"What a strange turn of events," Jekyll mused as he readjusted the cravat, then took a sip of the delicious wine that filled his golden cup.
Mordred, with her helmet dismantled into her armor, huffed next to him. "I don't buy it. He's just doing this to drop our guards..."
"Considering how much you're eating, I think you're buying it fine," he sighed as he looked to his friend across the golden table. She glared at him in return, then shoved another slice of chicken into her mouth. They had chosen to sit at one of the large table's far ends with Gabrielle, who giggled at her antics; It was good to see her in fairer health after a magecraft-induced treatment. The temple's protection from the mana-infused outside air meant the breathing masks could also be temporarily discarded.
As Mordred was quick to point out at first glance, their situation had not gone poorly as Nitocris had suggested by any means.
Upon entering the temple, several guards had taken the place of the group of sphinxes to lead the female pharaoh and her Chaldean guests to the inner sanctum. It was after navigating several luxurious sandstone corridors covered in hieroglyphs that they arrived at the large, golden room in the heart of the complex. The large, sandstone columns flanked a grand blue carpet in the center of the room, which was spacious enough to rival a small stadium. The golden table that are at had appeared in the center after their initial greeting.
It was at the throne at the very end of the room, the exact center of the temple where a sunbeam lit the Egyptian legend, that judgement was to be passed. Instead, to Nitocris' surprise as well, the Sun King had other ideas. Instead of judgement, he had ordered servers to bring out food and for entertainers to begin their performances consisting of traditional music and dance. No fight or conflict had broken out, but Mordred was nowhere near comfortable enough to deem him an ally; The others likely felt the same.
As to why they were warmly welcomed was a complete mystery. Gudao had only just recently informed him of the Sun King's own residence at Chaldea a minute ago, so that wasn't it. That sure made him extra happy though. "Splendid, splendid! A Pharaoh of my stature deserves no less!"
"I agree, Sun King Ozymandias," Gudao slightly bowed before the throne with a confident smile. He'd been there this whole time and had yet to even touch his food.
"You are permitted, Master of Chaldea... Share more stories of my stay and accommodations. Consider it a blessing to grace the ear of the Sun King with your words!" the olive-skinned man declared as he sat forward on his throne intently.
His intricate golden armor and jewelry sang of higher prestige and divine grace than the intricate throne he was perched. The muscular man, clad with black, skin-tight cloth, looked perfect atop the sandstone throne, whose golds and blues glimmered around its edges like spotlights. His regal golden eyes gazed at the male master expectantly from atop the massive throne, but there was no discernible tension whatsoever. There was only Ozymandias' flawless smirk that shimmered like his ancient adornments.
At the base of the throne, Nitocris still stood at guard with her staff in hand, but disbelief in her eyes. Mordred glanced at her thinly veiled disappointment, but withheld a chuckle at a previous muttering she overheard. "To have earned the Sun King's favor so easily… No! I-I, Nitocris, am not envious!"
Though a nice revelation, Mordred couldn't help but feel there was a reason for the prideful king's actions.
o==(=======-
Chapter II: The Sun King Ozymandias
-=======)==o
"Still no transmission possible, doctor," Tesla stated with his arms crossed at the back of the room. The jacket of his modern black suit rested on top of a nearby chair. His collar was undone and the blue tie hung loosely around his neck as he shook his head. He appeared just as concerned as everyone else in the room, but not nearly as stressed as the acting Director.
"Why can't we establish a- Dammit. What could possibly be interfering!?"
"Doctor Roman," Lord El-Melloi II began with his hands in his favorite red coat. The few employees still within the control room were giving the pair concerned looks. "For the last time, I suggest you get some rest."
The disheveled Chaldean official ran a hand through his hair as he sighed in frustration. "I can't. Not while we haven't made first contact."
"Doctor Roman..." an Indian employee began tentatively.
"No, Anishka... I need to make sure they're alright. I-I can't leave the console in case-"
"Doctor Roman Archaman." The doctor looked up from the primary console to look at the cast-
He found himself staring at a small mirror held up by a robot. His reflection had definitely seen better days. The bags under his eyes looked terrible. The stress piled considerably since the first hour after deployment. His hair was a mess due to the countless times he had run his hands through them to vent frustration. A game could even be made out of guessing the number of red veins that stretched across his eyes.
The robot slowly pulled the mirror back at the beckoning of the caster behind it as the doctor sighed in resignation. Of course he was worried. Every time contact wasn't made, he couldn't help but fear for the worst. Even as the system continually checked and acknowledged they were there, he feared for anything.
Lord El-Melloi had a very rare concerned look in his eyes, the usual scowl long since vanished. "We understand how you feel. They may very well be in trouble, but by the rate their signal has been moving, they're alive and mobile. All we can do is keep trying to break through."
Roman dejectedly sat on a nearby chair and felt the strength in his legs give out after spending hours frantically working. "…I know."
"Tesla and I can continue hailing. We've got nothing more important to do while in recovery."
"Get some rest, doctor," the archer nodded in agreement as he made his way to the front of the room. "It's a mystery you've been up this long without any coffee, but us intelligent types need our sleep."
"I know…" He fell into silent thought as dreams threatened to take hold. Fatigue whispered into his ears and tugged at his eyes. Sleep beckoned and seduced through silence.
