Mordred bounced on the balls of her feet impatiently. She stood near the front of the crowd, Jacob sandwiched right next to her as they watched Da Vinci and Doctor Roman run a final diagnostic check on the summoning machinery.
Practically every Servant had shown up, along with more than a few of the human staff members of Chaldea. The atmosphere of the tightly-packed room was one that mixed nervous excitement with apprehension.
Today was the first day that Jacob and Ritsuka were summoning Servants since the loss of Jing Ke and Bloodaxe, as well as the subsequent fight between the two Masters. Some of the Servants present no doubt were hoping for the return of Ritsuka's fallen Assassin or Berserker. Drake in particular had taken hard the loss of one of her favorite drinking buddies, for example.
Others were curious to see which new Servants would be joining their ranks. Mordred had admitted as such to her partner this morning after they had gotten dressed. A large part of that curiosity was due to the idea of another Mordred somehow being summoned. Before their latest deployment, Mordred would have dismissed the idea of something like that happening without a moment's thought.
Now, though, she wasn't so sure. From the sounds of it, it seemed like this other version of her had only a portion of Mordred's memories. The so-called Knight of Londinium and Rebellion hadn't recognized Jeanne, nor had any recollection of anything regarding Chaldea. Perhaps it was just the Holy Grail System taking drastic measures to prevent the former Fourth Singularity?
Mash had insisted yesterday on stopping by Da Vinci's workshop to ask the Caster for her opinion, which she was all too damned energetic about sharing.
Mordred had quickly tuned it out. She wasn't dumb, but science wasn't her forte on the best of moments. Quickly finding herself completely baffled with the torrent of informational unloading, Mordred spared her mind any more pain and tuned out Da Vinci. Servant sure did enjoy talking.
It wasn't just the possibility of another Mordred being summoned today, though. She was just as curious to see if she would meet any of the other allied London Servants, if not more so.
From what Mash had told her and the others during yesterday's blasted meeting (Mordred utterly refused to use the modern term of roundtable), it seemed that if any of the London Servants were going to be either Casters or Assassins. Several were Servants that she'd encountered in the Greater Holy Grail War. Two of them had been Servants of Black, Assassin and Berserker.
She hoped that Jacob wouldn't summon Jack, the former Assassin of Black. The mere mention of that strange child Servant sent shivers down Mordred's back, loath that she was to admit it, though. She was more neutral regarding the former Berserker of Black, Frankenstein's Monster. Or Fran, as she had apparently gone by. The Saber hadn't had any in-depth interactions with the female Servant during the Greater Holy Grail War, having fought her only once.
The Berserker had given a good fight, all things considered. Unless the Berserker held a grudge against Mordred for her dying in their first and only battle in the Greater Holy Grail War, the Knight of Rebellion couldn't think of any reason either would be hostile to each other.
There was also the chance that Jeanne Alter would show up now, as well.
The Knight of Rebellion was still wary of the idea of the Dragon Witch becoming someone she had to fight alongside. Knowing their luck, it was almost guaranteed that Chaldea's potentially first Avenger would answer Jacob's call, and his call only. Kinda hard not to, considering that her Master was the one holding the catalyst that would be used.
Thankfully, Jacob had reassured her that he wouldn't try to summon Jeanne Alter until after Jeanne was awake and fully recovered. That meant she had at least a few more days to try and figure out just where she stood on the matter. She didn't disagree that perhaps Jeanne Alter deserved a chance of redemption. Still, she would rather it be Ritsuka who would become the Dragon Witch's Master.
As he told her, the Ruler had more reason than anyone else to be opposed to her alternate self joining the ranks of Servants shared between Jacob and Ritsuka. Not that any of the others didn't have valid reasons, as he quickly added before Mordred could remind him of their brief argument over his original proposal.
Still, she trusted him, as he did her. Mordred would just stick close by to make sure he didn't literally get burned should this not work out.
