It was rarely an uneventful day inside Chaldea's walls, at least by the standards of the outside world. Especially since most of Chaldea was populated by Heroic Spirits. Beings who's survival depended on a steady flow of mana and who's purpose was mostly to fulfill the wishes of their master. Ritsuka Fujimaru rarely ever had a day without going to some grand adventure where the fate of the world would be decided.
But it was a twist of irony that such a life would not be considered normal in his day. In a way, it was a return to a natural state, leaving the safety, comfort, and convenience brought forth by civilization, and to instead be frequently vigilant and wary of impending danger. Although the master of Chaldea took all of this easier than most would expect.
Today was a special day though, not one involving an impending battle, but one of joyous celebration for the Servants of Chaldea. An event that they are all grateful for. A-
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MASTER!"
Ritsuka blinked as he sat in his chair, eating his breakfast meal of eggs and bacon while looking at all the confetti falling down on the cafeteria floor. He was wondering why the room was empty when he entered or why Emiya had such a wide smirk when he got his food served. Now his unspoken questions had been answered by all the Servant's sudden appearance. It must have been presence concealment.
Jeanne Alter was the first to speak up after the group's celebratory cheer, a mix of annoyance and relief in her voice. "Ugh, finally. It was so boring having to silently stand and wait for you to finish eating."
"But, I'm not finished yet." Said the Chaldean, as he held the last piece of bacon on his fork.
"Then finish your meal, before I turn it to ash." The Avenger said as she stared intensely at her master, her hand raised and inflamed to emphasize her point.
Ritsuka then chewed on the last piece of bacon faster than he'd ever done with any other food, swallowed, and drank from his glass of milk to ease the dissent to his stomach.
The Chaldean heard a horn blow and turned his head to see Da Vinci, Mash, and Dr. Roman walking towards him from the crowd of Servants. The Caster wearing a birthday hat as she walked and Mash held her hands behind her back, as if she was holding something.
Ritsuka got up from his seat and stood to face them as they stopped in front of him. Slight confusion still lingering on his face. "Is it August 12 already?"
Da Vinci gave a nod as she responded. "Indeed it is! What, did you forget your birthday?" The Servant asked a little shocked.
Ritsuka scratched the back of his head as he gave a small smile. "So many days tend to be filled with adventures and conflicts going on that, I guess it sort of slipped my mind."
"Well you don't have to worry about any of that now." Romani said as he smiled and crossed his arms. "I made sure today would stay clear of any happenings and make this a time to celebrate. Of course, if there's a serious emergency, we'll definitely need to respond to it." His smile turning apologetic as he finished his last sentence.
"Heh. Thanks, Dr. Your efforts are more than appreciated." Ritsuka reassured the acting director.
Mash walked to stand next to her master and Ritsuka turned to face her. She bore a joyous smile as she raised her hands towards him, revealing the wrapped gift she was holding. It was thin and slightly wider than her hands put together. "Happy birthday, Senpai." She spoke in a soft voice.
Ritsuka felt nothing but a wave of gratitude. He had gone through so much ever since his first expedition on Chaldea, and he was glad she was there to accompany him through it all. The Chaldean happily took the wrapped present into his hands. "Thank you, Mash. This means a lot." He hugged the Demi-Servant as soon as he said that.
Mash hugged him back, the side of her head resting on his chest, happy to feel the warm embrace of her master and friend. "Of course. It's because of you that I'm able to to live how I am now. I'll always be grateful for that, Senpai."
"As will I." He said.
The two ended their embrace after a few seconds. Mordred then came standing at the front of the crowd of Servants as she spoke, the Knight of Rebellion wore her armor without her helmet, bearing a grin with enthusiasm in her voice. "Well, are we starting this party or what?!"
"Not yet, Mordred. He is still to see the cake."
"Cake?" Ritsuka asked as he heard the familiar voice.
The crowd gave way and the master saw Scáthach slowly walk towards him with a cake in her hands, the Lancer taking great care not to drop the cake from the plastic plate she was holding it from. It was big and wide, probably to allow enough pieces to be cut from it for all the Servants attending to eat from. It was frosted white completely with blue frosting circling the edges at the top and two blue frosted numbers displaying the age he now had today; '19'.
"Boudica made the cake." Mash explained. "I did the numbers. But, Scáthach wanted to be the one to present the cake to you."
"Is that so?" Ritsuka gave a look of curiosity.
