AN: Happy Anniversary! Fate/Magnus Bellum is now officially two years old. I feel like an old man watching his kid grow XD
Anyway, hope you all enjoy :D
Side Act I:
Dracula's Niece
"Elizabeth Bathory."
"Geh!"
Elizabeth jerked in response to her name being called out. Normally she wouldn't but when the person calling for her, but...
"W-Why hello there Lancer~ What can I do for you~?"
When that person happened to be Vlad the Impaler then one would definitely be bothered.
The moment she turned around, she came face-to-face with the former eyeing her with a rather intense stare. She could only twiddle her fingers in nervousness, unable to get a word out. Given her history, she would be the first to admit that she wasn't the nicest of people and so was Lancer. However, the one thing separating the two was the fact that she was an outright villain in her life whereas the latter was a hero of Romania even despite of his reputation in other places around the world.
Not only that but Vlad III was a believer of Christianity. A religion that would condemn her for everything she did.
Knowing this, a part of her was afraid that Lancer would try to kill her for her past actions. Hey, allies or not, she was a dealing with a man known as the Impaler after all!
"I've heard from the others that you've been rather difficult as of late. Is that true?"
"A-Aah, that's...!"
Elizabeth nervously began, stuttering as she spoke. Damn it all, did the pig speak!? Alright, she'll be the first to admit that she wasn't acting like a Servant should but that didn't mean what's his name had to bring Lancer into this!
"Elizabeth..." Vlad began in a low tone.
"A-Alright! I'm sorry! Please don't kill me!"
"Who said anything about me killing you? And I'm not the one you should be apologizing to." Vlad shook his head with a sigh. "Your Master suffered a broken arm after you latest spat. Swinging your tail into him... Just what in blazes were you thinking? You're quite lucky that Caster knows of healing arts. She has already fixed most of the damage and young Caules should be ready for when the Holy Grail War finally commences."
"T-That was an accident mind you! He pulled on my tail and so my body reacted. So it's not my fault at all!"
"Fool, do you think I wouldn't know?" Vlad nearly shouted at Elizabeth, causing the former to freeze up in fear. "Archer had told me about what happened. He said that you intentionally slammed your Master into a wall!"
"I-I really didn't mean it! Please stop glaring at me...!"
Hearing her words, the former simply sighed once more, pinching his brow as he tried to calm himself down. Shouting at the girl in front of him wouldn't do any good.
"Tell me Elizabeth, just why exactly did the two of you get into a fight?" He decided to ask.
"Well, it's because..."
"What?"
The Sovereign of Wallachia asked, unable to hear the murmurs spoken by the girl.
"It's because..."
"Speak up child, I know that your voice is louder than this."
"IT'S BECAUSE HE MOCKED MY SINGING ALRIGHT!?"
Elizabeth shouted, her voice echoing throughout the hallway that she and Lancer stood in. Breaking apart various windows and glass ornaments with a wave of sound in the process. Any normal person would have already gone deaf with such a loud shout.
However, Vlad simply ignored it. Merely smirking at what just occurred.
"Hmph, so that's it?"
"Don't that's it me! My Master or not, no one gets away with mocking my singing!" Elizabeth declared, crossing her arms as she turned her head away in a huff. "That pig had some nerve saying what he did to me. Who does he think he is!?"
"Hoh? Then pray tell what did Caules say to you?"
"He said that it needed work... Why?"
"Did it sound like he was mocking you?"
Vlad asked once more, with Elizabeth pausing for a moment to consider said his words
"Ugh, now that I think about it... I don't think so?"
"You fool..."
"W-Who's a fool...!?"
"Idiot, who else!?" Vlad stated with a firm tone, causing Elizabeth to shrink back in fear once more. "Overreacting over such a simple matter... This type of behavior is simply unacceptable even from the likes of you."
"W-What are you going to do about it?"
"First you shall go and apologize to your Master." The former replied. "You do feel remorseful about what happened don't you?"
"L-Like I said, I didn't really mean to do it... It just happened I guess." Elizabeth replied, twiddling her fingers in uncharacteristic shyness.
"Then if that's the case, go and apologize to your Master. Afterwards, come find me in the northern tower."
"Huh? But why?"
"You reacted badly to your Master's criticism earlier because you thought he said your singing was bad, which in turn tells me that a part of you actually does believe it but will not admit to it. Am I right?"
"Ugh..." Elizabeth groaned in response, knowing that Lancer had hit a mark just then. As much as she hated to admit it, a part of her did think that way.
"It seems that I am correct then." Vlad said, smirking somewhat. "Very well, to help allay your dislike of being criticized, I shall be the audience to your singing from now on."
"Hah?"
Elizabeth asked, mouth agape at what she just heard. Were her ears filled with too much dirt or something?
"You seemed shocked."
"O-Of course I am! What do you mean by audience!? How is that supposed to help me at all!?"
If anything, Lancer suddenly becoming her audience made her all the more nervous!
"Simple. If I'm the one critiquing your work, then you wouldn't be able to attack me out of anger wouldn't you?" Vlad replied with a simple smile on his face, placing a hand over the former's shoulder while walking past her. "Now then, get going and find your Master. I shall be waiting."
With that, the Sovereign of Wallachia left. Leaving Elizabeth by herself as she dropped to the floor with both hands on the ground.
"I'm dead..."
"Hehe, that was a rather generous thing for you to do Lancer."
Chiron commented, standing beside Vlad as the two men stood outside on a balcony overlooking the city of Trifas below.
"Do you wish to say something Archer?"
"I'm simply surprised I suppose. I didn't think that you would do something like that for Berserker. Pardon me for saying this, but it feels like you're doting on her."
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
"Aside from myself, my Master, and Rider, the others have had nothing but complaints regarding her behavior. Yet I've never truly heard one from you in comparison. Rather, you're always rather calm when dealing with her. Might I ask why?"
"I simply realized that being mad at her wouldn't do any good." Vlad replied, hands held together behind his back as he took in the sight before him. "Elizabeth Bathory is a child at heart, one who seeks attention from others. She doesn't need anger directed her way for that would only make her even more rebellious than she already is."
"Does her past not bother you? Nor her lack of regret to it?"
"Who am I to judge someone because of their past?" The Sovereign of Wallachia replied once more. "What matters the most is what Elizabeth intends to do with herself in the present, and I do not intend on letting her fall into the same type of depravity that led to her becoming the Bloody Countess of Hungary. She's found herself a purpose in this life with her passion for singing, and so I intend to do what I can to help her with that."
"Spoken like a true hero Lancer." Chiron simply smiled in response. "I doubt that many would try to do what you're doing for her. You have admiration."
"I'm no hero. I'm simply a man of God doing what I can to help guide another onto a proper path."
Vlad stated, turning to leave as the former simply followed soon afterwards.
Only a few days more before the Holy Grail War would commence. Best to ready themselves soon...
Side Act II:
Elsa and Ayaka
"So it's all finally over... isn't it?"
A young woman muttered to herself, standing atop a rooftop of a hotel overlooking the region. Looking towards the distance as the sun rose over the horizon.
Last night had been rather eventful. An explosion had taken place near the mountain areas of the region. The military had quickly scrambled and panicked had gripped the people as many feared that the Allies had launched a surprise attack of them. The commotion died down when it was apparent that what happened was a stand alone incident rather than actual attack as many had feared, though were none were able to pinpoint the exact cause of it.
However, she knew the likely cause of the explosion.
'It's very likely that was Saber's doing...'
She mused, having seen the type of devastation the blonde-haired knight in silver could do once he unleashed the Noble Phantasm he had in his hands. It was a holy sword like no other, perhaps even the greatest holy sword in existence.
The one and only Excalibur...
Knowing that, it was quite clear that Saber's true identity was none other than...
"King Arthur..."
She muttered with barely a whisper of her breath, wondering to herself as to what could have made Saber to utilize his Noble Phantasm like that. She had only seen one instance of it being used, and that was when...
"..."
The young woman paused for a moment, placing a hand over her heart as it tightened. Tears starting to form from the corners of her eyes...
"Archer, by the power of my Command Spell, I order you to use your Noble Phantasm!"
She spoke those words didn't she? Perhaps, if she didn't, then-
"No..."
The young woman quietly spoke to herself as she shook her head.
'Archer wouldn't want me to mope around about it... It was his choice too after all.'
