Author Note
Hello there and welcome to another chapter of Avalon Bond.
Surprisingly so, despite the lack of reviews from last chapter, there were two questions made:
Carlom2048 – I only plan on writing the seven main events and Solomon…and the epilogue, which shall be a secret. Sometimes, I entertain the notion of writing Shimosha and Shinjuku as a side story, but I still hadn't decided it yet. It would be fun to place Shirou and Arturia in both settings.
Guest – As per the norm, I tend to adapt the singularities, because of Shirou and Arturia's presences. As to Camelot, Babylonia and Solomon, I shall follow the anime version of them to adapt.
Alright, with that out of the way, let's begin with the chapter.
Please enjoy!
Avalon Bond
Part II – Fate Grand Order
Chapter 38 – North America Part III
Beta: Axel Emiya
When Ritsuka's consciousness came to be, he realized that his eyes were shut and he felt himself walking, despite the lack of movement in his legs and any sort of feeling of his feet touching the ground.
His mind was still a blur as to where he is or who he was at the moment, still, none the wiser that twice now his life was at extreme peril, such is the danger of this singularity. Then, steadily and slowly, his eyes started opening, which made him realize that indeed he was moving, but he was not moving on his own, but of his Servant, Shirou. The redhead samurai servant was carrying Ritsuka on his back. Mash and the others had then realized that their master had finally awakened. Mash, in her high level of worry, quickly approached Shirou to address Ritsuka.
"Senpai, thank goodness you're awake. I was beginning to worry." Since Mash is connected to him, Ritsuka had a high survival rate, but it doesn't mean that he was out of harm's way.
"Mash, what happened? My head is hurting like crazy." Shirou got onto his knees slightly, allowing Ritsuka to stand, while Nightingale answered his question.
"A direct shockwave of noble phantasms hitting one another, that's what happened. The backlash sent us all flying, but you were the only one unconscious afterward. We would have retaliated further, of course, had the mechanic infantry not surrounded you and used your head as bait for us to surrender." Both Mash and Jeanne got angry at the lack of tact in the medic's description, though Shirou couldn't help but chuckle at the scenery, while Arturia was focusing on the Lancer servant that kept his dutiful eyes on them, throughout their walk the entire time.
While Nightingale was correct in her assumption that their lack of response was due to the infantry threatening Ritsuka, the King of Knights had attributed their precautions more to Karna's presence. His stance alone commanded respect in her eyes…the position of a powerful and seasoned warrior, who could strike each one of them at any moment, if they aren't vigilant.
The conversation between her and Shirou came to mind about the servants being tougher from here on out…with Diarmuid and Fionn first and now this new Lancer servant.
Her eyes then crossed with Shirou's, as she realized that her fiancée was also observing the new foe up close, from head to toe, studying him. Arturia knew, first and foremost, that Shirou's ability lay beyond a mere warrior's experience. While her eyes taught her plenty about an enemy, Shirou's tracing ability allowed him to understand an enemy's noble phantasm as well as any mystic codes in possession. As such, the redhead servant could be focusing on a great many aspects of Karna…from the evident, beautiful dark golden lance to the golden armor positioned on his body.
"Oh, so you have awoken, master…that's grand!" Madam Blavatsky eyed Ritsuka with a cute smile on her tiny body frame as she continued. "Right now, we are in the midst of transporting you all…you can all attempt to flee if you like, but…" The mechanized infantry's guns were just inches from Ritsuka's face. "I doubt that any of you would be able to save him from such a short distance," Blavasky said that, while in the midst of giggling. Mash was starting to get angry at this Servant for her comments on Senpai.
"So, where are you taking us, then?" Ritsuka was practically tasting the metal coming from the machine gun close to his gut and the little girl was right…no one would be able to save him from a bullet at point-blank range.
"Oh, we are going to see the King, where else…then you all can decide which side are you on. Though, I quite personally would love it if you could be on our side…the right side, that is." Right now, those words rang everyone the wrong way...for her to claim that her side is the right one while keeping Ritsuka at the end of various machine gun barrels, doesn't exactly paint a nice picture of righteousness. However, seeing those who they are up against, also doesn't mean that the Celts are on the right side…as far as history goes, the nation of Ireland was never mentioned, whatsoever.
