Hi there.

Glad to see you guys enjoying the story so far, I really appreciate the support. Honestly this chapter and the last chapter were suppose to be one chapter together but then it got too long so I had to split them into two different chapters. Was not expecting to write an entire chapter all about Breakfast but hey at least we got the famous Emiya cooking introduction.

Now onto the story itself.


Chapter 5: The first day

Walking through the busy streets of Orario during the day was different for Archer. Everywhere he was there were civilians going about their daily lives. Families having a stroll through the streets, children playing and shops selling their goods. There was so much happening that one could get lost in all of it. He even spotted a few groups of people with weapons and armor like the ones the Astraea Familia had. Must be adventures.

No matter which direction he was turning, he would alway catch a glimpse of an adventure passing by, varying in different outfits. Some with your typical swords, spears, axes and bows, others carrying large shields and some carrying a staff of some kind. What impressed Archer even more were the many races that were working together. Each party that he saw had some good balance, each class of adventure covering the weakness of another in their party.

Making his way further into the city, Archer was able to recognize a few landmarks and areas from his studies the previous day. It was only a few blocks later he would have a fateful encounter.

"Ow.. that hurt"

His attention was drawn to a fallen girl in some sort of waitress outfit. She had gray hair that was tied in a ponytail, the green waitress outfit and a pair of brown boots and from her position she seemed to have hurt herself. Deciding that it would be best to help the fallen girl Archer made his way over. It definitely wasn't because of the bad feeling he would get if he was found to have left someone in need, no definitely not…

"Excuse me, are you alright?" Hearing someone call out to her, the girl turned her direction to the voice, there she was met with a man with white hair in a red coat extending a hand out to her.

Reaching to the offered hand, the girl was then pulled to be standing back up, her head still looking up to the man's unchanging expression as he was taller than her.

"Yes. Thank you for the hand kind sir. I do appreciate it." grateful for the strangers help, she returned a bright smile to him.

Seeing that girl was fine and alright Archer nodded to her response and began to make his leave when suddenly…

"Now wait just a minute Mr. Don't you think it's a little rude to be walking away from a helpless maiden in need of a big strong man like yourself?" said maiden grabbed one of his arms before he could make too far a distance between them. Turning to look at her, the girl had a smile on her face but this was no smile of sunshine. Hidden behind that look was one that screamed trouble for him.

Not wanting to challenge the dangers that could lead if he answered wrong, Archer made his answer. "No, of course not." He felt the danger emanating from her slowly disappear, and it seemed he answered correctly this time.

"Good, then you can help me with some shopping that I need to do." With a cheerful call, the girl started to pull him along. Now Archer could've resisted and made an escape, wouldn't be too hard with the strength of a servant, but the feeling of something troublesome should he refuse was present. It was easier to just go along for now.

Taking the lead the girls dragging Archer alone turned back to him. Her face still holding that mischievous smile. "By the way I'm Syr, Syr Flova. Thank you for agreeing to help me Mr?"

"Archer. Just Archer." he introduced back. ("This is not how I wanted my day to go")


Later:

("Just how did a simple shopping trip turn to this?")

What was supposed to be a simple shopping, somehow turned into an errand list and then into stopping a petty theft.

Let's go back to not long after Syr "politely" asked Archer for his help, the two ran into an elderly lady carrying way more than she should and was struggling with it. Syr, not wanting to see the lady hurt herself, offered to help her and got Archer to help as well and by help he was the one carrying all of the lady's things.

After helping the lady bring her thing to her destination the pair ran into some lost kids. The kids got along with Syr just fine as she was kind, cheerful and bubbly but were wary of Archer as he was the exact opposite. After some reassurance the kids tagged along with them in hopes of finding their parents or a member of the Ganesha Familia.

Soon after the group reached the market, Syr's original destination and any market, it was full of stalls and people. Syr bought the things she needed to get, a few bags full of different fruits and vegetables and naturally Archer was the one who was going to carry most of it. The kids with them even helped out, carrying a small bag of food. As the group were making their way they came to a halt at the sound of a scream.

"KYYYAAAA!"

From behind them, the sound of a woman's scream caught the attention of everyone in the surrounding area. Dashing at full speeds was a hooded figure holding what seemed to be a stolen bag. The thief made his way through the crowds, no one making an attempt to stop him. Archer, noticing what was going on, set the bags he was carrying down and reached into one, grabbing two carrots, prepared his stance and applied some reinforcement onto his weapons of choice.

