Chapter Five

Homeward Bound

Something didn't feel right, not right at all. It felt as if air was having trouble making its way into my body. It was getting hard to breathe and things were starting to become dizzy. My eyes snapped wide open to see a pair of fingers pinching my nose shut. Looking down upon me were the cold eyes of my eternal torment manifested in reality again.

Scathach released my nostrils once she saw that I had awoken and air flooded my nostrils, relief washing over me now that one of my air passages wasn't blocked. I raised my hand up to my head as the spinning slowly ceased and out of the corner of my eye I glanced at Scathach. Scathach was standing over me wearing her red trench coat and black boots, tucked in between her arms were the books she had been reading.

"Are you trying to suffocate me Scathach by cutting off one of my airways?" I said as sat up in bed. Scathach only turned her back towards me and made her way towards the door.

"Our flight is leaving in a few minutes. And I've already spent more time here than I really wanted too. So hurry up." Scathach said just before she walked out of the room. I scratched my head in frustration as I watched her make her exit.

"That woman, I swear she's going to be the Death of me." I murmured as I ran my hand through my hair…

Getting out of bed I reached under the nightstand and pulled out my handgun in its holster and slid my arms into it before standing up. Upon sliding into my shoes I made my way over to mirror and brushed my teeth. I stared at myself in the mirror and scratched my cheek. "Might as well do it now so I don't have to do it when I get home." I thought to myself as picked up the bottle of shaving cream and my razor. Applying shaving cream to my face I began delicately running the blade down my cheeks.

Looking at myself in the mirror I looked much fresher with a clean shave. Now that nobody could bitch anymore about my facial hair, I headed over to the closet and the door slide open. Reaching in I grasped my tie and suit jacket I put them on over my white buttoned shirt as usual. Once I had buttoned up my suit jacket I reached up and pulled my blue jacket and green scarf out, putting them on I made my way over to the door. I tapped a button on the side panel and the lights flickered off as I left the room. The door closing behind me I made my way towards the helipads with my hands in my pockets.

A Few Minutes later.

After the usual stroll through checkpoints and the spanning halls of Chaldea I grew closer to the Helipads. Looking up I saw Scathach and Mashu standing in front of dual sliding doors leading outside. Scathach had her arms crossed with the usual unamused expression, apparently displeased that I had not ran here in a full sprint in accordance with her wishes of wanting me to hurry up. Meanwhile Mashu stood next to Scathach waving at me with a friendly smile on her face, always the pleasant light there to overshadow the darkness. Standing by Mashu's feet was the white fur ball Four, sitting there patiently as if he was waiting for me. "That fur ball better not think I'm taking him with me…. Actually maybe if I do Shadow will eat him." I thought to myself, but then shook my head. That would certainly displease Mashu if Shadow ate Four.

"Good Morning Senpai!" Mashu greeted me as I approached them.

"Good Morning Mashu." I replied returning her warm smile.

"Did you sleep well?" Mashu inquired.

"Well kind of, but I had a rude awakening." I said glancing at Scathach out of the corner of my eye. Scathach appeared to pay me no mind as she fixed her gaze elsewhere with her arms crossed.

"Oh my I sure hope it wasn't Four again." Mashu said gasping with her hand up to her mouth. I glanced down at Four who yawned at me innocently as if yesterday had never happened.

"No not this time." I said crossing my arms. Mashu glanced down at Four as well and then back up at me.

"Yes Four said he would like to apologize for yesterday, he didn't mean to frighten you." Mashu said and I looked up at Mashu. "Four simply wanted to escape to somewhere away from the likes of Doctor Roman or Doctor Da Vinci." Mashu said.

"Is that why Doctor Da Vinci was waiting outside of my room?" I said glancing down at Four once more.

"Fou?" Four replied tilting his head as he looked up at me.

"Four said he didn't have anything to do with that." Mashu said and I returned my gaze towards her. "So I guess that means that woman or guy or whatever really did come to my room to speak to me." I thought to myself. I looked down at Four who was apparently staring right back up at me, I stood there and scratched my cheek for a few moments.

"Very well then Four. I accept your apology." I said.

"Fou~" Four replied.

