CHAPTER 7:

AMBUSH ON RULER

It was not long afterwards that they were sent to scout about. They soon found something interesting: a car travelling along a highway, and with a burst of speed, they leapt onto it, managing to avoid alerting those within to their presence. To any normal human, staying on the back of a car would be extremely difficult, and effectively surfing on it as it drove down the highway would be, if not impossible, then appallingly dangerous.

But they were a Servant. They were Assassin. They were Jack the Ripper. And this was too easy.

The gestalt entity known as Jackie had a somewhat twisted mindset. One couldn't call it sociopathic or psychopathic, only that they were a child, a collective of children's souls who never lived long enough to develop much of a moral compass, some dying before they ever left the womb, others dying before they even had much of a life. Jackie was, effectively, the anthropomorphic personification of the dark underbelly of Victorian England, a child who never had a childhood, who had never been warm, or enjoyed themselves in play, or been loved. The Whitechapel Murders, then, were not out of any true malice, but rather, an alien, twisted intention to go back into the womb.

Not that Jackie realised that what they were doing was wrong. To them, killing was as natural as breathing, as they had been born of death, the deaths of countless children. But…they never had true parents either. So when the bad man (Mummy called him Hyouma Sagara) was going to kill that woman, the one who could have been Mummy, and Lily Mummy intervened, Jackie acted. They could feel the nature of mana, and Mummy's felt warm. Then again, they would have killed the bad man anyway if Lily Mummy wasn't there, and got Other Mummy to give them hearts from Magi instead. They'd be really yummy!

Mummy was really smart. She began teaching them all sorts of things, though Jackie was a bit puzzled about why she didn't like them killing. They would have thought that a grown-up thing, but grown-ups seemed to kill each other all the time. Maybe she wanted them to be a nice girl, then? They didn't mind wearing new clothes to fight in, though. As long as they could move fast in them, and they were warm, they didn't mind.

Mummy also cared, more than any of the other mothers many of the souls that made up Jackie's gestalt knew. She kept them warm, she even gave them food. She hugged them and wished them good night. She sang them songs (one of them, she intended to use herself when she played). She was afraid of them…but she never would have to be. As long as her warmth never ended, she would never have anything to fear from Jack the Ripper.

And as long as her allies didn't do anything, neither would they. Jackie had to admit, they liked Big Brother Harry and Miss Tamamo. Harry, after the initial shock, treated them like a big brother would. They showed concern and affection…and he was sad, even after he killed those Homunculi. Miss Tamamo was also nice, even pretty. And maybe those two could be married! Miss Tamamo already called Harry Husband. Maybe Jackie could be the flower girl! Yay!

And that man, Kairi, he seemed mean, and yet, there was something to him that was good. And there was Mordred. Cute, but brash and angry, and yet so strong! Really good Big Sis material! A shame that she would have to die for Jackie to get their wish, but…Jackie was thinking, maybe all they really needed was a family. Maybe they could wish for a family (including Big Sis Mordred and Tamamo!) that would love them lots and lots forever and ever! Yay! And they would only hurt mean people.

In their Astralized state, they phased through the car's window, and sat on the seat, making sure not to alert the lady driving. Hmm, she looked very much like Mordred did. Was this Mordred's father? She looked more like Mordred's sister. And that boy…he looked so much like Big Brother Harry, only without the glasses or the burns. Ah, this must be Charles.

Even though they felt anger on Big Brother Harry and Possible Big Sis Mordred's behalf, they restrained themselves. Big Brother Harry wasn't sure whether he wanted to kill Charles, and Possible Big Sis Mordred might be annoyed if Jackie killed their father before they got a chance. So, instead, they listened, and waited.

"…But what if Ruler does not wish to come with us?" Mordred's father asked, her voice calm and collected, even as she drove the car. She sounded nice, despite what Jackie had heard about her. And she looked very pretty, like Big Sis Mordred. "If a Ruler Servant is meant to maintain a neutral position…"

"Lord Darnic said not to press the issue," Charles said. "Ruler Servants can apparently take control over other Servants, and if we try to attack her, there might be trouble. Though I wonder why she wasn't summoned here."

