"…at least the two of them seemed to be enjoying themselves?"

Okita only pouted as she flopped into her office chair. Her battle attire swiftly dematerialized to reveal a cerulean kimono with orange flower petals while Ushiwakamaru kept hers on. The rider wore an amused expression as her friend pulled out a report paper to begin writing about the perceived incident. With a huff, she scanned her desk for a pen, only to turn dismayed when she found none. A pen bounced off a stack of papers and rolled to a stop in front of her, making the saber mouth her silent gratitude.

"Report thirty-seven since we formed…" she whispered to herself while filling the blanks. For the group's future reference and organization, they kept all written information in English. She wrote her name in Kanji though. "Report Type… False Alarm… I'm not looking forward to writing the damage section."

Ushiwakamaru laughed. "Hardly difficult. Training Ground received cratered damage, which is nothing the casters can't repair."

The partially exhausted saber still groaned. "I still wish Spartacus and Leonidas kept that spar to a minimum. This is their second ti-"

With practiced ease, Okita covered her mouth with a handkerchief as she coughed. The rider giggled as Okita returned to her- "Nobu!"

She blinked and looked to the door as the rider moved out of the way. Though she couldn't see it, she could tell by Ushiwakamaru's moving eyes and pleasant smile that one of the newer Peacekeepers had just entered. With a squeak, two chibi hands clamped onto the desk on the other side, followed shortly by the signature, cartoonish hat of Nobunaga's gifted automaton. Its eyes were squinted as it struggled, with flailing legs, to clamber onto the desk. Okita giggled as the rider reached over to lift it onto the desk.

"Nobuuu!" The chibi thanked with a small bow. To Nobunaga's chagrin, some of her automata took a liking to Okita and even became unofficial Shishengumi members in addition to Peacekeepers; The warlord got a few extra gifted by Helena as compensation. This chibi proudly wore the blue and white haori, matching the one Okita had recently recovered from a third ascension. It reached onto its back and grabbed the message tube holding the papers. With a happy grin, it presented it to Okita who graciously took it.

As she read the paper, noting the Chibi Nobu's surprisingly good kanji, she smiled. "Well done on filing that report for me."

She pet the little chibi on the head, making it squirm in delight at the praise. The petting stopped, making it grow curious as Okita's eyes shifted to the door. Ushiwakamaru stepped into the office to allow the newest summoned servant to look within. "Hey, you two! It's been a while since we hiked in America, but thanks for your help!"

After hiding her initial surprise, she smiled towards the recognizable, new face as the beautiful Indian employee appeared in the doorway behind him. Before she could greet him, he turned to her with a grin. "So you're in charge of this little Peacekeeping force, huh, Okita? Heh, you look a lot like Arturia now that I-"

Okita pouted for a brief second, interrupted by the fair-skinned man's newly raised hands. Anishka seemed apologetic but amused as the male saber chuckled. "Eh, sorry. I still have that habit of speaking before my mind completes its thought… It's an unfortunate issue. Please bear with me."

As Ushiwakamaru laughed, the saber could only shake her head with a tiny smile while the chibi Nobu waved at the newly arrived redhead. Orange hair glowed brightly at the top, but gradually darkened to a fiery shade. Both of his gold and red gauntlets were perched by the gaudy waistband as he smiled at her with shining ruby eyes. His orange and white waist cape swung slightly as he briefly turned to look at the unusual automaton, though he kept his black clad leggings and boots firmly planted even as it continued to wave.

With an amused sigh, she shook her head and smiled. "I'll do my best, Rama. Have you just come to say hi… or- oh! Are you interested in being a Peacekeeper!?"

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

Fragment 40: Optimistically Impatient

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

Finally seeing Chaldea for himself was great, and so were the many familiar faces who helped him in the past singularity. Though a bit of him still wished he had appeared in another form, he enjoyed keeping the fond memories he made with the Chaldean force. It also meant he had other precious extra moments that occurred during that singularity, which he silently enjoyed. There was plenty of time to make more here, and with determined purpose, he forged the first one that seemed fitting.

"Ahhh, Yokatta!" Okita sighed in bliss as she hugged the little Nobu in her arms. The haori clad automaton enjoyed the gesture peacefully as it stared at Rama. "Some good news for a change! I needed this so badly to halt the tsunami of paperwork! How did the masters deal with this!?"

Rama looked at her with an amused smirk while Anishka and Ushiwakamaru kept pleasant smiles. Okita flushed. "Ah… I got carried away. Okay! Thank you, Rama!"

"I could use a hobby or two, and this sounded fitting for the first," the saber admitted with a chuckle. "What's this about trouble? Do I get to work on my first day?"

Okita shook her head. "That's not the case. It's just that the newest servants before you have been causing grief, both intentionally and unintentionally."

After he glanced to the rider and employee, he looked back in curiosity. "Who were they? It can't be Jing Ke, right? She seemed fairly kind and polite, if not quite the alcoholic."

"Jing Ke arrived just before those two," Okita sighed as she picked up a small stack of papers to show. The sticky note on top indicated the dates of the past week. Rama's eyes widened slightly. "This is all from the Douji Oni. Ibaraki is a menace when she gets bored, and she wasn't even apologetic about how many problems she gave us in that singularity! The nerve! At least Robin seems to have her on some sort of lockdown somehow… somehow…"

"She follows him like a kid," Ushiwakamaru chuckled, though there was the hint of frustration in her eyes. "However, they're still a nuisance."