"Just make sure next time you let me know you need to bunker down in my room." I said as I crossed my arms. "It's fine if you stay in my room, but I don't want you to almost give me another concussion." I added.

"Fou Four!" Four exclaimed.

"Four says Thank you for accepting his apology, and he promises to let you know next time he is in need of refuge in your room." Mashu said.

"Thanks Four." I said nodding my head. It then struck me that I was having a conversation with a small dog who couldn't even talk. "Seriously, what has my life become now that I'm talking to an animal?" I thought to myself as I scratched my head.

Scathach's snide voice came from behind me. "If you're done Mr. Dog Whisperer, can we….."

Before Scathach could finish her sentence she was abruptly cut off.

"Wwwwwwwwaaaaaiiiiitttttttttttttt!" A familiar voice cried out and I turned around to see Jeanne rushing towards us. Jeanne was wearing her white turtleneck along with her jacket, skirt, purple stockings and brown boots today. Roman was following behind Jeanne, be it at a slower pace, but he had apparently accompanied Jeanne here. Jeanne rushed towards me and came to a stop in front of me. Jeanne's grasped her chest as she breathed in and out heavily for a few moments before she spoke up.

"Chris wait…" Jeanne finally said before taking a gulp of air. "I wanted to see you off before you set off for home." Jeanne said.

"Jeanne I'm glad I could get to see you before I set off." I said greeting Jeanne with a smile. Jeanne returned my smile as she brushed her hair out of her face. Jeanne and I stood there in awkward silence for a few moments, and it wasn't until I cleared my throat before Jeanne spoke up.

"A-ah I hope you have a safe trip home! Make sure to take care of yourself and I hope you are able to relax." Jeanne said with what appeared to be a forced smile, her smile fracturing as signs of sadness appeared to creep onto her face. I placed my hand on her shoulder and rubbed it affectionately.

"Jeanne I know you're still sad…." I said and Jeanne's fake smile disappeared and turned into a frown as she nodded her head.

"Yes I still desperately wish I could accompany you!" Jeanne exclaimed and I smiled at Jeanne's eagerness.

"I know you do, but just bear with it for now. I can't promise I'll be able to visit you this year, but I promise when things have settled down, I'll take you away from here to visit the world." I said stroking Jeanne's shoulder.

"I want to see your home!" Jeanne exclaimed.

"Yes Jeanne, If that is where you wish to see I'll take you there." I said reassuringly. "Just bear with it for now okay. Please?" I said. Jeanne ruffled her eyebrows and made a pouting face.

"But what am I to do here in Chaldea for a whole year?" Jeanne murmured. Jeanne was once again beginning to sound like a certain girl, but Jeanne had been here for only a week while the other had been here for months on end...

"There are plenty of things to do here in Chaldea, plenty of employees here make Chaldea their home for a year to months at a time." I said reaching up and patting Jeanne on the head. "Chaldea offers a Gym for you stay in shape, and they also offer a vast array of other recreational activities." I said. "However Jeanne you should spend your time learning how to read and write this year, I've asked Doctor Roman to teach you reading and writing in my place." I said and Jeanne looked up at me surprised and also looking a little disappointed. "I know I said I would do it, but with my limited time here it would not be fair to you. So please Jeanne do your best and when I get back I expect you to be writing essays and reading novels." I said amusingly as I ruffled her hair. Suddenly Jeanne buried her face into my chest; wrapping her arms around me she embraced me into a hug.

"Thank you Chris!" Jeanne exclaimed.

"It's no problem Jeanne really!" I said still taken aback a little, but eventually I placed my hands on Jeanne's back and hugged her in return. Jeanne appeared unmoving however and remained buried in my chest for at least a full minute. "Oomph!" I murmured suddenly as I felt Jeanne tighten her grip around me. "Jeanne…. You're squeezing me too tight!" I exclaimed. After saying that Jeanne's grip on my loosened and Jeanne looked up with soft eyes.

"Sorry Chris, that was just my farewell hug." Jeanne replied.

"It's not forever Jeanne, I'll be back before you know it." I said as I pulled Jeanne into another hug and patted her on the back. "Remember, better be reading Shakespeare when I get back."

