Ici il y a des dragons Chapter 7
Vive La France
Jeanne and Marie did not stop to rest, and traveled throughout the night, and straight until morning. On the way, they entered multiple towns and cities, some were already destroyed by the Dragon Witch's wyverns and undead, while others were unharmed. Unfortunately, none of the remaining settlements had any information they sought for. After leaving the latest town, Marie and Jeanne decided to pass the time by talking about their old lives before becoming Heroic Spirits. A few minutes passed while they discussed, with Marie becoming incredibly awestruck with one of Jeanne's tales.
"Oh wow, that's amazing!" Marie said enthusiastically. "I can't believe you managed to pull that off."
Jeanne giggled. "I sometimes can't believe it either. When Gilles heard about it, he got so excited that his eyes bulged out of their sockets."
Marie looked at the Ruler in shock. "Really? That doesn't sound good. How did they go back in?"
Jeanne stared at the Rider shyly. "Can you keep a secret?"
Marie nodded. "Of course!"
Jeanne took a deep breath and leaned in close to Marie's ear. "I would poke them with my fingers."
Marie turned to face the Ruler and gasped. "Goodness gracious Jeanne! How scandalous!"
Jeanne recoiled. "I-I-I couldn't think of anything else to calm him down! Please don't take it the wrong-"
The Ruler gasped as Marie started to giggle. "I was just teasing you Jeanne!"
"It's not funny!" Jeanne shouted.
"Really?" Marie asked with a mischievous smile. "Not even a tiny bit?"
Jeanne looked around in embarrassment, her blush remaining on her face. The Ruler then returned her gaze to Marie. "Maybe a little bit."
The two Servants giggled at the comment. They continued to discuss their previous lives before stopping mid conversation.
"Oh, another town's up ahead." Marie chimed. "Should we contact the others?"
Jeanne shook her head. "No, not until we have a lead."
Marie nodded. "Speaking of the others, I wonder how they're doing."
(Meanwhile)
The Chaldeans were already up and moving to find towns in order to find a Saint Servant. But unlike Jeanne and Marie, they couldn't find any in sight. Instead, it was just endless fields and meadows surrounding them. During the entire trip, Tatsuko and Mashu stared at Ritsuka in curiosity. The male Master walked along the path as if distracted. It was clear he was in deep thought, and it just made them curious. The two girls looked back to each other and immediately nodded in agreement to figure out what he was thinking about. The orange haired Master grinned mischievously, and leapt onto Ritsuka's back, scaring the black haired teen.
"Jesus Christ Tatsuko, don't scare me like that!" Ritsuka shouted.
Tatsuko laughed. "I couldn't help it! You were so lost in your own little world!"
"It's true Senpai." Mashu chimed. "But it's nice seeing that side of you. It is very interesting to watch."
Ritsuka blushed for a moment before regaining some composure. "I was just thinking about something."
"What about?" Tatsuko asked.
"Well, last night Emiya and I were talking, and-"
"Really? What did you talk about?" Tatsuko asked.
"Yes, I am very curious as well Senpai." Mashu chimed.
Ritsuka looked at the Shielder shyly for a moment, before nodding. The male Master proceeded to explain what he and Emiya discussed last night, causing both girls to stare at him in shock.
"You can't be serious." Tatsuko muttered. "His younger self was Artoria's Master in the same Holy Grail War he fought in?"
Ritsuka nodded. "Yes, that's what he said."
An exaggerated gasp escaped Tatsuko's lips. "So technically that makes him a former Master right?"
"Yeah, what of it?"
"Doesn't that make him OUR senpai?" Tatsuko asked.
Ritsuka couldn't help but laugh. "Dammit Tatsuko, I was just about to say that!"
Tatsuko stared at him in shock. "I'm surprised you can even tell a joke."
"So does that mean you two are his kouhais?" Mashu asked in a worried tone.
"Is there something wrong with that?" Ritsuka asked.
"I don't like it…." Mashu said with a pout. "He can have Tatsuko as his kouhai. Not you, Senpai."
"Why's that Mashu?" Tatsuko asked. "It's only natural for him to be one to both of us."
"But….Senpai is Senpai."
Ritsuka's eyes widened in shock. "Mashu, I can still be your Senpai! So please don't be sad!"
Mashu's eyes beamed. Tatsuko raised an eyebrow at the exchange. The female Master couldn't help but wonder why Mashu reacted like that, but a moment later, she remembered their ongoing conversation, and realized something.
"Hey, I just thought of something." She said. "If Holy Grail Wars are meant to be death matches, then wouldn't that mean Emiya could've tried to kill his younger self in order for his Master to win?"
Ritsuka sighed. "That's….what he was trying to do….."
Tatsuko and Mashu stared at him in confusion. Ritsuka took note of their expressions and exhaled sharply. "After he died, he made a deal with the World, and became a Counter Guardian. After a time, he couldn't take the harsh measures he had to take. So when he was summoned in the Fifth Holy Grail War, he saw a chance to undo his contract…by killing his younger self."