"... But to be fair to Shuten, most of her incidents had been due to her nature. Though she seeks out pleasures, she's been thankfully manageable thanks to Drake, Fergus, and especially Kintoki-san," Okita noted with a hopeful smile. The Nobu in her arms squirmed out of her grasp to get back to work. "Helena and Scathach's quick intervention with their combined runes and dispels are buying time to find a real solution to her presence issue."

"I'm sorry my own dispel magecraft and remedies were ineffective," Anishka bowed in total embarrassment. Her cheeks were flushed, and Ushiwakamaru rubbed her back in comfort and reassurance. "I just wanted to help, but I also became a victim."

"It would be for the best for servant situations, but thank you for your effort and goodwill in helping the afflicted," Okita bowed with a smile. She quickly sat back down while Rama glanced at the employee. He was a tad curious on why she would dare an attempt, and contemplated if the Hero of Charity had been influencing and inspiring her actions as of late. She did talk very fondly of him and Arjuna, but then again, this woman also lauded him.

"Ah, we're getting carried away again!" Okita exclaimed with a sudden realization, making her lieutenant giggle. "I'll get you the paperwork! Wait- No, I'll-"

"I'll get the paperwork, Okita-taichou," Ushiwakamaru giggled as she walked out the door past Anishka. "Please do the rest."

"H-Hai," the female saber admitted with a slight flush as she corrected herself. "Then… Let's start with our duties and timeline!"

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

"I forgot how enthusiastic she could get…" Rama chuckled as he filled out the paperwork in the meeting room of Security Central. The fan spun quietly above them, passing a pleasant breeze onto his now bare arms. Both of his gloves were discarded nearby so he wouldn't scratch the table as he wrote.

"It's why the original Peacekeepers feel blessed Captain Okita is our new leader," Anishka nodded from her seat across from him. She sat quietly with a pleasant smile as his hand continued to move like lightning across the paper. "… Not that there was anything wrong with Scathach."

"She just wasn't official," Rama finished before donning a teasing grin. "Just like you weren't my official tour guide, but wow, the way you begged Gabrielle for it!"

Anishka blushed brightly and raised her hands in defense. "Shri Rama! I-I was just following Karna's advice! I wished only to be more assertive, so I jumped at the chance to spend time with one of Hinduisms deities! I've looked up to you ever since I was young when Baba read me the Ramayana!"

"Anishka."

"I felt graced to even witness you on the screen during the primary American Singularity! I was so jealous of Gudao for getting to work with you, but now I'm in your presence myself! I-I'm just so stunned that this is really happening, but now you're signing up for the Peacekeepers!"

"Anishka…?"

"I'm beyond honored and happy to be able to work with you in the future, Shri Rama! I feel unbelievably blessed at this chance! I feel as if Baba-"

"Anishka! Calm down!" Rama laughed happily. He definitely enjoyed all that praise, though her flustered state grew tenfold. "We've been over this!"

"I'm sorry, Shri Rama!" Anishka stammered quickly with a bow of her head. "I just got really excited and-"

At Rama's amused and half-hearted glare, Anishka bowed her head again. "This is difficult…"

"You're gushing like a flustered schoolgirl! …Did I use that phrase right? I overheard Teach talking about that in the hallway when Gabrielle started the tour," he thought out loud. Anishka looked a tad dumbfounded at that open revelation, but he paid it no heed. "I think it's best I do not use that for a bit. That's what I feel my instinctive wisdom is telling me now... Right. So, don't feel you have to be so formal with me! I insist!"

"I understand, thank you. But… is it alright if I may still call you Shri Rama?" Anishka asked politely with a small smile. He placed the tip of the pen to his mouth in brief thought. From what he knew of the current Hinduism, he had become a revered and heavily worshiped deity. It made him swell with pride, especially when this employee sung his praises. He could let her, and the other Hindus he had yet to meet, call him with that respectful honorific. It's not like it harmed him or anything, and he could be a wizened sage for them in return, if they wished.

"Sure! Why not? If it makes you happy," Rama admitted with a quick nod before returning to his paperwork. There were only a few more blank-

The door to the room swung open, allowing Gabrielle to peak her head in with a grin. Anishka looked taken back at first, but smiled to her friend as she waved at her. "Ah, there you two are! Is the tour going well?"

"I think so. She's a very informative guide," Rama nodded with a smile. "I just got sidetracked with signing up to help out. I think you just need to show me the… top floor, was it?"

She nodded pleasantly towards Rama. "The library, Salon de Marie, and a few other rooms on that level… Ah. Yes… and the newly built Fantasia Resort."

"How could you forget about the best room ever!?" The female master teased with a grin.

Anishka smiled back with a slight blush and nodded. "Sorry I-"

"She just got too wrapped up with singing me praises she forgot!" Rama hummed as Gabrielle laughed. Anishka hid her face in her hands. "Sorry, Anishka. You're really fun to tease, but I'm getting carried away again. I'll try to reel it in, I think the phrase is?"

"You can do whatever you want, Rama, so long as it doesn't put Chaldea in danger!" Gabrielle grinned happily. "Feel free to be yourself!"

"Oh, I will," Rama noted with a smile before the female master turned back to the employee.

"Have fun, you two! Oh, and we need to hang out again sometime soon, Annie! It's been a week."

"Sorry... I was too exhausted this week. I didn't even spend time with Baba as often," the Indian employee responded with an apologetic bow from her seat. "Maybe tomorrow night?"

