Arjuna was a blur of white among flurries, but she could see him clearly. Flying backwards, her mind memorized every painful second of this moment. Ebony eyes remained calm and collected, even as blood trickled from his mouth. Droplets of red joined the pure snow as they sailed past him; None of the snowflakes would dampen his impact from the fall or against her heart.
Anishka couldn't even mouth a word as she watched her failure.
With a crack that sundered the quiet mountain range amid the gentle snowfall, Arjuna slammed into the side of the supporting mountain. The battle clad servant vanished amid the packed snow, only to be buried further by the incoming avalanche. Any marks of his impact were gone, yet she could still sense him. She knew he was alright, but that didn't soothe her raging emotions. Her mind was scrambling as her legs threatened to collapse beneath her.
Still, Chaldea's master-to-be stood in her station's uniform. The accompanying long coat in matching design felt suffocating, burning her like the lone tear that raced down her cheek. Her stomach felt sick as she struggled to keep any form of composure at the Training Grounds, yet she was failing miserably, just like she did moments before. Her breath hitched as she wiped her tear away, but the stain on her soul remained.
Beside her, Karna remained calm and composed. With arms at his sides, the equally combat-ready lancer turned towards Arjuna's opponent, who stood with crossed arms. Clad in only a pair of black sweatpants, Beowulf's weapons were nowhere in sight. His eyes glanced between Arjuna's landing spot, Karna, and herself. Finally, as they made eye contact, she could see the emotion in the scarred blonde's garnet stare.
Sympathy. Beowulf, the mighty hero and king of the Geats, gazed at her apologetically. She did not want that, nor did he want him to strike Arjuna so aggressively. She wanted to blame him- No! That was improper, and it wasn't his fault!
She could only truly blame herself. This was part of her training, and she had failed spectacularly. Even if Arjuna trusted her and wanted to prove that… because of her inability and hesitation…
Snow exploded from the mountainside, causing yet another avalanche as Arjuna gracefully jumped through the air. Her heart filled with relief, but equal parts mounting shame. The archer landed perfectly on the battlefield, as if Beowulf never struck him so heavily in the gut a minute before. Standing straight, with his coat blowing in the windy mountain gale, he turned to her with his ever firm and emotionless expression.
It pierced her, but not more than his next, calm words. "I believe it should be out of your system now. Let us continue."
"…What?" Anishka managed to quietly whisper, though it was not drowned in the surrounding winds. Karna looked to her quietly, then back to Arjuna as Beowulf stared at the archer in disbelief. Arjuna merely rematerialized his bow, leaving the faint trail of trickled blood on his otherwise flawless face.
"I am ready again, Beowulf." Even as the berserker shook his head and got back into a fighting stance, the archer kept his gaze locked on the Indian woman. "Anishka. As I've informed you before, I will make no moves or attacks unless you command them. I will be helpless before the enemy."
Her anxiety was rising again. "Arjuna! Please! Why would-!"
"It's for your sake, Anishka." She turned to Karna in disbelief as he glanced towards her. In his eyes, she could see the subtle hints of his hidden emotions. It had taken her months to spot them within him and Arjuna, but there was no longer any doubt. Karna was serious, just as Arjuna was, and there would be no convincing them otherwise.
"Enough idling," Arjuna proclaimed as he turned back towards Beowulf. The berserk, fists ready to strike, stared back firmly. "Beowulf. Once more. Let us fight."
Anishka's heart hammered at her chest as Beowulf nodded. "Right then. Just remember… this was all your idea."
His muscles tensed, while Arjuna's remained calm. He crouched briefly and shot towards the archer, but he did not even blink. Karna looked to Anishka quietly as her hand shook before her. The gap was closing, meter by meter, yet her words were frozen in her throat. Failure was knocking on her door once more as Arjuna remained a statue.
No! She couldn't disappoint one of her heroes again! She had a duty and responsibility as a future master. It was her newfound duty to help assist them however she could and whenever they needed. To let them down would be unbecoming of her, and belittle the expectations everyone had for her.
Struggling against her mental and emotional binds, Anishka urgently screamed.
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Fragment 63: Meeting Expectations
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Steam still drifted within the bathroom as the shower head gently dripped. The bathtub setup, a luxury request from a conceited yet deceased master, slowly drained of remaining blobs of water. A lone mat, which matched the damp fluffy blue towel on the rack, was folded and neatly placed on the lip of the bathtub. The towel's companion was still wrapped around Anishka's head to help dry her hair after a warm shower.
She needed it to help remove the lingering images of a past memory, which had returned as a dream.
Even a week later, that nightmare had been a wake-up call. She later learned to appreciate it, but only after she recovered from her own shaking nerves. Anishka had passed Arjuna's sudden test, and maneuvered him to safety without causing harm to either of them. Karna had nodded in approval. Rama had praised her.
Still, she felt ashamed for even the smallest mar on her name. A mark on her otherwise pristine image many saw of her, and one she was endeavored to keep. Many often held expectations of her, and she always strove to meet them. She hated disappointing, yet she often disappointed herself.
Staring at herself in her bathroom mirror, it would be hard for anyone to fathom she was so self-conscious. Her bronze, almost caramel skin glistened where not covered by her sapphire bra and panties which accentuated her natural beauty. Slowly, she undid the hair towel, letting the slightly damp hair flow freely down her back to complete the 'goddess-like' look which raised so many compliments. Her family teased she must be another reincarnation Lakshmi, and though she smiled at the praise, she felt otherwise.
Anishka knew she was beautiful, but she couldn't feel beautiful.
A small ornament, shimmering with its azure gem that matched her favorite bindi, dangled from her pierced bellybutton. It was a secret her family never learned about. Raised with cleanliness in mind, bellybutton piercings were seen as improper among her family, yet she went against them and obtained it with her college friends. They said it looked beautiful, and though she thought so too and still wore it, it was more of a reminder of how dishonest and unfitting she could sometimes be.
However, today wasn't the time for thoughts like that. She was finally going to become a Master of Chaldea this evening, and that would help balance the scales against the many mistakes she'd deceptively kept to herself. It would be a high honor and prestige bestowed onto her family lineage. At long last, her small wish would be granted, and she would be working alongside her childhood heroes for humanity.
The altruistic magus still had a long day ahead of her, and there was no sense wasting time. She was used to suppressing her doubts and trepidation, and so she did so again. She had a new role to fulfill, and she would perform it diligently to the best of her abilities. Staring at her reflection, she smiled to reassure herself that this would be a new beginning, and she would strive to be proper and responsible in her actions.
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Anishka's room was orderly. One of Nitocris' Sunscape windows rested on the wall between her closet and the universal drink dispenser. A hybrid pinewood dresser and bookshelf for many medical theory and magecraft books. It was evenly spaced from a blue couch with a matching rug and an accompanying glass coffee table. A full-length mirror was placed on the opposite side of her blue bed. The few furniture allowed for plenty of hanging pictures and shelves for décor purposes.
Most notably, the home temple centerpiece, graciously upgraded by Rama's found furniture, sat in the center of her far wall. The classic depiction of Rama, her chosen patron god, rested among other pictures. The lone idol was of Lord Ganesha, whose elephant-like appearance was known the world over. Several other trinkets like a small bell rested on the ornate shrine.
