Chapter : 20 : Grail! War!

Third Person P.O.V

Atop a mountain, far from the reaches or sights of any civilization or settlement of man, sat a tower of white. It floated high above the clouds, a field of pink petals surrounding it, the occasional breeze sweeping some away. Upon this tower stood a figure in equally white robes, holding onto an intricate staff of wood and metal. This was...

???: Merlin.

Merlin, the Magus of Flowers. As for who called him? Golden hair swayed as the wind blew through the open space of the tower, high up as it was. Emerald green eyes met violet, and the two people stood in silence until Merlin had decided enough was enough and spoke up.

Merlin: What is it, Artoria?

She stood still, eyes downcast with shadow, until she turned up to look at Merlin... tears in her eyes and a runny nose... shivering like a leaf in the wind...

Artoria: I-It's cold up here... can you make a s-shawl or something?

Said the young girl, donning a white dress and silver armor. Currently also shivering from the cold temperatures of being up this high. Yes, this is Artoria... albeit a much younger and inexperienced version of her. Yet before Merlin could even begin the thought to conjure anything, a flash of light appeared and a knightly figure stood beside the future king.

Gawain: Getting a cold wouldn't do, my King! Allow me!

So the proud Knight of the Round Table stood, honorably serving the role of glorified heater to his future king.

Artoria Lily: Woah! It's so warm! Amazing!

Gawain: This is the power of the Sun! But we must be extra careful, so have my coat as well, I have no need for it.

Artoria Lily: Really? Yay! Thank you very much!

Gawain: I have no need for thanks, My King.

Gawain put on the fluffy and rather oversized cape over Artoria as a makeshift cloak, making sure she was warm. As for Merlin, he had promptly been... forgotten.

Merlin: I guess I'm not needed here anymore. Oh well, I need to check up on the others anyway.

In a storm of petals, he disappeared as if he was never there, except for the sneezing fit he caused Artoria because of the excessive amount of petals, to which Gawain burnt them to a crisp. Leaving those two be, Merlin came down to see the rest of the makeshift camp set below the tower, to which he was greeted by more chaos.

The chaos can be described as a red-haired man holding up a smaller feminine figure by the collar, looking ready to burn them.

Merlin: Ms- ahem, Mr. Venti, can you stop taunting Sir Diluc? I love my fair share of messing with people, but this is a rather troublesome situation, you know?

Venti: Fine, fine! All I wanted was a little drink, that's all!

Diluc: What "little" drink is two entire casks of wine?!

Venti: Ehe?

Diluc: ...I can't tell if you're worse than my brother or not. Now leave.

Venti: Aww... that's lame! I wanted more- guh.

The air-headed bard proceeded to pass out from drinking way too much alcohol.

Merlin: So! How's intelligence collection on your end?

Diluc: I still don't completely trust you or anyone here, you do know that?

Merlin: I know that, but we have to work together if we want to defeat 'her'.

Diluc: All for this so-called "Master" of yours? Sounds suspicious as always...

Merlin: Well there is that... but there are also other factors!

Diluc: Such as...?

Merlin: Entertainment and curiosity!

Diluc: Now you just sound like a villain...

Merlin: Ack! Everyone's harsh as ever! Ahem, well there is obviously my duty to the king, or at least to create the path for her to become one in this world. It's one of the only chances I can think of right now to win and survive after all.

Diluc: Survival. The whole reason I'm working for you is just that. Our enemies are dangerous and I'd prefer to work alone, but you seem to know all about them...

Merlin: Just as you seem to know about a certain few members of their team as well, so all in all a pretty fair deal.

Diluc: Fair... huh?

The pyro vision holder said as he stared at the drunken mess of bard on the floor that he'd had to keep a hold over so he wouldn't run off somewhere to get a drink and expose their base on accident. But as the two had their conversation regarding their plans and situation, the sky flashed a brilliant gold for a mere second before fading, a sign of something approaching.

Merlin: Hmm... so it's that time then, huh?

Diluc: What time?

