Second Singularity, Part 3: Earthen Ire
60 AD
"Not an exact location?"
"No, but they have narrowed it down." Ritsuka said, standing in front of the short Emperor. "It is south of…"
"Massilia." The Clock Tower Lord finished, fixing the glasses on his face. "The leader of our team has suggested us to join her after this expedition, Emperor Nero."
"And to take the fight to the enemy, umu!" the red clad woman puffed up her chest with a pleased look on her face, her hands held akimbo on her hips. "I will be ecstatic to see who these pretenders are to try and usurp my rule." A courier approached the group from behind her, holding out a scroll for her. She took the parchment wordlessly, sending him off as she unfurled the scroll, reading its contents. Her smile grew wider. "And it seems the one you tasked to clean the streets of Rome has pushed back their flotilla! To think they struck our beautiful Capital the moment I stepped outside of it! Wretches! You must have known of this, why have you yet to share such a news with I?"
"Um, we felt that this was a far more, important thing to share with you, Emperor Nero." Ritsuka replied, holding a wince in anticipation to her response.
"Nonsense! It's all great news you have for us!" she turned to face her assembled army. "Men! Rejoice, for our friends here have helped in defeating these United Empire fools from striking our glorious Rome!"
The forces cheered, loud enough to shake the ground they all stood on. She nodded proudly as she turned back to Ritsuka's group. "And you said earlier, that you have a plan to engage whoever is leading these rebels here?"
The male Master answered with a step moving closer to her. "We are attempting to sway them to our cause."
"We believe that this person is of a similar nature such as us." El-Melloi said, gesturing to himself and Mash. "If they are not affiliated with the United Empire, we can enlist their aid to, as our Master here had said, our cause."
She nodded, letting the information sink in. "If you can solve this problem without casualties on our side, then all the more better. Umu! Will you depart shortly?"
"Yes, we will." Ritsuka replied.
"Then well wishes, and may your endeavor be fruitful to us all! In the meantime, I will assemble a contingent of troops to prepare for the journey to Massilia."
The Emperor turned on her feet and made her way back to her tent, leaving the Chaldeans in the tent provided for them. When she was further away from them, Ritsuka sighed, dropping himself on a provided chair, his arms slumped to his sides. One hand came back up, wiping his face and brushing his black hair. "Man, when I get back, speaking to the Prime Minister is going to be child's play…"
"Hm, yes. Ancient leaders have this, charisma that is unmatched by any modern ruler." The Lord said, sounding as if he was speaking with experience as he took a drag from his smoke.
"You did great, Senpai." "Fou!" Mash said with a smile on her face and Fou on her head, patting Ritsuka's shoulder comfortingly.
"Thanks, Mash. And you too, Fou." He said, his hand reaching up high.
Mash's eyes widened briefly, before closing in anticipation. She felt the ruffling, but not on her head. Ritsuka's hand had reached for Fou, combing through the little beast's fur. Her emerging pout went unnoticed by him, his eyes solely focused on the little beast.
"Well, we best make daylight." The Lord said, snuffing the cigarette on the given desk.
"Yes, we should." Ritsuka stood back up, pulling out a ration bar from his pockets. "Doctor, can you detect the signs of a Servant?" he asked, taking a nourishing bite.
"I thought you'd never ask." His familiar voice responded with a chuckle. "North West, not too far from you guys, though it can be a bit numbing of a walk."
"Well, it's not like we have a Rider with us." The Master commented in return.
"If you think you can achieve this plan of yours, Fujimaru, then good. But, the moment you realize that it is impossible to sway this Servant, then retreat." The Director cautioned for them, him especially.
"Yes, Director. We will be careful with this." He said, hoping his words could calm her down.
"Come back in one piece, Ritsuka." Kagiso's voice shone through past them. "Otherwise, Ayako will have to put you back." The Shaman chuckled amusedly at himself.
"Haha, very funny, Kagiso-san." He walked out of the tent, shielding his eyes from the sun. "Well, Team Ritsuka, I guess… heading off!"
