Left by Time
2017
"God damn, that motherf…. Mmmmmmm!" Ayako wanted to so badly slam her fist on the table in anger. She wouldn't mind fixing the damage. But, she had to restrain herself, lest she bring attention to them that was unwanted. "It ruined our library! Both physical, and digital! Aahhh!"
"It is nothing, if not thorough." Kagiso said with a pronounced frown on his face. He was far more subdued in his anger that he shared with her. "Did you find anything, Ritsuka?"
"Fairy Tales." The younger Master replied with obvious displeasure. He looked up from the colorful book, his eyes reaching for Kagiso's. "Was there someone with children here? I struggle to see the point for a book like this to be here."
"Not that I remember." Kagiso commented, glancing to the Puppeteer for her input.
"Neither do I." she answered with a tired sigh. She pushed herself away from the desks, planting her head on the tabletop unceremoniously. "We're getting nowhere. Especially this late."
"Yes. Perhaps we should call it a night then." The Shaman agreed, hiding a yawn behind his metallic hand. "With as tired as we are, especially with you, Ayako, it'd be best if we continue this when we are of abled minds."
"Yeah, you're right." She replied, straightening herself back up as she returned to the PC she was using. She set about scrubbing her virtual tracks. "Make sure everything's just as it was before."
"Yes." The both of them replied as they too got to cleaning, though in their case they made sure the books they had taken were placed back where they had gotten them.
A loud ping echoed in the otherwise empty library, causing Ritsuka to jump in sudden surprise. Ayako and Kagiso looked to their communicators, noticing a priority email that was sent to them. "Huh, a company email. We don't get those anymore…" she commented as she opened the email.
They read the text in silence, their intense expressions relaxing at the contents.
"Oh, this sounds fun." Ayako said with a growing smirk.
"Man, it's a good thing my mom told me to pack a nice suit." Ritsuka groaned, his hand reaching for the back of his neck.
"If the Director really acquired the services of Da Vinci and Medea for this, perhaps you should give either of them a call, to give it a good clean up." Kagiso commented, placing a hand on the younger Master's shoulder.
"Well the event's on New Year's Eve, so we got time." Ayako said as she stood up from the chair. "I guess the Director's trying solidify the morale for our crew, after all this time."
"They needed it." Kagiso agreed, nodding along. "They've been doing nothing but work and work."
"I wonder what she did to get those two to work with her, though." Ritsuka said aloud in wonderment. "From what you guys said, Casters can be difficult to work with."
"Well, I know of one thing that will get Medea working along, but I'm not 100% sure if the Director allowed it." Ayako said with a nod. "I guess all we can do is ask them."
"That we can."
21 Days Left
"And Da Vinci wouldn't mind if I just ask?" Mash questioned, sitting in the newly refurbished office that was officially given to the Doctor, seeing him slowly sip the coffee so early in the morning.
"Of course not, Mash." The ginger haired man replied with a soft smile on his face. "Olga came to an agreement with her and Medea, just to help with this event that she had planned. Medea especially seems very much eager to, show off, so to say." He said with an added smirk.
"Fou, Fou!" the white mascot of Chaldea pawed its tiny claws on the Doctor's stack of papers on his desk, scratching the parchment without abandon.
"Besides, Mash. I think Da Vinci's more than eager to make something for you." His smirk quivered slightly at his own words. "Well… not as eager on her own pet projects."
The Demi-Servant was still unsure, and her mouth opened to speak up once more.
*Knock Knock Knock*
"Doctor? You called for me?" the familiar voice of the American Witch came from the other side of the door.
He briefly glanced to the door to his office, smiling at the voice. "Come in, Koleen."
The door slid open, and the footsteps followed, as the one and only Koleen Bertrand walked in, with her black red eyed kitten in her hands, and a white tote bag around her shoulders. Her pink eyes briefly caught Mash's, before finding their mark with the Doctor. "You needed me for something?" she asked him, standing behind the Demi-Servant's chair.
