Moon Goddess and the Dumplings: III
The group had swiftly departed from the campfire of the French Monarch and her guests, following on from the trail that they had provided for them and confirming the name behind the one they currently suspected of stealing from Chaldea.
Although Ash was still dubious as to whether or not it was Patches, considering the man was never a thief in the traditional sense like Greirat. His own feelings on the ragged man aside, the thief's method of procuring goods did stem from breaking into places and looting from them. While Patches was also one to favour such tactics, his typical spots for pickings were usually abandoned buildings...or corpses. Never from the living.
Before their departure, they had been told of the direction in which Patches was headed, that along with the Trail left behind by his cart aided them greatly in chasing after the merchant. Eventually finding themselves moving across a beach front.
"Shame we couldn't bring the tiny God along." Artemis whined "He was really polite, wasn't he, Darling?"
"Yeah, yeah…" Orion rolled his beady eyes "Real stand up guy. Big hit with the ladies as well it seems."
"Yes...But he knows when to say no." Artemis pointed out with an accusing smile, Orion sweat dropped – if that were even possible for him – at the insinuation and wisely chose not to respond to it in case he earned the Goddesses ire.
"I don't think Marie-san would let him go." Mash pointed out with a small frown, although the twitching of her lip indicated that she had found the display somewhat amusing. Arkon had virtually been begging for them to take him as well, all the while Marie was harassing him to remove his helmet in a manner very reminiscent of a child who just discovered a new toy.
"Telling me." Ritsuka chuckled, shaking his head and placing his hands on his hips "She looked this close to having the others hold him down." he pinched his fingers together to punctuate the sentence. "Still...surprised you didn't want him along." he went on, turning to Gwyndolin with a questioning look on his face.
"T'was unnecessary." Gwyndolin dismissed "I am m're than capable of fending f'r myself without the aid of a silv'r knight. Besides, as Lord of the moon t is mine own owneth responsibility to dealeth with thefts upon any festival yond relates to it."
"...Why are you doing the voice again?" Artemis asked, brilliant glowing eyes shining with untold innocence at the question. Orion let out a barked laugh as Gwyndolin looked ready to snap, their shoulders trembling before they slumped. They slowly turned to Artemis and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I beg you...please do not speak further." He pleaded "Seeing my counterpart like this is painful to me in ways you cannot begin to contemplate."
"Oh…" Artemis frowned at him "Do you not like hunting?"
"I...I have never personally been." Gwyndolin replied in a tired tone of voice "If you refer to the sport of hunting game, that is. The hunting of criminals was another matter."
"She meant the first one." Orion explained for the Lord's benefit "And if I were in your shoes I'd feel the same."
"What does that mean Darling?~" The Goddess smiled down at him again with her same chilling expression which promised only pain, the bears response to this was to let out a loud exasperated sigh before they replied in a rehearsed tone.
"Nothing dear."
"...Going well?" Ritsuka asked, raising an eyebrow at the pair. Artemis looked up at him and beamed.
"Never better!"
"Heee…" Ritsuka gave a smile which indicated he didn't believe it for a moment before turning back towards Mash and Ash. The pair staring at the Goddess before looking back to Ritsuka "Still...More help wouldn't have been that bad."
"Knight Captain Arkon would have been distracted." Gwyndolin explained, turning to the trio "He is likely still grappling with the fact he is allowed to remove his helmet."
"What was up with that anyway?" Ritsuka asked, tilting his head "Why wouldn't he think he was allowed?"
"Like he said, Ser Artorias told him it was forbidden." Gwyndolin paused before he went on "Likely in a drunken state as a jest."
"...Drunken?" Ash asked in a disbelieving tone of voice.
"Oh yes." Gwyndolin nodded "Ornstein would complain frequently about his comrades drinking habits and his continued need to drag the Wolf Knight out of the tavern."
Ash's arms fell limply at his side "...He...was a drunk?"
"Habitual."
"...I…" Ritsuka and Mash watched as the Saber seemingly wobbled on his feet "W-what?"
