At Chaldea's Gate: EP 4
Tis' the Season
Another day, another chance to peacefully clean some weapons, Doomguy thought as he cleaned the Full-Auto mod for his shotgun; it tends to get dirty the most due to the amount of viscera created. It is a fair price to pay when it comes to slaying the demons of the dark realm. Once he put his gun back together, it was time to see what was happening around the base since he saw most staff hauling boxes everywhere. He would figure out what was happening, but he'd been helping Tamamo-Cat, Boudica, and Emiya gather a suddenly requested surplus of food from the decaying singularities.
Various meats, vegetables, and potatoes, among other things, the strangest one was cranberries. That sweet yet tart berry is usually consumed often during the year's final months. He understands they had more mouths to feed thanks to the fresh round of servants summoned from London, but the order seems oddly specific.
Doomguy then heard Laughter echoing through the halls outside, along with jingling bells.
Then it hit Doomguy like an ice-cold snowball…If they were celebrating Halloween and Thanksgiving…Then, all that was left for the year was only one thing.
The Holidays of December, and he can guess which one was being celebrated here in Chaldea.
He exits his room and instantly finds his answer, thanks to the festively decorated hallway. Ribbons and wreaths glitter the halls as he walks around, seeing the staff continue to decorate the place.
The base was preparing to celebrate Christmas, the jolly holiday he hadn't experienced in ages. It was alien to him even though he was once a human from Earth. It was also strangely nostalgic since it has been forever since he celebrated Christmas.
He continued walking about until he ran into Jeanne, who was helping place decorations around the base windows.
"Ah, Doomguy! Merry Christmas!" The saint of Orleans said while wearing a festive sweater. She walked towards him with a beaming smile, clearly well into the Christmas mood.
Doomguy gave her a nod as she approached.
"How are you doing? Are you excited that today is Christmas Eve?" Jeanne asked. Now, that's a question; he was still a little out of his element when it came to traditional celebrations, just like Halloween.
"Oh, Sorry. I should have guessed you probably haven't celebrated much nor had the chance to." Jeanne apologised, but Doomguy waved his hand, signalling he wasn't offended. The Ruler-class servant smiles at his response, so she decides to help him get adjusted.
"I'm just finishing up here. Do you want to walk about Chaldea with me after?" Jeanne asked. Doomguy nods as he isn't going to be a scrooge for everyone else's fun while still feeling a bit numb to the holiday spirit. Jeanne smiled and got back to work to finish her task. They both strolled about the base once that was out of the way.
"As you can see, we are working hard preparing for the festivities. Nearly every servant is helping out. Some are busy making gifts to hand out! Even if we are cut off from the rest of the world. We won't let that stop our Christmas cheer." Jeanne said as they reached the cafeteria, many people were preparing for the holiday.
The Kitchen was bustling with cooking and baking of various festive foods. The aroma is so strong that it bypasses the scent filters in his helmet completely.
He could spot Tamamo Cat bouncing around the Kitchen and somehow not making a mess. Artoria and Lily sat at the counter watching the crew work and taste-testing samples.
The Duo Pirate servants, Anne and Mary, helped decorate garlands throughout the place while Fran and Tesla managed the multi-coloured Christmas lights.
Medea and her younger self were knitting some new holiday-themed table decor. Because of the bombing of the facility, lots of the old decorations had to be scrapped.
"Would you like to join us?" Jeanne offered, but Doomguy just looked at her.
"S-sorry, this must be a lot to take in. I'll let you take your time. Ritsuka should be here soon to help Decorate." With that, Jeanne left to help some more while Doomguy found his usual people-watching spot along the walls.
"Watch out! Tree coming through!" Mashu said as she guided Asterios through the cafeteria entrance and past Doomguy.
"Hi Doomguy-san!" Mashu quickly greeted as she made sure Asterios didn't hit anything.
"Almost…There…?" He asked
"Yes, Right there in that metal base in the middle over here.." She answered and then placed the spot Mashu pointed out. She and the pine tree were safely secured, and the minotaur was rewarded with a packet of cookies.
"Thanks…Going to…See…Euryale." The berserker then leaves the cafe, happy with a job well done. Shortly after, Ritsuka, Gudao, and Queen Marie Antoinette walked in with boxes filled with Ornaments.
