"What are you working on?" Ritsuka's words had me looking up from the maps I had been pouring over with Jeanne and Gilles, and saw that my fellow Master was looking over Mash's shoulder. On her other shoulder was Fou, who chirped excitedly. My own curiosity piqued, I excused myself and began walking over, just as I heard Mash beginning to answer her senpai's (god that is still weird to say or think for me) question.
"Well….Senpai, Fou, to tell you the truth…Doctor Roman asked me to keep a journal, like a military record of sorts," the Demi-Servant said shyly, looking away.
"Why?" As if to speak of the devil, Mash's commlink went off. Ah, so Roman had been listening in, had he? Well, at least Ritsuka can now get the answers he desired from the man himself.
"That's right, I did ask her to do so. Why, you ask? To take advantage of the fact that you became a Roman Viceroy, and Jacob a praetor! What do you think about 'Novus Commentarii de Bello Gallico'? This title would be a homage to the book written by Caesar about his own exploits in Gaul," Roman said with his typical level of energy and enthusiasm. "Sounds interesting, right? Though, you do have to cover the part where a god showed up…"
"Are you planning on publishing this, Doc?" I asked, raising an eyebrow despite the fact that I couldn't see him.
"Ah. I suppose you have a point. Well then, let's talk about something serious?"
"You? Serious?" I asked dryly, with a teasing lilt to my voice that had the lounging Mordred cackle slightly, and I could see the meditating Sasaki crack the barest of smiles as Roman spluttered indignantly. "What's on your mind?" I asked.
"Let's assume you guys could save the world. However, I have been thinking on what would come afterwards. Even if the world is saved, the tragedy of Chaldea will never be reserved. In other words, there's no guarantee for our salary. You understand what I'm saying, right?"
Ritsuka and I shared the flattest of expressions. "Well, good thing that is more of a matter for you to deal with, acting-director," I said, adding extra emphasis on his voice, before turning around and walking back over to Gilles and Jeanne. A part of me was unsure if the doctor was trying to ease the anxiety of tomorrow, or if he was being serious. My money was on a combination of both, personally.
"Doctor Roman always seems to have something unexpected to say," Jeanne commented upon my return with a smile, and I rolled my eyes playfully at my Servant. Gilles gave off a polite cough, and I turned to look at him.
"If we may continue?" The Saber asked politely, and I tilted my head slightly in the affirmative. "Good. Now, as I was saying, when we arrive, no matter what time that may be, we must disembark the troops immediately. While it was before my time, the tragedy that befall our kingdom at Sluys mustn't be repeated. If we stay off-shore and rest on the vessels overnight, we will only be further divided."
"It will probably take a day or two to get there by vessel. Especially if we are indeed stopping by the Gaelic coast to rendezvous with the fleet carrying Boudica, Spartacus, and their soldiers before reaching Spain," I said. "Perhaps it would be better to make camp there, and leave at dawn? I rather avoid resting deep in the heart of the enemy," I added.
"It does seem like a most prudent plan," Jeanne interjected. "I suppose that's the last of anything we could talk about in regards to planning for this campaign." I sighed, and ran a hand through my hair. I had taken off my hat today, and it was resting on the corner of the table. Come tomorrow morning, Nero's preparations would be completed, and we would be marching off for the final battle between the true Roman Empire and the United Empire.
Nero and her generals may have the advantage of knowing their soldiers and the tactic they used best by heart, but with the Servants accompanying Ritsuka and I, plus the occasional helpful tip from Roman, we had centuries of knowledge, both of the past, and what Nero would regard as the future.
"Praetor! Viceroy!" Ah, speak of yet another devil. The Emperor of Roses strode into the library we were using with her usual swagger. I could hear Mordred's groans of annoyance, also a hallmark of Nero showing up in the same room as the Knight of Rebellion. Whether she heard it or not, Nero didn't react, heading my way as I sensed rather than saw Ritsuka walking over to my side. I cocked my head slightly, noticing how the blonde was holding her arms behind her back, as if she was holding something that she was hiding.
Unless she had somehow managed to find the world's smallest chimera, I highly doubt we were in any danger. I bowed my head slightly. "Good evening, Your Majesty. How fares the final preparations?"
"Very well! Boudica sent word that she will meet us at the rendezvous point tomorrow. After that….well, I doubt that needs to be said," Nero said with a laugh, though I couldn't help but feel like I could detect just the faintest hint of anxiety in the extravagant ruler's voice. I didn't comment on it, however.