There was also a third side, one that appeared when they were battling the Celtic servants…perhaps, if Chaldea were to choose a group to side with, it would be with them.
Eventually, the chatter stopped as they continued walking toward the place where the King resided.
Shirou had used healing magecraft on Ritsuka to nurture him back to full health, while Mash kept looking at Lady Blavatsky's back.
She frowned upon seeing the tiny girl frame who was busy singing without a care in the world, in between slight dancing steps.
===King of Presidents===
The trip took a considerable time, but they soon arrived at what appeared to be a fortified fortress, located right in United States territory…another unfitting fact in Mash's book. It was one thing to see it in other singularities where this sort of construction made sense in ancient times, but in America…and in this timeline, well, it seemed strange and completely inaccurate with this era's modern warfare. It may protect them against the Celts', but against guns and weapons…not so much. Still, Madam Blavatsky walked up in front of the group and then turned to introduce them.
"Well, here we are…exciting isn't it?" Mash, though, looked at the little girl servant.
"Ah…it seems unfitting, actually." Madam Blavatsky looked down at that…the critic was well-deserved in her mind, in the end.
"Yes, well, the White House was taken, so we had to build this fortress from the ground up. I admit it's rather quaint and old-fashioned, but our enemies are the Celts, so we need to protect ourselves against them." Jeanne and Arturia were eyeing it as well.
"I wouldn't expect to see this type of frail construction in the 17th century. This makes me feel like I'm back in Britannia all over again."
Arturia then turned to Jeanne, who was nodding with the same look of disdain.
"Mon' dieux, even in Orleans, those old castles were already in ruins back then…nowadays, they would be more like relic locations rather than actual fortresses." Madam Blavatsky looked at both blondes with similar faces commenting. Meanwhile, Shirou, Ritsuka, Karna, and Nightingale were only waiting for the conversation to be over. It was kind of amusing to see the pouty look on Madam Blavatsky's face. One would wonder that the woman was receiving the criticism more personally than she should, considering that she perhaps had no say in the décor.
"I have already stated I agree with you all, did I not? Now, let's get inside and meet the Presi-King." Mash once more frowned at the title.
"Presi-king…I don't know, that sounds so simplistic to me." Blavatsky just placed both hands on her waist and addressed Mash.
"Well, aren't you a witty one, huh shield servant…" Mash had the decency to blush at that, now acknowledging that she was once more openly criticizing a side that could very well be the enemy. Blavatsky, for her part, then smiled. "No worries, I enjoy a good conversation battle every now and then. Indeed, it's as simple as it's charming if you think about it. Now, please follow me. The King, despite his appearance, has a very short temper." She turned abruptly, before walking. "Oh, and before I forget, please don't be alarmed at his appearance or his mannerisms."
"Let's get going already. I wish to have a nice little chat with this faithful leader of yours." Nightingale had said that while wielding her pistol.
"I would advise you against such hostilities in my presence, Ms. Nightingale." Karna's voice was smooth and carried out with such ease that it reached everyone. They could feel the level of threat that he possessed, without needing to raise his voice. "I understand your noble desire of healing those in peril from this war, but as a medic, you must understand the pathogen first." Nightingale, however, as it's her Berserker nature, wasn't much in favor of having a conversation. As such, she had only loaded the pistol, keeping up the tension level.
"I have enough reason to believe that your leader is the pathogen I need to erase, in order to save everyone else."
Karna's lance materialized as soon as those words reached his ear.
"Nothing in this world is as simplistic as you say, Ms. Nightingale. Though, if you wish to continue with such intent, I will have to retaliate." For a moment, Nightingale and Karna eyed each other, neither bothering to ease the tension.
"There is no problem in hearing him out, right Ms. Nightingale. Then, we can choose for ourselves the best possible path afterward." Shirou said as he approached the medic servant and placed his hand on her shoulder. Arturia, Mash, and Jeanne were already eyeing Karna's lance as well as the Mechanized Infantry that surrounded them, as per Madam Blavatsky's commands. It was curious to see a medic initiate tension, but one could not expect that a Berserker Nightingale would adhere to the Hippocratic Oath.
