"So I'm guessing waving my DD214 won't get me anywhere?"
"I'm sorry, Sergeant. I'm afraid that means nothing considering your rather unique circumstances."
Countless said the military was a toxic relationship; They'd be right. Sometimes you wanted to get back together, but then there's quick reminders why you left in the first place. His mother even joked they'd try to force you back one way or another if the world deemed it necessary. If only that were a joke.
The room was rather brightly lit. With just a lone table, two occupied chairs, and a large viewing window, it was clear on first sight he was being interrogated. Well, not that being whisked away in the middle of the night helped with that notion. At least they were kind enough not to do it at gunpoint, and no handcuffs either. Plus to Skyler's surprise, his interrogator was the man at the very top of this totem pole.
"Yea, unique, sir. I don't know anyone else with magic tattoos… Er, didn't."
Pritchard's gaze held stiff yet calm as the interrogated man's eyes stared at the commander's exposed hand again. A similar tattoo rested in full view, a clear breach of most nation's standard regulation. "As the Captain explained before, I wish it wouldn't have come to this. But your life was in great peril if we let you roam about freely."
As much as he wanted to doubt this man's words, the unwavering gravity in his voice suggested otherwise. "Then you know what these are?"
"Command seals." That didn't make any sort of sense. "We're one of a very select few who have them. There should be seven total, and the more we have on our radar the better. They can cause very serious problems in the wrong hands."
"I'm getting some dictator or evil organization vibes," Skyler commented flatly, though Pritchard remained unmoved. "Why should I believe what you're saying?"
"The back of your hand grew terribly warm one day, yes? Suddenly those seals appeared with a burning sensation and glowed awfully bright." That's exactly how it felt a week ago. "I hope you weren't in public when that happened."
"I was trying to take a nap on the couch."
"One less thing for us to worry about then." Skyler had been through a lot in his days, and so it was easy to steel his conditioned mind. That didn't stop the growing restlessness at the back of it as Pritchard eyed him… apologetically. "I'm sorry, Sergeant Albanese. I'm afraid we can't return you to the life you used to know. You'll have to stay with us in the meantime, but I promise you, you will be very well taken care of."
"So respectful abduction, General?" the retired soldier noted dryly, then eyed the commander's discarded hat on the table. "Didn't know the UN did stuff like this… Should've figured."
"We're a branch with special authority. Circumstances I'll be explaining to you personally over the coming days. Slowly, mind you. I don't want to destroy everything you thought you knew of the world but… That's inevitable."
Aliens and magic then? Sounded like a terrible conspiracy theory. This signaled like a poor scam or B-movie to be blunt. Yet there was no denying the events that led up to him sitting in a chair in an unknown location. Including being told to change into a strange military jumpsuit, blindfolded, forced onto a quick plane ride that sounded nothing like the C-140's he'd logged countless hours around, the…
"But you must still be tired, Sergeant. I don't blame you. We'll continue this after your rest, a hearty meal, and possibly an observed call to your mother. My partner will show you to your new room… and for what it's worth, I'm terribly sorry your life had to be uprooted like this. If there were any other way, you would be making this decision for yourself."
No. Skyler was painfully aware how many of his life's monumental decisions were out of his control.
His life was over again.
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Fragment 115: Squared Away
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Morning rays pierced the room's darkness to stab at his closed eyes. Fatigue, his constant morning companion for years, was nowhere to be found; For the day, at least. The warm sunlight beckoned him awake like it had many times before. These… fake rays, of a life he still sometimes wondered was just a coma-induced dream. He could still be in some hospital somewhere after that jump training accident.
But no. He was definitely in Chaldea. His own comfortable room, still hardly decorated with anything as if ready for a surprise inspection that could barge through the automated door. Yet there was nothing. Just peace and quiet instead of him standing around waiting for PT to start. 'I can get used to this.'
Not that he'd let himself, even if others suggest otherwise. He'd still go to PT sessions when he could. He'd grown very attached to Vanguard platoon, as he had with his past squads. Not today though. Sergei was very adamant about him being fully rested for the big night.
Sergeant First Class Skyler Albanese, former Vigil Master, and soon Chaldea's Fourth.
He finally opened his eyes to stare at one of his room's only decorations: A panoramic Sunscape window. One that reminded him of his favorite home in Texas where his mother still tended the farm. That's all the comfort he'd really need around here, but knowing his fellow masters and some servants, that wouldn't last. He supposed he wouldn't mind some luxury for once.
He sat up and yawned, letting the blanket fall to reveal his chiseled abs and clinking dog tags. "…Geez. Maybe I won't need coffee today."
Heresy. Outright heresy, and he knew it. Coffee was life. Coffee was his blood. Coffee made everything that much more tolerable.
Seeing as his thoughts could scarcely think of anything besides the black gold? The resort awaited.
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Black track pants and a charcoal muscle shirt. It was good to be simple and lazy. He'd get away with it every chance he could… which was rare, given his ever-turning life. Rare, but not impossible.
He strolled casually down the halls towards the resort, wondering how much ribbing he'd get from his worn-out comrades this morning. He'll rub it back. Standard operating procedure. Too bad he currently couldn't think too clearly. 'Coffee… Coffee nice…'
"Good morning, Skyler. Ready for your big day?"
"Morning to you too, D'Eon," he nodded back, even if his body recoiled at the words. It wasn't a truly good morning until the coffee was kicking in. "Ready as I'll ever hope to be."
"How nonchalant," the saber noted with his calm eyes. But D'Eon was a spy, and absolutely drew the real truth, but thankfully kept the questions simple for his starved mind. "Only a promotion celebration at this point, yes?"
"I've been accountable for all my decisions, so… yea. Reckon the seals are all that's missing. Still rather not use them. But they'd be nice."
"You went a year without expending your previous three. I'd say you'll be the most conservative, or will you?"
"Weeell, you know me more than I'm probably aware and more than I can probably explain right now," the sergeant eyed the now smiling saber and exhaled slow. "Last resorts are last resorts. Never know what bullshit an enemy's gonna do."
That reverberated deeply within his being. Every battlefield was an unpredictable place. After becoming aware of all this magical nonsense and the truth of religions? What a migraine… Now absolutely anything could happen out there. What was a joke on overwatch could seriously happen, and as the soon to be least capable of the Chaldea masters, he needed to keep all his trumps card close for immediate emergencies.
So his reliance on the servants would be far greater than his companions… greater than his dependency on coffee even. But he'd shown how aware of that he was in his attempts to forge trust. Well, as much as he could gain for that matter. He sighed, "About yesterday."
"A knight's word is law. You have my loyalty."
"At least beneath Queen and country," he joked back, but nodded with some relief. "Thanks for all the info you've been giving me. I knew I wasn't going to win over everyone, but-"
"You wanted most to give you a shot, and that's what you've achieved," D'Eon reassured. "I wouldn't worry about those who voiced disapproval. Ozymandias and Gilgamesh are very hard to convince."
"So I'm aware." And Skyler thought getting chewed out and berated by Artesia had been bad back in the day. Those two were… Well, at least they and their circles were the worst critics to his 'combat philosophy', or so they've called it. "Honestly, just having a few servants I know I can depend on is a miracle. I feel like Nick Fury. With two eyes. And no flying aircraft carrier."
"Then let's hope there's no Avengers style invasion of Earth, Mister Fury," D'Eon prodded back as they approached the fork in the corridor. "And so we part here. For now. If I have any updates on possible standing…"
"You'll let me know. Appreciated," Skyler waved as the Saber headed towards the Agora for Marie's morning errands. Their conversations were uncommon, and they certainly weren't good friends. The comradery with a French recon expert was what the sergeant was hoping for, and he's glad that's solidified. If nothing else, trust on the battlefield was paramount. Not every servant was going to be like his battle buddies in any previous unit.
Yet just like those smaller battlefields, Skyler was going to have to keep proving himself. One slip was all it ever took to end a career or reputation. And unlike the previous ones, this was one career he was very keen on keeping stable.
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After batting away some of his comrades' lazy quips, Skyler narrowed his eyes skeptically at a certain table. "Plotting something, mages?"
"How to convince Arturia to eat salads. Attempt forty-nine." They saw right through his mock-glare, of course. The three shared tiny smiles as Skyler took a temporary seat across from them with two giant cups of caffeine gold. An eager parrot flew from the cabana's rafters just above them, and he tossed a brief glance its way. Through the gentle bustle of the outdoor cafeteria it glided before taking an eager perch at the buffet table. It wouldn't be long before a robot shooed it away from the bagels.
"That gray one's been getting bolder by the week," Skyler mused lightly after noting one companion watched it too.
"Angra likes the guts on that one," Bazzett added, then quietly turned back to sergeant. It still felt strange seeing the two mages in the Vigil's combat uniform, all while he sat here in civilian clothes. Barely a year ago it had been the other way around. "You ready for your next promotion, Sarge?"
"No? Yes? Sure?" he joked as Kairi took a quick glance around before reaching into his uniform for a new cigarette. "You've got a few more minutes. I think Gale's still doing morning checkups on our secret patients."
As if just to clarify, the long-haired man glanced a few tables over. Lord El-Melloi II glanced back with cigar in hand and nodded. "No lecture today."
And so his comrade lit up, as Skyler saw so many do so often. "Your servants ain't here yet?"
"Cu's fishing. Didn't feel like watching after PT," Bazzett replied calmly.
"Kid's probably snoring away," Kairi chuckled. "Stayed at the arcade pretty late."
"Quite the Prince," Skyler added just for the sake of conversation. He couldn't think of a better response right now. Not while the two piping hot cups of coffee in front of him weren't swirling through his bloodstream. A shame he was impatient with this.
The two mages watched with small amusement as Skyler raised a cup, sipped it fast, grimaced, and swallowed. Kairi chuckled. "Every time."
"I'll die without this."
"Right," Bazett affirmed with a tinge of sarcasm. A far cry from the business-like silence from so long ago.
A few minutes of comfortable silence flew by as Skyler continuously tried to sip at his coffee. Like the terrible addict he was, he slowly dropped the level of the first cup, and his mind's engine fully fired up. Life poured back into him. His eyes fell more alert, and his thoughts sharpened in all the right and wrong ways. The cynical optimist could operate for most of the day now. "Fuck that's better…"
"Worth the burned tongue," Kairi observed again as he waved to a passing servant. Astolfo cheerfully waved back as the comfily dressed rider towed Sieg and Flat towards a nearby table. "Hope it'll move for that speech you'll be giving."
"It'll work fine," he tossed back, even as his tongue felt the familiar tingles of discomfort. He exhaled as he swirled the cup before him, then glanced around looking for Naomi or Medea. 'Looks like they're still working those threads.'