As she finished getting ready, Anishka's eyes glanced between it and her room's video intercom display. She was well ahead of her own schedule, but she couldn't shake the jitters as she finished brushing her hair. Her only task was to choose a catalyst later, so she could ease her nervousness with the remaining time. Gazing at herself, now clothed in her master's attire she smiled as she always did seeing it; That was a far cry from her first time viewing herself in the uniform.
Though she didn't show it then, she had been terrified.
Hearing those words from Da Vinci brought a wave of shock, which was followed by growing unease she barely kept in check when Gilgamesh approached moments later. She had been jealous of her friend Gabrielle, who got to fight alongside Karna, Rama, and Arjuna… yet the responsibility opening to her was world shattering in every possible way. It was impossible to sleep that night after feeling such a heavy burden dropped upon her shoulders.
Fears and anxiety shook her core when she comprehended all those terrifying battles she'd only seen on the screens would no longer be a world away: They'd be her reality. She would be out there fighting for humanity's future, risking her life amid potential chaos. It was horrifying at first, and no doubt still a scary thought now even after being on the sidelines of a few supply sorties… but she was the only person to qualify, and she would handle dharma responsibly.
Quietly, she walked over to the small shrine and sat on the comfy rug before it. It was time for her early morning puja, a routine ritual ingrained into her soul. Born into a Brahmin family with a long history of mantra magecraft, she had somehow gotten even luckier; Her parents were lax. Though they raised her religiously with care, they made sure she understood her potential was limitless.
Despite their insistence that she may act as she pleased, she knew they both still wished to continue their proud history of healing and altruistic magecraft. Anishka Sharma was allowed to be whatever she wanted, but she still worked exceedingly hard to be their upstanding child out of respect and their happiness. It was not a difficult decision, because she saw for herself how happy her parents made others. Both her father's medical practice and her mother's outwardly perceived 'miracle healing' were as inspirational as the beloved stories they read to her every night as a child.
Carefully, she reached out and plucked the tiny bell from the shrine. She rang it gently, signaling the beginning of her worship. She chastised herself for barely keeping the small smile from her lips upon imagining Rama running into her room eagerly. It had been unnerving and unbearably stressful the first time doing puja while one of the deities she was worshiping sat beside her. She had grown used to his presence, and he had amusingly joined in a few times to wish for good fortune in his recent procedure.
After all, in puja, one invites the deity into their home.
Though she began her ritual, she could already feel his presence quickly jogging the dozen meters from his room to hers; It was a special day, so it was understandable he would come upon hearing the bell. Her concentration held and her giggle was suppressed, even as her door slid open to reveal the red-haired saber, grinning enthusiastically in his battle attire. Courteously, he quietly walked over to the seated woman and took a seat beside her.
She whispered, "Thank you for blessing me with your presence, Shri Rama."
With a grin, he nodded but remained completely silent. He stayed seated, perfectly quiet as she went through her whole routine as he watched. She was flawless with every step and meditative gesture, using the items before her as she had dutifully done throughout her life. The trinkets and pictures may have changed with age, but her devotion to Rama never wavered. If anything, they intensified ever since he came into her life like Karna and Arjuna.
That was why she would definitely offer her thanks to the pantheon for blessing her life so profoundly. She liked to believe she was doing a lot to honor him, but she often felt it was insufficient. He'd been a guiding force throughout her life, and now he was going to directly support her. Since he was her patron deity, she felt obligated to do what she could to ensure his happiness. He was already pleased with her, and often insisted just spending time with him was more than enough puja.
Still, Anishka wished she could do more for one of the most influential people her life was blessed to have.
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Anishka organized her binder full of perfectly copied strategy notes while Rama chuckled on her couch. "You seem more excited this morning!"
She giggled as she closed the binder. "I can't imagine why, Shri Rama."
"Oh! Is that sass coming from you after a dedicated puja in my name?" the saber chuckled as he watched his disciple place the binder into its proper place. She gave him a slightly exasperated glance, but it only made both of them laugh. "Great! I'm glad you feel one hundred ten percent for today!"
The master-to-be smiled. "You too. I'm glad there were no complications from your saint graph procedure."
"I promised Scathach she would never live it down otherwise! There's no way I'd allow myself to feel under the weather for my disciple's Command Seal Ceremony!"
"You would have come regardless." She shook her head gently as he winked at her with a big grin.
"You bet I would! Even after an hour of you failing to respectfully persuade me to take it easy!" Anishka giggled as Rama got up and strolled towards the door.
As she went to grab her card key, she wished another silent thanks for the divine hero who helped guide her way. Though he had not helped design the specific training regime, he had designed a supplementing one to aid her development. It had been demanding and often painful, but she knew it was all with her well-being in mind. All these classes and training sessions would have overloaded most, but as a graduate from a demanding nursing school, she had kept pace well.
Still, his hopes that she would one day lift Pinaka were absolutely overboard, even if she refused to openly state such to her patron deity.
However, it was another blessing in her life to have been taught by Chaldea's three Indian legends, yet it was secretly another hidden weight to carry. As they exited her room, and she locked the door, Rama tossed her another friendly smile that warmed her heart and rattled her at the same time. Just like those three, there were many in Chaldea holding high expectations for her. Though different from Gudao and Gabrielle's own potentials, it was still pressure upon her shoulders she hid well; She was used to hiding and bearing to act appropriately.
"Are Scathach and Gabby still eating with us for breakfast?" Rama asked as they walked casually down the hall.
She nodded. "I was not told otherwise."
"Great! Let's not keep them waiting then! I want to brag to Scathach more!" She giggled, but she was always concerned whenever he boasted about her to others. Those expectations never got any easier…
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"You'll be perfect later, Anishka, don't worry!" "Hey, there's today's star!" "You must be so excited! It's finally happening!"
The cafeteria was a whirlwind, and she was only trying to get her morning fruit plate. Not one to turn down friendly conversation, she respectfully greeted each employee and servant she passed both to and from the cafeteria's serving area. Usually it was a simple back and forth greeting, but sometimes she stopped momentarily to talk; That was the case with Chaldea's other three Hindus and a few talkative servants like Astolfo. After a few minutes longer than she planned, she was finally on the last dozen steps to her tab-
"Always eating healthy. You're forever a doctor's worst nightmare, Annie." That was a breath of fresh air for a greeting.
With a smile, she turned to the table by the wall and nodded to Doctor Roman as he waved happily. "Or best friend since I'm still a licensed nurse."
At the doctor's table, one of his companions chuckled, though Roman shot a light warning glare to David across from him; She presumed it was because of the fetish fantasies involving nurses. The green-haired archer, wearing a white polo and tan slacks, raised his hands teasingly, making Jekyll laugh beside him. The ever formally-dressed assassin, wearing a new silver cravat for his black suit today, pushed his glasses up by the bridge and smiled to her. "Don't mind David. You know how he is."
"Pardon? I wasn't considering making any advances on our gorgeous new master, I promise!" he quickly admitted, though Roman didn't look like he bought any of it.
Though he huffed lightly as David tossed a tiny smirk his way, Roman smiled at Anishka again. "I'd say something else, but I'm pretty sure you've heard it all from the other staff."
