Chapter 2
The Holy Selection
Not much else happened since that day. The news reached Chaldea HQ and everyone had to figure things out for at least a week or two. Jeanne's Master, the bubbly Master of a redhead, Ritsuka-chan, was also concerned about Artoria acting strangely. Her actually killing someone was definitely something to be worried about. Last time she killed someone was Mordred, but that was way in the past. That was before she became…who she is today.
A week and a half passes and the head of Chaldea, now taking over since Director Olga's death, Leonardo Da Vinci-chan, a Heroic spirit, holds a little meeting. Ritsuka-chan, Mash, the three Jeanne Sisters, Jeanne, Jalter and their littlest sister, Jalter Santa Lily and, lastly, Astolfo and D'eon. Da Vinci-chan claps her hands to get their attention and points to a couple of holo screens behind her.
"Everyone, we've gathered the best information we could," she says. "All we know is that Artoria Pendragon, the Lion King of Camelot, has suddenly became a killer. Like she did in the past. Now, none of us don't know what caused her behavior to suddenly change, even if it took us at least a week and a half to figure everything out. But the only we can do is…Rayshift back to Camelot and try to reason with her. Even if it means risking our lives just to set her mind straight."
"We're going back?" Astolfo asks.
"That's the only option, Astolfo-chan," D'eon sighs. "What other choice do we have?"
"I agree," Ritsuka-chan says. "If Da Vinci-chan says we should go back, we shall. Lancer Saber is my servant after all."
"Agreed, Sempai," Mash nods with a smile. "We should all try to investigate further by going to Camelot and see for ourselves." She turns to Jeanne, who is looking down. "Um….Jeanne-san?"
"We've waited…for a week and a half…" Jeanne says quietly. "What chaos could've been done during that time…?"
"Jeanne, get a grip," Jalter says. "Now's not the time to be depressed."
"Onee-sama is right, Onee-chan!" Jalter Lily says. "You just gotta…you just gotta…get back on your feet!"
"She's right," Ritsuka-chan says with a gentle smile. "You love Lancer Saber, right, Jeanne? If we go back, maybe you can try to reason with her. And Astolfo and D'eon are her loyal Knights of the Round Table. She told them to protect you, right? Whatever kinds of things she did and are about to do to us, I'm pretty sure she'll stop at some point once she sees you."
"Y-you think so?" Jeanne asks.
Da Vinci-chan nods. "Mmhmm. We won't know if we don't try, Ruler. In fact, I shall accompany you girls on this trip."
"Eh!?" Ritsuka-chan gasps as she swiftly turns to the Italian Artist and Inventor. "You…coming with us?"
"Well, why not~?" the beautiful young woman says, lightly shrugging. "I may be the head of Chaldea, but there ARE other staff members that are willing to take my job. So it's not like it's the end of the world if I'm gone."
"Ohhhh, that's awesome!" Ritsuka-chan squeals and suddenly gives Da Vinci-chan a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you soooo muuuuch!"
"Ah, S-Sempai!" Mash squeaks, waving her hands back and forth.
As Ritsuka-chan keeps on thanking her while rubbing her head against Da Vinci-chan's large bosom, Astolfo giggles and gives his boyfriend a toothy grin.
"Hehehe…~" he chuckles. "I have to admit, Master does make the mood a lot happier when we're around her."
"Indeed," D'eon nods. "But…I'm just wondering about something."
"What is it?" Astolfo asks.
"If we go back, will Her Highness greet us as her Knights of the Round Table again? Including the others?" the French trap says. "If not…then we should at least do something with our appearances."
The pink haired trap grins. "Ohhhhh, I see what you mean. You want to wear that cute maid outfit again, right~?"
"I-it's just in case the Knights or any other person within the palace shoos us away like we're outsiders," D'eon says. "Artoria may have changed greatly since we were gone…which means she won't see us as her Knights anymore."
"Even so, we're still loyal to her," Astolfo puts a hand on his hip, smiling. "We were ordered to protect Jeanne, so even if we go against her, her orders still remain intact. We cannot let any harm be done to Jeanne."
"That's right…" D'eon says.
