I haven't finished Lostbelt 6 yet. As of the date I'm writing this, June 23 2023, Part 3 hasn't come out. It's just that I couldn't help myself. I needed to make something beautiful and loving about these two. Enjoy.
Fate/Grand Order.
One-shot.
Ritsuka Fujimaru x Artoria Pendragon (Caster).
"A sword, a shield, and their wielder."
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-[Fragment 1: Awakening]-
Many people don't believe in fate, simply because the idea of not being the owner of one's destiny and actions are terrifying. People have fought against fate for countless of years, through hundreds of methods, cultures, eras, and worlds, just to prove themselves that freedom do exists, that with enough determination and passion, with a will strong enough, you can become free and rule over yourself.
However... ironically, other people do believe in what's called the "Domino effect", the idea that something as harmless as waking up with your left foot can cause a chain of events that will impact not only your life, but the life of others. Everything we do, from the moment we open our eyes, has an effect on the people around us.
Words specially.
"Alright! I've made my mind!"
Yelled the black-haired man, making everyone look at him with a puzzled expression. Smiling, Ritsuka Fujiamru walked towards the so called child of Prophecy, grabbing her hand between his own. Artoria's face lighted up in a red tone, as she started to tremble. From the sidelines, Oberon raised an eyebrow as Muramasa smiled.
Da Vinci simply close her eyes, knowing what came next.
"E-e-eh?! R-R-Ritsuka?!"
Master number forty eight put his other hand on his chest, right where his heart was. The human's face, contrary to Artoria's nervous expression, was filled with hope, excitement... and honesty. This, alongside the sudden handholding of course, took the blonde girl entirely by surprise, to the point she felt like she could faint.
"Artoria, I'll accompany you on your pilgrimage all the way until we defeat Morgan!"
That phrase, unbeknownst to him, triggered something within the so called country bumpkin. As the alternative counterpart of King Arthur started to yell, unable to make sense of his desire to travel with her even after finding Mashu, his determination, his eagerness, had another effect that would've never managed to bloom had they went their separate ways.
Ever since they found each other in the same tent after being lost in the Nameless Woods, not even being able to remember their names. There was a key difference between Artoria Pendragon, the King of Britain, and Artoria the Child of Prophecy, from the Land of the Fae. One sealed shut her heart long ago, and swore on her name that her only purpose would be to ensure her kingdom prospered into a bright future, no matter what destiny had in store for her, and her subjects.
But for the woman who carried the Staff of Selection... she was nothing but an innocent, sweet girl.
Without even wanting to, without even trying to, her fate always was meant to be intertwined with his.
This was the first domino effect.
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"Ahhhh! I just can't wait!~"
Cheerful as always, the caster girl jumped on her feet carrying the staff and waving it around like it was no big deal. Walking through Chaldea's halls, paying no attention to any of the multiple heroic spirits that waved or said hi to her, most of them were heading to their own rooms, others were most likely going to spent the night at the simulator, or hanging around in their own, unique ways.
But for Artoria Caster, the time after dinner had nothing to do with lonely recreation nor going to sleep, after all, she was one of the most energetic members in Novum Chaldea. No, what had the green eyed girl's heart racing like a rabbit's was the small promise her Master and so called Bestie made to each other no more than seven weeks ago, three days after her summoning.
If there was one thing that all her counterparts shared, was their love for food, or in Caster's case, her undying appetite for sweets.
"Ritsuka's tea! Ritsuka's tea~ Ritsu-ritsu-Ritsuka's TEA!~"
She couldn't help but behave childishly. As she stopped for just a brief moment to use her precious weapon as a spinning tool, she ended up spinning four times before she finally jumped, landing gracefully right in front of her master's door. Artoria opened her eyelids, raising her closed fist.
Manners were important after all.
Swishhh~
However, she didn't found the need to knock on the door, it opened all on it's own. Both Shielder and caster faced each other in a moment of confusion, Pendragon's face turned into one of happiness upon seeing Mashu coming out of Master's room, not even realizing the poor state of her shirt, her hoodie, and the fact that she was just putting on her glasses rather than having them on already.
No, for someone like Artoria, these details meant nothing, and even if she had noticed it, her mind would've just assumed that both were once again practicing Leonidas and Holmes's self defense lessons.
"Ah- Artoria-san, g-good evening! I take it you came to have your nightly routine with Senpai?"
Kyrielight smiled, cleaning up her foggy glasses with a tissue she took out from a pocket, the pink haired girl was trembling, the red tint that already was on her face spread even further. The mage waved happily at her, not before giving her one big hug, that took her by surprise. Truly, Artoria's cheerfulness was something everyone appreciated.
"Evening, Mashu! yes, actually! Ritsuka's tea tastes so good, and he always has interesting stuff to talk about!"
Merlin's pupil spoke about their master with clear admiration and joy in her voice, which made the Shielder smile happily as she put the glasses on. The innocent girl looked down on her "senior" with sparks in her eyes, a great idea appearing on her mind just moments before, her ahoge moved itself like a tail.
"Say! Why don't you come and join us? I've always wanted to hear your story in full detail, maybe you could tell me more about that Shimousa place, or-or-or that one place filled with Giants!"
Her enthusiasm, as delightful as it was, and as much as she loved the idea, she waved her head from left to right constantly, an awkward laugh coming from her mouth at the same time. Artoria noticed how Ritsuka's most trusted partner walked away, only then she saw the red color of her cheeks and nose.
"I'm sorry Artoria-san, but I have to decline! I have to prepare myself for tomorrow, so enjoy yourselves without me! With your pardon!"
