Laughter erupted from distant booths as Carmilla and Elizabeth got into another bickering argument. A giggle fit erupted from the Dining Hall's bar as Jing Ke, Shuten, and Ibaraki talked vivaciously with Mata Hari. There was a round of Quetzalcoatl's happy giggles from a booth over the divider wall from his as she joked around with Medusa and her sisters. Yet, like a dull drone, the mirth of Salon de Marie remained only a hazy veil of noise in Amakusa's distant mind.
Silently, he sat in the corner of his currently empty booth. Wearing one of his many traditional priest vestments, he sat slightly hunched as his golden cross glowed with the light from his phone's screen. His solemn eyes reflected the many words and images that scrolled past like credits to a movie. Slowly, his thumb kept its consistent swing like a pendulum that resonated across the crowded streets of his mind.
It took just two days for his hand to grow used to the motions of the modern convenience, yet he'd never grow used to the stories and articles presented within. Still, though he could be doing much more before dinner this Sunday night, his mind ushered him to check up on the world. Instead, what he found urged his jaded mind to learn more about the current events, rather than mingle with appreciated comrades. It whispered gloom from the deepest recesses that he could barely ignore… for he knew it was right.
Amakusa had lived long enough in the modern era to know just how little humans have changed.
He'd long stopped clicking into articles, and merely scrolled past the many titles and summaries with a small frown. One caught his eye as he passed. The Central American cartels had become more active in the past week, and death tolls were rising. Just below it was another article about ISIS and their own escalation of attacks in the middle east. Like a bee to nectar, his mind naturally gravitated towards articles, and picked them out specifically to reinforce what he already knew.
Humanity was plagued by a darkness, but it wasn't inherently their own fault. They were simply born with that sin and grudge which are passed down the generations like genes. Time and time again, humans were at each other's throats for differences of view. Even in this modern era, their very core did not change as he saw the same events continue to unfold with his weary eyes. After so many years, life still seemed to have little value.
Yet, for all the bad in the world, he understood his biased mind was selectively retaining what it wished. As his finger continued to scroll, though there were grim articles, they were outnumbered. The positive ones shimmered in his eyes, even as his mind beckoned him to focus on the fuel for his ambition… yet was this also not fuel for his belief? Were these other articles not providing the hope he'd tried so many times to see walking amongst the modern world?
He scrolled back up to the top subconsciously, and stared again at the highlight of the day. The world, after a week of negotiation, had agreed to complete nuclear disarmament. Just below it, another article showed the United Nations had been granted the amendments necessary to raise its own global army and act in defense of every country at a moment's notice. Just breaking in the past hour, the Vigil had begun aiding Iraq against ISIS with devastating precision; The reporters were describing it as a turkey shoot with near nonexistent collateral damage.
The United Nations was doing far more in this time than they ever had in that past summoning, yet his doubt remained. They were taking steps towards the impossible, but how long would that last? How long until they fell like many others, and the darkness within humanity merely pushed them aside in ignorant favor of their ever-repeating tragedy. Or maybe, what if they became a new monstrosity from corruption within? Dark possibilities endlessly whispered… yet he let them.
Amakusa always had, but it merely served as never-ending tinder to his resolve… a wish that, suddenly, didn't have as simple an answer as he'd come to believe.
His eyes glanced up at familiar, approaching presences, and he quietly turned his phone off with a press of his thumb. As he placed it away, George appeared with his white collared shirt and beige formal pants. As he adjusted his black tie, he smiled to Amakusa and slipped into the booth. "Caught in the trap of scrolling too?"
Amakusa chuckled lightly and hid cynicism behind his pearly whites. "I'm afraid so… When Gabrielle said it was addicting, I didn't realize how much."
"None of us were prepared for this," George chuckled back as he slid into the very center of the booth to make more room. "I hope you don't mind extra company?"
"The more the merrier," he offered back, but wasn't too sure who was going to join them. His answer came in the form of a baby's happy giggles and Martha's gentle laughter. It seemed Elsa and her son would be joining the three of them tonight; By another holy woman's giggles, it was clear Jeanne would too. Amakusa felt his smile grow genuine as they approached, and silently affirmed the little family was likely going to become a daily joy for their little Chapel group.
Not that he minded, for it served as another small distraction from his thoughts, which had only grown more difficult and choppy since Goetia's defeat.
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Fragment 78: Divisive Belief
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Though most of the Agora was undergoing finishing touches, there was one attaching hallway that was already complete. Down its path of maroon brick pavers that began by the mall's entrance, the rather plain and unassuming hallway led to several separate rooms for private religious worship. With proper sound absorbing material lining its many walls, every separate room could hold ceremonies as different times without disturbing the others. There were even small brochure holders and bulletin boards scattered along its lengthy white walls.
Within the new Chapel, just one of the many named spaces, Amakusa slid his hand gently across the polished wood of the transported pews. He slipped another of Chaldea's many collected bibles into another wooden holder along its back. Few bibles matched since they were often obtained at different times, but Martha and Jeanne thought it'd give their holy place some personality. They at least ensured all of them were in English; Some Latin ones, and a few other languages, remained on a bookshelf by the altar.
The welcoming white walls of the simple room were speckled with different stained-glass windows. Helena had done a wonderful job creating new designs, and a modified version of one of the Salon's old chandelier made for a nice centerpiece among the many cedar beams; It made the room feel like an elegant little church that could seat forty comfortably. When they finished setting up the last pieces by the alter this morning, which was currently hidden behind a large white curtain, Chaldea's sermons could be held again.
As he reached the end of the pew, he grabbed another pair of bibles that sat by a feather duster. Organizing and checking these holy scriptures had been one of his many therapeutic activities in those long decades of waiting. It offered him a perfect window to continue planning and observing, all while he paid proper homage and tribute to the almighty lord. For the past year in Chaldea, he did much of the same, but those thoughts had been far more focused on the harbinger of mankind's extinction.
Now though? The calm silence was a breeding ground for rampant thought on how he could truly save mankind.
After sliding a unique, cherry-leather bible into one of the last vacant holders, he heard some curious noises by the ornate mahogany doors. Quietly, he tried to feel for a presence, but noted none, nor the distinct hover of a Chaldean robot. Instead, a hand gently pushed open the door to herald clicking black heels. Elsa quickly appeared in a long, ebony midi skirt and a black-and-white polka dotted blouse. A simple golden ring shimmered on her left ring finger with the same sunny shimmer on her curious smile.
Bashfully, she held a hand to her mouth. "Oh… Amakusa! I didn't think you'd be here this early."
"You didn't tell us you were even coming, nor dressed so wonderfully," he chuckled lightly as he noticed her staring back out the door. Confirmation instantly rang as Gio's giggles came through, and he quickly strolled over to the door. With an amused shake of his head, he quickly reached down and propped a door wedge into place. "…Waking up at seven in the morning isn't how many would spend their week off to adjust."
"Oh, but it's how I always spend my days, and Gio kept waking up anyway," she quietly insisted as he propped the other door open. One of the many baby carriages Irisviel had been hording in storage rested outside, and Giovanni's moving teddy bear within its cerulean maw brought a tiny smile to his lips. She gently pushed the bay carriage inside. "…I hope you don't mind I help out? I always try to volunteer at the local church. I guess it's like a hobby. You have some too, right, Amakusa?"
Though he smiled, he did not nod or shake his head. Truthfully, he'd always been so focused on his heartfelt desire, that he dared to push most of his own interests away. He still helped others, did priestly duties, and babysat the kids when requested, but they felt more like going through motions than truly living. Jeanne and Martha often chastised him about that, yet it was only recently that he began to think about changing that.
Elsa smiled. "That's what I thought. Hobbies are for people to relax and enjoy themselves, so please consider this a hobby of mine! I really enjoy doing it!"
An amused glint flashed across Amakusa's eyes as he folded his arms. "Am I going to have to beg you to relax like your old priest did?"
He chuckled as her apologetic, yet determined, bluish-green eyes stared back. "You could, but I told you how much success he had."
"He didn't," he sighed back lightly. "I'm afraid there's not much to clean, and there's no flowers to change yet. If you're going to do anything, it's getting scolded by Martha for not enjoying your time. Only the new Leyshift personnel have anything to do today."
"But I want to do something with my time! To help a wonderful community and give thanks to the lord is a privilege!" she reassured quickly with a vibrant smile as she reached down to fold the carriage's mesh, enclosing hood back. Her smile gleamed as brightly as her baby's. "Isn't that right, Gio~?"
As the baby in a lime green onesie cooed and squirmed under the fingers of her mother's outstretched hand, Amakusa watched with a calm smile. Giovanni happily hugged his teddy bear, and even sat up with a giggle. His eyes stared wondrously at his mother, then towards the ruler as she planted a soft kiss on his head. Such profound innocence and trouble-free bliss never ceased to touch him; It was a gaze he always wished was shared among all of humanity.
Yet his eyes stared back with stray thoughts of what he could grow up to be. Would he be one of the few to retain that innocence and hope for decades longer, or would he give in? Would he turn to god like his mother, and him, had done for renewed strength, or would he fall and… Amakusa silently berated himself for having such dark premonitions over a baby, yet it couldn't be helped. He was so thoroughly influenced by his jaded thoughts and desired wish.
Even now, his mind wanted him to act, though he was uncertain how or why. What was once so clear to him as night and day had been shaken to the core after watching Gudao and Gabrielle's recorded discussion with Goetia. He'd listened to every word… Thought deeply on the beast's argument…
…Then he'd hidden himself away that night, plagued with thoughts he'd actually agreed with humanity's true enemy.
