AN: Here's Chapter 28. Hope you all like it. Please review :D
"Ugh, this is so boring~!"
Atop a rooftop, Elizabeth complained to herself as she sat at the ledge overlooking the city below.
As it was already night time, there weren't as many people out as there were in the morning. Still, there were still quite a few going about there business. She could only pout in annoyance at the sight of some enjoying themselves with others. Jealousy that others were having fun relaxing and she couldn't.
Why did she have to do this again? Earlier that day she had just went out on patrol with her Master and now she had to go on another one tonight without him? He got to relax while she had to work by herself? It was so unfair!
"My apologies Berserker, I know that you didn't want to do this."
Beside the pink-haired Servant stood Siegfried, the Dragon-Slayer who up until that point had been quietly observing their surroundings.
"Ugh, why are you even apologizing to me for?"
"Because, I volunteered to go out tonight didn't I? However, since Lady Fiore and Lord Caules didn't want me going by myself, you were ordered to accompany me as a result."
"It's not like we had any choice, not with our enemies out there." Elizabeth sighed to herself. "Still, if I was being ordered to go out again, I would have preferred to go after the bitch responsible for Uncle's death instead of prancing around this place."
The girl stated, grinding her teeth in anger as she curled her hands into fists.
"I see, so you were still angry about it after all."
"Like I would forget about it in the first place." Elizabeth countered with a huff, crossing her arms as she continued. "There's no way I'll forgive what happened to Uncle. I've already promised to avenge him after all."
"I see." Siegfried nodded in understanding before pausing for a moment. "I have something to ask you Berserker, if you don't mind that is."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Were you in love with Lancer?"
"Huh!?"
Elizabeth gawked at the Dragon-Slayer with an incredulous look on her face. It was enough for Siegfried to realize his mistake just then.
"Are you an idiot!? No, you are an idiot aren't you!? Don't be stupid! It wasn't anything like that at all. You do realize that I call him uncle don't you!?"
"Well it's certainly not uncommon for-"
"That's not the point!" She exclaimed in annoyance before sighing to herself. "Geez Saber, you really just had to put that image in my head didn't you?"
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention."
"Yeah well too bad Mr. Sorry, I can't get it out of my head now thanks to you!" The pink-haired Servant declared, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I mean sure, I liked Uncle a lot but not in that way. That be like marrying my father. And that would be really weird even for me."
"I can see your point. Again, my apologies." Siegfried once more stated. He really should learn to watch whatever he was saying.
"Yeah, well... I think I know a way for you to make it up to me." The girl stated as a wide smile grew on her face. "Maybe I can put to use that thing I took from Master. It's only right that I get some recompense for my troubles here after all!"
"Um, what exactly do you have in mind?"
Before he could receive his answer, Elizabeth stood and quickly pointed a finger towards the former.
"Just be quiet and be a good by alright~? You're going to be my date for tonight~"
For a few moments, there was silence as Siegfried tried to process what had just been said to him.
"...What?"
Chapter 28:
The Next Phase
"What was that!? The two of you went to meet with Sajyou Manaka!?"
Waver demanded, directing his full attention towards Reines after what she had just said. Currently he and the other members that were present were all gathered within the living room after the young blonde had called for a meeting, with the rest of the alliance members present expressing similar looks of disbelief at what had just been revealed to them.
"I am. Do you doubt me for some reason brother?"
"It's not that! Why didn't you say something about what you were doing before now!?"
"It's not like I didn't want to inform you, but Archer had insisted on keeping it a secret since he thought you all would interfere." Reines replied with a sigh, crossing her arms as she turned her attention towards the Golden King himself while frowning at him. "A real troublesome Servant I must say, you'd think he believed that he was the Master..."
"Oh? Trying to assert your dominance over me are you Reines?" Gilgamesh spoke out, smirking somewhat at his young Master.
"Oh please, it's not like it would do any good." The young blonde replied once more with a shrug of her shoulders before smiling at the former. "Besides, I know better than to force you to my will. That would likely make you less interesting and who would want that? I suppose being a little rebellious gives life to our pact with each other."
"Well spoken, I wouldn't have expected any less from you."
The Golden King nodded in satisfaction. He had initially believed Reines to be what her appearance had suggested. A child spoiled by her family, forever chasing the same stagnant dream that many magi shared as of the modern world.
Though he was right to a degree, Reines had proven herself to be more than just that. She had enough of a spine in her to stand by his side to go with him where danger lurked whereas other Masters would have likely remained behind instead. And despite her goal being more or less what he predicted, he was pleased to discover that it went deeper than what he had assumed. It wasn't much, but it was more than what he had expected and that much he could respect her for.
"So then, where is she?"
Arthur spoke out, gathering the attention of all present. Both Jeanne and Mordred merely looked on with eyes filled with uncertainty, not knowing what the former was thinking at the moment. After all, being her former Servant, he was the one with the most ties to Sajyou Manaka aside from the latter's sister.
Gilgamesh simply smirked at this, knowing that the former would have wanted answers the most among all of them. Though he wanted to poke fun at this, he saw the seriousness in the eyes of the King of Knights. As a King himself, the one above all for that matter, he would at least return the gesture as honor dictated.
"At cave located near the base of the mountain that this land's people call Fuji."
"Mount Fuji?" Jeanne spoke in realization. "That's quite a distance from here, no wonder I couldn't find out where she was with my abilities."
"The place where we fought was around the Tanzawa Mountain range, so it fits." Kairi added, the mercenary leaning against the wall as he spoke. "What I am curious about is what exactly did you and the little miss do there? You didn't pick a fight with them did you?"
"Nothing so extravagant as that." Gilgamesh replied, crossing his arms. "I merely had a chat with them as some of you would call it. I wanted to confirm for myself everything that the King of Knights had said regarding that girl, and to see with my own eyes those she commands as her own."
"And? Did you find an answer then?" Arthur asked.
"You should already know the answer to that." The Golden King stated with a growing frown on his face. "The depths of that girl's insanity is clear. She will make it a point to summon the Beast sooner or later. The question is, when exactly will she do it? I believe that you would know the answer to that wouldn't you Saber?"
The former simply nodded in response.
"Indeed. Manaka is..." He began, pausing for a moment as he tried to get the words out. "Well, I don't how or why, but she's in love with me for some reason. And I suppose it's for that very same reason that she has decided to remain an observer for now. She's waiting for me to come to her, and that's likely when it all begins."
Even now, Arthur didn't really know what to make of Manaka's affection for him. It was a disturbing concept to say the least, and it wasn't because of who she was or what she did either.
The idea of someone loving him... the thought alone was simply troubling to the young man.
"That girl... who does she think she is?"