He jumped in his skin when the surrounding soldiers cheered for them. He laughed nervously, waving back at them as Mash and Lord El-Melloi join the male Master.
The Caster chuckled, laughing at his expense. "Embrace it, Ritsuka. Not many chances you could get a sendoff."
"This place sucks." Ayako commented in-between the sips she was taking from her canteen. "No wonder she lost her scouts."
"Uh, Master? I don't think you should speak so loudly." Arturia said with a nervous glance towards her, with her eyes shifting to their surroundings.
"Let them." Ayako said, wrapping an arm around the Saber, bringing the shorter blonde along as they left the district. "We'll get this place out of the United Empire's hands."
"Of that, I agree." The Saber said with a nod. "Are we returning to Caster?"
"Yes. I'm sure she's found something already." They hurried their steps, making their way back to the small base they had set up within the ancient city.
Situated somewhere close to the center of Massilia, taking refuge in the audacity of their boldness. It would also, hopefully, allow the Greek Witch to better secure the land and to turn it into a makeshift workshop befitting of her status as a Caster. A small and secure building, wading off any curious eyes and ears with a complex array of a bounded field mounted around it. Both Ayako and Arturia had to knock on the door, seven times in a particular pattern, before it would open to let them in.
"Got anything, 'Dea?" Ayako asked after Arturia closed the door behind her.
"Onto nicknames, are we?" the Caster laughed, with a slight tint coloring her cheeks that Ayako almost missed. "My familiars have found a few things. Mostly where the scouts are being kept."
"Nice." The Master sat herself across the Greek Witch, followed closely by Arturia joining them. "How far have they gotten south?"
"Nothing yet, although they've located an army approaching the city." The blonde and the redhead narrowed their eyes at the news. "A sizable group, led by an overweight man, who most likely is a Servant from what I could detect."
"Overweight man? Does he look like anyone you know?" she asked, leaning her shoulder on the table.
"No, not anyone I recognize at least." She looked up from her crystal ball, letting her hood fall down her head. "So what should we do?"
"Has Koleen left Rome yet?" she returned the question with one of her own.
"They should have left a few hours ago, riding atop Martha's dragon."
Ayako sighed with relief, nodding subconsciously. "Good. Then, for now, we try and get those scouts out. Then, kick out any defending United Empire soldiers in the city, incite some of our own brand of rebellion within Massilia. 'Dea, I hope you have enough to make an army of those Tooth Warriors, 'cause we're gonna need them."
"And hopefully Koleen would get her before this army does." Arturia finished with a slow nod.
"Damn, I hope Tarrasque's fast. But he looks so much like a turtle…" her hand rubbed her face, trying to straighten the creases that formed. "Alright, ladies."
She stood up, holding her hand above the table; above the crystal ball. Arturia followed suit, holding her hand above hers. Then finally, Medea too got to her feet, placing her gloved hand above theirs. They all smiled to each other. Ayako's golden eyes, meeting the innocent green and the weighted blue. "Let's get to work."
"So many upright logs here, it feels like we're in a fake forest." Ritsuka commented, walking behind Mash with her shield raised.
"The mundane nature of this so called 'forest' would imply that this Servant is not a Caster, at least." The Lord added, his eyes narrowing like a hawk, his mind on overdrive in taking in their surroundings.
"We shouldn't be too long until we reach the city." Mash announced to them.
"What was it called again?"
"It's-" the Demi-Servant brought her shield up, blocking an attack that came by their way. "Archers!"
Both he and the Pseudo-Caster hid behind her and her shield, as the path they walked on became covered by a barrage of death.
"Is it an Archer?" he asked the Servants.
"No, simply soldiers. The rebels this Servant has rallied, no doubt." The Lord explained, pulling out an ornate Chinese fan from nothing.