He'd despised himself a little more that evening. It was a terrible thought to think humanity's perfect recreation through destruction could be promising… yet had Goetia not also wished for their salvation in some way? Didn't the righteous desire to save others? …But then, what did it mean to truly save humanity, whose majority seemingly wished to be left as a decaying ouroboros?
But Roman's speech still dared yo sing to his heart. His words were genuine and true. They rang through louder than nearly all others who tried to convince him to think differently. Here was a man who could see everything and still believed this tragedy was the proper course of all; Another omniscient view, a heartfelt sacrifice, and a hopeful light that lit a new way towards a better tomorrow. While he'd been unbelievably inspired with that touching speech too... he still believed something more needed to be done for humanity's sake.
Happiness was a blemished diamond, yet he could only see the scratches on its perfect surface marring the flawless shimmer he wished them to have.
Nonetheless, as always, some dared to defy his beliefs and try to make him think again, just like those few times in his renewed, other life. Hiding his never-ending inner turmoil with perfect grace, he smiled as Elsa glanced curiously towards the curtain-covered altar. He let out a chuckle, "If you'd like, you could help me decorate it, but I'm banning you from doing anything laborious. You're a nursing mother."
"Nothing laborious," she nodded in agreement, and they shared a chuckle as he walked to the curtain. She followed shortly after while pushing the carriage towards the front pews. "Are you enjoying your new phone? I'm surprised how naturally buried their heads in them! It's like the rest of the world!"
Though ever-impressed she'd grown accustomed to them so fast, he nodded his head gently. "It's a nice convenience I never got to experience in any of my summonings, but I've only been using it for news. Nothing too distracting."
At that, Elsa gave a quiet gasp. He paused and turned back to her as she looked at him with worry, and he blinked in confusion. Though Giovanni continued to play happily with his teddy bear, and now a rattle, Elsa remained composed. "Please forgive me if I'm being overbearing, but you must be careful of the news. A lot of it is sensating… sansationing journalism…?"
"…Sensationalist journalism?" he blinked again.
"Yes, thank you! A lot of them focus on bad news these days! People do good and bad, but the bad brings more money and talk! They can even twist some of the words and facts so you have to be careful if they're telling the real truth."
And now there was another idea that irked him. For a situation to be reported wrong… he had plenty of experience with that. He'd had hoped with the internet's widespread reach that would have been remedied, yet like everything, something marred it. It nearly made him frown, but he smiled appreciatively. Even if it fed his hidden displeasure, it also fanned the few hopeful flames that had grown since arriving in Chaldea.
"It's unfortunate, but I can see why they do it. Tragedy often rings the loudest in our minds… Thank you, Elsa. I fear I may have believed too much if it was the case."
"They usually get most right, but one should always be careful and check many stories," she insisted, though her smile returned. "Oh but enough of news! It's always dreary these days and sad stuff should be said less while in god's grace!"
He couldn't help but chuckle again. "Of course, but may God heal all wounds."
"Bless us, oh lord," she whispered quietly before making the sign of the cross. "God works and guides in mysterious ways."
He nodded again, then turned to the curtain. Their table's conversation last night didn't go too deeply into her past out of respect and courtesy, but they found out how deep her piety rested, as well as her carried burdens. Mounting debt and other difficulties led many to drastic decisions, and hers was grave enough to convince her to travel all the way from Italy to Antarctica; Da Vinci had to be convinced too, so he heard. But she cared for her child, as any other mother should, and salary or not, she and her family never dared to think they should be separated for her new necessary job.
Amakusa wondered about the details for her secrecy alibi as a 'humanitarian work for a new UN branch,' but he worried more over the pair. Elsa had been understandably scared when they informed her of the scale of Chaldea's former siege, yet she dared to still believe God guided her here for a reason. She dared to believe in them, rather than get cold feet and choose to leave like another new employee still considered. Her belief was mighty, and as an offering to that strength, he desired to prevent her, like many others within reach, from falling into tragedy.
Quietly, he pulled the curtain open and drew an amazed gasp from the Italian woman. The raised stage wasn't too extravagant; It was actually mostly empty save for the cedar alter with ornate crucifix. A bunch of the tables and cloths still needed to be placed, but that hardly dampened her wonder. "Bellissimo…!"
"I'm still hesitant to ask for your help, but you will insist anyway, so how about we choose a cover for the alter? I'll bring the cloths over so we can get your opinion without pulling you away from…" Amakusa trailed off as he stared to the doorway. Martha appeared in a conservative white sweater dress and gasped as she glanced towards Elsa and her baby carriage. "Good morning, Martha."
"Oh goodness! Elsa! What're you doing here this early!?" Martha practically scolded as she zipped her way down the aisle.
"Martha! You look beautiful this morning!" Elsa simply greeted nonchalantly, all while the rider stared incredulously. "We just wanted to help with the Chapel's décor!"
"No, no please! You should be rela-!" She was interrupted by the babies coos, and to Amakusa's amusement, Martha instantly dissolved into a bubbly mess as she leaned over the baby carriage. "Awwwwww~! Little Gio~! Good morning~! You brought your little bear to church too~! Ohhhh, you're so cute~! Look at that smile~!"
Amakusa merely sighed with content and walked towards the table with several folded clothes.
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"Good morning, everyone~!" "Artemis! Don't just swing your head without warning or I'll fall off!" "It's time for our surfing contest, Medusa!"
Breakfast was already bustling at the outdoor cafeteria when their group arrived. Though the salon was in working order again, the meal rotation worked different since the cafeteria was gone. The Dining Hall would only seat for dinner on weekdays, but buffet meals were cooked from the kitchen and brought to the resort so they wouldn't drown in more barbeque; As tasty as it was, variety was the spice of life. The weekends would remain barbeque lunches and dinners for weekends.
"Sorry! We're sitting with mommy for breakfast!" "For the last time, Ibaraki… Candy isn't a breakfast option." "Tota! Let's go sit on the beach!"
Though he'd often eat like a bird, Amakusa was a bit eager to have more regular food choices again. Now that the others were back at their table in Club Cove, he slowly maneuvered himself through the crowds of mingling servants and employees. He gave a nod in greeting and an accompanying good morning to any who offered; There were more than plenty. He only stopped when he saw how long the line still was for the buffet tables by the grills.
Content with waiting, he leaned up against one of the cabana's wooden support beams, but sidled a little closer so a robot with more replacement trays could scooch by. After his eyes followed it so he ensured it passed without trouble, he turned to the nearest table and saw Karna eyeing him. His hawk-like eyes seemed to pierce him, but the ruler met the gaze calmly with a small smile. The lancer in a black sherwani with white accents merely nodded to him, then turned back to his companion.
Siegfried sat and chewed on a breakfast sausage across from him, though he honestly looked less like a hero and more like a movie star this morning. His white button-up was open and blowing gently in the breeze with his silver hair. His denims were well fit and faded along its length. His eyes gazed to Amakusa, but were far more relaxed than the lancer across from him who quietly ate his grapefruit. They offered a tiny smile and nod to each other, but nothing more.
It was only when Karna finished another spoonful of his breakfast and stared back to Amakusa that the ruler finally spoke. "I hope you have a better day, Karna, and pray I'm not the one who has you on edge."
Karna looked around again and noticed no one else was really paying attention. Only Atalanta passed an occasional glance two tables away, but she was far too preoccupied smiling and playfully spoon-feeding Jack. He shook his head lightly. "It's personal, but you are not the concern."
Amakusa chuckled lightly. "I was hoping it was, then I could at least reassure you."
"I'm still keeping my eye on you, but it's clear to me you're not planning anything," Karna noted calmly, which drew Siegfried's attention again. Amakusa glanced to the saber's mostly curious stare. Karna carefully dug his spoon into the grapefruit, but kept his eyes on the ruler. "Not yet."
Knowing there was no use lying to Karna, Amakusa nodded slowly. "I doubt I will. Even if I did, I've been stopped every time."
He'd thought he succeeded back then, but learning what happened from Shakespeare had raked at his heart and nerves… That homunculus hadn't exactly stopped the wish, but he had made a clever move, he'd admit. To think such a naïve boy would try to believe so much when he barely knew anything… yet wasn't that innocence of man at its core? Of course a soul unjaded and inexperienced would still dare to believe.
It was that failure that frustrated him into reaching again, and wound up betraying Gudao. Angra Mainyu surprisingly helped stop him, and so he made that promise to hold himself back. But he knew himself better. His desire to see mankind saved from itself would entice him down dark paths to see it come true… and he'd gladly walk them, or at least, he would have before. Now that choice was far more gray after being around Chaldea's palette of colors, and far more heroes who believed just as strongly as he did.
"But it would be our turn to stop you next time you try anything radical," Siegfried finally offered, and though he gave a tiny smile, Amakusa could feel the firm warning just beneath. He could see it like spotlights in the hero's eyes as he seemed to study the priest. "I'm sorry if that came out harsh, but that's how it would be."
"I understand. I won't blame you if you do."
"I don't find fault in your motives. They're pure at their core, but you need to do a lot more thinking rather than only reaching for the first hopeful answer you find," Karna added calmly as he took another bite, then swallowed. "It is difficult to accept, but sometimes there isn't a true answer."
Amakusa's smile had faded slightly. "That won't stop me from searching."
"It shouldn't. You should just try to find better answers with all of us rather than brooding on your own," Karna argued definitively. "You know where that got you last time."
"…Old habits are hard to break, I guess," he admitted. To any who may have been overhearing, any concern lifted. Karna and Amakusa shared a small chuckle and were soon joined by Siegfried.
Then, the lancer glanced back at him and nodded. "So they are… You've yet to truly be yourself because of them."