"I cannot say. This Grail War is shaping up to be a somewhat atypical one, just like the previous ones." At that, she seemed sad.

Charles eventually said, "So…you saw her in that feed from the surveillance golem, right? Before Lord Darnic sent us off? She's there, along with…him."

"Yes. Your father seemed set to order Berserker to go and attack them before Darnic and Lancer forbade it. In truth…I'm not sure what to feel seeing my child again. I feel so many things, including anger towards the one who brought my kingdom down. But…Mordred was but a tool, wielded by my half-sister. The fault was that of many people, including myself, for I held myself to too high a standard. As a Servant of the Black Faction, I will have to face her in battle. But…if anything else, I want to tell her that I am sorry. She may lack the capacity to rule, but she still deserved to know a parent's love."

So did we, Jackie thought darkly. But we never got it, until now.

"I don't feel the same way about him."

"But he's your brother, and the woman is your mother."

"They turned on us! She chose the doll over her own son! Me! Traitors are bad enough normally, but when they're your own blood, it's even worse! It must have been the case when you had Mordred turn on you!"

"Maybe. But…Charles, look!"

Jackie looked too, in time to see an explosion light up the night sky near a highway sign. A pair of figures appeared out of the smoke. One was a girl in armour, who looked a little like Saber of Black, but wielding a flagpole, of all things! The other was a man whose skin was as white as snow, with hair to match, dressed in golden armour, and wielding a lance. "Is that Lancer of Red?!" Charles yelped.

Jackie frowned, and sent back over their link, Mummy, we've just been travelling with the Saber of Black and Charles Potter, and we think we've come across Lancer of Red and…well, is Ruler a girl?

Let me see through your eyes, Jackie, came the voice of Mummy. Then, after they felt her presence linking to their senses, she said, Jackie, if that really is Ruler he is attacking, then something's wrong. Let me listen in first. Then, if you can speak to Ruler alone, do so. I'll help you say the right things.

Jackie nodded, as the car halted, and Charles and Saber of Black dashed out, Saber changing from that suit into a suit of armour. Saber of Black dashed in and attacked Lancer, forcing him away from his quarry. "So, you must be the Saber of the Black Faction?" the enemy Servant asked.

"Aye," Saber said. "By what right do you attack the Ruler of this Grail War?"

"Don't think I enjoy doing this, Saber," Lancer said. Jackie noticed his eyes were a brilliant blue, with slitted pupils, seemingly cold and reptilian. "My Master's orders were clear, and it is the role of we Servants to obey."

Jackie approached Ruler, who was also being approached by Charles. "Well, it seemed we got here in the nick of time. I wonder, though…is this the Red Faction's collective decision to attack Ruler, or just a single rogue Master trying to circumvent this Grail War?" Charles asked. "In any case, greetings, Ruler. I am Charles Potter, Master of Saber, and representative of Yggdmillennia."

"Greetings, Charles Potter. I am Jeanne d'Arc, the designated Ruler Servant of this Holy Grail War. For what reason did you seek me out?"

"Lord Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia has requested your presence at our base of operations. If you need to preserve your neutrality by refusing the invitation, he understands, but the invitation is there regardless."

"Thank you, Charles Potter, but I must decline your lord's request. As Ruler, my role is to observe the Holy Grail War and ensure the integrity of the ritual."

"…Very well. He will be disappointed, but I am sure he would understand. Saber, put paid to Lancer."

"So, you wish to cross blades? So be it. Know then, Saber, that I am Karna, son of Surya, the sun deity," Lancer of Red said. The words could have been a boast, but the tone was not.

"As a knight, I am bound to offer my name in exchange. I am Arturia Pendragon. Prepare yourself."

As the two Servants clashed, Charles looked over at Ruler. "Incidentally, Ruler, or can I call you Jeanne?"

"You may call me either, if you wish."

"Jeanne, then. The Red Faction, or rather, a wizard affiliated with the Red Faction, interfered with the summoning of our Assassin, and somehow took control of her."