Gwyndolin nodded, seemingly oblivious to the impact he was having "He partook in his drink as often as he partook in women." he paused, cupping his chin in thought "I believe Ser Ciaran once referred to him as a drunken whore."
Ash wheezed, almost collapsing to his knees.
"Ash-san!?" Mash cried out in shock as she moved to support him "What's wrong?"
"S-Ser Artorias...Th-the Abyss Walker?" The Saber breathlessly parroted out the name, earning a quick nod from Gwyndolin "N-no...w...why…?"
"The heck?" Ritsuka looked at him in shock "What's wrong?"
"A-Artorias is the most famous knight in History…" Ash explained still being propped up by Mash "Even I knew of his legend...a Noble Knight of Gwyn's court and...yo-you're saying he was…"
"An unpaid prostitute." Gwyndolin helpfully explained with a perfectly straight face, causing Ash to seemingly wilt further into Mash's grip, much to the girls growing horror at his condition.
Gwyndolin remained silent for a few seconds before a quiet snort escaped his lips, soon turning into a melodious laugh which disturbed Ritsuka – mainly because of how attractive it sounded – and caused everyone else to look at him oddly.
"Lady Quelaag was indeed correct." Gwyndolin mused as his laugh died down "This is indeed, most amusing."
"W-what?" Ash asked in shock, Gwyndolin fixed him with a pointed look behind his helmet.
"Drunken Whore?" The God scoffed "As if Lord Gwyn would ever anoint a man such as that to his personal guard. I admit that Ser Artorias had his proclivities but he was not one for frequent indulgence."
"Wait…" Ritsuka blinked then tilted his head as he stared at the God "D-did you ruin this guys entire character...just for the shock value?"
"Is that not how it is done?" Gwyndolin asked, the amusement still present in his voice "Although Artorias did indeed have great admiration for the physical form of women."
"S-so he was not a womanizer?" Ash asked.
"...No...he was." Gwyndolin admitted "That much was true. Although he would have likely informed Knight Captain Arkon that he needn't remove his helmet as a jest. I was truthful in spirit."
Ash let out a heavy wheeze as he slowly got back to his feet "...Was that necessary?"
"Yes." The Lord admitted unabashedly "Now then, we must be on out way if we are to discover the whereabouts of the next set of…" he trailed off. The slightly amused smile on his face vanished instantly. His head pointed dead ahead of them and further along the beach.
"Hey!" Artemis called out, her eyes widening as a surprised look came to them "I can sense another God!"
Ritsuka, Ash and Mash blinked at the woman in surprise before looking towards eachother. That likely meant they were in for trouble.
"Does it not make you uncomfortable?" The Nameless King asked, tilting his head slightly as he stared at the woman "Constantly burying your impulses?"
Martha let out a nervous chuckle, looking away from the man and the expressions of the other two Servants sat around the campfire "Impulses? I'm not sure what you mean." she replied to him, her voice holding a slight edge to it. Her response was met with a raised eyebrow from the War God who looked to the other two.
Georgios shrugged his shoulders while maintaining his calm expression while Sasaki gave a knowing smile in the direction of the Saint.
"I've seen how you carry yourself." Nameless gestured to her "Like a warrior."
"Hahaha...I'm sure you're mistaken."
"Really?" Sasaki blinked, then looked around "I'm quite certain in my own estimations like our esteemed Divine friend." he gestured to the larger Rider "He seems quite confident in your abilities as well."
"Well you're both mistaken." Martha replied with a tight smile "A Saint such as myself could never be a warrior like either of you claim that I am."
"Oh?" Nameless nodded his head "I see." his tone of voice indicated he wasn't certain of her statement. Which she picked up on immediately, narrowing her eyes.
"What is that tone?" She accused "You sound as though you don't believe me. Either of you."
"You do realise my nature, do you not?" Nameless raised an eyebrow at her.
"Of course I don't!" She snapped at him, her controlled visage shattering "You just rocked up and started walking with us before this person-" pointing at Sasaki she froze as the pair were now staring at her with knowing expressions. "Haha...I mean." she coughed into her hand, straightening out her clothes as she assumed a more composed look "You appeared before us without an introduction, which was rather rude was it not?"