And speaking of sources of frustration…
Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Artoria Pendragon standing calmly to the side. For some reason or another, Sasaki and Cu were on either side of her. Jeanne had mentioned that they were the sparring partners for the King of Knights. So, Father was perfectly willing to engage with others, even more at times than at Camelot, but she still refused—
Mordred felt Jacob nudge her side gently with his hip, and Mordred tore her gaze away from Fa—from Artoria. It seemed that the King of Knights had made a decision regarding Mordred. Content on ignoring her. Well, fine. Unlike last time, the silent rejection left the Knight of Rebellion disappointed, but not bitter or very angry. Sure, some had been present, but nothing like the inferno in the months and days leading up to that horrid day at Camlann.
She had a new king she was sworn to. Someone she respected and had feelings (of a different nature, mind you!) for, but this time, returned the respect and affection. Mordred's lips curled upwards slightly. Or perhaps it would be a queen, considering her nickname she used for Jacob when she wasn't upset. She snickered softly.
Jacob turned his head slightly to look at her, one of his eyebrows raised. "Care to share what's funny?" He whispered. Quickly remastering control over her emotions, Mordred merely smirked at him.
"Nah." Jacob merely rolled his eyes theatrically as Mordred snickered at his antics. "So, who is going to get the first try?" Mordred added quickly. She was genuinely curious.
"Rits is going up first. He gets the first three tries. Then I go and get three tries of my own. After that, we're going to see if we get more Servants than items, and then consider a few more attempts. We're prepared to use a little more than the typical amount of Saints Quartz now that we know what we're going to eventually be going up against."
"Since no individual Servant seems likely to defeat this Grand Caster bastard, you're going to try to win through the advantage of numbers," Mordred observed. Jacob nodded slowly.
"I know it sounds cold, but yes. We'll no doubt be starting at a heavy disadvantage when we face off against Solomon. Anything that could close the gap by any amount must be done." Jacob paused, and Mordred watched as the familiar sight of her lover frowning reappeared. "Naturally, I want as few friends dying in the final battle as possible. I care for all of you guys, after all." Especially you, was the unsaid add-on.
Mordred grunted softly as she clapped him softly on the back. "Hey, don't worry. I'm not planning on leaving your sorry ass behind anytime soon," she said as the knight flashed Jacob her trademark smirk, and he relaxed.
"Good," he said softly. Before either of them could exchange further words, Da Vinci lightly clapped her hands together, quieting the crowd. All eyes, including Mordred's, were focused on the cape-wearing Caster.
"Thank you for your patience! Romani and I have finished checking everything, and we're good to go! Please, feel free to thank your resident genius!" Da Vinci paused theatrically at that, her arms slightly outstretched as she closed her eyes and smirked broadly, acting much like Nero once again.
To Mordred's amusement, none of those in attendance said a word. There were a few sighs and groans, intermixed with a few polite claps. Da Vinci's eyes cracked open, and her smirk was swiftly replaced with a slight scowl. Before the inventor could say anything, Doctor Roman stepped forward, coughing politely into his fist.
"Ritsuka, you're up," the acting-director said, gesturing at the Master in question. Ritsuka nodded, a determined light in his eyes, and Jacob's fellow Master walked over to the device. The silence in the air became virtually tangible as Ritsuka gripped the handle of the switch but didn't pull it down just yet.
Before someone could shout at him to get on with it, though, the Japanese magus yanked the switch down, and the machinery whirled into life as the summoning circle built into the summoning platform lit up in its ethereal blue glow.
The familiar, and honestly kinda boring, routine of bands of white light occurred, and before she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer, Mordred noticed the humanoid shape that was forming. Then, the light that was trying to sear her eyes behind closed eyelids vanished, and when she opened them, the Knight of Rebellion got a good look at Chaldea's newest Servant.
The newcomer was a man with neatly-combed blonde hair and a pale complexion. Blueish-green eyes brimming with intelligence were set behind a pair of glasses. He wore a coat over his shoulders that started off as black, but whose color slowly morphed into an icy blue. He wore a grey vest with golden trimming and three golden buttons, resting over a long-sleeved white shirt. His slender hands were covered with simple black leather gloves, while from his neck hung a weird-looking necktie with a red gemstone of some sort.
