Before we start, I just want to give a HUGE thanks to everyone who favorited and followed. I was not expecting such a huge reaction for my third story, hell the first chapter of my third story. I cannot begin to thank you guys enough for helping fuel my passion for writing these stories. I'll do my best to make these as interesting as I possibly can.
Ok, the hell just happened. One second he's talking to Mother Maria about the safety of her kids at her orphanage. And the next he feels his connection to his idiot other self disappear for a split moment before immediately fixing itself.
"I am sorry, Mother Maria. But I'm afraid I have to go."
"Do you? Ok then. But I'm sure the kids would love to see you again. You're welcome here anytime, you understand?"
"Of course. And thank you for your generosity."
Archer swiftly left the old abandoned church, making sure none of the kids saw him leave so they wouldn't try to follow. Once he made sure there was no one watching him, he dematerialized and quickly made his way back to his master's residency.
On his way back, he took note of people he found interesting that were going into the dungeon.
There was a big group of adventurers with an emblem looking close to the joker you'd see on a set of cards on their clothes or armors. Judging by how they all held themselves, they must be decently powerful.
Behind them there were another, smaller, group of people with an emblem with the sun and a bow and arrow.
The last was only a single boy. He had white hair just like he did. But unlike him, the boy had bright red eyes and light skin. In contrast with his silver eyes and tanned skin, both a cause of his overuse of his magecraft. He watched as the boy walked inside the dungeon, holding his knife close to his chest. It was clear the boy was new to this, although he couldn't help himself from rooting for the kid.
Eventually, he made his way back to the small house and forge that his master called 'home'. Walking inside the forge he was summoned in, he didn't find his master. Instead, it was empty. Taking this chance, he decided to look around. It looked like your average forge you'd see in old movies and the like. Except this one had what looked like high quality ores and metals laying around the place. And all of the necessities for smithing were extremely well made. A perk of being a friend to the popular goddess of the forge he guessed.
Turning around, he walked to the small house just outside the forge. Now that he was focusing, he could sense his master was inside. Having questions he wanted answered, he quickly entered. The inside of the house was similar to the home they had grown up in while in Fuyuki, only smaller. There were dressers, desks, closets. Everything you'd expect to find in a house. Eventually, he made his way to the dining room where he found Saber sitting at the table. She was staring into the kitchen where Shirou was busy cooking a meal for them. Archer walked in to assist.
"Where did you run off to? Dinner's almost ready." Shirou asked.
"I got… sidetracked. Anyway, the hell did you do while I was gone?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't give me that. You did something to yourself while I was away. I could feel my link with you sever only to rebuild itself moments later."
"Oh, that's what you're talking about. Yeah, I'm not a god anymore."
"…What?"
"I'm not a god anymore."
"No, I heard you the first time. But, how? I don't think it's as simple as one two three."
"Well…"
"Don't even start."
"Fine. I made a sword capable of severing and containing my divinity. I used it on myself so I could go down into the dungeon with you guys."
"That's your solution for going into the dungeon? Stabbing yourself? Now what, you don't have access to any of your 'godly' powers anymore?"
"Shut it. But to answer the question, yes. I also found a way to give you guys the Falna even while I'm like this. I cut myself and let the blood pool into a pot in my forge. The blood should still hold some divine properties, so I plan to use it to give the Falna as well as summon new servants."
"You plan to summon more?"
"Of course. This world is incredibly different from our own. And in case you haven't noticed, the people living here have kept their enemy close."
"The dungeon."
"Correct. But there are also monsters outside this city. And among them are certain beasts that mortals and gods alike have deemed extremely deadly. They've already killed two of the three of these beasts, but failed to kill the last one."
"And how did that happen?"
"Simple, they weren't strong enough. From what I gathered in the time before you and Artoria got here, most of that strike force were high level adventurers. Starting at level 6, to as high as 8 or 9. From what I can tell, level 7 adventurers are slightly weaker or as strong as even the lowest ranking servants. So that puts into perspective how strong that beast must be to kill the whole strike force."