"Did I?" Nameless blinked then hummed "I suppose I did. Although I normally hand my name over to warriors...if you were to duel me I would happily-"
"No." Martha shut him down instantly "I do not know how often I must inform you but I am not the type to engage in pointless battles."
"Ah a woman of necessity." Sasaki nodded "How magnificent...although that is not all there is to you, is there? I sense quite the burden beyond your Saintly Image...Tarasque I believe?"
"Oh?" Nameless leaned forwards, cupping his chin "Tarasque?"
"A Dragon she managed to tame." Sasaki informed him, the way Nameless's eyes lit up with interest wasn't missed "Quite the formidable beast as well."
Martha scoffed "Of course he was, and what interest is Tarasque to you…" she trailed off before narrowing her eyes at the Samurai "Is that what you're after? I don't know how many wyverns you've slain with that skimpy sword of yours but the scales of Tarasque would shatter that flimsy thing when you first struck."
"Oh...I am not so certain." Nameless mused, staring at the Assassins sword "I recognise that quality...and I know for a fact it is not your original blade."
"Well." Sasaki chuckled "I had it remade by local smith after you broke it." the Assassin didn't sound as saddened by the destruction of his sword as he would have been suspected of. Martha, however, took it as a sign of victory.
"See?" She smirked "If even this ruffian can break that sword of yours, then Tarasques scales would be invincible. He was able to withstand my punches after all." her boast quickly backfired when she noticed the eyes of all three men fell upon her, all sporting equal levels of bafflement.
"Your fists?" Sasaki parroted, his own smile growing "How odd, I thought your weapon was a staff."
Martha froze, her cheeks slowly turned red as she pointedly looked away from them "W-what? Oh, how silly. Perhaps you're hard of hearing. A Saint like myself could never do anything as barbaric as punching someone."
Georgios let out an amused laugh as he swallowed his latest dumpling "Now that I recall the story, before He gave her the staff she was said to have been completely empty handed." her fellow Saint's smile grew as he stared at her "So before you were gifted it you were fighting Dragons with your bare hands?"
"Oh?" Nameless grin turned wide, the giant Rider looking as though he was on the verge of laughing "With your bare hands? Quite the formidable warrior. Either this Tarasque was quite the juvenile or your punches quite far more power than your form would have us believe."
"Are you calling me a weakling you-!" The woman snapped at him before she coughed into her hand "I mean...Tarasque was tamed by my side through the power of prayer."
"What kind?" Nameless chuckled "Yours or his that you would stop wailing on him?"
Martha glared at him as he slowly rose to his feet "Still, I cannot overlook a fellow tamer of Dragons." she noticed how Georgios and Sasaki rolled their eyes at his tone "Perhaps we should compare?"
The Saint raised an eyebrow at him "You tamed a Dragon as well?"
"A Stormdrake." Nameless replied with a wave of his hands "Small difference but not quite on the level of a true Archdragon." he turned around and clapped his hands "Come on Storm!"
Martha widened her eyes and almost bolted to her feet when the large four winged bird like Drake slowly came into existence. Easily thirty eight metres long, the beaked head looked at Nameless and then to Martha before it tilted its head. The Saint looked to Georgios and Sasaki and saw that neither of them were particularly concerned about the sudden appearance of the large bird lizard.
"Well?" Nameless turned back to her "I showed you mine."
The woman scoffed as she looked the Drake up and down, stabbing her staff into the ground and crossing her arms dismissively "You're boasting about that? Look how skinny it is. Tarasque was a child of the Leviathan."
"Now I'm very interested." Nameless smiled "Come now, surely you can be proud of your achievements." he paused before he cocked his head to the side "If being a Saint is a concern to you, I knew of many Saints who were mighty warriors."
Martha paused before she slowly tilted her head "...Really?"
Nameless nodded, then pointed at Georgios "Him, for one." the man paused and looked up from his food "Any man who can slay a Drake is certainly one deserving of respect."
"I try not to do these things for fame." Georgios replied.