"Huh, fine…let's hear this fearsome leader and what he has to say." As soon as the pistol was unloaded, everyone's guard lowered as well and they got inside the fortress.
===Inside the Fortress===
Soon, everyone was inside the fortress's main room as the Mechanized Infantry announced that the Presi-King would be with them shortly.
Meanwhile, Romani announced for them to pay attention since he spotted a new servant presence approaching their position, however, this new presence felt different than the others, for reasons that the good doctor at least decided not to humor them in the meantime. It was obvious, at the very least, that this Presi-king was a heroic spirit, however, his identity was still a mystery to all of them.
The mystery deepened once they heard a deep and powerful voice echoing in the hallways amidst roaring sounds, befitting of a powerful feline.
"Oh! At last, I get the chance to meet that angel! How I have yearned for this moment! I intended on inviting them only after they eliminated the Celts, but this is fine as well! Yes, advancing the schedule is better than pushing back the deadline!" Everyone became surprised instantly at such a powerful and booming voice echoing in the hallways. Madam Blavatsky, though, only sighed in dismay, while turning to Karna.
"…I see he still has not fixed his habit of talking to himself while walking. I was hoping he could at least have kept that to himself."
Mash turned to Ritsuka, who was looking as astonished as she was.
"That was talking to himself!? Did you hear how loud he was, Senpai? No human could do that!" Quite like Mash's suspicion, the Presi-king made himself known in all his glory. A body of a human dressed in all blue and a head of a lion roared in his steps.
"Greetings, everyone and allow me to extend my congratulations to you all!" Everyone aside from Blavatsky and Karna, kept on looking at the Presi-king with wide eyes, surprised and even mouth agape in Mash, Jeanne, and Ritsuka's case. The half man half lion creature wonder why none of them would say anything, so he said once more. "Alright, I'll say it again…All of you have done a fantastic job against the Celts, especially you too from what I heard from the reports." The so-called Presi-king pointed out at Shirou and Arturia, since they managed to beat two of Celt's servants in their last skirmish.
Mash, for her part, composed herself faster than Ritsuka and initiated the conversation.
"Ah…so you must be the king who controls Western America, right?" The lion's head smirked, and it was quite weird to see a beast show such behavior.
"Indeed, it's as you say…I have taken it upon myself to rule America in order to pulverize those barbaric Celts. I am a Servant and a gentleman who supports other Servants! Thomas Alva Edison, the Presi-king, at your service." Mash and Romani were incredulous at the name.
"Wow, first we meet Nichola Tesla, now Edison, the King of Inventions."
No sooner had Mash said that the name itself brought a peculiar reaction from the Presi-king as he roared like a lion, instantly.
"Ahhhh, don't mention that name in my presence! Hmmm, no, it's not that Tesla is here, it's more than perhaps you all have met him in another singularity." Everyone just stared at the half man half lion incredulously. The most pressing matter in everyone's minds, as well as everyone in Chaldea's, was how the hell a heroic spirit manifests himself like this in a singularity. Historically speaking, there was never any mention of a lion in Thomas Edison's legend. Even if there was, it's not like the Throne of Heroes would simply record a lion's head instead of a human's.
"So, you're the King of Inventions, Thomas Edison? Just how are you a chimera?"
Nightingale popped up the question in everyone's mind. Edison, however, only smirked and bowed in reverence to her presence.
"Ah Ms. Nightingale, it's such a delight to finally meet your acquaintance…it would be much more thrilling to meet you in life, but this moment is truly a miracle of energy, no…rather a miracle of souls. I was not to live on the battlefield, but I deeply respect your convictions and rationality. With your strength on our side, not only can we advance in medicine, but it would serve as great inspiration for the troops' morale, indeed. As to your question, despite the fact that I possess a lion's head, I am without a doubt a human! Humans are just higher forms of beasts who possess reason and wisdom. They shall not be segregated by the color of their skin or the shape of their face."
The explanation was carried out with such confidence and assertion that left little doubt in everyone's mind.
Arturia and Shirou were having a silent conversation in their heads about Edison looking like one of the lion mascots in one of the zoos they had visited while in Europe.
The King of Knights was seriously considering petting Edison's head just like she did to the lions at the Zoo.