The two girls looked at the male Master in shock. For a man to go that far in order to escape the torments inflicted upon him…..they couldn't help but shudder at the thought. It would seem the World was cruel after all.
Ritsuka's communicator buzzed to life, snapping them back to attention. The moment Ritsuka clicked it, Roman's face appeared before them, looking much calmer than before.
"Okay, so there's a town called Thiers up ahead." He answered. "With any luck, you'll find another Saint Servant for Siegfried."
The Chaldeans nodded, and ran towards their destination. It didn't take long for them to reach a spot to see the town before them. Everything about it seemed very peaceful and calm. It would seem that Thiers wasn't attacked by the wyverns yet. However, Mashu still felt uneasy. She looked at Roman with an inquisitive glance.
"Doctor, any signs of Servants up ahead?" Mashu asked curiously.
"I'm checking... All right, there are tw- wait, scratch that, there are three Servants in the town ahead. You guys should try and talk to–"
Everyone's eyes widened as they felt a scorching heat permeating from the town, they stood shocked as a larger pillar of light erupted from what looked like the town square.
"Was that a fire?" Tatsuko asked quietly.
Amadeus shrieked in annoyance as he covered his ears. "This noise... This terrible noise, I can't bear it!"
"Really?" Tatsuko asked. "I don't hear anything."
"I do," Emiya said with a sigh. "And it isn't pretty."
"How bad are we talking?' Cu asked sternly. The white haired Archer looked at him with a hesitant look, causing Cú to sigh.
"Okay, I'll just shut up now."
"Well either way, Let's check it out." Ritsuka said calmly. "Maybe we can figure out what's going on."
"Ritsuka's right," Kojiro said with a grin. "Mashu, would you please take point?"
Mashu looked at him with surprise and nervousness. "O-Okay! Everyone, please stay close to me."
No sooner did they reach the town square did the group stare at the scene before them in both confusion and disbelief. They found two of the three Servants Roman mentioned, but they were in the middle of arguing over something. Both servants in question were female, both short, but it was plain to see that they weren't the calmest individuals. The most distinguishing feature both had in common were their horns.
One had pink hair, blue eyes, and wore a gothic dress with white billowing sleeves and a black, circular skirt. Her horns were of different length, but the most striking feature was her long, draconic tail.
The other wore a turquoise kimono, her hair was of a lighter shade of blue. The fan she held was golden, just like her eyes. Her white, antler shaped horns were smaller than the other servant, but were of the same length.
"What did you just call me?!" The pink haired servant asked loudly.
The blue haired one hid her face behind her fan as if mocking the other one. "I didn't call you anything. I merely pointed out that you're delusional."
The pink haired Servant glared at her rival. "You little-"
The blue haired Servant giggled as she lowered her fan. "As if you're not little yourself! Come now Elizabeth, do you really think someone like you has a chance to beat a true dragon such as myself?"
The Servant named Elizabeth growled. "Okay, now I'm angry! I'll beat Carmilla later, you die first you creepy stalker!"
The blue haired Servant gasped. "I'm not a stalker! I'm 'a devoted bodyguard who
may or may not act like a spy.' I, Kiyohime, am a girl who lives for love."
"Oh please, your 'love' is a crime against human decency!"
Kiyohime gasped. "I don't want to hear it from a woman who's fetish is blood and torture!"
"At least I don't burn people alive!"
The two Servants continued to argue while the Chaldeans just watched in complete silence. Mozart did everything he could to block out the noise while Tatsuko crossed her arms as she witnessed the spat.
"I get the feeling those two aren't Saints." She said quietly.
Ritsuka couldn't help but nod. "Well regardless I think we should stop them before someone gets hurt."
"I agree with Senpai." Mashu said as she stepped forward towards the two Servants. "Excuse me but can you two please stop for a moment?"
The two Servants looked at Mashu with slight annoyance.
"I'm very busy right now, so please move along." Kiyohime said dismissively.
"Oh please, you won't be for long you brat!"
"I won't be after I kick you to the curbside you frilled necked lizard!"
"Japanese rat snake!"
"Mexican bearded dragon!"
"What's going in here?!"
Everyone turned to their left and were surprised at what they saw. Walking towards the arguing servants was a young woman around the size of Mashu. Her yellow outfit left very little to the imagination, consisting of a yellow top that only covered her breasts, yet exposed her cleavage, it didn't even cover her stomach, leaving her midriff bare. Her legs were covered by a long yellow skirt with long slits revealing much of her legs. Her black hair was long and beautiful, with two red flowers decorating the opposite sides. The woman stood before the two arguing Servants with a displeased look, not unlike a mother about to scold her children.
"Kiyohime, Elizabeth, I thought I asked you two to stop fighting in the city! There are people watching this, and they are going to get hurt!"
Kiyohime and Elizabeth quickly pointed at each other in unison.
"SHE STARTED IT!"
"I don't care who started it, but I'm ending it." The woman said. "No more fighting, or else I won't be cooking your favorite food for dinner!"
The two Servants froze in place at the ultimatum. They soon looked at each other and groaned.