The doctor would not argue that his eyes were trying to shut themselves as he thought, and his fingers continuously shook when left to do nothing… But he felt so guilty. Countless hours were always poured into making sure the masters were well supported on their endeavors. If anything, he felt that he owned them now more than ever after what he told them about Mashu. He felt horrible that he had kept the secret, and the sting from Gudao's punch truly told him how wrong of a decision he made. That's why he had to make it up to them as best as he could... yet they were right.
Chaldea did all they could to solve the jamming issue, but they can only wait and keep trying.
The doctor slowly got up from his chair and walked towards the back of the room, where Tesla had borrowed an absent employee's monitor. A robot hovered out of the way as he reached for a hidden panel and slipped his fingers underneath it. With a few clicks, a temporary cot opened up in the wall and slid partially out. After sitting down, the doctor, with a fatigued gaze that tore through the floor, removed his shoes and slowly laid down. A content sigh left his lips as he slowly closed his eyes.
His mind was a rush hour traffic jam, and he wondered how he'd even sleep. "…Wake-"
"We'll wake you up if anything changes," El-Melloi interrupted from next to the bed, which startled the doctor. He must have followed very quietly… or not. He may have just been that tired and simply not noticed.
Roman's mind fell absolutely blank. The question of if he could sleep was lost in an instant as the caster muttered a small incantation for the distraught individual and ensured a rejuvenating rest.
"He works as hard as Gudao… Too hard."
The caster turned to the archer and nodded slowly before he started walking towards the front of the room. "His concern and hard work are commendable, but that lack of sleep will cause a mistake. This is for the best."
Tesla nodded and tossed one final glance towards the sleeping doctor as El-Melloi moved to the primary console. Contact in past primary anomalies had been made within an hour at very most, even under battle conditions. This time, it had been nearly fourteen hours since they deployed and not a single communications link had managed to stabilize, let alone attempt to form. More servants were getting concerned by the hour if they would actually feel the ripple of a master's death from the distant past.
Tesla's hands swiftly danced across the control panel as concern was dammed behind focused eyes. "I'll try another localized channel sweep to see if I can break through. All employees, please try and find holes from scratch. Any possibility may lead to a discovery."
o==(=======- -III- -=======)==o
"O' Great Sun King! I have betrayed your trust and lead your enemies into this temple! People whose names reside among our list!" Nitocris declared while on her hands and knees before the throne. "I will happily accept any punishment the Pharaoh wishes to place upon my head. But these kni-"
Her eyes widened as she was interrupted by the hearty laugh of the Sun King who had previously been drowsy until their entrance. She dared to lift her head as he stared back down at her with a gri- No, he was staring at the black-haired Chaldean.
"You must be Master Gudao of Chaldea, and these must be your servants," Ozymandias asked with a loud and proud voice; There was no doubt in his tone. The master's eyes widened in shock. "I understand you are here in this singularity to retrieve the grail and repair the anomaly."
"You are correct, Sun King Ozymandias. We do not mean any harm or inconvenience to your rule," Gudao replied quickly with a small bow, earning a curious but delighted raise of an eyebrow from the Sun King. He was more than well aware that they would arrive, and was not surprised when he caught the first glance of the distinctive uniform that the visions granted him for possessing the cup. The courteous gestures were also welcome.
What delighted and surprised him most, however, was the presence of particular servants in Gudao's entourage. Had he not been wiser, he may have had them immediately hounded down by his army of sphinxes to protect his kingdom. Instead, it made the possibilities of future entertainment much more enticing. Their obvious difference in magical energy with the ones he had personally clashed with was all he needed to know when they entered his kingdom; He knew the knights before him were not interested in his head, but rather the-
"Grail? Anomaly?" Nitocris breathed out in curiosity as she looked up at the pharaoh. Upon meeting eyes with him, she quickly bowed her head at having forgotten her place.
"It is my failing to not have properly informed you of such circumstances, Nitocris. I shall remedy this as soon as we cater to our esteemed guests properly."
"I shall happily accept the punishmen-"
"Worry not, Nitocris… Punishment is unnecessary for bringing such a surprising form of entertainment…" He stated as he casually looked among Chaldea's many servants, but took particular interest in the summoned Knights of the Round Table and their young King. "Yes… This is a promising sight from Chaldea! Nitocris! Have the sprites set up the table for a proper banquet! Let us show our guests how the wonderous people of the sand deliver proper hospitality!"
"Y-Yes, O' wise Pharaoh!"
o==(=======- -IV- -=======)==o
The table was abuzz with relaxed conversation as the servants continued to pick food from the many different plates. There was a seemingly endless train of fire sprites bringing new dishes from the unseen kitchen. These being of mystical flame resonated strongly with ancient power, yet there was no cause for alarm. Agile and swift, they merely made quick work of bringing hot food for their feast.
Any initial hesitation over poisoning had passed an hour ago as the Chaldean group continued to eat. Medea and Medusa had finished their small meals, and quietly talked at the opposite end of the table from Mordred and Jekyll. The caster looked composed but comfortable like many others ever since they escaped the blistering heat. Even so, she shot an occasional glance towards Mordred while others enjoyed the meal.