"That'll work! I'll just free up time," Gabrielle replied quickly before waving goodbye once more. With a grin, she shut the door, only for her muffled squealing to penetrate it. By the cries of a happy automaton, she likely spotted one of the chibi Nobus working in the hallway. The two occupants laughed.

Though, Rama stopped his chuckling earlier than Anishka's giggles. He eyed the employee curiously, who had been nothing but respectful, mostly dignified, and beyond kind to him since they met in the early afternoon. Even though he often spoke as an exuberant and somewhat prideful youth, his mind still operated with the countless years of experiences he cherished. As sharp as ever, and beyond insightful in his musings, he quickly connected subtle dots in his mind as Anishka stopped to stare. His amused expression remained as her uncertainty blossomed within her gorgeous eyes.

His mind caught up, and he stopped himself from speaking.

Left further confused, Anishka could only watch as he shook his head and returned to his work. He had only just met her, and despite how friendly and respectful she was to him, he would not push further. Yet. He still needed to finish a tour, get himself properly settled, and find his personal standpoint among many other servants. To quiet Anishka's pondering, he was about to shift to a new subject to learn more about her, only to note the slightly concerned look she aimed at his paper.

"Is something wrong?" he asked curiously. He stared at the paper again. It was perfectly legible since his handwriting was elegant.

"Um, Shri Rama… We write the reports in English. While servants may have the language proficiency, I don't know how many staff are versed in Sanskrit."

Rama blinked in surprise. That was certainly not what he was expecting her to say. He looked down at the paper and sighed. Anishka merely smiled and shook her head before he could move to crumple the paper.

"Please do not worry, Shri Rama. I will take care of it for you. All you must do is finish it."

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

Pre-dinner for Salon de Marie was bustling with activity as Rama sat down at a specific table. "Oh? It's only you two for now?"

As Rama sat down, teal eyes turned to greet him. "Only for now, Rama. Helena and Edison are tardy."

He glanced down at his battle attire, Rama noted he felt very underdressed for dinner compared to everyone else. Though many servants wore rather casual clothes, it was the fact they had other articles from their wardrobe to wear that got to him. Granted, he was used to the idea of wearing the same clothes due to his past exile, but this was hardly the same situation. At least his two rather formally dressed tablemates didn't seem to care, and he was far more curious about them than the clothing options possible.

Karna sat calmly in the booth with his hands folded on his lap. His white hair was a bit more refined than usual, and he sported a double breasted black coat with red accents on the collar. With a black tie and undershirt, it visibly contrasted with the pure white of Arjuna's suit directly across from him. Its buttons were hidden behind a blue accented flap, which ended around his neck in a fashionable mandarin collar. His hands were folded in his lap as well, and he calmly stared towards Rama as opposed to Karna.

To be honest, Rama was frankly surprised they were even sitting together, though he could feel the slight tension emanating from the archer. He would not inquire the circumstances, but was simply glad Anishka managed to get them to sit with him for the night. He decided to break the awkward silence before it irked him. "I guess modern clothes really are the norm here. I prefer the older styles, but I think they look great on you two!"

"I also prefer dhotis and equivalents," Karna answered simply. His eyes glanced towards Arjuna, and Rama could have sworn he saw a small spark flare between them.

Arjuna simply nodded and turned back to the historically older Indian legend. "I have no preference myself."

Rama mentally sighed at the small talk's initial failure. Undeterred, he shifted gears. "So what have you two been up to after we met in America?"

"We only just arrived last month," Karna answered for both of them, earning a nearly unnoticeably glare from Arjuna. Rama now clearly saw the intense rivalry still existed, but only one sided. To think Karna was no longer interested was more surprising than the fact they could even sit together civilly. "I've been spending my time as I please with my companions. You will meet Helena and Edison shortly. I'm sure you're familiar with-"

"Edison's preferences and borderline boastful demeanor. I can deal with it," Rama nodded. He turned to Arjuna purposefully, and by the slight shift in the atmosphere, it worked. He calmed down ever slightly. "How about you, Arjuna?"

"I've been practicing my archery at the Training Grounds. Otherwise, I've kept to myself," he answered politely yet firmly. Did he ever openly show any sort of emotion?

Still, Rama was more interested by something else. "The Training Grounds? I thought Chaldea had a Shooting Range?"

"There is one," he reaffirmed. He adjusted his perfect posture ever so slightly before the slightest glint or pride flashed across his onyx orbs. "However, the targets provided do not challenge me in the least. I needed a greater challenge to keep my skills refined and honed."

'But a servant didn't need to hone their skills since they were completely defined upon summoning…'

Rama's mind easily picked up the smallest inferences presented, though thanks to America, he had somewhat control over himself before he could voice it. By the look in Karna's eyes, the lancer was far less likely to hold back the truth since he was known for his straightforward statements. For the awarded and heralded archer's sake, Rama wouldn't bring it up, but there was a new spark of excitement with the shift in topics. He responded before Karna could.

"All this talk about archery has me excited. I used to be an archer too!"

Rama mentally slapped himself and reprimanded speaking before fully developing the presentation. Of course they knew his past as a hero, and his skill with the bow. There was a lot of myth and tales regarding his own feats regarding archery, though the two fellow heroes had many achievements to their name as well. Arjuna in particular was acclaimed as the perfect archer, so it wasn't surprising he was summoned as one. While Karna was a lancer, he too had prestigious skill with the bow. He became curious whether his acts, as an incarnation of Vishnu, had any potential influence-

"Rama. I am curious about that. You were summoned as a saber and not an archer," Karna began with a curious look. The subtle disapproval from Arjuna was more apparent this time… but there was also the glint of confirmation a lion facially wear when about to pounce. "The Ramayana should have made you an archer."