Amakusa blinked. "I'm afraid I don't understand. You know I've always been myself and pursued my dream."
"No, Amakusa. Your actions show you've never been yourself. You've only been guilty," Karna pointed out flatly for the first time, and the ruler's smile faded slightly. "You've never let yourself live because of your past."
The ruler glanced around to see if anyone was listening, but to his relief, only two were. Hans and Shakespeare eyed him from a nearby table, and though their Hawaiian shirts wavered in the breeze, their curious glances didn't. It hardly shook him. He glanced back to Karna. "I feel I don't have the right to live while something can surely be done. There has to be an answer out there."
"You'll only keep thinking about it, but no one said that's all you should do," the lancer reassured. "If you finally stop staring solely at your wish, you may find more paths than you saw before."
Amakusa fell silent. First Jeanne and Martha suggested he try to relax, then George too. It was far easier said than done, and most attempts, like scrolling through the news, merely turned his sights on the target again. It was his soul's will to keep reaching; That would never change. Although… perhaps he could at least enjoy himself a little bit more than he had. Nothing sinfully extravagant but… maybe something to pass the time smoother so he wasn't succumbing to heavy debate and philosophy?
Kind of like they did now. He chuckled. "Thanks for the advice… but a bit heavy of a conversation for eight in the morning, no?"
"That is my fault. I'm still working on subtlety and reading social cues," Karna replied as a tiny, genuine smile touched his lips.
"You'll get there," Siegfried reassured with a small smirk. "There's nothing wrong with being upfront and honest so often. I always envy that."
"You'll get there," Karna replied back with his own little smirk, and Amakusa chuckled. "Your trip to Germany might do you wonders."
"Are you sure you don't want a souvenir?" Siegfried asked as he fell back into conversation with his friend and rival. "Lederhosen? Beer stein?"
Karna blinked. "I don't drink alcohol, Siegfried."
"Not for a collection? Lederhosen it is then." As they fell into chuckles, Amakusa noticed the line fell shorter, and he quietly moved on after a small wave. He passed another glance to Atalanta and her happy girls. They'd pause their eating to stare at a vibrant Scarlet Macaw that had landed on their table. He watched Nursery Rhyme feed it some bird seed as he approached the li-
"SorryNotSorry!" Angra Mainyu belted out swiftly as he cut right in front of him. Amakusa only blinked as the tattooed avenger, wearing only a plain black t-shirt and ripped jean shorts, glanced back with a smirk. "What? I need to keep up my title too, ya know? Doing mean things to a priest is pure evil, yea?"
The ruler could only chuckle. "I've been terribly offended."
"Then I've done my sin for the day!" Angra declared proudly as he snatched up a plate from a stack. He grabbed a second and offered it to the ruler. "Stay good today, Mister Ruler!"
He nodded in thanks, took the plate, and stared at the back of Chaldea's craziest avenger. Angra Mainyu… All the world's evil which he sought to destroy, and yet, this avenger was hardly that. No doubt, the wronged villager before him was just another reminder of what humanity could do to someone innocent… but also an example of what happened when some chose to pursue a righteous wish. They only wanted to rid themselves of evil, yet their method of delivering it onto the poor soul before him…
'I'm no better.' He wasn't. He was a folk saint willing to bloody his hands with sin to reach for a purest ideal. Would that ideal still be as bright after he touched it with tainted hands? He didn't know, nor did it bother him back then. It would never stop him from his pursuit, but other individuals would instead.
Even so, while he gazed again across the many present heroes, and all their smiling faces, he couldn't help but smile back. His impatience remained, but a long-seeded sprout began to form. As hopeful urgings wrestled with impatient desire he finally started to consider doing something while he bided his time . That fire for an answer would never go out since the emotional memories were so vivid. But Karna's words rang with the growing protest of others.
At least he had one certainty: Going against all these new comrades, and friends, was one of the last paths he wished to walk.
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Amakusa stepped into the Shrine, removed his shoes, and felt the wonderful wave of comfort and nostalgia wash over him like a drizzle. From its traditional shoji walls to the gentle creaks of the tatami mats beneath his socks, he was in Hizen again… The Japanese servants' little slice of their homeland in Chaldea always brought a sense of familiar relief into his heart; It was a shame it also came with nostalgia of a different kind.
Though not as often as before, if he blinked, he could sometimes smell the burning flesh or hear the broken screams of his besieged comrades. For all the warmth of home this place brought, it also churned the coals of his guilt. The faces of so many who followed him still haunted his mind, and being in this place fueled that convicted shame for failing all of them. At his very core, this fault was his drive to seek humanity's salvation with every waking moment in a new life.
Nevertheless, though the guilt cooked him from within, he pondered on new patience as the pendulum swung relentlessly in his mind.
He walked down the calm main hallway, but slowed to a crawl. He stopped to peer through a crack in one of the sliding doors, and smiled when he saw Xuanzang passed out happily under a kotatsu; Only her lightly snoring head stuck out. He glanced back down the hallway as Shiki quietly approached. Wearing with a bored expression, which contrasted her rather bright pink kimono with a white obi, she came to a stop by the door with a plate of oranges in one hand and water bottles in the other.
"Going in too?" As Amakusa pushed the door open slightly, Shiki glanced into the room, nearly cracked a tiny smirk, and shook her head.
"Good grief… I leave for two minutes and she passes out like that. She's something else," Shiki mused, but then nodded in thanks towards Amakusa. "Changed your mind about tagging along?"
"I thought I'd come see what you've picked out for your tour and if I can offer any ideas," he admitted with a small smile. "Your group is already quite large, and I've wandered around enough in my other summoning."
Truthfully, he didn't have any real need to travel the world again. With this timeline's only greater grail destroyed, any urgings to explore from his guilt-driven passion vanished like rain drops in a desert. Maybe he'd find another reason to look around, or he'd grown curious of any other methods he'd somehow missed… but he doubted it. His vacation days would just stack since he was content merely to stay in Chaldea and assist with defeating singularities.
"Not in 2016 you haven't. If you change your mind, we could always use more police to keep Shuten and Raikou from ripping Kintoki in half," she half-heartedly voiced. The image of the two pulling the poor golden berserker violently by the arms never ceased to amuse many. "At least the ride to Japan will be anything but boring."
"I'll offer a prayer for that Angel's crew," he joked lightly, and smiled a bit when Shiki let a soft chuckle roam free. "Excited? You seem to be in a good mood this morning."
"Oh? Did I seem bothered or something?" Not recently from what he can recall, but she did have far more quiet and contemplative moments ever since someone brought up the idea she was sleepwalking early in the mornings. She'd seemingly gotten over that a month ago. "I guess I'm a bit excited. Not quite like hunting some fun prey in a singularity, but I've got a few places I want to see."
"Not too off the beaten track from the others, I hope."
She shook her head and leaned lightly against the wall. "It fit with our route. You'll see in a bit. Even if I did stray, Tomoe's my buddy, and we got our phones."
Unlike employees, who had far more vacation time and could go on their own, servants were required to at least leave in pairs. The buddy system was suggested by the Vigil in case anyone were to try something devious. Da Vinci merely improved on it by suggesting servants go in groups, but always travel in pairs, just so vacations are more fun. Amakusa doubted there would be many who'd dare try and mess with a servant after Tumangang, but unfortunately, dark ambition often stalked through human minds.
"Then is it fair for me to say you'll be looking for that certain person?" Amakusa asked curiously, though treaded lightly.
Shiki's tiny smirk wavered a bit, and her eyes lost just enough of that confident gleam for him to notice. Still, she nodded slowly, but her expression betrayed nothing more. "…Yea. I want to see what that guy's up to. We'll be in the area, so I might as well make the detour… Who knows. Maybe I'll see that crazy witch again too."
"Maybe Aoko as well. I heard you got along well with her."
"She's strange… Nothing like what I heard from Touko," Shiki chuckled lightly again. After a small pause, Shiki glanced into the room again as Xuanzang let out another peaceful snore, then motioned with her head. "Care to sit? We've got plenty of oranges and a few more minutes."
"I'll pass on the oranges, but I hope we don't wake up Xua-"
The Shrine's entrance doors slammed open behind him, and an exasperated smirk swept across Shiki's face. "Nimen haaaoooo~! You all missed a spontaneous party~!"
Amakusa turned around as Jing Ke, who would have looked elegant in her traditional red qipao and her hair in a tidy bun. Instead, she sauntered towards them with a noticeable sway in every step. She'd failed to close the Shrine doors, but at least she removed her slippers. To Amakusa's exasperation, she even had a full bottle of sake in one hand, while the other helped her suck the second bottle empty. She looked over them with glazed eyes, but retained her focus in ways Amakusa could never comprehend. "Is Li here?"
He could practically smell the alcohol fly from her mouth as she closed the final dozen meters. Xuanzang stirred groggily under the kotatsu while Amakusa checked his watch. Shiki merely motioned towards the inner sanctum with her head. "He's trimming the bonsais early. Need something?"
"Yea! Ushi and I can't decide on some decorations in the Hair Parlor. She wants Li's opinion."
"You sure she just doesn't want a sober opinion?" Shiki shot back with a tiny glint of enjoyment.
"You're drinking earlier and earlier," the ruler noted with his own little amused glint as he rolled his black sleeve back over his watch.
Jing Ke straightened her form, put her bottle-holding hands akimbo, and levelled a glazed light glare at them. "I said it once, twice, and seventy times! I'm a role model functioning alcoholic!"