Not even bothering saying a word, she ran away as fast as she could, under the gaze of Merlin's masterpiece. Artoria's head tilted to the side, she hadn't noticed before... but this was very unlike of her. What was it about? she wouldn't realize it for a long time, truth be told. Paying no mind to it, she finally decided to get inside Fujimaru's room.
"With your pardoooon~"
Her head peeked out from the entrance; as expected, Ritsuka's room was in perfect condition. A small kotatsu was set right in the middle of the floor, making the blonde girl raise her hands in excitement, clapping over and over again, Artoria wasted on time in sitting inside it, getting her legs into the warm blanket.
The master was nowhere to be found; instead, the sound of the water being cut, coming from his bathroom. Ritsuka was known for taking atleast one shower before sleeping and after waking up, mostly to wipe away the sweat from a day in the battlefield, and to have a proper sleep. There was something odd though...
Thinking about it, Ritsuka's always ready when I come here...
Most likely, he spent most of his time during his training with Kyrielight. Hearing his footsteps, the yellow antenna waved just like a pet's tail. Of course she would be excited, not only Ritsuka's tea was exquisite, but he also always bought some delicious deserts from singularities or asked Cat, Beni-Enma and Emiya for some to be made out of nostalgia.
Cliink~
That's why... when she saw her master arriving wearing a black shirt and grey shorts, she froze in her place just like when Da Vinci told her about her Saber counterpart. The reason?... Ritsuka was still completely soaked, so his muscles were marking themselves on the cloth fully. Leonidas's training had done wonders for his body, he may not be a good mage... but he wasn't a lazy man either.
"huh?"
Still drying up his hair and face, the blue eyed male looked down, noticing Artoria's presence just now. Her face, a blank smiley expression, while her eyes were totally empty, reflecting just like a mirror. Fujimaru didn't noticed the reason for her behavior though, so of course he got worried immediately.
"Artoria? are you ok?... Hey, Artoria?"
Just like the first time, he was oblivious to it... but that had been the biggest impact of the Domino effect he triggered within the Child of Prophecy, and this one would be the most important one of them all.
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-[Fragment 2: The song of a broken heart]-
They had desserts that night, of course. They laughed and talked as always, of course they did, god damn it. Everything was the same has it always had been ever since they started to hang out... so why? why didn't it feel the same for her?... the entire time she was sitting in front of him, Artoria was nervous.
She kept trembling, whenever she looked down to his shirt, long after it dried off, she had to take off her hat and pull out her legs off the Kotatsu eventually, truly surprising considering how freaking cold it was, and how much she loved those stuff. Ritsuka was taken aback by it at first, but he decided to continue.
Artoria couldn't listen to him though. She remembered how, despite her best efforts, her ears weren't listening to Fujimaru anymore, no, no no and no. All she could do was look at his face, his wet hair, and trail back to his chest. If Nobu had been there, she would've accused her of copying Nagao Kagetora's face.
These memories, these thoughts, were filling the girl's head in the middle of the dark, in her room. Wearing a blue pajamas with pink stars, Caster couldn't help but hug her pillow, her face already tired. Artoria closed her eyelids, shutting them tightly, trying to sleep for about two hours by now.
But it was no use...
All she could think of, was the image of her Master... no, of Ritsuka coming out of the shower.
"Hmnght..."
It made her feel weird. Because it made her feel like her face was burning hot, but also feel like wanting to cry. Rolling in the bed again, the bed sheets were thrown away by her legs; once again, the temperature of her skin was becoming unbearable. The girl with green eyes sighed, looking at the ceiling.
A sole lamp, and nothing else.
"Ritsuka..."
She muttered, and raised her hand upwards, as if her fingers could reach him. Why? why was this proper human history so complicated? from time to time, she missed the land of the Fae... but then again, thinking about it just a little bit, she never knew anything remotely similar to peace for too long at least.
The child of prophecy reached for her heart, closing her eyes again. Even if she couldn't sleep anymore, she could atleast imagine stuff. Seeking peace, seeking her memories, she reminded herself of all the good times she spent with her best friend. At least the male one, Cnoc na Riabh wasn't here anymore.
There was so much to think about...
But her happiest memory with him, the one where he won her total admiration, was back then in the Garden of the Lost will. Shutting away her mind, her thoughts, and her own heart wasn't that hard for a Fae like her, as much as she hated the thought... as disgusting and revolting Proper Human History was...
He was one of the very little things that she found worth saving it for. The people at Chaldea, the life she was living now, it was all so warm, as if the endless love and laughs were everywhere. That was something she could barely find in Fairy Britain, truth be told. At the core of it all, the Faeries weren't the best, neither were humans.
It was a weird contradiction, she hated and loathed Proper Human History because "everyone was equal", she hated it because of the horrible path the King of Knights took, a life she would never want for herself... and yet, even with all the bad things she could keep listing on her mind, people, humankind, they seemed more sincere when they truly cared about each other.
She never thought the day the High Queen and the Tam Lin would fight by her side, meeting so many new faces and having an endless amount of friends... true friends, was priceless. As if she finally had a place to belong to.
Bump bump~ bump bump~
The happiness coursing through her veins made her heart start to beat faster. Her cheeks turned into a bright red, and the sadness she felt moments ago turned into happiness. That was until inevitably, she remembered his laugh. No matter how hard she tried to remember why he was laughing about, with crumbs of Chocolate cookies on his lips, there was nothing.
He was the warmest of them all, despite suffering so much, despite going through an endless cycle of pain and hells, gaining companions and then losing them shortly after... how could she not admire him? how could she not envy him? how could she not want to be him? his bravery, his courage, his willingness to pull through pain, to overcome, to conquer his agony while never forgetting...
She was quick to cheer up whenever she was feeling down, but that didn't mean she ever had any sort of confidence or trust in herself. If it wasn't for Chaldea, for Gareth, Da Vinci, Percyval and Ritsuka, she would've never made it to even a single bell.