The rain of arrows stopped far quicker than Ritsuka had expected, further reinforcing El-Melloi's observations. Both he and the Caster peered over the shield, trying to see who it was that had attacked them. He couldn't find anything with his unreinforced eyes, but the Lord could see the archers, still off in the distance. His eyes narrowed further upon seeing a chariot being pulled by two grey horses, running down the path towards them. Atop of it was a woman with bright red hair (though not as clear as Ayako's), reaching down to the back of her waist. She wore a white corset and cape, colored red on its inside that matched her red skirt. She held a golden shield on her left hand, and a sword on her right, along with a crown atop her head.
She held a fist up, halting further attacks from the rebels, as she stepped off her chariot. "Who goes there!?" she called out to them.
Ritsuka stepped out of Mash's shield, much to the horror of the Demi-Servant. "We have come to talk! We ask for aid!"
"Aid? You, who smells of Rome, asks me for aid?" the Servant, apparent by her nature, began walking towards them. "I am Boudica, Queen of the Iceni! And you ask me to side with the Romans?!"
"To face a greater threat, yes!" despite her growing anger, Ritsuka stood strong. He felt heat wash over them, not one that came from the sun.
"There is no greater threat than Rome. And to have you ask me of that, is insulting!" she thrusted her sword towards them, flinging a ball of light to their direction.
Mash moved quickly, blocking the light from harming Ritsuka. The Lord approached him carefully, leaning in to whisper. "Are you still confident in trying to sway her to our side? A Servant like Boudica has the lowest compatibility with the Romans. It will be extremely difficult."
"I'll keep on trying, until it is impossible." He whispered back. "Do you think it's impossible?"
"No."
"Then that's good enough for me." Ritsuka sidestepped Mash's shield, closing the distance between himself and Boudica. "But there is, Queen Boudica! One that's causing much horror to the people at this very second! You can stand against them!"
"Then I will bring them down along with Rome!" her horses galloped, charging past her and towards them. Mash pushed herself to once again stand in front of the Japanese Master, deflecting the mount's attack on them. "Archers!" a rain of arrows erupted from the distance, covering the Roman skies with its barrage once more.
"Mash, just focus on Boudica! Caster, I'm trusting the arrows to you!" Ritsuka's voice was the calmest it has ever been, finally fully stepping into the role he was thrust into.
"Yes, Master!" Mash ran towards the Servant, blocking the balls of light that Boudica shot towards her. El-Melloi, with the Caster he was bonded with, raised the earth around him, creating a shade for himself and Rituska.
Boudica brought her sword down on Mash when the Demi-Servant came into her reach, easily blocked by her shield. Balls of fire came flying down onto the Servant, fired by Zhuge Liang's magecraft, now comfortable in shifting his full attention in knowing that the earth would be able to shield them from the barrage.
"Doctor, quick. Give me a brief history on Boudica." He asked to their unseeing eye watching over them.
"O- alright. Hold on." And waited he did, listening to the clicking of the keyboard. "Boudica, became a Queen to the Iceni upon her husband's death, but the local Romans denied her of it. Her people were then assaulted by the local Roman occupation, separating her from her daughters and, uhm… oh boy. Did unspeakable things to them, let's keep it at that. She then led a rebellion against the Romans, turning the cruelty inflicted upon her, her family, and her people, back onto them. All of that, happening in this very year."
"Thanks." He nodded in response, eyes closing for a second as he formed the right words in his mind.
Mash, to the best of her abilities, kept up with the enraged Servant, pushing back with the strength entrusted upon her. The massive shield proving enough to stand toe to toe with Boudica's sword. Some might say that she was in fact overpowering the Rogue Servant, as a weighted bash sent Boudica back. The Servant did not relent, even with the array of spells that was pelted onto her by Lord El-Melloi II. She whistled an ear piercing whistle, calling forth the chariot that attempted to run over Ritsuka. She took the reins with the ease of a Rider Class Servant.
"If you stand with the Romans, then you are no different from them!" she raged, the earth cracking with fire beneath her feet.
