Chapter 3
Queen of the Nile
**Flashback**
"For your bravery and protecting your king," Artoria said as she gently tapped her lance on Astolfo and D'eon's shoulders on both sides. "For you…Astolfo and D'eon. You are now part of the Knights of the Round Table."
"We are honored…to serve you, My Liege," Astolfo and D'eon said in unison, while down on one knee and heads hung low.
It was like a dream. Astolfo and D'eon served Artoria faithfully and remained loyal to her for a very long time. During that time, Mordred got super jealous and fought them just because they were hogging her "Father" like that. It was rather silly, yes, but after the Lion King intervened and gave her a good lecture, all water was under the bridge. From there, Astolfo and D'eon continued to serve their king.
However, they didn't realize that the other Knights of the Round Table were jealous as well. Since all of them were bold and fearless, mostly buff, they felt that these two pretty boys were chosen just out of pity. They proved nothing more than just saving their king once. But Astolfo and D'eon remained loyal to her, even when she was at the brink of death. She ordered them to keep Camelot safe when the war was going on. They did their job and came back to Artoria to report that they won the war. She was about to die, but Jeanne came just in time to revive her from mana transfer. Everybody was happy.
**End of Flashback**
Astolfo and D'eon wake up to find themselves on Da Vinci's vehicle. Some of the survivors from the attack are behind it while Ritsuka-chan and Mash are walking beside it. The little poor girl, Felicia is sleeping in the back. Jeanne is hugging her knees while Jalter Lily is trying to comfort her elder sister. Jalter is just silent while having her arms crossed.
"Are you alright?" Ritsuka-chan asks.
"Ah…y-yeah," Astolfo replies as he tries to move, but he can feel his arm being sore.
"Astolfo-chan!" D'eon tries to help him, but he can also feel his right arm being sore. "Ah…."
"You shouldn't push yourselves," Da Vinci-chan warns. "You're lucky to be alive. Take it easy okay?"
"Um….is everyone…" D'eon asks and Ritsuka-chan finishes.
"We managed to escape," the cute redhead says. "You two did great~!"
"It's all thanks to you two," Mash says.
"But…it kind of bothers me," Ritsuka-chan says. "Why are the rest of the Knights of the Round Table not wanting you to be part of them anymore?"
"Jealousy perhaps…" D'eon shrugs and crosses his arms. "I don't know what is their problem."
"Now they want us gone," Astolfo adds. "No matter what it takes, the Knights will probably come searching for us and destroy us."
"It's to be expected," Da Vinci-chan says. "Like I said earlier, the timeline has been slightly changed. The Knights of the Round Table has never had a warrior of the 12 Paladins or a Noble Lily Knight before, more or less cross-dressing pretty boys joining them. Their pride in being a bold and fearless knight has stuck with them for a very long time. They feel inferior to Astolfo and D'eon. So that's most likely the reason why they strongly dislike them."
"Oh…" Ritsuka-chan says. She cannot blame Astolfo or D'eon for this problem. Mordred doesn't count because she is Artoria's "son". In this timeline, the Lion King fully accepted her and so did the rest of the Knights. But the fact that Astolfo and D'eon were never considered to be part of them since the beginning was very cruel. How can they prove worthy to the Knights of the Round Table? "Hey, everyone. I think I found some sort of clue."
"What is it, Sempai?" Mash asks.
"Lancer Saber…she was holding her lance while watching us suffer…" the redhead says. "Her lance was glowing. It was…purple."
"What could this mean, Sempai!?" Mash asks.
"I have no idea," Ritsuka-chan says. "But…it has something to do with the massacre that happened earlier. It was like Lancer Saber was being controlled…or she was controlling her Knights."
Da Vinci-chan rubs her chin in thought. "So that's it…"
"What is?" Mash asks.
"The Lance is cursed," the Itatlian artist and inventor says. "It was dormant for years after the first awakening and it got thrown away. But since the King found it and didn't realize its true potential, I guess that's the only reason why the murders happened."