"A-ahhh~"
Her voice came out of her lips the moment she touched her left breast slightly roughly by mistake. The blushing now extended itself from her cheeks to her entire face, concentrating on her ears. The humble girl from Tintagel gulped down... what was that just now? it felt like a shock of electricity coursed through her veins. It was strange, unknown... and somehow...
It felt good.
Yet... so wrong. Artoria's eyebrows curved slightly, contemplating her own body for a moment, her hand once again softly grabbed her left breast, moving it up and down at a steady rhythm... there it was again. The Fae with green eyes let out a sigh, this didn't made any sense whatsoever, but she liked it... A thought crossed her head.
What if she removed her clothes?
Looking around, just to be sure, the blonde crafted a small spell that would seal the door to her room completely, alongside the walls. No one would hear her.
Gulping down her saliva, feeling her skin starting to burn alongside her insides, her hands moved as fast as they could. Her pristine, scarless body revealed itself to the light of the Wandering Sea that filtered through her window, before she crawled back to the mattress. Both hands slowly but lovingly started to take care of her nipples... they were stiff, she noticed.
"Ngh..."
Closing her eyelids as the fingers caressed the areolae going in circles, Merlin's student let out another moan of joy, trying to shut herself up. The feeling of her actions being so wrong accumulated itself on her stomach. What the heck was this? why did it felt so good? how?... but the most important question...
As her thumb and index finger pulled and squeezed both pink buttons, making tears fall down her cheeks.
Why? why... does it... hurt so much?
"Ritsuka... !"
For the first time, saying her name made her sad. In the darkness of her solitude, her mind, Artoria could picture him. Naked just like her, holding her lovingly in his arms while she repeated the same movements she was doing now, under his caring, sweet blue gaze. His smiling expression looking back into her green sea.
Mesmerized by her beauty, while she wanted nothing but rest in his chest, be seen by him...
It seemed as if her entire spirit origin was burning itself. Unconsciously, her hands reached down for her genitalia, even while she didn't knew nor understood what was happening or what she was doing, she didn't need to. Her body and heart were guiding her movements, while her mind kept the fantasy going.
Even under his gaze, even with his arms holding her gently like a feather while she cried and rubbed her head against his chest, he never stopped looking at her.
"Ritsuka... Ritsuka... !"
Her heart hurt, even if her body was going through bliss, it wasn't enough to satiate her longing. Artoria's fingers softly squeezed the pink button that crowned her sacred place, being careful to not do it so roughly. She called for him, she needed him right now, desperately. The fantasy nodded, his black hair slightly covering his eyes, she wanted him to touch her face, to hold her, to never let go off her.
"That's it... you're doing great Artoria... just a little more..."
Said the master, his hand finally fulfilling her wish; his fingers got rid of a small drop of sweat, moving away some bangs from her eyesight, her index and middle fingers were rubbing themselves on her labia, while playing with the entrance, closing it and opening it over and over again, the tears freely going down her cheeks now, rather than remaining on her eyes.
The heartbeat speed up even faster, and so did her movements.
"Ritsuka... I'm scared..."
It sounded like a whimper of agony. The human's face turned into a expression of understanding, once again, he silently nodded. His arms reached for her head, accommodating it right where his heart was. Hearing it throb just like hers was comforting, relaxing. He was cradling her like a baby, her beloved friend.
"I know... I'm with you... do it, Artoria... do it for me..."
As scary as it was, as terrified as she was, her lower belly burned too much. The fae listened to her human, sliding between the flesh her first finger. The air came out of her lungs, for just a second, she stopped. Fujimaru smiled proudly and lovingly, she had finally started to properly touch herself and give into the pleasures of her own body.
He didn't had to say a thing for her to start moving it, soon enough, she ended up sliding in a second one, while the other hand now did it's best to keep both of her breasts occupied, going from nipple to nipple, words barely came out of her mouth anymore.
"I-it... it feels... good! I don't understand, Master!"
The savior of humanity giggled a little, watching her cry and sob looking for his reassurance while she slowly lost control of her movements. Eventually, a third finger was added. The Child or Prophecy, Artoria Pendragon Caster, now wanted nothing but him to look at her. Her and only her, in that beautiful utopia of pink flowers.
Even if nothing made sense... even if it was scary... his presence, his gaze, his hands, his body, his mere existence was all she needed to be happy.
"Let go... you're almost there... let go Artoria, don't be afraid..."
He asked in such a kind way that she couldn't help but stop. A scream came out from the deepest part of her soul, as she finally opened her eyes. Rather than being in Ritsuka Fujimaru's arms, she was all alone in a dark, empty room, lying in her bed, while the blue light from the window bathed her naked, pristine being.
For the first time in her life, Caster had experienced an orgasm... and despite everything...
She went to sleep crying that night.
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BOOOOOM~
An explosion got blocked by the faerie of paradise, who raised her staff to repel an enemy attack. It was 10 AM next morning, and just like every single day, they were training to ensure their teamwork was flawless no matter who their partner was. Artoria didn't felt that good that morning, she barely felt rested despite being a servant and despite having slept almost her eight hours.
Her eyes were only focused on his back.
"CU CHULAINN! GO ASSIST NEE-SAMA ALONGSIDE LADY NOBUNAGA!"
"Understood."
Replied Berserker, jumping into the direction the explosion came from. They were in a simulation facing a mix of Dragons, Lahmus and Samurais from Orleans, Babylonia and Heian-kyo respectively. Rurika "Gudako" Fujimaru was an exceptional master just like her younger twin, despite waking up shortly after solving the British Lostbelt.
But in Goredolf, Holmes and Da Vinci's words...