Mordred quietly growled to herself. It was quite obvious that by choosing to sideline herself for the time being that Sajyou Manaka was looking down on them. Instead of facing them head on, it was as though she believe that her victory was already assured and was merely waiting on her father to join her side.
Unacceptable... it was simply unacceptable!
"Speaking of which, there's another matter of concern that we need to talk about." Reines spoke up. "I'm assuming that you all know about the Archer who had that Saber of Red fought the other day?"
"Huh? What about him?"
Said blonde asked. She didn't want to be reminded of the black haired hero due to her near loss against him. If that wasn't bad enough, it was Archer of Red that had to save her from that particular situation too. What was it with her and her luck with Archers?
"Well in case you were wondering, he's already been revived."
"WHAT!?"
Mordred demanded with a shocked look on her face.
"That's quite a face you're making little girl." Gilgamesh stated with a amused grin on his face.
"Shut it! What's this about that bastard Archer being revived!? Didn't he die because of using that Noble Phantasm of his!?"
"It shouldn't be that surprising when you think about it Saber."
Fiore interrupted as the blonde turned her attention towards the young head of the Yggdmillennia.
"After all, given what Saber-" The young brunette paused for a moment, realizing how awkward it was for their to be multiple Servants in the same class to be present. "I mean, given what your father said before, all the Servants under Sajyou Manaka's command are those who participated in the Third Holy Grail War sixty years ago. If she can revive them once, what's stopping her from doing it again?"
"That's...!"
Mordred began but couldn't find it in herself to continue, finding logic in the former's words.
"Wait a minute, so you're saying that we're up against someone who can just revive her Servants whenever she wants? That's cheating isn't it? That's definitely cheating!"
Astolfo stated, arms crossed with annoyed pout on his face.
"But isn't that the same with the Rogue Faction?" Sieg asked.
"Not quite." Waver spoke up, proceeding to answer the young homunculus' question. "At least with them we could just take or destroy the cards to prevent any future revivals. With Sajyou Manaka however, we might be facing an uphill battle if we can't find a way to prevent her own Servants from reviving again and again."
"Nothing is ever simple is it?" Kairi asked with an annoyed sigh.
"It never is." The former replied.
"I believe I might have an idea regarding that."
Jeanne spoke up, resulting in everyone turning their attention towards the young saint.
"Do you have something in mind Ruler?" Waver asked.
"Perhaps a way to solve our problems regarding our enemies." She replied, holding a cross in her hand as she spoke. "As Ruler, you all know I have special privileges over other Servants by nature. And I'm also able to perform blessings and purification as well. If I take both of these and use them in tandem, I might be able to release them from that girl's grasp. I just need to know something first..."
The young saint simply stated before turning to the Golden King.
"Archer, how would you describe the Servants that Sajyou Manaka controls? Was there anything in particular about them that seemed unnatural?"
"There was." Gilgamesh replied, knowing where the former was going with this. "Though faint enough to not be immediately felt, there was an aura of corruption buried within each of their cores. No doubt the handiwork of that girl and the Beast, it's likely where their hold over those fools have taken root."
"I see, just like how I imagined it." Jeanne nodded in understanding. "Knowing what she intends to do, I couldn't simply believe that any Heroic Spirit would choose to follow her willingly. And I doubt that they wouldn't know either. There must have been something that's controlling them."
"You'd be surprised Ruler. There's all kinds of crazies in this world of ours."
Kairi commented. Given his line of work, he likely knew better than anyone else in the room aside from Waver.
"True, but I believe that all have good within them. A person simply needs to find a way to draw it out." Jeanne stated, beaming smile on her face that caused Kairi to flinch at how pure and honest it was. "At any rate, knowing that there is a darkness that's controlling them, I can use my abilities to purify them and perhaps release them from their contracts with Manaka."
"That might work, but it's all just a theory right now." Waver sighed as he massaged his forehead.
"If it's about releasing enemy Servants from contracts, I think Teacher might have something that can help with that."
Roche suddenly spoke up for the first time since the meeting began, looking towards Medea with a grin on his face. The latter simply nodded silently in response.
With a flick of her wrist, a strange looking dagger appeared in her hands. Jagged in shape, it looked as though it would break with a simple swing or stab.
"Everyone, this is Rule Breaker. It is my Noble Phantasm." Medea stated, holding the dagger out. "Since I doubt you'd all want a long winded explanation of how it works I'll keep it brief. Should I be able to get in close and stab a Servant with this dagger, I am then able to take the contract binding them to their Masters and make it my own."
"Seriously? I didn't know that."
Caules muttered in quiet amazement. Who knew that Caster had such a useful Noble Phantasm?
"That's because you haven't been paying attention." Roche replied with a hint of haughtiness in his tone. "Try to keep up Caules, otherwise you might embarrass yourself."
"Little brat...!" Caules muttered with half a mind to grind his fists into the former's head.
"Now now~" Fiore stated, trying to calm her little brother.
"You had something like that up your sleeve this entire time?" Mordred asked, narrowing her eyes at the blue-haired woman. "Pray tell Caster, if you had something like that then why didn't you say anything about it earlier?"
"Because in a war like this, if anyone found out then I'd be a likely target." Medea simply replied. "Besides, there's a limit to how many Servants I can gather under my control since they would share my magical energy as well. Not to mention that it might not even be worth it if the Servant in question is particularly rebellious in nature. At worst, we may even need to waste a Command Spell to bring them under control."
"I see..."
Mordred nodded in understanding, though she wasn't entirely convinced.
"Have no fear Saber, I have no intention of using it on you." Medea smiled in amusement at the young blonde. "I can see that you get along well with your Master after all."
"That's not what I was thinking about!"
The former stated as Kairi smirked in amusement at his Servant's expense.
"At any rate, perhaps we should adjourn this meeting for now." Jeanne spoke up, gesturing to the clock. "It's getting quite late, we can perhaps continue this in the morning."
"Continue what in the morning?"
A voice called out. Everyone soon turned their attention towards the entrance to the living room and found both Berserker and Saber of Black standing there.
"And just where have you two been this entire time? You were supposed to get back about an hour ago." Caules called out towards his Servant.
"Did something happen Saber?"
"I'm sorry Master, but after we had finished our patrol, Berserker had insisted on going to this place called a... uh, what was it called again Berserker?"
"A karaoke bar! What better place for me to prepare for my future right~?" Elizabeth replied with a smile on her face. "After that, we kinda went exploring around the town too. Oh, and before I forget, I used your wallet to pay for everything~"
"What!? I was wondering where that went!" Caules demanded as he took the wallet from the former's hands and feeling how light it was. "You went overboard didn't you? What else did you spend it on!?"
"Oh nothing much, now if you'll excuse me I want try these new outfits I brought~!"
