Judge the Dystopia II (The World of Fate)

        The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was currently listing above the dark clouds heading towards no specified destination.  After the battle in Fuyuki City and the unexpected escalation of the conflict that came as a result, Scathach was coerced into a tactical retreat in order to plan out how her forces would move.  Despite of the wounds from battle, she brought together all of her allies in the central-most portion of the large structure for an immediate meeting.

         Within this area of the "ship" was a large amphitheater like room where a solitary throne sat atop a high staircase of about 20 or so steps.  The rhombus patterned floor plan was decorated with black and white marble and concrete as the ballroom-looking design had red velvet covering the walls.  Over top of them were columns of steel sculpted with the idea of gothic architecture in mind while gold rod-iron metal-workings filled the gaps in between almost giving the space the appearance of an elaborate birdcage meant to protect only the rarest avian species contained within.  It was here that 8 individuals were gathered.

         "That was an unexpected turn of events," Scathach exhaled while folding her arms and closing her eyes to relax her mind.  The wounds on her body had already recovered even though she still had tears in the fabric and cracks in her armor.  However, that was currently being mended thanks to a green aura being emitted from one of her comrades.

         "My word, that King of Heroes sure loves to rough up women.  What a brutish man he is.  For someone who boasts about his treasury, he surely has little regard for common courtesy," spoke a fast-tongued woman from the right side of the woman.

         "It's only armor, Tamamo, you shouldn't use your abilities over such trivial things," the battle maiden responded.

         "Forgive me but I have to refuse you on this.  Such attire will not do for someone of your nature!"

The woman attending to the Queen of Death wore an elaborate kimono that seemed to be designed for a high priestess or bride.  The exaggerated cloth covered much of her body save for her upper shoulders and neck area which was low-cut enough to expose her cleavage.  The fabric was mostly blue but had gold and black sleeves which appeared to be able conceal a multitude of items without ever exposing the wearer's hands.  A giant bow of black, gold, blue and white was tied to her chest as the ribbon trailed down to her feet.  She wore a golden headband that was adorned with bells and other small trinkets which bound much of her pink hair.  With a pair of orange fox ears on her head and blue ribbons tied behind them, the woman with amber-colored eyes appeared with a beauty that seemed almost supernatural in nature; even though she had two large bushy tails protruding from behind her.  She was the fox therianthrope whose full name was Tamamo-no-Mae.

         "Do as you will then…" Scathach replied whilst shaking her head knowing that the fox girl would not back down once she set herself to a task.

         "You're so attentive to detail, little sister," another voice called out in delight observing the deeds of the girl's magic but Tamamo shook her head.

         "Mou…Ozy-san, just because I'm the incarnation of Amaterasu doesn't mean that you have to call me that!"

         The man she addressed merely smirked as he ran his fingers through his black hair.  Even though he possessed a strong, regal nature, his appearance is opposite of what one would expect.  He wore a white cloak over top of his mostly exposed body.  From shoulder to shoulder, he had a belt designed with golden circles connected by similarly colored links as well as rich, blue sapphires embedded within them.  Underneath, he had on black sleeves that covered the skin of his arms with gold and blue gauntlets layered over them.  Golden ribcage armor gripped his body, two on each side as his lower half was covered in armor like a charioteer.  Teardrop gold pieces were attached to his hips pointing downward as his waist had the same color in a V-shape protecting his pelvic bones.  From there draped a gold sash that had gold, blue and white embroidery on the front with blue sashes on either side.  Then there was the black dressing that covered his legs.  He had yellow eyes and dark skin with a certain radiance that could be described as divine.

         "Nonsense!  I am the Pharaoh, a King of Kings.  I am the Son of the Sun God made flesh upon the Earth.  To not acknowledge you, a goddess who is also of the Sun, as a younger sibling would besmirch my own pride!" the dark-skinned gentleman boldly declared.

         "Mikon! There you go with flaunting that Egyptian pride of yours.  Ozy-san, you dummy!" Tamamo childishly pouted.

         "Honored little sister, please address me as "Aniue" or Ozymandias-niichan!" he requested while folding his arms, nodding his head suggesting he was not dropping this issue.