There was no denying that. Though she had always been fairly popular before, her fellow staff seemed far more interested after her leyshift compatibility was confirmed. Suddenly she was no longer among the Leyshift Personnel, but another Chaldean Celebrity like Gabrielle, Gudao, Roman, and a few others. It unfortunately meant that little teasing quirk about calling her 'Anushka Sharma' resurfaced. Though she unfortunately shared a name with a famous Indian actress, it could have been worse considering how common Indian surnames were.
"Thank you, Doctor Roman. I'm a bit nervous, but that's only to be expected."
"As long as you lack stage fright, you'll be fine under the spotlight. It's just an over-exaggerated ceremony." She turned to the table beside theirs as Jekyll and David looked behind them. Hans, sitting alone at the librarians' usual spot, had his nose and pen buried in that never-ending revised history series. When she spent time with him weeks ago, the blue-suited caster had decided to split it into volumes by geographic area for ease of revision.
Roman rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't say over-exaggerated. It's a big moment! Receiving command seals that-"
"Watered-down command seals in exchange for being replenish-able. Even the chant is mostly superfluous. So long as someone has perfect leyshift compatibility and is deemed by the system to have satisfactory attributes, they only need to stand in a specific spot, do something, and then the system will authorize them. We could be done in a minute if she recited a haiku," Though he scowled at the book, he looked up and tossed her a fairly blank look. "But, I suppose life isn't life without turning trivial moments into absurd fanfares…"
"Aren't you going to say at least something nice for her?" Roman sighed, giving the caster his reason to roll his eyes back.
"…So be it… I hope the prank fiends don't re-orchestrate your big day into the Battle of Britain. They shouldn't be the only ones cheering."
While Roman groaned, Anishka nodded and chuckled with the other two servants. Truth be told, Chaldean staff could never get enough of those many parties and celebrations. Every moment the facility was enjoying something, the employees were distracted from the unseen dangers that had destroyed humanity. Though many appeared fine on the outside, as a former regular employee, she knew the underlying fears many felt.
Anishka had to wonder if the servants understood just how much they truly meant to the staff.
They were idols to all, and others were fortunate enough to call some friends. Even fewer got to appreciate someone as far more special to them, yet they were far more than just supernatural fighters bringing home supplies and victories. They were often the only reason the remaining staff weren't going mad with insanity and hopelessness, even when those fears still scratched times of quiet solitude. They were the reason many continued to do their part rather than surrender, no matter how little their role was.
It was part of the reason Anishka, regardless of who the servant was in their life, would always be respectful to them; She could show that much on behalf of the staff. "Thank you, Hans. Your words of good fortune are as colorful as ever, but I appreciate them."
He simply waved it off with a scoff, but she caught the tiny smile he gave.
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Anishka giggled as Rama's flailing legs disappeared at a distant intersection; Nightingale was always dutiful, but even more so to him and a few others. As much as she wanted to help him, a non-combat magus stood zero chance against a scalpel-wielding berserker. Thus, she had to leave her patron deity in the hands of his friend; She would make it up to him somehow.
The master-to-be started walking towards the Magecraft wing so she could hopefully finish her only real task in a timely manner. With her patron deity pre-occupied for likely the rest of the morning, she figured studying would be a good endeavor. Even if she could just relax, she preferred to sink it dutifully into improving herself. Unlike Gudao and Gabrielle, Anishka was usually unfazed by reading and paperwork due to the absolute nightmare that was nursing school.
If her education at the University of California in San Francisco taught her anything, it was how to drive through awful yet taxing necessities with her sanity intact.
Placing a finger to her mouth in quiet thought, a tiny habit she never got rid of, she fell into a slight daze. Everything around her was now a blur as her focused mind visualized the reading material with perfect clarity. It was her norm to blot everything else out completely in concentration. Though she was former Leyshift Personnel, it was this focus that often made her miss how the masters handled various situations. Completely adamant about responsibly fulfilling her role, she had dedicated a lot of time to studying to ensure her integration would be smooth.
That nerve-racking training session cemented that priority without any doubt.
After her latest physical training session with Rama and Karna, Anishka had been studying refined search procedures Gudao had developed with the help from others. To let it soak in, she should probably switch to backline combat strategies since she was now the most likely to be deployed in th-
Her blurred focus shattered as the world became sharper. The hallway before her was empty as she kept walking, but she now had two companions. More specifically, she had two female servants who had become far more interested with her than she would honestly like. "Hey, Annie~…"
Her eyes shot to the side nervously as Medb clasped her once limp arm. Anishka eyed her loose cream crop top and denim short shorts that hugged her tantalizing figure. Her golden orbs were locked on her with pure, teasing mischief as she slowly felt her cheeks heating up; She suppressed her embarrassed blush flawlessly. Still, she kept her calm, stopped staring at the seductive rider, and looked at the equally daring child skipping before her.
Kuro began walking backwards with her hands behind her back. Clothed in a tight, lime tank top that exposed a slither of her belly and white yoga shorts, she hummed quietly as the magus quickly sensed the corridor. Though she was relieved there was no one else, and that this was clearly an ambush, they clearly acknowledged her panicked checks. Suddenly, their matching, teasing smirks turned them into sharks.
Anishka retained most of her composure, "Hello Medb. Hello Kuro."
"Aww, so stiff," Kuro giggled as she skipped over to take Anishka's other, bare arm in her small grasp. "We just wanted to wish you good luck today!"
"It's the big day for Chaldea's new prude master!" Medb added with a lick of her lips.
Anishka sighed, knowing that teasing title would appear. "Please, Queen Medb. My priorities do not lie with sleeping with-"
"Geez! That's what confuses us!" Kuro complained as she let go of her arm to hop in front of her again. They came to a stop as Kuro placed her arms akimbo. "Look at you! Such a sexy figure yet the only time anyone gets a glimpse is at the beach! I find it hard to believe you've never flaunted it."
She was getting a bit nervous now. They never pressed this hard about it before, but her ceremony apparently changed everything. "…When the right person comes-"
"Oh. You're one of those waiting types," Medb flatly observed, though it didn't sound like an insult… or at least she hoped it wasn't. Confirming her thought, Medb let go of her arm to eye her curiously. "I just don't get the point of waiting 'responsibly'… even if that does sound like you... How do you know they're the one if they can't rock your world in bed? Wouldn't it be a total waste to fall for someone and then find out there are dead fish with more action?"
Kuro laughed. "Medb! That was funny, but I don't think that will convince her!"
"Oh, come now! I'm sure she's secretly a nympho just waiting to break out!" Medb poked as her smirk became deadly. Anishka's composure broke as Medb pushed her face closer towards hers, forcing a blush to her cheeks. "Right, Annie? I'll bet you're secretly a sex maniac that will devour the one and leave them spent!"
"Um… Medb, we're a little too close."
The little Einzbern snickered and winked. "She's blushing and changing the subject! Caught red-handed!"
"Ah! So that's it, huh?" the Irish queen taunted playfully as she placed a finger on Anishka's lips. "So all that was just deflection? Why didn't you say so!? Sheesh… to make a queen wait and guess… If I had known earlier you're just secretly as hungry as my best friend, I would hav-"
"Leave my disciple alone, you two."