"Karna. It is disrespectful to point that out. There is likely an appropriate reason."

'It's also disrespectful to share a wife, but I'm not going to say anything about that,' Rama thought with a small smile. To Arjuna's credit, at least he acknowledged the curiosity likely held a reason. Though he now knew these dinner meetings would be few and far between, he would appreciate what he could now while keeping them from each other's throats. If necessary, he'd help play peacekeeper between them too. As a robot placed some bread appetizers on the table, Rama nodded to both of them.

"It is fine, Arjuna. Yes, there is a reason, though it is less to do with my legend and more of my say," Rama began as he took a sip of his water. For the first time since he sat down, both heroes looked at him with the same curiosity and ignored each other. "I didn't know what kind of summoning this would be, but I knew it was one. So I managed to will myself into the saber class instead of the archer."

Arjuna drew slightly closer in curiosity. "Willed yourself? You changed your class as you were summoned?"

"Yes," Rama replied with a casual nod as he placed his glass down. "My beloved wife has a higher chance of being summoned as an archer. To increase the chance of seeing her again, I wished to be a saber, so she may be summoned as an archer. It was needless, since I was lucky to be summoned here."

Karna's eyes lit up in acknowledgement, but Arjuna's remained carefully crafted and stoic as usual. Rama smiled as Karna spoke up. "Your wish is to see Sita once more by any means possible."

"Within lawful reason, of course," Rama confirmed with a pleasant and firm nod. "I miss her dearly. I will never lie about that."

It was truly an understatement of the millennia, but that's how he truly felt. Not even the description of what happened at Alcatraz sated his desires to have her in his arms once more. But like a proper husband, he would patiently wait for her arrival. In the meantime, there were many curiosities and exciting prospects he wished to explore, in addition to finding a new hobby. Though scholars may likely have discussed the what-if scenario, the concept was now a true possibility in Chaldea, and one he was more than willing to indulge in. There were a few things his wizened mind would not stop, and this was one.

"Sorry, I don't want to talk your ears off about my love for Sita. Let's return to the real topic! Archery!" the saber started with an excited grin. "How about we have a little competition? I'm interested in seeing the archery skill you two possess, as I'm sure you are with my own."

With a competitive glint and prideful shine, Arjuna quickly nodded his head in agreement. He was followed by the ever calm and casual nod of approval from Karna, though he spoke up shortly after. "We should inform the masters and Captain Okita. We do not wish to make an incident."

Rama blinked in confusion. "What could cause an incident? It's not like you two are fighting each other or anything while I'm there. It's a shooting contest!"

"We're likely to gain attention, though possibly from the arrogant king due to our combined prestige," Karna warned respectfully. To Rama's surprise, the rival archer turned to him, not with any hidden disdain, but full agreement and acknowledgement.

"I agree. Dealing with him is tolerable, but not pleasant. I wish to go uninterrupted should we compete."

Rama was now even more confused as he crossed his arms. He racked his mind to think of any servant that fit the description, but only the recently met Ozymandias came close. The pharaoh was fairly prideful in his speech, but he was approachable and rather fun to talk to. Was it the King of Conquerors they were referring to? He had yet to meet him and he was mentioned a few times.

Karna glanced up from the booth momentarily to spot Edison and Helena enter the salon. He returned his eyes to the confused saber as Rama looked back. "It seems you have yet to meet him, but you likely will. It would be best to inform you what is to be expected involving the King of Heroes."

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

"You could have told me over telepathy."

"I prefer to do things in person. It's politer," the male master smiled, making Rama nod back. "I look forward to working with you again in two days."

"As do I. My legs could use a bit of a stretch," Rama chuckled as he waved goodbye to the master. As the uniform clad man quickly walked down the hallway, the saber turned to head down an opposite one. After gazing curiously at a passing robot, he fell back to his original thoughts.

Retrieving the furniture magazine from under his arm, he began to browse its contents once more. Though he intended to share his room with Sita, there was no hesitation or second doubts about what she would like. After so much time together, and sadly apart, he had cherished every piece of knowledge and experience spent with her. It made picking the furniture, and even the clothing she might be interested in, a breeze for the saber.

Though the curse still weighed on his mind, he couldn't shake his optimism. From what he's seen and heard in Chaldea, the possibilities were endless. Just having all these spirits in one place, and have it still standing, was a remarkable feat on its own, though admittedly not as impressive as his own tales. Had he not encountered them all before, he would have more doubt, but with everything he's personally witnessed, they had his trust and hopes. With his confidence restored of finally being with his wife again, he pushed forward with personal plans happily.

With a shift in interest, he placed thoughts of a potential hobby to the side to eagerly design a room for-

Then he felt it, and came to a slow stop. Not unnerved in the least, since there had been far more dangerous predicaments he had faced, Rama quietly folded the magazine back under his arm. There was no need to wait patiently since the shimmering sparkles of a manifesting servant filled the air seconds later. Rama gazed at leopard print pants and a loose, white v-necked shirt with long sleeves before the King of Heroes's face finally came into view. His loose hair shined almost as brightly as his gaudy necklace and earrings, but his red eyes remained calm and firm.

Though they had never met before, Karna and Arjuna had informed him this archer would likely appear for him. He nodded politely. "Good evening, Gilgamesh, King of Heroes."

"A respectful tone?" the archer noted, though his face remained blank. "Good. We meet on an appropriate note then, Ramachandra."