"Looks like we finished right on time! Let's go decorate!" Marie said as they walked into the room.
"Mashu, want to join us?" Gudao asked, and his kouhai rapidly nodded as they rushed to the tree. Ritsuka spots her servant walking over to him while carrying one of the boxes of ornaments.
"Hey Doomguy, How's it going? The others and I have been making ornaments for the tree!" She said with glee in her voice as she was excited for Christmas. Doomguy nods in response and looks at the tree decorations in the box. A lot of them were gorgeous and well-made for homemade ornaments.
"Davinci and Dell let us borrow 3D printers for some of these. Had a lot of duds, but VEGA helped out with the final designs." Ritsuka said before looking over at the tree. She then looks back to Doomguy and looks like she is about to ask him something. The marine tilts his head, wondering if something is wrong.
"O-Oh it's nothing! I'm going to get decorating!" Ritsuka then walks over to the tree, leaving Doomguy a little concerned. VEGA then hovers with his drone, now donning a Santa hat wrapped in Christmas lights.
"Hello, Slayer. Observing the festivities?" VEGA asked, and Doomguy nodded.
"I understand that this might not be your preference, but this event will benefit everyone's mental health." VEGA and Doomguy agreed that having time to waste and being happy for a break would suit the young ones. Doomguy then gestured to the AI's attire.
"Oh, this? Queen Maire-Marie-Antointee thought I should dress up for the occasion. I have never observed a Christmas event, so I thought I would participate now that I can." VEGA answered.
Doomguy raised a brow to that comment. Did they not celebrate the holidays on the Mars base before the Lazarus wave?
"Olivia Pierce banned all celebrations and Dr Hayden never bothered to overrule her on that policy change." VEGA explained.
If Doomguy could bother to speak, he would call her a "Bitch and a Grinch", and it only made her death at his hands even more justified. Along with knocking down her statue in the Necropolis, it was even more satisfying.
VEGA then went to join the others in decorating the tree as Doomguy just watched from a distance. He was getting a tiny bit of nostalgia watching them have fun decorating the tree. It reminded him of…Simpler times, he observed them completely decorating the tree. All that remained was the star at the top to make it a Christmas tree.
Ritsuka had the star in her hands as Mashu and Gudao gave her the honour of placing it. She looked up to the top of the tree, Then to the star that sparkled in her hands.
"Are you okay Ritsuka-Senpai?" Mashu said, noticing her friend looking a little sad.
"Oh… It's nothing. I just!" Ritsuka was surprised by someone picking her up into the air. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Doomguy helping her put the star on top of the tree.
She instantly smiled and reached over the top of the tree to secure the star. With a few seconds, the tree was complete, and Doomguy put Ritsuka back on her feet.
"Thanks, Doomguy." She said before hugging him. Doomguy patted him on the back.
"Oh it's nearly time for dinner! Lets go help set the tables!" Ritsuka said with excitement, and the others followed with her. Jeanne stayed behind with Doomguy to watch the others enjoy themselves.
"That was very kind of you, Doomguy." Jeanne said.
Doomguy maintained his usual silence as festive music started to fill the air.
"Doomguy, I won't lie to you, but…I can tell you are a troubled soul. Your actions and journey all show you have endured immense pain and suffering." Jeanne said with a serious look on her face.
Doomguy was about to leave; he didn't need to hear this. The last thing he wanted was to be preached to by some holy figure.
"...But, I won't force my beliefs upon you as much as my teachings ask me to try to lead you on to a new path free of perpetual torment. It's not my place, nor is it my authority," Jeanne added, stopping Doomguy from walking away.
"However, May I say one thing?" Jeanne asked The Slayer while looking directly into his visor.
He nods.
"As much as you see yourself as a destroyer, you actually are a excellent guardian." Jeanne said with a smile. Doomguy had to blink a couple of times and look away as he couldn't take the pureness of Jeanne's blue eyes looking deep into his soul.
"I'm sorry, but I felt like it needed to be said… I'll leave you be now." Jeanne said and left him alone with his thoughts. Not that he could think, thanks to that comment by the Ruler-Class servant.
Festive Feast
As the afternoon passed into the evening, everyone gathered in the cafeteria for the first round of a Christmas feast. Ritsuka, Mashu, and Gudao sat around their table with Romani and Da-vinci as the food was served to the hungry masses. Everyone was happy and enjoying their food and drink to relax after months of dealing with the end of humanity.
