Wrought-Iron Cross
By Bubbajack
Disclaimer: I don't own FSN or Campione!
Ch.3: One Weird Week...
Archer aka Godou Kusanagi awoke in the crater that he and Azi Dahaka collapsed in to the sound of his phone beeping indicating he had a caller. Picking up his phone he checked the caller id and found it registered to one Pandora.
Sighing he answered it saying "What is it brat I just left like five seconds ago, and how did you get my number?" he asked somewhat annoyed.
"Hey Kusanagi-kun, I guess my idea worked afterall!" She shouted joyously into the phone, making Archer hold it at arm's length to avoid going deaf.
"Calm down and explain exactly what you mean by plan brat." Archer said into the phone lacing his voice with suspicion and a hint of anger.
"Mah, Mah, no need to worry Kusanagi-kun I just used some of my magic on you at the last minute so you wouldn't forget about our meeting at the end of the week is all. As most Campione never remember their first trip to the Netherworld seeing as the soul sees it as a foreign place and attempts to wipe its existence from the mind. Only those with extremely high magical resistance or the divine protection of a God can survive there for long." She explained in her bubbly way.
"Ah, I see..." Archer replied simply.
"You're not going to apologize to me are you." The True God deadpanned.
"Nope, as you should've told me about that before I left so it's your own fault I was suspicious in the first place." Archer replied remorselessly.
"You're so mean Kusanagi-kun!" Pandora whined on the other end of the line.
"You'll get over it brat. Now I've got to go, but I'll see you on Friday alright?" Archer said as kindly as someone who's seen as much as he has can.
"Ok, make sure to make plenty of food. We'll see you then! Later Kusanagi-kun!" she said happily before the phone went dead.
'Why do I feel as if I've just opened a very large can of worms? Wait...?' Archer thought before he ground out annoyed "What did she mean by 'we'?"
Archer then sighed again before saying "I guess I'll find out in a few days I suppose."
Suddenly his phone rang again and, seeing it was Shizuka he calmly answered it. He was completely unprepared for Shizuka to practically scream in to the phone borderline frantically "BIG BROTHER WHERE ARE YOU?! ARE YOU HURT?! DID YOU GET JUMPED BY THUGS? DID YOU GET HIT BY ANOTHER MINIVAN?!"
"Shizuka, Oi Shizuka calm down!" Archer said to no avail as the frantic little girl kept coming up with, and voicing more and more gruesome situations that popped up in her mind.
Then without warning, Shizuka's voice was replaced by Ichirou's saying "Godou-kun, are you alright?"
"I'm fine old man; I was just helping a lost foreigner find her father is all. I'm more worried about Shizuka. Any ideas about what is going on with her?" he asked as he jogged towards the house.
"I've no idea, she was very quiet and subdued after the accident but she brightened up once she was told you would pull through with no lasting damage." Ichirou told him as Shizuka yelled at him in the background to give her back her cellphone.
"I see, well just try and calm her down till I get there and we sort this whole mess out alright?" Archer requested.
"I'll do what I can. Please hurry home Godou-kun." Ichirou said calmly if a bit loudly so as to be heard over Shizuka's background ranting before he ended the conversation.
Five minutes later Archer finally made it back to the house. Upon opening the door, he was almost immediately spear tackled by his "little sister" who had him in what would've been a bone crushing hug if he wasn't a Campione now.
"Hey brat at least let me get in the door will ya?" he said sarcastically even though his voice was softer than usual.
"Big Brother, are you ok, are you hurt where have you been?" Shizuka shot off rapidly though in a much calmer voice than she did over the phone minutes earlier.
"I'm fine Shizuka; I was just helping a lost foreigner locate her father is all. As you can see, I don't have a scratch on me...or you would be able to see if you would raise your head from my chest." He said dryly with a bit of humor in his tone.
"S-sorry Big Brother I was really worried you had gotten hurt again when I got home and you weren't here." Shizuka stuttered out before getting off her presumed elder and letting him stand up.
"No way really, I couldn't tell you were worried Shizuka. Maybe you should yell into the phone a little bit louder next time so I can tell." Archer said with a chuckle.
"I said I was sorry! It's just ever since the accident I been afraid..." She trailed off in a quiet voice.
"I'm not going anywhere brat, and give me some credit if I can survive getting hit by a speeding car, I must have some luck. Now c'mon let's go have some tea." Archer said kicking off his shoes and putting on some house slippers before taking Shizuka by the hand and leading her into the modest kitchen where Ichirou sat at the table.
"I'm back old man." He said.
"Welcome back Godou-kun, Shizuka-chan have you calmed down now that you see your brother is safe and sound?" the old man asked kindly.
The ten year old girl nodded meekly saying quietly "Yes, sorry about earlier grandpa." She apologized.
"Think nothing of it my dear, you were worried afterall." Ichirou said waving away her apology.
"Now then, I'm going to make some tea. Does anyone else want a cup?" Archer asked.
"That sound great thank you." Ichirou said with a nod and a smile.
"That sounds good my throat is a little sore." Shizuka said putting her had to her throat.
"I wonder why? I mean it's not like you've been frantically yelling for no good reason for the past...seven minutes right?" Archer said being obviously sarcastic.
"Shut up and make the tea Big Brother." Shizuka growled at him.
"Coming right up oh impetuous one." Archer said.
"And quit it with the sarcasm!" she shouted.
"Now, where would the fun in that be for me? But anyway the tea is done." Archer said turning around bearing a tray with three cups, and a kettle.
He poured the other two their drinks first and then one for himself. He hid a smile behind his cup as he watched them take their first sips.
"Big Brother..." Shizuka asked in a quiet yet polite tone.
"Yes Shizuka?"
"What kind of tea is this?" She asked.
"Oolong I believe, why you don't like it?" he asked.
"No it's not that, it's just this tea...it's absolutely fabulous, how on earth did you get it to taste so good?!" She demanded to know.
"Sorry Shizuka but that's a secret." Archer told her while calmly taking another sip of tea.
"You've done excellently Godou-kun." Ichirou complimented .