Merlin: Well you were here to arrive last, so it's a given you wouldn't know. This is a rather strange situation even though I don't fully understand myself, but it seems it's time... for either new friends or foes...

-----

Far away from the mountaintops upon which the ivory tower rested, stood a frightening city with towering walls and a magnificent castle. This castle was built surrounding a gothic chapel of sorts that fit in surprisingly well with the city despite already being there before it. Truth be told, it was once a simple town that housed an Adventurer's guild.

The person responsible stood on the balcony of the fortress of stone, an imposing castle that stood over the city that seemingly arose overnight. A mirrored replica of a city of legend, yet something distinctly off with it, an uncanny copy of sorts. This person was a woman, one with long flowing white hair dressed in robes black as midnight, staff-spear-sword hybrid in hand.

It was none other than Morgan le Fay, who had also just witnessed the sky flash a brilliant gold.

Morgan: So the time of summoning has come, it appears. 

Slamming her staff to the ground, the sound echoed across the many empty hallways of the castle, and even into the open air of the cityscape.

Morgan: Knights, gather!

  As fast as they could, two of her loyal knights appeared before her. One with blonde hair and heterochromatic eyes, standing as a massive giant of muscle and armor. The other a much smaller more petite girl, donning sky-blue armor, the smoke from her jet-like engines still emitting off of her. These two were...

Barghest: Fae Knight Gawain, reporting!

Melusine: Fae Knight Lancelot, reporting.

Also known by their true names, Melusine and Barghest respectively.

Morgan: Prepare the summoning area, I do not wish for collateral damage and we know not of the people we may summon this time around. Be swift!

Barghest: Understood, My Queen!

Melusine: Leave it to me, My Queen.

Barghest had run off, or more accurately, leaped out an open window to get straight to the summoning area Morgan had set up due to the volatile nature of the summoning ritual. As for Melusine, she simply flew off to get to the area, being a dragon and having capabilities of flight do have their perks after all. 

Morgan: Now then, I should go and prepare myself.

With this, she walked away, taking one final glance over the city she had built as the doors shut behind her.

...

Now, this situation is rather peculiar. Two sides fighting, heroes and warriors from different worlds, all in one which they know nothing of. The only thing they do know, however, is that they were summoned here. With but one message when they arrived, some of course had understood easier than others. Alas, what is this message? It's simple:

[ System: Win the Grail for your Master. ]

The first two summoned, Morgan and Merlin, understood immediately. Though their ensuing allies were a toss-up of immediately swearing fealty or causing a disaster immediately upon arrival. However what these two failed to understand, or at least, what the system failed to tell them... was the Master they were fighting for...

Morgan: I will win this, I shall not let the Grail be of use to people other than my wife!

Merlin: Morgan is a dangerous enemy... in order to protect Master and the young Artoria... we must get to the Grail first!

Was one and the same...

...

This aside, the time of summoning had come. The lack of the presence of a Master in the world yet the rewards still being received from her victories in another meant the system automatically handled it in her absence. By handled, it more so meant that it had started an entire Grail War over a major misunderstanding by withholding information.

[ System: Specific details are unnecessary. ]

Normally it'd simply summon the servants in whichever world the host was currently in, however for certain dungeons or events, that may be prohibited. As such, not that the rolls would expire or anything, the system simply unfroze time in the origin world to allow the usage of the rewards related to summoning and the like.

Whether it be a simple rule or just an act of slight cruelty for the fun of it, the rewards for beating the very Gods were anything but lackluster. Summon after summoning in a strange world without a Master to lead them, with only one command upon their arrival. Naturally, this led to the current situation.

The Masterless Grail War

A situation in which two opposing sides, coincidentally people who also happen to dislike the other, fight for the Holy Grail for their Master. At first, it was utter chaos, but as the sides formed and relationships solidified, it now leads to what is happening in the present. A battle between the Queen of a false Camelot and a pesky Magus of Flowers.

So as the Greek Pantheon crumbled bit by bit in a distant world, Morgan's Kingdom and Merlin's mountaintop Avalon were growing bit by bit. With the sky's golden glow as the signal, the next summons were underway. Magic gathered stars fell from the sky, and even new unseen phenomena appeared as the sacred ritual of gacha commenced.

