Controversy Warning: Read carefully or you will get the wrong impression.

Chaldea was a wonderful place.

As she spent months wandering the halls, almost always alone by choice, she would appreciate the sights without question. In the Moon Cell, all that waited for the servants and their masters was the inevitable clash before the number was culled. This facility was different, and she had happily walked the hallways in tranquil bliss among many others who felt the same. Employee and servant alike had found reasons to smile, laugh, and live in the darkest of times, even with the uncertain future of the next year fast approaching.

It was why she felt even more lost now than she ever had during her stay. She was far from the earliest, but she was not a recent arrival either. Her first months had been joyous compared to a lot of servants. With a wonderful master to love, and a calm atmosphere to relax in, the only serious tension was her rivalry with Tamamo and any others who wished to lay their hands on Gudao. While it was part of the reason she wandered the halls alone, she enjoyed the independence and solitude.

So when that comforting isolation had suddenly become her greatest discomfort, it shook her to the core.

Kiyohime was far from stupid, and she could never understand why some thought of her like that when she was simply dedicated to her master. She should have noticed it sooner, but that drink her masters had supposedly been gifting her appeared to be the start of her month's issues. Troubled by her sudden mix of emotions and mental clarity, she had fought with Tamamo less and felt her absolute love of Gudao slipping. What was once unfathomable attraction in her mind had slowly disintegrated into a strong crush. It was only when she found herself in her current predicament at the training grounds that she fully realized what had happened to her.

The drink was infused with a subtle elixir. They had successfully diluted her mad enhancement. No... More specifically, Gabrielle did, or so she assumed, since she was the master behind all of this. She was outside with her after stating there was a mandatory sparring session for training purposes... which had been another lie the long coat wearing master told.

As Kiyohime glared at the culprit staring down at her from the catwalks, flanked by both Scathach and Medusa in battle attire, she growled. "Am I not allowed to love!?"

Her anger flared, but not to the extent it would have with her mad enhancement in full effect. It didn't blind her, but she was still fury incarnate. She was angry for being deceived, and livid for being supposedly denied from having what she wanted. Many in Chaldea were finding ways to have their wish granted, so why did this happen to her? As she glared at Gabrielle, ignoring Hans materializing before her, she could only seethe in confusion and outrage.

"Am I not allowed to have my wish!? Why can't I be happy!?"

The snow howled around them, but Kiyohime knew even with the higher winds of this day, she was heard just fine. The silence only frustrated her further, and she ignored the calculating stare from Hans. She just wanted an answer for why this was happening, and to her dismay, she was about to get one of the worst possible. Without blinking, and with a sympathetic expression, Gabrielle spoke truthfully and shattered the girl's heart.

"I'm sorry for this, Kiyohime… I really am, but it had to be done for you to understand... Gudao and Mashu have been in a relationship since the Jerusalem Singularity."

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Fragment 30: Newfound Resolution

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Her lower lip trembled in anger and despair. As Kiyohime closed her eyes while clenching her fists, she missed the look of shame and regret on the master's face. If she saw it, she wouldn't have cared. This was a betrayal on all fronts. She had been betrayed again by those she thought she could trust. Growling in discontent, she lashed out into the wind with her voice.

"Why would you do this master!? Why would you both do this to me!?"

"Gudao has no knowledge of this," Scathach answered for her, accompanied by a nod from Medusa and Gabrielle.

"He was trying to tell you all along. Every day since coming back, he tried until he realized he would never get through," the master stated. "You would never have agreed to this, so we arrived at this conclusion."

Kiyohime's glare only intensified as she took a step forward. There was a fire in her eyes, but thankfully not in her hands… yet. Hans let out a quiet sigh as he stood before her with crossed arms. "Calm down, Kiyohime. We would rather talk this out."

"After stabbing me in the back like cowards, now you want to talk it out!?" she snapped furiously. There was the urge to attack, but also one to collapse to her knees.

"You know you wouldn't give us a chance to properly explain with that mad enhancement!" Gabrielle declared. Her eyes had steeled once again at the quiet urgings of Scathach. "It left us with no other choice in the matter! If there were a better way, I would have chosen it instead for your sake!"

Kiyohime glared darkly at the female master, partially because of her audacity in committing this act, but mostly because… she was right. To her boiling rage, she acknowledged it would have been significantly worse if she were still blinded. Her rage would have manifested complete, and her noble phantasm unleashed for such a heinous act. But right now, it was divided between attacking her female master, and finding a quiet corner to cry painfully. With a growl to hide her whimper, she silently wished for the warm embrace of her mad enhancement.

Snowflakes thrashed against her as the tense silence continued. Neither side spoke a word as the berserker glared pure fury at Gabrielle, being careful to hide her palpable torment. Hans' eyes narrowed as he watched her take another step forward with a growl. Betrayed, confused, and in total anguish, she relied on her raging emotions to hold her upright. As she took another step, different answers and reactions to give flashed through her mind-

"Hans, don't!"

Kiyohime quickly flipped backwards as the caster fired a spell towards her feet. With a glare, Kiyohime looked towards Gabrielle only to question what she was seeing. The female master was glaring at the small caster along with Medusa and Scathach. He simply glanced back towards them, before facing the berserker once more with crossed arms. Gabrielle yelled furiously, "What do you think you're doing!?"

"Your choice in location was correct, master… though I question how you are still so naïve to think she would agree with verbal negotiations," the deep-voiced man said before crossing his arms. His glare never left Kiyohime. "Fight me, berserker. If you can't give voice to your emotions, then release them by writing into the air. Attack me."

Kiyohime glared at him skeptically. Violence had not been on her mind. Had Hans misread someone for the first time? "And what makes you think I would-"

With a grunt, she dodged a fireball that rocketed past her hair. To everyone's surprise, it had singed a few strands caught in its path; He was not aiming to miss. The berserker's eyes widened partially, clearly shaken while Hans held his ground firmly.

"You have only oneself to blame for this outcome, Kiyohime," Hans chastised with a huff. "What sundry methods must Gudao use to make you understand that he does not wish to court you? That you are only a respected servant and friend? For ten days following the Jerusalem Campaign, he painted a vivid picture of his opinion for you and Tamamo to understand! But you didn't! Perhaps he should have titled it something blunt, or told you outright..."

He scoffed and crossed his arms as she shook in place. "At least it was the EX grade mad enhancement that was thick, and not your skull. Heaven knows one can only have so many irredeemable qualities while misinterpreting puppy love."

"I loved him!" Kiyohime growled back as she finally snapped. She swung her fan and cast a spell, only for a fireball to meet a blast of ice in midair.

Gabrielle moved her hand up to call a ceasefire through a command seal, but to her surprise, Medusa grabbed her wrist. Turning towards her, she watched the rider shake her head slowly. "Gabby… I see what Hans is doing. Let him lead, and trust his control."

With shame, Gabrielle dropped her arm and watched the battle silently. Kiyohime's entire focus was on Hans as they leapt around the battlefield in a mid-ranged dance. Though the master had seemingly caused all of this, Kiyohime was currently focused on the abrasive caster as he took the fight seriously. The berserk looked less like she was fighting, and more like she was dancing around his attacks. Some would come close, but never as near as the first attack.

To the overly emotional servant's pleasure, it seemed nothing else was too affected upon losing her mad enhancement as she held the advantage over him. She flipped clearly over a blast of pure prana as the snow erupted beneath her. Twirling in the air, the snow circled her as tiny sparks erupted from her fan's edge. With a wave of the ornate piece, three fireballs battered the ground around Hans, causing him to cough as he sent a blind spell through the smoke. But despite how gracefully she fought, her anger was still rough and sharp.

"Why are you doing this!? Why did you help Gabrielle deceive me!?" Kiyohime roared as she gracefully dodged a blade of ice that flew through the air.

