A/n: Hey there everybody Psycho Jack here with another exciting chapter of Holy Nail War. It looks like our main character Honda and his crew have now been kidnapped by an unknown or assailant! What will happen to our heroes? What of the now revealed traitor Eckbert? Will they be able to survive the next wave of events? Let us find out!
--Unknown Bedroom--
Within this bedroom filled to the brim with the most exotic of accessories, paintings and luxurious bedroom sets stood a lone figure. This particular individual currently stood in front of a fireplace, however, unlike most other normal fireplaces this one in particular glowed in an emerald green.
The individual in question was currently taking a sip out of a goblet laced with gold and diamond. On the center of the goblet stood a blue glowing gem. As he took a zip, the glow would become brighter before dimming out.
He had a navy blue textured slicked back undercut. He wore an aqua suit laced in gold trim and buttons. He seemed to be in his twenties if his youthful face was any indication.
This was Deacon. Deacon seemed to be contemplating something. He sighed and let out a deep breath, clearly frustrated considering that he was consuming an alcoholic beverage in an otherwise lonely setting.
A voice was heard as the door opened. It was one of Deacons' homunculus servants. This one was female and had grayish shoulder length hair. On her person she wore a white maid suit laced with blue archaic runes serving as decoration. The same red eyes that were prominent on Idores and Stria were also on this homunculus.
Deacon took an exasperated breath.
"What is it now? Can't you see I'm busy?"
The homunculus bowed in respect.
"Apologies my Lord, but your servant has returned."
Deacon stared into the fire, his frustration from earlier was put to the side as now his focus was needed for the present. He put aside his Golden Goblet by a small bedside table. While this was happening the homunculus who was his maid went into the room and reorganized his bed sheet as it was currently out of place.
"Be sure to lock up everything. I don't want to risk a security breach of any kind, do you understand." said Deacon to his assistant who nodded and bowed in affirmation to the orders given to her.
--Elsewhere--
Two frost coated eyes opened in strain, weighed down by extreme fatigue. These eyes surveyed its surroundings, noticing the current environment. It was a fancy abode, a room adorned in many exotic blankets and warmth. This place seemed cozy. It was a lavish place of relaxation.
The eyes closed tightly as a yawn emanated from the lips of the one who possessed these royal blue eyes.
The eyes refocused, the exhaustion from earlier dissipated as the person regained their energy. Two hands swayed back ebony locks as the person grunted upwards, a slight weight added in his movements.
It was Honda. Currently he was wearing a simple white shirt and his undergarments, the rest of his previous attire was missing for the moment.
"Man! I must've been more tired than I thought. Where the hell am I now? Too fancy to be in a hospital." The magician said aloud, feeling his forehead with his right hand as it was currently pounding against his skull.
He looked around and noticed he wasn't alone.
There in front of his bed, close to the door in front of him stood a stranger. Make that two.
He rubbed his eyes to clear all the fog from his vision to fully grasp the nearby occupants.
They were both pale women, though unlike the one he already knew, one possessed gray hair in a bun, while the other had gray pigtails. They both wore black house servant garbs, a white blouse placed over the garment in order to keep out stray dust or grime of hard labor. From what Honda could gather, they were maids.
"Um…how long were you two watching me sleep?" Honda asked, a bit weirded out by the two in front of him since they stood emotionless with arms in front of them as if they were ready to serve all day. There was also the fact that their current facial expression or lack of one, made them seem more akin to robots than people.
"We apologize in advance, my lord." The one with a bun said. Her voice was one holding wisdom and feminine maturity.
"We didn't mean to interrupt your rest." The one with pigtails said, her voice being more youthful and yet sincere.
"It's cool! Who are you two anyway?" Honda asked.
"We are merely servants to our master." The mature one said.
"Got any names along with those maid outfits? I can't help but feel you guys got me at a disadvantage with the cute maid duo routine you got going on." Honda scratched his right cheek a little shyly. The girls were pretty all things considered.
"We…don't have names, my lord." The wise one said.
"We are merely servants to our master's will." The youthful one said.
"As a guest, our master has requested that you remain here." The wise one said.
"He insisted we watch over you until he arrives." The pigtailed one said.