"If you subject these people with your vengeance, then you too are no different from them!" Ritsuka cried out, glaring back at Boudica.
The chariot stopped just shy of reaching Mash, held back by the Rider, eyes narrowing on the Master with silent rage. "You dare?"
"I dare, because it's the truth!" Ritsuka stepped out of the earthen shade, unwavering in his steps. "Unleashing the same horrors that were inflicted upon your people to the Romans does not make you any better than them. It is understandable, but it does not justify that vengeance. It simply makes you no different from them."
The battlefield was overtaken with silence, hands tightening all around; reins, shields, fans. The rage on Boudica's face was enflaming, looking like she could burn those with her glare. A glare that wasn't aimed at any of them, as she turned away, scowling at nothing. "Bring her to me!"
"What?" Mash said aloud unintentionally.
"Bring Nero to me! I will speak with her myself!" she pointed her sword at Ritsuka, who raised his arms with narrowed eyes himself.
"Mash, Caster. Bring the Emperor here." He ordered.
"What?" the Psuedo-Caster turned to face the Master.
"Senpai! We can't leave you alone!" Mash all but yelled, voicing her protests clearly to him.
"You will!" silence reigned around them once more, as Ritsuka weathered out a sigh. "It's a sign of trust, Mash."
Mash was conflicted, very much obvious on her face. But, she relented, her shoulders sagging down. "Yes, Master."
"Let's go, Mash. It's best we do not waste time." El-Melloi said to her, breaking off into a sprint, now possible with his nature as a Pseudo-Servant. Mash took a moment before she ran off to follow him.
Ritsuka held his ground, unwavering even though his arms were still raised. The Servant, Boudica, leapt off of her chariot once more, walking towards him still with her sword pointed at his neck. There was still a distance, but he could tell that much at least. She walked, slowly, steadily. The footprints she left behind in her wake crackled like fire and magma, only briefly from a glimpse, as smoke escaped from them. She seemed like a Rider, from what he had been taught, but right now; at this exact moment; she feels like something more entirely.
Eventually, Boudica reached where he stood, the tip of her sword lifting his chin up. The horses that pulled her chariot followed behind, just a few feet behind her. "Ballsy, Master." She commented as her blue eyes bore into him.
"I told you." His blue eyes matched hers, holding himself higher. "It's a sign of trust. You have me, a human who isn't capable of much. Standing before you, a Servant who could snap me in half like a twig."
"You are brave, I will give you that." She said, turning the sword from its side to its blade underneath Ritsuka's chin. A slight trickle of blood rand down his neck.
"I'm not. I just want to fix this Singularity, and save Humanity." He replied, hiding a shiver from feeling the blood seep into his clothes. "My bravery, or lack thereof, is secondary."
Her scowl lessened, almost replaced by a hint of a smile, before she set itself in a neutral expression. Ritsuka second guessed himself, if he actually, truly saw that slip. "And that's a whole 'nother kind of bravery." She lessened the pressure of her sword on his chin, but only slightly. "You will stay here, in this position, until they come back."
"Yes." He nodded, careful with his breathing with the sword bearing down on him. The both of them, Master and Rogue Servant, settled in this silent stalemate.
2017
She held her gaze on the monitors. Everyone else was, with many of them keeping track of the many things that keep this operation running. Her tight fist was covering her mouth, lips held together by nervous teeth. Romani's nerves were also just as frayed, the older man held his gloved hands over his own lips as if in prayer. Kagiso, contrasting either of them, seemed relatively calm throughout all of this. And it wasn't just Ritsuka they were all keeping an eye on.
The Japanese Master kept to his word, arms raised with his eyes never leaving the Rider Class Servant, despite the trail of blood going down his neck. Mash and Lord El-Melloi II were still making their way back to the Roman camp, covering the distance in a short amount of time, the Demi Servant unable to hide the worry in her face. They all waited for them, and hoped that the Emperor was amiable to the idea of meeting with the woman her Empire had ruined. And in turn, who ruined her people.
