"...thach-senpai... Scathach-senpai..." Feeling the gentle shaking on her shoulder, the crimson haired woman quickly transitioned from sleep to wake.

"...Hmm? Oh, good morning, Mashu." Sitting herself up, Scathach moved one hand to massage the back of her neck. She knew it would've happened, but sleeping the way she did definitely came back to bite her when she woke. She could smell the aroma of coffee and toasted bread around the clinic.

"Morning. You know, I'm sure Nightingale-senpai wouldn't mind if you borrowed one of the beds." Walking back to the serving trolley she brought, Mashu picked up both cups of coffee. "Care for some coffee?"

"Thanks. And if you have to know, I didn't exactly have a choice in the matter." She gestured to her hand, where her fingers were intertwined with the mystery patient's.

"Hmm?- Oh... wow..."

"Yea... The girl has quite the grip. She hasn't let go since last night." She explained, taking a sip from her cup.

Finishing her breakfast with her only available hand, Scathach and Mashu then had a lengthy chat until the other's started coming in. Turns out the lavender haired girl was hoping to accompany her the next time she had a task, worried that all the time in the office has rusted her skills in combat.

"Well, with Olga and Boudica's permission, I don't mind. But I don't think you'll be allowed to bring out your mystic code, it isn't exactly... subtle."

Although considered a third-rate magus at best by most, Mashu was anything but. Innately born with only one type of magecraft, Mashu was unable to learn any other due to already being 'at capacity', but only idiots like her creators would consider it a failure. Protection Magecraft, a type of magic unique only to Mashu. As it names suggest, it only allowed the girl defensive magecraft. Normally, the girl was unable to do more than cast simple small protection barriers, but thanks to a long forgotten mystic code in Chaldea's possession, she could us it in tandem with her magic, in turn creating defensive barriers capable to taking on even the strongest of spells without a scratch. But due to how absurdly large the code is, being nearly twice the size of its wielder, she didn't have many opportunities to use it outside.

"I know, but I'm sure I could contribute without having to use Lord Camelot. Like my physical strength, and I've also been practicing a way to use my magecraft without having to use my mystic code."

"Well, if you're that eager, I suppose you could come along with me the next time."

"Really?! Thank you so much, Scathach-senpai!" Mashu yelled out, excitement and joy taking her.

When the other employee's finally came in, while Mashu offered to clean up, Scathach went back to occupying herself between her smartphone and talking to Nightingale when the nurse wasn't busying herself. After awhile, the mystery girl finally released her grasp, freeing Scathach's hand.

"Aww, looks like no more fun for you." Nightingale teased, or at least she tried to, but failed given how monotone she said it. "Anyway, I'm sure you have other more important things to do instead of being intimate and holding hands with my patient."

"Scathach, my office. Now." And right on cue, Olga's voice came over the intercom.

"Like I said. Off you go now."

...

"Excuse me." Pushing the door to Olga's office, she found the director busying herself with the usual daily paperwork. "You wanted to see me, Director?"

"Yes, it's about our mystery girl. Officially Chaldea has taken her on as a client, but since we know nothing about her or why she was being hunted, I want someone keeping an eye on her until we know more. I assume the one who brought her here doesn't mind being volunteered?"

"Fair enough. She'll be my responsibility."

"Okay then. Once Nightingale gives her the all clear-"

"NO! STHENO! EURYALE!" Without warning, very loud yelling could be heard, coming from the nurse's office. Dashing out of Olga's office, Scathach quickly bolted towards the source of the disturbance. Entering Nightingale's office, the mistyrose haired nurse was struggling with the patient, trying to hold down the panicking girl.

"Scathach?! Help me hold her down!" Immediately at her bedside, the crimson haired woman tried to hold down the girl, who immediately latched onto her.

"I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO! I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Screaming nonsensically, her grip started to tighten, nails sinking into Scathach's shoulder, making the latter wince. "I'M SO SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO, I SWEAR!"

"Alright, this should do it." Returning with a syringe in hand, Nightingale quickly sedated her, slipping the patient back to sleep. "You okay?"

"Yea... I'm- I'm fine..."