         "Ozymandias," Scathach interrupted the banter between the two, "What do you think of the situation?"

         "Hmm, well it certainly has led to some unexpected developments. Gilgamesh-san seeking to recruit other heroes to his side is a move I would not expect of him especially given his confidence in his own abilities; however this is a war so even if he chooses to use them as sacrificial pawns, it is strategic to have some sort of force to wear down the other side in order to conserve one's own strength.  He may be crude but I can see the merit in his tactics," the Egyptian King analyzed.

         "What does it matter? That man's arrogance and self-centered pride will only serve as a tool for his own demise in the end.  That is a man who is the least qualified to win this war and seize the grail even though he finds himself entitled to it," another individual criticized leaning against the wall.

         "Oh? And what does the Modern Prometheus, Nikolai Tesla, think of the factions we find ourselves at odds with?" Ozymandias inquired with a raised brow.

         With blue electricity sparking from his golden gauntlet, the muscular male in a purple and black suit with a black trench coat draped over his shoulders stepped forward.  Around his white collar encroached by the white fur on his coat, his black hair with aqua bangs that seemed to glow from the current flowing around him gave rise to the stunning luster of his blue eyes.  The pale color of his skin and stone-like masculinity of his face gave his entire look one of stern discipline and composure; though his haughty tone completely derailed this atmosphere.  The mad genius took a brief moment of pause as the others in the room awaited his answer before he responded.

         "Allowing the likes of the King of Heroes to win this war would only bring forth a world stricken of free-thought and the creative process. His very essence suppresses the atmosphere of genius and the magnificence of innovation that someone of my intellect seeks to unleash upon the world once more.  Mankind would be no more than slaves to be paraded and used as a means of false worship and indoctrination under the weight of his egomaniacal tyranny.  As for the Holy Maiden, her wish is a pure one yet this world is far past the realm of heroes with noble ideology.  In this era in which we face a dead and decaying Earth where all hope seems for naught, it is up for those who wish to tackle the problem with brute force to stand tall and push ahead asking questions later," Tesla proclaimed.

         "An interesting conjecture, one I could find myself so inclined to agree.  The fact that the world in which the Gods blessed me with dominion over has fallen to this state of disarray greatly disturbs me.  Winning this war is paramount for the sake of all so that I may reign and bring light to the darkened hearts of the downtrodden.  With me, no one shall ever suffer as I and my brothers and sisters in Heaven shall attend to their needs once more.  A man of your intellect would do wonders for the sake of human technology.  Science would make for a marvelous tool for humanity to stand once more, especially in my kingdom," Ozymandias detailed walking over and patting the mad scientist on his shoulder.

         "Men like you two remind me of those who fell to my poison time and time again throughout my life during my time on this world.  Idealism and boastfulness without intricate thinking will surely lead to your downfall.  At least under the guise of the Pharaoh's kingdom, I could live a life of luxury once more," echoed a soothing voice from the center of the room that came from a woman sitting upon the throne.

         "Aha sweet Semiramis, a woman of such mysterious allure should not have a mind of sorrowful cynicism.  The Gods have gifted you with beauty beyond measure.  In an ideal world, you would make a perfect queen for me," the bold royal declared.

         Gazing down upon those in the room that served as both the antechamber and "Captain's seat" of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a Noble Phantasm that she possessed, the woman raised an eyebrow over hearing the man's words.  She had serpentine, yellowish-green eyes with pointed elven ears and black hair that seemed to trail endlessly down her figure.  Wearing a dress as black as midnight that only showed her cream-colored skin along her shoulders and bust area, complimented with golden embroidery and red rose-shaped silk at her waste, the woman sat atop her throne prodding a singular finger against her chin.  Known as the Oldest Poisoner in the World, Semiramis just cast a judging gaze with a small devilish smirk as she came up with her response.

         "I applaud you for being bold with your offer, Great Pharaoh; however do you not think it to be unwise to invite someone who is known throughout history for poisoning her husband to be your queen?  And surely you know that I believe that kings are nothing but glorified tyrants.  You must be incredibly bold or incomprehensibly naïve if you had not considered these notions."

