Wrought Iron Cross
A collaboration fic by written by Bubbajack and inspired by the continuous mad ramblings of NIX'S WARDEN, and Eternal Nothingness.
Disclaimer: We don't own FSN or Campione if we did they would be this fic in real life.
Ch.4: Time flies when you're having fun
Many things had happened since that day when Archer hosted a party for Gods themselves. First and foremost was Shizuka had to be informed about the magical community, and Archer felt it was his job to tell her since he dragged her into this mess...
It was the morning after the banquet and Shizuka and Archer sat in the kitchen a pot of tea between them and Archer having just explained the magical world to her and his place in it. Shizuka was silent for a moment before she asked "Ok so let me get this straight, Gods exist and to most people take the form of natural disasters?" She asked.
"Correct." Archer responded.
"And that day you were missing you had killed a goddess and become a Campione a Godslayer one whose job it is to protect people from them when they manifest, is that right?" She asked again.
"That's right." Archer responded.
"And Mariya-sempai is connected to the magical world somehow. Are those other girls who showed up last night?" Shizuka asked looking for confirmation.
"Indeed, I guess you could say they are my retainers or Vassals since I now hold the position of king, they swore loyalty to me." Archer responded taking a sip of tea he brewed for the two of them.
Shizuka frowned before saying "I don't like it Big Brother, I don't like the fact that you need to put your life on the line like this and be in constant danger. I also don't like the fact that all these women are around you just because you have some title now. It feels like they are just using you, also what about Pandora-chan? She is supposedly your fiancée now, what do you think about her?" Shizuka asked.
"Hmm, well I don't entirely dislike Pandora but I can state with total honesty I don't love her. Love, real love isn't something that happens in an instant. It builds gradually over time." Archer responded.
Shizuka nodded at that and then asked "So, what will you do now?"
"Now, now I'm gonna get myself into shape. Afterall, I can't fight Heretic Gods effectively if I'm not in peak condition. Is there a shed around here I can use as a training area?" He asked.
"Yeah this way, c'mon." She said leading him around the back of the house to a rather large shed like the one he had at the Emiya estate.
"Perfect, thanks Shizuka." Archer said doing his best to be kind to her.
"No problem Big Brother, I just have one more thing to ask before you get started though." Shizuka said.
"Sure what is it?" he asked.
"When are you going to tell me the truth about yourself?" Shizuka asked calmly.
"Eh, what do you mean? Archer asked calmly internally though he was thinking 'Shit she figured it out!'
Shizuka sighed before saying "I've been really patient with you, you know? Hoping you'd tell me yourself, but apparently that isn't going to happen is it? So alright, I'll just come right out and ask then. Who are you?" asked then crossing her arms over her chest and glaring pointedly at him.
Archer chuckled mirthlessly and said "Good eye brat. You're right I'm not your idiot brother."
"Oh really, I never would've guessed." Shizuka said sarcastically with an accompanying roll of her eyes.
Right, now I know I'm rubbing off on you. Anyway you remember the accident right?" Archer asked her.
She nodded.
"Well that was when I showed up after your brother died for lack of a better term." Archer said flatly.
"What do you mean?" she asked confused.
"A persons' memories, they are connected to the soul which is in turn connected to the brain when I...was stuck in your brother's body he was already brain-dead his soul had already vacated his body." He explained slowly and quietly.
Tears formed in Shizukas' eyes before she took several deep calming breaths as her body began to shake. "Big Brother...I-I understand. So if Godou is d-dead who are you?" She asked shakily.
Archer raised an eyebrow in surprise he expected her to breakdown or go into denial. 'This girl...is made of sterner stuff than I first assumed.' Archer thought.
"Does who I am really matter? It's my job to look after you just like your brother would have if he was still here. Like it or not you're stuck with me brat." He said sarcastically while giving her a smirk.
"Yes Big Brother, please continue to take good care of me." Shizuka said with a small smile.
"Yeah you bet." He responded as Shizuka began to walk back to the house.
"Shizuka!" He called making her stop and turn around.
"My name...it's... well just call me Archer." He told her before he went into the shed and closed the door, leaving a smiling girl behind him.
Archer did his best to ignore the sounds of sobbing he heard soon after the door closed.
Over the next year if Archer was not in school, he had sequestered himself in the shed working on his magecraft and on various experiments. He regained his old skills rather quickly and then began to experiment like a real magus would to hone his craft even further. One day he looked into the bathroom mirror and noticed his hair had begun to turn white, while his eyes were paler and his skin was a tone or two darker as if he'd gotten a tan overnight. 'Oh, well this can't be good.' He thought dryly.
The only times Archer ever took a break from his magical studies was on the weekends when Pandora arrived for tea. During lunch at school each day, he would get to know the girls who had sworn their lives to him. He decided that on each ach weekend, leaving Pandora to bond with Shizuka he took one of the girls out on the town with him. First on his list was Mariya Yuri.