"Fine." Elizabeth said with a sigh. "I'll stop."
"Sorry Mata Hari….."
The woman named Mata Hari sighed. "Honestly you two need to figure out how to work together…"
Mashus' eyes widened as she stared at the woman. "Mata Hari…. Wait you wouldn't happen to be-"
Mata Hari stared at Mashu and smiled. "That's right, I'm a Servant. An Assassin Class to be exact."
"Well in either case, it's good to meet you." Ritsuka said. "I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru, and my companions are here to help stop the threat of the Dragon Witch."
"Dragon Witch…hang on, did you guys meet a creepy exhibitionist named Carmilla?" Elizabeth asked.
"The white haired dominatrix who may or may not be after my virgin blood…?" Tatsuko said. "Yeah, we fought her twice… well one time, but no need to split hairs."
Elizabeth turned to Mata Hari with a knowing glance. "We can trust them."
The Assassin turned to the Lancer curiously. "Are you sure?"
Elizabeth nodded with a wide smile. "Any enemy of Carmilla's is a friend of mine, and since she's working with the Dragon Witch, then that just makes it even better."
Mata Hari smiled back and nodded. "That's good enough for me."
Mata Hari walked up to Ritsuka, her smile never fading. The male Master blushed as the Assassin stood a few feet away from him, and extended her hand out.
"If you're here to help end this madness, then I'll be more than happy to help in any way I can!" She said.
Ritsuka nodded shyly, causing Mashu to stare at them with a small pout. The male Master slowly took the Assassin's hand, and shook it. The moment they were done, Mata Hari gasped.
"Oh goodness, I almost forgot!" She said. "I have to fix the mess Kiyohime and Elizabeth made!"
The two Servants looked at their feet as Mata Hari stood in the middle of the square, and cupped her hands together.
"It's okay everyone, the two little troublemakers are done with their spat!" She shouted. Almost immediately, the townspeople opened their doors, and resumed their daily lives. The Chaldeans and their allies stared in slight surprise at how casual everyone was about the whole thing, only for them to snap back to attention as they heard Mata Hari gasp and giggle.
The group saw two young children clinging to her waist, speaking to her frantically. The Assassin spoke back to them in a soothing voice as a heavily pregnant woman, clearly their mother, walked towards them. The woman called to her children as if gently scolding them for running off, only to see Ritsuka staring at the scene before him. The woman turned to look behind her, and spoke to whoever was there. The sound of wood hitting the ground raised a few eyebrows, but the moment the person came into view, the Chaldeans, especially Ritsuka and Kojiro, were shocked at who they saw.
Standing before them was the french soldier whose leg Kojiro amputated, at Ritsuka's request. And supporting him was the soldier who escorted him away.
The pregnant woman spoke to him in a curious tone, causing the one legged man to nod. The man then turned to Mata Hari, and spoke to her courteously. The Assassin nodded and turned to face the Chaldeans.
"I take it you're the ones who helped him." She said to Ritsuka.
Ritsuka nodded. "You could say that."
Mata Hari smiled. "Well, we have a lot to discuss, and he just so happened to graciously welcome you to his home to do so."
A few minutes after coming to the soldier's home, the Chaldean's decided to split into groups, one side, led by Emiya, would talk to Elizabeth and Kiyohime over what they discovered so far. While the other group, consisting of the Chaldean Trio and Kojiro, would talk to the crippled soldier, his family, Mata Hari, and the second soldier in order to wind down from the arduous journey. It was during this, that the crippled soldier's children looked at Ritsuka and Kojiro, and ran up to them with beaming smiles. They could only stare in shock as the little girl hugged Ritsuka, and the boy hugged Kojiro, only for the two children to switch targets.
Mata Hari couldn't help but giggle alongside their mother. The pregnant woman got up slowly and called to her children to come to her. Once they were in their mother's reach, the woman looked at the male Master and Assassin, and spoke to them.
"Ummm, I'm sorry?" Ritsuka asked.
"Fayette is thanking you for saving Claude's life by cutting his leg off." Mata Hari answered. The man named Claude nodded at both the male Master and Kojiro. A moment later, the other soldier walked up to Ritsuka and extended his hand out. The man spoke with a smile causing Mata Hari to raise an eyebrow, and speak to him. The soldier turned to her, nodded and spoke to her, causing Mata Hari to gasp.
"What is it?" Ritsuka asked.
Mata Hari smiled at the male Master. "Louis here is wanting to thank you for saving his life as well."
Ritsuka nodded. "Well it's not like we could've left him to the wyverns."
Mata Hari raised an eyebrow. "He's not talking about that. He said you saved his life earlier."
It was Ritsuka's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
Mata Hari nodded. "He said that the white haired fellow was about to cut him down, when you got in between them."
The Chaldeans stared at Louis in shock. Ritsuka decided to take a closer look, and gasped. It was definitely the soldier he saved from Emiya.
"Oh wow." Tatsuko said. "That's pretty cool."
"I agree." Mashu replied. "It's as if Senpai's initial good deed helped with his second good deed."
