Interlude white
On the eastern side of Fuyuki, there was a large forest that spread across a vast distance. If one was willing to and brave enough to travel through the spiritual defenses, one would see a villa that looked similar to a castle. Inside and past the high-class décor to the kitchen one would be gifted with an interesting sight.
Inside the kitchen, was a titan of a man, easily filling a large space and just given the right amount of room to get through to the kitchen area, as he was forced to slouch due to the roof not being high enough to contain his height. Every part of his body was ripped with muscle as his massive hands delicately held a metal spoon as he stirred contents of a pot with two of his meaty fingers. Next to him, were two women the slightly older woman had red hair tied into a small ponytail while wearing a white riding suit with a red skirt that was covered by a kitchen apron instructing the younger white haired girl with red eyes glowing in interest on how to prepare certain dishes. The behemoth of a man paid some attention to the conversation as he continued to stir the pot.
"And that is how you make beef stew." Finishing with her speech, the red-haired woman called Rider said with a motherly smile.
"You're sure Keith will like this?" asked Emilia worriedly, as she looked timidly at the large man for assurance. Emilia knew that this man was an ally, but his appearance didn't convey the same though. He could possibly be the reason why the "don't judge a book by its cover" saying was invented. At heart, he was a true gentleman, but his tanned skin, unruly black hair, with the addition of his massive build said otherwise, as he struck fear in the eyes of a normal person with enough common sense.
"Of course, he will!" Rider replied, as she checked the chopped roast. Upon seeing it's progress she switched her full attention back to Emilia. "Sometimes, the only way to get to a man's heart is through his stomach, right Archer?"
Stopping his activity for a moment the giant called "Archer" looked down with gentle, but fierce eyes and spoke in a way that would make rolling rocks jealous with how low and gentle it was, "My wife's cooking would always mend my heart and body child. I can promise that he'll like it!"
Listening to the advice the two servants were giving, Emilia looked seemingly relaxed. While her encounter with Keith left much to be desired, perhaps she had stolen his heart? Their interaction went, well right? After having only seeing him though photos and reading many books on love both fiction and non-fiction, Emilia still felt like she could do more. She had no idea why she had these feeling either. Was it from her mother, the born to fight this war yet ran away with another nine years before, or was it something different and primal? She had no idea, but she would follow these feelings no matter how far and thorny the path they would lead her down might be.
After all, these feelings… the little spark from Emilia's heart that flew into the air… the same one that she would follow down a path and through the dark… the feelings that led her to where she is today is love, isn't it?
Watching as Emilia was left in thought, the two Servants switched back to their cooking duties. Archer, with his massive frame could only give Rider barely enough room to work. Nevertheless, Rider worked quickly yet skillfully, as she moved effortlessly through each part of the kitchen making one wonder how she got used to the modern kitchen. One would never expect that this kind woman was one who once led a rebellion in Rome during the first century, obliterating Camulodunum, killing every man, woman, and child, as she left only a layer of destruction behind her, which the remains of that very destruction can still be seen today after all of these years. Unexpectedly, Boudica, the queen of the Iceni, was far mellower to the disappointment of her Master. Though, bringing up Rome and other events did bring out the expected anger, she was a gentle woman.
"Archer," Rider called out to her large helper." Is that finished?"
"I... believe so?" Archer responded. "Forgive me, even though you asked for my help I am a warrior not a chef."
"It's fine." Rider moved toward the pot and checked the contents. Satisfied with the results, she informed Archer he could do the finishing touches.
As Archer added the last bit needed to prefect the dish both could not help but marvel at how far the cooking arts have gone since their time.
…If only they knew what kind of monstrosity they created.