"Now, time is of the essence and we could exchange pleasantries some other time…" Edison's words made everyone stand straight, as Edison turned to Ritsuka. "You there, your name is Ritsuka, correct?" The person in question stood abruptly, wondering how he knew that. "You're the only master in this world, am I right? Let me get to the point, then. Can you lend us the strength that you used to correct the previous four eras and get rid of the Celts for good?" Chaldea, in its entirety, fell silent after that. This was the first time that a servant ever mentioned having the knowledge of the other singularities prior to the current one…with the exception of Solomon, who was the one responsible for everything, each summoned servant only knew about the singularity he or she was summoned to.
Mash was about to ask just how Edison possessed knowledge of the previous singularities when Nightingale beat her to it with a different set of questions.
"Before he can give his answer to you, I wish to ask you something, Mr. Edison." The Presi-king urged her to continue. "On our way here, we saw the mechanized infantry several times…is that the result of your proposal? Is that what you aim for?" As a person whose sole interest is to heal the wounded in battle, seeing the leader of this nation more focused on replacing those warriors with machines just rubbed her the wrong way. Still, this was Thomas Edison she was speaking to…a scientist and entrepreneur in his time, not a warrior on the battlefield.
"Well, you're correct Ms. Nightingale…I had arrived at this conclusion in order to save this nation from its predicament. National unity! Citizens herded, no, rallied, to new life! Equal national service, regardless of age or gender! Eventually, all citizens shall be a part of the mechanized infantry and thus defeat the Celts for good, those invaders! For that reason, we must continue our mass-production lines for this purpose. That's what America is, Ms. Nightingale. Our capitalism and rationalism are what drive this nation forward…of course, that much work must come with equal recreation…we shall work three times as hard, play three times as hard…and win three times as hard as normal humans! That's my vision for America!" Mash frowned at that notion, but her interest lay elsewhere at the moment.
"Ah Mr. Edison, that's indeed a fine dream to possess, but our inclination here is towards the world's salvation…or rather humankind's salvation." Edison looked at the shield servant in question before Mash continued. "By defeating the Celts and securing the Holy Grail, we can fix this singularity and correct history. While it's unclear who among the Celts possesses the Grail, if we can secure it, we can handle the rest and restore this nation to its rightful place in history." Edison's lion face frowned at the girl's and now Chaldea's true intention.
"Well said, Mash." The shield girl smiled at Jeanne, before seeing Ritsuka nod at her with a smile.
"I'm afraid that that's unnecessary to fix this era, little girl." Edison crossed his arms as he fixed his lion's gaze on Mash. "If I acquire the Grail, I could then refine it and we should be able to prevent the incineration of eras. Consequently, it would give birth to a world named 'America' operating on a different timeline from the other eras. As we are summoned by the Grail, we servants are well aware of the Grail's power to reshape this world." Ritsuka took a step forward at this, in complete synchronicity with Mash's way of thinking.
"But if you do this, won't other eras vanish as a result? You wouldn't be saving the world, you would only reshape it to fit your desires!"
Edison only smirked at the master's concern, though.
"Of course, indeed…this America…my America would survive for all eternity. My inventions will remake America. It will show those Celts who can only procreate and fight, that my inventions are the lights of humanity, the power of civilization!"
"Well, in that case, I believe that I had my answer…so, there's only one thing left to do here."
Karna was silent throughout the entire ordeal as he was eyeing the most powerful servants in this new group to see what they would do.
However, he turned to focus just as Nightingale once again reached for her pistol.
"If I didn't allow you to wield your weapon outside, certainly the rule shall also apply here, Nightingale." Karna was about to take a step further when Edison urged him to stand down, while he turned to Ritsuka.
At this point, it was evident to Shirou, Arturia, and Jeanne that the time for peaceful negotiations had run its course and now it was just a matter of time until the animosities began. It was clear by now that the scientist was not on their side…which was a first, considering that neither are the Celts in this singularity. Arturia remembered her own time when her Camelot had to contend against multiple smaller nations which were at each other's throats.
In summary, it never ends well and she was wondering if Chaldea would have to act independently for the first time, from here on out.