The Battle of Tokyo Bay... It was during that time that they had to go up against Rider, who himself was an incredibly powerful Servant. In an attempt to take down all of the remaining Masters at once, the latter was planning on burning down the entirety of Tokyo just to do it.
The Servants had banded together to stop him, and it was a fierce battle indeed. Five Servants going up against a single one... It was the first time such an occurrence had happened in the history of the Holy Grail War. At least as far as she knew at the time.
In the end, it came down to both Saber and Archer to take Rider down. Both utilized their Noble Phantasms at the same time in order to do so.
However, Archer's Noble Phantasm came at a price, and that was none other than his own life.
"Sorry Elsa, looks like I won't be around to help you out anymore..."
Such were the last words that Archer spoke to her through their link as Master and Servant. Even though it meant that he would die without obtaining the grail, Archer didn't mind sacrificing himself if it was meant for the sake of others, it was one of the things she liked about him.
Still, she could only weep at his loss. In the short time they were together, he had become a close friend of hers already. She knew that it would be the case once the war was finished, but still... She would have wanted to finish it with him until the end.
"Hah..."
Elsa sighed to herself, looking up at the sky while wiping away the tears from her eyes.
"Thank you Archer, for everything..."
A simple farewell was all she could say at this point. She knew that it wouldn't reach him, but she felt that saying it was only fair.
And with what happened last night, she also knew that by then the Holy Grail War was already over. Elsa didn't actually knew if any of the Servants still lived, but her gut feeling told her otherwise. Perhaps it was woman's intuition?
"Saijou-san!"
"Huh?"
Turning around, Elsa found herself staring at one of the staff members of the hotel she was staying at.
"Yes? Is there something I can help you with?"
"Please come down stairs, there's an... Well, you have a guest I suppose."
"A guest?"
"Ah, you're...!"
Elsa muttered in blank amazement, staring at the little girl in front of her who was fidgeting nervously.
"G-Good morning..."
The girl greeted, bowing before going right back to what she was doing just then. Elsa could only nod back out of courtesy, staring at the girl still in shock.
"This girl's name is Sajyou Ayaka. She arrived here just this early morning."
"Yes, I know of her."
How could she not know about the girl? She had met her father once before, and her sister was the Master of Saber, and their families were distantly related to each other as well. Though she didn't personally know much about them herself as she was something of an outsider.
"Really? Because we were confused since the person who brought her here was asking for a woman named Tohsaka Elsa. Given that your name is also Elsa, we thought that perhaps-"
"Saijou is my birth family's name. Tohsaka is the name that belongs to my husband's lineage. I just tend to use Saijou when I'm on business." The young woman explained as the staff member nodded in understanding. "At any rate, where's the person who brought this girl here? May I speak with them?"
"Unfortunately she left before we could get anything from her. All she said was to take care of the girl when wakes up."
"Did she now?"
Elsa repeated to herself in thought. It sounded rather suspicious. Just who could it have been?
No, that wasn't important right now. What mattered was dealing with the girl in front of her. Who at the moment was still fidgeting nervously as the adults around her kept talking much to her confusion of her own situation. Elsa didn't really know what to do herself.
Still, the girl in front of her looked to be incredibly troubled. Regardless of who she was and whatever grudges she had against her sister as a result of the Holy Grail War's events, as an adult it was her duty to help the poor thing out.
Not only that, but looking at the girl...
'She's probably around Luca's age right now...'
For a moment, Elsa smiled bitterly to herself. Perhaps had she-No, there was no point in dwelling on that either. She needed to focus on what was in front of her.
Taking a deep breath, the young woman readied herself as she knelt in front of Ayaka while smiling sweetly at her.
"It's alright Ayaka-chan." She spoke softly, trying to ease the young girl's nerves. "My name is Elsa. Can you tell me why you're here?"
"I-I don't know..." Ayaka replied, still nervous. "The last thing I remember is... Papa was... Onee-chan and me were-Agh!"
"Ah! What's wrong!?"
The young girl held her head in pain as the adults around her panicked at the sight. Elsa most especially as she held Ayaka close, trying to soothe the latter as much as she can. From the looks of it, it was working as the girl started to calm down.
"Are you alright?"
"I-I am... my head just started to hurt all of a sudden." Ayaka replied, looking down sadly. "I-I can't remember anything either..."
"You can't remember anything? Nothing at all?"
"I can't. I can remember Papa and Onee-chan, but I can't remember anything else..."
"Shh, it's alright. Calm down okay?"
Elsa smiled as she once more soothed the young girl in her arms. Could it be amnesia? It wasn't that far fetched a reason. Having traveled around the world, Elsa had seen many similar cases to what Ayaka was displaying just then. Just what could have caused it?
She mentioned her father and sister... Did something happen to them? It was within reason to suspect it. The explosion last night wasn't something a mere bomb could achieve as far as she knew, only a Servant could achieve that level of power. Saber happened to fit the bill, and his Master was very likely with him when it happened.
If so, did that mean the girl was now an orphan?
"Ayaka-chan, do you have any relatives that we can call for?"
"No... it's just me, Papa, and Onee-chan. Mama died a long time ago too."
"I see..."
Elsa pursed her lips, feeling sympathy for the girl at the lost of her mother. And given the nature of the Holy Grail War, there was a chance that her father was dead in addition to the possible death of her sister. It was still too early to tell, but the possibility was high especially given what happened last night.
Knowing that, it made it all the more harder to tell Ayaka about it. There was no telling how hard she was going to take it, and she wasn't about to let a child cry.
With that, a thought came to the young woman as she smiled at the girl in her arms.
"Then if that's the case, do you want to stay with me for now?" She asked.
"Huh?" Ayaka looked up, somewhat confused. "What did you say...?"
"I said how about you stay with me for now?" Elsa once more asked, smiling as wide as she could in order to help relax the girl. "Until we find out about what happened with your father and sister, how about you live with me?"
"B-But Papa said to never talk to strangers..."
"Oh? But I'm not a stranger am I?"
"You're not?"
"Yes!" Elsa nodded, patting Ayaka on the head. "The truth is, in a way I am actually your Aunt. My family and your family are distantly related. Do you understand? That means I'm not a stranger but family."
"Family...?"
The young girl's eyes brightened as she repeated said word. Elsa knew from that alone that she was getting through to her. What she was saying wasn't exactly a lie either. She was technically related to Ayaka through her marriage with her husband.
A part of her was hesitant about taking care of a child again. After what happened with Luca, she wasn't sure of it. The pain was still too fresh in her mind...
However, seeing the girl before her, a part of her was compelled to aid Ayaka. She couldn't call herself a proper parent if she didn't do something to help out a child in need.
As for Ayaka herself, she paused for a moment thinking on what the woman before her had said. Was it really true? Were they really related? She didn't really know who she was, but a part of her did feel safe being held by Elsa.
It was like having her mother around again, Elsa gave off the same feeling for some reason.
With that...
"T-Then can I really stay with you...?"
The girl asked as she suddenly sprung up, as though life had been poured into her all of a sudden. She went from sullen to somewhat cheerful within that split second. Elsa could only smile at the sight of this. Children often were easy to please with just the right words.
"Well so long as you don't mind yourself, I don't mind either. At least until we can find out what happened to your father and sister." Elsa repeated once more as she stood up from bent herself forward while extending a hand towards the young girl. "What do you say then?"
"Y-Yes!"
Ayaka replied, taking the former's hand into her own.
Two years had passed since then...
Months after the Holy Grail War in Tokyo, both Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed with what were now called Nuclear Weapons by the US Military Forces. With that, Japan had raised their flags in surrender towards the United States. Signifying the end of their participation in World War II. Not long after that, Germany would surrender as well resulting in the war being won by the Allied Forces.
For Elsa, she supposed that such a thing was inevitable. The United States was like a sleeping dragon. It was large and big, with various resources at their disposal. The moment Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor, their fate had been sealed. She didn't particularly care which side was in the right and who wasn't, that was for the historians to debate. For now, she was just glad that it was all over. Having lived through two wars, with one taking place in the middle of another, she's had more than enough of it.
At the moment, she was just content on contemplating on the future of her family.
"Mama!"
The redhead smiled to herself when she suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her neck.
Turning her head, she saw Ayaka standing behind her with a bright smile on her face.
