Ritsuka returned to the waking world in a delirium. That was what he thought it was at least.
He had grown out of his sluggish awakenings from the long periods on the street, learning that if he was slow to awaken he would be quick to be punished, by the police or property owners. Kind as those in the Church were, they couldn't have him resting on a bed that had to be made and prepared for another.
So when he began to awaken, but was too weak to open his eyes or move his jaw, it felt odd. When the attempt to lift his arm came with the pained sensation of an uncontrollable cramp, he gave up to relax. Relaxation that didn't come.
"-hour maybe, faster if we moved again."
"We cannot move that speed. It knocked out Ritsuka and doing that twice might just kill him. It's probably a miracle you aren't Servants bound under him yet, or else that speed combined with the mana consumption would have squeezed his heart dry."
"Please don't describe it like that. It's repulsive." The voice… it was the girl, and just above him as well. Ritsuka could feel the hard stone beneath him, and even feel it move. "I'm simply pleased we were able to escape at all."
"It shouldn't have been a problem escaping, except that those two seemed most appropriate for keeping us trapped." He recognized Sasaki's voice. "One who bent blood like water, and hardened it like ice, to keep even the ground dangerous. Then the other who moved as if the wind gouged him for how to move, and disappeared so much like a fire's smoke."
"It is how you are best able to detain enemies." Longinus. "They would need scouts at first to gauge the enemy's capabilities, otherwise they risk putting centurions against cavalry, and it would be a swift retreat or defeat."
"Hmm… agreed, though I had not thought of that. I suppose there is reason to wonder who the scout was."
"Why is that? Do you know them?"
"We all do." He said nothing, and Ritsuka could imagine he was moving his hands. "They have been circling this country for some time, and no beast that is so large and strong would lack a manner of tongue to speak with. Or, in the very least, have a memory they were unwilling to have shared."
"The wyverns… you believe they are speaking of us?"
"To someone, most likely. It is how crows kept away from my blade. Warning others to not be swallows." He laughed again. "A crow knows when one dies and how it dies, but a swallow thinks itself so swift as to avoid me. It is a small wonder why I think of crow as a delicacy."
"Is it a delicacy? Is it like cake?"
"I am not familiar with cake. What part of the animal does it come from?" If Ritsuka had the breath, he was sure he would sigh. Solomon, in the mean time, did it for him.
"Cake, crow, meat, plants, or sunlight, I don't care. We can talk about food when we get to the town you're talking about and we take care of Ritsuka." The hand on his back was strong, though it made his nerves feel as if they were being pinched. "I expected this to be difficult, but I didn't imagine that we would be dealing with Rogue Servants who are already making plans around us."
"Don't feel bad about it! That's a waste of your time and energy." Ritsuka didn't know who that was. Maybe… maybe the person who used those bangs of light from before, with the conductor's baton. "You should spend that energy on something more productive! Read a book, or pull a prank. Pranks are fun."
"I'm already going to have my back beaten for a prank when I get back."
"AHA! You really are a wise king, acting on advice before you get it!"
"And you really are deplorable musician."
"Indeed I am." He didn't deny it. "And because of that, I have the favor of several important people, though one above all else. So shouldn't I continue to act in the way they like?"
"You haven't thought it's your music they like more than your voice or actions?"
"You don't think all three aren't tied together?"
"I think you're talking about unimportant things. Wise King, we are trusting these two for where we are going, and though I will confess it is the decision that most benefits us, would it not be prudent to understand their intentions?"
"Well now I know your intentions. Thinking about leaving a show without paying? Now that's just rude."
"I am thinking of defending the life and honor of our Master, who serves the Lord with me. I will not allow guilt for your saving grace allow me to put his life in further danger."
"How dutiful."
"I am a loyal servant of God."
"Too dutiful then. You should be dutiful to yourself."
"Alright, enough, enough." Solomon spoke up. Ritsuka could hear his robes waving in the air. "No more mockery about this. That's the fastest way to get blades drawn in the court."
"What fun that would be." The man laughed. So did Sasaki. Of course Sasaki did. "Is it a promise then?"
"Normally that's a threat. Used to be a threat at least. I hope one of my missing rings isn't related to common sense." IF he had the voice to speak, Ritsuka would say it was. Olga would agree across the vacuum of space.
"Well it's not a threat to me! Enough people have wished me dead, so what's one more? Besides, I'm too loved to be killed by a joke." What amazing logic. Ritsuka almost envied the man. "And sinse I'm so loved, I have to ask why you were being so complacent during that escape."
"What?"
"C'mon, Beethoven is the deaf one. You're supposed to be all ears for others. I'm asking why you weren't fighting back more when we were escaping. You must have slain half the dragons and knocked out those nasty Servants. I'd wager that if that happened while I was alive, every corner of France would be paying me to write a ballad in your name."
"Would you."
"No! AHAHAH! But they would ask." Sasaki was laughing with him. "You should really pay attention to what I'm saying. It was a lack of attention that hurt you last time, wasn't it?"
"I was blind then."
"Are you still?"
"Now now, don't have me begging forgiveness from everyone you start a conversation with." The young girl spoke again. Young… bubbly… even with ringing ears and depleted lungs, she sounded like the little girls eager to come to church in their mother's arms. "You'll have to forgive him. He was never good at listening to others."
"How ironic given his craft." Something waved in the air. "Though I suppose you are exercising your craft now, aren't you?"
"Oh I hardly think so. If you are implying I was so talented as speaking as to resolve arguments swiftly, I would have led a longer life!" That was odd to say with such a chipper voice. "But nevertheless, I am here now with a purpose, and I know it is more than merely to keep Wolfgang from starting fights with strangers." Wolfgang.
"Saving us is something I can truly thank you for. Though you are here for more than merely a traveling companion."
"Bien Sur! As important as the Master is, there are so many more people of France in need of my assistance! I would hardly have been able to call myself one of their nobility if I did not reach out to them." Somethin boomed in the air, lightly. "Viva La France!"