"Thanks old man, by the way I'm gonna need to go out shopping later this week as we are having company this weekend." Archer told them.
"We are, who Big brother?" Shizuka asked curious.
"Well the reason I was back so late is because a foreigner got separated from her family and I took the time to help her find them. Now, her family wants to get to know me a little better so they are coming over on Friday around six for dinner." Archer stated calmly.
Shizuka just blinked for a moment and then said "How did you helping a girl find her parents turn into you making them dinner?" she asked confused.
"That girl, she is a tricky one." Was the only thing he said in response to her query.
"I see, and what would the name of this girl be?" Ichirou asked his old playboy habits kicking in.
"Her name is Theá Pandora." Archer said calmly.
This caused Ichirou's eyes to widen in shock for a fraction of a second before he said calmly "I see so that's how it is then?" he asked.
Archer just nodded in response.
"Grandpa, you know this girl?" Shizuka asked confused.
"Only by reputation my dear, you see in my line of work she is quite well known in certain circles. Especially around Greece." He said.
"Oh so she's a folklore expert like you then?" Shizuka asked for confirmation.
"Yes you could say when it comes to lore and myth; she is the undisputed mistress in that domain. It shall be quite interesting to play host to her." Ichirou said.
"That's what I was thinking myself." Archer said nodding in agreement.
"Well if we are going to entertain, we might as well go all out I suppose." Go to the market on Wednesday and get whatever you think you'll need money won't be a problem." Ichirou said.
"This is going to be fun." Archer said as he started mentally making a list of all the things he would need while Shizuka was excited to meet this mystery person.
The rest of the eldest Kusanagi sibling's week was strange though not as strange as the first day.
On Tuesday morning, he walked out of his house to find several gift baskets addressed to him from various organizations he had never heard of.
'Ok this is...odd.' the former Servant thought as he picked up one of the baskets in which were various assortments of rather expensive tins of tea from England. He then took off the attached card which read:
Dear Kusanagi Godou-sama,
Please accept this humble gift on the behalf of myself and the organization known as the Wizengamot. I realize it is a small token for one who has defeated a Heretic God such as yourself, but if you would consider granting me an audience at your earliest convenience I would be delighted to receive you and tell you more of my organization. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Sincerely,
Princess Alice Louise Goddodin, Highest ranked witch in the Heavens.
"Forget odd this is...annoying." Archer said after he read a few more of the letters and they all basically boiled down to the same thing: Several organizations wanted a piece of him and were sucking up to him.
Thing was though, Archer hated kiss asses. If someone wanted to talk to him, they should seek him out and talk to him not try to buy his loyalty with fancy gifts. Out of all the people here the only ones he found remotely interesting were Alice Louise Goddodin, and three others by the names of Salvatore Doni, Lou Hao, and Alexander Gascoigne simply because they used his name rather than just calling him 'Campione-sama' which meant they were more informed than most.
'It seems as though a new game has begun...damn it I hate politics!' Archer thought.
"Whoa, Big Brother where did all these gift baskets come from?" Shizuka asked in awe.
"Secret admirers I think. Wanna help me get all this inside?" he asked picking up a dozen of the things.
Nodding she said "Yeah but we'd better hurry unless you wanna be late for school again." As she grabbed six parcels herself.
Pretty soon they had all forty-five gift baskets piled on the kitchen table and headed off to another day of school.
They made it with plenty of time to spare this time and Archer sat down in his usual seat by the window. He seemingly stared of into space, yet he remained aware of what was going on around him. So when he noticed a certain tea ceremony girl heading his way he turned to greet her.
"Do you need something Mariya-san?" he asked.
"K-Kusanagi-san I was wondering if you would accompany me somewhere after school today." She asked politely.
Archer suddenly noticed all conversation around them had ceased and that everyone was staring at the two of them in amazement.
"And just what are you all looking at? Go back to your conversations." He said annoyed with their gawking.
The rest of the class flinched and turned away from the pair but the noise level in the classroom had decreased significantly to the point that Archer was sure they were all waiting on his answer to the secret school idol.
"Just where would we be going exactly Mariya-san?" He asked after a moment's thought.
"I umm some parents of some childhood friends of mine would like to meet you." She said quietly.
"I see fine then I have no problem going with you after school today. Do you have club activities?" he asked.
"No not today Kusanagi-san." The Hime-Miko replied.
Nodding Archer said "Then meet me at the place we had lunch yesterday, there are something's we need to discuss." He said vaguely.
"A-Alright I'll see you then." She said giving him a shy smile.
"Till then Mariya-san." Archer replied with a nod.
Of course by the time lunch rolled around, the entire school student body knew that Mariya Yuri the most popular girl in the middle school, someone who was even respected by the high school kids, was having a secret lunch date and going somewhere after school with one Kusanagi Godou. Suffice to say, Archer was not well liked by most of the student body at the moment. The females because they looked to Mariya as some kind of virgin saint and to them, being around any man would sully her idealistic reputation they had built around her. He was hated by the men for a much simpler reason though, jealousy. They were jealous that the idol of the school chose to spend her time with him rather than the senior of one of the sports teams breaking what most saw as the natural "pecking order".
'This is ridiculous. Also on a side note I really need to start working on remastering my self-reinforcement.' Archer thought as he was shoved against a locker when one of the sumo team members accidently 'tripped' on his way to lunch.
"Campione-sama, are you alright?" A concerned Yuri asked once Archer made his way onto the roof.
"I'm fine Mariya-san, but anyway I came up here to ask you a couple of questions and make a request, and don't call me Campione-sama it leaves a bad taste in my mouth." Archer said taking a rather large lunchbox out of the backpack he brought up with him.
"Alright, what is it you want to know Kusanagi-san?" Mariya asked.
"Care to discuss things over lunch?" he said unveiling a copious amount of food that lay within waiting to be devoured.
"You-you made lunch for me, you shouldn't have gone through all the trouble really." Mariya stuttered out.
"It's no trouble at all besides this is more of a bribe then it is a kindness." Archer informed her.
"A-A br-bribe, for what Kusanagi-san?" Mariya asked becoming suddenly nervous.
"Like I said earlier I need a favor." Archer said.