They needed to start trusting each other way more, and not rely on always protecting themselves on the battlefield. Now that Chaldea had 3 potential masters in him, Kadoc and his older sister, first and foremost came Gudako's training, and then their own training as an unit. Easier said than done, just like it happened with Nobukatsu, nowadays Ritsuka's mind was always focused on his older sister.
"Senpai! We're surrounded!"
Mashu screamed, the blue eyed man looked around. Gudako had taken Red Hare, Sasaki Kojirou and Oda Nobunaga, meanwhile he had chosen Cu Chulainn Alter, herself, and Mashu. He had made a big mistake, but then again, he didn't expected them to get separated so suddenly... most likely, an order from Goredolf.
His eyes turned back to look at her, and Caster squeezed her staff.
"Artoria! release your noble phantasm! Mashu, prepare to engage in combat, try to go for a chain attack and hit as many as you can in one-"
She stopped listening to him. His lips moved, giving orders to the shielder, who listened carefully. Her fingers squeezed the Staff of selection as hard as she could, Kyrielight's purple eyes gazed back at his own, he barely said ANYTHING to her ever since the battle started, why? instead of focusing on her orders...
All that reached her ears was the pain filled beating of her own heart. She was always by his side, every moment, Mashu Kyrielight, and now Rurika Fujimaru as well. Why? why did he hated her so much? Artoria's eyes filled themselves with tears as she looked down, this was all so wrong, so wrong.
She couldn't be feeling this way, so much envy, so much jealousy, so much pain, so much anger, she was nothing but a humble country girl from Tintagel, who was forced upon a fate she didn't wanted... a fate she hated... all because of her predecessor's actions.
And yet, here she was, feeling like crying her heart out and screaming just because the person she cared the most about wasn't giving her the attention she wanted.
Looking up, the sight of multiple dragons preparing themselves to turn them all to ash made her react... or she tried to, at least. Mashu was preparing herself first, to be his cover, to make sure he survived. She wasn't quick enough to activate her noble phantasm, so Kyrielight would try to deploy Mold Camelot and protect them herself... to be Ritsuka's shield.
Mashu... and not her...
Always, always, always, every single time. She was too slow, she wasn't paying attention, she wasn't quick enough, she wasn't strong enough, she wasn't bright enough, she wasn't enough, never, never, never never never-
But just once... just this one time...
She wanted him to hold her hand.
NO!
Jumping into action herself, Caster grabbed Shielder by the shoulder, exchanging positions. Mashu got pulled back with a shocked expression, while Fujimaru saw the girl's body be covered in a golden light. Without any prior warning, she forced her spirit origin into her third ascension; Avalon.
Raising the sword of selection, and channeling her mana through it, her tear filled face, the walls of the promised castle manifested themselves right beneath them. From behind, all he could see was Caster's gallant figure, as the big wave of fire reached the three of them, wanting to take away their lives.
"The island of world's end...the capital of sins. The final dragon is within my heart!"
She yelled, the class advantage causing more damage to her as she casted the final words of the utopia. She wouldn't let anyone lay a finger on her Master, not because it was her duty as a servant, but only because he was her best friend. Because he was her partner, because she cried at the thought of losing him, because she wanted Mashu's place...
Because she wanted to be by his side.
"NO DESTRUCTION SHALL CONSUME US! ASSEMBLE, GUARDIANS OF THE ROUND TABLE! [ROUND OF AVALON]"
Eventually, the bright, blue light from the pillars floating behind her managed to completely overpower and nullify the heat and the flames. Feeling herself light as a feather and strong as a mountain, Mashu jumped into action using the powered up legs from the Ortinax, throwing her shield and splitting a Dragon in half, before she punched it, it went like a boomerang, hitting them all in succession just like how he asked for.
Once they focused on the pink haired girl, Artoria finally snapped from her emotional despair. The castle disappeared, and so did her third ascension, returning to her blueish outfit, she fell from above right to the ground, barely conscious. She had entered in her prime without any preparation whatsoever, so her body was already feeling the effects of such a sudden, reckless action.
And while the wind hit her face... as she got even closer to the ground, she saw her, fighting without any reservation, yelling and destroying everything in her path, so they could find a way back to the redhaired girl.
Ah... just like... back then...
Just like in Norwich, she fought with no equal. The darkness called for the blonde, and she thought that maybe this was for the better. As time would go on, she realized, Ritsuka would have less and less reasons to spent time with her, now that he had his sister back. Really... what was she thinking?
A servant, an Artoria that shouldn't exist... how could she even think of the possibility of him being there for her? she was dead already, a product from a what-if that should've never been in the first place.
One day, all servants would have to come back to the throne of heroes... every single one of them, but Mashu... she was the only one, the only one who truly had any chance of being by his side, and that thought hurt her more than anything else she had ever experienced before and after her death.
Ritsu... ka...
All she saw the blue sky, that paled in comparison to his beautiful, beautiful eyes, before the darkness ate her consciousness.
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-[Fragment 3: What words can't convey]-
"Mnght..."
Everything hurt. Opening her eyelids slowly, Artoria caressed her head slightly, searching for any damage... there were none. The room was dark; but she wasn't alone. An extra weigh on her legs made her stand up, a red tint spread through her face when she identified her mysterious partner. Ritsuka slept against her legs, peacefully, one of his hands gently holding her as if she was a feather. The blonde moved slightly, unable to understand.
What happened? she didn't disappeared? She could've sworn her Spirit core was hurting due to the overcharge of mana...
Her small, sweet and gentle actions were enough to wake up Fujimaru. The raven haired master wrinkled his nose, before his eyes came in contact with hers.
"Artoria... ? are you awake?"