Ritsuka stared back at Louis, and shook his hand. He then turned to Mata Hari with a smile. "Can you translate something for me? I'd like to apologize for not recognizing him earlier."
Mata Hari nodded. She spoke to Louis, causing the soldier to chuckle. He spoke back to Mata Hari, causing the Assassin to giggle.
"He says he doesn't mind one bit." She said. "He also said that if all Brits looked the same to him, then Brits such as yourselves must think the same thing."
Everyone looked at Louis in disbelief.
"Ummmm, there's only one person here who's British, and she's inside the house with Emiya and the others." Tatsuko said. Mata Hari spoke to Louis shyly, causing Claude to laugh. The one legged man spoke to Louis in an amused tone, only for Louis to roll his eyes and talk back to Claude. Claude then grinned mischievously and said something to Louis, only for Fayette to smack him upside the head.
"What was that all about?" Tatsuko asked.
Kojiro chuckled. "Lady Fayette's just telling Claude to be nice to his younger brother."
Rituska and Tatsuko stared stared at Louis and Claude with widened eyes. They were siblings?! Mashu thought about everything that happened with those two back at the ruined fort, causing the Shielder to gasp.
"Oh so THAT'S how Louis knew where Claude lived!" Mashu chimed.
"Exactly." Mata Hari chimed.
"Oh, speaking of that, how long were you here Mata Hari?" Tatsuko asked.
"Let's see….." Mata Hari put a finger to her chin. "Well to be perfectly clear I'm not sure how long it's been. But all I know is that Kiyohime was already protecting the townsfolk here by the time I was summoned. However, she didn't have the….necessary qualities for coordinating them or for leadership, so that's where I came in. Then Liz showed up a few days later, and ever since then, we've been doing our best to protect everyone here."
"Well you've done a good job so far." Ritsuka said. "From the looks of it, you're pretty popular with everyone. Especially these kids."
Mata Hari giggled and cooed as she ruffled the children's hair. "I know, I just can't help but dote on these cutie patooties."
"That makes sense." Mashu replied. "I read somewhere that in life you had two children, but then….."
"My husband took them away." Mata Hari finished. The Assassin smiled and put a hand on the Shielder's shoulder. "Mashu, right? Thanks for considering my feelings on the matter, but cheer up! There's no use thinking about the past, when we can seize the future!"
Tatsuko snickered. "Sorry, but no matter how many times I hear someone say to seize the future, it always sounds so corny."
Mata Hari giggled. Claude then smacked his forehead as if remembering something, and turned to Mata Hari to speak. Mata Hari nodded and turned to Ritsuka with an inquisitive stare. "Claude wanted to ask you where Jeanne d'Arc is….but I don't understand, isn't Jeanne d'Arc this Dragon Witch that I've been hearing about?"
Ritsuka sighed. "Actually there's two of them. And both of them are Heroic Spirits. The one we're traveling with is the one they'd probably have known when she was alive, while the Dragon Witch is…honestly we have no clue."
"I see. Should I tell them?"
Ritsuka nodded. "Please do, but in a way that doesn't cause any issues."
Mata Hari smiled. "Oh I think I can manage."
Mata Hari turned to Claude and spoke to him, Ritsuka turned to Kojiro with a curious glance.
"What's she saying to them?" The male Master asked.
"She's saying that the Jeanne they met back at the fort was her actual spirit, and that she was sent by God in order to help them deal with the wyvern threat. While the Dragon Witch is an imposter sent by the Devil in order to sow discourse in France."
"Oh please, there's no way that'll fly." Tatsuko replied.
Claude and Louis laughed, and spoke to Mata Hari. Kojiro chuckled, causing the two Masters to stare in confusion.
"What's so funny?" Ritsuka asked.
Kojiro smirked. "It would seem that they already had a hunch that what Mata Hari just told them was the truth."
"You can't be serious." Tatsuko muttered.
"No, that's what they said." Mashu answered. "Apparently they both didn't believe Jeanne ever turned into the Dragon Witch."
Claude and Louis continued to speak to Mata Hari. After they were done, Mata Hari giggled and nodded. She turned to Ritsuka and smiled. "Well, what I told them made them happy, they said that didn't answer the question. They want to know where she is."
"She's with another companion of ours." Ritsuka said. "We're trying to find another Saint in order to put an end to this once and for all."
Mata Hari spoke to Claude and Louis about her destination, but left the part out of the Saint. That was something they didn't need to know. She turned to Ritsuka with a sullen look.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we haven't seen a Saint Servant come through here."
"I see… I guess it's time we-"
Emiya walked out of the house alongside with a wide grin. "Good news guys, Kiyohime has some information about a Saint Servant."
The group turned to the Archer in shock. They actually had a lead this time? They turned to face Kiyohime as she walked outside the house alongside Cú and Artoria.
"Okay, so you know who we might be looking for?" Tatsuko asked.
Kiyohime nodded. "I only know of one saint, if you mean someone whose teachings took root deep within this nation."
"Really?" Mashu asked.
