I opened my eyes to see a realm strange yet familiar.

  I noticed that I was no longer in my robe. I mutter a silent “thanks” to know my decency is preserved.

  Instead, I wear what I could only describe as armoured business casual.

  “Baal, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

  I stare down into the continuing abyss. The “walls” are covered in sludge and ooze. They moved and twitched, with an almost human touch.

  Many spots glow a dark purple. For a moment, I swear I can see faces.

  The glowing dots move down into the endless bottom, merging and gathering mass.

  They all meet at the bottom and join, shining brightly before…

  Nothing.

  Or at least I thought so until the floor rapidly gained mass.

  It grew from a point before splitting into two. Fangs rger than me emerged before folding back into the mouth.

  The eyes were rge but proportional to the head. Before they were even open, they were narrowed on me.

  Slowly, the ooze pulled away from the snake, as if it were shedding its skin. Dark scales devoured the light, yet it glistened like royalty.

  A perfect oxymoron for a pilr of my past world. A Titan.

  The Titan of Corruption

  BAAL

  His mouth curled upward, and then he spoke.

  “Can’t I say hello to my favourite Titan Master?” Baal asked.

  “Not when you’re comparable to Loki in deception.”

  “How rude! Don’t compare me to someone who's practically imaginary. My legacy still lives on to this day.”

  “My mistake. Can I go back to my dream, please? I was enjoying it.”

  “My apologies, but I can’t let you do that,” Baal answered. “Tell me, when was the st time your life was in proper danger?”

  “In this universe? Practically all the time.” Baal sighed.

  “I mean, were you in a battle that pushed you to the brink? Where your mind, body, and soul were unified and tested to the limit?”

  I remain quiet, thinking about it. “Your silence is telling.”

  “You try dealing with a demi-god on a semi-daily basis!”

  “What I’m hearing,” Baal continued, ignoring me. “Is that you are growing compcent with yourself? And we can’t have that, now can we?”

  ‘I hate to admit it, but he’s right.’

  Baal’s head disappeared back into the slime. I realized that the ground was actually coming closer now.

  I roll down onto the ground, absorbing the impact through my entire body. “Any restrictions?”

  “Well… Since you asked so kindly. The boy you’re possessing magic is ‘Swords,’ correct? How about only using your sword skills then?”

  “You and I both know that’s not how it works.”

  Slowly, a sword emerged from the ground. I take it and inspect it.

  It’s European in design, but it’s quite neutral, aside from the fact that it is all bck.

  Monsters rose from the ground, surrounding me. Some are around my height, some taller, some shorter. Some are furred with long snouts; some are scaled with exposed teeth.

  What I don’t know is how many are around me. It’s hard to distinguish bck from bck. For all I know, they could all be an illusion. I wouldn’t put it past Baal.

  This is a dream after all.

  “Huh, I guess Samson left more of a mark than I realized.”

  “He pushed my powers to their limits and beyond,” Baal answered. “Now to do the same with you.”

  Two monsters lunged at me from opposite sides, fangs bared. I crouched just in time as they collided headfirst into each other.

  Before I can get back to my feet, cwed hands wrapped around my ankles from behind, locking me in pce.

  Now in a rough spot with three monsters closing in fast, I quickly bashed the monster holding me down in the face with the pommel of my sword; it let out a pained snarl, reeling back and clutching its semi-caved-in face.

  Now that I have more room to py with, I analyze my enemies.

  Or tried to, as I get gut-checked by a humanoid lion, folding in on myself.

  I capture the arm and proceed to knee them repeatedly. I shoved them away, making them collide with the horde, and elbowed the two approaching at my sides.

  I parry behind me, riposte, and stab wildly. Unfortunately, the beasts have some level of intelligence, as one redirected my sword to the ground.

  It sank before I yanked it out. However, it changed.

  What once was a one-handed European sword was now a two-handed sword of simir design. I readjust my grip.

  A monster took a swipe at me, but I guarded, taking one rge swing upward, bisecting it. With the built momentum, I swung downward, continuing the action with an impale.