"What are you doing~?"
"Oh nothing dear, I'm just writing something in my journal."
"What's it about~?"
"That's a secret~!" Elsa replied as she closed the book before the girl could take a peek.
"Ehh~?"
Ayaka moaned in annoyance. The former simply giggled at this as she held the girl close while nuzzling her much to the former's delight.
Within those two years, Elsa had discovered that the Ayaka's father and sister had indeed perished during the Holy Grail War. Given how powerful a Servant Saber was, she had to wonder to herself as to what could have possibly resulted in that girl's death. She supposed that it didn't matter.
As a result, given Ayaka's situation, she also ended up adopting the girl herself. With no family left that the girl could turn to, Elsa was the only person that could cater to Ayaka's needs, especially as she was a budding magus.
And more than anyone else, she understood her pain. Both of them lost their families... Perhaps that was why she and Ayaka got along so well?
'Still, to think she used to be so depressed back then...'
Elsa remembered the girl would sometimes cry for days on without end. She was amazed that Ayaka had already recovered so well, becoming the cheerful girl she was now in contrast to how she was back then on the day they met.
After the Holy Grail War, Elsa had also become the head of the Tohsaka family. With both her husband and child having perished before it, that left the Tohsaka without an heir. Fortunately, with Ayaka being a blood relative as a member of the Sajyou, the magic crest could be passed onto her. She had already ran tests and found that there would be no issue in transferring it to the young girl.
For now though, Elsa refrained from doing it. She was just happy letting Ayaka live a joyful life for now. After what happened two years ago, she deserved it.
Done were the two of the with the Holy Grail War. She heard rumors of someone planning on starting it up once more, but that's no longer the responsibility of the Tohsaka. If the family was to truly survive, she needed to steer into a different direction. One that diverged from the path of the Holy Grail War.
'Speaking of paths...'
Elsa had contemplated on moving somewhere else. Tokyo was filled with many sorrowful memories for both her and Ayaka.
Perhaps some place quiet like Fuyuki City? The Tohsaka also had claim to the land there after all. She even already had plans to sell the Tohsaka Estate in Tokyo.
At the moment she and Ayaka were even living at the Sajyou Estate as the preparations were made. And since Ayaka was still young, the deed to her family's household had been passed into her hands since she was the girl's adopted mother. Since it was the home that the former had grown up in for the past eight years, Elsa had decided against selling it as well. That decision belonged to Ayaka alone once she was old enough to decide.
And since that decision was years away, she supposed that there was no point on dwelling on it.
All her focus should be on her daughter. That was the most important thing to her right now.
...!
"Hmm?"
Elsa paused for a moment as her nose caught onto something, beginning to sniff around before focusing on Ayaka herself as she frowned at the latter.
"Ayaka, you haven't taken your bath yet have you?"
"Um... I forgot~?"
The girl replied somewhat apologetically. Elsa merely sighed at this. It was always in the mornings did the girl sometimes forget to bathe.
A thought came to her mind as the redhead smiled.
"Then if that's the case, since I haven't taken a bath myself yet, how about we take one together then?"
"Really? Yay!"
Elsa smiled as she stood up from her desk walked hand in hand with Ayaka. This was the likely reason she didn't take a bath in the first place. Not that she minded, she liked spending time with the girl. After what happened with her family, she didn't think she'd experience this type of happiness again.
'Now that I think about it, today's the day she and I are going to get our picture taken. After that, maybe she and I should go to the park to play?'
Well, no rush she supposed. They had a long day ahead of them after all.
Side Act II:
The Witch Of Camelot
"Right then, do you understand?"
"Yes your majesty, at once!"
Arthur nodded in response as the two knights in front of him quickly left the audience room, heading off to perform their duties while leaving the former by himself.
Once he was alone however, the young man sighed heavily as leaned back on his throne, massaging his forehead while groaning somewhat.
'That's another meeting down I suppose...'
"Now I don't think that's appropriate behavior for a King don't you agree?"
A voice called out to him, somewhat startling the young man as he turned his attention towards the source.
Turning his gaze, he saw Guinevere standing beside him with a smile on her face.
"My apologies, I didn't realize you were there."
"Perhaps you would have if not for the fact that you're running a high fever." The latter pointed out, walking over to her husband with a frown while placing a hand over his forehead. She sighed once she felt the heat. "I knew it, it hasn't gone down at all."
Arthur merely sighed at this himself. Thanks to an incident caused by Kay and Merlin, he ended up the way he currently was as a result.
"Arthur, I know that you have your duties to attend to, but I do implore that you at least take some time off for yourself in order to recover. You being ill is a favor to no one aside from our kingdom's enemies."
"I know that, but if I don't at least do this then I feel I'm showing weakness."
Arthur replied, trying to sit up only for Guinevere to stand in front of him as she pushed him back down.
"It's not a sign of weakness for one to try and recover from what ails them."
The latter stated, sighing at her husband as she shook her head.
Perhaps she should have expected this. Though he didn't mind others relying on him, especially once he took to the throne, Arthur was never one who wanted to rely too much on others himself. The hypocrisy of such a thing was not lost on her, but she started to believe that it was on him.
"Listen Arthur, as your Queen it's my duty to support you in ruling the kingdom, but I cannot do that if you allow yourself to be run ragged like this." Guinevere stated as she knelt beside her husband. "Please, just let me handle everything for now. Who do you think taught you about governing in the first place?"
"I suppose you do have a point there..."
Arthur groaned somewhat. Though he was taught about governing and the like by both his father and Merlin, trying to apply what he learned from them was somewhat harder than he expected it to be. It turned out there were still things he needed to know. Luckily for him however, Guinevere was just the teacher he needed. She was the daughter of another king after all, so she knew what to expect from a court of royal intrigue. Better than he, one who was raised somewhere far from it.
"Very well then, I'll do as you say." He resigned, knowing there was no winning against his wife's words. "But, if there's anything going on that needs my full attention then do not hesitate to call on me alright?"
"I know. And thank you for listening~"
Guinevere smiled in relief, leaning down as she planted a kiss on her husband's cheek. Embarrassing the young man somewhat at the sudden show of affection, something that the former took joy in. It was a rare sight to see the normally calm and composed Arthur flustered the way he was.
"By the way, where is Lucius?"
Arthur asked, trying to change the subject. He hadn't seen his son all day. He was starting to feel bad, as together with that he hadn't been spending much time with the boy lately thanks to his duties. He supposed that it was only natural, but it wasn't fair to his son either way.
"With Bedivere. I believe that they're in the garden as we speak."
"In that case, perhaps I should go see him." The former stated, standing up.
"Oh no you don't. He'll want to play with you, and knowing you, you'll agree to it even despite your condition." Guinevere said, quickly stopping her husband from going anywhere. "Just go ahead and take some time for yourself in our room. I'll bring Lucius to you later once you're feeling better."
"But-"
"No arguments!"
"Ugh..."
"What? His highness is sick?"
"Yes Agravain, Arthur apologizes for the inconvenience."
Guinevere replied to Agravain, the black-armored knight being somewhat surprised by the revelation.
"I see, then I suppose there's no helping it. I'll inform the others of this. For now I suppose we shall be reporting to you my Queen."
"Yes, but only for a short time. Once Arthur rests, he'll recover in no time at all."
"Let us hope he does. It does not bode well when the King is not there to govern us."
The black-armored knight stated in reply as he left. Staring at his back as he did so, Guinevere couldn't help but sigh to herself.
Agravain's words just now... Perhaps she was looking into it too deeply, but it felt as though it was somehow directed at her as an insult. She knew that the former had difficulties with women for some reason, so it wasn't that far fetched a guess.
'No, I shouldn't think of such ill things...'
She thought to herself. It was just that she always felt so nervous while the black-armored knight was around, a sentiment which was shared by others she knew.
Ever since the day he first arrived, Agravain had quickly made a name for himself as the most stoic member among the Knights of the Round Table. He was a dutiful knight through and through, yet he was so indifferent to the people around him.
It was like talking to a statue she supposed. Barely anything affected Agravain, whether it be the news of a comrade having died in combat, it wouldn't have affected his way of carrying out his duties. In a way, it reminded her of Arthur a little. Her husband was a man of honor, one who abides by the law. No matter his personal feelings, he would see to it that everyone, even some of their enemies, would be treated fair and justly.