"Alright, everyone!" Da Vinci-chan says. "All of you here in this room may participate in this investigation. We need a lot more people just in case somebody tries to do anything funny." She raises her hand and summons a giant gauntlet hand. "I shall bring them down as well. I AM a Caster, after all."
Ritsuka-chan's eyes sparkle in delight, clasping her hands together. "Da Vinci-chaaaaan~! You're so coooool!"
"Sempaiiiii…!" Mash whines.
The group get situated as they leave the meeting room and into another large room where the Rayshifting takes place. Da Vinci presses a few buttons and a large portal appears on the wall.
"Just to warn you," she says. "Wherever it takes us, we may be taking a very long path. Which is why I invented this." She gestures her hand toward a gray vehicle. It has no windows, but it has at least some room for all of them to fit. It also has a large white flag in the middle. She steps into the front seat to grab the controls. "I will be driving. Everyone else? Hop on aboard."
"Oh, sweet~!" Astolfo is the first to jump on while taking his boyfriend with him. The two of them have already changed clothes, into their disguises. Astolfo wearing a pink school girl's uniform and D'eon wearing a cute, purple and white maid outfit. His pure beauty and girl-like appearance makes him very unrecognizable.
The Jeanne Sisters hop on the right side and Ritsuka-chan and Mash sit in the middle. Once everyone is on board, Da Vinci-chan starts the vehicle and then slowly drives through the portal. All of them are blinded by a very bright light after that and a few seconds later, they arrive at a very large dessert. Strangely enough, the vehicle is able to drive on the sand. Ritsuka-chan looks around for a bit.
"Are you sure we're in the right place?" she asks.
"I already said, the Rayshift may take us somewhere far from where we are supposed to go," Da Vinci-chan says. "And here we are. Here in Camelot."
"Hahahaha~!" Jalter Lily stands up and spreads her arms wide. "I can feel the breeze! I'm like a superhero! It's so much fun! Weeeeee~!"
"H-hey, Lily, get down!" Jalter tries to push her little sister back into her seat, but the little Alter whines.
"Awwwww, come on, Onee-sama! I want to enjoy myself while we're in this ride!" Jalter Lily says.
"I told you, get down and be good!" Jalter says firmly. She then catches the blonde Jeanne giggling. "Hey! Jeanne, could you at least help me out here instead of influencing this kid!?"
"I'm just laughing because we're like a married couple raising a child~" Jeanne says.
Jalter blushes heavily. "S-say what!? Wh-what was that!? What kind of shit is that!? A-are you kidding me right now!?"
"Fufufu! Not at all~" Jeanne giggles again, having her gloved hand cover her mouth. "I know I have Artoria as my one true lover, but when I'm with you, we're like parents to Lily~"
"Ugh….whatever…" Jalter huffs and turns away, crossing her arms under her large armor clad bosom.
Jeanne looks down, thinking about her beloved, hoping that she'll be okay. Ritsuka-chan looks at her Ruler-class servant in concern when Mash gently puts her hand on hers, smiling a gentle smile.
"Everything will be alright, Sempai," she says. "If anything, all of us will try and figure this whole thing out. And soon, our King will be back to normal."
Ritsuka-chan smiles and gently squeezes it. "I hope you're right."
Everyone sits and enjoy the ride for a while longer when all of a sudden, they come across a tall hill. Da Vinci-chan doesn't react in time to push in the brakes and the vehicle speeds over the hill and starts to fly until it lands on the sand. It starts to get out of control shortly after, leaving almost everyone in a panic.
"Hang on, Lily!" Jeanne catches her littlest sister in time when she is about to fall backwards.
Ritsuka-chan and Mash embrace each other, hoping they will survive at what comes next. Then, the vehicle stops too forcefully, making it topple over at its side. Everyone jumps out of the vehicle, dusting themselves off while Da Vinci-chan investigates the damage. She lets out a soft sigh.
"Seems like I went overboard," she says. "But we're not far from our destination, fortunately."
"We aren't?" Ritsuka-chan asks.
Da Vinci-chan points toward the city. "See that? We're nearly there. It won't be a very long walk toward there. Huh? Where did Rider and Saber go?"