  I grabbed the handle and pushed upward, angling the Zweihander. Using its new position, I held the handle and swung around, soaring into the air.

  I tried to take out the greatsword with me, but it stayed stuck, being assimited into the beast.

  Having reached the ground again, I look for options. Appearing before me is a rapier. I take it.

  I thrust and swung at the approaching horde. They kept moving forward.

  “It seems like I’ll have to take this seriously,” I sighed, before taking a proper stance.

  I strike solely at vitals. Only the throat stabs work.

  I aimed for the joints instead, which worked much better.

  Remembering what happened not too long ago, I stabbed the rapier into the ground.

  I pull it out, now having a serrated edge to it. I take a test ssh at a monster, peeling the sword away.

  I cut into the neck of one of them. Feeling the rivets taking root, I jump and spin around, messily cutting the neck of one and imprinting my boot mark on many more.

  I take wide swings at the horde, ducking and weaving throughout. I grab the rapier with two hands, one on the handle and the other on the pommel. I thrust and stab, skewering the beasts.

  One tried to bite me, but I swiftly uppercutted it. Feeling like my current weapon served its purpose, I punched it through, creating an ooze monster kebab.

  I reached my hand out, and a long shaft entered my grasp.

  I used the blunt end to smack and strike multiple monsters. I switched, using the sharp end and doing the same movement. I repeated the movement and spun until it became a blur.

  I break the spear in half, putting it back into the ground.

  A bat and dagger came out.

  The horde has closed in on me more, so I rely on quick, efficient movements.

  Eventually, the bde got stuck into a monster. Taking the initiative, I braced with the bat and rammed the creature. Thinking quickly, I upgraded the bat. What was left in my hands was a weapon fit for an oni.

  I used every part of Kanabō, but surprisingly, it broke.

  I resorted to using my body, and a strike to the head made everything blur.

  Punches.

  Kicks.

  Palm.

  Elbows.

  Knees.

  Chops.

  Headbutts.

  Bites.

  Scratches.

  “That’s enough.” I finally heard.

  I blinked, and the creatures disappeared.

  “Well, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Baal asked.

  “I’d say my heart is racing, but its hard to tell in a dream.”

  “My one compint is the ending bit.”

  “First, I never agreed to the arrangement; second, martial arts go hand in hand with weapons.”

  “I’d hardly call that ‘martial arts.’” Baal said, manifesting once more before me.

  “You aren’t a very good judge, Baal,”

  “Oh please, call me by my true name. You’ve more than earned the right.”

  “Very well, Apep.”

  “If you’re ever in need of a challenge, you know where to look,” Apep said. “For now, though.”

  “Awaken”

  Morning...

  I wake up back in Shirou’s body, and immediately my gut is telling me something is wrong.

  I searched the Emiya estate to see what was wrong. I even checked my recently created workshop. As far as I can tell, nothing turns up.

  Realizing the chance I had, I checked my hiding spot.

  My camera remained undetected.

  Another test Kiritsugu gave st night. Since I already knew many ways to harm and potentially kill someone, he wanted to focus on espionage and intel gathering. When I was working on the Glock, he searched for the camera, and when he came back with the camera, I hid it somewhere else in the house.

  Before I went to bed, I hid it one more time.

  ‘It wasn't in that good of a spot to begin with. I'm surprised Kiritsugu didn't-’

  I ran into Kiritsugu's room, and that's when my fears were confirmed.

  (…)

  A pro of having ties to the yakuza is the fact that if your retionship with them is good enough, you can ask them to do something without having to call in a favour.

  For example, getting an express trip straight to the ER.

  I was currently seated in the waiting area. It was an ungodly hour, yet the hospital was still running strong. Those taking the graveyard shift have my sympathy.

  It isn't long before I hear a familiar cane hitting the tiled ground.

  “Any news?”

  “Haven't heard anything yet.”

  Raiga put a hand on my shoulder. “Ya father is a strong man. He's gone through hell to get where he is right now. Ah'm sure he'll pull through.”

  ‘Problem is that he doesn't.’

  “Ah know this is a bad time to ask.” “But ah got an update on the guys creeping on my territory.”