"And you thought making me lunch might make me more receptive to granting you said favor?" Mariya deduced.
"I...well damn, one lesson on real politics and your already a pro. What kind of monster have I created and let loose upon the world!" Archer said with dramatic sarcasm.
Surprisingly Yuri covered her mouth as she giggled at Archers' sarcastic jibe.
"Yes indeed you have created a monster, you see Kusanagi-san when you told me how politics work I had a talk with my father when he came home from work and asked him if that was the truth of the matter." She said looking slightly unhappy at her hands which were in her lap.
"Oh, so your father works for the government then?" Archer asked curiously.
"Yes he's is part of the National Diet* in the House of Representatives. He...explained to me that your view of things was rather cut and dry but in the end correct." She said sadly.
"I see, well its better that I was the one to give you such a wakeup call instead of you learning about it before it was too late." Archer said with no real sympathy in his voice just resignation.
"You have a point-"she said before she took a bite of food and her eyes widened in surprise "This is excellent!" She praised.
"Thank you, now while you continue eating I'm going to ask my questions alright?" Archer asked only receiving a nod in response as the shrine maiden was daintily yet swiftly eating the food provided.
'Oh dear Root, is she related to Saber in some way?' he thought before he shook his head and began.
"Ok Mariya-san, first thing I need to know is, are these people we're going to meet after school one of the same groups who sent a gift basket to my house this morning?"
Mariya almost choked on the rice she was eating when she heard that. After clearing her throat she asked "You already started receiving offers from other organizations, then?"
"Yes, and by your answer I'll assume that they indeed where one of the groups involved. So, who is it we will be meeting after school today?" He asked.
"We will be meeting with the heads of the History Compilation Committee a magical association here in Japan that attempts to keep magic a secret through control of the media and use of magical means." She informed him.
'Well they sound more humane than the Clock Tower in this regard, usually they just kill people who learn about magic and aren't supposed to. However I am not so foolish as to walk into potentially dangerous waters without several plans in place, also they could easily deceiving this girl to their true nature and only showing them what they want her to see.' Archer thought as he nodded to her explanation and then asked "What can you tell me about a group called the Witengamot?"
"Oh, you got contacted by them too? It's not surprising I suppose, you are the youngest Campione in recorded history afterall." She said.
"I am, that's...somewhat surprising considering people have been much more prone to violence in ages past, and it seems much more likely that there be Campione born in younger years." He speculated aloud.
"Yes, I was surprised when I heard the news as well. But back to your original question, The Wizengamot is for lack of a better term the equivalent to a Magical version of the Red Cross foundation. They offer relief aid to those who have suffered from magical disaster in other words-" she was cut off by Archer who finished for her "They take care of the victims of a Heretic God attack after it happens."
"Correct, and though the organization is rather large and its goals a good one, it lacks one thing to make it truly great-"Again Archer cut her off by saying "The backing of a Campione, correct?" he asked.
"Yes." Mariya replied becoming slightly annoyed.
"I see, now then onto my favor. It seems that the accident that kept me out of school had a bigger impact on Shizuka than I realized. The other day when I was fighting the Heretic God, Shizuka got home from school before me and started freaking out because she didn't know where I was. When she finally got ahold of me, she was borderline frantic with worry, afraid that I had died or something." Archer said pausing to collect his thoughts.
"Oh, poor Shizuka-chan is she alright now?" Mariya asked concerned for her undergrad.
"Yes, she calmed down after I came home and confirmed I was alright, what I would like to ask of you is to please keep an eye on her for me as besides myself and gramps you're the only person she seems to feel comfortable around. Can you do this for me?" Archer asked.
"Yes of course Campione-sama!" she said.
"Oi, what did I say about that Campione-sama crap?" Archer asked sounding annoyed.
"I-I'm sorry I meant no disrespect!" Yuri said shivering on the ground in fear with her eyes closed.
Archer sighed and said "Yuri calm down, I'm not going to hurt you. I just don't like people thinking they have to suck up to me. It reminds me of someone I hate with a passion." He said thinking briefly of a certain golden-haired, crimson-eyed, arrogant former King of Urk.
"Y-you're not?" Mariya asked as she opened her eyes a crack.
"No I'm not some arrogant asshole who lords his position and power over others. If anything I believe that since I have the power to change things for the betterment of the people I should do so." He told her adding mentally 'and if I have to break a few eggs to get shit done, so be it.'
"I see, I think I'm beginning to understand you a little better Kusanagi-san." The shrine maiden said sitting up.
"You can think that but, I highly doubt you or anyone will ever fully understand me and my motives." He told her as they headed back to class...
It was after school and after telling Shizuka that Mariya needed him for something and he could be awhile, the two headed off toward the richer district of town together. After a while they arrived at a sprawling Japanese style mansion that had a walled from entrance with two guard stoically standing at their posts. Walking up the guardsmen Mariya bowed politely and asked "Hello Izumo-san, Kotetsu-san, how are you two? If one of you could please inform Aunt Seishuuin I've brought the newest Campione as asked that would be great."
"H-Hai! Pardon our manors Campione-sama!" one of the guards requested bowing deeply while the other quickly ran off into the compound as fast as he could.
"Don't worry about it, and cut it with the 'Campione-sama' my name is Kusanagi Godou." Archer said annoyed at all the groveling.
"Ah, my humblest apologies Kusanagi-sama." The same guard said again bowing even lower before straightening up causing Godou to sigh in irritation and Mariya to giggle.
"They are ready for you Campione-sama, Mariya-chan this way please." The gate guard who ran off earlier requested.
The pair was lead down brightly polished floors past several sliding doors; until they finally arrived at one large enough for five people to walk abreast in if it was opened. As they walked Archer structurally grasped the entire building making a mental map inside of his head and marking all the exits, windows and potential dead ends in the place in case he needed a quick escape route.
The door was then slid open by their guide as he announced "Presenting Campione Kusanagi Godou-sama and Hime-Miko Mariya Yuri." He announced pulling the door back all the way and revealing eight people all sitting around a luxuriously crafted table on pillows.