"Henry Jekyll, Assassin," the new Servant introduced himself with a polite bow, he had what Mordred learnt to be a 'posh' accent. Something developed in her home country long after her time. It sounded ridiculous to her, but eh, not her problem.
Were it not for the name, and Mash's description given to Mordred, the Knight of Rebellion would have dismissed him as a threat were it not for his status as a Servant. Said Heroic Spirit was now smiling slightly at his new Master. "I see we are reunited again, Master Ritsuka. I look forward to working with you again." He paused, grimacing. "Hyde as well, though I do advise keeping a close eye should he ever pop up, on the field or at Chaldea."
"Understood. It's good to see you again, Henry," Ritsuka said in all earnest. The English Assassin's smile grew a little more. "My fellow Master, Jacob Aronson, and I will give you a proper tour of your new home once we finish trying to summon some more Servants."
"Very well, Master. I'll—" Jekyll didn't finish his sentence as his gaze swept across the crowd idly, before suddenly fixating on Mordred, who stared back evenly. The Servant's jaw dropped.
"Mordred? Is that…you're here too?!" The newest Assassin of Chaldea leapt daintily off of the platform and hurried over towards her. His wide eyes appeared even larger with his wire-frame spectacles. Mordred took a half-step backwards instinctively. The only ones she was even remotely comfortable with getting that close into her personal space were Jacob and (albeit reluctantly) Jeanne.
"Excuse me," she said rather gruffly. Oddly enough, that brought some kind of fond look to Jekyll's eyes. Not the kind of fondness as Jacob's, thank god. Last thing she needed was to be in one of those damn trashy romantic tales Marie and Jeanne were fond of. Mordred had enough fucking drama in her life. No, the look in the English Assassin's eyes was something she had seen often amongst her fellow knights. It was more like a comradely sense.
"I should have guessed that you'd beat us in being summoned. It's good to see you again!" Aaaaand the awkwardness was increasing again. Just fucking wonderful. One thing she agreed with her other version. Mash would need an intense sparring session. This time, because she convinced Ritsuka to not mention that the Knight of Rebellion had already been summoned long before today!
"I'm not the Mordred you worked with," the knight said bluntly. She could have sworn that she heard her partner slap his palm to his face, but the blonde knight merely gave a mental shrug. If the well-dressed Servant before her had gotten to know her, then he would expect her usual approach to these matters.
Jekyll took a half-step back, his joyful expression faltering. He inhaled, then exhaled softly.
"Oh, I see."
"That being said, I look forward to seeing what you can do. If your version of Mordred was willing to work with you and all, then I see no reason why I'll be any different," Mordred offered. Gah, Jacob and/or Jeanne were rubbing off on her, damn it! Still, the words had been uttered, and thus unable to be taken back.
Henry Jekyll smiled, and nodded his head in agreement. "Very well. I look forward to it." Mordred grunted dismissively, but the Assassin merely smiled more, no doubt remembering this other version of her.
Mordred heard Jacob huff in quiet amusement, and Mordred rewarded her partner with a side glare and a not-so-gentle elbow to the side. Her gaze returned to the platform as Ritsuka turned on the machine once more.
The next two summons were also successful. The second Servant was Jack the Ripper. Well, at least it wasn't Jacob who got the bloodthirsty murder-child. On a more morbid side, Ritsuka also got a replacement Berserker. A muscular blonde man with purple-lense sunglasses, and who would have looked more suited to being in a band or a biker gang, were it not for the wicked-looking axe he had resting against his shoulder when he initially arrived.
The Berserker introduced himself as Sakata Kintoki. He also was apparently a big fan of the word 'golden' for some reason. Some weird side effect of his Madness enhancement, perhaps?
Either way, it was obvious that Ritsuka had pulled a good haul, even if three new faces didn't (and wouldn't) replace the absence of Jing Ke and Eric Blood-Axe. Mordred watched as her partner walked over to Ritsuka, congratulated him, and then took his place.