It was rare Anishka heard him so steadfast, but it always gave her that boost in confidence like whenever her father rose his voice to defend her. Medb, sulking while clicking her tongue, took a step away from Anishka only so she could dryly eye Rama as he came to her side. He merely nodded to Kuro, who sighed and waved back; The gig was up. "Annie doesn't need your help discovering herself."
"Oh? You going to help her with that then?" the queen huffed, making Rama narrow his eyes. Anishka looked between the two nervously, knowing they weren't on the best of terms compared to most. Medb wasn't too fond of Rama's flat refusals for just a 'simple one-night stand.' His dedication to Sita was absolute, and all of Chaldea knew this. It actually did stop Medb's advances, but it turned to bitter interactions like she had with Scathach.
Anishka sighed. "Please, you two. Not today."
To her surprise, Medb huffed, but smirked at her. "Alright… I'm not feeling up for a verbal quarrel since I just had one with Scathach… so we'll leave it there! I'll remember this revelation though! If you ever want to let that wild side of you out… Fergus is more than happy to lend you a hand!"
"Medb." Rama warned firmly, but she was already walking off with a dismissive wave. Kuro, tossing a small apologetic smile their way, quickly followed along. As they turned down an intersection, leaving only Rama and Anishka alone in the hallway with two cleaning robots, the saber turned to her. His expression remained serious, yet it lightened ever so slightly to sympathy and worry.
Ashamed, she turned away from his look as he sighed. "Annie… You can't let them do that to you. You can't be a doormat."
"They can believe what they wish, Shri Rama… I'm fine with it…" She had whispered the last part so the distant robots couldn't hear.
Rama folded his arms across his chest. "Then you've taken a step back from this weekend."
Her shame grew, but she couldn't lie to him… not her patron deity, who she's always believed in. Slowly, she nodded her head with guilt, making him sigh and scratch his forehead. "I know it's difficult for you, so I won't push further. Especially not on your big day."
She looked to him quietly, and they began walking together. He clicked his tongue, shook his head, and mumbled. "…You're not wrong, Anishka. Don't feel you are for being like that."
"I just don't know, Shri Rama…" she whispered back. She withheld the urge to hug herself so as not to visibly show weakness… Anishka was supposed to be prim and proper for her mother and father who always believed her to be. Regardless of who she was, their loving words often reminded she was their perfect angel. Yet here she was, hiding her 'impurities' while so many servants were being accepted for all their quirks; But she was no historic hero, and she would not be privileged with that leeway.
She flinched lightly as Rama'a reassuring hand rubbed her shoulder. "We'll just give it more time, Anishka. I'm sure everyone will understand when the time comes. It will just be a laughable memory for you then and you'll be chastising yourself for not coming forward sooner!"
"…I hope so," she nodded quietly.
He smiled at her with that encouraging grin she loved. "Cheer up! It's your big day, and I'll be with you for… uh, most of it. Now that I think about it… I should probably get back to Nightingale before she rips my head off for running after you like that… but I had a feeling something bad was going to happen to my disciple!"
"I'll still rip your head off and sew it back on." The berserker's voice was so unnervingly close as she came out of spirit form, even Anishka flinched. Wearing a set of red scrubs that matched her furious eyes, she glared at Rama as he nervously chuckled. It was now Anishka's turn to rub his shoulder in reassurance.
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Like the other departments, the mages also had shared storage areas that resembled warehouses. They were basic, forgoing any sense of aesthetic design for straightforward utility. The ceiling lights were dimmer than most in Chaldea to save energy. Large, blank beige walls with matching partitions divided the one Anishka currently walked through, forming sections and a makeshift hallway. She reached the last door-less room in the storage area which was equal in size to its companions.
Pausing at the door, she peered inside. There were covered tables in the center of the room, forming a small cluster that left the walls bare. Several dated items, whether done through science, magecraft, or both, rested atop the blue cloth covered tables. Tiny cards informed guests of potential dates and eras the items belonged. She had been in this room only a few times in her stay, and never for long like many others due to its simplicity.
"Right on time." She smiled towards the only other individual in the room. Dressed in his battle attire, Paracelsus stood by one of the tables holding a hand-carved totem pole in one hand. He nodded to her and gently put the tiny artifact back onto a table with other wooden items. "Ready to pick your trump card?"
"I hope I choose a correct one. I don't want Gabby to tease me about summoning a craft coin for my first attempt." They chuckled as she gazed around. "I hope I don't take up much of your time."
"Take your time, Anishka," Paracelsus reassured with his friendly smile. "This is your big day. I would have just been experimenting with drink mixing otherwise."
As she learned from many of Gabrielle's rants, a proper catalyst raised the chances of a specific servant, but it has to have meaning to make it guaranteed. A stone from an old temple a famous hero visited could raise the chances, but not as greatly as something special they owned; That stone could summon another spirit, or a craft coin corresponding to that event instead. That was the downfall with using only dated catalysts as opposed to a guaranteed one.
However, Chaldea guaranteed catalysts were few and far between; The cords of friendship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh were the first in months. Even if dated potential catalysts were common, Gabrielle and Gudao usually avoided them. To the amusement of many, the two called dated catalysts 'Quartz Trash Cans' because of their painfully high chance of throwing a craft coin. It was a long shot, but these were the only catalysts she had to choose from.
Quietly, she had approached the tables and gazed upon the wooden artifacts first. The totem looked like something out of a tourist store due to its preservation. The rest were scattered remnants that didn't really catch her attention. Even the next table, holding bones and animal parts for phantasmal beasts, didn't seem too promising either. The third had a bunch of assorted items including a peculiar plow blade, but nothing too curious on first glance.
She sighed lightly. "Paracelsus. Do you have any recommendations for me? Most seem ordinary, but looks can be deceiving."
"Unfortunately, that's not the case this time around," Paracelsus smiled sympathetically. "Most of the recent sorties were to earlier ages. Their origins are questionable at best, even if they contain light traces of residual magical energy. The most promising are on the weapons table."
Passing a peculiar selection of fossilized remains of random plants, animals, or carvings, she followed the caster to an assortment of very intricate pieces of weapons and armor. None were intact, yet the smallest pieces on selection were elaborate. Whether with golden etchings or intact helm plumes, these items would make any veteran stand out among their peers in a battle line. With higher readings of residual mana and more accurate estimated dates on their cards, they were definitely the most promising not to turn into a coin.
Paracelsus pointed towards a very worn and barely intact leather cuirass resting in the center. Even in its poor condition, she could tell it must have been dazzling in its full splendor. "This one in particular has the most potential. It's been dated to the years of the Trojan War, so it may summon any number of them. I asked Hector for his opinion, but he said he was unsure who wore it."
The caster suddenly chuckled, making Anishka turn to him curiously. He turned back to her with an amused expression. "Pardon me… It's just one thing he said in particular. It went roughly… Achilles sure didn't wear this. I'd know. I remember what he kicked my ass in!"
Anishka didn't know what she laughed at harder: Paracelsus' attempt at mimicking Hector, or the idea the lazy Trojan Hero would say something so blunt like that. Laughing beside her, he looked across the table briefly before smiling at her. "Although… you're the most peaceful of the masters. I'm not sure if you'd want to summon a warrior as your first attempt. Please pardon me if I presumed too much."