"We seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum, master Ritsuka!" Ritsuka tensed as he crossed his eyes with the lion's head. "Shouldn't we join forces to get rid of the Celts and then acquire the Holy Grail, together? You have three minutes to decide." Edison's threat level had risen, thus throwing any short at diplomacy out of the window, despite Romani's argument in their ears that perhaps it would be better to join forces for now, before Olga openly berated him for it.
Arturia could have sworn that she heard Mordred call the Doctor a damn coward piece of shit, before someone ushered her to be quiet, probably either Archer or Boudica.
"I can't say yes to that, Mr. Edison." The lion's face snarled slightly, but Ritsuka stood his ground, confident that the others had his back. "We managed to come this far by fixing the other singularities…we need to fix one as well in order to save the world."
"Well, that's unfortunate…whatever your hidden agenda may be, I thought you would agree to join forces." Edison closed his eyes for a moment while speaking. "As Thomas Edison, I should respect your honesty, but as Presi-king, I have no choice but to condemn you. Get them!" With a roar, Edison commanded his Mechanized Infantry to strike them to pieces. As soon as that happened, however, a great number of projectile swords and projectiles made a quick end of the Machines, before Edison's servants could intervene.
Even so, the machines kept on coming, so Jeanne and Arturia went on the offensive with them, while Shirou eyed Karna.
Nightingale had joined Arturia and Jeanne, leaving Mash alone with Shirou and Mash.
"So, you were keeping what you can do a secret from me, quite interesting, quite interesting indeed." Karna's eyes showed nothing but respect for Shirou. When Karna materialized his lance and attacked, Shirou projected two katanas to parry it. Karna's lance then burst into flames, however, Shirou's katana did so as well, making Karna's eyes widen momentarily.
Even if his flames were clearly more powerful, it didn't mean that Shirou wasn't keeping up.
It just so happens that in close quarters, fighting with a lance was ill-advised and Karna was being pushed back by the twin katana sword fight. At this point, Edison had already bolted out of the room with Blavatsky, as Arturia and the others had turned the Mechanized Infantry into scrap metal. Karna's fight with Shirou, however, kept on going until the Son of the Sun God used a good portion of mana to lift a powerful beam of fire around him and cause a blast indoors.
Mash instantly moved to protect Rtisuka, before those from Chaldea realized that Karna's blast had carved an opening from them to escape the Fortress.
With nothing left to do here, they all escaped…however, without a clear side to call as their allies, Chaldea was now at a loss as to how to proceed in this singularity.
===Denver, CO===
It was already nighttime as the group from Chaldea had run enough to escape the clutch of Edison's robots as well as Karna.
They were right now setting up camp for the night in order to get some rest. The land was quite extensive and without anyone to guide them, the job fell to Romani and Chaldea's technicians to provide places of interest for their check. Mash and Ritsuka were already out cold, taking a nap, while the four servants gathered around the fire, while Shirou prepared them all a nice cozy stew. So far, they at least had the gist of the Singularity. Problem was that now they had two sides to defeat, instead of one.
Who's to say that while they deal with the Celts, Edison won't come and take the Grail for himself and replaced the Celts as the enemy?
With Karna as the ultimate enemy to defeat on Edison's side, and so far Diarmuid and Fionn on the other side (and also others who are still due to appear), their mission is turning up harder by the minute. Arturia then began the meeting, once everyone received a pot of Shirou's stew. "In essence, we have two wrong sides of a coin and no one suitable to choose. Each side has powerful servants that would require at least two of us to defeat…I don't see the odds in our favor."
"Huh, you should have let me use my pistol, back then!" Nightingale turned to Shirou accusingly, earning a sigh in dismay from the redhead, while Jeanne chuckled.
At least, the Berserker medic was on their side.
"In all of the singularities, thus far, the Grail has operated to summon Servants as countermeasures against those who attempt to temper with the world…surely, there are more servants out there that are not aligned with either side." Jeanne had spent enough time with Da Vinci in the control room, as well as her own time being a servant in Orleans to explain her theory. When Jeanne Alter attempted to use the Grail in Orleans, she, the real Jeanne, was summoned as a countermeasure. Surely, in this singularity, the same theory would apply.