Another set of monitors was centered on Aozaki's team, each women working together with a singular plan. The Caster, Medea, was back at their forward base, acting as their eyes and ears that had Massilia within her fingers. The Saber, Arturia, felling the United Empire soldiers that were stationed within the city, all converging on the dungeon that they had broken into. All of them, were nothing to a Saber Class Servant, even if she was in a weaker iteration of King Arthur's story. And Aozaki, within the dungeon itself, breaking down the cells that kept the scouts of the Roman Empire.
Bertrand's team, all riding atop the Phantasmal Beast that surged through Rome's lands, rushing to assist Aozaki with the oncoming army that was heading their way.
"Bertrand, how far along?" Olga spoked up. She needed to do something, she needed to talk to lessen the nerves that were building up in her skin.
"A while, Director. We're crossing a distance that Ayako took days in a matter of hours." The Witch replied, one hand linked with the Saint's, and one clutching the black kitten that fell upon her lap.
"Possibly a day. Let's not be too hasty here." Ruler further replied, securing the Master's hand with her own.
"Chin up, Director. You have one of history's most prominent magis in existence, and King Arthur herself. Ayako herself is no slouch either. They'll be fine when we get there." That optimism sounded odd coming from the Physician, sitting on the back of Tarrasque as he kept his eyes on the path they've left behind.
"It's not about whether they are capable of holding them back. Of all people, I trust Aozaki to handle herself in such a situation, especially now that she has a backup ready. But, things have to be perfect in order for your plans to align without a hitch." Olga's hand moved to the back of her neck, clutching it tightly. For a brief second, her mind wandered, at how perfect her neck felt. Unless you knew what to look for, you couldn't even tell that it was a doll.
"Are things not going well on the other ends?" Bertrand asked, now with a slight worry in her own tone.
"No, no, everything's fine on Ayako's side." Romani quickly replied, before things could get out of hand.
"Things are hanging on the balance for Ritsuka though." Olga silently cursed the giant of a man that stood behind her, turning to glare at him. He smiled back in response. "What? Honesty is always the better alternative."
"Why? What's going on with him?"
"He's keeping a Rogue Servant at bay with just his words alone while Mash and Lord El-Melloi are picking Emperor Nero up." The Shaman further explained to her.
Through the monitor, they could see Bertrand close her eyes and sigh. "Well, let's trust him with whatever he has planned."
"Unfortunately, trust is all that we have right now." Olga commented, turning her eyes back to Fujimaru's team. The Servants had finally arrived at the camp, letting her sigh with somewhat of a relief. "Because there's not much else we could do."
"Aside from angering Boudica further from talking to Ritsuka. Which is why we've been quiet on our end." The Acting Director, oh so graciously supplied.
"Thank you, Romani." Olga seethed through her teeth, causing the older man to yelp.
60 AD
"Queen… Boudica?" The Emperor's face, for a second was one of disbelief, before an uncommon grimace snaked its way, turning her green eyes away from them. "I see. I understand now…"
"The Queen of the Iceni? How is such a thing possible?" one of the generals that accompanied Nero asked aloud, color draining from his face. "She is dead."
"We've told you, that she is of a similar nature to us." The Lord repeated, his face conveying his displeasure to them all.
"And she requested for you to see her." Mash added, Fou in her hands to help alleviate the worry that was building within her.
It wasn't working.
"No! That's preposterous!" another man inside the commanding tent all but yelled. "The Emperor will not be within distance to be struck down by a brute!"
"I did not give you permission to talk."
The man ceased his protests, silenced by the Emperor's harsh bark, juxtaposing the welcoming image she has so far displayed to them since their arrival. A scowl marred her beautiful face, as she looked back to the Servants.
"She wished to speak with me. That is her only request?" the Servants nodded. "Then I will see to her request, personally."
"But-"
"She requests an audience with the Emperor, and she will get it!" she said to everyone around her with a finality that they could not deny, her serious tone brokering no more words to sway her. "Take me to her."