"Huh?" Ritsuka-chan and Mash look around and notice Astolfo and D'eon are way ahead of them. Jeanne starts to catch up to them too.
"H-hey! Wait for me!" Jalter Lily cries, but gets pulled back by her older sister.
"Stay put," Jalter says firmly. "We can't have you getting lost."
"But I will be with Onee-chan!" Jalter Lily says. "And Astolfo and D'eon will be there as well, so don't worry!"
"We don't want you to be in any danger," Da Vinci-chan says, winking at the little Alter of Jeanne. "We know you can fight, but at the very least, stay with us for safety reasons."
Jalter Lily pouts a little and backs away a few steps. "Okay, fine. I'll just stand beside Reindeer…"
She drags herself towards Ritsuka-chan and hugs the cute redhead while pressing her head against her side. Mash giggles and pets the Christmas cutie while Jalter crosses her arms and huffs.
**Later**
Astolfo, D'eon and Jeanne walk around the village. Nothing seems out of the ordinary since they were gone. Everything feels like it's how it always is. The peaceful town, the people enjoying life and so on.
"I guess there's nothing to worry about," D'eon says. "But…I don't know if it was just a bad dream or reality."
"I wonder too," Astolfo says, rubbing his chin. "Our King acted very strangely. We need to find out what the cause of it is and then figure out how we can get her back to her senses. What do you think, Jeanne?" When he gets no response, he turns his head back and forth. "Jeanne?"
"Mommy, Mommy!" A little girl with long brown hair and wearing some old clothing and a long cloth with a hood over it is gently taking Jeanne's hands in hers. "The Holy Maiden is here!"
"Slow down, Felicia," the mother says. "You caught her by surprise. Yes, this is indeed the Holy Maiden of Camelot."
Astolfo grins and puts his hand on his hip. "Oh, yeah. Ever since Jeanne stayed at Camelot, she's become insanely popular. Hehehe~"
D'eon nods, smiling as well. "Looks like she's made quite a few friends here."
Jeanne gives a gentle smile and pats the little girl on the head after removing her hood. She can tell that she and her mother are poor. "What can I do for you two?" she asks softly.
"Oh, nothing special," the mother says. "We would just like some sort of prayer. Just so that it can help us somehow."
"A prayer, hm? Sure, I can do that," Jeanne steps toward the family of two. The little girl and the mother get down on one knee. The French Saint holds out her hand toward them. "May the Lord bring these two love, health and most importantly…happiness. In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit…" She makes the sign of the cross with her hand. "I thank thee for giving this wonderful family an opportunity to enjoy life as long as they can. Amen."
The mother and child raise their heads to see a smiling Jeanne, who nods, signaling them to get back on their feet.
"We can't thank you enough~" the young mother says. "I feel so much better~"
"Me, too! Me, too!" the little girl jumps up and down. "I feel so much happier!"
Jeanne giggles softly and pats the little girl on the head. "I'm so glad."
"Oh, one more thing, Lady Jeanne," the mother says. "Are you going to participate in the Holy Selection again?"
"Again?" Jeanne questions before realizing what it is. "Well….I am, but…"
"Hm? Is something the matter, dear?" the mother asks, showing concern.
"N-no, I'm alright," Jeanne says. "Of course I'm going to participate! I do this every year!"
"Excellent! My daughter and I are participating as well," the mother says. "We'll see you tonight, okay?"
With that, the family of two leave. Jeanne's smile fades and looks down at the ground with a gloved hand clenched into a fist on her chest. The Holy Selection happens every year where refugees gather and greet the one and only Lion King with Jeanne by her side. Only few get to be chosen to meet them in person for a day. The Holy Light that shines from Jeanne, chooses the few people who are worthy to sit with Artoria. Usually, the Holy Selection goes very well and everyone is happy. But…since Jeanne has seen the major change within Artoria, she wonders if the Lion King is even able to hold the Holy Selection again without causing a wreck.
Astolfo gently puts a hand on his fellow French Saint and gives a smile. "You should attend the Holy Selection as always. Since there's nothing bad going on, D'eon-chan and I will head to the palace to help with preparations."