Arturia especially, flanked on both sides by Gawain and Emiya, was heartily enjoying the food as it came out. As she continued to eat in delight, Emiya looked on in slight amusement, and barely concealed jealousy, at how much she was enjoying the dishes. Jeanne giggled in her seat next to him, but Lancelot merely remained quiet beside her and kept a silent vigil.
On the opposite side of the table, Nobunaga was simply enjoying whatever food she could get her hands on. She still grumbled about the lack of fish on occasion from what Lancelot occasionally heard from his spot. Beside her, Da Vinci continued her conversation with Gabrielle and Scathach while her staff remained propped against Gudao's empty seat. Though attentive for any possible attack, he still listened intently to Da Vinci's little lecture.
"We're definitely in the 13th century, but the readings from my staff are not incorrect either," The inventor mused loudly to the two as she played with an apple in her ungloved hand. "While walking here, Nitocris said this was the Egyptian Desert, and she wasn't lying. It is B.C. Egyptian sand, but how Ozymandias managed to transplant an entire region here is beyond me."
"Does that mean the Sixth Singularity isn't the Holy Land, but this desert?" Mashu inquired across from him. From what Lancelot could easily guess, she was definitely going to force feed Gudao food if he kept his conversation with the pharaoh going any longer; Fou was happily taking advantage of his abandoned plate in the meantime.
"Mmm… not quite. It's just that this Egypt is a foreign object to the world. But according to my device's readings, there's one place in Egypt where space-time is even more distorted… and it sits on the exact spot the former Jerusalem should be."
"And these distortions are why we can't get in contact with Roman," Gabrielle presumed with a sigh and shake of her head. "Doesn't look like we'll have help for a while..."
"We should be thankful there weren't any serious encounters yet," Scathach offered, and earned a small incredulous look from Gabrielle. She merely smiled lightly at her. "If you are about to bring up the incident with Nitocris, I will remind you that we were all holding back to save energy. We just had a wandering servant to thank for diffusing it."
"You're right… Well, I hope Chaldea isn't in total panic at least…" She sighed again and bit into the pineapple she had newly sliced on her plate. "Lucius... Maybe we'll run into him again."
Lancelot sure wouldn't mind taking another glance at him. He hid himself under cloaks, yet there was no mistaking a sense of calm nostalgia; Had his mad enhancement been overwhelming him, maybe he wouldn't have noticed as clearly. Yet that man resonated within him for some reason. Lucius must be a cover.
The pharaoh's roaring laughter at the conclusion of Gudao's latest story summoned the table's collective attention. To say they he was glad that Gudao had kept Ozymandias beyond content was an understatement. Along with an adult Gilgamesh before Astolfo had his little treasure hunt, the prideful Ozymandias was known to be both handsome and extremely hard to please. At least he wasn't as insulting as Gilgamesh, and considerably easier to talk to if you got past the prideful stance.
While another entity entirely due to the workings of the throne, this Ozymandias at least seemed to share many of the same traits, so any corruption was not likely… though his immediate hospitality seemed out of place and still very suspicious. Lancelot didn't like it, but he'd take it over a difficult battle. Their guard remained high, however subdued it may currently be.
"As much as I would like to hear more tales of my interactions with a young King of Heroes, I must change our topic back to recent matters... You have saved Pharaoh Nitocris, ridden me of my drowsiness, and have pleased me greatly, therefore I shall grant you a blessing of my choosing," the Sun King stated with a mirthful smile.
He leaned back in his throne and placed his head onto his hands. The head had once more apparently slid off the neck to which he simply adjusted it back into position. Gudao didn't concern this third occurrence like he had the previous two. Lancelot remained incredulous, and shared a blank glance with Mashu. Regardless, Ozymandias continued. "I have decided I shall give you some answers... answers I know you seek."
Gudao smiled enthusiastically. "We will appreciate that favor greatly, Sun King."
"There was never doubt you will," he replied with a small chuckle before casually reaching into a small hieroglyphic chest adjacent to his throne. The Sun King casually searched the space with his free hand, evidently careful not to damage whatever delicate item he searc-
Gudao audibly gasped, and Lancelot's eyes widened upon seeing a sparkling golden grail so casually pulled from the chest. Ozymandias held the grail before him with a smirk and accompanying raise of an eyebrow. "You are looking for these, yes, Master Gudao of Chaldea?"
"You have a grail!?" Gudao nearly exclaimed with lost composure. Behind him, the table had grown silent at the sudden outburst and collectively stared at the golden chalice in the hands of the Sun King. Even Fou had frozen while attempting to shove one of Gudao's grapefruits in its mouth. A quick glance to Da Vinci, who stared with surprise and confusion, proved that it was as genuine as the ones in Chaldea.
"Of course, for it is a treasure befitting the Sun King!" Ozymandias declared easily with a laugh before placing the grail casually back into the compartment. "I know what runs through your mind, but that is not the case. I liberated the grail from the clutches of the crusaders a long time ago, but someone as great as myself has no need to use this device. Ah… but it does make my wine taste like the sun itself when I drink from it."
Nobunaga chuckled to herself at that claim. Lancelot secretly found it amusing too to use one of the most powerful magical devices as a wine goblet. Medea gave her a curious glance while the warlord simply shrugged towards her with a grin.