"Hm. So your end goal is to kill the monster that still plagues the surface. And in order to do so…"
"We'll need more allies. But I can't just summon everyone we'll need immediately. How strange would it look if the newest god in town suddenly had the strongest Familia?"
"They would look into us to try to figure it out. You've thought about this a lot, haven't you?"
"Of course. You know that I would never leave these people to their fate without giving some type of resistance. Anyway, after we eat, I plan to give you the Falna. After that, we'll head over to the guild and register as adventurers. And then head into the dungeon to scope out what exactly we'll be dealing with."
"Sounds like a plan, master."
"That sounds weird."
"Feels weird too."
Both Emiya's smirked and took the finished food to the table. Saber's eyes sparkled as she eyed the food in front of her. Archer couldn't help but notice that she was eyeing Shirou's food and not his. Again, he smirked, although he couldn't exactly piece together why.
Emiya
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Skills -
Eye of the Mind(True): Higher likelihood to evade enemy attack
Hawkeye: Higher accuracy when using a bow
Trace Magecraft: Project any seen weapon into reality; always one grade lower than original
The trio had finished eating their fill, with Saber eating Shirou's leftovers. And now they were just about to enter the guild building. They entered the main building of the guild known as the 'Pantheon'. It was a wide space with a bunch of counters for the adventurers to sit at and talk with advisors. Off to the side, there were small meeting boxes where the adventurers could talk with their advisors privately. There was also a library for people who wanted to research stuff. Shirou led them up to the front desk where an elf was writing things down on a sheet of paper.
"Excuse me, we'd like to register as adventurers."
The elf looked up at the trio. She had shoulder length brown hair and emerald colored eyes not unlike Saber's.
"Of course. I can give you guys the form and you can fill it out at your leisure."
Promptly, she handed them all a form and they got to work. After they each had filled it out completely, they gave the sheets back to her.
"Good. Now, I'll be your advisor. My name is Eina Tulle. But I do have one question, it's for you." She shifted her attention towards Archer. "Your name is simply 'Archer', but is that not more of an alias?"
"Trust me, that name suits me more than my previous one. Besides, that name belongs to a man who died a long time ago."
"Oh, I see. I won't pry then. Anyway, would you all like some starting armor and weapons? Although, it looks like you guys already have all that."
Looking at them, you wouldn't think they were rookie adventurers. Archer had his usual outfit with his red mantle. Saber wore her usual armor and dress underneath. And Shirou had the outfit that Zelretch had given him. (if anyone's wondering, it's Muramasa's second ascension)
"Ha, yeah. What floor would you recommend us go to? We haven't been down in the dungeon yet." Shirou asked.
"I normally suggest a max of the third floor for newly started adventurers, but you guys seem more than capable to try out the floors beneath that. Tell me, are you guys actually beginners or do you have prior knowledge?"
The three shared a glance at each other before Shirou answered for them all.
"We're pretty skilled, if I say so myself."
"Ok then. And tell me, what Familia are you all a part of again?"
"The Muramasa Familia."
"Why is that thing on the fifth floor?!"
Bell had wandered down to the fifth floor despite the fact that Eina had specifically told him not to. He thought he wasn't doing too shabby. I mean, he was on the fifth floor without coming into contact with anything dangerous yet. Well, until now. He had turned a corner to see that a Minotaur of all things was standing just in front of him. Like any sane rookie adventurer, he absolutely legged it. Thankfully he was quick on his feet and managed to keep pace ahead of the Minotaur that was chasing him throughout the floor. Sadly, his luck ran out when he turned a corner into a dead end. Bell slumped down to the floor against the wall just as the Minotaur rounded the corner. Bell closed his eyes, waiting for some kind of impact.
[Gash]
But it never came.
Bell looked through his arms to see a sword cleanly cut right through the Minotaurs neck. Its head rolled off its body and fell to the floor. A horrible amount of blood came spilling out of the wound before eventually, the monster disappeared. Standing in its place however, was a red haired man.
"Are you alright kid?"
Bell didn't answer. How could he?
"Hey, you ok?"
