Fate/Lost Moonlight

Black Faction Formation

Synthetic moonlight illuminated the small chambers where four of the Masters had gathered, each accompanied by their respective Servants, all authors of some renown.

Having sensed a kindred connection in one another, they had orchestrated this meeting to determine if theirs was an alliance worth forming. Though, that goal did nothing to help the uneasy atmosphere that permeated the digital chamber as they exchanged wary glances, sizing each other up.

Eric Weathers, frail and sickly, leaned on a staff his Servant had made to help him move around, imbued with the best enchantments he could conjure to reduce his Master's suffering. Eric's eyes locked on to Abid Armitage, whose hooked nose and piercing blue eyes betrayed a mischievous glint. Beside Abid stood the enigmatic H.P. Lovecraft, his Voyager-class Servant.

Jezebel X Raven, with her confident demeanor, sat across from Mary Burnett, the shy and gentle-looking Mage. M.R. James, the supposed scholar of supernatural phenomena, towered over Jezebel as J.R.R. Tolkien, the wise-looking Alter-Ego Servant, stood next to Mary.

"I propose," Eric began, coughing, "that we form an alliance, the Black Faction, to increase our chances of winning the Holy Grail War." His voice quivered, betraying his fear of the challenges they faced.

Mary hesitated, then, spoke up herself.

"It's a sensible proposition, but how can we trust each other?" She glanced around the room, noticing the others nodding in agreement.

Abid chuckled, "well, by my measure of things, we all have something in common - a desire to break free from the past and control our destinies. I say we take a leap of faith."

Jezebel grinned, "I'm in. Life's too short not to take risks." Her eyes gleamed with excitement, fully embracing the adventure before her.

The room fell silent as everyone considered their options.

Finally, Tolkien spoke.

"I believe that, together, we can overcome the trials ahead. Our combined knowledge and abilities will make us a formidable force. One resolute enough to ensure that more malevolent hands stay far and away from whatever malefic wish they'd see fulfilled."

As the alliance was formed, the Master-Servant pairs began to share their stories and abilities. Eric and Kit Marlowe, the Caster-class Servant, explained their deep connection and Marlowe's powerful yet dangerous Noble Phantasm, the "Infernal Contract: Rakehell Shadow Pact."

Abid and Lovecraft detailed their own abilities, with Abid's manipulation of distances and Lovecraft's "Cthulhu Mythos: The Lovecraftian Sea of Insanity." They also revealed the risks associated with Lovecraft's Noble Phantasm, which could attract cosmic entities' attention.

Jezebel and M.R. James shared their passion for the supernatural, with James' unique ability to summon Phantom Spirits through his Noble Phantasm, "Whispering Shadows."

Mary and Tolkien discussed their goal of using the Holy Grail to save the environment and Tolkien's powerful, albeit cursed, Noble Phantasm, the "One Ring: Dominion Over Will." and the peril it would cause if none of them were careful around it.

As the night wore on, the newly-formed Black Faction began to forge bonds of trust and understanding, unaware that one among them, M.R. James, had been contacted by, and consorted with, yet another new party to the Grail War... all while the other three teams of Masters and Servants began to form in turn...

The Black Faction Master-Servant pairs prepared for the battles ahead, knowing that the Holy Grail War would test their newfound alliance and their individual strengths. They had chosen their path, and together, they would face their destiny as the Black Faction.

***

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, the newly-formed Black Faction gathered in the living room of their temporary base. They had agreed to spend the remainder of their 24 hours before the start of the Holy Grail War strategizing and getting to know each other better.

Eric, wrapped in a blanket, sat next to Abid, who was lazily flipping through a book on Magecraft. Meanwhile, Jezebel and Mary huddled together, discussing their shared interest in the supernatural.

"I never thought I'd meet someone else who's fascinated by the occult," Jezebel said, smiling warmly at Mary.

Mary blushed, "I've always loved literature about the supernatural. I think it helps us understand the unknown and the human psyche."

As the Masters conversed, their Servants stood at a respectful distance, quietly observing their Masters' interactions.

Tolkien approached Kit Marlowe, intrigued by the fellow author's unique abilities.

"Your Noble Phantasm, the Rakehell Shadow Pact, is truly impressive," he said. "But its power comes at a great cost. Too great, if you asked me."

Marlowe sighed...

"Indeed, it's a double-edged sword. But I believe in Eric, and together, we can wield its power to achieve victory."

In another corner of the room, Lovecraft observed M.R. James, his unsettling gaze never leaving the other Servant. He sensed something was amiss but couldn't pinpoint the exact cause of his unease.

***

The day progressed, and the Black Faction spent their time sharing stories, discussing strategies, and exploring the strengths and weaknesses of their respective Noble Phantasms. They also practiced their Magecraft, working together to improve their synergy and cooperation.

As their time grew short, Eric suggested a final meal together before the Holy Grail War commenced. They gathered around the table, a newfound camaraderie blossoming between them.

"To the Black Faction," Eric toasted, raising his glass, "and to our success in the Holy Grail War!"

The others echoed his sentiment, clinking their glasses together. Each member of the Black Faction felt a renewed sense of purpose, bolstered by the knowledge that they were not alone in their quest for victory.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the atmosphere in the room grew tense, the reality of the impending war weighing heavily on everyone's minds. The Master-Servant pairs retreated to their respective rooms, preparing themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.

Despite the uncertainty of the coming battles, the Black Faction stood united, ready to face whatever trials awaited them in the Holy Grail War.