"Yes. As you no doubt have heard, there is an upcoming… party, that Olga is planning. Fancy suits and dresses and all that." The Witch nodded. "Well, I was hoping you could accompany Mash to Da Vinci. I curried a favor from her, just to create something nice for Mash."
Mash's eyes widened at the eye-opening words. "Doctor! You didn't have to do that!"
"Mash, please. This is a rare opportunity for you to, enjoy your life a little." He said with a pleasant smile. "I hope you don't mind, Koleen."
"Not at all, Doctor." Koleen replied with a knowing smile. "I was planning on heading to Medea, myself." She gestured to the tote bag she brought. "It was a nice dress I wore for my cousin's wedding, and my mom insisted that I brought it with me. Apparently for occasions like this."
"But, Doctor Roman…" Mash still looked unsure, shifting her between the Witch and him.
He reached forward to grab her hand, squeezing it tightly. "Mash. It's okay. You deserve this, alright?"
She held his gaze for a short while, she relented with a nod. "Alright, Doctor. I will." She said, standing up and taking Fou into her hands.
"And don't worry. Da Vinci already has the necessary materials she needs to make you a dress." She finally smiled, feeling the warmness in her heart grow.
"Thank you, Doctor." She said back to him.
"Now go have fun you two. We best enjoy it, before things return to the way they were."
"We will Doctor." Koleen said, as both she and Mash walked out of the Doctor's new office.
They walked down the corridor, little creatures in their hands, pawing at each other with their little paws. There was a comfortable silence hanging between, the both of them content with just heading straight to their destination. A silence, that was eventually broken by the younger woman.
"Are we not heading to Da Vinci's workshop?" Mash asked, noticing the path they were taking.
"No, both she and Medea got a separate room for this whole juncture." Koleen explained with an exasperated sigh and shake of her head. "Just to separate their usual workshop Caster shenanigans from this endeavor."
"And you're planning on going to Medea?" Mash asked again. "This party is still a long ways away, isn't it?"
"It is. And the Director said in the email that us Masters get preferential treatment for whatever services the Casters provide." The Witch shrugged her shoulders. "But, I'd rather get my things done as quickly as possible. Give the rest of the crew a chance to spread their wings. So, the sooner I can be out of their hair, the better."
"Ah. You're, a lot kinder than how you paint yourself, Koleen." Mash commented, her mind returning to the times she was with the Witch in her workshop, often regaling her and Elizabeth her past.
"Thanks." Koleen smiled appreciatively. "It's, actually becoming more difficult, to be like this."
"If that's so, then you can count on us to make sure you're staying in the light." Mash said with determination.
"Thank you, Mash." She sighed, somewhat with relief. "I've heard the same from Ayako, but it's good to hear others say it too. It's nice, to actually have friends, Mash."
"I know." She said back, her smile widening as she agreed with the sentiment. "Friends…"
Their remaining walk was done in silence, once again hanging comfortably between them. It wasn't far for long, until Koleen lead the both of them to a room that used to belong to a subdivision within Chaldea, with all its members being a victim to the explosion, its last remaining remember secluding themselves with the kitchen staff, the trauma of it too much for them. Koleen, with a careful free hand while the other was holding her kitten, knocked on the door.
"We are open!" the Grecian Caster's voice answered, her voice carrying with it a certain pep to it.
Koleen flashed her lanyard, opening the door for the both of them, as they stepped inside the repurposed room. Mash's eyes widened at the sight, seeing staff members (five people in particular) also inside the room. Six machines, all for the purpose of tailoring and weaving, lining the corner wall, manned by each of them. Medea was overseeing them, meticulously going over their work with a hawk's eye. On the other half of the room was only one person, yet her side was noticeably far messier than Medea's. She waved at them, welcoming the two of them with a wide smile.
"Mash, Koleen! Welcome, to our impromptu tailor's hut!" Da Vinci said ecstatically, arms held out to welcome them.
Mash looked around the room briefly, before addressing the Genius. "I wasn't expecting this room to be so crowded."
"I have acquired the help of a few volunteers to assist us, with compensation of course." Medea replied, turning around to face the two as the door slid to a close behind them. Her hood was drawn down, revealing her elfin face.