"Yes. I met him before coming to Thiers. I almost fought him, but he realized I was a "genuine"
Berserker and he sheathed his sword."
"What was his name?" Ritsuka asked.
"His True Name is Georgios." Kiyohime answered. "I believe he is quite a famous Saint around here."
"Georgios?" Roman muttered. "Wait a minute…..That's another name for Saint George!"
Ritsuka chuckled and turned to Mashu. "You were right after all Mashu, it looks like Saint George was summoned after all."
Mashu blushed while Louis and Claude stared at Roman's holographic image with suspicion. Kojiro quickly allayed their fears, and told them that it was just a spirit companion given to them by God. Roman then turned to Kiyohime with a calm expression.
"Do you know where he went?" He asked.
"That's the real shame." Kiyohime answered. "He went the opposite direction as me, to the west."
"The west…" Mashu gasped. "That's where Jeanne and the others went!"
"Holy cow!" Tatsuko exclaimed. "That's some incredible luck!"
"I'll say." Ritsuka answered back. "We need to get a hold of Jeanne right away."
Mashu nodded. "I'll make the call somewhere private."
Everyone nodded as Mashu walked away and turned on her communicator. Jeanne's holographic form appeared before her, eliciting a confused look on the Ruler.
"Mashu, is something wrong?"
Mashu smiled and shook her head. "No, we just got some information for you. There's a Saint Servant in the same area as you."
"I see, well it just so happens that we just detected a Servant."
"It could be him." Mashu answered.
"Do you know his name?" Jeanne asked. "It would probably help us in our search."
Mashu nodded. "Saint George."
Jeanne gasped. "Then that means we have another dragon slayer here too!"
Mashu nodded. "We're in Thiers right now, so I'm not sure if we'd be able to make it in time."
Jeanne nodded. "How about we meet you there, and heal Siegfried."
"Understood. Good luck."
Jeanne smiled and turned off her communicator. Mashu walked back to the rest of the group and smiled.
"They're about to make contact with a Servant." She answered. "With any luck, it's our Saint."
"Okay, so what's the plan now?" Cú asked.
"Jeanne suggested that we stay in Thiers for today, and she'll meet us here to purify Siegfried."
"So we're just going to stand here and twiddle our thumbs?" Medusa asked.
"Well, there's no use complaining about it." Medea said. "It gives us a place to sleep somewhere that isn't outside."
Fayette spoke to Mata Hari, causing the Assassin to smile and nod. "Fayette, Louis and Claude were talking earlier while Mashu was gone. And they want to extend an invitation for you all to have dinner in their home."
Ritsuka smiled shyly. "I'd rather not take advantage of their hospitality like this. We can just find an inn somewhere and rest there."
Mata Hari spoke to Fayette. The pregnant woman looked at Ritsuka, and walked up to him slowly with a calm expression. Without any warning, she grabbed the male Master by the ear, and dragged him into the house, speaking to him in a scolding tone as he begged her to let his ear go, much to the amusement of Claude and Louis, and the Chaldeans. Mashu stared at the scene in confusion as Mata Hari giggled.
"I don't understand." Mashu said. "Why did Fayette say she's not taking no for an answer?"
Mata Hari couldn't stop giggling. "Fayette can be quite stubborn. She just wants to repay the debt the three of them owe you all, and when she sets her mind to something, nothing can stop her."
Mashu turned back to the house with a blank look. "Women during pregnancy are indeed fierce individuals."
After turning off their communications, Jeanne and Marie looked around the town to find the Servant they were looking for. It didn't take long for them, however, when they felt a powerful presence behind them.
"Please stop right there."
The two Servants looked behind them and immediately knew they found their target. The Servant with long brown hair. He wore bronzed armor with a white cloak, and the shape of a dragon's head on the right pauldron.
"Who are you?" The male Servant asked.
"I am a Rider Class Servant. But my True Name is Marie Antoinette. And this is-"
"A certain holy maiden." He answered. "But I believe her name should remain anonymous for now."
"Why is that?" Marie asked.
"Because there was a town not far from here that was razed by her and her dragon, and they're most likely on their way here."
"I see, that could….complicate things…." Jeanne muttered. "Hold a moment, are you a Saint?"
The male Servant nodded. "I am Saint George."
"Oh thank goodness." Jeanne said. "We could really use our help. You see we have another dragon slayer in Thiers right now who's been inflicted with multiple curses, and we need myself and another saint to dispel them."
Saint George nodded. "I understand the situation, thankfully, almost all the townsfolk are evacuated. Just a couple more and-"
"Sir, the Dragon Witch is almost upon us!"
The three Servants turned and saw a woman run to them. She stopped the moment she was close to Saint George and caught her breath.
"Has everyone been evacuated now?" Saint George asked.
The woman nodded. "Yes, everyone made it out, but I don't know if we'll be able to outrun her forces!"
The three Servants looked at each other in concern. It would seem there was one option before them. Someone would have to stay behind, and buy the civilians time to reach safety, while the other two Servants would protect the townsfolk.