Both parties were eager yet anxious about what was to come.

Merlin: ( We lost Astolfo and Spartacus already... those two were hard to control but they were helpful, it's a shame really... but hopefully we can make it up with this, no, we have to. )

Thought the wizard, as for Morgan...

Morgan: ( We already have the advantage, so long as the servants summoned are to our favor... victory is certain! )

But to focus on both at once would be rather chaotic, so for now, the focus shall be on Merlin, the current underdog of this Grail War. The summon locations had luckily for both parties been set to a specific location around their bases, so no chasing people around... for the most part. Now, what had arrived first in the field of flowers?

Merlin: A... train?

Gawain: Train?

Artoria Lily: Gawain? What's a train? Is it edible?

Diluc: This is... odd to say the least. We should remain vigilant.

Merlin: Calm down, everyone. It's just a train at least, not a falling star or a surprise Fou attack-

Merlin was then cut off as steam erupted violently from one of the doors. Not only that, purely by chance and bad luck, instead of normally opening, the door was violently ejected and hit the mage, sending him flying.

Merlin: Isn't my luck supposed to be at least average?!

He shouted as he nearly was sent flying off the mountain which Merlin's recreation of his tower in Avalon rested upon. As comical and nonchalant his reaction was to nearly being dropped at a fatal height for most people, the others were on guard. Surely nothing good could come from such a violent entrance-

???: Huh? Is there no WiFi here? I need to finish my dailies, but it's stuck on the loading screen.

Said a young girl, gray hair tied up in a ponytail, wearing a crop top and jacket along with rather short shorts. Aside from her deadpan expression, the thing that stood out to nearly all of the people there, who aside from Merlin, had no clue about modern technology, was the little glowing square the girl was seen tapping aggressively, as if in annoyance at it. 

Merlin: These are the times clairvoyance that works for the future would be useful- oh, a tech-oriented servant?

???: Servant? I mean if that's what you call an unpaid intern, I guess?

Before the conversation could go further, a blur of green appeared next to the girl and an ever-cheerful bard swung his arm over her shoulders, looking excitedly at a loading screen.

Venti: Hey, hey, what's that?

???: A phone? You don't know what a phone is?

Venti: Nope! Can you buy alcohol with it?

???: I mean you could through online shopping-

Venti: I want it!

???: This is mine! Stop trying to get it! All my games are on here! Get off of me!

Immediately, the newcomer was being harassed by Venti. Getting between the two however and prying them apart, Merlin decided to be polite and introduce himself.

Merlin: Hello there, I'm Merlin. A... wizard of sorts, you could say, and also the current leader-

Merlin was interrupted by Gawain aggressively pointing at an oblivious Artoria as if to remind him that he wasn't the king and thus not truly the leader of the group in that sense.

  Merlin: Current uh... head decision maker of this ragtag group. Now, how about you?

Silver Wolf: My name's Silver Wolf, and honestly... where the hell am I? I was sure the last thing I remember doing was chilling in my room doing absolutely nothing...

Merlin: That's the complicated part, basically...

Pointing to the sky with his staff as flowers surrounded him, an aura of wisdom and knowledge emanated from the Magus, and so he spoke.

Merlin: None of us know anything about this situation! Not even the slightest clue!

Gawain: Why are you so proud about that, you useless advisor to the King?!

Silver Wolf: Huh, alright then. I'm off to go find a signal. If you need me I'll be at that comfy-looking patch of flowers over there if I can't find any.

Thus the new member wandered off, as she futilely swung around her phone both high and low, in the pointless task of attempting to get a signal in a medieval fantasy world. With that done, a more familiar summoning ritual started. Orbs of light spun, sparks of golden light emitting as they spun faster and faster. The group eagerly and cautiously looked on, with the exception of Silver Wolf, still caught up in the Sisyphean task of trying to find WiFi.