"Master Gabrielle's intentions are for the benefit of everyone," he replied evenly, though he was certainly feeling his shortness of breath. "She did this for the sake of Chaldea's peaceful atmosphere, so we agreed to write this story with her. You, who have been one of the perpetrators of countless wild encounters, should know this!"

"That doesn't explain why he would break his promise to me!"

"Are you still that clouded!? Can you still not see!?" Hans dodged two fireballs, but remained in place as the smoke cleared from their impact. He had clearly missed once more, though he was never aiming to hit in the first place. "There was never a promise of love for him to break, since it was only a forgery from your polluted mind! He's always kept his word, and he's never lied to you! Through the months, he has upheld his promise of faithfulness to all of us as our master!"

Her attacks had ceased as she stood. Her bottom lip was trembling again. Hans did not relent. "Gudao is too respectfully honest and kind. Everything he's told us is authentic. When he declared he only sees you as a servant and friend, it was the truth. You know this, yet you remain so decisively in denial after the last dose two weeks ago?"

With a whimper, she shook her head violently, which only caused Hans to finally snap.

"Unbelievable! Gudao is not Anchin! He was never written like that, and he never will be! You're just another weak-willed individual allowing your own delusions to control you even after they've lifted!"

"I am not weak willed!" she roared back with tears now in her eyes.

"That means little coming from a berserker… the class that needs mad enhancement in order to stand with the rest!" He verbally slammed her as he launched another electric spell to block in an impulsively fired fireball. "Chasing love… chasing fantasies… chasing someone else to their demise because you can't accept they didn't want to be with you in the first place! Is that what you want to do to Gudao!? Kill him and jeopardize humanity for your selfish infatuation with an Anchin that never existed to begin with!?"

"N-No…!" she stuttered as the tears threatened to fall. Her glare remained, though most of her fierce façade had cracked. Gabrielle looked absolutely torn at what she caused, but Medusa held her back with a simple hand on her shoulder. The master knew this was a possible outcome, but she was still disheartened it came down to blows.

Hans charged a new spell with an outstretched hand. "You love as if you can't possibly stand on your own two feet without someone else… What an absurd notion for someone recognized as a heroic spirit."

"Hans that's enough! You've gone too far!"

Kiyohime fell into confusion as Tamamo materialized between her and Hans. The male caster only briefly glanced her signature parchment as it appeared in front of him. Swiftly, he dodged backwards to avoid the fiery explosions. He returned the glare shot from Tamamo with his own, and a silent stare down commenced. Medusa held her hand up to stop Scathach as she shifted in place in preparation to intervene. Gabrielle was looking more conflicted by the second, and frustrated she let it come to this.

"This was not part of the plan!" Tamamo flared at the male caster. "Your words are tearing her apart, you brute! Have some sense of delicacy to a brokenhearted woman!"

"...Her anger has completely dissipated, has it not? I'm only doing what needs to be done. If she'd just accept reality peacefully, it wouldn't have to-"

"Hans, stand down." With a scoff, he crossed his arms and listened to Gabrielle's stalwart order. "...She's right. I see you were letting her vent frustration, but now Kiyohime is only getting further conflicted and confused by your typical little monologue."

"And who's fault is that!?" Kiyohime yelled in despair. To the berserker's surprise, Tamamo quickly turned around and jumped towards her. Sensing no hostility, she let the caster hug her while she continued to glare at her offending master. "Attacking me with servants… wasn't that damn potion enough for you!?"

"It was never part of the plan for any of the servants to attack you!" Gabrielle quickly explained.

"Kiyohime, please!" Tamamo begged as she hugged the berserker tightly. "Gudao and Gabrielle have treated you with the respect and honest care they give all of us servants! Even Joan has received the same treatment! None of us were treated special, because to them, we're all special!"

"Then why…" she shook noticeably. "Why would she do this to me…!?"

"It's for everyone's sake, Kiyohime… Even you," Gabrielle declared in a softer voice. It barely carried over the wind.

"How can this possibly benefit me!?" the berserker shook once more, but Tamamo's embrace held her back. Still she glared at her female master with a mix of emotions as she approached with her flanking servants. Gabrielle held strong, and didn't even flinch as Kiyohime struggled against the caster's hold. Their stare down continued, allowing her to finally see the master's eyes clearly as she grew closer. Her own resolve wavered by the second as she looked at Gabrielle, who gazed at her with pure regret and sadness. As she stopped only feet away, the confused servant fell still.

"I didn't do this for Mashu and Gudao alone. I want you to find happiness with everyone, but the way you chase it will only bring you despair…" she relented painfully soft. The lancer eyed her, knowing that she spoke with far more personal experience than she was letting on. "What we've done is terrible, but this was the hard part for all of us…"

Scathach passed a quick, scrutinizing look to Hans, who shook his head and sighed; They would have some words with him later, it seemed.

Gabrielle slowly sat on her knees so she could be eye level with the pair. "Please, Kiyohime... You don't have to forgive me for any of this… but let us help you!"

Slowly, any remaining rage shattered. Lingering anger faded faster than the tears could race down her cheeks. With closed eyes, Kiyohime wailed in torment as the cold grasp of grief seized her. Tamamo's embrace tightened as the berserker's strength melted, leaving the caster as the sole reason she didn't fully collapse into a weeping heap. Gabrielle didn't move to help support her, fully recognizing it was for the best she didn't. She had caused enough damage, but it was unavoidable.

"I don't understand… How can this help me…" Kiyohime sobbed against her tears. Never before had she wished so hard for the comforting hold of her rage and anger. She tried desperately to become infuriated at the master once more, but the misery seized her completely. Kiyohime felt it again. That complete and total grief from her past, but the resentment was gone, and any flicker of anger no longer had any obvious target.

As Tamamo quietly embraced her further, Kiyohime whimpered. After what felt like hours of feeling herself fall, her sobbing fell quieter. Hans' gaze had softened considerably, though a partial scowl remained. Gabrielle wiped a few tears from her own eyes as Scathach knelt down and patted her friend on the shoulder. She quietly rubbed her friend's back in an attempt to reassure her. "You agreed to do this for Gudao and Mashu's sake. If you didn't, someone else would have. Be confident you did what had to be done."

"That didn't make this any easier..." Gabrielle relented as Medusa passed her a sympathetic look. As Tamamo continued to console the fallen berserker, Medusa replaced her Breaker Gorgon with her mystic reading glasses. As the snow howled around them, she turned to look back at the signature master uniform that had appeared on the saddle with Mashu. At least Shakespeare was doing his job, and Medea had delayed them for as long as she could.

"Shakespeare…" Mashu began, her gaze turning questioningly towards the back of the caster. Like the rest, he wore his green, formal battle attire in case he was needed. Mashu was in hers, though in anticipation to help Gudao stop a fight. Upon seeing the scene however… "Please tell me this is not-"

"While I my heart soars for emotional drama, and I pen it to entertain, I am present to prevent you from intervening... though you are already past the curtain call," the playwright answered calmly. He turned to the pair, and even Fou was surprised to see there was no smile on his face. "Gabby was not trying to recompose one of my works. She is not trying to write a tragedy, but a success story. Both for you two, but more importantly, Kiyohime."

Mashu and Gudao looked to each other in confusion as Shakespeare sighed. He chuckled dryly and shook his head, and it was strange to see the caster in such a state. "Lord, we know what we are, but not what we may be… I know many despise when I quote my own works, but in this moment, it has meaning."

"…you're saying Kiyohime needed this. This wakeup call…" Gudao surmised. Mashu turned to Shakespeare as Fou continued to look at the training ground from the master's shoulder. A fierce shiver ran through the male master, having hastily ran here without a proper Chaldean coat.

He shook his head. "Tis not just the sad, opening song, but a call to action… We must simply wait to see if she answers."