"I believe the man who attacked us was French. He had the tongue for it." Solomon spoke above him. "Dare to say your own country men are not as… outgoing as you are"
"Hahaha! I wouldn't think that mad man your typical French. He'd rush through a meal just for the chance to gloat over it. What kind of proper man would rush a meal?" The haughty man sounded… Ritsuka didn't know.
"You judge him by how he eats?"
"I tried judging him by how he laughed, but that only made him snicker." If that was joke, only the woman got it. "I'd rather not be a judge, though a juror's role doesn't sound too bad. All I have to do is listen."
"You're a fool."
"And a happy one at that!" Longinus scoffed at the man's words. Sasaki was still chuckling a distance away. Ritsuka felt Solomon's hand on his back, holding him steady. It took him a long moment then, as his nerves were still returning to him, to realize he was on a moving object, not over someone's shoulders or in their arms.
The issue was, he didn't know what it was, seeing as it was smooth as glass, just as cold, and yet each edge felt like the exposed point of metal, sharp enough to cut himself on. He only realized that as his flopping hands fell back and forth over it, scratching him.
"If we are still some distance away… let me ask instead about the wyverns we saw."
"Ah, then you know they're not dragons either? Bon! So many of my fell countrymen have thought them demons, and I have been so unable to turn their minds away."
"Oh no, they're demonic, at least not working on God's side, I just know the difference between the drakes that terrorized the lands before even God's child set foot on the earth, and then mindless lizards who decided wings were a good things to hold onto." Sasaki was laughing again. "But your answer means you've been facing them for sometime now, at least this wasn't your first encounter."
"This was our first bout against them like last night was the first time I sampled wine~."
"What?" Ritsuka mirrored Longinus's confusion.
"Forgive him again. My dear friend means that we have been facing them for sometime now, since we were summoned. Enough for us to know about them, and yet not enough to know how to fight them. Or fight them in a way that isn't like throwing stones at the geese."
"I think we did a fine job fighting them earlier, and I doubt they have such a number they'd be replaced at the rate we slay them."
"No, but those other Servants certainly could." Solomon's voice was deep, and it rumbled enough to shake the memory from Ritsuka.
The feeling of being chocked, the man holding dark flames, laughing as it burned around them, summoning for the Iron Maiden, trying to crush them in spikes, shattering Solomon's Shield… and then forcing them to run.
"A pair of nobles, and one a Frenchman, who loves to laugh, and snickers when noted." Wolfgang, Ritsuka supposed the man's name was, answered. "Just a pair of many more.
"More?" Sasaki sounded eager.
"Oui! At least five more of them, we can tell that much."
"How do you know this?"
"Astute observations?"
"How did you truly know of this?" Sasaki laughed with Solomon's question.
"Because they control the Wyverns, or at least the beasts listen to them. Like groups, following them around."
"Ah, like we talked about the crows." The samurai added in now. "Yes, I suppose that if they were more like lizards than swallows, that would make sense. They adhere to their lords, the Servants, and care not for their lives."
"Mmhmm. We've seen at least seven groups around France, far enough apart to tell they hopefully weren't controlled by another."
"Though it doesn't mean much to just us, seeing as none of them will care for my songs. And I did try, playing some of my greatest pieces, but all I have ever been able to do is gain the attention of the bloody woman. And I do mean bloody as the adjective. I'm not cursing. I'd be more creative."
"I'm confident you would be." Sasaki spoke on. "And though I understand how a Caster and Rider such as yourselves may have issues with such a number of trained enemies, we do have a Master here now, and coming with a Lord of his own." Ritsuka tried once again to rouse himself with the words.
It still felt as if he was too far away.
"I am a great Servant, and I will not pretend that I hold anything less than God-given power. But I hope you all saw enough to know why such a thing is as much a burden as a gift." Solomon's hand was heavy as his words.
"Indeed, for though you were always heralded as a great leader, I did not know your power was so… all consuming." Longinus spoke. "It would seem that for all your strength, you sorely lack in control."
"You're right, and I know you're right, and everyone in the future will say you're right. So right in fact that I doubt you could turn your head left. That's how right you are." The former doctor sighed. "But that's what happens when you are the progenitor of Magic, yet are given only half the tools your normally have to control it." His five-ringed hand waved.
"Fun trinkets. I recall a few conductors having rings to clap together, help them keep beat during the grand orchestras." Wolfgang spoke. He was unheeded.
"The ten ring of Solomon, now five," Longinus added. "I can understand the difficulty in holding something so powerful."
"I bet you can. Now imagine that every time you use that infamous lance of yours, it rips though anything that God made." Ritsuka wasn't watching them, but he could hear the growl from the Roman Soldier. "That's where I'm at. All or nothing, and with a Master who's willing to give everything, but then be reduced to this."
"He's not nothing you know."
"I didn't and wouldn't call him nothing. I'm calling him an unfortunate and necessary block to my power that I have to be careful with how I protect or else I'll kill him with my effort. This… This is why my father had an easier time ruling. No power, just authority."
"Better than no power or authority," the girl responded. She sounded happy still. "All you need to do is use it properly so our beloved Master here stays safe, strong, and smart!" Their Master again.
"I don't… believe my magic is making him dumber."
"Aha! My sincerest apologies, I was only trying to keep up with threes, but I couldn't think of anything after safe and strong." She giggled at her own words. Sasaki, still playing with his elbow, chuckled as well. He released it shortly afterwards.
The group was quiet for a moment after that, walking forward as Ritsuka let his pained body rest and swirling mind attempt to settle. He didn't try to speak, seeing no use in it. They were moving, and they were making plans. He wouldn't be able to contribute. He knew that. The only one who could would be Olga and she…
She was listening or paying attention through the bracelet on his wrist. It couldn't activate without him.
"We are close to the village now, but we would be there faster if I moved my stallion more~."
"I'm okay with spending more time walking through fields, rather than risking having to pick up Ritsuka's limbs." The idea made his limp body almost shudder. Almost, but for all his effort, Ritsuka still felt so much like a doll with cut lines.
"C'est voi. That is true. Well, I suppose we can speak of easier things, can't we? It wouldn't do to have foreigners visiting my motherland and not treat you like guests."