"You sure that's not her real class, Amakusa?" Shiki slyly asked him, and he merely chuckled and shook his head while Jing Ke pouted huffily. She was definitely an assassin from what True Name Discernment insisted. He'd have to question the class system if drunkard actually was a class.
"You got into another 'challenge' with the Celts again?" Amakusa glanced back past Shiki as a battle-clad Li appeared in the hallway with a small smirk. Jing Ke pouted, but it only made the lancer air his signature laugh. "Cu told me about. It wasn't a guess."
"Yea, yea… Come along! Ushi wants your opinion on some decor! She's not great at it, and I only know what it looks like with the room spinning!"
"…My opinion on that? She should ask Valeria or one of her staff. Why would you want my opinion on something that's not a fi-"
"Just come, okay! You help out there too, so you gotta stare at the decor like the rest of us!" Jing Ke complained as she stomped over quickly, moved the now empty bottle into her other hand, grasped Li by his sleeve, and started to pull. To Shiki's amusement, the weaker assassin couldn't even budge her friend. "Let's go! It'll be quick! I swear!"
Li finally relented with a small shake of his head. "It will have to be. You know I've got that free for all brawl with Beowulf, Hera-"
"That you've been looking forward to all week! Yea, yea, the training ground isn't going anywhere!"
As they walked past, and Li tossed them a small wave of goodbye, Amakusa silently marveled again at what could be. Li, one of the servants who secretly aggravated him due to his constant thrill and chase of lethal combat, still surfaced his amiable side over time. Though the ruler found discontent with seeking conflict, he at least found ways to temper it and turn it to good use for Chaldea. It was both a shining example of mankind overcoming its sin and their indulgence in its whispers.
Again and again, constant reminders and examples flipped and churned the debate in his mind to try his patience or judge his current course.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ V ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Lunch had passed fairly uneventfully, and though the Chapel was open for sermons, they wouldn't be starting until tomorrow. That didn't mean he wasn't going to spend his time sitting within its hallowed space, probably in silent contemplation; Heaven knows he did plenty of that anyway. In a curious bid to try something fresh, he walked through the Residential Area to grab a book from his room Shakespeare recommended and lent days ago. It was better than scrolling endlessly through sensational news on his phone.
In all his days, the only new hobby he'd thought to even try was reading. Sure there were plenty of strange new developments in the modern world, but none really caught his attention. He was a rather simple man, with a straightforward but overwhelming ambition. There wasn't much time made for anything else except for proper faith and focused meditation. With the growing insistence of others, and the curious candle of hope that grew in the past week, he thought to finally indulge himself rather than fall into deep contemplation again.
He had to wonder if he was the only one who struggled against their heart's temptation and instinct. The world was open again, and he watched quietly in anticipation of whether some more questionable servants would make a move. One in particular walked towards him, looking ever suspiciously clean and tidy in his chosen attire. Like the vast majority of his wardrobe, Mephistopheles wore black formal slacks with an accompanying vest over his white, long-sleeved shirt; Today that vest was magenta like his perfectly combed, tidy, and slicked back hair.
His eyes bore into the ruler as they passed, yet they were narrowed slyly with glittering anticipation in his eyes. Suddenly on guard, Amakusa put up an easy, well-rehearsed smile as his customary first line of defense. "Should I be worried you seem eager today, Mephistopheles?"
"You shouldn't, but whether you believe my word or not is up to you, I'm afraid," he spoke with a devilishly smooth tone… the same one he pondered could have convinced many to their demise at his hands. Another… yet another example of darkness that lurked with humanity, waiting to strike at a moment's notice. But he wouldn't trick him, nor would he drop his guard.
"I worry it's just a matter of time after you've bought Chaldea's trust," Amakusa admitted calmly as they stopped before each other. "I hope you prove me wrong, but I'll be watching like many others."
"How very Catholic of you to root out evil wherever it may tread," the caster mused out calmly with a small snicker, but seemingly brushed it off. "Noble. Very noble indeed, but you have no cause for alarm... I'm content. Though the thought of a wonderful betrayal entices me, there's still much for me to explore, and many opportunities for quality entertainment. Now, if you don't mind, Mister Fields promised he'd be introducing one to me after lunch."
…Tyler was going to do what? Amakusa raised a curious eyebrow as Mephistopheles passed, which the caster spotted. He merely chuckled, glanced back, and kept walking. "I assure you, it's nothing to fear, but I'm very eager to see what this strange game called Eve Online has to offer the devil."
As Mephistopheles turned down another corridor while letting out a small, ominous chuckle of anticipation, Amakusa frowned lightly. It was honestly hypocritical for him to be judging others for potentially doing harm, especially when atrocious acts weren't beyond him either. Still, he worried for Chaldea and the world from the evil that could lurk within… from the enticing whispers of greed and envy that led men to terrible acts.
Far from the only ambitious person, he knew the dreadful wishes of some in the walls. Iskandar's wish to conquer more of the world in renewed flesh… Nobunaga's slightly curbed desire to reunite Japan under her rule… They were but a few of many, yet he silently wondered if or when they would act. None had yet to do so, partially because of the deterrence of others, just like they did for him. But how long would that safety net stop them or others?
Could distraction and satisfaction truly keep them placid?
…Could a bit of enjoyment keep him patient and placid too?
It was a shame he feared what could be, but with the lack of an overwhelming threat, his jaded mind whispered caution and impatience against the hint of newfound optimism.
Berating himself for already falling into more darkened thoughts, he continued his walk towards his room. Thankfully, as he turned a corridor, his mind was distracted with something new. He glanced up and saw another on his list of suspected unruly servants… who'd done nothing but prove him, and everyone else, horribly wrong consistently. Quietly, he stared at Blackbeard as he stood before a door calmly and knocked.
It was unusual, but his usually messy black hair glimmered with a newly washed state. Clutched to his fresh white t-shirt was his new tablet. Just past his arm, its case portrayed some sort of cartoonish red-haired girl in a dangerously flimsy swimsuit that winked and shot a peace sign. With his other hand in the pocket of his grey sweatpants, the rider merely glanced to him without worry, nodded, then turned back to the door.
The second it opened, his face broke into a friendly grin as Osakabehime appeared while wrapped in a giant pink blanket. Blackbeard stared at it, chuckled, and shook his head. "El-oh-el… Going to catch a cold more than five seconds outta your kotatsu?"
"Not funny, Blackie-chan!" she countered, but giggled as a paper bat flew around her head briefly. "Come in, come in! I got the first page done!"
"Ohhhh! Really? Was my storyboard helpful at all, Osa?" Blackbeard quickly asked with a glimmer in his eyes as he disappeared within.
"It was pretty good! You had a lot of juicy ideas but they needed revision!" she insisted as she, too, vanished back into her room.
"Uhh… I hope it wasn't that yaoi you love. It's supposed to be a traditional harem premi-" The door slid shut to cut off the rider's sentence.
As a robot floated by, Amakusa merely stared at the door until he slowly passed, then shook his head with a small smile. Blackbeard, feared pirate of the sea, had arrived in Chaldea over a year ago with the most awkward and strangest interests he'd ever seen. Many thought he mellowed out over the months, and his true pirate self-appeared on several occasions… but it was clear he'd just been suppressing all of it… until Osakabehime arrived.
Now those two were very close friends, to the total bafflement of Kiyohime, Tamamo, and the other Chaldean pirates. Amakusa only thought it was promising; A feared pirate, turning a leaf through… questionable interests he couldn't understand. But if it was a hobby he enjoyed peacefully with another without causing problems, then he had no qualms. It only gave him hope for what could be, and more food for his hungry thoughts.
…Yes, as many suggested, perhaps it was time he allowed himself to finally indulge lightly in something, if only to busy his mind.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Sadly, during the hour spent in the Chapel, he couldn't bring himself to open the book before he had to be in the Control Room: He'd pondered instead. Again. 'Hard habits to break…'
With the exception of a few missing consoles that still needed to be replaced, the Control Room looked as pristine as it had in days past. Its new windows shimmered and reflected light from the orchestra of screens within. The many monitors showcased countless angles so Vernier's formally dressed group of Clock Tower mages could observe quietly. Just in front of them, the battle clad David and Da Vinci were keeping careful tabs at the primary console, and dutifully answering any inquiries they voiced.
As robots were busy performing the necessary protocols at most consoles, three new employees gathered around Anishka and Anton. Meunière, now dressed in his own Leyshift Personnel Uniform, observed with his companions as they went over a live demonstration. With her renowned grace and sincerity, Anishka led most of the talk since Anton, though a supervisor, was still fairly new. Her voice joined the symphony of sounds across the room, but Amakusa did not add to the tune.
Silently, he stood by one of the vacant front row spaces where a console should be. With his calm and subtle gaze, he stared quietly towards the many monitors while keeping the mages in his peripherals; As much as they seemed to cooperate, his guard would not falter. It was unfortunate he had to personally distrust them with his subtle watch, but the Clock Tower was known for treachery. He'd dealt with them enough to know just how much.
Even so, he'd met only a scarce few who decided to prove him wrong. Though they had only technically been freshman, Gabrielle and Gudao were part of the Mage's Association for about a year. But a few pure eggs, and a crazy one named Flat, didn't shake his scrutiny. The organization was too thick with underhanded power struggles and political scheming… truly a prime example of people who fell to their selfish vices.
Yet, to Vernier's credit, he seemed to keep his group in respectful line and let them conduct their business as usual.
A beep registered over the line as Da Vinci depressed a button. Her once shining eyes dimmed with disappointment. "Gabby, the scanners picked up a large energy spike... We think it's another escaped demon pillar! We're working on a potential identity."
