FINAL WARNING: Fragments beyond this point take place after supplemental story Redemption from Sin.

Shakespeare hummed softly at the library's front desk, happily penning his newest creation. He lifted an arm to stretch as it pulled against his green dress shirt. With a smile, his humming continued as a mop of blue organized a cart behind him. Further away, Helena's hair peeked out from one of the central aisles. Her flying familiars buzzed gently through the air, reorganizing books with her quiet commands. It was another usual day at the library which remained permeated with near-stillness. Medusa usually cherished this atmosphere.

Unfortunately, silence was no longer her supporter, as of late.

A lone page flipped to break the silence, but it could not tear her back to reality. She sat on her regular couch, on her usual break, but it was no longer the same. Her current book lay open in her hands, but her blank eyes behind her glasses only glazed over the words without comprehending them. She felt uncomfortable and vulnerable beneath her black turtleneck sweater and jeans, but her face remained composed stoicism.

For three days, she had carefully managed herself, ensuring nothing looked wrong on the outside. Her façade was perfect which allowed her to hide the raging tornado within. An earthquake could not shake her more than that memorial essence did, but she would not allow anyone to see. Medusa was always capable of handling her own problems, so this should be no different. That's what she kept telling herself as she followed her daily routines robotically, but it was not the case.

Ana's memories haunted her every waking moment. They were a mix more powerful than her structured and disciplined self could suppress. Visions and glimpses were one thing, but remembering the heartbeat or the tears that ran down her smaller self's cheeks as she looked upon her-

No. She couldn't think that right now. If she was to hold onto her composure, she couldn't allow those memories to get to her here; Not when two of her companions were sitting comfortably across from her. With every fiber of her being, Medusa suppressed any shivers and kept her eyes glued on the book before her. She managed to read an entire paragraph before the words sent her tumbling into gloomy, fearful thought once more.

"…Medusa?" Quietly, the rider looked into the berserker's two-toned eyes and observed her companion was equally as curious.

Frankenstein wore her favorite custom caps for her array, which allowed her to squeeze that much closer to Anton. They shared the employee's long blue scarf that was wrapped around their necks while he read to her quietly. Since Da Vinci gave him the day off, his uniform had been exchanged for khakis and a jade polo. It matched and blended with the berserker's casual princess dress. As she stared, she realized she only noted what they wore now; She never even greeted them when they arrived.

"Are you alright?" Anton asked carefully, though his voice was gentle. The book they read was now partially closed in his lap as they gazed at her.

"Yes. I'm alright… I just have a lot on my mind, that's all," she quickly supplied. Though the couple across from her glanced to each other in concern, the man subtly nodded. They quietly went back to their reading, leaving the rider in relieved, but troubled, silence.

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

Fragment 48: Her Personal Teraphobia

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

In her weakened state, Merlin had suggested the best way to end the composite goddess Tiamat was for the Axe of Marduk to collapse on top of her. Doing so meant the entire complex would bring the entire mountain down due to its sheer size, but it was the best way to secure her death; Ana's scythe was incredibly potent, but their energy was dwindling while the giant adversary kept finding new reserves. With this in mind, Gudao had given Merlin the go ahead to weaken the roof.

Boulders and dust fell around them like rain, but the servants did all in their power to ensure Gudao's safety. Mashu had smashed the third boulder that threatened the master in her free arm. Shiki shot past, slicing another large one in half to sail clear past the escaping duo. With pinpoint accuracy, the dozens of Hassans ensured safe passage by bouncing their throwing daggers off of threatening, incoming rocks. With every leap, they grew closer to the massive cavern's exit.

Medusa and Brynhildr formed the tail, ensuring nothing chased them from behind. A few surviving hatchlings of the doomed second generation had come from split tunnels, threatening their escape. Thankfully, Hundred Face's specialty made decoys and evasion simple, but it always helped to have a fallback plan. The decision proved right as the anguished screams of the composite goddess reverberated through the chamber.

Beams from Gorgon's hair thrashed around them, forcing them to dodge. Her attacks harried the escaping group, but they kept focus; The axe was collapsing quickly. With the exit so close, they would only have to brave the questionable integrity of a small cave to reach the safe surface above. As Mashu reached the cavern's exit tunnel, she stopped to allow the master to turn back. He nodded to Medusa, so she turned to do her part.

"Ana! We're safe now! Regroup with us!" Medusa yelled out over the angry earth. She dodged falling debris with Brynhildr as they faced the fighting duo. Ana's scythe sliced into Gorgon's flank, forcing the goddess to keep her eyes focused on her. She slashed at the small lancer with her talons. Brynhildr looked at the rider in worry as the fight dragged on without pause. "Ana! We need to escape!"

"If… If I leave, she can still stun everyone!" Ana roared out over the composite goddess' attacks. Medusa's calm expression faltered as her small counterpart glanced back at her with determination. Even at the distance, though she could not see it behind her specialized blindfold, she could hear the resolve in her voice. It burned brightly in her cry, "I'll keep her mystic eyes locked with my own, so please… Save yourselves!"

"Ana! No! You have to escape with us! That was the plan!" Gudao cried out from further ahead. He flinched as Merlin vaporized a boulder from falling down on him and Mashu. The cascade was coming down harder, but even still, Ana kept fighting the fury-blinded goddess beneath the incoming reaper.

"I'm not your servant!" she yelled back, though not with disdain or hatred, but desperation. "I'm not following your order! …I have to do this! Run away already!"

Gudao and Mashu looked conflicted, but the surrounding servants were growing more concerned by the second. Slowly, and against their wills, they were ushered into the entrance tunnel as the massive executioner groaned down from above. Its lumbering edge inched closer towards the fighting pair in the center of the sprawling chamber. Medusa's gaze shifted back and forth between the cave, axe, and Ana-

Brynhildr gently grasped the rider's upper arm. Medusa turned to look at her and immediately felt the regret and sadness leaking through her voice. "…We have to go!"

"No! I'm not leaving Ana!" Medusa yelled as her composure cracked. Her sisters loved this tiny version like a second Christmas gift. She remembered how much they appreciated her smaller form months ago when influenced by the potion. Ana was like a gift to them, and she couldn't bear to tell her family she had failed to save her against her… older self. She reached for the Breaker Gorgon, ready to tear it off and assist her again. "I need to save her! I won't let her die! I can't-"

"Medusa! Run! Please! I beg you!" Ana cried out, letting out a pained scream as Gorgon's talons sank into her small form. Medusa' breath seized in her throat, hearing the blood curdling sound as the smaller counterpart's life force dripped from the gaping wound. Her childlike cries of torment even made Brynhidlr flinch beside her. With sudden urgency and desperation, Medusa struggled against the Valkyrie's new hold to wrench her blindfold off.