Jeanne giggled in my chest as I rubbed her on the back. "I'm not sure who that is, but I'll do my best. I promise you Chris." Jeanne said as she pulled away from me.

"That's what I want to hear." I said smiling. Jeanne and I stared at each other for a few moments as we grasped one another's arms.

"Be safe please Chris." Jeanne said as she returned my smile.

"I'll be fine Jeanne. I have Lancer and Mashu with me so please be rest assured." I said jerking my thumb over at Lancer who had her back to us as she looked out the sliding doors into the cold abyss. "Now I'm sure you want to say your farewells to Mashu as well." I said and Jeanne nodded her head in affirmation. Jeanne and I let go one another, and Jeanne slid past me to go talk to Mashu. I watched as Mashu and Jeanne embraced each other in a warm hug before I heard footsteps come from my side. I turned to see Roman standing beside me. Roman watched as Mashu and Jeanne hugged one another.

"So should I be teaching Jeanne how to read and write in English or French?" Roman inquired. I turned my attention to Roman and crossed my arms.

"Well can you read and write French, Roman?" I asked raising an eyebrow at Roman.

"No." Roman replied.

"Well neither can I, so teach her to read and write English Roman." I said smacking Roman in the shoulder with the back of my hand. Roman pulled his arm back and rubbed it.

"Owe!" Roman exclaimed. "You didn't need to hit me, that's not very nice!" Roman said.

"Oh don't be such a baby Roman, I'm sure the Director hits you a lot harder than I do." I said and Roman rose his hand up to his mouth as he chuckled.

"That is true." Roman said with a chuckle. "Anyway stay safe Chris, and don't get into trouble…" Roman said and then leaned in towards my ear. "That especially means between you and Lancer, you two teamwork was pretty shoddy during the Singularity." Roman whispered into my ear. I glanced over my shoulder at Scathach and then returned it to Roman.

"I don't know what you're talking about Roman. Lancer followed my orders and we got things done in Orleans." I said.

"Barely, she only followed your orders after the two of you would bicker at each other for a few hours." Roman whispered.

"It wasn't a few hours, you're exaggerating Roman." I whispered in reply.

"Just don't make it any worse okay?" Roman said and I grudgingly nodded my head.

"Yeah okay Roman, I'll try my best." I replied. "But tell that to her! She's the one who's super aggressive and unreasonable!" I exclaimed in a hushed tone.

"Relationships work both ways Chris, so don't throw all of the blame on her." Roman replied with a stern expression.

"Alright! I get it okay! Just get out of my hair!" I replied. "It was my plan for us to return to a professional relationship." I said in a hushed tone.

"Well let me know how that works out." Roman said as he stood up straight and crossed his arms. "Anyways look after Mashu will you? I'll see you when you get back." Roman said.

"Hopefully that won't be too soon." I said amusingly. "Anyway of course I'll take care of Mashu. I always do." I added as I tucked my hands into my pockets.

"Just making sure. Mashu may be your servant, but she still is a teenage girl." Roman added.

"You don't need to remind me of that. However I suppose one could forget that, as she certainly doesn't act like girls her ages." I said looking over my shoulder at Mashu who was chatting with Jeanne.

"Well anyways…" Roman said and I returned my attention towards him. "Farewell and stay safe." Roman said.

"You too Roman. Don't anger the Director too much, or she may just try to destroy humanity to get rid of you." I said jokingly. "And then we'll have to go back and time and stop her." I added and Roman chuckled immensely.

"Alright Senpai, I'm ready to head out now." Mashu's voice came from my side and I turned to see Mashu and Jeanne standing side by side of each other.

"Yes Mashu and I have said our farewells too each other." Jeanne added. "Chris please do be careful." Jeanne added just before she embraced me into another hug.

"Jeanne I'll be fine, seriously stop worrying." I said as I patted her back. "But Thank you anyway Jeanne." I added in a soft tone. Jeanne only squeezed me tighter after I said that and a few more moments passed by before Jeanne let me go and stepped back. "I'll see you when I get back Jeanne."