Thrice more was the machinery activated. To the mutual frustration of both Mordred and Jacob, the first try resulted in another set of black keys clattering onto the platform. The Knight of Rebellion could swear that she heard Da Vinci curse, but before she could confirm that, the Caster had quickly scooped up the objects and grumbled for Jacob to try again.
The second and third pulls were more successful. The first Servant to answer was a towering robot that periodically released a cloud of steam, as if it were breathing. In a fittingly-robotic voice, the Servant introduced himself as Charles Babbage, a Caster.
It was the final attempt that was most memorable to Mordred, however. Apparently, whatever higher power was watching had decided that today was a day for some more reunions. When the final set of bands of lights disappeared, Mordred stared at a girl in a white dress. A white, wedding dress, and an equally familiar mace held in her hands as Jacob's newest Berserker greeted Mordred's partner, before then looking at the Knight of Rebellion.
"Mord…red?" Fran asked, her dual-colored eyes peering inquisitively at her behind her pink hair. Mordred never did understand why a frontline Servant would wear a wedding dress. I mean, sure, there was more than a few centuries difference between them, and armor had apparently gone out of style. But still, it seemed extraordinarily burdensome, even if it wasn't one of those over-the-top type dresses Marie talked about.
"Hello again, Berserker of Black," Mordred replied calmly. Like Jekyll, Fran's face became crestfallen. "No hard feelings about Trifas?" The Berserker tilted her head to the side, a silent, questioning look in her eyes. She didn't say the words, but Mordred could almost hear the silent question of why.
"It was a Grail War. We were on opposite sides," Mordred said, shrugging her shoulders slightly. "Nothing personal, in my opinion." Fran tilted her head the other way. "You fought well enough. I look forward to seeing what you can do fighting alongside us."
Fran remained silent, but then nodded her head with a pleased expression. "Good," Fran grunted, and stepped over towards Jekyll, who greeted the Berserker warmly. Mordred's own gaze turned to her own Master, who had a small but proud smile on his lips.
"Well, I'm glad to meet our newest comrades, and Jacob and I are thankful for the warm welcome. Everyone, please feel free to relax."
"Mash, Mordred, do you mind accompanying us as Rits and I show our new friends around?"
"Of course, Jacob Senpai," Shieldy said. Normally, Mordred would haven't had an issue against it, but this time it was different. She spoke up, her arms crossed lazily over her chest.
"You go on ahead with the tour, Master," Mordred said, quickly waving off Jacob's instant look of concern. "Nothing's wrong, I just got something I want to take care of. I'll see you either at dinner or tonight, Jacob."
Just as she knew it would, her Master relaxed. She loved the guy, but sometimes, he worried too much. Not just about her, either.
"Alright, Mordred. I'll see you later."
"So, another old face showed up in Chaldea. Two, in fact. Berserker and Assassin of Black. Jack's as strange as I last saw her. I bet she tried to gut Ritsuka, like she tried to do mine." As expected, Mordred's comment was met with silence. The knight rubbed the back of her head, half nervously, half frustrated.
Damn Jacob for convincing her to give it a try to talk to Jeanne while the Ruler was out. And damn her for agreeing! Still, she had started down this path, so the only course was forward. "Astolfo was almost over the moon in excitement to see Fran again. Here's the odd thing, though. She and another guy, Jekyll…they both want to be friends with me, it seems."
She wasn't sure what saying the words aloud would do for her, but the silence didn't provide any answers. Just like in life.
The Ruler looked very much like she had the last time Mordred had seen her: dressed in a simple white gown, her hair spread out loosely. Medea was absent, on a lunch break or something. A perfect solution, too, in all honesty. Mordred had no idea how she would have handled the risk of the Witch of Betrayal walking in on her.