  “Any restrictions?”

  “This time I don't really care. Just don't be too sloppy with disposal.”

  “Got it.”

  Fortunately, the doctor opened the door. But he had a solemn expression on his face.

  “I'll be blunt. He doesn't have long to live.” “I'm amazed that he survived for as long as he has. I've never seen something like that. We'll still do everything we can to help him, but… be prepared to make peace.”

  “Can I have a moment alone with him?” The doctor nodded.

  I go into the room alone. It's hard to describe Kiritsugu's predicament. There are no injuries on him, but the pain is clear in his expression.

  “I wish I knew what to say, but I don't.” “I've always had a hard time expressing myself, especially when it comes to words.”

  “I've always been a man of action. Thankfully, I know how to act.”

  “Trace On,” my Magic Circuits surge to life. Next, the Muramasa Crest.

  I empty my mind. I won’t be needing it right now.

  I reach into my body and pull.

  Pull.

  Pull.

  PULL!

  I pant heavily. My body is drenched in sweat. Every breath I take feels on fire. But that’s not what's important.

  Because in my hands y a Divine Construct.

  Avalon.

  “Let’s hope this works,” I muttered under my breath. I grab a nearby chair to stand on so I have more room to py with.

  I focus, letting my body take control. I feel the connection between the Avalon within me and the one in my hands. As soon as the sheath I held felt different, I pushed it within Kiritsugu.

  It disappeared into Kiritsugu. There’s a moment of silence interrupted by breaths and the heart monitor.

  Subtly, his expression changed. His breath steadied. His face softened.

  I leave the room and sit on one of the chairs. One of the nurses entered the room.

  They run out.

  “Get the doctor! The patient’s condition is getting better!”

  Raiga looked at me. I shrugged.

  But I bet my smile gave me away.

  Evening...

  Business was slow in Fuyuki. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, though.

  Fuyuki was quiet, unlike other cities. Anywhere else you could get more opportunities, but the chances of getting caught were higher.

  But most assume that there isn’t any crime here. That there are only petty crimes. But that’s far from the truth.

  The Fujimura Group is a prime example of that. An organized crime family in Miyama Town that has an “anything goes” attitude. But recently that's changed.

  They have become more efficient and expanded their reach. They’ve even started dipping their hands into the technology business. However, their actions seem to be more moral.

  This is perfect for those willing to get their hands dirty for a few more bucks.

  “Easy. Easy,” a man said, directing a lorry into a warehouse.

  “What’s inside?”

  “Nothing. This is just to prep for ter.”

  “Alright, that makes three. Just two more.”

  “I’m gonna take a smoke break.” The man left.

  Minutes passed as foot taps got louder.

  “You okay, boss man?”

  “What’s taking him so long?” A moment passed before he said something else. “Someone go check on him.”

  A guy pulled out a gun before stepping out of the warehouse.

  A scream was heard outside before it was cut off.

  Everyone pulled out their guns.

  “Keep your eyes peeled, men; it seems we have a rat around here.” The boss ordered.

  The lights started to flicker. For a moment the dark spot would be created; the next a man would be gone.

  This happened two more times before someone fired. The bullet hit its mark, shoving the attacker into the light.

  A body that consumed the light. The appearance left nothing and everything to the imagination.

  The only notable detail was its head.

  A bright red helmet fitted to the head.

  No eye holes. No visor. No cutout. No decals. No nothing.

  Just a red helmet.

  It reached for a weapon, and all hell broke loose.

  Bullets flew at the assaint. They bounced off as Red swung at one of the criminals. The chain was wrapped around his neck and was pulled toward the user. It grabbed his face and smmed him into the ground.

  Red leapt at another, slicing his chest cleanly. It then stabbed his throat and swung, decapitating him.

  It grabbed the scythe and swung the chain around, preparing for another strike. But the kusarigama was shot out of its hand.

  Red looked away and was shot in the ‘face’ before pulling another weapon.

  A crowbar.

  It leapt forward, swinging downward. One fell to their knees.

  Red grabbed the crowbar with two hands and swung, sending the victim flying into the truck.