"Alright," Jeanne says softly.
From what she is seeing so far, there are no other murders happening around the village. Artoria may have gone back to normal after all. Nothing to worry about. She decides to head toward the palace to greet her beloved again.
**Meanwhile**
"We still need to figure out what was wrong with the Lion King," Da Vinci-chan says as she has her arms crossed under her large bosom. Our data found a few murders, but nothing else."
"What do we do then?" Ritsuka-chan asks.
Jalter Lily is hopping around while Jalter watches.
"If we can't rely on the data, then we'll just have to look for ourselves," Da Vinci-chan says. "In fact, I heard the Holy Selection will be held tonight."
"The Holy Selection?" the cute redhead asks. "What is that?"
"It's held every year for refugees or newcomers," Da Vinci-chan explains. "Since the timeline has been slightly changed, Ruler, or as we can call her Jeanne D'arc, is now holding it with our beloved King. She chooses who is worthy to sit by the King's side, greet her and basically hang out for a day. The King's job is to welcome those few chosen people to Camelot and wish them great happiness."
"Being blessed by Lancer Saber herself~?" Ritsuka-chan says. "Oh, that must be like a dream to them~!"
"It certainly is, Sempai," Mash says. "Anyways, Da Vinci-chan, do you really think attending the Holy Selection will give us any clues as to what happened to Lancer Saber?"
"Perhaps," the Italian artist and inventor says. "If not, then our only option is to treat this like any other singularity."
Ritsuka-chan lifts her head up. "Wait, find the Holy Grail? Where can we find it out of this place?"
"My recollection is that our beloved King may have it," Da Vinci-chan rubs her chin in thought. "But…I recall that it used to be here. If it's true, then the grail must be somewhere else."
"Where though?" Mash asks.
"I'll have to ask Chaldea HQ for that information," Da Vinci-chan says. "Right now, let's explore the Holy City for a while."
"Right," Ritsuka-chan and Mash say in unison. Mash signals Jalter Lily and Jalter to follow them.
**That Night**
After some exploring, eating some delicious food (and giving it to one poor girl and her mother), and basically having a good time, the group decides to finally gather with the newcomers and refugees to attend the Holy Selection. They step into the middle of the crowd to blend in and a few minutes later, the gate opens. The two large knights signal them to step forward and take the stairs.
Da Vinci-chan has a serious expression on her face, making Ritsuka-chan turn to the Heroic Spirit and Guardian.
"Something doesn't feel right," she says. "I don't know what it is. It may just be a friendly ceremony, but it's best to keep on your guard."
"Got it," Ritsuka-chan says.
When everyone is gathered inside the castle, standing before them is one of the Knights of the Round Table. A strong, armored young man with short blonde hair named Gawain.
"Welcome," he says. "Candidates of the Holy Selection. It is an honor to meet all of you here. This year's welcoming ceremony will be no different than the years prior. We shall honor our lovely guests the same treatment like we've always been. And now, without further ado, let's meet our beloved Lion King herself…and the Holy Saint of Camelot as well." He raises his hand up high.
Lights flash above them and it points to the Lion King, fully dressed in armor and her helmet on as well. Jeanne steps beside her, wearing a black dress with a V-shape cut from the side, showing off her stockings. They are both holding hands as they step toward the edge. The crowd cheers, and chants, "Long live the King! Long live the King!"
Artoria is the first to step up and speak after the crowd quiets down. "Lords and ladies. We have gathered here today for this Holy Maiden to choose worthy guests to be greeted by me…and I will welcome these guests and show them around Camelot."
The crowd cheers again.
Jeanne steps forward and holds out her hands toward her audience. "My friends! It is a great pleasure to meet all of you! Yet, unfortunately, I have to choose 3 worthy people to greet my beloved." She raises one of her hands and 3 holy lights shine one three people. One of them is the mother and child that Jeanne ran into earlier. The little girl hugs her mother with a wide smile on her face.
"Mommy, Mommy!" she squeals. "We get to see the King! The one and only King!"
"Yes, honey~" the mother says. "Both of us are going to be welcomed and shown around by her."