With that, the pink-haired girl quickly left the area. For a brief second however, as she left Caules could see multiple shopping bags hanging of her tail.
"Hey! That's not nothing much at all!" He cried out, chasing after his Servant.
"Ooh! Let me join in too Berserker~!"
Astolfo spoke out as well, curious to see what kind of clothes that the former had brought.
Soon enough, all three left running up the stairs. Sieg went after them as well being the Master of the pink-haired paladin.
"Well now... that was something."
Kairi commented, somewhat amused at what had just occurred. If only everyday madness like that was the only thing they had to ready themselves for.
"Archer of Red did what?"
Julian asked as one of Assassin's personas came up to him with a surprising bit of information.
"Yes, one of my brethren had seen him leaving the city earlier today and tailed after him." Assassin spoke. "For a good while, we believed that he was searching for something and we were eventually proven correct when he discovered the location of Sajyou Manaka."
"The location of Sajyou Manaka..."
"Yes, it's located at a cave near the base of Mount Fuji."
"Since it's quite a distance from the city, both Kotomine and Ruler wouldn't be able to use their abilities to detect her immediately." Julian surmised with a thoughtful look on his face. "What did Archer of Red want with her? Was there a battle?"
"No there wasn't, and our apologies Master. In fear that he could have been discovered, our brother decided to observe from afar instead of attempting to get closer." Assassin replied once more, bowing his head in shame. "At the very least however, we were able to surmise that perhaps Archer of Red simply wanted to meet with Sajyou Manaka. For what reason, we do not know. Perhaps it was to satisfy some form of curiosity he had over her."
"True, Archer of Red does seem like the type of person who would do that."
Though he had only seen Archer of Red in person only once, it was enough for Julian to determine the type of character that the King of Heroes was. Further observations from Assassin of Black helped as well. A part of him suspected that perhaps the reason he was there was to join forces with Sajyou Manaka. It was too early to say.
Still, now that her location had been discovered, they could-
"Don't even think about it Julian."
Shirou asked, appearing behind the young teen as he walked towards the Master and Servant duo. Assassin quickly disappearing as he bid his Master farewell in order give the two some privacy as they spoke.
"We've gone over this already earlier didn't we? We're not to go after Sajyou Manaka."
"With our current strength as it is, if we went on a full-on assault then we can take her." Julian countered as he crossed his arms. "Why must you be so cowardly Kotomine? It's just one girl, and including you and even that useless writer, our Servants outnumber her own. We have her location and she doesn't know about it. If we strike now, we can catch her off-guard and take back the grail. Even you should see that!"
"Quality over quantity Julian, remember that." Shirou replied with a sigh. "And who's to say that Sajyou Manaka doesn't already know about what Assassin did? She could very well be preparing for us to make a move and we'll only fall into a trap once we do."
"Then what do you suggest we do then? In the event that we finally need to strike back at her, what do you propose we do?"
"Leave that to me, you simply worry about keeping yourself safe for the sake of both your sisters."
"Sister." Julian corrected with a frown. "Erica is the only sibling I have left."
"That's rather cold don't you think?"
"I'm simply speaking the truth. Denying it will not change anything."
With that, Julian left as Shirou simply sighed at black-haired youth. He was growing incredibly troublesome lately. The young priest was starting to fear that his desire to take action would be his downfall. He needed to keep a closer eye on the former before he did something reckless.
"..."
Unknown to the two however, Angelica had been walking about before stopping at a corner when she heard the two speaking to one another.
"Erica is the only sibling I have left."
His words echoed through her mind. She knew not what to say. Rather, there wasn't anything she could say for what Julian had said was true in her mind.
Whoever she was right now, she couldn't be called Angelica Ainsworth anymore. For that woman had perished long ago.
Knowing this, the blonde silently continued on her way.
"Hey Gil, time to wake up~!"
Once there was a King...
"..."
"Hey, I know you're awake. Don't try to ignore me."
This King was a man born of the gods. Two-thirds divine, one-third mortal. He had been chosen from birth to ascend to the role of King of the land. He had been destined to lead others as the chosen of the gods. He did so exceedingly, surpassing all expectations they had of him.
"..."
"Ugh, you really don't wanna wake up do you?"
However, the King grew proud. Having been given everything from birth, arrogance had grown within him as time passed. Soon he began to abuse his authority, and the people prayed to the gods to help temper the tyrannical rule of their King.
"..."
"Alright, you asked for it~"
And so the gods created another who would stand equal to the King, one made of mud that been given life. They had always known that the King would become a tyrant, and so created one who would reprimand him for his behavior.
The name of that person was-
"ENUMA-"
...!
"DAMMIT ENKIDU!"
Gilgamesh quickly exclaimed, quickly getting up from his bed in a scramble when he saw what his friend was about to do. He glared directly at his green-haired companion, the latter of whom was smiling in amusement at the Golden King while speaking.
"Ahaha! I can see that you're awake now."
"Anybody would be woken up when you try pulling off something like that! You were serious just then weren't you!?"
"Hmm? I do not know what you're talking about~?"
Enkidu replied coyly, a sly smile directed at Gilgamesh who simply grumbled in annoyance. Why is it that the former always felt a need to invoke a desire to kill him in order to wake him up? He wasn't that much of a deep sleeper was he? Every morning it was always like this!
Taking a moment to gaze at the sky beyond his room, he noted that it was quite early in morning as well.
"So then? What's so important that you felt the need to awaken me so early?"
"Hmm? Isn't today the day you promised me that we'd go exploring to the south?"
"Hah? You woke me up for something so simple?"
"What do you mean something so simple? Aren't you curious as to what lies beyond our borders?"
"As if I would need to explore to do that. The gods have already given me that knowledge."
"Oh, so you don't mind getting all fat and wrinkled then?"
"What!? I'm fighting fit!"
"Exactly! Because of that, we should go on an adventure today. It simply wouldn't do for the King of Uruk to lay about doing nothing and allowing for his body to get weak. We have to keep you in shape after all~" Enkidu stated, eyeing the Golden King's body for a moment with a glint. "And besides, I heard from Siduri that there's a nest of monsters somewhere in that direction. If we go there now, we can take them out along the way."
For a few moments, Gilgamesh pondered the former's words. Monsters from the south had been plaguing the kingdom for some time now...
"Fine then, we'll do what you want."
"Yes!"
He relented much to the joy of his friend. The latter had been rather energetic lately, wanting to see more of the world in the process. He had to wonder to himself why that was. Was it out of curiosity perhaps? Given Enkidu's usual nature, he wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.
How little he knew at the time...
"A dream...?"
Reines muttered to herself, blinking somewhat as sunlight shined through the windows of her room.
Sitting up, the young blonde took a moment wipe her eyes as she yawned.
'That was... Archer's past.'