"It is." Scáthach said as stopped in front of him. The Lancer gave him a fair smile. "Master..." she began. "I'm not your mentor, nor your mother, nor your sister, nor your lover. But... Please allow me to celebrate your birthday. You're a hero worth celebrating."
Ritsuka's face grew a bright smile. "I'd be honored, Scáthach." He felt so blessed to have such wonderful people at his side, and he could think of no others he would rather celebrate today with... except for a few people.
Mordred called out from in front of the crowd once more. "Well, can we party now?!"
Mash gave a giggle before responding. "Yes Mordred, we can start now."
A loud laughter came from inside the crowd as Mordred suddenly found herself being lifted by Iskandar and set on his left shoulder. The King of Conquerors stood proudly as he spoke with his other hand extended up. "Then, let the festivities begin!"
And so they did. The crowd gave a cheer after the Rider's call to celebration. Tables were gathered around the cafeteria in order to put on them the cake, gifts and the food & drinks made and provided by Emiya, Tamamo-Cat and Boudica. The menu was comprised of a rather diverse set of foods: hot dogs, hamburgers, rice, chicken, noodles, fish, lettuce, and some recently cooked boar meat. When asking about the peculiar finale addition, Ritsuka was told by Emiya that Cú Chulainn had wanted to hunt boar for the party.
But before the Servants could commence their feast, they joined in conversation with one another. Medea helped keep the food warm with her magic as they did. The Servants formed small groups as they partook in conversation, and Ritsuka tried his best to spend time with everyone evenly and thank them all for attending and celebrating. Ironically enough, the young man was met back with much gratitude as well.
After a few hours of this, a small space in the cafeteria was left empty and made into a dance floor. The playing of violins and piano filled everyone's ears as some observed or partook. Ritsuka had decided to observe the dancing from afar in a corner alone, leaning on the wall as he did. Nightingale had told him to watch his eating beforehand, and so he drank grape juice from a plastic cup as he watched.
The Chaldean spotted a curious duo in the crowd of dancers. He saw as Henry Jekyll led Mordred in a slow dance of waltz. The Saber was in the more revealing attire of her third ascension. The Assassin held a light smile in contrast to Mordred's small look of embarrassment as they moved. Mordred had insisted on not being treated like a lady since her arrival at Chaldea, but she didn't seem to be complaining about how she was being treated now.
Henry and Mordred had gotten along rather quickly since they both met in Chaldea. Perhaps a hint of familiarity remained after their time in the 4th Singularity, or maybe the two held a deep interest in one another. It could be both. Ritsuka hoped that if they were looking to pursue a relationship with one another, that they lived joyfully together.
The Chaldean also saw that Romani and Da Vinci had also joined the circle of dancers. He saw the Caster's lips move as she said something to Roman with a teasing smile. Whatever she said, it made the Dr. look rather embarrassed. He guessed it was probably a comment on Roman's footing, but he wasn't sure.
Then, as he watched, Ritsuka remembered that he had Mash's gift on his right armpit and still hadn't opened it. Taking this time to do just that, he set down his cup on one of the unused tables and ripped the yellow wrap of paper. Once he got rid of it all, he finally saw what the gift was. It was a picture frame, and he was holding it from its back, so he turned it around to look at the front. He saw that the picture was the one that Saint George had taken of him and the other Servants at the end of the 5th Singularity.
He had wondered why it had taken so long for him to receive a copy of the picture from the Rider after he went to request Medea to produce some, now he knows why. Ritsuka smiled as he looked at the photo of himself with his friends, a physical memory of their time together. And when he laid his eyes on Altria Lancer Alter in the picture behind him, he realized that he hadn't seen her in cafeteria all day. He knew some Servants could not attend like Lancelot Berserker and Blue Beard for obvious reasons, but he wondered why she hadn't come to attend as well. Where are you?...
"It's strange seeing you alone in a place like this, Master."
Ritsuka turned his head to regard the person speaking to him, and saw that it was Artoria Alter. She was in her black royal dress and had a small smile as she stood next to him with a glass of wine on her hand. "Have you grown tired of socializing with the others." She asked curiously.
Ritsuka gave a smile of his own as he responded. "No, Alter. I just wanted to have a few minutes alone. I do hope you've enjoyed the party though."
The Servant closed her eyes for a moment as she spoke and looked to the room around her. "I see. Yes, I have enjoyed the festivities, thank you. Although it lacks grandeur, it is still a fine celebration." She looked back at Ritsuka before she spoke again. "But, please. I know you use that word in order to distinguish me from my other self, but when we're alone, I would appreciate if you used my real name.
