Chapter 4: Breakfast with the Familia

As dawn raised upon the city of Orario a new day was to begin anew. As the first lights were shining down they awoke none other than the Scarlet red-head of the Astraea Familia Alise. Waking up to the new day she began her day like any other. Starting with a few stretches to wake the body, followed by a nice warm shower and changing into her training clothes to begin her morning workout.

As she was making her way down stairs towards the Familia training ground she caught a whiff of a very interesting smell coming from the kitchen. Wondering what the smell was, Alise followed the scent to its source. Walking into the kitchen expecting to see one of her fellow Familia members but instead found… Archer? Cooking? Why the hell does the food smell so good?

Flashing back to mere moments ago. After scouting out the city the entire night, Archer returned to the Familia home, entering from where he exited. Once back in his room he made the grand decision to check out the "second" most important area of the entire Familia home, the kitchen. Arriving at the area Archer naturally did what anyone else would do in his position and conducted a thorough inspection. In his findings he could see that all of the equipment were neatly stored, were in good condition and the place was nicely clean. If he had to rate it, it would be a solid 8 out 10 on his scale. Deciding to surprise his hosts with a nice breakfast, Archer made his way towards the fridge to see what he could work with. To his surprise he was greeted by a well stocked fridge. With the amount in there there were no short of options he could make. Ultimately Archer decided to make a traditional standard Japanese breakfast. An easy enough dish that wouldn't be too heavy to eat and should also provide enough energy to whatever activities the Familia would be planning. Grabbing his ingredients, pots and pans he began his preparation.

Forward to the present and Archer is already starting to bring everything together with some unwanted attention. Even in this world his cooking can still attract all kinds of people.

"Good morning Alise. I assume you had a good night's rest?" Archer asked, not even turning away from his cooking to face her.

"A-ah, good morning Archer. I see you've taken it upon yourself to use the kitchen." came her reply, surprised that he knew it was her.

"Yes, I hope you don't mind that I've taken it upon myself to prepare breakfast for you all."

"No, it's fine. I don't think the others would mind either. So whatcha making?" curiosity of what the Familia guest was making intrigued Alise. Whatever he was making must be very delicious.

"Nothing special, just a standard breakfast from my homeland." he answered, still not looking back and putting all of his attention into cooking the food.

"Ehhh really!?" came a shocked surprise from Alise. If what Archer was cooking was a "standard" breakfast then his homeland must be quite the culinary chiefs. "You don't mind if I watch you right? I promise not to interfere with your work."

"As long as you keep your end, I see why not."

As time continued to move forward, Archer's meal was getting closer to being finished by the minute and Alise did hold up her promise of not interfering with Archer's work. She did however watch him like a hawk. Shortly after breakfast was ready to be served with everyone gathering at the main dining table. Alise, finally making herself useful, helped Archer set the table.

"Oh my what a lovely breakfast." Astraea was the first to comment on the breakfast. "Alise, did you make this?"

Hearing her goddess praise for the breakfast that was on display, the captain answered her goddess truthfully. "No Lady Astraea. As much as I would like to take credit for it, it was actually Archer that made this."

Hearing that their guest was the one who made it, the Familia were impressed and surprised. One member in particular was examining the food extra carefully.

"Hmm, is something the matter Gojouno-san?" asked Archer walking in with a few bowls of salad, noticing Kaguya examining his food.

Kaguya hearing Archer's question turned her attention to him. "No, Archer there's nothing wrong. It's just I've noticed how similar this meal is to the ones I used to have back home." Turning to face him face to face, she asked an important question. "Archer, are you from the Far-East?"

Curious to Kaguya's question, Alise just had to ask her Vice-captain. "Hmm what makes you think that Kaguya?"

"A few things actually. Firstly was how he addressed me. While everyone addresses me as "Kaguya", Archer is the only one that has addressed me with "Gojouno", my surname as well adding the "san" at the end."

"Hmm what's so strange about that Kaguya?"

"In the Far East the way we address ourselves is with our surname first then followed by our first name. Not only that addressing someone you don't know, you would use their surname as well as an honorific at the end." Kaguya explained.

Seeing no error in Kaguya's explanation, the others were starting to think and wonder. Archer on the other hand was in fact quite impressed with her deduction. She explained the reason clear and simple and was correct on all fronts. The only reason he addressed her as such was because her name did sound Japanese and if he had to guess as well, her home country was a parallel version of his home country of Japan.

After thinking about her vice-captains first reason and explanation, Alise still wanted to know more of what led Kaguya to her question. "Hmmm fair enough Kaguya but what are your other reasons for thinking that Archer is from your homeland?"

Facing her captain with confidence and seriousness, Kaguya's next reason was.. "It's the breakfast that he's cooked for us." an answer that no one in the room saw coming or even expected Kaguya to say. Even Archer was thrown off by the answer. And she was being completely serious was the more shocking part.

"I'm sorry… his meal was your next reason Kaguya?" Ryuu, the first to somewhat recover from the unexpected answer asked.