She thought to herself. She had heard about such a thing from her Waver before, about how in time, a Master would eventually experience the past of their Servants through dream cycles. This was the first time it actually happened to her.
'And that person, the one with the long hair... that was Enkidu?'
Enkidu, the wild man created by the gods in order to put an end to Gilgamesh's reign of tyranny as prayed to them by the latter's people. According to what she read, that was the case, but clearly the person she saw in her dreams was anything but wild at all.
She didn't expect the former to look so... effeminate. She honestly couldn't tell if he was even supposed to be a very good looking man or a very beautiful woman, especially when with the long white robes that Enkidu wore. Then again, perhaps she shouldn't have been surprised. Legends stated that Enkidu's appearance was based upon Shamhat the divine harlot. If he looked like a woman, it was because his appearance was based upon one.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Soon enough, Gilgamesh materialized within the room arms crossed as he looked at his young Master.
"Did you know?"
"I experienced a vision of your past last night." The former replied as a smirk grew on his face. "I have to say that it was a rather dull experience."
"Oh be quiet will you?" Reines snapped in annoyance before a question popped up in her mind. "Say Archer, I'm rather curious about something."
"What is it?"
"Was a Enkidu a man or a woman?"
"Irrelevant. Man or woman, Enkidu is Enkidu." The former replied in annoyance. "And I've grown tired of this conversation. Get yourself dressed Reines, it would be unfitting for a lady to sleep in wouldn't you agree?"
With that, the Golden King left the room as the young blonde could only blink in surprise at how quickly the former responded to her words.
"Hmm, so he doesn't want to talk about him does he?"
She surmised. So there were things that even Archer didn't want to talk about. Somehow such a thing simply amused her to no end.
With said, there was another thing bothering her.
"Berating me for sleeping in... like he's one to talk."
Reines muttered to herself in annoyance. Knowing that there wasn't any point in dwelling on the subject, as she got out of bed and went on her morning routine.
"Are you quite sure about this?"
"I am."
Jeanne replied to Arthur, the two currently taking a stroll around the area near the Sajyou Estate.
As breakfast had not been prepared yet, the young saint decided to take a short walk to pass the time. Aside from her duties with the Alliance, she had spent at least three days doing nothing at the estate already. She needed the exercise. And being the dutiful Servant that he was, Arthur had decided to accompany the blonde on her walk.
Once they were a distance away, a conversation regarding Jeanne's plan had sparked between the two.
"I'm simply not quite sure on how exactly you're going to go about your plan." Arthur replied, his voice having a troubled tone as he spoke. "You said that you merely need to touch our enemies for it to work?"
"Yes. Though to be precise, I need to grab a hold of them for a few moments." The young saint replied. "I understand your fears, but please do not worry. I believe that this plan has a chance of succeeding."
"I know, but getting in close is a difficult task in itself. Not to mention we don't have any proof that it would work at all..."
"Indeed, which is why I have an idea regarding that."
"What is it?"
"We simply need to capture one of them first and then test it!"
"What!?"
Arthur asked, taken aback by the simple yet absurd answer that the young saint had arrived at. The fact that former didn't even pause for a moment before revealing it along with the confident smile on her face served to only increase said feeling.
"You don't have to sound so surprised do you?"
Jeanne asked with a small pout, somewhat offended by the former's reaction.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't think you'd suggest something so reckless." Arthur simply replied with apologetic smile on his face. "Archer, Rider, Lancer, Caster... all of them aren't so easily trifled with that they'd allowed themselves to be captured. I believe that they'd rather be killed than let it happen. And knowing that they can be revived by Manaka, I can see them going ahead with a such a thing."
"True, I hadn't considered that..."
Jeanne sighed to herself. She supposed that she should have taken that into consideration. Some people were to proud to let themselves be take captive by others. She had seen her fair share of said individuals during the war against the English, and it saddened her to no end in bearing witness to such things.
"I suppose if all else fails, we can rely on Caster and her Noble Phantasm." She stated. "But even that plan would have its own set of drawbacks. Ideally, it be best if we were to use my abilities. If we could get our hands on one of them..."
"I suppose we could try, we don't have many options after all." Arthur replied as gazed at the other blonde a concerned expression. "All I ask is this. Do promise me that you won't do anything too reckless. I'd rather like it if both you and I are able to see this war through to the very end."
"Together..." Jeanne muttered to herself, fighting off the blush that threatened to appear on her face. "Yes, I would like that as well."
Once the young man had turned his attention elsewhere, she couldn't help but sigh to herself.
When did she become so easily swayed by something so simple? She knew that there was no special meaning in Arthur's words. It was clear to her that he was saying that as someone who valued his comrades, a sentiment which she also returned as well.
But, the way he had said it...
'I suppose it was already clear, but Arthur truly is a dangerous enemy for a woman to face.'
Jeanne concluded to herself, eyeing the young man with a frown on her face much to the latter's own confusion having noticed her glancing his way.
"Is something the matter?"
"No, it's nothing."
She replied with a sigh. A part of her was somehow glad that Arthur was somewhat oblivious to it. Someone with his looks and personality, surely he was the type who was likely popular with women. Much to her relief, she didn't summon a flirt.
'Then again, in a way I suppose that actually makes him even more dangerous...'
"I found you!"
A voice called out. Turning around, the duo came face to face with...
"Mordred?"
Arthur stated, surprised by the sudden appearance of the former. Well, he felt her presence earlier but he didn't think she would appear in front of him and Jeanne.
"We have something to talk about." Mordred began, quickly closing the gap between her and her father. "I was patient about it last night since it was late, but now the time is perfect. I won't accept it if you suddenly say we should talk later!"
"Alright then, calm down. There's no need to walk up to me like you're about to pick a fight." The young man reprimanded.
"Huh? Oh. Ah, right..."
Mordred quickly replied, backing off from her father with a somewhat embarrassed.
Arthur merely sighed at this. Just now, he seriously did think that the former came for a fight. No doubt it was because of the perpetually angry look her eyes had whenever they talked. Well he supposed that couldn't be helped. After all, not long ago she was angry at him. At this point, her glaring at him would be second nature to her.
"Hehe."
Jeanne giggled to herself, slightly unable to contain her glee at what she was seeing. She didn't know what happened between the two after she and the others left. But seeing them interact just now, she already had an idea and thus she couldn't help the growing smile on her face.
"Hmm? What are you smiling at Ruler?" Mordred asked, taking note of the former's gaze.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing. Please continue~" Jeanne replied with a wave of her hand.
"No, you're definitely smiling!" The red knight insisted with an annoyed frown on her face. "And you were laughing at me just now too weren't you!?"
"Mordred."
Arthur called out once more, sighing as the former huffed and turned her attention away from the young saint.
"At any rate, you were saying?"