"I see so that is what happened." A man dressed in a white silk robe spoke while sitting. His voice was clear and precise, but one could find a slight accent in it. It was unclear what his facial features were like as they were covered by the green hood he wore. No matter where the light shone upon him, the inside of the hood would remain dark as night. Saber, who escorted the man to the castle personally, figured it was due to some sort of Mage craft. Ordinarily, all servants and Masters would never allow such a mysterious figure in their territory or allow them inside their base. But…
This man had command spells and a presence of a Servant. Upon the man calling himself Ruler, both Masters and Servants of White had no choice but to allow the man into the castle. The man stayed close to either a servant or a master as he traveled to the dining room as if to reassure them. The dining room was just as extravagant as the rest of the castle villa.
While many had no knowledge about the Ruler class, Iomann managed to obtain this knowledge though his contacts that allowed him to dig deep into the functions of a grail war. Rulers were servants summoned by the Grail itself. Beyond that there was hardly any information on them. Such a servant would have an advantage over the other servants. Now that he knew the advantage the old man wearing a green suit could not help but think: If I could get this servant to join us.
Ruler was seated at the right end of table looking unusually relaxed. His somewhat muscular arms that peeked out of the white robe hang loosely on the arms of the wooden chair he inhabited. On Ruler's right was the Servant Lancer, looking very annoyed at being forced into this meeting. On the right was Ruler's escort, Saber. On the other side of the long table were Iomann, Chasseur, and a man with blue hair.
"I seriously don't see the problem here buddy." Huffed Lancer as he put his feet on the table, thinking that since there is no escape he might as well get comfortable. "We made sure that all the people were discreetly removed and no one got hurt so-"
"That is where you are wrong Hound of Ulster." Ruler interrupted pulling a yellow parcel out of his robe, throwing the contents in front of Lancer. There was just one photo containing several people…and each one was dead by a massive hole in each of their chest.
"While you and Archer were fighting," Ruler continued. "These people, for whatever reason, did not move out the bounded field that your teammates put up. Most likely, they were killed during your battle, or Archer of Black had to kill them."
"... I fail to see why you're bringing this to our attention, Ruler." Saber interjected as Lancer blankly stared at the photo.
"The reason I bring it to your attention." Ruler suddenly stood out of his chair, causing the whole room to look at Ruler. "Is that both you and your allies started this battle in broad daylight! In a populated area if I might add! I have half a mind to use these command spells right here and now!"
The room instantly filled with tension like it had just been poured into a glass. Both Lancer and Saber focused on Ruler, intending to attack first before Ruler could try to use the command spells. Ruler for his part seemingly stared at everyone in the room. Out of this tension, there was laughter.
"Seriously, you're going to use command spells? On something so simple?" laughed at the blue haired man." You should just be giving them a slap on the wrist not outright punishing them."
"What makes you say that?" Ruler questioned the man. "What makes this matter is something that could possibly be called simple?"
"For starters, this is a god damn war." The man sneered." The death of civilian's is to be expected. There shouldn't be a reason to whine about something as simple as civilian casualties," the blue haired man said, as he flicked his hand in the air.
The man took a step off his chair as he continued, "The other reason is that we didn't know the Grail was going to grant us a goody-two-shoe babysitter! You expect us to know you're out there being the ref of this?!"
"I agree with this lazy fool," Chasseur interjected waving his good hand toward the man. His damaged hand was tightly bandaged, as it rested on a sling. He still wore the dark armor that was worn in the last battle. "If you truly wanted your rules to be followed you should have announced yourself at the very beginning. You expect us to follow the rules with only the Church to reprimand us?"
"I see, so you argue that since my presence was unknown it should be fine and I should let you off with only a warning? It is nothing more than a poor excuse on your part so I will-"
Suddenly Ruler's rant was stopped midway by a ringing noise coming from somewhere inside his clothes. All servants, and most of the magi were curious what the noise was coming from. Ruler then pulled out a rectangular object and flipped it open. Inside was a screen with buttons and with an irritated sigh, Ruler pressed a button and begun to speak to it in a low voice. Lancer was about to say something when Ruler put a finger near his mouth, silently telling him to be quite before continuing to talk. Saber blankly stared, slowly relaxing her guard but still watching for any telling movements.
"What is that contraption?" Iomann asked being curious about the object. "Is that a noble phantasm of some kind?"