Turning to her rival, Kaguya gave Ryuu her answer. "Yes. This dish was something I used to have often when I was still living in the Far East. To think I'd see this again, and outside my homeland would be a dream. I wonder how it tastes."

Sighing, Archer decided that it would be best to appease the girls' claims instead of denying or prolonging it. "Unfortunately Gojouno-san I am not from the Far East. Although I am from a land that is very similar to it. Customs and all." While the Far East sounded like this world's version of Japan, calling them the same without confirming how more alike they are would be wrong.

With her question now answered Kaguya was the first to be seated at the table. The others followed shortly after. Archer however returned back to the kitchen. It wasn't going to clean itself after all.

Seeing Archer returning back to the kitchen, Astraea called out to him. "Aren't you going to join us Archer?"

"I've already had something before you all came down." He responded to his master's call. "You ladies enjoy your breakfast." He quickly retreated to his new safe heaven and domain.

After Archer's retreat the ladies of the familia finally decided to dig into their meal. Kaguya of course was the first to dig in, excited to eat a dish that she had long since parted ways with. It would be an exciting experience for her. The presentation and smell was on point, but how did it taste? Her first bite answered her question.

With just one bite her body was in shock. She stopped moving, frozen in place. The others naturally responded calmly.

"KAGUYA!"

"SOMEONE CALL HELP!"

"KAGUYA GA SHINDA!"

"NO YOU BASTARDS!"

Hearing the commotion outside, Archer went to see just what was going on. "Just what is going on here?" *SWOOSH* *THUD* Whatever it was, it clearly wasn't a good sign for him if the thrown knife stuck in the wall behind him was anything to say. Directing his eyes to the culprit they landed at a very angry and deadly elf. If looks could kill, they'd probably kill him.

"BASTARD! Just what sort of poison did you use!?" shouted Ryuu, her hands ready to strike him at any moment. Most of the others were ready to join her.

"Calm down Lion, everyone. This could just be a misunderstanding." cried Alise. While she was just as shocked as everyone else, she wanted to believe that Archer did nothing wrong until proven guilty.

"Please calm down everyone." Astraea joined her captain in an attempt to take control of the situation.

Ryuu however was having none of it. Her anger had taken over. "Lady Astraea, Alise. How can you stand by that man when Kaguya is like this!?" Stunned, the captain and goddess were struggling to respond. Archer remained still, remaining calm and observing. "Let us rid of this intruder that means to harm our Familia." Many of the others were in agreement with Ryuu.

As Ryuu was about to dash and strike Archer where he stood, a blade was directed at her neck. Its wielder was none other than Kaguya herself, still alive. "You will do no such thing, Lion." Her head slowly turning from the food in front of her towards her now angry rival. "Touch him and you will suffer my wrath. And that goes for the rest of you." A dark glare was now present

Unable to respond and not wanting to incur Kaguya's wrath any further, the other reluctantly sat back down. Alise and Astraea released a great sigh of relief.

Recovering, Alise checked on her vice-captain. "You alright Kaguya. You froze up there?"

With her glare now retracting, Kaguya faced her captain. "Yes, I'm quite alright Alise. No I'm better than alright, I was merely overwhelmed by the meal Archer prepared for us."

"Are you serious!? You nearly scared all of us half to death and almost made everyone commit murder because you were overwhelmed by the food!?" Alise had known Kaguya for a long time as both a member of the Familia and as a friend and had seen her highs and lows but this was a new one. The crude but elegant Kaguya, defeated by food? She couldn't believe it.

Taking another bite of her dish, Kaguya ignored the look Alise was giving her. "I would suggest you try the meal for yourself, Alise. *chomp* I'm willing to bet that you'll be the same as me as well. And I suggest you hurry before it gets cold."

Wanting to prove her wrong, Alise did as Kaguya told her and took her first bite into the meal that was prepared for her. As the food entered her mouth her body was frozen and shocked to the core. The flavors of the food were overwhelming her. They were blended together to create something beautiful that filled her mouth with bliss. A blissful taste that she needed more of. Another bite was taken, then another and another, she couldn't get enough of it. Finally trying a bit of the rice, it was soft and fluffy and the miso soup, words could not describe just how good it was. Tears started to fall from Alise's eyes. This was the best meal she'd ever had.

Seeing their captain in tears while eating, they decided to see just what they were missing out on and like their captains they were overwhelmed just after one bite. Even Ryuu, who was the most reluctant to eat Archer's food after seeing Kaguya and now Alise's reactions, was overtaken by her salad.

Kaguya, watching her captain, now familia, smiled in victory. She had this meal probably over a thousand times in her life, but never had she tasted something as delicious as this. Whatever Archer did, he did it better than any of the cooks back home. She wouldn't be surprised if he admitted he was a god of cooking.

Astraea herself had even fallen under Archer's cooking. While this wasn't the greatest meal she'd ever had, the food in heaven was on a different level, Archer's cooking was certainly up there.