Perhaps that's why her husband allowed Agravain to join the Round Table? Because both were somewhat similar to each other?
"Hahaha~!"
The young woman was snapped out of her thoughts when all of a sudden a child's laughter could be heard echoing throughout the castle halls. She quickly knew who it belonged to, as it was a sound she had become all too familiar with in the pass few years.
Noting that the source of the laughter came from behind her, Guinevere turned around to see-
"Mother~!"
A young boy leaped into her arms, hugging her tightly as the young woman smiled in response as she stroked the boy's head.
"Hehe, hello there Lucius."
Her and Arthur's pride and joy, born to them a little over four years ago. Lucius had taken after his father greatly, looking very much like a younger version of Arthur only he had her hair color instead. He was a true blessing for the both of them.
"Were you looking for me?" She asked.
"Hm! It's been so boring just studying all the time! Can you play with me? Please~?"
He asked. No, rather Lucius begged with a hopeful tone in his voice. Guinevere merely giggled at this. Lucius was a very cheerful child in comparison to his parents, always wanting to spend time with either her or Arthur. Though she still had other duties to attend to, a part of her wanted to cater to her son's wish. Knowing this, she sometimes wondered to herself if they were spoiling him too much.
But that couldn't be helped could it? What parent wouldn't want to spoil their child?
"Milady."
Guinevere looked up, seeing Bedivere walk up to the two of them with a formal bow to the former. One she simply returned with a nod.
"My apologies for troubling you with him Bedivere."
"No, it was my pleasure to look after the prince." The knight replied with a smile. "So young, yet he's taking his lessons quite seriously."
"Really? Is that true Lucius?" Guinevere asked, looking at her son.
"Yes! It might boring to me, but I want to make you and father proud one day. So I'm doing my best!"
"Hehe, your father and I are already quite proud of you."
Guinevere replied, wrapping her arms around her son's neck as she stood behind him. Most children that were around Lucius' age would prefer to play rather than study, and even her son was no different in that regard. Still, the fact that he was taking his studies seriously was a boon. She could see him having a good future ahead of him if he continued to do so. Perhaps once he took the throne, he could take the country to a future that not even his father could?
Aah, but perhaps she was thinking too far ahead. For now, all that mattered was the present. Lucius was still a child after all.
"Still, you're being a good boy by studying so hard. Because of that, we can play with each other for a while."
"Really? Yay~!"
Lucius turned around and once more hugged his mother tightly around the waist. One that the latter happily returned. She supposed there was no harm in playing around for a while if it meant spending time with Lucius. At the moment there wasn't anything happening after all.
"Quite a bond you two have if you don't mind me saying my Queen." Bedivere commented, grinning at the sight of mother and son. "At any rate your highness, I now must take my leave. Sir Gawain and myself have been tasked with clearing a forest of monsters that have been plaguing it recently."
"Very well then, I can handle Lucius from here. Take care of yourself Bedivere."
Bedivere nodded, and with that the one-armed knight left the area.
"Now then, what shall we play?"
Guinevere stated, looking towards her son only to realize that Lucius had disappeared from her sights. Surprised by this, she quickly looked around and saw that he was standing a fair distance behind her.
"Catch me if you can~!"
With that, the young boy ran in the opposite direction. Guinevere merely sighed at this, he just had to pick that one didn't he? And she was wearing a dress too, making it hard for her to run. She had a feeling that it was the reason he decided to do so.
"That boy..."
She shook her head, smiling as she went after her son.
"Now where did he go?"
The young queen muttered to herself, walking about the castle as she searched for her son. Thanks to how quick he was Guinevere had lost sight of him upon turning the corner. With that said, she knew he was close by. She could feel it, perhaps due to mother's intuition.
"Lucius! Where are you~?"
She called out, hoping that the boy would respond. Just where could he be?
Turning another corner, Guinevere smiled as she saw her son's back turned to her. She called out to him.
"So this where you-Huh!?"
"Hmm? Mother?"
The boy turned around, facing his mother and turning his attention away from the woman who stood in front of him. One with long blonde hair light in shade. A woman whom Guinevere was quite familiar with and was shocked to see standing in front of her son.
"Oh? Guinevere is it? Why do you look so surprised?"
"Morgan...!"
The young queen stated, frowning slightly as she walked over to the two.
Morgan Le-Fay... otherwise known as Morgana Pendragon to some. The daughter of the late King Uther and Arthur's older half-sister. Once a proper princess, she would go on to become an incredibly powerful witch that rivaled even the likes of Merlin.
After Arthur had been chosen by the Sword in the Stone, Morgan quickly came to denounce her brother's existence. Unable to accept the fact that her father had cheated on her mother with another, siring a bastard child in the process. Battles between those loyal to the princess and those loyal to the newly discovered prince at the time took place, and it all ended in her husband's victory.
Despite this, though she was a threat to his rule, Arthur had chosen to spare his older sister from death. Not wanting to stain his hands with the blood of his own family, he instead opted to send her away and live someplace else far away from Camelot.
Guinevere had been against this decision, for she knew how deep a hatred a woman would have for those whom she believed have wronged her. Even now years later she still believed it. Regardless of what she thought however, Morgan's fate had already been decided. As queen, she could only support her husband's decision and prayed that his sparing of Morgan wouldn't prove to be a mistake in the long run.
Knowing that being riled up would do her no good, the former took a deep breath and spoke in a calm tone.
"What are you doing here?"
"Hmm? Do I need a reason to finally see my nephew?" Morgan smiled somewhat, leaning down to ruffle Lucius' hair slightly much to the latter's annoyance. "He's such an adorable little boy, you and my brother are quite blessed~"
"Do not lie to me, I know that you're not here for something so simple as that."
"Hmph, I take it you're still rather sour about what happened four years ago?" The blonde-haired woman spoke, her smile turning into a smirk. "I suggest that you move on from that my dear sister-in-law, otherwise the wrinkles on your face are going become permanent with all the glaring you've been doing so far."
"Wait what...!?"
Guinevere paused for a moment in panic, her hands on her face as she inspected herself for any wrinkles before quickly realizing what she was doing.
At this, she frowned at Morgan once more. The latter of whom was giggling in amusement at the former's reaction.
"Do not mock me." She simply said.
"Yes, yes, I understand." Morgan replied halfheartedly with a wave of her hand. "At any rate, if you're truly so curious as to know why I'm here, it just so happens that my dear brother had invited me. Didn't he tell you?"
"Wait, Arthur did what...!?"
"Hmm? What's this? So he truly didn't tell you then?" Morgan smirked once more. "For him to not mention such a thing to you, his own queen no less, could it be that the two of you are starting to grow apart now? Well I don't blame him, who would want a sheltered princess for a bride? Your kind is only good for breeding children and sealing alliances between kingdoms after all~"
"Insult me as you wish, I have no intention of stooping to your level."
The young queen replied with a cool look on her face. Though inwardly, she was incredibly angered by the insults directed her way.
"Oh you're no fun." Morgan pursed her lips in annoyance at her sister-in-law's firm stance. "Ah well, I suppose I should just tell you. With the Roman Empire looming at our borders, Arthur reached out to me and suggested for the both of us to form an alliance."
"I see..."
Guinevere nodded in understanding. It was a decision that made sense to her. Regardless of how powerful her husband, the Knights of the Round Table, and their forces were, the Holy Roman Empire was a monstrosity in itself with the amount of territories and resources it had. At its helm was a man known as Lucius Tiberius, the current Emperor of Rome and a skilled military leader and warrior. Known as the Sword Emperor; he commanded legions of men nearing the thousands.
At the moment no true conflict had begun between Britain and Rome, though a few skirmishes had already occurred. Still, it was only a matter of time before the Empire decided to finally invade their lands. The true question was when? Would it be tomorrow? A week from now? Perhaps maybe a year?
Not knowing the answer, it was best prepare as much as they could before that time.
'Still, to consider going to Morgan for aid...'
It made sense, Morgan was a powerful witch who still held command over a sizable army herself. Those who were still loyal to the true "proper heir" of Uther as it were. She personally had nothing against Morgan herself, but considering her disdain for her Arthur...
"So you are willing to ally with us?" She decided to ask.
