The Triumvirate Chapter 14:
Before the Storm
The woman silently walked towards the palace. A few people nodded to her, and she nodded back as she walked into the halls, and went for a nice little stroll in the halls to pass the time. She always felt uncomfortable whenever she came here, but for some odd reason, she felt compelled to come here. That is, until she saw it.
A large garden of roses.
The woman smiled and walked into the garden, and then performed a little twirl. The woman started to move her hands, their movements flowing like water as she began to dance. She performed a small leap into the air before landing on a grassy patch. She then spun around before repeating the pattern once more.
The sound of footsteps caused her to halt her dance and turn around. The moment she saw who approached, her eyes widened in surprise for a moment before her heart started to beat faster and faster.
Standing before her with an expression of awe was a beautiful young woman. She had blonde hair in a bun, green eyes and a stunning toga. The woman saw the look in her eyes, and noted the hint of longing within.
"I-I-I'm not intruding, am I?" The dancer asked.
The blonde woman shook her head. "No, you are not. I apologize for staring, but…..I think my heart stopped for a moment. You were so beautiful when you danced."
The dancer blushed. The blonde woman blushed as well, and took deep breaths to calm her nerves. She then put a hand over her face, covering her eyes to hide her bashfulness. "Is it okay if I dance with you?"
"Yes!" The dancer said, almost too enthusiastically. The dancer widened her eyes, then cleared her throat. "Yes."
The blonde woman extended her hand out, and the dancer took it. They then turned away, and performed a small squat before rising up to begin the dance in earnest. As they danced, their hearts started to beat faster and faster. As they reached the peak of the dance, they soon gave into their passion, and kissed, not a deep one, but it was filled with love and desire all the same. The two women reluctantly broke away for a moment before they reached to stroke the other's cheek.
"I think I'm in love." The dancer said.
"I feel the same." The blonde woman asked. "What is your name, my sweet?"
"I am Lucia." The dancer said. "And who is the person in front of me that I fell in love with?"
"Umu, I am Nero."
(Day 31)
The sun shimmered into Lucia's eyes, causing her to slowly wake up. With a small yawn, the chief concubine rose up from the bed, and saw Nero standing at the railing of their balcony. The blonde emperor looked at her shaking hands, her body and mind having gone catatonic since the incident a few days ago. Lucia immediately walked up to her, and put a hand over Nero's.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" She asked.
Nero shook her head. "I don't think this is something you can help me with….."
"I beg to differ." Lucia said.
"I'm sorry, Lucia, but you're wrong." Nero said. "Not only do I have to face my predecessors, but now I also learned that the one leading the United Empire….is me…"
Lucia could not help but look at Nero sadly as the emperor started to tremble.
"I'm a monster…..just like her…"
Nero's eyes widened as Lucia pulled her close, and wrapped her arms around in a deep embrace. Nero tried to wiggle free half heartedly, causing Lucia to tighten her embrace upon her beloved.
"I want you to listen to me, Nero." Lucia said. "You are nothing like your mother, nor this evil you. You are not a monster."
"What makes you so sure of that?" Nero asked.
"Do you remember when we first met?" Lucia asked.
"You mean when we danced in the rose garden and kissed?" Nero said. "I…..have a confession to make. That wasn't the first time I saw you….."
Lucia raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"It was at a party." Nero said. "It took place a couple of weeks before we danced. I was forced to go by my mother, but I ended up enjoying myself. And I enjoyed it more when I saw you. With your hair in that ponytail, and that-"
"The blue flower in my hair….." Lucia muttered. "You remembered all of that?"
Nero blushed. "I…was really nervous about telling you this because I didn't want you to think I was a creep…"
Lucia smiled. "If we did meet there, then all that would have happened would be that I would have fallen in love with you earlier."
Nero's eyes widened as she lifted her head to look into Lucia's eyes. "Lucia, you….."
Lucia nodded. "I remember the days when your mother would try to control your every move, decisions and life. She treated you more like a puppet instead of her own child. I hated myself everyday for three years for not stepping in and stopping her abuse."
Nero started to shake as tears started to swell. "I'm so sorry for putting you through that…."
"You shouldn't apologize. It wasn't your fault." Lucia said. "In fact, I made a vow the day Agrippina died."
"Vow…..?"
Lucia nodded. "To be by your side, now and always. Whenever you stumble in your duties, I will be there to pick you up, dust you off, and help you to the best of my abilities."
The sun continued to rise, its light shining behind Lucia, making her more radiant. Nero continued to shake as the tears started to get bigger. Lucia simply continued to hold her beloved and took a deep breath.
"No matter what happens, Nero, I will always love you. Warts and all." Lucia said. "And our beloved concubines feel the same way."