Astolfo gasps. "Then we HAVE to save our King at once!"
"Not in your condition, you are not," Da Vinci-chan says, holding a hand up. "You still need to regain your strength."
The sudden news perks up Jeanne. "Wait…Artoria was being controlled by her own lance?" she says. "Then….if that's true then we have to go back! I have to let her remember who I am…how we spent our life together. The things we've done together. I…I love her so much…"
"We need to keep these refugees and some of the survived newcomers safe first," Da Vinci-chan says. "Especially that poor girl over there." She points the sleeping Felicia. "Anyways, I do not think the Holy Grail will solve anything. The Cursed Lance is far too powerful."
"Then what do we do, Da Vinci-chan?" Ritsuka-chan asks.
"I know the exact place where to go to find an item that will break the curse," The Italian artist and inventor says.
Before she can explain any further, they can hear multiple footsteps and clanking from the armor approaching them. They see an army of knights with tall red flags above them. The one in the front takes a step forward, raising his sword high.
"No…!" Astolfo gasps.
"Lancelot…" D'eon whispers.
Jeanne stands up and draws out her sword. "I'll take them down. Don't worry."
"There's no way you can do this by yourself!" Jalter stands up as well. "I will burn all them to the ground in one hit!"
"Me too, me too!" Jalter Lily also raises her spear. "I wanna fight too!"
"It's too dangerous," D'eon says. "Even if it's just you three, you cannot defeat Lancelot."
"But…!" Jeanne tries to protest, but Da Vinci-chan cuts her off.
"Haaaaah…I guess it's time, isn't it?" she sighs. She makes some adjustments to the vehicle.
"Wait a minute…" Ritsuka-chan says. "What are you doing?"
The Italian artist and inventor gets inside a small car after summoning her staff. She puts the staff inside a hole and turns to the redhead.
"It's time for the genius to step forth~" she says. "It was nice to accompany you on this great journey~"
Ritsuka-chan shakes her head roughly and puts her hand on the metal car. "Don't do this! Whatever you're doing, it's suicide!"
"So is trying to fight these knights on your own," Da Vinci-chan says with a gentle smile on her face. "Listen carefully, Fujimaru. Stay on the path. It will lead you to where the Queen of the Nile is. She has the exact item to break the Lance's spell once and for all. But…you have to gain her trust first. I'm sure if it's you, it'll be fine."
"Th-then…" Ritsuka-chan says. "You're gonna…"
"You know, servants are like disposable items," Da Vinci-chan says. "You can use and discard them as much as you want." She puts the car in gear. "I may have been with you for…far too long I should say."
"Don't go…" Ritsuka-chan is close to crying. "Because if you do this…and you don't make it…"
"Fujimaru…"
"You don't make it then, who's going to take over the control room…"
"Fujimaru…"
"Who's going to smother me with kisses and love…? Who's going to spoil me and Mash rotten from time to time…?"
"Fujimaru, listen…"
"I don't want any of that…" Ritsuka-chan sobs and buries her head in her hands. "I don't want you to go. You're like….you're like a mother to us…! I don't want to lose the one person Mash and I love most. Especially after we lost…Director Olga…"
There is a bit of silence before Da Vinci-chan cups her gloved hands on the redhead's cheeks, making her look up.
"Ritsuka-chan…~" Da Vinci-chan says softly. "I'll always be here."
Such simple words are impossible for Ritsuka-chan to imagine, but the Italian artist and inventor means it. It's the first time Da Vinci-chan called the redhead "Ritsuka-chan".
"Da Vinci-chan…." the redhead sobs. "I love you…"
"I love you, too," Da Vinci-chan says and gently kisses the Master on the forehead.
Mash rushes by Ritsuka-chan's side, holding her partner's hand. "We will never…ever forget you." the demi-servant says as she sheds tears of her own. "Da Vinci-chan…I love you as well." She kisses Mash on the forehead, too.