His arms were sore. In fact, they've been sore for the past 18 minutes, standing with a sword to his neck. He didn't dare move, not with Boudica keeping her eyes on him. The Servant herself looked like she had no trouble keeping this still of a pose, unmoving like a statue. The horses seemed to share their master's rage, staring him down with an intensity he's never seen before on an animal.
Boudica's eyes, for the first time since they've reached this stalemate, shifted away from him, staring down at something behind them. "They're here."
His sigh was long, as he felt his shoulders deflate as he lowered his arms, feeling the blood rushing back into them. He turned around himself, seeing them still so far off in the distance. The short red Emperor, flanked by Mash and Lord El-Melloi II. Mash wasn't holding her shield, opting simply to have Fou in her hands, possibly also as a sign of trust. Emperor Nero's large, gleaming red sword was strapped to her back, with a serious expression that almost shocked him.
Boudica didn't let up, instead now placing the side of her sword on his shoulder, just beside his neck. Unlike before, he didn't feel any sort of threat to his life. He hoped that he managed to build some kind of rapport with the Servant behind him.
"Emperor Nero." The amount of venom the came from her lips surprised him though. The sword finally left his body, as the Servant pointed the blade at the approaching Emperor.
Sorrow was the only thing on Nero's face, and Ritsuka could hear the tightening of Boudica's hand around the handle of her sword. He wasn't sure if it was because of the expression they all saw, or simply the Emperor's presence that was making her mood plummet further.
"Queen Boudica. It is an honor." The Red Emperor gave a light bow to the Servant.
"The honor, is not mine, Nero…" she seethed through her teeth. The Rider moved past him, walking closer to Nero. "Tell me, why shouldn't I cut you down, right here? Right now?"
The Emperor's face furrowed with a frown. "I thought we could resolve this peacefully? Is that not why you asked for me?" her instincts screamed at her, her red sword immediately pulled out, held to stop the sword from coming down onto her.
"You really think this can be resolved peacefully?! DO YOU?!" she delivered a kick to Nero's torso, sending the smaller woman back.
"Yes I do!" she didn't have a second to nurse her bruising chest as she brought her sword back up, attempting to deflect another of Boudica's attack.
The strength of a Servant sent the Emperor to her knees, holding it back with all her might. "You think it's so easy to just talk your way out of this?! Where was that when your people ravaged my own?! Where was the justice then?!"
"It has been given!" the weight lessened dramatically, the Emperor looking up for a second as Boudica's hand reached for her neck, lifting the shorter woman off the ground.
"Where?!" Boudica's rage was palpable, and they all could do nothing but stare.
"It has been dealt with accordingly!" Nero did not struggle, though her hand was holding Boudica's wrist. "All those responsible, have been fed to the lions! Their actions went against my own, and are a blight to Rome!"
The Emperor fell back onto her feet, sucking back air to get back the ones she lost. The Servant looked down with maddened bewilderment. The Emperor stood straight, proud. "When news came of what my people have done to yours, sentences were handed out to them. No exceptions." Nero then held her free hand out to Boudica, invitingly. "Now come, Queen of the Iceni! Let us pave a path that your Husband, your King, envisioned!"
The Rider Class Servant stared at the hand with an unreadable expression on her face, but they all could see her hands tightening around her sword and shield. Her shoulders quaked, as Boudica's breathing became erratic. Then, as quickly as it appeared, her shoulders relaxed. Her glared sharpened, undaunted by the offer. "Fine. I will join your crusade. But it will not be you who I answer to."
Ritsuka, Mash, and Lord El-Melloi let out a sigh of relief, while Nero's smile became strained. "I understand. I will return to the camp, and assemble a contingent for Massilia."
"Caster, please accompany her." Ritsuka ordered.
"Yes Master." The Pseudo-Servant nodded to the Emperor, walking back to Nero's side, a healing spell already leaving his lips.
"Thank you, mage." The Emperor's green eyes turned to Ritsuka, nodding proudly to him. "I shall see you back at the camp."