"Brynhildr! Let me go!" Medusa roared over the falling earth, but the lancer did not listen. They had to get out, she knew this… but Ana! She had to save-

"Medusa…!" the lancer cried out loudly, cutting the composite goddess' hand off with a swipe from the modified Harpe. The monstrous figure shrieked in pain as her hair flailed angrily, letting the lancer fall to the ground in a heap. The goddess' blood sprayed all over the little lancer, making her gasp for air. Medusa and Brynhildr's struggle ceased momentarily in equal indecision. Ana's pained voice made the decision for them, as she stared at the angry goddess to keep her own mystic eyes locked.

"…T-Tell… Tell Gabby I'm s-sorry!" she whispered as the tears fell from her eyes, knowing Medusa's hearing would catch it. She clutched her open wound with one hand as Gorgon lashed out against falling debris to preserve herself. "…And please, Medusa…! …Be happy…! M-Make our sisters happy… with the smile… they love! Cherish those lovely wreaths… Samila… g-gave to our family...! Do it… for both… of… us…"

Brynhildr quickly made her decision. She grabbed the frozen Medusa as she weakly reached out for her counterpart. She was unable to muster her monstrous strength through her despair. All Medusa could managed was a pained, heart-wrenching cry that made Brynhildr shut her eyes with guilt. "ANA!"

The Axe of Marduk finished its final approach, making the cavern shake with its deafening descent. Brynhildr repeatedly mouthed her apology to Medusa as she dodged them through the debris. The rider's shaking form still reached for the mortally wounded lancer, but the smaller counterpart only smiled. Medusa's heart cried as she heard the childish giggle of her counterpart clearly with her exceptional hearing.

"…Thank you…"

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

In the darkness of the room, Medusa's gasp was quickly stifled by one of her hands. Realizing she was hyperventilating, she focused on controlling her breaths. Her eyes remained shut due to an absurd fear for opening them; What if she was still in the memory?

Slowly, she opened her eyes, only to be greeted by her dark room. It was ridiculous to believe she was still trapped in the memories, but her shaking hand that grasped her bedsheets proved she did. With shallow breaths, she lowered her hand so she could gaze at it. Though it looked like her slender form, she could almost see the scaly talons of her monstrous counterpart. It scared and sickened the rider, making her scowl and curse herself.

Restful nights were impossible due to the vivid nightmares caused by the recent essence. She was glad Chaldea's Fate System prevented dreams from leaking properly between master and servant. With so many present, the many visions essentially countered each other unless a dedicated, shared channel was created beforehand. It was a boon for privacy, which Medusa wanted as much of as possible.

With her breathing stabilized, she looked around her room, which mimicked her sisters' perfectly. The sole exception was a large bookcase beside her bed that was custom built into the corner. Shaped like an L, it had an embedded nightstand next to her bed. Between it and the bookcase section hanging above, there was enough room for a porcelain lamp and her current reading material. She eyed the small alarm clock nearby that showed it was a little past four in the morning.

After waking up five times that night, she might as well get an early start.

With a sigh, she gently plucked the mystic glasses from their seat and put them on. After doing so, she turned on the lamp with the pull of its tiny brass chain. Her legs swung over the bed with cat-like grace, making the sheets barely ruffle with her movement. A white nightgown clung to her curves as she tiptoed across the room to her closet. While she gently smoothed her long hair with one hand, she contemplated whether to go to the library early or release stress by running the mountains.

Her tense muscles decided for her. With a swirl of prana, being careful not to wake her sisters, she was clad in her form-fitting battle dress. Gently, she took off her mystic glasses as she walked back to the lamp. Once the light had been shut off and her eyewear discarded, she quickly and silently exited her room without a sound. Her feet easily navigated their living room-

Medusa stopped by the coffee table as the nearby nightlight turned on due to motion activation. It was there on the rare occasion Asterios slept on their rug; It was difficult for his large hands to properly turn on the lights if he needed anything. Usually it would never bother her, but they illuminated the room's newest addition overhead. She didn't want to, but her body unconsciously turned to allow a brief glance at the precious gifts.

Hanging on the wall, caught by her peripherals, were the wreaths Samila gifted their whole family. The flowery arrangements of purest white, magically preserved with Helena's aid, glowed in the small illumination from the nightlight. The three hung symmetrically in a small triangle with their names within each. Asterios had been gifted a wreath as well, but it was in his personal room with the other berserkers. Hers was on the bottom beneath her sisters, but she had never touched it since delivering it for Chaldea to leyshift home.

It was Samila's gift, who had been nothing but motherly and compassionate to all of them. Helping her with the flower shop had been a wonderful experience, even with her smaller form occasionally teasing her for being the preferred little sister. It had been hellish enough to nearly lose her sisters because of her monstrous counterpart, but to lose Samila too? She hadn't even gotten to give a proper goodbye in her numbed state.

With clenched fists and increased self-loathing and fear, she knew that run through the mountains was now necessary.

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

Since her morning run, the day had been exceptionally mundane. She had skipped breakfast, opting instead to work at the library to give her companions an extra break. By lunchtime, she had decided she didn't have any appetite and offered to man the front desk again. Hans and Helena had given her a curious look, but Shakespeare enthusiastically accepted it without extra flair; She was glad he didn't go on one of his occasional soliloquys.

Thus, here she was, sitting at the front desk trying to pass the time by reading. Not wanting to put much effort into her clothes, she opted for a long-sleeved, black sweater dress. Her long hair was wrapped loosely in a large, casual bun that lay against the turtleneck top; She did not want to fight with her hair today. Though she received a few compliments from her coworkers, the outfit was decided primarily by her mood, first and foremost. It was at least very comfortable and non-distracting while she read.

Instead of a new book, she decided to reread one of the first ones she gazed upon since entering Chaldea. Several employees had talked highly about it, but it was by the male master's recommendation that she decided to delve into it. She was hoping the familiar paragraphs of the trilogy's first would distract her mind with vivid imagery. To her relief, Lord of the Rings did just that.