He glanced back as Bazett and Kairi bean talking about something magical related. A mystic code or something similar brought back from yesterday's sortie. It was lost on him; Let the specialists handle the specialties. That's what they were amazing at… and being masters too, or so he'd been told.
How normal was he in other timelines? Did he die early on deployment? Did he even serve like family tradition? Oh the fun of having one's mind working fully… all the solemn and hopeful thoughts that came with it. Truthfully, he didn't want or care about answering those questions. Just random talking points to throw around between bored soldiers.
Of course, a few questions mattered but he'd only be able to answer those with time and effort. Would he have very close servants who'd praise his efforts in another time? He doubted even an unmelted Artesia would make more than a passing comment in another existence. What did he have that all these other current, previous, and whatever masters had? Hell, even those two coma patients were supposedly badass grade masters in the future, pushing further doubt onto his own potential.
'Shut up already.' Yea. He even heard it in Artesia and Sergei's voices.
"His head in the clouds already?" That was actually her voice this time.
Skyler turned around a Bazett replied for him. "No. Just burning his tongue."
"Oh. So nothing to worry about." Artesia flatly stared at him as she held her tray full of disgustingly greasy eggs. He eyed the glossy mound that looked like a sci-fi movie prop, making her scoff. "Get your own. Mine."
"I like treating my stomach well."
"But not your tongue," she bantered back before watching Joan, Dantes, and Franz sitting down at a table further away.
Skyler took note and waved his hand casually. "Have fun with your friends. I'll be here inflicting delicious pain on myself."
Artesia rolled her eyes, but a tiny smirk snuck through. "See you later today then."
"Right, right."
"But before I go, Edison wanted to talk to you. Chaldea Edison."
Now Skyler genuinely groaned. "This again? I already said no."
"You've got a strange opinion on that matter, Cloud. Carry both just in case," Bazett argued calmly.
"Better than nothing at all," Kairi agreed, and so did a nodding Artesia before she shuffled away.
They did have their points, but they weren't the ones he had to answer.
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Edison's Chaldean workshop was exactly like his counterpart's at Area 51: Very executive like. It felt more like a CEO's penthouse workshop than a creative space like the other inventors. Plush chairs for meetings. The finest crafted furniture and art decorations, all placed correctly to leave the room feeling spacious. Fine rugs, false Skyscape windows that made it feel like a hundred floors above a city…
Absolutely ridiculous.
Absolutely Edison.
And Skyler was absolutely adamant. "I said no on the rifle, Edison."
The sergeant had only just sat down, yet the cobalt suit-wearing caster before him roared in disapproval and slammed a hand on his mahogany desk. "And we won't take no for an answer, Cloud! Standard Operating Procedure! This is for your safety!"
"Chaldean masters don't have equipment SOPs. And I argue carrying any sort of visible weaponry will paint me as a bigger target for any enemy. I need options, but not ones that can put bad decisions in my head."
"So you'd rather just rely on the pistol?"
"That's already a flimsy last resort. Aren't the Command Seals a far more potent option than a tuned rifle?"
Edison growled. "Stubborn… Just like your cousin said. Just like I said."
I being in reference to his counterpart of course. The sergeant had grown just as comfortable with that rather forward caster, so talking with Chaldea's was an easy transition. Arguing against his ridiculous notions remained just as easy, despite his respect for the powerful servant. "I'll have more servants to assist me than before. I ain't got a need for the rifle."
"We've explained to you before it's not useless! It's an Edison special that can hurt a servant!"
"Have you tested either of these, or are they just kid-colored nerf guns that'll put me in an opponent's crosshairs?"
"Of course we tested them!"
The door creaked open. "They didn't test on a live subject. So it's inconclusive, but possible."
"Archimedes! Don't just dismiss me like that!" Edison groaned.
"Then don't call me Archie. I only state facts without unnecessary garnish," the inventor stated from between the finely crafted doors as he walked in. Skyler glanced back, but was only met with a tiny nod of acknowledgement as the man made for a side table. Even after that caster's arrival last week, he was still the only human servant in Chaldea to refuse any sort of casual clothing and avoid social gatherings. Clearly anything unrelated to his pursuits or business was a waste of his time. "Tesla and I will be proceeding with the next step with or without your supervision."
"My meeting won't take much longer. I'll be right there." Archimedes made no notion of acknowledgement as he flipped a painting up, opened an unlocked safe, and pulled out a key.
"I have no faith you will be. We'll be proceeding and will have the results logged for your viewing." And with that, the caster made for the door.
Edison's complaints, which Skyler had grown used to blotting out, fell on deaf ears as Archimedes left. "That damn…! He and Tesla are going to make me rip out my hair! I must be there to-"
"You can be. This meeting is useless, because I'm not agreeing to a rifle. Some sort of shield generator or cloaking field would be far more appealing."
"And we're working on getting those developed, but for now, the rifle will give you more potential defense than a sidearm. You're very good with them," Edison sharply countered. "At least for the reassurance of other servants, have some way of potentially defending yourself against bigger threats."
He opened his mouth with a retort, but Edison was swift this time around. "Even Annie has some defensive measures. A fragile shield could be a precious second bought. So is a surprise shot volley from a rifle that a servant may have to dodge. At best you wound or stagger them! An opening for a servant to exploit! Surprise support from a spell-less master!"
At that remark, Skyler stared at the desk as Edison placed a steel case into view. He flipped it open quickly, revealing what appeared to be just standard issue weapons for Vigil rifleman. Their now world famous, or infamous, laser rifle and a similar pistol. Two weapons he still had mixed feelings about lugging, Edisons' special touches or not. 'At least they don't look like nerf guns…'
Who knew he'd ever be downplaying his marksmanship? It was one of his rather decent platter of strengths, including humility. Top fitness. Tracking and wilderness skills were also on point. Cunning improvisation and dependability were his old friends' favorite boasting points. Great sense of responsibility. He learned things quickly too. A list that made him an asset in most cases, but much of him still questioned their usefulness when surrounded by allies who did everything at a supernatural level.
"We're not saying go hunting servants on the frontlines. That's not where masters are supposed to be," Edison calmly elaborated after a controlled exhale. "Lesser enemies like those hulking homunculi or tentacled monstrosities? These will handle them better than current issue. Just take the whole case so you can field test them proper. We've made progress on a shield for your use, but it still needs more testing."
'A zombie prepper's wet dream,' Skyler thought, but he'd seen enough on just a regular deployment to know the novelty and romanticization of war was an awful mess. Hell, he wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for his sense of accountability and responsibility. Yet, was it not more responsible to accept more means of action over no personal defense? He was now smart enough not to just throw himself into bad situations just because of newfound capabilities.
Though firearms honestly did help put his mind at ease, he sighed. "I'll have an answer before my next deployment. I doubt you need one today."
Though displeased, Edison seemed more content than previous negotiations. "…Progress is progress. I'll seal the deal with you in the near future."
"You're pretty confident of that."
"You'll lug the rifle. These and our future personal tech for your benefit. Wasn't Vanguard always envious of Kairi's firearms? Now you have the option of one. And later some gadgets that'd make Sentinel platoon envious."
A nice thought, but the cynic in him immediately questioned if all of this was under development before then, and how Chaldea felt about Vigil field-testing technology capable of combating the mythical… if that was somehow possible on an effective level. Who was he kidding? It likely was when forged by this servant's hands, and that was sure to be a tension point in their alliance despite Da Vinci supposedly being aware of… He stopped his ever-looping mind from going deeper than that. Conspiracies got people nowhere commendable fast.
"I'll head out for now then," Skyler noted as he stood, then jabbed a thumb back towards the caster's grand doors. "You may want to too, with whatever secret project you inventors are cooking up. Just don't go blowing up Chaldea or something."
Edison finally grinned and nodded. "Agreed. Let's hope it doesn't."
…That's not what Skyler expected to hear…
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After a forgetful walk through the halls, he'd reached his destination.
'I was hoping not to hump rifles around anymore…' Skyler thought glumly. As if in response, his knees protested; They'd been through too much as is. Even ascending this tiny, snowy hill was enough to agitate them… Maybe he should finally take Medea up on her offer for a relieving potion. But he always hated medicine so… 'You're such a flip flopper.'
Softly falling snow joined their brethren on the ground as Skyler's snow boots crunched a path. He pulled the warm parka a little tighter before shoving his hands in the pockets again. He stared forward as he crested the small hill to stare over the cemetery before him. Another silent neighborhood like so many he'd visited before. Only this time, he knew no one here.
Still, he arrived as intended. He walked respectfully among the graves, noting the markings and records etched on each new tombstone. Flowers decorated many, with some more than others. Even the empty graves of Chaldea's greatest master team were honored despite the revelation of missing corpses. Skyler wondered if they were walking about somewhere by some mythical means, hopefully for the better.
He stood before a random one. Memorial Hall told the tales, but it wasn't the same as seeing the final resting place. It was a reminder of everyone's fate, or a least those of regular humans. At some point he'd be buried too, remembered well or maybe not at all.
As he stared at the grave, the name changed. His father's on a quaint Illinois hill. His deceased wife and child buried together. An old squad mate who'd killed himself after succumbing to his conscious' haunting demons. Sometimes the stone changed into boots with a rifle propped between. He'd outlived them all despite questioning why.
How many times had he stared at graves wondering why he was the one still walking? Often he cursed his luck, yet the greatest luck was staying alive through life's misfortunes. When compared to rougher living conditions, even the shit he's been through could pale by their standards. As such, his days or luck were never taken for granted. Every moment walking is a chance to prove one's worth, even if he was so silently cynical about how much progress could be made.
So, here he stood: Six feet higher than everyone surrounding him.
He said his silent prayers for those he did not know, turned around, and made his way back to Chaldea main. Maybe he'd join them on the hill someday, or maybe not. His time could be tomorrow for all he knew, but that was still time to build more value. He can sometimes be silently bitter like his coffee, but he'd still walk forward without hesitation; Nothing wrong with multitasking. Soldiers complain but march all the same.
Skyler would just have more direct control over results this time around.
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One moment he was on the hill, and the next his ever-meandering mind hazed his vision. He barely recalled saying hi to Chaldea's favorite children as they raced around the halls. He remembered saying hi to the stoic King Hassan… or was that yesterday? Moving from point to point aimlessly, his mind often hazed his movement with philosophies and absurd thoughts, funny or solemn. When the veiling thoughts were disturbed again, he found himself staring out at the resort's sea as if he'd always been standing on those wooden planks.
"Enjoying the day off?"
"Absolutely. Except I don't know what to do with it."
"Need orders to enjoy yourself too?"