"W-well…" Martha sighed "Fine. Tarasque."
Nameless blinked as the air behind the Saint shimmered as the armoured beast came into existence. The beast, while being smaller than Storm, looked no less fearsome. The head which looked more like a lions than anything else, had four horns springing forth from it. Two were forward facing and extended over the forehead while another two jutted from either side of the head.
Moving along its body was a giant armoured shell with a dark plum colouration with a spiky texture to it. The skin was a deep purple with the beast having a long scorpion like tail and six legs protruding from underneath the shell.
Nameless nodded his head after a few moments, Tarasque looked at him, large eyes narrowing slightly before looking at Storm and huffing. The Drake responded in kind, although with puffs of flame shooting out from between its beak.
"Yes…" Nameless nodded, cupping his chin as he studied the Dragon "Most impressive. Your punches must be quite fearsome."
"Well yes-" She cut herself off and sputtered "I do not punch people. I'm not some street brawler and I have never fought with my bare hands in my life."
A snort sounded behind her, causing her to freeze before slowly turning to Tarasque. The Dragon froze under the deathly cold glare he received from the Saint and let out a small whimper. Nameless chuckled alongside a deep amused rumbling from Storm.
Sasaki slowly stood up when he saw Tarasque, his hand moving towards the hilt of his sword as his eyes gleamed with anticipation.
He paused when Martha span around and pointed a finger in his direction in an accusing manner "Unsheathe that sword and I shall deposit it where even the Lords light cannot reach."
"My, my." Sasaki chuckled his hand moving away from his sword and into the air in a surrendering motion "Quite the fearsome declaration there. Although I confess, I would not one to be on the receiving end of a punch that has even a Dragon offering prayers for salvation."
"Quite so." Nameless spoke with a wry smile, slowly looking up at Storm "I dare say that even my mount would be quite concerned about such a punch."
Martha composed herself again, although this time it took noticeably longer "Ha...you're all saying such very funny but still very silly things aren't you."
"Now, now." Georgios waved at her "There is no reason to feel insulted. We are not a judging sort and I dare say you have managed to earn greater respect from certain members here."
"Quite so." Sasaki chuckled
"I am not certain that as a Saint I should be respected for being seen as a violent thug." Martha replied with a strained smile.
"There is nothing to say that a Saint cannot be capable in acts of violence." Nameless replied "In the same way that there is nothing to say that a War God cannot enjoy tranquillity."
Martha raised an eyebrow at him in a questioning manner "War God?"
Nameless nodded "Indeed. This feat of yours to tame a Dragon – fists or not – is one that is worthy of respect. Therefore, I shall give you my name. I am Faraam. God of War, Patron to the Sunlight Covenant and-"
"Traitor to his Lord Father and the peoples of Anor Londo." A cold voice cut through the night, halting Faraam in his tracks and freezing him solid. The others at the Campfire turned their heads to see a group of five people approaching them. Georgios and Sasaki recognised most of them easily, the latter because he had managed to sneak out of Chaldea earlier, during the initial break out of supplies.
Ritsuka, Mash, Ash and Artemis had been approaching quietly before Gwyndolin had forgone any form of surprise and openly confronted them. His expression was blank save for the chilling smile which slowly formed on his face.
"Is that not right? Brother." Gwyndolin finished, almost hissing the word and causing Faraam to flinch slightly.
He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. Storm slowly vanishing into motes of light as he turned his body to face the group.
He nodded towards Ritsuka and the others first "I see you are all alive. I can sense greater experience about you." he hummed "That is good."
"Ignoring me now?" Gwyndolin spoke again, Faraam flinched a second time as his eyes slowly trailed away from them and towards his younger brother.
"...Gwyndolin." Faraam's voice sounded distant "You're…" he trailed off, looking away for a few moments before he sighed and turned his head back to him "You look...older."
"...Yes." Gwyndolin's curt reply had even the others cringe "I aged. Although you were not there for such events, were you?"