"Sorry." The Chaldean bowed his head in apology. "Artoria."
"That is better." Artoria Alter then took a sip of her wine before taking a step closer. She eyed the picture frame in his hands. "Is that the present that Mash gave to you?" Artoria asked as she firmed her lips.
"Yes." Ritsuka responded as he went to look at the photo. "It's a picture we took with the rest of the Servants before leaving the Singularity in North America."
"How nice. I remember hearing about the events that happened there. I was told it was your toughest adventure yet, and that the battles were on a large scale. I would have liked to fight in them."
"Then, I promise to take you with me on the next one." He said as he held out his hand to her.
The Tyrant King gave a smile at that and clasped his hand. She would hold him to that promise. "Thank you, Master. I look forward to it."
"My pleasure." Ritsuka said. The two shook hands as they made their pact. After almost fifteen seconds of grabbing onto each other's hands and smiling at one another, the Master realized Artoria Alter was not letting go, causing him to be confused. "Uh. Is something wrong, Artoria?"
"Not at all." She responded plainly. "I saw you observing the dance alone a few moments ago and wondered if, perhaps you'd be interested in entering the stage with me." Artoria then grabbed behind his palm with her other hand after setting down her wine glass on the table.
The Chaldean scratched his cheek with his left hand as he felt the embarrassment run over him. "Well, it's not that I want to say no, but I've never really learned how to dance before."
"Hmmm." Artoria closed her eyes as her lips formed a line. "I see. And, I doubt you wish your first experience to be learning how to do so in public."
The young man formed an awkward smile as he gave a nod and lowered his left hand. "Yeah, pretty much."
"How unfortunate." Artoria said before letting go of Ritsuka. "However..." she said as she opened her eyes again. "After today is over, I wish to teach you on the art of courtship." The Tyrant then returned him a small smile. "Think of it as my gift to you on this special day."
Ritsuka's smile brightened slightly. "Thank you, Saber. I think I'd like that."
"The pleasure is all mine, Master." Artoria grew a confident smirk. "When we begin, I promise I will turn you into a man like among the finest gentlemen in all of Britain."
Ritsuka gave a nod at that. "Sounds good then."
The Alter Servant then went to pick up her glass of wine before facing her master once again, her smile now softened. "I will take my leave of you now, Master." She said as she bowed her head.
"Okay. Thank you for your time, Artoria."
"Glad I could attend." The Saber then walked to join the rest of the party, but stopped after a few steps and turned around to her master to speak a few last words. "Happy birthday, Ritsuka. May you have many more."
Ritsuka looked as she walked away, grateful for her good wishes. With the Alter now away, Ritsuka picked up his cup of grape juice and drank from it as he thought on what to do next. He leaned back against the wall when he finished his drink.
He thought of going around to ask about Altria Lancer Alter's whereabouts. Romani had told him that Chaldea would not be conducting any operations today, so she should certainly still be in Chaldea. Had she forgotten to come? Or... had she no interest in attending? If no one knew then maybe he could go out and look for her, and find out why she wasn't here... No...
Ritsuka frowned and looked around the cafeteria. Now all these thoughts were bringing him a sense of guilt. He had all his friends organize this festivity for him, and here he is now thinking about leaving it all just to find one person. A person who may have made a conclusive decision not to come. He sighed. "So many choices involving me putting my life in danger and this is the one I'm struggling with..."
"Not enjoying the party, Ritsuka?"
The Chaldean turned his head to his left side with curiosity after he heard a woman's voice. It was Francis Drake, standing next to him and facing him as she held onto a wooden cup with beer in it and a soft grin on her face.
The young Mage shook his head and looked at her as he managed to give a small smile. "No, the party is amazing. Sorry if I look like I'm not enjoying myself. This has honestly been a blast."
"Then why the sad face before?" She asked as she leaned against the wall next to him, keeping her focus on Ritsuka.
"Just thinking of some people that aren't here to share the experience with me." The Chaldean responded as he lowered the hand holding his cup. Good timing, as there was no better person to ask this question to than the pirate Rider. "Speaking of, where is Altria? I haven't seen her anywhere since today began."
"Is that what's got you down?" She said before taking a shot of her rum. She gave a sigh of relief as her lips parted from the wooden cup and set eyes back on Ritsuka. "This is some really good beer. Want to give it a try now that it's your special day?" She asked as she moved her cup towards him.