"This is amazing! The kitchen crew hit it out of the park with this!" Gudao said while enjoying some delicious turkey doused in savoury gravy.
"I agree with Senpai, this is one of the most delicious meals I have ever had." Mashu said, barely holding back, stuffing her face.
"It is nice to relax and be merry no matter the situation." Acting Director Romani said as they all enjoyed the food. Ritsuka also enjoyed the food but felt like someone was missing among the people enjoying their holiday dinner.
"What are you looking for in Ritsuka-chan?" Da-vinci said, noticing her wandering eyes.
"I-I was looking for Doomguy…" Ritsuka said.
"Oh, he's over there by the entrance." The Caster servant pointed to the Demonslayer standing near the entrance to the cafeteria, watching over the party as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. His Master became saddened, wondering if he didn't like the holidays.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, Ritsuka-chan," Da-vinci said.
"Huh?" The redhead said, raising a brow.
"Mr Slayer is still struggling with getting used to things considered 'Normal' for regular folks.' Da-vinci explained.
"He is? It's kind of hard to tell sometimes." Ritsuka admitted, even though she had been with him for a long time.
"Well, everyone handles their own problems in different ways. Remember, he's been fighting Hell for aeons without a stop since he showed up in Argent D'nur," Romani mentioned, joining the conversation.
"Yup, he's been fighting for so long that stuff like Christmas is alien to him." Da-vinci said while taking a sip of wine.
"It's actually kind of sad still." Mashu said as both she and her Master noticed Doomguy watching from a distance as well.
"I think he'll come around. We just need to give him time." Gudao said with confidence in Doomguy.
"Wait, is that Mata Hari?" Ritsuka said, pointing to the woman walking over to the man.
"Is she…Offering him a drink?" Mashu said, observing the assassin-class servant hands Doomguy a drink…Which he accepts.
"Ahh, see? You just need the right personnel to get him out of his shell, or in his case, an indestructible suit of armour." Da-vinci said. Then, more and more servants started walking over to Doomguy to share a drink with. Cu-Chulainn, Fergus, Sasaki Kojiro, Medusa, and Dell are among others that Doomguy made acquaintances with.
"What are we talking about over here?" Tamamo Cat said, popping in with her usual hyper self.
"We are just ensuring Ritsuka that she should worry about Doomguy's way of celebrating. "Romani said.
"Ah! Yes! Don't worry about it Mastah! He's big and scary but he's a big softy on the inside. I know it because he was very polite requesting prepared meals so he can eat in private. Nya! Even tonight I put some food aside for him to take to his room!" Tamamo Cat said happily.
With those words, Ritsuka couldn't help but have a big smile. Doomguy was enjoying Christmas in his way, so she didn't have to worry about it. They all happily enjoyed their Eve of December 24th until it was time to turn in for the night. Once the halls of Chaldea become silent as the night, Doomguy retreats to his quarters, where there is already a box of food on his desk waiting for him, still warm thanks to spellcraft.
He opens it up as he grows a mean case of the midnight munchies, finding a small note from Tamamo-cat.
"Thanks for helping us out in gathering our much needed groceries for the holidays! Woof! Enjoy!"
He felt bad for having the kitchen staff make these meal boxes for him. He needs to be in the right headspace for leisurely activities; he was pushing it by hanging around the cafeteria during dinner.
Regardless, he was looking forward to a well-cooked Christmas dinner as takes off his helmet to chow down.
After an hour of savoury taste, he finishes his meal and reminds himself to repay the kitchen staff for their kindness. He then cleans up and sits on his bed with a comic in hand to enjoy some relaxation. It was the holidays, so he could spare an hour or two to unwind.
It's not like he was going on any adventure anytime soon…
Feeling an odd sensation of tiredness, he closed his eyes for just a few winks.
Slay-a-bell
Ritsuka and Gudao wake up after what feels like a shift, even though they should be in their rooms fast asleep.
"Uhhh….Where are we?" Gudao asked.
"Beats me. I think we are shifted?" Ritsuka guessed as they both had the sensation of being transported to a singularity. Looking around, they find themselves in a considerable snow-filled field under a starry sky.