Shakespeare pointed slowly towards the grounded pair. Medusa had slowly approached the grieving berserker, finally gaining her attention when she peacefully knelt down beside her. Tamamo released her hold with palpable hesitation. Gabrielle and Scathach watched quietly as Medusa offered the berserker her hand in a silent question. Kiyohime's breath hitched as she gazed back into the rider's calm eyes, a stark contrast to the uncertainty in her own.

"Kiyohime. Please come with me. You seek answers and relief, and I will bring you to both."

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They had passed Gudao, and Kiyohime didn't even chance a look, else she would see his own grief-stricken face. She didn't stare at anyone, save for the occasional reflections of herself in passing glass. While her eyes gazed at familiar features and clothing in the glass struts of the Chaldean hallways, she did not recognize the face that looked back. The determined yet optimistic look in her eyes was gone, replaced with sheer uncertainty and welling sadness. Even as the tinges of anger tried desperately to latch onto something, she knew it was just a vain attempt to save her broken self.

Medusa continued to walk in front of her, and the hallways seemed empty recently. She glanced around to pay attention for the first time, noting there was no one in sight. Whether this was also part of the plan or not, she could not tell. But so long as no one else was there to listen, there was something she needed to ask, and much she needed to know. This silence was not giving her the answers she sought.

So many have sided against her in this plan, though she was certain some may have their own additional motives. Kiyohime was well aware Chaldea worked together far more than just in battle, but most of it was unspoken and spontaneous. Barely twenty minutes ago, the berserker had discovered she was the target of a rather elaborate, long term plan by one of the masters. Despite the intention for keeping the peace, which she admittedly would have disturbed upon finding out, there had to be other reasons these specific servants had volunteered to help her.

"Why are you helping them too…?" Her voice came out soft, much softer than she could ever recognize. She was ashamed of it. A few seconds passed in silence, and the berserker figured she would just be ignored.

Slowly, Medusa came to a stop in the empty hallway. "I was summoned in a past grail war. The same one that involved Emiya, Arturia, and several others."

Medusa turned to look at Kiyohime with a blank expression. The berserker remained silent, letting the rider continue. "My real master was a young girl named Sakura, who had lived through years of torment and disgrace. Her sole point of happiness had been her senpai, another master you would know better as the young Emiya."

"You see Mashu as Sakura," she concluded dejectedly. It seemed almost everyone was against her.

"Their lives are very different, but I saw slim parallels. From what I know thanks to Gabby, Mashu had a rough and lonely time as well. I simply wish to ensure she finds her happiness, like my master found her own in another timeline."

Kiyohime nodded slowly. To be fair, the only reason she ever disliked Mashu was because she was always so close to Gudao. Now that the mad enhancement's influence had faded with its terribly lowered rank, and her mind was in a cloud on confusion and uncertainty, any aversion had vanished. Still, it hurt her that the shielder was allowed to find happiness where hers was denied.

But at least she had delivered it neutrally. "Thank you for answering…"

"I have no ill will towards you, Kiyohime," Medusa began again, startling the berserker. "There is simply a balance in Chaldea that must be kept, and you are part of it. I would not have agreed to help, since it would be unfair for you if the situation were left as is… Gabby never intended it to end there to begin with, which is why I'm taking you to the next stage of her plan. Your happiness does matter to her."

Kiyohime tried to laugh dryly, but it came out strained. "Then why do I feel like I've been trampled upon…"

"The night is darkest before dawn. Have patience."

To her surprise, Medusa offered a tiny, reassuring smile to the berserker. She was completely confused, more so than when Gabrielle had stated this was also for her sake. Was that emotional rollercoaster she had just been through really only the beginning of everything? What more could there possibly be in store for her after practically declaring Gudao was in a relationship and she had no choice but to accept it? With a small motion with her head, the rider turned around to presumably lead her to the real answers.

"Now please follow, it's best not to keep my sisters waiting."

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It was her wish to love him, but she could think clearly now. The mad enhancement had pushed her over the edge, diluting her mind to see Gudao as the one she loved the most. He became her master; Therefore, he was Anchin, but this was far from the case. After Hans' sharp criticism she saw it now… that he was not that man because he never lied or tried to deceive her. He was always kind, supportive, and beyond forgiving, so the crush on him was very real. Whether it was partially desperate hope for someone to love her or not didn't matter, because he was now out of reach.

Kiyohime lost to Mashu, but it hurt far less now than she thought it would.

As she sat on the Gorgon sister's couch, she resembled a wounded animal. Still, the twin sisters simply appraised her with hands akimbo on replica white dresses of their battle attire. An occasional sound was made by them, while Kiyohime stayed silent in her musings on the couch. It was not a sight the Gorgon sisters liked seeing, and the silence was grating on their nerves since Medusa brought her here only… a minute ago. Only the muffled noise of residential construction nearby could be heard through the tension. They both finally sighed.

"Well…? Anything you wish to say or ask?" They spoke in perfect unison.

"After just being treated unfairly by my master… no," she answered quietly. "I just… want answers…"

"You at least deserve some… Most of this was Gabby's plan, but giving you the potion in secret was our idea," Stheno revealed without hesitation. Kiyohime stared at her in shock and frustration as a glare reformed. At least that was one revelation out of the gate without warning. She simply huffed. "You wouldn't have taken it willingly… Gabrielle wasn't keen on the idea of going behind a servant's back, but there was no peaceful alternative."

Kiyohime groaned. So, Gabrielle wasn't completely at fault for all of this. "Did… Did Gudao really not know…?"

"No, he didn't. Everyone involved kept him and Mashu unaware," Euryale began, though her sister cut her off with a huff. "He probably would've pushed for a much more reasonable way, but there was none with you. Your actions were always so unrefined."

"Watching you stalk Gudao was always unnerving… He had a leash on you and he didn't even have to pull!" Stheno mused with a frown.

Kiyohime winced at the sudden jabs. Euryale nodded in agreement. "Seeing any woman so desperate like that is a terrible sight for us proud goddesses!"

"In the end, can you blame him for hiding his relationship from you? He at least told Tamamo properly after her advances stopped. You, though, were always so shamefully clingy it would have killed us by second hand embarrassment!" the pair chastised together, causing Kiyohime to flinch at their tone. Still, her glare remained focused on the two twin goddesses as they continued. "That's why we're going to make sure that doesn't happen again!"

"So you're going to change me into your ideal image…" Kiyohime spat under her breath. To think Gabrielle's plan was to change who she was as a person-

"What!? Are you that stupid? Of course not!" they shouted, causing her eyes to shoot open in shock. "We don't have to because you're nearly there already! Captivating beauty… Graceful even in combat… Dedication and loyalty in spades… A blend of modesty and confident pride! You're a strong individual who has the potential to cause men to fall at your feet in droves!"

The sudden, warming compliments knocked her off balance, and the berserker found herself leaning on one hand for support. "…then, what are you going to do?"

"It's that stupid dependency that needs to go! That horrible attachment issue! You don't need a man to prop you up!" Euryale declared with her hands akimbo.

"Everyone may love, but you're still you! A strong woman!" Stheno mirrored her stance. "They should be lifting you higher, not keeping you from falling down!"

"So we're going to help you remember how to be that true powerful woman you always were!" They shouted together with small smirks.

Kiyohime was stunned, and now realized why the Gorgon sisters were the ones helping her. They were the well-known man haters of the organization, and she was initially confused why Gabrielle would dare bring her to them after the hurtful reveal. To her relief, their intention did not seem to turn her into something she never wanted to be. As conflicted as she was, she knew in her heart she lived for love and to be cherished in a lover's arms. But she was still hesitant, and her decision would likely be impulsive in her current state of mind. She needed time to consider. This was all much too abrupt, and far beyond mentally demanding for only an hour.