"And you wish to know whether that contravenes the rules. It depends on the circumstances. But that can wait."

Jackie had to admit, the clash between Lancer of Red and Saber of Black was pretty cool. They resisted the temptation to Deastralize and start cheering, or breathing, "Wow…" They knew Mummy was in awe, and they felt a pang of jealousy that they weren't as strong or as cool as these two Servants. Assassins struck from the shadows, sneaking in and out of the darkness to fight. In their Astral form, Jackie pouted rather cutely.

Soon, however, as the rays of the sun peeked out from over the horizon, they broke off. "I see…so, the power of the King of Knights was not mere hyperbole," Karna said. "Unfortunately, while clashing during the day is fine by me, I'm sure the ones holding your leash are getting impatient. Still, it was an honour that my first fight was with you."

"And you too, Karna."

As the Lancer dissolved, despite Jeanne's angry admonition, Jackie knew the time was soon coming. They waited as Charles made one last plea for Jeanne to come with her, only for Jeanne to refuse. However, before they left, Arturia went over to Jeanne. "So, you are Jeanne d'Arc. It's a pleasure to meet you, at least."

"Likewise. Yet you seem troubled, King of Knights. Why?"

"I retain memories of my prior summonings. During my first Grail War…I was forced to face Gilles de Rais as a Caster, when he was in the throes of his madness, mistaking me for you. He idolised you so. Perhaps some time, we can speak under less fraught circumstances, for I do admire you and what you did for your country."

"Perhaps. And I am sorry about Gilles."

"You need not apologise for his actions, for they were his own, and I put an end to them myself," Arturia said. "Fare thee well, Maid of Orleans."

After they drove away, Jackie watched as Ruler began picking up her ruined luggage. As Ruler groaned in dismay, Jackie decided to make an appearance, throwing one of their knives at the golem birdy watching them. Ruler must have sensed that, for she whirled. "Where are you? Show yourself!"

Jackie obliged her, Deastralizing. "Don't worry, we're not here to hurt you. Unless you're mean to me. No, we were spying on the Black Faction for Mummy. Then we saw the mean Lancer attack you."

Ruler's eyes widened, and then narrowed in a way that Jackie didn't like. "Assassin of Black…Jack the Ripper."

"We're not an Assassin of Black, not anymore," Jackie said, cocking their head. "And Assassin of Red is a mean-looking hag called Semiramis. We don't trust her, and neither do Saber and Caster of Red. We came here to talk, Ruler, not to kill you."

"…You don't belong in this world," Ruler said.

Suddenly, there was a whipcrack of air near Jackie, and Mummy was there! Yay! "And yet, she's here. My lover is a werewolf, and yet, there are many people who say werewolves don't belong in the world."

Ruler looked over at him. "You are her Master then? A wizard as opposed to a Magus."

"I became her Master because she chose me over the Yggdmillennia Magus who intended to summon her, with the murder of a young woman who didn't deserve that fate. I was torn on whether to enter this Grail War, but I'm in it now. If Jackie survives, then I intend to give her a childhood and a life she was denied collectively. If you intend to do what I think you intend to do to her, then you do it over my dead body. Servant or not, I will try to stop you."

Ruler frowned, and then her amethyst eyes, so pretty, looked at Jackie. Whatever she found there seemed to have her nod in satisfaction. "Very well. I will allow this, as long as you do not allow Assassin to attack non-combatants. However, do you have any idea why a Servant of the Red Faction attacked me?"

"We don't know, but we have suspicions," Mummy said. "Our Servants didn't trust the Church overseer Shirou Kotomine, nor his Servant, Assassin of Red, Semiramis. In fact, Caster of Red smelled a mind control substance from afar while within his church, suggesting that he may have suborned the other Masters of the Red Faction, and Lancer's actions may very well have borne that out. For now, we are acting relatively independently of the Red Faction. However, we believe that the bounded fields erected at the church were done so by a Servant."

Ruler seemed to consider this, before nodding. "And what is your name, Master of Assassin?"

"Lily Evans."