He picked her up at her parents' house which also doubled as the local shrine; it was a nice quiet place in Archer's opinion. 'This place reminds me of Ryuudo Temple.' Archer thought wryly.
He knocked on the door and it was promptly answered by a woman in her thirties' with chestnut colored hair and blue eyes, and a kind face in a simple white shirt and jeans.
"Hello." she said kindly "You must be Kusanagi-kun I am Sadako come in come in." She said gesturing before heading indoors.
"Yuri will be just a minute, she still finished getting dressed. Can I get you anything while you wait tea perhaps?" she offered.
"No thank you." Archer said as politely as he could as he took a seat in the living room.
"You know for the longest time I thought my poor Yuri-chan would never open up to anyone she's always so shy you know?" she said conversationally from the kitchen as she came back into the room with a cup of tea for herself.
"Indeed one could almost use the term socially awkward with her." Archer commented dryly.
"Wow, Yuri wasn't kidding you are sarcastic aren't you?" She said in wonder.
"Eh it's a gift." He said shrugging his shoulders with a smirk.
"I believe my husband would like you he constantly has to deal with two-faced people at work and meeting someone who is straight forward such as you would be refreshing to him I think." Sadako remarked.
"I personally hate politics. Everyone always has an agenda and in the end the people who pay for said agenda aren't the ones who should be." Archer stated calmly.
"Hmm I could see how you would think that Campione-sama." Said a strong male voice from the entrance to the living room where the two sat.
He was a powerfully built man in a black suit and tie with the coat currently slung over his shoulder. He had brown eyes dirty blonde hair and a matching goatee.
"Yuri's father I presume? Might I ask how a politician knows about my Godslayer status?" Archer asked while preparing to trace a couple of weapons just in case.
"Forgive me, where are my manors? I am Hiro Mariya. Now, with all due respect Campione-sama as a father I make it my business to know who my daughter is fraternizing with, and since my daughter is a Hime-Miko I am allowed certain information about the magical world...and honestly it doesn't hurt that one of her best friends is Seishuuin Ena either." He said while rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"Honestly dear, you shouldn't talk about Ena-chan like that." His wife chastised him.
"Yes, dear." Hiro replied. While sitting down next to his wife.
"So tell me, what are your intentions for my daughter?" Hiro asked after a moment of silence.
"My intentions for your daughter, what does it really matter what my intentions for her are to you? I'm a Campione and as such I can do as I see fit." Archer said coolly to the shocked faces of both of Yuri's parents.
Then he smirked and said "That's likely what any other Campione would've said if you used that line on them. As for me, all I can say about Yuri is that she trusts me enough to look after her and whether or not she desires friendship or something more from me will have to wait for the moment." Archer stated calmly.
Both of the Mariya's let out a relieved sigh when Archer told them he'd been joking with them. However something Archer said caught Hiro's attention and he asked "Yuri she, she swore her loyalty to you?"
"Indeed she is now my vassal I suppose along with all the heirs of the Four Families." Archer stated in a pained voice as if he couldn't believe his perceived misfortune.
Hiro let out an astonished whistle at that.
"So you and Yuri aren't dating then? Sadako asked sounding disappointed.
"No we're not I just really want to know more about her, that's why I'm taking her out tonight." Archer informed the parents.
The noise of footsteps on the stairs announced the arrival of Yuri Mariya moments later.
"Sorry I kept you waiting Kusanagi-kun." Mariya said bowing in forgiveness.
Archer for his part just stared at her as one word crossed his mind 'Cute.' He thought.
Yes that word symbolized Mariya Yuri at that moment. She wore a canary yellow blouse and a dark green skirt with brown pumps on her feet she didn't wear any makeup and her hair was in its usual style, but seeing the girl in normal clothing outside of a school uniform, he had to admit that she was cute.
"Don't worry about it. Are you ready to go Mariya-chan?" Archer asked.
"Now, now, you two are friends; you should call each other by your first names." Sadako playfully chastised.
Archer sighed in what could have been annoyance or some other emotion then asked "Are you ready to go, Yuri?"
"Hai Godou." Yuri said as a blush came to life across her face.
"Alright then, we're off. I'll have her back at a reasonable hour." Archer told the two smiling parents as he took Yuri's hand and led her towards the door.
"Have fun on your date Big Sister a girl that looked like she could be Yuri's clone if her hair was longer called out from the top of the steps.
"I will Hikari. Goodbye Mom, Dad I'll see you all later." She called as Archer led her out of the house.
"So, I noticed your parents weren't tripping over themselves to bow to me. You have anything to do with that?"
"Yes, I told them you wished to earn their respect, which has in turn endeared them to you already."
Is that so, well where do you want to go?" Arc her asked conversationally as the two made their way down to street level.
"I umm I'm not really sure. I've never been on a date before so I'm not sure what to expect." Yuri said shyly.