Slowly, Kiyohime sighed and stood up, making the two Gorgons' smirks turn to disappointed frowns. "I need time to think… This is all too much for one day…"

The two goddesses looked to each other silently. After a few seconds, they nodded slowly and looked back. "It can't be helped, but we understand... But do not keep us waiting for your proper answer. A goddess' time is valuable, especially ours! We don't give it out freely, so be prompt with your decision!"

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"Oh Caesar… Watch the puns or I'll make sure you regret it," the pharaoh teased with a smile.

"E' Tu, Cleo?" the Roman Emperor simply joked back, making them both chuckle. She gently put her hand in his as they walked.

Kiyohime stood near her room in a black kimono with white accents. She was frozen in place.

With clenched fists and heartbroken expression, she watched as Cleopatra and Caesar disappeared around a corner further down. Their laughter continued to echo down the hallway, and the image of them holding hands in their formal dinner wear flashed in her mind. She sighed, feeling the emotions welling within once more. Shaking her head, thankful no one was around to see, she flashed her key card over her door once more. It slid open, and she walked back into her room with a heavy heart.

As the door clicked closed, she leaned her back up against it to hear it lock. Slowly, the berserker allowed herself to slip down onto the tatami mat beneath her without turning the lights on. She hugged her knees and closed her eyes, contemplating her current circumstances. Her tears were held back easier this time, feeling she had cried far more than she had in her entire stay. With a sigh, she recollected herself and stared into her room.

The tatami mats had been additional stock from when Nobunaga and Okita ordered their own. Besides the extra-large futon, an eastern dresser, and a comfortable green kotatsu, her room was almost empty save for the nature paintings on her walls. With a shaky sigh, she began crawling towards the inviting table. She didn't feel like skipping dinner in that overly spacious futon, since it would only remind her how alone she would be. The kotatsu's embrace felt more appealing in that moment-

Wincing in surprise, Kiyohime realized she had bumped into her dresser. There was a thump at the top, causing her to look up. With a small grumble, she stood up and looked onto her dresser with a frown. She righted the lone, fallen picture frame, knowing exactly what it was. Placing it into its proper state, she stared at the picture of her and Gudao. She had her arms wrapped around him in excitement while he had an embarrassed smile. Letting out a sigh, she recalled the uncomfortable looks he had in the other shots. The master likely chose this photo because he didn't want any servants getting the wrong impressions about his opinions of them.

Yet she still lied to herself that he would hold her in his arms one day.

Kiyohime wiped the lone tear from her eye and placed the picture frame face down once more. She said she wouldn't cry anymore, yet here she was about to do just that after spending so much of the afternoon in sorrow. Her knees feeling weak, she collapsed to the ground and sobbed. Slowly, she dragged herself to the kotatsu as she sniffled in the dark room. Feeling the edge of its blanket, the berserker lifted it to push herself underneath. Uncaring that her kimono was getting excessively wrinkled, she curled into a ball and cursed herself.

Was she really this weak without her mad enhancement? Even with her combat efficiency barely affected, she felt disgusted with what she was underneath that influential shell. To her torment and distress, Hans had been too accurate in his criticism as he always was. Every observation he made had been painful and agonizing because he had been so bluntly honest and truthful. She was an overly attached, dedicated, and stubborn individual at heart who refused to compromise in the name of love. This was the obsessive person she wanted Gudao to fall madly in love with.

As her sobbing stopped, she realized she was correct, yet she was not right.

She was still the same, but she could think clearly for the first time. Her parameters were roughly in her summoned state, and her combat style would likely improve since she would be less concerned with showing off than previously. There was no longer anything holding her back from focusing on making herself a better person. The two goddesses were correct, and she suddenly realized she had much to prove to herself. She didn't need that mad enhancement blinding her or forcing her down a path. One way or another, she could become better than she had been yet remain who she was at heart.

There was no getting around the truth she was still charmed by Gudao, or that many in Chaldea were getting their wishes while her own was denied. Some had found a relationship where she could not, and she found herself especially envious of Mashu as the berserker pulled herself from out of the kokatsu. Draping her arms onto its blanket, she somberly mused how even Frankenstein had found someone to love in the most interesting of ways. Perhaps maybe Gudao's relationship-

No. As much as she could wish for that, she couldn't be spiteful. The one she had cared about had found happiness with another, and who was she to question any of that? Hans was once more right, and she would have to learn to be accepting of the pair with time. As natural as it had felt before, the madness was no longer influencing her. There were better ways to live than vindictively hoping for the worst, like Gilgamesh did in his endless wish to have the King of Knights as his bride.

If she was not careful, mad enhancement or not, she could join him in that unbecoming pit.

With a sigh, she adjusted her cushion as she rested her head upon it with a hopeful glint in her eyes. Whether she hated Gabrielle's plan or not, the master did take plenty of precautions for her own well-being. There were some in Chaldea who cared about her spirits, and it would be a slap in their faces if she didn't try to help herself. In her darkest time, they were willing to help her stand again and become a truly strong individual. As she felt her eyelids grow heavier, she affirmed this opportunity was one she needed to take for her own sake.

If nothing else, Kiyohime no longer had anything to lose. She would accept the goddesses' offer tomorrow.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

The cafeteria fell quieter as Kiyohime entered in her battle attire. She didn't feel like properly dressing up after her shower this morning, so she simply called forth her regular regalia and proceeded to the Gorgon sisters' room. After agreeing to meet with them after breakfast, Kiyohime had entered to the response she was worried she would receive. It was presumably worse considering she looked ready for battle, and while she still was far from happy with everything that's been dumped on her, a fight is the last thing on her mind.

It was as she looked around with a blank expression that she realized why the room had fallen much quieter. She turned to her right and saw Gudao and Mashu frozen in place, both wearing their typical Chaldean uniforms; It seems all of Chaldea knew of yesterday's ordeal. They met eye contact with her warily, though she maintained a crafted, blank expression while her heart ached. Her heart still beat for him, though not with the intensity it once had with the mad enhancement. Gudao was a stunning, remarkable man to fall for, but if she was going to become a better person, she needed to learn to let go of someone she could not have.

"Master Gudao," she bowed politely with a soft voice, causing a few tables to start hushed conversations. She ignored their rudeness.

"Kiyohime… About yesterday, I'm really sorry about what happened. I had a... talk with Gabrielle, and-"

The berserker held up her hand and shook her head. Gudao was as courteous and kind as ever, but in public was not the place for this. "You did not know of any of this, I understand that. I hold no ill will towards you. I don't think I ever could."

Gudao looked back in concern, and she bit her tongue at her choice of words. With a slow inhale, she decided to make a declaration, more to remind herself than for the couple in front of her. There was still much time needed to heal this wound, but if she didn't have the courage to take the uncertain, first step, she would never arrive. She looked to the two of them before passively glancing between both.

"I hope the two of you find happiness together."

That was as best as she could send the message, and it hurt terribly to say, but she meant it. She had held back all her emotion to say it evenly, so she could at least take pride in that. If she could not be happy, then in her clear state of mind, she hoped at least he would with Mashu. As their eyes widened in surprise at the statement, she bowed towards them slowly. Already, her heart felt a little lighter after her first step completed, but only by a bit. As her chest stung, she smiled towards them as they returned it with solemn versions of their own. She walked past them, not wanting them to know their sympathy would only make her feel worse.

Yet, instead of murmurs, the cafeteria remained nearly silent. Curious as to why, she looked up once more and realized the second reason. Gabrielle stood in her own master uniform next to a lunch table with three familiar faces. Da Vinci and Tesla stared at Kiyohime warily as she came to a stop in front of the female master. With barely a meter between the two girls, Roman adjusted the collar of his work uniform unconsciously from next to Gabrielle's empty seat. He glanced to the two seated servants across from him, wondering if they would intervene. Tesla simply eyed the berserker in concern in case she tried something against the main culprit.