His question was cute, and his sleepy tone as well. Despite their gazes clashing, master forty-eight still wasn't fully awake. Rubbing his eyelids as he stood up from the chair, a long tired yawn came from his mouth, he felt exhausted to his very being. The fairy of paradise saw a small bag of blood connected to her arm.
This didn't made any sense.
"Ritsuka? what... what happened?"
She asked, trying to ignore her embarrassment at the idea that they basically shared a bed together, although he used her legs as an improvised pillow. Stretching himself slightly, Fujimaru lifted up his sleeve; a patch covering it, and it didn't took long enough for the female to realize what he meant.
"You used up all your Mana when you entered your third ascencion and triggered your noble phantasm. Da Vinci suggested I shared some of mine through blood with you, to stabilize your saint graph."
He replied, still a little tired, confirming her own thoughts. Caster let out a long sigh, trying to hide her face between her legs, holding them in place with her arms. Not only had she put him in danger, but she also made a scene between them and Mashu before Round of Avalon got summoned to the battlefield.
She had failed, miserably.
Fujimaru, on the other hand, found her actions strange, unable to understand her behavior. Why was she sad? even if he hadn't say anything, it was obvious to him that she wasn't being her usual cheerful self today. Now they were alone, in a room... it was kind of nostalgic, really. It reminded him of the nameless woods, back when he confused her with Mashu.
"Artoria... you haven't been yourself lately... what's wrong?"
His fingers found hers, and with her face covered in shadows, she couldn't help but grit her teeth, feeling her chest tightening in pain as she felt his skin on her own. She loved it, so much; this warm feeling, so caring, so gentle, so sweet and with an apparent endless supply of love and affection.
And yet...
"Why... Ritsuka..."
She muttered, barely being able to hear her, Ritsuka raised an eyebrow. A gentle "What?" escaped from his lips, and the Fae finally snapped. Her legs fell down her face, allowing him to see her tearfilled face, filled to the brim with agony. She couldn't keep lying to him, it had been just one day and one night, and she was already over the edge.
"WHY CAN'T YOU LOOK AT ME THE SAME WAY YOU LOOK AT MASHU?!"
The piercing scream took the master by surprise, alongside watching the always cheerful and happy blonde behaving in a way he had never seen before. Artoria tried to wipe off the tears off her face, it was no use. The just kept coming, she didn't wanted to, but at the same, she wanted him to look at her.
To hold her.
"I realized... in just one night... how much it hurts me. How much you take care of her; I've never seen you smile so much when you're with me. Yet, the day Rurika arrived, you were as bright as the sun..."
Continued the Fairy of paradise, knowing fully well this was all wrong. She shouldn't be feeling this way, it was sickening. She had an entire journey with Fujimaru back in her day, yet she wanted more. She wasn't by his side, not anymore, not like in Fairy Britain, but rather, watching him from behind.
Like a support would, but not like a partner, nor a shield.
"We're all going away one day... you'll be back to being a normal school student... or a magus... whatever your future has in store for you, neither of us will be there to witness it. I won't be there to witness it. All these memories, all these feelings, all we've gone through... it's all going to disappear... and I d-don't know if that's a good or a bad thing..."
Unable to hold back her tears once finishing, she tried to hide away. True to herself still, she didn't wanted to be seen anymore, so the Caster turned around, obviously embarrassed. Even she ended up saying what she wanted to say, it did nothing to fix the pain in her heart, it became worse at the thought of him hating her now.
"Artoria..."
She didn't turned around to face him. Hugging herself, she intended to close off, so he could go away. Fujimaru didn't say anything. Instead, what he did was hold her shoulder, squeezing it gently, and then his arms ended up around her neck. The young mage pulled his friend towards him, she didn't fought back.
"I'm sorry... for not noticing sooner. I never intended to hurt you and... truth be told, yes. I do love Mashu, after everything we've gone through together, and Nee-sama... well, I've never been able to sleep peacefully ever since the Grand Order started, always wondering if I would see her again or not."
Yes. She understood what he meant very well, of course she did. Even if she had no real siblings, unlike her proper human history self, atleast she felt very attached to her Grandfather and the woman that raised her as a mother. While not intending to, she could feel his warm breath hitting the back of her neck.
His arms made her feel more secured and protected than any spell ever would.
"Artoria..."
His voice, sweet like honey, it started to slowly but surely resemble the tone he had used in that dream she had the night before, Caster turned around, her heart pounding in her chest, as a bright red color now stronger than ever before took over her face, Ritsuka had the same expression, to him, it was no different from Mashu.
Because they were both precious to him, in the exact same way. The only two he could see with that gaze, and she realized it, looking straight at him, her own question resonating in both of their minds. Why can't you look at me the same way you look at Mashu? but the truth was... he always did.
Which is exactly why...
"I know i have no right to request this out of you, but... if you accept me, if you accept us... I'll be willing to sacrifice everything for you."
Once again, the poor country girl let the tears fall from her eyes, but this time it was different. Fujimaru, smart enough to know that was her answer, closed his eyelids as his head moved near her own. The blonde went next, allowing the darkness to take over, being taken over to that horrid place she hated so much.
The black wizard, with the star shinning at the end... but the storm was nowhere to be found now.
"Ritsu... ka..."
Her voice died the moment their lips touched each other. Artoria's heart skipped a beat, as she finally reached the longing she had wished for so much. The manly hands that had gone through so much pain and suffering, now held her so close to his body like she was the most precious thing in the world.
Instinctively, her own arms ended up reaching for his neck, the taste of his mouth something far better she could've ever dreamed of, a forbidden flavor that no one else in the world knew except for her and Shielder, Ritsuka's hands went down just as he felt the hands of Caster on his own skin.