"That is excellent," I said instead, before tilting my head towards Gilles and Jeanne. "The three of us had just finished discussing any potential complications we might encounter. If it suits you, I was planning on filling you in after supper," I said, and Nero beamed brightly.
"Umu! That is, as you said, most excellent! Speaking of dinner, I have a feast of sorts planned tonight. Maybe it is premature of me, but I want to celebrate the end of this war." I mentally shrugged. Nero is as Nero does. Besides, she does have a point. Win or lose, this was probably the last time she would see us without any fighting occurring around us. I had a feeling that she knew that, and wanted to give an early good-bye of some sort, perhaps.
Either way, it would be churlish to disagree, as well as pointless. "That sounds like an excellent idea," Ritsuka said, voicing aloud my own conclusion. Nero nodded her head up and down, the strand of hair that was always sticking up at the front of her head bouncing frantically, along with some of her other, ahem, assets.
"It's good that you are both here," Nero said, arms still behind her back. "I have promised to reward the two of you, all of you, really, for all of your efforts. However, as much as it pains me, I haven't been able to show that my words aren't hollow."
"Huh?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow as I stared at Nero with confusion, a similar expression on Ritsuka's face as well. I mean sure, Doctor Roman and even Ritsuka had joked about the 'rewards' we would get after we retrieved the Grail, but we all knew that they wouldn't last long, not after putting an end to this singularity.
"Your Majesty, it's not—"
"An emperor who doesn't reward neither service nor loyalty is a fool. Even if it doesn't matter for you, it still matters to me. It matters both to my pride, and as my role as emperor. Therefore, Ritsuka, Jacob, I bid the two of you to accept these," Nero said solemnly, moving her arms slowly, and my eyes widened in surprise at what she had been holding.
In each hand was a sheathed dagger. A pugio, I believe was the name for Roman daggers. Each scabbard was richly decorated, with a gilded plate in the center that bore an artistic rendition of a rose in full bloom.
"I had these made by the same blacksmith who made my own blade," Nero said proudly, as Ritsuka and I carefully gripped the offered weapons. "Go on, take a look," she urged with a wide smile. Nodding in reply, I gently gripped the leather-bounded hilt and pulled backwards, curious myself to see what the blade I had been given looked like.
It was amazing. A combination of both art and weaponry. The dagger was about a foot long, and the blade was of a leaf-shaped design, making it excellent for hacking and slashing attacks, in addition to the stereotypical stabbing and thrusting attacks one associated with daggers and knives. The steel seemed to be of high-quality, matching the craftsmanship of its protective scabbard, and I raised an eye in admiration at the words that had been inscribed on the spine of the blade. On one side was my name, while on the other was the rank Nero had given me.
Adjusting my grip, I mimed an attack slightly, and nodded with a slight smile in approval as I found the balance of the pugio to be most excellent. Sheathing the dagger, I bowed slightly.
"This truly is a kingly gift, Emperor Nero. Thank you," I said sincerely, and when I straightened back up, I could see that Nero's wide smile had somehow managed to broaden itself.
"Umu! Now, the two of you can look the part of officials of the empire!" Nero said proudly, puffing out her chest, hands on her hips. Noticing out of the corner of my eye Ritsuka's uncertainty as he fidgeted with his (thankfully) still-sheathed dagger, I turn towards him.
"After dinner, Rits, I'll show you how to attach it to your belt," I said softly, and Rits shot me a look of gratitude. As for learning how to fight with it? Well, that'll have to be done another time. Aside from Assassin-class Servants or if one was in a brawl, using a knife as your primary weapon in a fight was highly inadvisable.
Besides, I still have to teach my fellow Master how to fight with a sword first.
I turn back to Nero. "Once again, thank you for this gift. I have the utmost faith that they will serve Ritsuka and I well. It has been an honor to work alongside you, Emperor Nero," I said, meaning every word. For all of her rather aggravating mannerisms, and her bombastic personality, the blonde had a good heart. It made me wonder just what had occurred to have given Nero her infamous legacy.
The Emperor of Roses blushed slightly, a rare sign of humility indeed. Gracefully recovering from it, she nodded her head once more. "Umu! Now, come, let us feast!"