"I have little experience in this field myself, having only been on one date previously." Archer said thinking of the one time he took Saber out.
"Oh, you had a girlfriend before Kusa-I mean Godou-san?" She inquired curiously.
"Yes even if it was only for a brief time. She was an elegant foreign woman from Europe." He responded almost wistfully.
"What happened between you two? Oh, I'm sorry I shouldn't pry." Yuri apologized.
"It's fine, in the end she had to go back home as she was a woman who but her duty before all else and in truth, I respected her for that." He said as admiration filled his voice.
"Ah, I see." Yuri said becoming quiet for a moment processing this information, and then she asked "Where did you take her on your date?"
"Nowhere special the zoo, the movies, and I got her a stuffed animal." He responded nonchalantly.
"Well, that sounds like a nice first date to me." Yuri said nodding.
"Does it? Honestly, I've been thinking of where to take you the entire time and I think I know of a place you might enjoy."
"Oh and where would that be?" She asked curiously.
"You'll see..." He said leading her by the hand...
They had to take a bus but they eventually arrived at their destination the Blue Note a rather notable jazz house in in their hometown of Nagoya.
"So are you ready to go in?" Archer asked her as they stood outside the doors.
"I've never listened to jazz before." Yuri admitted.
"Eh, give it a chance you might like it." Archer told her before leading her into the darkened club which was lit by dim lighting, most coming from lamps set at the center of white cloth covered tables which were centered around a spot lit stage where musicians played.
"Pardon me sir, but would you happen to be Kusanagi Godou and his date?" the maître d asked politely at the door.
"We are, are you here to see us to our table?" Archer asked.
"No young man that would be my pleasure." Said an older woman kindly. She had her dark greying hair up in a bun, wearing a formal kimono, and sporting a kind smile on her face.
"Madam Asia, you needn't trouble yourself." Archer huffed.
"Honestly young man, you worry too much. I would most likely be in a hospital bed right now if it wasn't for you so this is no trouble." Madam Asia assured before asking "Now who is this lovely young lady?" turning her eyes onto Mariya.
"I'm Mariya Yuri pardon me for asking but how do you know Godou-san?" she asked.
"Oh, well he saved me from being turned into a smear on the street on his way home from school one day. Not only that but he was kind enough to see me back here to my club safely and repair the lights for the show that night." Madam Asia said happily.
"You-you own this place?" Mariya asked surprised.
"Oh yes dearie, and when the local hero gave me a call a few minutes ago and said he was bringing a girl here on her first date, well naturally I pulled out all the stops. This way please." Madam Asia led them to a large circular booth in the corner that granted privacy but still put them within hearing distance of the bands.
"Now, you kids wait right here and I'll get you something to drink. What would you like we have mint tea, oolong, chamomile?" She asked.
"Mint sounds good to me." Archer said simply.
"Yes that sounds good." Yuri said nodding.
"One pot of mint tea coming up kids. Please feel free to look at the menu, I'll be back shortly. " Madam Asia told the two.
"So, Mariya I've been meaning to ask but, why exactly did you choose to swear your life to me?" Archer questioned.
"I-I did it because...no matter how hard you try to hide it, you care about other people Godou-san. If one can look past the constant sarcasm and cynicism they will see what I see." Mariya said firmly.
Archer just blinked he certainly never expected this kind of answer possibly peer pressure but not this.
"Oh and tell me Mariya Yuri what do you see when you look at me?" Archer asked deciding to humor her.
"You are a kind person who goes out of his way to help others, you are a true hero." Mariya stated assuredly.
"Heh, you think I'm a hero? If there is one thing you should know about me Yuri it's that I hate heroes."
All Mariya did in response was shake her head and smile.
"And what about you Godou-san, what do you see when you look at me?" Mariya asked as their drinks arrived and they ordered their food and listened to jazz in the background.
"I see a girl; a girl with a very deep inner strength." Archer commented before taking a drink.
"Th-thank you, but I'm nothing special." She said trying to brush off the praise.
"I disagree, I have a sixth sense about this kind of thing, Yuri I have a question for you now." Archer said.
"Alright." She said happy that someone besides her family thought she was strong.
"What exactly is a Hime-Miko?" He asked.
"Ah, A Hime-Miko is someone who is descended from a Divine Ancestor, an Earth Goddess who has lost all of her Authorities and became an immortal witch. As a Hime-Miko, I possess the ability of Spirit Vision which allows me to tap into the Memories of the Void the collective memories of the entire world. Ena-chan, possess an ability called Divine Possession which allows her to channel the power of Susanoo, and my sister Hikari has the ability of Disaster Purification which allows her to negate magical powers and abilities it can only weaken Divine abilities though." Mariya said conversationally.
"I see, those sound useful." Archer commented.
"Yes, and from what I've hear of Alice Louise she has many abilities as she is both a Hime-Miko and a Witch." She commented throughout their meal.