"Huh? Oh, right." The young blonde replied, turning to face her father. "This is about that girl Gray. Just who is she?"
...!
That was enough to catch the young man's attention, who was somewhat surprised by the suddenness of the question.
"The other night, me and Ruler overheard you and her talking." Mordred added. "You called her your descendant. Is that really true!?"
"I see, so you two were listening on were you..."
Arthur stated, glancing at the young saint who merely smiled in embarrassment at having been outed.
"My apologies Arthur, I didn't mean to listen in." Jeanne replied, twiddling her fingers together. "I was looking for you at the time and then I found out where you were. Mordred ended up following me, and so we..."
"Never mind that! Just answer the question already!" Mordred demanded impatiently.
"Mordred." Arthur reprimanded with a stare, one that caused the former to turn her head away in a huff. The former merely sighed at this. "Well, it's not like I'm trying to keep secrets from either of you. Though I am curious. How much did the two of you overhear?"
"Only what Mordred said just now." Jeanne replied, pausing for a moment. "So, um, is it true? That you and Gray are...?"
"Yes, as surprising as it is, she and I are actually family." Arthur replied with a smile on his face. "And to be precise, she's a direct descendant of mine."
"WHAT!?" Mordred demanded in shock.
"Oh my, now that's quite a surprise." Jeanne replied, somewhat unable to process the unexpected news herself. "To think that such a thing would occur. Sir Lancelot, Mordred, and now Gray... this Grail War is filled with coincidences for you isn't it?"
"Now I do wonder about that." Arthur chuckled in response, glancing at Mordred with a smile. "I'll admit however, I won't complain about it."
Mordred merely blushed in embarrassment at this, unable to find a response to her father's words.
"A-At any rate, how is that even possible?" She asked, changing the subject. "I mean, I can understand the idea of her being possibly related... but a direct descendant?"
"I know, it surprised me as well." The young man replied. "I'm still trying to process it."
"Wait a minute, you didn't-"
"Don't even say it."
Arthur quickly responded with a firm tone, unamused as he knew what the former was insinuating.
"Hmm? What are you two talking about?"
Jeanne asked, taking note of the troubled looks that both father and daughter had.
"Ah, but of course. I haven't told you about it yet, have I?"
"About what?"
"Good question. Let's see now..." Arthur replied, pausing for a moment to think. He turned his head to look at Mordred and spoke. "Mordred, would you mind leaving the two of us alone for now?"
"Huh? But why?"
"I simply need to bring Jeanne up to speed, and I feel it would be somewhat awkward to do so with your presence. You can understand can't you?"
As much as Mordred wanted to retort, the young blonde simply remained quiet and nodded in understanding. She glared at the young saint, somewhat annoyed at her father's decision to involve her. She didn't even have anything to do with them, so why was her father involving her?
She couldn't understand, and felt she probably wouldn't anytime soon either.
"Fine, do what you want then." Mordred simply replied with a huff. "But I'll be back soon, so make it quick!"
With that, the red knight disappeared leaving the other two blondes by themselves once more. Arthur simply found himself chuckling at the former's abrasiveness. He supposed that it wasn't going to change anytime soon.
"What's going on Arthur?"
"It's nothing." The young man quickly replied, a crooked smile on his face before he shook his head. "No, that's wrong as well. Think of it as complicated. I believe that there's a park near here. We should go there to sit down, what I'm about to tell you may take a while."
Jeanne nodded at this, somewhat perturbed by how melancholic the former was now acting. She wondered to herself just what could have made him act the way he did. A part of her knew that whatever it was, it wasn't something she was going to like hearing about.
After arriving at the park, the two sat down at a bench. Soon afterwards, Arthur spoke.
"Alright then, I suppose it's time to tell you what happened..."
Meanwhile, at the Sajyou Estate...
"Come on dragon boy, let's see some fire!"
"Hah!"
Within the confines of the greenhouse, both Achilles and Sieg were in the middle of a sparring session with one another, the former easily dominating the latter as they fought. To the side stood Astolfo, Siegfried, Medea, and the latter two's respective Masters. All of whom were observing the ongoing battle with interest.
"You can do it Sieg~!" The young paladin cheered on.
"Dragons have naturally sharper instincts than humans. Use it to your advantage!" Siegfried added, arms crossed as he spoke. "Be careful to not let yourself be overwhelmed however, you might go into a primal state if you do."
"I know, however-!"
...!
"Gah!"
Sieg cried out, having been struck down by Achilles with a simple yet quick blow to the chest. Signaling the end of the match.
"I suppose that was to be expected."
Fiore commented, feeling somewhat sorry for Sieg as she saw Achilles walk up to the young homunculus.
"Rule number one, don't take your eyes off the enemy in front of you kid." He grinned as he spoke, helping the former up. "Do that once you've reached my level. Until then, always have your guard up."
"I can see that. My apologies..."
"Hmm? Why the heck are you apologizing for?"
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing. I'm sorry..."
"Hah!" Achilles chuckled as he glanced at Siegfried. "Hey Saber, looks like this kid is trying to steal your catchphrases!"
"Please don't call it a catchphrase."
"Well you do say I'm sorry a lot~" Astolfo pointed out.
"Please don't encourage him."
"As entertaining as this is gentlemen, I do insist that we continue on." Medea interrupted. "During the last battle, Sieg had proved himself capable of taking on human imbued with the abilities of a Servant. Though we do not know the full extent of their capabilities yet, it proves that mine and Lord Darnic's experiment was not wasted. If he can learn to harness his abilities more, the more useful he will be in the coming battles."
"Come on now Caster, you're talking about Sieg like he's a tool." Astolfo chided with a frown.
"Apologies Rider, but I'm simply making ensuring that our chances of surviving this war are in our favor." Medea replied before turning to face Siegfried. "At any rate, would you mind sparring with him next Saber?"
"I see, so it's me then?"
"I believe the best way to teach Sieg about dragons is to have him learn from a dragon-slayer no?" The blue-haired woman replied with a smile on her face.
"Then if that's the case, what was the point of Lancer then?" Astolfo innocently asked with a grin on his face.
"Hey, I'm standing right here!" The Adamant Hero retorted in annoyance.
"Between the three of you, Lancer undoubtedly is the best fighter." Medea simply replied much to Achilles' elation. "Simply teaching Sieg to learn how to control his abilities isn't enough. He'll need the battle skill necessary to make full use of them as well. And with our current situation, one teacher wouldn't be enough to raise his skill to a desirable level."
"I guess I can see that, but I feel like we'll be working Sieg to the ground if we do."
"What does it matter? He's a homunculus, he can take a few hits can't he?"
"Roche!"