Leaning next to the pantry window, the crimson haired woman's gaze was focused on the setting sun. Rubbing her shoulder, Scathach was still thinking about before. "That girl..." Although she made no sense with her nonsensical screaming, there was so much... desperation in her voice.

"Scathach-san?" Turning away from the pantry window, Boudica was standing in the door way, holding up a bento box. "You haven't even had lunch yet, right? It's curry from last night but you know what they say about curry."

"It's fine, I'm not-"

"Not hungry because you're too busy worried about our mystery girl? Come now, that's no excuse to not eat. I've way too much for myself anyway, so you'd be doing me a favor." Cutting her off, the redhead prepared another plate, transferring over some of her lunch. White rice, curry and a side of fried cutlet, your standard katsu curry.

"Am I that obvious?"

"Maybe not to the others except Nightingale-san, but I've been working with you for a few years now, you always act like this when you're brooding." Boudica teased, handing her friend a filled plate of food.

"I'm. Not. Brooding."

"Yes yes, I'm sure you're not. Anyway, what do you plan to do about our mystery girl?" The redhead asked. "Whoever those men were in the forest, they're more than likely part of a troublesome group."

"Well, first things first, we don't even know who she is. I'll talk to her when she wakes up, we can decide from then..."

"Ah! Scathach-senpai, Boudica-senpai. There you are." Not long after they finished their late lunch and cleaned up, Mashu entered the pantry looking for them. "The patient has woken up, the Director and Nightingale-senpai are waiting for you. Oh, Scathach-senpai."

"Hmm? Is there something else, Mashu?"

"I forgot to mention this morning, but when I took your clothes to the washer last night, I found this stuck in your pants pocket." Reaching into her jacket pocket, she pulled out a small bracelet. Two tiny heart-shaped rubies, loosely tied together with a piece of worn string. "Is this is yours?"

"No? This is..." Looking closer, there were small traces of blood on it.

...

When they first entered the room, both were slightly shocked by what they saw. The girl's eyes, they were abnormal. Grey corneas that don't seem to take in light, with squares for pupils. Rather than eyes, it felt like they were looking at crystals; it was unnerving.

"Hello there, nice to meet you. I'm Boudica." The redhead introduced herself, taking a seat next to the girl's bedside. "Do you remember why or how you got here?"

The purple haired girl shook her head. "Right... Well for starters, can you tell us your name?"

"..e..usa..." She hesitantly whispered before trying again. "...Medusa."

"Medusa-chan? This is the Chaldea Security & Consultation office in Fuyuki City. We're a group that specializes in dealing with unique problems regular people can't and... Hmm?" The girl wasn't looking at her. Following her gaze, she was staring at Scathach instead. "Oh? That's Scathach-san. Do you remember her?"

"...The forest... you were... there?"

"That's right. You were being chased in the forest outside the city when we ran into you, Scathach-san saved you from your assailants and we brought you here to treat your injuries."

"...Oh... Umm.. Thank you..."

"Your... welcome. So why were those men chasing you anyway? Are you in some sort of trouble?" The crimson haired woman asked.

"I don't know who they are or why they're after me. They abducted us, me and my sisters, kept us locked up. They... did something to me, I don't remember most of it. There was just so much... pain." Medusa started trembling, the recollection taking its toll. Walking up next to her, Scathach laid a hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her. "...Thank you. Somehow I... escaped? I- I don't remember how but the next thing I knew, I was in a forest, running from people with guns and... that's when I ran into you."

"You mentioned your sisters?"

"Yes, my older sisters. Stheno and Euryale. They... they..." Hugging herself, the tears she had held back started to flow.

"Shh... It's okay... you don't have to say anymore." Giving her shoulder a slight squeeze, Scathach reached into her pocket. "Medusa, I also found this. I assume it's yours?"

"This!- Yes, they belonged to my sisters... Thank you! Thank you so much, Scathach..."

...

"Well, based on what Medusa-chan told us, looks like she's a victim of magic human experimentation. According to what you said yesterday, she isn't exactly normal. And her eyes..." Boudica mused. "Were those Mystic Eyes?"

