Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
King of Beasts Productions Presents:
Fate/Grand Blunder: A Fate Multicrossover
Chapter 9: Seventh Heaven
After a hard day of traversing the timeline to correct the anomalies found, even a Servant would like some time to relax and unwind. Some do so by reading books, playing games at the Game Room, or even sleeping for hours on end. For many others, though, it would kicking it back at Seventh Heaven, the local bar/lounge established by the Servant Caster Tifa Lockheart. There the inhabitants of Chaldea, be they human or Servant, can relax and unwind while helping themselves to the finest ales, wines, and other beverages that tickle one's fancy, as well as great food that goes well with it. If you want all that, as well as a place to make conversation and just have a good time, then Seventh Heaven just might be your place.
It was yet another busy night here at Seventh Heaven, as many of the staff and Servants have decided to have their dinners there as opposed to the cafeteria. The tables were filled to the brim and food and beverage were being passed around by the waitresses who worked there. The laughter of friends trading stories only added to the already vibrant atmosphere the bar had to offer.
For Tifa Lockheart, Servant Caster and the proprietor of Seventh Heaven, it was just another night at work. It wasn't like she didn't have experience: The first incarnation was but a cover for her fellows in AVALANCHE, and the second was the home she built for herself after all that.
This would be the third.
"Here are the strong ales you three asked for." Tifa slid the mugs filled with with the foamy, alcoholic beverages across the counter to Francis Drake (Servant Rider), Jim Raynor (Servant Rider), and Rory Mercury (Servant Berserker). "As well as your meals that go with them: Fish and chips for Drake, a patty melt for Jim, and a medium-rare steak for Rory."
"That's the spirit!" The red-head pirate captain let out a hearty laugh before taking her order. "Thanks a ton, Tifa!"
Raynor took a swig of his beer, then sighed in satisfaction. "This is exactly what the doctor ordered..."
"Long day at work, Jim?" Tifa inquired with a kind smile on her face.
"Just another part of bein' a peacekeeper." The former Marshall, clad in a white fitted shirt and jeans with the new armband with the Peacekeeper insignia, a pair of white wings surrounding the Chaldea logo, strapped to his arm , chuckled. "Honestly didn't think Steve would pick me, even if I just threw my name in the hat outta curiosity."
"Oh, don't be so modest." Rory, wearing her usual Priestess of Emroy vestments, piped in after chugging her own drink. "From what I have heard, you've got quite the experience when it comes to upholding the peace. I think you'll do just fine."
"What surprises me," Drake countered as she eyed Rory's own Peacekeeper band. "Is that you joined up too."
"Is that so surprising? I have extensive experience as a member of Alnus' Military Police." Rory giggled as she quickly downed her drink, which was Tifa's cue to take it and bring it behind the counter to be refilled. "I know how to keep the peace."
"Well, I guess scaring the troublemakers shitless is a good way to keep people from getting ideas." Drake laughed heartily as she took a bite out of a piece of fish. "Mmm! This is good stuff!"
"Thanks, but I can't take the credit for this one." Tifa chuckled goodnaturedly. "Boudica's at the back working here while EMIYA's at the kitchen today."
"You still run a pretty tight ship, Tifa. This place has become quite the after-work hot spot. I remember when you first opened this joint a few months back." Raynor chuckled as he reminisced. "Me, Drake and a couple of other guys were looking for a place to relax and have a cold one after a long day's work, and the cafeteria wasn't cutting it for us. When we discovered this place, it was heaven on earth for us. I know you heard this old cowboy say it too much, thank you for putting this place up."
"Well, I try my best!"
"This, and the fact that you're quite easy on the eyes, is a reason why you're pretty popular with the guys!" Drake let out yet another hearty laugh. "A good chunk of them are just about ready to ask you out!"
"Well, they'll have to be disappointed then." Tifa sighed. "He may not be here yet, but I'm already spoken for."
"Oho~! Now this is news!" Rory let out another amused giggle. "Must be quite a man to have captured your heart~! What is he like?"
"Well, he does need work when it comes to talking to others, but he is a good man deep down-Wait, why am I telling you this?!" Tifa shot back once she realized what she was saying. "And why are you even asking?!"
"Now, now, ladies." Raynor chuckled. "Let's just all enjoy this night before-"
"GYAAH!"
They all turned to see one of the drunk employees on the ground. Pinning him down was a long-haired brunette with rabbit ears clad in a brown waitress' outfit with black stockings, an outraged expression on her face.
"Let me go!" The employee in question, an overweight thirty five year old male from the Magus Division, was struggling to break free and was even using Reinforcement to try and overpower her, but the fact that this bunny girl named Delilah was a Servant, and a Berserker at that, meant that she didn't even budge.
"After what you tried to pull?! I don't think so!" The brunette only tightened her grip further as she growled, driving her knee into the man's back. "I'm not so cheap that any guy can just grab a handful of my ass and get away with it!"
"Why you-?!" His friend, a wiry fellow with spiky gray hair, reinforced his fist and was about to strike her.
"Like hell you're gonna-!" Raynor pushed his stool aside and was about to intervene, but was stopped when Tifa put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry." The bartender giggled. "Ryu's got this."
"What do you mean-?!" He immediately got his answer when said reinforced fist was stopped by a pale skinned girl dressed in a green waitress' outfit with piercing blue eyes, the pointed ears of an elf, and short greenish blonde hair. Many remarked that she looked like a fairy, but many also knew that she didn't have the same disposition.
