FINAL WARNING: Fragments beyond this point take place after supplemental story Their Guiding Light.
December had arrived in Chaldea.
It was only the first day, and already the child servants were busy putting up various decorations. It didn't matter what religion or ideology one belonged to, only that the place took on a more festive air. If there were any grievances with the winter decorations, they were either quickly discarded or kept in private. It didn't matter why Chaldea was celebrating the month, but the sense of community and uplifting of spirits only helped prove it was a wonderful idea.
But what is December without gifts, and what better presents than new arrivals?
Since the completion of the sixth primary singularity barely nine days ago, the summoning chamber had seen daily use once the quartz were accumulated. Da Vinci's foresight in creating mana absorption tanks on the side of their makeshift vehicle was beyond genius; The quartz used during the turbulent anomaly had been more than replenished, with the surplus practically tripling thanks to the mana-dense, Egyptian air. There was even enough excess to grant countless quantum pieces and quartz fragments so potential ascension needs were more than met for the near future.
With no real worry for the surplus, which was only growing larger thanks to system efficiency, the masters had begun their week long summoning spree. The first day was quite successful, even if it was mostly memorial essences, which only reaffirmed the decision to continue the week-long sessions. Any gains made would be another step to being properly prepare for the inevitable fight with Solomon.
It was day three, and the summoning chamber was as lively as ever. As the flash from the recent summoning died down, and the manifested prana drifting down like soft snow, Gabrielle high-fived a laughing Tesla. She smoothed her master's uniform for a proper greeting and smiled. Ten firings of the system today, and they just received a third new ally. As the light died down around the black-haired knight, he looked around in surprise. It was quickly followed by caution and confusion as he sensed the number of nearby servants, but thankfully they weren't attacking him outright.
As the man took a glance around the room with a wary expression, the master approached, or skipped, towards the silver armored knight. She eyed his neatly combed hair and pristine armor, though took a second to notice a hint of turmoil in his pupils. His armor was knightly and righteous, yet the eyes spoke of probing madness and disbelief. He became hesitant and wary that she seemed to sense his unfortunate circumstance, but thankfully didn't inquire.
However, he was just summoned to a strange war, and he was hoping for at least some answers himself. "I am servant saber… Are you my master?"
"Hello! I'm Gabrielle Rutherford, but you can call me Gabby! I'm one of your masters."
The knight raised an eyebrow at the ever growing, unusual situation. "One? ...I have multiple masters?"
"Just me and my best friend, but we'll get to that in a second! If you'll follow me please!"
Without waiting for an answer, Gabrielle looped her arm into his and dragged him towards two other servants. They definitely did not appear hostile, much to his immediate relief. He eyed the two women curiously, though his knightly pride made sure they were chaste glances. Even so, he eyes the two curiously as they stood with arms crossed facing each other.
The charcoal-skinned woman with a long blue ponytail was well muscled, and her middle eastern garb left most of her body exposed. The other olive-skinned, Egyptian caster was equally as scantily clad to his dismay, though her long, vase-shaped hair likely acted as a curtain from behind. He could feel their calculating gazes on him, but he kept his eyes forced forward so as not to stare. It made the two turn back to their new master.
As he mused over the two other servants, Gabrielle cleared her throat with a smile. "Hello everyone! I'm sorry for making you stand off to the side like this, but I believe we're all ready now!"
The trio of servants looked to each other curiously before turning back to the short master. As Tesla chuckled and shut down the system, she merely smiled and proclaimed, "As I said when you each arrived, I am Gabrielle Rutherford, the second master of Chaldea! Thank you for your patience! Now we can begin, so I will start off by saying, we're happy to have you here!"
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Fragment 22: Finding New Ground
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"It's not entirely to my liking, but I suppose not everything could mimic the glory of Ancient Egypt," Nitocris judged as the trio followed the master through the brightly lit halls. "Regardless... It is good to finally see this place for myself. You're at least worthy of being a Pharaoh's ally."
"Thanks! I'm sure the others will look forward to working with you too!" Gabrielle offered again, and Nitocris glanced to her briefly.
"...To think there were this many servants ready to serve," Hundred Face murmured in astonishment.
Gilles de Rais followed silently, the odd one out of the bunch. The three girls had worked together on a recent singularity, or so they were called. He was still trying to comprehend the ability to summon multiple servants and have them all working together, let alone all the new information dumped on him in the first two minutes of this tour.
His new masters, in a small brainstorm session, had come up with the idea of introducing servants to the facility together, instead of separately, if multiple arrivals occurred. It was the test run of this combined tour today, with the idea that it would promote initial cooperation and trust as well as save time by running only a single introduction lecture. So far, it was working like a charm and the two women, despite their rather eccentric personalities and supposed previous conflict, were acting quite civil. The saber kept to himself for the most part, though remained pleasant whenever addressed.
"New arrivals, Gabby?" Kojiro asked from his spot guarding the vault. They had only just left the first room, and they've already run into the second servant, who wore a white flower print kimono at his station.
The master smiled back. "Mhmm. This is Sasaki Kojiro, assassin class and one of the first servants to arrive in Chaldea!"
He smirked as he nodded to them. "You should call the young master Gudako. She really likes that name."
"Gudako?" Hundred Face asked, while Gabrielle turned several shades more irritated.
"Sasaki!" she roared, making even the saber flinch. The guarding assassin simply chuckled.
This orientation was off to an unusual start.
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The introduction tour had made a quick run through the living quarters, explaining the lack of actual room assignments, but the saber only paid half attention. It wasn't that the master was boring him, but rather he was lost in his own raging thoughts. He had overheard some servants talking and heard the name Jeanne rarely spoken. While he didn't want to get his hopes up, he knew a facility with famous heroes of the past could very likely have the great French saint in its roster... but he declined to ask.