"Oh don't you get me started on mandatory fun…" Skyler groaned as he stood crossed arms at the boardwalk railing. Genuinely, he was glad for the break in ever winding thoughts.
"Orders for that too, hm? I shouldn't be so surprised." The sergeant didn't think too much of the older man's quiet pokes. He'd been made aware that the assassin now beside him had never thought too highly of 'pawn' soldiers. Supposedly he was far worse before, but Skyler's skin was tough enough to handle baby killer and mindless drone comments left and right. By contrast, Kiritsugu's light prods were ticklish.
The white-haired man stood beside him and lit up a cigarette before pocketing the lighter into his suit jacket. He blew the smoke respectfully upward, but said nothing more beside the master candidate. Skyler didn't even shift his footing as he stared out at a rather mundane beach scene. His family was enjoying a small outing near the shoreline. The daughters were showing their mother how to boogey board while the son took a nap under an umbrella. No wonder the assassin's eyes stared with satisfaction.
"Worth fighting for," Skyler near-whispered, and Kiritsugu nodded in agreement. "Well. When they're not fighting alongside you. I'll never stop marveling at your family's combat prowess. Your butler especially."
"Daughters' butler," Kiritsugu genuinely cracked a tiny smirk. "Puts me at ease. Father don't have to worry as much."
"But you do. You care. As any father should."
Kiritsugu looked like he was going to make a comment, but seemed to hold it back. Not that Skyler was opposed to talking about his former family but… sadly, what was there to talk about? It was one of those typical military marriages straight out of bootcamp ordeals. Hardly the wisest chain of choices, nor one based on profound affection but rather responsibility. He would've liked to know his daughter better, but that short time with them ended with another of life's poor dice rolls.
"Did I ever say I was glad your family is reunited proper?"
"A few times now," the assassin responded. "I never did voice my condolences for yours. I'm sorry."
Skyler shrugged solemnly. "Didn't have enough memories. Sounds fucking terrible and cavalier, yea, I know. But we were young, stupid, and argued a lot. What could a seventeen year old boot know… Eh. At least enough to care about the baby."
"Hard lesson about birth control then. Soldiers often have to learn the hard way," Kiritsugu commented rather callously, but their relation was far from antagonistic. They were talking and enjoying serious company after all. And he spoke the truth on some matters, even if the assassin's bias showed on occasion. That didn't mean Skyler wasn't glad Kiritsugu was one of the servants he knew he could count on, even if some of Chaldea was surprised from that.
Those who knew him well weren't. Skyler smirked. "Well, here's hoping wiser me won't screw up the next run."
"Don't rush in, sergeant. Take it slow and easy and maybe your head won't wind up in a caster's jar."
"I'm well aware. Just saying is all. Sure would be nice to have a family like yours' someday. That's nice to come home to. Something worth working for."
"Something that won't mislead you," Kiritsugu added cryptically, but Skyler nodded absolutely. Ulterior motives had soured his outlook on his military service. The UN's mission looked more appealing on paper, and so far has appeared to be, but how long before that changed? At least Chaldea fought for human preservation without any doubt. That was something worth protecting: A chance to let others sift through their own rubble to make something meaningful too.
It helped seeing direct results from servants all around him. That was a great shot of optimism for his salted mind. And the last thing he ever intended to do was put any of this in jeopardy. "I'm sure I never told you this. I swear I won't order your family. The others are better suited for that."
"I assumed, and I appreciate that," Kiritsugu stated as he took another puff of cigarette, but offered a small smile. "My son probably wouldn't mind as much. Just expect some complaints."
"I'll keep that in mind, but I absolutely don't want to get the girls involved in the small unit stuff. Let alone things I might have to order if everything goes to hell."
"You'll be the first master to do so," Kiritsugu warned. "Depending on the severity, I'd be willing to assist."
"I won't ask you to commit genocide or anything," Skyler smiled reassuringly with sheer promise. "But if the other three let that 'maybe we can talk this through' attitude apply to everyone and beast, someone has to be ready to help load up our side of the table, or prevent it all from going to hell."
"A master willing to stain their hands," Kiritsugu stared quietly.
"I'd rather not. But if it keeps theirs cleaner, sure. I'll take the bullet and some hard stares. Means we've survived so they can give me those hard stares, yea?"
"Just don't get in over your head, but I understand there are moral limits you wouldn't cross," Kiritsugu offered as one final warning.
"Gotta have them. Else you're no better than the enemy."
Thankfully, Chaldea's enemies tended to lean more on the truly evil side. Tended. He'd studied enough to know the grey areas and that some adversary's philosophies made an unsettling amount of reason from different angles. But it was often easier defeating those hellbent on human extinction rather than those conscripted to fight a war they may not truly believe in. That meant deploying some of the 'less honorable' tactics to force a result was less grating on the mind afterwards.
The real trick would then be deciding a balance while a situation was unfolding: A test he'd still not been given.
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Another hazy blink later, lunch had arrived, and he approached the bar. He'd taken curious observation of the Church's two new diplomats, but by all means they seemed… normal. A letdown, honestly. He was expecting someone eccentric like an evangelist or a demanding puritan. Instead they seemed to be quiet diplomats, though that girl with the white hair sort of felt like she was hiding more than she let on. 'She's probably just a stiff…'
His gaze turned to the back of another former Vanguard, sitting at the bar alone. "Anything to complain about today, kid?"
"Mm… Piano lessons were cancelled?"
Skyler shot a thumbs up. "Sounds great then. Er. Not the cancelled lessons but your day."
"Obviously, Cloud," Omar laughed back as Skyler took a seat at the aquarium bar. Sure most ate at the cabana for lunch but sometimes lazing about indoors was a nice change of pace. Besides, Omar looked rather lonely. "You eat lunch yet?"
"Nothing yet. I'll probably just mosey over and take an apple or something," he commented before taking a glance around. There were few tables taken, with the only standout being Robin and Elizabeth at a distant booth. Merely eyeing the towering stacks of papers and what looked to be ledgers, Skyler wanted absolutely nothing to do with that business meeting. Looks like he was keeping Omar company for longer. "Your girl's cooking?"
"If you mean keeping the peace between the Tamas, yes," Omar responded matter of factly. "She'll come around at some point."
"Don't mind if I keep you company until then?"
"If you've got nowhere better to be, sure. You're more than welcome to," Omar smiled back. It was good to see the kid's smile more often. Well, as much of a kid as Skyler could still see him with that early beard. Reminded him of his old friend from High School who looked like a thirty-year-old bringing a teen to prom. But Omar's life hadn't been so straightforward as that. A terrible shame, but a reassuringly hopeful present instead.
The upcoming engineer took a quick sip from his water as the bartender floated over with a full bottle of Whiskey: The bane of Skyler's income and liver. Omar gawked. "Your promotion is today…"
"Da Vinci didn't say nuthin' about being sloshed," Skyler smirked. "Besides. I can hold my drink. Have to."
"And there's still better uses for your money and time…" This kid really needed to sound more his age, but it sure beats the helplessness from before. "Don't overdo it?"
"Before, sure. After, no promises."
"Well that's a given. Sergei called the day off tomorrow." At that news, Skyler was even more excited for the celebrations to come. "Looks like you two are facing off again."
"You know I'll never win… Aw geez, don't give me that look. I know that was never the point."
"Just don't make a fool of yourself and the unit."
"Now you're sounding like the L-T," Skyler groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Someone has to warn you when they won't," Omar smirked lightly back. "Feel bad it's from a kid?"
Skyler mock-glared at him and sighed. His only response was to quickly snag the pre-poured shot glass and down it in one go, enjoying the familiar burn light up his throat. Omar chuckled, but said nothing more thankfully. He was always ridiculously mature for his age, but recent developments only amplified his sense of hopeful progress. He supposed learning from Edison and the other intellectuals would do that to a rising genius.
'Your life's going to shine, kid. That's great.' A breath of relief for the weary soldier's mind.
No questioning Vanguard's lives grew more interesting too. Being around heroes almost felt like the perfect reward after such a rocky formation. Those early days were rough, and the tension exploded almost daily. Skyler would've never believed they'd become such close comrades like his former units, but their old Captain saw to it they were one of the firsts. The Titans of TC Williams High, so to speak. Though they hadn't been the first, they were among the firsts to reach unity. A shame it had to come from a near disbanding of their unit.
They'd sure come a long way, but now Skyler had to go further without them at his side. A new, ever-changing unit awaited. Another duty. Countless more deployments. And this time, it came with a mission even more unquestionably worthy than world- "Earth to Cloud?"
"Just thinking."
"Zoning out as usual. A miracle you've never done it in battle?"
"It's kinda hard to when your life is on the line every second… one of battle's only upsides. No time to overthink a thing," Skyler countered, but kept his voice calm. Omar's seen too much of the horrors of war to need any extra unnecessary reminders. At least Chaldea's war likely felt more agreeable for him. "You'll be quite the star someday, kid. Make the most of Chaldea."
"You thinking about sad stuff again?"
"Not this time actually. Maybe the next zone out. Who knows."
Part of him wondered if his father was there to guide him his mind would be more focused. His mom always said his dad's side of the family was laser focused, yet he wound up with his mom's easygoing intellect. A boon and a bust, but if there was one thing he'd always yearn for, it was a father's guidance. Given after some pre-dinner catch.
Maybe throwing around the pig skin instead, or fishing by the river…
Hunting bucks and learning how to skin the pelts proper…
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After another hazy walk alongside meandering thoughts, Skyler found himself gazing over the resort from the Wishing Well's outcrop. It was silent up here. Easy enough to lose oneself in their own thoughts or prayers, which was hardly something he needed help with. Give him even a split second, and his head would wind up in the clouds again.
Hence his callsign came to be: Cloud.
'Don't overthink.' His mother's motto. Captain Ortega reminded him too. Then Sergei. Then Artesia. Who next in recent memory? Who'd try to tell him to do the impossible. He'd always fall into his thoughts at some point in the day, and it'd take someone to shake him out of it. But that didn't mean it was bad.
Before it used to be.
So many swirling complaints, grievances, lamentations, guilts… Enough to crush a man. The horrors of war claimed the sanity of too many battle buddies whose funerals he had to attend. Yet he never succumbed to his own personal demons thanks to these ever balancing but wandering thoughts. He was lucky on that front. Despite all the shit along the soldier's path, his wonderings only conditioned his caution on what may be, but never truly crushed the hope things might turn out balanced in the end.
As per family tradition, he'd been a model soldier and lived through a long deployment to the sandbox. He returned home months after his wife and son died in a drunk driving accident. His angry mother in law broke the news before breaking all contact; Never did like him. He'd already come to terms and moved on.