Reading the lines again made for a powerful distraction from her own troubles, but the occasional foreshadowing lines sometimes flipped a switch. Medusa had gone so many months thinking her past was behind her. She sighed in aggravation, questioning why it had to bring such a cascade of trouble and uncertainty into her daily routine. All she wanted to do was enjoy her new life here, just like many others. Couldn't she just have her relaxing days back-

She looked up from her book and noticed Gudao standing awkwardly on the other side of the desk. In his hands were two large books, covering most of his white polo with their size. He shifted back and forth in his black slacks before noting Medusa was now eyeing him. With a small smile and a nod, he at least roused a tiny chuckle from her. "Sorry, Gudao. I didn't notice you."

"It's alright. I know you love being engrossed in your books," the master replied as he quietly placed the books onto the desk. Medusa quickly laid her bookmarked reading material onto a clear spot on the desk. The process for checking which books out was made easier with a computer, but the inside covers still needed to be opened and scanned. Gudao handed her the first one, and she quickly noticed it was one of the newest retrievals.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
By C. S. Lewis

Noticing her pause, Gudao merely smiled. "I'm looking after the girls for Atalanta this afternoon. She and the Emiya family are on the supply run with Gabby. I volunteered since it's been a bit since I've gotten to look after them…"

"So you're reading to them then? I'm sure they'll like that," Medusa smiled softly as she scanned the first book.

Gudao nodded as he handed her the second one. "I hope they will! We finally got ahold of this series on yesterday's supply run… Only a dozen tries to finally find this."

The aged pieces of literature were in good condition, but they were larger and more illustrious than most; It would be awkward to read comfortably. She went to scan the second one, but its number made her confused. "…Gudao, did you mean to grab number six? I believe you wanted the second."

"Ah… yea, about that," Gudao chuckled. "There's a controversy involving the numbering of those books. Chronologically, the sixth one happens before the first but was published much later. It's a bit of a mess and often argued, really, so I thought I'd let the girls decide which one to start with."

Medusa slowly nodded in understanding as she scanned the item. "Always the considerate one."

The master scratched the back of his head. "I try. I don't like making a decision without the say of anyone involved. It makes me feel like a terrible person."

Medusa kept her small smile. Honest to a fault and more than considerate of privacy made Gudao a horrendous magus personality wise. It instead made for a considerate and thoughtful friend, and a satisfying master to work for. He was leagues better than dealing with Shinji, but had more assertion when necessary than Sakura.

She missed that female master, but she was glad to accept her current ones. If she ever did appear in Chaldea somehow, she'd be sure to brighten her day like these masters tried to do for them. Then again, there was a fear involving that too. She would get close to her again, and Medusa was currently filled with dread and fear over what may happen to herself. It was yet another troubling thought to her growing list.

Gudao's eyes flashed with a small curiosity, and concern, that made her stiffen unnoticeably. She would allow his gentle inquiry. "Medusa… Sorry to touch a sore subject, but… are you coping well?"

She paused as Gudao picked up the books. With a small sigh, she nodded her head. "…It's bearable. Please don't worry. I'll be alright."

"I won't push any further then." And that's what she appreciated from the male master; He knew when he would be invading. Gabrielle was much pushier, but it was always with the best of intentions. Thankfully, Gudao acknowledged that sometimes the best intent was to give space and privacy.

With a small smile, Medusa was glad she got lucky this summoning. "Have fun with the children."

"Without a doubt. The tropical air helps," Gudao chuckled as he nodded one final time to her. "I'll return them well before dinner. I hope you have a good day!"

"I'll try, thank you."

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

Only two hours until dinner yet her mood had noticeably soured. Medusa had noticed her coworkers giving her concerned glances, but she didn't want any sympathy. Sure she could appreciate it, but getting those looks wasn't making this any better. If anything, it just brought up her worries even further since it'd lead her train of thought back to the root of the problem. She knew it was only a matter of time before one of them came up to her, and her streak finally broke today.

With a clearly irritated sigh, she placed a book back into the cart without properly sorting it. Helena had approached with an uncharacteristically meek fiddling of her fingers. The purple sundress wearing caster quietly eyed the visibly irritated rider, waiting patiently for her permission. Medusa was glad Hans had disappeared into an aisle on the far side, while Shakespeare was asleep at the front desk; Hopefully they would not hear.

Medusa motioned with her hand, making her companion nod quietly. "Medusa… It's alright to talk to us if you need someone to listen. At least I am… I'm sure you don't want Hans' sharp opinion when it comes to… well…"

"You can say it," Medusa sighed as she picked the book back up, feeling the tension leak through her fingers. "My memorial essence. The clear vision of Ana becoming-"

"Medusa, you're not a monster," Helena asserted firmly, though she kept her voice low out of consideration.

The rider chuckled dryly. "Madam Blavatsky… I am Medusa. The feared monster of the Shapeless Isle. There's no denying what I had become, especially when I watched as… as I attacked my sisters weeks ago… I can't keep pretending I'm not some-"

"You're not, Medusa!" Helena shot back noticeably louder. "We've all seen it! You're steadfast and composed! You're kind to the few friends you have! To us!"

"…And how much longer until I ruin it all?" Medusa grumbled to herself. With narrowed eyes and a shaking hand, she put the book onto the shelf where it belonged.

There was no denying what Ana experienced. Her counterpart, in her dying breaths after the axe crushed their adversary, trapped under the ruined mountain, had somehow evolved into Gorgon. She had closed her eyes, feeling her life-force fade. When she woke... The memory itself was chaotic and blurry, but she felt the despair and grief over becoming the nightmare she fought so hard to slay. The newfound state saved her from vanishing, but she remained in that mountain for days.

Though her strength recovered by the second day, thanks to indirectly siphoning the energy of the slain second generation, she didn't move. She remained in that hellish, ruined chamber she carved out for herself and cried. Ana only wished to slay the abomination she loathed, yet she had then become that which she despised. She let loose her soul-crushing wails alone in that ruined mountain, wishing only for someone to end her misery. Those cries haunted her every day, making her question when it was her time to turn.

After making a comfortable place for herself here, she felt herself becoming a threat again. It was possible for her to become that monster just by overusing her own abilities, but she ensured that wasn't the case. Since her sisters arrived, she was determined to use her monstrous strength as little as possible. Was this just fate laughing at her? That she could try as she might, but she was doomed to become Gorgon anyway?