Fiore chided her cousin for his rudeness. It was always like this when he was dealing with people he believed were of lesser stations to him. She gave an apologetic wave to Astolfo, the latter of whom was frowning at the boy for his statement.
"It's alright Rider." Sieg called out, catching pink-haired paladin's attention. "Caster has a point. The stronger I can get, the better. Though I don't like being treated like a tool, I won't complain if it means I can fight alongside and protect my comrades as well."
"Sieg..."
Astolfo muttered to himself, somewhat surprised by the former's declaration. That was a rather straightforward declaration coming Sieg. Since when did he become like that?
No, perhaps that was wrong. Maybe he was always like that but only now was he starting to fully express himself. Regardless of whatever was the cause, it warmed his heart to know that his friend was slowly coming into his own. A feeling of pride blooming within it as well.
"Well spoken kid, you're starting to show some spirit. I like that." Achilles stated with a grin on his face, patting the young homunculus on the back. "Count on me to be your teacher, just like how Chiron was for me."
"Chiron..."
Sieg muttered, knowing that to be the true name of Archer of Black. Thinking about the latter... a part of him started to ache.
"What's the matter? You're clutching your chest." Achilles called out.
"Huh?"
The young homunculus replied, realizing that he indeed had a hand on his chest. Just when did that happen?
"I see, so that's how it is." Astolfo commented.
"How what is?" The former asked.
"You're feeling sadness Sieg." The young paladin replied, a crooked smile on his face as he approached his friend. "You miss Archer don't you?"
"I miss him?"
Sieg replied, somewhat unsure of himself. Emotions were still something of a foreign feeling to him. Though he could tell what they were. Rider for instance was a constant source of joy and cheerfulness. He had to wonder to himself just where exactly did he get his energy from to make him act the way he did. Perhaps it was just a natural part of his being?
Sadness on the other hand... so this is what it felt like?
"Just now, it did hurt my chest a little just thinking about him. This is sadness?"
"Yeah." Astolfo nodded once more. "And it's natural that you feel that way. You liked him didn't you?"
"Liked him?" Sieg wondered to himself briefly before smiling somewhat. "Yes, I believe so. The things he would sometimes say were amazing to me. Compared to me, he was a hero who had seen the world and met many people. I wish I could've listened to him more."
"Don't worry about it, we'll gut the bastard who did him in."
Achilles replied, an uncharacteristic look of anger on his face as he spoke. Something that Sieg noted. Though he was somewhat unfamiliar with emotions, he knew anger when he saw it. Often did his late creator have such an expression whenever one of his brethren did something wrong. Right now, Lancer had a similar look on his face.
However, it was rather brief. Soon enough the former was back to normal.
"Right then... Saber, this kid's all yours."
"Very well then. Shall we proceed then Sieg?"
"Huh? Ah, yes. I'm in your care Saber!"
As Sieg's training resumed, Medea could only smile in amusement of what she had just witnessed. It was like watching a child starting to become an adult. Slowly, but surely.
Speaking of children, even though she didn't really care much about it personally...
"Master, about what you said just now to young Sieg..."
"Huh? What about it Teacher-!?"
Roche called out before freezing up as he saw the rather cold look the former had in her eyes, one that was complimented by a smile as Medea spoke.
"Didn't I say that children such as yourself shouldn't be so rude? It's simply inappropriate. I suppose someone needs to be disciplined~"
"Huh!?"
As Caster began her disciplining, Fiore could only giggle at Roche's expense.
"I see, so that's what happened..."
Jeanne quietly stated, sitting beside Arthur as the latter had just finished his story.
"Is there a problem?" The latter asked.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing. I'm just thinking about something..."
The young saint replied. Truth be told, she really couldn't have expected any of what she had heard. To know of the former's past, what he had went through... her heart could only ache at the mere thought of it all.
"Are you sure it's fine telling me all of this?" She asked.
"Hmm? Of course, why shouldn't I?"
"It's just that it's rather personal... it feels somewhat awkward for me to hear all of this."
"I don't mind, I consider you a close friend." Arthur replied with a smile on his face. "And as my Master, I felt that you had the right to know eventually. I chose to serve you after all. As such, I also I entrust to you my feelings and thoughts."
"I-I see. I'm honored."
Jeanne nodded in response. Once more fought back the urge to blush at the former's words.
"Still Arthur, I'm amazed at you." She began, changing the subject.
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Even after all that, everything that you went through with the lost of your son, the betrayal of your best friend and wife, you've somehow managed to stand strong and braved through it all without losing your way. I somehow doubt that I might be able to do something like that."
"Now I doubt that, not many people can say with a straight face that they didn't mind being executed by their enemies." The young man responded. "You're strong as well Jeanne, don't ever forget that. I can only hope to match your own strength of will some day, Saint of Orleans."
"Please don't call me that, I'm no Saint. I only did what I can for the sake of my country in a time of turbulence. I hardly believe something like that would be enough to call someone a Saint over, let alone a simple farm girl like myself."
Jeanne stated with a small frown. The mere idea of being called Saint was still rather uncomfortable to her.
"My apologies then, I didn't mean to offend you." Arthur replied before laying a hand on the former's shoulder. "However, perhaps it might be my opinion, but I do believe that you are someone worthy of your title. Even though I've only caused you trouble, you've been nothing but kind and helpful to me."
"Now you know that's not true, you're-"
"Tch. So that's how it is huh?"
The conversation between the two stopped as they turned their attention forward, looking to see Mordred standing there with her arms crossed and an annoyed look on her face. At the moment, she was also smoking a cigarette. In her hands was a small box containing more.
"M-Mordred...?"
Jeanne muttered somewhat nervously, taking note of the fact that the former was staring at her narrowed eyes. Just what did she mean by what she said just now?
"Are you two done flirting already?"
"F-Flirting...!?"
Jeanne repeated in embarrassment, somewhat mortified by what the younger blonde had said just now while trying to compose herself.
"Don't be silly, we were simply talking Mordred."
"Hmph, so you say..."
Mordred simply replied, unconvinced by her father's words. The young saint simply sighed as she allowed herself to relax once more. Though at the same time a part of her was somewhat annoyed by how easily Arthur had set aside what Mordred had said.
"Also, where did you even get that?"
Arthur then asked, pointing to what Mordred had in her hands.
"This? I borrowed it from my Master." Mordred revealed with a grin on her face. "I was wondering what was so good about putting these things in your mouth. My Master does it all the time when we're outdoors. Now I can see why, it's unlike anything in this world~"
"I see. In any event..."
...!
Before Mordred even knew it, Arthur stood up and took away both box and the smoke she had in her mouth.
"I'm confiscating these."
He said, pocketing the cigarette box and extinguishing the one in his hand.
"Wha-!?" Mordred nearly cried out. "Wait a minute, you can't just do that!"