As recommended by his CO, he graduated Ranger School near the top of his class, yet a training accident ended that career when his parachute failed to open. Living through that to join a tiny list of those who survived parachute failures made for an interesting icebreaker, but many of his joints were never the same.
Then he tried to have a poorly growing civilian life before being dragged back into the military under UN control. Distrusting soldiers had become the greatest comrades he'd ever served alongside. At least until he had to use one last command seal to save them thanks to some terrible Clock Tower intel.
Yet another shitshow rewarded with another opened door: Chaldean Master.
He still sometimes wondered if he made the right decision to accept. But he was the one who decided that path for once. It hasn't bit him yet, but there could always be another near-death to change that…
'Does this even count as life evening out?' Felt a lot better obviously.
All the cynicism and cautiousness he'd built up over the years was finally slapped in the face by that constant sense of neutralization. 'What if you fail? Then there will be another opportunity,' had been his dad's motto, or so his mom always said. All it took was seeing and helping a servant firsthand, a deciding whim to try and understand an angry wolf even if Lobo remained hostile at best. That had been the moment his sense of responsibility grasped a hopeful door:
Tomorrow could truly be better, not just tolerated status quo. If not for him, for someone else he fought for.
And so he came to terms with himself again. Much brighter than previous times. Not once would Skyler ever take his mental fortitude for granted. There was much he could do to assist despite his lack of ability. He'd just have to get more creative than his fellow masters. Which, now that his confidence was re-steeled, he considered stop lazily enjoying a day off to 'maintain' his greatest assets: allies. Spend some time with more servants to boost those bonds.
He wasn't aware how long he'd sat there staring out at the sea, but when his mind registered a new current objective, he blinked back to reality. The leaves blew gently around him, and he was stunned to find how many pigeons had surrounded him in that time. As his head snapped around to look, all but one flew away for more peaceful perches now that the statue had moved. The lone one merely glanced at him from the ground ahead, exchanging peeps occasionally to the side.
Skyler glanced over and flinched noticeably at the well-dressed professor standing nearby. "…Ah geeeez. Very rude of me… How long have I ignored you?"
"Goodness, boy… You really do get trapped in your own thoughts. I pray you won't be doing that on the battlefield?"
"I can promise never. Too much adrenaline in the tank," Skyler stated firmly before standing up to properly greet the archer. "Did you need something from me, Moriarty? I thought you were lending a hand to the other geniuses on… well, whatever Chaldea's most gossiped secret is."
"Nothing wrong with a stroll to clear the mind," he smiled back calmly. It should've unnerved Skyler more, but it didn't. He'd just come to accept this evil genius was always scheming and there was no sense getting paranoid about it. After all, Chaldea still stood with him in it. "Taking in some fresh air…"
"And creepily observing a future master while he's unaware." Didn't mean Skyler was going to poke a reminder here and there.
"Oh, worry not, boy. I'm not the only one who keeps an eye on the new leader," the archer commented before tossing a glance to the pigeon. Skyler, magically inept as he was, felt nothing from it. But he was aware Semiramis was absolutely gathering data as she usually did. Maybe even to trade to Marie as gossip for favors; The poison queen's newest trade deal. "You're rather easy to spy on, I must say."
"And I would remind you that only makes me feel safer. I'll be Chaldea's weakest master."
"But one must never discount the little guy in a fight," Moriarty pointed out keenly. "A cornered rat will fight a cat with surprising ferocity."
"Yes, well, don't expect me to go punching an opposing Hercules into the ground." Medea had brought up the idea she could reinforce him, but… martial arts were far from Skyler's forte to begin with. "I'll just be the paranoid coordinator always keeping an eye peeled for that shit hitting the fan moment."
"A respectable position. One certainly needed with the other three masters. Especially head-first Gabby." Though sounding like an insult, the adoration in Moriarty's sly smirk was not missed. "You will be very interesting to work with. Very interesting."
"As long as you give input and corrections, I'll be fine with that. I suck with larger plans."
As surprised as he was that a bond even formed weeks ago… here was another servant Skyler who would assist in his own way.
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Had it not been for his drinking friends' loud commentary, Skyler may have forgotten this entire stroll to the salon. "I'll definitely be taking you up on that offer. Just make sure it's the good whiskey!"
Robin and Billy's laughter echoed down the hallway as Skyler's fluffy thoughts threatened to haze his mind again. Two more heroes who took a liking to him. Two more he was absolutely hoping would trust him, and they did. Their abilities and skillsets aligned themselves better to his favored leadership style. His mind was comforted even as more thoughts wished to take over. But they wouldn't.
He was at his next destination. Like a whim, he'd delayed any interest in studying to see who was out and about. A master's responsibilities in keeping hearts and minds meant they had to be very sociable too. The servants liked it when the masters spent time with them, no matter how little or strangely. Even busybody Gudao managed to squeeze game days, play times, and more. It was only right he spent time with others too, which was hardly a chore for a country-raised boy.
Upon stepping into the salon, he waved to Mata Hari and Sanson by the bar. The chipper assassin even offered a cheer back. "Good luck today!"
"True or false. Shouldn't be a hard test." His strange response earned a quaint giggle as he eyed a familiar group. Apparently, some of them also had an easier day today. "How goes, ladies?"
"A lovely day so far," Elsa replied as she and Boudica tried to dry a bit of baby drool on her uniform. Across from them, Raikou was cradling the sleeping Giovanni to her chest, uncaring of the drool now staining her own lavender dress.
Boudica returned to her own knitting after waving hello, but swept a hand to one of the open ottomans. "Have you been up all day?"
"Used to standing around," he commented quietly, but calmly took a seat anyhow. If he didn't the rider and berserker would have kept insisting anyhow. "Sleepy day for him, huh?"
"He's all tuckered out after playing at the Cat Cafe," Raikou answered as she carefully readjusted her cradling arms. "He should be awake for your promotion."
"I don't knooow… I'd fall asleep there too." Raikou offered a motherly smile while Elsa giggled. "Least I'll finally have that fancy new uniform the girls are making me."
"Naomi still hasn't said a thing to you?" Elsa asked as she dropped a yarn ball to her feet. The hiding Sphinx Kitten snuck out from under her ottoman, snagged the ball, and rushed towards the salon doors. Next stop was likely the Cat Café. "Hm. I'm surprised."
"Watch it be hot pink with an exposed stomach," he pondered aloud, but then shrugged. "Shouldn't be too different from the prototype I've been wearing. Not like I can use magic or anything."
"A shame, but you've worked around that," Boudica smiled back. As best as he could anyway. At least he'd have a servant bodyguard or two to relay messages for him faster, but that lack of telepathy has caused noticeable delays. Enough to solidify he worked best with smaller teams over a frontline; Something he absolutely insisted anyway. Now if only he had more than that shriveled-up fraction of a magic circuit Medea found during her examination…
"You two will really have my back out there?" He inquired quietly, and Boudica gave him an amused, questioning 'really' look. He quickly held his hands up. "Just making sure. I feel like I'm asking a lot of servants when my end of the trade is pretty… empty?"
"You'll be a fine master," Raikou declared in a hushed tone. "You don't see us as tool but allies. That's already more than acceptable, so put your mind at ease. I see no need for others to demand so much of you when cooperation is the most crucial thing."
Skyler nodded quietly, but his stare had fallen lower. Not to her chest, but to the innocence nestled there. Here they were having a somewhat serious discussion while Giovanni was sleeping blissfully unaware; Almost exactly like his late son from fleeting memories. Poor thing probably doesn't even know what sort of heaven or hell his situation could be. Probably far more heaven than hell honestly; Can't think of a safer place if the world turned upside down.
Yet Gio's world already had, like Skyler's. Growing up without truly knowing a father figure… That'll be rough. He knew. But at least this little kid will grow up among celebrities who should show and humble his life's path. Well, if Skyler could bumble around like a rambunctious teenager and still wind up here, he could never truly fathom how well off Gio would be with all this overflowing wisdom and experience around him. So long as he didn't let it get to his head… likely, he'd make one hell of a future Chaldean master.
"Naomi wouldn't be too happy if she saw your stare, Sergeant," Raikou teased deliberately, even as she rocked the baby gently.
"Yea, but Medea would roast me first," he commented back easily before sighing. "Just musing about the kid. What a hell of a life he's going to live."
Elsa's pause caused Skyler to turn her way. Just in time to catch the serious, insightful stare of the resident therapist. Yup, she probably caught his thoughts again. With an offering smile, she confirmed it. "Offer still stands, Skyler. Whenever you need, I'll make time on my schedule."
"I've managed this far, but you know my answer," he smiled back with appreciation. "Let's just hope it never comes to that. Don't want the heroic spirits questioning my stability."
"It's fine to show weakness every now and then." Skyler wasn't so sure Raikou was addressing just him with that statement.
"We've all had our lows," Boudica offered quietly. There was no missing what she inferred. "We'll lend you our ear and shoulder if you need it."
He smiled quietly, stared at nothing, and just nodded in thanks. As much as he insisted, he was probably going to need it at some point. That's what battle buddies were for. They'd make for more sensitive listeners than Artesia, that's for sure. But his personal servant's blunt commentary had saved him from a downward spiral on a few occasions, so that wasn't so bad either. "Reckon I'll need all the help I can get, that's for sure."
"Besides that. Ready for tonight?" Elsa asked as she turned her gaze to the floor. Marie's Sphinx Kitten had returned to beg. "Another…?"
"All good." He felt like he'd answered a thousand times at this point. "Stand there, make my own personal oath, get fancy tattoos, and hopefully summon a new ally."
"The catalyst will ensure it. But I heard you didn't pick?" Boudica questioned, and he shook his head.
"Nope. I just asked the director if she could pick one for me," he responded, then made a terrible impression of her voice. "That's a dangerous thing you're asking of me, you know~!"
But truthfully, that was easily a lesser decision to have 'no control' over. Besides, he was great at working what was given.
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A blink of relaxing conversation later, he'd left the women to their calm session when two other servants arrived. Specifically, two of the dapper avengers, who'd gravitated to him more than he genuinely anticipated; Even if one was more expected. He approached, even if he felt a bit more out of place around them than others… mostly because they always dressed so noble while he looked like 'a peasant' in his mind.
Yet Dantes never made note of it. The elegant noble nodded from his favorite sofa. "Good afternoon, Skyler. We've heard everyone asking, so we'll refrain from the obvious."
"Salvation!" he cried jokingly, but then mentally kicked himself for his choice of words around a certain class. Thankfully, the two men in elegant Victorian-style suits only smiled back. Or at least, the master candidate presumed Franz smiled back, but the Headless Horsemen was surprisingly a pretty amiable fellow. As Skyler continued with pleasantries, the headless avenger reached into his pocket and dawned his newest device. "So how're your days? Hope I wasn't interrupting anything."