While giggling lightly, she smiled at him. "I never wish to harm another person, but I will not deny we are in war and dharma must be adhered. Heroes like you are fighting to save humanity. I will never impede them unless it's a questionable path and better alternatives are possible… but you're right. I prefer the path of peace."
Paracelsus smiled and nodded at her, but it did raise the doubts again. Her pacifist ways were easy to accomplish while supporting from Chaldea, but it would be tested on the battlefield. Arjuna had been very blunt about how she was a master, and her hesitation could cost an ally dearly instead. Her own beliefs would be tested, but she hoped she would find a possible answer amid the fog.
Distracting herself from her growing concerns, she gazed back at the table with fossilized remains. Slowly, she walked over to it to examine the options. There were a few insects and a possible skull from what looked to be a dinosaur; Was there another possible rider like Quetzalcoatl who used dinosaurs? The dates were vast and varied, but they were all relatively recent fossils dating from early human history.
However, none were ringing a bell here either.
Feeling deflated, she stared past the fossilized remains of plants and saw a rock slab with the imprint of a lotus. Though it was a potential catalyst, it was the flower itself that made her curious. It was a flower her whole family loved, and she used to enjoy looking at it one whenever she got the chance.
Lotus were beautiful flowers, always seeming pure compared to the dirty ponds they bloomed in. They visually purified an otherwise murky pond, which was why her parents often called her their 'little lotus.' It was partly because her origin was purification, but it was mostly because no matter what she did, she was perfect in their eyes. However, she wondered if that would still hold true if they knew how far her petals dipped into those questionable waters.
If only she hadn't taken that international study to the states, she wouldn't have…
Who was she trying to lie to? She suspected she wasn't the pure and perfect woman her parents praised even before she took that extracurricular belly dancing class on curious impulse. It had been a whim to go on that little date with her friend. Though trivial and easy to pass off for most, Anishka had tested uncertain waters with a deep and passionate kiss. Her friend insisted they left it at that, and believed they should just pass it off as an experimental whim.
Nevertheless, being intimately interested with women since adolescence was not a whim of any sort for Anishka. The master-to-be had been conflicted. Though she didn't think it was immoral or wrong, some of the acts and laws she's seen against them stated otherwise. She didn't want to be judged so brutally, nor did she want her parents' beautiful image of her to shatter because of her views… So she suppressed it, and told no one.
Truthfully, she had a few fleeting crushes on guys before, but the vast majority were with beautiful women. Knowing full well her country criminalized the acts, she had tried to convince herself she was just mistaken, but it was not just a phase. She's dated a few men to try and convince herself, though it never felt... right. It only got so far before they believed she was only sympathy dating them. Yet she strove to keep up a 'normal' appearance while trying to sort her own feelings out. Hiding her confusion from everyone out of fear was routine, even from her loving parents.
It was why her medical education abroad felt like night and day. Spending time in university, she finally saw a window of acceptance she had never perceived before. San Francisco was filled with so many mixed couples, placing her at ease. Pairs were openly displaying their chosen love, regardless of gender, and it bolstered her confidence. It was only when she returned to India, during easily the worst year of her life, that she was reminded how many often threw rocks at that window.
Even in Chaldea, she didn't feel as safe. Anne and Mary were low-key about their relationship, but even still she'd overhear occasional disgruntled conversations from the remaining few employees in Chaldea who despised 'wrong-sexuality.' There used to be more, and they gave the one openly gay man in Chaldea a rough time before he lost his life during the Fuyuki Incident. Even if Chaldea seemed more open minded, they were on another tier as servants while she was just a regular person, and thus an 'easier' target...
Even if she was used to be gossiped about, she feared what could be if- "Anishka... are you alright?"
Snapping out of her trance, she looked to Paracelsus with an apologetic smile that hid her usual, internal dismay. "…I'm fine, Paracelsus. Just dismayed about catalysts."
This was not the time to think about her lifelong problem. She needed to choose a catalyst and stop inconsiderately squandering another's time.
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Studying had gone smoothly and served as a fair distraction from her earlier, troubled thoughts. Even if it was sometimes grueling, studying was almost meditation to her. She could lose herself in the words and enter Zen. It provided a small comfort for her current lack of a catalyst. She would return later to pick one alone, and had profusely apologized to Paracelsus for possibly wasting his time.
That would have to come after her usual schedule though. With her long, white master's coat under one arm, she walked down the hallway. She never wished to keep her father waiting, so her step was firm and quick. Still, she smiled pleasantly to robots, employees, and servants as they passed; They knew by her pace she had her usual place to be. However, an occasional few would still stop for a brief chat, and she was glad her father wouldn't mind any delays.
Approaching a main corridor, she heard familiar laughter and felt her smile turn genuine. Within an instant, the uniformed Anton and Tyler walked across, chatting to each other animatedly while holding stacks of archive folders. She smiled at them, silently enjoying how far Anton had come from being reclusive and socially reserved. The strawberry blonde only grew the courage to talk to her after he and Frankenstein became a couple. More recently, she had been surprised he was so open regarding his intimidated and self-depreciative outlook back then.
If only she had the courage to be honest about herself too.
If they had come by, she wouldn't have minded talking to them. They had a sort of kinship as Chaldean Celebrities; She could talk to them at the evening ceremony party instead. As she approached the corridor and allowed a robot to pass, she walked quietly in the opposite direction towards her destination. Instead of talking to them, she waved to another familiar face who may want to chat.
With her uniform's tie just a little loose, Delaqua walked along the opposite side of the post-lunch hallway with a silver thermos. She eyed the master-to-be's coat and tossed a friendly smile and wave. "One last private word with the father before you get the crown?"
She giggled back and nodded. "I'd be a poorly raised daughter if I didn't."
"And you're anything but that. The incline is a decent warmup too," she supplied quickly as they walked passed; It seems she had somewhere to be. "I hope the walk isn't slippery today."
"Me too. I'll talk to you later," the Indian woman waved with a smile as they parted further. She offered another small greeting soon after to some of Tyler's gaming friends, who were very engrossed in their conversation about the Arcade nearing completion. Further ahead, she heard Boudica and Medea's laughter as Naomi sprinted across an intersection, likely because the orderly supervisor was somehow late.
Despite the significance of the war, it was these glimpses of spontaneous moments, no matter how small, that warmed their home. Just living like regular people in a big, family-like community took a load off the shoulders and did wonders for the sanity. Without a doubt, the simplicity of every day interactions was cherished by every employee in some way. From her promotion onward, her moments added significantly more servants too. She was resolved to do her part to keep all of these cherished memories safe.
Still, it was disheartening not all memories with the staff were sunshine and rainbows.
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Like she did every day, to the best of her ability, she trudged through the snowy outdoors. Getting acclimated to the high altitude was difficult at first, but she had grown used to it like the other employees. The lower oxygen made it tedious, but the snow made it a pilgrimage. However, this was a trek she would not dare miss when capable.
The flurries were lighter today, making her smile in the warm, diffused glow of the afternoon as she crested the hill. Quietly, the gently crunching of snow offered the only noise as she walked amongst the many graves. They used to be kept clean and orderly only by Lord El-Melloi II whenever he went on a smoke break, but other servants had begun helping in their own visits; She always did before she left. Alone among the silent neighborhood, she walked peacefully and humbly until she reached a slightly bigger grave than most.