"Sir," The girl known as Ryu Leon a.k.a "The Gale", Servant Assassin, spoke in a polite, yet chilling voice. "Would you kindly not cause trouble for me and my co-worker? I understand that you all have had a long day and-"
"Shut your mouth!" The guy being pinned by Delilah verbally lashed out despite his face being smushed against the wooden floor. "You Servants are nothing but glorified familiars! You should be serving US! Yet you have the gall to mock your betters-GUH!"
"How about you shut that trap for a little while longer!" Delilah delivered a swift chop to the back of his head to shut him up, using just enough force to incapacitate him.
"I suggest you just give up." Ryu kept a level, stoic tone of voice while he addressed the other Magus. "Even if we are 'glorified familiars' as your friend so eloquently put it, you still do not stand a chance against any of us. Also, the only person we answer to is our Master, Ritsuka Fujimaru."
"Like hell I will let a boy with no magical experience whatsoever get the better of me!" He held his hand out to cast a spell, but- "GUH!"
He didn't even see Ryu dart close to him and slam a palm into his gut, making the unfortunate mage keel over and drop into the ground.
"Nice one, Ryu!" Delilah grinned as she stood up, getting off her unconscious foe.
"It was nothing." The Gale dusted herself off. They both spied two more of the Magi's fellows were about to retaliate and were ready to defend themselves when the Tifa herself, flanked by Rory and Raynor, stepped in.
"That's quite enough, gentlemen." The raven-haired bartender sighed while placing her hands on her hips with a disapproving expression on her face. "I think you've all had enough to drink tonight."
"Sh-Shut up, you-!" The guy was immediately silenced when a fireball flew past him, flying mere inches away from his face before it hit the wall in a mini-explosion. His eyes were widened as the Bartender of Seventh Heaven was giving him the mother of all death glares while her fist was extended, the smoke from her open palm a clear sign that she had cast a spell.
"This'll be your last warning." Tifa spoke in a low voice that cowed the remaining two into submission. "Get out of my bar, or there will be consequences."
She was answered by the terrified squeals of the remaining two conscious magi, who proceed to desperately drag their incapacitated fellows out of Seventh Heaven with the fear of God in them.
"That takes care of that." Tifa dusted her hands of, then turned to see the other tenants cheer in surprise. "Huh?!"
"Mighty fine show you ladies put on." Raynor chuckled as he, Rory, and Drake added to the applause.
"It's a shame I couldn't join in, but I suppose those boys aren't worth my time." The Apostle of Emroy added with a giggle.
"Sorry you had to get involved, Tifa." Delilah and Ryu walked over with apologetic expressions that she shrugged off.
"You guys did what you had to do. I expect Ritsuka to give us a stern talking to later, but I'll vouch for you two." Tifa smiled as Raynor sighed.
"We'll help ya out if it comes to it." He added, then chuckled. "Shame if our favorite bar maids got sent to the slammer 'cause some sleazy drunk couldn't keep his hands to himself."
"Indeed." Rory giggled. "But enough chatter! Let us continue the festivities!"
"I'm down with that!" Drake raised her mug, cheering heartily as did the rest of the staff and Servants present. Seeing that everything returned to normal, Tifa only smiled as she went back behind the counter and got back to work, having only one fond thought.
"I hope you get here soon, Cloud. I think you'll love it here."
The Next Day. On the Western American Frontier...
"HAH!"
Tifa shattered a crystal golem with a single brutal right cross, then leaped back just as one more stepped past it's comrades corpse and swung it's fist at her.
"Eat this!" She used her Firaga Materia to launch several fireballs that bounced of the golem hardened body. "Tsk!"
"Dantes! Marie! Back her up!" Ritsuka called to the Avenger and the Rider, both of them already on the move.
"HA!" Atop her crystalline steed Guillotine Breaker, Marie Antoinette fired several bolts of light at the golem's head. It did little damage, but it accomplished it's purpose as the golem was left blinded. So blinded, in fact, that it didn't notice Dantes coming right at him like a black blur filled with malevolence.
"Die!" He zipped around the giant construct, striking it each time he went past, before going over it's head and unleashing a massive beam of light that engulfed the golem, utterly destroying it so that not a speck remained.
"Cest' Magnifique, Edmond~!" Marie cheered as her steed pranced around the battlefield. "You did well to vanquish that golem!"
"I don't need your praise, Queen of France." The Avenger replied in a gruff tone. "I was simply doing my duty as a Servant. Nothing more."
"Mayhaps, but that doesn't I can't compliment you for a job well done~!" She giggled. "After all, it wouldn't do if I don't commend you for a job well done when-!"
"MARIE! BEHIND YOU!" Tifa didn't want to interrupt their conversation, but she had to now that she saw a Soul Eater stalking her, then uncoiling like a spring as it pounced at the hapless Servant. Even as the french monarch stared like a deer in the headlights, Dantes acted almost immediately. He darted towards her in a black blur and tackled her off her steed just as the Soul Eater brought it's claws down on her.
"GAH!" Dante growled in pain as the claws cut him across his back. This caused him to stumble as they both ended up rolling on the ground several times before they stopped with Marie on top.
"You're hurt!" The Queen of Lillies' eye widened in concern at the visible gash on his back.
"This...is nothing...!" Dantes scowled. The Soul Eater would try and pounce at the pair yet again, but Tifa was there to meet the creature this time.