         "Oh I know exactly who you are and what your legend entails, Wise Queen of Assyria.  So long as I am the chosen Son of Ra fit to walk this Earth among man, no poison shall ever conquer the divine lineage instilled within my veins even if it's a poison concocted by you.  Perhaps you will reconsider taking a place by me and even my side in bed?"

         "You truly are one with words, but I've already lived as a Queen.  My only wish now is to see how the legendary Warrior of Dun Scaith will turn the tide and win this war. Until this conflict is resolved, you have no kingdom worthy to speak of.  Besides, you're in my kingdom so long as you are aboard my Hanging Gardens."

         "As shrewd and honest as I would imagine, but your immediate refusal is only a temporary one in my eyes, you shall fall to my charm as many women have before you soon enough."

         "What do you think of the situation, Semiramis?" Scathach asked interjecting before Ozymandias began another tirade of flirtation.

         "Gilgamesh's behavior is something that doesn't surprise me.  For one who openly shuns the Gods, he's always been the type who likes to come off like one with his egomaniacal tendencies.  Therefore, his goal during this war isn't all too surprising.  However, to think that he's only working with Enkidu and openly recruiting random heroes to his cause is just foolish.  No matter how powerful he may be, I would not be too surprised if he had other allies working in the shadows.  He's clearly biding time," the poisoner expressed while spinning her free hand around in a circle playing with a light green aura in her hand.

         "If the King of Heroes is indeed working with another party, then why didn't they show up as the battle escalated in that arena?" Scathach questioned.

         "Perhaps it was a distraction to just draw all of the major players out and get an estimation of the forces at play.  Who knows?" the Queen of Assyria proposed.

         "Are we not going to discuss the immense power that slayed Heracles and seemingly held Altera at bay?" a new voice asked stepping out towards the base of the staircase leading up to Semiramis.

         "The Awarded Hero who shall never want for anything, I see your keen eye has also picked up on an item that I was curious about.  I felt a unique pressure that was different from those we've fought in the past," Ozymandias nodded with his arms folded.

         "I too sensed a strong shift in the electrical current of the atmosphere.  It was as if Indra was made flesh once more," added Tesla.  This caused the other male to tense up alongside another party in the room.

         "I saw the fight firsthand while battling against Gilgamesh.  He seemed to bat aside Heracles with ease after discovering the man's secret of immortality and match the Great King of Destruction before overwhelming her as well.  What did you see, Arjuna?" Scathach directed as her crimson eyes focused on the dark-skinned male.

         The male stepped forward in an all-white, Kurta that had blue embroidery on the front trail.  On his hip was a platinum and gold quiver that contained arrows for his magnificent bow, Agni Gandiva—the bow awarded to him by the Hindu God of Fire. He had smooth, dark skin, dark hazel eyes and brownish-black hair.  A widely known hero from the epic story, Mahabharata, he was the celebrated sharpshooter of Scathach's side.

         "To say I didn't see anything truly worthy of note would be an insult to my pride as a warrior as well as the instincts you all possess.  The masked individual in the black armor that killed the legendary Greek Hero had an energy signature that hits close to home for me.  Nikolai Tesla's intuition is not far off from reality.  That display of electrical fury and might could only belong to my father, Indra.  From the moment I took to the battlefield and felt that impulse, my heart shuddered from the atmospheric disturbance that was given off by that man.  If my father has truly been made flesh on this world, then this war has taken an unexpected turn that we must rectify," Arjuna passionately emphasized placing a hand over his chest as an inferno of emotions welled up within him.

         "Perhaps the rival I've been searching for is my own father."

         "I wouldn't get too carried away," the Queen of the Land of Shadows began as Tamamo finished up mending her armor.

         "I too am familiar with that energy signature, but the last time I felt it was back during a war I fought in a world vastly different from this one.  I believe he was one of the Red Knight's allies.  What was his name I wonder?" she said pressing a finger to her chin.