"You too Chris." Jeanne said with a nod of her head. With that said Mashu went over to Roman and exchanged a few words of goodbye before she made her way back over to us. "We'll be back, hold down the Fort Jeanne. Roman don't do anything I wouldn't do." I added with a wave of my hand over my head as I turned around and faced the sliding doors. The sliding doors swooshed open, sending a shiver down my spine as we were exposed to the unwelcome colds of the Arctic. Scathach was already well ahead of us making her way up the stairs to the VTOL waiting on the landing pad. There was a prompt ziiiiiiipppp and I turned to see Mashu pull the zipper up on her jacket before she began to rub her arms shivering. Mashu rushed after Scathach, and I watched her rushing off amusingly before I followed behind her. As I ascended the stairs with snow crunching beneath my feet, I looked over my shoulder one last time to see Jeanne and Roman waving at us goodbye from the doorway. I shot Jeanne and Roman one last wave before I continued up the stairs to the VTOL. It was there where I found Scathach and Mashu already sitting inside rubbing their shoulders shivering, or I should say Mashu was rubbing her shoulders while Scathach sat there with her arms crossed apparently unaffected by the cold. I stepped up into the VTOL and took a seat next to Scathach before I pulled the door shut with a loud click. Once I was inside I pulled the headset down from roof and informed the Pilots that we were all in and ready to go. It was only a few minutes later before the VTOL lifted itself up into the air and we ascended into the sky. I looked out the window down at the base that slowly became a tiny speck below, blending into the mountain side. I rested my head back against the headrest and closed my eyes preparing to drift off to sleep for the long journey back home…

I continued waving at the flying machine even as it became a speck in the sky no longer visible to the naked eye. Snowflakes landed on top of my head and the cold nipped at my cheeks as a subtle breeze went across my back. I continued looking out into the dark sky even as I lowered my hand to my side. My vision began to blur as the flakes began to accumulate on my face. "Would he really be safe out there? What has the world become like since I was alive? Is the world still in constant cycle of conflict? Is his Home Country safe? What is this America?" I was beginning to lose myself in thought when I felt a hand on my shoulder bringing me back to reality.

"Jeanne you don't need to worry, Chris and the others will be fine." Roman said and I glanced over my shoulder to see Roman standing behind me with a warm smile on his face. I averted my gaze back into the sky and my hand slowly curled into a fist. "Jeanne why are you so worried? The Singularity has passed and all is safe for now. Well as safe as it can be for right now." Roman added and I remained silent for a few moments.

"I can not protect Chris here at Chaldea Doctor. I once neglected my duty of protecting him in the Orleans Singularity, and now I feel as if I am once more neglecting my duty." I replied as I grasped my chest and tightened my grip on it, it felt like my chest was twisting inside.

"There, There, Jeanne. You shouldn't feel as if you're neglecting your duty, you're just taking a temporary lapse." Roman said. "Lancer and Mashu will pick up the baton until they return and can hand it back to you." Roman said. The Doctor's words seemed to ease my mind, if only a little bit.

"I know Lancer and Mashu are more than capable of protecting him, it's just that….." I murmured before stopping. "Never mind." I said shaking my head.

"Well Alright then Jeanne if you say so." Roman said tilting his head curiously. "Now let's head inside before Chris, Lancer, and Mashu come back to find snowmen." Roman said humorously. I turned around to face the Doctor with a smile on my face.

"Yes let us! It's freezing out here!" I exclaimed before I headed past the Doctor towards the doors, snow crunching beneath my boots. "And once inside we can begin my teachings!"

"Eh Heh…."

Several Hours Later

I was awakened by a sharp pain in my crotch and my eyes opened to see a blur of white in my face. Someone's knee was in my fucking crotch and there was only one culprit on this Helicopter.

"Scathach if you don't get your fucking knee out of my crotch I'm going to seriously throw you on the floor." I exclaimed as I reached up, grabbing her by the face I pulled Scathach off of me, throwing her back into her seat.

"Well maybe if you'd wake the fuck up when we got here I wouldn't have to crawl over you to try and open the door." Scathach retorted as she sat up.