"No names? Seriously? Okay just for the sake of it I'll give you two names. You! The bun one, you're Niki? And you, pigtails, you're Miki? Is that okay for you two?" Honda said.
The two maids tilted their heads in curiosity before looking at each other then back at Honda and bowing.
"Very well." The two maids said at the same time, finding the request strange but not beyond their capabilities.
"Wait a minute! I almost forgot, I came here with three women. Where are they?" Honda asked, nearly forgetting that he was with Saber, Assassin and Stria before falling unconscious.
Miki responded. "The ladies are currently held in their respective rooms for the time being. I would say more, however I believe it would be best to discuss this with Deacon for further information."
Honda let out some air, relieved that they weren't abandoned like the last time he was 'kidnapped'.
'I should've known! Stria and the others are a-okay! Probably waiting for the next act! And here I was worrying myself over nothing!' Honda smiled to himself, now comforted to the fact that they were still nearby, despite the fact that they were all technically trapped.
"Until our master arrives, is there anything else you would desire?" Niki asked.
Honda blushed and shyly looked to the side.
'Lonely time with the maids huh? Whatever is a man to do?'
"Well…" Honda grinned conspiratorially.
--With Deacon--
The tall and built magus currently walked while being escorted with two homunculus. The two escorts were both male homunculus, bearing short gray hair and dressed in white suits adorned in blue archaic runes running from their shoulders to their lower backs. They wielded baton-like weapons strapped to their left leg.
Deacon's steps echoed in the hallway. The hallway of the Deacon estate was laced in blue decorated decals. They were prominent on the roof more so than the walls that were to his side.
Along the way one could see that there were quite a great deal of homunculus servants, many were maids. The rest seemed to be security considering their batons. The footsoldiers wore masks that covered their mouth area, bearing blue decals shaped in blue fang like design. There were paintings adorned in the hallway of many men and women. They were paintings of his forefathers considering the similar attire and facial features.
He went to a lone door. He opened it.
In it he noticed a servant.
"Archer. You've returned."
The mentioned servant turned around.
The Archer class servant wore beautiful green clothing, clad in verdant green with her cold, sharp eyes containing a beastly glint. Her hair is stretched out long and unkempt, and it is completely lacking in the silkiness that would be found amongst those of noble birth.
"Yes I have. I have brought them all as you've requested." The archer servant looked elsewhere.
It was towards a figure sitting, arms wrapped around her legs as she sat still.
It was Stria.
Currently the young homunculus was sitting in a cell that lacked bars. This one simply had a semi transparent aura that blocked her from leaving outside. Being that there were runes currently alight, washing the occupants in an aqua colored tint, it was clear that the cell in itself was of magical make.
"Well done…Atalanta."
Stria's hair obscured her facial expression.
Currently it was not one of defeat. The furrowed eyebrows, and sharpened focused eyes were a giveaway that though she is currently locked up, she has not yet yielded to her current circumstances.
Stria in her mind was concerned about Honda. What torture was he enduring right now?
The door opened again, high heels can be heard clacking and echoing in the room.
Stria looked upwards and her eyes widened.
"Idores?" The albino mumbled out, seeing her mistress out and about.
"Stria, you have a lot to explain." The pale master said with a serious expression, venom in her tone.
--With Honda--
Honda was lying down looking upwards towards the ceiling with a squinted yet satisfied look on his face.
Why was he smiling?
Currently he was resting his head on a lap pillow courtesy of Niki, who was caressing his scalp, as per his request. On closer inspection he noticed the curves of the house servant.
'What is it with all the albino girls? Never seen many before, now they're everywhere! Wait a minute! Why the hell am I complaining!? At the rate I'm going I think I'm developing a love for 'em!' Honda thought to himself before looking at Niki, noticing her looking at him with a red tinge on her face. She seemed self conscious.
"Is this satisfactory my lord?" She asked as she stimulated his cranium.
Honda nodded. "Ooooohh yeah! Who wouldn't? Your hands are amazing! Plus I like how warm you are."
Niki looked to the side, her face having a bashful expression. "I…I see. I'll be sure to remember that."
The other maid, Miki, was rolling in some food on a silver cart. The food was contained via a metallic roll up dish.