The dam finally broke within Nero. The blonde emperor began to sink to the floor, sobbing into Lucia's chest. The chief concubine simply sank with her beloved emperor, and held her in her arms as she continued to cry.
"How are you feeling?" Boudicca asked.
"I'm a little tired….." Ritsuka said as he rubbed his eyes. Boudicca could not help but stare at him in concern. Ever since returning to Rome, Ritsuka, Sanson and Malgus worked as much as they could to save Caesar and Cleopatra from certain death. Thankfully, they were quick enough to save both, and the two lovers were back in tip top shape, and Caesar agreed to make a contrast with Ritsuka and Tatsuko. Unfortunately, Boudicca could still tell that something was bothering Ritsuka. The Rider decided to pull him to the side and ask him about his troubles.
"Is there something wrong?" Boudicca asked.
Ritsuka took a deep breath. "I'm just wondering just what Lev really is. He's obviously not human, considering his blood was black, but…"
"Why the hesitation?"
"In Chaldea, we have a no killing policy towards humans, and some other creatures." Ritsuka answered.
"Well it's as you said. This Lev person isn't human." Boudicca said. "So what are you thinking about?"
"I'm…..just trying to see where he fits on the policy so we can figure out how to deal with him."
"May I ask why Chaldea has that policy?" Boudicca asked.
"It's…..personal for me." Ritsuka answered.
"Well regardless, it doesn't change the fact that Lev Lainur is a monster." Boudicca said.
"Yeah, I'm familiar with his type….." Ritsuka muttered. Boudicca stared at the male Master curiously. Her eyes widened in fright, then she walked up to the male Master and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Just how old were you…..?" She asked.
"Young enough…"
A chill ran up the Rider's spine as she heard his response. Boudicca proceeded to wrap her arms around Ritsuka, and pull him into a deep embrace. "I'm so sorry for bringing up some bad memories…..If you need me, I'm right here for you…"
Ritsuka's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, before the male Master calmed down, and slowed his breathing. "Thanks, Boudicca."
The Rider released him from her embrace and stared at the male Master. "Sorry for holding you up, I just wanted to see if you were okay."
"It's fine." Ritsuka said.
"Where were you headed anyway?"
"I was on my way to see how Siegfried is doing." Ritsuka answered. "I want to see if there's anything I can do to help him."
"I'll go with you." Boudicca said. "I can probably help in seeing what's wrong."
"I think we both know what it is." Ritsuka said.
Boudicca nodded in agreement and walked alongside the male Master to find Siegfried. The two of them looked for him for quite some time, but weren't able to find him. So they decided to back track a bit, when they finally found the Saber in the throne room, with Tatsuko and Liz watching him, not knowing how to approach.
"How long have you two been standing there?" Ritsuka asked.
"About half an hour." Liz answered.
"And when did you arrive, Tatsuko?" Boudicca asked. "I thought you were with Caesar and Cleopatra."
"They….wanted to get reacquainted….." Tatsuko said.
"Maybe we shouldn't bother them then…" Boudicca muttered. "But did Siegfried see them yet?"
"Yeah, he saw them not long ago." Tatsuko answered. "He wanted to reveal that the attacker who stabbed Caesar was his wife…"
"I can imagine that didn't go over well….." Ritsuka said.
"Caesar was actually sympathetic to Siegfried." Tatsuko said. "Cleopatra, on the other hand, is on a warpath."
"I hope Caesar can talk her out of it." Liz said.
"I hope so too." Tatsuko said.
"In the meantime, we should see how we can help Siegfried." Boudicca said.
The four of them slowly walked up to the Saber, who stared at the wall not noticing their presence until he heard their footsteps. "Sumanai. I didn't mean to worry you all."
"Is it about Kriemhild?" Boudicca asked.
"It is….." Siegfried answered.
"Can you tell us what happened?" Ritsuka asked.
Siegfried nodded. "How much do you know of my legend?"
"We know enough." Tatsuko answered. "Especially the ending."
"Then allow me to tell you the story from my point of view." Siegfried replied. "After slaying Fafnir, I learned of Kriemhild, and went to the kingdom of Burgundy to meet her. Do you remember how Lucia mentioned how she and Nero met?"
"Yeah, they met at a rose garden, Lucia danced, Nero saw her, and then asked to dance with her, and then they made out." Tatsuko said.
"That is almost exactly how she and I met as well." Siegfried replied. "There were a couple of key differences though. For one, we met in a field of white flowers, and she wasn't dancing when I first saw her."
"Did you even know it was her?" Liz asked.
"No, I did not." Siegfried answered. "We only learned each other's names after kissing."