Archer was mostly silent the rest of the night, an idea had formed in his mind but before it could take further shape, he needed more information. However he wasn't out of it to the point of ignoring his date, and after he saw Yuri back to her house; he was given a hug for a wonderful evening, causing him to freeze up at the physical contact.
"Has it really been so long since you've had someone this close to you without them trying to kill you?" She asked quietly as she felt him tense up in her arms.
"Yes." Archer managed to get out equally quiet.
"I don't know how this happened to you Godou-san, I don't know what made you into what you are, but I'm going to help you I promise." Yuri said before heading into her house, leaving Archer to stand there in the dark staring at where she stood thinking bitterly 'There is no helping someone like me Yuri, I'm broken and I can't be fixed.'
On the next weekend he took Kaoru out with him of course she was dressed as a boy wearing green t-shirt, black jeans and red and black sneakers. Kaoru insisted on going to the Blue Note where he took Mariya the week before and Archer obliged. Madam Asia raised an eyebrow when he came in with another girl but didn't comment.
The two ordered their meals and Archer asked "So Kaoru, in terms of skills what do you bring to the table?"
"I am an expert politician Kusanagi-san where as Oda and Ena would excel on the physical battlefield I am an expert on the political one. If you need someone bribed, coerced, or blackmailed I'm your girl." Kaoru said becoming giddy by the end.
"I take it you enjoy your line of work?" Archer asked with a chuckle.
"Immensely Godou-sama." She replied with a smirk as their food arrived.
"Just take care that your pride in your skill does not consume as it has so many others." Archer warned offhandedly as if he wasn't really concerned.
What do you mean my Lord?" The red head asked.
"Sometimes, people become skilled, they become arrogent and begin to think themselves invincible in their power. It would be a shame for that to happen to one such as you." Archer told the playful girl.
"I'll keep that in mind my lord. Now I have a question for you if I may?" Kaoru asked.
"Go ahead I might even tell the truth." Archer told her.
"How does a boy of only fourteen years have the eyes of a hardened killer?" the red head asked.
"And just what, Kaoru makes you think I'm just fourteen? Afterall from what I've come to understand Divine Ancestors are immortal never aging and beings of near infinite power." He told her.
"Are you saying you're a Divine Ancestor?" Kaoru asked bemused.
"I don't know, you tell me." Archer shot back sarcastically.
"I think working with you will be very interesting Godou." Kaoru said after staring at him a moment before she finished her meal.
Ena and Oda were next; and after he picked them both up, he headed over to what he was starting to consider his table at the Blue Note and ignoring Madam Asia muttering under her breath about "Young people these days." He sat down with the two girls who were wearing elegant kimonos. Ena's was emerald and silver trimmed, while Oda's was gold with black.
"Thank you both for choosing to come with me here." Archer said to them as he sat down.
"It is no problem Kusanagi-sama Ena was happy to come after Yuri-chan told me how much she enjoyed this place." The raven haired Hime-Miko responded.
"I have to admit I too was curious about this place." Oda said flipping her blonde hair out of her face.
"Yes and I'm sure just because Ena said yes had nothing to do with it right?" Archer said dryly.
"Sh-shut up!" Oda said in response.
Archer chuckled and then asked "In terms of fighting, what exactly can the two of you do? Can you hold your own against Heretic Gods?" he asked.
"Ena can't, not even if she uses Divine Possession." Ena responded.
"I am unable to fight Heretic Gods Kusanagi-sama however I should be able to at least take care of extremely skilled human level magical opponents." Oda said sounding bitter and disappointed in herself.
"I see, well that's good then." Archer responded.
"Eh, how?" Oda asked blinking in surprise.
"Simple really, if the two of you were fighting with me on the frontlines then no one would be able to protect Yuri or my sister if something were to happen." Archer responded.
"I-I understand Kusanagi-sama I will protect them with my life, though I hope to one day become strong enough to fight by your side." Oda said.
"Thank you Oda, keeping Shizuka and Yuri safe is important. As for you Ena, how much of Susanoo's power can you draw on?" he asked.
"Ena cannot draw on very much power, but she can draw on enough to keep a Divne Beast at bay for a time." Ena replied.
Suddenly Ena's cellphone when off and the Miko of the Sword quickly answered it. "Hello, yes, yes Ena understands." She said before hanging up.
"Ena apologizes Kusanagi-sama, but she needs to head home." Ena said standing up.
"Is everything alright?" Archer asked.
"Oh yes everything is fine, but Auntie is entertaining a guest and would like me to be home to assist her." Ena responded simply.
"Ah, well then tell Seishuuin-san I send my regards." Archer said.
"Ena will let her know, goodbye Kusanagi-sama Oda-chan." Ena said before she left.
"Oda, there is something I've been meaning to ask you." Archer said after a few minutes of listening to music.
"What is it my lord?" the blonde responded.