"Not on your life!" She roared as she grabbed the Soul Eater's paw mid-swing, killing all of it's momentum. It struggled to free itself, but it was to no avail. "RRAAAAH!" She roared as she spun on her heel while still grabbing the monster, gathering enough momentum to finally toss it into the air with all her might. "YANG!"
"Say no more!" The blonde-haired Berserker leaped after the Soul Eater, winding up her right arms as she did so. "Time to end this with a YANG!"
She swung her burning fist as hard as she could, hitting the blackened creature so hard that it was sent towards the ground. It began burning up upon descent and crashed into the ground with a resounding bang. The Soul Eater was still alive, but it was clearly on it's last legs.
"Shall I do the honors?" Tifa stepped forward just as Yang landed, grinning as her right fist began lighting up.
"Knock 'em dead!" Yang chuckled as she stepped back. Tifa reared her fist back at the beast, who let out one last defiant roar.
"FINAL HEAVEN!" She thrust herself forward too fast for the naked to follow. It took a second, but the Soul Eater was quickly engulfed by a massive explosion. Once it was subsided, they were able to confirm that there was no trace of the beast left.
"Good work, Tifa." Ritsuka chuckled as he stepped forward with Mash in her Servant form escorting him. "Let's take five before we take these crystals Tony asked us to get back home."
"Sounds like a plan." Tifa nodded, then turned to see Yang grinning at the pair, noting that Marie was still on top of Dantes.
"Aren't you two getting a little too cozy there?" The blonde teased, causing the Queen to immediately get off the Count.
"M-My apologies." Marie apologized
"It's fine." Was the gruff reply as she helped him to his feet. This caused Tifa to smile at the sight; At the time, he wasn't so thrilled to being associated with the friends of, in his words, "That Blasted Saint" Jeanne d'Arc after her repeated attempts to "offer him salvation", but he somehow tolerated Marie the most. Because of this, the Count of Monte Cristo and the Queen of Lillies have developed an unlikely friendship that, to some watchful eyes with nothing better to do, could develop into something more. While it was none of Tifa's business, she believed that it would be good for both of them.
"Heh, they remind me so much of me and Cloud." Even now, she thought of the blonde SOLDIER fondly. Even now, she wondered when he would finally make it to Chaldea. She wanted nothing more than to show him all the things she's experienced and the people they've met. She wished that she didn't have to wait so long.
"Hey, you alright?"
She was snapped out of her thoughts to see Yang sit down beside her, offering her a thermos filled with iced water. The brawler smiled as she took it and drank out of it, the cool drink serving to refresh her. If people knew how the last time the two met went down, they would think that it'd be strange that they're pretty close friends. Then again, the same could be said for a lot of people who have had to fight each other to the death in the past, be it in their former lives or other Grail Wars.
"I'm fine. Just thinking about things." Tifa replied as she spied Martha aiding Marie in healing Dantes' wound. She then looked around the crystal shards that the golems left behind. "This should be more than what Tony had asked for."
Yang nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Definitely enough for his kooky science experiments."
"I heard Weiss has been helping him out recently." Tifa inquired, to which Yang nodded.
"He's been interested in Dust and it's special properties. Still refuses to call it magic, by the way. Which means Ice Queen, being the resident expert on it, is giving him a hand." The blonde bruiser explained. Tifa gave a nod as she continued to watch Dantes scowl while Marie was left giggling at what Martha had just said. Seeing that faraway look in Tifa's eyes made Yang chuckle. "Missing your boyfriend?"
"Wh-What?!" Tifa began blushing profusely. "H-How did you-?!"
"I garnered a guess." The blonde answered. "It was written all over your face as you kept oogling Marie and Dantes."
"Oh..." Seeing Tifa sigh caused Yang to press the attack.
"So, what's he like?" She asked, causing Tifa to sigh.
"Well, he's not the most social person in the world. Quite rough around the edges, actually." Tifa giggled fondly as she remembered the young man who captured her heart. "But deep down, he a kind, caring man who you can count on, no matter the circumstance."
"Sounds like quite a guy." Yang giggled. "Well, I hope I get to meet him someday."
"Yeah." She nodded with a smile. "In the mean time, you want that Strawberry Sunrise ready for you later?"
"Oh, Tifa." Yang grinned as the two fistbumped. "You know me so well~!"
Later that Afternoon. Seventh Heaven, Chaldea.
"Ahh, that was refreshing!" After taking a hot shower fresh from the supply run, Tifa felt refreshed as she walked into the bar she had built. She sighed as she spied the hole in the wall that she left yesterday, but that was quickly replaced with a smile as she saw a fellow Caster who had decided to volunteer at her bar the moment he learned of it.
"Hey, Chen!" The Pandaren Brewmaster, having traded his green robes for a bartender's suit, turned and greeted Tifa with a smile.
"Ah, Miss Lockheart! You're just in time!" He gestured to the bar, where Oberyn Martell was sitting as well. "I had just finished a fresh batch of what Oberyn here calls a 'Dornish Red.' It is my first time to make a brew that isn't ale, but I can never pass up the chance at making a good drink that brings cheer!"
"You should try some as well, Lady Lockheart." The Viper of Dorne offered with a cheerful smile. "You will find no finer wine after sampling one."
"I suppose a sip won't hurt." Tifa giggled as she took a seat beside the noble as Chen produced a bottle filled with rich red wine.