"We are several decades, if not centuries, before your time."
"So what? It would still be my land if it was a hundred years after I was slain." The girl still sounded happy. "My motherland forever and ever. Viva la France!"
"So much indeed! Then let me play a song for the remainder of our little journey, shall I? I'm sure I can play a tune you may all enjoy." Ritsuka wasn't sure what he was about to do.
"Don't worry, I won't you suffer through it."
It took Ritsuka a moment to realize that Solomon was talking to him, just as he put his hand to the back of his head.
Then the few senses he had fell into darkness.
When he rose again, he could finally move his limbs.
Before his eyes opened, Ritsuka was raising them above his head, grateful to be able to make the motion once more. They fell back down flopping against something coarse, but far softer than the ground or cart he was in before. He shook his head, coughing as he rose to get air in and out.
"Ah! You're awake!" Ritsuka managed to blink pass the blur of his eyes to see Solomon's red robes. "I was hoping you'd wake up soon, and I'm glad to see you're able to move."
"What… What happened?"
"We were attacked shortly after we saw that village. Longinus and-"
"No, no," Ritsuka shook his head. "I mean… I woke up in the middle of it, when you were all talking. I couldn't move, but I could hear. I was riding on something, but I don't know what." He clenched and unclenched his hands. "I couldn't even swing my arm."
"Ah! That was my fault!" He spoke the words with a guilty smile.
"What?"
"Apologies Master, I had to keep you in such a weakened state." If he had the ability to jerk in surprise, Ritsuka would have done so. At the moment he could only stare at the little gaze the Wise King offered him. "I knew you were awake, but I didn't feel confident having you converse with those before I've spoken with them. You resting, or appearing to be resting, was a fine excuse to keep me close to you, and protect you if something happened."
What could have happened? Ritsuka wasn't sure what there was to fear from a pair of Servants who had been fighting against the monsters and had helped to save them from other Servants. Mad Servants.
"You're confused, and it is alright. I did not explain myself. But hold a moment." The king raised a crimson robed arm, laying it on his back. Ritsuka let him, feeling the man's fingers push over his shirt.
Warmth creeped over him, reminding him of days standing with his back to a furnace in the midst of winter. It made it easier to breath, letting him take in a large gulp of air.
"There, that should do it." He tutted. "Even a king as wise as me can learn a few new tricks. Those years as a doctor weren't a waste after all."
"What did you do?"
"Curious? I focused on your Magic Circuits, undeveloped as they are, and-"
"N-No, sorry, I meant… what did you do before? With me being awake and yet… putting me to sleep?" Ritsuka rolled his shoulders as he spoke. "It was an odd feeling."
"Ah, that was because you were still experiencing an acute drain of your Mana. I could tell you woke up because of our connection, simple as that." He winked at Ritsuka, who only stared. "I was kind enough to make sure you were asleep before Mozart started to sing."
"Mozart…" Ritsuka ran through the name. "The composer?"
"Indeed! Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart!" So he was Wolfgang. Ritsuka put the name to the best memory he could. "Accompanied by, or should I say he was accompanying, Princess Marie Antoinette." Ritsuka continued to stare. "You don't know who she is, do you?"
"I'm… confused about that, and a lot else." Ritsuka looked down, finally take measure of where he was.
He was laying down on a bed, thankfully, but one of straw. It had no pillow, and was supported more by boards than being held up by them. It had a fine sheet over it, but little more. The rest of the home was rather barren, with broken cupboard around them, as well as what looked to be twilight seeping through the window.
"Then to start, we made it to the town the two were discussing, and I volunteered to watch you here. It's the home of a recently departed villager."
"Where did he go?" Solomon's face twisted.
"I pray his final destination is near Mash." Ritsuka sucked on his teeth. "Don't feel as though you are intruding. The villagers here, much like Joan, have been very welcoming to us. It appears that both Mozart and Marie are loved, and they extended that towards us."
"That's good. That's good. So then where are they now." In answer, Solomon raised a hand and used it to cup his hear. Ritsuka stared for a moment, before doing the same. When silence fell the room, he started to hear it.
Chords in the air, cheers and laughter, some high notes being sung, the rumble of drum beats.
"They're having a festival?"
"I'd say it is more like Mozart is keeping their spirits high. Sasaki and Longinus were invited, though I believe the former is having an easier time associate with them. In times of great strife, it is all the more necessary to remind yourself of the joys life has to offer. That man has no great history for war, but his music has lifted many from the depths of depression and woe."
"That makes sense." Ritsuka listened to it for a moment longer. "It does sound nice, too."
"But?" The Wise King led on.
"But I do prefer the Gregorian Chant of the church." He was honest. "The ringing of voices that God gave us, the instruments that still need to be cared for and tuned, yet can turn a soul with depths they can reach." The cheers did make him smile, but it didn't call to his soul. "This is something I think Olga would like more."
"The Director would," Solomon agreed. "The Director also… probably wants to speak with you." He pointed at Ritsuka's wrist.
The small band was blinking. He blinked back at it.
"Ah."
"Yes, ah. As in, aha, we should talk to her." Ritsuka pressed the button. The same illuminating screen popped up.
"THERE YOU ARE!" Olga's face took up more than half of it. Ritsuka jerked back in bed, earning a chuckle from the former Doctor. "You haven't answered all day! I thought you were killed in your search!"
"No. no, we weren't. I'm sorry I didn't contact you sooner."
"Apologize with your head bowed then!" The woman stepped back, still glowering. "I was over her already trying to figure out how to send myself in if you didn't answer!"
"It's only been a day… others waited several for Jesus."
"I'm not as patient as your Saints, RITSUKA!" The woman yelled again. "And I hope you're not about to relate yourself to Jesus!"
"N-No! No I'm not!" Solomon was laughing. "I was unconscious though, that's why I didn't answer." He watched the woman's face spin in a moment.
"You were? Why is that?"