"Then you fought for her hand, only to marry her after helping her brother marry Brunnhilde, right?" Ritsuka asked.
"Yes….."
"And considering you had to help him, it ended badly." Tatsuko said. "In the end, Kriemhild and Bruunhilde developed a rivalry and Hagen killed you out of loyalty to Gunther. And Kriemhild spent the rest of her life wanting revenge."
Siegfried did not respond. Instead, he looked away shamefully. The rest of the group raised an eyebrow at the gesture, until they felt a nagging sensation in the backs of their heads. Something was up, and they wanted to get to the bottom of it.
"That's not what actually happened…..isn't it…" Liz said.
Siegfried shook his head. "Hagen was my friend. When war became almost a certainty, I went to him for help."
"You asked him to kill you." Boudicca said in realization.
Siegfried nodded. "I felt that my death would solve everything….."
"To be perfectly honest, since I kept my malnourishment from everyone, I am the last person that should be judging you…." Ritsuka said.
"Hagen must have told her the truth before she killed him, and that's why she was so cold to you…." Tatsuko muttered.
Siegfried nodded. "I suspect that to be the case…"
"I can't imagine what you're going through." Boudicca said. "I'm sorry."
"I just don't know where I went wrong." Siegfried said.
"Then you're the biggest idiot here!"
Everyone turned to Liz in shock as she put her hands on her hips akimbo. "You went through absolute hell to marry Kriemhild, and when war became inevitable, you decided to die instead of staying by her side!"
Liz then stamped towards the Saber until she was right in front of him, tapping her foot furiously on the floor. "You should have trusted her, you dolt!"
Everyone continued to stare at the Lancer in shock as she spoke her words. She looked as much like a dragon as Siegfried. None of them spoke up to stop her, because they knew it would be futile.
"What did you think was going to happen when you decided to get yourself killed?" Liz asked. "Did you think that Kriemhild would just grieve and move on?"
"I-"
"I'm not done!" Liz shouted. "You should have considered all the consequences of what you were about to do, and actually think if what you were doing was the right thing!"
Liz took a deep breath as she continued to glare at Siegfried.
"You created this whole mess, so you need to fix it!"
Liz then started to pant as everyone stared at her in absolute awe.
"Wow, you really have incredible lungs." Tatsuko said.
Siegfried took a deep breath and stared at Liz. "You're right, I made a mistake, and I have to fix this."
"What will you do?" Boudicca asked.
"I will fight her myself." Siegfried answered.
"Siegfried, you don't have to do that." Ritsuka said.
Siegfried shook his head. "No, it has to be me. I have to face the consequences of my actions, and not run from them."
"What about Cleopatra?" Tatsuko asked. "I don't think she will be so keen on you getting in her way."
"Leave her to me." Siegfried answered. "I'll talk to her and see if I can get her to let me handle it."
"It seems that everyone is regaining their resolve."
Everyone turned around to see Nero and Lucia standing right by the throne.
"Nero, are you okay?" Tatsuko asked.
Nero nodded. "We have a lot of work to do."
It only took an hour, and everyone gathered into the throne room to discuss their next plan of action. The decision was whether they should attack the United Empire at their base, or to wait for the enemy to come to them, and defend Rome. In the end, it was decided that they would attack the United Empire, and end things once and for all.
"Will you take the troops at all?" Burrus asked.
"Yes." Caesar answered. "It is their battle too, so they should be able to fight for their homeland."
"And your ability to summon an army will only boost our numbers and protect our people." Nero said.
"And how do you plan to get there?" Seneca asked.
"I can handle that." Malgus answered. "I will teleport the core group a few miles from the base, and then some will have to stay behind to cover me as I teleport the soldiers."
"Astolfo and I will stay with the soldiers." Vlad said. "We have a plan, but it will only work if we surprise the enemy together."
"What about Darius?" Roman asked. "He can summon an army of his own, and if there's any more undead soldiers, you'll be overwhelmed."
"Leave that to me." Caesar said. "I can simply use my Noble Phantasm to even the playing field, all the while I go help in dealing with the United Empire's leadership with everyone else."
"I will help as well." Leonidas replied. "My Noble Phantasm will also be best suited here, so it will be better if I defend Malgus."
"I'll help cover him with you guys." Jing Ke said. "With any luck, I can take care of Darius and then join the infiltration group."
"I'll help on the front lines too." Jeanne said. "I will help coordinate their movements."
Cleopatra looked at Siegfried and raised an eyebrow. "How come you're not volunteering?"
"Because I will be fighting the First of the Triumvirate." Siegfried said.
"You mean Kriemhild." Cleopatra growled.
"He has a point." Sanson said. "He's our strongest fighter here, so he should be the one to face the Triumvirate's leader."