Ritsuka-chan's eyes sparkle at this beautiful sight. It's the most wonderful thing she's ever seen. She even finds herself holding Mash's hand out of instinct, causing the Shielder demi-servant to blush. The glows fade away and the Lion King steps forward again.
"Our people have been chosen. Jeanne, you can go now. I'll handle the rest," she says.
"Yes, My Liege," Jeanne bows and heads downstairs to quickly change and rejoin her sisters.
The Lion King then turns toward the crowd. "My orders. Sir Gawain, if you please."
"Yes, Your Highness." Gawain takes a few steps forward. "My apologies, but this Holy Selection has been extended for some…rather personal reasons. Our King does not wish to speak it, but I shall explain it for her."
"Personal reasons…?" Ritsuka-chan says. "Why is that?"
"That's not how this usually goes," Da Vinci-chan says. "Someone must be plotting something."
"Upon my orders from the King," Gawain raises his hand. "Take them all."
All of a sudden, arrows from above start shooting down like rain. Everyone panics and start running toward the exit. But the doors were closed shut. Most of them were shot down. Others try to find a way to take cover. The mother of the little girl tries to grab her unconscious child and run, but one of the sub knights grab her arm and try to pull her away.
"Chosen candidate." he says. "You're coming with me."
"No! I will not leave without my child!" she begs. "Please just let me take my child with!"
"This child will not be involved," he says. "If you do not cooperate, I won't be so easy on you. Besides…it's the King's orders."
"Orders or not, I'm not leaving this spot!"
"Such defiance…" the sub-knight says coldly. He raises his sword and strikes her down.
The little girl opens her eyes to see her mother looking down at her with a weak smile.
"M-Mommy…?"
"Felicia…thank goodness…you're safe…" the mother then collapses to the ground, dead. A pool of blood appears under her shortly after.
Ritsuka-chan witnessed this and comes running at him with full speed. "NOOOOOOO!" She tries to tackle the sub-knight, but he shoves her away, making her topple to the ground.
"Sempai!" Mash rushes in, her shield ready.
The sub-knight raises his sword to strike down the Demi-servant, but she parries the attack with her shield and then bashes it hard to make him stumble back. She swings it back and forth and then thrusts it forward to send him flying. He crashes into a wall and disappears. Mash sets her shield down, panting.
Gawain frowns as he steps forward. "I will not allow such interference." He draws his sword and bright light shines from above, filling the whole room.
Da Vinci-chan, who is using her flying gauntlet to take out the archers, realizes who he is. "Sir Gawain! The Knight of the Sun!"
"That's right," he says. "As long as it shines, my power is unlimited. It is futile for you to fight me. You don't stand a chance."
Ritsuka-chan, who is holding Felicia in her arms, looks up at the big knight. "Wait a minute! The Holy Selection is meant to welcome the guests! Not kill them! Why is there such a thing!?"
"Like I said, it's for personal reasons," Gawain says. "I cannot say."
"Grr…! Mash, go get him…!" Ritsuka-chan commands.
"Got it, Master!" The demi-servant rushes in to bash him with her shield.
Gawain swings his sword to strike her. Mash tries to block it, but his strength is so incredible that it makes her shield go up, leaving her wide open. He then delivers a shoulder tackle and then a straight kick to send her toppling to the ground. Da Vinci-chan tries to help her out by using her flying gauntlet to punch him from behind. However, Gawain senses it and deflects the attack with his sword. It sends the gauntlet back at Da Vinci-chan, knocking her off her feet.
Meanwhile, Jalter and Jalter Lily are fighting the sub-knights as well. There are still a few more archers that are shooting down at them. Jalter Lily uses her spear to raise it upward and then it glows light blue.
"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells~!" she sings.
Lots of big toys and trees and presents fall down on the sub-knight, crushing him.
"I did it! I did it~!" she cheers.
Jalter burns another sub-knight and turns to her littlest sister. "Now's not the time to be cheering! There's still a war going on!"
Jeanne comes running and sees the massacre. She cups both hands to her mouth. "Wh-whaaaa!? What's going on!? What happened!?" She turns to Gawain who has his hand on Mash's shield as she tries to protect Ritsuka-chan. "Sir Gawain!" She rushes toward him. "What is the meaning of this!?"