"(Oh, you know us, Sergeant.)" The talisman secured adjacent to his necktie made for a great voice box; Too bad it used his prana to work. Useful in Chaldea. Too fragile for the field. "(A fair if droll day. Just talking politely about this and that, but we'll refrain from political affairs in your presence. Care to join us for tea and coffee?)"
Thank god. Every time it was brought up, he wanted to have a hernia instead. "Appreciated... and yes. Never can say no to coffee."
"Very much so," Dantes agreed as D'Eon quickly came up to the couch the two avengers sat. Skyler carefully pulled a plush armchair over for a seat, and blinked in surprise as the saber placed the tray down. All the usual offerings of biscuits, tea, and coffee were present, but in enough shares to include the soldier's preferences. D'Eon only smiled knowingly, bowed, and left them in peace. "It appears we weren't the only ones expecting you to come to us."
"Thank god that spy's on my side," Skyler commented before taking a seat. Before Franz could, Skyler quickly took the tea pot and began pouring for them instead. "Can't let you do it all the time, Franz. You're too nice."
"(You flatter me,)" the avenger commented as he tucked a handkerchief into his necktie, reached for his cup, and raised it to his neck. The tea seemingly disappeared into the darkened void where his neck would be; Skyler had long since stopped questioning how that worked. All he knew was Franz retained another 'more socially appropriate' way of topping off mana, or so Medb liked to call it.
"How's Lobo today?" Skyler opened up with his usual curiosity. "He going to come around?"
"(Possibly. He has yet to make up his mind. You know how he is,)" Franz commented. The fact the wolf was even considering coming to his promotion was a miracle. They were on… neutral terms after Skyler's assistance, but that was about it. Lobo deployed on a whim, and only listened on a whim. That was still a far improvement over totally ignoring or growling angrily at the other three masters. Even poor Anishka held no leniency from him.
"Would be nice, but I get it. Too many people. Small room, for him at least. Dogs with loud noises and bright flash… Don't tell him I said any of that."
Dantes chuckled. "Tell him what?"
"Awesome," Skyler chuckled back. "I presume Joan's with Artesia?"
"Not much longer. They're having their nails done." Skyler nearly spat out his coffee in disbelief. Dantes shook his head. "Only Joan."
"Okay, that's what I reckoned." He could never see Artesia doing her nails. Waste of time when they were covered with burger grease half the time. "And Angra's at the arcade, last I saw."
"(He sure is fascinated with those violent video games,)" Franz shook his shoulders in light dismissal. "I'll never see the appeal."
"If it keeps him happy after all he's been through, I won't question his interest," Dantes offered calmly as he sipped his coffee. "I could do without them giving him strange ideas for battle."
Franz seemed tipped by that remark. "(Honestly, who throws a blue tortoise shell while being chased and expects it to stagger his pursuer? Where does he get these terrible notions.)"
"I think that was a Nintendo game. Janna recognized the act, so I presume thus," his fellow avenger commented in turn.
As they fell into light discussion about the absurdity, Skyler took another moment to marvel the duality of their nature. Here the two well-dressed avengers were, talking about the childish antics of their companion while another is getting a manicure. Rather normal behavior from people, but a remarkably innocent side to the ferocious and terrifying avengers on the battlefield. Their combat prowess and sheer malice leaked into the air can never be understated, yet they've learned to keep it under such profound control in more domestic environments.
A true marvel, really. Skyler didn't know if he'd be able to prop up a wall of civility against supernatural aggressive instincts, especially considering the severity of their past lives. He'd occasionally related it to his own mental fortitude through his life's callous roads, but that was hardly a fair comparison; His bullshit was far lighter. Another reminder to humble oneself and work efficiently for a decent tomorrow.
"(What do you think, Skyler?)" The master blinked as the two avengers stared at him with tiny amused smirks; Assumed for Franz.
Caught again, Skyler took a brief moment to ponder. "Yes."
Dantes then chuckled. "Answering yes to who you think you may summon. Very appropriate answer."
"It's my fallback," he reminded without shame, but then shrugged. "Going by who Gabs and Annie summoned? Probably someone loosely similar to me personality wise."
Franz raised a finger in thought. "(Artesia was hardly an apt fit for your mental fitness.)"
"Well, that whole grail summoning was a giant dumpster fire, so I'll discount that," he chuckled back. The only one who got anyone befitting the situation was the General; Edison alone was the luckiest draw the Task Force could've gotten. No wonder the other summons appeared to be maddened pot luck. "I mean, maybe someone with a military background? That'd really be fitting."
"Another strategic adviser. Commanding officer, perhaps. You did say you felt more comfortable with one around," Dantes noted. "Iskandar and Caesar did agree, but imagine having someone like Scipio Africanus or Napoleon to assist."
"At that point? Wonder if I'll be giving any orders and not deferring." He'd read that's what Gudao did in the early days, which made sense. Honestly, Skyler was surprised the hero leaders weren't the ones calling the ball, but it made sense the masters became diplomatic anchors of neutrality. The contracts held them all together, but it hinged on the masters to leverage cooperation beyond forced compliance with seals.
"(We'll see when your first summon appears,)" Franz concluded as he sipped his tea, then reached for a biscuit. "(Maybe, instead… you'll get another fit for your small-unit-tactics style.)"
"Won't say no to that either."
There was a brief lull in the conversation, broken only when Skyler gazed towards the third approaching avenger. Joan didn't look to sour today, especially when examining her nails. They seemed to match the color combo of her black sheath dress with ivory throwover, but the designs were far too difficult to read. She caught his gaze, but her mood didn't shift as she approached. Instead, she only commented lightly as she took her seat right beside Dantes. "Artesia's picking a fight with the digital idiot."
Skyler deadpanned. "What the hell did BB do now?"
"Something about her Moon Cell master being better than you. Really got under her skin, but I was already too far away to hear the rest."
Skyler blinked. Honestly, he'd agree to BB's statement, but he was flattered, again, that Artesia's belief in him always held. It took months to forge, but damn if it didn't seem as impossible to shatter now that he had it. He'd have to fly in a whole truck full of McDonalds as a show of appreciation… Wait, was that what Artesia was banking on?
"(Safe to say it hasn't escalated,)" Franz noted as he glanced towards the salon bar. Not a peep from the Peacekeeper radio was heard past Mozart's calm piano music.
"I trust her self-restraint." His genuine comment earned a dubious stare from Artesia's… quite conceivably best friend. "She's a stickler for rules if nothing else."
Joan only rolled her eyes in silent but unfortunate agreement. She then went back to inspecting her nails again as Dantes glanced over too. "Went with the Iris?"
"It looked boring without it," she commented back. A not so surprising choice for Joan, but she apparently opened up a lot since her uncertain arrival. He wondered what it may have been like back then past the notes and sporadic pictures. Part of him is glad he arrived when much of Chaldea was far more good-natured, but the balancing cynic declared he would've had far more servant trust rather than fighting for a minimum neutrality. At least he had groups like the avengers and Romans who looked at him in a curious, promising light.
Skyler checked his watch instinctively. "A few more hours before I have to get ready."
"So a few more hours for you to walk about with your head in the clouds," Joan commented flippantly.
"Sounds great." Joan shook her head at that, but a tiny smirk leaked through. "I can't be lazy on the battlefield, so I'll take what I can get while anxiety isn't prodding the nerves."
"(A good balance. I hope it continues to stay that way, Sergeant.)"
The same absolutely applied to them too.
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"You don't wish to sit, Skyler?"
"No thanks. Definitely don't deserve to sit amongst the icons of honor."
"If that makes you comfortable…" Bedivere smiled as he remained at his Round Table seat. As glorious and knightly as the room was, it was always amusing to see random odds and ends scattered about; Made it look less like a museum. In particular, a few shopping bags from Gareth's latest shopping spree to help out Voyager covered an entire half of the table. Truthfully, Skyler wasn't even sure Voyager would care to wear any of it.
…Then again, any excuse for Gareth to clothing or comic book shop was readily taken…
"Rather boring day today?" Skyler asked to try and clear the silent air.
Bedivere nodded simply, but smiled. "No need to try and fill the air if you don't need to. Your surprise presence is appreciated, soon-to-be-master."
Much of him absolutely doubted that. "Shame it's not the same for the rest of the table."
"No one thinks distastefully of you," the saber insisted as he place his cup of tea down. "The King and some others are just… displeased you aren't against more dishonorable methods."
"Methods I will never involve the knights with," he reiterated, as if he had to every single time he spoke of it. But it was the truth: His preferred ambush tactics and violence of action resonated far more with the avengers and assassins than those of knightly houses. Without question, obviously. "They wish for a certain standard of ethics I can't always meet."
"It reminds us of some of our own folleys. That's all," Bedivere noted quietly, but his smile held. "We weren't perfect either."
"But you've chosen to try to be better. So I can understand why the displeasure remains behind your incredible civility," Skyler listed, and honestly felt like his cousin for a second.
"You didn't need to come one last time to apologize for what you may have to do, Skyler, but I must say. It's quite telling of who you are that you're willing to share that much despite what the future may hold. I'll be sure to present this to the King and other knights. I'm sure Mordred too."
Of the table, Mordred and Bedivere were probably the only ones who weren't totally disappointed in his stance. Mordred at the highest, likely thanks to Kairi's good word. But it was what it was. Skyler wasn't about to push everything morally questionable off the table if it meant completing the mission. The truly reprehensible actions were absolutely off the table, but lighter controversies would have to be decided as they came up. Obviously the knights weren't the only ones to be displeased with his lack of 'purity'…
…but at least that resonated better with many others. Including his former unit.
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It felt like just yesterday when Skyler would spend most of the day in the Vigil's allotted wing. Now it was a rarity with the supernatural becoming his new comrades and responsibilities. It was the strangest shift in careers to date, but it let the mixed feeling of leaving the formal military resurface. The breath of relief that he was no longer bound by rigid contract, yet the new contract he signed brought a whole lot more accountability that civilian survival could never match.
Not like he wasn't going to see Vanguard Platoon anymore since they were the stationed unit, but it was still a bittersweet 'parting' of sorts.
Skyler blinked as he stood by the door peering in. "Is all this really necessary?"
"Higher's order. Your Director like idea too," Sergei responded in turn. His light blue dress uniform fit him well, even if Skyler could only imagine it bursting apart by accident like those cheesy bodybuilding commercials. The rest of his former platoon donned their own dress uniforms, making him feel even more isolated in his casual clothes. Space throughout the Aerodrome, Vanguard checked each other's uniforms for standard and prepared the ceremonial bolt action rifles for presentation. A few were even shining the bayonets for the fifth time.