"In approximately ten seconds," Anton called from the back as his hands flared across his console's keys like a storm. Frankenstein quietly stared at the monitors beside him, sitting prim and proper in her white strapless dress with a matching neck bow. She turned to him the second he stopped typing. "Er… or five. Andras. It's not a precise match, but Andras is the highest probability!"
The mages were alight with whispers, and Vernier crossed his arms. "…It shouldn't be a problem, right, Da Vinci?"
The inventor turned back to him and winked, and his lips twitched into a small smile. "Not with a genius at the helm~!"
"Hey… I'm helping too," David mumbled as he shot a playful, dry stare towards her. They both chuckled, just as Gabrielle's team broke up into different tag teams with their singularity allies. They raced along the corrupted jagged earth before a golden Japanese castle, and though a few alarms were blaring from the scanners, only the newest were perturbed. For the veteran Chaldeans, this was just the first deployment since they returned… which just happened to turn malignant as it progressed.
Amakusa glanced outside the windows towards Chaldeas and its never-ending rotation. The red dots blinked across its surface, though some glowed angrier than others. Amakusa frowned lightly at the sight, for even with their supposed final victory, the number had only increased. Though it gave the servants more reason to stay, it didn't sit well with him. It made him wonder if they were even making a difference against the countless wrongs.
It was similar to humanity's fight to bring peace and serenity to the world, not led by the United Nations and its Vigil spearhead. In the end, did they even have a chance? To Amakusa, it seemed like just another fruitless effort when the sin came from within… yet part of him wanted to believe, and yelled at him to be patient and keep following this grand attempt. After all, never before had there been such a worldwide force attempting impossible unity. Above all though, it made him curious enough to want to silently watch, wait, and wonder.
…But how long was he going to wait again for another answer?
He'd kept his promise to Gudao after being defeated during his outright betrayal. Fighting alongside everyone else for a common goal had kept his ambitious pursuit placid, but with Goetia's defeat, impatience threatened to strangle him. He'd saved humanity with everyone else, but he still wanted to truly save everyone. So long as sin and evil existed, his mind could not rest… nor could his aching heart, riddled with profound guilt-driven ambition.
A robot beeped. "Secondary penetration sweep confirmed. No more unknown variables present. All enemy servants are on the field."
"Da Vinci." Amakusa and her turned to a magus in an outlandishly bright yellow and frilly suit. "Will Chaldea be attempting to rescue a servant this singularity? We've glanced over some reports, but your information appeared to be inconclusive."
Da Vinci sighed but smiled. "That's because it's still inconclusive. We've had too many mixed results to draw a fair conclusion thus far, so everything is experimentation."
"But we are trying with little Chacha. Janna really wants to save her," David noted as he glanced towards a secondary monitor. The view moved erratically as it tried to follow a desperate little lancer, whose Christmas bells chimed innocently in contrast to her angry battle cries. With the help of Brynhildr and Siegfried, they continued their blurry, rampant dance across the smoldering, barren ground against the unusually dressed servant. Amakusa couldn't help but stare at the blonde in a blue-sweater and black shorts, who looked awfully like Arturia…
"So we're going off what we do know has worked with the real servants we've brought home," Da Vinci noted with a sing-song hum. "Hopefully it works with Chacha since it only worked with other child servants, but the rest is timing. Gabby still needs to form a contract with her and we need to pull them out of the singularity after its completion, but before she starts to disappear~! If all goes well… the girls will have a new friend~!"
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
"And then when the Stitch Witches are open, you can get more dresses! They're expanding their inventory this year so you can get pink ones and Christmas ones and red and blue and more Christmas ones!"
"Chacha doesn't need more dresses! Chacha has the most wonderful dress on right now! In all of heaven and earth!"
The uniformed Gabrielle and Amakusa chuckled as they followed behind the two children away from the Deployment Room. Janna was happily talking with their newly rescued ally, whose extravagant black dress truly was made for a showroom. It was a smorgasbord of regal design as its golden etchings, clan symbol tassels, fluffy accessories, and ornate tail demanded attention from every eye. Coupled with the brightest pink bow, a regal helm, and the unique golden fan-like spokes of the Oda clan, her ensemble exuded an aura of regal grace, vanity, and ostentatious desire.
…It was a prideful message matched only be Chacha's equally superior tone, though it was far more adorable coming from the long-haired brunette. Her onyx eyes turned back to her new master. "How much farther to the Fate System? If it's too long, you must carry Chacha there!"
"Oh? Are your feet tired from walking?" Gabrielle teased, and quickly earned an indignant pout from the new berserker.
"We'll be there soon! It's okay!" Janna reassured as she gently grasped one of the berserker's hands and swung it gently.
Chacha stared at it indignantly and tried to hide her tiny smile. Gabrielle held back a giggle of adoration as the berserker huffed lightly. "How rude! To just take the favored mistress of the Sun's hand! …But Chacha will allow it because you saved Chacha! So swing it more gently! Gently please!"
"She has a strange mad enhancement…" Amakusa whispered to Gabrielle as the children continued talking.
"We think it's like Beowulf's… It just doesn't work," she offered with a giggle. At least that was one berserker they didn't need to ask about possible remedies. Frankenstein had hers reduced to a meaningless level recently, and Paracelsus was now working on the matching potion for Caligula, but he wanted a bit more refined material; They came up short this singularity, but there was plenty more to solve.
On the other hand, despite the unusual and strange chaos of the singularity, Janna hardly returned empty handed. He waited for a break in their little conversation before he gently cleared his throat. Janna turned back, and the offered smile made her eyes perk up. "I heard you gathered some unique presents this time."
"Mhmm~!" she excitedly smiled with glittering eyes as she pattered the little bag on her back. Adorably, the little red sack that looked like Santa's bag was one of the last orders Naomi and Medea had fulfilled before the final singularity. Within the deceptively cavernous hold, he could only guess what lay in secret; She never did let him take a peek at her acquired presents. "A good Santa needs to start preparing early! You taught me that, teacher!"
Amakusa stared proudly at little pupil he'd admittedly grown fond teaching and helping. She was the definition of an angel in Chaldea, but fought bravely with her newfound finesse and techniques gifted by him, Brynhildr, and a few others. During battle, he could see the steeled determination of the famous saint shining in her eyes. But most of all, she pursued her little dreams with her childish heart, and he silently realized she would be another pleasant distraction from his endless, lonesome, and churning deliberation… he just never knew to fully appreciate it until now.
"Of course. Quiet planning is essential for success," he replied back with a tiny chuckle. He sped up his pace just enough so he could reach over and give her the head pats she loved so much. Her eyes squeezed shut into tiny, happy slits as Chacha looked over incredulously. "Don't forget to hide them well."
"You just let him pet you like that? Are you a dog?" Chacha asked flatly with scrunched eyebrows, but Janna only innocently smiled to her and tilted her head. The berserker huffed. "Chacha can't understand! Such an act would only humiliate Chacha!"
"Are you sure about that~?" Gabrielle hummed as she skipped over, and quickly began patting the top of her helmet.
"Hey! Stop that this instant! This is an insult to Chacha!" Amakusa could only stare with amusement as the berserker tried, and failed miserably, to hide how good it felt. "I'm telling Auntie you're abusing me! You'll never stand up to Auntie's wrath!"
"I think Okita is doing that just fine~," Gabrielle hummed as she glanced back down the hallway, but they were far from the deployment room now. Even so, Amakusa could swear he could still hear Okita and Nobunaga bickering like a married couple all the way over here; They slipped away so they could get Chacha registered quicker… and possibly save their ear drums. She halted her playful assault and smiled. "Would you like to take the new elevators? Or the old ones?"
"The one that's more fun and luxurious, obviously!" Chacha quickly answered, but then blinked. "Ah… but what's an elevator?"
Amakusa blinked. That's right, she was summoned in a feudal Japanese singularity, so the throne didn't need to inform her about modern technology. Gabrielle smiled, "It's really fun! It's like a staircase that moves you up or down for you!"
"Wha!? Such royalty! Why didn't Chacha's castle have one!?" Amakusa chuckled again and gave silent approval that she'd be another servant who'd fit in just fine. Even if Janna wasn't there to wish for it, Nobunaga or Gabrielle would have tried to save her too. It was a common trend among many Chaldeans to want to save and preserve, an act that only helped fan new breath to his growing fire of new patient hope.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VIII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Though it was quiet in the Chapel, Chaldea was abuzz with the arrival of another child… even if she was a bit pompous like her aunt. He let his pupil help show her around, just so he could indulge himself in silence again. He was keen to finally read the novel, which served well as a distraction, but he'd found himself busy with some visitors; A chance to perform his priestly duties was a welcome distraction too, and one he'd finally allow himself to truly appreciate.
Cleopatra sat in one of the pews beside her fiancé, who was already in a toga even if dinner was in an hour. The fashionista herself wore one of her more ornate, violet off-shoulder slit dresses that exposed a dangerous amount of her crossed leg. Even so, unlike some others in Chaldea, Amakusa was never tempted by thoughts of lust or a scandalous peak; There was only one that even registered in his mind as alluring, and that missed woman had a certain determined charm.
After a simple signing of the document before him, Amakusa presented the small certificate to the couple with a smile. "And with that, your marriage certificate is complete. I'll ask Da Vinci to make a few copies for the record, but once more, I'm privileged you want me to perform your ceremony."
"Thank you, thank you! That day can't come faster," Caesar declared as Cleopatra gently squeezed his hand.
"We've had so much time to prepare. The marriage of Pharaoh and Emperor will be spectacular, worthy of grace by the gods," Cleopatra agreed as they shared a small chuckle.