With all this now her fact of life... fulfilling that last request was impossible. Medusa couldn't even force herself to smile for her sisters. They had been a touch more distant themselves, and she believed it was out of fear for her. The rider couldn't blame them, but she couldn't make them smile either. She was the cause of their unhappiness, without a doubt. It hurt and frustrated her, but not more than knowing she would once again be their demise if she didn't do somethin-

"Everyone pens their own fate, Medusa. Grasping the past like a child clutching its mother before taking its first steps is just a reflexive thought," Medusa's eyes narrowed as she gazed up. The male caster in a blue suit stared back evenly with arms crossed. He had come over, but she did not notice when during their sudden silence. "If you wish to ruin everything, you will do so. If you desire against it, your self-fulfilling prophecy will not manifest."

Medusa scoffed. "Whether I wish it or not, there's no mistaking what happened. Ana turned into Gorgon against her wishes."

Helena turned to Hans in silent concern, and even the male caster looked at a momentary loss for words. It was a topic that was not discussed outside of the command circle of Chaldea, so many were still left in the dark over that incident. Knowing the facts couldn't be denied, Medusa huffed. "I'm thankful it was Ana's memories I got and not Gorgon's… the last thing I want is to turn into the monster without warning… at least now I can prepare myself."

Immediately recognizing what she meant, Hans unfolded his arms to glare at her. "Just like that? You're going to throw everything you've been gifted away out of uncertainty?"

This was the decision she came up with. For the best interest of her companions and family, she had to push herself away before she turned into that abomination. Though her memories of her monstrous state were non-existent, she could still remember the slow satisfaction that grew with every death. This time, there would be no humans to slowly give her that taste; Her memories returning would be all that's necessary… and it horrified her.

"It's for the best. It'll hurt less for all of you when I finally turn into your enemy," Medusa spat quickly as she briskly walked past the two. Before they could ask where she's going or stop her, she interrupted. "…I'm leaving early. Don't try and stop me."

As her emotions raged out of control, and she fought to suppress them, Medusa left her two friends staring. She passed by Shakespeare, who quickly woke up at the desk while she pushed the doors open. As she disappeared into the hallway, the confused playwright scratched his head and yawned. Quietly, he looked around the room and spotted the crestfallen face of Helena and an angry Hans. He tilted his head in confusion as Hans seethed. It wouldn't be much longer for an answer.

"Unbelievable!" Hans shouted, breaking the harshly defended rule of the library. "Out of consideration, I held back, and then she does this! Is she sightless with or without that blindfold of hers!? To cherry pick facts that suit her narrative, only to discard the other truths that fill the remaining pages! Has she learned absolutely nothing by being present in this absurd place!?"

"What choice words! And here I always imagined you loved the tragedy, dear Anderson," Shakespeare quickly boomed, making Helena frown at him. "Ah, but this is no laughing matter. I presume this has to do with our dear Miss Medusa's growing tale? Her sole thoughts finally given voice?"

"I appreciate a well-written and compelling tale, but this is nonsense!" Hans retorted with a scoff as Helena gawked at Shakespeare's unintentional pun. "Satisfied! She was merely satisfied with her life, and now she's become absolutely terrified of becoming what she fears! She's terrified of ruining it all, so to solve her conundrum… she resolved to destroy everything! What outright hypocrisy! I actually thought better of her!"

"Will you two be more considerate and sympathetic for Medusa!?" Helena shot back angrily. "Put yourself in her shoes! Medusa had a terrible, tragic life! That memorial essence has probably wreaked havoc on her emotions and reminded her of something terrible! She's afraid of losing everything she's gained and chooses the only way to preserve that happiness for the rest of us! Even if it means shutting herself away in fear and anger over becoming a monster again! Now are we going to keep talking about her condition or are we going to figure a way to help the poor girl find her way again!?"

Calming herself down, Helena glared at Hans, only to see he was staring at her blankly. Confused, she noticed his small glances towards Shakespeare and the door. Slowly, she turned to see what the other two casters noticed as she went about her own tirade: There was suddenly a fourth person accidentally listening.

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

Medusa did everything in her power to ensure she didn't stomp through the windowed hall towards Salon de Marie.

Her small trip outside did little to cool her nerves, so she thought of a different plan. Though dinner was still an hour away, it was looking completely unappetizing, so it felt best to forgo that option. Instead, she wished to pacify her dread with some alcohol. She loved a fine liquor, and it would do much to soothe her anger. Perhaps if she was feeling up to it, she'd drink more than enough to put herself into a numb stupor.

Maybe then she would actually have a decent night's sleep…

She eyed an employee, not caring she had a potent glare behind her glasses or the fury she emitted. The lone male looked at her and recoiled in shock, smacking his side into the wall to gain as much distance as possible from the rider. As she passed, keeping a small look aimed at him, he managed to break through his own palpable fear. With scampering, slipping feet, the man scurried down the hall as fast as possible, earning looks from several others.

Medusa only huffed and kept walking, even if the incident grated her shattering nerves. That man wore a similar look so many men did as they begged for their lives. Many brave warriors came to the shapeless isle in droves, looking to slay the so-called monster to obtain her sisters. Sometimes they would meet with Stheno and Euryale, while many others the warriors would encounter her. For almost all, it was the same arrogant look that turned into sheer terror.

It irked and irritated her at first, but slowly she had begun to relish it. Seeing the look of fear on a human's face was a welcome change from the airs and declarations of hatred many gave her. Slowly, she reveled in their helplessness before she took their lives. It had become a blessing for her among the endless torment and loneliness. It was her first steps down the road to becoming that which she reviled.

Medusa gazed up as another employee turned into the windowed hallway from a smaller corridor. He nearly ran into her with his head glued to a clipboard. "Shoot! Sorry ma'am-!"

It terrified her that a part of her was amused in that look of goofy, dumbfounded fear on yet another employee's face. He froze, practically petrified before her moody glare. There was the hint of satisfaction in seeing it, and it set off that runaway train of thought once more. Maybe it was already happening. Maybe she was becoming Gorgon again so soon? She wanted to apologize, but the man was already scampering away in fear.

She sighed and clenched her fists, practically stomping the rest of the way to the French parlor. She was grateful to pass the opened library door without incident, but she tried to calm herself. She couldn't enter the salon with such a displeased look without drawing further, aggravating attention. She just wanted to be left alone and possibly cool down; That alcohol was looking more welcoming by the second.