"We've noticed." Koleen commented with a wry smile. "Were there no other Servants that would help out?"
"There is one." Medea's eyes glanced to the door, as it slid opened.
"Here are the materials, Medea." Both Koleen and Mash turned around to see the feline Huntress walk in, carrying an assortment of things with her. She was still wearing the white, featureless mask that Medea had given her. She took notice of their presence and sighed, her ears drooping for a second.
"Good, place them over there." Medea gestured towards the supposed dividing line between the two Casters. "There's a spare station over there as well. You know what to do."
She sighed again, but moved without protest. "Yes, Medea." She joined the five crew, assisting Medea with her work.
"Now, what is it that you two are here for?" said Caster asked them, a smirk forming on her purple lips. "I think we can hazard a guess."
The both of them nodded. "I wanted to see if you can, freshen up this dress of mine." Koleen gestured to her tote bag.
"And I was told that Da Vinci will make me my own dress?" Mash said unsurely, glancing to the Genius, who smiled brightly.
"Yes, I will! Come here, Mash, and we can get started!" the Mona Lisa gestured with both her hands, beckoning the Demi-Servant over.
"Go ahead, Mash. I'll be here with Medea." Koleen said, pushing Mash forward with her shoulder, what with her kitten still occupying her hand.
With the support she was given, Mash walked towards Da Vinci's side of the room, with Fou now making his way up to her hair. She sat across the desk, one that was unbefitting of a Genius like her, though Da Vinci seemed to make it work. Mash sat with her hands on her lap, while Da Vinci's were on the table, fingers intersected with one another.
"So, do you have anything in mind?" the Caster asked with her signature smile on her face.
"Uuuuhhh, I don't know. All I've ever worn, were these." She gestured to her own uniform, distinct than most of the crew, by virtue of her having been a former member of A Team.
"Hm… then let's start with something simple then." She leaned in closer to Mash. "What color would you prefer?"
"Color? Uhm, color…" her eyes glanced to Fou, peering over her from her head. "I think, I'd like white."
"White? Ah, something pure for a young maiden. I can work with that. Hold on a minute." Da Vinci pulled out a yellow sketchpad, and a sharpened pencil, and began sketching something onto it. It wasn't hard for Mash to guess what she was doing.
And it didn't take long, too. "So something like this?" Da Vinci flipped the sketchpad, showing Mash what she had planned. A supposedly white dress (for there wasn't any color to it) with its sleeves hanging below her shoulders. The dress itself was relatively short, stopping just above her knees, with patterns at the edges that give it a sort of four leaf clover look. There were white gloves on her hands, with tiny ribbons just below the back of her palm. White heels, modest in size. A thin white ribbon wrapped around her neck, with a flower on her hair.
"Wow." Mash said with widened eyes.
"Fou!" the small creature on her head seemed to agree.
"Do you like it?" Da Vinci asked with a softening smile.
"I think so." she replied, still trying to understand the feeling.
"Alright then." Da Vinci placed the sketchpad on the table. "Stand up, and let me take your measurements."
"Okay." Fou jumped off her hair and onto the desk, sitting on the tabletop to wait for her as she stood up and followed the Genius. At her command, Mash spread her arms apart in a T pose, as Da Vinci got to work.
"Will this take long?" she asked as she felt the measuring tape around her waist.
"Of course not, Mash. At the latest, I'd be done tomorrow, but you'll most likely get to see it by the end of the day." She replied without pause. "Be sure to wear it, and see if it's to your liking, because if it isn't, then you should come back to me. Understand?"
"Yes, Da Vinci."
"Good! Good." It didn't take too long for the Caster to work her magic, finally returning back to her desk. "You can go now, Mash."
"Thank you, Da Vinci." She said, smiling in earnest.
"You're welcome, Mash." Da Vinci too flashed a rare kind of smile for the Demi-Servant.
With Fou jumping back onto her shoulder, Mash moved herself to Medea's side of the room, where Koleen was still waiting. Her tote bag was in her hand instead of her shoulder, with her dress being handled personally by Medea. The Witch, with her black cat in her hand, looked to Mash with her pink eyes.