"Because we were attacked." Solomon stepped in again. "Upon nearing the ruins of a nearby town, doubtlessly destroyed by the wyverns, Sasaki and Longinus went ahead while I remained close to Ritsuka. A Servant that was fast as thought and shrouded in dark flames attacked us. I was able to repel him, but it took significant strain on Ritsuka's body."
"Of course it would. There's no way he has the circuits to support you." He took no insult to those words. He didn't physical gifts from God like the Wise King. "But do you recognize who attacked you?"
"I can only say he was French, and that a pair of Servants who helped us have fought with him before."
"More Servants~?" The singing voice of Da Vinci rolled from the back. "Care to elaborate on them? Any details to help craft a fine portrait?"
"Of course. We talked at length when we traveled." He paused, stepping back. "Though I'll say first they took us to a town they have been staying at, and perhaps protecting is the better word. They're currently keeping the villagers fruitful and hopeful with song and dance. Longinus and Sasaki are accompanying them."
"It was near by?" Olga raised a hand as she asked the question. "No, of course it wasn't. You didn't answer because you were traveling there. And you were unconscious." Her eyes were on Ritsuka. "I suppose that explains that."
"Yes, thought it did give me an opportunity to speak to them while we talked, enough to tell me they are. They are Wolfgang Mozart and Marie Antoinette."
"Oh~! How fortuitous!" Da Vinci looked pleased in the background. "You have met the genius of music in your travels. How blessed you must be~."
"He did have some fine magic to him, seeing as he is a Caster. Marie is also a rider, and it was her glass steed that carried Ritsuka here."
"Good. I trust there were… no grievances upon first meeting?" Ritsuka didn't understand what she meant. "As in they are on our side, not merely an alliance of opportunity."
"They are, I made sure of it." Solomon spoke on. "Between jokes and laughter, they both wish to destroy the wyverns and rogue elements threatening France. That is not to add they know of the number of Servants at play against us, and a few details regarding them."
"Excellent." The Director nodded her head. "You did well too, Ritsuka. Letting Solomon speak."
"It was easy for him, seeing as I kept him asleep."
Ritsuka had never quite seen kindness flee form someone's face as quickly as it did Olga's. It was almost horrifying at the speed at which it did. And it would have been, if her translucent features were focused on him.
"Every day, I wonder if you were granted great wisdom as means to makes up for your immaturity."
"I can't discount the possibility. Ritsuka has great knowledge of his faith to make up for his ignorance of history." Ritsuka looked up at the man, more than a little insulted.
"And it rears its head again." Olga sighed into her palms across the screen. "Just… Focusing. You kept Ritsuka asleep so you could talk to the Rider and Caster without putting him at risk. I got that. Can you at least tell us anything other than they're good people?"
"Mozart likes fart jokes."
Ritsuka heard a howling laughter, and he was sure it was either Da Vinci behind Olga, or Sasaki somehow over hearing the village's distance away.
"Ritsuka, you have absolute permission to use your Command Seals to force Solomon to hit himself." He looked down at his hands. "Or you can just hit him. I'll thank you for it."
"It is… tempting." He admitted, earning a blinking expression from the king. "But I feel as though it would be hard to face Jesus again if I must confess I assaulted a man who called necessary, and gifted with rings from God on high."
"And I just knew you were going to say that as well." The woman sighed, earning a bit of laughter from Da Vinci. "All that aside, can we at least decide on next steps?"
"Aren't we going to continue to try and save others?"
"I believe the Director means in relation to saving Kadoc from the castle." Solomon interrupted. "I have confirmed that the scores of Wyverns fly from and return to there, and it is likely where the Servant in charge of them stands. It only makes sense Kadoc would be house there."
"It would, but then the question is how are you going to approach them. You may be able deliver a great blow, but I think we've seen enough to know that Ritsuka will be in no condition to move, let alone fight, if you strike out against the Servants and they survive."
"It is why we have to recruit Mozart and Marie to assist us, as well as attack the Rogue Servants while they are patrolling with the other Wyverns. If not pre-empting them attacking another town, then laying a trap that may entice them, though I will admit I don't know yet what they are looking for."
"Are they looking for something?" Ritsuka asked. "It seems like… they just want to kill." He looked at his hand. "All that blood, and… laughing at the idea of killing."
"Blood?"
"Ah, sorry, one of the Servants was a woman who used and Iron Maiden and pools of blood." Even on a translucent screen, Ritsuka could see Olga pale. "She was rather… focused on harming us."
"Then perhaps that is the bait. You." Da Vinci pointed towards Ritsuka. "They are Servants with a plan of some matter, and you would be a key player they'd wish to take from the board~."
"But you don't tempt the enemy with things we can't afford to lose!" Olga shouted back at her. "If there was another Servant they'd want, then they would be the better bait. If Ritsuka is successfully attacked by them, its all over."
"It wouldn't be any better to sacrifice someone else." Ritsuka's answer earned the familiar sigh from the Magus.
"Ritsuka. Immoral Servants. Return to Throne. No. Lasting. Death." She chopped her hand with each word. "You die. All ends. Understand?"
"Yes, but-"
"But it would be better to find more Servants," Solomon interrupted. "One who can keep that quick demon at bay, or slow him down. I can defend Ritsuka, but if no one can defeat the monster, then merely attacking my shield will eventually wear it down enough them to harm him."
"Could Sasaki?"
"He'd enjoy the challenge. Though Longinus would be the one guaranteed to kill him with one strike."
"The Spear of Destiny would be more than any Servant could bear~. It is not as if your average spirit could resist what killed the Son of God." Ritsuka nodded. That made perfect sense. "But this is only for one Servant~. Could you get close enough before another intervenes?"
"To know that, we need to know about the others."
Ritsuka looked up to see Solomon staring at him, Olga and Da Vinci the same across the blue screen, time and space apart. He felt a flush washing over him.
"I-I just thought that made sense. We tried searching early and I almost died."
"I'm just shocked you have some common sense. Good to know you're learning." The Director coughed. "But if that's the case, perhaps it would be best to speak to Mozart and Marie then. You're sure they'll help us, so that means they'll tell us who else is out there, right?"