When Ritsuka-chan and Mash back away a few steps, Da Vinci-chan starts the car and it speeds forward. Wings pop out from the sides and it starts flying in the air. Everyone watches from below.
"Hahahaha!" Da Vinci-chan laughs. "This is so great! This genius is absolutely wonderful!" She looks down at the crowd. "Hey, if I prevail…and save everyone…you can thank me later!" She looks straight ahead and heads toward the Lancelot and his army.
Lancelot gives a cold stare and starts firing arches at her. Da Vinci-chan dodges all of them and continues to go straight down Lancelot. She gives a serious expression as she waves her hand on the staff. It starts to glow bright blue and it surrounds the vehicle. Lancelot raises his sword, preparing to thrust it forward. Da Vinci-chan gives a nod. She is definitely prepared for it. The glowing starts to glow brighter as she gets closer and closer to him. Lancelot thrusts his sword forward and Da Vinci-chan collides with the tip of the blade. There is an explosion shortly after, causing a big shock wave just for a second.
When everything clears up, there is nothing there. Da Vinci-chan is gone. Lancelot and his army are gone as well. Everyone just stares at the spot where the explosion is. Mash tears up.
"M-Master…" The demi-servant says. "Da Vinci-chan is…"
"Right now, this is the perfect opportunity to escape," Jeanne says, patting the purplenette on the head. "Da Vinci-san got the job done. It's time to move on."
"Yeah," Ritsuka-chan says as she turns to leave. "Let's set up the fires and get some sleep tonight. We have the whole day ahead of us on walking down the long path toward the…Queen of the Nile."
"Sure." Mash nods.
**Later**
All the refugees are gathered in groups in front of the fire. Ritsuka-chan tries to offer Felicia some food, but she refuses. After finding out what happened to her mother, she is super depressed. She doesn't want to do anything at the moment. Ritsuka-chan doesn't blame her. The redhead then looks up at Astolfo and D'eon, who are standing there, looking up at the moon. And then, she looks over at the Jeanne Sisters. Jalter and Jalter Lily are sitting on both sides of the blonde, trying to comfort her as best they can. She then looks down at Mash, who is resting on her lap.
"Everything will be okay, Sempai…" the demi-servant whispers. "All we can do now is just move forward. That's what Da Vinci-chan wants…right?"
"Yeah…" the red-head says, smiling a small smile and pets her demi-servant. "Thanks, Mash."
Meanwhile, Astolfo and D'eon are staring at the moon above them. They cannot stop thinking about how the Knights of the Round Table are trying to get rid of them just because they are weaker than they are. However, they have bigger problems now that they know Artoria's being controlled by a cursed weapon. Once they find that item that Da Vinci-chan spoke of, they should use it to try to break the spell once and for all.
"D'eon-chan…" Astolfo says softly, still staring at the moon. "We'll prove ourselves…right?"
"I couldn't agree more," the French Trap says. "This is our opportunity, yes…to show these knights that we are more than just cross-dressing boys that joined the Knights of the Round Table. I believe in you, Astolfo-chan. I believe in ourselves…"
"Yeah…" Astolfo gently holds his boyfriend's hand and both traps intertwine upon instinct. "We will believe in ourselves as hard as we can…to save our King…and Camelot."
Meanwhile, the Jeanne sisters are sitting there, looking up at the stars. Jeanne sighs and looks down to see Jalter Lily sleeping on her lap. She smiles and gently strokes her little sister's long silver hair.
"She's sleeping, finally?" Jalter asks in a quiet voice.
"Yeah," Jeanne replies.
Jalter is silent for a minute or two before sighing. "Listen, Jeanne. You should know that Artoria is stronger than this. That damn cursed lance is nothing. She should be able to fight off its spell."
"Yeah…" Jeanne says, softly.
Jalter grits her teeth and gently, but firmly takes Jeanne's cheeks to turn her towards her, careful not to wake the baby sister. "Jeanne! Stop being so damn depressed! Y-you're not alone, alright? All of us are in this together! Don't think everything is ruined! Not at this moment! Artoria will be saved! Alright!?"