Instead, as he followed the trio towards another section of the facility, his mind began to fight with itself once more.
It wasn't a common thing, but his history likely had everything to do with it. He found it unusual yet optimistic that he would be summoned as his knightly saber self. His madness still existed, and he could often hear and feel its tendrils against him. He shook his head at an oncoming migraine, caused by the whispers that would occasionally taunt him into dark habits. This seemed to be the worst this mad enhancement had to offer, but he wasn't about to let his guard dow-
"Gilles, are you alright?" Gabrielle asked. When had the tour stopped?
As the trio looked at him curiously, Hundred Face having taken her mask off, he raised his hands with a small chuckle. "I apologize… It's just a headache."
"Hmm... Okay. If you say so. If it gets worse, please let me know! We have a lot of casters here who can likely do something about it!"
In a flash, Gabrielle was back to her chipper self and leading the group once more. The two servants passed him wary looks, knowing full well the history of Gilles de Rais themselves. He looked down and sighed as they turned their gazes away. It's not like he could blame the way they were acting, but at least the master was not as concerned. Did she even know about it, he wondered? Shaking his head of the thoughts, and glad the whispers had withdrawn, he looked forward as Gabrielle spun in front of a set of double doors.
"This is the gymnasium! It's mainly for us regular folk since we're not special like you heroic spirits, but you're free to use the facility as you please as well! Everything from modern sports to basic exercise machines are available."
"Exercise machines?" Hundred Face asked curiously. The grail tends to skip any information that was unnecessary for battle.
"Yup!" Gabrielle nodded as she pushed open the double doors. "If you follow me inside I can show you some of the basic ameni-Ohhhh~! Mama likes~!"
Confused at her sudden exclamation, the two female servants peered their heads in… and found themselves ogling and slightly blushing at the site. Gilles, partially blocked by Nitocris' wall of a hairstyle, tried to look around it politely. It was obvious this wasn't going to work no matter how he looked, so he simply went to the next double door, and pushed it open. He quickly looked to their eyes before slowly following their gaze across the open gym towards the center, where a net had been deployed for use. But it definitely wasn't the net gathering the attention.
Diarmuid and Fionn were facing off against Fergus and Cu Chulainn in a volleyball game. Of course, it couldn't be as simple as that. Even with the air conditioning working fine, it was apparent they had been playing as intensely as they were for quite some time. Their upper bodies were completely exposed, and coated in a light sheen of sweat, giving an intoxicating view for the three ladies who ogled their well-toned bodies.
It didn't help that they were playing rather intensely, giving all sorts of nice angles for any hungry imagination. Thankfully, their shorts of varying colors were loose, or else he wondered if the girls might have been severely more invested; One, at least. Though Hundred Face looked interested, Nitocris' eyes seemed conflicted while Gabrielle was practically drooling.
"I completely forgot they were doing this," Gabrielle practically smirked. "I thought I had all the dates on my calendar."
"I... By the gods, Egypt never had such shameless sights!" Nitocris huffed indignantly and made a dramatic show of turning away.
"You can't lie in front of a Hassan," Hundred Face pointed out quietly as she smirked at the caster.
She merely huffed again and glared lightly at the assassin. "Blasphemous words! A pharaoh would never stoop so shamelessly low to ogle those beneath them!"
"…If you insist." Hundred Face merely shook her head dryly as she turned back to the game; It was obvious both she and Gilles could see Nitocris sneaking peeks anyway out of the corner of her eye.
With a small sigh, the knight looked away to see what else the room had to offer while the girls were drooling. He looked at the nearby weight equipment where he spotted some servants nearb-
His eyes widened as he felt his ears catch fire. That blonde hair and that look reminded him of the saint, but in such clothing... With a steady decrease of heartbeat, he let out a relieved sigh upon realizing the blonde haired girl in a very tight workout outfit was not Jeanne. Nero happily chatted to the girl next to her on a leg press, wearing a red sports bras and white short shorts. Altera worked out next to her in a simple shirt and gym shorts.
Neither of them saw Gilles struggling with his chivalry in the doorway. The man was a knight, and to be ogling like the ladies were at the, dare he say, very attractive women was not proper etiquette. He admonished himself, angry that he would let his chivalry and chaste desires slip for an instant. With a small prayer to god for his lack of virtue, he composed himself.
'What's the matter? There's no harm in looking. What's a little lack of virtue to a god who would betray a pure saint? Left her to burn at the stake?'
"Silence! I will not indulge your whispers!"
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"And this is the Clothing Department! Like the Furniture Department, this was a service created for the servants at their request. You can obtain clothing of reasonable design here with a simple order. That way, you don't have to wear your battle outfits all the time."
Gilles looked around from the front desk with the other two servants. The room, filled with its brightly colored outfits and raw material, was a rather soothing room to be in. At the very least, its small chatters of sewing machines, and cutters drowned out the possibility of a whisper growing. He took a printed pamphlet off the counter to further distract himself, flipping through the options for males with interest. There were certainly plenty of conservative options for a knight like him, and he stared at the modern idea of formal clothing with relative interest.
'Perhaps some more… ritualistic clothing would be-'
He winced. "Silence!"
"Jewelry too?" Nitocris asked calmly, yet a gleam shined across her eyes like a lighthouse. Gabrielle nodded happily.
"It's a new option, but please be respectful and considerate to the workers. They have to handle orders for countless servants, and the holiday season is getting packed with requests."
"I believe I am partially to thank for that, for it was deemed necessary. Pharaohs require a fine line of quality that must be upheld, after all."