"Are you done?" she asked the Demi-Servant.
"Yes, Koleen. How about you?" Mash asked back.
She shook her head. "By the end of the day." She gestured to the door with a nod. "Shall we leave?"
"Okay." And leave they did, leaving the room together just as they entered. "What next?" Mash asked, as they began walking down the corridor.
"I don't know… lunch?" Koleen said with a shrug.
"Lunch sounds good."
"Maybe the others are there."
"Maybe. Senpai said that he and the other two were up late researching something."
"Probably involving that Singularity Ayako was pulled in to." The older young woman sighed. "Let's get that lunch."
"Let's."
14 Days Left
"Just go inside, damn it!" Elizabeth repeatedly smacked the back of the draconic Berserker, as they both stood outside the room of the Puppeteer's. She was dressed in the dancing getup she had procured from the Grecian Caster, worn whenever she would workout with the Puppeteer. "Knock, and go!"
"Look, it's not easy!" Kiyohime retorted, trying to bat away the clawed hand from her back. "Especially after what happened!"
"And you're better now, right? Just go in!" she kept on ushering the Berserker, slowly pushing Kiyohime towards the door.
"I am not better!" her golden eyes flashed in a fury, glaring at the Lancer. "Do I look okay?!"
"Well, you're talking, for one. Instead of standing here like you're mourning the death of a lover." Elizabeth responded with an unamused tone.
"Listen here, you little lizard-!" the sound of rushing air startled the Berserker, her antsy behavior doing her no favors. She spun on her heel to face the Puppeteer, her golden eyes eyeing them with a raised brow. "Master!"
"You know you two are quite loud." She commented, leaning a shoulder on the doorway. She too was dressed in her dancer's outfit, apparently eager to head out for her routine workout, now that she has gotten what one would consider a sufficient amount of R&R.
"Master, I apologize!" Kiyohime bowed, her face flushing in embarrassment.
"It's alright, Kiyo-chan." The most senior Master sighed, taking a step back inside her room. "Come in, its fine you know."
"I told you." Elizabeth said with a smirk, patting Kiyohime's back as she followed the Puppeteer inside.
Kiyohime glared at the Lancer's back, before she followed them inside, letting the door close behind her. It hasn't changed much, since she was last inside here. Not like she had much of a chance after the Singularity, since the Puppeteer had spent most of that time recuperating. Up until she had to be called into that anomaly of a Singularity, which unfortunately coincided with Kiyohime's attempt at making the Puppeteer a lunch of some sort. Thankfully, the Red Archer had suggested that she instead turn it into a bento.
And then she was gone for another week.
That had disrupted whatever haphazard plans Kiyohime was concocting, essentially doing nothing for a whole week after the Master's return, that she had to turn to the one Servant who had stuck beside her. Much to her admitted chagrin. Both Servants glanced to one another, Kiyohime silently pleading for the Lancer to start this whole conversation, before the awkwardness could set in for in.
"Birdie! The party's in two weeks! Do you have anything to wear?" Elizabeth asked, as she without hesitation launched herself onto the Master's bed, digging her hands into the blanket and pillow.
Kiyohime, seeing that Aya/chin-sama- the Master sat herself on her desk, moved to the bed, sitting next to Elizabeth's legs. Her fingers reached for her eyes, shutting them tightly when she saw him again. She shook herself of the feeling that compelled her so, thanks to her Berserker nature. When her fingers fell back, she saw the Puppeteer look to her with concern.
"Is everything alright, Kiyo-chan?" Anchi- AYAKO asked her, her feet on the carpeted floor, about to rise up.
"No." she answered truthfully. Her Master wouldn't have wanted it any other way. "But, I'm trying."
"She sure is." Elizabeth confirmed, sitting up and positioning herself beside her.
"Thanks for helping her, Liz." The Puppeteer said with a gratified smile. "Kiyo-chan. You know that my door's always open. Just come in if you need to talk, if you want further help."
"I know, Master…" her shoulders slumped in weighted despair.