"No, boss man it's just a cell phone." Replied the blue hair man, putting his hands in his black hoodie's pockets.
"I see…" The older man fell quiet as he observed this development. What kind of thing is a cell phone? Was it some kind of deadly weapon? If so, were would he find such a thing?
"… That changes things," Ruler said looking at the room's occupants. "Very well."
Ruler then closed the cell phone and stared for a moment before moving his seat back into place, showing that he no longer had an interest in upsetting the peace. With a heavy sigh, he delivered the news, "Count yourselves lucky, you've all just been cleared."
"Whatever do you mean Ruler?" Saber asked slightly curious as she sunk back into her chair alongside Lancer, who seemed somewhat displeased with the turn of events.
If one could see though Ruler's hood he might be rolling his eyes at such a question. "It would seem the first recipient of the attack, the Master of Berserker of Black, as well as Archer of Black have cleared you all of my suspicions. They have told my partner of maintaining this war that the citizens were cleared beforehand and any casualties incurred were due to keeping the Grail War secret. How very fortunate that your grandson cares for you so much, Master of Caster."
"Indeed," Iomann smiled with uneasy serenity. "I am very lucky to have such a caring family member to look after me."
"If you excuse me," Ruler said, as he stood out of his seat. " I have many errands that need to be finished. Farewell Masters and Servants of White."
"You're not willing to eat an evening meal with us Ruler?" the old man in green invited. If Ruler accepted, that may gain more information on the opposing servants or perhaps Ruler himself.
"I will have to respectfully decline."Said Ruler as he went out the dining room. Perhaps it was too easy to see though….it was worth a try at the very least.
After Ruler was confirmed to have left, Saber begins eyeing Chasseur. It was a stare that conveyed disappointment. Chasseur just snorted and left back to his room while Lancer gave his Master a sympathetic look. Being related to a knight of a round must be a real pain Lancer thought as the black armored man gave a belief look back before exiting and heading up to the second floor. Perhaps they could trade some more hunting stories later. That always cheered his master up
The blue hair man let out a sigh… he was so damn bored it felt like it was killing him. Not that he hasn't been "killed" before. Perhaps if Rider would hurry up and stop slacking perhaps-
"Dinner's done!" Speak of the devil and she will come. Coming in with large amounts of food that might fall over, but somehow did not Rider placed several large plates of food on the dining table enjoying everyone's reactions as she skillfully turned the dining table used for meetings to one that held a feast. Saber watched as her Master entered carrying silverware behind Rider. Moving toward her Master, Saber wordlessly helped her set the table, while Lancer eyed all the food. Iommann sat down and watched Emilia intently for a moment before staring at the spectacle in the large entrance of the dining room. It would seem the second failure was goofing off. The hair and eyes came out alright that time, but everything else was a loss. The thing did not even develop the right vocal chords either. The third failure was born the wrong gender had somehow survived and turned against him. Sighing, the old man looked out the window seeing the forest as a more interesting thing to observe.
"Mistress please," pleaded Archer trying lowering himself enough so he can fit though the entrance. In front of him, was a woman with short blonde hair and hazel eyes holding plates of food as well in one arm and a pot in the other, her outfit was that of an English maid. She stared at Archer not saying anything. "The food might fall to the floor then where would we be?"
The woman just stared.
"Yes, I know it is your station to carry out such a duty but-" Archer paused and then he continued in a defeated voice as if chastised. "Very well, I shall allow you to do your duty." Changing into spirit form quickly he reappeared out of the doorway and near the dining area where he sat down on the tile floor as none of the chairs would be able to hold his size.
"You know, it is always surprising to see such a-" the blue haired man said until he was smacked on the back of the head by Rider.
"Akuseru Burugosu…." Rider stared like a mother chastising a child. "What did I tell you about badmouthing others!?"
"Not to do it?" the blue haired man called Akuseru said sheepishly as Rider continued to stare at him for a few more moments before going back to prepping the table. Akuseru then tried to reach out for some of the food before Rider quickly turned around to smack the offending limb with a spoon. Akuseru quickly moved his hand as he gave Rider an innocent smile.