"That's far too long. Just call me Rama," the saber noted with a small smile. Gilgamesh didn't even blink as the redhead held out his hand for a shake.

"I do not shake hands, Rama…" Gilgamesh noted as a wine glass appeared in one of his hands. Rama simply shrugged and dropped the gesture. "Consider it enough that I already hold you a degree higher than the other mongrels. Never assume you may become friends with me."

"Arjuna and Karna told me that would not be the case, so forgive me if it appears I am presumptive," Rama replied back smoothly. Gilgamesh raised an eyebrow barely a fraction, but the saber noticed. "Now then, King of Heroes. Is there something you required of me? Or were you just curious?"

"…I sate my own curiosity, nothing more," Gilgamesh replied with a small scowl before taking a sip from his wine. Silence fell as the archer simply observed Rama. The saber held firm, and kept his confident demeanor present, but not overwhelming. A small crowd was gathering, and even a few Peacekeepers were on standby, but it was apparent Gilgamesh wasn't going to make any offending moves. He lightly scoffed, but it was a rare one even for him.

It was borderline… accepting. "Not quite what I was expecting from what Gudao said. Perhaps he is a little too… impressionable for his own good. However… I can see for myself why you are so highly respected, but do not mistake this for praise."

So he passed the silent test, though likely barely. He acknowledged combat would likely change his perception further, for better or worse.

Gilgamesh held very little respect for anyone, from what he had been told, and mostly only became interested or intrigued with certain qualities. Even if it was a former master, Gilgamesh usually refused to show any form of compliment or cordial gestures. For the King of Heroes to converse with someone with even an ounce of decency meant good news, but to what degree of acceptance he had… the saber would not push to find out. Merely being acknowledged, and not having to deal with an arrogant individual, was enough for him.

"There are very few who I grant a modicum of respect to. Do not push your luck being counted among them," Gilgamesh ended before he began to fade into spirit form. "If I wish to talk, I will seek you out myself. Do not even think to bother me in my chamber."

As the king disappeared, Rama couldn't help but feel bad for what Enkidu likely had to deal with in the past. Thanks to Karna, he knew Gilgamesh still held that person as his closest friend, and in unreachably high regard. It reminded him a bit of how Hanuman was with him, though he wondered if Enkidu had just a bit more patience to deal with… well, that individual. Maybe he would calm down a bit if that man would ever show up, and he personally wished to see Hanuman again as well. Anything was possible here, right?

'How many world saving organizations have an underground beach resort?' Rama wondered and chuckled. He was about to walk once more when he noticed Gabrielle and Marie approaching him. Though the white halter dress wearing servant gazed at him full of shock and admiration, the female master's pout dripped with jealousy.

"Oh la vache! Gilgamesh wasn't mean to you!" Marie exclaimed, clearly happy for the saber. He smiled as she skipped up to him ahead of the envious master. "He was decent to Karna and Arjuna, so I guess it wasn't too surprising. But even so! Congratulations, Rama!"

"Thanks, Marie," the saber chuckled as Gabrielle reached them and crossed her arms.

She made a dismayed sound in the back of her throat, causing the two servants to laugh. "I wish I had any sort of respect from him…"

"Does he not listen to you in battle?" Rama inquired with a sympathetic smile.

"I tried once… Just once. I don't want to hear that string of insults again," Gabrielle sighed with a shake of her head. "At least he listens to Gudao… usually."

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

Not even a day since his arrival, and Rama definitely found the resort area to be his favorite place. To be fair, it was the same feeling for most.

"…If you land-" Another blue dart joined nearly half a dozen others crammed onto the bullseye.

The resort's outdoor cafeteria recently received some new basic games along with Club Cove, and the dart board was among them. Rama casually leaned back in his chair with a proud smile. Beowulf groaned beside the saber. He crossed his arms over his muscle shirt and glared half-hearted at Nightingale across from him as she laughed. She wore an undersized red bikini with matching red shorts that bore a white cross, which was matched by a propped flotation tube and first aid kit.

"I can't help it," Rama only shrugged. "In my time, I had mastered every weapon at my disposal. These darts are child's play compared to that."

"Modest as ever, I see," Beowulf chuckled while shaking his head. He picked up his last dart in front of him and hurled it at the board across the room. The dart impacted one of the outskirts, only for the handle to break apart from the metal needle. He blinked as Nightingale laughed more. "…Really?"

"Is there any weapon you can't accidentally break?" the female berserker asked with a teasing glint.

He shook his head and crossed his arms again. "Hah hah, Gale. Very funny. I'm rolling in laughter."

Rama enjoyed their antics since he met them, and their duplicate counterparts, during the American Singularity. After reuniting with them yesterday, and learning what Memorial Essences were, he was glad to know Chaldea's Nightingale had all of the experiences of the one that initially helped him. It had been both fascinating and unbelievably frustrating being fussed over by two identical nurse berserkers with an obsession with their patient's well-being. He very much preferred her in her calm state, but he would be lenient should her tendencies flare up.

The saber owed her a lot for everything she, or the two identical servants specifically, had done for him.

Likewise, he couldn't hold anything against this Beowulf, not that he would. Seeing him clash against himself on Alcatraz would have been an incredible spectacle had he and some others not used it as a distraction. Thanks to Beowulf, Gudao, and the other delaying servants, he had gotten to feel the touch of his wife once more; He didn't see it, but even in his unconscious state he knew it had occurred. Nightingale's descriptive summary didn't need to confirm it, but he was glad to hear the words and actions from her.

