Sorry for the wait on this, I was finishing up the event on the JP server and I could not bring myself to write until I was done with it. So I won't keep you long, this is the first Intermission between Singularities (there will be one or more between them depending on what I feel about writing/expanding on). These will include events, interludes, sometimes even just shenanigans that I come up with...as is the case here. By the title, you can probably guess what happened here.

Intermission: Fleur de Lis

Cira stared at her plate, absentmindedly dragging her fork through the vegetables in swirling patterns. She started as she felt someone poke her shoulder, looking up to see Mash looking at her expectantly.

"You really should eat," she said, "You haven't really done that since we got back from Singularity F,"

Cira sighed, wincing as the stitch on her left side under her ribcage pulled slightly. It had been a few days since she had woken up after the whole ordeal and she was still reeling from the decision she had made. Saving humanity...what the hell did she think she was doing!?

"It's just...a little too much to take in at the moment," Cira admitted, "Knowing everything...and everyone...they're gone…"

Her hands balled on her knees as tears pricked at her eyes.

"I don't know who did this, I don't even know how we're going to fix this…" Cira whispered, "It's not fair."

"We'll figure it out," Mash reassured her, "You had faith in me...now it's my turn to have faith in you,"

"...You've been hanging too much around Sa-er...Artoria, again," Cira pointed out before giving a soft laugh, "God, it's so weird...I grew up on the legend of King Arthur, they were my favorite stories to listen to because my great grandpa would just make them come alive. To find out they're actually real? And that Arthur's a girl? I'm still trying to wrap my head around that,"

She jabbed her fork in the air towards the door.

"Oh, and we can't forget Miss DaVinci," she deadpanned, "That was a sh-"

"My ears were burning, so I'm being talked about!" a chipper female voice called as the bench Cira was sitting on bobbed slightly.

A radiantly beautiful young woman with dark hair and brilliant blue eyes sat down next to the Last Master. Her smile made the room seem dark and her eyes sparkle even brighter.

"Then again, it's so hard to not talk about genius," she preened, "So, Cira, what were you saying?"

She playfully poked Cira's shoulder, being careful not to aggravate the healing appendage.

"Just saying it's a bit of a shock seeing the uptick in Servants around here," Cira said, "Not many people can say they've met the King of Knights and the Universal Man under the same roof, DaVinci,"

DaVinci preened, tossing her dark hair off her shoulder as she held a hand to her heart.

"You are such a flirt, Cira," she chuckled, "If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were wanting something,"

"Peace and quiet?" Cira mumbled as she took a sip of her drink and making Mash choke on her water.

"What was that?" DaVinci asked.

"Nothing," Cira replied sweetly, "So...I take it you're done pestering Artoria then?"

"For today," DaVinci smiled, "Honestly, it's amusing how red-faced the good King Arthur gets when you start pestering her about her personal life."

Her head snapped up toward the door and her grin widened.

"Speaking of…" she nodded towards the portal as the door swished open with a gentle hiss and the sound of armor tapping on tile caught Cira's ear.

Artoria seemed to almost glide through the door, her emerald gaze flicking over the cafeteria until she spotted Cira. Her stoic, icy demeanor melted slightly as Servant and Master locked gazes, though Cira did notice that Artoria immediately brought her guard back up when she spotted DaVinci next to her. Nonetheless, the King made her way towards her Master.

"Master," Artoria greeted with a polite incline of her head, "I gather you are recovering well?"

"Still sore and my ribs are still healing but Dr. Roman says that I'll be fine...at least there was no concussion," Cira told her, "You're doing ok as well? Heard someone has been pestering you,"

She nudged DaVinci with an elbow, though immediately regret it as pain lanced through her arm and caused her breath to rush out in a hiss.

"Karma," DaVinci trilled as she took a sip of her coffee and her sky-colored eyes lasered in on the emerald king's eyes as Artoria gracefully sat, "So, Artoria, care to tell us about who pestered you when you were alive?"

"If you mean by who threatened me that list would be long indeed," Artoria stated, nodding her thanks as Cira pushed a cup of water towards her and the King took a sip.

"Oh you know...like pestered you in the way of courting," DaVinci's grin was catlike.

Artoria gave a soft choking sound before setting the cup back on the table, clearing her throat as a faint blush colored her cheeks.

"That is not relevant, Lady DaVinci," Artoria continued, clearing her throat.

"Fine, fine I won't ask about that," DaVinci sighed, rolling her eyes, "Then how about the good old days when you were a kid huh?"