"Maybe if you acted like a normal person and just, I don't know, woke me up? I would have opened the door for you." I snapped back as I reached behind me and pulled the door open. A breeze went up my backside as I did and light rain swept the back of my jacket. I turned my back to Scathach and I made a subtle splash as my feet touched the ground. I turned around and Scathach brushed past me as she got out of the V-280 and started making her way towards the car. I decided to ignore Scathach as I offered my hand to Mashu. Mashu looked up at me and smiled as she saw my hand, Mashu reached out with her delicate little hands and grasped my hand as she stepped down from the VTOL.

"Thank you Senpai." Mashu said as I let go of her hand and stood in front of me holding her bag in front of her.

"Let me take that bag for you Mashu." I said offering my hand once more. Mashu looked down at my hand and then back up at me with a smile still holding her bag.

"Really you don't need too Senpai, I don't want to trouble you." Mashu said waving her hand in front of her.

"Really Mashu, it's no problem." I said. Mashu seemed to take a short pause for a moment before she responded.

"If you say it's no trouble, okay!" Mashu said nodding her head as she handed me her bag. "Thank you Senpai." Mashu added and I nodded my head as I held her bag.

"You're welcome." I said. Mashu swung around and raced towards the black sedan with her arms out as she swerved back and forth in the rain like an airplane, dancing in the rain. I shook my head before I closed the door to the VTOL. After making sure the door was securely shut, I turned around to see Mashu still dancing about in the rain swiveling around with her arms out. "Geez Mashu, too think you're 17 and you're acting like a child." I thought to myself amusingly as I followed after Mashu. Water was thrown up into the air as Mashu splashed about in the puddles all the while having a smile on her face as she looked really happy. "Well I guess if Mashu is having fun, I shouldn't say anything." I thought to myself. Eventually Mashu and I reached the car and upon doing so I opened the door for Mashu where Scathach was waiting inside. Mashu nodded her head in thanks as she climbed inside. I went around to the back and placed Mashu's bag in the trunk before I got inside the car with them. As soon as the door slammed shut and the sound of my seatbelt clicked, the car rolled off the airport runway and made its way towards home. I sat my head back and crossed my arms looking out the windshield at the dazzling city lights of Pittsburgh. "It was such a relief to be home after what feels like forever." I thought to myself. While it was true that we had only been gone for three weeks, it felt more like an eternity in Orleans. It almost feels like I had gone through the entire Hundred year's war in such a short period of time. Almost. "I wonder how Jeanne would be reacting right now, to the car, to the skyscrapers and all the city lights. She would probably be blown away…"

Thirty Minutes Later

It didn't take long before the car came to a stop in front of our house. As soon as the wheels of the sedan came to a stop, Scathach was out the car and heading up the driveway. "Geez that woman is in such a rush." I thought to myself as I undid my seatbelt and got out. I waited for Mashu to get out of the car before I closed the door shut and made my way to the trunk where I retrieved Mashu's bag. With the slam of the trunk I made my way towards the house. Behind me I heard the sound of the car take off down the road, apparently he was in a rush too. I made my way up the driveway as rain pelted me, but eventually I reached the top of the stairs soaking wet where Mashu and Scathach were waiting also drenched. I flipped the panel down and punched in the code, the satisfying click was heard and I pulled down on the door handle before I pushed inwards. The door swung open and I was greeted by a golden four legged creature that jumped at me as soon as the door opened.

"Shadow!" Mashu exclaimed as the Golden retriever jumped at me and stood up on his hind legs.

"Hey Shadow it's good to see you too!" I exclaimed as I rubbed behind Shadows ears. I grasped the dog's paws and walked him backwards until I was fully in the house. Shadow dropped to all fours as I let go of his paws and I closed the door behind me. I made my way over to the counter and placed Mashu's bag down. Turning around I saw Scathach and Mashu kneeling down next to Shadow rubbing him all over. I reached into my jacket and pulled my phone out of my pocket, sending a text message over to Gwen to let her know that I was home and she didn't need to take care of Shadow for the time being. I pulled my jacket off and threw it on the counter to put away later, I stood there amused watching Scathach and Mashu pet Shadow. Shadow gave Mashu doggy kisses as she petted him and Mashu giggled while Scathach stroked Shadow's head, with as close as one could call a smile, on her face. I leaned down and joined in on stroking Shadow's lush coat, my fingers running through his soft silky fur. "This is one of the reasons why I love Golden Retrievers." I thought to myself. Some minutes passed by before I stood and made my way over to the living room and I lowered myself into my comfy chair. Leaning forward I extended my hand over and tapped the screen, the screen came to life and tapped the remote control turning the TV screen on. I then proceeded to switch the channels over to one of my favorite news channels, it appears as if I was just in time to catch the hourly news they gave. I kicked off my shoes and leaned back in my chair reclining as far as the chair would go. I rested my hands behind my head and watched the news start up, however not only a few minutes in someone interrupted my relaxation.