"I followed your specifications as best as I could, Lord Martell." Chen chuckled as he poured two glasses. "While I have not made this before until a few months ago, I'm quite confident in the taste!"
"That I do not doubt, Maester Stormstout." Oberyn nodded with a smile as he took his wineglass, followed by Tifa doing the same thing. He then took a sniff, the aroma causing him to smile. "Ah, it smells like home."
"It does have a unique scent." Tifa nodded. Though she was not as well-versed as Chen or Oberyn when it came to her liquor, she liked to think that she can ascertain a drink's quality.
"You'll never know a drink's true worth if you don't take a taste." Chen commented with a chuckle, a gesture returned by the Viper of Dorne.
"No truer words have been spoken." Oberyn agreed before taking a sip. Tifa noted that his already cheerful demeanor improved significantly upon doing so.
"Well?" Chen inquired, though the smile on the Lancer's face told him that it was a success.
"It truly is a Dornish Red!" The Viper of Dorne exclaimed with a smile on his face. "All it took was a sip, and I found myself back in the shores of Dorne, with my beautiful wife Ellara and my beautiful daughters. Oh, the taste is certainly there, but for some reason," He felt a tear trickle down his cheek. "I immediately thought of home."
"You miss them, don't you?" Tifa asked with a tender smile as she herself thought of Denzel and Marlene.
"More and more everyday." Oberyn nodded as he wiped the tear with a napkin. "Ah, if only one of these Singularities brought us to Dorne, I would show you all around myself."
"Ah, now that is something to look forward to." Chen chuckled. "I look forward to tasting an authentic Dornish Red myself and to see how my take on it fares."
"I look forward to that." Oberyn chuckled before looking at his goblet. "The more I think about it, perhaps if I hadn't let my pride get in the way, then..." He trailed off, but Tifa knew what he was talking about; As one of her regulars, she listened to him pour out his sorrows enough to know the story behind his death. She knew that, behind the philandering playboy, the skilled alchemist, and the deadly spearman, Oberyn valued family above all else. After all, he fought for someone else's life because he had a chance to avenge his sister's murder.
"Trust me, Oberyn, I know what that kind of regret feels like." Tifa gestured to the ribbon tied to her left arm, a memento she wears in honor of her fallen friend Aerith. "Even now, I sometimes wonder if I could've saved my friend had I been there. That I could've helped Cloud stop him." She then let out a small sigh, then smiled. "But if I keep pondering on the what-ifs, then she'd never let me hear the end of it if ever she comes to Chaldea. As such, I choose to keep her memory alive instead." She pat him on the shoulder with a smile. "That's what you should be doing too, Oberyn. Use that second chance you have here to honor your loved ones. That way, they're never truly gone."
"Hehe. There is nothing I can add to that." Chen let out a hearty chuckle.
"Well said, Tifa Lockhart." Oberyn smiled as he took another sip. "But that is enough seriousness for one day. Such time can be spent enjoying this fine wine!"
"Is it fine enough for a king?" They all turned to see Gilgamesh, clad in a white shirt, a golden necklace, and gray pants.
"Kind of weird that you're here, since you never show up for dinner." Tifa inquired with a raised brow, but the King of Heroes simply brushed her off.
"I go where I please, woman." Gil answered back with a scoff, then turned his attention to the bottle of red wine that Chen had crafted. "I wish to sample this...'Dornish Red' that you have brewed, panda."
"Why, of course!" Chen chuckled, proving to be affable even in the face of the King of Heroes as he poured him a glass. "It is my first attempt in brewing a fine wine, so I'm afraid that it might not meet your standards."
"I will be the judge of that." Gil took that glass, sniffed it, then took a sip. All three watched as he let the wine slosh inside his mouth before he took a gulp. "Hmm...This is not half bad. Granted, I have had finer wines in Uruk, but this is fit to be served in the king's table." He turned to the panda. "And what did you say your name was again?"
"Chen Stormstout, Servant Caster."
"I wish to sample the rest of your brews at a later date." Gil grinned as he slammed a gold bar he brought out of nowhere into the counter top. "I will make sure that you are paid handsomely for your services."
"Quite flattering, my king. However, there is no need." Chen chuckled as he politely turned him down. "The enjoyment I see from people enjoying my drinks is payment enough."
"I see, I see!" Gilgamesh let out a hearty laugh as he drew that gold bar back. "Refusing the king's generosity is absurd, but I will allow it!" He turned to Tifa, who was startled by how fast he whipped his head at her. "Woman, I shall be back for more of his drinks. Be sure to prepare proper accommodations worthy of a king such as I!"
"S-Sure!" Tifa was taken aback at how much Gil enjoyed the drink, and even more so at the idea of the King of Heroes dropping by.
"And you." He turned to Oberyn. "You must tell me more about this 'Dorne'. It may not be as grand as Uruk, but any place with good drink sounds worthwhile to hear about." To this, the Red Viper only grinned.
"Sounds delightful."
Tifa only shook her head as the King of Heroes made two unlikely friends in Chen and Oberyn. She took a look at the time, and only sighed as she stood up. The dinner rush was about to begin, so she thought it was best that she got ready for it.
"Hey Tifa! Two more beers over this way, please!"
"You know I don't enjoy drinking as much as you, Snow."
"Well, if you're here, then there's a chance that Serah can get summoned too. I have to be able to tell her that I took care of you, you know!"