         She then began to see visions of the war in which she fought under the leadership of a man known simply as 'The Architect'.  The war was a grand spectacle of bloodshed and destruction that dwarfed all human understanding of the definition of conflict.  Warriors from various universes gathered and collided together in the survival of life throughout the cosmos. She remembered how five individuals were the main focus of the side she was fighting against commonly addressed as Team AKARA.  The visage of a girl's flowing, crimson hair and fiery fists blazed strongly inside of her memory.

         Adena Zao-Long…yes I remember your strength. You were the one who killed me after all.

         The vivid burning sensation upon her flesh rang up once more in Scathach's mind as her body recalled the heat of her battle with the woman.  She remembered seeing the girl transform into her likeness as the redhead's locks turned into a strident purple and her cobalt blue eyes became red.  That was the last thing the spear wielding beheld before meeting an explosive demise.  Running that battle back through her mind, there had to be more.  It was then that she remembered a certain lightning user that radiated the same energy signature that was in question at the moment.  The face of a young man came to mind whom Adena favored in a romantic fashion.

         "The identity of that masked man is Raizo Arashi.  He's the younger brother of the Red Knight.  He is not a Heroic Spirit summoned by the Holy Grail…therefore he had to have crossed over from his universe to this one," the purple-haired woman concluded.

         "Mikon?! Is such a thing even possible for a human being? That's impossible right? Surely this man you speak of isn't human!" Tamamo rambled as her bushy tails stood up in surprise.

         "A man with the ability to travel between universes sounds like a god given flesh.  Perhaps he is a Pharaoh from another universe and is one of my brethren. I would be greatly delighted to meet such a man," Ozymandias boasted with joy.

         "Electricity that can breach through time and space…has someone made my goal a reality in the shape of a man before I was able to realize it myself?" Tesla pondered aloud.

         "It matters not what he is.  All I care about is the simple fact that he possesses the energy of my father.  If he somehow usurped his power then this Raizo is a man I must kill without question.  My only wish is that he makes it interesting for me before he meets his demise," Arjuna stated with clarity clenching his fist with determination.

         "Oh my…I wonder if this boy was rejected by my cruel father as I was, but instead of sitting idly by, he managed to take that beast's power for himself?  Is he lost?  He must be so scared.  Then again, I have to protect you all from potential threats. Why is this so problematic?" a woman ranted in a worried tone of voice clutching her wrists anxiously.

         "Raikou-san, just because you happen to also be a child of the Thunder God does not entitle you to want to show mercy to an enemy whom we know nothing about!  Regardless of the power he may possess, if he sides with any other faction that is not our own then he must be dealt with accordingly," chastised Arjuna with an accusatory finger pointed at the woman.

         The figure nervously walked out towards the center of the room where everyone else stood so far.  She was a voluptuous woman that was taller than the other women present, even taller than most of the men in the room as well.  A semi-endless stream of silky, dusk-colored hair bound by a red and white tie at the end paired with her gentle violet eyes were the most noticeable aspects of her looks aside from her oversized bust.  Wearing a tight lavender body suit with an armor design akin to the era of the Samurai with black and gold gauntlets and greaves paired with an odachi samurai blade hanging on her waist from behind with marron tassels hanging on her body at various points, she exuded a calm yet dangerous aura about her.  Perhaps that was credited to the Oni blood that ran through her veins but regardless of that side of her, she was a gentle soul.  Born as the eldest child of the Minamoto clan, her name was Minamoto-no-Raikou.

         "Forgive me, Arjuna-san, it's just a bad habit.  This person we are discussing also piques my interest and I wish we had a chance to speak, but I know that the battle must come first.  Why does war have to be so cruel to take so many opportunities away from people?" she expressed sorrowfully casting her gaze onto the floor.

         "War isn't ugly at all, I find it to be quite the beauty with what it's done," another male said materializing from the shadows.

         "Dantes, I see you've been lurking through my Gardens once again," Semiramis sighed as she cast her gaze over at the figure.

