Artoria was guarding the entrance to the room as Gloria and Joan came back. Gloria's state of undress didn't escape Artoria. Gloria however was unbothered by this and spoke without missing a beat.
"Well then darling knight. I'm going to fix Rin' body as well. Now I know you have your own unique issue, besides everything else. If you want to fix it, tell me."
Artoria looked down and blushed.
"Yes, please."
"Very well. Come in, and shed the armor for a while."
Though highly embarrassed, Artoria followed. Joan stayed behind, ostensibly to guard the entrance.
Rin was still holding Sakura tightly, with a rather guilty glum expression.
"I'm sorry miss Gloria. She wished to know the truth."
"It's quite alright. Her stubbornness has been great enough to keep her alive to this day, and I had planned to tell her everything even if she had not asked. On another note, please, just call me Gloria. No honorifics, tittles and such are needed."
Sakura looked up at her the emptiness in her eyes starting to dissipate.
"Gloria, is what nee-san said true? Did this thing kill senpai?"
"Yes child. Rin has confirmed my suspicions on this. Most likely, he bumped into him and tried to follow through on his ideals."
Sakura lowered her gaze and replied in a quiet, almost inaudible mournful tone. "I see."
"For now I want to fix Rin and Artoria. I'll have you three spend a nice restful evening and night together."
"Please do not leave us behind. No matter how dangerous it is."
Gloria smiled softly.
"The thought never crossed my mind. Now rest. I have to fix two more. Rin, sit down for a moment."
Sitting at the edge of the bed Rin looked up with some mild jealousy at Gloria' very generous endowments.
"Relax, this is going to hurt."
Gloria took hold of Rin' left arm.
"Ow, dammit!"
Gloria drew her hand back, fingers moving as one would draw a web. Blue green magical energy followed and Rin gritted her teeth. Gloria put her free hand on Rin' heart and then flung the other one back.
"Careful lady! That's my crest!"
Gloria acted as if she hadn't heard Rin's words and kept her hand on Rin's chest. Gold-green energy radiated through her body as Gloria carefully replaced the tainted nerves with new ones, molecule by molecule, blocking most of the pain and allowing only what was needed to make sure the nerves functioned properly. A few moments passed and Rin stopped grimacing.
"All done sweetheart."
Rin wanted to quip but then saw the energy in Gloria' hand turn from blue to tar black, then burn up in moments.
"What the hell?"
Everyone had seen it and gazed in amazement.
"That's how he works."
Rin was not happy.
"Can't believe this. But I feel much better, so I've no choice."
"Indeed. Cuddle up to your sister and rest for the night."
She moved next to a now very serious Artoria. Despite her lack of armor or garments, only her slight blush still betrayed her embarrassment. Gloria put her hand on heart and a slim wave of green energy flew out.
"And there you go noble one. Your body's time and self will harmonize properly. You should rest as well. No clothes please. You body needs to have room and freedom."
She nodded awkwardly.
"Very well."
As Artoria found a nice place next to the bed, Gloria spoke with Joan.
"Joan, you should join us."
"Oh grandmother, I couldn't. The others are healing."
"You needn't undress. But I don't want you sleeping alone."
"It would be rude to be the only one dressed."
"It's even worse to have you sleep alone. Come in."
Joan relented with a sigh.
"Grandmother, you're kind of a bad influence yourself."
Gloria just smiled softly. Joan shook her head and also joined everyone in nakedness. A strong but feminine and shapely physique.
"I won't be treated differently."
Artoria acknowledged her gesture, beginning to fall asleep.
"Sleep well tonight, friends. Many would find this heaven."
Artoria slept unbelievably well even though she was naked on the floor. The whole room felt warm and welcoming, protective even. Gloria slept facing the bed, with her back resting on the wall. Joan was on the other side of the bed. Rin and Sakura were still dozing peacefully on the bed.
Artoria had always been an early riser, and that day was no different. Something was different though. Her body felt different, taller stronger and more alive. She thanked Gloria mentally. Testing out her movements, Artoria sneaked out of the room without making a sound. She headed for the bathroom to look at herself.
A very shapely woman of 1.7 meters stared at her from the mirror. Great bosom and round hips, so much so that she could've been named a beauty for the ages. But the emerald green eyes, penetrating and incisive remained the same. Her gold blonde hair framing an elegant, stern face. Artoria fixed her posture, and the king of knights was staring back again. Artoria could not hide she was a woman anymore. But even without one garb, the figure in the mirror exuded the proper presence of a king. Gloria had kept her word. The king of knights would aid in fighting the king of undeath.
For now though, Artoria did want to get dressed.
Gloria had been quite impressed that Artoria could leave without her noticing. She herself was an early riser and had woken after her. Joan quickly followed.
"Good morning grandmother. I see her majesty has woken as well."
Rin and Sakura however gave no sign of waking.
"Let us not disturb these two, yesterday's events have been hard on them."
However that thought came to naught as an armor clad Artoria entered the room, none too silently.
"Good morning. I'm sorry but I have two requests before we leave. First, I wish to partake in a healthy breakfast. Second, if miss Joan could do me the pleasure of sparing with me for a few minutes."
Joan laughed heartily.
"Of course your majesty. It would be my pleasure. But I am no royal cook."
Gloria joined in the laughter.
"And neither am I noble one. When I eat I prefer fruit from trees of my realms. However the two sleeping beauties might be willing to help."
Since everyone had been speaking rather loudly, Rin was roused from her sleep. Angrily she tossed out.
"Shut up! The fridge's empty since no one's been living here. We'll go to a restaurant! Now quiet!"
Gloria chuckled softly.