Now, the stranger was waving his hand in front of Bell's face. This actually got him out of his daze.
"Are you paying attention now?"
"Y-Yeah…"
"Good. Can you stand? I wouldn't mind carrying you but, well, you get the idea."
"N-No, I think I can stand on my own."
As instructed, Bell got on his feet. Although a bit wobbly at first.
"Good. Now, I plan to take you back up to the surface. It's clear you aren't prepared to be down on these floors just yet."
"B-But-"
"No buts. Trust me, this is for your own good."
"Ok. I trust you."
"Heh, thanks. The name's Shirou Emiya. How about you?"
"Bell Cranel. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Emiya."
"Please, just Shirou is fine."
Shirou stuck out his hand, and Bell took it. After their handshake, Bell followed Shirou back up the numerous floors he had traveled down. On the way, they had met up with who he could only assume were Shirou's friends. A beautiful girl and a man with hair just like his own. Together, they made their way out of the dungeon and into the plaza just in front of it.
"Alright, can you handle yourself from here Bell?" Shirou asked.
"Yes. Thank you so much, Mr. Shirou. I don't know what I would've done without you."
"Are you ever going to stop this 'Mr' thing?"
"Never!"
"Ha, alright then. Gook luck Bell. Maybe we can see each other again some time."
After those quick words, Bell watched the three of them once again head back into the dungeon. But Bell wasn't going home just yet. He quickly made his way through the plaza and through the busy streets of Orario. Eventually landing himself in front of the guild building. As he ran up to it, Eina was just walking out.
"Miss Eina!"
"Oh, hello Bell. Is there something you need?"
"Yes. I need you to tell me everything you know about Mr. Shirou Emiya!"
"Shirou Emiya?"
"Mr. Shirou, huh?" Archer commented.
"Shut up Archer."
"Do you think he'll be ok, Shirou?"
"I'm sure he'll be fine, Artoria. We left him back on the surface, there are plenty of other adventurers that can keep an eye on him."
"Still, I heard that Minotaurs aren't supposed to spawn this high up. Do you suppose he got caught in something he shouldn't have?"
"Well, if you ask me, the kid would've been fine anyway. You two probably sensed it too. But there was someone watching that kid, or perhaps they were tailing that Minotaur instead. They were following us the entire way back up to the surface." Archer said.
"True, they didn't do too good of a job at masking their presence. So, do you think they wanted to harm him? Or like you said, they were there to take care of the Minotaur if I hadn't jumped in first?" Shirou replied.
"I think what you did was the right thing Shirou. You probably just saved his life after all."
"I guess so."
"Enough talking about what's already happened. We've scoped out the first five floors and the maps match up along with the information on the monsters that spawn there. Now we can finally go down lower and scout out six through ten." Archer suggested.
"Agreed. Although I don't know if we'll have time for all of them. We'll need to go back up at some point. Don't forget, I'm not a servant. I may be as strong as one currently, but that doesn't make me one."
"Hm, that complicates things. Let's do six, seven, and eight today. Then we'll head back."
"Sounds like a plan."
"Agreed."
Just like they had planned, they split into three and went to scout their respective floors. Archer stayed on the sixth, Artoria went to the seventh, and Shirou went down to the eighth. Archer had confirmed the Frog Shooters and the War Shadows and how to efficiently take them down. Artoria went up against some Killer Ants, after finishing them off, she found a Purple Moth. It caught her interest as it seemed to be able to heal the wounds of others. Although it got spooked by some Needle Rabbits and fled the area. Artoria didn't like that. Shirou continued to walk across the eighth floor, only finding stronger versions of the Kobolds and Goblins he had seen on the early floors of the dungeon.
After finishing his scouting, Shirou told Artoria through their link that he was making his way back up to her floor, and to relay to Archer that they'd be coming up soon. After she acknowledged him, he proceeded to make his way back up.
"Wait."
"Hm?"
Shirou turned around to see another girl standing there. She had gold colored hair similar to Artoria's and gold eyes. She wore what looked like light armor only in specific places over her normal clothing. Instantly, he could tell that she was the one following them back up to the surface with Bell.