         From the darkness came a man dressed in an all-black suit with a multi-layered 19th century cloak overtop bound by a circular golden emblem.  He had messy white hair and sinister, soulless amber-colored eyes.  Wearing a black fedora on his head which caused the bangs to cover one of his eyes, an evil smirk creased his face which only multiplied the insidious nature alongside his cold, dead skin.  Known as the world renowned Vengeance Demon or 'Revenger', the gentleman's intense aura filled the room as he made his presence known.  His name was Edmond Dantes.

         "There are many places to hide aboard this magnificent vessel and many places to listen to the whispers that trickle through these walls.  The conversation that's been going on here has been rather amusing even though I saw most of the action you all were talking about firsthand during my trip on the battlefield.  With all of these new players showing up, I can only surmise that the ultimate showdown will be one for the ages," the man also known as the Count of Monte Cristo expressed.

         "So what does the greatest revenger in history have to say about the subject at hand given your first witness' account of the battle?" Semiramis inquired with a hint of sass in her voice while observing her fingernails.

         "Does it really matter? Who cares about speculation about what side will do what and who just randomly showed up in the midst of this struggle?  It all amounts to the same thing in the end.  A war of clashing ideals for what to do about this dead planet is finally about to come to its head and burst.  Human ignorance and the constant need for combat was what destroyed civilization as it stands and now the entire planet is filled with the phantasmal echoes of the dead.  The only commonality between the three factions is the revival of the world.  The Maiden wishes to revive the world and give life a second chance; the King of Heroes wishes to restore the world under his leadership for the sake of his own vanity; and our very own Queen of Death wishes to restore the world but only under the guidance of the strong.  All of these goals are noble in their own right but at the end of the day, humanity will only destroy itself once more and that is what I wish to see."

         "It seems like you do not care which side ultimately wins the Grail.  I can't help but wonder then, why did you bother siding with me?" Scathach spoke up while narrowing her eyes at the avenger.

         "You're right, I don't care which side wins this war.  It will ultimately lead to the same end regardless of who stands on top.  Life is doomed to an ever-repeating cycle of vengeance and hatred.  That is human nature that cannot be broken. However to answer your question, I simply did so because it was the logical choice.  One side held too much heroism and pride in what is deemed as good.  The other side's goal is just stroking ego.  As for here, I merely felt that I would fit so that I could maximize the amount of fun to be had during this time.  There is no complex underlying method to my madness, I just do things based on the impulse that I can," the Vengeance Demon shrugged.

         "A man who acts on impulse and impulse alone, I suppose that could be considered interesting.  No wonder why you are also known as the 'King of the Cavern'," Ozymandias analyzed with a subtle tone.

         "We're all legends with many great titles but regardless of fame, I'd like to think that we are more than that.  Such labels given to us only qualify us for this goal that I have shared with you all.  Like Dantes said, this war is approaching its climax so we should be prepared for the great battle to come," Scathach stated with determination in her voice.

         "To an age where genius and enlightenment will shine through under the guidance of those with the strong will to see it through then," Tesla nodded in agreement.

         "Mikon! Scathach-san, I do hope you continue to show me a good time as well-desu! I'm sure your vision is exactly what the world needs!" Tamamo added enthusiastically.

         "Indeed, it is as my little sister says.  With a mind like yours Scathach, I'm sure that when I rebuild my kingdom after our victory you would make for a fine advisor," Ozymandias concluded.

         "The path I find myself walking upon may at last provide me with the rival I seek," Arjuna said.

         "I shall do what I must for the sake of the future generation even if it means diving into bloodshed one last time," Raikou nodded with a somber attitude.

         "I suppose I shall have a front row seat to some quality entertainment.  Try not to disappointment, Queen of the Land of Shadows," Semiramis added as well.

         "Ah, I can feel the fire of my soul burning up intensely with the desire to see chaos consume this decaying wasteland once more.  The haunting voices of the departed and echoes of despair shall guide my hand once more for the sake of retribution," Ed Dantes eloquently declared with insidious joy.

         "Since we are all of the same accord, we need to find a suitable battlefield for what may very well be the grandest battle in this world's history," Scathach affirmed with a nod.