"That was quick as hell! You were able to make it that fast? Compliments to the chef!" Honda said with enthusiasm causing Miki to also have a red tinge.
"I…merely followed the recipe you wrote down, the rest was all thanks to the kitchenware we have already." Miki said.
"Nonsense! Don't sell yourself short! Let 'er rip!" Honda said, rising from Niki's lap while Niki did a facial expression that homunculus wouldn't do normally.
She was pouting.
The roll up dish revealed a steaming pile of cheeseburgers, all bearing a thick stack of meat in between each bun. On top of each patty was an oozing salivating slice of grilled cheese laced with a finely trimmed, decorated lettuce, tomato and onion before meeting another bun sprinkled with sesame seed.
Honda was practically drooling. He immediately rose up from the bed to instinctually grab one and take a bite.
"Oh God yes! It's a Kendy's burger alright! Thank you so much Miki!" Tears streamed like waterfalls as Honda was able to satiate his craving for fast food. He petted Miki in an affectionate manner, causing the homunculus' eyes to widen before relishing in the attention, her eyes closed in pleasure from the foreign and yet stimulating sensation of praise and attention.
"I'm…just doing what you commanded my lord. Is that so strange?" Miki asked, not used to praise when following orders.
"Courteous, can cook, and pretty! Your master should put a ring on ya before I do."
Miki almost spilled the top of the metallic roll up dish from that statement. Even as a normally emotionless homunculus, the maid knew the meaning of that turn of phrase, as well as the implications of what Honda was meaning to say.
"C'mon let's dig in before it gets cold!" Honda requested.
The maids looked at each other questioningly.
"Are we allowed to eat?" Miki asked.
"We don't need to. However we were ordered to do so. I guess…it's fine?" Niki asked herself.
The ladies couldn't deny, the strange food did look edible at the least.
--With Deacon--
Deacon and Atalanta were currently walking in the hallway again, away from Stria's holding cell.
"Did you notice anything when you found him?" Deacon asked.
"Eckbert was heavily wounded. I'm not sure why you insist on keeping him alive. He and Ursus were not strong enough to hold their own against the master they fought against. Not to mention that as a master of the Holy Grail War, he is an enemy by default." Atalanta said, her beast-like upbringing viewing weakness as something to be cast aside, not something to be preserved. Survival of the fittest was a factor for the animal like bow wielder.
"I made a vow to uphold our alliance by way of contract. Strength alone will not win the Holy Grail War. I have plenty of strength, but our enemies, your enemies also have strength. We cannot hope to win the war by a simple meeting of arms, though I wish that were the case. For now at least, needless slaughter is not necessary. Which cell were the servants placed in?"
"Upstairs within the study. With all the exorbitant amount of prana they've accumulated, they would have broken free of the normal cells. It was a miracle I was able to even get them all unscathed." Atalanta said, grazing an arrowhead with her fingertips almost curiously.
"Careful, those arrows I provided are prana sealants. Perfect for paralyzing mages and servants alike. I know rendering them unconscious is not your forte but for now I must insist on keeping them alive, especially him, do you understand?" Deacon asked Atalanta, his face not shown towards the Archer class servant in their walk.
"I will follow your orders. You are my master after all." Atalanta said.
"But not by way of command seal. I am merely making sure we are on the same page." Deacon asked before turning around and smirking.
Atalanta narrowed her eyes a bit. "I understand…"
--With Honda--
On the roll up dish, only mere crumbs remained. The three occupants had eaten them all, bearing a satisfied glaze on their eyes as they consumed their fill. Currently they were playing with Honda's special crafted silver poker cards.
"So you've been with Deacon since before the war?" Honda asked as he finished his last burger, gulping down with gusto.
"Why yes, in fact we all have been his servants since our creation." Miki replied.
"Since your creation? You mean like your employment?" Honda asked confusedly.
"I suppose the day of our creation is also synonymous with my servitude to lord Deacon, so in a manner of speaking, yes." Miki responded.
"So this Deacon guy doesn't even give you a thank you kiss, a hug or a handshake? Not even so much as an emoji!? Even though you are 'with him always'? Sounds like a one sided relationship to me!" Honda said as he placed a jack card on the bedding where other cards were placed. They were currently playing blackjack with Niki serving as dealer.