???: Knight of the Round Table, Tris-

The introduction of the man with long red hair whose eyes always seemed to be closed was then cut off by Gawain's excited and relieved voice.

Gawain: Sir Tristan! What a relief! A fellow knight to watch over the young king would be very helpful indeed.

Tristan: Oh, Sir Gawain? The King as well? Albeit she seems... different? Ah, Merlin is here too.

Merlin: Why am I always the butt of the joke?!

Merlin was then ignored as the two Round Table Knights conversed. Thankfully, the young Artoria had pity on the half-incubus and patted him on the back.

Artoria Lily: There, there. It's not good to be lonely.

Merlin: Ah, it seems I'm still respected by you-

Gawain: My King, don't get near him, he may be your loyal advisor, but his schemes are no good for someone of your age.

Tristan: Certainly, Merlin can be loyal and helpful, but I can't say I am particularly fond of some of his methods, it would be best if you stayed away. It would be truly tragic if something unfortunate were to befall you just as we met...

Artoria Lily: Oh, okay then!

As Artoria ran up to Gawain and Tristan, to which the red-haired archer seemed to immediately take a liking to this innocent and kind version of Artoria, Merlin's non-existent heart was broken that day. But as the Knights of the Round and their now very young King reunited, the summons had yet to stop, yet more orbs spun, this time radiating a rainbow light as they formed a ring.

Merlin: Keep your wits about, everyone. It's still ongoing!

Gawain: Stand behind me, my King.

Tristan: Hmm? What is happening?

Gawain: Merlin will explain later, for now just focus on defense.

Tristan: How ominous... but I shall do my duty without fail nonetheless. 

This small group of four was handling the summons as of now. Since Diluc had gone back to Venti watching duty. Silver Wolf had also all but given up and laid on a bed of flowers lazily, pondering her existence in this world, a cruel world of no internet and games to play, a nightmare for someone like her.

Speaking of nightmares, something that looks straight out of one appeared. While Tristan appeared mainly without any flashy fanfare, it seems this would not be the case this time. A dark tear in space opened up, the silhouette of structures obscured by shadows barely visible, obscuring smoke poured out. All was silent and everyone was on guard.

*Click*

*Clack*

Until the distinct clack of heels on the ground was heard. But that did nothing to relieve the tenseness, especially as piercing red eyes seemed to stare into the souls of everyone from out of the smoke. As Gawain was just about to try and clear it himself, the person hidden within seemed to spin something much like a fan blade, clearing it out and revealing themselves.

???: I come from the Land of Shadow.

Merlin had a moment of confusion before recognition, while the Knights of the Round and Artoria were still on guard.

???: My name is...

Gawain and Tristan tensed at the suspense, while Merlin simply sighed in relief, he had someone very powerful to fight against Morgan now.

Scathach: Scathach. I guess I should call you-

Albeit appearing completely confident, upon looking at who and what was in front of her, she was puzzled by who was the one who summoned her. Clearly, none of them were someone typical of a Master, they were mainly swordsmen or some form of archer from what she could tell. 

The only possible candidate was Merlin, a proficient Magus from what she could tell, but he lacked a command seal. She racked her brain to understand what was happening, but despite living for so lo- having immense wisdom, she could not come upon an answer. Thus, she sent a cold stare at Merlin.

Scathach: You. Where's my Master? Clearly, none of you are.

Merlin: No need for the hostilities, we're all on the same side. Well regarding our Master... it seems they are absent for now. I don't know when they'll be back either.

Scathach: Is that so... then what is our purpose here?

Merlin: A Grail War. Even if our Master is absent, the battle is still ongoing.

Scathach: I see... well allow me to offer my spear nonetheless. Battle with powerful warriors is something I would not wish to pass up.

Merlin: Thanks for the help, it's appreciated.

Scathach: No need for the thanks, however, I will be trying to get a better understanding of the situation. I shall make sure to return before sunset.

With that, appearing as no more than a blur, she was gone before anyone could say a word.

Merlin: I guess discussing our plan first is out the window...

Tristan: How unsettling...