"Oui! Oui I shall!" The girl danced as she answered. Ritsuka was transfixed.
Not on her smile, which was vibrant as the candles and stars. Not on the voice, which was elegant and refined. Not on the energy, which had her dancing with children and elderly about her. All of that was fine.
No, it was the hat. He'd never seen… a hat quite like that. Not one that was wider than her own shoulders, and twice the size of her head.
"Do you wish to speak now? I'd love to hold court, but I know there are many here who'd still love to dance!" She laughed and twirled, red skirt flying up around her. Immodest as the clothing usually was, the young princess made it seem almost middle-age conservative. Perhaps it was because she smiled beatifically with it.
Perhaps it was because so many other villages laughed and jumped around with her, lifting up glasses of wine or feasting on bread and cheese.
"A bit now, a bit later. We can say we're enjoying a meal of knowledge, right?" Ritsuka stared at Solomon, not understanding the euphonism. If there was one even. "It wouldn't be proper to gorge ourselves."
"Non! And what a noble you are to understand the importance of enjoying your meal. You do our people honor! Viva La France!" She jumped into the air.
"VIVA LA FRANCE!" The crowd roared around her with cheers. Ritsuka was almost as perplexed as he was memorized.
Eyes flowed across the twilight-lit party, seeing Mozart waving a baton through the air and summoning forth music. He knew little of instruments beyond the organ or choir, but he was rather sure a stick was not capable of strumming notes of a violin or beating the ground like a drum. At least he was fairly sure. Not as sure about the people who were laughing around with him, dancing a jig he didn't recognize.
"Speaking of France, are there any others like that dark man who attacked us? The one was surrounded in black fire?"
"No, thankfully not." The princess kept a beat as she spoke. "He has attacked us twice, as of today, but he is the only one who speaks with the French nobility. The others are further to the East, such as the woman of blood who attacked us, but also a Lancer whom she calls Uncle."
"She calls uncle? Between Servants? It may be honorary, but that isn't common in European countries. Could she be Far Easter?"
"I would doubt that!" Ritsuka felt before he saw Sasaki, namely as the samurai put a hand to his shoulder. He had to wonder with the long thin grin the samurai wore, if he was being used a balance or not. The wine glass in the man's hand gave him a curiosity. "No woman of any great standing in my nations would dress as she, and I can assure you the Iron Maiden she used as a bludgeoning tool is as much a sign of foreign imperialism as it is torture. No, no, no, if she is from the east, then I would proclaim I am from the distant West."
"And there was another from the west. Or northern from here." Marie waved her hands left then up. "His glowing sword was something common to western religions, and he had a familiar accent."
"Familiar as in you know him?"
"His land I do. I met only one from the Irish lands before." Irish? "A slave of an English Noble, but I spoke to him at length, for his voice was like an instrument to its own." She smiled as she spoke of a dark subject, and twirled as though it were a pleasant memory.
Ritsuka stared at the children who were all btu chasing after her dress. To them, she may bet that memory to them. He wasn't about to ask her focus, and neither was the Wise King.
"An Irish Swordsman. Normally they prefer lances, bow, or crests of magic. There can't be many of them to pick from." The tanned king pondered. "Did he say anything to you then?"
"He cried for his father!" Ritsuka almost jumped as Mozart danced towards them. "Cried for his father, wept for his self, and damned us who did not name him! A pitiable fool who wasn't worth the sound of his voice." He laughed, even as he jumped until he was back to back with the princess, the pair spinning around one another, dancing and playing the air like an instrument. ""His voice like toddler smashing a cello's strings. A waste!"
"I don't know what that means." Ritsuka admitted.
"Don't worry, neither do I." The former Doctor patted his shoulder. "Then do you know anything about the other man, the one who was uncle to that blood countess?"
"He could do with a bath! Or a wet fart ripped over his head."
Ritsuka could only let out a small noise of confusion as the children laughed with covered mouths at the words. Marie, a princess labeled to him over and over again, laughed with the words. It left him standing still and playing catch up, again.
"And aside from his lack of cleanliness or flatulence, what else is there?" Solomon, somehow, was able to keep pace.
"A rather bore of a man, who cared more for orders than attacking. Would remind me of a conductor if he wasn't using his voice over his tools. What kind of musician screams orders in the midst of an orchestra?" The man spun and waved his baton again.
The air erupted with noise, enough for Ritsuka to believe he was walking through the busier streets of the Tokyo district. So loud that the speakers were sure to burst, and yet carried a quality that could only be heard as coming from the instrument themselves. It made his feet shake, but it drew out cries and cheers from the townspeople around him.
"A French Mad man, a blood countess, her uncle a warrior king, and a sword-wielding Irish man. Anyone else?"
"Of course, but no others we could give many details about." Marie stopped her prancing for a moment to speak clearly. "They were either too far away, or let one of the others keep us away. Perhaps they are weak, perhaps they didn't care, but we can only say they exist, because the wyverns followed them. Desole."
"No no, that's quite good for now. I'm sure if we dedicate some thought to it, we'll be able to ascertain who they are, and from there a proper plan on how to handle them." The Wise King nodded. "So that means there is only one thing left for us to do." Red eyes turned to Ritsuka. He knew.
"We need to contact the Director." Solomon smiled as he shook his head.
"Of course not. WE can do that tomorrow morning." He nodded slowly.
"Then… what?" The tanned king let his smile grew, even as he reached out and grabbed glass of wine from the hand of a nearby village.
"We party! Viva La France!" The princess and musician screamed in chorus.
"VIVA LA FRANCE!"
Ritsuka was left watching the wise king, robed in red and gifted with the tools of God, dance into the crowd with the other pair of Servants, leaving him alone the rest of the revelers. It was only after his alabaster was bounced away with drink and cheers that he realized he had hardly said a word, and had nothing that Olga would want to hear.
He let out a deep sigh.
"Quite the dichotomy the ruler has, doesn't he?" Sasaki asked, still holding a hand to his shoulder. Ritsuka had honestly almost forgotten he was there, until he saw the long-haired swordsman draining a glass, before smoothly exchanging it with a passing villager. "To be in the words of war in one moment then cries of joy the next. A rare gift to have, even more difficult to practice. As difficult as the swaying motions of the sword arts."