"What are you doing?" Scathach's voice said from behind. I averted my gaze further upwards looking at Scathach upside down. Scathach stood a few feet behind me with a hand on her hip in the entrance to the hallway; she had removed her coat and boots.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" I asked rhetorically. "I'm watching the news to see what's been happening around the globe in our absence." I said gesturing my hand at the TV.

"The same old same old, rotating about its Axis and slowly completing its revolution around the Sun. The World does not simply stop spinning because you are gone." Scathach replied.

"No Shit Smartass. I meant what's happening about the geopolitical sphere." I said which earned me rolling eyes from Scathach. "Now don't you have better things to do than bother me, like read?" I said and earned a scoff from Scathach. Scathach disappeared into the hallway and I heard the bedroom door shut close. I averted my gaze back towards the TV and crossed my arms. Mashu who had taken off her hoodie walked past me and took a seat on the couch, Shadow following after her as he too joined her on the couch. Shadow rested his head in Mashu's lap causing her to smile as she stroked his head. The room was purged into silence except for the Reporter speaking on the TV.

"Senpai?" Mashu said and I turned to face her. "Do you think Jeanne will be fine at Chaldea?" Mashu inquired.

"I'm sure Jeanne will be fine. She has Roman after all." I replied and Mashu ruffled her eyebrows in response.

"That's only minorly comforting." Mashu said. "Oomph poor Roman. Not even Mashu has much faith in him." I thought to myself.

"It's not like there is nothing for her to do. There is plenty to do at Chaldea." I said and Mashu frowned.

"That is true, but ever since you introduced me to the outside world. Chaldea pales in comparison." Mashu said. What Mashu said was true, as I had forgotten that Mashu had spent most of her life at Chaldea, and she was still new to the outside world. Mashu seemed happier outside of Chaldea than she did at Chaldea, and it made sense since being at Chaldea was being trapped inside of a base, and that was not comparable to the Freedom of the outside world.

"Yeah I know what you mean…" I said with a sigh. "We'll get Jeanne away from there and in the outside world Mashu, I promise." I said and Mashu's face lit up in response.

"I look forward to it! Thank you Senpai!" Mashu exclaimed and I nodded my head. Mashu and I spent the rest of the day watching TV until it was Dinner time and then we proceeded to watch some more TV before tucking in for the night...

A Few Days Later.

A few days had passed since we had returned home and it was a Friday morning. We were settling back into our normal lives. Scathach hold up in my bedroom reading, Mashu out and about the house playing on her tablet or watching television. However today the living room was clear as I sat down on the couch in front of the coffee table. Spread out on the coffee table was a mat with the pieces of my disassembled Colt 1911 spread out on top of it. Off to the side was a bottle of lubricant, brushes, and rags. As I sat there in the middle of cleaning, running a cloth through the barrel of the gun, I felt an intruding gaze upon me. Choosing to ignore it I continued lubricating and cleaning the inside of the barrel. I continued diligently cleaning my gun as I made sure to clean out the residue that had accumulated in the barrel. Apparently fed up with my ignorance of them, the voice behind the gaze decided to speak up.

"What are you doing?" Scathach asked. I placed the lubricated barrel down just as I had finished cleaning it. I moved onto the slide as I picked it up and began to spray lubricant into it.

"What does it look like I am doing Scathach? I'm cleaning my gun." I replied as I looked up to face her. Scathach stood over me looking down at me with her arms crossed. "Don't you like clean your spear or sharpen it? You know maintaining your weapon?" I retorted.

"Yes I know about maintaining my weapon." Scathach said as she narrowed her eyes.