Gawain: It felt as if she was a shadow which could swallow up the very sun... 

Artoria: She seems... so strong! I want to be like her one day!

Immediately, the two knights shot into King support mode.

Gawain: I am sure you will surpass her, my King!

Tristan: A radiant light even against the darkness... how blindingly beautiful...

Merlin was focused on something else however, a strange blue cube appeared and was just... on the floor. No train, no orbs of light, no falling stars from the heavens. Just... a glowing cube.

Merlin: Hmm... now I wonder what you do- woah!

Suddenly, thousands of similar cubes shot out, seemingly like an explosion. Eventually, though, it seemed to take shape. A massive structure, that had also had the unfortunate placement of being right next to Merlin's tower, nearly knocking it over if it weren't for the magecraft that supported it.

A ship, that's what it was. Not something from the present era, but certainly not something too far back in human history, at least from what Merlin could gather. The ship had caught the attention of everyone present, and they all waited in anticipation, watching, expecting for something to happen...

...

Nothing happened.

Silver Wolf: Talk about anti-climatic.

Venti: Eh? That's it?

Diluc: Is it perhaps a bomb of some kind?

Gawain: Is something supposed to happen?

Tristan: How sad... I believe it's broken...

Artoria: It's like a deformed castle?

Merlin: A ship... on land... well our luck couldn't go on forever.

???: What a big hunk of metal, huh?

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement until they realized that this was a new voice and turned to look at who it was in both confusion and caution. So, as the simultaneous echoes of confusion rang out, a man stood, red sleeve over one arm, bare chest exposing his muscles. Holding over his shoulder a seemingly plain cloth with an intricate design hidden on the other side, wearing armored black pants and simple sandals, he stood with a small smile on his face, red hair swaying in the wind.

Muramasa: Name's Senji Muramasa. I'm just an ordinary blacksmith, and I guess I could imitate a warrior too. Well, feel free to work this old man as hard as you like.

...

Merlin: When did you get here?

Muramasa: Huh? I got here at the same time as that other lady. There was just too much damn smoke in the way! 

Merlin: That does make sense.

Jumping forward excitedly, Artoria raised her hand much like a child in school.

Artoria: Oh! Oh! Can I ask a question?

Muramasa: Go for it.

Artoria: Have I seen you before?

Muramasa: Hah... that's complicated. But basically, no. Also where the hell did that big thing disappear to?

Merlin: The ship? It's right-

Before he could even turn around, simply with his clairvoyance, Merlin saw the massive ship had simply disappeared. Before anyone could say a word about this, however, a lady slowly approached, a brown bar of something that could scarcely be called food in hand, and yet she took a bite from it with zero issue. Pulling up her white cap and standing straight, she saluted.

Enterprise: Second ship of the Yorktown class, Enterprise, reporting for duty. I will neither sympathize nor hold back with my enemies and instead, I go all out. Such is my way.

...

Everyone: It turned into a girl!?

-----

Morgan: Activate the platforms!

Barghest: On it!

The summoning ritual had concurrently just begun for this side as well, albeit their method is much more refined. Having the advantage of superior fortifications, numbers, and moreover Merlin, they had time to build and construct plenty of improvements thanks to Morgan's ingenuity with magecraft. Not that Merlin was inferior, he simply lacked the resources.

Thus, Morgan had figured out a way to not only stabilize the summoning within the contained area but also get the system to utilize specialized platforms to perform up to ten summons at the same time. Intentional or not, it did come to resemble the summoning system of Chaldea.

Currently, only Morgan, Melusine, and Barghest were present. There were more members to the forces of the Fae, but they were all mostly busy with their own tasks, and having any more than these three would be unnecessary for the most part. Just as the ritual began though, the sounds of rushing water could be heard. 

For a moment, the shadow of a person was cast over the three, their body casting one from the sun due to a perfectly executed flip that was most definitely only for style points. The sound of boots scraping against the floor could be heard as the new arrival came to a stop from a slide, next standing up and fixing up any crinkles in their clothes. 