"He's hard to understand," Ritsuka admitted. "But I trust him."
"I said nothing of distrust. I put my life next to his, as he did his own mine." The Servant leaned close, and Ritsuka could smell the wine. "It is why I can drink such a sweet drink now, even if I would prefer the heat of warmed sake."
"You may wish to stop imbibing yourself if you want to be coherent." The voice of Longinus had the man leaning off of Ritsuka. "Also if you wish to be prepared for the next battle.
"I must drink for there is no sake for me to otherwise indulge in." Sasaki retorted the Roman soldier. "You should join me, as wine is famed from your kingdom, and that great battle is already passed."
"The battle is yet to come." The soldier sighed, closing his gray eyes. "And I have done nothing earning of celebration."
"You're alive after a fight! That earns you some reason to celebrate." The samurai held his glass towards Longinus. The pale eyed man stared at it. "Would you not drink with your Lord?"
"If my Lord were here, and he offered as he did the Prophets, I do not believe my thirst would be quenched." A strong hand pushed the glass away. "But he is not yet, and I think you and the others may enjoy the drink more than I." The lavender haired swordsman shrugged.
"Very well, live in your sobriety. I will drink with my fellows!" He raised his glass, earning many cheers to come with him.
"Yes! We will drink and make merry! For we are those who will live through the darkest of times! Viva La France!" Marie jumped high into the air, as Mozart played a tune that made her soar.
"Viva La France!" The people's cried carried her higher. Ritsuka watched the man go, looking up at his fellow, yet near the first, Catholic.
"How odd the Servants God has lain in this Holy Land, and the break of the great war." The Roman Soldier admitted, smiling down. "Though I am pleased to know the Master I serve is faithful to find this… distasteful."
"It's not bad." Ritsuka was quick to say. "I mean… I don't think I'd enjoy it, but I know what it's necessary. I know they are."
"They are." He nodded.
"Jesus Christ attended weddings and birthday both before and after he began his pilgrimage across the land. More than one he participated in great events, and I would like to think he was as cheerful in these moments as he was insightful in his homilies." Ritsuka stared at his hand, at the cross on it. "He was never ill at ease… almost never."
His fist shut, hearing the demonic man laughing amidst a stained fluid.
"Perhaps we should celebrate in our own way." The tall Roman put a hand to Ritsuka's shoulder, turning him. It was clear to see they were facing a church, taller than the other buildings of the village, though lacking the elegance of the cathedrals he expected of France. "I will have great peace being near his alter, and I hope my Master would like to join me."
It was dark inside the church, twilight having given way to night outside.
Ritsuka walked though the hall of the church, listening to his footsteps echo with each step. Even with the minor celebration outside, he let himself focus on the hallowed hall. The glass wasn't stained as some of the more elegant places of worship, and the crucifix at the head of the hall lacked the corpus, but it was undoubtedly above an alter, and one that had the tabernacle behind it.
A peaceful sigh left him as he slid into a pew, pulling out the nearby board and kneeling. Longinus was not long behind him, taking his helm off and placing it next to him. It allowed Ritsuka a moment to appreciate the man, he who proved to the world that Jesus had died, so he could return from the dead.
Gray eyes that were just as matted in the darkness of the church, but with rich brown hair of a middle-aged man. A peaceful smile pulled over his features, etched from a time of war and strife, finally given a moment of clarity and ease. Ritsuka had to imagine he wore an expression that matched.
He made the symbol of the cross, folding his hands and began to pray.
There were no words uttered by either of them. Thought it likely was not a time of adoration, it was still not proper to speak before the eucharist, presented or not. When prayers were had between one's self and the father, they were best heard by him in silence. It was how Ritsuka had learned to pray.
The sisters and fathers how had tutored him had spoken often of silence being God's language, and too many taking loud sounds as something divine. It was actually the absolute absence of noise that let God speak, and it was the proof that the greatest minds of the church came forth from periods of deep mediation. Or, a time of no speech.
He took the time to ask God of what to do, thinking of what was to come as well as the Saint who knelt beside him. God had to have given them this man to help guide them, and already had done so by dealing with beasts that nearly mimicked dragons, but so much less in power or terror. He carried a tool that had the blood of Jesus Christ, and yet carried it in his name. He was here, and not another saint to defend them.
He had thought he would find Jeanne D'Arc here, and doubly so when the beasts were known. But he had not seen her, and instead found a Roman and Japanese, in a land far to the west of either. Ritsuka kept his mind from pondering why, knowing already he would receive no answer that would satisfy. God would have him lose his toes to a passing car and justify it by the birthing of a healthy boy some country far away. For it was how the world worked, with connections and ties he could not fathom.
Perhaps… that was why he was here. He had yet an opportunity to truly dwell on the question, but this could be its answer. He was not here to merely help others to find God, or to even save his world, but to start to see the shimmers of those reasons. The great saints had their eyes opened before them by bathing in the blood of Christ, or falling into his majesty. Perhaps this was his opportunity to do so, and in doing it, be able to speak to others.
Longinus beside him had forsaken what would have been a comfortable life for God, because he was blind but then could see. Ritsuka may not have been blind, but he had already helped a young soul find her way to heaven. It was still a moment of joy to know she was there, and was doubtlessly helping them.
For now, that was not about to happen. Revelers outside celebrated with Servants who were loved or chosen by God, and did so to spite the terror of war and death around them. He and Longinus worshipped God in their place, and Ritsuka felt his soul, and tired body, ease.
It was in this moment that he only asked to speak to Jesus, to God, to those who had led him to Chaldea, and in doing so, led him here. Through a land of fire and flames and into the presence of his savior. Now through time he was marching to ensure the safety of humans. Here he wished he could speak to Jesus Christ once again.