"We are in no relationship. I am merely serving his will. His needs are my responsibility." Miki said before she was given a 9 card.
"He's a master of the Holy Nail War like me right? But he's not doing anything with you and you've been 'with him' since before the war? You cook and clean while he brings home the bacon. You care for him and he protects you. Yup, sounds like a relationship!" Honda said, getting a 10.
"I…I am not sure what to say. Since you have insight as a master yourself what would I have to do to get him to improve his mood? He seems frustrated recently and I fear for him." Miki said. She pulled out an 8, for a total of 17.
"Y'know the usual. Establish your boundaries. Talk to one another. Maybe show more of your naughty side. Y'know, some good music, lingerie. Let him know how much you mean to him." Honda said, winking.
Miki looked thoughtful. "If that will ease his frustration then as his aid, I will do so. I may be a young homunculus, but my purpose is clear." The young homunculus said as Honda pulled out an A.
"Gold-I mean Blackjack!" Honda exclaimed, winning the round as he struck a solid 21.
Niki looked in Honda's direction.
"My lord, you said that whoever wins each game gets to ask the loser for one request before beginning a new one. What is your request?" She asked Honda as Miki awaited the magician.
"Hmmm…well if you don't mind, I would like…" Honda bore a fanged mischievous grin as he spoke.
--Deacon Estate: Study--
The study was an exceedingly large room, filled with many alchemical tonics, containers and the likes from which one could create potions. Glassware was spread throughout the study, where bookcases of findings and journal entries were stored. It was heavily organized and one that was clearly a high quality, and potentially very expensive one if the stonework of the walls were any indication, considering that they were made of a marble like material.
In the middle of the study, there was a red-like rune, where two figures stood.
Saber and Assassin stood in the rune. The thing was they seemed strained, as sweat dripped from their foreheads, and their bodies were currently tightened in their futile attempts to shift their muscles.
The two servants were straining themselves as their bodies were practically stuck in place, practically paralyzed save for the fact that they were standing stiffly.
'We need to find Honda! But I can't bring myself to move!' Saber thought of her master, growing more frustrated with each passing second.
"This rune…it is much similar in design to when I was within Mara's Keep. These are prana absorbent seals, the only way to escape is if someone from the outside provided it for us." The shadowy woman said.
Saber blushed. This pretty much meant that the only war Saber to actually escape is if Honda or someone else provided prana!"
Saber sulked.
--Back with Honda--
"Oh God, you're amazing ladies!"
Currently Honda was letting out groans and moans of pleasure.
Currently he was in the middle of getting a back massage courtesy of Niki, whose fingers delectably caressed, squeezed and pressed to and fro against Honda's back muscles. Each stroke or movement of her fingers was well practiced and coordinated enough to hit the right spots of exhaustion and tension on the magician's body.
Honda was shirtless, simply enjoying the massage with every fiber of his being. His shirt was neatly placed next to him on the king sized luxurious bed. His face was in a relaxed expression, his eyes comically squinted with a drool emanating from the corner of his mouth.
"My lord, you are very tense. It is a good thing that you requested this. I hear stress is as much a killer as ingesting poison." Niki said as Miki was currently dusting off some areas of the room with small headphones playing music while doing so. Considering the size of the estate, having to dust off furniture is one of many necessary tasks needed to keep the place from falling apart.
"Ooooohhhhh you said it. I haven't taken a real day off for the last 5 years. Does a real number on your back. I needed this soooo much." Honda groaned as Niki literally pressed out the aches away."
His stomach rumbled heavily.
"Woah! It's that time of the day! Hey Niki, there a bathroom in this joint?" Honda asked
"Down the hallway to the right. Right next to the containment room." Niki answered, though she was more caught up in the massage to notice her slip up.
"Thanks! I'll be right back. Sorry for killing the mood but when a man's gotta go, he's gotta get going! If you'll excuse me!" Honda immediately got up, causing Niki to pout again as Honda let go from her, having to answer a call of nature.
He took his shirt and noticed the rest of his clothes by a bedside table which he took with him casually.
