Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Fate series and Persona series belongs to their awesome owner!
Also thanks for my beta reader Zuskato Zyus for proofreading this and making it much better!
"I think that helping people is a wonderful thing to be able to do. But, I can't really say that I like them. I don't believe the Phantom Thieves and their methods will reform the world or help others. In the end, I believe that is only something that you yourself can really solve" Kasumi to Akechi (Persona 5 the Royal)
After his introduction. Gilles de Rais looks at the group that is currently in the presence of his queen. The man's serious expression changes into a surprise when his gaze shifted into one particular member of Hakuno Kishinami's group. His eyes grew bigger when he saw the saint of Orleans. Jeanne d' Arc.
"Do my eyes deceive me? Is that you Jeanne?" He asked the female saint who is also surprised to see him. Jeanne put a smile on her face before nodding at the man.
"It does not Gilles. It is me." Jeanne answered before walking pass at the group and embrace her long old friend. "I missed you, Gilles."
"As do I Jeanne, as do I," Gilles said. His expression from surprise changes as his eyes softens after the saint embraces him. His smiling genuinely. Marie Antoinette did not hide her smile after seeing the two got reunited.
"I'm worried about what will happen to you after my death. I'm sorry, I didn't give you my proper goodbye." Jeanne said as she recollected her memories about a particular event that happened during her human life. One that gives her a string of guilt and it is that she leave Gilles without saying her goodbye.
Hearing the saint apologies saddened the man. He closed his eyes and tried to recover himself. But the wounds of the memory is still painful even in this day. But seeing the saint again. It helps him both mentally and physically recover against the pain.
"You have no idea, Jeanne. It's still painful up this day that I rather not want to talk about it." Gilles said. "But you're here. Alive and well. That is all that matters to me right now." Hearing that she hurt her friend's feelings, Jeanne's eyes got in tears. But she smiled a little, knowing that Gilles is happy that she here.
The Queen and Hakuno's group watch the two quietly to not ruin the reunion. Touching as Jeanne and Gilles's reunion is, Hakuno's servant cannot help it to feel suspicious about him. He looks very similar at the one that ambushes them the other day. But this one shows more of a serious side than a delusional madness.
"Gilles this is Hakuno Kishinami the sovereign of Seraph." Jeanne introduces Gilles at the group that thinks of him as suspicious. "We wanted the help of France against a dangerous group."
"Dangerous group, you say?" He asked.
"Yes. It is against Karl der Große and the group of servants associated with him." Revealed by the Saint of Orleans.
"Him? Are you sure about that Jeanne?" asked by her friend Gilles.
"Believe me, Gilles. Even the Moon Cell thinks he is."
"But he helped us build this country." The queen said with an upset tone from their claims.
"He helped you to build France?" Hakuno asked.
"Yes. He helps us with many resources that needed to build roads, houses, industrial buildings. He even introduced us to cultures that many of us did not know. If I'm gonna be honest, he deserves to be in this position more than I. When I told him that, he humbly decline to say that France needed a kind heart leader."
"He is a kind man and a good leader. Which I find upsetting to hear that the Moon Cell thinks of him as a threat." She said.
"Yes but he still ambush us and almost killed the sovereign of Seraph, Which chosen by the Moon Cell by the way. Was that not enough to think he's a threat?" Questioned by caster Tamamo.
"That is preposterous! He will never do such a thing." Gilles replied.
"Do you think we will travel this far just to make stories? Come on even my fluffy tail said that you're smarter than you look. His actions already announce his intentions, he wanted to dethrone my husband at her reign."
"I still stand by my claim. The man who helps us will never do such a thing. But alright, let's say he did have the intention to dethrone her. Then maybe Seraph needs to change regarding who's ruling it."
"What did you say?" Caster asked with a tone of irritation.
"Karl der Große will not do it unless he sees the reason to. Being a leader is not a game."
"Do you think we're playing games here? We risked our lives saving this world don't you know?" said a caster who look like ready to slap the face of Gilles.
"It's because of your role here. Moon Cell chooses its protector through the means of the Holy Grail war does it not?" He said. "Yes, you are capable to protect the Moon Cell and Seraph. But are you capable to lead its people?"
"You're starting to irritate me, you sad-looking man." Caster said.