Four of the people present were in their sixties and each was likely related to one of the others present in some way. The other four were in their early to late teens, all of them women.
One of the elders a woman with greying black hair wear a gold kimono decorated with black lightning bolts and sharp knowing brown eyes spoke in a voice that radiated respect yet also kindness "Thank you Izumo you may go now."
The guard bowed and beat a hasty retreat and after he had left the woman smiled towards the two and said "Welcome back Mariya-chan, and of course welcome to you Campione-sama. Would you both like to take a seat?" she offered motioning toward the two empty pillows at the head of the table.
"Good to see you again Aunt Seishuuin." Mariya said bowing politely and taking her seat.
"I would prefer to stand if it is all the same to you." Archer said simply.
"If that is what you wish Campione-sama. Now down to- is something the matter Campione-sama?" she asked when she saw Godou raise his hand for silence.
"Yes a couple of things actually." He said walking over to the far corner of the room and putting his hand on the wall and using structural grasping he found several things that shouldn't be there.
Pouring his prana into a small section of the wall, it eventually crumbled leaving a fist sized hole in which Archer placed his hand and extracted a small visual audio recording device which was transmitting somewhere. He completed this exercise three more times on each corner of the room until he had four different listening devices on the table in front of the other guests. Then he spoke "First things first, I hate being spied upon."
He then pumped his prana into the devices until they all shattered. Then turned and spoke to his hostess "Secondly, I dislike being called Campione-sama and would prefer it if you would just call me Kusanagi." He told her.
"I-I see. It seems I and House Seishuuin are already in your debt Cam-I mean Kusanagi-sama. I, Ran Seishuuin and my granddaughter Ena owe you a great debt." the woman said bowing low to which the young raven haired beauty next to her did the same.
"At least now when you show me respect you have a good reason for it, I despise people who grovel before others hoping to be thrown a bone. If you are going to respect me fine but have a good reason for doing so." He told the assembled group.
"But you are a Campione; surely you expect the respect that comes with the title?" A bald old man with a ponytail-like beard wearing a grass green kimono with silver dragons on it asked. As a quiet shy looking girl with dark hair wearing square framed glasses with a curious expression on her face nodded in agreement while staring at him intently with sky-blue eyes.
"No I don't, I am not some arrogant fool idiotic enough to demand respect from others just because of my position. If I want your, or anyone else's respect I'll do as I have always done and earn it through blood, sweat, and tears. Not by coasting on the laurels on some damned title." He said with something akin to vigor entering his voice.
Suddenly another person this one a woman with her hair in two buns and enough wrinkles on her face to make her seem like a bloodhound began to laugh out loud and clap while saying "I never thought I'd see the day when I met a humble Campione! And one who could give quite a fine speech at that! Truly it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance young man. I am Rena Sayanomiya and this is my granddaughter Kaoru." she said in a raspy voice before both she and the slim red head next to her bowed.
"Ah, where are my manors! I am Renjou Zaraki and this is my niece Hana." The bald man aid bowing and the shy girl mimicking him.
The last man who had his hair in a samurai-knot wearing a simple navy blue kimono and sporting a calm expression turned slightly to Archer and said "I am Kuhoutsuka Masamune and this-"he said pointing to a girl a year his senior with a stern expression on her face and her honey blonde hair done up in a simple ponytail with jade colored eyes "Is my niece Oda."
"I see, and what is it you all what from me?" Archer asked aloofly.
"We would like to offer you a chance to join our organization History Compilation Committee Kusanagi-sama." Ran Seishuuin said being perfectly blunt.
"I'm not interested thanks for the offer though." Archer said calmly.
"I see, and is there nothing we can do to change your mind young warrior?" Kuhoutsuka Masamune asked.
"No, you see I despise politics, I always have and I always will. So you see, me getting involved with any group would be quite annoying for me." Archer said.
"I see, well you certainly don't seem like the political type no offence." The elder Sayanomiya rasped out.
"However in the future I would suggest not using one of my friends to get me to come to a meeting such as this as doing so will have dire consequences." He said coldly pointing above and behind them.
When they looked they found that several swords had been hovering behind them the entire time pointing at the back of each of their necks in their blind spots.
The blonde haired girl Oda he believed her name was the first of his age group to speak since this meeting began her voice was tense as she spoke "Kusanagi-sama how long have those blades been pointed at us?" she asked.
"Since my little scavenger hunt earlier. It made a good distraction by removing those things I'll admit." He said calmly.
"Kusanagi-san please remove those swords at once! These people have done nothing to warrant such a hostile action and I can personally promise no harm will come to you here!" Yuri said becoming angry at Archer's actions.
"Why should I? For all I know, you were tricked into leading me into a lion's den, and this is the only thing stopping them from bearing their fangs at me." Archer told her calmly while looking into her eyes.
"You should because-because...You should do this because I am your friend and I'm not asking you to trust them, I'm asking you to trust me to trust them." She said looking into his eyes determinedly.
Archer looked was silent for several tense seconds as he gauged the girl him before saying "Huh, well I can't argue with that logic." before he dismissed his blades as numerous particles of light.
Everyone else was staring at Mariya Yuri in shock. "You talked back to a Campione...and lived. Ena is impressed Yuri." Ena Seishuuin said.
"Yep that's my Yuri-chan, underneath all that sweet shyness is an inner tigress just waiting to get out." Archer joked in his usual sarcastic way.
"Oh, are you and Kusanagi-sama dating already Yuri?" Ena asked in childish awe.
"E-Ena-chan, K-Kusanagi-san and I are j-just f-fr-friends! He was simply being sarcastic." Mariya stuttered out while her face turned red.
"Awe, I think you two would look cute together." Ena said.
"Indeed, it would be something from a fairy book tail the noble Campione sweeps the elegant damsel off her feet." Kaoru teased.
"Yeah." Hana said quietly while she blushed at the thought.
"Ah, yes indeed most would enjoy the thought of being swept off their feet by no less than a Campione." Oda said simply but if anyone had looked closely they would've seen a slight haze on her cheeks.
"You too Oda-chan?" Mariya asked sadly before she hung her head in embarrassment.