"Didn't the Lion King tell you to stay out of it?" he says coldly.
"And not see THIS!?" she gestures toward all the dead people. "What in the world is going on, Sir Gawain!? Explain to me why this is happening!?"
"I cannot say. Only our Liege knows the answer," he says.
"Then I shall ask her myself!" Jeanne says as she turns around to leave, but gets grabbed by the big knight himself.
"I told you stay out of it," he says. "The Lion King's orders."
Ritsuka-chan looks up above and sees Artoria watching. She could've sworn she is seeing the King holding her lance. And…is it…glowing?
"Stay away from Onee-chan!" Jalter Lily cries as she jumps in the air to hit him.
But the big knight shoves her away, sending her toppling to the ground.
"You hurt my little sister!" Jeanne cries.
"And I shall hurt you for disobeying orders," Gawain says. "You have seen too much."
"N-no…"
Just as she is about to get slaughtered, she gets pushed out of the way by Astolfo and Gawain's sword clashes with his lance. Jeanne gasps as Astolfo and D'eon are fighting him this time.
"Wha!?" Gawain gasps. "You!? Astolfo and D'eon? Why are you here!?"
"Why are we here? Shouldn't it be obvious!?" Astolfo says. "We're all Knights of the Round Table! How can you try to hurt Jeanne like that!?"
"Better yet, why attack innocent people?" D'eon says. "Do you have something to do with this?"
"No," Gawain says. "But if you really want to know, ask Her Highness! She's the one who's behind it all!" He shoves Astolfo away and swings his sword.
Astolfo clashes with his back and forth. "Why!? I thought our King would be fine after that accidental murder! Something is definitely wrong with her! We need to save her at once!"
"Save her? You two?" Gawain says as he clashes with Astolfo's lance. "How pathetic. You are just pretty boys that are nothing but pretenders."
"What?" Astolfo and D'eon say in unison.
Ritsuka-chan grits her teeth.
"I knew this would be coming," Gawain says. "I wanted to say it for all the Knights of the Round Table. You two are not as great as all of us are. You are not true knights. A true knight is bold and fearless. You two do not have that…especially that blonde girly boy over there."
"What the…?" D'eon says.
"Now that's just mean!" Ritsuka-chan says. "You don't know anything about them, Gawain! Shut your mouth!"
"You should shut yours if I were you," Gawain shoots back and then turns back toward Astolfo and D'eon. "You shouldn't have been in our group a long time ago. Just why would our King choose you two? You are not worthy to serve the Lion King. Which is why I shall get rid of you two. I have waited for this day to come."
Jeanne cups both hands to her mouth, shocked that he's saying that to his fellow Knights of the Round Table. Astolfo and D'eon fall silent for a bit. Hearing these words makes them heartbroken, just a little bit. Have they not proven themselves enough to serve their King? They could call this jealousy, but it's far harsher than that. It seems like Gawain's pride is taking over. Well, they will show him who's boss.
"I…am Astolfo…of the 12 Paladins…!" the pink haired trap says with gritted teeth. "No one calls me or D'eon-chan a weakling! You hear me!?"
"That's right!" D'eon says, readying his sword. "I am an Honorary Lily Knight! We were loyal to our King since the day we were chosen to be part of the Knights of the Round Table. It's time to show you that we are more than capable."
"Try me," Gawain challenges. "The sun still shines, which means you two are not able to defeat me."
"Your cockiness shall be your undoing," D'eon says. "Madam Mash, NOW!"
"Wha!?" Gawain is caught off guard from his signal and gets bashed on the side hard with her shield. He stumbles forward and Astolfo's lance glows yellow.
He swings it at Gawain, who tries to parry it, but the strike is too strong, making him stumble back. D'eon jumps forward and lunges toward him, striking him left and right and up and down with quick and swift swings. Gawain cannot keep up with his fast attacks. He is then knocked down finally and D'eon jumps back to create distance, rejoining his boyfriend.
Gawain uses his sword to get back up and the blade bursts into flames. "That does it. No holding back…!"