Passing the cafeteria, she only walked by a robot doing cleaning duties. It barely gave her a glance before continuing its routine, thankfully leaving her be. There was only a small stretch before the salon now, but she was having doubts on whether to enter. She wasn't cooling down fast enough, so going to Lex at Club Cove was looking more appealing. With a sigh, she rubbed her forehead in irritation as the door to the salon came within just a few steps of-

"…Medusa? Is there anything I can do to help you?"

A male voice spiked her irritation once more, but in her annoyance and desire to be left alone, she didn't recognize it. She glared up and spat quickly, "Leave me be if you know what's good for-!"

In absolute terror and guilt, she froze as she looked at the startled Anton. The glint of fear and concern mixed in his eyes like a melting pot, and he took a step back out of reflex. To his credit, the man didn't retreat or squabble. The programming genius merely stared at Medusa as she covered her mouth and took a hesitant step away. Her hand shook as she tried to control her breathing.

That look in his eyes had shaken all her thoughts free. In that moment, she realized what could be as she stared at her regular, human friend. She could almost visualize the full terror on his face as she slashed into the kind soul, and it raked her heart like a rain of blades. Unconsciously, she took another step away as her eyes narrowed in self-loathing anger and disappointment. To her dismay, it made Anton look around uncertainly, almost like he was looking for help.

"Medusa, pardon me! I didn't mean to upset you so mu- Medusa!? Medusa!"

The rider didn't register that his look of fear was for accidentally upsetting her. She didn't even acknowledge that he cared for her wellbeing. All she was concerned with was running as far away as fast as possible, hoping she wouldn't hurt her friend or anyone else any further. With fear tearing into her soul, she was afraid it was already too late to stop anything, and that her own sense of happiness was forever gone. She bolted as fast as possible down the new hallway, hoping she could find a quiet place for a desperate respite.

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

Nearly dragging her fleet slowly, Medusa gazed forward at the farthest edge of the Tropicana sector. She was only a few more meters from the solitary park benches and lush grass that served as a romantic spot for couples. With the illusionary boundary allowing the ocean to stretch far into the distance, it made for an incredible sight in the amber light. In the distance, the sun was getting ready to dip its tips into the horizon within the next hour.

With a dreadful look, the rider didn't bother looking at any of it. Her composure had finally collapsed, making her shamble forward in a daze. Upon reaching the soft grass by the gravel shore, she allowed her legs to surrender so her knees could kiss the ground. Her breathing was shallow and desperate, but she paid no attention to it as her fears thrashed her mind. In her attempts to get as far away as possible, she unconsciously ran to a place that could remind her of the Shapeless Isle.

How many times had she stared out across the empty sea, wondering when the next humans would arrive with hatred in their hearts? It felt familiar, yet it was so vastly different. Even as the cool, tropical breeze tried to tickle her skin as her hands fell limp on the soft grass, she couldn't shake her fears. She was no longer in Fantasia Resort, for her mind had brought her back to that rocky, cold Shapeless Isle.

She brought her hands up slowly to her face, looking numbly at her slender hands. Once more, she would blink and see the scaly appendages. Some of her hair had come loose from its bun, and the moving breeze made them feel alive and hissing. With a shiver, she wrapped her arms around her sweater dress, suddenly feeling cold and vulnerable.

This was not how Medusa would act, but she didn't have a choice. Terror, fury, frustration, and more roiled within her mind, fighting for control over what she should do. Even among the negative grasps, there was the small voice of reason and optimism she had gained in her stay. It begged her not to do any of this, but how could she listen after what she witnessed this past singularity? How could she believe she wouldn't turn into the Gorgon and potentially ruin this new home she's come to appreciate?

Gritting her teeth, Medusa glared out towards the sea, lost and confused. Her hurricane raged on, throwing the wildest of ideas into her head. She questioned the uncertain woman who sat here, since the real Medusa was always coolheaded and knew what to do. With another blink, she dared to question why she could have ever hoped not to become that monster. On the tiniest slither of a thought, she even dared to believe she could redeem herself by ending it all before the carnage started. That thought unnerved her further but was immediately discarded.

Medusa didn't know what to do, so she did the only thing that soothed her. She sat there silently, staring endlessly into that open ocean as distant voices rang into the air. The waves gently lapped at the gravel shore and the sun embraced her with its warmth. All she could feel was the coldness and uncertainty as that menacing shadow loomed in her heart. Just like Ana, Medusa felt helpless, and was ready to accept that her destiny was to become-

"Medusa!" Two small pairs of arms quickly wrapped around her. Her daze was shattered as her square pupils regained focus, but filled with dread. She glanced to her sides at her older sisters who kept their embraces tight to capture her crossed arms. Their matching, white off-shoulder dresses held a tint of yellow and some new grass stains from diving to the ground. She looked back to the ocean, not wanting to gaze into their eyes.

The rider couldn't handle that sight. She had grown so accustomed to seeing the dismissive and teasing glances of her sisters, that the desperate glint in their eyes was unbearable. There was rarely a time she could recall them so close to the precipice of tears and despair, and she never liked it. Her sisters were strong, devious, and proud. For them to look at her with such overflowing worry, even knowing what she could become…

"Medusa! Why didn't you tell us!?" Stheno and Euryale asked at the same time. They tightened their embrace, but Medusa only shivered beneath it.

"Please… Let me go…" Medusa cowered with a defeated voice; She didn't even sound like her strong, stoic self anymore. "Please… Leave me…"

"No! We'll never leave you! All we wanted was to be considerate by giving you your space and time to sort it out!" They replied together as their eyes shined with tearful determination. "We didn't mean to hurt you this much! We promise we're not abandoning you! You're our sister!"

There was no doubt Medusa should have understood this. She was well aware their teasing and belittling, as much as it got to her, was only a rough way of showing their affection. When no one was looking, like right now, they would tone it down slightly, but noticeably, and treat her fairly. This sudden amount of pure affection, while a welcome sight, only mildly surprised her. Regardless, the ones she feared hurting the most were now beside her, and their open worry didn't change the fact-

"I'm a monster!" Medusa screamed, shocking the two girls. As she glared angrily towards the ocean, she growled in self-disdain and mounting terror. "Just get away from me! Leave your useless sister before she kills you again! Just leave me alone before it's too late!"