"And why do you wish to know about that time?"

"Because it's fun to see you turn an ungodly shade of red," DaVinci grinned, earning a frosty look from Artoria, "Besides, there's not much known about that time period. So spill,"

"Honestly, the only fascinating trivia about that time is known to all," Artoria stated, "I was raised by a local knight and his family and had an adopted brother before I took the throne at the age of 14."

"She's right, it's kinda a well known fact," Cira said, finally taking a bite of her meal and jabbing the fork at DaVinci, "There's really no juicy secrets,"

"There has to be something!" DaVinci protested, pouting as she crossed her arms, "I refuse to believe there are no tidbits that no one else knows!"

"Believe it or not, it is true, Lady DaVinci," Artoria said, gracefully standing and giving a bow to her Master, "Apologies, Master, but I did promise Cu Chulainn that I would spar with him this afternoon,"

"You still giving him crap about what happened in Fuyuki aren't you," Cira teased, just to get a chuckle from Artoria.

"He should have talked to me before divulging my secrets," she stated, starting off.

"Note to self, Artoria does not get mad, she gets even," Cira chuckled, taking a drink as DaVinci got a thoughtful look on her face.

A chill went down Cira's spine as she faced the inventor.

"I don't like that look," she said, "I've seen that look on my baby sister when she's plotting something. What are you plotting…"

"I am hurt and shocked that you would think I would stoop so low as to plot!" DaVinci gasped, putting a hand to her heart, "I am completely innocent here."

The unamused look Cira shot her spoke volumes.

"I've only been awake for two days and in the two days I've known you, DaVinci, I already figured out that you cause so much trouble when you start thinking."

DaVinci snorted, getting up and grabbing the extra glasses and plates around them.

"I'm merely picking up the stuff people left behind!" she huffed, "Hardly anything world ending! Oh and by the way, Romani said he wanted to see you. Something about checking you over again...he's not convinced you don't have a concussion."

"Oh now you tell me!?" Cira demanded.

"Hey, you never asked!" DaVinci beamed, "Now if you excuse me…"

And with that she walked away, returning the trays and utensils to their right areas before disappearing in a flurry of sparks.

"...I'm not going to get used to that," Cira blinked, "That they can do that,"

She turned to Mash.

"You can't do that, can you?" she asked.

Mash shook her head.

"I'm not a full Servant," she said, "I can materialize my armor and shield at will but...I can't go into spirit form like them,"

"Well at least that means you won't scare me to death by appearing out of the middle of friggin' nowhere," Cira sighed, packing up her things, "Well, guess I should go see Roman...just so he doesn't drag me to the infirmary again,"

"I'll go with you," Mash nodded, "You're still new here and I don't think you quite remember the way to the infirmary,"

"I still want to do more tests to make sure you're alright," Romani said as he, Mash and Cira walked down the hall from the infirmary, "You're the first living humans to do an actual physical Rayshift outside the Coffins. Are you sure you're fine? No dizziness, upset stomach, etc…"

"I have a slight headache from dealing with DaVinci but other than that, I'm fine," Cira teased, grinning, "Just waiting for the ribs and arm to heal up,"

"I also can't believe you didn't come out with a concussion," Romani added, "You got hit really hard with a boulder there...it's...weird."

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Seeing both of you rematerialize after frantically going through everything to bring you back before the singularity collapsed or the cave came down on you...seeing both of you covered in blood...Cira, your arm at an awkward angle and bleeding really badly from the head...Mash bleeding just as bad and her legs broken…" he shuddered, "I guess it's the fact that she's a Demi-Servant that made her heal faster than you but...seeing both of you in such bad shape and coming to find out that you're somewhat fine?"

He sighed, shaking his head.

"Sorry, I was just worried sick over you both the entire time. I should have just picked you up and left that room, Cira,"

"Then Mash wouldn't be here," Cira countered, "I only found her after you left...she would have died if I hadn't stayed,"

"And I'm grateful for that," Mash nodded, "I still...really wish that we could have come back with the Director…"

All three's moods soured, Cira's hands shaking as her head bowed. She hadn't had the best relationship with Olga Marie...at first. But that did not mean that she wanted her to die. She was actually starting to like her towards the end...but fate seemed to have other plans.

Fou gave a soft whine, nuzzling against Cira's cheek and making the girl give a faint smile as she gently pet his head.