"Y-yeah…" Jeanne tears up and nods. "Yeah….thank you…Jalter…"
Jalter sighs and turns away to cross her arms under her bosom. "Yeah, whatever."
Jeanne smiles a small smile. "You're so caring, Jalter~"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever…" the pale skinned girl says.
A while later, everybody is fast asleep under some spare blankets and sheets they got from Da Vinci's vehicle.
**Next Day**
Ritsuka-chan and everyone else wake up early to go on their long journey toward the location of the Queen of the Nile. They made sure they stayed straight on the path. They went through gust of winds, high heat and just basically thirst and starvation. The refugees and the newcomers ate and drank what they had left during their long journey and now it's come to a point where everyone is starving. The heat is not making things any better, yet the servants and Ritsuka-chan try to encourage them to keep moving, assuring them that they will make it.
After about 3 or 4 hours, they stop to notice one elderly man drop to his knees, feeling that he cannot go any further. Ritsuka-chan tries to assure him that they are almost there and take it easy.
"Just a little more," the redhead says.
"Hold up!" D'eon says. "I hear something coming!"
They can hear giant footsteps coming toward them. A sphinx with wings approaches them from a tall hill and slams its paw down in front of them, startling everyone.
"Stay calm!" a voice from a distance says. "Please do not resist!"
Everyone looks up to see young girl that looks like a Heroic Spirit with an army. She has very long violet hair with a band that is tied to the end of her hair, and has "bunny ears" on top of her head. What she is wearing on her dark skin is skimpy Egyptian clothing with dark brown high heeled lace up sandals. She is holding a silver staff in her hand.
"I am Nitocris!" the girl says. "A servant summoned alongside the Queen of the Nile. I see you tried to trespass the land of the Queen?"
Ritsuka-chan looks at Nitocris. Can she trust her? No, it doesn't matter. There are people who are starving and thirsty. They need serious help. She takes a step forward and speaks as loudly as she can. "We are being pursued by the people of the Holy City! There are no food or water for all of us! Please save us!"
Nitocris pauses for a minute before giving an approved nod. "I shall take you in. Let me discuss more in the town."
The refugees and newcomers mutter to each other how grateful they are to this nice Egyptian lady. However, Nitocris has more to say.
"That's for the Queen to decide," she says. "Follow me." She turns to leave, but she stops to hear the sphinx snoring. Panicking, she points her wand at the large creature, shaking it frantically. "W-wake up! That's rude, you know!"
The giant creature awakens and stands up. Everyone exchanges looks before following Nitocris and her army. They go all the way toward the hometown of Nitocris. They are greeted by the people who are tending gardens, small houses ahead of them and children playing around.
"This looks like a Promised Land," D'eon says. "The Queen must be very generous."
"Oh, isn't she~?" Nitocris brightens and taps her staff on the ground. "She's the Queen, yet she cares for her people. Maybe a just a little bit. She's proud in her own way. And hey, look over there~!" She points to the very large pyramid. "That's where our Queen resides. Follow me, everyone."
The group follows the "bunny eared" Egyptian girl. They take the long hallway and toward the huge stairway. While they are on their way, Mash and Ritsuka-chan are informed by Chaldea HQ that the Queen of the Nile is none other than Cleopatra. A prideful ruler of Egypt. Although, she is somewhat generous, her personality is still proud and boastful.
They stop at the throne room where the Queen is. But the ruler herself is not alone. Sitting next to her is another dark tanned woman with very long dark hair and wearing skimpier clothing than Nitocris and has very large breasts. Nitocris blushes as she is being noticed by the dark haired tanned woman, who just stopped reading a story from a scroll she is holding.
"N-Nito…welcome back…" the tanned woman says, her voice so soft and quiet.