When their lungs craved air, forcing them to broke the kiss in two, the master smiled, followed by the servant shortly after. The pain in her heart had gone away completely, now replaced by that burning desire that had been plaguing her for so long, now stronger than ever. The girl tried to come up with anything to say, but it was useless.
He took the initiative instead; she wasn't wearing her cape nor her hat, only the white jacket Muramasa had crafted for her, underneath it a small white shirt. Her body trembled slightly, but a quick look from Fujimaru erased any ounce of doubt or fear she could've ever had. He knew him far too well already, and truth be told... she didn't wanted this to end, when it hadn't even begun.
"I'm here Artoria... it's me... don't worry"
The Child of Prophecy nodded in silence, as his hands kept traveling through her body, both exploring but also undressing. Her breath accelerated when the red skirt was next, allowing him to see the black underwear, leaving her only with her black stockings. When she saw Ritsuka reaching for his own shirt next, she stopped him by raising a hand to gently grab his wrist, for a moment the thought of stopping invaded his mind, but quickly vanished when he saw that despite her trembling, shy expression, there was fire behind her pupils.
"Please... allow me to do it..."
She dd as she said; her fingers grabbed his shirt, pulling it up. The muscles that she couldn't keep her eyes off last night, fully revealed to her, she knew every scar she had thanks to his tales, including the giant hole in his stomach Shuten Douji gave him in Shimousa, but seeing it so close sent shivers down her spine.
He wasn't lying when he said she played with his guts, if that enormous hole was anything to go by.
Her fingers carefully caressed the lines between his abs, tracing them with her fingers. His skin was so hot she thought her hands would melt to the bone, but they didn't. They went up until they found his face, slightly more confident than before, but also wanting to stop herself from thinking about the "What ifs". she decided the space between their lips needed to be closed again.
The magus welcomed his caster without hesitation, pushing her against the bed. He already had a tent on his underwear, so he took the opportunity to rub it gently and slowly against her own genitalia, making her shiver. Yes, his body was warm just like how she had dreamed of, but it paled in comparison to his... manliness.
It almost seemed as if they were completely naked.
Ritsuka quickly discarded any sort of foreplay from Artoria's part, but he didn't minded at all. He wasn't there to receive, not on their first time, but rather, he wanted to just give, give and give to prove he meant the truth when he said he would sacrifice his entire being to ensure her and Mashu's happiness.
A soft squeeze from her arms made him split, so they could breath for a second time, now both of them more horny than the first one, Artoria's breath hit his face. She had finally stopped crying, although he couldn't be certain of when, neither her. When she saw him getting close for a third time, she expected more kisses...
"A-ahhh!"
Instead, she got tricked. His mouth landed not on her mouth, but on her neck. Fujimaru kept kissing and licking on erogenous zones that were unknown to Artoria. She couldn't help but wonder if he was using tricks that he had learnt with Mashu or he knew too much about biology, probably a mix of both.
When he reached for her bra, he looked up in anticipation, silently asking for her permission, which she granted through a smile with closed eyes. "I trust you" was written all over her face, and he wouldn't disappoint nor betray her in any way. She was too innocent and sweet, so he couldn't be selfish. Hell, his soul might as well be condemned to eternal damnation if he dared to hurt her in any way.
The black haired man had no trouble dealing with it, having practiced multiple times already with the pink haired Shielder. Watching her beautiful breasts bounce a little as they got freed, right in front of his face, turned him on to no end. His mind, quickly thinking if he should continue with a trail of kisses or outright lick her nipples, but he decided against the later.
Artoria trusted him, so he shouldn't push things too far, most likely she was already on the verge of falling unconscious out of embarrassment.
"You're beautiful, Artoria... your skin smells like roses..."
The pink petals of Garden of Avalon flashed in front of her mind, was he comparing her existence that of a flower? his flower no less?... Artoria gulped down, doing her best to try and smile at him, his lips carefully giving so called "Buttefly" kisses to her white, perfect smooth skin, each one of them quick and caring.
Soft and loving, far more than what she could ask for, but just enough to be tolerable.
"N-nght!... Riii..."
She whimpered, watching him carefully and dangerously kissing around her nipple, yet never touching it. Her master smiled and winked a little, understanding her perfectly. Fujimaru kept the trail going, until he found her belly. Just feeling how close his face was made her feel nervous, his breathing caressing her skin was ticklish.
The moment he kissed her belly button she felt like she could scream.
"A-AHHH! Ritsuka!"
Master forty-eight kept going for no more than five seconds, before looking up. While Artoria hadn't came, the mix of emotions and new sensations were taking her body and mind to degrees far more than what her weak faerie heart could withstand. He was already pushing her to the limit, he realized.
So, as an apology, the human's face found hers again. While her eyes where closed, her chest went up and down erratically. She could still feel them, the lips; carefully kissing and pressing themselves against that zone, his warm cheeks and skin against her own, over and over again... Artoria opened her eyelids, when did Ritsuka got so close to her?
No matter.
She couldn't reject such treasure.
The kiss they had was the perfect opportunity for him to pull down his underwear, and Artoria's shortly after. Her hands surrounded his neck, pulling him closer to her body; the sensation of their bare chests touching each other, skin against skin, was wonderful. Yes, she felt like a ticking bomb, but his mouth, his proximity, his presence...
Ritsuka... Ritsuka...
Was all she needed to feel secured. The joy inside her heart of being accepted and loved by him almost made her want to cry again, she wanted to cry of happiness so desperately while held by him, telling him "I love you" over and over again as he held her close, a "must do" that would be at the top of her list from now on.
She didn't even realized it, but the feeling of his... thing, touching her own crotch, made her return to reality. Gasping for air after breaking the kiss, the blonde tried to look down at the union of their sexes, but his hand rubbing itself against her cheek made her stop. He moved his head, in denial.