"If she's here, then that means that Bell wasn't her target. It must have been the Minotaur that she was after, after all. May I help you?"
"Yes. What's your name?"
"You're going to ask me before introducing yourself?"
"Excuse my rudeness. I'm Ais Wallenstein. Now, what is your name?"
"Shirou Emiya. Again, can I help you with anything?"
"Yes. You helped that boy earlier. I wanted to thank you. The Minotaur had escaped me and fled to the upper floors. It is my fault that it was up there. If you hadn't jumped in, then I most certainly would have."
"Don't worry about it. It was a force of habit anyway. Besides, I would have regretted not doing anything when I could've done something."
"I've never seen you around before. You're quite strong for someone new here. Not many people could cut off the head of a Minotaur that skillfully. Your swordsmanship was spectacular as well."
"Trust me, I learned from the best."
"I can tell. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for what you did."
"Don't worry about it. Anyway, I'm on my way to meet up with the rest of my Familia. I'll see you around."
"Goodbye."
After that, Shirou made his way back up the floors, met up with Artoria and Archer, and together they made their way back to their house. Once they got inside, they all took a seat on some of the furniture.
"I met the person that was following us."
Both servants stopped doing whatever they were doing and looked at him, the comment had caught their attention.
"So? You plan on telling us who it was?" Archer asked.
"She said her name was Ais Wallenstein. Like Artoria, she had golden hair, but her eyes were gold as well."
"Gold hair and eyes? Was she wearing light armor as well?"
"Yes, actually. Do you know her Archer?"
"No, I just saw her while I was passing by on my way here after my outing. Speaking of that, I also saw that Bell kid as well."
"Hm? Did she ask you anything, Shirou?"
"All she asked for was my name. Obviously, I told her. Afterwards, she just thanked me for saving Bell from the Minotaur. She was probably after it and not Bell, like we had assumed."
"Thank goodness. I'd feel bad for him if he was being followed by someone who wanted to hurt him."
"You've changed, Saber."
Shirou and Artoria turned their attention to Archer.
"What do you mean Archer? How am I any different from the last time we met?"
"Well, most prominently, you seem more human than before. I can only assume it's because of the idiot next to you. And you act more like a girl, not like a girl pretending to be a man."
Shirou stood up. "Well I for one don't care what she's like."
Now, Artoria was in the middle of both Emiyas. She could practically see sparks with how intense their gazes were.
"She could be like she is now, or she could still be pretending to be a man like she used to. I would still care for her the same."
It took Artoria a moment to process what Shirou just said. But once she did, her face flushed immediately. She tried to turn or lower her head so they wouldn't see, but it was quite obvious anyway.
"Yeah yeah, I get it. Go get some rest, we have more scouting to do tomorrow. I'll keep watch."
Before anyone could get a word in, Archer had dematerialized and took post on the roof.
"I didn't even get to tell him I set up a bounded field around the perimeter. Eh, too late now."
"Couldn't you tell him through the link?"
"Yeah, but why would I want to talk to him more than I have to?"
"You two can never get along, can you?"
"Nope. Anyway, I'm going to head off and get some rest. There should be a room for you to sleep in if you want. Although, since you're a servant, I guess you don't even need rest."
"No, I'll gladly take it."
"I see. Ok then, goodnight Artoria."
"Goodnight, Shirou."
After that, Shirou made his way into his room. It was almost bare bones except for the few decorations and furniture Hephaestus had put in for him. Although he had asked for simply a bed, she put in a desk, closet, and mirror anyway. He took off his armor and clothes and put on some normal pants, he opted to not wear a shirt. Laying down under the covers, he began to drift off to sleep. Until he heard a knock coming from the door that is.
"Hm? Hello?"
"Shirou? Are you still awake?"
It was Artoria.
"I am, did you need something?"
"W-Well…"
Artoria opened the door. She was wearing her usual blue dress that she had on under her armor.
"You said… there was a room I could stay in. So, I-I was wondering if I could sleep in this one?"