Rama owed both of them more than he could put to words.

They weren't as interested in favors, though, and tossed it as something natural. For Nightingale, she was determined to remedy her patient's love sickness, along with his actual injuries. Beowulf brushed it off completely and casually, and told him there's nothing owed for his deeds. When approached once more about it yesterday, they held firm to their stances, though he used it as a foundation for a better friendship. Maybe he would even get to know the avengers they often hung out with.

Speaking of which…

"Where are Dantes and… Jeanne Alter was it? I haven't seen them once, yet you said they're friends."

"They're on a date," Beowulf chuckled with a smirk and shake of his head. Nightingale gave him an incredulous look, and he shrugged in response. "Hey, hey… C'mon, Gale! They joke about us being a couple, yet how true is that?"

She rolled her eyes. "They poke fun of us for it because you won't let up on joking they're a couple in the first place."

"They do spend a lot of time personal time together…"

"As do we. Past, present, and likely future," Nightingale noted, making her fellow berserker shrug in begrudging acceptance.

Rama only chuckled. "I see, I see… So where are they having this date?"

Beowulf chuckled while Nightingale checked the shoreline before answering. "Likely enjoying peace and quiet in the Salon. Dantes is usually on that couch at this hour. I might also have to get back to Lifeguard duty should the pair of employees go swimming."

"Always helpful when you can be," Rama noted out loud, making her smile and nod. It was good to see many of the servants he met had found something interesting to do over the months. Some had hobbies already, but it appears these two had finally found something for themselves. Beowulf's personal trainer gig and Nightingale's indulgence in security and the staff's health was rather fitting for the two berserkers. He wondered if they had any other hobbies he could possible gleam an idea or two.

Nightingale's eyes shot back to the water as the distant male ran into the surf. Rama and Beowulf turned to watch as the employee disappeared from sight, only for his distant cries for help to be heard over the waves. Judging by his companion's laughter, and the joking tone of the employee, there was nothing to be worried about… except that Nightingale was the one on duty, and she took it seriously. Very seriously.

Her eyes narrowed, and the red in her eyes flared with the heat of its intensity. "I must go."

"Hey, hey… I think-" Beowulf's hand remained outstretched, but it was too late. Nightingale sprinted across the boardwalk towards the beach with her inner tube under one arm and first aid kit in the other. The female employee by the shoreline noticed her approach and covered her mouth in terror. She quickly began signaling her companion, causing his cries of help to stop. They were replaced with horrified realization and shrieks, causing Beowulf and Rama to laugh as the muscular male berserker quickly stood up.

He brushed his black board shorts before motioning with his thumb with a grin. "Let's go, Rama! It's time to be heroes! We must save him from the lifeguard!"

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

With nothing to do until the supply sortie tomorrow, Rama burned time by wandering around Chaldea. It wasn't so much exploring the new location that fascinated him, rather it was the population that drew the real intrigue. The lull in activity was a welcome change and, coupled with some of the rather interesting incidents, it made for a relaxing period. He had not felt such a sense of calmness since the youthful days his current form embodied.

As he walked down the hallway, passing robot, servant, and employee alike, a feeling of rightful placement washed over him. He would be far stronger as the complete divine spirit of his real self, or even as the older, experienced Rama who fought Ravana. He was still retained those memories and vivid wisdom, but the material body and saint graph limited him to his youth. It purely felt right to him, being within the youthful body that first laid eyes on Sita. If he should be found wanting, the ascensions the masters talked about may sate the desire.

Even if he was severely weakened in this container, he did not worry, even when he sensed the presence of two other divines nearby. The presence of one was far stronger, though they both resonated with an unmistakable aura. He turned the corner to spot a passing employee daring to gaze at the pair of women as they passed, and they simply let him. Upon his disappearance down another hallway, the two goddesses giggled before they laid eyes upon the approaching saber. Undaunted by their presence in the least, he calmly waved with an accompanying smile towards the one he recognized.

"Euryale! It's been a while, hasn't it?" Rama asked pleasantly as the smaller divine spirit smiled back. Her replicated battle dress had a few extra black accents.

"Well if it isn't Rama. I was wondering when you'd come to pay tribute," Euryale joked as the saber stopped before the two of them.

His gaze wandered over to the partially levitating Ishtar beside her, an eyebrow quirked in curiosity. The floating archer casted an equally intrigued expression towards the famous legend while keeping her arms calm at the sides of her red, flowing slip dress. She was clearly a tad daring floating in such a thing, but at least the golden sash helped keep things in line. "We never met, huh? Pretty daring to float in a dress. You're new here too?"

"A touch forward, aren't you?" the floating archer questioned back, but without any irritation. Just a smile. "Hello to you too, Rama. I am the Goddess Ishtar, and I arrived in December."

Rama blinked. She was Ishtar? From the stories and anecdotes, he was expecting her to be far more aggressive and abrasive than he was expecting. To be fair, he also expected Gilgamesh to be unbearably pretentious by what Helena had described, but he had wound up making a hidden personal list. Whether it was the same case with Ishtar, since he also had a divine presence like her, was the true curiosity. He had heard nothing about her since arrival, and only had the legends granted by the grail as a basis.

He put more effort into reeling in his speaking tendencies, if only so he didn't accidentally trigger the goddess' infamous anger and disposition. "I'm sorry, I got a tad carried away. My wisdom cannot keep up with my youthfulness. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ishtar."