"If need be, then yes. Tiberius will eventually invade one day and I'm not inclined to let such a thing happen." Morgan replied before smirking. "Still, if I could I would much rather pay Arthur back for the humiliation he gave me five years ago. The thought of allying with him simply disgusts me."
"I see, so you truly haven't let go of-"
...!
"Ah!"
Morgan quickly closed the distance between herself and Guinevere much to the latter's surprise, grabbing her by the hand and squeezing on it. Glaring at her with such intensity that it visibly made the young queen sweat. As she did so, the blonde-haired witch then spoke.
"Let go of what? Do not assume what I can and cannot let go. That man is a stain on my honor, on my mother's honor. He took away my birthright. Him, a bastard no less! He then had the gall to humiliate me in front of my own people! And instead of granting me the sweet sensation of death, he instead punishes me with life...! There are no words for how I feel! Don't you DARE tell me to simply let it go!"
...!
"Agh...!"
By this point Guinevere was wincing in pain. The more Morgan had went on with her rant, the more power the witch was releasing through her sheer presence. An incredibly amount of heat emanated from her, like she was about to release a flame ready to burn down the castle.
"L-Leave my mother alone...!"
Despite this, Lucius, who up until this point had been confused by the exchange between his mother and the strange woman calling herself his aunt, quickly stepped in and got in between Guinevere and Morgan after seeing his mother in pain.
"L-Lucius!?"
"Oh? What a brave little boy you are. Are you quite sure about this child? Do you realize what it means to stand before me?"
Morgan asked, somewhat impressed with her nephew upon seeing what he just did.
"I-I don't know what's going on... but I know that you're hurting my mother. So please stop it!"
Gazing into his eyes, Morgan noted that determined look that her nephew had. Something that she could only smile in amusement at.
"That's quite enough, Morgan."
A voice called out from behind the blonde-haired witch, the latter turning her head just in time to see a hooded figure appearing beside her with the tip of a wooden staff aimed for her neck much to Morgan's surprise at how she failed to notice someone approaching them.
There was only person she knew who could perform such a feat.
And that was none other than...
"Aunt Merlin~!" Lucius called out, relieved at the appearance of the former as she took off her hood.
Yes, Merlin. The Court Magus of Camelot and mentor to her brother. Once she was Morgan's own mentor years ago before Merlin's disappearance after her father's death. To her surprise and anger, she later reappeared supporting that bastard child of all people.
"Heh, it's been a while Merlin. As always, for a hag you look as beautiful as ever~" Morgan greeted, a wicked smile on her face.
"Oh? Call me a hag once more and this amazing older sister shall give you a spanking~" Merlin merely smiled back in response, an aura of anger now surrounding the white-haired woman. "Now would you be so kind as to let go of the young lady? Otherwise you shall be met with action from the great Merlin herself."
"Hmph, referring to yourself in third person. Are you a child?"
Morgan scoffed, releasing her hold on Guinevere as was told. The latter quickly stepping back from the former as she pulled her Lucius along with her.
"Only when I'm dealing with you of course~" Merlin replied, looking over her former pupil with a glint in her eyes. "And as impressive as your growth has been over the years, I feel inclined to say that you will never reach my level of beauty of course~"
"Mock me will you...?"
The blonde stated, smirking somewhat in anger as she glared at Merlin. But before anything could be said however, Morgan quickly calmed herself down. She was here on business. She might as well conclude it already so that she can leave.
"I suppose I must apologize then. Here I am, a guest at another's castle, acting out as I did." She stated halfheartedly.
"Well with that ill-temper it's not surprising~"
Merlin snidely remarked as the former glared at her. Ignoring the urge to talk back to her former mentor, she spoke.
"Tell me, where is my dear brother? That fool sent for me yet I cannot find him at all. I'd rather conclude my business with him already so that I might leave."
"H-He's sick. He came down with a high fever unfortunately and had to rest." Guinevere spoke up in reply. "That leaves me in charge I suppose..."
"I see..." Morgan nodded before a smirk came over her. "Still, to catch a fever? I suppose that's to be expected from a fool like my dear brother."
"Oh? Then what does that make you then child? After all, you're the one who was beaten by said fool~"
"Tch...! Remind me of that again and I shall cut out your throat hag."
"Do try child~"
"Is that right...!?"
Morgan stated, finally having enough of Merlin's mockery as she turned to face her former mentor.
"Enough!"
Guinevere cried out, getting in between two women herself, turning her attention towards the other white-haired woman.
"Please Merlin, let me handle this. You're only antagonizing her." She said, bringing Lucius forward as she continued. "For now, please just look after Lucius while I discuss things with Morgan about the alliance."
"Are you sure that's quite wise my dear?" Merlin asked, taking Lucius' hand in her own. "She did threaten you just now."
"I know that, but if Arthur believes that it's alright to bring her here in spite of the danger she presents, then I must see it through as his Queen."
Guinevere firmly replied, something that Morgan simply shook her head at in amusement. Her brother truly did pick a bride that matched his own brand of idiocy.
"Very well then." Merlin nodded in understanding before smiling at the former. "Be sure to behave alright Mo-Mo? You wouldn't want to anger the amazing Merlin right~?"
"Who are you calling Mo-Mo? Just leave already!"
Before Lucius could even protest about leaving his mother behind, both him and Merlin disappeared within a flash.
Within that brief moment however, the latter took the time to stick her tongue out at the Morgan as she disappeared.
Morgan simply frowned in anger at this. What was she a child?
"I see, so she said those things did she?"
"Yes, though I suppose it's my fault for saying what I did."
Guinevere replied, sitting beside her husband bedside as she tended to the latter as he rested, placing a wet cloth over his forehead.
"No, it's my fault. I should have told you about Morgan arriving today. It's just that I had-"
"I understand." The young queen smiled and replied softly, placing a hand upon her husband's cheek. "Don't you worry about it. For now, just get some rest."
"I know." Arthur nodded simply smiled in response as well. "What of Lucius? How is he?"
"Merlin had taken him with her somewhere in the Castle. I believe she did so just in case Morgan did anything to him." Guinevere replied, frowning as she held her hands together. "Are you quite sure about this Arthur? Allying with Morgan... You know how much she hates don't you?"
"Yes, which is why I asked that we join forces for the time being." Arthur stated, looking up towards the ceiling as he continued. "Morgan is a powerful magus. With the coming trouble, I wish to keep an eye on her more closely. And if she disapproves of me being on the throne, then I doubt she'd take kindly to outsiders wishing to invade the lands for themselves. Knowing that, it's better to have her on our side for the time being rather than not at all."
"But those aren't the only reasons are they...?" The former asked.
"Am I that obvious?" Arthur simply sighed, a crooked smile on his face as he spoke. "I love Kay and my father Ector, they will always be family to me. Still, knowing that I have a sister who's actually related to me... Through this alliance, a part of me wishes that she and I could get along even if temporarily. Consider it a foolish wish of mine I suppose."
"No, it's not foolish." Guinevere replied as she shook her head, smiling at her husband. "At any rate, I suppose that I should mention something in regards to the alliance. Morgan told me that she wishes to send over a knight of hers as her personal envoy on the Round Table."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, and I decided to send Sir Bors over as our own towards her. I believe he's capable enough for the task."
"I see. Did Morgan give us the name of the knight she's sending?"
"Ah, she said that his name is Mordred."
"Mordred?"
Arthur muttered to himself, a strange feeling in his chest as he repeated the name. He had heard of a knight by that name serving his sister before but not much.
"Well then, I suppose we should prepare for his-"
"Father~!"
...!
"Oof!"
Before either of the two knew it, Lucius appeared out of nowhere and jumped onto the bed. Landing atop Arthur's stomach much to the latter's chagrin.
"Lucius! What have I told you about doing something like that?" Guinevere scolded.
"Um... I'm sorry?" The young boy replied, somewhat embarrassed. "But I heard from aunt Merlin that father was sick, so I was worried about him!"
"My apologies son, your father being ill must make for a sorry sight doesn't he?"
"No, I don't think so." Lucius replied as he shook his head, smiling at his father as he continued. "But get better soon alright? You promised me that you'd play with me! You didn't forget did you? Did you? You did forget didn't you?"
"I didn't forget." Arthur chuckled in response, sitting up as he patted the boy on the head. "Your mother just wants me to rest for now. Don't worry, once I'm better the first thing I'm going to do is play with you as much as you want. I promise."