Tifa only found herself giggling as she gave Snow Villers, Servant Rider, and Lightning Farron, Servant Ruler, their drinks. She looked around and saw that Seventh Heaven was as lively as ever; In addition to the aforementioned two, next to them at the bar was Hans and Tanya drinking a scotch and an Asahi respectively. The regulars Drake, Shuten, Raynor and Rory happened to be at the bar as well. Over at the tables were the Servants intermingling with the employees.
Notable sights included the mountain of food on Artoria's table, who devoured it with gusto to the amused smiles of Jeanne and Gwendolyn, Yang finally enjoying her promised Strawberry Sunrise while sitting with her friend Weiss Schnee, Servant Caster, and Fran and the Forvedge siblings, Fiore and Caules, hanging out with those two employees from the Engineering and Science Divisions who Tony asked to work with him on that new generator. If she remembered correctly, their names were Tyler Fields and Anton Schnell respectively. From what she gathered from the snippets she overheard, Tyler was gushing about the fact that he was working with THE Tony Stark, all while Anton and Caules were trying to calm him down to Fiore's and Fran's amusement.
All in all, just another night in Seventh Heaven.
"Hey, Boss!" Delilah approached the counter to hand in her order. "Two extra large beef bowls for Yuuki and Akame's table!"
"Got it." Tifa nodded as she handed it over to the kitchen's staff, this time comprising Shirou and EMIYA. "Two extra large beef bowls for Table 5!"
"Coming up!" EMIYA nodded before turning to his younger counterpart. "Think you can keep up with me?"
"Heh." The red-head grinned excitedly as he fired up the stove. "It's YOU who should keep up with ME!"
"Those are fighting words, boy." EMIYA smirked as he got to his station to do the exact same thing, causing Tifa to sigh with a smile.
"Those two always have to make a competition out of everything." She decided that it was best to leave the two to their business, so she turned back to see five new arrivals, one of them entering for the first time.
"When did we get a bar?!"
"You were still asleep when they had this built, Rachelle-senpai."
"It looks so crowded!"
"We'll be fine, Mamika."
"Hey Tifa! Got seats for us ladies?"
"You got it!" Tifa waved as she gestured Ryu to lead the group of Mash, Rachelle, Mamika, Sayaka, and Homura to one of the now vacant tables. Sure enough, Ryu took their orders and headed back to the counter. With a nod, she handed it to the kitchen, then turned to Chen. "Think you can manage without me for a few minutes?"
"Oh, don't you worry about me!" The Pandaren Brewmaster nodded with a grin. With another nod, Tifa stepped out for a few to check on that particular table, her own curiosity about the new Master urging her forward.
"You must be Rachelle, right?"
The orange-haired Master would turn to regard the proprietor of Seventh Heaven. "That's right! You must be Tifa, then?"
"Tifa Lockheart, Servant Caster, at your service!" She giggled as she looked at the other four girls. "What brings you all here tonight?"
"Rachelle-senpai wanted to check out the bar." Mash explained for everyone's benefit. "So she invited me, Sayaka, Mamika, and Homura to a 'girls' night out', as she calls it."
"By the way, where's Fou?" Tifa asked.
"Oh, we left him with Senpai for the night." Mash added with a fond smile
"Let's not think about him for now, Mashmallow!" The Master grinned as she threw her arm around the bespectacled Shielder's shoulders. "I haven't gotten to hang out with you since Singularity F, so I'm making up for lost time!"
"Rachelle-senpai...Can't breathe...!"
"Aren't you a ball of energy?" Tifa giggled at the scene, as the orange-haired girl before her reminded her too much of her friend Yuffie.
"Yes. You're unlike any Magus from the Clocktower I've seen." Homura noted, to which Rachelle nodded with a sheepish laugh while she remembered to release her hold on Mash.
"Well, let's just my family isn't exactly what one could consider a normal Magus family."
"How so?" Sayaka asked.
"For starters, my parents made sure that I was raised much like a regular kid; I went to normal schools up until high school, when I applied for the Clocktower. I got to hang out with kids my own age and generally have a childhood. Of course, with some added magic lessons on the weekends."
"That's a surprisingly normal past." Tifa noted. "If I hadn't heard about you before all this, I would've guessed that you were just a normal girl somehow dragged into the world of Magi."
"I give off that aura, don't I?" Rachelle replied with a fond smile. "My parents weren't big on the entire 'Being a Magus is walking with death' thing as well as that obsession with reaching the Root. They didn't see others as 'rivals to defend family secrets from' or 'potential experiments'. All they ever saw in others were that they were people just like them, each with their own dreams and desires. Sure, our family ended up being considered 'abnormal' by our Magus Association peers, but considering the kind of pricks a lot of them are, I'm proud of them for raising me right."
Tifa found herself smiling at the young girl before her. Compared to the more composed and reserved Ritsuka, she was quite the fire-cracker. Fueling that fire was an unwavering conviction to stay her course, no matter what others thought. If anything, Tifa saw a lot of herself in this girl; She can be easy going and amicable, but should push come to shove, she'll raise her fists to fight for what she believes is right.
"Damn straight." Sayaka grinned.
"Wow, you're amazing, Rachelle-san..." Mamika stared with wide eyes.
"I couldn't agree more. You're not like most magi." They all turned to see another face who became well-known among the Servant and staff alike; The ivory-skinned beauty approaching them, her long auburn hair trailing behind her as she walked and her captivating red eyes locked on their table, was renowned for not just her good looks, but for her wisdom and battle prowess. Many knew her as a staunch ally who joined them after America, and was quickly able to command the respect of her peers.