The group turned to the door as Nitocris gasped in delighted recognition. She quickly bowed before Ozymandias, who simply chuckled as he sipped on a cup of piping hot chocolate. His hair was down, and the button on his black, collared shirt were undone to showcase his abs. An ornate, golden necklace hung around his neck, and designer jeans, acquired from a previous singularity, covered his legs as he leaned against the doorway. A robot looked like it wanted to float through behind him, but waited patiently as the male rider glanced with interest towards the newly arrived caster.
"I wished to hear of the progress on my new coat, but it appears I have received a better gift..." He flashed a million-dollar smile. "Fortune smiles, for the Heavenly Queen has arrived. It appears you did not keep me waiting, Nitocris."
"Sun King! I am humbled to follow you once mor-"
She was interrupted with a simple raise of his free hand. "Please, my fellow pharaoh. While I appreciate you holding me to proper, high regard, you may call me Ozymandias here, as I shall call you Nitocris. Indeed, as you have likely guessed, I have received the memorial essence of our time in the singularity. There is nothing that needs explaining!"
Visibly shocked but happy about the new revelations, she let him take her hand gently and motion towards the door. "Come, Nitocris! I shall show you the progress on the favor I saw fitting for Chaldea to grant for our aid! It's not the Pyramids of our home, but it will suffice!"
Gabrielle's jaw slowly dropped to the pharaoh's amusement. "Ozymandias, that can wait! I'm giving her an introductory tour of the-"
"Ah, but I can do that myself! A pharaoh is best suited to show another pharaoh that which she requires on her daily routine," he chuckled with a proud smile. "I'm sure you've done a passable job thus far, but I shall handle this from here. We pharaohs require quality after all, Gabby, but your effort was commendable."
As Ozymandias led Nitocris away, slipping a joke to make them both laugh, Gabrielle foamed at the mouth. Hundred Face and Gilles slowly turned to her as she took very obvious and deep breaths to calm herself. It was evident that was not part of the plan, but there was nothing she could do about it. Ozymandias was… well, nonnegotiable in certain regards from what he could see. He wondered if there were any other problematic individuals that he might possibly have to deal with in his stay.
"Did I hear Ozymandias?"
Gabrielle turned slowly to look at Naomi as she stood behind the counter. The older woman took amusement in the young master's attitude. She took a sip from her cup of coffee before pulling a small notepad out of her supervisor uniform. "I'll take that as a yes… His coat will be ready this evening. Would you mind telling him when you see him next, Gabby?"
The master groaned.
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Gilles looked around the pristine lobby of the Medical Wing. The front desk was unmanned, and soft Christmas music filled the room from a small radio on the counter. As the music from 'All I want from Christmas is You' filtered into his ears, he found it harder to concentrate on things that weren't about his religion. He just had to be summoned during December, with a facility that celebrated the holiday, among others, joyfully. Even for a devout Christian, after going through what he did, and doing all those terrible acts he committed as vengeance against the indifferent god for-
"This is the Medical Bay! Another facility intended for humans, but the rooms have been specifically attuned for higher magical energy distribution. Should you find yourself injured, and do not mind the wait, staying in one of the patient rooms past those doors will get you healed up at three times the regular speed."
"Rather helpful. I do not intend to make many stays here," Hundred Face boasted with a small smirk. Gabrielle simply smirked back.
"I like the attitude! Would you like to get a glimpse of the rooms?" The pair of servants simply nodded. With a swift nod, Gabrielle turned and pushed open the double doors next to the empty greeting counter… and froze.
With Mariah Carey's song playing in the background, Da Vinci had Doctor Roman pinned up against a wall with an accusing finger planted into his stomach. The unofficial director had both of his hands raised in surrender. A nervous and sheepish grin was plastered on his face as he held stiff like a dear in the headlights. Their faces were rather close without a doubt, though the rest of the scene assured the French general they hadn't walked in on anything compromising.
Her irritated expression remained carved on her face, even as she and the doctor turned to look at the sudden arrivals. Samantha was taking a sip near the water cooler on the opposite wall, just as visibly amused as Gabrielle by the situation. The Asian employee walked back over to her job at the front desk while the rest of the hallway resembled a still life painting. Finally, the master's giggles broke the spell.
"H-Hi, Gabby... Need anything?" Roman asked with a small chuckle. He inhaled as Da Vinci pressed her finger harder against him.
"I see you two are busy with the usual squabbling… so, I'll just have to show our new arrivals the patient rooms later!" Gabrielle hummed. The aforementioned two looked equally confused.
Roman and Da Vinci each took a small moment to wave, with the inventor switching to a smile unnervingly fast. "Welcome to Chaldea!"
"Thanks…?" Hundred Face spoke for the two of them with an awkward wave back. This place was very strange.
As Gabrielle led them out of the room, the saber was silently glad he had a break from the music.
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"Cursed Arm!" Hundred Face greeted happily as they walked down a hallway. Her gaze turned curious.
The trio stopped as the Hassan approached with a small wave from his bandaged arm. He was wearing a pair of tan slacks with brown sandals, though his torso remained uncovered due to the special measurements necessary for making him shirts. In his hand was a large white soda cup with a Chaldea logo, connected to his mouth by an elongated swirly straw. He sipped on it in contentment, the blue liquid racing through the straw with every intake. The occasional slurping noise only improved the sight. It was a rather peculiar sight for the assassin, but the master evidently found it hilarious with her giggle fit.
The Hassan nodded to them after stopping his sips. "Hello, Hundred Face. Gabby. And… you would be?"
"Saber Class, Gilles de Rais, Mister… Cursed Arm, was it?"
There was a small pause as the name registered. To his slight relief, the assassin chuckled and nodded instead of judging him. The sound, however, unnerved the saber, but the other assassin laughed. Were they used to it? "A pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working with you both."