She swore she could see gears turning in his mind. After they stopped, Shirou's face flushed slightly.
"S-Sure."
He made room for her on the bed and patted the spot next to him. She walked over and got underneath the covers with him.
"W-Well, goodnight Artoira."
"Yes, g-goodnight Shirou."
Again, Shirou tried to go to sleep, but quickly found that he couldn't. Rolling onto his back, he just stared at the ceiling.
"Are you ok?"
He turned his head to see that Artoria had also rolled over. Now, her body was facing him instead of the wall."
"Yeah, I just can't sleep."
"I'm sorry, it must be my fault. I'll take my-!"
As she started to leave the bed, Shirou grabbed her and pulled her in. Now, her face was at the crook of his neck. Her face took on an extremely red hue.
"S-Shirou! What are you-"
"I don't know."
"Huh?"
"I don't know. This just felt… right. If you don't like it, I can let go."
"No… I do not mind."
Eventually, Artoria moved her hands around his body as well. And the two fell into a comfortable silence.
"Shirou, can I ask you something?"
"Go for it."
"Did you mean what you said back there? About caring for me?"
"Every. Word."
She smiled. "Thank you."
With that said, Artoria drifted off to sleep.
"Jeez, I didn't even get to ask my question."
Soon after, Shirou followed her example and fell asleep as well.
The next morning, Shirou opened his eyes to something he never thought he'd see. Artoria was still sleeping in his arms. He couldn't help but blush while thinking about what happened last night. But as he stared at her, he couldn't help but think how cute she looked while asleep.
"Mm. Shirou?"
"Ah, sorry. Did I wake you up?"
"No."
She snuggled up to him even more.
"This is nice."
"Yeah."
"Listen. Shirou, I-"
[Knock] [Knock]
"Hey you two. Quit being lovey dovey and come eat some breakfast." Archer said from outside the door.
"And there it goes. Anyway, you were about to say something."
"No, it's fine. Anyway, let's go eat Shirou. I'm hungry."
"Alright then. Why do I feel like I just missed something important?"
Shirou put that thought to the side and got out of bed. He walked over to his closet and chose some of the clothes he had bought with some money Hephaestus loaned him. Thinking about it, he had a lot to pay her back for. Moving on, the two made their way to the kitchen, where Archer was just bringing out the food he had prepared.
"It looks so good Archer!"
"Thank you. Although it is simply some bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast. It should hold us while we go down into the dungeon."
"Did you keep watch all night?" Shirou asked.
"Naturally."
"Well, thanks. Although I did set up a bounded field before you arrived."
"You what?"
"Yup."
"And you didn't think to tell me, why?"
"You had already left when I was going to mention it."
"What about our link? Ever think of that?"
"Oh, that was the first thing I thought of. But let's be honest with ourselves, we had enough of each other for one day."
"That may be true. But now, Saber gets your bacon."
"What?!"
"Do not worry Shirou, I shall eat enough for the two of us!"
"That's not what I am… ugh, never mind. There should be a pub or something in town. I'll get something from there real quick before we enter."
"What about my food?"
"I've lost my appetite for it. Artoria, you can have the rest of my plate."
"Yay!"
Archer just scoffed.
"Now that I think about it, we never traded in the stones we got for defeating the monsters yesterday did we?" Artoria said.
"We never went back to the guild after we came back up, so I guess not." Archer commented.
"Let's head there first then. I'd rather not keep using the money Hephaestus loaned us for everything." Shirou said.
Both Artoria and Archer were in agreement, and together they made their way to the guild before finding a nice pub to eat at. Cashing in their earnings, they made a total of 35,000 valis. Made sense considering the average party usually makes about 25,000 in a day down there. Afterwards, they made their way over to a place called the Hostess of Fertility. Like any pub or bar, there were plenty of tables for the customers to sit at. Taking one of the booths, they ordered their meals. Although they did have to pay the 'adventurer's price', they didn't really mind. At some point, Shirou made a comment about the food and the owner, Mia Grand, asked him if he cooked.
"I do, actually. Although I'm only self taught, I still pride myself in making others happy with my cooking."