Ginger hair, hollow ocean blue eyes, and a rather plain set of grey clothing only accented by a red scarf were what met the trio from Fae Britain. This was Childe, also known as Tartaglia, the Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers. Who had just arrived due to being held up by having to wrangle a certain pink-haired servant trying to fly off on their mount to escape?

Childe: Sorry, I got held up dealing with the captives. Did I miss anything?

Morgan: You did not, in fact, it has just begun.

Childe: That's great, I can't wait to see with my own two eyes just who comes along this time! Haha!

Off to the side, the two knights whispered to each other.

Barghest: Something about him seems... off...

Melusine: Don't worry over it, if he tries anything he'll find himself cut into pieces before he can blink.

Barghest: Yeah, you're right. No point in worrying-

Childe: Hey, mind sparring again? I still haven't beaten you during the day yet!

The Harbinger shouted from afar, waving his hand to catch her attention.

Barghest: That is no problem! 

Looking up at Barghest, who was much much taller, Melusine tapped her thigh to ask a question of her own.

Melusine: Why do you accept those duels? He hasn't won once yet, he's weak. 

Barghest: Training others to better serve her Highness is just one of my obligations as her knight, so I see no issue with it.

Melusine: I see... 

Barghest: Good, now you understand-

Melusine: I still find it a waste of time.

Barghest: I mean... even I get that feeling, but I can't help but feel he's holding back. That's what my instincts are telling me at least.

Melusine: My instincts are telling me that his only ability is to entertain kids with pool tricks.

Barghest: That's harsh!

*Slam*

Morgan: Prepare yourselves!

Cutting into the light-hearted chit-chat of the Knights was the slam of Morgan's staff. The ginger was conveniently too busy thinking about how in the world he would visit his younger brother now that he was here to notice he was being slandered. This had called everyone's attention to how some of the platforms had already begun to glow.

First, three platforms lit up with the telltale sign of a servant of Fate being summoned. The first platform spun with silver sparks. The second spun with golden sparks. The third spun with a rainbow but differed in having some purple sparks thrown in and being slightly shaky as it spun.

Morgan: Hmm... it seems so far it is working as intended. Now let us see who has answered my call...

The first platform shone brightly, a puff of black smoke emerging. The second followed right after, simply radiating a bright light, albeit more golden in hue than typical. The last was strange in its behavior, after shining brightly, it was empty. That was until spotlights appeared, shining red light onto the platform as if it were a stage, speakers even appeared, playing a unique theme.

???: Ah... so she is not here. Very well, I shall still offer my services as a Hassan regardless. My poison, my body, my skills, I offer them all as tools of death.

The smoke faded as a woman wearing a skull mask, purple hair, and possessing dark skin was revealed.

Serenity: I am Hassan of the Serenity.

Afterward, the bright light surrounding the second platform faded. The third platform was still blasting theme music and such, but everyone tried their best to ignore it.

???2: Knight of the Round Table...

For a second the eyes of Melusine lit up, only to dim down once she realized what she had hoped for was probably not the case.

Percival: I have been summoned into this world! I am Percival! Let my spear serve you-

He brandished his lance and stood proudly, before noticing who he was facing.

Percival: ...huh.

Morgan: ...oh.

Percival: Uh...

Melusine: Do you know who I am?

The awkward standoff was cut off by Melusine's question.

Percival: Hmm? Of course, I do, you're the kindest person I know, the one I see as my older sis-

*Crash*

In an instant, Percival was flung off the platform as a supersonic dragon girl launched herself onto him in a hug. As much as she wanted to put on a tough front, she began to tear up, to which Percival began patting her head.

Percival: Usually it's you who's doing this for me, I guess it's different this time around, huh?

Melusine: I'm sorry...

Percival: It's fine. Don't worry, this time, we'll stay together. I promise on my honor as a knight! Just uh... don't go rampaging or anything...

Melusine: I will if you break that promise.

Percival: Then I won't! I swear on it!

Melusine: Mhm... you better... and oh. Your hair is different.