The young mage gave a short laugh. "I'm afraid I'm still one year away from giving it a drink."
"Ah that's bullocks." She said before giving a groan. She retracted her cup and put her other hand on her waist. She recovered a playful smile after a second. "Heh. Well, that just means I have to wait one more year to see you try it. I think I might be able to last till then."
"Wait." Ritsuka formed a quizzical expression. "You're planning to stay after we defeat Solomon?"
"Sure do. I want to see what the modern world has to offer. Discover all of its little treasures." She said as she looked into her half filled cup.
"There's not much left to discover out in the word today, Drake." Ritsuka said as he formed an awkward smile.
"But I haven't seen all of it. The Grail only provides the knowledge I need, not what I want. I want to set off on one last voyage for myself, before I return back to the throne."
"I see. I hope your voyage is successful then." He said a pleasant smile.
"Thanks, so do I." She now turned her head to look back at him. "About your previous question, I did ask Altria two days before if she'd like to come to the party today, but she declined the offer."
"Did she tell you why? The Chaldean asked as he firmed his lips.
"Sort of. Something about 'not being deserving of celebrations.' She might still be feeling some guilt from Greece, but I'm not sure."
"Hmmmm..." Ritsuka looked back to his empty cup as he thought about what the Rider said.
The pirate formed a light smile as she looked at him. Already having read the situation. "You're thinking of going to her and asking about it, right?"
The Mage sighed. "I am. But..." Ritsuka looked back to the crowd still enjoying the festivities.
"You feel like you'd be hanging them dry, if you left."
Ritsuka looked back at Drake after she finished for him, a slight look of guilt in his eyes. "Yeah..."
"You're rather easy to read." She boasted before speaking again in a low voice. "No one would judge you if you left. You've already spent plenty of time with everyone here. It's your life, you decide how to spend it."
"I know. I just don't want to put your efforts to waist."
"You wouldn't be. Being here even for a little while is all anyone here could ask for."
Ritsuka stayed silent for a few seconds and then returned a smile. "Thanks, Drake."
"No problem." She returned a smirk. "If you're thinking of where to look, Altria is probably at the Simulator. I doubt she went back to her room now that the cafeteria is occupied."
"I appreciate it. If anyone asks asks where I went, be honest with them. If I can, I'd like to bring her back with me. I wouldn't want to miss the chance of eating from the cake."
"Will do. Good luck, Master. And happy birthday." She said as she lifter her cup.
Ritsuka happily lifted his cup back to her. "Thanks again, Drake. I promise, one year from now, if we're still around, I'll have a drink with you."
"I'll hold you to it then."
With that, Ritsuka walked to leave the cafeteria, trying not to attract attention as he did. Drake looked on as he left and took one last drink of her beer. She licked her lips as they parted from the cup. "Heh. Either this is you being more of yourself, Master... or you're one lucky woman Altria."
...
The path of Knighthood is one that most anyone can walk, but few ever truly embody all it's necessary tenants. To be a true knight, one has to be a warrior first. Someone who is refined in both body and mind. A warrior is disciplined, strong, brave, and most of all honorable. The morals of this person are largely irrelevant, so long as the person embodies these principles, they are a warrior.
Kings were once the same way, men who wore the crown as much they held the sword. Although little was expected of kings during and after the Middle Ages, there was a time when kings held themselves to a higher standard. Living and dying by the sword just like any true warrior would, fighting the very wars they personally set to begin or finish.
All versions of the King of Knights lived this life, and Altria Lancer Alter was no different. But, in the time after The Battle of Camlann, instead of accepting the fate of her rule and fading away with history like her Saber version had done, Altria had decided to take her holy lance, Rhongomyniad, and continue her role as king. But, instead of embarking into the path of godhood, she wished to remain human, and so she instead became the leader of The Wild Hunt, The King of Storms. A guide for those sorry souls who could not find a place in either heaven or hell.
Now, she lives in Chaldea, summoned through the throne of heroes to a new world unlike her own, following a new purpose. Her royal duties were now gone, for a king with no kingdom or a people to call his own, is no king at all. Not even the role of leader of The Wild Hunt brings much meaning to her. Now the only path she follows is that which leads to the battlefield, where the mettle of every warrior is tested.
So now she fights for her master, and she will help bring down hell upon his enemies. But for now, the journey has halted, as now the dark Lancer was battling in the simulated environment of her choosing, the barren and bloodied battlefield of Camlann, where King Arthur made his legend. Though today, she fought without her trusted steed.