"I see. You'll have to tell me a recipe or two to try out. The way that girl next to you was nodding her head while you talked about your food, it must be pretty good."
"Correct. Shirou's food is the best!" Artoria stated. She puffed out her chest and put her hands on her hips in a way to try to make herself look confident.
"Haha! We'll see about that! Hey, come back later tonight and we'll give you the special for the day. After that, try and say those same words. Don't worry, the meal will be on the house."
"We would love to. But there will be no difference in my opinion." Artoria stated once more.
"Haha, well, we best get going if we want to do what I had planned in the dungeon. Thank you for the food. And we'll be sure to come back later tonight." Shirou said.
The trio made their way out of the pub as Mia Grand waved them goodbye. As they made their way through the plaza, they passed numerous adventurer parties. As the party made their way down the different floors, they heard the distinct sound of monsters disappearing. As they reached the sixth, they only heard one fight going on around them.
"Who do you think would be on the sixth floor with us? I didn't see anyone when I scouted yesterday." Archer asked.
"I don't know, but from the sounds of it, they must be fighting War Shadows. I suggest we keep moving. You guys have heard the rule down here, right?" Shirou asked.
"Yeah, no kill stealing, correct?"
"Exactly. Adventurers tend to get antsy when another party comes into the scene, so we should just keep moving."
"I agree. But Shirou, you never even told us the plan. What is it?" Artoria was the one asking this time.
"Today, the plan is simple. Now that we've confirmed that the information given to us by the guild is accurate, we'll go down to the middle floors and fight the monsters that live down there. If I'm correct, we should get more exp by fighting higher grade monsters. Especially since we're still level one. After, we'll head back to the Hostess of Fertility and try out that daily special they have there. And as the day ends, we'll summon a new servant."
"A new one? Already?"
"Yes. Think about it, all three of us are connected, in a way. If my theory is correct, there should be one more servant that should be connected to me. Whether it was an accident or not."
"I don't like where that line of thinking is taking me." Archer commented.
"I didn't think it would. Anyway, there are some wyverns down in the middle floors. They should net us some pretty good exp. Let's move."
"Right."
"Of course."
They made their way down, and Shirou ended up being right. The monsters that spawned that far down were noticeably tougher than the ones that were only a couple of floors higher. The good news was that they had figured out an effective formation when fighting. Artoria would be up front with Shirou either fighting with her or keeping back slightly incase something managed to sneak by. Archer being a… well, archer, he stayed in the back line. Though they all new he could very well handle himself in close combat if it ever came down to it. But they had spent the whole day down there doing nothing but fighting monsters, so it was safe to assume that, even if they were servants, they were probably tired.
"I'd say that should be enough grinding for today. Are you guys ready to head over to the guild and cash in our items?" Shirou asked.
"Of course. I can't wait to see how much food money we got this time." Artoria replied.
"Well, it is a little difficult to keep track of time down here, but it should be about time we head back to that pub. We wouldn't want to keep the owner waiting." Archer commented.
"That's right. Let's get to it."
Together, they walked out of the dungeon, avoiding most of the adventurers that they passed by. Eventually, they got to the guild hall. Surprising the brokers with how much loot they had gotten during their time down there. They made a total of 350,000. Ten times what they had made from yesterday's outing, they chalked it up to the wyvern scales they picked up as loot. Drop items were extremely valuable after all. It was safe to assume that that number would only rise throughout their time here.
"Hey, at least we don't have to worry about that loan you were talking about a little while ago. Now, can we go back to the pub? I'm hungry." Artoria asked.
"Of course. Hunger is the enemy, right?"
"Yes!"
Both Emiya's sighed. "She never truly changes, does she?"
"Hm? Oh, you're back! Looks like you guys didn't chicken out!"
They had just walked into the Hostess of Fertility, and already people had their attention on them. Archer started wondering if the owner talked about it before they had arrived.
"Of course not. Besides, it's practically a free meal." Artoria replied.