"Listen...Gwyndolin-"
"Although perhaps I should not speak so harshly to you." Gwyndolin mused, giving a hollow chuckle "Considering that Gwynevere followed in your footsteps and abandoned Anor Londo as well…" he let out a laugh which sounded more pained than amused "E-even taking all the others Gods with her because clearly treachery is done best when committed as a group!"
"Broth-"
"Ornstein left too. Although I suppose you were aware of that, considering how close you two were." Gwyndolin harshly cut him off "Did he ever find you I wonder?"
"…"
"It doesn't matter, I suppose." Gwyndolin shrugged "You made your feelings quite clear. Perhaps I am more the fool for blinding myself with misplaced faith in my peers." he scoffed, looking to Ritsuka "I will leave, inform me when we collect what is ours and depart from this place."
The God turned to leave, slowly dissipating into motes of light as Faraam took a single step forwards "Gwyndolin wait-"
"I waited." the God harshly cut him off "I waited...for longer than you could possibly know." Gwyndolin gave him one last sneer "I'm done waiting." Like that, he vanished into motes of light. Assuming Spirit form and disappearing off into the distance. Faraam slowly lowered his hand, falling limply at his side before he turned his head to the remaining Divine presence.
"...You are?" He asked, more to distract himself.
"Artemis." The woman replied, fixing Faraam with a disturbed look "Goddess of the Moon."
An empty snort sounded out from the War God "...Figures." he turned his body away from them, dragging himself back to the campsite and sitting himself down, ignoring the looks he got from the other campers.
"My Lord-" Ash took a step forwards only for Faraam to raise a hand in his direction.
"Not...Now." The God spoke in a tone which made it painfully obvious he wasn't going to speak on the matter further "Now...What do you want?"
Ritsuka gulped and took a step forwards "The food…" he gestured to the crates before he paused and squinted his eyes "Kojiro...what are you doing?"
The Assassin blinked before offering the Chaldean's a small wave "Hello Master, Lady Mash. Ash." his smile remained on his face even though he now bore the weight of several confused looks "Is there something I can help you with?"
"...Yeah." Ritsuka nodded his head, still staring at Sasaki "We recently got the entire pantry robbed...you know anything about that?"
"Indeed." Sasaki nodded his head "In fact. I followed the culprit to the Rayshift chamber and was caught up when it went off."
"...And?" Ritsuka gestured for him to go on.
"I ended up here several days ago." Sasaki replied "Since then I have been dealing with stray Wyverns until I ran into this group." he waved a hand to the Servants surrounding him "And then made merry."
"Kojiro-san." Mash pursed his lips "Did you find the person responsible for stealing our supplies?"
"I believe so. Although I did not see the individual who actually stole from Chaldea, I did encounter a suspect." Sasaki nodded his head "Considering we purchased the stolen supplies from them."
Georgios coughed on his drink "P-pardon?"
"The man." Sasaki went on "The Bald one. We purchased some of the stolen supplies from him."
"And you didn't think to stop them?" Martha asked with a tight smile "Or tell us that we were buying stolen goods?"
"I managed to reclaim some of Chaldea's missing supplies without bloodshed." Sasaki pointed out "I also have a very limited connection to Chaldea at the time, and was quite incapable of successfully fighting a Servant."
"And you did not requisition our aid because?"
"Well...I had meant to...then I saw your Dragon and forgot about it."
"You stupid-!" Martha cut herself off with a forced laugh as she turned away from the Samurai and towards the group "Hello there. I'm Martha." she bowed her head in greetings to them "Just plain Martha...How do you do?"
"...Fine." Ritsuka absently answered "...I'm Fujimaru Ritsuka."
"Mash Kyrielight." The Shielder nodded her head and waved in greeting, although she was still looking at the woman with a slightly puzzled expression.
"Ash." The unkindled gave a small wave and then threw a thumb over at the Goddess "She's already introduced herself."
"Y-yes." Martha replied, slightly anxiously "Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Moon?"
"Yep!" The Airheaded woman beamed "That's me!" she then produced the stuffed animal and held it aloft in front of her "And this is Darling! Say hello, Darling!"
"...Yo." The Bear gave a lazy wave, earning a blink from the entire group – including Faraam – before they turned back to Ritsuka and Mash.