She cleaved through a group of knights that were surrounding her in the lifeless dirt with her lance, tearing through them with the spikes and tip of her spear. With a thrust of her lance, she threw the remaining knights away with a strong gust of wind. As Altria eyed the battleground for any remaining enemies, she heard a battle cry with the sound of heavy metal footsteps and turned around to spot her foe. It was one lone soldier charging towards her from afar, somehow having escaped her wrath till now.
She eyed the knight through her helmet. Altria then raised her lance behind her back, measured her aim, and launched her weapon towards him. The lance tore right through his chest with great speed and the knight then fell lifeless to the ground with the lance still in his chest. The Lancer walked towards the knight's body and ripped it from his chest. She then stood still in the now quiet field and looked at her stainless lance. She stayed there for a while, staring onto Rhongomyniad, her holy weapon, the conduit for her storm... her curse.
She lifted her head up, looking at the darkened sky, seeing the artificial sun as it faintly shined between the black clouds. Many Servants used the Combat Simulator as a place to be at peace in private, outside of training. Most tended to simulate environments of which they were familiar with. Altria was not the same, for what she sought was the pursue of battle. Kings and Servants have nothing to do with her. All she strives for is to bring triumph to the man she swore to fight for.
Then abruptly, everything around her turned to pitch black.
She looked around the now darkened room for a moment to try and gain insight on what had happened. Then after a few seconds, light came back to her vision. She used her arm to cover her face for a moment as her eyes retook her surroundings, and was surprised to see what was around her. The Lancer now found herself on a large field with light green grass, countless tress with lots of pink leafs on their branches, and a bright cloudy blue sky.
Altria slowly took off her helmet and she looked around the large field in awe. Never had she seen a place like this before. Everything remained quiet, until she felt a wind run through her ears and watched as the branches from some of the trees were moved by it. She looked curiously as some of the leafs from the branches started to fall down from the wind.
She noticed one of the leafs were falling in her direction, and so she stretched out her hand to catch it on her palm. As it landed there, Altria eyed the pink leaf as it laid on her hand, imaging what it's texture would feel like without the gauntlets on her hands. Aesthetics were largely lost to her now, but if she were forced describe what she saw now, beautiful would be a most appropriate description.
"If you didn't know, they're called blossom trees."
Altria turned around in confusion as she heard the familiar voice. She saw Ritsuka standing almost a dozen feet from where she was and noticed he was holding a large paper bag on his right hand. "...Master?" She voiced with genuine surprise.
Ritsuka smiled lightly. "I know you've been fighting here for quite a while, so I brought you something to eat." The Master stretched out the bag he held in his hand. "I brought some hamburgers that Emiya helped wrap and put together. I know you're rather glutinous, so I brought five for you and one for me." Ritsuka said as he took out one of the wrapped burgers in the bag.
"I was hoping we could sit down and talk, but before that, we should have a good meal. Is that good with you?"
Altria stared at Ritsuka for two seconds, before her stoic persona finally returned. "Yes." She nodded as she gave her response.
The Chaldean's smile brightened and he lowered the bag to his side. "Great. Come on, let's go find a spot to sit down."
Ritsuka walked past Altria and she dematerialized her lance, following close behind him. The young Master spotted two trees larger than all the others planted a few feet from one another. It was a very convenient spot, so he walked towards it. He sat down below the closest one, his back leaning against the wood. Ritsuka took out one of the wrapped burgers as he stretched out the bag towards Altria and gestured for her to sit below the other tree.
The Lancer eyed the tree for a moment before taking the bag from Ritsuka's hand and walking to sit below it, facing him once she sat down.
The two began to eat under the shade provided by the leafs and the branches atop of them. Altria ate her food quickly, but she was delighted to feel the taste of the burger's meat, soft bread, and sauce in her mouth. After three minutes, she was done. She cleaned the crumbs around her lips with a napkin that was inside the bag. After that, she looked to see that Ritsuka was finishing his meal, as he took the last bite from his burger. After he swallowed the last piece, Ritsuka took a napkin from one of his pockets and cleaned his lips.
Once he was done, he put the napkin back in his pocket and looked back to Altria, noting her face was largely expressionless as it usually was. He gave a small smile, all the same. "How was the food?" Ritsuka asked as he balled up the wrap and threw it towards her.
The Lancer caught it with her hand, knowing his intent. She smiled slightly as she recalled the flavor. "It was exquisite." She said before putting the paper wrap in the bag and looking to him again. "Emiya's cooking is without par. Thank you, Master."