"Even if that's the case, Jeanne, I tend to believe that whoever is leading the Celts' side is way stronger than Diarmuid and Fionn, combined." Arturia turned as Shirou talked. "They look like honored fighters, they wouldn't follow someone weaker."
"You don't think that he's somehow back do you, Shirou?" The redhead nodded, while Nightingale and Jeanne remained in the dark.
"Wait, who is this he you're talking about?" Arturia turned to Nightingale and explained.
"In our time, there was a strong Lancer servant named Cu Chullain, the Dog of Ireland. In the first singularity we participated in, he was summoned as a Caster, but that didn't diminish his overall prowess."
"While it's true, though, that he was powerful, I don't think that he was stronger than Diarmuid or Fionn, Arturia."
"True, all of them were equally skillful in the art of the lance, but I couldn't choose one from the others. As far as Lancer servant goes, I think Karna is stronger." Jeanne was about to ask more questions when a different voice reached their ears.
"You're wrong…" All four moved in tandem to retaliate against the unknown presence who managed to sneak without anyone knowing. Soon, a man morphed from behind one of the trees, with dark skin, and a white line descending from his forehead. He was wearing dark-skinned pants and a red overcoat, that was opened in the middle. "The son of the Sun God is no match for the leader of the Celts…one of the injured Servants with me fell victim to his attack straight to the heart and is still barely alive…clinging to death." The servants from Chaldea didn't sense any hostility from this new presence.
"And who are you, then?" The new servant turned to Shirou and smiled.
"Speaking my name is ill-advised, but right now, I gather that not giving it would make me untrustworthy…" Arturia could respect that, while the new arrival continued. "Though no one of you will know me by my real name, as such, you should call me Geronimo". The name resonated with Nightingale who looked at the man in surprise. Romani was listening in to their conversation the entire time and his voice appeared through the intercom.
"Wow, the Hero of the Apaches...well, it makes sense that you're summoned to this singularity."
Geronimo looked around for the strange voice, but didn't find who it belonged to. Nightingale then approached the Indigenous servant.
"Hmmm, well, if memory serves me correctly, you, Geronimo, was once at war with this nation. Now, you appear as one who isn't on either side of the battlefield."
Geronimo nodded, well aware of history.
"True, I understand that once this era is resolved, the flow of time will resume its natural course…however, I understand that the blood shed by my brothers and sisters would mean nothing if this era isn't corrected."
Arturia then remembered this man saying that the attack suffered by the other servant…straight to the heart…and she remembered the first and last time she almost fell victim to Cu Chullain's noble phantasm Gae Bolg. An attack that was impossible to dodge, since it reverted time and space. She was only alive and kicking after receiving it because she managed to divert its path if only a little bit to miss her core at the time.
"You said that the servant you partnered with suffered an attack straight to the heart…didn't you?"
Geronimo nodded and Arturia turned to Shirou next…it was indeed Cu Chullian who delivered the killing blow.
"Well, at least, we now have someone for us to ally with in this extensive land. And who knows, if either Nightingale or myself manages to heal this other servant, then we have two more servants to aid us." Jeanne smiled at Shirou's optimism.
He, then, offered some stew to the indigenous servant, which he accepted with grace and reverence as the food of the land.
"You should follow me to him, then…by morning, we shall resume our travel to him."
===Deming, NM===
The now larger group traveled together with Geronimo, who was busy petting Fou much to Mash's surprise.
As soon as they had woken up, Mash and Ritsuka introduced themselves to the calm and peaceful indigenous servant and Fou had immediately taken a liking to him.
Right now, they were in what appeared to be a movie scene from old western America, with small buildings on both sides and a straight path filled with sand. Everyone looked around, wondering why Geronimo would take them here.
"Ah Mr. Geronimo, sir, what is this place?" The indigenous servant turned to Ritsuka, while the others looked around, wondering about the lack of life in this place.
"Relax, this is a small town in the West. The residents have already evacuated, probably, due to the Celts' fierce attacks. The only people in this city are now those who have come to our side." As soon as Geronimo said so, an American soldier, from the looks of it, emerged from one of the buildings and soon ran up to the group.
"Geronimo, Sir, you came back!" The servant nodded.
"Yes, is he all right?"