         "I may know of a place.  It will only take a few hours to get there," Semiramis responded guiding the Hanging Gardens through the ashen skies.

*****

         Far to the southwest of the once proud nation of Japan was the third largest island known as Kyushu.  It had a subtropical climate in which most of its people had vacationed to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beach.  Though it featured well-developed cities similar in design like Fuyuki City, much of the pristine land was preserved for the sake of tourism and high luxury retreats.  Unlike the other parts of the world that suffered from the curse of time, this location seemed to be different.  In fact, nature seemed to flourish as if untouched by the influence of the apocalyptic environment that so many other areas had succumbed to.

         Mountainous natural rock formations, free-flowing blue bodies of water, lush green plant-life and the crisp scent of the salt air from the sea decorated the vast landscape.  The only structure that was left standing was a tremendously ostentatious castle that appeared to sit the middle of this paradise.  The front portion of the grounds was a massive set of ramparts that connected the north, west and east sectors with four small spires on the north end.  This protected the larger structure of the building as well as encompassed a great garden filled with smaller housing buildings.  The southern part of the building was the greatest part of the castle itself fit for a king.  About 13 towers stood in the distance with a grand spire that seemed to pierce into the skies itself as the main building.  Connected together like a massive house, the clay-colored building with aqua-marine rooftops was home to one particular man.  As a matter of fact, this same individual was the one who cleared away the destruction of human civilization that once dominated these lands allowing nature to return to an Eden-like state.

         Inside the castle where the main spire was located lies a place that was designed like a house of worship. It was a wide open space where a singular altar was constructed that held a radiant, golden chalice where one sapphire stone was lying inside of it.  Around it were five other fragments of different colors that resonated with the device emanating a dense aura with mystical capabilities. In the space surrounding it were murals depicting a wide variety of figures and wars from ages that heavily impacted the multiverse.  One mural showed some of the 72 pillars of the Demon Gods where four of the faces had played a part in the retrieval of four fragments.  Another showed the battle of divine beings within the age of gods where humanity was hardly a thought.  Then there was a visage that showed a serpent beast that nearly decimated the lesser gods with its many-headed form.  In addition to these images were statues erected in the honor of the one known as the Demon King as well as two other beings whose identity were unknown at this juncture.  Amidst the multitude of relics stood one person atop of the staircase before the altar smirking at the items before him.

         The man was dark-skinned with white hair that was tied into a short, thick braid with a singular hoop at the end bound by red beads draping over his chest.  He wore a complex robe that was black and silver with gold and red accessories.  His chest area had been covered with the silver part of the outfit with gold trim as the black area draped down the rest of his body like a gown.  Red tassels were tied to his upper shoulder area with a twisting braid that looped around his waist then down towards his feet.  Elaborate silver plates of armor were bound to his upper shoulders that protected both arms.  With yellow eyes and flame-like tattoo sigils that dotted his face and patterned his arms in greater detail, this person emanated a complex aura that was filled with darkness and evil yet a unique type of serenity that suppressed this nature.

         "Bael, Asmodeus, Lucifer, Tiamat, if only you four weren't so ignorant and drunk over your own desires, you all would be standing here with me relishing in this moment.  The Greater Holy Grail fused with one fragment of the Arcana Crystal now being influenced by the other five shall bring the plan that I set in motion eons ago to fruition leading to the next phase of the plan.  All that's left now is stopping the heroes who would dare rise to challenge me with this farce of a Holy Grail War before carrying on," the insidious individual mused.  It was then that another person with a female shape entered the area.

         As she came into view, the first obvious feature that one could note were the giant pink and purple horns protruding from both sides of her head.  Golden rings were tied around them with similarly shaded tassels hanging down from them.  Her long, flowing brown hair was obscured by a white headdress that covered the top of her head hiding away the locks from behind as well as the longer bangs on both sides of her face.  Her dress appeared to be that of a shrine maiden as the pink and white threading gave her body a 'holy' look.  However, that purity was betrayed by the provocative nature of the cuts in fabric as her bust was greatly exposed as was her mid-region, the groin area and the inner areas of her thighs with skin tight pink stockings.  Yellow eyes and cream-colored skin, she was a living embodiment of beauty and lust as her very presence would draw the untrained creature to their knees in desire of her.