"You left Nero in charge, so if it's anything less than debt-inducing, I'll be surprised," Amakusa joked, and the three quickly laughed. "A shame you can't hold it anywhere but Chaldea."
"Yes, yes, yes, but it's not a terrible inconvenience. This place has brought us together again, so it holds deep meaning," Caesar reassured as the couple stood up. "Cleo only wishes this day is witnessed by as many of our allies as possible."
"Our only problem now is deciding between the resort, salon, or theater," Cleopatra agreed as Caesar gently led her into the aisle. "Once more, you have a Pharaoh and Emperor's thanks, Saint Amakusa. We'll keep you informed about the approaching day."
"If not you, the other Romans or Pharaohs, I'm certain," he smiled back as they chuckled. "Enjoy your time before dinner."
As he walked towards the now decorated altar, the couple left, and he pondered about the title the assassin casually threw his way. Like Jeanne often insisted, he never did see himself as a saint. After all that happened because of him, some in his homeland still considered him a folk saint; He believed the Church was right for not canonizing him. Even so, it didn't stop others from honoring him with the title, which brought mixed feelings despite his polite allowance.
As he was about to turn to contact Da Vinci, he stopped as Cleopatra and Caesar exchanged greetings just outside. Only a moment later, the door slowly opened again, and Amakusa found himself staring at the regal Prince of Wallachia. Clad in one of his favorite black robes with golden accents, he stopped quietly by the doors as he stood at the front. With the new spacious room, it was almost reminiscent of how they first encountered each other in that Great Grail War…
Yet, the circumstances were much different these days. Vlad had actually been a bit thankful he stopped his disgusting rampage, but the ruler was merely doing what he must to secure his treasure. That didn't stop them from becoming acquaintances through similar faith. Amakusa nodded and smiled lightly as the berserker looked around. "I believe it turned out well."
"Humble yet elegant… A fine place of worship," Vlad agreed with his own small smile. He walked calmly down the aisle as he eyed the stained-glass windows with a nod of approval. "Helena really outdid herself… and is that the salon's old chandelier, I see?"
"It'd be a shame if Queen Marie just tossed it aside, yes?" he chuckled, and Vlad returned it. "Come for your first prayer?"
He nodded calmly in return. "For Naomi, and then myself as well."
"Scathach is busy these days…" Amakusa mused calmly as he stood out of the way so Vlad could take a seat at one of the front pews. Quietly, the berserker reached into a pocket of his ornate ensemble and pulled out a beautiful wooden rosary. He took a seat at the pew across the aisle quietly, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his own rosary. "I'll offer a prayer for you too. You've been looking forward to it for a long time."
"Too long…" Vlad replied quietly, before the two fell into silent prayer. Their lips moved gently as their words matched unintentionally for the beginning. A simple Our Father to start, which gently reverberated through the silent air. Once more, his thoughts turned calmly uplifting as he kept the berserker in mind.
Like Frankenstein and Caligula, he'd kept his more maddened form for the sake of humanity; He outright detested it. In his confessionals to the ruler, Vlad let out his frustrations and laments for his world-chosen plight… Humanity had imprinted Dracula so strongly on him, but though he loathed it, he embraced its power to help the masters with the absence of his fame boost. It was honorable and inspirational, and many servants held him highly for that sacrifice. Tomorrow, the memorial essence received well over a year ago would finally free him of his class' damnation.
Amakusa was more than happy to pray for his absolution into the lancer class.
Minutes later, they finally ended their prayers with a sign of the cross. Amakusa pocketed his rosary, just as Vlad did his, but they remained calmly seated; He could practically feel the relief and eagerness wafting off the calm and regal prince. Vlad chuckled, "I've been told you're having trouble making the young mother relax."
Amakusa sighed, and Vlad chuckled more. "…Elsa is a hard-working woman, but she needs to take it easy for her child. She's much too eager to help."
"Yes, well, crippling debt in any form drives many to anxious lengths," he mused back solemnly. "But alas. That is their family's affairs I wish not intrude upon."
"Yet they still manage to smile through it," the ruler noted calmly. "She'll find a comfortable living here, for her and her child. Of that I'm sure."
Vlad made a slight hum in agreement, then glanced over. "What about you, Amakusa? Have you finally decided to live comfortably for once?"
"…You mean besides doing my priestly duties and picking up a novel?" he asked quietly with a small smile, but he knew what Vlad was really getting at. His smile faded slightly. "I'm going to try now, but I'm still holding myself back. How can I enjoy myself after what I've been through, and what I still have yet to accomplish?"
"It's going to be the death of you... again." Though the berserker meant it as a soft joke, it thundered through him heavily. "If there's any era where humanity strives for it, it's the one we currently preside over. We should leave it to them, believe in their ambitious pursuit, but assist where we can. It's not our place to always interfere, lest we sew further anarchy with our actions."
Amakusa chuckled ever so faintly. His words echoed and danced with Jeanne's words in their past war, and though his ambition screamed something must be done, he knew they had a point. That has held him back and kept him thinking, alongside Chaldea's valiant mission and the new movement that was sweeping through the modern world. He was merely impatient to see results to soothe the nails in his heart.
As Vlad stood up, he looked to the berserker's small smile as he walked over and patted his shoulder. "You should keep striving for that wish, but don't let your past guilt blind you from what can be. No one said you had to think about it or accomplish that alone."
After a small pause, Amakusa chuckled. "…I keep telling myself that now. The last thing I want to do is wind up on the wrong end of Chaldea's attention."
"You've done well enough since that last incident," Vlad chuckled back as he walked towards the Chapel's grand doors. "…We always seem to wind up on this conversation, huh?"
"My apologies… I'm often a broken record," Amakusa jested, and they both laughed as the berserker tossed a farewell wave. "See you at dinner."
"Mm. I heard we're having Japanese cuisine tonig-"
"What!? I did not!" "Don't try and hide it this time, Jeanne!"
At the growing sound of two holy women bickering, Vlad stopped by the doors and slowly turned back to Amakusa. The berserker's apologetic but amused smile was met with the ruler's exasperated stare; Even so, a bit of mirth twitched at his lips. The saints were bickering about something again, and at worst case, that always meant they'd turn to him as the tie breaker. How he wound up as that and not George? Well, that was obvious.
George had the constant luck of not being present when they did start their friendly feuds.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Dinner was long over, but many still lingered around the Dining Hall to remain immersed in friendly chatter. Their laughter and bright voices echoed across the salon's vague divide to waft like whispers into the Ballroom. Though mostly empty, Amakusa rested at one of the many couches before towering windows with one leg crossed over the other. With a small stack of assorted books next to him, he stared forward into the quiet night, patiently waiting.
The storm had picked up, but the flakes outside only resembled a beautiful snow globe as they danced within the luxurious frame. Though he would have felt himself gripped by the endless tug-of-war in his mind, the coming moment was a brief respite he sought to enjoy differently. His attention was shifted towards mentally assorting the coming task. With the same cunning that helped lead a rebellion and scheme a grail war, his diligence would ensure time was spent efficiently.
"I'm here, teacher!" And it would be spent on something with far less grave.
"Did you have dessert?" Amakusa asked as he slowly turned his head and calm smile towards the little bundle of joy. Adorably, Janna had chosen to wear a classic Santa-themed children's capelet dress she'd gotten during the singularity they rescued her; Gabby had happily bought it for her. Her little headpiece's gently jingling bells and the green-and-white ribbons swung wildly as she plopped herself onto the couch.
She stared with glittering eyes that could rival a starry night, then nodded happily. "I got a banana split for my efforts today, but I split it with Chacha like a good Santa!"
"Splitting a split, huh?" he mused with a smile as he patted her head. She lit up like a warm campfire, and even kicked her legs giddily. "I'm sorry for delaying this for so long, but now that you're a capable combatant, and the war is over-"
"Santa lessons!" she cheered happily as she clapped her two hands together eagerly. "I've been doing all sorts of reading and gathering in preparation! I'm going to be the best Santa this year! I'll make Joan really pouty and jealous!"
"I'm sure you will. I'm going to make sure of that," Amakusa chuckled as he quickly reached over to pick up the first book. It'd been just over nine months ago that he'd done a brief lesson with Joan, who fervently denied anything of the sort. In all honesty, he'd taken some enjoyment in teaching, and the interest popped up every now and then when helping chaperone Atalanta's girls, or others.
Even just helping Janna develop some of her own attacks, like her amusing copy of his noble phantasm, brought a small sense of fulfillment. If he was to start looking into other hobbies, or activities, then this would definitely be one he'd allow himself to enjoy fully. As he opened the book, and saw Janna's curious eyes already trying to peak as he flipped to the first page, he couldn't help but feel a new growing sense of satisfaction.
Janna's eyes darted to the gospel illustrations as her little smile grew. Amakusa smiled. "We'll start with the origin of Christmas, the birth of Jesus."
"Was Jesus the first Santa?" If there was any delight to be taken from the fact Janna's saint graph had been terribly twisted and manipulated, it was the childish innocence and obliviousness that took root; That grail had given her mostly fragmented information thanks to Caster Gilles' hand.
"We'll get to Saint Nicholas later tonight, but Jesus was not the first Santa Claus," Amakusa explained quietly. As Janna opened her mouth, he chuckled. "No, Jesus didn't have reindeer or a sleigh either. But there are gifts involved."
"Was Jesus the gift?" Amakusa couldn't help but smile again at her straightforward, yet adorable questions.
"To many, yes, that's fair to say… Now, let us begin before you start getting sleepy on me. Would you like to read aloud, or shall I?"
At Janna's adorable hesitation, and twiddling of her fingers, Amakusa chuckled again and nodded. "Very well. You'll get better with reading in time. You're a smart Santa."