"You could join us for our sessions, Kiyo-chan." The Master said, gesturing to Elizabeth with a nod. "We're meeting up with Mash as well, she's actually excited about this."
"I'll… think about it, Master." She slowed her breathing, trying to relax. "I'm still, not comfortable."
"Alright. But I'm always open. Don't forget that." She reminded.
Kiyohime allowed herself to smile, remembering why she was drawn in the first place. "Thank you, Master."
She smiled back in turn, as she glanced to Elizabeth again. "So what was the question earlier?"
"What'chu got to wear? You gotta have something fancy." Elizabeth asked with an excited smile.
A smile that was quite rare flashed on A-… Ay-… Ayako's face. Both nostalgic, and full of pride. She'd seen either of them on their own, but Kiyohime's never seen them together. It was, a sight to see. "That I do. Probably the only fancy things I have."
"Things?" Both Servants noticed peculiar word.
"Yup. Got five different sets, had all of them checked by 'Dea the past couple of days. Wanna see?" she gestured to the cloth on the desk, that seemed to be covering something.
"Can we?!" Elizabeth shot back up to her feet, almost bouncing excitedly.
"Will that be alright?" Kiyohime asked, standing up herself.
"Yeah, it's fine. Just keep it a secret." The Puppeteer gave them a wink, as a hand lifted the cloth over. "It's this one over here."
"Oooooo… It's so pretty." Elizabeth commented with sparkling eyes. "Aw, I want to wear one too, but I already have a dress ordered up." Her blue eyes then shifted to the Berserker, a knowing smirk forming on her lips. "But you can!"
"I can…" realization dawned on her, her own golden eyes turning to their Master.
"That'll be fun, 'cause I doubt there'll be many people who'll wear these kind of clothes." The Puppeteer said with a smile, before dropping the cloth back. "Well, we're running late here, Mash is probably waiting. We should head out now, Liz."
"Yeah, let's go and see Deerlet! We'll teach her how to shine in the party!" Elizabeth then marched out of the room, skipping excitedly at the prospect.
"Keep your head up, alright, Kiyo-chan?" Ma… Ayako. It is An- NO! Her name, is Ayako! Asked, still concerned for her wellbeing.
"Yes, thank you. Master." Kiyohime held the Puppeteer's hand with both of her own, slowly letting her go as both she and Elizabeth made their way to the gymnasium. Seeing their backs, becoming smaller, and smaller, Kiyohime nodded to herself, before she turned on her heel and made her way down the opposite end of the corridor.
Looks like she has an appointment with the Casters.
9 Days Left
"Have you even left this place?" Cú Chulainn asked, leaning on the wall as his eyes glazed over the Archer, his efforts fully focused on cooking.
"Yes." EMIYA replied, tasting the food he was making. "The Animusphere's made it a point to for me to stick to a shift."
"You wouldn't expect that one to be so considerate." The Druid commented, drinking the coffee he was offered. "I figured she was a bit rough around the edges when I met her in F. She's, a lot better than most."
"She's probably trying to set a precedent in making sure that the staff don't abuse any of our capabilities." Sanson said, having been pulled along by the Druid. He too was drinking coffee.
"Do people really do that?" Bjorgson, the current Head of Culinary, asked them with furrowed brows. He was delegating his section's duties, which also happened to include the Red Archer.
All three Servants glanced his way, though the man stood unwavering. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that, he stood there indifferent, like he was seeing them no differently than he would other people. "How often do you interact with magi?" Cú Chulainn asked, placing his mug on the countertop.
"Hardly ever." The human replied with a shrug. "Even now, the most I do is with the Director."
"Not even the Masters?" EMIYA asked, looking at the young Chef with confusion.
"They prefer to cook their own food, at midnight." He said in understanding. "I would too if I could. Those guys at least clean up after themselves too."
"The boss makes sure he don't face 'em now an' then." One of the other chefs called out, causing an eruption of laughter among them.
"I just don't want to deal with the nonsense." He admitted unabashedly, waving the other chef away. "Especially if what you're saying is true."