"Stand down fox or you and your group will be kicked out here."
"Enough you two. We're getting out of track about our original purpose here." Marie said trying to keep everything peacefully. "I hope you understand our reasoning. Karl der Große helps us. We cannot easily trust you're words against him."
"But since Miss Hakuno is still the sovereign of Seraph. France will hear you're word. But if you want us to trust you. Then you need to show your kindness through my people." Marie Antoinette said while looking serious at Hakuno's eyes.
"But my queen!" Gilles tried to complain.
"My decision is final. We will test them and see if they are trustworthy enough."
"Thank you, Queen Antoinette," Hakuno said. To show her gratitude she lowers her head and bow.
"Raise you're head Sovereign of Seraph. I'm just the queen of France." Marie said then look at the man beside her. "You do not have any complains Gilles?"
"Since Jeanne is still part of your group, then perhaps we can see if we trust you, people," Gilles said.
"Wonderful!" The queen then shifted her attention to Chevalier d'Eon. "Can you show them the place they can use to rest?"
Chevalier d'Eon smiled and bow at the queen. "Yes, my queen." Chevalier d'Eon then looks at Hakuno's group. "Please follow me."
"I'll send Chevalier d'Eon for tomorrow's task," Marie said before waving goodbye to them.
After Chevalier d'Eon showed them the hotel they are going to use. They did not expect how luxurious it is. From what they heard, this hotel is one of the five stars one and only rich people can at least rent here. But for now, the hotel is reserved only for them alone.
When Nero asked how many QP they needed to pay. The hotel owner told them that they don't have to and they can use every facility here and order or request any food they like.
Living here is too much for Hakuno liking. But then again she lives at two different palaces with a bunch of maids inside it. But for some reason, Nero and Tamamo never hired any butlers only maids.
Or maybe its just Nero. She knows that saber likes to surround herself with pretty and beautiful stuff. She also remembered when Nero tried to add Medusa on her harem. Nero explained it to her that even she has a harem, she loves her the most.
Even though she resting on a comfy bed, her exhaustion didn't leave her. From Nero antics and what Gilles said to her.
'I'm not capable to lead Seraph.'
That line of thought keeps running inside her mind. Her leadership. Its been forever since she questions her ability. Comparing how she leads her servants against this world that the Moon Cell created. She realizes how large the gap is. She not charismatic like Nero or can take any ordeal like Tamamo.
Heck, she cannot even imagine herself leading a country.
She the limitation of her ability so why that line of thought bothered her so much.
Hakuno didn't notice that the door opened and Altera walk quietly toward the bed Hakuno's using and surprise her.
"Hello!" Altera shouted. The sudden appearance of the child surprise her as she felt her heart beating faster than normal
"Don't do that," Hakuno told the child.
"Are you okay? Can you help me wash my back?" Altera said.
"Just thinking about something." Said by Hakuno. "Can I ask you something Altera?"
"Anything!" Altera excitedly said. She then tilted her head and make a little frown. "Just don't ask anything about numbers. They aren't good."
"Of course not." She smiled. "Altera do you think I'm capable to lead Seraph?" Hakuno ask.
"No!" Quickly answered by the little girl.
"Eh?" Hakuno could only say after getting a quick answer.
"But I know master can lead our lives for the better!"
"What do you mean Altera?"
"I mean master is not a charismatic person. Master also has many flaws. But we still rely on Master very much. Because without master guidance no one will lead our life for the better. That is why we want master to rely on us as well. If master cannot lead this world, then we will lead this world for master's sake."
"I see." Hakuno smiled. She is genuinely happy about what the girl said at her. She has a point. She doesn't need to take responsibility for herself, they been together this whole time. Hakuno knows that she can rely on them like how they rely on her.
She pulled Altera into a hug and the girl enjoyed its warmness.
"Master, can you help me wash my back?" Altera asked.
"Let's do it." said happily by Hakuno.
Tomorrow morning after everyone wakes up and prepared for this day. Chevalier d'Eon is already at the hotel main hall carrying a bunch of papers. Chevalier d'Eon handed this paper to the group and told them its details.
"Does paper came from the people that needed help. Each one has a specific task and different client." Chevalier d'Eon said. "By finishing this task you will gain this country trust. Finish enough of it then we will have another meeting with the Queen regarding the alliance."