Percival: Oh, it is all white now. Neat! But uh... what do I do about your queen and stuff... I mean that whole situation was a mess... leading an army against her and all back then...

Melusine: Don't worry about it. There isn't any backstabbing Fae and I'm here of my own volition. I serve as a knight freely and on my own terms. Not only that, but ever since meeting Master, she has changed much for the better.

Percival: Alright? That sounds like a good thing! No, it is a good thing!

Melusine: Yes, so don't go pushing yourself anymore, alright?

Percival: I'll do my best not to, but I can't promise- okay I won't! Stop glaring! 

Melusine: Hmph, very good.

As this family of sorts reunited, this time not separated by the rules of the Throne of Heroes or lost belt drama for the most part for now, a third person awkwardly stood as her entrance was ruined by the unexpected moment. This was a woman with purple hair, and a big red ribbon tied to the side of it. A ribbon was also tied to her white shirt on her chest as well, the rest of the outfit consisting of an oversized black coat and a comparatively tiny skirt.

???: Ahem!

...

Morgan: Oh, I nearly didn't notice you there. Do speak up. ( I'll just leave convincing Percival to our cause to Melusine... if it means winning, so long as it isn't him, I'll join forces and put the past behind me. )

The focus was all on her now. A brief tick mark seemed to appear on her forehead before she regained her composure from being ignored. Thus she dramatically flipped her hair, the spotlights focused on her, and the music playing hit its chorus. With a twirl and sparkles randomly appearing from nowhere, she began introducing herself.

???: No world or barrier can hold me!

She struck a pose, hand over her left eye as she leaned to the side.

BB: I, BB, have finally come to the famous Chaldea!

She struck another pose, this time putting up two peace signs and winking. Her enthusiasm is unmatched... until she realized something was off.

BB: The famous... Chaldea...

Her arms drooped to the side as she realized the clear lack of a certain orange-haired Master, a rival purple-haired kouhai, and most importantly, Chaldea itself.

BB: Chaldea...

As if she had ceased functioning, she simply stood frozen for a few seconds. Until she stomped her foot and stuck her hands to her hips as she shouted.

BB: This isn't Chaldea?! Where's the senpai I'm supposed to tease?! The computers I can fiddle around with?! Why is the moon green!?!?

As the one in charge, Morgan decided to step up to explain. Having deserters or any more servants who had decided to stay neutral would be problematic.

Morgan: I am Morgan le Fay, the Queen and ruler of this kingdom you see before you. I am here leading the servants in place of my wife, the Master of Chaldea, in order to win her the Grail and secure a future for the both of us.

...

BB: ... She got married?! Huh?! When!? Who even decided that?!

Morgan: I decided that. It's within my authority to do so.

BB: Hah... give me a second...

Taking in a deep breath, BB collected herself and put back on the bright cheery attitude she had from the beginning of her introduction.

BB: So! You're my Senpai's wife, huh? Well, this is just a temporary arrangement until she comes back or I find a way to get her back, but I'll help you, how about it?

Morgan: That would be appreciated. I'll make sure to mention your help to my wife when she does return after our assured victory.

BB reached out to shake Morgan's hand, to which she reciprocated. However, there was a distinct tension in the air as they did so, not at all helped by the close-eyed smile and ominous aura emitted from the both of them. The tension was only broken when another platform lit up. This time, however, a portal opened up, and steps were heard approaching.

???: Hey! Hey!

Yellow eyes shone through the darkness, futuristic barrels of weapons poking through the portal first, attached to a mechanical rig that resembled a hammerhead shark. Finally, the figure fully stepped out of the portal, which closed soon after. 

Purifier: I'm Purifier! Puri for short! So I don't really know why I'm here other than to blast my enemies to pieces! So when am I getting started?

Morgan turned to the new arrival with slight suspicion, this was one of the odder summons, one completely foreign even to her, unlike Hassan, Percival, and BB.

Morgan: Who- what are you?

Purifier: I'm a high-ranking Siren. We go around, mess with space-time, and shoot ships turned girls, all for the sake of testing and data! Not that I care, I like the fighting part the best! I also already worked for a boss with white hair and blue eyes, so don't worry, I have experience!