Da Vinci stood to materialize her staff upon noticing Kiyohime's growing, light glare, but to the inventor's surprise, Gabrielle held up a hand to stop her. The orange haired master shook her head, but kept eyes locked on Kiyohime. "No, Da Vinci... If she wants to do or say something, I deserve it."

Roman gawked with an open mouth. "Gabrielle. She is a servant and you are a huma-"

Her eyes steeled. "I swore responsibility for all this as a master... I'm sorry I did it. I'm sorry I betrayed your trust. Even if peace and others' happiness was in mind, I had gone behind the back of a servant. Good intentions or not, she deserves better than the underhanded tactics that shook her trust. I deserve the coming consequences, because an apology will not be enough."

Gudao looked at Gabrielle with a mix of pride and understanding, while Mashu stood next to him with concern filling her eyes for what could happen. Tesla and Da Vinci shared her look, knowing that by keeping her best friend safe from judgement, Gabrielle had put herself in the crosshairs instead. As the berserker kept her partial glare, with an unnervingly calm breath, the rest could only watch. Slowly, she exhaled and the glare seemed to lighten. Gabrielle's expression lightened in return, as she quietly let out a held breat-

There was a collective cringe as the sound of Kiyohime's slap tore through the near silent air. Gabrielle winced and groaned as she gingerly held her cheek, feeling the numbness and stinging sensation. As her cheek quickly began to redden, Kiyohime quickly struck again, backhanding Gabrielle's opposite side. The cafeteria filled with another collective cringe as more people joined in with various noises. While now wincing with twitching eyes, Gabrielle looked towards the berserker as she nodded towards her with a blank expression.

"Thank you for being a responsible and caring master… but I hope you do not do that again, to me or anyone else. It doesn't matter if it was a servant's idea. Deception is deception. As you said, we servants put our trust in you. Please do not give us room for doubt."

At the surprising evenness of her words, Roman watched as Kiyohime bowed towards them. Quietly, she walked away as conversations in the lunch room finally restarted. Gudao and Mashu quickly hurried over as Gabrielle took her seat, wincing as she touched her cheeks. Da Vinci sat down as Tesla chuckled in relief. Roman let out a long, incredulous groan before quickly looking at the female master's condition. With no bleeding nose or mouth, and only red cheeks, he knew she would be fine. That still didn't stop Gudao and Mashu from worrying over her.

"Even if you got off easy, that was quite reckless of you," Gudao chastised as he glanced to Kiyohime's retreating back.

"As long as she feels better faster…" Gabrielle practically whimpered; It hurt just to speak. Tears were even threatening the sides of her eyes at the profound stinging of her cheeks. Mashu frowned in sympathy while Gudao sighed in exasperation.

As Tesla continued to chuckle, Da Vinci eyed the retreating berserker curiously. She had been rather lenient considering what had happened to her, and not once did she turn back to look after her slaps. If anything, it seemed like Kiyohime was already coming to terms, or at least trying from what she saw. The inventor slowly smiled, though it went unnoticed by all except Roman who stared curiously.

Kiyohime hid her tiny, optimistic smile at the hot breakfast counter. She still had a lot of progress to make, but she was content with the first steps.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

After slightly readjusting her posture, Kiyohime continued to sit on the sofa of the Gorgon sister's room. The pair were in their matching dresses, but in a surprising black color with purple accents as a tribute to their beloved sister. They took turns pointing at a blackboard on wooden legs in front of the coffee table, eagerly discussing the current topic involving courtship. It had been the main subject today, since their initial concern was how she may react in case someone actually approached her earnestly. Obviously, no one had done it before because of her clouded infatuation.

Since she accepted their offer yesterday, the pair had eagerly begun instructing her in proper etiquette and other ideas. Most of it were things she already knew, but hearing them from someone else without the influential mad enhancements brought a sense of clarity and focus. From their own viewpoints and dispositions, the two also had plenty of the little perceptions that mattered, which she quickly jotted down in her notebook. She had made a silent promise to herself she would become better, but remain true at heart, and she would see it through completely like the stubborn, dedicated girl she was.

"The key is balance, Kiyohime. You want to appear strong and worthy. Men love a challenge, but do not be so fearsome you scare them away!" Euryale explained while pointing her rainbow ruler at the small chalkboard. The stick was pointed at a drawn depiction of a man kneeling before a girl, but she was not paying attention. "When you find the 'Anchin' who makes your heart beat wildly, you don't want him to see you as some sort of toy! Nor should he run away in fear like the real one did!"

"How do I do that?" The berserker asked calmly. She was already on page thirty of her heart covered binder after hours of cumulative instruction. Writing things down was often a good way to remember and clarify, so she did it even when she already knew something discussed. This was not one.

"Feign interest! Show enough that you seem to notice, but not enough that he believes he has your full attention!" Stheno declared while standing akimbo. Kiyohime opened her mouth, but she quickly interjected. "What if you're already interested in him? Do it anyway! Make him work for it. Make him prove that he's seriously interested in you."

"The men should be the ones making the advances on the beautiful maiden!" the twins stated simultaneously before nodding to each other. "If you make them think they control you, that's when you're going to get hurt! That's when they get arrogant and take you for granted! Show them you are not a doormat!"

Kiyohime looked up from her notes with a hopeful smile. "And if everything is true, then I no longer need to restrain myself?"

"After he genuinely tries to court you, then you give him the rewards of being honest and caring… But not all at once!" They quickly warned in unison. "You might also scare him away with too much affection! Let it build and grow naturally. Then bless him with your… affection!"

"Unlike what Drake would say, everything in moderation!" Stheno reminded with a wave of her finger.

Kiyohime quickly scribbled the note down, making the two goddesses smile. They were the last people in Chaldea the berserker would expect any sincere relationship advice from, but what they stated seemed more than viable. In another perspective, it made sense since the two were used to having men flock to them like bees to the sweetest nectar. They would know what men would want and how to handle them better than most, even if it almost always was to manipulate the poor souls. She found it rather ironic that Medusa could be seen as the kinder one to men just based on the goddesses' carefully veiled disposition.

Any initial hesitation regarding their advice had vanished. Based on their planning and carefully chosen words, the well-renown man haters were clearly trying their best to help her from a neutral standpoint. Their female-dominated bias would often influence what they've said over the few classes she's had with them, but they seemed much more interested in seeing her succeed as a fellow servant and woman than a slave driver. It meant a lot to her, and she no longer doubted Gabrielle seemed to have her best interests in mind. That wouldn't excuse her underhanded strategy in dealing with her, but Kiyohime wasn't sure how she may even handle her old self to be honest.

With a quiet exhale, she looked to them and nodded. "Finished? Good! Next we'll talk about what to do when he's in the palm of your hands!"

Euryale's almost sinister smile made her look like a succubus. Kiyohime sighed mentally; She should have known it wasn't all unbiased advice and guidance… "Yes…! The true relationship we've been working to! One where you're certain to own his heart and soul!"

"He'll be on his knees at your beck and call! Putty in your hands!" Stheno whispered enticingly with a knowing glint in her eye. "They'll be helpless before you! Enraptured by your love! He'll be at your mercy, and you need to remind him of that! Let him know how lucky he is to be admired by you!"

"Then the real fun begins with your new servant…!" the two cried out together as Kiyohime swallowed quietly. "Once you get a taste of that power, Kiyohime, you'll know what true love is! Yes…! We'll make you into the beautiful, proud woman who will never be led on again! We'll be proud of our student!"

Kiyohime merely smiled and nodded, while silently acknowledging this is not what she would do later. She wanted to love and be loved, not… Well… Not be a domineering, manipulative goddess. She just wanted to be a beautiful, beloved housewife someday. As the Gorgon sisters began eagerly pouring over an introduction to the art of control, Kiyohime merely sighed and looked eagerly towards Mata Hari's dance and elegance lessons later.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VIII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

Salon de Marie was rather quiet that afternoon. There was some light conversation amongst the four knitters who stayed longer than usual after lunch; Naomi was thankful the lack of summons due to the residential situation had gifted her plenty of deserved relaxation time. With the robots due to begin cleaning in an hour, the tranquil atmosphere Dantes appreciated would remain. As the avenger sat on his usual couch, he glanced at the only possible source of tension in the room.