"What exactly does your family do out of the Four Families?" he asked.
"That is...a rather difficult question Kusanagi-sama." Oda said squirming in her seat.
"Is it now; could your family perhaps be the enforcers of the Four Families? The one making sure their political agenda passes without question?" he asked coolly.
The Kuhoutsuka heir's green eyes widened in surprise as she paled and stuttered out "How-how did you kn-know?"
"It wasn't that hard to figure out. By simple logic and process of elimination your family was the obvious choice. Ena's family is obviously the face of the association; by having a person such as her be known for being able to fight on par with Divine Beasts the Four Families have prestige. With the Sayanomiya covering politics, and the Renjou as the masterminds, that only left making sure the agendas passed in the favor of the Four Families to the Kuhoutsuka." Archer stated as if it was common sense.
"Is it really that obvious?" Oda asked ashamed.
"Yes, but it also explains why you want to beat Ena so badly. You want to prove that your family is useful for more than just wetwork am I right?" Archer asked casually.
"Yes Kusanagi-sama, though my feud with Ena originally started over a lost kendo match when we were younger, it made me realize how large a gap there was between us and I hated it!" She said with venom before continuing "I hated how Ena could walk around so carefree in our youth while I was forced to learn the most efficient ways to kill someone maim them, or torture them until they swore to do as the Families wanted. I strived to be the best yet I was never good enough to best her, and even now, I am not good enough." Oda said sadly.
"Tell me Oda as a Hime-Miko what can you do?" Archer asked.
"Well, my skill is mostly useless unless used in my family line of work, but have the ability of Spirit Sensing. It allows me to see and hear things without having to actually having to be in an area." Oda told him.
"I see, well then let me start off by saying whoever told you such a skill is only useful for assassination is an idiot." Archer said annoyed.
Oda blinked twice in surprise and then asked "What do you mean Kusanagi-sama?"
Archer sighed and then elaborated "While it is true with your ability it makes stealth easier, it would also make fighting Ena child's play if used correctly. Though I don't understand the mechanics, assuming you could work the sight so you could see all that is going on around you and focus it enough to notice muscle movement, you would be unable to be snuck up upon, and also be able to tell what your opponents are going to do before they do allowing you to be able to flawlessly counterattack."
"Do you really think I could do such a thing, become stronger than Ena I mean?" Oda asked.
"Yes, yes I do. Before I became a Campione I had almost no talent for magic. The only things I was good at were the basic of basics, but I didn't give up and I kept refining what little I could do until I was able to create swords out of thin air. Besides my authorities it is the only skill I possess aside form strengthening my body past normal limits. So yes, I believe with enough time and effort in the right direction you can surpass Ena." Archer told her with no hint of mocking in his voice.
"Thank you Kusanagi-sama I will not let your kind and inspiring words go to waste, I will not fail you!" Oda said fiercely.
"I expect nothing less from you Oda, as Shizuka is very important to me, and if something were to happen to her..." Archer left the sentence hanging but Oda understood the message. Both of them.
She knew that if she failed to protect Shizuka her life would likely be forfeit, but she also knew that her new lord was honoring her by giving her this very important task instead of handing it to Ena to do, and keeping her out of the darker side of politics in the process. This is why she simply smiled and said "I will not fail you Godou-sama."
"I know you won't." he said giving her a return smirk.
Another week had past and once again he found himself in the corner booth in the Blue Note, this time sitting across from Hana Renjou who was wearing a navy blue blouse jean black jeans and black sandals. The two silently studied each other for several long minutes before Archer spoke in a flippant tone "You know I blame you for getting me into this mess."
"Oh, and what mess would that be Kusanagi-sama?" Hana quietly asked her voice barely audible over the soft jazz music.
"This whole harem thing, it's all your fault. If you hadn't gone and made such a brash decision all those weeks ago none of this would've happened." Archer said with a sigh.
"Do you dislike us all that much?" Hana asked inquisitively.
"I don't dislike any of you; however I am so unused to being around people except under certain violent circumstances that I do not function well around them." Archer quipped.
The Renjou heir pushed up her glasses and nodded in acceptance of her lords' answer.
"I understand we all do. Even Ena as childish as she is, knows a veteran when she sees one. Now I ask you my Lord Kusanagi, is there anything we your vassals can do to ease your burden?" Hana asked locking eyes with him.
"Honestly Hana I don't think anyone or anything can help me short of a very serious case of amnesia." He told her bluntly.
"So it is as I thought. You may be in a young body but your soul is old." Hana said.
"Yes and you are the second person to figure this out and the third person who knows what I am about to tell you... and the first to know this last bit." he said seriously
He then explained about the fact that he was from another universe but it was the last part that truly shocked the genius tactician.
"So because your soul was stuck in a different body, it is changing the body to reflect the soul?" Hana asked.
"Yes, that's my theory anyway." Archer told her as he ran a hand through his now salt and pepper colored hair.