"The queen also wanted to have a tea with you master Hakuno, Nero, Tamamo and Altera. Also, saint Jeanne, you're friend sir Gilles wanted your help about something. Lastly, the queen wishes you good luck on finishing this task." Chevalier d'Eon said before leaving with Hakuno and the other three.
"I guess I'll leave this task on you guys. I wish you farewell and take care." Jeanne said before leaving the remaining five servants.
"Let's see," Archer said as he reading the papers on his hand. "Luckily we do not have any time limit but we have many tasks in hand."
"How about we sorted them from the easiest to the hardest." Medusa offered.
"Good idea." Archer then sorted each request to its difficulties. "Done." He then handed two pieces of paper at Ren. "I and Medusa will take care of the easier one. Meanwhile, you three will handle this request."
"Escorting someone to the mountain, helping someone on their sheep and dealing with a drunken pervert." Ren read the request he has in hand.
"Sounds easy enough." Astolfo happily said.
"The sheep mission will happen tomorrow, I guess we gonna help them to harvest. Meanwhile, the drunken pervert only appears every weekend. Guess the day after tomorrow." Charlemagne said.
"Oh, bummer. We cannot finish it in one day," said Astolfo.
"Anyway let us meet here before afternoon okay?" Medusa told them before heading out to take care of their assigned task
After half an hour of walking and trying to find their meeting spot. Ren, Charlemagne, and Astolfo finally meet their clients outside the gate that protecting France. Their client is a man with long golden hair. He's wearing a colorful coat consist of purple, green and black.
Behind their client is a stagecoach with two horses connected in it. There is also numerous type of instruments on the stagecoach. But from the troubled look their client has, it seems that there are no more spaces for the other instrument inside the stagecoach.
It seems that he also didn't notice them arriving.
"Hello there, are you ?" Astolfo asked the troubled man.
He didn't answer.
"Hello, can you hear me?"
Still no answer.
Knowing Astolfo. He doesn't have much patience in him. So he shifted his attention to the instruments at the ground. When Astolfo about to touch it. Their client glared at him angrily.
"Don't you dare to touch it." He said
"Oh, you answered." Astolfo chuckled. "Are you ?"
"Yes, I am. Are you three the one that they sent to help me?"
"Indeed we are. I'm Astolfo."
"I'm Charlemagne."
"Ren Amamiya." They introduced.
"I see. Does name are one from the paladins are they not?" He asked in curiosity. Charlemagne and Astolfo nodded for confirmation. "Ren Amamiya. A name that is out of place compared the two."
He also looked at the outfit they wear.
"Very out of place indeed."
"Fret not. Whatever the shape of a tone can still produce a beautiful sound. That applied to the request I have for the three of you today."
"You probably read my request. I want you three to escort me at the top of that mountain." He said before pointing on the mountain at the distance. "I heard that there is a dangerous monster roaming around the road. Being a genius musician I cannot protect myself against those beasts."
"But why there of all places?" Charlemagne asked.
"Because I feel that my next piece will come there. I need to be there to capture the sounds and make it into a beautiful song."
"But look around you. This stagecoach is not enough to load all of the instruments I needed."
"If I 'force' them inside. It may 'break' something." He said then chuckled. "Pardon my jokes but I'm seriously in trouble if I cannot have all my instruments."
"Even little scratches may affect its sound," said Ren as his finding the solution on the problem.
"Indeed it is." Mr. Wam said.
"Then perhaps we need another stagecoach or a wagon to use." Ren offered.
"But then we need horses to use," Astolfo replied.
"It no problem. Let us go find a wagon Astolfo," said Ren.
Moments later the duo returned with a wagon and two-horned horse connected into it.
"What creature is that?!" Mr. Wam exclaimed.
"Oh its a Bicorn." Ren plainly said.
"A Bicorn? A mystical creature that is similar to a unicorn?" Mr. Wam questioned. "How did you manage to get a Bicorn in just five minutes?"
"Doesn't matter, what matters is that we have a wagon to use."
"That is true. But how can I be sure that my instruments will be in no harm."
"I'll make sure they're safe. Now Mr. Wam, will you get on your Stagecoach so we can go."