"You don't have to see it, Artora... neither of us needs to, anyway."
And his words were true. This wasn't just "sex", but rather, pure love-making. And the main point of it all was for their souls to connect through their bodies, a direct union between heart and soul through flesh, she knew as much. The girl's green eyes lighted up as she smiled, her smile trembling.
"Kiss me, Ritsuka... kiss me until it's over..."
she begged, not wanting to think anymore, but just feel. Fujimaru nodded, gladly wanting to fulfill the Faerie of Paradise's request. When their lips met again, his hips thrusted towards her own, as slowly as he could; Artoria could feel how her flesh was torn open by her darling's genitalia, her moan of pain muffled by his mouth as well.
The master could feel it; his right hand quickly went in search for her own, something Artoria felt and greatly appreciated. His member was already starting to tear up her hymen, but she needed a rest, that he was happy to provide. His thumb lovingly caressed her cheek, while the tears kept falling.
Their lips danced on one another, while they kept breathing through their noses, Ritsuka felt Artoria relax herself a little bit, so he finally did it. He resumed his penetration, completely shattering her virginity, for good this time. The red droplets of blood freely falling down her insides, staining both his flesh and the white sheets of the infirmary.
No matter how painful it was, Avalon Le Fae didn't sobbed.
Because he was with her.
Fujimaru moaned inside her mouth, and she moaned back as well, both of them feeling entirely different things. For him, he felt the tightness and warmness of her sacred temple. Artoria on the other hand felt the size and virility of Ritsuka, to the point it almost seemed like it was inside her stomach, even if she knew it wasn't, it was frightening. He was right by not making her see, she wasn't ready to see a male's genitalia, not even his.
And even less if it was as big as it felt.
Her hands went to his shoulders, the fingertips gently touching them as a silent sign to split up. The blush hadn't gone away, but the strings of saliva that connected their lips for brief seconds were new, embarrassing... but it made her happy, regardless of how indecent it seemed, it was nothing compared to what they were doing already.
"Are you ok, Artoria?"
He asked, caring and loving as always. To which she couldn't help but smile, closing her eyelids. Everything about him made her feel loved, made her feel secure. She hated fighting, she hated the front lines, despite loving magic, and all spells, she just wanted to be normal... and right now, this room...
Being in the hands of the person she loved...
It made her feel like a normal girl, giving her all to the person she cared the most for.
"Yes, I am. Thank you, Ritsuka."
Fujimaru smiled back at her, resuming the kiss in no time after her words. Knowing her, most likely, she would try to contain her own moaning out of shame, so he would rather help her. So, thrusting his own hips, he finally started to actually do the deed; a slow, gentle rhythm to make her get accustomed to it...
But also completely erase any sign of pain.
It was useless though, because no matter how much they tried to...
"H-hmmph..."
Her voice still came through. The blonde felt her heart starting to pound the moment she felt it clash against the entrance to her baby room, that's how far it reached. Artoria moaned a second time, louder this time, as she felt his meat going down, and then thrusting inside her again. His fingers squeezed her palm tightly, and she squeezed his own in return.
Being pressed against the bed and the pillow made her feel defenseless. Ritsuka kept thrusting, this time a little more faster than before, noting how Artoria's back seemed to arche itself a little whenever he poked the entrance to her baby room, probably in a mix of fear, expectation and delight.
But no sign of pain whatsoever, that was a relief.
Ah... it's... it's like...
Her brain finally seemed to fight against the shame and modesty that held her back, every sensation registering on her existence, her very soul, as her lips desperately searched for his own. Another thrust, this time he remained for a moment with his tip touching the deepest parts of her body, before retreating again.
When Ritsuka's tongue came out wanting hers, she didn't hide, no. She licked and kissed him back, unable to contain her own tears of joy, he wanted her, he was loving her, he was searching for her even in the darkness.
It's like back then...
Ritsuka wasn't her star, but even in the darkest of blizzards, as long as hope existed, she could endure. But not alone; not without that warm flame at her side. Just like it happened in Norwich, just like it happened in the Nameless Woods, or in Oberon's forest. No matter how cold it was, as long as that flame called "love" burned inside her chest...
She would always find Hope.
Fujimaru moved himself once again, much to his surprise when he felt her tongue pressing against his own in a bold attempt to take over, he licked her back even harder while his penetration now reached a rougher, faster pace, that Artoria enjoyed thoroughly if her legs going around his hip were anything to go by.
Their tongues stopped clashing, and, much to his surprise, the fingertips of her hand caressed his shoulder again. When he let go, opening his eyes, he saw her beautiful face again; still and as bright as an apple, yet now filled with uncertainty, happiness, tears and sweat mixed up, all in a sweet smile.
"Ritsuka... please... please..."
She begged, while the black-haired man nodded, there was no need for her to continue. Instead, both of their hands connected now, his breathing was getting heavier and heavier as he kept going. The caster, now free to hear her own moans of pleasure, also started to feel how her body prepared itself for what was inevitable.
Her heart was beating so strongly it seemed like it would come out of her chest.
"A-Ahhhh! Ritsuka! Ritsuka! Ritsuka!"
It was as if one was born for the other and vice versa, by how compatible they were. Avalon Le Fae kept saying his name, endlessly, while he remained shut; his face and mouth buried in her neck, licking it as if it was a treat. Artoria gritted her teeth, unable to continue saying anything coherently.
The man with black hair, now using all the strength he could muster, thrusted inside her one last time, unable to keep going. There was no need for foreplay for him to reach his limit, not with her at least, because of how much he loved her, and how unbelievably good she felt. Her insides squeezed him, not wanting to let go, as her legs pushed him against her, closing any possible escape route.