As the group took one of the booths, Mia Grand came over with a plate. "Fair enough. Anyway, here it is." Mia Grand set the plate down with what looked like a whole catfish on it. Artoria's eyes lit up at the sight of it. "Todays special! Try it out. You can tell me what you think when I come back."
"Well, are you going to eat it Artoria? She made it just for you." Shirou asked.
"Yes."
She took one bite, and from one blink to the next, the plate was empty. Neither of the Emiyas saw it happen.
"..."
"..."
"It was delicious."
From the other side of the room, Mia Grand took a glance back at their table. Seeing it was already gone, she made her way back to their table. "My word! It's already gone!"
"Indeed. I must say, it was extremely good. Your chef has done an excellent job making this."
"I'll let her know you enjoyed it. Anyway, now for your answer."
"Although it was a tough decision, I shall now quote a certain Artoria Pendragon. 'Shirou's food is the best!'."
"Really? Well I'll be damned." She turned her attention towards Shirou. "Some time in the future, you should make one of your dishes and let me try. I'd like to see what this girl thinks is better than my cooking."
"I'd love to."
"Is that you, Mr. Shirou?"
Turning around, they all saw Bell walk in the front door.
"Hello there, Bell. What brings you here? Well, other than the food."
"Well, Syr asked me to come early this morning. So, here I am. But, why are you here? And forgive me if I'm wrong, but you're the owner right?"
"Right. And you must be Syr's friend. Order whatever you want!"
"Sit with us Bell. Don't worry, the food's on us." Shirou said.
"Are you sure that's ok? I wouldn't want to intrude."
This time Archer spoke up. "Take his offer. Free food is free food."
"Oh, ok then. Thank you for your generosity. Anyway, Mr. Shirou, what Familia are you all from? You must be a part of a big Familia considering how strong you all are."
"Actually, our Familia's quite new. It's the Muramasa Familia. Our god is friends with Hephaestus, so she helped us get our feet on solid ground before we went off on our own. I plan to pay her back for the money she lent us."
"Wow, I've never heard of that Familia before. And to be friends with the goddess of the Forge is incredible. What's Muramasa the god of?"
"You want to know that badly?"
"Of course!"
"He's the god of the Forge, Swords, Cooking, and Heroes."
"Forge, Swords, Cooking, and Heroes… Wait, really!? A god of Heroes exists?!"
"Haha, yup. Although he's currently off doing something right now. Before he left, he appointed me the Familia captain and Artoria as the vice captain."
"Hey wait, why wasn't I told about this?"
"Because your input wouldn't have mattered Archer."
Archer scoffed again, he felt that was going to be his thing now that the three of them were together. But knowing his E rank luck, it'll get worse.
"Wow, that's incredible! I'd love to meet him sometime."
"Honestly, he's probably closer than you think."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
As time went on, Bell got acquainted with the rest of the Familia. They kept talking about their respective Familias, even though Shirou was only about a week into everything, Bell didn't mind helping him clear his thoughts. Eventually, they found out that Bell was the only member of the Hestia Familia. He'd only been with her two weeks, but he said he enjoyed his time with her. He promised to introduce them at some point. A little while after, a girl with silver hair and eyes came up to them. Bell introduced her as Syr, the girl who asked him to come over tonight. At some point while they were talking, a waitress with what looked like cat ears and a tail announced that the people with reservations had arrived. Everyone quieted down, and watched the doorway. Eventually, a group with the emblem of a joker that you see in a deck of cards walked in. As they all came in, it was the last person that walked in that caught Shirou's attention. It was Ais. Around him, he could hear people muttering something about the 'Loki Familia' and the 'Sword Princess'. But as far as Shirou was concerned, Artoria was the only 'Sword Princess' here.
Shirou turned back around to the group.
"That's her. Gold hair, gold eyes. Is she the one you saw Archer?"
"Hm. Looks like it. Her energy too…"
"It was the same one we felt following us." Artoria finished their line of thinking.
As they all discussed, Bell found himself just staring at Ais. He didn't know why, but he couldn't take his eyes off her. She had this sort of… air about her. That's when one of their clearly drunk members started talking.