"Emerging from the Rayshift tunnel, your eyes met with the sight of a field blanketed in snow…" A familiar voice speaks as they turn around to see who is speaking.
"A most Literary beginning. The use of the second-person lends a certain subtlety to the sentence…Don't you think, Ritsuka, Gudao?" The person approached, and the Master was met with an interesting sight.
It was Artoria Alter…Dress in a festive Santa-themed outfit but with black instead of red. In her right hand was her sword, while in the other was a huge sack filled with gifts.
"Saber Alter?!" Both masters exclaimed.
"Ha! A lively response. I am possessed by a sudden desire to kick you both in the arse." Artoria Alter said with a smile.
"Okay weird…Are you the reason we are here Artoria?" Gudao asked.
"Is this a way of getting back at us after Doomguy blasted you with the BFG?" Ritsuka bluntly asked, causing Gudao to recoil at that rash question.
"I have no idea what you are talking about. I've certainly, under no circumstances, been brooding over my defeat. No, not at all. I am precisely as you see me to be." She answered while trying to suppress the slight twitch in her eye.
"So you like a…Santa Alter?" Gudao guessed, and Artoria Alter nodded.
"Correct. I am Santa Alter. I am a Santa Clause of Evil who slashes apart the icy breath of mid-winter!" She said, raising a brow for both Masters.
"Isn't that more of a Krampus thing to be an evil santa?" Ritsuka asked.
"No, that's just a monster story to scare naughty kids." Gudao answered.
"...You seem to misunderstand me. I merely wish to express my daily gratitude by delivering presents to all-However, going through the trouble of gathering presents, I have my means of transporting them." Santa Alter said, explaining her predicament and lack of sleigh.
"You reindeer are missing?" Gudao said, looking around the frosty fields.
"Yes, The ones I hired all ran away in fear. What a bunch of cowards. All I did was use Excalibur Morgan as a jet engine to propel us into the stratosphere." The dark Santa said with a smile.
"Well…That explains it." Gudao said while rubbing the back of his head.
"So you are looking for a new reindeer then? "Ritsuka said curiously.
"I am indeed. I can't be giving gifts while also pulling the sleigh, so I must have you two be my replacement reindeer." Santa Alter said while pulling out a pair of Reindeer theme onesies for them.
"W-what? Are you sure we are the only ones to be?" Gudao was then stopped by Ritsuka, who zoomed up to Santa's altar and grabbed both garments.
"I call this one!" Ritsuka then tosses the other onesie at her fellow Master after immediately putting on hers. Gudao sighs as it seems Ritsuka's hyperactive side starts to show up. He remembered her reason for being so excited for Christmas, so he decided to go along since she was having fun.
"I guess we are just the people for the job then." Gudao said with a smile.
"Hah! I admire your enthusiasm; this will be a daunting task. However, I will ensure your efforts are rewarded as Santa should." Santa said as Ritsuka spun around in her outfit, noting that her onesie was Rudolf-themed to go with her red hair.
With the agreement to help out of the way, it was now time to go where Santa Alter had her sleigh parked. They had to run as the presents attracted devious monsters that wanted to feed their greed for gifts.
"Wait, do I hear gunshots?" Gudao said as they ran.
"Yup, and they sound all too familiar. Let's go!" Ritsuka said, running ahead and not noticing their Santa, looking confused as she didn't summon anybody else.
As they climb over the hill, they can spot a horde of golems made of snow surrounding a sleigh full of gifts and…Doomguy blasting the icey assailants with a shotgun.
"Wait…does he look like a-" Ritsuka was stopped by the aura of jealousy emanating
"Preposterous…" Santa Alter growled under her breath at the sight of Doomguy due to his new, very festive, look. As the last killer snowman falls, Ritsuka and company rendezvous with Doomguy and get a better look at him.
His armour colour switched from an olive green to a metallic cherry red with white accents. Doomguy's arm blade was replaced with a jagged Candy-Cane, and his Equipment Launcher was inside of a mini Christmas gift box with its muzzle poking out. Finally, his helmet was topped with a red Santa hat and a moustache attached just under the green visor to go with the matching fake beard hanging off his chest plate.
"What's the meaning of this!? How did you become a Santa? I never summoned you! I only needed Reindeer! Not another Santa!" Artoria Alter Yelled as she stormed ahead of the Masters.