"So you're the surprise guest who is going to assist with my lessons?" Kiyohime asked quietly. She eyed the servant next to her as they waited for the two goddesses in the salon. Pink hair swung in their usual twin tails, though she sported a blue sports bra and black gym shorts in preparation for the next event. As the caster played with the zipper on her open, pink track jacket, Tamamo gazed at her with a careful expression.

She nodded quietly. "I hope you don't mind, but they requested I help."

"We're hardly love rivals anymore… so I don't mind," the berserker replied offhandedly as she stared at the coffee table's edge.

Tamamo simply nodded as an awkward silence grew. She shifted on her feet as her ears twitched. Seconds passed, then a minute. "May I sit?"

Kiyohime shrugged slowly, though her gaze didn't shift. Taking the small cue, Tamamo quietly sat on the couch next to the berserker. Her amber eyes studied the golden orbs of the person beside her, noting the uncertainty and hint of sadness. It was far different than the raging turmoil she witnessed only three days ago. Still she sat in her slightly oversized white sweater that covered the top of her turquoise gym shorts, resembling more of a wary kitten than the determined berserker she knew. As the pair continued to sit in silence, Tamamo fiddled with her fingers in her lap, unsure of how to break the uneasy stillness.

Thankfully and unexpectedly, Kiyohime was the one to do it. "How did you take the news…?"

"Truthfully…?" Tamamo began as she looked at the falling snow. Kiyohime glanced at the caster as she sighed. "I expected this. I knew he had eyes on Mashu only, just by watching his eyes. I know that look well… but I took it far better than anyone expected besides, well… myself and Nero."

Kiyohime looked in confusion at her former rival as their gazes met. Tamamo took the silence to continue, though she smiled softly. "Do you remember when we marched into Gudao's room? When he was sick before Halloween? When you called me a… cheating slut…"

"I remember," she responded, perplexed as the caster's smile faded rapidly. Then she recalled her reaction after, and the brief look on her face as if the berserker shot her through the heart. Kiyohime sat a little straighter at a sudden though. 'Did she think I meant that kind of…'

"Cheating… that word hurt more than I could have ever thought. But you were right. I was a cheating slut…" Tamamo chuckled dryly with a solemn smile. Kiyohime's eyes were widening by the second as the caster pulled out a craft coin with her beloved, former master printed on one side. "When we were emailing each other in that Moon Cell War… I told you how a master stole my heart. His name was Hakuno, and it went further than just that."

"You mean to say you and Hakuno were…?"

"After the Moon Cell gave me a Regalia, I was so happy… I thought I was the rightful ruler, and he was my dear husband," Tamamo began with a giggle, her mood quickly lifted upon reminiscing. "I found out later I only had the soul, while Nero had the mind. We wound up making him whole once more, and won the war together despite being fierce rivals. I can imagine it was an awkward and chaotic lifestyle for my husband, who had to deal with Nero and I competing endlessly over his attention… At least a young Altera was there to calm the storm."

"But Altera doesn't remember any of that."

"We believe it's because the one in the throne was recorded separate from the titan… That this one lived as Attila only," Tamamo nodded, before shaking her head quickly. "I'm sorry, we're getting sidetracked… The truth is, I dedicated my heart and soul to him, and then was so quick to push it aside as a lost dream after being summoned in this war… but I love Hakuno so very dearly."

"So that's why your approaches on Gudao felt more... forced than mine."

"You noticed too, then," Tamamo shook her head with a sad smile. Her ears even seemed to droop more. "I was content with Gudao just being my master when I first arrived… but then you came. You clung to him, declaring him yours, and it sparked something in me. It may have been all habit with my rivalry with Nero, but I was soon forcing admiration as infatuation. As our struggles continued, I only became more blinded by the truth as everything felt… natural again. Even nostalgic."

Kiyohime stared back quietly as she fiddled with her fingers. "Until I called you a cheater."

"I chastised myself often before then, but it was only when you voiced it… I realized how much of a dishonest, traitorous… filthy…" Tamamo's hands shook as she continued, but soon composed herself. She sighed sadly. "Since then my advances were all half-hearted, and all but stopped after I got a copy of this craft coin. It was just casual, flirty compliments after that… I was being completely stupid, and Nero was right for berating me about it the entire time. I guess I'm just a deceitful, disloyal fox in the end…"

"Maybe… but then I was a blind, coercive, and clingy bitch, so who am I to judge…" the berserker joked playfully, causing them both to giggle. Openly criticizing herself helped lighten the mood, and she felt the sting from Hans' observation fade further. She still needed to get him back.

"But you won't be anymore," the caster replied optimistically. "I hope when this ordeal is over, you'll be the strong, graceful girl I remembered."

"No, Tamamo," Kiyohime shook her head, causing the fox caster's ears to droop. Seconds passed in silence, unnerving the caster as the berserker turned to look at her. Had she approached too fast and suddenly? Perhaps the wounds from their rivalry- "I will be the strong, graceful friend of yours again. I'm still getting over this crush on Gudao, but it won't stand between us anymore, nor anyone in the future. I promise... I want to be great friends again!"

She said it. After many silent nights in her room skipping dinner, she had arrived at the conclusion she just spoke. Wandering the hallways alone would only remind her of how lonely she really was. If she lived for love, then why should she only chase the romantic kind when there was nothing to bind her sight? The love between great friends was also as rewarding, and while she would never stop yearning for a blissful courtship, it was exactly what she needed right now. She was learning to stand stronger on her own, but that didn't mean she couldn't have dear companionship to help her through future rough patches… and who better than an old friend.

"…You… mean that?" Tamamo asked quietly, holding back sniffles of joy.

"Of course! I can't allow my troublesome friend to lose sight of her true husband again! I'm going to make sure if the worst happens, it's Hakuno going into a bell for being dishonest and not you!" Kiyohime declared, feeling a renewed fire within. She had not expected this turn, but she was glad it came early. "I don't want to see my friend Tamamo no Mae being deceitful again, since she's a loyal, dedicated woman who has likely made her husband beyond happy!"

"K-Kiyohime," the caster sniffled as a tear slipped down her cheeks. This past week alone had been far too emotional for the fox servant. She wiped her eyes as Kiyohime aimed a tiny smile at her, clearly willing to take the first step. "I promise I'll help my friend find the real love of her life!"

Kiyohime nearly toppled over as Tamamo embraced the berserker. As she gladly returned the hug, the berserker felt absolutely sure of something for the first time in days. Though the crush on Gudao would still trouble her, at least she was no longer controlled by infatuation. She had caused some abrasive situation around Chaldea because of it, distancing herself from others and especially the former friend in her arms. But she would be a friend once more, and that's the first solid step she's had in days.

As they broke apart, there was light clapping from behind their couch. They turned to find Stheno and Euryale smirking at the two while giggling softly. They wore their matching battle attire as opposed to gym wear, and Kiyohime assumed it was because they weren't going to be the ones doing any hard work as usual. Not that it mattered as they stopped clapping and stared towards the berserker. As the silence continued, she wondered why they looked at her so silently. Her pondering soon stopped as she realized, even after discovering the presence of goddesses, the expression she wore was the brightest she's had all week.

"What a radiant smile, and a wonderful scene!" the twins complimented happily.

Silently, Tamamo and Kiyohime looked to each other and nodded. They giggled as matching smiles adorned their expressions. As the two goddesses rounded the sofa, the group missed Dantes' attention turning back to the falling snow with a small nod. Like a mirror, Stheno and Euryale were soon standing on the other side of the coffee table with their arms crossed. The determined glint in their eyes made Kiyohime more curious what this surprise next event was going to be.