"The life force of a Servant is indeed extraordinary." The soldier responded in awe. "I can't say he's fine, but he's breathing at the very least." Romani had expressed that the servant was nearby, though its life force was severely weakened.
Geronimo, then, turned to Nightingale and the others.
"As I said before, the other servant is here…and I'm helping you all because I desire your help in return. We need to get him medical treatment."
Nightingale adjusted her red uniform at that.
"Equivalent exchange I take it…fine, not like it matters to me. After all, if there's a patient who seeks treatment, then I shall tend to his needs." Geronimo smiled at the servant medic.
"Much appreciated, indeed, in your care perhaps, he has a fighting chance." Geronimo then announced to his group, apparently. "Already, please bring him out!" From within the nearest building, a group of soldiers carried the injured servant and placed him on the ground close to the group, so that Nightingale could treat him. A young warrior by the looks of it with red eyes and long red hair, carrying a red-shaped sword. Shirou laid eyes on it and immediately recorded it in his Realty Marble. He and Arturia had then seen the warrior's history, a man hailing from India, a place that both only went to once in a job for the Association.
The clothes were mixed with dark pants and more feminine-looking clothing, coupled with golden gloves and a golden sash that protects his stomach.
"Urgh! Geronimo, is that…you?" The man's overall state was truly deplorable and Ritsuka could only wonder how he was still alive.
Mash's face couldn't hide what she was thinking.
The heart had a peace gauged out and in his chest, the curse marks were visible for everyone to see.
"Hold on Rama, I have brought here another servant to heal you!"
Geronimo then turned to Nightingale, hoping to see confidence in her eyes…however, he deflated once he saw doubt instead.
"I have never seen wounds as extensive as this, before." That was not what he wanted to hear, however, a new light appeared in her eyes. "But fear not, young man. I shall heal you! Even if you end up in hell, I'll drag you out!" She then turned to Geronimo. "I need appliances here, what do you have?" The indigenous servant turned to the men that brought in Rama and they ran to get what she needed. Meanwhile, Nightingale didn't want and went to work right away, attempting to clean up the wound and urging everyone to make room for her.
"Oww…easy there lady…can you be a little more gentle? My heart is crushed if you don't know!" Nightingale didn't bother to attend to his wishes, though.
For the next half hour, all the group heard from the distance was Rama and Nightingale arguing about Rama's treatment, while the pile of blood-stained supplies piled up. Meanwhile, Mash had turned to Romani and asked about the new servant. His full name was Ramayana, a Saber servant from India, according to Romani and Da Vinci. He was a king when alive in a region named Kosala. A reincarnation of the God Vishnu, who had received a curse in life, forever being unable to meet the queen he loves, named Sita.
"Are you talking about me behind my back!? Hey, quit it, that hurts, damn it." Rama had enough to complain despite the pain half from what happened half from Nightingale not so gentle healing techniques.
Rama's mannerisms made everyone believe that he was but a boy, despite being a fighter.
"This isn't getting anywhere!" Everyone turned to Nightingale to see her getting desperate, not being able to heal her patient. "Not matter how much I slow the speed of encroaching death, I cannot stop it!"
"Perhaps, I can lend my assistance, Ms. Nightingale." The medic looked up to see Shirou standing behind her.
She sighed, looking back toward her patient and the pile of ruined bandages.
Nightingale had her pride as a medic, but the patient was the most important here.
"Fine! You have proven your worth at the camp, Shirou." She got up, leaving room for Shirou to kneel next to Rama, who was looking at the new arrival with interest, despite the pain he was feeling right now.
Shirou placed his right hand on Rama's punctured heart, making the man flinch in pain. The samurai servant closed his eyes, focusing on the energy deep within himself. He then opened his eyes and looked back to Rama for a while. The group looked at him in expectation and even Rama as well. Shirou could see the boy clinging to survive, despite being a servant. He then turned to Arturia, who nodded at her soon-to-be husband's reply and walked majestically toward the wounded child warrior. She kneeled next to Shirou and the couple looked at Rama together.
Arturia then placed her hand on top of Shirou's as both focused their respective prana on Rama's wound.