  It swung the crowbar with its right arm in a wide arc twice, once right and the next left. It then swung upward. It then grabbed the bded end and struck with the round end.

  It then spun 180 degrees and swung downward.

  One man was left. Or rather, was gone.

  Realizing he couldn’t win, he ran away. His breath became scarce, his body heavy, his legs weak. In the corner of his eye, he could swear he saw a bright red dot following him.

  Thankfully, his eyes were just pying tricks on him.

  He looked around to make sure the coast was clear. Seeing that it was, he pulled out his phone and dialled a number.

  Only to get punched in the face.

  Cpping and ughter fill the air.

  “I’m surprised you were willing to grace me with your presence today, your majesty.” I said, taking the phone and noting the phone number.

  “It’s been a while since we’ve st met, so I thought I would grace you with my presence, Smith” Gilgamesh said.

  I cancelled the call and pocketed the phone. “How have your projects been?”

  “Pteauing. Because of that, I’ve decided to study at the Clock Tower.”

  “That cesspool of vermin?”

  “The one and only.”

  “I hope you realize that you won’t be able to escape me no matter how far you go, correct?”

  “Oh please, your majesty. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. I’ll send a clone there and periodically check in.”

  “That’s quite a useful ability. Why don’t you use it more often?”

  “Aside from the amount of mana it costs in summoning and maintaining, its difficult to split two souls into two or more vessels.” Gilgamesh looked at me confused.

  I sighed. “Let me expin in another way.” I Traced two gss cups. “Imagine this gss is the host body and this gss is the clone.”

  “Notice how both of them are empty? That's sort of a neat trick I found out about myself. I have a unique quality when it comes to cloning techniques. Since I'm considered hollow in some regards, it's much easier to clone myself than others. However, cloning two people at once is very hard.”

  I Traced icicles until one gss was full. “Consider the water as a soul. You only have so much as a resource. You want to pour a lot so you can have more power, but you have to make sure that the host body is never empty.”

  “Add that to the fact that I possessed this body, and thus I am not in total control of the soul; every time I loosen a hold on it, it has a chance to break free. Of course, it will not be that easy, but the risk is still there.” I swirled the water around before drinking it and dismissing the gsses.

  “How does it feel?”

  “Like talking to two people at once.”

  “What were you going to do with the mongrel?”

  “Interrogate them and see what information I can find. Why?” I inspected the body to make sure he was still alive.

  “Why not use him for that project of yours?”

  I stopped. “If you’re referring to that one, I already hit a dead end with a while ago.”

  “Did you say that there was something you hadn't tried yet? “

  “It wasn't worth pursuing.” I stood up and turned.

  “Why not? You're not afraid, are you?”

  “There's only so much I am willing to do.”

  “And there it is. Willing. Didn't you tell me that you were willing to survive using any means necessary? Right now, you have a chance to get stronger without having to lose anything, and from what I've heard, the next grail war will be quite the undertaking, so it would be in your best interest to get as strong as you need to be. Even if it means getting your hands dirty.”

  With that, Gilgamesh walked away.

  And I needed to make a choice.

  Two whole fight scenes? It's more likely than you think.

  You must be wondering why I've posted before the end of the month, correct?

  You see, I realized that this chapter was much closer to completion than I thought and today is quite the special day for me.

  That's right its my birthday! Today I turn...

  What? You thought I would reveal my age on the internet? Sorry, but I still believe in stranger danger.

  There will still be the regurly scheduled end-of-the-month post. Who knows? Maybe this will continue throughout the year.

  By the way, I've added a warning on AO3 because of the aforementioned fight scenes, but it got me thinking if I should change the ratings. Especially for the upcoming things I'm writing (no spoilers.) Some sites don't count for this, but I want to be (mostly) upfront with what people are getting when they read my stuff.

  So, dear viewer, I need your help!

  I would make a poll, but I have no clue how to do it in a way that would include and be helpful to everyone. (if anyone knows a good way to do this, please let me know.)

  Instead of just giving me criticism, please let me know how you feel.

  With that call to action given, that's all I have to say.

  This is FmingHotGarbage, signing off!