone else gained looks of understanding.
"What? What? What? What do you mean? The dragon was the Holy Grail? Does that mean I'm the Holy Grail as well?"
Issen facepalmed before hitting her on the back of the head.
"You idiot dragon. It wasn't Jeanne Alter that had the Holy Grail and worked for evil."
Really, she must be the only person that didn't understand that right now
"You created Jeanne D'arc didn't you? With the power of the Holy Grail." Jeanne asked.
"It was my wish to revive you. I wished with all my heart. It's only natural isn't it? Gilles smiled before frowning. "…..However, the Holy Grail rejected me. The all-powerful wish granter could not grant my wish! However, I have no other aspirations besides you! That is why, if I made a new creation….! I believed in you! I yearned for you! And so I constructed you! Jeanne D'arc the 'Dragon Witch', is the Holy Grail!"
Issen frowned in disgust, along with many of the servants around him.
"….I see. She must have never known until the very end." Jeanne sighed sadly. "Gilles. Even if you revived me, I would never have been like the 'Dragon Witch'. Certainly, I was betrayed. And even ridiculed. I may have had regrets in my final moments. But, I never despised my motherland. I never had hate. The reason for that is because we were in this country."
"….How kind. How excessively kind words. But, Jeanne, Because of that kindness, she had forgotten that one thing. Her patriotism for her motherland. I detest this country….! This country that betrays everything, I swear to destroy it!"
"Gilles..."
All present got ready to fight as that black aura sprung around Gilles amplified by grail.
"She would probably forgive you. But, I won't! Regardless of God, the King, and the country men's judgment…!! I shall show you destruction. I shall show you murder. For that is my wish of the Holy Grail…! Don't try to get in the way of my path, Jeanne D'arrrrcccc!"
Issen burst forward with lightning crackling around Kusanagi as he cut through the black starfish like thing Gilles sent out.
"This is it, everyone! We just need to beat him and this will all be over!"
Issen caught sight of another attack heading towards him with his sharingan, flickering away this time.
'Amaterasu!'
Black flames burnt away another attack aimed for Jeanne and Lily, both quickly retreating back.
Jeanne is tired from her fight with Jeanne Alter, but thanks to the command seal Issen used before, she can still fight.
Clicking his tounge, Issen formed his armoured Susanoo.
'Susanoo Kagutsuchi!'
Black flames enshrouded the Susanoo as a sword made from the same black flames formed in its hands.
The Susanoo effortlessly cut through any of the attacks that Gilles unleashed, forcing the caster servant to unleash his NP.
Giant black tentacles slammed into Issen's Susanoo before wrapping around it, halting it's movements.
"GRROOAAAAAAA!!"
The spectral warrior howled as it broke free of it's restraints, slashing the tentacles with the flaming sword.
'Tch! They keep regenerating!'
Every time the tentacles were cut through, they would grow right back.
'In other words, we need to tale out Gilles to stop the attack.'
"Hrunting!"
A twisted red sword shot through the air at ridiculous speeds, radiating killing intent before it exploded on impact of Gilles.
Numerous normal arrows followed quickly behind, Shirou proving his archer status.
Issen narrowed his eyes and loaded his Susanoo's crossbow, waiting for the right timing.
'Now!'
The bolt was unleashed, followed by four others.
"...*Splurt*"
One bolt found its way into Gilles chest, sending him flying back with blood falling from his mouth.
"Impossible…! To overcome the power of the Holy Grail, to have reached this….. far….This isn't possible! I won't let go of this injustice! I, have, yet…..!"
"Gilles, it's ok now. Everything is all right now. Please rest. You've done enough. Please believe in this young girl that knows nothing, this town has been liberated." Jeanne clasped her hands together as if she was praying. "….Please believe in the me now, like the time you believed in me from the past. It's all right. Until the very end, I have no regrets. Now, please return. From the chronicles you came from."
"….Jeanne. The one, who will go to hell, is me only."
Gilles the blue beard then dissapeared, leaving behind a golden chalice.
Roman hastily recovered the grail and prepared to rayshift the group.
"Issen-Kun...Please take this."
Issen blinked as Jeanne handed him a cross that is burnt slightly.
"You know what to use it for...perhaps it is selfish of me, but I wish to spend more time with you, to experience more."
Jeanne blushed as she suddenly got close to the Uchiha and...
CHU
Everyone was speechless.
The saint who previously made a big deal about Marie kissing Issen on the cheek had just kissed Issen on the lips.
'S-so bold!' Mashu and Lily blushed, feeling a tinge of jealousy alongside Arturia.
Issen's mind went completely blank, a blush slowly creeping up from his neck.
"Y-y-you..."
That was his first kiss! It was so sudden he couldn't even enjoy it!
Before he could finish what he was going to say, the group was rayshifted to Chaldea.
The first of seven singularities had been completed.
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Train_Heartnet_0767
Train_Heartnet_0767 Sorry for the wait! Its been a rough week due to a sickness I caught!
That's the end of the first Singularity, next few chapters will be multiple events, bonding time, and more!
Thanks for reading!
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