Chapter 4

16 0 0
                                    

The group ran through the dead city, Olga Marie directing with the holo-map she was projecting on her wrist. Mash led the charge, pushing past any skeletons that tried to bar their way, and Leo kept to the back making sure they were not being followed.

"Romani, what are their vitals like?" Marie yelled as she ran.

"They are fine for now, but based on the readings we are getting they have likely encountered some danger." Romani's Archaman's voice came through the watch-like device on Marie's wrist.

"It's hard to gauge what they are facing, but I would hurry!"

"Director!" Mash leapt forward, smashing her shield into a skeleton that had appeared out of an alley. "I don't think the Senpai's of Team A would struggle with enemies like these."

"There are likely servants here." Leo offered, panting slightly as he ran. He had been hoping this new body would be a bit more athletic, but he was struggling to keep up.

"What? Why do you say that?" Marie glanced back at Leo with a frown. She too was panting thanks to the constant running.

"Before I found you guys, I saw someone attacking at range from that tower." Leo pointed to the tall broadcasting tower in the distance. "However they have backed off, but it seems based on the magical energy I detected, I believe it was a Heroic Spirit."

"A Heroic Spirit... damn it we haven't had time to summon one ourselves." Marie gritted her teeth and kept running. "Mash, if we encounter an enemy Servant, you will need to deal with it. Be ready!"

"I...don't know if I can..."

"You don't have much of a choice now, you're nearly there!" Romani said. The group rounded a corner and slid to a stop.

Their mad dash had led them to the bank of the massive river, running through the city. The water moved through sluggishly, the fire of the other side of the bank reflected in its murky waters. On the riverbank, a group of 7 individuals were arrayed in a loose circle, all looking around cautiously. Leo instantly recognised them. The distinctive secondary antagonists of FGO's second act, Team A.

As the group arrived, one of the mages glanced over and called out a warning.

"Careful, an enemy is... there!"

"Leo, behind you!" Romani's voice sounded urgently, and Leo spun just in time to see a shadow detach itself from the building and rush towards him. As Leo stumbled backwards, a steel shadow leapt in front of him, Mash's black shield meeting the extended dagger.

There was a loud clang as the blade struck the shield, and the shadowy assassin leapt back quickly disappearing behind the buildings. Mash kept her shield raised watching cautiously.

"Director, Mr Leo, please stay behind me. I... don't know if I can fend him off again, but I will do my best."

"Ohohoh. It seems the rats have grown yet again." A soft laugh emerged from the surroundings, echoing amongst the empty buildings.

"Let's get to the others, hurry!" Olga Marie ordered.

Despite her best efforts Leo could hear the nervousness in her voice. The group slowly moved towards the other 7, all of them keeping a watch on their surroundings as the enemy Servant laughed from the shadows. As they approached Team A, they crossed a small line of symbols that were hovering above the ground. Leo immediately the environment's oppressive heat was lifted slightly, a welcome respite.

"You should be safer here, Director Animusphere."

A calm collected voice spoke, and a young man approached from the assembled mages. Long blond hair tumbled past his waist, and his blue eyes assessed each member of the group, pausing on Mash's new armour. He wore white regal clothing, with a coat draped over one side, and white feathers on his other shoulder, and in his hands, he held his signature staff. A man of confidence, ability and kind heart, there was no mistaking the leader of Team A for anyone else.

Fate/ Grand CrypterWhere stories live. Discover now