"Huh. Very well then. You there come and join me in my stagecoach." Mr. Wam said as he pointed to Astolfo.
"But I want to be here." Astolfo protested.
"Just go." Both Charlemagne and Ren said.
The journey continues as Ren and Charlemagne's wagon follows Mr. Wam and Astolfo stagecoach. So far the road shows no sign of monsters crossing. The weather is calm showing no sign of rain. The trip still halfway points to their destination but so far nothing happened.
"By the way Ren. How did you get this horse." Charlemagne asked.
"Its name is Bicorn. It doesn't like to be called a horse," said Ren. "It is part of my power. Do you remember how I summoned Alice at the ruin? This is similar to that."
"Oh, I remembered how powerful that girl is."
"But how does your power work?" He then followed up with a question.
"Let see." Ren paused a little. Trying to think of a good way to start. "I can summon beings from my psyche. This power is called Persona. By ripping my mask I can summon them."
"No wonder your mask is missing right now. But I remember how you rip it on you're facing. It looks painful just by looking at your bloody face."
"Well yes. But I get used to it after many times doing it."
"Now I get it. You can fight alongside them huh? That is a pretty cool ability to have."
"Thank you. But I can also have their abilities, strength, knowledge, and skills."
"Wait for real!?" said Charlemagne not believing what the boy said.
"Yes, right now I have the skill to communicate with animals since I'm using Bicorn."
"Persona. What a powerful ability to have."
"It also gives me their weaknesses."
"But then you're enemy needed to guess what persona you're using." He speculates.
Since his right. Ren just sent a carefree smile at the paladin beside him.
"But where did you use that ability during your lifetime." He asked.
"I'm a Phantom Thief. One that steals treasure stylishly by announcing it using calling cards and giving it to the poor for them to use." Ren proudly stated.
"Phantom Thief. Wait are you using you're persona to steal treasures?"
"I'm not stealing alone. I have a group and we called ourselves the Phantom Thieves of Heart. We steal the heart of corrupt individuals and force a change of heart on them."
"Sounds like a social reform," said Charlemagne.
"It is. But people have different opinions whether or not we're just."
"We experience that as well. But then again that how it is for everyone."
"But still you're life sounds so cool Ren. Being a Phantom Thieves and all. Having a Persona. It's full of thrill and excitement!" He exclaimed.
Ren keeps the smile on his face but it quickly disappeared when he sensed something approaching, and fast.
"What's wrong?"
"Chimeras." He said.
Realizing what he meant. Both of them nodded at each other before jumping off the wagon.
"Hey, you two go ahead. It seems some chimeras smelled our scent!" Charlemagne shouted at Astolfo and Mr. Wam.
"You two need some help?" asked by Astolfo who is ready to jump off the wagon at any moment.
"No, stay and protect Mr. Wam. We will catch up to you afterwards."
"Bicorn go. Follow and protect the stagecoach okay?" Ren asked the two-horned horse beside him.
"You can count on me, sonny." Bicorn said before leaving the trickster and the paladin alone.
The two waited for a while before they saw four chimeras running towards them in the distance. "It is strange to see Chimeras working together," Charlemagne said.
"Since France is well guarded and Chevalier d'Eon group is hunting any beast in sight, it might've forced them to work together." Ren concluded.
"Two for each?" The paladin asked.
"Fair enough." The trickster answered. Hearing his answer, Charlemagne summoned two swords in hands and rush the approaching beast. Meanwhile, Ren walks slowly as azure flames cover his body.
"I am thou, Thou art I." His voice change as multiple different voices can be heard synchronizing with his own. "Let's show them the difference between our skills."
"Jack Frost!" Ren called the persona's name. Jack Frost appeared in front of him. Even though Jack Frost's size is smaller compared to the Chimeras, he still stands strongly courageous against them.
"Hee ho! It's Jack Frost ho!" The energetic snow elf said before spreading his arms. As he focuses and concentrates at the approaching chimeras, the wind around him suddenly changes into icy temperature. Jack Frost then summoned a wall of ice making one of the chimeras hit the cold hard wall headfirst.
The wall did crack but didn't break. One of the Chimera manages to stop and leap over the ice wall. The bloodthirsty beast charged much faster towards Ren and his snow elf friend. After reaching the distance it needed, the chimera pounce towards the raven-haired thief.