"Just don't poke anyone's eyes out. Don't recall the last time we've had parade practice."
"You shoot yer' eye out keed!" his Polish comrade yelled through his thick accent, letting a laugh race through some.
"Less yapping, more cleaning," Artesia reinstructed as she stood just behind the sitting soldier, watching her reflection get ever more pristine on the spotless bayonet. The soldier mock saluted, making the saber roll her eyes but otherwise do nothing more. "The Commander will be arriving shortly. You'll be ready for inspection well before."
A shame his platoon didn't have any downtime until later. Usually they'd have more, but with the afterparty that night any leisure time was forfeit for plenty of preparation, some rehearsing, and logistics. The Vigil's other specialist platoons had their sector covered for the day, so Skyler was just hoping this day of leisure wasn't about to be exploited by some leaked Mage notes.
He'd rather be playing cards or watching a flick with them, but military life was often disappointment.
Sergei and Skyler watched quietly as the Chinese second-in-command prepared a small wreath barely the size of a basketball. It held the epaulets of a Vigil captain, and Santoro's nametag. A brooch tied the wreath at the base, complete with a UN pin and the task force's highest medal: Eternal Vigilance. A rather corny name, but hardly a participation award. Thus far, Captain Ortega was one of only two to earn it.
"He'd proud of you, Cloud." Sergei stated quietly. The tinge of shame would never be missed.
"Pressure's on. Gotta keep him a proud Spaniard."
"You be fine. And if not, I'll yell at you from Control Room when there," Sergei reassured as he gruffly patted the sergeant on the back. "Brother's honor."
"Glad you'll still be pushing me around." Though that pushing around had been very hostile at first meeting. It was like a cold war, of sorts. Russian versus American, or in this case, Chinese and Russian versus American. Sergei had been the second-in-command then, but they made their animosity towards the 'pathetically reluctant master they're supposed to bodyguard' very, very clear. Skyler even accidentally triggered a fistfight with Sergei back then, one the sergeant lost completely to no one's surprise.
It took Ortega's diffusing that day just to ensure Artesia didn't murder Sergei outright on the simple basis of stepping out of line… not because her 'weak master' was attacked. That captain had been a model for real leadership. He'd shelved his own reservations to try and level clashing national rivalries. It was a fool's errand, but he was a smart fool. Between carefully manicured training sessions and ramping deployments, he'd created bridges of begrudging neutrality that turned into impressive bonds. A true diplomat, but his crowning glory cost him his life.
If Sergei and Skyler hadn't mistrusted each other on the battlefield, maybe Ortega wouldn't have had to sacrifice himself to stop a succeeding magus ritual.
Those guilty days in solitary confinement were broken only by Artesia's hard scolding. But she was right. He was right. Sergei's scrutiny fell away, and so did Skyler's lingering reluctance. Comradery finally grew to the point they stood side by side as near best friends, only for life to once again send Skyler down a new path. One he chose for himself this time around.
Skyler blinked in surprise as his blank stare towards the memorial wreathe flickered: Sergei was waving his arm up and down in front of him. "LZ to Cloud. You clear for drop zone."
"…Sorry, Vima. I… Hm?" Sergei stopped waving his tree-trunk of an arm to show an unwrapped present. Skyler blinked. "A tomahawk?"
"Yours. I had Caster create axe head and Geronimo blessed it with country's spirits, but I finish it myself in free time. Bear skin wrapped!" the captain smirked as Skyler carefully took the weapon. "You always bad at close wrassling, so I knew you need something more than sidearm out there."
Skyler stared at the tomahawk. It was fashioned like the ceremonial piece Ranger School gave out to its top graduates. Obviously it wasn't one, but this meant more to him. Leather wrapped, blackened steel, beautiful wooden handle… Certainly more utility than a fighting knife. A bit of mental security at best again his new potential opponents, but it was the thought that counts.
As he examined the attached paracord pace counter swinging at the handle's tip, he chuckled. "Even has the UN logo."
"If you look close, wood grain has our names. Don't forget about us, yes?"
"How can I? We had each other's backs in battles the world will never know."
"Maybe it serve you well in your new battles, Cloud. Great for make tents. Chop wood. Impress lady friend with lumbered wood."
"I don't know, Vima. I still can't knock redwoods down with one swing." They laughed as Sergei elbowed him. He was very much sure the rest of the unit had real celebratory gifts to present for later. And by real gifts, he meant a lot of drinks, laughs, and more drinks. The real soldier celebration.
"(Oh great founder! Are you having a nice day?)"
"(A glorious one, my child, for one of your siblings rises higher for Rome's glory!)"
Though Skyler could understand nothing beyond Italian hand gestures, he was certain the distant exchange was nothing less than jubilant. Sergei and Skyler turned to the Terminal entrance to spy Romulus proudly strolling towards them in a pristine white toga. Beaming from ear to ear, the massive lancer presented his arms wide as he approached today's star. "My child! Roma's star Legate… Your day has arrived!"
"So it has." Skyler nodded with a smile, but did not make a motion to bow or praise. "Congratulating me early, Romulus?"
"Another among many this day for one we Emperors have high expectations for," the bronzed man smiled proudly as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "I came for a peak at this modern military presentation, but you being here too saves time."
"The others are still getting ready?"
"Indeed! Nero and Cleopatra are taking their time as beauties must!" Romulus laughed. "Their praise will be heaped after the ceremony, but know Roma's eyes follow you with satisfaction. As Roma's champion master, we shall ensure your career is illustrious."
Skyler nodded to Romulus, the closest of the Roman servants. Nero was a close second, and he had Artesia to thank on that front. Even if he had mixed feelings about his Italian blood being the initial sway of their interests, he was glad he had powerful army-stopping allies to count on if things really went downhill. He'd rather not call on their aid if he must, but that sense of kinship was incredible.
…Even if the Emperors lightly lamented Skyler could be more respectful of rank and prestige like Anishka.
"Thank you. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay that honor, or live up to it for that matter. But thanks. Thanks."
"Live proudly and lead confidently, and Roma will shine upon you."
Easy enough words to live by, but damn if the pressure of expectation wasn't crushing. Good thing he handled pressure well.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ XIV ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
As conditioned by the military, he showed up a bit before the allotted meeting time. Prompt and ready.
As not ridiculously conditioned by the military, he did not appear disrespectfully hours ahead of time to hurry up and wait.
That was one thing he was very glad would no longer be a thing again… he hoped.
He found the door to the Stitch Witches open despite the closed sign, as informed ahead of time. He walked past the rows of clothes to the checkout desk, barely tossing an eye to Medea's growing armada of figurines, all displaying newly released and future fashion possibilities. His eye did catch an Artesia figure, complete with a rather jaw-dropping evening dress worthy of the red carpet. That was assuming he ever looked at Artesia as a potential date and not like his grumpy, gluttonous battle sister.
Without breaking pace, he knocked on a large door frame, took a pause to listen, then pushed aside the concealing curtain to walk in. He was greeted by the sight of the two owners and a few robots, but his gaze remained towards their new fashion. "Oh, so those are the hats you were so excited about? They look pretty… witchey?"
"My, Sky, what profound vocabulary you have there," Naomi prodded back with a teensy bit of dryness in her amused smirk. "All that hard work designing these, and all you can offer is witchey?"
"Aww geeeez, why do you girls always gotta try and corner me like this? I feel like I'm clothes shopping back in High School."
Naomi laughed cheerfully as she readjusted the brim of her brand new witch's hat, or so Skyler quickly related it to. In truth, emerald hat was a modern fashion take on the stereotypical one. In all honesty, it looked gorgeous with its added ebony trim, stylized belt band, and not-so-pointy crown. Complete with white frilly accents beneath its wide brim, it looked like a wide-brimmed fashion icon and the witch's hat had the perfect beautiful child. So much so even Medea had her own cerulean variation.
'Would never have guessed Medea hated the image a year ago… Er, does this count as an evil image? Looks waaay more…'
And, if his thoughts could be read, he'd easily admit the two looked drop-dead alluring with their new uniforms. To their own favorite wardrobe schemes, the two matched in outfits. Lacy opera gloves matched their elegant dresses that appeared like a mix of fantasy and modern trends. Maybe he'd relate it to the perfect upgrade to a seductive Halloween witch outfit? Surely elegant was bad wording since it wasn't super formal like a ballroom outfit. Something out of a video game?
Christ, the girls were right: He really was awful at describing clothes. Medea gave him a toying, scrutinizing stare. "Lost for words, Skyler?"
"Look, you two are scorching hot. Happy? My dictionary is three pages, and half of that is variations of aww geeeez." That got the two stitch witches laughing immediately. He'd pat himself on the back later though. "I mean it. You two are showing why you're the tailors. Da Vinci will be impressed."
"If the Director's allowed to have her own uniform, why not us?" Naomi commented, pleased with herself as she telepathically lifted her hat to gently place on a nearby table. "Hope you don't mind we debut it at your ceremony?"
"Go for it. Less attention on me bumbling about, the better," he admitted, earning a playful roll of the eyes from the two of them. "So I assume I'm not wearing a third version of the Disney Princess uniform? And if so, can I be Mulan?"
"Don't tempt us," Medea warned with a mock glare, but Skyler patted at his toned, not-well-endowed chest with a frown. The caster scoffed incredulously in a failed attempt to hide her mirth. "You're something else."
"I try." He followed the two towards a row of changing rooms as a robot easily carted a headless mannequin into view. Skyler blinked as he stared at his obviously new uniform. "That looks really, really comfy."
"That's what you wanted," Naomi smiled as the two girls stood beside his mark two master uniform. It still resembled fatigues, but it was far more stylized to fit the semi-formal design of Chaldea's master uniform. With the top two buttons undone, it even formed very crisp lapels that resembled a suit jacket. The shoulder epaulets were complete with his Vigil rank, as requested, but the former Velcro for nametapes and other patches were all gone.
"We removed what was deemed unnecessary so it looks less… ugly," Medea commented as Skyler inspected the suit-like sleeves. "I've also reinforced the fibers with my own enchantments. They have the same flexibility as your previous uniform, but far more durability. We've also weaved defensive sigils to strengthen its resistances. I'm still working on your personal talisman, but this should suffice so long as I deploy with you."
"And by that, you mean don't go charging at servants. Perfect. I'd rather not do that," Skyler agreed as Medea nodded thankfully. "I ain't that stupid."
"Thankfully not. You'd have Vlad and I tearing hairs out looking after you," Medea sighed with relief, but caught Naomi's thankful stare her way. "Well, let's get you changed and make sure it's all fine."