"I shall be honest. I thought you would have perished by the fourth singularity, but I admire your ability to prove my judgement wrong. Your tenacity and determination are far above commendable," Ozymandias declared as he leaned forward on his throne. His smile faded into a frown. "But this singularity, is far different. Far more dangerous… And you are far too late! While your courage is worthy of praise, your pace was slow! The human order of this age has long since collapsed with the eradication of the crusaders!"
Mashu quietly stood up from her seat at the table, gaining the attention of the room. "If I may, O' Great Sun King… what do you mean?"
"I mean exactly as I say. There should have been a battle over the Holy Land. One side besieging, one side defending… Total war between two irreconcilable religious factions! At the end of that war, the grail would have ended up in one group or the other, and the Holy Land would doubtless have become the breeding grounds for the demon pillars… If you had arrived here sooner, that is…"
"But that didn't happen. The war to reclaim the holy land never occurred… is that what you're saying?" It was Da Vinci's turn to stand, and caused Mashu to quickly retake her seat. "You were likely summoned by someone among the Crusaders. And you opposed them like that was the most natural thing to do, making the Holy Land your own and seizing the grail. Were you the one who summoned this land of Egypt? And caused the human order of this era to collapse?"
The pharaoh blinked in surprise. Ozymandias turned his head to look back towards Gudao. "Who is that? She is quite knowledgeable."
"That's Leonardo Da Vinci."
"Oh? I know that name. One of the brightest in all of human history, or some such," he mused out loud as his voice still carried across the room. "I see, I see. It's as they say… genius and idiosyncrasy are two sides of the same coin! You would make for a fine concubine for this great Pharaoh!"
"No, no. Compared to the great Sun King, I'm juuust a bit more intelligent~!" She dared to correct, which caused a small chill to run through Mashu as Nitocris glared daggers at the inventor. "So then? Was my theory correct?"
"How bold… Inferring I lied about using the grail," Ozymandias chastised with a small raise of his eyebrow, though his amusement remained. "However, you are wrong. I did not use the grail. I am simply its owner now. I have absolutely no interest in the Holy Land! And thus, listen carefully…"
The room remained dead silent as he leaned forward once more with a small, growing smirk. "The one who made this an exceptional singularity, and razed this age's human order to the ground is seated in the ruins of the city you seek… Jerusalem! In that Holy City of despair! The Lion King... Yes, the Lion King of the immaculate white!"
"The Lion King?" Gudao asked curiously as Lancelot's eyes narrowed. Even with everything the throne had offered as information, the Lion King did not ring a bell… unless they possibly meant- No. Definitely not. There's no way one of Jack and Alice's favorites movies had to do with this.
"You seem confused as to their identity. I will attest I am well aware of her faction and its identity…" Ozymandias started but soon sat back in his throne with a content yet devious smirk. That unsettled the berserker's nerves. "…But I have decided that I have informed you of enough."
"You will not spare us with the Lion King's identity?" Da Vinci asked as she continued to stand.
"Do not get this meeting wrong, Leonardo da Vinci… I am not your ally. We will fight over this grail in due time, but that time will not be now… For now, you are my esteemed guests… Guests that must still see for themselves the truth of this world, and its cruelty!" he proclaimed proudly with a chuckle. His eyes narrowed slightly as a calm smile returned. "But we of the sand are not cruel. To allow guests of the Sun King's domain to not relish in our hospitality would be disgraceful. To not reward those who have aided us would be an even greater stain on our pride! But an alliance is out of the question..."
He leaned forward and stared over the servants in front of him with a sudden frown. "As you currently are… no, I will not say any further… You must find out for yourselves, as I have said… If you even happen to make it that far. I still doubt that you will last this singularity. I care little if you prove me wrong."
Medea and Mordred narrowed their eyes while the latter clenched her fists with grit teeth. The remaining knights looked firmly towards the pharaoh, but showed no emotion. They likely felt as insulted as he did. Even so, a chill ran down his spine at the ominous words of a truth that lay ahead.
Gabrielle shivered, and Mashu looked uncertainly to Lancelot as Fou merely continued to chow down on Gudao's food. The rest of the table remained fairly blank in expression, while he glanced at Jekyll. He was doing a fine job of keeping an infuriated Mordred from saying a choice word… or dozen. Her glare turned to him momentarily, and though he took its hateful heat with disappointment, he shook his head slowly to assist Jekyll. She clicked her tongue with distaste, but thankfully did nothing else.
"But I have proven you wrong before, yes?" Gudao stated with a confident smirk of his own. The blindfolded rider smiled with pride at her master's words, as did the rest of the table. Nitocris gripped her staff at the audacity of the statement, but to her surprise Ozymandias simply laughed heartily once more.
"You indeed have… so you may certainly try again, Master Gudao of Chaldea," Ozymandias declared as amusement danced with his smirk. "My only guidance is for you to head to the gates of the White City and find out for yourselves. My citizens shall provide enough supplies and material to ease your journey, lest you die in the desert and disgrace our generosity… I shall give you another hour to finish your meals since you have delighted me with your stories, then you must leave my chamber. Your stay in my temple shall end when the sun sets, though I look forward to how your journey unfolds from there…"
o==(=======- -V- -=======)==o
Click.