"As do I once again," Hundred Face nodded with a small pat on his arm. "Say… is dear, little Serenity here as well?"
"Not yet," Gabrielle shook her head. "We're still trying… We got plenty of leeway with our quarts still."
"…I see. I suppose that can't be helped then," Hundred Face nodded before staring at the cup. Cursed Arm followed her gaze and chuckled.
"This is a blueberry milkshake. I find these… straw contraptions to be quite helpful. Less aggravation on the staples."
"Hmmm… so many strange devices in this place. I thought Da Vinci was kidding in that village…"
"Nope! Chaldea is filled with different things, but you'll get used to them soon enough," Gabrielle smiled and checked her watch. "Lunch should be ending shortly, but if we're quick we can get you two something to eat! Conserves some magical energy, and makes you feel like a person instead of a spirit. Win, win if you ask me!"
The saber and newly arrived Hassan turned to each other and shrugged. The saber spoke up, "Lead the way, master."
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Lunch was nearly over when the group grabbed quick treats from the dessert section. They gazed over candy bars and different soft drinks, along with anything else still available that interested the two servants. Cursed Arm had decided to tag along, curious about this new orientation tour they had started only two days after his arrival. Slowly, the saber had grown used to the rather friendly man, and chastised himself for judging a book by his cover; He looked like an honorable man, but the truth was a grim reminder.
Half of the room was empty, with the remainders being mostly employees with only a handful of servants. Several robots were already doing their janitorial duties, weaving in between people when necessary to obtain any possible crumb. Except for the vacuums, it was relatively quiet, besides a table with two servants that Gabrielle sent apologetic glances to. Gilles paid it only a passing notion since he didn't recognize either until a famous name was spoken.
"I'm so sorry, Tota! I didn't know it would end up like that!" Xuanzang sobbed in her battle attire beside the larger archer. He wondered if this servant was also a recent summon, but he would not ask; This was a private moment in a public place, so he could at least give them some space. Perhaps she had received one of those memorial essences Gabrielle had explained to them? He silently hoped he wouldn't get one that would make his own problems worse...
"I said it's fine. Please calm down... There's no need to be hysterical about this," the red sweater-clad Tota practically groaned while he kept rubbing her back.
She sniffed as she looked at him. "I was just following what Buddha told me to do!"
'All of these deities are the same…' Gilles winced again.
The saber had been listening in as he bit into an apple. He had a water bottle in one hand and was patiently waiting for the other three as Gabrielle helped Hundred Face decide between snack bars. It was hard not to listen to the crying caster, who even had concerned glances tossed her way from nearby employees. While the saber also felt some slight sympathy for the apologizing servant, his mind was running rampant with dark thoughts. He growled to himself silently, trying to keep them at bay-
'You will never silence me. You know I am right! Look what happened to our dear Jeanne for faithfully following the lord! This caster was following Buddha, yet it has caused her grief as you can clearly see! You must turn fro-'
"I will not do so again! I have regretted those actions! Those senseless murders in madness! I seek redemption! Atonement!"
'Yet you smiled so happily as you did it! You were so proud you could stick it to that damned god-'
"Enough! I will not fall to your whispers again! I am better than this!"
"Hello! Are you new here?"
He blinked, thankful for the interruption, as he turned to Astolfo standing next to him. The pink haired rider was swinging back and forth on his feet, wearing his favorite purple and black outfit. He wore the hood up this time, which did nothing to hide the infectious grin and inquisitive look. Inwardly cursing himself for staring at the girl's exposed midriff, he looked into the rider's eyes. The paladin only tilted his head slightly before holding a hand out enthusiastically, even if the saber's hands were full. "I'm Astolfo!"
"My pleasure, and I am-"
"Oh! Your apple's almost done! Let me get you a new one!"
Surprised at his sudden interruption, he watched as the enthusiastic servant skipped over to the apple container, his purple sweater and black skirt waving wildly as he did. He quickly grabbed several apples with a giggle before tossing one towards Gilles… at much greater force than he intended. The rider gasped as Gilles ducked to avoid the incoming apple, since both hands were currently preoccupied. The red fruit deflected off Beowulf's hardened muscles as he was passing by, making the berserker stop and glance towards the rider.
Astolfo had dropped his remaining apples unceremoniously to place a hand over his mouth in shock. Beowulf smirked and placed his free hand on the band of his grey sweat pants. The saber looked between the two curiously, noting how rather casual Chaldea seemed to be if another hero was walking around shirtless. "Starting a war, eh, Astolfo?"
"Ah! No! I didn't mean to! I was just giving the new servant an apple!"
"At high speed? Likely story…" Beowulf chuckled as he took Nightingale's half eaten pie slowly off of his tray. Gabrielle turned around at the sudden commotion, and her eyes widened. The Hassans looked as confused as Gilles, who had no idea what was about to transpire.
"Alright guys, we're getting out of here! Time to show you the library down the hallway!" Gabrielle quickly ushered as she took Hundred Face by the hand and swiftly charged towards the door.
Cursed Arm and Gilles, sensing the sudden urgency, quickly followed as Beowulf hurled the pie at Astolfo. The pie splattered against the poor rider's hair, knocking the hood back, and causing him to whine sadly. He brought a hand to his dirtied hair, feeling the leftover crust and cranberries that marred his cute ribbons. As Beowulf laughed, the rider scowled and grabbed a nearby banana. Swiftly peeling it, he hurled it at the berserker- He ducked.
"Hey!" Tota yelled from his spot as he got up. The banana had exploded against Xuanzang's hair, catching him in the crossfire as well. With the caster now equally stunned and miserable, she simply blinked as Tota glared towards the dumbfounded Astolfo and chuckling Beowulf.