She gave a thumbs up as her rig seemed to glow in excitement.

Morgan: Then I welcome you to my forces. Serve me well and do not betray my expectations.

Purifier: Will do that then, sounds easy enough!

She skipped over to shake hands with Morgan as a symbol of agreement, happily humming as she did so. 

Morgan: Good. Do you wish to know anything else?

Purifier: Nope! I'll just wait here until I get any orders to do something fun, don't worry about me!

The Siren did exactly that, simply sitting down on the floor of the space, however, she seemingly was touching screens no one else could see, occasionally mumbling about a kill streak or something about how it was just like the simulations. Ignoring her antics, Morgan walked over to the final glowing platform.

*Fwoosh*

The sound of air being pushed aside as a box seemingly materialized from the sky, engines roaring to life to slow down the impact. It plopped down with a thud, a strange-looking mascot printed on all of its sides. The pressure was released as the box began to unfold, and what was revealed to be inside...

???: Rita... 5 more minutes... the world is spinning...

Was a half-asleep and also possibly horribly motion-sick blonde woman. 

Morgan: Take her to the infirmary, Percival.

Percival: Oh! Uh, right away then! 

Percival then ran up to the girl, picking her up, and then proceeded to sprint away at full speed. He didn't notice Melusine was still clinging onto his waist in a tight hug in a rush to fulfill his first task due to the awkward situation, nor did he even remember that he wasn't even told where the infirmary was. With a tired sigh, Morgan pointed for Barghest to follow, to which she swiftly did so.

The two sides were bound to clash eventually, their numbers and power growing. Yet far away from this battle, far away from the walls of Fae Camelot or Merlin's Tower, was a simple dark cave. Nothing of note, just a dark cave. Yet there was something off with it. Something that induced pure dread within every living creature. That was...

Death

So as the two sides prepared for war, the clanking of armor from within this cave resounded. Blue flames light up the darkness with the dimmerest light. A greatsword of no particular renown dragging across the ground, leaving a clean line in its wake. The tall figure was covered in a cloak as they looked out into the world from the entrance of the cave, seeing both Merlin's Tower and Morgan's Kingdom in the distance, far beyond the capabilities of any normal man.

???: Magus of flowers who hath left thine prison in paradise. Oh, twisted monarch of a world torn asunder who liveth once more, thine battle is naught but vain and foolish. Should ye folly ever taint the world and which that the Master of Chaldea holds dear...

Slamming the greatsword into the ground, the figure speaks once more.

???: The evening bell shall toll thy name...

The coat flies off as the wind grows more intense, revealing a skull mask, large horns, and pitch-black armor illuminated by ghostly blue flame.

First Hassan: And thine heads shall be claimed by I, the Old Man of the Mountain... Hassan-i-Sabbah!

-----

Location: The Realm of the Gods

Time: 4th Round of Ragnarok

*Crack*

A singular crack is heard, as if a container of fragile glass has been shattered. In an instant, the fighter facing the representative of the Gods is coated in a dark swirling mud that moves as if it were alive, as if it had some malicious sentience. Swirling and swirling, it finally comes undone, vanishing as if it was never there.

Yet the menacing aura of the substance didn't seem to leave. For in its place no longer stood who had once been there, now there was a man, face covered by a long black hood. Wearing an outfit the color of dark red blood, wielding nothing but a bow, and staring straight at his opponent with clear murderous intent.

???: So you're the one who's taken up the name of Hercules? Pathetic. You're no more than a naïve fool.

The man raises his bow and arrow, aiming it at the much taller and more muscular man in front of him.

???: So die. You miserable mutt of the Gods.

-----

Character Images!

Morgan:

Melusine:

Barghest:

Percival:

BB:

Purifier:

Serenity:

Childe:

.....

Merlin:

Gawain:

Tristan:

Artoria (Lily):

Scathach:

Diluc:

Venti:

Enterprise:

Silver Wolf:

Muramasa:

...

First/King Hassan:

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