"It's true for a lot of them." The Druid said with an annoyed expression. "Regardless of the Age, they're all pricks."
"The Masters are all different though." Sanson added, taking another sip from his mug. "Quite surprised myself."
"They are all quite the colorful gaggle of people, that's for sure." The Druid commented with a hearty chuckle.
"So how can you tell though, on who's a good person and not?" Bjorgson asked, crossing his arms as he looked at the Servants.
"Experience is what you would need to gather a lay of them." EMIYA responded, facing the head Chef. "You're doing pretty well yourself in keeping away from them, so just keep at it."
"Yeah, that sounds like what I'm going to do." The human sighed. He shook his head, fully turning his attention on something else. "So is that the test batch?" he asked, moving towards the Archer.
"Yes." The tanned man replied, as the Head of Culinary picked up a spoon and tasted the dish.
"You must really use some magic to make these divine, Mister EMIYA." He said with a certain sense of bliss flashing on his face.
"I can neither confirm, nor deny that." He replied evenly, though there was a ghost of a smirk at the corner of his lips.
"Are either of you going to partake in the events of this party?" Sanson asked the two more, powerful Servants. Especially compared to him.
The both of them shook their heads in reply. "I will focus my efforts here." EMIYA replied, nodding to the chefs. Light cheers erupted from them, causing the Archer to chuckle.
"And I will keep the Security guys company." Cú Chulainn said, tapping his wooden staff on his shoulders. "Can't have everyone be all loosy goosy. How about you?"
"The Medical Staff was very adamant that I join them along." Sanson answered with a smile on his face.
"When you say Staff, you meant the nurses, don't you?" the Druid asked with a knowing smirk.
The Physician's silent smile was enough of an answer for them. They all knew that the nurses were the ones who lead the dynamic within the infirmary.
"Christmas is like, in two days." Bjorgson started in a more casual tone. "Do any of you guys celebrate it?"
"No." Cú Chulainn answered simply, taking the cup back into his hand.
"Maybe? I don't remember much." EMIYA replied with a shrug, as he went back to the dish he was making.
"Not in the same way that it is celebrated presently." Sanson responded with a smile on his face.
The Chef sighed, somewhat expecting the answer. "It was always a spectacle, back at my home. Now, it's just going to come and go."
"Such is the nature of our current predicament." The Assassin said with a somber tone. "We take what we can get, the little moments in our time of need, to remember what was, is important."
"I was thinking of having a small celebration, at least between Culinary." The Chef gestured with a hand towards the rest of his crew. "Would you guys think that would be alright?"
"I don't see why not." Cú Chulainn said with a noncommittal shrug. "As long as it doesn't disrupt anyone, it should be fine."
"Yes, that is how the Director has approached things as of late. Off the backs of the Masters." EMIYA further supported. He glanced to the Chef beside him. "I can help you prepare for them as well."
At that, the other chefs all rushed towards them. "Oh please, please! That'll be so awesome!" one remarked, eyes open wide like saucers. "Yeah, yeah! Please, Kristoff!" another almost cried out.
The Head of Culinary glanced behind the gathered people, then turned back to the Servants. "Maybe an appetizer." He said. The young Chef seemed to be the only Chef who wasn't overly affected by the Red Archer's cooking.
"Consider it done. Just give me a time and place where you'd have this small party of yours." EMIYA said with a smirk.
"Yeah, thanks, Mister EMIYA." The young Chef turned back to his staff fully. "Get back to work, all of you! The Director's party is in 9 days! And we'll give her the best meal she's ever tasted!"
New Year's Eve
As if time itself had left their fingertips, the 31st of December arrived with increasing fervor and excitement. As the event became more pronounced in their minds, the staff and crew of Chaldea grew more and more excited at the planned party the Director had announced, in a somewhat sudden fashion. The tailor's hut became almost crowded, the traffic of people almost congesting the Casters, but they were undaunted. Any and all order that came their way were finished within the day, undeniable that their works were breathtaking. Not even the most stickler of magi could utter words that would disparage them.