"I'll draw their attention, while you and Marie here get everyone to Thiers." Saint George said.
"But you'll die." Jeanne countered.
"I know, but I cannot let these people die on my watch." Saint George said. "I swore to their mayor that I would protect them."
"Then let me take over."
The two Saints turned and looked at Marie, who merely smiled at them.
"Marie, no…."
"I am a Queen of France Jeanne." Marie said. "Even though that is in the "future" from here, for me neither "past" nor "present" make much difference. Protecting the citizens is an important duty for me too, and you are now given a duty that can change everything."
The three Servants heard the sound of marching, and turned towards the direction of the sound. The moment they did so, they realized they didn't have much time to argue.
The Dragon Witch's forces had arrived, and they were about to attack.
Marie took a few steps forward, causing Jeanne to panic. "Marie, wait, if we all fight together, we can probably win this!"
Marie turned to her and smiled. "I'm happy that you want to help, but you know that we can't win, and you're needed elsewhere."
Jeanne stood there in shock as Marie turned to look at the enemy forces. "I am sure I was summoned for precisely this moment. Not to harbor hatred or defeat enemies, but to protect the people. So that at this time, I will protect those dear to me. To save my dear country, I will do what is right."
"Marie…."
Marie turned to Saint George with a knowing glance. "Can you leave this to me?"
Saint George looked at the Rider hesitantly for a moment before nodding. Marie nodded back, and turned to face Jeanne with a sympathetic smile. "Please apologize to Amadeus for me.
I never got to hear him play after all."
Jeanne stared at her wide eyed. There was only one reason for her to make such a request. The Ruler nodded reluctantly, but the Rider smiled nonetheless. "Jeanne. As short as our time was, it was the greatest honor to fight under your flag."
Jeanne nodded back. "And it was an honor to fight alongside you too."
Marie smiled at the comment, before turning her attention back to the Dragon Witch's encroaching forces. "Okay, time for you two to get going."
The two Saints nodded, and ran towards where the townsfolk evacuated.
A few minutes passed since then, and Marie simply stood there, humming to herself as she watched the Dragon Witch's forces loom closer and closer. The Rider grinned, knowing that the townsfolk were going to be safe, when the sound of footsteps caused her to turn her head. The Rider then ducked her head as Sanson's blade nearly cut her head. Marie leapt back, and sighed.
"I had a feeling you would show up, Sanson."
"Of course I would." Sanson replied. "No other person has the right to execute you. You should have realized that Marie."
"Hold on a second, Sanson." Marie said. "I know that you are a wonderful executioner. You guarded the guillotine with great respect, so I do indeed trust you. But, does that mean you alone hold the right to kill me?"
Sanson nodded. " I was born into a family of executioners, and I was only taught how to execute. No compromise. It's not only about dedication, I am particular about the method—the technique. It's natural for a good executioner to not inflict pain on the criminal. I see beyond that. I see the—ecstasy. The moment it feels so good that "it will kill you." That is the type of beheading I dedicate myself to. The best slice of my life was my "kiss" for you."
Marie said nothing as Sanson raised his hand to her. "Ever since I heard you were summoned, I have been wanting to meet you again so I can ask you this question. How was my beheading? Were you able to climax at the very end?"
"I can see that you seriously showed respect for me Sanson, from the bottom of your heart." Marie said sadly. "But, I'm sorry. That's just impossible. It's something that I cannot possibly say. Besides, I already know enough men with perverse hobbies. So I'm terribly sorry, but I can't accept a second kiss from you."
Sanson said nothing for the longest while, before sighing. "I see…..I had a feeling you would say that."
The Assassin then gripped his blade tighter. "But I'm sure you will be delighted, I've gotten even better than back then."
Sanson raised his blade at Marie with a smile. "That is why I was summoned as a Servant. I shall give you the final ecstasy once again!"
Sanson lunged at Marie, but the Rider leapt onto the rooftop of a building, with Sanson immediately following her. Sanson swung his blade at her, but Marie sidestepped out of the way. Another swing, and Marie spun out of the way, then giving Sanson a little bow. The Assassin lunged at her again, but the Rider cartwheeled out of the way. Another swing, and Marie stepped aside, dodging the strike. Sanson raised his blade, and swung downward. Marie twirled away, and stood to the side. Sanson tried to strike again, but Marie jumped backwards, landing on the ground below them.
Sanson clicked his tongue in frustration as he stared down at Marie, who simply stood there, smiling at him. The Assassin leapt down from the roof, and swung his sword. Marie hopped backwards, and then ducked when Sanson swung at her head. The Assassin was getting frustrated, and decided to try his luck with a flurry of strikes.
Marie didn't bother blocking any of them. Instead, she continued to sidestep, jump, dodge and duck, as if performing a dance. Sanson, in his desire to kill the Rider, did not see this. Instead, all he could focus on was her head. Sanson swung again, meeting air as Marie lurched backwards, and performed a backflip. She then stood a few feet away, her hands were behind her back. The Rider wasn't even trying to fight, Sanson knew that much, instead, it was as if she wasn't taking him seriously at all.