With the conclusion of the early morning feast, several of the servants had wandered off into the pharaoh's kingdom to explore the many different hallways that led to various pieces of a sheltered civilization. Housing districts and markets connected through several corridors while other passageways were merely dead ends that led to a lone sphinx on sentry duty. The amount of people protected by the Sun King never ceased to amaze.
Click. "Fou, fou?"
It was a pristine, sandstone kingdom built within the pyramid that droves of citizens enjoyed. Torches lit some area while direct sunlight from intricately designed chutes illuminated others. It was a roofed utopia within the sands, complete with a large oasis room and several wells. The hieroglyphics, white columns, and blue accents shimmered flawlessly as ancient music bounced across the many halls. Even the smell of delicious food filtered through the comfortably dry air.
The shutter of the camera clicked one more time, and Lancelot smiled. "I'm sure that one will come out great."
"Easily! This place is so beautiful!" Mashu breathed with a small smile as she stared at the oasis that glowed under a sun spot. Several children with white waistcloths happily waded and splashed each other while their parents took filtered water from the wells.
"Fou! Fou!" the furry critter happily chirped in agreement from Mashu's shoulder.
With his helmet off, the berserker chuckled as he looked down at the small demi-servant next to him. Mashu had long since dematerialized her shield in favor of playing with the camera Gudao often brought with him on singularities. To say it was the male master's was often a joke, since it always wound up in the hands of Mashu during calmer periods of any deployments. Gabrielle also had a camera with her, along with various other items, but it was always the young shielder and Saint George who were known for being the Chaldean photographers.
"Shall we see if there's anything interesting to trade?" Lancelot asked politely as Mashu snapped another photo. The shielder smiled and nodded towards him.
As they walked, the berserker had never been so glad to have been the chosen subject for the mad enhancement experiment. His parameters had dropped noticeably with its significantly diminished effects, but his mental clarity made up for it during moments of peace. This was the first full singularity he was able to appreciate without being clouded by endless self-torment.
However, he wasn't free from its complete grasp. Even though if the mad enhancement was as non-influential as Beowulf's, his regrets and guilt ran deep. Nothing he did seemed to soothe his aching heart over the troubles he caused; For good reason. It was a forlorn voice in the back of his head, but the enthusiastic companion at his side was more than enough of a distraction.
While Mashu tended to spend time however she chose, she had been giving far more recently to Lancelot. They had quickly formed a bond since she often accompanied Doctor Roman and Paracelsus on checkups. They continually ensured the developed elixir did not have an expiration date or shattered upon an unknown trigger. A master may have feasibly been able to release the mad enhancement for the briefest of moments, but this was a far better improvement over a brief few seconds at best.
He was just glad the experimental elixir had worked phenomenally and had given him a surprise friend in the process. It was just too bad the material cost for brewing one potion was astronomical, but he truly appreciated the many gifts it bore. Over the many weeks spent getting to know her, Lancelot had his own set of questions raised after seeing her armor without his blinding madness. Though he wanted to ask, if she truly didn't know, Arturia had insisted she found out for herself.
Nevertheless, if it was any other magical signature, he might not have felt as uncomfortable and uncertain about when she did find out.
He knew exactly which servant saved her; There would never be a doubt to any knight that looked at her. Yet, even with its familiarity, it had taken on its own uniqueness due to the girl who inherited his powers. Whether she was one of the round was unquestionable to him: The problem was if anything would change when she realized it… Dare he say, these moments even felt like something that could've been.
But that could come later. The singularity came first. "Do you think Da Vinci will have her invention ready by sunset?"
"Knowing her, definitely," Mashu replied with confidence as she snapped another photo while walking. The confused citizen, suddenly the model for said photo, turned to her curiously as she passed while balancing the many pots on his head. Fou stared at the fearful gaze that landed on her companion as he walked away. "Many are helping, so they should be done in no time. Thanks again for keeping me company instead."
Normally she'd be with Gabrielle and Gudao, but the napping masters were in good company as Da Vinci tasked others with assisting with her on-the-spot invention. Lancelot had volunteered to follow the eager explorer instead. "You're welcome anytime, Mashu."
While he often enjoyed spending time with the demi-servant who'd been nothing but pleasant to him, this time wasn't as comfortable. He had been noticing wary and even fearful looks on some citizens as they passed. Thankfully they never seemed to be directed at his younger companion and only to him, though that did little to settle his nerves. It was as if some of these citizens knew who he was… but how?
o==(=======- -VI- -=======)==o
Walking the stalls of the market ahead, Gawain had noticed the uncertain trend long before and in more startling amounts.
He had been exploring on his own in an attempt to map the area for future combat reference, but it was hard to memorize an area when nearly everyone was giving him looks. They ranged from mostly fearful to slightly concerned, and some even glared at him outright even as he stared back in confusion. Even the act of buying a few bananas to help the local market had been met with stuttering and wariness from the shop keeper who seemed keener on keeping his mouth shut than taking offered gold coins.
Scanning the area, he spotted two glimpses of golden hair at varying lengths. He sighed in relief and gave silent thanks; The crowds seemed to almost ignore the king and her companion as they happily made their way through the market. If anything, they seemed rather relaxed about them, which made his own treatment rather curious. Maybe they had a thing against foreign men, but not foreign beauties?