         "Goetia-sama, it would appear that the Gilgamesh-san and his attendant have returned," the woman spoke with a slight bow as her elegant voice echoed in the chamber.  The dark-skinned individual then turned away from his trinkets and stepped down moving toward her.

         "I see, I wonder what the great King of Heroes has to say about his little excursion. Oh and my dear Kiara, remember that you have to address me as another name while I am in this body," the male responded to the woman.

         "Forgive me, Solomon-sama," the devilish woman responded.

         "It's nothing to worry about.  Soon I will no longer need this worthless pound of flesh when everything comes together.  But I have to admit, the perks of being 'Grand Caster' has brought to life many things including you," he said dismissively as he then placed his hand upon her cheek.

         The sinister man recalled how she came to be.  It all started a few hundred years ago during a previous Grail War that took place in a location known as the Moon Cell.  The woman's origin came to be as a result of fusing with a demon pillar that was once a part of Goetia's domain.  She was born under the name of one called "Heaven's Hole", a beast that served to dominate all of creation for her own sake.  She was the very definition of vanity and self-indulgence made flesh in the world.  Left unchecked, she would have taken all of life and led them to ultimate ecstasy causing life to feel pleasure indescribable in mere words devouring everything within her before reaching her own climax.

         One master stood up to challenge her that fought for the sake of humanity.  That young girl with brown eyes and long, brown hair made her stand with one single servant that was more than enough to stop the likes of the lustful being.  Her name was Hakuno Kishinami supported by the Red Knight.

         The body of the beast seemingly grew as she cast her Noble Phantasm.  It seemed like the universe was about to be swallowed into her as all that was seen was the vessel of the woman looming above space with her legs gaped open while everything was being taken inside of her.  The Red Knight drew his blade and poured his power into it.

         "Would you mind having some class?"

         Those were the last words the demonic beast heard before she found herself cleaved in half with one fell swoop of the man's blade.  Death had claimed her instantly while all of life would be spared from her tyranny.

         Sensing the power of the individual, Goetia elected to copy her spirit and all of the potential contained within her existence for the future.  Then not too long after, he fused that spiritual core with the copied essence of Tiamat which led to the birth of this girl that was present.

         "Soon I shall unleash you on the battlefield so that you can surpass your mother and have her revenge," Solomon declared.

         "I shall not disappoint you, Solomon-sama," she replied with a bow before following him out of the chamber.

         In another part of the giant estate was a chasm that was arranged as a conference hall.  Within this area that could be labeled as the war room was a large table designed in the shape of a perfect square with a projection of the world in the middle.  Sitting at the table was Gilgamesh with Enkidu at his side as they just observed the projection while waiting patiently.  It was then that the doors to the back of the room had opened before Solomon and Kiara entered.

         "Ah yes, the King of Heroes has returned.  I trust that your excursion to Fuyuki City was an entertaining one at least," Solomon greeted as he walked around the table with the enigmatic woman by his side.

         "It was quite the interesting venture given what took place," Gilgamesh responded standing up from his seat, "I managed to convince a few of the mongrels still skirting about the dead world to our side.  That should make for suitable sacrificial pawns during the endgame when this war comes to its climax."

         "Is that right?" the King of Magic responded as he sensed the presence of several individuals lurking about in the courtyard just outside the main entrance to greater portion of the castle.

         "They shall be of use sooner rather than later before we ultimately head out.  I have plans to bring one more formidable ally along for the final fight.  To coax her out, I just might need a few sacrifices."

         "I don't understand why you do not just use the Grail to just wipe out both factions and be done with it."

         "Gilgamesh, if it were that easy then all of this preparation that we've been going through over the years would not have been necessary.  All of our foes will be gathering in spot then we can decimate them all at once.  After that, we can appease our own personal agendas unimpeded.  Which also reminds me, how did that skirmish go? I felt the colliding energies of many powerful individuals gathered where you were."