"Well while I cannot speak for everyone else, I don't care what you look like I will follow you to the end of the earth if you only ask." Hana declared he voice rising ever so slightly and a blush staining her face.
"Hmm, you flatter me. But tell me what made you decide to swear your loyalty to me in the first place?"
"Well when I saw you...when I saw you stand up to everyone for Yuri's sake at the meeting, you were defiant and strong; like nothing in this world could bend your will. I knew when I saw that that you could grant me my freedom." Hana said so quietly that Archer was forced to reinforce his eardrums so he could hear her.
"Freedom, what do you mean?" he questioned.
Hana sighed and began "Ever since I was young I was hailed as a prodigy. I was a genius and treated with near reverence by my parents and clan. However, they never truly let me experience the world the way I always wanted to. Instead, I was asked to think up was to undermine our enemies and aid our allies some of the most brilliant political moves and a great majority of the wealth the Four Families have made over the past six years is because of my analytical skills and foresight. Yet that is not what I wanted."
"You wanted a normal childhood."
"Yes! I just wanted to be treated like a normal child but instead I was burdened with tasks most adults couldn't handle. The reason I swore my loyalty to you is for completely selfish reasons I admit. I knew that if I did so, I would be able to have some measure of normalcy in my life as my family would want me to get close to you for their own benefit. I'm sorry for using you my lord but I saw a chance at escape, and I took it." Hana said bowing to him in apology.
Archer was visibly upset. Not at Hana, no but at her family. It reminded him too much of the Einzberns and what they put Illya through. It annoyed him also that this wasn't the first time he'd come across such a situation since coming here. Oda too was stuck in circumstances similar to his father Kiritsugu by being forced to kill for the good of humanity, and though he'd only met her once, Alice Louise reminded him of Saber and in more than just looks and noble bearing, the fact that she to used clones to get around did not sit well with him. Ena though, she seemed slightly too cheerful and upbeat so he decided to keep an eye on her. And as for Yuri? Well truth be told, she reminded him of his ex-wife. She was kind but he had a feeling she could be very intimidating if she wanted to be.
'How many people will I be reminded of?' Archer thought bitterly.
"Kusanagi-sama is everything alright?" Hana asked looking at him concerned.
"Everything is fine Hana; your situation just brought up some bad memories is all." Her date bitterly replied.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"She began to apologize again only for archer to cut her off by saying "I told you it's fine, and anyway it's not your fault I just keep seeing similarities between you all and people who I failed in life."
"Kusanagi-sama, you should not let such thoughts bother you so. You have been given a fresh start; do not squander it by beating yourself up over past mistakes." Hana advised her liege.
"It's not that simple Hana, life never is." He told the girl.
Hana simply nodded in response and then said something seemingly completely random "My Lord, do you have a base of operations yet?"
Archer raised an eyebrow and then said "A base of operations? No, I don't believe I do, why?" he asked.
"Then might I suggest procuring this place and using it as such?" the quiet girl suggested.
"Umm not that having the Blue Note as a secret base isn't a bad idea Hana but I'm not exactly rolling in money at the moment." Archer told her sarcastically.
"Not to worry my lord, when myself and the others swore fealty to you we also put our families vast wealth at your disposal. Besides, the Four Family heads would likely trip over themselves to do what you asked of them...if only to avoid your wrath." She whispered the last part but Archer heard it anyway thanks to his enhanced hearing causing him to smirk.
"I see, well in that case..." Archer then took out his phone and choosing a number from his contacts dialed a number, when it answered he said "Hello Kaoru...no it's the other Campione you swore loyalty to. Listen, I need you to come down to the Blue Note in a bit...Because I'm thinking of buying the place and I need an negotiator...Yes dear, that's why I called you...Alright, I'll see you in a few minutes, bye." He said before hanging up the phone.
Hana giggled and said "You and Kaoru seem to be getting along nicely hm?"
"I suppose if you find the fact that we constantly pick at each other getting along." he said dryly.
"Oh yes, Kaoru has always been like that. It's how she shows affection. That's how I can tell she likes you a lot." Hana said matter-of-factly.
"Is that so?" Archer mused.
He was quickly brought out of his musings when a briefcase was slammed upon their table. "Hello Kaoru." Archer said dryly.
"Kusanagi-sama, Hana-chan how are you both doing today? Well I hope?" Kaoru asked wearing a black pinstriped business suit that for some reason did not look out of place on her.
"We're fine Kaoru, and you seem rather chipper yourself." Archer commented while quirking an eyebrow.
"And why shouldn't I be? My Lord has a task he requires of me and it is a task I am well suited for too. Now please, watch and be amazed Kusanagi-sama. " Kaoru said as if acting like a magician about to perform a magic act as Madam Asia approached the table.