"Master, shouldn't the placing of the forks be more like this?" Saber looked at Emilia's placing of the silverware compared to her own. Saber's placing looked rushed and unrefined compared to Emilia's. It was to be expected, since back when she was alive she never had to worry about placing silverware at a table, since the servants would do it for her. But as Emilia's Servant it would be necessary, but it was also to distract her from her thoughts. The one who once betrayed her was summoned here… was it fate or was it something else?
"Saber?" Emilia seemed to have been talking to Saber, but she did not hear. Sensing what it was Emilia continued this time getting her servant's attention from a pat on the shoulder. "It would be best to think these thoughts in a more private time." With a faint assuring smile Saber sat next to her Master who worried about her first true friend. What happened to her in her fight with Keith's Servant?
"Hmm, Master, were you perhaps going to begin without us?" a woman wearing a dark hood and a purple dress entered with a white-haired child holding one of her gloved hands. Removing her hood, the woman revealed her beautiful face that would make any man flush as well as many women jealous of her beauty.
Most distinct feature was her ears, which were shaped much like an elf's. The white haired Assassin's outfit was different than usual, as the questionable outfit was replaced by a black dress with many frills on the surface. The elf eared woman, even with how busy she was with support had manage to create this dress raising the question of where she managed to get the material to make it from.
"Ah, Caster and Assassin, you must finally be done with preparations. Good, good." Iomman stood up as he noticed Caster's voice and pulled out two seats for the approaching servants. As they passed the opposite end of where their seats were, Caster gave an evil glare directed at Archer as if he was some kind of disease. Archer himself just gave a blank stare as she passed by.
"Heeey don't forget about me!" a small blond girl called Bianca White quickly ran inside the gathering. Hearing the voice, Rider instantly looked around like a frantic person trying to see if the Roman that is usually near the girl was nearby, not sensing the said person's mana signature she allowed her to sigh in relief. The thought of such a beast of a man being near one of her precious children was unthinkable, considering what happened when her child and that madman first met. Her child being called Nero?! Such an insult even if they do look similar!
Bianca took a seat noting all the other servants were present. She was saddened that her Uncle could not join them as well, but since Uncle decided to go watch the moon rise, it couldn't be helped. Sometimes, her Uncle would send her away at strange times and she knew why, it was because the goddess was calling out to him. With a sigh, she looked to her neighbor only to find Assassin playing with her dress as if trying to ease an itch. Perhaps, Bianca will have somebody to talk to after all.
"Before we begin, I would like to announce we have found Caster of Black thanks to Assassin's efforts." Caster called out causing Saber to briefly stare away at the food on the table before turning her attention back. Ever since Saber first ate Rider's food, she can't help but come back for more! "We may have to strike sooner than anticipated I fear."
This drew Saber's attention away from the food. "What do you mean Caster?"
"Caster of Black may be planning something big. I could only find him or her due to the large amount of Mana he or she is using and only then my familiars were cut down or destroyed by someone else." Caster spoke with a smirk perhaps applauding the other Caster's tactics.
"So, you have no intel besides Assassin's visual confirmation?" Archer spoke earning Caster's glare which the giant man of muscle easily ignored. Caster then nodded.
"We could not get close without getting directed either so Mother is not to blame." Assassin said in order to add to the story. "Caster is located on western side in the city in one of those… factories we believe they are called?" Whenever Assassin spoke their allies where reminded that they are not dealing with a child but in fact a heroic sprit.
"Are we heading out already? I say we strike while the iron is still hot." Lancer smiled, so soon after the first fight and already one comes right to his lap.
"No," Rider spoke with a shake of her head. "It is best we wait for the next night then strike. It is best to be prepared since we hardly have any information on Caster."
"Indeed, you may be right Rider as one cannot fight on an empty stomach." Saber said as she started to eat. A king should not have to wait to stuff her face after all.