"Never!" Euryale shouted as tears raced down her cheeks. "Stop blaming yourself for that! We're responsible for what happened too!"

"We're not abandoning you, Medusa! You're not a monster, nor will you become that monster again!" Stheno shot back with a tightened grip and a disapproving, weepy glare. "You're suffering! Euryale and I will not let you suffer alone! We're your sisters!"

"Let us help you!" they cried together, but Medusa only attempted to break free from their hold. Her attempts were far weaker than anyone thought possible. Just the amount of affection they were showing was staggering compared to their usual family teasing. "Medusa! Please tell us-"

"I don't want to hurt my friends and family!" the rider roared as her struggling grew pitifully weak. "Please! Just pull yourself away before I become like Ana!"

"Stupid!" The twins yelled together, but buried their crying eyes into their sister's sweater. "You are our Ana! You're our beloved little sister and we're not leaving until you understand how much we love you! Stop trying to push us away when all we want right now is to make you happy!"

Finally, Medusa fractured. Whether it was the open admission they only ever inferred or the sound of her sisters' heartbreaking tears of sadness was irrelevant. The stress and desperation finally cracked her open like an egg, and Medusa opened her mouth as she freely wept. After being strong and composed for so long, holding everything in, she let her tears freely slide down her cheeks and soak her turtleneck. She allowed her sisters to embrace her tightly, wetting her sleeves in equal despair.

No terrible thoughts haunted her as she cried. The glittering tears stole the frustration and anger away, filling her with relief with every escaping drop. It was soothing like the tropical breeze, but her heart remained shadowed by turmoil and concern. She had heard such wonderful words that reassured her of the shades lurking in her mind, but she was still worried. Yet, it was this closeness she feared losing that she also loved and relished.

This precious piece of her happiness was what she wanted to abandon in order to save them.

Time ticked by, but their tears were slow to stop. Medusa wasn't sure how many minutes had passed until she noticed how close the sun was to the horizon. With blurry eyes, she sniffled and gently broke one arm free to remove her glasses. After quietly wiping her eyes as sobs raked her form, she replaced her frames to see both of her sisters looking at her miserably. They loosened their embrace only to reposition themselves in front of her.

Each one gently grasped one of her hands, holding it in their own as she gazed between them. The rider looked down at their ruined clothes and frowned. "…your dresses..."

"Forget the stains, our sister is more important!" they declared together, making the rider show the tiniest hint of a smile. It made them glint with satisfaction too. "…Are you going to stop running now?"

Medusa slowly nodded her head as she sniffled, making the two sisters gently rub her hands in reassurance. Her weak voice broke free from her lips, "…I'm afraid… I'm so scared…"

"Everyone's afraid of something…" Stheno replied softly. "You're afraid of losing us again or making us unhappy… but we're afraid of the same for you."

"We chose to be devoured by you that time, Medusa. Don't forget that… We blamed ourselves for what became of you too…" Euryale declared as she wiped her eyes. "We couldn't bear to see our little sister like that either."

The rider reluctantly looked at the archer. "But even if I don't want to... I could still become-"

"No you won't! We'll make sure of that! Family promise!" Stheno and Euryale interrupted quickly. "We've been putting this off for too long! This time, it's our turn to take care of you too!"

After blinking with slight relief, she sighed in comfort as her eyes softened. "…I like it when you're this nice to me."

"Maybe we do tease you far too often… but we do love you," Stheno reaffirmed with a small smile. "We just love seeing your reactions."

"I'm hardly cute…" Medusa replied, feeling a different version of self-loathing enter her system. Her height and size were often a point of ridicule for them. Her adorable sisters were so much closer to her own ideal, and she also liked her smaller form better. Perhaps if she were to request a change-

"No, you're right. You're not cute… You're beautiful," Euryale responded, making the rider turn to her again as Stheno nodded in approval. "…I think it's better that way... We have the most beautiful little sister who's overprotective of her much cuter family."

To her surprise, Stheno pulled out the rider's flowery wreath from Samila. Without hesitation, she gently crowed Medusa with it. Slowly, the rider reached up and felt the wreath on her head, feeling the tingling warmth as it sat on her hair. Her sisters smiled, "Make no mistake… You'll always be our Ana... stupid."

Medusa finally allowed herself a small smile, which made her sisters' own expression brighten. They turned to each other with uncertain glances, making the rider's worry return. Quickly, they sighed and faced her with a new emotion that mixed with their relief and satisfaction. It came out barely above a whisper from the two twins. "…And we'll always secretly a bit envious of your beauty…"

"…What…?" Medusa was absolutely floored by that statement. She was confused, because their family's ideal of beauty was always small and petite. To be tall and curvy like her was grotesque. The sudden admittance was baffling, and her sisters' giggles confirmed she now wore a stunned expression.

Stheno quickly answered, though with a drip of annoyance and curious embarrassment. "D-Don't let that get to your head or anything! The general opinion of others isn't like ours! They prefer beautiful, grown women… and we look like children to them..."

"Children!" Euryale cried out incredulously. "Some even say if it wasn't for our charm and alluring presence, we'd be unattractive! You know how aggravating that is for us!"

Medusa blinked and looked between the two in surprise and growing amusement. They puffed their cheeks and pouted, "There, okay? We admitted we're envious of your beauty! Since you're jealous we kept our cute form, that makes us even… but it also makes us proud of having the most beautiful little sister!"

"...Most beautiful?" she mouthed to herself, still trying to take in the amount of true family affection she only ever subtly perceived.

As the rider opened her mouth, Euryale turned to the eldest. "Quick! She's going to brush it off! Do you have the evidence to prove it?"

"I thought you had it!" Stheno shook her head in dismay. "Argh! We're not as synchronized as we thought!"

They quickly turned back to the confused Medusa, but Euryale quickly answered before she could ask. "Do you remember that slimeball Anton picked a fight with?"

"He and his friends passed a list around to vote on the hottest, most beautiful woman in Chaldea before he got jailed," Stheno completed as she smiled with pride. "You were number one with over half of the votes. It wasn't even a contest. The rest were closely tied, but Mata Hari and Scathach tied for second."

"Roman ordered a robot to destroy it, but we convinced the robot that we would do it instead," they replied together, but stared at each other in dismay. "…We didn't even make the list! We thought we'd be at least in the top ten! Yet you beat out everyone like it was a walk in the park!"