Mash took a tentative bite out of the roasted fish, savoring the exquisite flavor her tongue experienced as she chewed. It was truly different from the food she grew up eating back in Chaldea, a fact that Doctor Roman was still sore over.
A part of her felt dejected over the fact that only now, so late into her existence, was she now able to experience the things that only weeks before had seemed to be achievable only in her dreams. Still, as she had heard Jacob once say, it was better late than never, and much like those starry nights from France, she would treasure these moments with however much time she had left. She still felt a tinge of guilt about keeping it a secret, even though Doctor Roman had told her that it was her secret to share whenever she felt ready.
It gnawed at her, failing to muster up the courage to tell her friends the truth, but she knew they both had so much on their plate right now already. What use would there be in adding something else to it, especially something that couldn't be prevented?
A loud burst of laughter further down the table had the Demi-Servant shooting a furtive expression towards Chulainn, who thumped a fist lightly against the table as he shook his head. Across from him, Chiron stared at the Irish Lancer with a raised eyebrow, before continuing to speak.
Closer by, though still inaudible to her, Marie and Jeanne were deep in conversations, their eyes occasionally flicking towards Jacob Senpai and Mordred, neither of whom seemed to be noticing the two French Servants. Marie had that look on her face that Mash now recognized was her planning expression. While whatever the Flower of Versailles was brainstorming would prove harmless, Mash was willing to bet her non-existent salary that it had some manner of mischief involved.
Her gaze then swept back towards the other side of the table, or rather, to the one sitting next to her. Though it had been several days since it happened, Mash still felt a tinge of annoyance at the surprising amount of denseness her senpai possessed at times. She really enjoyed the warm, tingling sensation that ran through her body whenever Ritsuka complimented her. The way her heart fluttered slightly when he gave her one of those earnest smiles.
Ritsuka really was different from almost everyone else she had encountered throughout the years at Chaldea. He felt…human. Jacob Senpai also, of course, but Ritsuka had been the first one she had met. As Jacob was close the boisterous knight, so too was Mash to Ritsuka.
However, a small, treacherous part of her mind longed for something more. Before she realized it, her cheeks were growing warmer, and her senpai was suddenly looking at her.
"Is everything okay, Mash?" Ritsuka asked, staring at her wide naked concern. "You're turning a bit red," he said quietly, though by now she had noticed that while all the various conversations that had been ongoing hadn't stopped, almost everyone was shooting her furtive glances. She resisted the urge to whimper slightly in embarrassment, wishing the floor could swallow her up or something, and spare her from this.
"A-Ah, no, everything is fine, Master," She said clumsily. Ritsuka looked at her skeptically for a moment, before slowly nodding his head and relaxed, reclining back in his seat once more as he listened to another one of Nero's grandiose tales. Mash sighed inside her head as she forced herself to resume one of the serene masks she had long practiced in her room while being observed back at Chaldea.
That was the kind of person her senpai was. Kind, caring, and observant in the field. Sometimes dense, but always willing to help without a second thought.
So, why couldn't he notice her in the way she wanted?
Morning had come with very little fanfare. It was an atmosphere filled with nervous energy, and in a way that made me feel kinda silly, I felt like the world was holding its breath in anticipation for what the next few days would bring. Even Mordred felt a little subdued, a little more serious than she normally was.
Only slightly, however.
For however much each of us felt the inescapable pre-battle jitters, there was also a surge of excitement, of the knowledge that the Grail was within our grasps. I refused to acknowledge the possibility of defeat back in France, and I would do the same here.
And if Lev was indeed here? Well, so much the better.
I was pulled off of my train of thought by Nero, as she spoke with her typical vigor and level of noise as the others and I stood behind her silently, all ready for battle. My hands rested on the pommels of my sword and my newly-gifted dagger as I stared at the emperor's back as she addressed the men before her.
"Today, we march on the viper's nest to cut off the heads of the last of these vile pretenders!"
Her words elicited a massive roar of approval, and her name was chanted by ten thousand voices. She stood on the Rostra, the large platform decorated by a total of six rams made of bronze that had come from warships that had fought against Rome centuries ago. In front of the famed structure that had long been and would be used for delivering rousing speeches were almost ten thousand Roman legionaries and supporting auxiliaries, a number of whom were archers that Chiron had spent the past few days training.
Every pair of eyes stared at the Emperor of Roses, enraptured by her speech as they dutifully responded to unspoken prompts.