Sanson growled, and lunged at Marie. The Rider didn't move until the Assassin was mere inches from her. The moment he was within range, Marie sidestepped, bringing her hands back from where they were.
Sharp pain enveloped Sanson. He looked down, and saw a crystal spike penetrating where his Spirit Core was located. Marie retracted the spike from the Assassin, and watched as he sunk to the ground.
"H-how….all I wanted to do, was to give you a more ecstatic death….."
Marie knelt down, and flashed a sympathetic stare as Sanson started to glow. "It's because your blade became rusty. By following the Dragon Witch, your proficiency as a killer increased, but in doing so, you lost your way."
"But…..I thought if I did so, I could give you that ecstatic death…so you could forgive me….."
Marie shook her head. "You never needed to ask for my forgiveness. Not once did I hold a grudge against you."
Sanson sighed. "I see… I have well and truly lost my way….."
Sanson closed his eyes, and dissipated into golden dust. Marie rose up, and turned her head to the sound of footsteps.
"Well, it would seem I just lost two Servants. A pity actually, I thought this one had potential."
Marie grinned as Dark Jeanne stopped in her tracks, and stared at her with absolute scorn. "Where's the other me?"
"Gone, she took the citizens alongside our newest ally." Marie answered. "You've lost."
"Really now?" Dark Jeanne asked. "Just by gaining one Servant? You really are a foolish little girl."
"Am I?"
"Of course!" Dark Jeanne shouted. "You fight to protect the very people that executed you! They betrayed you, just as they betrayed me!"
Marie shook her head and sighed. "It's true that I was executed. There was ridicule, and there was disdain. However that gives me no reason to murder them in return."
Dark Jeanne stared at her in disbelief. "What?"
"I became a queen because the people asked me to." Marie answered. "A queen cannot be without her people. Thus, it was inevitable. If they don't want you, then you exit even if you don't want to. That is the destiny of those serving their country. I believe my execution led to my people's next smile."
Marie continued to grin at Dark Jeanne, annoying the latter Servant.
"Say, Dragon Witch." Marie said. "Who are you exactly?"
"Shut up!" Dark Jeanne shouted. The Dragon Witch brought forth multiple pillars of fire, and shot them towards Marie. The Rider brought her hands up ready to defend herself.
"Deploy Noble Phantasm. Crystal Palace!"
A small palace made of crystal formed around Marie in order to protect herself from the flames. The Rider grunted from the sheer force of the Dragon Witch's attack. However, it was enough to keep the fires at bay. Dark Jeanne growled in frustration, and increased the intensity of the flames. Marie was once again pushed back. The Rider then looked at her defenses, and saw them beginning to crack. However, she would not falter, nor would she give up. If she could help the Saint who saved France...No, if she could help a friend. Then she would gladly shed the last of her radiance and fall.
Dark Jeanne grew even more frustrated, and increased the intensity. Marie could do nothing, as she watched her crystal palace shatter before her. The Rider simply smiled, having accepted this outcome. Like a star, like a flower. Like a fleeting dream. That is how she always lived. But she would not go out without a word. She opened her mouth to speak, to give one last act of defiance towards the Dragon Witch.
"Vive La France!"
Marie then closed her eyes and smiled in content. The flames found their mark, and engulfed the Flower of Versailles.
OC: (Trying to get rid of the muzzle on his face)
CV: Ok, that was definitely a crazy one. Oh, if you're wondering why he has a muzzle… It was necessary. Anyways, usually we both do this section alone, but we decided to spice things up a bit for special occasions, and bring someone else here. Owen will say it, lemme just… Take away his muzzle and… There!
OC: FINALLY! I can't believe how long I had to stay like that because of that fucking blue haired snake bitch! Oh wait…..what was I supposed to…..Oh right, sorry, I got carried away.
CV: We'll work on your anger issues later, but for now we have a guest star joining us for today's notes!
OC: Yup, now everyone, please give it up for-
Marie: Vive la France!
CV: Marie! We weren't even done introducing you!
Marie: Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't help myself!
OC: Oh that's so Marie!
CV: Well, everyone, say hi to the one and only Marie! The, one could say, protagonist of this particular chapter.
Marie: Oh I wouldn't go that far. I'd rather liken myself to being the supporting role, giving the main protagonist a tiny push in the right direction.
OC: Well either way, you were very brave for what you did.
CV: Wassup my homie!
Marie: Oh goodness, I didn't know that you two heard that!
OC: Yeah…..let's not go into details about that.
CV: So, Marie, today you sacrificed your life to help Chaldea succeed, even while knowing you weren't going to be able to return. I have to give it to you, that was pretty damn brave.
Marie: It was the right thing to do after all. My life to help them escape is a price I was always willing to pay.
OC: And in the end, you managed to take down your executioner, and forced the Dragon Witch to put some effort into killing you. There's a reason that people thought of your final moments fondly, because you went out like a true hero, and as a Queen.
Marie: Merci monsieur, you're too kind.
OC: I speak the truth.