         "Scathach's forces may prove somewhat troublesome.  They are not afraid of taking risks given those whom were present, but not all of her allies revealed themselves in that battle nor did they show off what they were truly capable of.  The Maiden's forces also showed up which led to Scathach's retreat however…" Gilgamesh trailed off gritting his teeth in tension.

         "However…? What else is there?" Solomon pressed already knowing of what the Golden King was going to say.

         "There was another person there.  He dared to call me out directly and was even prompting to engage in direct combat regardless of everyone else present just before Scathach arrived.  He's clearly not a heroic spirit or someone that I can identify from the Throne of Heroes, but he possessed considerable power.  He eviscerated Heracles with little difficulty and even overwhelmed Altera. All I know is that he wore black armor and hid his identity with a mask."

         "Allow me to put that mystery to rest.  He is not like us at all but a living, breathing demigod whose identity is not in the Throne of Heroes just yet.  However, he is a close companion of the Red Knight and the One Cut Killer."

         "That only further increases my aggravation over the matter."

         "I would imagine so.  They each defeated you on two separate occasions.  And now both of them are together once more as well as a third party you know nothing about."

         "We already knew that Akaro was here given that he's lending his support to that woman's side but you're saying Kimiko is here also?"

         "Exactly so, she's the one who brought your mysterious warrior here."

         "The way you speak of him tells me that you already know who he is."

         "That is indeed correct, I told him that if he wanted to die then all he needed to do was come and fight in this war.  Like the fool he is, he took my bait.  But I digress.  Wearing that armor, he once called himself 'Obsidian' but his true name is Raizo Mercer."

         "Raizo…Mercer…I see.  Then I shall take my revenge against Akaro and Kimiko by killing this Raizo person right in front their eyes."

         "As much as I agree with your sentiment, you may need something extra to aide you in that endeavor.  That child's strength is not one to be underestimated.  He's full of surprises after all.  If you are going to take him on then focus solely on him.  Kiara and I will handle Akaro and Kimiko."

         "Are you trying to insult my strength, King of Magic?" Gilgamesh inquired narrowing his eyes in annoyance as his radiant aura grew around him but Solomon shook his head with a small sigh.

         "Before you go ahead and do something foolish, all I am saying is that if you want to kill this child you should take care as to how you do it.  You need to be thorough with his annihilation and I have just the thing to help you out."

         From his long-sleeve, he reached into a hidden spatial distortion and pulled from it one of the fragments of the Arcana Crystal.  He held it out in his hand before the Golden King for a moment as its radiance shined with immense luster between his fingers.  The Babylonian native shielded his eyes for a brief period.

         "What on Earth is the source of this anomalous glow?" he inquired.

         "It's a piece a greater crystal that I am currently infusing into the Holy Grail.  When the time comes, I shall lend this item to you so that you may push your power to even greater heights and ultimately erase that accursed child once and for all.  You've always shunned the gods without delay, what if I was to tell you that this item will help you transcend them?" Solomon prompted before placing the jewel back in its original storage location through his sleeve.

         With the blinding light dissipated, Gilgamesh relaxed as a shrewd grin pursed his lips. Enkidu merely stayed silent behind him while Kiara had a soft smile of her own in amusement over what was to come.  The Golden King let out a relaxed sigh before looking to the mage before him.

         "I say you have my attention.  Now then, shall we begin?"

         "I'm glad to hear your eagerness.  Once I finish the preparations to bring one more card to the fold, we shall head to the place where this entire war shall end."

         "And that being?"

         "Once upon a time in this land's history during a period known as the Warring States era, there was a battle that wound up defining the beginning of the unified nation that was Japan.  It was a setting that was in the exact middle where the houses that fought under the Eastern Army took on those who sided with the Western Army.  This great conflict was known as the Battle of Sekigahara. That is the same battlefield where I imagine that all of the factions in this Greater Holy Grail War would come together to decide who will have the right to the future."

         "Do you think the other two sides will get the invitation?"

         "Oh trust me, they will.  I plan to send out the greatest beacon of light this world has ever seen to bring them all together for one last battle."