"Don't mention it."
Silence filled the air between them for a moment, before Ritsuka finally decided to speak again. "So... you were fighting in Camlann again. Is there a reason for that?"
Altria firmed her lips and looked down at the ground as she thought on how to respond. After a moment, she looked back at him. "It is... not so much the location that is significant, as much as it is the conflict in my soul that comes from being in it."
Ritsuka felt he knew what she meant, but was still unsure if he understood. "And... this conflict, it comes from having to fight for your life on that field?"
"It does." She nodded. "In Camlann, I fought for my past as much as I fought for my future and that of my kingdom. That is why I gave up Excalibur, and exchanged it for Rhongomyniad. To continue the story of King Arthur."
Altria looked to the side as she spoke again. "My hope is that through this conflict, I will be able to strengthen myself further."
"So that what happened in Greece doesn't happen again?" Ritsuka said plainly.
Altria looked back to him. "That is at the core of it, yes."
"Is that why you didn't come to the party?"
Altria gave a look of guilt. Shame filled her features as she closed her eyes. "No... for the current me, things like blessings are... I am underserving of their presence."
Ritsuka gave a slight frown. "Why do you think that?"
"My story is one of failure, Master." She said with some remorse. "My rule brought great pain to many, and even then, I could not save the kingdom which I promised to protect. My story ended in betrayal and with the scorn of the dead."
Altria opened her eyes and a stern expression returned. "That is why now I understand, that the duty of a hero is to be feared and hated, to be shunned. To be known by the world in infamy. For to preserve the joys of some, means to earn the ire of others."
Ritsuka gave a thoughtful expression as he lifted his knee with his foot on the ground. It was a few seconds before he gave the only response he knew to give at that moment. "I don't think that's what a hero really inspires, or what you inspire rather."
The Lancer raised a brow. "And why is that?"
The Chaldean smiled again as he crossed his arms. "Well, for starters, I don't fear or hate you. I think heroes do good, they inspire hope, they commit to a just cause. And I think you embody that heroic image now, just as you did as King Arthur."
Altria stared intently at her master. "You do not know the content of my rule." She said almost coldly.
Ritsuka did not seem disturbed. "I've spent a lot of time learning about the other two Artoria's, and you are derived from the same legend, so I think I at least have some idea."
"A generous soul like yours could not make more than a soft interpretation." Altria spoke calmly as her brows lowered. It was hard for the Chaldean to know whether she was irritated or not.
"Well, if you let me, I think I can get pretty close to the truth."
"Hmph." Altria's features relaxed before she spoke again. "...Why do you on linger on this? Surely there are others that are celebrating your name today whom you would prefer to be with."
Ritsuka's smile softened as his hands rested back on the ground. "Maybe... but right now, I want to be here with you."
Silence entered the air again for almost a minute. The Lancer just continued to stare at the Chaldean as he did the same. She didn't want to be rude, the young mage had shown her great kindness and sincerity since her arrival at Chaldea, and so she owed him more than curtesy. But, she was not convinced on the value of his input on this matter.
"Do you mind if I share something with you." Ritsuka asked earnestly.
Altria looked at him with his still present smile for a moment. She gave a nod. The Lancer would hear him out at least. The Chaldean appreciated that.
Ritsuka looked up at the branches as he rested the back of his head on the wood behind him. "I don't know if you know this already, but my life used to be rather average before I came here to Chaldea."
Altria was aware that the Chaldean was not raised in the world of mages, but was unaware of any details surrounding his life before coming to the organization of Chaldea.
"I lived all my life in Fuyuki, along with my family." He continued. "My dad was an accountant, my mom worked as a nurse, and I had a younger sister by one year. Together we lived in an apartment in the city." Ritsuka lowered his head to look back at Altria. "Her name was Homura. She had a beautiful orange hair and her eyes were a light orange. She was sort of a trouble maker in our home, always finding a way to get everyone's attention so that people would play with her. She was very energetic and spirited, unlike me. I was a lot calmer and well behaved." Ritsuka gave a short laugh after that.
"Our days were pretty regular. Me and my sister would go to school, Mom would make food for us when she got home, Homura and I would sit in front of the TV and watch mecha shows, Dad would come back home late in the afternoon and manage to spend some time with us before he and Mom tucked me and my sister to sleep.
When I was younger, sometimes I would go to the school library to read some books. Mash definitely knows more than me, but I'd like to think I gained a good overview of history in my time there. That's also where I learned about my childhood hero, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. You've met Ushiwaka, right?"