"Alright, that's enough speculation about my and Mariya-san's love lives. I do believe this meeting is adjourned as I have homework to do and must escort Mariya-san home. It was interesting meeting you all, feel free to contact me should a Heretic God emerge." Archer said with authority before he offered Mariya a hand up, which she accepted before he turned and led the way out of the room.
"Well what do we do now?" Renjou Zaraki asked.
"I have an idea." Hana quietly said drawing the eyes of all present causing the girl to shy back.
"Oh, and what would that be Hana-chan?" Rena Sayanomiya asked kindly so as not to frighten the girl.
"Well I was thinking that maybe if we got to know Kusanagi-san better he wouldn't be so hostile." Hana ventured.
"Awe, Hana-chan has a crush on the Campione!" Kaoru teased.
"If I am not mistaken Kaoru, every girl in his aged group is entertaining similar thoughts to my own when it comes to Kusanagi Godou." She said pointed looking at the red head for confirmation.
"Damn it Hana, you're so shy that I forget that behind the shyness, is the mind of a genius both on and off the battle field." Kaoru huffed.
Hana let herself smile a little and nod accepting the praise before saying "This is what we'll do..."
Wednesday morning was normal Godou sat in class waiting for the teacher to arrive and stood and bowed when he did then promptly sat back down and didn't pay attention again until he heard the teacher say "Class, today we have some new students joining us. Please make them feel welcome. You may come in now." He called out into the hallway.
"Oh you have got to be fucking with me Root." Archer moaned out when he saw who the new students were. Standing in front of the class in sailor uniforms were Seishuuin Ena, Kuhoutsuka Oda, Renjou Hana, and Sayanomiya Kaoru.
"Mariya-san?" Archer asked.
"Yes Kusanagi-sama?"
"Have the girls meet us on the roof for lunch I have questions for them." He said.
"Understood Kusanagi-sama." Mariya said nodding.
"Hello everyone we are glad to make your acquaintances I am Seishuuin Ena and these are my friends Kuhoutsuka Oda, Renjou Hana, and Sayanomiya Kaoru and we are here not only to learn but also be become better acquainted with one Kusanagi Godou who through his actions has recently become an important figure in the world in which all of us belong to." She said speaking eloquently.
"EHH!" the entire class yelled out before staring at Godou who stared back at them blandly before saying "Don't ask it'll just give you and me a headache."
"Kusanagi, how could you build yourself a harem of beautiful girls!" cried the Three Idiots in unison.
"First of all, I don't even have a girlfriend let alone a harem, however if some pretty girls want to get to know me better who am I to deny them?" Archer said suavely before he continued to stare out the window as if bored while all the men in the class sent him death glares as the new girls took seats around him...
"Ok so why exactly are you four here?" Archer asked the heirs of the Four Families as they sat together on the roof for lunch.
"Like Ena said during class Kusanagi-sama we came here to get to know you better by becoming your classmates and maybe sometime in the future your lovers." Ena said simply.
"Funny, I don't remember you mentioning the lovers' part in class Ena, and in any case if you haven't noticed yet I am a highly distrusting and paranoid individual, and it was only Mariya's assurances that stayed my hand last night. So give me one good reason why I shouldn't think this is part of some plan to get me to join your organization." Archer asked coolly.
"Simply put Kusanagi-sama, while befriending you does have the side benefit of ensuring the survival of the Committee, we also find you quite interesting as an individual as well." Hana said speaking quietly.
"Oh and how is that Renjou-san?" Archer asked raising a bemused eyebrow at her.
"Simply put, you are a curiosity amongst Campione as you wish to earn your respect through deed and word rather than have people groveling at your feet. You are someone worthy of following and getting to know for that fact alone. I believe-"Hana said before she stepped forward and fell to her bowing before him before saying "I believe I speak for everyone here when I say you impressed us last night not only with your words but with your willingness to protect Yuri-chan in the face of perceived danger. Should you choose to accept me, I Renjou Hana next heir to the Renjou Clan of the Four Families of Japan shall follow you until death." She swore sincerely.
Archer blinked in complete and utter bewilderment but before he could get his thoughts together and say anything Oda then spoke up "Well said Hana-chan! Indeed she speaks the truth, you proved last night that you are willing to go far to protect what you deem precious to you Kusanagi-sama be it a person or someone else's pride. I believe you to be an honorable man who can show me many things. That is why Kuhoutsuka Oda, heir to the Kuhoutsuka Clan of the Four Families of Japan, will follow you till death as well if you will have me." The blonde haired green eyed girl said before falling to her knees into a bow next to her friend.
"Well so much for plans huh Hana?" Kaoru joked before gazing at Godou and saying "Our original plan was to come here as students and offer you aid in any way you saw fit. However, it is just like Hana to have a plan within a plan by doing this she is not only swearing fealty to you but is forcing us to do so as well or tarnish our honor. Pretty clever of her wouldn't you say?"
"Yes and of course if I refuse any one of you it would get out, not only dishonoring me, but my entire family as well." Archer mused.
"Heh and I thought you said you hated politics?" Kaoru asked with a smirk before she stepped up and took to her knees next to Oda and Hana before saying "As the heir to the Sayanomiya of the Four Families of Japan I place my life in your hands as of this day forth, please don't lose it." She said adding a bit of humor at the end.
"Well, it looks like Ena is last yet she cannot help but wonder if her good friend Yuri will that this chance, a chance that will never come again pass her by?" Ena asked tilting her head to the side curiously as she stared at the Hime-Miko.
"Eh, w-what are you t-talking about Ena-chan?" Mariya asked.
"You know very well what Ena is talking about Yuri. Now are you going to say it or not?" Ena asked.
"I-umm-I-Kusanagi-kun!" Mariya suddenly shouted.
"Yes Mariya-chan?" Archer asked with an amused note in his voice.
"Please continue to take good care of me long into the future!" She said bowing low to him.