"I saw Marie the other day. She insisted on us holding that normal, ridiculous group hangout yesterday. It didn't feel the same without you. I never imagined I'd dread the day that Marie would be so….mellow," Mordred said, unwilling to attempt to mask her shock she felt at seeing the surprisingly-subdued Rider. Everyone had been, honestly. Sighing again, Mordred took one more deep breath.
"I guess…What I'm trying to say is…" Mordred paused, and cupped a hand to her face before dragging it down with a low whining sound escaping her lips. "Fuck it! God fucking damn it! What I'm trying to say is, I miss your poking about my relationship with Jacob. I miss needling you about Sieg. It felt weird to be with Marie and the other French Servants but not have you around. You better get well soon, Jeanne. I miss my friend."
Mordred sighed again, this time in exhaustion, and she slumped back into her chair. She pinched the bridge of her nose with one hand like her precious partner would do, as well as closing her eyes. "Thank fuck she's not awake to hear that…she'd never let me live it down."
The sound of laughter had Mordred's face drained of all color as she shot upright, eyes snapping open in horror.
Ruler was staring up at her with a rather impish smile. To further show that this wasn't some sort of waking nightmare for Mordred, Jeanne's mouth began to move.
"So, I see that it takes me almost dying to get you to finally say that, huh?" Jeanne d'Arc rasped with a bemused, if weak, voice. Mordred's mouth opened and closed rapidly, words failing to escape past numb lips as her brain started to panic. Her face, meanwhile, was flushing with color then going pale, before turning crimson red once more.
Jeanne's turquoise eyes glinted with Marie-level mischief. "Trying to catch flies with your mouth, Mordred?"
"…How much did you hear?" Mordred finally managed to ask in a very quiet voice. Obviously, the Ruler had heard the tail-end of Mordred's admission, but was that it? Oh fuck, did she hear the whole thing? Jeanne's smile softened slightly, no doubt noticing the distress that Mordred was failing miserably to hide.
"Not that much. Only that you viewed me as a friend and that you were essentially wishing me a swift recovery." Jeanne's words helped Mordred relax, before a wary look appeared on the Ruler's face. "Why? Should I be concerned about anything?"
"No, not really. It was basically me just reflecting on the new Servants that showed up. Jacob and Ritsuka got a good haul. You'll probably be familiar with a number of them, seeing as how Mash told me they were either your allies or enemies."
"…Did Caster of Red show up?" Jeanne asked warily, looking particularly uncomfortable. Mordred cocked her head to the side. She hadn't really encountered the Servant in question, but she had heard about him from the Masters of Black after Kairi had teamed up with the surviving Masters. Her former Master had also somehow managed to acquire Caster of Red's True Name. William Shakespeare.
"Not to my knowledge. Had a bad run-in with him while you and the others were attacking the other Servants of Red?" Mordred asked. Jeanne was usually so nice, sometimes painfully so. So naturally, anyone who could draw such a reaction from the French blonde was worth inquiring about.
Jeanne hesitated, looking towards the ceiling, clearly thinking heavily about the question. Mordred waited patiently, even as her curiosity grew. Finally, Mordred's fellow blonde exhaled slowly, a distant look in her eyes.
"Shakespeare's Noble Phantasm is a cruel one. It makes you see illusions."
"Bah, magic," Mordred snorted derisively. "Give me Clarent, or any sword, really. None of that magical hocus pocus shit." Jeanne giggled at her response, and Mordred merely smirked. She had meant what she had said, naturally. But, if it helped cheer up her friend? Well, that was a wonderful bonus, then, wasn't it?
"Jacob's going to want to speak to you in the morning, by the way." Jeanne frowned softly, and tilted her head. Her normal ponytail had become undone, so her long hair was splayed out.
"Oh," she said quite simply. "About how I got injured?"
"Probably, though it has more to do with our own mission, truth be told. We encountered someone we didn't expect to run into again."
"Lev?"
"No, not that treacherous bastard. You'll just have to wait." Mordred's eyes darted to the clock hanging on the wall nearby. Damn, the cafeteria was going to be closing soon. Jacob probably already had his dinner, too. That's two nights in a row, now. She bit back a growl, while silently vowing that she and her partner would have dinner together tomorrow night.