Doomguy just stared at her before waving to Ritsuka and Gudao, as they probably had the explanation of what was going on here. This action frustrated Artoria Alter as she reached for her blade.
Then she heard the sound of a shotgun pump, causing her to rethink her actions.
"Hey Doomguy! I guess you came here as well! Is VEGA with you?" Ritsuka said as she and Gudao Caught up with them. Doomguy shook his head as the AI wasn't responding to his requests. It would seem that Mashu isn't with them, so it was just the Master's and two servants.
"I see Doomguy again got a new look for the holiday." Gudao gestured to Doomguy.
"Again?" Santa Alter asked.
"Yeah, his armour got all spooky, scary skeleton on halloween. Now he's also a santa!" Ritsuka said with cheer.
Santa Alter had difficulty accepting that the man who defeated her and her rival on resource-gathering missions was also a Santa. She wanted to protest this but couldn't deny how Happy Ritsuka and Gudao were. It was against the duties of being a Santa to bring sadness to good boys and girls, so she had to compromise mentally.
He also defended her sleigh of presents.
"Ahem, since you too are a Santa's then, then the responsibility of delivering presents also falls to you! Come now and help us spread the cheer to children." Santa Alter said before going to inspect her sleigh.
Doomguy raises a brow before the youngsters explain the deal with Artoria Alter and Christmas. As he guessed, it was another holiday bonanza he was dragged into, and his armour got messed with. Also, his weapons got "Festive-sized" as well, covering most of his guns with holiday-themed colours and wrapped with Christmas lights.
"I know it's a bit wacky but will you help us out?" Ritsuka asked, looking extra adorable in that Reindeer onesie. He gives her the thump-ups.
"Of course, he is coming; I have commanded it." Santa Alter exclaimed.
Santa-Slayer flips her the middle finger.
Both masters drop a sweat seeing the clashing servants.
The wind blows by as the squad flies through the air on Santa Alter's sleigh, with Santa Alter at the front controlling it while Ritsuka and Gudao are happily sitting in the second row. They would pull the ride; Santa Alter needed the extra mana to get it back into the air.
Doomguy…He was hanging on the sleigh's side with his feet on the skis. He didn't mind as he wouldn't hog all the room with his larger build. Though he can swear, the former Saber servant attempted to knock him off.
"This is so cool! We are actually flying through the air!" Gudao said, taking in the view.
"Naturally. One who would be Santa must be able to traverse the skies. We must deliver presents to children around the world. I've dubbed this Llamrei unit II. You may relax your guard and entrust yourself to it." Santa Alter said with a smile.
Doomguy gave a silent chuckle as she named the sleigh after her Lancer counterpart's horse. Becoming a Santa reduced her harsh demeanour for the time being. Good, the last thing was her and Doomguy to butt heads during Christmas.
Now, it was off to deliver the presents on the list.
Why did he even expect it to be normal?
First was…Darius, Age 3
Sadly, the "Children" on the list were servants acting a little out of character for some, while others were wondering how they got dragged into this strange holiday world.
At least Darius, the king of Persia, seemed very happy along with Phantom of the Opera.
As they continued their delivery, they were attacked by an unknown servant riding around on a Hippogriff, the famous Half-Eagle Half horse creature of Greek myth. The sleigh and creature crashed into one another, causing Doomguy to jump out and catch the sleigh while the servant crashed into the tree.
Both Chevalier d'Eon and Queen Maire proceeded to ambush them with snowballs.
After a little aggressive but fun snowball battle, Santa Alter gave out the gifts, and both were on the list.
Then came the new servant. Dress in black and silver armour topped with a white cape and fluffy collar. They were pink with a tiny bit of white braided into a ponytail.
This servant was introduced as Astoflo, one of the twelve knights of Charlemagne of European legend.
"Aw, man! I missed the fighting…" Astoflo said, unaware of a mischievous Ritsuka preparing a snowball.
"Surprise attack!" The redhead shouts, and she whips one at the Rider-Class servant.
But her aim needed to be corrected.
It was meant to hit the newcomer in the shoulder but hit the groin instead.
"Guh!"
Astolfo froze as their purple eyes shrank in pain before falling over into the fetal position.
"Uh…" Ritsuka looked at the group's males, and they both nodded to confirm what had happened.