"I'll do my best but I'm not going to make any promises Mariya-chan. The same goes for the rest of you, you wish to serve me? Fine, but do not expect instant trust, love, or many kind words from me. I am not that kind of man, I am a man who has been through much and though it may not seem like it, I have seen things, horrible, awful, and terrible things. I have witness the blackest side humanity has to offer and I still live, though it has warped my perception of humanity as a whole in the process. If you still wish to follow me after knowing this well-"Archer then paused for dramatic effect before continuing "Welcome is all I have to say." He said before the lunch bell suddenly rang signaling the end of the period.
"C'mon we need to get back to class." Archer said leading the way off the roof while being followed by several smiling girls all the while thinking 'Why me?'...
Archer managed to get through the rest of the day without incident and walked with Shizuka on the way home when she asked him an odd question "Hey Big Brother you and Mariya-sempai seem to hang out a lot, are you two dating now?"
"Umm no Shizuka, we're just good friends." Archer said glancing at his sister.
"Ah, I also heard a really strange rumor about these really pretty girls that all joined your class, funny thing was the rumor said they joined the class to get close to you. That's a pretty weird rumor right?" She said in a way that said she wanted to know what was going on.
Archer sighed and said "Shizuka, remember when I went with Mariya somewhere last night?"
"Yeah, what about it?" She asked.
"Well apparently she was asked to invite me over to meet some friends of hers by the names of Seishuuin Ena, Kuhoutsuka Oda, Renjou Hana, and Sayanomiya Kaoru respectively and their families. You see, I recently did something noteworthy in their parents' eyes and having me as a part of their group would be beneficial for them." He told her.
"So, they offered you a job or something?" She asked confused.
"More or less, but I turned them down, I mean I'm only fourteen afterall. However they don't seem to want to take no for an answer, which is why those girls are now in my class." He told her.
"Huh you mean-they came here to try and seduce you!?" Shizuka asked scandalized.
"That's a possibility yes. However, I believe I inadvertently impressed them last night. I believe I impressed them to the point that they wish to get to know me better, to see what makes me tick. Do you understand?" He asked her.
"Yeah, I think I do. But Brother if I think for one second one of them is going trying to use you, they will pay." She finished in a cold voice.
"You let me worry about that brat and another thing...where did you hear the term seduce from?" He asked arching an eyebrow.
"Oh, look at the time! We had better hurry if we want to get all the supplies for your party! C'mon Big Brother!" Shizuka said suddenly running towards the market, which wouldn't be closing for another six hours...
It was Friday during lunch at the usual place and Archer was debating with himself about something. Since Wednesday, he had stayed up long into the night, practicing his self-reinforcement while planning the meals he would be cooking for today. He had had two whole boars cooking in a pit he dug in the backyard since early Thursday and he had pre-prepped several side dishes and desserts as well, all they needed now was to be cooked. What he was thinking about however was how he was going to entertain his guests if he was going to be in the kitchen a majority of the time. Suddenly an idea came to him.
'It's crazy but it just might work.' He thought as he turned to his...well he didn't really know what to call them 'Vassals perhaps?' He thought amusedly before he said "Are any of you free after school today? I need help with something important." He said from his leaning position against the fence.
"What can Ena help you with Kusanagi-sama?" Ena asked.
"What Ena means to say is what can we help you with Kusanagi-sama? Kaoru asked. She was dressed in a men's school uniform. When he first asked her about it she said she found it fun into tricking girls into thinking she was a handsome boy and besides that she just wearing male clothes.
"I am having a very important party at around six this evening, and since I'll be cooking I won't be able to entertain my guests. So, I was wondering would you five be willing to keep them preoccupied till the food is done?" he asked them.
"You can cook?" Kaoru asked surprised.
"Yes, Kusanagi-kun is an amazing chef!" Mariya praised.
"I'm in, on the condition that I get to eat the food when it gets finished." Kaoru said as if Mariya's praise was all she needed to make up her mind.
"Well of course I'm going to feed you, what kind of person do you take me for?" Archer asked.
"A party huh, that sounds like fun count Ena in!" Ena said happily.
"I am not too good with people but I will try my best Kusanagi-sama." Hana said shyly.
"Well if Ena's going then so will I!" Oda declared loudly. As if there is one thing Oda hated, it was being one-upped by Ena. Apparently according to Mariya it when back to the two's childhood where no matter how hard Oda tried she couldn't beat Ena in kendo. Now, she was her equal as long as she didn't use Divine Possession, but she still hated being shown up by the Seishuuin heiress.
"I'll need to check with my parents first, but I think I should be able to make it Kusanagi-kun." Mariya said.
"Excellent thank you everyone." Was all Archer said in response to this.
"By the way Kusanagi-sama, who is coming over anyway?" Oda asked.
Archer smirked and said "Oh no one too important just the Goddess Pandora and a few friends of hers." He said casually as if he had Goddesses over for dinner all the time.
There was complete silence on the roof for five seconds before the girls all screamed out "WHAT?!" at the same time.
"Yeah that little brat suckered me into inviting her over for dinner...damn puppy dog eyes." He grumbled.
"We are going to play hostess to the Mother of Campione?" Mariya asked in awe.
"Yep but don't be fooled, she's pretty childish for someone millennia old." Archer told her.
"We are going to meet the Goddess Pandora..." Mariya said again as if in a daze.
"I think you broke her Kusanagi-sama." Ena said waving her hand in front of her childhood friends' face.
"Fablous." Archer said dryly.
The day had finally arrived. It was ten till six and Archer was waiting for his guests to arrive. He was dressed in a red and black kimono depicting many swords being used as grave markers in grey. Shizuka was also wearing a kimono that was green and covered in silver cranes, while Ichirou wore a simple deep blue kimono. The other girls had arrived and introduced themselves hours earlier. Mariya was in a simple white Kimono, Ena in a green one with black clouds, Kaoru in a simple red kimono, Hana in a white kimono that had images of flower petals covering it, and Oda in a golden yellow kimono covered in spiraling serpents.
Suddenly the doorbell rang and Archer quickly moved to answer it. When he did he had to use all of his willpower not to immediately attack who he at first thought was Hercules at his door he was so massive.
Standing in his doorway hunched over was a giant of a man with a scraggly beard, gigantic bearlike chest, arms the size of oak trees, hands the size of hams, and feet that could squish him flat. He was wearing a deep purple toga that covered half of his chest and left the other half bear showing off his muscular physique.