She did not wait for his reply, already turning back down the dirt path, leaving him and Mash with Boudica. The Servant kept her eye on Nero's back, even as she grew farther and farther away, with Mash returning to his. Then when the Emperor and the Clock Tower Lord crested over the horizon, she sighed. Her sword and shield dematerialized, as she turned back to face them again. Gone was the rage that had encapsulated her being throughout their encounter. Here, right now, she was displaying a far more welcoming expression. A soft, almost sisterly smile, matched by the lighter air her mounts were projecting.
"Come with me, Master. I need to, order the rebels to stand down. And to get them out of here."
"You're still afraid for them." Ritsuka commented observantly.
"The Emperor maybe true and honest, but I still do not trust her people." She said as she mounted her chariot. "Now come. We best hurry, if there truly is something far more heinous than the Romans. To be dealt with."
2017
A collective sigh of relief was released inside the control room, a few claps and cheers erupting among them, as Fujimaru and Mash joined Boudica on her chariot. Even Olga couldn't stop the smile forming on her face, her hands and arms falling to her side, the tension of it all leaving her with a sprint. She turned to her right, seeming Romani slump in his chair, letting out an unbecoming groan as if he was letting a long overdue belch. She felt large hands place itself on her shoulder, prompting her to face the Shaman, holding a proud smile on his face.
"I knew he could do it." The tall African said with a single nod.
"His compatibility is no mistake then." Olga said back, turning to the Doctor again.
"I dare say his compatibility is higher than Kadoc's. Honestly? He fits right in with B Team." He said alongside them, standing up for a close second as he stretched himself, before sitting back down.
"There's no B Team anymore, Doctor. They're just the Ground Team." Kagiso commented with a sad sorrowful tone.
"No. You're Ground Team." Olga said to him, taking his hand off her shoulder and placing hers on his. "Get your head straight, Kagiso. You'll be joining them next Singularity."
A smirk found its way on his face, replacing whatever expression that would have fully formed. "Is that a vote of confidence?"
"Of course. You were my acting physician." She sent a glare down Romani's way, the older man flinching as if he was physically struck.
"Then I best prepare myself then." He took a step back, his hand reaching for his stump of a shoulder. "Wouldn't want to get left behind by them."
AUTHOR'S NOTE
you can't have Septem without Boudica, the chapter that should've given her chance to shine, considering the fact that she rebelled and died in 60 AD. which is when Septem takes place. could you imagine that? you just died after your rebellion failed, and then you get summoned to help Rome and its people?
like, i understand that the United Empire is a common enemy, but damn son.
with that said, i enjoyed writing her here. she's probably not gonna be like this when she drops in Chaldea, more akin to what she's like in game. but, the moment a Roman Servant gets summoned, who boy...
we also got to have Ritsuka shine here. and soon, he can actually feel like an equal to his teammates.
there's not much else to say, aside from the next chapter being real long for the moment. let's hope i can get it finished in the next couple of days. hopefully hours, but who knows.
reviews time!
King0fP0wers: they are powerful, and taxing. i initially planned on using the voodoo doll during Orleans, but i couldn't make it fit, so...
you pretty much hit the nail on the head. i can't wait for EoR (and because it's not "mandatory" to complete, its order is definitely going to be changed up a bit). a Master, for a Singularity, but you only got Koleen right. the others, some are set in stone, others aren't yet. we've got time to see how it goes, so all we can do right now is wait in anticipation.
darthwolf: not all events are going to be adapted, so we'll see.
madmage101: i hope i do Altera justice.
Guest: in the actual game canon? i'm not sure, it's a grey area. but in this fic? it's different from the game's timeline (especially with the many changes i've already done to it.) so yes, tentatively, all the Fuyuki Grail Wars had occurred, with Marisbilly participating in the 5th one.
hope ya'll enjoyed this, i certainly did in writing it.
drop a review if you don't mind, and i'll see you all next time!