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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 043: Archer

Anime: Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

Prompt: Strawberry Shortcake

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note:

KHA*KHA*KHA

After being summoned, Archer had expected a lot of things from his newest master. His expectations may have been high, but he felt they were within reason. After all, he was a hero of legend and a powerful Servant. His eyesight was the keenest due to his namesake, and he was an agile fighter. His weapons weren't limited to the bow and arrows, but could summon limitless blades at his slightest whim.

To say he was dumbfounded as said expectations were met and exceeded would be an understatement.

"Well, this is certainly a surprise," he commented, smirking. Standing from his crouched position, he took in his surroundings with a single glance. His summoning circle had been drawn in a spacious area on the shrine grounds. Most likely the backyard to avoid any curious bystanders, if one were to be out in the middle of the night.

Archer looked back at the raven haired young woman, his smirk growing in amusement and pleasure at having such a worthy master. "I didn't expect to be summoned by a living legend such as yourself… Lady Kagome."

Stories had been told and passed down through time, spanning a little over five-hundred years. All of the heroic spirits had heard about the powerful priestess who had transcended through time and space to fight an evil that could shake Earth's very foundation. The Shikon no Tama had been a jewel of immense power and many had sought it out. However, after its completion, it had vanished as did the priestess it had deemed worthy to guard it for eternity.

But now here she stood in front of him, about to embark on another journey of battles, blood, and a sure victory.

When she opened her mouth to speak, the very last thing Archer expected popped out.

"I feel like eating some strawberry shortcake. Would you care to join me?"

KHA*KHA*KHA

This doesn't feel right, Archer thought, brows furrowing in distress as he sat at the dining room table. His master had waved off any offers of assistance, then had the gall to serve him hot tea while she prepared two slices of the delicious-looking strawberry shortcake she had mentioned. As a Servant, he was expected to carry out all orders given, whether it meant fighting or the mundane. His master, especially one with her prestige, shouldn't be the one serving him. It was a downright insult to her title.

Humming, Kagome placed one plate in front of her new guest before taking her own seat across from him. "Please enjoy. I hope it's to your liking," she said, smiling. Picking up her fork, she took the first bite.

"Master, this is highly inappropriate," he pointed out, exasperated. Besides, he didn't actually need to eat to survive. Just her influx of mana was more than enough to sustain him.

"Oh, it is?" She raised a curious brow. Then she casually waved it off. "Well, I won't tell anyone if you don't." Seeing the matter was resolved, she took a second bite.

Archer was tempted to slap his hand over his face. Why was she being so carefree? "Do you not even care about the Holy Grail War?" he asked.

Kagome smiled sweetly. "Not even a little bit."

Her response seemed to shock him. He stared at her for a few minutes, that dumbfounded feeling returning. "Then… why did you summon me? I will admit, I do not understand your intentions. As a Servant, it is my duty to fight for you. It is my duty to be your tool to gain victory."

Her expression morphed into a mixture of sympathy and curiosity at his words. She placed her fork down, showing she was taking the conversation seriously. Her amethyst eyes, so clear and pure, were wise and gentle.

"My father passed away when I was little. In his will, he had gifted me with his books and secret lab. He was a mage, a very powerful one. He wanted me to continue his family's tradition – participating in the Holy Grail War." Her head cocked to the side. "To be honest, I never took it seriously. This shrine is full of magic and things that would be considered fantasy. And then my fifteenth birthday came, and I was dragged five-hundred years into the past…"

Kagome closed her eyes for a second, smiling at the memories she had gained thanks to that fateful day. "I fought my war – and won. I don't need to dive headfirst into another one just because it's family tradition. I've done my duty by summoning you."

Archer could understand her reasoning. As a hero of justice, he could understand where she stood. But he had to tell her the reality of their situation. "They'll still come. The other Masters and Servants, I mean. There's no stopping them. The only way to get the Holy Grail is to defeat everyone else."

"That's okay."

"How is that okay? If we stay here like sitting ducks, we'll be easy marks." Frustration was starting to bleed into his voice.

"Sitting ducks?" Her voice darkened as did her eyes. Suddenly, her priestess powers started to crackle along her skin, like sparks of pink lightning. Archer's eyes widened, watching in amazement and terror at the ease in which she controlled it. "Who says we're sitting ducks? They may bring the fight to us, but we're the ones who will be finishing it."

The sheer pressure her aura alone could generate sucked all of the air from his lungs. It was suffocating just how much power she wielded in that petite body of hers.

And yet, Archer smirked with complete confidence. "I should know better than to underestimate you, Lady Kagome. You have my sincerest apologies."

Just as quickly as it had appeared, her power was sucked back in. She picked up her fork once more, going back to her dessert. "It's fine. It happens a lot." And that was usually her opponents' last mistake. "Eat your cake. It's really yummy. I just baked it earlier today."

Archer, having nothing better to do, picked up his own fork and took his first bite of the strawberry shortcake. He blinked. "It is really good," he complimented. In the back of his mind, he supposed eating delicious cake was the best way to seal a pact. And when the others decided to hunt them down…

Let them. We'll be ready.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and added this list of random prompts to their favorites list! You guys are so awesome and make me smile :) This is only possible because of you and your continued support!

What did you guys think? I have to admit, Archer is one of my favorite male anime characters *hearts* It was fun writing him paired with Kagome! Let me know your thoughts in a review at the bottom :D

I also must apologize for the long wait. Life, as you know, gets in the way and throws many obstacles in your path. Whether it's work-related or part of your personal life, I think these experiences are all part of growing up and finding out more about yourself. These last few months are the perfect example. I hope my next update won't take as long, so please continue to be patient. Your kind words and support mean the absolute world to me :)

XOXO,

Celestial Law