"I guess we shouldn't assume based on looks then…Sorry Astoflo!" Ritsuka then runs over and casts a healing mystic code.
After that revelation, Santa handed me another bunch of presents.
Including the sleigh crasher, surprisingly, as Santa Alter found the turn of events amusing.
The night goes one after another to a cave with Martha, Ushiwakamaru, and a drunk Jing Ke.
Then, we go to a pirate ship with Emiya, Robin Hood, and Elisabeth on board.
There was one house in Uruk that appeared empty for some reason and not because a certain Mesopotamian king was there claiming that Santa Alter was rightfully his gift.
Let's say Gilgamesh wasn't obliterated by a very Big and Festive Gun to keep this event jolly.
They were nearing the end of the list when the sleigh encapsulated a strange fog. After it was dissipated, they found themselves back on the ground facing the two child-like servants of Chaldea: Jack the Ripper and Nursery Rhyme.
"Oh so I guess it was these two that trapped us." Gudao said.
"Pardon me…Hello There. Miss and mister, are Either of you Santa Claus?" Nursery Rhyme.
"You are Santa, aren't you? We mean, you're carrying all those presents after all." Jack said.
"Yes, he and he are Santa. And what is the reason you have brought us to this place?" Santer alter asked.
"Well…Since it's Christmas…We were thinking we'd like something warm." Jack answered.
"Yeah. That's why, even though we knew that it was wrong…we forced you to come here." Nursery Rhyme added.
The two kids wanted to be included in the gift-giving, but they weren't called by anyone and ended up alone. Indeed, solving this matter was perfect for Santa. However, they both wrote letters asking for gifts.
But that didn't bother Doomguy as he walked over to them like a good Santa and sat down on a nearby log.
Ritsuka instantly figured out what he was planning; he was about to do the most common thing Santa Claus does for children.
"While you both have not written letters, it is not too late to ask Santa Clause what you want for Christmas." Santa Alter instantly understood what her fellow Santa was planning. The Reindeer then nodded to each other and led the two servants, Doomguy, to have them both take turns sitting on his lap and ask what they wanted for Christmas, just like Santa in a shopping centre.
After that, Santa immediately opened her sack, and many presents flew out for the two girls. They were happy and full of cheer as they jumped for joy.
Ritsuka couldn't help but smile seeing Doomguy and Artoria Alter, two very menacing servants, bring cheer to eager children.
"Yay! Yay!" Both Jack and Nursery Rhyme said.
"Now what do you say to the nice Santa's?" Gudao said.
"Thank you very much!" Both kids said.
"Santa is always an ally to all children and would never bring sadness to them on Christmas Eve." Santa Alter said with a proud look on her face. With that, there were no more presents, and it was time for the masters to Return to Chaldea.
"...Alright…That is all the dear Santa letters. My Job is done. Good work, you three." Santa Alter said, giving praise.
"...Even if I had to share my title…" She added with a slight grumble.
Doomguy rolled his eyes, seeing that the Ice Queen still felt jealous.
"But I couldn't have finished it without you all. I would've given up after the first person. I may not watch it, but I get bored easily and have a short. I'm sure you didn't notice." Santa Alter said.
The two Masters look at each other.
"Sure, yeah." Both of them said, not to ruin the moment for her. After that, Santa Alter Called them royal Reindeer before sending them off. Assuring them she can assume this festive form whenever and wherever they want.
"Thank you, and Merry Christmas, Artoria!" Ritsuka surprised her with a hug, causing the dark tyrant to blush a bit right before the two Masters poof out of this mysterious winter wonderland. It was strange for Doomguy to be so involved in this holiday-themed quest; he mainly had done it for Ritsuka and Gudao initially. But now he wasn't so sure; something deep within his hardened heart resonated seeing the smiling faces of others. If this was related to the missing memories, he did not know. However, Ritsuka was having fun, which was the critical part of his book.
As usual, Doomguy seemed to have stuck around, causing the two servants to stare at each other.
"You know, I was kind of expecting that frenchie Alter to show up. I was going to give her a picture of Jeanne d'Arc. But she never appeared, is she at Chaldea?" Santa Alter asked.
Doomguy shook his head. So far, they had everyone they met in the singularities plus more.