Niki rose up, the realization of what just happened dawning on her consciousness. Miki, next to her turned around while dusting. Miki looked right and left.
"Where is lord Honda?" Miki asked, tilting her head.
The door opened, revealing Deacon and Atalanta.
The master went inside, looking around before his eyes furrowed irritatingly. Atalanta walked inside as well, noticing the roll up dish.
"Where is he?"
"He went to the bathroom. He said he would be back." The clumsy homunculus responded nonchalantly.
Deacon's current expression seemed beyond pissed.
"Atalanta! Find him!" He bellowed, the servant immediately heading out, searching for the now escaped prisoner.
Deacon looked at Niki angrily, who noticed his sour expression. She then whipped out a lone cheeseburger from her side, still steaming on a plate. She held a gentle smile.
"Lord Honda said the key to a man's happiness is through his stomach. I saved this for you, it is quite delicious!" Niki said, bright sparkles emanating around her as she spoke.
Deacon looked at her with even more anger before just turning around before just walking away and slamming the door.
"Lord Honda is right. This fits the description of a one sided relationship." Miki said aloud as Niki sulked, a visible depressed aura surrounded her.
--Hallway--
"I swear three Kendy's burgers at once goes through me every time. Gotta watch that!" Honda said to himself, eyes closed in satisfaction. As he walked, he continued walking to what he thought would take him to the bathroom, however he was in the wrong direction. He had accidentally taken a left instead of a right as instructed by Niki, thus leading him to freely wander around the entire Deacon Estate.
Honda walked past a great deal of maids.
"Hey ladies!" He waved at them as they simply looked at him. The more mature homunculus bowed, while the younger ones waved back with an energetic smile before being admonished for their lack of proper form.
"Gimme five pal!" Honda raised his hand to another homunculus who tilted his head in curiosity before complying awkwardly.
By the time he passed by all the homunculus, the entire hallway was stunned as all the servants looked at him as if he were an anomaly, him being the only source of energy in this hallway of magically induced dullness.
Honda opened a door, leading to a big room, lined with many weapons of the melee sort. It was a training room. It was completely white, as when the door closed, it became the same color and blended to the wall, leaving the street mage in the middle of an entire limbo of white.
"Hey! This isn't the bathroom!" Honda said looking around desperately, but not seeing any way out. His white shirt glowed with purple runes, his shirt becoming pitch black once more. His golem remained with him, concealing itself in the estate.
"Maybe I accidentally stepped into an event? I hope this isn't the director's room or something." Honda thought to himself as he walked.
He started hearing noises of swinging from something heavy and metallic. He followed the noise, leading him to notice a lone figure in the middle of this abyss of white.
The figure was female in form, bearing the subtle and yet noticeable curvature of hips and legs that belied a woman's body. Her attire exposed much of her skin. She wore a pair of cuffed booty jean shorts for one, the only other lower apparel consisted of black boots that were strapped via metal buckles. For her top she wore a tube top that exposed her abdomen and a crimson leather jacket. The woman had blonde hair wrapped in a messy ponytail.
While in mid swing he noticed she had green eyes.
The attire made him pause at first. The height and smooth legs made him debate internally. The blonde hair, face and green eyes left no further room for debate.
"Saber!" Honda sprinted straight for the figure, who literally paused in mid swing, jolting from the unexpected and loud voice coming from behind.
Honda had already hugged the figure by the time she had attempted to turn around.
"You're here too! Where were you? I missed you!" Honda let out excitedly, nuzzling his face on the blonde hair he found to be familiar, his arms wrapped around the slim waist of the person before him.
"The others here too?" Honda
"Hey, what the hell! Let go of me!" The girl screamed, tearing herself from Honda's embrace, stumbling due to the unexpected tackle.
Honda looked at the person in front of him. He sweatdropped at the reaction.
"Saber, it's me Honda! Don't you remember?" The magician insisted.
"I think you got me confused for someone else. Lets get one thing straight I am not Saber. I am Avenger! Got it!?" The now revealed Avenger said, an irritated twitch on her right eye as she spoke with her fangs prominent as well as an embarrassed red tinge on her face.
CHAPTER END