"It's time for the next part of your enlightenment, Kiyohime!" the goddesses declared together.

Upon noticing her confused look, Tamamo chuckled and looked at the berserker slyly. Kiyohime looked back at the caster in confusion. Before she could ask, Tamamo scooched a little closer on the couch and leaned in to whisper in her once-more friend's ear.

"You'll love the next part. I promise~!"

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

Crack!

The gym had come to a standstill for most of its users, especially the employees. Fergus, wearing just his black gym shorts, had stopped showing off to a few, middle aged female employees nearby to openly gawk at the center of the room. His sudden stolen attention only made the female employees laugh, knowing full well why he was suddenly less interested in them. The saber's eyes, along with the entirety of the male population's, could only watch the four servants as they did their unique workout.

Smack!

Kiyohime slammed her fist into the center of the custom punching bag. Her sweater had been discarded to reveal her matching turquoise sports bra. Her porcelain skin reflected the ceiling lights with a light sheen of sweat as she threw a roundhouse kick into the center target. Since she was forcefully toning down her actual strength, this was difficult for her, but that was the entire idea. She grunted and threw a fist into the target mat once more.

"That's it! Show him who's boss!" the goddesses encouraged together, which was honestly all they had been doing. The coaxing worked to squeeze out any anger.

Kiyohime threw a flurry of punches into the center target. Stheno and Euryale flanked the sides of their custom punching bag, which resembled a human figure without arms. Asterios had been kind enough to get them the required mat sizes and bind them together, but all Euryale ever needed to do was ask him. The makeshift man-target was finally proving helpful to more than just them as Kiyohime slammed her fist into its abdomen area with a loud snap of the material.

With a smirk, she acknowledged her once-more friend was right. She loved this.

"Mikon~! That's it! That's it! Just like that, Kiyohime!" Tamamo exclaimed in pure excitement for her.

Kiyohime nodded towards her hand-to-hand instructor. The goddesses picked her in hopes of mending the ties between them they've heard about, and it worked. While it was the main reason they chose her over Martha to teach her close combat, it was Tamamo's unique view of when these techniques were necessary that really caught the Gorgon sisters' attention. While Martha was certainly brutal and effective in her style, that wasn't the kind of aggression they were looking for. Simply stated, Tamamo's sent a very clear message to a very specific gender.

With a yell, Kiyohime slammed a back kick into the groin area of the punching bag, making several males around the room wince uncontrollably.

"That's enough anger management for now! Let's take a small break!" the goddesses exclaimed before gracefully walking over to the water bottles. Tamamo bent down to give them two so they wouldn't have to reach. "Thank you! That was tiring!"

As the pair began elegantly drinking from the bottles, Tamamo and Kiyohime looked to each other and shrugged with small giggles; The fact the twins were exhausted was both absurd and cute. As the two taller girls picked their own bottles to relax, a few males began hastily making their way out of the gymnasium. It was clear that the workout had a very specific regiment and purpose in mind, and it was one they didn't wish to stay and appreciate.

Even Scathach shook her head with an amused smile as she watched in her battle attire near the door.

"So what do you think, Kiyohime?" Euryale asked with a smirk.

Stheno nodded in turn. "A perfect way to burn anger without any consequences or injured people, yes? Of course, the screams from a victim are more amusing, but…"

Kiyohime laughed and nodded. This definitely was doing the trick for releasing any built-up tension, and she no longer needed to wait for a singularity to release it on her own. The idea they would willingly lend her their punching bag until she could make her own was also kind; She made a note to make hers with a similar anatomy. The thought of sparring, without specific targeting, also came to mind, which was something she had never done either. With a content sigh, she was happy things were finally looking up again thanks to the help of many.

"Thank you for showing me the ropes, Tamamo," Kiyohime smiled at her friend.

The caster winked back. "Of course! I'm glad you're enjoying it!"

"How could I not? These are fun, but do you have any special techniques I could possibly use on a pushy servant? Or maybe for fun?"

Tamamo laughed at the irony. "Oh~! Then I think you'll love this one next! Want to try out my secret technique? I call it the Polygamist Castration Fist!"

Kiyohime chuckled back as the two goddesses giggled nearby. "You've talked about it in our emails, but I never saw it. I'd love to learn it!"

Tamamo snickered, and her eyes flashed an even more devilish hue than they usually did. Kiyohime only grew more interested, though the twins looked to each other with slight concern. They did promise Gabrielle that they wouldn't turn her into a man-hater, so they hoped Tamamo's concerning move was reserved for someone like Blackbeard. Secretly, they were also curious to see the technique for themselves. "Wonderful! Let's get a suitable target, since this one won't be as… durable, for example purposes."

Even Fergus was bolting for the exit at this point with a hand near his groin in subconscious defense. The girls he was impressing were dying of laughter.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ X ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

Dressed in her own ocean blue, sleeveless cocktail dress, the pink-haired servant had come to help Kiyohime pick a dress for the New Year's Eve party in a few hours. The caster casually flipped through her friend's closet contents with her blue opera gloves.

"So Gabby gave you two golden tickets?"

"Mhmm~! I can trade them in to get any two requests I want from her," she replied happily. They were the coupon equivalent of rewarded command seals for servants.

Golden tickets were rarely handed out for obvious reasons, but for her actions behind Kiyohime's back, Gabrielle felt she deserved them. The berserker learned from Tamamo how hard the female master had been on herself after the confrontation, and went to personally speak with her before the party tonight. Though there was still some mending to do between them, even after a mutual understanding, the two golden tickets and one very emotional apology went a long way. She couldn't allow herself to harp any longer on things that couldn't be changed, but she could happily brainstorm ideas for the favors instead.

"Ohhh… I want one! So many possible- Sheesh, Kiyohime. Don't you have anything besides Kimonos!?" Tamamo criticized, derailing the previous conversation and causing Kiyohime to giggle.

It really did look like a rainbow of the same cloth as the caster simply flipped through the articles. She had arrived a little earlier than expected, since the berserker was busy with finishing touches on a picture frame at the kotatsu. Her quiet, occasional hums proved how high her mood was.

"I just find them comfortable. I like them," she responded with a small smile. Kiyohime was only wrapped in a large towel after recently taking a shower. With a click, the back of the photo frame snapped shut as she ran her fingers along the rim to inspect the seal.

"I thought the Gorgon sisters were bad with their dresses," her friend joked playfully. Her tail deflected a thrown cushion from the berserker.

As the two giggled, Kiyohime walked over to her dresser while pinching her towel with one hand. It had been two days since they agreed to truly renew their friendship, and the progress made had been spectacular. To the surprise of many, the former love rivals were now likely to be found around the other. Hopefully this would soon include the kitchen, where Tamamo was still negotiating with Emiya to take her friend as a second student. With a content smile at the happy thought, Kiyohime placed the picture frame onto her dresser next to the one of her and Gudao.

Crushing on him or not, he was still an incredible master to admire, and so she chose to happily keep the picture. It was now joined by two more, which included the one she just placed down. It showed her and Tamamo, slightly sweaty but otherwise smiling, as they stood before the custom punching bag a few days ago. They had their arm around each other's shoulders, which mirrored the affection depicted in the third picture.

On the other side of the shot with Gudao, the two goddesses flanked Kiyohime with perfect smiles as they sat on their couch. Her own bashful smile was caused by the twins teasing their younger sister as she tried to take the picture of the goddesses leaning against their student. She could still here them calling her names fondly, though they did feel a little demeaning. At least Medusa seemed to appreciate them if her small smiles when they weren't looking were any indication.