"That's disappointing I would love to see her wretched face get mad at-"
*ROAAAAAARR*
A giant horned monster comes rampaging out of the woodwork. It looked like a yeti with beast horns and glowing red eyes.
"Krampus! The enemy of Christmas! Originally meant to scare children into behaving, now they come and ruin the holiday!" Santa Alter draws her sword, and Doomguy pumps his shotgun.
Krampus roars again as its chest glows with the all too familiar light of the Holy Grail.
The two servants look at each other and nod.
"Let's get our Reindeer a reward for their hard work!"
With that…The heroic Santa battles the beast for the Holy Grail fragment during the Holy Night of the year. Eventually, this leads to the Demon's gruesome death and the Two Master's welcome surprise waiting for them under the Christmas tree at Chaldea.
Christmas dawns on Chaldea within the dusty badlands of the fifth singularity. A Drifter walks into a small western town in historic America, looking for a drink after a long night of killing demons. He finds the local Saloon and casually walks in, hoping to get a stiff drink. The place only had a few customers in the seats, and most had a stressed look.
It was the exact opposite vibe a salon should have, but the Drifter wouldn't let that stop him. He walks up to the bar and sits on a stool to wait for someone to offer him a drink.
A bargirl noticed and walked up to take his order.
"Need something to drink?" She asked.
"Just need something to wet my whistle; been busy fighting assholes all day. A mug of beer should do it." He said, placing some coins on the bar.
"Alrighty." She takes the money with a smile.
"We don't get many people around these parts ever since the new management took over." The lady said while preparing his drink.
"Hah, 'New Management', right? I'm sure many rampaging barbarians are good for the economy." The Drifter said while adjusting his hat; the darkness around his face was unaffected.
"Well, what can you do? We just have to do whatever they say and clean-up afterwards…" The bargirl then hands him his drink.
"Enjoy."
"Much obliged."
The cowboy was about to take a swing until the doors busted open as a group of angry warriors from a far-off land barged in. Everyone in the establishment froze in fear or tried to hide.
"Wench! We demand drinks until we fall right on our asses! Make in snappy."
"B-but I don't have enough, I am still waiting on a shipment because of how dangerous the roads are." The bargirl said, shivering while still trying to keep a polite face.
"Doesn't matter, Haha! It's all our drinks anyway, thanks to Queen Medb! Praise Medb!" The brutes laughed as the lady sighed in defeat, knowing they would not pay and she might have to sell the place afterwards.
One of them saw a drink on the bar and reached for it, not caring who it was for.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Taking another man's drink comes with a price." The Drifter warned.
"Hah! You think you can threaten us! You tiny little weakling. Look at this brothers, this welp thinks he can boss us around." The brute said, causing his fellow grunts to walk over and surround the man.
"Well, are you feeling tough now?" The brute taunted.
The Drifter remains silent.
"Didn't think so-"
*BANG*
The brute fell to the ground as his face was shot by a revolver at point-blank range. One strange thing about it was that the body just melted into a pool of blood.
"I told you there was a price." The Drifter then spins around the barstool and fans the hammer of his gun to kill the rest of these so-called "Queens army-men". He then chugs the rest of his beer mug and tosses a pouch of money to the bargirl.
"Thanks for the drink. That should help you hire some muscle in case some more of these goons show up." The mysterious man then proceeds to walk out.
"W-wait! What's your name Stranger?" the lady asked.
"Heh…Corzo…The High-Noon Drifter…"
AN: Obligatory reminder that I do not own The High-Noon Drifer as that belongs to the creator of the Classic DOOM mod of the same name.
Here we go with our first Christmas-filled event. Doom Eternal Fans can understand why I did this, as the game has a Christmas skin for Doomguy. It made him perfect to be a Santa servant for FGO. I know it seems silly, but FGO is full of Silly stuff, so I can't really just cut it all out. The only thing I do cut out is fights for the sake of gameplay rather than story, which is why some events are shorter, along with me taking some creative liberties.
I apologise for cutting some stuff out. I wanted to release a Christmas chapter during the holidays, but I procrastinated(I also had some IRL stuff to do but should do better at planning my free time). From now on, I'll do better if I want to try to release the events chapter during their related months.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I look forward to another year of Slayer Chronicles as we go into the fifth Singularity, where I have a bunch of surprises for you all.
Have a happy holiday if you are reading this during December and...As always.
Have a nice day!