"Possibly. I've never seen anything like them though, at least not ones that mutate the eyes appearance that much. I'll need her to stay in the infirmary for one more night, just in case, but by tomorrow she should be good to go. Anyway, I have to get going now. Mordred'll be out of school soon." Finishing giving her report to Olga, Nightingale went to get her bag and coat from her office before making her way towards the building entrance.

"Regardless, nothing's gonna change. Right, Director?" In response to Boudica's question, Olga nodded. "Okay, so Scathach will keep an eye on her as planned. I'll hit up some of my friends back at the Association, see if they've heard anything. I'll also inform the others to keep their eyes and ears open for anything related."

"Oh, one last thing, Scathach." The Director called out to her before she left the office. "As I was saying before, once Nightingale gives Medusa the all clear, she can stay in the office dormitory's. Help her settle in."


Stepping out of the showers, Scathach tossed her towel at a chair, flopping down onto her bed. She moved her hand over her shoulder again, although healed, a few visible scratch marks still remained. At the very least, the office dorms are secure, Medusa would be safe there but... Grabbing her phone, the crimson haired woman scrolled through her mobile contacts, clicking on the name she wanted. Few moments later, her call was picked up.

"Hi hi, it's rare of you to call me this late. Did you need something?" Boudica's energetic voice came in loud in clear from the other end.

"Hey, could I... borrow a set of clothes from you?"

"Sure? But given our height difference..."

"It's not for me, it's for umm..., Medusa. She's about the same height as you, so they should fit just fine."

"Oh? And why oh why are you asking for Medusa-chan?" And already, teasing could be heard in the redheads voice.

"She's been cooped up in the office infirmary for almost two days now, the dorms aren't gonna be any less boring. And-" The crimson haired woman sighed. "...and I figured I could take her out around town tomorrow. Getting out should do her some good, and it'll keep her mind from remembering anything unpleasant."

"My my, has someone taking a liking to our new client?~" Hearing Scathach click her tongue in annoyance, Boudica let out a victory giggle. "Okay okay, that won't be a problem. I'll get her something nice and comfortable."


"Alright, just one more. Hold still now." Undoing the bandages for Medusa, Nightingale place the last one onto the surgical tray. "And all healed up too..." The wounds she were tending to just two days ago, even the lethal magecraft injury, all healed up without even a trace of scarring.

*knock knock*

Both looking towards the doorway, Boudica and Scathach entered clinic. "Nightingale-san, is she all good?"

"Yep, she's can leave."

"Great. Medusa-chan, how does going outside for a walk sound?"

"Umm, but I don't have an clothes..." Looking down, she was still wearing the patient gown that was provided to her.

"That won't be a problem, you can leave that to Onee-san!" The redhead cheerfully replied, holding up a paper bag. Pulling the partition curtain around the bed, Boudica got to assisting her.

"So what's this about?" Not looking away from her computer monitor, the mistyrose haired nurse asked.

"Nothing much. She's been in here for two days now, I figured she'd like some outside air for a change. Plus..." Scathach replied. "...it'd be better to have her mind on something else instead of remembering anything she'd rather not."

"And this was your idea?"

"Yes?"

"Scathach-san. Have a look!" Boudica's voice came from behind as the partition curtain was pulled back. Turning around, she was momentarily taken stunned. Medusa stood there, looking downward with a flush on her face, awkwardly twiddling her fingers. A violet sleeveless frilled blouse clung on Medusa's voluptuous frame nicely, along with an a indigo pleated skirt. Each feet adorned with white gladiator sandals, and finishing her look, her ankle length hair was tied up as a side ponytail on her left, another ribbon near the tips.

Noticing the flush growing on the crimson hair woman's face, Nightingale couldn't help but smirk. "Really Scathach? All the things in the world and seeing this girl dressed in cute clothes is what it takes to reduce you to a love struck maiden?"

"Umm... I'm not really used to... clothes like these..." The purple haired woman stuttered, still refusing to make eye contact.

"You- You look really um, cute- great! You look great." Momentarily mesmerized, she barely noticed both the nurse and the redhead snickering at her.