Ritsuka walked out of his room, dressed immaculately in clothes he honestly didn't expect to wear again. Black dress pants, and a long sleeved blue dress shirt, held together by a white tie. His lanyard was inside his breast pocket, his hand rubbing his wrist that held his communicator. Such an amazing piece of technology, if he were to be honest. His hair wasn't done in any sort of special manner, left in his preferred hairstyle.
He walked forward, leaving his room behind as he made his way towards Mash's room. He had promised her, and Doctor Roman, and Da Vinci, and even Ayako, that he would pick her up before the New Year's Party. He moved past the people, some of them looking somewhat half dressed, some looking fully dressed but it was obvious they still had work in this celebratory night. It didn't take long for him to arrive at her doorstep.
He knocked.
"Ah! Senpai, is that you?! Hold on, I'm almost ready!" he couldn't help but smile, hearing her words from inside the room.
He waited outside patiently, occasionally nodding to people who passed him by. He even made small talk with Violet Durnar, a woman who he hardly ever socialized with, even though she was someone that Ayako and Koleen would consider a friend. She couldn't deny that she looked beautiful, in a low-key sort of way, with her light brown dress that reached to just above her heels.
"Senpai, I'm ready?" he heard Mash call out again, causing his heart to skip a beat.
The slightly older woman he was talking to smiled. "Well, I'll leave you to your date, Mister Fujimaru." She said, leaving him behind as she left for the party.
Ritsuka tried to cover the blush that formed on his cheeks, no doubt thanks to her words, before he turned to the sliding door. He felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of her. A white dress that reached to above her knees. White gloves and small heels further complimented her entire ensemble. And the ribbon that wrapped around her neck like a choker. His blue eyes also immediately circled in on the white flower on her hair.
And of course, there was Fou, perched on her shoulder like a parrot.
"How do I look?" she asked him, twirling her dress around.
"You look great, Mash!" he said, unable to stop himself from uttering those words.
A blush creeped on her own cheeks, eyes blinking rapidly. "O-oh, thank you, Senpai!"
"You two do look great." The both of them jumped in their skin, turning to the voice that had arrived close to them. They both sighed with relief upon seeing the familiar sight of Kagiso. The Shaman himself was also sharply dressed, wearing a very clean, light blue suit that went down to his knees. It looked like a robe, though he was sure that it wasn't one. He also had a hat that circle around his head, of the same color of his outfit.
"Wow, I've never seen an outfit like that, Kagiso." Mash said in wide eyed wonderment. Wonderment that Ritsuka shared.
He chuckled amusedly, planting his hands on their shoulders. "Seeing you taking a liking to my clothes brings a warmth to my heart, friends."
"It's your culture, isn't it?" Ritsuka asked, curious of the design.
"Western Africa, although nowadays it's been more applied by everyone else in the continent." He replied with a smile. His hand also reached for Fou, ruffling the small creature. "Shall we go?"
"Yes." Both Ritsuka and Mash replied, leading the three as they went to where the last two Masters' room were.
As the minutes pass on this closing day, they reached the adjacent rooms of the two female Masters, and were not surprised to see Koleen waiting outside, standing beside Kiyohime. The Servant was dressed in a more formal, and appropriate kimono compared to the one she often wore, with color that hugely contrasted it before, black and yellow and white all over.
Koleen also had a dress with a color that she hardly ever wore. The upper half was a sleeveless top with intersecting diagonal colors of pink and white. Her skirt reached even past her heels, dragging on the floor, blacker than the usual skirt she wore. She held a medium sized pink purse in her hands, possibly carrying a few of her essentials. Her eyes seemed to stand out with the light makeup on her face. Her normally long braid was wrapped around her head, circling around like a crown.
She smiled at their approach, her body fully facing them. "Hey guys."
"Koleen-san, Kiyo-san. You both look great." He complimented, as is usual in this situation.
"Thanks, Ritsuka." She said appreciatively.
"We are still waiting for Master." Kiyohime said, her voice leveled neutrally. "It takes a bit longer for her to get dressed."
"Is no one helping her?" Kagiso asked with slightly furrowed brows.