The thief would soon pass them, Syr moving the kids out of the way with her free hand so they wouldn't get hurt from the dashing thief. Locking on to his target, Archer threw his carrots like a knife, both hitting his target. One hitting him at the back of the head, the other hitting his back. With the thief's loss of balance, this gave Archer the opportunity to dash forward, apprehend the crook and retrieve what was stolen.

Which now brings us to the present with the thief laying on the ground with Archer holding him down so he couldn't get back up.

With such a scene, many civilians watched in awe. Everything happened so fast that no one was quite sure of the full details but got the basic grasp of what just happened. Cheers soon erupted as Archer could only look at the people confused as to why they were celebrating. Soon after three members of the Ganesha Familia arrived at the scene, two of them wearing masks with the third not.

Recognizing the masks from the previous day, Archer handed the crook over to them as they were the local authorities in the city. The masked guards were the one to take the thief away as the crowd started to clear. The final member was the one to come up to Archer and thank him. She was a young girl with short slate blue hair and cerulean eyes wearing a blue top over a black short dress with two straps around her waist. She also wore a pair of black gloves that reached above her elbow, a pair of leather boots with metal on them and a pair of black stockings. She also carried an innocent and pure look that could possibly melt the hearts of many. By her side was a sword that did peek at Archer's interest. What properties it held he didn't know yet but would probably discover one day.

"Excuse me sir. Thank you for what you've done today. I'm Ardee Varma of the Ganesha Familia, it's nice to meet you." She greeted him with a pure smile.

"Archer, a pleasure to meet you as well."

"Archer!" Hearing his name being called, Archer turned to see Syr and the kids running towards him along with another lady. Reaching the pair, Syr went over to check up on him. "Are you alright? You suddenly took off after that strange man had passed us."

Seeing that Syr was right he did his best to ensure that he was fine. "Yes Syr, as you can see I'm unharmed. I was merely taking care of something."

"Mooouuu you scared the kids and I with how fast you took off and left your shopping bags with us." Not exactly happy with his response Syr gave him a pout, something that brought a small smile to his face and a small laugh to the others around them.

"By the way, who's the lady next to you?" Archer finally taking note of the lady next to Syr had asked.

Hearing that Archer was referring to her, the lady spoke up. "Pardon me sir. Did you happen to see a bag that hooded stranger grabbed?" She asked.

"You mean this bag?" asked Archer as held up the bag that he got from the thief.

"Yes, that's the one!" Confirming that it was indeed her bag, Archer handed it back to her. "Thank you so much sir. Is there anything I can do to repay you?"

Hearing her thanks and seeing her bow to him, Archer thought best to stop her before she goes on any further. "No thanks are needed ma'am and I don't need any sort of reward either."

Hearing just how humble the man was being, the lady tried to insist only for Archer to shoot her down. An interaction that surprised but also interested Ardee and Syr as they witnessed it. After a bit of back and forth the lady finally gave up to Archer and shortly left but not before thanking him one last time and promising Archer that she would find a way to pay him back. With a sigh of relief Archer rested his head, leaving only himself, Syr, the kids and Adree.

"By the way Archer, who's this lady you were interacting with?" asked Syr.

Seeing as the two ladies never introduced themselves to each other Archer sought to fix that. "Well Syr this is someone we've been searching for. This is Ardee of the Ganesha Familia. And Ardee, this is Syr, someone who I am… "assisting" for the moment."

Hearing that this was a member of the Ganesha Familia that Archer was interacting with gave Syr a great smile. "It's nice to meet you Ardee, I'm Syr Flova. I'm a waitress at the Hostess of Fertility." she greeted

"It's nice to meet you too, I'm Ardee Varma of the Ganesha Familia." Ardee greeted back. After a moment had passed Ardee finally took notice of something Archer had said. "By the way you two, what did you mean when you said "someone you've been searching for?" Were you perhaps looking for someone from my Familia?"

"Why yes we were. You see we found some kids that got lost and we were hoping the Ganesha Familia would help us find their parents." replied Syr. "Would you please help us?"

"Of course I'll help. I'd be dishonouring my Lord's name if I didn't." Another bright smile was formed as Ardee responded.