When the mammoth of a man saw the door open he said "Oh hello there lad, would you be known as Godou Kusanagi by chance?" He asked in a booming timbre.
"That's me and you ar-" Godou never got to finish his question because next thing he knew he was tackle hugged by a UFPO Unidentified Flying Purple Object in the form of Pandora who was wearing a deep purprle almost black dress and had knocked him to the ground as she attempted to crush the life out of him.
"Pandora, it's good to see you but I need air!" he wheezed out while patting her on the back.
"Dora sweetheart, get off your friend before you break him." a sultry voice said from outside though it also sounded amused.
"I'm sorry Kusanagi-kun I was just so happy to see you!" Pandora replied in her bubbly fashion before getting off of him.
"It's fine Pandora nice to see you again and I see you brought your parents?" he phrased it as more of a question than a statement.
"Yeah, this is my dad Hephaestus and my mom Aphrodite." She said introducing the Giant man and the supposed owner of the sultry voice he had heard before.
Aphrodite was, for lack of a better term perfect, she too was wearing a deep purple toga though thankfully it covered everything; however it fit her form like a second skin leaving absolutely nothing to anyone's imagination. She had a gorgeous heart shaped face, long dark brown hair, full lips and light green eyes that were currently looking at Archer hungrily.
'Why do I suddenly feel like a piece of meat?' he thought to himself.
"So glad you could make it Hephaestus-san, Aphrodite-san." Archer said giving them a polite bow which surprisingly they returned.
"Think nothing of it lad, it is nice of you to invite little Pandora-chan out like this. In fact, I can't remember the last time any of us went somewhere. So this is pleasant for all of us." He said kindly.
"It's no trouble Hephaestus-san, now if you'll excuse me I must go finish preparing dinner. Please allow my family and friends to entertain you in the meantime." Archer responded, before heading toward the kitchen after he had seen his guests seated in the living room in which Hephaestus took up a whole couch for himself because of his bulk. As the two groups began chatting amicably Archer let a smile flicker across his face as he thought 'I'm probably the first person ever who can say he cooked for gods.'
Dinner was almost ready and Archer was just putting the finishing touches on the food when Shizuka poked her head in the kitchen doorway and said "Big Brother, there is a woman at the front door for you.
"A woman, what does she want?" Archer asked curious.
"She said her name was Alice Louise and she was here to talk to you about a request she made earlier in the week." Shizuka replied.
"Is that so, Shizuka could you begin to set the side dishes on the table while I go and talk to her?" He asked.
"Sure Big Brother." Shizuka said nodding before she began to collect the first dish as Archer made his way outside.
He opened the front door to find a young blonde-haired blue-green eyed young woman waiting patiently for him in an elegant white dress. She was about five four and looked to be about fifteen or sixteen.
"Princess Alice I presume?" Archer asked.
"Why yes indeed and you must be the new Campione, Kusanagi Godou-sama correct?" She asked while giving a curtsy.
"Yes but please just call me Kusanagi I am not one for being shown respect unless I feel as if I've done something to earn it. Now is there something I can do for you?" he asked.
"Hohoho you are an interesting one, but yes I was hoping to discuss the matter I first brought up in my letter in the basket I sent you earlier this week?" She enquired politely.
"Ah yes, you mentioned getting in contact with you didn't you? Let's just say I've had a very odd week and it slipped my mind." Archer told her thinking back to everything that happened this week; he wasn't sure if anyone other than himself would've been able to handle it.
"That's perfectly alright Kusanagi-sama I understand that becoming a Campione takes some getting used to." The young girl said to which Emiya chuckled.
"You have no idea. Pardon me for being curious, but you can't possibly be more than fifteen or sixteen years old, so how are you the face of an organization?" He asked receiving a laugh in return.
"Hohoho, you flatter me Kusanagi-san. Though I don't look it because of my poor health, I am in fact twenty-four years old." She told him.
"Ah that explains the need for a projection then." He said nodding.
"You saw through my ectoplasmic projection? That's quite an impressive feat Kusanagi-san." The copy of Alice said.
"Eh, I just used a special skill I have to tell at a glance you were only a few minutes old after that it was easy to deduce you were a fake." He said.
"Still that is quite an impressive skill. It seems you are having company however and we will need to schedule our meeting for another time." She said with a sigh.
"Not necessarily, how would you like to join the party?" Archer asked afterall he was already feeding three Divine Beings, five women who swore their lives to him just one day ago, and his new family, what's one more person right?
"I wouldn't want to impose..." Alice began only for Archer to cut her off by saying "You're not; I have plenty of food perhaps too much, so the more the merrier." Archer stated calmly.
"Well if you insist, why ever not?" She said diving him a smile and offering him her arm.
"Lady Louise, may I accompany you to dinner tonight?" He asked his voice droll as he gave a mock bow.
"You may kind Sir Godou." She responded allowing him to take her hand and loop it with his.
She was lead into the dining room where several people were seated but when she laid eyes on three of them she could immediately tell they were not human.
Her mouth fell open in shock, as her eyes bulged, and her face lost all color at the sight of not one but three Heretic Gods sitting around the dining room table chatting peacefully with human beings.
"Sir Godou you do realize that three of your guests are...?" She trailed off.
"Yes I am, I know exactly who they are but as long as they don't harm anyone we won't have any problems, don't worry Alice. Besides, how many people can say they have eaten with a Heretic God?" he asked rhetorically.
"You...make an excellent point Sir Godou. This would be just the thing to rub into that Prince Alec's face." She said happily.
"Whatever floats your boat Alice." Archer said before introducing her to everyone else and procuring the main course: Two fully cooked boar their juices dripping and their skin a golden brown, and setting them on the table.
"Dinner is served." Archer said simply as he waited and watched as everyone served themselves and then took their first bites.
"This food..." Hephaestus said lowly "...IS TRULY FIT FOR THE GODS!" He screamed out in exuberance as tears of joy streamed down his face and... 'Is his face sparkling?' Archer thought incredulously seeing twinkling lights appear before the forge gods face as he became enraptured by the meal.