"So am I to understand that we have partaken in stolen goods then?" Georgios asked with a small frown, it only worsened when he received nods of affirmation "I see...my most sincere apologies to you all. I had thought the supplies were procured through legal means."
"...He did look a little shifty." Martha absently pointed out.
"Did you notice this before or after you opened your purse to him?" Kojiro asked with a smile, then chuckled when the woman blushed and glared at him.
"Don't start you-"
"Saint Martha!?" Mash gasped in shock, pointing at the woman with wide eyes and causing the woman in question to freeze on the spot "That's who you are, isn't it?"
"Hahaha…" Martha chuckled, spinning around back to face Mash and giving a warm smile "I'm a little embarrassed be to recognised so easily."
"...Another Saint?" Ash asked in a tired tone of voice which caught the woman off guard by how annoyed he sounded "...Are you a cannibal?"
Martha's smile cracked slightly as she slowly turned her gaze to Ash "...I beg your pardon? It sounded as though you said something rather outrageous and a little insulting...but I suppose that was my mistake, right?"
Ash stared at her expression for a few moments before he gave a curt nod "Yes...My mistake. I apologise."
"And you are forgiven." The woman replied in a Saintly manner "For the Lord teaches us all to forgive and forget."
"I don't think Gwyndolin is in a forgiving mood." Artemis spoke in a cold tone as she directed a pointed look towards Faraam. The War God wasn't looking in anyone's direction, instead fixing his entire focus upon the campfire. "He seemed quite upset to see his brother again. I have some small issues with Apollo, but he is still my brother whom I love dearly."
"Gwyndolin…" Faraam opened his mouth before he closed it again, moving his hand up to cradle his forehead and slowly shake it "...He has his own reasons to dislike my choices and I will not beget him that." he slowly turned to stare at the Goddess "But I do not regret them."
"Really?" Artemis raised an eyebrow "Even with how it seems to have impacted him?"
"He…" Faraam sighed "...It doesn't matter anymore. We're...we're both dead now."
"It looks like it matters a lot to Gwyndolin-san, Faraam-san." Mash pointed out hesitantly.
"...I suppose it does." The War God mumbled to themselves before facing them "Collect your stolen supplies and be on your way." he ordered, throwing a hand further along the beach "The Merchant travelled in that direction."
"Thanks, Rider." Ritsuka nodded to the man, then looked to the crates of supplies they had "Right...better get these gathered up then, shouldn't we?"
"Yes, Senpai." Mash nodded her head, moving towards the boxes and lifting the first one up with causal ease. Ritsuka watched as she walked past him with the large steel crate which likely weighed more than him, without her expression shifting in the slightest, with his own blank gaze before his eyes trailed down to his own arms.
"I'll help." Martha offered "It is the least I can do for all the trouble." she soon joined Mash in moving the rather heavy looking boxes over to a neat pile on top of the Shielder's main armament and only link back to Chaldea.
"Something wrong, Master?" Sasaki asked with a perfectly innocent expression, Ritsuka jolted at the sudden address before he let out a nervous chuckle. Rubbing the back of his head and looking away.
"N-no. Nothing wrong." He answered in a tone which seemed far too forced for anyone to accept as being genuine.
"Ah, I see." Sasaki nodded his head "For a moment I was concerned that the obvious display of physical prowess from the Dragon punching Saint might have intimidated you. But it seems my fears were unfounded."
Ritsuka flushed with embarrassment before he noticed something "Dragon punchi-"
"Hahahaha!" Martha let out a loud laugh, cutting him off as she stomped past him with a fixed smile on her face. Coming to a halt in front of the Assassin and placing her hands on her hips while looming over him "There you go again. Saying all sorts of outrageous things...as if a Saint would ever resort to using her fists to tame a Dragon instead of her words."
"I mean punching in the metaphorical sense, of course." Sasaki assured her with a serene smile which only seemed to spur the woman into sudden contracting a violent case of twitching eye.
"You sure?" Orion asked with a cheeky smile on his bear face "Because to be fair, she looks like she could break someone over her knee."