Suddenly amused that she beat her sisters in something, Medusa looked between them and giggled. With her tear stains drying on her cheeks, the rider held a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter. Instead of getting angry, her sisters only held mild annoyance that did little to mar their bright smiles. They quickly leaned in and hugged their little sister happily, trapping the rider's hands once more with their move. "…You're smiling again!"

A tear raced down Medusa's cheek and wet Stheno's forehead. The assassin gasped in dismay before seeing her sister was crying out of happiness. With a warm smile that matched Medusa's, the two sisters teared up again and embraced their sibling. "We're sorry if our teasing sent the wrong message... We'll always be here for our beautiful sister! We promise we'll tone down it down if it means seeing you smile more!"

"…and I promise not to bottle things up again," Medusa relented as she gently tried to free her hands to hug back. "…Thank you-"

A shower of golden dust behind the youngest sister caused the two eldest to gasp. Before Medusa could ask what was wrong, the loud wailing and massive arms announced Asterios' presence. He grabbed all of them in a warm, but tight, embrace and openly sobbed. His tears raced down his cheeks and rained down on the trio trapped in his loving arms. Though Medusa was still stunned, her older sisters were far more active in their discontent struggling.

"No sad! No sad time! Crying bad!" the over-sized, red tunic-clad Asterios wept as he gently cradled them. "Be happy! Smiles are lovely! Smile with happiness and joy!"

"Asterios!? Aren't you supposed to be with Medea!?" Stheno cried out in surprise. Apparently he had somehow gotten word.

"You dummy!" Euryale cried out half-heartedly as her eyes remained wet. "We're past the sad part!"

"Let us go, Asterios!" Stheno cried out as she wriggled under the entrapping grasp. The berserker only cried louder, much to the dismay of the elder sisters. It was a different story for the rider though, who was trapped in the affectionate arms of her family, new and old. She smiled warmly as her eyes glistened.

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

"Before our manicure session, we're going to brush your hair. Don't put it in such a lazy bun next time! You'll blemish its sheen!" Euryale criticized as she gently undid the knots of her youngest sister's hair.

Medusa smiled and nodded subtly as they continued walking, all while the middle sister kept her careful task. The archer was held gently by Asterios as he followed them, allowing her to continue her work undistracted. Stheno walked beside Medusa, smiling in satisfaction now that their little sister had her own smile back. Even still, the rider's eyes glinted with concern and worry, which the twins promised would disappear as soon as they reached Club Cove.

After strolling across the boardwalk in comfortable silence, Medusa immediately noticed a small group exiting the flower garden. Gudao, Frankenstein, and Anton waved their way and began walking towards them. The berserker in a white wrap dress happily walked beside the employee, but kept a concerned glint aimed her way.

However, it was the final member who staggered her. Though her family looked unsurprised, Medusa could only stare in confusion at the white-haired magus who walked quietly between the two Chaldeans. His long hair glistened like a sparkling rainbow under the light, and he had his arms crossed in satisfaction over his robes upon seeing her. With a simple wave and chuckle, the mighty caster acted like he had been here the whole time.

"Medusa… you okay…?" Frankenstein asked in concern, and was answered by a brief nod.

"…Mostly. Thank you, Fran." Medusa replied as the two groups united. She turned to Arturia's Court Magician in perplexity. "…Merlin? When did you arrive?"

The magus merely chuckled. "It's good to see you too, Ana, or so I've been informed~! I just decided to stop by, say hi to everyone, and claim my room. I got a lot more things to check and ensure from Avalon, but I'll be a resident here soon enough~!"

Though she felt a lingering irritation from Ana's memories, Medusa kept her smile. She turned to her friends, but Anton bowed apologetically first, making Medusa quirk an eyebrow. "I apologize, Medusa. I overheard your coworkers talking and got concerned… and nosy again. I believed I upset you just by approaching… and I admittedly panicked and ran to Gudao for appropriate advice."

"He's the reason we came for you," Stheno pointed out casually. The employee scratched his head in guilty embarrassment as his girlfriend gently squeezed his other hand.

"I should be the one apologizing, Anton…" Medusa replied with a shake of her head. "You deserved better than that."

"I'm hopeful it can all be overlooked. You've been under serious stress from those memories," Gudao stated with a sympathetic smile. The two nodded in agreement. The master turned to Medusa with his expression falling serious. "I don't like poking the sore subject for the second time today, but it's apparent you're concerned about turning into Gorgon. As we ran here with your sisters, Merlin revealed his theory regarding that."

With hopeful tension, Medusa turned to the caster who wore a rare, serious expression. To her relief, he presented a reassuring smile absent of any mischief. "As servants, it's impossible to completely morph the material body without a powerful, external source. The Chaos Tide during the seventh singularity is one example which directly tampered with our allied Ushiwakamaru's spiritual core. It essentially rewrote her information. Just having memories can't do that. You can't just turn into Gorgon."

Before she could interrupt, Stheno gently grasped Medusa's hand. She looked at her eldest uncertainly, feeling relief in the small smile of her sister. Nodding gently to her, she quietly turned back and withheld her interjection. Merlin nodded at the clear sign to continue.

"Composite Goddess Gorgon was a potent mixture of Tiamat and Gorgon. The properties of her blood were further changed due to the mixture, and if my vision was correct, then Ana was doused with a large amount of it, no? With her own wounds present, the blood likely mixed. It's just a theory, but I believe some weakened Chaos Tide characteristics were infused in her blood, because the real Tiamat is able to freely generate it. It would certainly explain why she had transformed on death's door."

"As summary, he believes the extreme and specific circumstances caused an unintentional transformation," Gudao finished hopefully with a smile. "I think the only part of you that will ever be Gorgon is your last name so long as you're against it. Just to be sure, though, we promise to keep you as far away from any other Gorgons from here on out... and we'll figure out what to do if any strange memorial essence should arrive."

It was difficult to believe at first, but she grasped for it. There was logic behind those words, and it was clear she missed that possibility. So long as those circumstances didn't happen again, she would be safe. Her personal moderation of her monstrous strength was easy enough to manage, so there was no fear of that either. Slowly, Medusa felt her weakness evaporating from her mind.

"Feel better, stupid?" Stheno and Euryale asked together with bright smiles. Medusa looked at both of them with relief, even as Euryale kept playing with her hair.