"She wouldn't want us to be moping about," Romani finally said, "She'd be yelling at us that we're being unreasonable and get on us for not working on saving humanity right now,"

"...Yeah she would," Cira chuckled, "Especially you, Roman,"

"What can I say...it's part of the charm," he smarmed as he stretched, "Ugh it's just been a really long day,"

"Y'know, you're a lot faster than you look," came a low Irish brogue from a side corridor.

"Yes, and you are a lot more agile in that origin than you were as a Caster," Artoria's voice joined it, "But that is wasted on the fact that I can outlast you,"

Cira looked up with a smile as she spotted Cu Chulainn and Artoria both walking down the hall. The Irishman looked much happier being summoned as a Lancer, his arms looped around the blood red spear that rested over his shoulders as the golden Excalibur casually lay on Artoria's shoulder.

"You two were in the simulator again, weren't you?" Cira greeted, waving.

Both Servants looked up and their faces lit up happily upon seeing their Master.

"Heya, Master," Cu Chulainn greeted, "Yeah we were duking it out just a bit...Artoria here decided she wanted to try and thrash me for telling Olga Marie about her...it...didn't go as planned did it?"

Artoria shook her head with a bemused smile.

"I still claim victory," she said, "For I was not the one disarmed in the end,"

"But you didn't thrash me either," Cu Chulainn pointed out, "Ah, whatever...was fun,"

"Indeed that was," Artoria nodded, letting Excalibur fade into non-existence and looking up at the others, "I see that you were having Lord Archaman check your medical state,"

"Yeah, DaVinci said he wanted to see me and I didn't want to worry him," Cira shrugged, "But just so you know…"

She turned towards Romani.

"I have a pretty mean kick when people try to stab me with needles," she warned.

"As long as your vaccinations are up to date we won't worry about that," he deadpanned, "And if you kick me you're not gonna get the cake I promised you,"

"Alright alright!" Cira raised her hands, "I'm still waiting on that by the way...you did promise."

"To be fair, we haven't really had that chance now have we?" he huffed, "You've been unconscious for a week, woke up two days ago and mysteriously seem to disappear whenever I try to check up on you."

"I don't like hospitals!" Cira protested, "Hospitals mean needles and needles mean pain,"

"I swear it won't hurt and that's if I have to stick you," Romani sighed, "Cira, I have many years of doctoral work under my belt. Mash has been under my care and she's turned out fine!"

Mash gave a nod, her violet and gold eyes bright as she gave a smile.

"He isn't that bad of a doctor, Cira, it's fine," she reassured her friend, "Besides, it isn't as if he is some sort of evil mastermind that wants to take over the world,"

"I am never letting you watch horror movies again," Romani scolded, "And...huh...actually I kinda have taken over the world...since Chaldea's the only thing left and I'm Director now,"

"Scary," Cira mocked, getting a snort from Cu Chulainn and a slight smile from Artoria.

"Oh shut up," Romani sighed, "Nono, if you want an evil genius, that would be DaVi-"

A loud booming sound cut him off and the door in front of them suddenly slid open, pouring smoke as DaVinci bolted out, coughing as she waved the smoke away.

"Oh what did you do this time, DaVinci!" Romani demanded.

"Ah, ah a genius does not reveal her secrets!" DaVinci retorted, giving another cough to clear the smoke, "It was just a miscalculation...I think."

"Artoria?" Cira asked as the Saber strode forwards, Excalibur reappearing in her hand.

Artoria did not answer, though Cira could sense a slight build up of magical energy around her. She held the golden sword before her, though it seemed to ripple as wind magic whirled around it…only for it to whip forwards, cutting the smoke to ribbons and clearing it from the room.

"May I suggest, Lady DaVinci," Artoria started, "That you at least open a window the next time you experiment,"

"I wasn't expecting it to blow up in my face!" DaVinci snapped, though she gained a very guilty looking expression, "But...I guess I maybe...sorta...should have accounted for it..."

"What were you doing anyways?" Cira asked as Artoria, out of curiosity, took a step into the room.

"Ah...maybe I shouldn't answer that," DaVinci admitted, twirling a piece of her hair only to notice Artoria stepping inside, "Hey! Wait! Artoria I wouldn't go in there if I were…"

"...What...have you...done…" came Artoria's shocked voice as her arms fell limp at her sides and Excalibur slipped from her fingers, disappearing before it could clang against the floor.

"Artoria?" Cira asked as she followed her Saber into the room...and stopped.