The group stopped at the doorway, with Gabrielle muttering some small thanks that no one had called a full scale food fight. The saber was still confused, but took the sight in with interest. While she had explained fighting was not allowed in Chaldea, it seems there were still other ways for people to get into disputes. His knightly instincts told him to return and straighten out the situation, but his inner whispers distracted him enough to run with the group. It did not want interference in potential chaos.
'That caster deserved that hit for following her god so willingly… She should wake up-'
"Stop it!"
"FOOD FIGHT!" Beowulf hollered as he threw a ball of rice at a robot. The poor thing was just trying to clean a nearby table as its eyes narrowed at the offending berserker.
Gilles looked to Tota, who suddenly had a basket in his hands. Gabrielle screamed, "Oh dear lord NO! Tota! Don't you DARE open that rice Noble Phantasm in-"
Gabrielle was interrupted by a precision guided, homing cupcake that struck her face dead center. The new servants quickly pulled the master out of the crossfire as the room erupted into chaos. Thankfully, as the Dantes in a formal suit cackled and threw several oranges towards a pair of employees, Tota had dematerialized his rice basket.
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After helping to clean the fuming master off, the group had arrived in the library. Hans had taken over the tour for a few minutes to go over guidelines, on behalf of the library's servant staff. They were then given a few minutes to look around as Gabrielle talked with Shakespeare and Medusa at the front desk about any acquisition requests on the next deployment. While they were doing that, Cursed Arm brought Hundred Face over to a comedy section he found interesting. In his short time here, he had already discovered how interesting some books could be designed as he showed his fellow Hassan a funny pop-up book.
Gilles was free to look where he pleased, but found himself standing within the history isle, staring at a section for France. The grail told vast amounts of information necessary, but it was all on a neutral basis. With a shaky hand, he pulled a book about the Hundred Years War slightly out of its place before stopping himself. He didn't want to see it, but he had. He didn't want to know, but he should.
How did the world see Jeanne now? Was she remembered as the brave, pious girl she always was, or did many still denounce and hate her thanks to the British? It was an absurd notion since she was now a saint, but his mind was in turmoil after all. His hand shook, and the whispers continued. His mind was a earthquake that trembled his soul wildly to match his reaching arm.
'Go on… see what those bastards said about her! See what the world think-'
"Are you alright, Gilles de Rais?" The tone was rhetorical and flat.
The saber turned to look at Hans, or more specifically, stared down. The blue haired servant, sharp and fancy in his navy blue suit, observed him. Without a small glance towards the section he stood, or his shaking hand, Gilles knew the caster had somehow guessed what was happening. The troubled glint in the saber's eyes could not be hidden, which made Hans cross his arms and sigh. The saber's hand dropped to his side to leave the book hanging by pressure, prepared to be judged for the first time by one of his new allies. Were they all going to do that for his actions? He didn't blame them if they would.
"I'm well aware of who you are… though it appears you are more than some may take you for, as is the case for all characters. That look in your eyes defined you enough for me. Quite the pleasant rarity, Gilles," Hans stated as he looked towards the saber without judgement. Gilles was relieved. "You're fighting those urges within, aren't you? The ones that made you turn to such atrocities after the unsightly death of the woman you idolized… and from what it appears, you are winning... but for how long?"
"…It is as you say," the saber relented. He was at least relieved.
The caster chuckled lightly. "I usually have choice words for individuals with more… deplorable qualities and actions. However, you appear different thus far. You're trying to be what you want to be, and that hint of longing atonement proves it."
Slightly surprised as the caster reached up to pat him on the back, Gilles simply watched as he slid the book back into its place. He gave a slow nod to the saber. "As wonderful as books are, even non-fiction… sometimes it's better to see and hear. The reassurance will go a long way for you, and I suggest you go ask her yourself when you have the time."
Gilles' eyes widened considerably. "You mean..."
He nodded with a very tiny smirk. "Yes, Gilles. Jeanne D'Arc is a resident of Chaldea, and she's admittedly quite the singer."
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Footsteps echoed down the large-windowed hallway, but Gilles could only hear the white noise and whispers as he stared at the falling snow outside.
The saber had been in a daze since they left the library. They were making their way towards the salon as the next stop, but the servant didn't even notice. He just remained silent, which the rest of the group was used to by now. Gabrielle would pass occasional, worried glances his way but would still keep on track. Gilles walked in a trance, following simply by motion as his mind threatened to overload with questions and rampant thoughts. They all connected, linked by the lone single knowledge Jeanne was definitely in Chaldea. Overheard snippets of conversations hinted the idea, but Hans had confirmed it without a doubt.
Gilles would see her again. His ultimate truth that god exists was within the same walls as him once more. But where was she? When could he go see her?
'Of course she wouldn't want to see you again. She-'
"Shut up! I must know! I have to know if her faith still stands!"
His interest in the tour had greatly diminished. All that mattered is that his sole light in his previous, deprived life would be fighting by his side once more for the sake of humanity… but did he deserve it? After everything he's done, and with the whispers still urging him further, would she accept him as an ally once more? It was understandable if this would likely be the case, since Gabrielle explained some still don't get along well within the halls.
His heart churned, unable to hold the possibility that she- "What!? That's not fair- Father, I hate you! I hate you!"
"Oh no…" Gabrielle whispered before she ran ahead. She was quickly followed by the rest of the group, including Gilles who was now snapped out of his trance. The feminine voice sounded angry, and as a knight, his instincts told him whoever this was needed assistance in some way. It was the code to assist when needed, and a small step on his endless redemption; Another step in the battle against those damned whispers, and his sinful past.