"…Yes! I'm going to be the smartest Santa!" Janna crossed her arms over her chest and nodded firmly. Once the classroom opened, she was certainly going to be the Brainiac of the servant children. At least, if Illyasviel didn't take that crown first. Janna suddenly blushed lightly, "…Ah! Sorry, teacher! Please read! Pretty please!"
A soft giggle echoed from behind. "I hope my little sister isn't being too demanding, Amakusa."
Janna, with her slippers off, clambered onto the couch to peer over its tall backing. Her eyes lit up and followed Jeanne as she rounded the sofa, and Amakusa couldn't help but chuckle. She wore her own conservative Santa dress she used last year, complete with white opera gloves and matching red-and-green Christmas ribbons; The sisters looked very out of season, but like near-matching Santas.
"She's just eager. Can you blame her?"
Jeanne could only shake her head in agreement, then smiled with reassurance as Janna twiddled her fingers uncertainly. "Oh, don't worry~… You're the Santa. I'm just thought I'd come give you my support as your future helper, if that's alright with you, Amakusa."
"You're more than welcome to join us," he insisted as the Holy Maiden pulled a Santa hat out of her cerulean purse and placed it onto Janna's head. The younger saint giggled happily as Jeanne took a seat on the couch while the little lancer plopped back down onto its soft cushions. After wrapping a gentle arm around her little sister, the two turned to Amakusa. "All settled? Then let's begin… unless Jeanne wishes to be the one to read aloud?"
"I'll let you do it. You're her favorite teacher," she insisted, and he nodded quietly; Brynhildr never took offense at being a close second.
"Very well… Then let's begin Janna's journey down the path to becoming Santa."
Nowhere in his mind did he ever believe he'd be teaching a younger, altered version of Jeanne… let alone again, especially after what they'd been through. Their beliefs clashed heavily, even if they sought goodness and peace for the world. Yet, here in Chaldea, after an uncomfortable first meeting, they'd managed to extinguish a burning bridge. Through more interactions, like their mutual attempt to help Dantes, the once frayed rope had been tightened.
Even so, he knew she remained just as worried over what he may potentially do; She'd openly admitted it herself just days ago, yet her belief remained. Her hope that he'd choose the right way this time was inspirational, and to be fair, she'd have a growing reason to believe. Their circumstances this time was like nothing else, and he still had plenty of thinking to do… yet every moment in Chaldea swayed the pendulum differently.
Helping Janna become a Santa and answer her schoolwork properly helped too.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ X ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
After so long of putting it off, Amakusa finally sat amid the still embrace of the Chapel with the novel open before him. Ever since breakfast, time had slipped by faster than he realized. Lost in the endless flood of words, he felt himself immersed in the problems of another world, and enticed to know more. Before he knew it, mid-morning had come, and not a single thought of his long-yearned wish came to mind until he reached the most recent excerpt.
The Mirror will be moved to a new home tomorrow, Harry, and I ask you not to go looking for it again. If you ever do run across it, you will now be prepared. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that. Now, why don't you put that admirable cloak back on and get off to bed.
Upon reading those lines, and the scene it lay nestled within, he finally came to a stop. The passage had whispered the subtle guidance of many, and shook him from the magical world in his hands. As he stared blankly at the words, even if his curious mind wanted to press on, he found himself moving subconsciously. After placing the bookmark in his novel, Amakusa place the leather-bound book onto the pew beside him.
There was the true meaning behind his conundrum again. He lived, because he wished to answer his guilt and grant humanity the unending happiness he longed for it to relish. Yet, because of that, it remained difficult to truly live until he had the answer in his grasp. So long ago, he felt freedom and fulfilment for saving mankind, but it slipped from his grasp after ignorance fled from knowledge's advance. Even these small baby steps of fleeting satisfaction paled compared to that ecstasy…
…Nevertheless, it was certainly better than being gripped solely by the crippling guilt that urged his ambition forward.
The road ahead remained rocky and dark, but he was now set on trying something new. He couldn't see any answers before him, but he was sued to the grueling wait. Although, his friends here, and the community, would certainly making this wait easier than the last. His search could continue with their help, and feel far less agonizing with their suggestions and companionship… that, he was finally starting to understand.
After his moment's pause, he released a quiet sigh in the quiet Chapel, which was answered by the soft click and a bright flash. He blinked in surprise. Slowly, he looked up inquisitively to notice he was no longer alone; When had George arrived?
Unlike his own regular black clergy vestments, George's opted for a white polo with red accents, coupled with black slacks. With his trusty camera in hand, George remained partially crouched and snapped another shot from the altar. He glanced at the back, shook his head lightly, raised his unusual crouch ever so slightly, and tried again. Amakusa watched quietly until George finally glanced his way. With a small smile, the long-haired saint nodded. "I was hoping not to bother you. You looked glued to the book."
"It's fair to say I was immersed," he admitted with a tiny smile. "I hope you had a good morning, George. When did you arrive?"
He blinked, but smiled. "Ten minutes ago. You must have been very immersed. Enjoying Harry Potter?"
"It's a fun story so far… I can understand why there's a modern debate over it, but it's just a story in the end."
"The Church never was fond of magecraft and sorcery," George offered, and they both shared an amused, knowing smile. "I should pick it up again. I keep putting it aside."
"You put almost everything a side when photography is involved," the ruler pointed out with a small chuckle. As if to prove his point, George had already repositioned to try and get a nice angle of the chandelier. "Would you like me to move?"
"You're fine, Amakusa. I'm just gathering some photos for the Chaldean brochure and Thronebook," he replied with a smile. That made him quirk an eyebrow.
Thronebook was a sort of website hobby the Vigil's Edison made for their own servants and masters… except no one used it but him last year. With Chaldea's return, it quickly found use, and the Vigil Caster quickly offered his Chaldean counterpart the code to bring it online. The secret app-website had already been embedded on their phones, but the two genius servants wished to iron out the last kinks for their new exclusive social media. "Oh… Then it's finally up?"
"Working smoothly. You should check your phone and customize your profile sometime," the rider replied as he stared around the room for new possible shots. Without delay, Amakusa finally reached into his pocket, pulled out the phone, and navigated to the specialized app. After going through a small encryption process, he was met with a profile creation tutorial. While George quietly eyes the altar again for new angles, Amakusa quickly took a few minutes to finish a basic setup.
That's when he was met with the wall, or so it was called. It was a bulletin of scrolling statuses and other messages from servants, and by the looks of it, Thronebook was already very active. George glanced back in time to see Amakusa's lips twitch in amusement. "Is Artemis still posting a lot of emojis?"
"…Emojis?" Amakusa noted, then glanced at the screen again. After a few quick scrolls, sure enough, there was an inevitable wall of different smiley faces. He clicked on the most recent message, which had the only replies.
Artemis & Orion
:D :) :3 :) :3 :) :D
Okita
Artemis. We know you like the emojis but can you plz stop the spam?
Demon King of the Sixth Heaven
SPAM MORE EMOJIS!
Artemis & Orion
Okay! :D ^_^ UwU
Okita
Nobu don't you start too! And put your real name!
Demon King of the Sixth Heaven
You can't tell me what to do here! That's oppression!
Pirate Otaku
wwwwwwww Good thing Spartacus gave up trying to use his tablet
Vice Admiral Drake
You put your real name too idiot!
Amakusa chuckled. "So the faces are called emojis?"
"That's what Gabby said," he replied with a chuckle. "Ah, right. She made an announcement earlier too."
Quickly, he scrolled down until he came across Gabrielle's post nearly half an hour ago. It had a fair number of thumbs up votes and some other emoji reacts, but it was only a picture of a question mark. Curious, he pressed one of the reacts and found the count went up by one; Good to know for later interaction. Finally, he expanded the status post to read it completely, but only read the first few replies out of dozens.
Gabby
Awesome news everyone! Chaldea got its first summoned servant since coming back! We'll be keeping the identity a secret so it's more fun~! Please make her feel welcome! Or at least don't prank bomb her today, Nobu!
Demon King of the Sixth Heaven
:)
Flat
It's Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the library!
Tyler
ITS JOHN CENA
Gabby
Haha You're such dorks
Amakusa quirked an eyebrow and mused out loud. "New servant…? I'm surprise someone answered the summoning since the world has been saved."
"We could ask them what the summoning said," George pondered as he took another shot. "After they get settled in, of course."
As he was about to shut off his phone, the ruler glanced once more at the internal clock. He had to meet up with Janna in twenty minutes to help her with mathematics homework. Shutting his phone off, he slipped it into his pocket, grabbed the novel, and stood up. George nodded to him, and he waved in turn as their usual, brief farewell; They'd eat together as usual anyhow, so no need for anything drawn out.
As he opened the grand doors of the Chapel, he silently wondered if he'd run into the servant on their tour.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ XI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Mozart and Phantom were practicing and chatting in the Ballroom section as he strolled past some window couches. "Good morning, Dantes."
"Could be better, could be worse," the count responded with a small smirk, and they shared a chuckle as he passed by his usual sofa; The avenger's gaze remained locked outside the salon's window, where the snowflakes fell gently again. Amakusa glanced out the many towering panes in partial wonder at the few light beams that pierced the clouds in the distance; The weather on Mount Meru was certainly heavenly when it wanted to be.
With a notebook now joining his novel, Amakusa took a seat at the designated sofa where his eager pupil would arrive in the next few minutes. He placed the notebook and pencil from his room onto the couch beside him, but picked up the novel again. Content to spend the time buried in a wizarding world, rather than his own hurricane of a debate, he opened the book back to the passage. To his relief, the world had him enraptured again, rather than bringing up points he wished to lay aside for now.