Seeing that situation had now resolved itself, Archer returned to the kitchen without making a sound. Seriously all of this fuss over a simple breakfast.

After everyone had eaten, everyone in the Familia had a content blissful smile on their faces. Never had they eaten something that good. The table of empty dishes was a dead giveaway.

"Ahhh… well Kaguya was right. This was the best thing I've ever had."

"I think I could get addicted to this."

"Agreed."

"I think we should keep Archer if it means we get to eat meals like this."

Once again, the Emiya cooking had claimed more victims.

Once again returning from the kitchen, Archer could only stare at a sight that brought him deja vu. If he hadn't already seen this sight over a hundred times already back in Chaldea, he'd thought that they would be over exaggerating. A certain King of Knights and her counterparts came to mind when seeing this sight.

"Pardon me but don't you lot have a busy day ahead of you. You wouldn't want to be late now would you?" he asked.

Realizing that they had a duty and responsibility to do, the table was quickly abandoned. The only one who remained was Astraea herself who could only chuckle at the scene. A groan escaped Archer's mouth followed by a disapproving shake of the head.

A short minutes later the Familia members were once again gathered at the table, this time wearing their proper outfits and now carrying their gear. As the captain of the Familia, Alise directed everyone their jobs and positions for the day as well as giving them a few words of encouragement.

"Alright everyone, let's give it our all again today!"

"Hold up before you go." Before anyone could leave Archer once again returned but this time holding a few wrapped cloths. Everyone once again turned their attention to him. "You ladies should take these. You'll need to eat if you want to do your jobs. Each group should take one."

Seeing Archer handing them what would be their lunch for the day Neze had to ask an important question. "Did you make these for us Archer"

"I did. It's nothing special. Just a few sandwiches, grilled rice balls and a salad for Lion and Celty." Hearing that their lunches were also made by Archer, everyone was excited. Some even drooling at how delicious they would be. Celty was touched that Archer went out of the way to prepare something just for her. Ryuu was too, however she was a bit annoyed that now Archer was referring to her like the others.

One member of each group grabbed one of the wrapped lunches, and soon everyone left the Familia home. The only ones left inside were Archer, Astraea, Kaguya and Alise, the last two would soon join their group.

"So Archer, what do you plan to do today?" Alise asked, curious how their guest would spend their first day in the city. Kaguya and Astraea were also fairly curious as well.

"I plan to explore and learn more about the city. Get acquainted with the local area and all that sort of thing." he replied.

Hearing that Archer would spend his first day exploring the city, the two captains thought that it would be best if one of them were to help guide him. "Well if you would like, Alise or I could accompany you and show you around."

Hearing that the two were offering their service for him, Archer thought best to politely decline their offer. "That won't be necessary, I've studied the map and have grasped a good understanding where to go." They didn't need to know that he took a late night stroll through the city, especially the resident Goddess next to him that just so happened to also be his master.

Archer declining their offer did hurt the two captains and were ready to argue with him but one look at him told them that he wasn't going to change his mind. "*Sigh* Very well then but if you happen to run into any trouble be sure to alert one of us if you catch us while we're on patrol or a member of the Ganesha Familia." exclaimed Alise. Astraea and Kaguya nodding in agreement with her. "You handled yourself fine yesterday but there's no telling what dangers might occur, especially since you don't have a Falna."

Hearing the red-heads' concern, Archer eased her thoughts. "Should the situation occur, be sure that I will."

With Archer agreeing a smile took form. "Well with that we'll be off. Take care you two!" Alise could be seen dashing off. Kaguya soon followed but not before nodding to the two with a smile on her face.

With both captains leaving the building all that remained were the Goddess and her servant. Archer soon began to make his way. "Well, I better get going."

Still feeling a bit concerned, Astraea would make her attempt to join Archer. "Wait Archer." Hearing his master call for him, Archer turned to face her. "Maybe it would be best if I joined you, just for the first day at least."

"I appreciate the concern Lady Astraea but as I told Alise and Kaguya, I'll be fine making my way through the city." he quickly shut her down. "Plus after what happened yesterday, it would be best if you stay home for the next few days. Lay low and let the situation die down before going back out." a serious expression and told took over.

Not wanting to back down, Astraea tried to reason with her servant. "But.."

"But nothing. You are to stay here and welcome everyone else back with a smile." only to be quickly shut down by Archer again. With a sigh, Archer continued. "Please understand I say this for your own safety Lady Astraea."

Knowing that it was pointless to argue with Archer, Astraea yielded. "Very well then, I'll stay here at Stardust Garden. However…" Her expression now changing from calm and soft to serious. "Archer, you are to stay out of any danger that may occur." Well as serious as she could be. Even if both hands were on her hips and standing with a powerful posture, he couldn't take her too seriously. His current master reminded him of a certain twin-tail beauty.

"As you wish Lady Astraea. I'll try to stay out of trouble." (More like trouble will find me but she doesn't need to know that)

With that small promise made, Archer made his way out into the world of Orario… For the second time.