"That's sweet! Now now, off you two go then. Scathach, you can take one of the cars." Ushering Medusa outside along with her.

"Enjoy your date." And in response to Nightingale's monotone tease, Scathach closed the door to her office a little harder than usual. "Heh... Cute."

...

Their first stop, Verde, the largest shopping mall in the Shinto district. Going through the various shops, they purchased a couple sets of clothes for Medusa. Despite her protest, Scathach managed to convince her that she'd need clothes of her own since she unfortunately had nothing right now. The crimson haired woman never bothered buying anything she didn't need anyway, so she had more than enough to pay for it.

Later on, much to Scathach's surprise, Medusa spent quite a bit of time browsing the bookstore. Turns out she was into reading, getting herself a few novels that caught her eye. Continuing their shopping adventure until after lunch, they decided to take a short break before they headed back to the car, when something caught Medusa's eye.

Feeling a tug on her coat sleeve, Scathach turned towards the girl. "Medusa? Something wrong?"

"What's that?" From the bench they were sitting on, she was pointing at a nearby store with children queuing in front.

"Oh, that's a crepe stand." Looking back, the purple haired girl was clearly curious about what a crepe was. "Wait here, I'll be right back."

Walking towards the stand, Scathach returned a few minutes later with a cone shaped object in her hand. "Here."

"Thank you..." Staring at the white cream and strawberries in awe, Medusa slowly moved in. Taking a small bite, her eyes instantly widened at the taste. "...It's good." Watching as Medusa joyfully munched on her treat, the crimson haired woman softly smiled.

...

Backing the car into the company garage, Scathach helped Medusa to unload her shopping bags from the boot. After showing the purple haired girl around Shinto, they both went on a brief tour through Mount Miyama, Miyama Town's shopping district, lasting until nightfall, where the duo had dinner before returning.

"Welcome back, Scathach-senpai, Medusa-senpai." Mashu popped into the garage.

"...Senpai?" Medusa tilted her head.

"Oh, don't mind me. Everyone in the company is 'senpai' to me. But I can stop calling you that if you want me to." Medusa shook her head, saying it was fine. "Great! Oh right. Scathach-senpai, the Director wants you in her office. She said it's important."

"Sure thing. Medusa, Mashu will show you to the dorms; she lives there as well." Although Medusa wanted to help, the lavender haired girl was quick to pick up every single one of her bags with ease, leading her towards the dorms while the crimson haired woman made her way to Olga's office, where Boudica and Shirou were also waiting for her. "Director, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, we have a problem. Emiya-kun, if you don't mind."

"Right, I heard this from Fuji-nee this afternoon." Fujimura 'Jaguar Man' Taiga, Shirou's step-sister and one of his information sources. Successor to Fujimura Raiga, she is the current family head of the yakuza group of Fuyuki City. Nothing goes on in Fuyuki's underworld without her knowledge, be it small time drug deals or underworld assassinations, so any information from her is usually as accurate as can be. "Apparently some unsavory types approached her yakuza asking for a certain person, they were even offering half-a-million yen in cash for any information: Female, early twenties, fair skinned, grey eyes and long purple hair."

"That's-" There was no mistaking it, the description was too specific to be a coincidence.

"And according to one of my contacts in the police, someone made an inquiry for a person of the same description. When they were asked if they wanted it to be an official missing person's case, they denied. Whoever's looking for Medusa, they're working fast." Olga added.

"Anything from the Mages Association?"

"Nothing aside from the usual, none my friends there have heard a thing. I don't think they're aware." Boudica replied. "And knowing how they'd normally handle things, I think it'd be better if we were to handle this, at least until we know more."

"And only until we know more. If this get's out of hand, we're contacting the Association immediately, got it?-" When the lights suddenly died out throughout the building, Olga sighed. "Great, just great."

"Backup generators should've kicked in by now; this isn't a regular blackout." This wasn't an accident, something just tripped Scathach's detection rune barrier. "My runes are picking up intruders. They're... magi."


Note:

Katsu curry is a breaded deep-fried cutlet (usually pork or chicken) served with white rice and curry sauce.