Both Koleen and Kiyohime shook their heads. "She said she wanted it to be a surprise, so she only has her familiar helping her out." Kiyohime explained to them.
The three of them, and Fou, nodded in understanding. Mash then noticed something amiss on the Witch. "You're not bringing Little Roman, Koleen?"
"No, of course not." Koleen said with a shake of her head. "He's still so small and young, I don't want him to be overwhelmed by so many people."
"How long have you both been waiting?" Kagiso asked them.
"10 minutes since she's finished showering." Kiyohime answered unashamedly.
"So it probably won't be too long then." Ritsuka commented with a nod.
As if on cue, the door to the Puppeteer's room slid open. Once again, it was a breathtaking sight. Ayako stood there, wearing a deep black kimono with her hands hiding inside her long sleeves. The obi that held the kimono together was a lighter red, with light geometric patterns, ones he would not really see on a more traditional obi. The large pattern on the lower half of the kimono was a lot more pronounced; an art mannequin laying on a bed of sakura leaves and a red river. Her normally braided hair was tied in a tight bun, held together by two hairsticks.
She smiled at them with a smile that was full of pride. "Sup guys."
"Wow, Ayako-san, I honestly didn't expect you to wear a kimono." And how true that was. His mind pictured her in a more elaborate gown, not a very formal black kimono; untraditional patterns aside.
She chuckled heartily, stepping forward and letting her door close behind her. "I know, right? But it's so cool."
"I was expecting a lot more red." Kagiso commented, eyeing her up and down.
"That too." She chuckled again, saddling up between Kiyohime and Koleen. "But, this makes my red hair pop out even more, don't you agree?"
"That it does." The Shaman agreed. So did he, noticing that her red hair somehow looked even brighter, like a bright maroon.
She smiled, before she glanced to the Berserker. "Hey, we're matching! I knew you went to the Casters."
"I had to, Master." Kiyohime said, blushing and turning away from Ayako. "I wasn't going to let you be the only one to wear a kimono."
She laughed, bumping the Berserker with her hip. "Well, enough dilly-dallying, ladies and gents."
She took a few steps forward, standing before all of them. She spread her arms apart, letting the sleeves of her kimono hang. She smiled at them, winking with one eye.
"We've got a party to enjoy."
AUTHOR'S NOTE
quite the bit of a timeskip here, mostly because nothing of note would happen through these past weeks (in story). i just didn't want to suddenly jump to the end of the year, it'd be too jarring.
we'll be seeing more people next chapter, the full on party! it'd be a shame if the others didn't get a chance to shine as well. they all pretty much needed it, after just literal nonstop work after work after work.
for the clothes they're wearing:
Ritsuka's was something i thought on the fly, mostly because i couldn't find anything that i like through the CEs and Mystic Codes.
Mash's is her Anniversary CE.
Kagiso's is a light blue agbada, a traditional west African garb.
Kiyohime's is her 3rd ascension, minus her hair becoming white, and it being more traditional.
Koleen's is, well, there isn't really a name for them. there probably is, but i came up with it on the fly as well.
Ayako's is a kurotomesode, with quite a bit of red to the patterns.
now onto the reviews!
ptl: yup, pretty much!
Addicted2fanfics: ah yeah, i get that. and i also can't wait for Chaldea to meet the rest of the Sabers (i'll always refer to her as Saber).
Ho4qin: definitely, and thanks! they definitely need more heavy hitters.
Thekiller7: oh yeah definitely, i've been using the other NPs the Servants have, like Cu having his Sat Kill NP.
TalonScythe: yeah, i was also rearing on using a dream cycle. there will definitely be other moments later on for the dream cycle to come through. and most def, all Ayako knows is that Saber Lancer is someone she doesn't want to mess with, with her spine tingling nonstop.
and any chance i can get, i'm gonna write more about the Storm King, the most shafted of the Sabers. seriously, not even a lore update or anything, come on DW, do something with her that's not just another boob joke!
and there you have it! once again everyone, thanks for reading this! it's been awesome!
drop a review if ya'll don't mind, and i'll see you all next time!