Gabrielle stopped at the doorway to the Camelot room, staring in as sounds entered his ears. There was growling, but there was also chuckling and laughter. The saber was confused as the master looked in, followed quickly by the assassins and himself. They were met with various greetings, along with an unusual sight. Judging by everything within the room, and its title on the door frame, the occupants would be the brave Knights of the Round, the symbol of all of chivalry; To think such shining, prestigious fighters would be fighting at his side in the days to come uplifted his spirits. As he observed what was in front of him… he grew curious.
Mashu sat in one chair in her Chaldean uniform, taking turns petting Fou with Arturia next to her. The King of Knights, unlike her gentle strokes, had a very smug look pointed towards Mordred beside her. The feisty saber was wearing a leather jacket over her red tank top, and glared back at her father, who was wearing a white formal blouse with matching blue skirt and neck piece. He grew curious who these two females could be.
Across from them sat the men, all dressed in semi-formal attire. Bedivere, Gawain, and Lancelot had matching white dress shirts, though the latter wore a purple tie as opposed to the others' blue. Their expressions were calm with small smiles, though Bedivere was trying hard not to lose his composure to more laughter. Emiya, with an amused look, was standing against the wall behind the trio with crossed arms over his regular cook outfit. The recently arrived saber followed his gaze back to the fuming two girls, not recognizing their identities in the least. Were they also knights of the round like the sitting men?
"Everything alright?" Gabrielle asked with some concern. Gilles could practically here her palpable worry drip onto the floor.
"No!" Mordred cried in dismay, causing the male knights to laugh again. "Father took most of my money!"
"I got it fair and square, Mordred," Arturia proclaimed happily as she took the bills from her child's fingers. She fumed.
Gabrielle blinked as she looked at the board game they were playing. Those pieces and squares were foreign to the saber, but the master's eyes reflected of instant recognition. "…Wh- Of all the games, why Monopoly!?"
Arturia tilted her head in confusion. "What's wrong with Monopoly?"
"It's one of the most infamous games for ruining friendships through heavy competition," Emiya responded with a small smirk. Arturia's eyes widened in horror and he flinched. He held his hands up quickly. "If you take it too seriously, of course...! It's just a game!"
"And I'm losing badly! Not fair!" Mordred complained, much to the amusement of everyone else.
As the mirth swelled like a rising tide, Gilles blinked in surprise. The young girl in the leather jacket was… the Knight of Treachery? So then that would make the nearly identical servant next to her King Arthur. They were women? But most importantly, they were getting along after everything they've been through?
Gilles needed a seat to digest the questions, but at the same time, hope blossomed. The whispers had died down for a moment, allowing him time to think of the possibilities. If the Knight of Treachery was capable of mending the rifts with the King of Knights, then surely a murderer like him would have a chance of-
'She is lost to you. Give it up. She will never save you! Just like God never-'
"No! Shut up! You are nothing to me!"
He felt a hand on his arm. "Gilles, are you alright?"
The saber opened his eyes; When had he closed them? He looked down to see Gabrielle's concerned glance, along with the Hassans' own. The Camelot Room, thankfully, had not noticed. "You were groaning to yourself."
"I'm sorry, master..." he turned to look towards the salon. Anywhere not at her eyes to hide his shame. "It's just-"
That long, blonde hair in a ponytail. That happy laugh! He watched with widened eyes as Jeanne disappeared into the salon with Marie, both of which were giggling as they carried a rather large Christmas tree; Chaldea sure seemed to be capable of acquiring much. Regardless, he didn't care for that, or for the whispers that were suddenly drowned out. Even as the master tried to regain his attention, he found himself compelled forward. He walked, soon sped, towards the doors of the salon.
Upon reaching them, he slipped through as the master called to his retreating back.
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Gilles took a quick glance around the room. The salon was spectacular and luxurious, with its warm and inviting glow easing his very soul. This felt more like a section of a palace than a fit within Chaldea. But he was not here for that, not yet. It could wait. There was the vision of a saint that he knew wasn't an illusion. He needed to find her!
He did not have far to look as he stared straight ahead. There was a fancy Grand Piano underneath a central chandelier. Beneath it, as the soft music sung from Mozart's gracious hands, he saw her again. Jeanne laughed at Marie as they righted the large, faux Christmas Tree. It was easily three times the height of either of them, but a simple thing to carry for servants. Jeanne fiddled with an electrical wire before plugging it into a socket on the ground. With another flip of the switch, the tree lit up with built in lights, causing the two to clap and cheer.
Her voice and laughter was music to his ears as he felt his legs grow weak. Jeanne was truly here, and she was happy. Her laughter… her smile and all! It proved she was happy, and it made him content within. He ignored the robot that brushed past him as he stood near the doorway. It proceeded in its task of vacuuming the fallen plastic needles. He didn't give anything else a second glance, even as Gabrielle and the Hassans approached from behind. He merely stared forward at the French saint as she turned around.
Their eyes met, and Jeanne gasped. With both hands covering her mouth, they stared as he looked at her completely for the first time. She wore a white pullover sweater with simple, navy jeans. It was simple, like the simple farm girl who came to become a legend of France. And yet here she was, living a joyful life within the walls of this organization trying to save humanity. Once more, she was trying to help others as a beacon of human righteousness. Her eyes shined brilliantly as they always had on those past campaigns, making it clear it was situations like this where she truly belonged.
"…Gilles?"
"Jeanne… It's you! And… you're… A smile…!"