"Yay~!"
"Now don't forget Lucius, you still have your studies to attend to." Guinevere replied, sitting on the bed as she held her son close with a smile on her face. "If you do well only then will your father play with you as much as you want. But if you don't..."
"I haven't forgotten!" Lucius stated with a pout. "And of course I'll do well!"
"That's what I like to hear." The white-haired woman replied, tightening her hug over the boy. "And I'm sorry, weren't able to spend much time playing because of what happened earlier. Do you want to continue where we left off?"
"Really?" The boy asked, a gleeful look in his eyes before it disappeared for a moment. "But I want to talk to father some more."
"You two can talk all you want later. For now, your father needs his rest." Guinevere stated in response before a thought came to mind. "I know! How about we go horseback riding on Llamrei? I know you'll love that!"
"Can we!?"
Lucius asked as Guinevere nodded much to his delight, a sight that Arthur simply smiled at.
Looking back on everything so far, he could never have imagined having a family of his own like this back when he first drew Caliburn from the stone. At one point, he believed such things were impossible for him with his duties.
"Hmm? What are you smiling at father?"
"Nothing my child, just go on and have fun. Don't mind me."
Lucius nodded, and together with Guinevere, both bid the young man farewell for now with the latter insisting once more that he get his sleep. Something that Arthur simply shook his head at amusement.
Right now, if there was one thing he desired more than anything else, it was to keep them safe and happy. As King, he was going to make it his goal to create a place where they can, together with all of his people as well.
On his honor, this much he would swear.
"I-I'm what...!?"
Mordred asked, unable to believe what she just heard.
"Come now child, have you gone deaf?"
Morgan replied, simply smirking in amusement at the former's reaction. At the castle where she had been banished to by her brother, both were currently standing at a balcony that overlooked the plains below.
"A-Are you serious mother? This isn't some sort of joke right!?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"It's not that...! But you've always hated father, so for you to-"
"Listen well Mordred..."
Her mother stated, quickly closing the distance between them as the former placed both hands on Mordred's shoulders.
"What we have now is a golden opportunity. I want you to work hard and become one of the King's greatest knights. Doing that will prove your loyalty to him, and when that happens he'll let his guard down around you. Once that's done... Well, I'll leave that to your imagination my dear~"
"Mother..."
Mordred frowned once her mother turned away, the latter giggling in amusement at her own words. She should have expected this. Years of living together with the woman before her had taught the young blonde about what her mother was like. Making use of alliance as a cover for her own plans was just like her.
Still, the idea simply didn't sit well with her. Not when her father was the prime target...
"What of the alliance you made with him? Is it just a ruse?" She decided to ask.
"Of course not, don't be silly. Lucius Tiberius and his army are indeed threats to this land. As the true heir to Britain's throne, I will not have barbarians such as that fool invade this country." Morgan replied, crossing her arms as she turned away from Mordred and looked towards the horizon. "And though it pains me to admit it, that man is also quite powerful on his own. Just to be sure, I'd much rather take him on only when I have another by my side."
"I see..." Mordred nodded in understanding.
"Now that that's settled, be off now. You need to prepare for you trip after all. Do your best and earn your father's trust alright my dear~?"
"Understood."
Mordred simply nodded once more, turning around as she walked away from her mother.
Much like the latter said, she might as well go and prepare for her eventual journey to Camelot for now. There were many things that needed to be settled first, most of which were trivial in nature such as making sure that her armor was clean but not spotless. She didn't want to appear like a knave nor a country bumpkin after all.
As the young blonde thought about what to do, her mind also went through what her mother had said.
Joining the Knights of the Round Table had been something of a dream of hers, and now she had the opportunity to do so.
But, to use that as an opportunity to kill her father...
'I refuse! Say what you will mother, but I refuse to be your pawn anymore!'
One thing was clear to Mordred. The moment she officially joined the Round Table, her mothers commands would no longer matter to her. That part of her was done.
A King without selfishness, a King who devoted himself to protecting his people, that was the type of leader that their country needed to lead it. The type of leader that her father was. No matter what her mother had said about him, nothing was going to change that fact.
And nothing was going to change how much she admired her father because of it.
'Still, to be able to have a chance at serving father...'
Now that she thought about it, what should he say when they finally meet? Would her father be alright with having a knight like her serve under him? One who was relatively unknown compared to the other members of the Round Table?
Well, she supposed it didn't matter. So long as she proved herself, which Mordred knew that she could, he'll definitely accept her.
Definitely, even if she were to reveal her true heritage...
'No, that's not important!'
Mordred shook her head, looking towards the sky above her for a moment before continuing on her way. Though she tried to ignore such thoughts, one came to mind.
Perhaps, maybe one day she could tell him...?
Extra Act:
Strange Cafe
(Written by ForteOfTheBallad98)
It was a quiet day in the routine of the cafe known as Ahnenerbe. The four Neco workers- Arc, Bubbles, Destiny and Evolution were frankly bored. It had been some time since the interdimensional Holy Grail War had brought any business, which meant they hardly got paid! As of now, they merely spent their time playing with balls of rolled up string or drinking shots.
"Ahhhh, business is bad this month..." Destiny noted, as Bubbles nodded enthusiastically. "We need the money! If only that Holy Grail War thing happened again, just like years ago! That brought in a lot of cash!"
They all nodded at her statement, cleaning more glasses or just lazing about. Indeed, they were quite massively bored- just recently, that organisation called 'Chaldea' had boosted their income quite a bit- especially as that King of Heroes had dumped more jewels at them just because he could.
It was unfortunate that the blue lancer guy had died from a rather improbable case of getting mauled to death by a dog. Everyone had been in complete shock, but had soon made sure the dog was fed with his remains.
Hey, dog food was expensive! They had to use any resources they had, you know!
All in all, business was pathetic. However...
The bell rung as the doors opened. Immediately, thanks to their instincts, they jumped into action! Cleaning all glasses and arranging all tables spectacularly... their atrophied skills immediately made themselves known once more! In the next moment, all the
"Ah, customers!" Neco-Arc, a small cat that bore a suspicious resemblance to a certain blonde vampire. "Please, come in, come in! We would be glad for you business!"
"Thank you for the hospitality," A young blonde man nodded to them. "I take it seats are available for our party?"
Neco-Arc briefly looked around the bar, taking in the space as well as the rather large party the young man brought with him, before nodding.
"We should have enough room-nyan!" Neco-Arc replied, as the Necos led the party to get them seated. "Please, have an enjoyable night!"
"We will, thank you!" Two blonde women who looked exactly alike answered at the same time.
After realising this, they blushed before sitting at one table with the young man, who was looking rather amused. At another table, another two identical girls sat at the same table, wearing the same skimpy outfit but having a slightly differing demeanour between them.
Destiny sat back over the bar, rubbing her paws together delightfully. "Ahhh yes-nyan, I can see the money coming in now!"
Bubbles nodded vigorously, while everyone got seated and ordered drinks as well as getting comfortable on the cushioned, wooden seats.
Yes, business was good.
Arthur sat beside Jeanne at a table, drinking simple green tea. Looking across the table, his gaze sat on the other Jeanne. By all means, she was identical to his companion, in terms of garments and attitude. It was to the point the only way to figure out whom they were was by seeing which Jeanne blushed in his presence. He privately labelled that one, 'M-Jeanne' and the other 'A-Jeanne'.
He may not believe himself worthy of love anymore, but even he wasn't oblivious to people caring for him. That was Galahad's department!
"So, you are Ruler in this 'Apocrypha' timeline, yes?" M-Jeanne asked of her counterpart. "It seems you experienced something quite different to us."
Yes. A-Jeanne had most definitely experienced a different Greater Grail War than them. For example, she hadn't summoned Arthur as her Servant partner- the Grail hadn't even asked her to. As well, there existed no Manaka there and because of that, the Greater Grail was stolen by Shirou Amakusa. Lastly, several Servants were in different classes and only Shirou was the Master of the Red Faction: from what she had told them, in addition Achilles was on the same side as Karna as Rider of Red.
Arthur gave out pity to the Black Faction. They truly wouldn't have been able to win anyway, especially because of Karna's invincible armor and because they had lost Siegfried, who had given his life to save that of A-Sieg.