Artoria knelt on the floor next to a small figure curled up in a small ball. It was a young girl, dressed completely in white save a black ribbon tying up her long blonde ponytail. Artoria's face was pale as she gently lifted the unconscious girl up so that she was resting on the King's lap.

"DaVinci...who is that?" Cira asked as the others piled into the room.

DaVinci opened her mouth but was cut off by a soft groan from the girl. The girl's eyes fluttered open, a brilliant emerald green and they focused on Artoria. She squeaked and shoved herself out of the King's grip, scrambling and trying to get to her feet but only succeeded in scooting back to the desk in the room.

"Who...are you?" the girl stammered, "You look...like me…"

"Why don't you give us your name," Cira started gently, starting forwards though stopping as the girl's head snapped towards her with fear in her eyes, "I'm Cira...I'm not going to hurt you, I promise,"

The girl's breaths calmed slightly and she put a hand to her chest.

"M-My name is Artoria Pendragon," she stuttered, looking towards the other Artoria, who looked shocked as hell, "Please...tell me what is going on…"

"I...maaaaaybe have had an experiment go wrong," DaVinci admitted, "I was wanting to know more about our good King Arthur's past and since she was refusing to open up...well I decided to take things into my own hands,"

"You are responsible for this?!" Artoria demanded, whirling on DaVinci, "This young girl was brought here based on your insatiable curiosity and you couldn't have thought to have asked me?"

"I have asked you!" DaVinci retorted, crossing her arms, "But you always shut down and refuse to talk about it!"

"Because there is no more to tell!" Artoria snapped, standing as her green eyes blazed in anger, "What is she?!"

"She's you," DaVinci shrugged, "A manifestation of you as a young child. By the looks of it...right before you became king. The Artoria that had just pulled Caliburn from the stone, am I right, dearie?"

She looked towards the girl, who looked between DaVinci and an irate Artoria repeatedly before nodding slowly.

"She's a Servant," Mash confirmed, coming forwards and making the girl jump slightly, "Oh! I'm sorry...Please don't be afraid of me. My name is Mash Kyrielight, I'm one of Cira's friends,"

"H-Hello," the girl nodded before turning towards the two arguing women, "Please...don't fight, if I am that much of a bother I can leave...I think…"

Artoria's gaze softened as she looked at the girl and she sighed.

"You are just as much flesh and blood as I am," she said, "To force you to leave...that would be inhumane."

"So...we have Artoria and Artoria," Cira looked between the two, "And you're both Saber Class...ah God this is gonna get confusing…"

"Was there a nickname you were called when you were younger?" Romani asked Artoria, who sighed as she nodded.

"I was once called Lily by my foster brother," Artoria admitted, "Long, long ago,"

The girl got to her feet, wobbling slightly only for Mash and Cira to steady her. She looked at Artoria, taking a few shaky steps towards her older self.

"Please...if it's too much, I can go," Lily started only for Artoria to shake her head.

"I only wish that Lady DaVinci would have asked rather than just went and did," Artoria sighed, turning to face her younger self...and gave a soft, fond smile as she remembered the old days, "But you are welcome here, Lily...I apologize if my outburst scared you,"

Lily's face lit up happily as she shook her head.

"N-No! It didn't...well...not really," she admitted, "I'm...just amazed, really...do I really look like you when I grow older?"

"Not much changes I am afraid," Artoria smiled, "We have a certain sword to blame for that,"

"I have so many questions…" Lily whispered, "What of Kay? Is he here? Or Merlin? What about Bedivere?"

"I'm the only one," Artoria admitted, her voice quiet and, unless Cira was imagining it, almost...lonely, "No one else has come to Master's summons,"

"Master?" Lily asked, turning towards Cira, "Oh...um…"

She turned to Cira, a beautifully wrought golden sword materializing in her hands. It was thinner than Excalibur, more delicate looking...Cira recognized it as the sword that was pulled from the stone. Lily stopped before Cira and gave a delicate curtsy, she seemed to shine and glow as she did.

"It is nice to meet you, Master" she smiled, "Since I am still in training, please call me Lily."

"It fits you," Cira nodded, holding out her hand and Lily took it, a jolt passing through Cira as a connection formed between the two.

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Lily beamed, "I hope that I can serve you well,"

Master: Cira Albion

Servant: Shielder- Mash Kyrielight

Servant: Saber-Artoria Pendragon

Servant: Lancer/Caster-Cu Chulainn

Servant: Saber- Saber Lily