CV: He's right. Being able to stall out Dark Jeanne was a pretty impressive feat, and let's be real, you humiliated the crap out of Sanson.
Marie: I wouldn't go so far as to say humiliate him. I just had a clearer head than he did. If he was as I remembered him when I was alive, he would have killed me without any trouble.
OC: Well you definitely had a unique way of approaching that battle. Why didn't you attack until that one final blow?
Marie: Because I respected him. I didn't want to drag it out, but to end it as quick and clean as he would have done.
CV: Considering you were literally dancing around the dude… That's what we in the business call "Disrespectful". And let me just say, I loved it.
Marie: Was it really disrespectful? Oh goodness me, I guess I have to apologize to Sanson then.
OC: I wouldn't go that far, Marie. In fact, calling it disrespectful is a bit of a stretch. What it really was, was you trying to stall for time right?
Marie: Oui?
OC: Then you did exactly as you had to. Sanson was just at the wrong end of it.
Marie: Oh wow, I haven't thought of it that way. Thank you for giving me a new perspective on this!
CV: Guess we both have different outlooks on Marie's fight with Sanson.
OC: I just like to think that she wasn't trying to be malicious. It just doesn't seem like Marie at all…unless Mozart is involved.
CV: True, true. The fight would've been a lot crazier if Mozart was there.
Marie: Pardon?
OC: Oh nothing nothing! Just talking to ourselves here!
Marie: I see. You two are pretty nice individuals, do you think we shall ever meet again?
CV: Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell.
Marie: Well I hope we do, this is very fun, but I must be going now…..
CV: Understandable, see ya Marie! Viva la France!
OC: Viva la France!
(Marie walks out the door)
OC: Okay, seriously, she deserves a medal for what she did in this chapter.
CV: Yep, she had balls of steel… Ovaries? Ovaries of steel. Yeah let's go with that.
OC: Definitely. Speaking of this chapter, for our readers at home, I have a surprise for you once again. This chapter actually incorporated a rough draft scene I made months before chronicles was published, and it was the introductory scene of Liz, Mata Hari, and that blue haired mana prism. The original scene I wrote back then ended with mata hari introducing herself, and everything else after that was completely original….mostly.
CV: Like before, some parts were taken from Orleans to make the scene similar to the one that appeared in the game, and those that are familiar with the story will know which one it is. Also I know you don't like Kiyo but you can't badmouth her every time we have to speak of her.
OC: Oh I disagree lol. BUT, I will give her and Liz credit for their hilarious name calling. That was entirely pulled from the game when I wrote that rough draft, and I couldn't help but keep all of that in because of how hilarious they were. One could say they….ROASTED each other?
CV: … Ok that was a good one. But be warned, I still have the muzzle just in case.
OC:...This is gonna be a nightmare for when that Caster from Shimousa arrives….I can tell. But enough of that for now. Some of you may wonder why we put Mata Hari in Orleans when she never did in the game, and why we decided to make names and personalities for three French characters. Shall I tell them? Or would you like to?
CV: You do it, I'll go clean the muzzle real quick for the next time I need it.
OC: Okay so to start, we decided to include Mata Hari here because I just felt she should be introduced earlier as a sort of den mother for some of the Chaldeans during this journey. And frankly? I actually like Mata Hari as well. Not as much as some other characters, but she is definitely someone who deserves more love, and can be pretty much friends with almost everyone.
Now as for the French trio written in this chapter. The reason we gave them names and actual personalities is because the early singularities felt kind of…..empty with nameless NPC soldiers and townsfolk. We decided to make them real people that the Chaldeans interact with in order for it to feel alive, and more personal. They aren't just nameless strangers, they each have a story to tell, and it just enriches the Singularity by giving them names and set personalities.
Now, the idea that the soldier that escorted Claude back home being both his brother, and as the very same soldier that Ritsuka saved from Emiya was not exactly planned out ahead of time. This was something we came up with during the actual writing of this chapter, and to make everything seem connected. It was also a way to show that, contrary to what Nasu believes, good deeds can, will, and DO have positive consequences. I get what he wants to do, but it feels like he simply believes that if you ever try to be a hero, or do a good deed, you should be immediately screwed over. Unfortunately, that's not how it always works out. Yes, there is always a chance you can get screwed over, but a lot of the time, you get rewarded for it. And that will be further explored in the next chapter.
CV: The trend of having non Servants in the place that Chaldea traveled to didn't start until the Lostbelts, but there were some great chances for it to be made during the Singularities, and that's what we went for here.
OC: Not to mention a way to show how the main trio can interact with them.
CV: Exactly. Expect to see more of these characters during the future Singularities.
OC: Not only that, but there will be quite a few more of these types of things during the Lostbelt Saga. Because who doesn't love adding more goodies to their ice cream sundaes?
CV: I prefer regular ice cream.
OC:...Me too….. But in any case, we hoped you enjoyed this chapter of Chaldean Chronicles.
CV: Stay tuned for next week, where we have another guest appearance waiting for everyone. This is CosmicVlad and Owenchaser, have a good night guys.