Giving up his life to save someone else, as a way to atone for his past errors and to follow his own wish... Arthur stared at his tea cup in thought. It was a worthy end for Siegfried to experience, one that he could perhaps relate to.
After all, hadn't he wanted to save his people as a way to atone for failing them in life? Hadn't he wished to try and save them?
Now the King of Knights slightly understood why Brynhild had compared both himself and Siegfried to Sigurd. Understood, but not much.
"Indeed. I couldn't imagine a Grail War like this," A-Jeanne cut Arthur out of his reverie. "With so many extra Servants, as well as Rider-I mean, Achilles being your ally. It's much better than my Grail War. Though..."
A-Jeanne peered across at another table, watching M-Mordred and A-Mordred arguing about something or other, though words such as 'Father', 'male' and 'praise' stood out.
Arthur smiled good naturedly while sighing. Truly, it seemed Mordred was a universal concept: everything about her was the same no matter where she came from.
He didn't know whether that depressed him or made him happy, that his child in any world was a head-strong, slightly arrogant and vulgar girl.
"Is it wise to have Saber of Red as an ally?" A-Jeanne inquired. "I know that things are different here, but in my world... she was a vicious opponent to face and a bloodthirsty one at that."
"Mordred may be rough around the edges, but I vouch for her." Arthur replied, lowering his tea cup. "I'm proud of her, despite everything that happened between us."
A-Jeanne looked at him strangely, before blushing and drinking more tea from her cup. At the same time, M-Jeanne gained a curious look about her that Arthur wasn't used to seeing, and as such had trouble deciphering it. Was she happy he defended his child? She had to be, but something about her features told Arthur that he was treading on thin ice.
"I can see why you like him..." A-Jeanne mumbled, causing M-Jeanne to blush. "He's quite chivalrous and kind."
"I-Indeed!" M-Jeanne replied hastily. "Arthur is a very nice partner! He shows concern for me, is happy when I am happy and even does the cooking! All in all, he is the perfect-eep!"
M-Jeanne cut herself off by planting a hand over her mouth. Curious, what was she going to say, Arthur wondered. It was adorable however, and he had several ideas on how to induce her to enter that state in the future. Hmmm, would Achilles be willing to help though?
M-Jeanne was flustered for several minutes, before removing her hand and staring down into her cup once more, mumbling about something or other.
"So tell me more about your companions," Arthur requested of A-Jeanne who stopped blushing. "You told us that Sieg is your primary ally?"
"Yes." A-Jeanne replied. "Sieg... he is a very reliable ally despite his 'handicap'. Even now, I don't quite understand why he chose to fight."
A-Jeanne looked down into her cup, deep in thought. Sieg had gained Siegfried's heart, Arthur recalled- this allowed him to transform into Siegfried for a brief period of three minutes. He peered at A-Sieg, who was sitting by himself and just talking to M-Astolfo, who was berating him loudly for some reason.
What a resolve... Sieg was a homunculus, a being with a short life. To have made the decision to fight for something, to actually live despite his destiny being pre-ordained... it was quite admirable, and reminded Arthur of someone- though he couldn't quite recall whom.
The White Knight turned his eyes to the opened part of A-Sieg's shirt. Narrowing his eyes, he caught the sight of something black that resembled scales covering the homunculus' skin.
So that's what that was. Now Arthur knew the price that A-Sieg had paid for his power, the cursed power to assume the form of Siegfried.
He turned his attention away, back to A-Jeanne who had noticed his look towards A-Sieg. Arthur also caught her blushing at the homunculus briefly before turning down to her cup and sipping the tea delicately.
"You love your Sieg, don't you?" Arthur pierced the heart of the matter.
A-Jeanne blushed immensely and spat out her tea comically, drawing a bit of scene. It was quite hilarious, how she spat out the tea like it was a projectile. It took nothing for Arthur and Jeanne to dodge it, only hearing a smack as one of the hosts was knocked to the ground.
"W-w-what do you mean, Arthur?" A-Jeanne stuttered. "Sieg is just a friend- nothing else! Although, he certainly is quite pure, not like those men from the army... Even Gilles..."
"Hoh? So it's like that is it?" Arthur replied slyly, smiling. "You love Sieg because he's pure, right? But... correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't he only some months old?"
A-Jeanne froze in her blubbering, staring at Arthur in blank shock. Arthur, to his credit, noticed and continued on. It had been a while since he amused himself, so he was taking this opportunity to relax and let loose a little.
"I mean, not like there's anything wrong with it. But given what you've told us, it sounds as if you're raising Sieg to be the perfect husband. After all, you did tell us that you found him a place to stay and gave him suggestions, right?"
"I-I...!"
"Not to mention... he seems rather attached to you as a result of your help. Quite impressive- I wish a few of my knights took a queue from how you built up your bond."
"It's-!"
Arthur was having too much fun, something that abruptly ended when he felt something clench on his shoulder. Turning around, his face quickly paled when he saw M-Jeanne's hair hiding her features with a black aura surrounding her.
M-Jeanne had evidently taken poorly to Arthur's teasing of her counterpart. He should have expected this to be honest, but the role he had inserted himself into had been too much fun. Now, his Instinct told him, he was going to pay for it.
"Arthur...!" M-Jeanne growled unexpectedly.
"Y-Yes, Jeanne?" Arthur gulped, his shoulder aching and trying to find a way out of this perilous situation.
All of a sudden... an ahoge sprouted from atop M-Jeanne's head and her sapphire eyes turned amber. Her growl spread into a sadistic smile and she readied two of her fingers.
"You shouldn't flirt with other women. Now I have to punish you~"
"P-please forgive me, Jeanne... GAHHHHHHHH!"
Uncaring of their father's distress, the two Mordreds eyed each other up. Like rival lions trying to take over the other's pride and territory, they were unwilling to give ground when it came to a certain issue. Their Masters were elsewhere, talking over various things, while the two Red Knights 'talked'.
Finally, M-Mordred spoke.
"...Father accepted me you know." A triumphant tone in her voice, M-Mordred smirked. "He's accepted me as his child."
A-Mordred gritted her teeth, acknowledging her counterpart's point. "Gah, that doesn't mean anything! Your father is different to mine."
M-Mordred smirked. "Really? We're both Mordred, so we're both the children of King Arthurs. So my father is your father."
A-Mordred huffed at this, taking a swig of whiskey from a glass beside her. "Tch, at least I haven't softened up like a prude! You aren't killing any of these Servants I see: I would have been able to kill them all!"
"Remember one of Mother's lessons?" M-Mordred asked, causing them both to tense up. "'The enemy of my enemy is my ally'. This alliance is only gonna last as long as that priest has his head, and that girl has the Grail. After that... I'll take care of these fools."
The silence stretching between the duo became deafening, before A-Mordred turned briefly to look at Arthur and M-Jeanne wistfully. She took a deep swig of her drink, belching, before M-Mordred noticed she was looking at her.
"Still, can't believe Father is a guy here..." A-Mordred mumbled. "He's handsome, just like that damn Galahad..."
M-Mordred widened her eyes at this piece of important information. "W-what? Father's a woman where you come from?!"
A-Mordred nodded. "Yeah. I mean, no-one could tell 'cause 'he' always wore armor, but as 'his' child, it's only natural I would know the truth!"
M-Mordred stewed over this information. Father... as a woman? How could she visualise this? Was her counterpart's Father as tall as her own, but with big breasts? Or would the 'other' Father be small and petite, fragile like that Guinevere had been?
For some reason, the thought of big breasts made her growl in discomfort, before noticing A-Mordred's leering look.
"What'd you want now?" M-Mordred spat out tersely, drinking from her own glass now.
"She's better than Mother at least." A-Mordred jutted her head towards M-Jeanne. "Tch... your Father's such a weakling for falling for someone like her. Then again, you're just like him too- a big family with that Ruler."
The wording made M-Mordred both angry and warm for some reason. True, Ruler was better than their mother at least- she didn't have the spine for wanton cruelty and fanatical devotion to sadism, but she was just as annoying in how naïve and idealistic she was. How had Father fallen under her thrall?
It took her a moment, but she realised... her counterpart had insulted Father.
A timer like a bomb ticked in her head, before ringing. When it did so, M-Mordred gnashed her teeth together before, without warning, launching herself across the table at her counterpart.