"For the last time!" Martha practically roared "I am not a violent thug! I am a Saint of the Lord! I. Do. No. Punch. Dragons!"
"...Okay." Ritsuka replied to her rant in a quiet voice, looking to Ash for help and only seeing the Servant tilting his head in a questioning manner.
"Did you actually punch a Dragon?" He asked, sounding rather impressed by the feat "I attempted that once."
The earned a glare from Martha and a snort of amusement from Faraam, the God looking up for the first time in a few minutes to face them with a faint smile on his face "Yes, I remember that...it was your...sixth attempt at challenging me?"
"Seventh." Ash corrected "I was growing rather annoyed at that point."
"I could tell." Faraam replied in a wry tone "You come running through the fog and let out a battle cry which would have had a lesser Silver Knight turn and run from you while crying out about Demons."
"...Not you though."
"No." Faraam shook his head "Not me and certainly not Storm...I believe that was your fastest death?"
"It was." Ash agreed with a sigh as she rubbed the forehead area of his helmet in exasperation "I managed to punch your dragon in the face once, broke my fingers and was then eaten for my troubles."
"I didn't see you again for some time." Faraam replied "It felt like weeks."
"For me it was several days." Ash pointed out, then turned to Martha "Still, to punch a Dragon...did you win?"
"D-did I-?" The woman sighed "Yes, I tamed Tarasque through the power of love." she replied, then shot a look towards the others before they could speak up "And not through the power of my fists!" turning back to Ash, she looked him up and down before a frown came to her face "Did you even have any experience in hand to hand combat?"
"Um...no." Ash replied "Not really."
Martha gave him a flat look in response "So you were just thick headed and easily angered then?"
"…"
She sighed, then paused "And what do you mean you didn't see him for some time after you died?"
"Hm?" Ash cocked his head "I am an unkindled. I rise again after I die."
"An undead then." Martha replied, looking slightly disturbed at him before looking at Georgios and Sasaki "Did you know of this?"
The Dragon Slayer nodded his head "I did. However, Sir Ash does not seem the type to prey on the innocent like a common ghoul." the man reassured her "I believe myself to be a good judge of character as well, so I vouch that neither him nor his friend in the strange onion shaped armour would ever commit dishonourable deeds."
"Well...if you say so." Martha replied, still sounding slightly dubious although she did not her head "I suppose I will take your word for it." the blinked as she thought of something "You seem to retain your faculties rather well, is it perhaps a miracle from God that you do so?"
"No." Ash replied in an icy tone "It is many things...A miracle is not one of them."
"That's the last box, Senpai!" Mash informed the man, ending the awkward conversation much to the relief of those involved. Ritsuka gave her a smile before turning to face Sasaki.
"Yes?" The man blinked at them, then nodded his head in affirmation "You wish for me to return."
"If you would be so kind." Ritsuka scratched his cheek "You can also carry a message back with you and let everyone know what stage we're at. Last time we had to use a hastily scribbled note."
"I see." Sasaki replied as got to his feet, giving Martha a regretful look "It seems I shall be unable to test the fearsome power of your punches of love."
Martha gave him a closed eyed smile as she cracked her knuckles at the man, Sasaki wisely decided that was the moment to make his hasty retreat as he quickly skirted around the campfire and over to where Mash had set up the crates for the journey back.
"Alright, Senpai." Mash nodded her head "I've got everything ready."
"Okay, when you get back to Chaldea let everyone know we're still hot on the trail for this Patches guy." Ritsuka replied "...Also tell them not to eat everything while we're gone."
"I will endeavour to deliver your message to the best of my abilities." Sasaki bowed his head before giving the campfire group a small wave "Until we meet again." he disappeared in a small flash of light along with the supplies from Chaldea.
Martha let out a heavy sigh as she shook her head "Honestly...what type of man even was that?" a frown came to her face as she stared at the spot where he had been standing "He didn't even act like a real samurai!"
"He acted how he wished to, rather than how he was expected to." Faraam replied to her as he poked the fire "I believe it is a lesson you should take to heart."