"Then you should know that my life depends on this weapon. If it fails because poor maintenance it could spell life or death." I said. "And I'm very well not going to fight skeletons, dragons, or fucking servants with my fist." I added.

"You couldn't even fight a servant with your handgun." Scathach scoffed.

"That's not true I managed to put up a fight with Rider back in Fuyuki!" I exclaimed.

"Psh! From what I heard you were getting your ass kicked by her until Mashu came along and saved you." Scathach said and before I could respond Scathach continued. "Then from what I gathered you spent most of your time running away from Lancer in Fuyuki. Archer almost killed you a couple times in Fuyuki if not for Mashu and the Mysterious Caster." Scathach went on. "And then in Orleans Alter Jeanne threw you around like a rag doll when you antagonized her like the idiot that you are." Scathach added.

"I managed to hold my own; at least I didn't instantly die in the fights." I grumbled as I returned my gaze towards my weapon parts.

"Yeah if it wasn't for us coming to save you most of the time." Scathach replied.

"Yeah sure whatever. Get back to me when you can beat Alter Saber." I mocked and I saw a vein pop on the top of her head. Apparently my words had stung deeply because Scathach was fuming. However Scathach's anger disappeared momentarily as she recomposed herself.

"Hmph whatever just go back to cleaning your weapon." Scathach scoffed.

"That what I was doing before you interrupted me with stupid questions!" I retorted.

"I only asked what you are doing cleaning your weapon in the living room, shouldn't you be cleaning it somewhere more open or outdoors." Scathach said.

"You weren't that specific in your question." I pointed out and Scathach narrowed her eyes at me. "And I'm only working with gun lubricant, rags, clothes, and rods. Not freaking toxic fumes." I said shaking the bottle of gun lubricant at Scathach.

"I see, well whatever, just go back to cleaning your gun if it makes you feel more secure." Scathach said as she turned her back to me and headed towards the front door. A few moments passed and I heard the door shut with a slam.

"Whatever you say your Highness!" I said shaking my fist at her as she left...

After Scathach had left and I had some peace and quiet, I spent the next ten to fifteen minutes wiping down and cleaning the inside of my gun until I was satisfied with the results. Pulling the slide back and closing the barrel bushing over the recoil spring plug the gun was reassembled and ready to operate, and its sleek black finish shone brightly in the light. With a grin of satisfaction I slid a magazine into the pistol and flicked the safety on before tucking it into a holster that I kept on my coffee table near the couch. I gathered up my cleaning supplies and made my way into my bedroom, finding it completely deserted of Mashu or Scathach. Walking over to the bedroom window I looked outside to see Mashu and Scathach over by the pond side as Scathach sat down on a bench reading while Mashu played with Shadow in the grass. I looked up into the sky, after a week long of rain, it had finally let up and the sun peeked out from the clouds. I turned around and made my way over to the closet, pulling back the door I looked up at the top shelf where brown boxes were stacked. Reaching up I grasped the corner of one the boxes and attempted to pull it down one handed. As the box tipped downwards I lost my grip and gravity took control as the box fell down to the ground. By sheer stupid luck I was able to catch the box one handed, but as soon as I did I felt a throbbing pain go through my head as a hard object hit me on the top of the head. There was a loud crash and bam as I dropped the box onto the ground and all of my cleaning supplies as well. I sat there rubbing my head as it throbbed painfully, my eyes slowly opened as I looked down to the ground to see what had hit me. Sitting not far from my feet in the mess of cleaning supplies and emptied remains of the box, was a black polymer pistol in its black holster, I leaned down grabbing the gun by the grip and picked it up looking it over. A frown encroached onto my face as I wiped the dust off the gun...

Thank you for reading Fated Destiny! I apologize for the delay! I hope that a new chapter is able to make up for that delay, but anyway if you did enjoy it please consider leaving a favorite/like and be sure to follow Book III to keep up to date when the next chapter comes out. Or better yet hop onto the official Fated Destiny Discord where we talk about all things Fate, Post Salty FGO Rolls, and even talk about Girls Frontline and Azur Lane. Feel free to leave constructive feedback and reviews in the comments below or tell me what you think I need to improve on. Just a reminder that new chapters of Book Three release every two weeks on Friday or Saturday. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and look forward to seeing you next time.

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