His focus shifted when a door to the side opened, letting in the noise of Mozart from outside. It was cut off just as quickly, as a man dressed in a robe hurried it shut. He lifted and dropped a hand towards them, before taking out a lighter on a stick. Ritsuka watched as he guided the flame towards the candles about the church, one by one setting them to smolder.
It did nothing to dampen the noise from outside, but it let the inside of the church glow, bringing what little more warmth was necessary to the inside. He circled around them, lighting the candles by the windows and high above the door frames, taking more time when he reached the alter.
Just as the fathers had done in Ritsuka's time, centuries from now, he took a knee before it, bowing his head and speaking too softly for Ritsuka to hear. He then took his tool to light the remaining candles, turning the crucifix from the simple if elegant image of the cross to a glowing symbol at the head of the church. The tabernacle almost hummed beneath it.
The man put down the tool, bowing his head once more, and began to walk towards them. It was only then that Ritsuka realized he was looking to speak.
"Forgive me if I interrupt your prayer, but do you not wish to join the others outside? It is not a rare occurrence, what is happening." His voice was patient and lacked any criticism. He sounded truthfully curious, and nothing more.
"They are dancing and drinking to celebrate their life. We are here to thank the one who has saved us." Longinus spoke, and Ritsuka smiled in agreement. "Is that not why you are here?"
"I am here for my love of the church. I saw it grow from nothing, and seeing it prosper has filled me with joy." The man slid into the pew in front of them, setting his arms over the bench between them. "Why do you celebrate he who saved you here? Why not among those he also saved?"
"For they celebrate in their way, and we do here." Longinus's answer, this time, wasn't enough.
"Because it's too loud." Both men looked to him. "God speaks in silence, not amongst the crowd. You heard him best in silent adoration instead of cries for mercy." The robed man nodded.
"I agree. Silence is the Word. For all words and tongues of man are but bitter attempts to emulate the Lord's ways. Once he came to speak, only few could here." He turned to face Longinus. "Though those who had their eyes opened, realized then to unclasp their ears."
"… I did long ago, and my greatest regret is not acting on it sooner." The Roman admitted. "My Master is correct, in that silence is his Word. The wisdom of the young man next to me is proof that God is present, gifting me a leader who understands him better than I."
"How do you know he knows better?" A hand motioned towards Ritsuka.
"Because I only came to know the Lord once I had committed a great sin. He was born and learned of him, hearing of his splendor without the taint that I was filled with." Longinus continued. "I heard all of the King of the Jews from the mouths of rich men desiring power, never knowing that I was serving an inferior king to the Lord. I only truly saw and heard him when his blood washed over me, and by then I was unable to come to know him."
"It speaks that you know what you did not have, but does it not show your wisdom for desiring it? Not all could hear the Lord speak."
"No, but I believe my Master does not doubt his word. He spoke with him before, traveled with him through a burning land, and instructed others on his greatness. I was a sinner who did not listen." Gray eyes looked at him. "He is living saint."
"A high claim to make for one who has already passed to my father's kingdom."
It took Ritsuka a full second to realize the words spoken. It took another for him to stare at the robbed man.
Look at him, framed by the glowing cross above the alter and tabernacle, resting easily in front of them as others danced outside. It was only then he saw that he fires of the candles around them were soft, but the man before them was brimming.
He wasn't rimmed with the light; he was enveloped in it.
"You… Your father…"
"And your father as well, though one who delivered me so you may know him." His hand reached up and pulled back the hood of his robe, letting him be known. "Here I am again, for those in need have asked of me, and I will never let those in need be spited."
Longinus didn't so much as shake as he did topple next to Ritsuka. The Roman Soldier who had skewered wyverns before and marched across the land with so much ease acted now as if his breath was taken from him, and his legs that of an old man. To his hands and knees, he collapsed on the floor, spinning until he looked up at Jesus Christ. The Son of God looked back down upon him, and he bore nothing he did not show Ritsuka.
"My Lord… m-my God," his voice trembled. "You… I-I did not know. I did not know what I had done. I do now. I know you n-now. My God, my Lord, my Savior."
"Look upon me Longinus. Look at he who you beg for understanding." The pious Roman did as asked. "Do you truly think I do not know your cries? That I have not heard your mournful prayers."
"I do. I do. B-But to know you, a-and I failed to save you-"
"There is nothing you could have done to save me. Not even my Disciples were able to stay the hands. But I do not scorn them, I do not mock them. I will not ignore you."
Jesus put his hands on the shoulders of Longinus. Ritsuka watched in the hallowed church as Jesus Christ looked down upon the man wielding the spear famed for spilling his blood. Smiles lined his savior's face as well as tears did the Roman.
"I thank you, for I love you."
Longinus continued to weep.
"If you continue to click your tongue, you may pull the skin from the roof of your mouth."
"Do not tell me what to do. Annoyances are mounting and I will express my distaste as I see fit."
"Would you not prefer to bath in the maiden's blood to cool your head?" His laugher rolled like a dark chuckle, matching the shadows beneath his cloak.
"I've exhausted my supplies of the useful ones." The woman returned, stepping around on high heels as she ran her hand down her Iron Maiden. "And we are left looking now through dead villages where no supple women stand. If I cannot bathe and calm myself, then you will have to bear the noise of my tongue."
"Hahahaha! Such a threat! I dare to think you may force others to reconsider their flight, if only to spare themselves such a torture!"
"Your words are sharp but your skin is soft. How else could you run away so easily. Perhaps I should replace you for the girls!" Her staff came down, tendrils of blood lifting from her feet. "I know your must be accustomed to torture."
Her fellow grinned wickedly, teeth sharp as his claws as he lowered himself, cloak billowing with darkness and crackling with lightning. The room around them weighed more for the tension.
"ENOUGH!" And a high cry split it.
The pair looked up to the throne of gold, fashioned from the regalia and artifacts of the church. The same darkly dressed woman perched on it, legs crossed and staring down with a sneering expression of pale gold.
"If you two wish to fight, then do so out among the rest of the hypocrites. At least show them fear of what powers you have, but do not destroy this grand hall. I will not tolerate it being ruined by your sympatry."