"Gilles de Rais!" Jeanne cried out as she ran towards him. The saber met her half way in a simple, chaste holding of hands. The Saint of Orleans soon broke it, bringing the armored general into a friendly hug that surprised him. Partially shocked about what to do, he slowly brought his arms around her as Marie giggled into the sleeve of her red turtleneck... but her eyes seemed wary upon recognizing the name; He ignored it. Jeanne moved in his arms before pulling away with a happy smile, tears threatening the sides of her eyes. "You look every bit the knight you were..."
"And you are still the wonderful saint who led us," he bowed… But his heart suddenly cracked.
'Led us to her death! Death by that damned god and his blinded followers!'
"…Gilles?"
"Forgive me, Jeanne! Forgive this terrible general for the sins he committed against our god!" He cried out, causing even Mozart to stop playing as he got up in concern. Marie walked over to stand next to the tuxedo clad man, concern filling her eyes. He could tell the two of them had recognized the name, but they did nothing about it; They did not seem to judge his book just yet. Gabrielle appeared confused while the Hassans watched earnestly. Even Sanson and D'Eon, who were manning the bar in their typical uniforms, looked on silently while cleaning glasses.
"So many… I've killed so many for what they did to you! I've committed such horrible sins! So many unforgivable acts!"
"Gilles... please…" Jeanne tried to comfort. She watched as he collapsed to his knees, clutching his head as the whispers left. Yet he could still hear the cries of the children... He could still hear his laughter!
"I've done much against our almighty god! There's no way I can be forgiven even as I march along this road of atonement! But I couldn't bare it! I couldn't bare seeing our fellow Catholics as they called you a heretic! They burned you at the stake, and no one saved you! I couldn't save you!"
"I know what you've done… but please…"
He was a babbling mess now as he lay on his knees in a crumpled heap. The whispers had left, leaving him to madness of a different kind. He felt her hand on his shoulder even through the armor, but he refused to look up. Overcome by guilt, he could not meet the eyes of the saint who so happily met him once more. How? How could she be so willing to forgive his actions where he could not?
"Please listen."
The saber was reunited with her after all these years! Not only that, but he was blessed with seeing her happy and joyous. It should have been a memory he would forever cherish, but instead all he felt was deep regret, shame, and guilt for his actions. As the hand shook him continually, he refused to dare raise his head. He still had much to atone for, but he was glad she was at least happy. Maybe in the end, she really was saved. Would he have the right to ask like Hans had suggested?
The saber lifted his head for a brief moment. "Jeanne! I don't know how I can-"
It was a moment long enough. The saber yelped as Jeanne poked him in the eyes with her two fingers. The spectators watched, mouths agape at the sudden move, as Gilles groaned with his hands on his eyes. It hurt, but it was a pain he remembered well. It was definitely her; She was the only one would do that to him on the campaigns in France! It brought back good memories, but it also served to settle him down as he rubbed at his aching eyes.
"Good! That always did do the trick," she responded with a small smile. The others appeared unnerved that the saint would do something like that.
"I… I… apologize, Jeanne… I lost control there," he spoke simply and quietly. With blurry, aching eyes, he looked to her. "I just… I'm grateful to see, after all that's happened to you… that you're truly happy."
"Thank you, Gilles," she smiled brightly. "I'm sure you will be too with enough time in Chaldea."
Before he could fall into another one of his pits, the ruler got to her feet and smiled towards him. He had never recalled the ever serious and dutiful Jeanne to smile so often. It was a fitting change. "Now… before we talk about the countless questions and concerns I know you have, how about I introduce you to my friends? Most of them are also French, and I'm certain they'd be willing to help their countryman."
"…Yes. That would be nice." He nodded slowly, and enjoyed the contentment welling within. Jeanne held her hand out to him, and he took it firmly. Gilles stood up, keeping his eyes on the saint the whole time before he released the hand and bowed gently.
"Oui oui!" Marie chimed in as she skipped over. Mozart followed on her heels as Sanson and D'Eon finished the glasses they were cleaning. "A friend of Jeanne is a friend of ours, non? Enchanté!"
As Gilles brushed the front of his armor carefully, appreciating the lack of whispers, before he took a glance towards the door. Gabrielle had a small smile and nodded towards him. "You get acquainted with them. Don't worry about the rest of the tour. I'm sure they'll handle it."
He gave his first genuine smile in a long, long time. "You have my thanks, master."
As the saber turned around to greet the manager of the fine salon, Gabrielle turned back to the Hassans with a sigh. The two had watched quietly with the master the entire time, though it was obvious to anyone that she didn't have any idea who Gilles was based on her reactions. The small smile slowly vanished as she looked towards the two Hassans. She motioned for them to continue, and they took a few steps before pausing outside in the hallway.
Cursed Arm sipped from his milkshake as she smiled, "Well, now that we got to witness a nice reunion, would you like to-"
"Gabby!"
The master turned down the hallway to see Scathach running towards them in a teal sweater with black leggings. Judging by her pace, it was relatively urgent, though the ever-calm demeanor on her face dispelled any sense of an emergency. She came to a quick halt in front of them as more laughter erupted from the Camelot Room, this time at Gawain's expense. With a swift nod and wave towards the Hassans, which was returned, she locked eyes with the master once more.
"Anne caught Blackbeard trying to go through their underwear dresser. She and Mary went overboard with their own punishment, and he's being brought to the Medical Bay for accelerated magical energy recovery. They need you there to sort paperwork, and handle the report since Gudao is taking the day off. Unless you want me to pull him away from board games with Mashu and the Japanese servants."
Gabrielle groaned. "What is with today?"
Scathach blinked but remained composed. "Have things been going wrong elsewhere?"
"Just… oh forget it," With a sigh, she turned towards Hundred Face with an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut the orientation tour off here, it seems."
"It's fine. You seem to have more pressing concerns."