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ XV ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Skyler stared himself in the mirror. He'd have to get used to the new protective undershirt hugging him like spandex, but at least the white uniform was insanely comfortable. Though he still had yet to put on the jacket, he felt like he could even sleep in these. He pushed the changing room curtain part way open to signal he was decent, just in case the two made another comment as he finished.
Instead, Naomi quietly pushed the curtain open further to step in and assist. "Good, it fits well."
After a few seconds, she grasped the suit jacket she levitated off the hook, and gently held it so he could slip his arms in. He did so casually, offered a quiet thanks, and buttoned up the front. He stopped before the top two buttons to keep the formal appearance, then turned around for Naomi to inspect him. Medea stood further behind staring within, but nodded quietly in approval. The green-haired best friend carefully smoothed out any wrinkles and dusted off the lapels.
Finally, she nodded too. "On the mark."
"Still surprised? Perfection is your standard," Skyler remarked, though the flattery was easily met by the two stitch witches. "Thanks, girls. And sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused."
"Your protection is hardly an inconvenience," Medea smiled. "And if you think you're difficult…"
"Yea. I got you. I watched Nero fill out her latest order and hooooooo… Lord." Medea and Naomi grimaced for the briefest second at their top client's latest commission. They'd definitely be working overtime on that wardrobe of dresses. "Charge extra for artistic liberty."
"I always liked the way you think," Naomi smirked deviously, a trait from Medea she'd slowly picked up. It was… very hot, to say the least. She dusted off his lapel one last time out of habit, but kept her fingers gently on top. She glanced up at him with a small smile which he returned. Naomi looked like she wanted to say something, but it was lost in her gentle stare. He didn't quite know what to say either, so he just gently pulled her into a brief hug. She let out a breath of satisfaction as they just stood there for a bit.
Medea sighed playfully, with a bit of lamentation, but a large helping of her own satisfaction. That and a stare of warning towards him that lost exponentially more of its edge with every passing week. He smirked as Naomi released their hug. "If I fuck this up, you're first in line for the execution."
"Thanks for saving my spot," Medea smiled back. "I'll help ensure we never see that day. Vlad and Boudica too."
"Sounds like a win all around," he nodded in appreciation. Of all in Chaldea, these two had been the first to come close to him; Naomi having grown far closer than anyone else.
The responsibility scared the living shit out of him, honestly. He still felt like he had no idea what he was doing for such a sweet girl, seeing as his most serious previous experience was by accidental pregnancy while a stupid teen… and that only led to an even rougher marriage for a child who deserved better. But he never blamed her or the kid, and was only sad he didn't have the chance to give both of them a better future. And here was another chance at a possible future family with Naomi: Another pursuit absolutely worth fighting for.
Thankfully her friends, now his friends too, were there to ensure he didn't step on a mine like an imbecile.
Especially Medea, despite all her skepticism and scrutiny she'd shown to him at first glance. But he understood that overprotectiveness for her best friend, and the terrible experiences of a past life that bloomed overwhelming paranoia. Surprisingly, they bonded on their pasts and former families. Regrets, guilts, anger… Without any doubt in Skyler's mind, Medea had become the very first Chaldean servant he knew he could absolutely rely and trust with his life. Vlad, Boudica, and a few others came a close second.
After hearing something worded in the air, he nodded to them. "Yea…"
Though now he noticed Naomi had gently taken his hand after he… zoned out again. They looked at him with playful smirks, but Naomi was the one to break the silence. "You don't know what you agreed to again, do you?"
"I mean, you saw me zone out so I can only presume you took advantage of it like any good tactician."
"Exactly," Medea beamed. "So tomorrow at three, we'll need you to come in and model that male lingerie line for us. Medb's been very adamant on some desig-"
"Wait, I need to fucking WHAT?"
Naomi and Medea laughed loudly, making him believe for a split second it was a joke. Yet the small blush on Naomi's cheeks…
Perhaps today was the best time to finally stop agreeing to things immediately after zoning out.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ XVI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
After a walk of relaxing conversation and not meandering thought, Skyler stood before the Summoning Chamber's doors. The bustle within of gathered servants and staff was loud and excitable. Surprising considering his mostly neutral appeal and a rather mundane ceremony, all things considered. It was what it was, he guessed.
"Have fun you~," Naomi winked. A quick lean in and a peck on the cheeks brought a tiny smile to his face. "Don't get lost in thought."
"Am I really that bad?" Medea and Naomi's amused and somewhat dry stares made him roll his eyes in defeat. They giggled and walked towards the door. From just inside, Nero beamed and waved proudly before following them inside. The Egyptian followed right on her heels with Cleopatra offering a tiny smile. Iskandar tossed a thumbs up. Scheherazade had a guarded smile. On the bad end, Ozymandias and Nitocris only offered him a blank gaze and a subtle tinge of judgement.
Skyler met it fine. It was a boon and a bust to not be very moved by celebrities of any kind. It meant those wanting him to treat them as equals were more pleased. Those prideful of their stations looked down on it as outright disrespect; The two pharaohs weren't the only ones to be very disappointed with his diplomacy. But what could he say? He wasn't a silver-tongued suck-up like his cousin… Not that that was totally a bad thing.
Gudao liked pleasing people and ensuring their contentment. Gabrielle liked being super chummy with people and making them feel absolutely welcome. Anishka liked ensuring utmost respect and reverence to famed people, big and small, regardless of their nature. Skyler liked cooperating with people who weren't demanding things from him just for breathing around them.
Different strokes for different folks, right?
Standing in the hallway blankly while Vanguard marched in, rifles shouldered for presentation, Skyler awaited the sign for his entrance. Whatever that sign was. Da Vinci just said it'd be obvious but… as music started playing, he scratched his head through the beret. Was it a musical cue? He didn't recall Gabrielle or Anishka's having one… He couldn't exactly improvise considering this was a formal routine.
'Lord almighty fucking lucifer sideways… I hate being left in the dark.' Good thing he was incapable of telepathy. Who knows how much Martha or Jeanne would scold him if they heard him say that one out. Joan would have laughed loudly.
The music continued, and Skyler approached the closed door. It didn't open. Wow, was he locked out of his own ceremony? What a ridiculous thought. The door was probably set to open at the right cue. But he could barely make anything out on the other side, so he just stood at ease and ready for… a signal…
Moments later, one of Hundred Face's identities appeared beside him, but Skyler didn't even blink. "A message for you: Door will open in a second. You know the rest, asshole."
"Well golly gee. I can't imagine who sent that one." The assassin chuckled as Skyler sent a tiny smirk his way. "Thanks. Sorry for the trouble."
"It was a good laugh. Have fun!"
In a plume of shadowy smoke, the Hassan identity vanished, followed a second later by the doors sliding open to reveal a tunnel of Vanguard. Rifles with bayonets formed an arch above a small carpet, with all eyes upon him even with much of the room out of view. Sheesh, this pomp and circumstance was far, far more than some grunt like him deserved. He could've done with a handshake, certificate, and ceremonial lever pull… Oh well.
Calmly, he marched with purpose towards the console ahead, noting those nearest to the aisle only with his peripherals. The knitting group stared proudly. Much of Uruk stared blankly or dismissively. The Emiya family was a mix. Atalanta's family had small smiles. Delaqua's group were mostly smiles too. The saints were rather indifferent, and so were the Japanese. As long as most were neutral, that was fine enough to start truly earning his keep. Some cheers of encouragement were a nice topping.
He stared forward, meeting the awaiting gazes. Pritchard looked sharp as ever beside Da Vinci and Artesia. His fellow masters stood to the other side with arms folded before them. At least they were all smiling as he closed the final gap. He made note of a tiny table erected beside the console, holding the old captain's wreathe and a small memorial picture of the late Roman. He turned from the Doctor's smiling gaze to Da Vinci's beaming stare and offered microphone. "You got your speech, Sergeant?"
"Won't even need notecards for this," he replied back as he stepped up to the console. Quietly, he turned around as Sergei respectfully took a knee; Now he could truly see the crowd around him. What a crowd. So many big names he'd already worked with on occasion, yet still much to prove. He breathed gently after a quick sweet with his eyes, then cleared his throat.
"…I get you. All of you." Many blinked or whispered at his already odd opening. His gaze remained steeled. "A lot of you would probably prefer someone with better capabilities and qualities. Not an outsider who has difficulties promptly communicating orders or alerts without telepathy. I wish I could offer more beyond my experience as a solo master with Task Force Vigilance and military deployments, but I'm afraid I'll have to continue to grow the hard way. Just like my cousin did that long year ago. I'm only human, but I ain't a quitter."
Gudao and Skyler shared a tiny smile before the master candidate continued. "I won't stand on this soap box much longer, so please hear me out on this one and only request. Please continue to give me that chance so I may prove myself in this endless trial by fire. I may be weaker by comparison, but I'll do my damnest to prove myself worthy of supporting each and every one of you in the field. That I do see this high station as a grave responsibility, never to be abused. You're all worth fighting for. The preservation of humanity and this Chaldean wonder are priceless, and I will not threaten that delicate existence."
He offered a small smile and a salute. "So… thank you for giving this soldier a chance. Your trust is not misplaced, and I will work with you to get through any dark times ahead."
"What an unusual angle~…" Da Vinci mused with a small smile. "Another one for the books."
"Just don't let that sense of accountability crush you, Sergeant Albanese," Pritchard warned quietly with his wizened stare.
"I'll try not to do it alone," he nodded back quietly as Da Vinci took the microphone to attach onto a boom arm. Now hanging before the console, she motioned for him to make his final oath to the system at large… He always did wonder if this was just a fancy magus ceremony, or if the system's calculating AI really did have a final say. Whatever it may be, now was not the time to fathom its omniscience. With a final glance to a reassuring Gudao, Gabrielle, and Anishka, he took a step forward and held out his left arm.
As if on command, the system roared with energy as a few mumbles raced through the crowd. Prana flared, as did Skyler's sense of purpose and responsibility. His life was decided; He crossed the point of no return without a shred of reluctance. Steeled eyes sparked the roar of his commanding voice.
Please hear my words,
My hope calls you forth,
And your support carves our path forward.
Back to back, let us defend the future of humanity!
If all seems dim, we fight harder for that victory!
I hereby swear, That I shall be a worthy defender of the world!
That I shall fight all evil in the world, side by side!
That we shall see victory without needless sacrifice!
Seventh heaven clad, And the great words of power,
Grant me the strength to guide Guardians of the Scales!
Thus, he felt it once more. The searing pain in his hand that raced up his arm, but he welcomed it. Destiny had chosen to answer his own decision. The light upon his hand shined bright as agony roared through his body; He remained a powerful statue. The light faded to a red glow as the lines of power carved themselves into his hand again. A triple layered shield, partially resembling an abstract crosshair, smiled back at him as the pain faded. Breathing a bit ragged, he stared at the three symbols and felt his proud smile surface.