"LOOK OUT!" Da Vinci-chan cries.
"Mash, now!" Ritsuka-chan commands.
"Yes, Master!" Mash rushes in front of the redhead, slamming her shield down. "LORD CHALDEAS!"
The shield glows light blue and it extends far until it reaches the two walls of the castle. It protects Ritsuka-chan, Mash, the Jeanne sisters and Da Vinci-chan as Gawain summons flames from his sword and shoots it toward the group. However, the barrier does not protect all as it burns the rest of the refugees and newcomers that are trying to escape. Mash powers down the barrier and gets down to her knees. She is close to crying.
Gawain steps toward the demi-servant. "You put up a good fight," he says. "But that alone will not save you from death."
"I have had ENOUGH of you…!" Jalter says, clenching her fists. "I shall burn YOU in hell instead!" She bursts into flames and points her sword at Gawain.
"Wha…!?" Gawain turns toward the rushing flames and gets engulfed in them. And then, spears burst from the ground, penetrating him from behind and makes him let go of his sword. The flames die down and the spears disappear.
Gawain is severely wounded. The rest of the sub-knights were destroyed. Da Vinci-chan takes this chance to head for the exit and blast the door open.
"Fujimaru! Mash! Everyone else, let's go!" she calls out.
Ritsuka-chan takes the unconscious little girl and follows her Guardian with Mash by her side. As everyone leaves, Gawain lifts his head up, groaning and grunting.
"Astolfo….D'eon…why…?" he whispers.
**Throne Room**
"My Liege…" Gawain has somewhat recovered his strength after a while, but is still wounded. "Everyone…has fled to the desert. I let them escape, Your Highness. Please…a fine punishment is necessary for me."
"Then, lift your head up, Gawain," Artoria says as she sits on her thrown, holding her lance. "It's true that this Holy Selection was a bit of a failure. But from your failures and overconfidence, I cannot allow."
"Y-yes…Your Highness…." Gawain says. "W-wait, what are you doing?"
Artoria stands up and points her lance at him. Her expression is as cold as ice. "Your punishment. If you cannot get the job done right, someone else will."
"Ohhh, Father's getting really nasty today~" Mordred says to herself. Her head remains low and on one knee to show her loyalty and respect for her king. "Gawain's done it now! Hehe!"
"W-wait, Your Highness!" Gawain begs. "Anything but that! I meant a punishment like-GWAAAAAAHHH!" He doesn't get a chance to finish as a yellow laser fires and blasts him into the wall, creating a crater.
He falls face down on the floor, groaning and debris falls on him. He coughs as he lifts his head up to see the Lion King step toward him. Mordred can hear his cries of pain while Artoria beats him with her lance.
"Wait a minute…" Mordred says to herself. "That's not how Father usually does it. What is wrong with her!?"
"M-My liege…" he says in a raspy voice. "F-forgive…me…"
Artoria closes her eyes. "Forgiveness is not in my vocabulary." She strikes him with her lance, knocking him unconscious.
The rest of the knights cringe at this. Artoria is being so cruel today. This isn't like her.
"Serves you right," Artoria says as she turns to the rest of her Knights. "Anyone care to object?"
"N-no, Your Highness!" All the Knights say in unison.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
Artoria starts walking with her royal cape fluttering from the movement. Mordred lifts her head up to see her Father's back.
"What….happened to you…Father…?" she whispers.
**King's Chambers**
Artoria steps inside the bedroom and closes the door behind her. It is then that a sharp pain in her head starts and she clutches it with her gloved hand.
"Guh….no…no…" she whispers. "Why? Why did I do that…?" She looks down at her lance that is flashing purple. "This is…" Her eyes widen and then she shakes her head roughly. "No…! I told you I won't become a monster! No…!" She chucks her lance far away and drops to her knees. She grits her teeth, trying not to cry. "Jeanne…"
A/N: Thanks, Mikey for pitching the idea to me. I tried my hardest on it. Anyways, I'm having so much fun with this. I can't wait to write about Nitocris in the next chapter. Hehe! It'll be a joy. Just remember, this is my own version, so a lot of changes will be made from the movie.
Have a nice day!