"S-Schera…I mean, Scheherazade!" Nitocris almost squeaks, flailing her wand at her. "D-don't call me that in front of these guests…!" She clears her throat loudly and faces the group. "Everyone! Behold! The high and mighty and beautiful Queen of the Nile! Let me introduce you to Cleopatra!"
Everyone looks up at the person sitting at the throne. Her appearance is far different from what Ritsuka-chan saw in books. She has long green hair with hime-cut bangs, a black and white long sleeved shirt with black short shorts. Around her neck is a golden necklace with what it appears to be a jewel shaped like a wheel. On her legs is a pantyhose with black knee high boots. She has a large snake behind her and hisses softly. Cleopatra cradles it with her fingers before looking down at her subjects.
"Hah!" the rule of the Nile says. Her voice is somewhat…high pitched, despite having a mature appearance. "These are my new subjects, hm? Well, then, to what do I owe the pleasure…humanity's final master?"
Ritsuka-chan bravely takes a step forward. "I am Ritsuka Fujimaru! We've come here…I-I guess you could say that we need your help. We were told that you have an item that can break a strong spell. Is that correct?"
"Indeed I do," Cleopatra says. "No one has ever used it for so long though. I barely have the materials to awaken it's true potential."
"Wha!?" Ritsuka-chan gasps. "You need the ingredients for that said item?"
"Yes, take a look at this," Cleopatra holds out an item the size of her palm. It's a gold and blue bug. "This scarab is a very rare item that has been discovered since long ago. One of my servants happened to find it and I kept it for years." She chuckles. "Haha. Don't think I'm going to hand this to you so easily. If you swear your loyalty to me and work for me, I might give you this as a reward."
"Work for you?" Ritsuka-chan asks and looks over at Felicia.
The refugees and the newcomers talk amongst themselves worriedly. Suddenly, Scheherazade walks beside the ruler.
"Um…dear Queen," she says. "I think these people need some time to think and consider. Forcing them….is not an option…" She looks their way. "I can see they are suffering…almost at the brink of death…"
Nitocris gasps and steps forward. "Ahhhh! M-my Queen! What my girlfr-I mean, our storyteller is trying to say is that we should help these people out. You should treat your subjects as equals, remember?" She turns and winks at Mash.
Cleopatra thinks for a moment. And she lets out a loud sigh. "Ahhhh…Caster of the Nightless City, you gentle, gentle fool. Alright, alright. You, my subjects, I shall grant you permission to stay and enjoy my paradise as much as you want."
**Later**
It's like heaven. The newcomers and refugees walk around the town, getting all the food and drinks they want, feed them to the children and have a good time. Jalter Lily tries to convince Felicia to play with her while handing her some food. Jeanne and Jalter watch over them, like a mother and father. Ritsuka-chan hands Mash some food and then turns toward the two traps, who are sitting and eating together. Astolfo is back to his cheerful self, trying to feed D'eon some food while the French trap blushes and tries to look dignified.
"Are you feeling okay, Mash?" Ritsuka-chan asks.
"I'm fine," the demi-servant says. "Just…some thoughts swirling in my head. I cannot tell which one it is."
"Yeah…" the red head takes a bite of her food. "A lot has happened for the past few days. I…can't even get over that one incident."
"I know…" Mash says. "It's tough to let go, and I don't blame you. But remember, we have a bigger problem to deal with. And we must have Cleopatra's aid in order to save everyone from the massacre. The curse may get worse and worse as days go by. I don't know how long our King will be able to fight it."
"Let's just hope she'll hold out long enough for us to return with the item," Ritsuka-chan says. "She's my strongest servant. I cannot let things like this happen."
"I don't want that to happen either…" Mash hugs her beloved Master. "Sempai…let's hope for the best, okay? All we can do is hope…"
Ritsuka-chan returns the embrace, stroking her short, purple hair, not saying a word.
**That Night**
Scheherazade is done washing herself and so does Nitocris. Mash looks at the both of them as they help each other wash one another. Just for about 5 minutes before the storyteller turns toward the demi-servant.
"You may sit down now…~" Scheherazade says. "Leave everything to me, okay?"