"I can show her the remainder, Gabby," Cursed Arm volunteered with a quick nod. He took another slurp from his refilled shake.
"Great! Appreciated!" she replied quickly with a wave. She soon ran off down the hallway with Scathach towards the elevators.
As they disappeared, Cursed Arm and Hundred Face looked to each other. They soon started chuckling, getting a few concerned stares from the lone employee that passed them. There was a small, comfortable silence before the male Hassan broke it with another sip from his swirly straw. After gulping it down, he turned towards his female companion with an amused expression under his mask after glancing into the Salon to see the happy saber. "Not quite what you were expecting of this place?"
"It's very… unusual. I expected a serious organization buried in work to save humanity… but this? This is… pleasant. Quite pleasant," Hundred Face chuckled once more. "I think I'll like it here. Definitely better than gathering food for my villagers."
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"A former serial killer of children… It might be best to keep you away from Atalanta until properly explained. Noted," Gabrielle nodded with eyes slightly wide. "That explains why you were so vivid back there… but you seem like a nice knight."
Gilles smiled towards the master and nodded. "Thank you for believing in me, master. I'll do everything in my power to ensure I don't cause any trouble."
As a small break before he began his training to help Marie's salon, Gilleshad decided to come to the master to express his gratitude and apologize. The master and lancer were now walking through the living quarters with him towards their adjacent rooms after working with the medical staff. The incident had taken an hour to sort out, and but that apparently didn't account for the paperwork she still needed to do. Gilles made a note not to cross any of the fanatical pirate women that seemed to be in Chaldea too.
"You said you have mad enhancement, correct? Is it difficult holding it back? We've dealt with a situation like this before," Gabrielle asked earnestly.
It intrigued him, but at the same time he had a new belief. This was just another hurdle he needed to pass through his own strength. With newfound French companions and the saint who led their forces, he was willing to meet it head on. Whispers be damned, this time he would be an honorable individual again. "I will manage, I assure you. If it ever becomes too much, I will ask for aid, but until then I wish not to trifle anyone with my problems."
"If you insist," the young master smiled and nodded. "I'm glad you got to make so many friends on day one! I'm sure you'll be just fine!"
Scathach broke her façade and snickered. "But you won't because of the paperwork."
Gabrielle snapped, and Gilles found himself recoiling at her sudden shift in moods. "Five. Packets. For one simple incident!? Roman's doing it on purpose, I know he is! He's doubling it so I know Gudao's former pain!"
"Of course," Scathach added sarcastically with a small smirk. "At least the first orientation seemed to go well."
"Hardly… Plenty of the usual interruptions from Chaldea… Though I guess that does make a good introduction, doesn't it?" she chuckled and turned to the saber. "Did you think it went well?"
"You reunited Gilles with Jeanne, and the other two servants didn't stab each other over the kidnapping. I'd say it went well, Gabby," Scathach responded before he could. Feeling no need to add to it, the armored servant smiled and nodded graciously.
They had finally reached their rooms as Scathach fished out her key card. She left Gabrielle's side, likely to get that book to read while the master worked, or so he heard her mentioning. With a dissatisfied sigh, the orange haired master looked at the packets once more and groaned, "This is going to be an hour or two..."
"I'm afraid I likely cannot help," Gilles admitted, feeling the need to show further appreciation for his summoning. Instead, he inquired, "How about the other master?"
"No... he's done enough paperwor-" Gabrielle's eyes widened suddenly, smacking herself mentally as she cursed. "Keys! I forgot to let you three pick rooms and give you keys! Did Ozymandias help Nitocris pick a room or... Sorry, Gilles. I should have gotten the keys when we saw Roman, but he was in a mess."
The possibilities were running through his mind already. Perhaps he could get a room near Jeanne, or at least one of his new companions. That would certainly make things more comfortable for him. Things had certainly turned around since he had first arrived within these halls.
With the future looking bright, Gilles was more than determined to follow his renewed path. He heard there was a chapel where he could aid some fellow Catholics as further penance. His job under Queen Marie Antoinette would be another way to reaffirm his former noble status. Of course, who knows what other possibilities may arise... but he was ready to take the first steps after his own doubts and whispers had been mostly subdued. He bowed lightly with a reassuring smile, "It's alright, Gabby. You've done more than enough for me already. If you wish, I can return to the salon so you can find me easier... or perhaps I could help you look?"
"Any help would be great, thanks! You'd also be one less person I need to track down. Thankfully there's still two hours till dinner!" she breathed happily as the saber began walking away. "Now to find Roman... We'll just start by asking Gudao or Mashu since I'm here already."
She quickly opened her room, and tossed the packets inside before shutting the door again. Quickly, she walked to her best friend's door with simple strides across the hallway, unlocked it with her keycard, and opened the door. Gilles remained in the hallway patiently waiting as the master walked into the room. He watched her freeze completely and blink in surprise. He remained still, despite his growing curiosity for what was in the room.
The two occupants would have been glad the newcomer didn't glimpse them. Even if he did, Gudao was still wearing his plain white shirt and black sweatpants. Mashu still had her Chaldean uniform in pristine order, and Fou was asleep in a furry ball on the bed. Nothing was out of the usual except for the demi-servant sitting on Gudao's desk with the male master in front of her with the chair pushed away. As the flushing pair fixed any wrinkles in their clothes, Gabrielle blinked… visibly ashamed she had ruined something precious.
"I just interrupted a make out session, didn't I? Way to go, Gabby… Hey, uh, while it's intermission for the tonsil hockey game, do you know where Roman is?"
As Gilles' eyebrow rose in the hallway, the couple's mutual blush deepened. Gabrielle chuckled sheepishly, "Sowwy... I'll make a note to knock more often these days."