Reassured was an understatement. She also felt guilty and embarrassed that she hadn't considered the circumstances before. It was likely the sheer amount of fear and anxiety that she allowed to control her upon receiving the memories. Now, it seemed like a distant joke and embarrassing episode. She had nearly abandoned everything in her scared state, hoping she could at least preserve their happiness if not hers. In her terror, she had forgotten their happiness was intertwined with hers.

To them, she was Medusa, youngest of the three Gorgon sisters. A cherished family member or friend they've come to appreciate. They looked past her myth and legend to cherish the individual who merely lived a quaint, satisfying existence in Chaldea. Long ago, she never cared much for being appreciated, but now it was her saving grace.

Her resolve was renewed. Selfishly, she would gladly cling to those who helped give her the window for happiness. In return, she'd do what she could to ensure they basked in the same satisfaction for their kindness. She would keep Ana's promise, but go much further than that. She'd remain vigilant of who she was, but she'd finally let go to see what else she could discover for herself. With a smile like sparkling diamonds, the rider nodded with overflowing gratitude.

"…I feel hungry," Medusa chuckled, making her family laugh in delight. The others smiled as the rider turned to Merlin. Slowly, her smile took on a sly curve with a teasing glint in her alluring eyes. The caster raised an eyebrow as Medusa smirked. "Thank you, Merlin… perhaps you shouldn't 'go die' quite yet."

"What!? After being so awfully considerate and truthful, you're going to treat me like Ana did too!? I didn't even think about pulling a trick on anyone or anything!" Merlin asked incredulously. Everyone else was filled with pleasant laughter.

"You did greet me as Ana…" Medusa reminded with a sly tone, making him groan in realization. Combined with the wonderful laughter, it echoed in her ears like the perfect melody.

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

Dinner had passed wonderfully in the company of friends and family. To end the day on an even better note, her sisters insisted she should join them for a manicure session in the living room. Usually Medusa would just find something else to do as not to bother them, but they were determined to make her a part of it from now on. Their adamant determination and personal guilt was palpable, and she knew all they wanted was to ensure she would never question their love for her again.

Thus, here she was, sitting on their couch in a white robe that matched the ones her older sisters wore. She smiled, feeling the flowery wreath that rested gently on her head to mirror theirs. Kiyohime and Tamamo, in their own white robes, were more than welcoming of the newest addition to the twice-weekly get-togethers. She felt awkward at first, but the two Japanese servants were friendly and understanding. Maybe it was partly because they could emphasize with her ordeal, but she wouldn't question it.

That was behind her now, and she looked forward to the future.

"Your first manicure, yet your nails are perfect. I'm jealous," Kiyohime stated with a dumbfounded tone as she held Medusa's hand steady. With careful precision, the berserker carefully painted the rider's nails a vibrant purple to match her hair. "Your material body is too perfect."

"I wouldn't say perfect…" Medusa moved to counter, making her sisters look at her dryly. Out of instinctual fear, she quickly backtracked. "I-I mean thank you!"

"That's better! Take pride in your beauty! You're one of the prestigious Gorgon Sisters!" her older siblings declared with proud smirks.

Tamamo and Kiyohime giggled as the fox caster began pouring them some hot tea. Medusa watched her ears twitch happily as she filled each cup on the coffee table, ensuring her other hands remained in the soak bowl. With perfect precision, she accomplished both just fine. She began moving the first cups to her sisters, who were busy filing each other's nails.

Medusa never got to see it before, but they mirrored their manicure actions perfectly. Even after so many times seeing it, Tamamo and Kiyohime clearly enjoyed the exact action, as if they really were a mirror. Noticing the silence, the two looked between the three in curiosity. They were met with silence, followed by comfortable giggling as the movie played on their television.

Occasionally the berserker would pause in her painting to eye the screen briefly with Tamamo. The romantic comedy they chose was approaching heartwarming territory, if the yearning look in their eyes was anything to go by. They both burst into laughter as something happened on the screen, but she didn't see what. Even her sisters were giggling as the girl and boy on screen frantically tried to untangle themselves from a supposed mess.

The rider truthfully wasn't paying any attention to the playing film, since she was more content with her current predicament. Her life was moving in a comfortable new direction. She could imagine her usual solitude would partially vanish, which was a shame. She did enjoy some alone time for herself, but if it was to be replaced by simple, welcome moments like this, she'd be content- No, something mundane like this was more than just simple satisfaction.

She's happy she gets to feel so appreciated, and could fulfill Ana's last requests.

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

Helena peeked over one of the bookcases and smiled towards the quietly humming Medusa.

Enjoying her break, she sat at her regular couch in a strapless, black dress with a purple waist sash. Her sisters had been adamant on their little sister emphasizing her beauty by wearing flattering clothing more often. Her hair had been brushed by them that morning, ensuring it was as perfect as one of the Gorgon goddesses should be. Her smile, which was small but powerful, had been guaranteed with her sisters' increased fondness and pampering.

Sure they still used some demeaning words and teases, but she never felt more satisfied and loved.

Frankenstein sat beside Medusa quietly, browsing the magazine she held for both of them. She gently smoothed the hem of her pastel blue sundress, but kept her eyes focused on the many surfboards on the pages. Her eyes danced in curiosity while Medusa kept gently humming to herself. Their browsing only paused as the berserker's eyes shined with the approach of quiet footsteps on the lush carpeting.

"Hey you two," Anton greeted in a whisper as he loosened his staff tie.

"Hi, Honey!" Frankenstein returned quietly, but with a chipper tone as Medusa nodded quietly to him. He took his place across from them, tossing a curious glance at the sports magazine Medusa had open. Compared to her many different novels she always read, this was a huge change of pace. He slowly smiled in recognition.

"Fran wanted to learn how to surf. I think I'd make a great teacher," Medusa stated with a proud smile. It grew when Anton nodded without pause.

"Best teacher… Mordred's too overeager…" Frankenstein corrected, making the three chuckle lightly.

Hans passed by with a blank expression, staring at the lone magazine by her novels. Though he shook his head lightly, he nodded to Medusa with a small tinge of a smirk. The rider merely huffed playfully his way as he disappeared. With her fears gone, she was more than happy to pursue her own endeavors with renewed vigor. Though many consisted of growing that bond of appreciation with her family and friends, there were still some pursuits she knew she might have to do alone. There were still some monsters that had to be subdued alone.

Medusa glanced at the discarded motorcycle magazine and smirked. After all, she too had a competitive side that needed to be tamed somehow.