It was another flash of blonde further away that caught his attention. Ignoring some stares, he turned to look at the retreating back of Mordred as it disappeared down a practically abandoned corridor. She too was receiving the same looks he was, but he was more concerned with the purple robed caster that led the way in front of her. He paused and watched warily as they walked in silence, though the caster made a wary glance backward that made him furrow his eyebrows.
The idea of the Knight of Treachery walking off with the Witch of Betrayal did not sit well with Gawain's conscious… at all.
o==(=======- -VII- -=======)==o
"Alright, what do you want?" Mordred asked skeptically, arms crossed over her armor as Medea looked around the corner of the dead end she had found. The connecting corridor was thankfully rarely traveled so she didn't have to use suggestion magecraft. She wanted to avoid unnecessary suspicion and incidents that would just make unwanted headaches.
" I'm going to be quick and blunt," the caster began as she turned her strong gaze towards the knight. "I overheard you earlier as we were walking to the temple."
Mordred took a few seconds to think about what she just said. Soon, she narrowed her eyes dangerously, though Medea kept her eyes firm and planted on the blonde. Since most of the walk was trivial subjects voiced to Jekyll, it was very clear which part she was inferring, even to the rather… slow knight in front of her. "Oh yea? Eavesdropping on none of your damn business?"
Medea sighed and gazed back steadily, but Mordred fell confused; It was rare for Medea to shown any ounce of concern, but she presented a glint. Truthfully, this whole secret meeting was something she'd have never even considered doing. If not for Naomi's endless kindness and the caster's newfound, curious acquaintance with Arturia, this wouldn't have even been a thought. She wouldn't have cared at all, and merely spared herself any trouble.
…And yet, she couldn't help but sympathize just a bit. There was something to be said about misunderstandings and feeling neglected. It struck a chord in her partially thawed heart, and on a whim, she dared to try and 'pay it forward' as Naomi often suggested. "I doubt the King of Knights looks at you with such disdai-"
"Why do you even care?" Mordred interrupted, making both of them more frustrated. Medea placed a hand gently to her forehead and exhaled slowly. She was well aware this knight could be exasperating to deal with, though it seems she underestimated the amount. Was the caster really that much less cynical than she used to be to not predict this obstacle? Well… they were already here. She might as well finish this.
"It is best to stop misunderstandings before they grow into headaches. Your brooding for Arturia and your fellow knights wil-"
"Is that all this is about? You're worried I'll start a fig-"
"Will you just let me finish what I have to say, Mordred!?" Medea practically yelled as she glared back at the offending saber. Mordred barely budged, but huffed while narrowing her eyes. Thankfully the hallway was empty. "I'm just trying to save a future migraine, and maybe help you in the process!"
The saber, slightly surprised at the revelation, hesitated for a moment before her glare intensified. "Well I don't need any help with anything!"
Without another word, Mordred stormed past the caster and quickly made her way down the hallway. Her armored boots ground loudly against the sandstone as she marched. An irritated Medea went into the hallway after her before stopping to watch her leave. With a crossed expression, she rolled her eyes and let out a low growl. The caster could have handled her temper much better, but same could be said for the knight. "Unbelievable… Why did I even…!? I should have just kept it to myself!"
"Though I'm sure Naomi would be pleased to hear you tried to help someone with acceptance issues..."
Medea's eyes widened and she quickly spun on her heels to see Jekyll leaning against the wall with a small smile. His black formal jacket was casually hung over one shoulder and his free hand gripping its collar while the other hand rested in his pocket. Had it been most other servants, she would have been very irritated with the idea of them listening in on the conversation. Jekyll was a rare exception since he was a common workmate with Paracelsus in the Alchemical Room. The assassin smiled and bowed his head towards her. "Sorry for eavesdropping, Medea. I know you loathe that."
Medea took a moment to silently admire his concealment, which was a presence concealment worthy for a strong assassin. The irony of the thought was that he was simply that weak in his current state. She felt herself calm down in the presence of another friendly acquaintance, but only barely. "I guess she would be pleased… Came to check up on her?"
"Initially. I'm concerned for both of you now, though… Are you okay?"
"No headache yet, so I'm fine..." Medea sighed. "I honestly don't know why I expected that to go anywhere. We've never spoken... and you followed us?"
"I was wondering where she disappeared in the market and caught sight of her in a hallway. After tailing you here I overheard the conversation," Jekyll explained with another small bow of his head. "Once more, I'm sorry for eavesdropping. It was rude of me… But thank you for trying to help Mordred."
"It was only on a rare whim," she sighed while closing her eyes in irritation. "She's as impossibly abrasive as ever. Is she like that with you?"
"I'm used to it," He answered with a small chuckle. They began to walk in the direction of the disappeared saber, and he shrugged lightly. "We're exact opposites, so it's the expected result. I've been trying for the past month to get her to reconcile with Arturia… You can see the results so far."
"What results?" she joked while rolling her eyes, and made her friend chuckle dryly.
"Exactly... It's a work in progress, I guess. Even Iskandar gave some advice apparently." Jekyll sighed in contemplation, which made Medea turn to him in surprise. "Mordred probably just got irritated so many are trying to help her with a personal issue… She's very independent and stubborn, after all."