"You mean Ushiwakamaru?" The Lancer asked. The Chaldean gave a cheerful nod. He was clearly fond of this part of his telling. Altria closed her eyes for a moment as she recalled her encounter with the Rider. "Yes, we've met. We once dueled one another in the Simulator some time ago. She is quite the fierce warrior."
"I'm glad her skills could impress you." Ritsuka knew she held a high standard for combat, so it was a big deal for the Rider to have earned her praise. "I really enjoyed reading about her story, so much so, sometimes I would bring back a book from the library for a few days, and when it was night I'd read it with my sister till we tired ourselves to sleep. I sort of made her a fan too.
Homura was really popular in school, she always got along really well everyone. I wasn't the same way. Not because I couldn't socialize, I just wasn't very outgoing. And I was more than happy to see my sister have so many friends with her. I'm sure all the boys at school really wanted to date her. She had a very pretty smile."
"But, six years ago, one day in school, there was a fire..." Ritsuka's smile turned somber, an unusual sight for the Lancer. "One of the gas tanks in the school that had been dusting out with age had a leak and eventually caused a fire to erupt inside the school kitchen. The school alarms rang out immediately after that. I was helping clean one of the bathrooms at that moment, and I was able smell the fire quickly since I was close to the kitchen. As soon as I did, I came out of the bathroom with my bucket to see what had happened and saw that the flames were spreading around the school quickly.
The corridor leading to the other classrooms started to catch fire and I immediately thought about Homura and the other students. I ran to put the fire out with the water in my bucket, but the flames had grown tall to make a dent. I covered my nose as the smoke began to get to my face and started walking backwards as the fire slowly grew more. I was in the second floor so I thought about going around from below, but when I ran to the other corridor, I saw that there was a cloud of smoke coming from the stairs. I started to back away again when I saw flames coming up.
It was getting harder to breath, the sprinklers weren't working, and I had nowhere else to go. I turned back towards the bathroom and saw that the fire was enclosing around the room, so went back inside the bathroom, hoping the metal metal door could protect me from the flames. I tried to look up the bathroom window to find a way to get out, but it was too small to break and get through. I decided to huddle in a corner, hoping someone would come and rescue me.
I started to feel nauseous as the smoke entered through the door and it was getting harder to catch my breath. I stayed there for almost an hour, waiting, praying for someone to come for me. Then, I saw someone kick open the door, and I faintly noticed it was a fireman. I remember him speaking through his suited mask, but I wasn't able to make out anything he was saying. He carried me out of the bathroom and protected me as he ran out of the building. I lost consciences part of the way out, but everything stabilized once we came out of the school. He brought me to some paramedics in one of their ambulances outside. I managed to look at his brown eyes still visible through the mask for a moment, before he left to go back inside the school.
I was being attended by the medics as firefighters used the water from their trucks to quell the fire inside. A few minutes later, my parents arrived on the scene after they heard that the school had caught fire and they found me being attended in the ambulance. They were glad to see I was okay and asked if I knew where Homura was. I was in better condition and told them I didn't know where she was.
My dad went to ask the teachers and the school staff outside if they knew where she was, they didn't. We all stayed outside waiting for the firefighters to finish searching the school after they got rid of the fire. When they were done, they told us and the rest of the school that they found three of kids had unfortunately been caught in the fire and died... my sister among them..."
It was silent for a few seconds, after Ritsuka lost his smile and formed a serious expression, almost turning to a frown as he looked up at the branches. Altria had never seen him in such a state before. She didn't know how to respond, or what comforting words she could bring. She just looked at him in silence, her face still firm. She wondered how he had such a bright personality after such an experience.
The Chaldean looked back to her as his features relaxed. "After that day, life for me and my family wasn't the same. My mother would sometimes cry during the morning, my father took time off work to help ease the burden around the house for her, and it was hard for me to sleep during the night. Dad tried to stay strong for us, and I admire him for that, but I knew he was hurting too. So much of the joy of life was drained from us with Homura gone.
My parents eventually decided to shift focus, and work harder on their jobs in order to make enough money to buy a house and stop paying rent. My parents raised me to be self sufficient, so I was able to take care of myself in their larger absence. I went to a new school after the last one burned down, and I was even less outgoing when it came to making friends there." Ritsuka managed to regain a smile as a thought came to his mind. "Heh. Boy if my parents could see all the friends I have now."