"It is forgivable. I allow some extra leniency to my fellow divine spirits," Ishtar replied casually with a giggle and wave of her hand. "I am a tad jealous of you, I will admit. You wound up in a younger form, where as I was forced into a pseudo-servant contract. I now see the benefits of being formerly human."

"Pseudo-servant? Like Lord El-Melloi II?"

"Correct, but I retain control. The host's body is beautiful, but it is dim compared to my more glamorous self. It is also stifling and cramped in here," Ishtar mentioned with a small grimace. Euryale laughed beside her. "My host has wonderful friends as compensation. Even if the circumstances could be better, I can allow this."

Rama could agree with that last point. He nodded quietly before looking back to Euryale with renewed interest. "I'm glad you two goddesses seem to get along well… but where's Stheno? Heh, I thought you two were always attached by the hip since you're twins."

"We are. Usually. She, our baby loser sister, and Asterios are on the supply sortie," Euryale admitted with a grumble. "Gudao made a last-minute swap for another berserker over me. They didn't need another archer, and I am not interested in doing manual labor."

"But your sister is?" Ishtar noted with a small smirk. Euryale shook her head profusely.

"Of course she isn't either! That's why Asterios and Meduseless are going to do it for her!" she cried out incredulously, making the other two laugh. She sighed. "But it's always lonely without them."

"We were going to enjoy a few drinks at the salon, so we may keep each other in pleasant and similar company. You should join us, Rama," Ishtar offered with a small smile. "I will allow it, for I wish to know more about you as a fellow divine."

He merely nodded in approval, and motioned for them to lead the way. Appreciating the gesture, Euryale began to lead the trio as Ishtar floated alongside Rama. The Mesopotamian Goddess turned to him without missing a beat. "You are a saber, but do you possess Shiva Dhanush? Karna has his golden armor, yet can still summon Vasavi Shakti by way of the anecdotes."

Rama smiled and looked to her with a counter inquiry of her own. "How about a fair trade, Ishtar? I tell you, if you show me why you're an archer."

Her eyes narrowed, not out of irritation, but withheld eagerness. The playful hints of a smirk appeared. "How curiously forward you are… I like you. You've got a deal, Rama."

"Just so long as I don't have to break it again. I don't think the masters will like that… or nearly anyone else besides Sita."

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

"I'll just place you here for now."

Since his room was unadorned, with nowhere else to place the gift, it sat in the center of a lone, teakwood table. He was given this room in the expanded wing since the wooden furniture was made of more popular Indian variety, and he appreciated the gesture. Coupled with the beige-painted walls and red beddings, it gave a rather pleasant atmosphere already. This one was a little larger than the standard rooms, but that was because it was one of the few designed for couples.

With the advent of relationships in Chaldea, special rooms had been added in case some future couples, whether historically-established or not, wanted something more personal. With every fiber of his being yearning for his beloved wife, it was a quick decision for him. While he was confident he would be able to decorate it to Sita's liking, he wished she was already here for multiple other reasons; She was probably better than him in arranging the furniture and making it feel like a loving home.

He'd do everything in his power to make her feel at home when she does come. There was no doubt in Rama's mind she would arrive, and it was only a matter of when. As patient as he tells himself he is, he wishes it far sooner than he knew he could wait; Forever was a long time. Until then, he was hopeful to work with the many casters to find some way around the curse that binds them. With so many possible solutions, something had to work, but there was only one real way to find out. If there was one fear he held, it was that she would disappear if their efforts were in vain.

But no, he would not allow himself to worry. He would remain optimistic and figure out where that slid on his list of things to impatiently acquire.

Instead, he turned back to the gift Anishka and the other hindus had presented to him at the salon, an act which earned him the other goddesses' slight envy for being openly worshipped. It was an idol acquired for them as a request to Karna, who happily accepted. Rama stared at the small statue, whose blue skin blended with vibrant shades of reds, greens, and golds. It amused him, and he still couldn't keep the smile off his face. He silently considered a personal shelf for the depiction of Vishnu, wondering if he should consider it a self-portrait rather than a gift.

He gazed around his room one last time, imagining how much more pleasant it will be when Sita arrives; He was getting impatient again. They had a lot of time to make up for, and the notion brought an eager look into his eyes. If only their children could also be here, but he wouldn't push the possibility of that aside either. There was still plenty of time for the future, and he would use the full might he still held to ensure humanity's future would be saved.

It would mean that much more time for the promising moments spent in loving company.

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

The door to Rama's room slid closed, and he stopped in his tracks. Standing before him curiously, after inquisitively looking at the new arrival, was clearly one of the demons previously mentioned. Her porcelain white skin was mostly covered by a yellow kimono. Red marks at the top of her long, blonde hair and forehead, coupled with the elongated black horns, gave her otherwise childish appearance a menacing look. To his amusement, the threatening appearance was dulled by the fluffy, white slippers that depicted Chaldea's mascot, which covered her red feet.

Ibaraki's red hands were also clutching a handful of similar, modern candy. She popped a chocolate bar into her mouth and hummed in delight. "So you're the new guy."

"And you're one of the Onis," he responded back quickly. She didn't seem too much of a nuisance, unless it was the candy helping subdue her. "I am Rama."

"Oh? The Hindu diety? At least you're not a human," she appraised. "I am Ibaraki Douji, Ringleader of the Oni of Mount Ooe! You will do well to remember that!"

He nodded simply. "I've heard of you from Okita."

"Only bad things, I hope. She and Ushiwakamaru still recklessly dare try to keep an Oni in line," Ibaraki proclaimed proudly.