"Has she even tried talking to Arturia? She's… surprisingly forgiving," Medea interjected. Her own past experiences with the King of Knights varied greatly. She was still astonished that after everything that had happened in the past, they wound up at least on cordial terms. There was hardly any bad blood between them left, especially after she had stopped her bullying months ago after that emotional elixir went awry. In addition, all the modelling sessions with her and Naomi probably helped.
But while her interactions with Arturia had been very disgraceful in the past, her and Mordred's actions were still in different leagues. "…though, my own acts against her pale compared to the Knight of Treachery."
"Yet you are the Witch of Betrayal, but you have quite the recent success story of proving that title wrong," Jekyll responded with a smile towards the caster who looked away to hide her smudge of embarrassment. While she still retained plenty of cynicism, especially in battle or when handsome men were involved, many noticed a positive change in her outlook. As expected, the change was most noticeable around Chaldea's top tailor and the resident regal berserker. "It's good to see you smile more often. You really do have a nice one."
"Step back on the flattery, boy," Medea shot him a halfhearted glare, though her mouth twitched at the sides. Jekyll laughed.
Distant laughter ahead signaled their proximity to the market. By the increasing sounds of the voices, they were nearing the crowds once more. Jekyll sighed. "But I digress… Mordred has tried to talk a few times, all of which were interrupted for assorted reasons she never explains to me… From everything I've observed, however, it's all just a mess of miscommunication and assumptions. I think they're both misreading everything and refusing to have that final talk."
Medea slowly nodded as the duo turned the corner and stopped walking. Mordred stood in hallway several dozen meters ahead with clenched fists and a glare, though she did not face them. Initially they were concerned they upset her until they noticed the familiar silver armor of Gawain further down the hallway. He had his arms crossed and was staring at Mordred, though his blank gaze turned towards the duo. Without even a word, he nodded barely, and marched back towards the nervous crowds.
Still, Mordred's hands shook as Medea blinked. 'Clearly the whole table has communication issues…'
Jekyll sighed, but soon chuckled as Mordred stormed down hallway towards the crowds. "She's not having a good day... And I'm going to be the one to hear about it."
o==(=======- -VIII- -=======)==o
"Did he really give us all this stuff?" Nobunaga practically ogled at the scene as the last of the servants to arrive at the entrance hall. The warlord was currently swinging her feet atop a few barrels with food supplies. She watched Leonardo and Emiya working the final parts of various strengthened wood and metals into distinct shapes. The endeavor was made easier after Emiya had projected uniquely shaped blades for wood working.
"Of course, for the Pharaoh is a generous ruler… the true king of this era!" Nitocris exclaimed with a prideful smile as an ear twitched happily.
"Does she get paid by the hour or by the quantity of praise?" Gabrielle wondered quietly, but accidentally drew the attention of the female caster.
"Did you address something to me?" she asked genuinely.
Gabrielle giggled while Mordred and Jekyll chuckled next to her. Fou squirmed happily in her loving embrace. "No, sorry, I was just telling my friend a joke."
Medea quickly chanted an incantation. The wooden chassis the two servants were working on gently levitated from the ground. Scathach and Medusa swiftly pushed the last carved wood and hard rubber wheel onto a metal axel. Da Vinci made finishing touches in the cabin of the vehicle, but was quietly instructing them on how to properly secure the wheel; The throne does not give vehicular engineering classes.
Citizens of the temple were starting to form a large crowd at the entrance of the grand pyramid. They watched the foreigners with interest as they built their unique contraption by Da Vinci's guidance. The crowd had only grown by the hour as spectators observed the wooden equivalent of a small truck reach its final stage. It needed only the cloth tarp to cover its rearward bed, the strange wings attached to the chassis, and some finishing touches in the cabin.
The latter was easy for Da Vinci's genius.
As she watched them work, Arturia could see the strange looks her knights were getting. Some passed wary glances, and even glares, towards Gawain who stood near a column by her and Mashu. It was apparently the same looks he had gotten all day within the temple. She saw Lancelot, who was also nearby, continue to ignore them as best as he could. She could tell how subtly uncomfortable they both were.
Sensibly, neither made any moves that may have increased the attention received. On the other hand, Mordred teasingly shot glares back and smirked when they recoiled in terror. Arturia watched the action with disappointment and shook her head at the knight's action before turning back to the vehicle being built. The Knight of Treachery hadn't noticed the reaction as she kept playing her little mind game, much to the concern of Jekyll who was attempting to stop her.
"A shame you couldn't trace a vehicle, Emiya. You should look into that~!" Da Vinci stated as she placed the windshield in place.
"Yes. Of course. I'll get right on that after I switch my origin to automotive," Emiya countered with a small smirk and a roll of his eyes. They both laughed. He continued to slide the tarp onto the back of vehicle with the help of Jeanne.
"To think we could make this before sunset," Jeanne mused before returning to humming. Medusa helped her buckle the tarp down onto the side of the newly formed truck.
"It is an easy task for the servants of Chaldea helping the geniu-"
"Genius that is Leonardo Da Vinci. You're turning into Ozymandias," Nobunaga stated as she happily hopped into the back of the truck to watch the others work. She didn't bother to help at all, but calmly waved at Nitocris as she glared at the offending comment.
"I am not!" Da Vinci huffed as she finished placing the last screw onto the makeshift windshield. Arturia wasn't surprised she'd managed to forge reinforced glass so quickly.