"Come you two let's go."
Artoria and a quickly armored Joan moved with her down the hall towards the courtyard.
"I have nothing against a friendly spar, but please don't use your real weapons."
"Don't worry Gloria. There's a dojo here with a few bamboo swords."
Joan spoke with a smile.
"No offense your majesty. But if we'd go full on, those things would break in an instant."
Artoria looked at her with surprise. Then she nodded with a bitter expression. Her mind had flown to Shirou. Joan noticed and spoke softly.
"I'm sorry majesty. The man who lived here must've been very kind."
"Yes he was."
Gloria sighed.
"I'm sorry. Use your proper weapons, but please don't go too all out."
Taking a proper stance, both answered at the same time.
"Yes."
Artoria's sword was still covered by the wind, while Joan held her long spear banner at the ready.
"On guard!"
In a flash of speed and agility Artoria and Joan clashed, parrying each other' blows then lashing out again. Artoria had the advantage in height and strength but Joan seemed to predict her every move, avoiding strikes and launching counters with her spear at blinding speed. Despite not seeing Artoria' sword, Joan never once let it move towards her unhindered. Artoria was not discouraged. If anything, Joan' ability only made Artoria bring out more of her own.
Even as the contest intensified the Artoria and Joan hadn't moved very much in the yard. Two steps back, two steps forward. Their weapons clashed every moment.
Locked in with Artoria in what would've been confused for deadly duel by anyone normal, Joan spoke with comradeship in her voice.
"You're very strong majesty."
Staring back at Joan, Artoria spoke martially.
"You're strong as well Joan."
They backed away to strike again. Sparks flew as their weapons met once more.
"You're probably stronger majesty."
"Time and experience. You are a worthy opponent."
Another set of sparks flew as they parried each other again. Artoria put a stop to it.
"Alright. Thank you Joan."
Joan made her weapon disappear.
"My pleasure majesty. You truly are very strong. I'm glad we weren't enemies in our first lives."
"As am I Joan. It would be hard to fight someone so righteous."
Gloria hated fighting. She hated it with all her being, but could not force anyone to deny themselves, as long as they didn't harm innocents. And Artoria and Joan really had held back almost completely. Artoria was just making sure she could fight properly. But in her heart Gloria wishes Artoria, Joan, and all those people she'd seen could've been free from the life of violence.
Just as Gloria was thinking that, Rin, badly dressed and still drowsy, marched into the courtyard and yelled.
"You idiots cut that out! You have any idea what time it is? Quiet!"
Gloria started laughing.
"Well, she's not a morning person."
"You dummies woke up Sakura!"
Now that was a whole other matter. Honestly she'd have liked to send Sakura to an enclave, have her heal for a few centuries or more. But the same determination that kept the girl alive would have resulted in Sakura following them anyway she could. And there Sakura was, moving along the wall, disheveled, but with an iron will in her eyes.
"Sweetheart, you should be in bed still."
"Oh no. I'm just drowsy."
Sakura body was recovering, but it still most likely needed some time. To Gloria' surprise, Sakura made sure Rin wasn't looking then took her hand.
"Could you please give me more of that magic? If we have to do something."
"We don't have to do anything, Sakura. Hold my hand."
Sakura lapped up energy like something else. No surprise, her body probably needed it, but the quantity was something else. When they went to the restaurant, Gloria would have to mentally ask Desdi to send some fruit. It did give her a chance to properly make sure Sakura was recovering on the inside as well.
"Thank you."
Sakura was much stronger now, steady on her feet and her eyes alert.
"Can we talk somewhere in private?"
"Very well."
They moved back into the guest room and sat on the bed.
"Miss Gloria, I'm afraid I'm not a good person. Last night, I remembered clearly killing people. I don't know how many but I've killed people. Killed and probably eaten."
Gloria nodded.
"Yes, I know. You were harvesting energy to sustain yourself, as your dubious guardian molded the humanity out of you. And call me Gloria."
The word was violated, but she didn't want to use it.
"There's no excuse for it. I murdered people and ate them! I'm a monster! It would be better to just destroy me."
"It wouldn't be better it'd just be easier."
Sakura looked up at Gloria who spoke frankly.
"You would be running away. Those people that died, will not return by you dying. Blood never washes away blood. Never. What you can do, is prevent others from meeting the same fate. Even if it's hard and you'll never stop them all."
Sakura looked at her for a moment. Gloria noticed her eyes were recovering their natural color already. Her hair was a different matter.
"I understand. Thank you."
The girl meant it. Gloria was satisfied.
"Now I suggest we all get dressed and get ready for breakfast."
Rin had calmed down quickly once Gloria offered to pay for all expenses at the best restaurant in the city. Joan was curious about the food while Artoria was more than enthusiastic about indulging in a feast.
Rin spoke with a cheeky grin.
"I see you haven't lost that appetite."
Artoria wasn't impressed.
"A king must have a kingly appetite."
Joan just spoke with honesty.
"Good food is yummy."
Artoria and Joan donned their dresses which usually hid behind their armor, while Rin and Sakura wore the clothes from the day before. Gloria donning a much flashier attire than either of them stood apart. With her leading the way, the group looked quite apart.
"Let's take it slow everyone."
Gloria wanted the two sisters to look at their home one more time, bad as it was. To her surprise Rin spoke apologetically.
"All things aside, could we please hurry? I'm kind of famished."
The fact she blushed after that made Gloria chuckle with joy.
"Fine, let's take the bus."
Author note: And there it is dear readers, Late again, as usual, but I hope entertaining at least. Please enjoy, rate and comment if you can. Thank you to my beta readers for their kindness and patience.