"Jack o' lantern!" Ren called and suddenly burst of ember colored flame came out of nowhere, intercepting the chimera's pounce midair and sending it flying. Jack o' lantern finish materializing and shown his true form and now floating beside Ren. The floating pumpkin head wearing a wizard hat happily swung it's lantern from side to side.
"Jack o' lantern at hee services hoo!" He said.
But the three didn't notice that the other chimera had finally recovered. Jack o' lantern in the middle of celebrating didn't notice the approaching chimera claws at him. In just one swipe Jack o' lantern disappeared and returned to the sea of souls. Jack Frost who's about to greet his brother is now in shock after what happened.
"You animal!" said Jack Frost as black miasma surround him. "Now you make me angry hoo!" The black miasma then swallows the snow elf small body. The strong cold wind started to build and the chimera is digging its claw on the ground.
A moment later the black miasma burst out and revealed a much bigger Jack Frost. But its color is different instead of white it's now black. Black Frost is his name, an evil form of the energetic snow elf.
"Die hoo." Black Frost said then in just a second four giant iced shape snowflakes surround the chimera. The chimera tried to break free but its strength was not enough to scratch its snowy cage. The only thing that the chimera could do is stared at Black Frost's crimson-colored eyes.
Then the snowflakes explode just leaving the ground in the snow without any trace of the chimera's remaining body.
"Behind you!" Charlemagne called out after parrying the chimera's claws his facing.
Ren instinct kicks in as he tried to block the chimera's claw with a dagger. The chimera's strength is much greater than his and he knows he cannot stay in this position for long. The phantom thief immediately jumps back before the claws break-in.
"See you," Ren said after creating distance between him and the beast. The chimera didn't notice the approaching death from above and it was too late for him to run as well. King Frost squash the chimera below him with his massive golden body.
"The king has arrived hoo." King Frost declared not realizing the poor fate of the chimera he just squashes beneath his body.
"Looks like it is done," Charlemagne said before standing beside the trickster. "I manage to finish them first by the way." He proudly said.
"I finished it with style though." Replied by Ren after his personas return. The effect of the summoning started to kick in as he felt his strength leave his body. Summoning multiple personas takes a toll at him.
"You didn't see how I beat the last one-" Charlemagne stops after he saw his friend breathing heavily. "Are you okay?" He asked.
"I'll be fine. I'm just not used to summoning multiple personas at once."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
Without anything else to protest. Charlemagne accepted his friend's answer. But one thing came up to his mind. "How are we gonna catch up to them now." He asked.
"I guess we walk."
"How about I race you there?" Charlemagne excitedly offered.
"What happened to your concern earlier?" Ren answered not wanting to think of any reason to accept Charlemagne's offer.
The two finally reach the top and the temperature change alongside it. They saw the two arranging the instruments in place. Astolfo is the first one who greets them while Mr. Wam is concentrating on his work.
"Yo! I was about to find you two." said by Astolfo. "Mr. Wam asked us to be his first audience for his work. It seems he's not going to pay us anything as well, so lame right?" His complaint didn't go unnoticed by Mr. Wam.
He sent Astolfo a glare before clearing his throat to speak. "You should be grateful. Seeing and hearing the making of my masterpiece."
"I don't even know any of your work," Astolfo said.
Mr. Wam startled a little hearing the paladin comment. He quickly recovered and said. "Then perhaps I should properly introduce myself. My name alone will make your heart dance from my music."
"The greatest musician and a genius composer. I'm Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, let your heart sing and dance to from my music." Mozart proudly announces his real name at the three.
Charlemagne cannot express his surprise seeing the famous musician face to face.
Ren only heard his name from the books. This musician is a real deal from the music world.
Astolfo on the other hand.
"Who?" He said.
"Stupid!" Charlemagne said as he smacks the top of Astolfo's head. "Weren't you listening? Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!? Doesn't ring any bell? Forgive my friend over here Mr. Mozart"
"Ouchie. Do you have to do that?" Astolfo complains.
"I have the slightest feeling that he says that," Mozart said. "But there is no more time to waste. This cold wind that dancing around my body. I can see it, notes flying everything. It is a waste to not make them into beautiful sounds." He raises his hand and the instrument started to float.