"I see. Normally, I would have manifested myself within a body not dissimilar to other Servants. However, that process was interrupted somehow, and I was forced to…possess, for want of a better term, a girl by the name of Laeticia Delacroix, descended from my relatives. The process, before you ask, was entirely consensual, and her physical body is protected by my essence, protecting her from any damage done to my person. While you have not provided me with the answers I seek, you have certainly cleared up some of my confusion. I thank you."

"You're welcome. You don't need help getting to where you need to go?"

"No. Amongst other things, going with one faction or another would endanger my neutrality."

"Well…allow me to do this favour at least." And with that, Mummy repaired Ruler's suitcase and made all the clothes and things go into it. "Think of it as payment for meeting Jeanne d'Arc, as well as allowing me to keep Jackie. She's dear to me. I lost one child already, the one you just met. Charles was taken from me and his mind poisoned by his father. I hope to raise Jackie in a way like with my other son, Harry."

"Then I hope you succeed, Lily Evans. Dominus vobiscum(1)."

Mummy handed over a pair of cards. "If you have access to a phone, call us if necessary. If there truly is something wrong with this Grail War, we'd be only too happy to help."

"Merci," Ruler said with a nod. Jackie knew, though, this would not be the last time they met Ruler. But would she be mean to them when they met next? There was something Jackie didn't like in Ruler's eyes when she looked at them. They would have to keep an eye on that one…

CHAPTER 7 ANNOTATIONS:

So, we've gotten into Jackie's headspace, and it's not a nice place to be. Still, probably better than canon. I actually based this on the latest chapter (as of writing this) of The Third Faction by TheMaster4444, which has quite a good chunk of it from Jackie's rather disturbing point of view, as well as the preview for the next chapter of Fragments of Chaldea, which will apparently be Jackie-centric. I wanted to give a sort of middle ground, more or less, between Jackie's doubtlessly disturbing canon mindset (which TheMaster4444 wrote and their beta Draconic refined for The Third Faction) and, well, the potential for her to become a decent person in the end, as shown in Fragments of Chaldea by GhostXavier, where she and Nursery Rhyme are adopted by Atalanta.

I have this notion that Jackie (something a lot of fanfic writers have and will go with) is, in the end, just a child, and if shown proper love and care, could develop into a much more moral entity. Yes, she's still a killer, but she'd go from an oblivious killer with a macabrely alien mindset to a relatively normal child, albeit one with more skills with knives than one would like. Aside from Fragments of Chaldea, I'm also struck by a comparison to the megalomaniacal Omega from Doctor Who.

For those unfamiliar with Omega, he was a stellar engineer from early Time Lord society who ended up being trapped in an anti-matter universe, and was desperate to escape. In his second story, Arc of Infinity (a mostly forgettable one, sadly, mostly notable for its villain, guest appearances by a pre-Sixth Doctor Colin Baker and Michael Gough, and lots of location filming in Amsterdam), Omega eventually acquires what he believes to be a stable normal matter body, based on the Doctor's. And while he promptly kills a man to steal his clothes, upon walking the streets of Amsterdam, he seems to just…enjoy being alive once more. He actually joins a crowd listening to a calliope, and gets this wonderful, childish smile on his face…which makes the eventual decay of his body all the more heart-wrenching, considering that, if his body was stable, his insanity might have eventually abated.

Jackie, I feel, is the same in many regards. If she didn't have Reika as a Master, and had someone with more of a moral compass (to say nothing of mana supplies), I think she would improve gradually.

Also, you know how I mentioned songs Lily singing to Jackie? Well, that came about from an idea I had in discussion with Gabriel Herrol. You see, going back to Doctor Who, there's an official audio drama called Night Thoughts, featuring a serial killer who kills while whistling the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons. I think that'd be an interesting conceit for Jackie to pick up on.

Review-answering time! Dragon Man 180: The Jackie with fox ears idea is just adorable, and the interruption of the fight is hilarious. I might use them, but don't be disappointed if I don't.

1. Latin for 'may the Lord be with you'. Given Jeanne's devotion, I thought it not inappropriate to have her say this in a well-meaning manner to Lily.