The group would soon be walking through the busy streets together. Syr and Ardee were chatting amongst each other about various topics and discussions, the kids staying by their side and Archer in the back carrying most of Syr's goods. As they were walking along the Western Main Street they just happened to pass by a pub with a large threatening figure noticing a certain someone from one of the windows. Bursting through the door with great force, the figure made themselves known.

"SYR! WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!"

With a loud voice reaching them, the group's attention was immediately drawn to the sound. In fear the kids hid behind Ardee for protection, Ardee herself stood strong to protect them. Archer himself stood strong, his expression still unchanged. Behind him he noticed that Syr was crouching down, hoping to hide from whoever was calling her and use him as a shield, something he didn't take too kindly. Turning around he used the necessary force to kick Syr to the giant that probably wanted to tear her to shreds for… whatever she did. He was not sorry.

Syr, now losing both her hiding spot and shield, was now facing the terrifying giant on her own. Said giant was emitting a killing aura and an expression that could be described as "very pissed off" and daring whoever was foolish enough to challenge to try and challenge them.

"Well!?"

"W-w-well you s-se-see Mama Mia it's a long story…"

"LONG STORY! You were supposed to be back here an hour ago!"

Seeing that she royally screwed up big time, Syr kept her mouth shut. Archer, watching from the side lines, found some amusement in watching the person that forced him to tag along with her.

"Now get your ASS back in here!"

"Y-YES MAMA!" Hearing her call, Syr bolted into the building.

Seeing her troublesome employee run straight into the pub, the giant known as Mia could only sigh. Noticing the group that Syr was with, Mia made her way down to them. "Hey there. Sorry for the little show back there." Gone was the killing aura from her, now a more calm and relaxed aura took place instead. "I'm guessing that Syr forced you to tag along with her or something?"

"No. Not at all."/ "Yes"

Hearing two different answers, Mia couldn't help but laugh loudly. More so at Archer's response with how nonchalant his response was. Ardee however couldn't help but look at Archer with wide eyes.

After her few seconds of amusement had passed Mia continued. "Hahah! Boy you sure do know how to tell a good one. The name's Mia Grand. The folks here call me Mama Mia and I run the Pub back there."

"It's nice to meet you Mama Mia. I'm Ardee Valma of the Ganesha Familia."

"Archer. A pleasure."

"Archer huh. That some kind of alias or something?" Mia asked with one eyebrow raising. Archer however didn't respond and just kept silent. Even Ardee and the kids behind her were a bit curious. Seeing that she wasn't going to get a response from him, Mia just shrugged it off. "Well whatever, none of my business." Seeing that Mia was reaching for the bags in his arms, Archer handed them to her. "Now you kids take care and feel free to drop by sometime. Whatever you order, Syr can pay as an apology." With her final words Mia had entered back into the pub leaving only Archer and Ardee with the kids.

A moment of silence passed since the pub's door had closed. Neither Archer nor Ardee had said a word, the kids looking at them in confusion. Finally Ardee was the one to break the ice.

"Archer if you like, I can take over and watch the kids from here." No longer was Ardee holding the pure and bright smile that usually had but a smile that was unsure and awkward. Hearing that Archer admitted that he was forced to tag along with Syr, she felt a bit bad for him.

Hearing that Ardee was offering him an out, Archer turned to face her. "There's no need, I've already come this far. I may as well see this to the end." Perhaps long ago he would've accepted that offer, but now he was a slightly different man from way back then.

Hearing that Archer was staying to help, the bright smile once again took form on Ardee. As she was about to thank him, she noticed that he was already starting to walk ahead.

Seeing that Ardeee and the kids still hadn't moved yet, Archer turned his head back. "Well, you coming? We don't exactly have all day you know." Ardee and the kids followed shortly.

A few minutes later and we now cut to the group still walking through the streets. With afternoon slowly ending the streets were getting a bit more quite. Archer and Ardee still didn't have much luck in finding the kids' parents despite how fewer people there were. The two were walking close by each other with Archer carrying one of the kids on his back and Ardee holding the hand of the other. With quite the sight, a few people they passed by were whispering to each other about how much of a family they looked or something. Archer naturally didn't pay any attention to them and ignored the whispers but Ardee with her level 3 hearing couldn't help but blush with all of the comments she was hearing.

The kids that they were looking after even got more comfortable with Archer as the day went by. What was once someone they were scared of was now someone they grew to trust and rely on.