"I want you three to lend me your ears. Listen to the music that will calm any person who hears it." He said.
With just one swing on his left hand. The instruments started to play by themselves and moments later only the sounds of the instruments can be heard.
Musical instruments filled the place and calm any living being that heard it.
"Beautiful," Charlemagne whispered.
"It is," Ren replied.
"This guy must be a big deal huh?" Astolfo commented. Charlemagne wanted to inform his fellow paladin, but then again they might break Mozart concentration.
The three listened to the masterpiece that Mozart currently making.
A moment later after Mozart finish. He approaches the three who are giving him their clap of applaud. Just for formality, he gives them his bow for appreciation.
"That was magnificent Mr. Mozart." Ren complimented.
"You're pretty good!" Astolfo said.
"Even though you still not know who I am at the very least you acknowledge my skill and talent. That is enough for now." Mozart answered.
"I make sure to make him informed about you, Mr. Mozart," Charlemagne said with an apologetic tone.
"Very well. Now I just need to perform it to the queen."
"You're request to go here is to make something to play for the queen does it?" Ren curiously asked.
"Yes. I heard that Marie is quite stressed from her duty. Hopefully, my creation can eat her stress away." Mozart then showed a genuine smile of his.
"Oh, I thought it is for a personal reason," Astolfo said.
"Usually that is what I do. But for a specific occasion, I do this."
"There is also a competition that is happening in the mansion," Mozart commented in quite a serious tone. "Can't lose to him." He whispered.
The three look at him in confusion. "Do not mind that. We better go now, I needed to prepare my performance soon." He said before bowing once again. "I thank you three once again. If I have another request I will summon you three."
It's already evening when the three returned home. Today's event is something that is for sure. Not only they finish one request they also meet the famous musician Mozart and help him with his performance for the queen of France. They also learned that Mozart is really into making musical jokes and dirty ones as well.
"He's a pervert," Astolfo said after Mozart leave them.
They also saw Jeanne sitting on the sofa who look troubled about something. The three approach the saint who still hasn't noticed them until they greet them.
"Welcome back you three!" She said in surprise.
"You seem thinking about something. Are you okay?" Ren asked.
"Oh, it just about what happened today," Jeanne said.
"Do you want to talk about it?" He offered.
"Remember that Gilles called me earlier?" Ren nodded. "Well, he asked me to help him with the situation happening outside France. Apparently, they are facing a problem regarding a powerful vampire living in a castle."
"He said that this vampire kill people that were delivering supplies here In France and with those who wanted to move here in France are afraid about getting attack by the vampire."
"He wanted me to help him and his men to get rid of them. They even made a camp outside their castle and are just preparing to raid them."
"Did you accept it?" Charlemagne asks.
"Yes. I cannot let them continue killing anymore innocent people. I also wanted to help Hakuno so perhaps this will greatly help her. I'm thinking of the best way to approach these vampires."
"Maybe we could help?" Astolfo said. "But we still have requested to finish tomorrow."
"Gilles is still preparing their weapons, especially the catapults. It may take a few more days before we attack. I'm hoping that you three can make it?"
"We will do our best right guys?" Astolfo asked the two.
Both of them nodded
"Really? I'm happy to hear that." Jeanne said. "By the way, the owner told me that we can use the kitchen if we want." Her face flushed a little. "Perhaps we can have a curry too-"
"Wait really? Then I'm gonna cook something for us!" Astolfo said before running straight to the kitchen.
The three of them just make a sigh from Astolfo antics.
Author Note: I decided to make another chapter after reaching 100 followers for this story. That's a lot! thank you very much for the supports! Even though my writing has a lot of grammar mistake and spellings, but still thank you very much! I'll try to make more stories and improvements.
Anyway France Arc will have 5 chapters or more before moving to the next arc (Hopefully you guys like it.) I'm slowly building the plot here so stay tuned! Also some of you guys are asking if Ren will summon a Demon or an Archangel and the answer is YES! actually that will happen on this Arc~
Also I still do not know what Almighty attacks power level should be on this story.
Leave a like and review, might as well hit favorite if you guys want more of this!
Well see you guys next time PEACE!