After spending years alone, the idea of doing most anything alone was surprisingly horrifying. It didn't make her any less strong, though. Still, she did want to spend some time with her partner before he hit the sack. The Knight of Rebellion pushed herself up onto her feet.
"It's getting late, Ruler. I'll drag Jacob over here to see you in the morning, or vice versa." Jeanne nodded sadly, before looking up at her fellow blonde.
"Actually, Mordred, could you come closer? I have something I'd like to tell you." Raising an eyebrow at that, Mordred shrugged and leaned in closer.
"What's up, Ruler?" She asked, as Jeanne suddenly lunged towards her with outstretched arms and an especially joyful expression on the Ruler's lips.
"And what happened then?" Asked a clearly bemused Jacob. Mordred, now in her pajamas, crossed her arms furiously, glaring at him. (Totally wasn't a pout or anything! Mordred didn't pout or do any girly things like that!) That apparently caused him further amusement, however, for her Master started snickering.
Growling softly, the Knight of Rebellion reached out and 'gently' punched her partner's right arm. She smirked briefly at the sudden silence her action was rewarded with, before it fell. "Then she leaned up and hugged me." Jacob blinked owlishly at her, and Mordred felt her cheeks flush slightly.
"Did she now? I hope you didn't dropkick her or anything?" Jacob asked, though Mordred could tell he didn't actually mean any insult with his words. She rolled her eyes at the American.
"I'm the Knight of Rebellion, not the Knight of Cruelty." Jacob quickly raised his arms in surrender.
"Fair point, fair point. So, did she actually seem to be fully recovered?" His tone and expression were both serious, and Mordred swiftly adopted a suitable equaling even as she shrugged.
"It seems so. Medea quickly arrived and had a quick look at her. Said that she'd be discharging Jeanne from the infirmary after breakfast tomorrow. She did want me to inform you that she recommended that Ruler sit out the next singularity deployment, however." Jacob nodded his head, chewing on his lip gently as he processed the information she gave him.
"I see. Did you mention the incident with Jeanne Alter?" Mordred shook her head briefly as she leaned backwards against the bed, crossing her arms next to him.
"Nah. Only that you had something important you'd like to talk to her about in the morning." She paused, and waited as her partner settled himself in next to her. "I still think it's a risky idea."
"I know."
"But you're still going to go forward with it?"
"Yes. I trust you'll be sticking by my side tomorrow?"
"Like you even had to ask, idiot," Mordred snorted as Jacob turned off the lights.
"I should have seen that coming," he chuckled ruefully, and Mordred smirked victoriously. "I'm glad to see that some of the newer Servants were interested in seeing you." Mordred closed her eyes and grumbled.
"Please don't push the subject tonight," she said with a soft growl.
"Alright, alright," Jacob said with a bemused huff. "I'll save the teasing for Marie tomorrow."
"Jacob!" Mordred groaned, and he laughed gently even as she wrapped her arms and legs around him tightly. Eyes still closed, she felt his lips press gently but lovingly against her forehead as he gave her a goodnight kiss.
"Sleep well, my knight in shining armor."
"Night, idiot princess."
Original Endnotes: And done! So, what did you think? Too feely, not enough, or just right? Also, about damn time Mordred finally called Jeanne her friend! Did you enjoy that moment? I'd ask all the questions I'd have, but there is a lot to cover, so just tell me what you think! :)
Now, for the question(s) of the chapter: Have you ever met an irl Tsundere/Yandere type friend/person? Second question, for FGO, what do you think of the current campaign event, being Roman-themed and all?
As always, thanks for reading, and for all the support you have continually given me. Hard to believe that in a few weeks this story will be one year old. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and please feel free to let me know what you thought of it! Can't wait to read the comments, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Updated Endnotes 12/21/22: As always, the fully-updated version of The Will to Fight can be found at Archive of Our Own. I hope you enjoyed today's update, and if I don't update before Sunday, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!