"You bitch!" M-Mordred roared. "Father isn't weak! He could beat your Father!"
"As if, you soft idiot!" A-Mordred punched her in the face viciously. "My Father is the best in the world!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"NO!"
"YES!"
"NO!"
"YES!"
Soon, the fight had escalated into a full brawl. Each of them took glasses and smashed the other over the head with them, causing blood to spill in copious amounts. M-Mordred smashed her elbow into her opponent's midsection, while she received a painful headbutt after headbutt.
It was a war between two sides. Both Mordreds dealt exceeding amounts of damage to the other, neither of them falling- they refused to fall to the one that had insulted her, even if their opponent was themselves! Using any tool at their disposal to beat the other into the ground, the bar was soon engulfed in violence thanks to them.
Eventually of course, their Clarents were drawn, and then the cafe was covered in red lightning.
Arthur sighed deeply into his cup of tea, which miraculously he had managed to keep holding. He was scuffed and bruised from his earlier punishment, but M-Jeanne was currently sleeping on the ground, alcohol spilling around her in a sort of watery halo.
"...Mordred is such a problem child. Only she could fight herself over an insult."
Fou, whom had been nestling against his leg, nodded vigorously.
Ahnenerbe was left in complete ruin by the end of the brawl, which eventually encompassed the entire party. Bones were broken, blood spilt and many people had to be sent to the hospitals in order to recover. Strangely enough, M-Mordred seemed to have been the victor of her own brawl, holding her fist up triumphantly while Arthur scolded her.
Speaking of, the Necos were currently talking to him and M-Jeanne in ways that they could repay the debt.
"We're sorry for causing so much trouble." They apologised, bowing their heads. "We promise to make it up to you."
"Do you know how much money this is going to take to fix?!" Destiny roared, outraged. "Taking into account the broken furniture but also the state of the back room, as well as the bar itself... you'll be paying the debt even when you go back to that Throne!"
In the face of the Neco's wrath, Arthur and M-Jeanne gulped loudly. A purple haze rose around Destiny before sharpening into the fearsome glare of a lion that wished to devour them as its next meal.
"Well well, it can't be helped." Chaos noted, speaking up from dusting up remains. "Hmmm... there's a way to solve this. Once the cafe is fixed up, you two and the troublemakers will work off your debt, by working here as staff."
It was a reasonable demand: Arthur and his group had no personal money at that moment beyond what they had used on this trip and as well, Ahnenerbe had been completely trashed- even if they had money left over, it wouldn't have covered all the expenses.
"Ah, you're too kind. We would be glad to pay off the debt that way." M-Jeanne bowed, before grabbing Arthur's arm. "Come Arthur. We still need to have that talk..."
Arthur gulped, but went along with M-Jeanne's dragging. Just as he did so however, there was a ringing as someone entered the cafe. Arthur, as he passed her, looked at the girl in curiosity.
She had long, raven-coloured hair that went down her back, and wore a brown jacket with a fur collar. Under that, she wore a white shirt and surprisingly short shorts, completing her ensemble with thigh-high boots. Her expression was fearsome and those blood-red eyes, focused and cool, reminded Arthur uncomfortably of his sister.
Their eyes briefly met and Arthur saw how her eyes widened in surprise, before she schooled her features and continued her saunter into the cafe. The King of Knights was about to disregard the encounter, before he saw who followed her in.
A Knight wearing predominantly white armor, with blue robes flowing from underneath them. His chest armor had numerous straps on it, and there was something resembling a hood attached to it through the straps. His face was concealed by a full helmet: two horns twisted and faced forward, with the visor looking like teeth, with green 'eyes' situated just below the horns themselves. Overall, the helmet resembled the head of a dragon, and the knight's posture was almost akin to one.
He knew who that was, even as they passed each other with nary a word or acknowledgement.
They both knew who the other was, even if there was no hint to show that they recognised one another.
Arthur knew who the draconic knight was- of course he knew, but his mind for some reason couldn't truly understand it. There was only one person that wore armor like that and carried himself with the demeanour of a humble king. Even from here, as M-Jeanne finished dragging him out of the cafe, he could see wisps of wind collecting in the right hand of the mysterious armoured knight.
The sight of wind collecting itself into the shape of a sword... it confirmed his suspicions.
He was dragged out fully from the cafe by M-Jeanne and could no longer see the duo, but heard one thing from the girl, whose tone was arrogant yet somewhat polite.
"My name is Misaya Reiroukan and this is my Servant, Saber. We're here to make arrangements for the future..."
END
Author's Note:
And that's it for the anniversary chapter. Again, hope you all enjoyed it. I'm kinda bushed lately so they may not be up to par as much as I'd want them to be.
The first segment with Vlad and Elizabeth was something I've been meaning to write ever since the first anniversary chapter one year ago. But thanks to the fact that I was sick at the time, I wasn't able to include it. Thankfully I'm able to do so now. It's also going to be spread out among into two or three segments at best since I feel a one-shot may not do it justice at all. I also hope that Vlad is working out during the segment as I feel made him a tad out of character during it. Having not written him in a while, I need to gain my bearings.
Now for the second segment. Well, not much to say really except that I wrote it to provide a little more insight to Ayaka's backstory in my verse, as well as confirming once and for all that Elsa was the one who took care of her after the HGW where she lost her family. Also, if any of this contradicts some info I've said before regarding the Tohsaka, mostly about Ayaka that is, in FMB then consider this the proper info I've been meaning to get out. Thing is that until now I wasn't really thinking about backstory much whenever I wrote about them.
As for the third segment. Mostly wrote it to debut Morgan into my story since I've been itching to do it ever since CH17. Much like the segment with Elizabeth, it's going to span more than just one so that I can properly expand on her. In fact, I'm half-tempted to write an entirely new story that focuses on her and Arthur's relationship and history with each other. Think of it as a possible Garden of Avalon-esque kind of side story prequel.
Lastly the Extra Act. Much like the Extra Act last year, this one was also written by ForteOfTheBallad98. I wasn't originally planning on adding a fourth segment since I already had enough on my plate to write. But when the Apocrypha anime aired an idea came to mind where Arthur and Jeanne meet Apo-Jeanne that Forte offered to write it himself and expanded on. Again, thanks for that man :D And note, he's solely responsible for said segment. I only provided the basis for the idea. Also, for context regarding that last bit he wrote, it's a sort nod to the fact that he's writing a fanfic about Misaya and Arthur called False Utopia where the two are the central protagonists. For those curious, they can ask him about it.
Lastly, apologies to anyone who expected to see another preview for Lunar Regalia. Though I pondered about doing one, decided against it since I'm still in the middle of planning the entire thing. To which, not much has been decided upon yet aside from the central teams featured in FLR. No comments on that matter either ;)
Guest Reviewer Section:
Garrick: The answer is simple really. When summoned as a Lancer, Achilles' spear basically works like Diarmuid's spear Gae Buidhe (Or was it Gae Daerg?) as a spear capable of inflicting wounds that don't heal. But when summoned as a Rider however, the spear doesn't have this affect. And if you know Perseus' backstory in Fate/Prototype with his Master in that entry, that should explain something my version of him. I can't really say much aside from that.
Derek: Siegfried can only get so much development even if he did have more spotlight in the original canon. Even if he was axed early on in the original novel, he was fleshed out well enough to be honest. As much as one could with how he was written as a character.
Logan: Yes, the thing about Rhon was a reference to the FGO Lion King.
No Name: Vasavi Shakti is basically a god-slayer, so yes I imagine it would be very effective against Heracles and his God Hand.
Guest 3: Nah, it's not that. Vlad going "Darnicula" in canon was a tad ridiculous for me even with the power up he got. That and I already wanted to end the battle at the Yggdmillenia castle by that point. As for the rest, the story simply writes itself. Whether the Lancers are luckier here in FMB compared to other stories depends on the person reading. Personally, they're still pretty unlucky to me with the exception of Karna. The latter always had more dignity compared to most other Lancers in canon so he doesn't really count.
Speaking of which, I really slowed down compared to my first year with FMB. Managed to put out 22 chapters before the first anniversary hit. As of the second one however, I only managed to put out 6 chapters instead. Here's to hoping that I don't slow down anymore. And no worries about me losing my muse though. I'm always full of love for FMB :D
Anyway, that's it for now. Please review :D