"This food... it's better than sex!" Aphrodite said in complete astonishment at her own words.
"Umm thank you?" Archer said not sure how to take that kind of praise.
"This is really really good Kusanagi-kun!" Pandora said as she dug into her meal.
"Agreed." Kaoru said managing to get a word out in between stuffing her mouth with food.
"Ena thinks she will come over more often if she gets to eat like this!" Ena declared happily.
"Fabulous, simply fabulous." Oda commented.
"Your cooking skill are amazing Kusanagi-sama!" Hana squealed in delight.
"You outdid yourself this time Big Brother, good job!" Shizuka told him.
"Excellent job Godou-kun, truly excellent." Ichirou appraised.
"The food is amazing as always Kusanagi-kun." Mariya told him with a smile.
"Simply sublime Sir Godou I don't think I've ever had anything this excellent and I have had food from some of the top English chefs." Alice complimented.
"Thank you everyone I'm glad you enjoy the food. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on dessert." He said before marching off to the kitchen where he had previously reserved himself a large plate of food.
Dinner was a grand success in Archer's mind as if one can gain the approval of a god let alone three, then there was on higher praise.
'Well that's something I can cross off my bucket list I suppose, gain godlike skill in the kitchen.' he mused to himself as he cleared the last of the dessert plates of the table.
"That was truly a meal fit for Gods young Godou. I feel privileged to have been able to partake of it." Hephaestus complimented while rubbing his belly satisfactorily, while the others simply nodded.
"I'm glad you liked it Hephaestus-san." Archer said.
"Think nothing of it lad. I think he's worthy don't you dear?" Hephaestus asked his wife who nodded in agreement saying "Yes I think he's make a fine fiancé for little Dora."
Archer froze stiff at the word fiancé and slowly turned to Pandora and asked in a creepily calm voice with an even creepier smile on his face "Pandora, what exactly did you tell your parents about me?"
"I just told them that you were this really nice guy that I met who invited me to dinner, and who was really strong." Pandora said innocently.
'Yeah, there is no way that could be misconstrued at all.' Archer thought sarcastically.
"I see." Was all he said instead of voicing his thoughts.
"Now then lad, are you ready to receive my blessing?" God of Forge and Fire asked.
There was no way he could refuse. If he attempted to do so, he risked enraging Hephaestus and possibly Aphrodite as well. If he did that, many people around him could get hurt. The creed of the Counter Guardians rang through his head as he opened his mouth to speak.
'One sacrifice for a thousand lives.' He thought saying calmly "I am."
Everyone else gasped in surprise, but they were unable to say anything before Hephaestus spoke again this time in a serious tone "Very well Campione. By the power vested in me as a Lord of Steel, I bequeath two of my Authorities upon this Godslayer. The First is to recognize him as family and the Second to recognize him as my successor in the event I am cast down from my divinity. I Hephaestus have spoken!" He said in a booming power filled voice as a golden glow covered his body, and then covered Archer's and slowly left Hephaestus's.
"It is done, you have received my blessing and have become a member of my family, Welcome lad." The Fire God said grinning happily.
"I too wish to grant him my blessing." Aphrodite said calmly as she sauntered over to Archer before she kissed him full on the mouth and the same golden glow passed from her to him as it did between Hephaestus and Archer only moments earlier.
"Hmm, you're not a bad kisser at all." She mused.
"Was it really necessary to give him your blessing that way wife?" Hephaestus asked annoyed by his wife's antics.
"Necessary, no; but it was fun though." She said sensually giving Archer a wink.
The giant of a man sighed before saying "I had best get my wife home before she does what she does best, seduce men. Thank you for a truly pleasant evening Godou Kusanagi, I look forward to great things from you." Hephaestus said before grabbing his wife's' shoulder and disappearing in a flash of fire.
"Why did you do that?" an extremely confused Pandora asked softly.
"I did that because if I hadn't chances are your father could've gone on a rampage and killed everyone here. Plus I could make a choice and save everyone I would gladly do so and it's not like I lost anything in the end, in fact I gained three Authorities and new ally." Archer said not using the term fiancé.
"I see, you did what you had to do you save as many lives as you could. How noble of you Godou Kusanagi. I hope however one day you can come to accept me as more than just an ally but I'll make do with that for now. Till next weekend my betrothed." The Goddess said kissing him on the cheek before simply fading from existence.
"What was that Big Brother?" Shizuka asked in shock.
"Magic, real magic." Was his response to his little sister.
"Ah, I see." Shizuka said before she promptly fainted.
"Fuck my life." Archer said as he picked Shizuka up and carried her to bed...
Chapter End
Chapter Length: 10,013
AN: Holy. Fucking. Shit. Did I just write a 10k chap in four days? Yeah I think I did, and is it my third update in ten days? Why yes, yes it is... Damn I'm awesome! This is Bubbajack, NIX'S WARDEN and Eternal Nothingness bringing you yet another chapter of Wrought-Iron Cross. If we don't break the 100 review mark this chap something is wrong with the world guys. Cause I've put sweat, tears, and at least for five hour energy shots into this thing! So show me some love! Also as to Alice's projection being able to eat, well I'm a fan of Spawn and spawns' flesh is made of solid ectoplasm so why no Alice's? Call it artistic lisence of you want.
Now, HERE'S NIX!
Nix: Ello Everyone! Here is our lastest chapter and I hoped you enjoyed it! I bet most of you are thinking WTF? I know I know but we know what we're doing! After all we're the author's! I suggest you brace yourself's thou. We just reached the first branch on the Crazy Tree and we have ALONG way to go yet! So grab some pop-corn, say a prayer, and hold on ta ya under-wear! Because this Crazy Train is leavin the station!
Thank you for those...inspiring words Nix. Sadly, Eternal Nothingness couldn't join us today as he is hard at work studying for college finals. But in any case, all that is left to say is Stay Cool
Nix: Stay Sexy and Active. I recommend the Karma Sutra for both.
And be sure to use protection.
Both: Well, till next time Bubbajack and Nix's Warden out! Peace!