Everyone had to shield their eyes as a golden pillar of energy engulfed Shirou, Arturia, and now Rama. The proud warrior god of Kosala felt his own energy getting replenished to impossible degrees. He also felt the curse of the spear vanishing from his chest and his damaged organ. Shirou and Arturia both closed their eyes while focusing on healing Rama for a while. When the light diminished, Rama blinked a couple of times, surprised upon hearing his regular heartbeat once more. When he got up, it was like his battle had never happened.
"Wow, that's amazing, Arturia-taichou, Shirou-taichou!" The couple turned to see Mash running to them and smiled. They got up together and Rama bowed in reverence.
"In the name of Kosala, I thank you both…" Rama, then, looked at Arturia and Shirou next to one another…seeing them together, and smiled. "Indeed, just by looking at you two, I can see what truly healed me…such a beautiful love scene, indeed…it would be a great honor to know the names of my saviors." Shirou and Arturia both nodded as Shirou started.
"Emiya Shirou, at your service, Rama." Shirou bowed as he introduced himself.
"Arturia Pendragon, more commonly known as King Arthur of Camelot, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Rama smiled and returned the gesture with a bow and placed his hand on his now-healed heart.
"As I said before, I am Ramayana, former King of Kosala. The pleasure is all mine to have met such kindred spirits. Vishnu had truly smiled upon us all with his blessing!"
"Such kind words…I appreciate it and It's good that you are in full health." Arturia smiled at the Indian warrior. "Now, if you would please satisfy a curiosity of mine…" Rama nodded at the inquiry. "The servant who attacked, was Cu Chullian, wasn't it?"
Rama closed his face as soon as Arturia asked, pretty much answering the question. The rest of the members of the group from Chaldea looked at Arturia in surprise, as Chaldea remembered the Caster servant from Fuyuki.
"How did you know?" Shirou took the initiative and answered it.
"Because we have met him a couple of times in the past and based on Geronimo's description the day before and the consequences of his cursed spear's attack on your heart, it was easy for us to figure out the missing peace." Rama sighed, remembering the amount of pain he felt upon being a victim of his attack. The feeling of helplessness in his fight against that monster…nothing he could do proved much effective for such a foe…not even his own noble phantasm Brahmastra.
Worst of all was the look of indifference as if Rama wasn't even worth the effort.
"A monster in every way, that foe! Dare I say even worse than the Demon King Ravana! My noble phantasm was useless against that black cursed spear of his!" The amount of anger in Rama's voice was quite palpable. However, Arturia realized something…
"Wait…you said, black spear!?" Arturia asked in surprise, before turning to Shirou, who was also surprised.
As far as they remembered, Cu's spear was blood red.
Both were up to this point wondering just why Cu Chullian of all people would be the villain…even in their time, despite being the priest's servant, the Child of the Light had never openly antagonized them and even became Rin and Shirou's ally afterward. Geromino turned to ponder now that Rama was fully healed. Healing Rama allowed them to have an edge, but so far there was no right path to talk from here on out. Being a smaller third party battling against two other gigantic sides has its obvious drawbacks.
"Okay, then, now we must find a way to deal with both the Celts and Edison. Before that, though, I happen to come across information that two more servants are nearby…two Archers for that matter. They may come in handy against both enemies."
Chaldea was indeed still at a loss on how to proceed…however, with Geronimo as their guide, at least, they now knew how to count within this singularity.
Author Note
Ok, that's enough for now.
Not much action in this one, but the next two shall be packed with it, I can tell you that.
Also, as many of you know already, I tend to focus as much on the land's geography and historical alignment (as far as that goes with FGO, at least) to write the singularities. That means that I won't bother with a couple of servants that in my book doesn't fit in. Respect for those who think I am wrong, but yes, there a few servants I won't bother mentioning in this singularity. Aside from that, I plan on two nice little surprises for next chapter as a servant I am a huge fan of shall make his of her appearance. The surprise isn't much about his or her appearance, but rather the backstory I shall change. I would spoil the surprise If I said more, so let's leave it be for a while.
Please tell me your thoughts.
Lastly, I have recently created a P-atreon account for those who wish to follow my stories more personally, sending suggestions and occasional polls to help me.
P-atreon Account: Anime-Enthusiast
Next update: Cursed Eyes