"…Thank you. I will not abuse this gift. My fight continues anew."
Gabrielle giggled as she hugged Skyler from behind to a rising crescendo of applause and cheers. "And now we're the Elite Four!"
"Should Helena make us Pokemon?" Gudao pondered aloud jokingly as he stepped up to pat Skyler on the back. "Welcome to the team!"
"Congratulations!" Anishka cheered as she too joined them, only for all of them to get pulled into a giant bear hug by the towering, excited captain. "EEP!"
Sergei bellowed with mighty laughter as Artesia and Pritchard sighed behind him and facepalmed. "WELL DONE, CLOUD! YOU WORTHY AGAIN!"
"I can't breathe!" Skyler responded in turn, instantly commanding his proud comrade to set them all down again in apology.
Sergei still laughed proudly. "You will show them you are very trustworthy leader, yes!"
"And if not, they'll make their discontent known so you can adjust course," Lord El-Melloi II noted as he stepped forward to shake Skyler's hand. "Congratulations, Master Skyler. But your ceremony isn't complete yet."
Skyler glanced to the room's center to see some of the inventors placing the saint quartz on their proper pedestals. Archimedes placed a curious catalyst at the very center rather unceremoniously. As the caster turned back to look, he offered a stoic nod of approval to the newly minted master as he strolled back to the crowd. It let Skyler see the very aged arrow quiver sitting in plain view.
"Guess I'm getting an archer. Maybe he'll actually use arrows too," Skyler joked, earning a giggle from the approaching Da Vinci. "Any story behind this one?"
"No clue~!" Da Vinci smiled back. "I just figured you're best at range. You work best with those who can operate independently of a unit. You being a hunter-"
At a far end of the crowd, Lobo made a guttural growl of discontent hearing that word. Skyler looked over, blinked, and waved with appreciation to the wolf. The out-of-place beast only stared back dryly and coughed. Scoffed? He didn't read animals very well, but at least Lobo was here.
"If you make the pull dramatic, you're bound to get a great servant!" Gabrielle insisted with a grin, but Archimedes immediately scoffed as he passed.
"It's a biometric lever attached to a scientific machine with an artificial intelligence. Mathematical randomization is not directly influenced by theatrics. Please don't go spreading such nonsense."
"God, you are such a party pooper!" Gabrielle groaned back, but the genius completely ignored her. Gabrielle turned to BB, who only glanced back with a smirk and a wink. That quickly earned a thumbs up in reply from the fiery master. Witnessing the entire exchange, Skyler could only be left to assume anything was possible.
So there was only one way to see, so he turned to the console. The crowd grew quieter as he grasped the lever, letting it scan for identification but beeping red when no od was detected; Da Vinci did say to ignore that. Maybe his physical signature was more than enough, so he breathed out and activated the system.
The saint quartz pedestals absorbed their rainbow stones. The energy from the saint quarts shot to the center, formed the ball of energy, and created the summoning circle. The catalyst quiver dissolved within the swirling central ball of energy, gone to the world in order to petition reinforcements from the Throne of Heroes.
Skyler waited in silence. The orbs took on a rainbow hue, causing premature cheers to erupt from the audience; Skyler remained stoic. Curiosity grew as the audience watched as the balls spun, speeding up until they imploded inwards as they had so many countless times. All that remained, was to see what his catalyst had decided.
He honestly didn't care who he got. Despite the turbulent life he lived, he was very much content with where he was. The sergeant wasn't going to take anything for granted, nor was he going to wish for anything in particular: He was committed to working with what he got. To aid and help those who were willing to work with him. To help those find satisfaction and closure too, just as he truly found a purpose worth fighting for.
And so the bright flash consumed the room, forcing him to close his eyes lest he stare too long into the sun. He dared to open them early, spying the silhouette of a caped person standing at the center. The light died, but his retinas were annoyed with his decision. The blurry spots would take a bit to vanish, but the chatter in the crowd grew. His fellow masters stared curiously at the servant as confusion peaked. As soon as his blurry spots cleared further, Skyler joined them.
"Is he wearing…?" Sergei mumbled as Skyler stared dumbfounded. Without any doubt, this servant had a modular plate carrier. A tan one at that. Kneepads, black tactical fatigues, perfectly laced boots, and even a shemagh scarf around the neck. Skyler, incapable of sensing any servant's presence, could only wonder if this was an elaborate joke by everyone… or if he really did just summon an old man that looked like a modern warfighter.
Earning a grunt of disapproval from Nightingale, the gray-haired man took a long puff of his cigarette rather than appear shocked at the sheer number of servants before him; Sure was taking it easy. Skyler was… already liking his style. The newly minted master rounded the console and began his approach as the man's sharp gaze landed on him. Stoic and indifferent, it was hard to read what he was gauging, but Skyler recognized it as a conditioned stare shared among soldiers on the battlefield. The tinge of wisdom was not missed.
Breathing out more smoke, the new servant let his cigarette disappear in a shimmer of magical prana. He met the approaching master's gaze while the other followed. "Hm… A foot soldier, huh? Didn't expect a master to be one of rank and file."
"Me neither, yet here I am again." Skyler responded easily to earn a quick quirk of the eyebrow from the new servant. "Sergeant First Class Skyler Alabanese, now Fourth Chaldean Master. It's a pleasure to be working with you. I presume you're an Archer-class servant?"
Though it put some Chaldeans on edge, the old man smiled a bit and held his hand to his side. A modern crossbow quickly formed in his grasp, long enough for a quick inspection before it vanished again. "You guessed right, kid. All you kids masters? That's sad… Rather kids not see blood spilled in battle."
"Kids!?" Gabrielle exclaimed in disbelief, but Skyler held a hand out to stop her from retorting further.
Instead, Skyler smirked, stood at ease, and met the archer's gaze. "It's as you guessed. We're all your masters and allies, though I was the one privileged to summon you. Welcome to Chaldea, old man. You got a name?"
"…Old man?" the archer gawked a bit, earning a quick laugh from Sergei, Moriarty, and a few others in the audience. "Good grief… Kids… Don't even know who they're calling for, but I guess I don't exactly look like I'm from my time. Name's William Tell. Ring a bell?"
Now the chatter in the audience grew excited and stumped. Skyler had an extensive history background that could fill… all of half a napkin, so he was delighted he honestly knew this servant. William Tell, the famed archer who shot an apple off his daughter's head… or was it his son's…? His modern appearances aside, that was quite the unexpected summon.
"Sure does. Glad to be working with you, old man, and it's a hell of an honor you were my first summon."
Pritchard and Tell put a hand to their faces in mutual exasperation. The archer sighed, "Good grief, kid, you're going to be a handful, I can tell already."
"Nah, that's this one," Skyler accused as he jabbed a thumb back at Gabrielle. Shamelessly, the orange-haired master only waved chipperly instead of batting it away.
Tell stared dumbfounded. "…What did I agree to in my summoning…?"
"To come here and help out. We Chaldeans are honored you accepted! I promise this place is only confusing and surprising the first few days. You'll grow acquainted with its eccentricities and see its true beauty with time," Gudao insisted as Tell stared calmly. "I'm Gudao Fujimaru. The excitable one's Gabrielle Rutherford, and last but not least is the kindest one, Anishka Sharma. We hope you'll enjoy your stay here!"
"…This is a lot to take in, but it's a pleasure to meet you, kid," Tell genuinely offered, even as Skyler heard him mutter good grief for the third time. "I suppose you'll want me to prove myself on the battlefield to see what I'm capable of?"
"That'll come tomorrow. For now there's a party! With lots of drinking games and celebrations!" Gabrielle cheered, once more making Tell fall into confusion. "Oh, but first you got a lot of names to meet too! We've got over a hundred servants, but you'll get everyone's names at some point! Thronebook helps too! Have you ever used a smart phone befo-"
"Awww geez, Gabs. You're making the old man's headache worse. One thing at a time!"
"I'm just giving him the rundown!"
"A summary of Chaldea is like its own encyclopedia," Anishka added with a giggle.
As William Tell stared bewildered between the masters, he tossed a curious stare to now approaching servants. Though clearly not-as-guarded like most newly summoned Chaldeas were, he was starting to look rather uncomfortable. So Skyler decided to take his first page out of Gudao's book and take further initiative with a newly arrived ally, by making comfortable conversation.
Topic of choice: "So old man, you did a lot of hunting, right? I've got a few modern hunting stories too if you want to trade."
"…That so? You're an avid hunter?"
"Haven't gotten to in a long while, but I loved it. It's why my marksmanship is on point. Had to hunt a lot of feral hogs back in Texas."
"Texas? That where you from?" Tell asked as Skyler nodded. "Never heard of it. How's the game there?"
Even as other servants approached and split their attentions between new master and servant, Skyler stayed near the newly summoned archer. He may not have been a thunderous figure like Mordred or Sita, but Skyler had the sneaking suspicion his summon was far more appropriate than he first expected. He didn't need a powerhouse, but an archer in tac gear and a mutual hunting hobby was a nice draw. At least the old man could make for a fun chatting buddy on deployment.
Maybe he'd even be a pillar to help the new master stand proper. His first serious trial by fire loomed somewhere on the horizon, but he wasn't one to be caught with his pants down. Improvisation and small unit tactics would see him through, and every little brokered bond would improve his chances. Not just for his survival, but as another avenue to help him assist a truly worthy endeavor. Chaldea deserved his all, and from here on, he was certain to leave all his energy on the field for their sake.
Time would tell as his life began anew.
Author's Note
That was a doozy to write. Honesty, writing this OC was probably the hardest balancing act of the entire fic, which is ridiculous if you think about it. I sitll don't even feel I got the foundation as accurately as I wanted, but it was a fine line to make Skyler feel like that well-meaning but realistic veteran you'd meet at a party.
As always, thank you very much to all those who took the time to review, favorite, and/or follow!
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Reminder: I do not take suggestions or requests involving the story, servants, developments, interactions, and more into any consideration. The Fragments Series has a path and outline that it is following so I have scenes and depictions preplanned. Be patient, as there are others like you who are also waiting for certain servants to appear or be spotlighted.
For Fragment insights, information, and official illustrations, head to www dot fragmentsofchaldea dot com. There are links to a Discord and a question/answer tumblr in the menu bar if you wish to ask inquiries or talk with fellow fans.
Please let me know if the discord link broke too. It has a tendency to do that from time to time.
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No idea when the next fragment will be out again.
Teaser: I'll skip the Teaser part since we're one away from Shimosa. It's Edison's turn.