"Artoria!"
It was him calling her name what made her reach "the finish line" seconds after him. His seed had no issue whatsoever filling her to the brim. The green-eyed girl soon felt all her strength leaving her body; her spirit origin itself was trembling after such a tiring activity. Before she could do or say anything, Ritsuka moved; letting go off one of her hands, he grabbed her body and twisted them both.
Now she was above him, using his chest as a pillow... such an embarrassing act, despite the fact that he was still inside her, drove her head into overdrive.
Something Fujimaru noticed, if his laugh was anything to go by.
"Why are you laughing?"
She asked, looking up at his face. Maybe something changed between the two, but somehow... he seemed more manlier and prettier than ever in her eyes. The Master of Chaldea moved his head from side to side, his hand going up and down on her back in her beautiful, soft skin.
"It's just... I think you're cute, you know? you were trembling when I made you rest above me..."
Ironically enough, his own words ended up causing the Child of Prophecy to start shaking again, but this time, out of shame. The human seemed to notice his mistake, because he kept going up; from her back to her neck, to her hair, and then he touched her cheek. His touch melted her heart without any effort whatsoever.
She was his, now and forever... or perhaps... she had always been his.
"I love you, Artoria..."
...
She couldn't contain her wish to cry again, so she let the tears freely fall from her eyes, staining her cheeks. But it was alright, because he would wipe them as much as she needed, as long as his fingers were intertwined, as long as that warm kept burning kindly inside her heart...
"Yes... I love you too... Ritsuka..."
She could always find her way home.
.
.
.
-[Epilogue: Life as usual]-
For a woman like Morgan "Tonelico" Le Fae, details never went unnoticed. That's why she managed to rule over Faerie Britain for over 2000 years and turn it into a beautiful country after fusing with her Proper Human History self. Someone of her cunning talents ended up being, in less than two months, one of the best combatants and strategists Chaldea had ever seen.
It didn't changed when her Sister-in-law finally returned, of course, as her husband's bride, she would always strive to make sure he was surrounded by good people and happiness, she may be a berserker, but she wasn't stupid in the slightest. Just like Kiyohime, Edmond Dantes, Serenity and Minamoto no Raikou, her gaze was always on Ritsuka and those close to him.
That's why, when she noticed how the Child of Prophecy started to shine even brighter than before when she was near her better-half, all her flags went off.
Sitting in a perfect copy of her throne in her room, the white haired female kept looking at the door, not giving a single thought to Mélusine, Barghest neither her precious child. Baobhan Sith was the one who sensed it first, all three of the Tam Lin knelt down, before the red-haired vampire raised her voice.
"Is something wrong, mother?"
She asked, genuinely worried. Maybe she was thinking of ways to finally overthrow and take Chaldea for their own? couldn't be far from the truth. Her cold, winter-like gaze without any emotion whatsoever, almost seemed curious. Baobhan sith could see her face reflected on Morgan's eyes, but it was as if...
She wasn't there.
"It's nothing you have to worry about, Baobhan-sith. I was just thinking about the Child of prophecy and my husband's recent demeanor."
Only Lancelot noticed what her queen tried to say, and smiled on the insides. Gawain and Tristan, of course, had no idea what their leader was talking about, for them, things between Avalon Le Fae and Ritsuka Fujimaru hadn't changed a bit. They were entirely mistaken; because at that very moment, coursing through the halls of Chaldea, a happy, cheerful girl from Tintagel played with her staff of selection, walking towards her fiancée's room.
"Ritsuka's tea! Ritsuka's tea~ Ritsu-ritsu-RITSUKA's tea!~"
Singing a very usual song by this point, Artoria threw her weapon into the air, catching it with only one hand as she bowed down in front of his door; no one had seen her performance, which would be able to leave an acrobat feeling jealous of her. It had a different tone, because every time she said his name, she jumped, now her motivation wasn't just the tea or the talking...
It was him, only him.
Artoria let out a cheerful laugh at her own silly game, before finally knocking, her heartbeat started to speed up, anxiously, she jumped in her own place, they hadn't seen each other since two hours ago, for her it was already too much. They had been training in espionage earlier that morning, and had failed miserably, she would need to ask Merlin for a tip or two about mixing invisibility and soul-proof spells later.
Swishhhh~
The door opened up, and what greeted her was an unusual sight; yes, her beloved was there, but he wasn't alone. At his left, none other than Mashu Kyrielight, who had a happy smile on her face. However, what totally shocked her was that her future sister-in-law was at his right, wearing a black shirt.
Upon seeing her, Gudako raised her hand, making a peace sign.
"Welcome, Artoria-san!"
Exclaimed the pinkette, the faerie of paradise smiled as she placed her staff next to the entrance after walking in, the door closed behind her shortly after, the girl removed her hat and sat right in front of Ritsuka. There was something different; not just tea, but also two plates filled to the brim with some kind of homemade sweets.
Crafted by him no less, blessed be EMIYA and his cooking lessons.
"Hi, Artoria. Welcome."
His voice was sweet like honey, and his expression was as kind as ever. Artoria smiled back at him, opening her mouth slightly as she nodded, blushing as she kept admiring his features. Now, all of them reunited, Ritsuka cleared out his throat, Mashu drank some tea, and the redhaired master grabbed one of the treats, biting it.
"Sooo... could you tell me what happened with the white one? uh... Illya, was it? what's her story?"
Gudako asked, and Artoria's eyes filled with excitement, looking at him as if she was a puppy. Ritsuka let out a laugh at her reaction, the world still needed saving, but as long as his sister, his shield, and his sword were at his side... he was sure he would be able to overcome anything and anyone that stood in his way.
The end.