"Alright…" Mash sits down and she lets the Nightless Caster wash her. Nitocris sits beside her, hands on her cheeks with a cute smile on her face. The demi-servant slightly looks back. "You're not from Egypt, are you?"
"Hm? How do you know this, may I ask?" Scheherazade asks, softly as she busies herself washing Mash's hair.
"Let's just say…I know some people…." Mash replies as she looks down at the ground. "You're actually a Persian storyteller, who used to belong to an almighty King. To keep him from going insane and killing people like he did to his previous wives, you told him stories for a thousand and one nights. Therefore, it really made him happy….and made you his queen."
The Nightless Caster puts on a gentle smile and nods. "That is correct. I do have a fear of Kings despite all this. That's why I moved to Egypt or rather…a certain someone helped me live a better life." She eyes Nitocris, who blushes. "She's the one who took me in while I was walking aimlessly on my own."
Mash gives a nod and can feel the water being splashed on her.
"So…what are you…Mash-san?" Scheherazade asks. "You don't look like you're from here either."
Mash pauses for a second while feeling the Nightless Caster gently tend to her hair. "I am…a human being created to be…a Heroic Spirit's soul's prime vessel."
"A Heroic Spirit?" Nitocris asks.
Mash nods. "But…the identity of the Heroic Spirit…slumbering within me…ahhh..I have no idea. This power I have…I don't know how to use it properly. That's why…back in the Holy City…I have let so many people die…"
Scheherazade and Nitocris exchange worried looks and then the Nightless Caster puts on a gentle smile while putting her hands on Mash's shoulders.
"We are not gods…" she says softly. "Saving everyone is definitely impossible….even the great Queen herself."
"Is it…the same for this town as well?" Mash asks.
Nitocris smiles. "Our Queen does her best. She…deeply cares for her people despite her pride."
Mash hugs herself. The incident is invading her thoughts and it's painful for her heart. Scheherazade and Nitocris take notice. The Nightless Caster gives her a gentle hug from behind, pressing her large breasts against her back while Nitocris hugs her from the front, nuzzling her head against Mash's chest. The demi-servant knows that she needed the comfort from the two…Desert Beauties.
**Next Day**
Cleopatra sits on her throne once again, having a serious expression on her face. "Well? Have you made up your mind? Ritsuka Fujimaru?"
Ritsuka-chan, Mash, Jeanne and Astolfo and D'eon stand before their queen.
"If we stay here…" the redhead says. "The Holy City will be destroyed. But even so, I've experienced this wonderful place. Felicia and the others will be able to live here. But…I do not want my loved ones or anybody else's loved ones getting hurt."
"Hmph!" Cleopatra pouts. "You got courage. I'll give you that. Refusing to serve me is a death sentence…fools like you should die…and be buried into the ground…"
Nitocris gasps and steps forward, but Scheherazade gently stops her.
"However!" Cleopatra says, getting everyone's attention. "I CAN be somewhat merciful in this situation. If you're so willing to save your town, then get me the materials I need for the scarab to awaken its power. Here." She tosses a small scroll to Ritsuka-chan. The redhead opens it to read some hieroglyphics. "Don't worry. You will need a guide to help you on your journey. That's why I will let dear Nitocris…and Caster of the Nightless City to assist you."
The two Desert Beauties gasp happily and intertwine hands upon instinct. Just a little bit before pulling away and Nitocris clears her throat while blushing. Scheherazade bows.
"It is an honor, dear Queen," she says softly. "Nitocris and I will show them the way."
"We will make sure to return with the items you need," Nitocris says.
"Good." Cleopatra says. "Now then, begone. And do not return empty handed! I will not show you mercy the second time if you do!"
"We will not let you down," Ritsuka-chan says. "Come, everyone."
She, Jeanne, Mash, Astolfo and D'eon turn to leave with the two Desert Beauties right beside them. Cleopatra watches them with a serious expression on her face. She herself hopes they will return safely.