Rachelle couldn't deny that she looked very much like a warrior goddess that has descended among the mortals, but she wasn't going to say it out loud.
"Oh hey, Scathach!" Sayaka grinned. "Glad you can join us!"
"Wait, Scathach?!" Rachelle stared in utter shock. "The Witch of Dun Scaith?! Queen of the Land of Shadows?! Teacher of Cu Chulainn?! THAT Scathach?!"
"It seems that my reputation precedes me." The aforementioned Witch nodded, grabbing an empty stool to sit at their table, and no one bothered or dared to object.
"Well, my cousin IS an Ulster Cycle nut, and a particular fan of your student." Rachelle explained.
"What brings over to Seventh Heaven?" Tifa smiled as Delilah arrived with their food and drinks. She was a little surprised at the other woman's sudden arrival. That certainly makes two unexpected guests as of now. "You're not here that often."
"I was intrigued by the newly awakened Master, so I had to see her for myself." Scathach turned her attention to Rachelle with a mysterious. "So far, you seem to be quite interesting."
"Uh...thanks. A little intimidating, but thanks." Rachelle laughed sheepishly
"And honest as well." Scathach added as their food was set on the table.
"O-Okay then." Tifa noticed that Rachelle was quaking a little under the pressure, and she couldn't blame her; Scathach had pretty high standards in a lot of things, even potential Masters. "Well, that's enough talk for now. Let's dig in, ladies!"
Thirty minutes later...
"Ah! That's what the doctor ordered!" Rachelle sighed as she pat her food filled belly.
"Speaking of doctors," Tifa came in to give them another round of their drinks personally. "How're your sessions with Dr. Roman doing?"
"It's been going well, actually." Rachelle giggled as she took another drink of her mango shake. "He's a really nice guy. Really easy to talk to, relaxed, a bit quirky to boot."
"Sounds like you've taken a shine to him, eh?" Sayaka asked with a cheeky grin. "You sure nothing ELSE goes on behind those closed doors?"
"Come on, it's not like that!" Rachelle objected with a blush on her face. "I-I mean, he's pretty handsome, but that's not a reason why I should!"
"Oho, looks like you have it bad for the doctor~!" Tifa joined in with the teasing, to which Rachelle shook her head and waved her arms to deny vehemently.
"As I said, it ain't like that!" She sighed as she put down her drink. "Besides, I doubt he sees me that way!"
"You say that now." Tifa giggled as she remembered her own experiences with boys. "But you never know. If he is interested in you, a man will do whatever it takes to get your attention. I can say that for certain."
"I would agree." Scathach threw in her two cents, smiling while she sipped on her mug full of ale. "You should be able to tell when he's interested given time."
"Now you're just stretching it, guys..."
"Hey guys. Something's wrong..." Mamika would speak up, pointing at both Mash and Homura. Tifa would notice that the two Servants in question were off; The lavender-haired Shielder had flushed cheeks and a dopey smile on her face, while the raven-haired Assassin seemed to have shrunk in demeanor, looking down with the same red-tinted cheeks as Mash.
"Uh, you guys okay?" Sayaka asked, causing Homura to squeak.
"I-I'm sorry, Sayaka-san! I said and thought mean things about you!" Homura began panicking while the Berserker was obviously confused.
"Eh?"
"I'm so sorry! I could stupid behind your back and to your face, I antagonized you, Madoka and Mami because I wanted to save Madoka! And...Uhm..."
"God, I wish I had a camera!" Sayaka laughed a little as the stoic and cold Homura Akemi she knew revert back to a shy little girl, as sight that was jarring to Tifa as she hadn't seen this side of her yet.
As this was all going on, Rachelle would then check on Mash, who turned to her with a dreamy smile.
"*Hic!* Rashel-shenpai..." The Shielder said with an obvious slur in her usual proper accent. "Do you know where Shenpai ish? I gotta...*Hic!* I gotta give him...all the hugs and kisses...and maybe even more...*Hic!*"
"Uhm, what happened to you, Mash?" Rachelle raised her brow, just as Tifa drew close and examined them both by smelling their breath.
"Well, at least we know what happened." The matron of Seventh Heaven sighed while placing her hands on her hips. "They're drunk. You can clearly smell the alcohol on their breaths."
"But didn't they order non-alcoholic drinks?" Rachelle asked, understandably perplexed.
"Actually, that might've been my fault." They turned to see Delilah laughing sheepishly. "You see, Rory and Shuten ordered alcoholic versions of their drinks, particularly Chen's homemade brews. I might've gotten them mixed up. I'm so sorry, Tifa."
"It's alright." Tifa sighed deeply. "We'll have to talk later, but at least you admitted it."
"Shenpai..." Mash slurred as she stood up suddenly. "I gotta find Shenpai. He'sh a stud muffin that I mush protect..."
"Settle down, girl!" Sayaka would grab Mash by the shoulders in an attempt to keep her in place. At the same time, however, Homura began to stare at Mamika intently.
"Uhm, what is it?" The pink-haired girl would dare to ask.
"Are sure you're not Madoka?" Homura would continue to stare. "You look like her. I mean your hair is pink like hers, your cheeks are adorably round like hers..." She then leaned in a little too close for the other's girl's comfort and began sniffing. Everyone, even Sayaka, was shocked at how forward Homura was being that the aforementioned bluenette released her grip on Mash. "Ah, you smell like her too."