"Hey Ais, let's tell them about that thing."
"That thing?"
"Yeah! Like how we let a bunch of Minotaurs escape on our way back up from the lower floors. The last one was killed all the way up on the fifth floor, right? You remember that, don't you? You were about to jump in when someone else sliced its head clean off! Some guy with red hair and a katana."
"Wait, Bete, why wasn't I told about this? I thought you defeated it, Ais?"
The one who spoke up was the small boy at their table. Considering his size, he must've been a Pallum.
"Ah, sorry Finn. We didn't know how to tell you back then. I guess being drunk has its perks. But you should've seen it. The guy cut its head off with ease. I was actually impressed."
"I agree. I was closer when it happened. I believe he has more skill with a blade than I do, Captain."
"Is that so? If the opportunity arises, I would like you to introduce me to him. He sounds like a capable person, and a good friend to have."
Shirou heard that and decided that it was about time they left. Standing up, he addressed his Familia members.
"Guys, I think we've had our fun for the night. Wouldn't you say?"
"Agreed."
"But I just ordered more food."
"…"
"Master don't." Archer tried to stop him.
"Sorry Artoria. To make up for it, I'll make you any dish you want when we get home."
"…"
It was comical how fast she finished her plate and stood up.
"I am ready to go."
"Hold on."
Shirou grabbed a napkin, walked up to Artoria, and wiped the smudge on her cheek. Her face flushed beet red and she instantly ran out of the pub.
"Since when did you know how to tease?" Archer commented.
"Tohsaka taught me a couple of things. Anyway, how much is the meal, Miss Grand?"
"Please, just Mia is fine. As long as I can call you Shirou."
"Of course."
"Ok then. But you don't need to pay, I said it was on the house didn't I?"
"Correct, but I can't accept that. I feel like I need to pay you something for tonight. Especially with how much Artoria ate."
"Well, it sounds like you won't be taking no for an answer. I'll take 10,000 valis."
"I think I've got that." Shirou began rummaging through his pants for any money. "Ah, here's some. And here's 5,000 for Syr, a tip."
"Oh my! You don't have to, Mr. Shirou. I didn't do much."
"Don't worry about it. When I traveled the world, there was a place where it's customary to thank the waiter after you finish eating. I thought it was pretty nice. Anyway, we'll be sure to come by some other time. And I'll bring a sample of my food with me."
"Sounds good to me. Take care."
"Take care. And thank you very much for the tip!" Syr followed them out and bowed as they left.
As they walked away, two other people walked out of the pub.
"Was that him, Ais?"
"Correct captain."
"Interesting."
The two servants watched as their master recreated the summoning circle in his personal forge. After drawing it out, he walked over to the concealed pot and began slowly pouring blood onto the floor. It was like it had a mind of its own with the way it moved to perfectly fit with the summoning circle. After he rehid the pot, he moved to stand just in front of the two of them.
"Well, are you two ready?"
"Of course."
"Just get it over with."
"Alright then."
Heed my words,
My will creates your body,
And your sword creates my destiny,
I swear that I will be all good in the world,
And I shall defeat all evil in the world,
If you heed this god's call,
And obey my will and reason,
Then answer my summon!
Now come forth,
Guardian of the Scales!
[FLASH]
Once more the forge was lit with blinding light. Once it dimmed, all three opened their eyes to see their new comrade in arms.
"Lancer class servant has answered your call." The man in blue tights opened his eyes. "Are you my…"
In front of him stood Shirou, Artoria, and Archer.
"What the fu-!"
Cu Chulainn
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Skills -
Battle Continuation: Guaranteed to survive a would be fatal blow
Protection from Arrows: Avoid any projectile once visual confirmation is made
Disengage: Removes debuffs and health recovery; Forced to disengage from combat and unable to attack for a certain amount of time
I hope you all enjoyed. I'm still getting used to writing stories that aren't just 2000 words long, so I'm sorry if some parts felt off or too fast paced. If there was a part you noticed, please don't be afraid to PM me and I'll take a look, all you feedback is appreciated.
Next Update: Son Goku