"Are you meaning us humans or yourself Saber?" Emilia joked as she dug into her food as well. A lady should not wait to stuff her face after all. Saber stared almost dropping the food from her mouth at her Master's jest.
"Speaking of food," Akuseru said as he cuts into his roast. "Didn't you want to show off that thing you found at the grocery store Rider?"
Archer's Master set down a small pot in the middle of the table. Archer wore a proud smirk, as it was with his help that this dish was created. Rider looked expecting and the other servants and Masters looked on in curiosity. As the lid was lifted, Saber eyes slowly widened in horror. She thought in this time the cursed veggie required for the dish had finally died out but it would seem it followed her here to this far-off era.
Mashed potatoes, the only thing one of her knights were skilled at making. This dish was probably just as tasteless even with modern spices and those… meat things with it. The texture was disgusting and unrefined the only good point being that it filled your stomach and nothing more. Saber could not stop the shiver she felt roll up her spine.
Lancer looked at it in interest, put it on his plate, and tired some loving the salty taste and the bits of meat he could taste in between bites. Assassin enjoyed it as well as Caster. Rider, failing to notice Saber's terror smiled as she piled some on her child's plate. Rider was surprised when she found it in the instant section of the store, to think humanity could somehow magically make it with just boiling water now was surprising to her.
Seeing all the other heroic spirits she was allied with staring at her, especially Archer and Rider, the King of Knights realized that she had unfortunately stepped onto another battlefield.
A/N: Mashed potatoes are good Archer, I mean Saber so you should eat some! Finding out that Saber dislikes mashed potatoes made me laugh thank you Fate Grand Order for coming into existence! I know this chapter was shorter than expected but I really did not want to spoil certain things about the white servants and their masters or their planned actions just yet so I just left enough to satisfy you for now. It will be back to regular length next time!
I want to let everyone know that I will be taking a small break from writing TDOS just for a bit. The reason being is that I planned to a certain point which comes in a few chapters time but only a bit after that. The good news is for some is that the first prologue for Carnival Fantasm will be release as I work on that alongside How to Smile.
I would like to thank everyone that helped me edit this as well and pointing out certain flaws in my writing, which I am working hard to fix. I would also like to thank Axel the Moon for allowing me to borrow his OC Akuseru Burugosu which you'll see in action more the next chapter! Hopefully you like myinterpretation of him !
Anyways since I answered most reviews by PM I will only put the ones I did not respond to here:
KingofP0wers: Man if Ozymandias's concept and personality was done more at the time I would have considered him honestly! He is like a nicer Gilgamesh in a way!
Noah Thompson: Keith is not truly my self- insert, he is more of a mixture of a justice loving Japanese house husband, a punching Irish woman, a certain OC you and I both love and hate, and a small chuck of my personality and experience rolled into one so I would say about a third or less of Keith is me I really couldn't think of a name at the time and this name just spoke to me lol. Keith does not seem Mary Sue to me at least I hope he isn't. I can't deny the anime rule there it would be so wrong also the fact the he at least some cred on kicking magical butt. The Assocation is a collection of voice so it could be all that.
Mordred I can't help but enjoy to write but I realize she has a long way to really grow as she is mentally a child still as shown in some parts of this story. I also wanted to show that Keith himself is a lot like her as well hence the times he is childish but he does seem mature then her er… him at times. I think.
Ah, Emil I never watched Fruit Baskets so it is a no go there but I got it from a friend I talk to a lot.
NakaruSoul: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Writing your Jeanne was the greatest honor and how can I not do the puppy eye thing?! It is too good!
Rosewarden: Yeah I could not help but not use that it really hits the heart. Lucy and Keith's interactions are always a joy to write mostly because I can honestly see good friends having that kind of talk too. Yep Keith meant "that" manure? He really got suckered there unforantely, maybe someday he will get his payback maybe not. When I think of Master and Servant especially in fate how will these pair change on another or how will they influence others it's the greatest challenge and the greatest joy.
Raiden312: I am happy to hear…..yeah it is hard to update the pain to real life. I think though that will be changing soon so don't worry.