Rama observed her carefully, though there was no sense of hostility from her; Not that he would ever be afraid of a demon. He had slain countless in his life, and one more would not be an issue if it came down to it, but they were allies now. If anything, he was impressed and curious that she would still remain so casually firm and true to herself in front of such a demon-slaying hero. There was no hint of hesitation or wariness, rather… actually, she just seemed far more interested in the candy now that he thought harder about it.

He never considered eating to be a hobby, but if it kept her from boredom and rampage… "What treats are those?"

"My candy! That's what!" She exclaimed quickly with a pout, making Rama chuckle as she swiveled her body to hide the sweet delights. "Gudao and Robin brought a lot back this afternoon and paid tribute to us with it. Perhaps the master is not as foolish as I first thought."

"I see. Are they tasty? I've never had one myself."

"Don't think you're getting one of an Oni's precious treasures!" she grumbled with a scowl. The scowl failed as she bit into a chocolate candy bar. Her face quickly melted into delightful satisfaction rivalled only by toddlers with ice cream cones.

"I wasn't thinking of that. I'll just have to find some myself to find out," Rama chuckled as Ibaraki let out satisfied moans at the delicious snack. He looked at the side of the candy bar and noted the early twentieth century wrapper. He couldn't see the whole name on any bar, but from what he could glance, it started with 'Snic.'

"I'll overlook it, then," Ibaraki concluded as she licked some stray crumbs from her mouth. "I will be off. I mustn't keep Shuten waiting. She must enjoy these too!"

"Don't spoil your dinner," Rama bid farewell. The piece of advice came out far more simplistic than his mind wanted, but it did the job, he felt.

Ibaraki huffed as she walked down the hallway. "This is my dinner!"

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

All the wisdom of his many years, and still Rama could only sit on the star-lit beach and think. Though there was hardly any rush in finding a real hobby to spend his time, his youthful self still pined for it. Being a Peacekeeper and a sage for the Hindus in Chaldea was far too much of an 'older' pastime to quell his desire for a time-killing, fun hobby. He enjoyed doing them too, but he felt something was still missing. The mind would simply berate his impulsive and unsatisfied feelings within, but wasn't it these feelings that helped him through the toughest of times?

If Hanuman were here, perhaps he would have given sound advice on something to try he never had before. The lapping waves entered his mind and chimed with his soul, but still he attempted to mentally produce a new hobby. There wasn't even a purpose or rush, just a feeling he must find one immediately. From the photography Mashu and Saint George seemed interested in, to knitting, or even the videos games Blackbeard was playing… none of them drew him.

As he looked up onto the lapsing waves of the post-dinner evening, he spotted a new servant close by. His eyes watched carefully as a smaller, unusual robot bounced in the air around the bent over figure, who was digging through a small bag that sat on the pristine sand. Her white sundress blew in the gentle breeze as Serenity stood with a smile. Rena's arms extended to offer holding her palette. After handing off the paint board, Serenity quickly set up her easel and canvas square.

As she quickly tossed glances between her board and the scene in front of her, Rama approached curiously. He had seen a few painters in his time, and had viewed her paintings hanging in various rooms of Chaldea. Though the art didn't garner his interest as a hobby, he was at least keen on meeting the artist herself. Upon noticing his approach, Serenity smiled towards him. "Good evening. It's nice to meet a friendly divine, Rama. I am Hassan of Serenity."

"And I'm Rena~! Nice to meet you, Rama~!" the robot chimed happily as its eye-holding arms bounced happily. She couldn't move or risk spilling the paint. To his amusement, the robot floated closer to Serenity and attempted to whisper so as not to accidentally offend the saber.

As a childish robot, it failed horribly and was rather loud instead. "Pssst… who's Rama again?"

Serenity laughed while Rama chuckled.

"Good evening to both of you. I saw you painting and had to pay my respects," he nodded with a grin. He had learned of Serenity's former plight from Marie when he asked of the paintings, and was glad she didn't suffer from a curse any longer. The day he didn't either would be wonderful. "You do lovely work. Have you done it in secret your whole life?"

"Only as a cover, but it's all the free time I had trapped in my room that helped me become an artist," she answered as she made a few more brush strokes. Just from the swift movement, the painting's waves already mimicked the ocean at the resort. "It's fun and relaxing… and it let me visualize everything I wanted to experience."

He nodded in understanding, and his grin grew ever slightly as it finally clicked. He had been looking forward so long for something that he was wishing for it to happen. Just like his wait for Sita, he was just letting his youthful impatience get the better of his wizened mind. There was plenty of time to discover what he might be able to do in Chaldea, which was exactly what his mind told him. It only took the words from someone else to quell the impulsive urges. His answers would simply come in time, and if everything were delivered immediately, then what was there to look forward to?

Thus, for likely the fifth self-reassurance and mental scolding since his arrival, he swore to be patient and wait. How long this would last would be determined in time, but he felt content again. The tug of war with his mind and soul would likely continue, but he could look forward to the future with both. He was only just getting settled.

"Do you mind if I sit here and watch?"

"Not at all," she smiled back as she began to work on the small stars.

Rena would pass him occasional glances, but left him alone after sitting down. Serenity hummed to herself quietly as Rama gazed between her painting and the stars. He had always been rushing from one point to another on constant quests, that he forgotten what it was like to slow down. As the breeze brushed through his hair, he breathed gently and remembered what it was like in his early days. Finally getting his impulsiveness in check, he fell content in simply letting things happen once more.

His mind wandered in blissful ease as the waves continued to chime in the distance.