The minutes passed as the sounds of the cello and grand piano formed the soundtrack in his imagination. His gaze skipped across line after line as he felt the once lost sense of calm comfort pass over him again. Time swam by, and he failed to notice a small commotion at the salon's original entrance; Gabrielle quickly ran off, leaving the new servant alone to explore the new room alone.
Phantom and Mozart took a bit longer to change their compositions, if only to glance to the reserved yet proud servant. Her snake-like, silver eyes gazed back, and the three shared a quiet greeting in the form of simple nods. Though her attention turned back to the windows, the pianist and celloist stared a bit longer as her incredibly long, ebony locks dragged across the elegant carpet and blended with her royal dress. Her delicate, pale skin glowed in the diffused light of the windows like an angel, but her presence and appearance painted her like a villain of fairy tales.
As she stopped at the windows, two couches away from Dantes, the woman gazed out curiously as the avenger glanced over to her. He quickly lost interest and turned just as she glanced over with slight scrutiny. A second passed before she turned to the other side to look… just as Amakusa took a moment's rest from his novel to look up.
With gazes locked, the ruler practically froze; The familiar woman's eyes widened noticeably… Sharp features framed by a raven-like frill he would never mistake from his many memories. Her pointed ears twitched ever so slightly as she gazed back at him in wonder as her lips moved slightly with an unheard word. Dantes slowly peeked back over again curiously as she remained frozen, as did Amakusa. Yet, though he was silent, he blinked while his mind raced.
He'd always wondered if Semiramis would come. Now, it was merely reality. Just like in days long gone, she was here again, and he felt his heart hammer with relief and satisfaction. He smiled lightly, and he saw the rare glint of excitement twinkle in her usually sharp and superior eyes as she strolled towards him. Quietly, he slipped his bookmark into the novel, placed it onto the notebook beside him, and no longer wondered if Janna would be late or not.
Amakusa merely stood up silently with arms calmly at his sides and smiled towards Semiramis, whose contained excitement was now suddenly blemished by hints of uncertainty. She stopped a single stride away, a bit farther than she always approached in the past. He nearly fell confused, and though he wanted to reassure her, his racing mind flashed with their countless moments in their grail war. More than most, that last tender moment eclipsed all others. It was fuel to a new, curious fire as he gazed at her suddenly composed expression.
And so, in a compulsion of chasing a bit of enjoyment, Amakusa carefully acted on that amusing and dangerous whim. "I see we've summoned a new servant. It's always a pleasure to meet a new face during these many months. I'm Amakusa Shiro Tokisada, Ruler Class Servant."
A glint of despair blinked in her eyes like a flash, imperceptible to any except those who were looking for it. A twinge of apologetic guilt rushed through his heart, but he kept his smile composed as ever as her eyes took on the regal, queenly, and guarded look he grew so used to seeing. It had been an anchor of confidence back then, and he knew it would be again. Though he sensed a hint of her hidden turmoil, she let out a light huff. "…A ruler, hmm? Then I don't suppose I need to waste my breath introducing myself."
It sounded dismissive, but it almost seemed dejected. He merely bowed lightly to her. "There's no need if you don't desire to, Queen Semiramis of Babylon. I'm merely honored you decided to grace me with your presence."
As he returned to full height, his eyes caught the briefest hint of disappointment in her adamant, powerful stance; There was no doubt now. She remembered, just like he did, and she was slowly being crushed by the presented reality.
He wouldn't keep this up any longer. He couldn't. Though she huffed again, he kept his smile and offered his hand. "I feel I've offended you in some way… May I be privileged to kiss your hand as recompense? I'm afraid I can't offer much more at the moment."
"…I suppose you can't..." she huffed out, but he caught the growing frustration and disappointment that would have remained hidden to most behind her well-curated visage. She held out her hand gingerly with a composed, yet strong look. Even if dissatisfaction hid well within her eyes, she forced a small smirk and the haughty gaze he knew so well. "Very well then. Do make it quick so as not to offend me."
He smiled and nodded again as he gently took her hand. "Then I pray you forgive me for any grievance I've caused, Assassin."
As her eyes narrowed slightly at his chosen words, he lifted her spike-pierced hand to his lips, but they never met. With a tiny smirk, he grasped her hand and reeled her in. Shock filled her expression as she stumbled forward, but he caught her well with his arms and lips. He felt her breath hitch in her throat, and her warmth beneath her fine clothes as her mind raced to catch up. Her lip quivered against his, but he kept his eyes shut as his heart hammered against her own pounding chest.
Thus, she melted. With the tiniest whimper of relief, she leaned in as her lips beckoned against his. Her eyes gently shut as the spikes in her hands, for the first time he recalled, dematerialized so she would finally privilege something with her grasp. Her fingers gently slid across his jaw as she fell into silent bliss; She wasn't alone. For once, he felt something beyond satisfaction as he relished the moment, and his first taste of beautiful pleasure.
For the moment, nothing else mattered, even as Marie and Mata Hari giggled and pointed by the bar, and Dantes stared with a small smirk from his couch. Mozart and Phantom's calming music finally sang into his ears again as they slowly parted. Semiramis' hands slid from his face, but he gently reached out for one with his own hand to hold gently. He smiled warmly, yet apologetically, with just the barest hint of a teasing stare. "…After all your teasing, now we're even. I pray I haven't gone too far."
"…You're a very daring fool to keep deceiving me, Tokisada." The tone had been the most unusual mix of warning, anger, endearment, and happiness he'd ever heard from her. It was matched by the assassin's expression, which fought endlessly between glaring and staring with heartfelt relief. It settled somewhere in between as a small, beautiful smile graced her lips. "My, my… Do you desire to see me angry again?"
"No, no… I apologize. That was terrible of me," he offered with the calmest smile as he finally lfited her hand to kiss it. "I'd much rather this blessing. Your smile was as beautiful then as it is now."
It would take far more than that to make her blush, but the warmth in her eyes was enough of a gift. "…I suppose I could only punish you lightly this time."
"I won't do it again, I promise. You were always better at teasing," he reassured as her fingers curled lightly to hold his. "…It's good to have you by my side again."
She let out a little chuckle. "By your side, hmm…? Have you been plotting against the masters again?"
"Truthfully…?" he began, as she stared at him expectantly. To her surprise, he chuckled, and shook his head. "I'm trying my best not to. We have the same goal, and I wish to find a better answer with them this time… I'd like it if you helped again too."
"Do you really need to ask?" she replied calmly, and they shared a small chuckle again. "I thought I was going to miss you here... I didn't want to be here alone with Caster…"
"You won't be. I've missed you too," he reassured again as he gently rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. It was only now that he realized the musicians had switched their song to a romantic tune; Mozart read situations far too well. It only made him and this moment… very satisfying. Dare he say, he was even happy at this reunion, as much as the assassin queen was.
They didn't look to the salon door, where Gudao, Gabrielle, and Shakespeare were peeking their heads in. As the playwright dutifully kept writing away in his book and nodding, Gabrielle could barely contain her giddiness. "You were right, Shakespeare!"
"Of course I was!" he replied very quietly, but eagerly. "It was only to be expected! A perfect advancement of plot for Amakusa's second novel!"
"Good thing you had to leave for a servant brawl all of a sudden," Gudao chuckled, and they quickly shared a high five. "That sure didn't take long."
"I think it would've been more romantic at the resort, but it's not like we could tell where Amakusa would be," Gabrielle shrugged. "Better than a hallway or something, I gues-"
"Ah! Excuse me! Excuse me! I'm going to be late!" The three heads quickly popped out of the doorway as Janna scampered in with a notebook and textbook clasped against her plain white sundress. A little Christmas-colored purse bounced at her side as she quickly sprinted towards the couch, all before Gudao and Gabby could stop her. Shakespeare merely chuckled and kept writing. "Teacher! Teacher, I'm not late! I'm just in time like a good pupil!"
Amakusa chuckled as Semiramis retracted her hand instinctively, but a bit reluctantly, as the little saint approached. He glanced over to the approaching child, as did the assassin, but quietly gazed to his former servant in anticipation. To his amusement, Semiramis' eyes widened with absolute disbelief and confusion as Janna finally raced into view holding her school supplies. The little lancer came to a halt and glanced between her teacher and the new arrival.
"…The… Maid of Orleans…!?" Semiramis blurted out quietly.
"Hi~! I'm Janna! I'm like my big sister but cuter, but I'm not as wonderful as she is!" Janna quickly answered without skipping a beat. It only served to further confuse the assassin, who turned him as he chuckled. "You're the new servant, right? You're really pretty! I like your hair!"
"Janna, this is Queen Semiramis," he introduced casually as the assassin could only stare in outright bewilderment; It was amusing how conflicted she seemed to be at a perceived, former hated enemy. "This is my pupil, Janna… Future Santa of Chaldea, and child alter of Jeanne d'Arc."
"Sister she said…" Semiramis mouthed in disbelief, and he suppressed a chuckle at her continued state of inelegance due to sheer shock. Janna merely nodded happily as Amakusa reached over and patted her head. "…You should feel privileged to be in my presence, child."
As Janna tilted her head adorably in confusion, Amakusa could only smile at the two. She had a lot of getting used to, but she'd manage with time, as everyone else did. It may take longer, but so long as she remained by his side again, things would be easier… for the both of them. Suddenly, he had yet another welcome interest while he searched and waited patiently for an answer. At the very least, he no longer had to worry about sorting himself out as the clouds ahead cleared.
Amakusa may have died in that castle, but after so long, now it seemed he could finally live.