"Did you fail to see the sign?"
The young man said, pointing to a sign that basically stated that the park was a no smoking zone.
"Servants we might be, but that doesn't mean we're above the law. At the very least we should conform to some. Have you forgotten your oaths and pride as a knight?"
"Urgh..."
The former merely grumbled in response, unable to say anything to her father.
"Hehe!"
Jeanne giggled at the sight. Seeing the two act just now, it was like watching... no, it was exactly like how a parent would scold their child. Perhaps it was too be expected given that they were indeed related in that sense, but she couldn't help but be amused at what she saw.
"Tch, do what you want then."
Mordred stated, an annoyed pout on her face as she sat down on the bench beside Jeanne. The former momentarily glanced at the latter, narrowing her eyes to such an extent that it caused Jeanne to feel somewhat nervous.
"Anyway, have you finished bringing Ruler up to speed?"
"I am."
"Good, because I'm not waiting any longer. Just how is that girl Gray supposed to be your descendant!?" She demanded. "Unless you somehow managed to knock up some other random woman, there's no way that should even be possible!"
"Please don't automatically assume I slept with a third woman." Arthur replied, completely unamused at what the former had said. "Besides, there's already an explanation as to how. Trust me when I say this, you won't believe it."
"Try us." Mordred simply stated with a huff, crossing her arms as she leaned back on the bench.
"Alright then." Arthur began, taking a moment for himself before continuing. "To keep things simple, I'll say it bluntly. Gray is a descendant of mine through Lucius."
"HAH!?"
Mordred cried out, nearly falling off from the bench as she slipped. Jeanne herself was equally surprised, covering her mouth with one hand unable to find the words to speak.
"Lucius!?" The former began, standing up as she yelled. "But how's that even possible!? Didn't he...!"
"I know, but somehow a miracle happened." Arthur replied, unable to contain the growing smile he had. "I won't go into detail since I don't know the full extent of it myself, but just know that he managed to live. Which is more than what I can ask for as a parent."
"Arthur that's wonderful news!" Jeanne said with a smile of her own, congratulating the former as she held his hands.
"Lucius..."
Mordred muttered to herself, unable to wrap her head around the idea that her younger brother had lived...
Wait, something didn't add up.
"Father, how did you even find out about this?" The red knight asked. "Did that girl tell you or something?"
"No, it was someone quite dear to me who explained it." Arthur simply replied, his smile growing wider. "You know her Mordred, she also wished you well. She hoped that the two of us would get along this time."
"Her?"
She repeated to herself. Someone that was dear to her father and was a woman, one that wished her well? Not many people knew who she really was. Even among the Round Table, Agravain had been the only one aside from her father who knew her true identity. And that was because he had worked with her mother before eventually turning on her in order to serve her father. Not that she blamed Agravain for that...
A woman who was dear to her father... wait, it couldn't be could it!?
"Was it Merlin!?"
"No."
Arthur replied with a bemused look on his face. He supposed he should have expected that.
"Wait, Merlin's a woman?" Jeanne asked.
"Yes, didn't I mention it before?" Arthur replied.
"You didn't. I see now..."
The former said, nodding in understanding at the revelation. The image of an elderly bearded mage disappearing from her mind. Now she was curious to know more about the now revealed to be female Merlin. She wondered to herself what she looked like.
"At any rate, the one who revealed the knowledge to me was actually Guinevere."
"Guinevere? But how? It's nearly been around fifteen hundred years since our time."
Mordred protested. It was one thing to find out that Lucius had lived, but this was something else entirely.
"Call it a miracle." Her father replied. "Merlin had casted a spell that allowed her to communicate with me after all this time. We had... many things to talk about."
"I see..." Mordred nodded in understanding. If it was Merlin, then she could believe anything. "You said that she wished me well?"
"Yes, though she didn't exactly say something like that I suppose. But it was clear to me that's what she meant."
"Hmph, who does that woman think she is? Wishing someone who had demeaned her well... clearly the two of you were meant for each other I guess."
"Haha, you think so?" Arthur chuckled in response, oblivious to the look of uncertainty that Jeanne had as the two spoke.
"Yeah. Maybe if not for that bastard Lancelot, you two could have remained that way. You sure you're not that mad at him at all?"
"I have my grievances against Lancelot, but I won't let what happened ruin my friendship with him."
"Hmph, I don't get you father. If it were me, I'd hang him."
"Perhaps... be that as it may, let me handle him when the time comes."
"Do what you want, but if he comes after me I'll cut off his head myself."
With that, Mordred turned around as she left the area. Not even bothering to hear her father's response anymore.
No, she already knew which is why she left. Her father really was too kind at times.
"That girl..."
Arthur simply sighed as he shook his head. Mordred was right to question him, but he believed that the matter with Lancelot was his to settle.
"At any rate, shall we head back now? By now, breakfast should be-"
He paused when he saw the look on Jeanne's face. Her brows were furrowed together somewhat, and that was enough for him to know that something was wrong.
"Is something the matter...?"
"H-Huh? Oh, it's nothing." The former quickly replied, noticing that what she been doing.
"Don't lie to me Jeanne, you're thinking about something."
"I promise, it's nothing." Jeanne replied, trying to assure the young man. "It's just that I'm a little curious about something Arthur."
"What is it?"
"About Guinevere... do you still love her?"
Arthur blinked in surprise at this. He hadn't expected such a question to come from the young saint.
"What brought this on?"
"Please, answer the question."
"I do, and I always will."
He replied, somewhat unsure of what Jeanne was trying to ask of him.
"I see."
Jeanne smiled to herself, satisfied with the answer.
"Come then, it's about time we head back."
"Jeanne?"
"Yes?"
"Is there-No, never mind."
The young man replied, following after Jeanne as the two made their way back towards the estate. There was something wrong, but he didn't think it was right to push the matter any further for now. He knew there was a problem, but what could he do about it?
'He still loves her...'
Jeanne thought to herself, repeating said thought for some time as they continued to walk.
...!
"Ah!"
Failing to look where she was going, Jeanne tripped.
"Be careful!"
Arthur called out, catching the young saint before she fell.
The moment she had felt him close, she panicked and quickly pulled away. Turning her back to the former as she spoke.
"I-I'm sorry. That was unworthy of me."
"It's alright, but you should watch were you're going. I don't think it would be dignified to fall because you tripped on your own legs."
He teased, trying to ease the tension he felt emanating from the young saint. Just what was going on?
"I know. Let's just hurry back!"
"Huh? Wait!"
Jeanne quickly replied, getting a running start over the former while ignoring his cries for her to wait.
Right now, she couldn't really face him. Not unless she wanted him to see her blushing face.
'I... I really do love him.'
She admitted her feelings last night, but now she was completely certain of what they were. She loved him like a woman would to a man.