"Yes, I share your eagerness! For too long have these invaders desecrated that which belongs to us. For too long have they killed our citizens. How many families lie below the ground because of these snakes?" A furious roar filled the square, and Nero raised her hands, restoring order. "Yes, far too many! Now, though, it is their turn to suffer. It is their turn to watch us march on their lands, and lay waste as we go. Unlike these pretenders, however, we won't fail!"
"She's got quite the pair of lungs, doesn't she?" Mordred whispered dryly to me, and I fought back the snort of amusement her words elicited, instead politely shushing her.
"I am proud to have such valiant warriors willing to accompany me! Together, we will end this insurrection, and restore peace, and return our empire to its proper glory once more!"
"Nero, Nero, Nero!" The mass of soldiers began chanting, and the individual in question raised her arms slightly, basking in the adoration of her subjects.
"For Rome!"
It had been several hours since Nero finished her rather inspiring speech, and we were slowly making our way to the coast, where Nero's warships were waiting for our arrival. The sun was bright, and nary a cloud was in sight. A light breeze caressed us as we walked, cooling us as we marched through the burnt, desolate landscape, a poignant reminder of both the threat of United Empire for Nero's followers, and of the devastation wrought by Jeanne Alter's wyverns in France.
There was something else, though. A sensation of danger of some sort borne aloft by the wind. I shivered slightly, unable to shake the feeling that someone or something was watching us. Sizing us up, hidden from our own eyes. I felt a nudge to my right side, and swivel my head to look towards Mordred. With her helmet retracted, I could see the concern in her eyes.
"You look troubled," she commented quietly yet gruffly, and I nodded once.
"Yes. Something doesn't feel right," I replied. The Knight of Rebellion grunted in agreement.
"Thought it was just me. We're not alone out here." While they could be allies, or just faithful citizens who were unable to fight for their beloved emperor, why would they stay hidden? I turned to Nero, clearing my throat to get her attention.
"Your Majes—" I started to say, before a javelin whistled through the air, and slammed into the chest of Nero's horse. The mare collapsed with a horrific shriek of pain, thrashing in the dust as Nero leapt clear of the dying animal. The Emperor of Roses looked to be unhurt, but there was no time to be thankful for that, as I began to hear the sounds of more objects whistling through the air towards us.
"Defensive formations!" I called out, as several soldiers fell either screaming in pain, or worse, silently.
"I thought the enemy had been driven out! Where are my scouts?!" Nero roared angrily, pulling out her sword as a wave of about a hundred soldiers
"The scouts must have been discovered and killed," Doctor Roman said grimly. "We might be dealing with an elite battalion."
"Let them come! They will be crushed," Nero sneered angrily, turning to the lead soldiers behind us. "Archers, return fire!" The commander of the archer corps smartly saluted her in response, before turning to his own, barking out orders, and soon, a small cloud of arrows was raining down on the charging unit.
To my surprise, the enemy soldiers didn't slow down, nor did they do much in the way of trying to protect themselves from the oncoming wave of iron-tipped death. Had these soldiers gone mad or something? Perhaps, but apparently, it wasn't the actual reason, as to my shock, only a handful of soldiers had gone down.
"What the devil?" Gilles said harshly, pulling his sword out of its silver scabbard. His eyes were narrowed as he glared as a second volley was launched, with similar results to the first, as well as the third. Finally, more and more soldiers began to fall to the ground, but there was still fifty or so United Empire soldiers who were about to collide into us.
"Sasaki! Cut them down," I said sharply, and the Assassin's long sword rang out as it was drawn free of the scabbard Sasaki carried across his back.
"You as well, Chulainn," Ritsuka instructed, and I saw one of the Lancer's feral grins overcome his features as he dashed forward, Sasaki close behind. Together, with careful utilizations of their respective Noble Phantasms, made quick work of the remaining ambushers before any serious losses could be inflicted upon Nero's army.
That still left a bigger question unanswered, however.
"Those soldiers, just now. They're not like the ones we fought in Gaul," Nero said, a troubled expression on her features as our vanguard continued holding their defensive formation. "Not that they look all that different, but still…"
"True," Mash said, inkling her head towards the Emperor of Roses. "Rather than human soldiers, they felt like Servants. And yet, they were really Servants, per se. Doctor, do you have any ideas?"