"Hi, Babuji," Anishka smiled as she knelt down before the grave. Reaching into her long coat, she pulled out a small plastic cup and placed it on the grave. She then took out a tiny water bottle and poured a bit into it. When he was alive, her father always joked about the dangers of dehydration, so she made sure to continue the funny childhood tradition of bringing him water. "I'm a little late, but I hope you'll forgive me. It's finally my big day. I've been studying diligently and ensuring I'm as prepared as I can be."
Silence answered her, and she gazed briefly out at the snow range. The wind made no sound, and the flurries lightly clung to her hair to look like sparkles on a goddess. Her smile faded only slightly. "…I hope you'll be there watching me today. I hope you'll be smiling at your little lotus."
A frown slowly formed as she placed the bottle of water in the snow. Her onyx eyes seemed just a bit dimmer as she recalled how her father never did smile after she returned from school that spring. It's the season for flower to bloom, yet the first ones had only wilted on her mother's fresh grave. Her father, always the smiling man, never was as bright after she was taken by a rare water-dwelling amoeba that attacked her brain; There was almost no warning. Despite the tragedy, he still insisted she return to school and build the happy future that they wished for her.
She giggled, but it was strained. "I'm thankful Mister Animusphere's accepted you in place of Mataji… That he also accepted me after you requested I work here after graduation. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't become a master today. Lord Ganesha has blessed us many times."
Gazing up into the clouds, she let the flurries fall towards her. Her father had joined out of blind hope. This was a facility that was supposed to make wishes come true, so humanity could always prosper. The Animuspheres paid well, even if the intent wasn't what he thought it was back then; At least it did something more spectacular now, especially after their dark secret involving artificial babies.
Her father was not happy about that revelation, and neither was she. Between Olga's promise and their family tradition of loving and forgiving everyone, they stayed. She remained one of their medical interns. He continued working as a regular doctor, trying his best to find medicinal cures for humanity after believing he failed her mother. They would still spend family time together, but it was never quite the same; His eyes were dull and lost until…
"…Do you remember that day? You brought me here to see if the blizzard finally cleared. I liked to believe you were still optimistic… That you were still excited to be able to do your part for humanity. The snow fell like today…"
She never did like to recall that moment, but she did today, if only because of that one last gift. A tear raced down her cheek as a wistful smile shook on her lips. "…but you smiled again. After years, I finally saw your real smile again."
Lev had set off the bombs, and Anishka was working frantically to heal as many injured as she could. She had been healing the wound of another Leyshift Personnel when her father dashed back into those awful flames. With purpose and intent, he had made trip after trip bringing wounded employees back for her to heal. A late detonation took his life as he was trying to help save others. Her father was a hero of the Fuyuki Incident, or so Doctor Roman often praised to her.
Yet all she wanted to remember was that last, proud smile he gave her for how diligently she tried to help. "If your mother could see you…! I'm going back to save more, Annie!"
Another tear ran down her cheek. "Babuji… I promise… I promise you'll be proud of me! I'll make Mataji, and our family proud! I'll do everything to make sure I'll be a responsible master, so please…!"
She smiled sadly at the grave of her beloved father as another tear fell. "…Please forgive your confused daughter for failing you… Forgive me for not having the courage to tell either of you anything. I… I didn't want either of you to lose that shine in your eyes… I didn't want to disappoint anyone…"
It was supposed to be a hopeful, simple talk, but her own worries had gotten in the way. She mentally scolded herself and sniffled, but wiped the tears away. Anishka wanted to believe they would have loved her as they loved everyone, but she didn't want to test it with her supposed imperfections. Now, she was far too late, and she still lied to herself and everyone on more than just her image. Spending the last few moments in silence, she quietly repeated her request for forgiveness.
Minutes passed, and she finally retrieved her items and stood up. "See you at the ceremony, Babuji… I'll be back tomorrow too. Hopefully I won't cry again… I know you hate it when I cry."
After turning to leave, she looked up and met with the ever-firm eyes of an Indian legend, waiting by the edge of the graveyard. She walked towards Karna, who stood in his own black overcoat with red accents and matching formal pants. His eyes remained on her as she wiped the freezing tear trails, uncaring that he may have witnessed; He and Rama were the only ones who figured out the complete truth, but she still wished to keep it secret.
"I hope that won't be the start of a cold," Karna noted, though she knew it was in good faith. She smiled lightly at him as he walked towards her. "They will be proud, as I'm sure they always were."
"Thank you…" she replied quietly, even if she doubted the truth of those words. "I hope so too."
"I know so. You have come a long way with training. All you lack is real experience, but we've done what we can to ensure you got a better head start than Gabrielle."
If there was anything she was relieved about, it was that. The two masters had refined her training to touch on topics Gabrielle wished she learned or asked about before her induction. Everything from strategies, ethical situations, and mental closure after dramatic events was coached to her… but as Karna said, the battlefield will be the last and most unforgiving teacher. She hoped she was ready for that class. "You've done so much for me."
Karna offered a smile. "You are a flower of India, remember? It is only right we let another Indian bloom as she should. Your summoning will mark the beginning."
"I don't have a catalyst," she responded with a nervous chuckle. "I might not get a servant..."
"If you think that way, you will disappoint," Karna lectured flatly, making her nod with a sigh. Still, his smile remained reassuring. "You're not the fiery Gabrielle, who surges forth on impulsive resolve… Nor the earthen Gudao, whose calm determination offers firm ground amongst the storm. You are Anishka, magus of water, a healer of problems. Your wisdom washes away the problems at hand to gift others what they need."
With that, Karna began walking away while she quietly followed. There was no need for her to say anything, for she knew. He had a way of seeing what no one else could in the hearts of all, but had been using it in more considerate ways than he had before. What was left to her imagination was whether he was answering her lingering concerns, or addressing something else that…
It clicked differently. As he turned back to look at her slowly growing smile, she quickly analyzed at least one solution. It may not be the biggest she's had, but it was at least a large one of the day. Even if it wasn't herself, she would do what she could to at least make a difference for someone. Anishka needed to check again if there was a fitting catalyst using a new criterion her mind was brewing.
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Outside the Summoning Chamber, robots were keeping the small refreshment tables properly organized while staff and servants mingled around the entrance. Dressed in her own designed master's uniform, she was left mostly alone after Rama had walked inside to take his place. There was still ten minutes until the ceremony, but Anishka quietly waited where the other two masters agreed to meet. From here they would walk in together on the red carpet, just like they did with Gabrielle.
It would be smooth and simple, so she thought of nothing but rehearsing her own tiny speech. While doing so, she glanced towards the room's entrance, past many battle-clad servant dressed as a full reminder of her new position among them. Through the crowd, she caught the gaze of the Indian archer, who stared back at her calmly. Still, she internally squirmed under his much more intense stare until he quietly nodded to her and walked inside.
Anishka sighed to herself and quietly fiddled with her fingers. She had made great and encouraging bonds between all the Indian legends, but she felt her friendship with Arjuna was on unsteady ground. Ever since she glanced him smirking strangely that one night, he seemed to be more aware of her presence. It was unnerving, and his training sessions had been forward and blunt which took her off guard.
All she could do was hope Rama's reassurance was right, and that he would be back to normal now that she was their master. "Hey Annie!"