"Are you about ready to depart?" a slightly impatient and irritated Nitocris asked. Ozymandias had surprisingly given Da Vinci the time she requested and her materials, and they still had another twenty minutes.
Nitocris demanded they were to finish an hour ago simply because… well, Arturia couldn't figure it out. From what she saw, she was enjoying their strange antics when it didn't involve ribbing her pharaoh. In the last hour alone, she even seemed to enjoy their presence, though she never said it.
Even so, she dodged any question about what lay ahead, and occasionally forced herself to put up a front; Jeanne had wondered this was just her attempts to not get attached in any way. "The Sun King will not be pleased for you trampling over his generosity."
"We just have to load the supplies and start the engine, then we'll be out of your way!" Da Vinci assured as she happily began fiddling with her staff near a fabricated shifter.
'To think a tyrant could be this generous,' Arturia thought to herself as she helped carry some barrels of supplies to the vehicle. Some barrels could fit on the sides of the cabin just above the wings, while others were placed at the bed's sides on makeshift racks.
The saber's mind briefly wandered to a distant Grail War, where she had a very different banquet with other rulers, or tyrants as she called them. While they had remained relatively unchanged from what she has seen of them in Chaldea, this meeting with the Sun King had placed some perspective on tyranny into her mind. While he indeed ruled with an iron fist, she did not hallucinate seeing the happy faces of the citizens within his domain. They were genuine, without any doubt.
It made her think about the other fiery, boisterous rider's forces. Iskandar's rule had been conducted in a more militaristic view, yet she also saw his army of prideful warriors beaming with confidence at their king. Tyrant or not, he had earned their respect and admiration, even after the terrible end his nation suffered. With that in mind, there was only one final doubt. Whether Gilgamesh's people felt pride for their king was a mystery, but she now reluctantly acknowledged… it may actually be possible.
It was truly eye opening to witness different rulers and their people, but her view on her own ideal rule did not shift from her discoveries. She had judged her past enough, and was having a hard enough time trying to figure out the best way to get her knights to stop their silent feud. Perhaps she should finally put aside her reluctance of bothering Emiya or Jeanne for advice on her issues.
Gudao looked back to make sure Gabrielle had finished putting her breathing mask on before throwing the lever to start the contraption. The roar of the engine starting caused several curious gasps and looks from the crowds as Da Vinci silently cheered from her seat. "It's ready~! I would have liked to call it an ornithopter sphinx… but it's not as sphinx like as I would have liked…"
The inventor put a finger to her lips as she looked up towards the sandstone ceiling in thought. "But what to call it?"
"Do names really matter?" Gabrielle asked as she moved to the center of the cabin's large, rear seat. Fou followed right on her heels with a small chirp.
The master looked through the back of the divider into the truck's bed to watch the other servants climbing in to find seats. There was plenty of room on the cloth covered, rear benches even with two barrels taking up space. While Da Vinci hummed in thought, the inventor got into the back seat with Gabrielle as Scathach nimbly hopped in next to her.
Nobunaga, having volunteered as the guardian, sat happily cross-legged on the support bar separating the tarp covered bed and open cabin; A roof would have covered the top if time allowed. Gudao waited in the driver's seat while Mashu happily took shotgun after she dematerialized her shield. Suddenly, Da Vinci's eyes lit up. "The Orinthopter Deluxe Transport Sphinx!"
She was still the only one smiling as Fou titled its fluffy head in confusion. "…kyuu?"
"…How about we just call it a lorry?" Gabrielle giggled.
The occupants of the cabin laughed to the expense of the inventor, who still mumbled under her breath that she'll call it what she wants. Mordred and Jekyll were the last two to get into the back of the truck, as Arturia poked her head through the open divider near Gabrielle. "We're all ready."
Nitocris walked up to the driver's side of the lorry, but eyed the vehicle with curiosity before turning her attention to Gudao. "This is farewell then, Master Gudao of Chaldea. As you are aware, should you be insolent enough to return, it will be a declaration of war and we shall meet you appropriately."
"Of course. We are still humbled by your incredible generosity, and it shall not be forgotten. Our time spent among you and your people was fun!" Gudao said with a small inclination of his head and a genuine smile. "Until next time, may fortune forever grace the sands of your kingdom!"
Nitocris returned the genuine smile with one of her own. "Stall no longer, for your fate lies elsewhere… May the desert night be calm!"
The master nodded as he and the rest of the cabin waved goodbye to the caster while she stepped away. After releasing the break, Gudao pressed his foot against the pedal; Arturia was surprised how smooth it rolled forward. It was neither stiff nor uncontrollable, and she made a mental note to compliment the inventor for such extraordinary work later. Even Gudao's driving was commendably smooth and comfortable for being so out of practice.
As the master slowly drove the vehicle out of the kingdom and into the burning sands, it didn't sink. It merely moved across the sifting sands without a worry in the world; The engineering was surely something. Arturia even felt tempted to ask to drive, though her thoughts rested elsewhere. The guardian sphinxes eyed the vehicle as it passed, but did nothing more as it began its ascent over the first sandy dune.
While she stared through the cabin window, Arturia's eyes landed on the next destination: The beam of light that pierced the setting sun.