"Now, what is this I hear about you wanting to buy my club Godou-kun?" Madam Asia said raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Well I want to buy your club Madam; I've even brought my negotiator to the table with me." Archer said nodding at Kaoru who gave a polite smile.
"Maa, maa and here I thought she was your girlfriend." Asia said.
"Well Kusanagi-kun is in a rather unique position Madam as he has caught the eyes of several maidens from several prominent and politically powerful families. So you see to so bluntly turn anyone of us away would be considered a grave insult. I apologize if we caused him to look like a playboy in your eyes." Kaoru explained.
"Oh my..." Asia said before turning to Archer and saying "Young man, I'm not sure whether to be annoyed at you for attracting so many girls or pity you be being in such a situation, but right now I'm leaning towards pity."
"Believe me you have no idea. If any man realized how difficult it would be to actually juggle all these relationships at once, no man would ever fantasize about being in my position." Archer told her bluntly before adding "Yet I won't deny it is certainly never boring."
"I'm sure, but I do believe we came here to discuss a sale didn't we?" Asia inquired.
"Indeed we did, how does around 50,770,000 yen sound?" Kaoru offered.
Madam Asia blinked and then said "Around 50,770,000 yen? what's the catch dearie?" Asia asked shrewdly..
"The catch is,we'll give you 250,000 now, and after we fix up the place, we'll give you the rest out of what's left over. Either way your 250,000 yen richer." Kaoru reasoned.
"Madam Asia chuckled and said "Your right there girlie, where do I sign?" She asked.
"Right here." Kaoru said handing her a pen where she promptly signed on the dotted line.
When all was said and done Archer was now the proud new owner of the Blue Note. He was reading over a copy of the contract when he noticed something and asked "Kaoru, why didn't you mention to Madam Asia that for the first 250,000 yen, she would be paid 500,000 yen a month until paid in full?"
"Oops, did I forget to mention that? It must have slipped my mind." she said obviously lying.
"You're devious Kaoru." Archer said shaking his head in disbelief.
"Why thank you Kusanagi-kun." She said giving her would be paramour a wink.
"Very devious." He reiterated before saying "Now who are we going to get to fix this place up?"
"I could do it Kusanagi-sama." Hana volunteered.
"Are you sure Hana? I mean, didn't you swear loyalty to me to get out of doing this kind of thing? Archer asked her.
"I did, but it's also what I'm good at, and it should be rather simple to accomplish. Plus, it's for you so I don't mind" Hana said piping up while blushing a bit.
"If you're sure then have at it. Just don't exhaust yourself because of this. That would be inconvenient for everyone." Archer said before walking off.
"He really does care about us doesn't he? Even if he won't come right out and say it?" Kaoru asked.
"Yes our master is secretly a big softie even if he tries to hide it." The Renjou heir responded, which caused the two girls to laugh before they got to work...
"I can't believe him!" she said to herself as she marched down a long torch lit hallway made of stone.
"Out of all the asinine things he could've done, he did that! That bastard, didn't what we had mean anything to him?" she said before she blasted the oak door down that was in her was revealing the office inside.
It was sparsely furnished and contained only a desk, a chair, and several full bookcases lined up against the walls ending near a fireplace above which was a painting of a red moon. Sitting behind the desk reading a report was the holder of the Second Magic and Wizard Marshall of the Clock Tower, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg. He glanced up from his missive briefly before commenting "You're paying for that door."
"Oh stuff it old man! I need your help with something as much as it pains me to admit It." The woman said.
"Oh, and what would that be Miss Blue?" Zelretch asked amused.
Aoko Aozaki also known as Miss Blue, the Magic Gunner, and the Fifth Magician was the wielder of the Fifth Magic the manipulation of time. She was in truth a woman in her mid thirities with long crimson red hair, blue eyes, and she had a figure most men would kill to see unclothed but only one man had. Currently, she was wearing a white t-shirt, torn jeans, and brown shoes. And one thing she hated being called Miss Blue.
"Don't call me Blue you dried out old husk." Aoko said annoyed.
"Then don't blast down my door for no good reason." Zelretch shot back.
Aoko glared at Zelretch for a moment before she sighed and reversed the time on the door making it as good as new.
"There happy now?" she huffed.
"Immensely, now what exactly do you need?" the ancient magician asked curious.
"I need you to send me and a few others to an alternate universe." The Aozaki head stated getting straight to the point.
"Oh and why would I do that?" Zelretch asked with a smirk.
You'll do this because if you don't I'll make sure Lorelei knows who took and posted naked pictures of her all throughout the Clock Tower at the last Christmas party.
"You wouldn't." Zelretch said losing his smirk.
"I would." Aoko said gaining a smirk of her own.
"Alright, alright I'm help you damn. Gods forbid an old man like me gets to have any fun." Zelretch grumbled.
"Good, now if you would be so kind as to open up a portal to Fuyuki City for me that would be great." Aoko said cheerily.