She shivered slightly in surprise as Gabrielle's hand landed on her shoulder. She turned to her friend, whose bright smile warmed her cheeks. The battle-clad Scathach nodded to her with a small smile before walking towards the entrance. Further away, Mashu shared a quick kiss with Gudao before she too waved at her and ran to the entrance; Anishka was glad she looked healthy considering how often she was fatigued recently. Gudao approached while Gabrielle gave Anishka a warm hug which she appreciated far more than the master knew.
Gabrielle broke apart and rocked on her feet. Anishka noticed she looked a little different. "…New haircut?"
"Yeah! Isn't it nice?" she asked happily. Her hair looked roughly the same, but it felt less… calculated than usual. Specialized robots always handled haircuts, but this seemed different. "Chaldea has actual barbers now, and at my suggestion too!"
Anishka blinked in confusion; She wasn't aware anyone was trying to pick up the vocational skill. It was likely a servant, but who? Gudao simply chuckled while Gabrielle grinned. "I know, right? A year with robot haircuts was driving me nuts! I don't know how any of you did it for so long!"
"Well… they're very precise, but they do make me a bit nervous," she smiled. Robots and precision went hand in hand, but there were just some things that were better with the human touch. "Maybe not as nervous as taking an oath for over a hundred heroes… but a bit uneasy sometimes."
With a reassuring smile, Gudao shrugged. "Just be yourself. Don't fret over what others might think or see before it really gets to you."
"…Yeah. I guess that would be true, no?" she asked rhetorically, though the other two were thankfully unaware.
She looked at the two as they nodded to her in agreement. They've both been through terrible moments with the servants, and Gudao doubly so. She'd secretly glimpsed on her private screen occasional times Gabrielle would cry herself to sleep or Gudao would remain awake hours longer in self-blame induced frustration; Their trauma was discreetly suppressed, but sometimes bubbled to the surface. Still, they pushed on in their own ways and managed to find ways to smile genuinely day after day, and everyone else helped play a part in that.
Would she be as strong as them?
It worried her. That was going to be part of her life now, and she had to follow dharma. She would shame herself and her family for not doing her own fated part, yet the road ahead was only more daunting because of it. No amount of psychological training or preparation would brace her for the emotional hardships she's only glimpsed Gudao and Gabrielle enduring.
However, she was thankful she wasn't going to go through it alone. She was happy the number of shoulders she could lean on was growing. Anishka smiled. "…Thank you."
"Ah, of course, Annie!" Gabrielle smiled as she hugged her friend again. "We're going to watch over each other! A real magus, a kinda bad magus, and a pretty bad magus!"
"I'm the kinda bad one, right?" Gudao teased, making Gabrielle puff her cheeks, release her hug and swat at her best friend. He dodged it. "Nice try, Gudako."
"We both know I'm the better mage, Gudork!" Gabrielle scolded and flailed, though they were both laughing. Seeing two mages so close was a rarity, which made watching them that much more special; She learned their families had even lived next door to each other and formed an equally strong bond. The two never cared about how 'true' Clock Tower mages looked down at their rather basic abilities and attitudes. They were happy and free being who they were, and it made her envious.
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Silence fell upon the crowded room as the trio walked along the rarely used red carpet. It was always surprising how many could fit in the summoning chamber, but it was a large room which often used mood lighting. Split to form a walkway for the carpet, the crowd was divided into two, just like with the previous ceremony. All remained standing, though the spacious room allowed everyone to spread out while complimenting height considerations.
Anishka gazed to catch the many glances aimed her way. So many servants who she had met… So many who understood more about her, and vice versa… Though their opinions of her varied, they placed their trust in her now, just as she would for them. She glanced the enthusiastic stares of Chaldea's children, the observing gaze of Gilgamesh, and the flash of George's camera. So many eyes upon her, but she remained composed and walked with purpose.
At the end of the carpet, Da Vinci, Tesla and Roman smiled on one side of the carpet while waiting by the control panel. At the other side, Rama, Arjuna, and Karna stood regal and mighty while watching her approach. Her patron deity smiled at her with Karna, but she was surprised even Arjuna had the tiniest hints of pride and satisfaction on subtly upturned lips; She was glad Rama was right. The saber chuckled, breaking the once silent room. "Walking tall! That's my disciple!"
"Your big moment has arrived, Anishka!" Roman greeted as Gudao and Gudako took their places on the sides of the console. Anishka quickly shook hands with the six, though Rama warmly, yet embarrassingly, pulled her into a brief hug. The room chuckled as Anishka brought her surprised blush under control. Quietly, she stepped up to the console, where the biometric lever waited for action. Roman chuckled, "I hope you have a speech?"
"Nothing too long," she began as she cleared her throat. To her surprise, Da Vinci handed her a small microphone, which was already on. Mouthing a thank you, she turned around at the console which acted as a small, raised stage. She looked over the many servants and employees and breathed gently.
"Two months ago I was just another employee. A talented magus, but just another employee doing my part for humanity like many of you," she began quietly yet firmly. "Today I take an oath to continue that task in the field. It is nothing to be taken lightly, and not a choice given, but it is a duty I have accepted. It intimidates me, and I'm inexperienced compared to Gudao and Gabrielle… but it will not dissuade me. As the Fiftieth Master of Chaldea, I have a responsibility of helping the other masters and servants protect our future."
Rama smiled brightly at her words, but this was no graduation speech. She wanted it to be quick yet loud, but also to encourage heself. "I have so many to thank for where I am now… My parents, my friends, and my coworkers. I owe a lot to the countless servants who offered me their advice and guidance. I hope you keep that hand extended, not so I can cling in desperation, but to hold strong as we walk into the future we'll make together. Thank you for blessing me with your trust, and I swear to do my upmost to never prove it misplaced."
Anishka bowed, bringing the audience into an applause as Roman leaned over to the impulsive master. "See? That's how you make a speech, Gabby."
Giggling as Gabrielle pouted at Roman, Anishka handed the microphone to a laughing Da Vinci. Rama quickly ran up and patted her shoulder enthusiastically, making her smile as she faced the Fate Summoning System. The crowd fell quiet as she raised her arm and stretched her fingers wide. The system hummed to life as prana surged through its circuits, but this would be one of the few times she held no doubt; She would succeed here so she may do her part to help Chaldea.
Please heed my words,
My hope creates your bodies,
And your aid creates my destiny.
Together, let us heal the future of humanity!
When all seems dim, we shall help each other!
I hereby swear, That I shall be all the good in the world!
That I shall defeat all evil in the world!
Seventh heaven clad, And the great words of power,
Gift me the power to help the Guardians of the Scales!
Pain shot up her arm and centralized in her hand, but she held firm. Her magic circuits groaned, but she gasped at the system's acceptance, shown as a bright light emanating from the back of her hand. The searing pain subsided alongside the shining light as three red command seals formed on the back of her hand, similar yet different to the other masters' own ones. The shield-like marks glowed faintly as a smile grew on her face. Covering her mouth with her other hand, she whispered a silent thank you as the audience erupted into cheers.
