Fate/ Dire Paradox (Jeanne Alter X Male Reader)

Chapter 8

We stayed till night. We did visit Ella for some tea but we left early and sat outside waiting for night to come. Masked by the shadows I would rather strike when they least expect us... or maybe they are expecting us to come around this time.

I glance at her, "What would you do with your wish, Avenger?" I sigh to myself, "If we manage to kill six servants along with their Masters and claim the grail for ourselves... what would you wish for?"

"The destruction of humanity - of all you weak-willed creatures," she then chuckles, "Maybe I will keep you alive to watch the world be consumed by the flames."

I can't tell if she is serious. Her tone makes it very hard... maybe there is something else - but I have no way of telling if there is.

I only nod, "Maybe not a bad wish," truthfully... if I didn't have these few friends or people I could still call by that title... maybe I would have wished the same. But I would like to pretend that that wouldn't be the case.

"And you?"

"Dunno. If the world was to burn around me then there isn't really much for me to wish for now is there?" I notice her golden eyes gleam at me in the dark, "Maybe I will end up having to try and dissuade you from your own wishes."

She snorts, "I'd like to see that happen."

"I might just surprise you," I laugh, "For now. If I win despite the hand that was dealt to me... who am I kidding? Getting this far despite the hand that I was dealt is enough."

"Don't go weak on me now-"

I stop her, "I wouldn't dream of it. It would suck if you figured out that your Master was quite pathetic."

"He is," she says as quick as a heartbeat.

"I was really hoping for a 'but' in that sentence."

"But he is even more annoying?" she adds.

"Nice save," I roll my eyes, lifting myself from the steps, "Awh what the hell. No point in delaying the inevitable any longer than I have to. If I may, Jeanne..."

She looks at me silently, waiting for me to speak.

I then shake my head stopping myself - I would have asked that you remember me. At this point in time, I think that out of everyone you might be the only one capable of doing that but then again... asking that of you would only garner me more mocking and teasing.

And as much as I do enjoy the bickering - right now I want something closer to something more sentimental. That my last words wouldn't be for the sole purpose of making jokes.

I sigh again.

"Are you going to speak or what?" she grows restless, "You have had no problem saying anything up until now and now you suddenly want to be serious."

I furrow my brow, "Oh excuse me of being terribly aware of my own mortality!" I laugh again - but when I think about it... when it comes down to it maybe this is better.

"I am still waiting."

"And so are they," I lift myself to my feet, "Let's get this over with." 

***   ***   ***

"This is the howl of a soul filled with hatred! La Grondement Du Haine!"

A flame scatters and covers the ground in front of her, the spells that have been cast against us have all but stopped and disappeared as the flame bursts like a geyser swallowing everyone as large black spears pierce through everything and everyone caught by the flame.

Everywhere you look it is just an all-out war. The treaty between the servants to stop us are all but in shambles, as you can see destruction and explosions sound off in the distance as each cast their Noble Phantasms.

We are closer to the Grail than anyone else and right now the resistance of the Magi that were trying to halt our advance was all but swallowed by Jeanne's Noble Phantasm... turning them to dust.

Trying to stem the bleeding from my arm, I tear off my sleeve as I cover up the cut that was created by a stray projectile that pierced through my strengthening.

I am making my push for the Grail. Retreat to me immediately if you can't hold this area.

Shut up and go already!

I lift myself as I rush towards the pedestal that the Grail was placed. I glance up towards it in all of its majesty and mystery. Though the air... it felt different. It felt like I was about to be choked out by my own hatred.

That is what was wrong - the Grail has been tampered with. The Grail uses servants as a sacrifice and considering that Lancer was dead already... it is already powered by his death but it was leaking.

This power could already be tapped into - is this just because of the Tampered Grail or is this why the Church stopped me from ever getting near?

Before I could try and pull the power from it my eyes widen as I felt something pierce my lower back.

I glance down to see a blade covered in crimson, it disappears as I drop to my knees. Rolling over to my back I am met with Saber's smirk.

She disappears from my gaze as another figure leaps into my vision. A head with white hair wearing a malicious glare filled with hatred. 

I weakly throw myself to my side, glancing at the Grail with my hazy vision I curse myself and my recklessness. I got so far only to bleed to death this close to the end...

"I won't die until I try... this..."

I breathe a deep breath as I cover the wound with my hand, feeling the blood flow from the wound through my fingers. This might just kill me... I don't even know if I can save myself from this situation.

I lift my hand towards the Grail.

"Let it take form, this reality of mine. Woe to my enemy as it swallows you whole pulling you into your new tomb. Let it welcome my allies into a place, unlike home. Let it manifest, Paradox Manifold."

And hear my wishes. Even if it is to be my only chance. Answer me!

For all will be lost.

At a moment's notice.