Mumbling something under his breath about "manipulative women" Zelretch did as asked and Aoko soon found herself in front of a school. Wasting no time, Aoko marched into the office and hypnotized the principal, having him call both of her needed cohorts to the office. Five minutes later her new minion-err allies entered the office. The first had long dark hair done up in two twin tails on the side of her head and cool blue eyes and a false smile wearing an immaculate school girls uniform. She was Rin Tohsaka. The second girl had long purple hair and a glazed over look in her eyes, her hair was messy and out of place and there were some obvious signs of bruises on her if the heavy makeup use was any indication. Her uniform looked as if it had been put on carelessly as if she didn't care what people thought of her.
'She probably doesn't, poor thing.' Aoko thought as she stared at the nearly broken form of Sakura Matou.
"Who are you?" Rin asked after a moment as she narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
"I am Aoko Aozaki I'm sure you've heard of me?" Aoko asked.
"Th-the Magic Machine Gunner?! What do want with the heirs of the Tohsaka and the Matou?" Rin asked becoming fearful yet respectful.
"What can we do for you sempai?" Sakura asked in a dead uncaring tone.
"I need both of you to come with me on a little...field trip, doesn't that sound like fun?" Aoko said brightly.
"Field trip sempai?" Sakura asked in the same dead tone.
"Yep, the three of us are going to meet an old friend. That is, if I don't kill him after I get my hands on him." Aoko said cheerfully.
"What old friend are you talking about Aozaki-sama?" Rin asked confused.
Aoko sighed and said "First, just call me Aoko Rin, and second you'll see when we get there. Now c'mon we're burning daylight! She said leading the way outside the school building and through Zelretch's portal.
"You have no idea how tempted I was just to abandon you there." The Dead Apostle Ancestor commented as Aoko returned with the two school girls.
"Master Zelretch?" Rin asked astonished.
"Ah, you're a Tohsaka aren't you? How's that homework I left coming along?" Zelretch asked with an amused smile.
"You two can talk shop later Old Man. Right now, I need to fix these two. This might hurt a bit." She said as Aoko then placed one of her hands on each of the girls' heads and then activated the Fifth Magic, causing both the girls to collapse in a heap on the floor, breathing lightly.
"What did you just do?" Zelretch asked.
"I restored lost memories caused by a restructuring of the world's history." Aoko replied.
"So someone important to the two of them touched the Root and ceased to exist, thus changing history?" the Old Man of the Jewels asked.
"No not exactly; more like caused a paradox big enough to wipe himself from the face of existence. Aoko responded with a huff.
"Emiya-kun!" Rin said with a gasp as she woke up.
"Sempai!" Sakura yelled out waking up at the same time.
"Well nice to see that actually worked." Aoko said in mild amazement.
"You, you restored our memories without even knowing if it would work or not? What the hell kind of Magnus are you...I mean um thank you Aoko-sama." Rin said attempting to backpedal when she realized who she was talking to.
"Sempai...he's gone." Sakura said sadly.
"No Sakura, he's not gone he's just been moved somewhere else." Aoko said comforting the girl.
"Umm, Aoko excuse me for asking this but how exactly do you know Shirou." Rin asked.
"Well Rin, in the future Emiya Shirou...is my husband." Aoko stated rather bluntly.
"WHAT?!" Magi sisters yelled in unison.
End of Chapter
Length: 7,757
AN: Yo everybody! I'm back along with Nix's Warden and Eternal Nothingness with another chapter of Wrought Iron Cross. This chapter took longer than usual for several reasons, but the primary one was I needed a break after writing a 10k chap. Now, with that said I regret to inform you all that I, Bubbajack will be moving to a new house soon and so, I do not know when the next chapter will be up. But bear with me alright? Thank you for your patience. And now a word from everybody's favorite Nix...
Nix: Hello Everyone! I told you all earlier that there would be surprise's aplenty and you most certainly can't call me a lair now can you? Don't worry though the mind-fucks are just beginning.
And here's Eternal Nothingness EN, take it away!
EN: Thanks Jack, I would just like to say I am astounded by our review count for last chapter. 59 reviews 75 new faves and 73 new alerts for this chap alone...my mind is blown. If anyone has any suggestions for the fic, please put them in the review and we'll take them under advisement thank you. Back to you Jack.
Thank you EN, thank you. Well guys and gals there is really nothing more to say except Stay Cool.
Nix: Stay Sexy as always ladies. *Winks to all the women out there.*
EN: Stay Active you know what I mean right guys?
All: And stay away from your local Heretic Gods!
This is Bubbajack, Nix's Warden, and Eternal Nothingness signing out! Peace!
Adendum: as of 6/23/13 I've taken the liberty of going through all my current chaps and fixing any errors I've found and even adding bits and pieces here and there so te story makes more sense. Hope fully then next chap will be up in a week or two as I only just recently "Got my groove back" for this story because of the move. Till next time everyone.