"Yes! We're the Terrific Trio now!" Gabrielle laughed as she leapt onto the stage to hug her friend. Gudao and Roman groaned at the name while Fou quickly scampered onto the stage to climb up Anishka's back. It perched on her shoulder as Gabrielle released her hug, then gently licked her face in a show of acceptance. She giggled and pet the fluffy critter. "Now for your first summoned servant!"
"Don't jinx her, Gabby. It's not an absolute catalyst," Gudao groaned into his hand. Anishka imagined he was reliving all the other jinxes she inadvertently caused him.
"Which one did you choose?" Gabrielle asked curiously. The impulsive master followed the new one's gaze towards Karna, who walked quietly to the center of the room. As promised, he placed the chosen catalyst onto the ground, making the younger female master scrunch her eyebrows as he undid the covers. "…A plow blade?"
Anishka only smiled and nodded hopefully, though everyone else looked a little perplexed and curious. Of all the items available though, this one had the most potential for her. Using Karna's subtle guidance, she had used her intuition to search for a properly dated catalyst. From there, it was just a matter of hope and luck, but she was hopeful for this ancient plow if combined with her biometric data.
As Karna returned, a humming Da Vinci stepped up to the console and pressed the proper buttons. The system's upgrades made distributing quartz and using energy a bit more efficient. Even the biometric lever's hatch received a tiny advancement in the form of a glass hatch that flew open to allow its extension. With a nod and wink, Da Vinci gestured to the lever as Fou hopped onto the console. "Whenever you're ready, Annie."
Without hesitation to prevent herself from generating any self-doubt, she grabbed the lever, allowing it to scan her od signature, circuits, and more. Swiftly, she activated the system as the saint quartz pedestals absorbed their rainbow stones. The energy from the saint quarts shot to the center, formed the ball of energy, and created the summoning circle. The catalyst plow dissolved within the swirling central ball of energy, gone to the world in order to send a request to the Throne of Heroes.
The crowd fell silent. If the orbs remained colorless, then a craft coin was going to pop- The orbs took on a rainbow hue, causing premature cheers to erupt from the audience; Anishka was relieved. Without a single doubt, the audience watched as the balls spun, speeding up until they imploded inwards as they had so many countless times. All that remained, was to see what her catalyst had given.
It was a stretch, and a slim chance, but Anishka still dared. Though she couldn't muster the same courage for her own problems, she wished for the best with others. She hoped to pay respect and gratitude to those who helped make her who she is. Therefore, it was only right that she attempted to do the impossible for her patron deity. The odds were stacked against her, but they were already proving true. It could be anyone since it was a wild, residual-prana-infused plow…
But fate smiled as often as it frowned. Anishka felt the palpable presence that raised eyebrows. The blinding prana light was still fading, and yet it grew clear. It was warm and inviting, yet felt absolutely divine. It would have made Anishka gasp if she hadn't already done so upon seeing the silhouette.
Fate had tipped its hat as the twin-tailed servant's silhouette gained color. Hues of fiery red and gold mixed along the meagerly clad young woman. Red hair and matched curious and adjusting eyes that glanced in confusion around the room. The fair-skinned woman appeared from the fading light as murmurs and excitement grew among the audience. It only seemed to unnerve her fur- Her eyes widened and quivered. "…Rama?"
Anishka turned to her patron deity, making her teary eyed as she watched him slowly approach his wife in a stunned stupor. "…Sita… Sita!"
He ran towards her in a sudden burst, but quickly slowed down. The saber came to a halt before her and fell to his knees with eyes lowered to the ground, mixed with brimming happiness and lingering guilt. "Sita...! I'm- Forgive me! What I did was...! It was... Sita I-!"
"Rama!" Shattering his loss of words to Anishka's relief, the stunned archer broke her trance to throw herself at him. She casted her net, throwing her arms around him so she may bury her head in the crook of his neck. She was still likely shaken and confused, but the growing waterfall of tears exclaimed loudly. They flowed quickly as Rama slowly returned her embrace. He gently rocked her as he closed his eyes; It was a far different tale from when they met in the Fifth Singularity. "It's okay, my love... You're here... I'm just so happy it's you."
Breaking his hug slightly and swiftly, Rama pushed their lips together. His kiss was needy, but it was a taste her patron deity hadn't savored in too long. Their body were locked, and their eyes squinted to dam their tears. Their overjoyed whimpers and gasps were their only sounds; The two lovers were reunited, grasped in each other's desperate arms, yielding to each other while shunning the world. They broke for air, barely murmuring their names before their lips silenced each other with another loving caress.
The cheers were absolutely deafening, and even Karna was showing a rare grin as he clapped for the sight. Gabrielle hugged Anishka while sending her praises, but she merely rubbed her watery eyes and smiled. Glancing towards a few servants who made a hesitant approach, she smiled further. Nightingale, Medea, and Scathach quietly approached, keeping close eyes on the two for any signs the procedure had gone wrong.
Medea's rule breaker disconnected Tara's curse, but it couldn't remove it outright. That's where Nightingale's proposed procedure came into play; Medea could temporarily disable it, but the saint graph surgery would remove the risk entirely. So far, it seemed it worked out perfectly for Rama, but now they likely needed to repeat the process for Sita. It saddened her their first reunion would be cut a little short, but if it guaranteed they'd stay together, she was positive Rama would understand.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to see Da Vinci offering her a big thumb up. "Congrats, Annie~! You now hold the record for most emotional summoning to date~!"
Anishka gazed to Gudao and Roman who grinned at her, then turned to Karna and Arjuna. The archer wore a tiny smile, sending her into further relief as Karna nodded to her in approval. In the background, she was momentarily distracted by Mata Hari and Marie squealing over the development. She giggled at them, but turned back as Arjuna quietly nodded to her. "Well done, master… but you're still not done yet."
Right, even before the possible procedure, she was being rude. Nodding, she turned back to her patron deity as the approached servants talked with them. Sita looked a bit uncertain, but Rama continued to hold her close and reassure. Anishka smiled at them, glad that she had been able to help make something so honestly perfect; She would make her Satyanarayan Puja tomorrow extra long as thanks. The relieved, newly-made master walked off the stage and approached with the original two.
Scathach stepped out of the way as Rama turned to her with the brightest grin she'd ever seen. Tears still gently fell from his shining eyes, but he hardly cared as he whispered to his wife to make her turn towards them. They stood up, as he held her gently from behind like she may leave at any second. Their red eyes stared towards her, one with total pride, and the other in growing appreciation. Sita smiled and sniffled, "Rama told me you're the one responsible?"
"I am, Shri Sita." While Gabrielle and Gudao smiled at her side, Anishka bowed to her with hands clasped together in namaste. While bending, she reached out with one hand and touched Sita's foot, making her gasp in surprise while Rama chuckled. Returning her hand to reform the respectful gesture, she offered the most picturesque smile to the now smiling woman. "I am Anishka Sharma, one of your masters in Chaldea. I'm greatly honored to be in your presence."
Rama laughed. "See? Very respectful and devoted! You'll love her, I promise! She's adorable when she bumbles around and wonderful an- Ah, right, there are other masters too!"
Gudao and Gabrielle only laughed at being momentarily forgotten, all while Anishka thanked Lord Ganesha for blessing her first step on the road ahead.
Small Note: When Sita is officially released, the last scene may be subject to future change. She is the first and last exception of adding a servant not in the JP gacha.