Martha pursed her lips at the man before shaking her head and turning to Georgios "Now what?"
"Well...I see no reason why we cannot simply enjoy the scenery." The man replied with a smile as he turned to stare out across the waves "...A shame that I cannot capture such a view."
"You mean take a photo of it?" Ritsuka asked with a raised eyebrow. Georgios blinked and turned his head to look at the boy with a questioning look on his face.
"A what?"
"Photo...think of it like a...um…" The boy snapped his fingers a few times in thought before his expression lit up "Instant painting!"
"Truly?" Georgios asked, at Ritsuka nod he grew an interested smile "I see. Should you ever summon me to this Chaldea, I should like to speak more about this 'photo' you speak of."
"Sure." Ritsuka nodded to him "We'd be happy to have you." turning away from the Saint he looked to the others "We ready to go?"
"Yes, Senpai." Mash nodded her head in affirmation with the others behind her offering similar messages of agreement.
"Lets go then!" Ritsuka pointed onwards as he began marching past the camp, the Servants passed the trio of Rider's by although Artemis levelled one last look at Faraam in a suspicious way before turning her head and following after the group.
"I hope they catch their runway thief." Georgios mentioned as he watched them leave, Martha slowly sat down where she had been and offered a small nod of their own.
"Still, I cannot help but feel guilty that I participated in such acts." She lamented "To think I committed theft."
"To think you got caught." Faraam muttered, suddenly producing a small tray of dumplings, much to the shock of both the Servants in front of him "Although if it concerns you so greatly…" he trailed off as Georgios held up his hand to stop him.
"Well...we did indeed purchase them while ignorant." He remarked, sharing a look with Martha.
"And none of us have Masters, so we cannot truly waste magical energy needlessly." The woman mentioned as she eyed the dumplings with harmless interest.
Georgios nodded his head before looking past the woman and to the retreating shape of the Chaldeans "They do look as though they have gotten quite far away from us."
"It would be terrible if we were to chase after them, only to vanish midway and allow these snacks to fall into the sand." Martha spoke in a saddened tone as she slowly reached out and picked up one of the dumplings from the tray.
"Quite terrible indeed." Georgios nodded his head in agreement, following a similar movement to Martha and stealing away a dumpling for himself.
Faraam rolled his eyes at the pair before picking up a dumpling for himself "Spoils of War?" he chuckled, moving it towards his mouth,
A flash of light caught the corner of his eye as something rocketed into the dumpling held in his hand and snatched it out of his grip. Both Martha and Georgios froze as they watched the arrow made of bright light stab into the sand with a dumpling skewered on the end of it.
Faraam stared at his lost treat with a flat expression before he let out a sigh and turned his head in the direction of the Chaldeans, squinting his eyes he shook his head before slowly turning back to the stolen goods.
"...I do not remember Gwyndolin being so good at Archery." He muttered to himself.
"You did, in fact, steal from them." Georgios pointed out as he deposited his own dumpling into his mouth.
Martha nodded her head in agreement "You could argue that was your punishment for committing the Sin of thievery."
"Hm." Faraam hummed in response, although his expression made it perfectly clear that he didn't agree with either of their statements.
"Gwyndolin-san?" Mash called out in surprise as she saw the God materialise himself with his bow held out in one hand.
The God turned to her with a flat expression "Dolling out justice." he replied with after a few seconds of silence, turning his head to see Artemis staring at him with a raised eyebrow before a tiny smile came to her face.
"Are you sure you also aren't a God of the Hunt?" She asked with an amused look on her face.
Gwyndolin's response was a fleeting smile before his expression settled out "Like I said. I have never hunted game."
"One hell of a shot kid." Orion chuckled "Not bad."
"I am much older than you...boy."
"...Wow." Orion shook his head "Fair enough."
AN: Little sneak peak for Gwyndolin and Faraam's relationship.
Spoilers – It isn't good.
Anyway, as I'm sure you've noticed its a little different from the original event but its still amusing in its own right. Anyway, only one more encounter after this.
The Roman subjects as well. Oh boy.