Kiyohime smiled. It was certainly a start, but she still had a long way to go. Hopefully her proper reintroduction to the known Japanese group would go well, and she would be accepted among them. While she partially worried about how she may deal with Nobunaga's crazy behavior, at least the others were level headed. If anything, she was hopeful between Tamamo and them, she wouldn't be wandering the halls alone any longer. It wasn't her original wish, but it was her first step towards something incredible for herself.

The caster slid up next to the berserker to join her in a smile. "We should take more in the future! We look so messy."

"I look forward to that," Kiyohime replied with a sincere smile. Tamamo's attention turned to the dresser itself before she casually opened the top one without asking; It's clear she was looking for alternatives to standard kimonos one through ten. The berserker tried to stop her, but felt embarrassment tinting her cheeks as she closed her underwear drawer to inspect the next one. The caster slid it open, and her eyes immediately latched onto a slither of emerald cloth that did not match the towels above it. Casually removing the towels, Kiyohime's eyes widened upon sight of the material.

"Oh… that dress…"

Tamamo's ears twitched in confusion as she held it in her hands. "Why didn't you tell me you had one? You should wear it tonight!"

Kiyohime stayed silent as she played with the fold on her towel. She sighed dejectedly. "I was going to wear it for Gudao on our first date..."

"Oh…" Tamamo mouthed quietly as her ears drooped. Slowly, she moved to place it back. "Sorry… I didn't mean to-"

"I'll wear it."

The caster blinked in surprise and stared at Kiyohime, who had a tiny smile. She found the smile infectiously spread to her. "…Are you sure?"

"It's just a dress, and I need to move on," She proclaimed with a small nod.

"New Year, New You?" Tamamo asked with a giggle.

Kiyohime joined her in laughing as she took the dress, but shook her head. "New Year… Perfect Me."

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ XI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

Lively as always, Salon de Marie was the hub for the night with nearly two hours until midnight. Any concerns and worry over the year ahead remained buried beneath the enthusiastic conversations; For the sake of morale and optimism, events like this helped remind everyone to stay focused on the lights in the dark. While the cocktail party wasn't too formal, select servants always did like to show off in their own ways. From stunning dresses to secretly acquired suits during singularities, it was clear who was especially flashy for the turn of the year.

The Egyptians had joined the Romans near the grand piano as Mozart played, drinking their own variations of wine. As Romulus laughed over one of Ozymandias' jokes, he adjusted Caligula's wreath to sit properly on his head. The three emperors wore black suits, though the accenting vest beneath varied between them. It wasn't a stark contrast, but Caligula's blue, Caesar's gold, and Romulus' bronze set them apart. While the Roman men wore variations of roughly the same thing, the women and male pharaoh had to be spectacular.

Ozymandias' black tuxedo with silver trimmings was certainly eye catching among the masses of suits. Nero wore a red sequin strapless that glittered under the light as she talked happily with her fellow fashionista. Cleopatra's own dashing white gown sparkled with its golden accents, while Nitocris's own cyan mermaid dress hugged her figure exquisitely. Standing by the piano only helped amplify their prestige and spotlight, and the Roman males were more than proud their dear Empress was representing them so well.

Their conversation only paused momentarily, as did many others, as the twin goddesses walked through the door in matching silver, one shoulders. A few seconds after, Tamamo and Kiyohime followed after them to silence the immediate area, though it was the berserker who had truly seized attention. Seeing Kiyohime in anything but a kimono was already a rare sight, but the figure-hugging, emerald evening dress flattered her. From its black, off-shoulder straps to the alluring side slit, the berserker had easily become the center of attention as she practically waltzed in with a tiny sway of her hips.

With another flash of a genuine, confident smile as she talked with Tamamo, she only shined brighter.

"I wasn't expecting this. I feel so… captivating," Kiyohime giggled as she quickly glanced around.

"Good. You are." Tamamo looked to Nero with a sly smile at the jealousy aimed at Kiyohime. "Evening, Miss Empress~!"

As she simply waved back and didn't break her gaze, Tamamo giggled at the saber's response. As the two walked past on their way to the Japanese friends, Kiyohime playfully ignored both the admiring looks from some nearby guests and the jealous looks from the three girls by the piano. Ozymandias started laughing, causing the Roman males to join him as two of the girls immediately turned their wrathful gazes upon them.

"Hey! You're supposed to praise us when something like that happens!" Nero pouted with clenched fists.

At least to Cleopatra's delight, Caesar strategically kept his attention locked on her during the entire saga. Altera somehow sensed her friend's discomfort from the bar and looked her way, still waiting on her drink; Nero clearly required an unhealthy dose of praising, stat. As Cleopatra's two companions bickered about losing the attention-grabbing war to the berserker, the culprits simply giggled and kept walking to their destination. Kiyohime held her closed fan to the edge of her mouth to help suppress any more laughter.

With a content hum, their conversation paused as Kiyohime gazed at the looks from tables they passed. Servants and employees were looking at her without worry or concern. It was now a mix of admiration, curiosity, and even appreciation. Some employees had begun looking at her in a new light, and she silently enjoyed the newfound attention. As Tamamo was about to restart the conversation, they noticed one male employee rather humorously looking at her with his mouth slightly agape as they approached. Playfully giggling, Kiyohime used her closed fan to gently push the man's jaw closed as they passed.

"Easy there…" she teased with a small smile, making the employee blush and sputter as the surrounding viewers laughed.

Tamamo giggled and happily nudged her friend. "Being playful already?"

"Blame the goddesses. That lesson had been very funny," Kiyohime winked back.

They soon laughed as the girls in question flashed her smirks and thumbs up as she passed their booth. As she wondered where Medusa was, they arrived at the table in question. Her nervousness returned briefly, but with a smile she pushed it back down as she bowed towards the servants in the booth. Nobunaga and Okita haven't arrived yet, but the other three were patiently waiting. Sasaki stood up to let them sit, giving him a small chance to readjust his blue kimono. They were about to sit when the table's eyes swiftly turned to an approaching presence.

Tamamo looked at Kiyohime in worry as she turned to face Gudao. She eyed his black suit and tie blankly, though her heart still fluttered upon seeing him. His blue eyes still reflected with some worry, though his smile was as warm and friendly as ever. Quietly, she watched as he nodded towards her, making her return the gesture with a small curtsy. Before he could even open his mouth, the berserker shook her head.

"You do not need to apologize again, Gudao… By the heavens above, Gabby has done enough of that."

He nodded as his smile partially faded. "I just don't want things getting awkward between us after what happened this week."

"It's okay, Gudao, please just be yourself... the one I fell for, but I couldn't have," Kiyohime replied with a small smile. Her four companions watched with renewed interest and concern as the berserker giggled. "This wound will heal in time, so please be patient. Until then, I will always be your faithful servant when you and Gabby need me... Though I will admit slapping her was pleasantly fun. Perhaps I'll use a golden ticket for it."

Gudao chuckled along with the rest. Now finally relieved, Gudao nodded and held his hand out to the berserker. She gracefully took it and shook, as a silent renewal of their contract. "Thank you, Kiyohime. I swear we'll do what we can to help make this up to you."

Kiyohime nodded and smiled. "I do not doubt that, thank you. Enjoy your dinner!"

"You too!" Gudao waved, only for Kiyohime and Tamamo to suddenly get swarmed by various females.

Okita, in her pink kimono, was the closest and already spouting compliments over the berserker's dress. The master could barely see Nobunaga if it wasn't for the black kanmuri that occasionally danced in the air. Combined with the other formally dressed females, the small crowd around the mint-haired woman had suddenly blocked most of the master's view of the servant. With a content smile, he turned around and began walking back to rejoin Mashu and Lancelot; He'll wish them all a Happy New Year when the crowd vanished. With all remaining concern for her well-being now thoroughly evaporated, he turned back for one last glance.

Judging by her dazzling smile, Kiyohime should be much more than simply alright.