"Anyways, things went on like this for months, until during my junior high school, I met one of my next door neighbors from the apartment while walking back home from school. He was an old veteran from the Second World War. Uh, before I continue, are you understanding this well?" Ritsuka asked awkwardly.
Altria gave a nod. "Yes. The Grail does not provide every detail, but I have a general knowledge of the modern world." She reassured.
"That's good, I don't want to make you feel lost." Ritsuka's typical smile returned before continuing, a detail Altria was glad to see. "Well, I ended up sparking a conversation with him on the way home, and we got along well fast. For almost two weeks, he and I would talk about his life when my parents weren't yet home.
One day, he told me about how he had been living alone by himself for twenty years, and how everyone in his life had left him after the war. I was upset to know that he had been left with nothing in return for so long. But when I expressed this to him, he corrected me and said: 'There were sad and painful things, but when I look back they become trivial and insignificant. And it's not a lonely life either. After all, I am talking to you.'
A few days later after that, he died. But I didn't cry for him, because he helped me realize that life can be wonderful even if it's not rewarded. I decided to be grateful for him, for my family, for all the good things in my life. Looking at it as a whole, the best word I can use to describe my life is blessed. How many people in this world have never had an amazing sister like mine? How less full my life could have been if she were never in it at all.
Life is my greatest gift, and to live it is my biggest joy.
After that, I focused on passing through high school. And as I did, I reflected on the moment when that firefighter rescued me from the fire. I never saw him again after that day, but I know he was a hero, because when he came to save me I had hope."
Ritsuka looked softly at the Lancer. "That's why I think you're a hero Altria, because when I'm with you, I know I'm safe. You've saved my life plenty times already. I trust you."
"..." Altria just stared silently and giving a thoughtful look. She understood what the young mage meant with his words. She was glad that he saw her in such a way, although she still didn't feel right being easy on herself. Her voice was hesitant when she finally gave a reply, as she wasn't sure if she deserved to say such words. "...Ritsuka."
The Chaldean felt his heart pound after she called him by name for the first time. "Yes?"
After a moment, a smile managed to grace the Lancer's lips. "... Happy birthday, Ritsuka."
The young mage's face brightened after she spoke those words. "Thank you, Altria."
Altria looked apologetically as she bowed her head. "Please forgive me for whatever trouble I've caused you today, Master."
Ritsuka waved his hand in dismissal. "You're fine. There's nothing to forgive, Altria."
"If you say so." She said as she raised her head towards him.
Ritsuka looked nervously for a few seconds as he scratched the back of his head. "Altria, I was wondering..."
"Yes?" She responded curiously.
"After today, would you mind if I came here to visit you here from now on. I could bring you food and we could chat afterwards... if you'd like to, of course."
Altria looked at him slightly surprised before a she formed a small smile once again. "I think that would be great, Master... So long as you are there to join me in my fight as well."
Ritsuka was happy to hear that response and relaxed as he lowered his hand. "Of course! I promise to bring you the best meals."
"Hah... I look forward to it then."
The Chaldean went to stand up and walked towards the Lancer as he extended his hand towards her. "There's a cake at the cafeteria that Boudica made, and I think it would be a waste to lose a chance at tasting. Would you like to come back with me?"
Altria eyed his hand for a moment before happily accepting it. "It would be my pleasure."
Once Ritsuka helped lift the Lancer up, however unnecessary the gesture, the two of them then walked side by side out of the Simulator and towards the Cafeteria. Ritsuka turned to his thoughts as he walked. This warm feeling in his chest he was having, it had become undeniable. He liked Altria and in a special way, she made him feel a way that no one else at Chaldea had. But whether he had the same effect on her was another story.
However it was, he now found that which he had looked forward to. For him, one thing was for sure, today has been the best birthday yet.
Author's note: Hey everyone, sorry the one month delay, a hurricane came to where I live and heavily delayed the making of this chapter. All is good now though. I know Ritsuka's birthday is December 6, but I didn't know how else to make the story progress the way I wanted without making a change to the timeline. I know a lot of fan fiction authors take advantage of the medium, and good for them, but I prefer that things remain as accurate to the lore as possible. I like to think both the main characters are actually siblings, so this was fun for me to make. If you didn't know, that last bit about the old veteran is actually a part of Ritsuka's lore, which is very interesting. Please do leave a comment with your thoughts on the chapter. I'm going to be busier as the year goes on, so I hope you'll all still stay tuned. Hope you all have a great one.