"Hahahaha! A clever word for a French Girl!" The man pushed his luck, laughing as she continued to glower down upon him. Her fellow madman, blue in the face with his screams, took her place to counter him.
"Do not speak ill of her! Cur! Or else all of us will bear down upon you! ALL!" He threw his weight around, the gnarled book in his hand flipping through pages. "Just as we have been tearing down all that these hypocrites have done! You of all would dare mock our beloved lady's noble quest!"
"There is no nobility in this."
Eyes turned to another man leaning on a nearby wall, watching them with folded arms. His posture brokered no ill intent, but gave no weakness either. The sword on his back looked ready to fly as ready as his words.
"No nobility? You dare accuse our precious and beloved lady to be a mockery of the highest order!? You dare to claim her actions have been unjust!?" The madman raged again.
"I did not say unjust. Neither did I say no use." The man's glare was intense, blue hair framing his flaming eyes. "Only knowing it is not noble. Necessary, important, but not noble. Better to know this now then delude yourself with your future intents. Do not be like the hypocrites who damned." The man reached back and thrummed the hilt of his blade.
"I can concur with him," the blood countess assured. "A lack of nobility in the actions, but necessary to maintain airs. I cannot keep my blood flowing and skin soft unless we raid the home of maidens. Just as this man cannot set up his revenge without acting the fool."
"Hahahaha! Foolish deeds are how the uninitiated see wise acts. If you continue to judge from a sneer, then you will cry to God and find no perch for your nose!" His words made the air shake.
Because the woman high on her golden throne let her fires fill the air.
"Count," her words came out as a hiss. "Do not speak that name in my presence."
"My mistake, and it is one. I often forget the true source of your hatred." His apology and bow was met with the cries of adoration from the madman beside the witch.
"Remember for next time, or else you will find the fires of hell to be too hick to cackle within." He chuckled, regardless of the threat. "Your childish antics aside, there is a reason I wish to speak, and you will all listen." She stood and strode forth. "We have raised dozens of villages, and taken from them the most faithful of men and devoured the innocent of maidens. We have shown the horrors that come to those who worship God, and my dragons wok to remind any who gaze up at his name their true reward."
"And your point?" The swordsman asked.
"It is not enough." Her lips pulled back in a vicious snarl. "They continue to dance, to pray, to celebrate, to adore. It is not enough and they need to know the true horrors that await them! I have tried to extricate from our 'Master' how best to do this, but he only continues to laugh with loose teeth."
"Then should I have another go at him?" The blood countess asked. "His being is foul, but no man has resisted me."
"Many have spited you, but think nothing of it. Your uncle is working on him now." The sentence hung, and the woman nodded her masked features. "I also did not call you here for thoughts, only to inform."
"That you are not moving as fast as you'd like?" The Saber finally flinched with his words.
Not for them, but the mad man sending forth a tendril, splitting the hall and shattering the wall he leant on. The man was across the room before the writhing tentacle could pull back, hand preparing to pull back his blade.
"FOOL! CUR!" He shouted, even as his bugged eyes stared down at the man behind him. "You mock her beloved lady with the spite of others?! You dare to make her deeds petty!? Then I shall-"
"GILLES!" The woman's call made him shutter. "Cease your activity, now!" The man asked no questions, pulling his tendrils back. The woman sneered down at him, letting the heat of her gaze match the dark fires the billow around her. Even her throne appeared malleable in the blistering fires. "And Saber. I am here to tell you that Rider is no longer here."
The mention of the other Servant made the others balk, and the count cackle.
"He ran away?"
"I sent him forth the day before." The room was silent. "Know he is out there, so if you come across his acts, you know better than to work about him."
"That Rider… he'll kill the maidens before I can drain them of their blood!"
"Then find those women before he discovers their homes. But you know as well as I that working beside him is akin to cooking within a fire." Her hand raised, letting the literal embers of her dark flames drip from her gauntleted hand. "But if you do pursue him, know that you'll be one of three then."
"One of… oh, that fool Archer is gone as well?" the Count laughed at the blood countess's words. The Saber looked around, realizing the missing man.
"He did. I gave no demand for it, but I do not care. He has better control of the wyverns, by my permission. Rider would as soon turn them as they would flee from him."
"That would be natural given his nature."
"I did not return to bow to anything, natural law or unnatural intent." Her eyes glowed like her flames on the blue-haired man. He didn't shy away from her wrathful gaze. "I returned to scour this wretched land, until all know the true cruelty of my name."
"Why is that?" Saber's question was careful. "Why send the Rider out? Why let Archer follow?"
"Because he is not merely a destructive force. He is not looking to kill for joy. He, by appearance alone, can instill the fear that others continue to ignore by gazing upon by the sky." Her hand crushed the fire. "They'll see him approach, his powers follow, and realize then that only the Earth will grasp them in death. The Archer will satiate his own thirst at the sight, and contribute to the burning of the land."
"Hahahahaha! You intend to torture the people with fear!" The cloaked man extended his arms, only to clap them in a great show. "Brava! Oh woman you are! You work revenge well."
"Count," the woman replied. "My revenge has hardly begun."
Author's Note:
Well a lot is happening now, huh? I thought at first it may be odd to have Jesus not announcing himself, but then I remembered after his resurrection how he traveled the roads and spoke to others returning from Galili without telling them who he was, and they all had to remember who they were speaking to.
So yeah, Jesus would canonically troll like this. He'll fit right in with Solomon and Mozart.
And you MAY have guessed why I uploaded on this date. And I bring good news, for those who still follow the story. I do intend to finish this arc if only to leave with SOME more of a resolution. I have notes for all the rest of the arcs, and a couple of people who messaged me know major details, but the resolution for this is still up for grabs.
I know I'm not exactly a prolific writer on this site, and I trouble myself with this Ao3, and even Spacebattles, but the former is just too filled with pron and smut, and the latter is a forum post, which I cannot read seriously. I'm always stuck reading comments rather than next chapters when I want to follow the page. All that said, I will upload here. And, hopefully, finish this arc before the Ascension.
And remember to celebrate. For HE IS RISEN!