As the group was making their exit from Western Main Street, up ahead were three figures coming into view. To Archer and Ardee they recognized one of them as Shakti, as for the kids…

"Mama! Papa!" Seeing their parents, the kids rushed towards them and vice versa. Archer lowered himself down so the one he was carrying would be able to get down off him easier. Reaching each other the once separated family embraced each other tightly, tears started to form from each member as well.

From behind the family on both sides, their respective helpers were walking up to them. Smiles were formed on both Ardee and Shakti who was with the parents. Even Archer couldn't help but smile and be happy for the now reunited family. With their moment finally over the parents stood back up to face Archer and Ardee.

"Thank you both for finding and taking care of our children."

"Yes, thank you very much."

"Please raise your heads. What matters most is that you're all reunited safely." replied Ardee. Her smile still bright, whilst Archer's was slowly forming back to its usual form. "Ah, there's also one more person you should be thanking as well. Her name is Syr and she works at the Hostess of Fertility."

"I see. We'll be sure to thank her as well when we get the chance." replied the Father. With their thanks finished for both Archer and Ardee, the parents turned their attention to the last member. "We thank you for helping us as well, Miss Shakti."

"It's no problem. As a member and captain of the Ganesha Familia, it's my duty to help the people of Orario in any way I can."

With their final thanks, the family began to set off home. The kids giving one last wave and thanks to Archer and Ardee. "Big brother! Big sister! Thank you!" Hearing their thanks Ardee gave them one last big smile and wave. Even if he wasn't one for doing such actions, Archer gave them a small wave back.

With the family no longer in sight Shatki turned her attention to the two in front of her, Ardee and Archer doing the same. "It's good to see you again Shakti." Archer greeted.

"Likewise Archer. I see you've met Ardee as well." Shakti replied back, her voice and expression now changing back into a more professional tone and look.

"Ehhh! Sis, you and Archer have already met!? When did that happen?" gasped Ardee. She wasn't expecting Shakti and Archer to have met already, what were the odds.

"Ardee. How many times have I told you to refer to me as captain while on duty." Pinching the brow of her nose at her sister's error, Ardee in return gave her a sheepish grin, "As for your question, Archer and I met yesterday after the Evilus attack. He only arrived in Orario yesterday."

"EHHH! Archer, you've only been here for one day!? Hopefully you didn't get involved with Evilus." another gasp had escaped Ardee. That was the second bit of shocking news she'd learnt about her new companion.

"On the contrary Ardee, he defeated three members and saved Lady Astraea." A small chuckle had escaped Shakti as she said this. Ardee once again turned to Archer in both shock and surprise. "Furthermore, he's staying with the Astraea Familia as well."

If you listened hard enough you could probably hear the sound of glass shattering. That last bit of news broke Ardee completely.

"I think you may have broken her Shakti…"

"I just may have…"

An awkward silence soon followed.

"..."

"..."

Deciding that it was getting too awkward, Shakti decided to take her leave. "Well… I better get both of us back to our Familia home. Who knows what kind of ruckus my Lord would be making without someone to keep him in line." Picking up her sister, she threw her on the back of her shoulders like a sack of potatoes. "Plus I have to make sure this one recovers."

Still ever serious, the captain's last line did hint at an ever small smile from Archer. "Very well then, it's probably best if I follow your advice and head back as well."

Ready to leave, Shakti was about to part ways but not before leaving her final words to him. "Take care then Archer."

"Oh, one more thing Shakti." Hearing her name being called, Shakti stopped and turned her head towards Archer. "Any word on what happened yesterday?" Archer's face now changed to a more serious expression, Shakti caught on and was soon sporting one as well.

"Nothing as of yet. The one you hit through the wall was barely alive. He's back at our Familia receiving medical treatment under strict guard. Hopefully when he wakes up, he can provide what the Evilus are planning next." she explained.

"I see." With those final words the two parted ways however before Archer could leave he caught sight of some robbed figures entering an alleyway.

("Perhaps one more stop before I head home would be alright.")


And here is where we will leave off for now.

So yeah this chapter is the introduction to Ardee, Syr and Mia and yes the Hostess did exist in this part of the time period and I will make it clear that the only ones working there are Mia, Syr and Anya. I had to look up the timeline to make sure that was right.

But yeah hope you guys enjoyed this little chapter and see you in the next one.