He was teasing, but always kind. Sometimes full of doubt, yet bravely faced anything that came his way. And always a supportive and caring person was the young man towards her. In such a short span of time, the young saint had come to love everything about him.
'But, I can't...'
She tried to convince herself again and again, for she knew that her feelings could never become something more. They were Servants after all, beings that were short-lived existences. Anything that could grow between them would disappear as quickly as it came.
Besides...
'He still cares for another...'
Just now, what Arthur had said about Guinevere... She could tell it from the way he spoke. He was completely sincere about it. The mere fact that he was brought a small smile to her face. How strange it was, smiling for a reason like that though she already knew the reason why.
After everything that had happened, he was willing to look past the affair and continue loving her as he always did. Most others would have been outraged if their spouse were to cheat on them, yet he didn't. It simply spoke levels of the bond he had with her, and of Arthur's own strength character as well.
Knowing that, who was she to get in its way?
'Yet, still...'
Jeanne could no longer help what she was feeling towards him. Hearing what he just said had only served to strengthen her feelings even more.
But with it came jealousy. As much as she wanted to deny it, she was jealous of the fact that there was a woman out there that could inspire such feelings in Arthur. She was happy that he could love someone so purely, but the mere thought of it brought on a wave of unpleasantness that spread itself throughout her mind.
She hated it... she hated feeling this way. Jeanne felt her heart tighten more and more as the realization dawned on her.
'Please, tell me what I should do my lord...'
The young saint prayed, hoping to receive an answer soon.
"Hmm..."
Manaka mumbled to herself, narrowing her eyes at what she just witnessed.
That woman... who did she think she was?
"Caster, have you finished hacking the grail yet?"
"Soon my Master, I just need a little more time." Tamamo replied, observing the floating sphere in front of her. "Is something the matter?"
"No, but I am curious about something."
Manaka replied, walking up towards the Trifas Grail before stopping right in front of it. Truly it was a beautiful sight to behold. Compared to the grail used in her war, the one used for the current war was far more prettier to look at. She could say it again and again and probably wouldn't get tired of it.
"Now then..."
...!
"MIKO~N!?"
Tamamo yelped in surprise when suddenly she saw the young blonde quickly sticking her hand deep into the grail. A surge of energy burst forth, cascading around the area as it destroyed the surroundings bit by bit.
Soon however, it began to stop as Manaka pulled her hand back.
"Heh... I see now, so Shirou-kun had a Servant like that with him did he?"
Manaka replied, smiling sweetly at the former. She then turned her attention towards her hand, gazing at it as she was lost in thought.
'Whoever placed that security measure is good... I suppose just brute forcing it wouldn't be enough.'
The moment she had placed her hand into the grail, it started to burn up at an incredible rate. While there was no visible damage on it, it did hurt her a little.
Whoever it was that modified the grail, she had to give them respect. She had a feeling that she'd meet them soon.
"Um, Master...? Did you do something?"
The fox-eared woman asked, unsure exactly of what the young blonde had just done. To this day, her Masters abilities were still simply beyond her. She was no ordinary mage that was to be sure. From being able to masterfully control the grail, supporting six Servants at once, she was simply astounding.
"It's nothing Caster, I just wanted to see if there was someone I could have play with Jeanne-chan for a bit."
"Eh?"
"Finally, it is complete! I must show this to Master!"
Shakespeare said to himself, getting up from his desk as he went to find Shirou to show him his latest work. Surely his Master would appreciate a short story from the ever great writer that was himself wouldn't he? Yes, there was no doubt to it!
Today was a glorious day for him!
END
Author's Note:
And so ends CH28. Please note that this is going to be the last chapter until next Extra Act is posted. Meaning no new chapters until after Aug 30-31. After that, it's back to business as usual for me. So anyway, onto some things regarding the chapter.
First off, the dream with Enkidu. I'm just going to make it clear here. Enkidu is female in my fic. Well, technically speaking Enkidu's made of clay and has no gender by default. But he identifies as female in my verse because why not? Because I honestly couldn't resist due to Sensha Otoko putting the idea in my head. Since I've always viewed Proto-Gilgamesh as something of a delinquent compared to FSN-Gil, I wanted an Enkidu who complimented that view and a friendlier more upbeat character, as seen in the flashback however little was shown, is what ended up being the result.
That and I don't think I could have done justice to the canon version of Enkidu's character either, so yeah XP
Second, the bit with Sieg's training. To be honest something like that was supposed to be shown in the chapter 26 but I completely forgot about it due the thing with Arthur and Mordred. I may edit said chapter to include something like that or just have it be mentioned in the future for the sake of the narrative since I feel like it should have happened earlier but didn't due to my forgetting it.
Third, Jeanne. I don't really know how well I'm handling Jeanne's character to begin with. Since she was chaste in life, I always found it interesting to see what would happen if she were to fall in love with someone. In canon, that happened with Sieg which didn't really work well in my eyes as well as others due to a number of issues. So I tried doing the same only with Arthur. To which I ask am I doing alright in that aspect? Please be gentle XD
Guest Reviewer Section:
Guest 1: No, Pandora's Box has nothing to do with this story.
Derek: Yeah, I do plan on expanding on Siegfried more. Him along with some of the others as well. Just hadn't had the proper time to do it.
Thunder Dragon: No, I do not take requests nor would I even consider posting said challenge on my profile. I've seen you all over the place and to be honest you and Kaiser Dragon are really annoying. Sorry for being rude but it's honestly the truth. If you really want something done, do it yourself. Don't make excuse that you can't.
Pluto III: Dude, just where have you been this entire time? Did you miss what I said in my CH15 Author's Notes about the Alters? XD And regardless of whether not Arthur-Alter has been released, I'll still use a version of him even if it means coming up with how his abilities would work in contrast to his regular self.
Guest 2: No comment on EMIYA because I haven't even begun writing FLR yet to make a proper statement.
Guest 3: I do read Shoujo Manga from time to time (Blame my sister for that XP) but honestly even with that it's another thing entirely to be able to put it into practice what I've learned from it into my stories.
Garrick: I don't know why you think you're being rude. And no, I didn't actually plan on that and I only know the basics of some Greek heroes and the like. Also, did any of you realize that each faction has a member of the Argonaut Expedition with them and as well as a student of Chiron? That was completely accidental on my part as I only realized it by the time of Act 2.
Guest 4: No comment. I won't be spoiling of what may or may not happen. It literally depends on where the story goes for me. I don't really plan things out aside from a few stuff, but for the most part I write by the edge of my seat. So I can't really answer your question.
That's it for now. Please review :D
Speaking of which, FMB just made a new record of having twenty reviews one chapter alone last time. That kinda brings a smile to my face :D