"I'm not her, Homura-san!"
"Woah, settle down there!" Tifa would take charge and grab Homura by the cuff before she did any damage. "Sayaka, Rachelle, take Mash and Homura back to their rooms."
"Gotcha!" The ginger-haired Master nodded.
"Ah, just one problem with that." Scathach would speak up and gestured to the empty spot where Mash was standing but a few minutes ago. "It seems that she wandered off."
"Oh crap!" Sayaka panicked, as she was the one who tried to restrain her before she got so distracted by Homura's shy-yet-flirty demeanor towards Mamika that she released her grip. "Sorry, guys!"
"It's fine, we just have to look for her." Tifa nodded. "Any idea where she might've been headed?"
"If her drunken ramblings are to be believed," Scathach quickly answered. "There can be only one place."
"...Oh shit." The answer dawned quickly on Rachelle, as did the rest of the crew, as to where Mash would most likely be heading. "While I don't mind her getting some, since Ritsuka seems like a nice guy, I'd rather she do it sober!"
"Then we don't have any time to waste!" Tifa would lead Mamika, Scathach, and Rachelle out the door while Sayaka and Ryu made sure Homura got back to her room.
"Any one know where his room is?!" The bartender asked as she ran at the head of the party.
"According to Mash, it shouldn't be that far!" Rachelle answered as she kept pace. "In fact, it should be just around this corner-!"
"AAH!"
"There!" Scathach declared upon hearing the surprised male scream as they turned that corner to see that the sliding door to Ritsuka's room was open. They ran towards the opening to see that Ritsuka was beneath Mash, who was straddling his hips with a dopey smile on her face.
"Don't be shy, Shenpai..." The Shielder giggled as she traced a finger on his abs. "I won't bite~!"
"Mash, I'm not really sure we should be doing this-!" Ritsuka was undeniably aroused by all this, but Tifa could see that he was completely unprepared for how uncharacteristically forward she was being.
"But why not?" She giggled. "You're a wonderful Shenpai, and I think you're cute, too~!"
"Pfft!" Rachelle began chuckling at the sight. "I'm sorry, but this is just too rich!"
"It is amusing." Scathach agreed with her own smile.
"Guys, can you stop standing there and please help me- Mash, NO! Stop unbuttoning your dress!"
"But whyyyy?" Mash pouted as she had already undid one button, giving Ritsuka a small glimpse of her generous cleavage. "You know you can touch, riiight?"
"We REALLY should stop her now." Mamika interjected, to which Tifa nodded.
"Yeah, we should." The bartender agreed, but she couldn't help but smile at how amusing the sight was. As they gently got the drunk kouhai off Ritsuka, she wished them both well.
The Next Morning...
Other than losing track of a drunk Mash, things went smoothly last night. As such, Tifa didn't punish Delilah too harshly. All she did was give her additional cleaning duties, which is why the bunny girl was seen mopping the floor by her lonesome while she just finished wiping the counter.
"All done!" She wiped her brow with a smile just as the door opened. She turned around and greeted Ritsuka with a smile. "Oh, hey! Uh...How's Mash this morning?"
"She's nursing a hangover, so she's at bed resting right now." The Master sighed with a smile. "She doesn't seem to have any memory of last night, which is probably for the best."
"I bet. I doubt she'd want to remember forcing herself onto you." Tifa giggled, causing Ritsuka's cheeks to redden.
"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." The Master sighed, then turned to the bartender with a smile. "Thanks for looking out for us yesterday, Tifa."
"No problem." The raven-haired girl nodded. "She got drunk in my bar, so it was the least I can do. So, anything I can offer you today?"
"Actually, I'm here because you're the one getting something today." His answer made Tifa giggle.
"So sorry, Ritsuka, but you're a little too young for me." She answered him with a teasing tone. "Besides, I doubt Mash or Kiyohime would appreciate me putting the moves on you."
"I don't wanna ask what you mean by that, but I'll keep that in mind." The Master sighed. "We got a new Caster here today. She seems to know you pretty well."
"Really?"
"Yes. In fact, the moment she heard you were here, she insisted that she sees you at once." With a small gesture from Ritsuka, the new Caster stepped through the doors of Seventh Heaven. Tifa could only stare with wide-eyes as she indeed knew her well. She could never forget those long brown locks, tied in a braid with the ribbon she wore on her arm as a tribute to her, those deep green eyes, and that fair complexion many a girl envied. She was even wearing that pink dress and red vest combo that she often had on during their journey together, even up to her end.
But most importantly, she recognized that unmistakable kindness in her eyes.
"A-Aeris?" Tifa slowly walked past the counter, unable to believe her own eyes and the tears that were falling. "Is that...Are you really-?"
"It is." Aeris smiled as she met her approach with her own. "It has been a while, hasn't it, Ti-!" She was abruptly cut off when the bartenders emotional dams broke, drawing the other girl into a tight hug then and there as tears began to fall.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..." Tifa sobbed quietly into her surprised friend's shoulder. "I should've been there. I-If I had, then-!"
"We all know it had to be this way. I don't regret any of it." Aeris smiled as she hugged her back, her own tears forming. "A-And thank you for taking care of Cloud. Thank you for giving him the love he so desperately needed."
"Well, someone had to!" Tifa laughed through her tears. "That idiot..."
"I watched from the Lifestream, so I know how you feel." Aeris did the same before pulling back. "But enough of this. How about you tell me about all your adventures over a drink?"