"I can think of several possibilities, none of them good for us. Things like this are typically related to Noble Phantasms. And I don't mean typical Noble Phantasms. Rather, the type that's designed for use on the battlefield in a more supportive role…"
"Second wave incoming," Chiron called out, his eyes glowing slightly. Mash looked troubled as she turned to Ritsuka.
"Master, I'm sensing the presence of a Servant. There's one…no," her eyes widened as she grimaced. "Several hundred! It's the same presence from before, but I can tell that only one of their number is an actual Servant."
"Is this an ambush? Where the hades did several hundred enemies come from?" Nero demanded, and I concurred with her and her frustration.
True to the warnings, what looks to be about two hundred or so hoplite-styled Roman soldiers appeared, but it was the one leading them that was the center of our attention. It was a tall, muscular man with bronzed skin, armed with what looked to be a solid bronze hoplon shield and dory spear. The weapons of the traditional Greek hoplite. Furthermore, the inverted V-shaped insignia on the Servant's shield served as an indicator of where he hailed. Sparta.
Although, I had to admit, the burning crest on his bronze, Corinthian-model helmet was a tad bit ridiculous.
"It's not an ambush," the newcomer said loudly, apparently either having heard Nero's question, or perhaps having anticipated it. "I chose to defend this place. That's all. I shall crush you all, and not retreat. That is how we Spartans fight. Prepare to experience it."
"Did you just say Sparta? Then you are—"
"Servant, Lancer. True name, Leonidas."
"Leonidas?" Nero repeated, blinking in shock at the presence of the most famous of all Spartans. The leader of the fabled Three Hundred. Defender of Thermopylae, and leader of the most famous last stands in military history. "You introduced yourself as King Leonidas of Sparta?"
"Yes. It is an immoral war we are fighting, but I'm still going to destroy you
"What?! You are the legendary Leonidas, the Guardian of the Hot Gates! Wait, so then, it's not only 'emperors' who have returned to this realm? Then…what about Boudica and Spartacus…?
"Stay focused on the battle!" I snapped. This was neither the time nor place for the blonde Roman to get lost in her thoughts.
"H-Huh?"
"N-Never mind that, Nero, there are many enemies. We must strengthen our defenses! If we defeat Lancer, then his soldiers will be easy to dispatch. It's another Servant battle!"
"Ritsuka, leave this to me. I'm letting you lead the other Servants to hold back those attackers," I said, my voice calm and cold. Ritsuka eyed me curiously, but nodded without protest. I turned to my first Servant, my precious partner.
"Well, Mordred, are you up for a new challenge?" I asked teasingly, smiling at my Saber as she chuckled.
"Always!" She said with a wink, before her helmet reassembled itself around her face, and red lighting ran over her armor as she tensed her body, and I stepped backwards as Mordred began sprinting forward, and the battle between one of the strongest defensive Servants against one of the strongest offensive ones began.
Original Endnotes: And done! Take your bets on whose going to be the winner. My money's on Leonidas putting up one hell of a fight! Hard to believe that I am almost done with the Second Singularity, and yet it also feels great in an odd way. Might be because one of the big scenes I have long been planning is coming up! Anyways, did you enjoy seeing Mash's inner thoughts? I know that the anime and game sometimes make it seem that Mash is a bit too naïve, perhaps, and I disagree with that. I like to think that Mash can be a bit assertive in some ways, or wishes to be, but doesn't know how to do so because of her upbringing and all. Also, writing war speeches, my only (out of many) weaknesses! Now, there is a possible chance that the next chapter won't be out until next Saturday, as I have five final essays to work on that are due on either Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, and I know you guys and gals will tear me a new one if you find out that I allowed myself to do poorly on one just to publish another chapter. That being said, I am confidant that I will manage to stay on track more or less, and get in at least one chapter up before next weekend, but I just want to give an advance heads-up just in case. Basic CYA tactics, ya know? :)
Now, for the other fun part of every update, the question(s) of the day! First up: Which one of the four current Chulainns do you think is best? Second part is: If Mordred Saber Lily could be a thing, what do you think she would be like? I had a dream of sorts and she just popped in, but I will wait until the end notes in next chapter to talk about what my thoughts on the concept would be.
As always, thank you all for reading yet another chapter, and for all the support, both verbal and non-verbal, guests and members! I sincerely hope you have enjoyed yourselves once again, and I eagerly await hearing your thoughts and comments! See you guys in chapter 43, and have a fantastically wonderful and safe day!