"Sounds fine by me!" Tifa laughed as she let go and began working on their drinks while Ritsuka and Delilah watched with fond smiles on their faces.
Seventh Heaven was established to make everyone in Chaldea feel more at home in the midst of this desperate war to save human history. Right now, this was definitely true for Tifa Lockheart. Everyone who comes to this bar, to enjoy the food and drink it has to offer, are people she considers family. With the arrival of Aeris Gainsborough, that family only grew bigger.
End Chapter 9
A/N: WOOHOO! We did it! It took longer than I thought it would, but we did it!
Welcome once again, dear readers, to another chapter of Fate Grand Blunder. This took a little longer than I thought because there was a lot of things I wanted to do with this one.
First would be, of course, exploring this chapter's character spotlight: Tifa Lockheart of Final Fantasy fame. Considering that she's the one running the bar this time around, I thought that it would be interesting to show what goes on in Seventh Heaven and the shenanigans that often go down there, which makes sense considering the larger than life personalities Servants are known to have. Writing this chapter was incredibly fun, and I hope guys have fun reading it too!
And yes, she's a Caster; Berserker doesn't really fit because she's never lost it, nor Assassin because she's not one for sneaking around. Considering that we already have a hand-to-hand savvy Caster in Sanzang, the Class fits her.
Notice that Fiore and Caules were present? Well, considering that this is an alternate timeline where the Apocrypha's Ygdimillenia doesn't exist, they went by their original family names and are now working for Chaldea as part of the Magecraft Division. Expect several more Fate non-Servants to make an appearance or two as staff members.
Oh, and the two others who were talking to them and Fran? Well, your eyes don't deceive you if you recognize them: It's Anton and Tyler from GhostXavier's Fragments of Chaldea! I got his consent to use the characters and whatever else I can for this story, so if you loved the Fragments OCs, then you're all gonna be in luck, as they WILL show up in this story!
Alright, just one more thing before I end this: Considering that I've gotten A LOT of character requests, I feel the need to state this. If a character you like doesn't show up, it's either A. I haven't delved into their franchise/series, so I know nothing and don't feel confident in writing them or B. I'm saving them for the right time, and right place, so please be patient. Also, the current timeline is still Pre-Camelot, though that may change as the story goes on. Servants like Merlin and King Hassan will appear when they need to appear. Of course, I will make some exceptions (Like Sengou Muramasa/Shirou, for example), but I'll generally stick with canon. In fact, as one reader Four Eyes Poker Face suggested, I'll be putting up a list of Servants currently in Chaldea at the next chapter, which will be updated as time goes on.
So, yeah, that's all I really have to say for now. Please, PLEASE, leave a review after you've read. Hearing your feedback (Not a character request, but honest-to-goodness feedback) is what keeps us writers going. Also, Tifa's stat sheet will be left here. Until next time, I am the King of Beasts, and I'll see you all in the next chapter!
Servant: Caster
Identity: Tifa Lockheart
Aliases/Titles: Bartender of Seventh Heaven
Series: Final Fantasy Series (VII, Dissidia)
Sex: Female
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Strength: A
Endurance: C
Agility: B+
Mana: A
Luck: C
Class Skills
Territory Creation - It is the Skill to build a special terrain that is advantageous to oneself as a magus, such as for the purpose of collecting mana
C - While Tifa was almost always on the move in her time in AVALANCHE and her adventures with Cloud, she still managed to run a bar efficiently. After said adventures, she devoted much of her time to the place and raising the makeshift family of her, Cloud, Denzel, and Marlene.
Personal Skills
Mana Burst - is the increase in performance caused by infusing one's weapons and body with Magical Energy and instantly expelling it. Simply put, recreating the effect of a jet burst by expending large amounts of Magical Energy
B: Tifa is able to accomplish this with the power of Materia, crystallized mana from the world of Tifa's origin. She has been seen carrying two into battle, one which grants her control over fire, and the other ice.
Eye of the Mind (False)- is a natural talent to foresee/sense and avoid danger on the basis of an innate 6th sense, intuition, or prescience. The accuracy of this instinct can be augmented by experience. The ability also grants an effect of offering resistance against penalties caused by visual obstructions.
B: Tifa has been described as quite an adept Feint Brawler, a fighting style that allows her to feint in between punches so that she can sneak behind an enemy and attack them at their openings.
Rapid Casting - Like High-Speed Incantation, it allows the user to recite incantations at a fast pace.
E: The only real benefit this gives her is allowing her to use her Materia by reciting a single word.
Noble Phantasm
Materia: Crystallized Lifestream- C+ (Anti-Unit, Anti-Army) - An enchanted material from her world made of Mako Energy, liquefied form of her world's life blood. It allows her to harness it's energy to cast "spells". The two in her possession, in particular, allow her to harness fire and ice. She can fire them at her foes, are augment her punches and kicks akin to Mana Burst.
Limit Break: Beyond One's Boundaries - B (Anti-Unit, Anti-Army) - This Noble Phantasm is actually a series of powerful moves that Tifa can chain together for devastating effect. Her most notable ones are Beat Rush (a series of consecutive punches), Waterkick (A kick harness the power of water) Dolphin Blow (An uppercut that summons a Dolphin to aid her), Meteorstrike (Where she grabs her opponent, leaps into the air, and throws them back down with all her might) and Final Heaven (A punch full of immense energy that, when thrown, detonates an explosion that engulfs a large radius).