Cleopatra scowled. "I want to be the one to make her answer for harming Caesar."
"Cleopatra, please let me handle this." Siegfried said. "I have to speak to her?"
Cleopatra glared at the Saber until she felt Caesar's hand gently touch her shoulder.
"Dear, it's obvious he needs to do this." He said.
Cleopatra looked at her lover, then back to Siegfried, and took a deep breath. "Very well. Then I will help with the frontal assault against Darius."
"Now that that's taken care of, who will be joining me, Nero and the Chaldean Trio in infiltrating the base?" Caesar asked.
"I will." Nobunaga said. "Ritsuka and I faced Lev before, so we can help you guys in facing him. Besides, my muskets did some nasty damage to him, so he has something up his sleeve."
"You're definitely going to be an incredible help, Nobunaga." Ritsuka said.
"I shall aid in fighting the main oppressor!" Spartacus shouted.
"I do not know about this." Mashu said. "Your Noble Phantasm might be better suited for the frontal assault."
"Now Mashu, we can't deny him his desire to join us." Tatsuko said. "That would be oppression."
"Tatsuko's right." Ritsuka said. "And we don't want to be oppressors, now do we?"
"Doctor Roman, Tatsuko and Senpai are acting strangely!"
"Well in any case, I should come as well." Sanson said.
"Why?" Ritsuka asked.
"You might need another healer in case things go wrong." Sanson answered.
"That's fair."
"I want to come too." Boudicca said.
"Are you sure?" Tatsuko asked. "You don't have to be there if you don't want to."
Boudicca looked at the Trio and smiled. "I'm not doing this for Nero, I want to be there for you guys."
The Trio could not help but smile back.
"Thanks, Boudicca." Ritsuka said.
"Then I guess I'm the last to volunteer." Liz said. "Then again, there's a saying about saving the best for last."
"Splendid, now we have our composition figured out." Vlad said.
"Now all that's left is to take the fight to them!" Tatsuko exclaimed.
"Ummmmmm, I have a question….." Lucia said. "Do we even KNOW where their base is?"
Everyone went silent as they stared at Lucia with widened eyes. Astolfo and Nobunaga then proceeded to freak out.
"What do we do?!" Astolfo said.
"How could we forget something like that?!" Nobunaga replied.
"Honestly, I'm surprised we overlooked that." Jing Ke said.
"Umu, we shall figure that part out." Nero said.
"You have surprised me once more with your quick thinking."
Everyone turned to look at the palace entrance, and saw Romulus standing by the entryway.
"Okay, we really need to check those scanners when we get back to Chaldea." Tatsuko said.
"The earth itself lets me move as I please, so I cannot be detected unless I wish it." Romulus said.
The Servant walked up to Nero with a calm gaze. The blonde emperor got up from her throne, and walked towards the Servant in response.
"I suspect you are aware why I am here." Romulus said.
"I have an idea." Nero responded. "You're here to complete my test."
Romulus nodded. The two of them then stopped their approach as they were a few feet away from each other. Silence and unease filled the air as the two of them stared at each other. Tatsuko leaned towards Jeanne with a calm gaze.
"What Class is he?"
"Lancer." Jeanne answered. "And a powerful one at that."
"I shall ask you a question." Romulus said. "I will tell you the location regardless, but your answer will determine if I shall help you any further than that."
"I'm ready." Nero said.
"What is Rome?" Romulus asked.
Nero closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The blonde emperor thought of everything she had experienced over this entire adventure. From the rise of the United Empire, Chaldea's arrival, their first fight with Caesar, their expedition to Gaul, the battle against her uncle, Caesar's defeat, and the revelation of the United Empire's leader. She knew what her answer was.
"I am not this Whore of Babylon." Nero said. "At least not the one we have seen. Rome isn't a city. It is a civilization. The citizens are Rome. I am Rome."
Romulus raised an eyebrow as Nero raised her hands up into the air parallel to each other.
"WE. ARE. ROME!"
Silence filled the air as Romulus stared at the blonde emperor. No one said a word as they watched them both stare silently at each other. Time slowed down for them until they watched Romulus starting to move. The Lancer raised his arms into the air, in the same position as Nero's and let out a mighty shout.
"ROOOOMMMMAAAA!"
Everyone but Nero stared at the Lancer with widened eyes. Nero's eyebrow was raised as Romulus looked down to her, and smiled warmly.
"You have passed the test."
A lump caught in everyone's throat as he said those words. Everyone stared at him in shock, until a wave of relief, barring from Spartacus and Boudicca filled their bodies. Nero smiled and exhaled sharply. "I am honored that you will be joining us."
Romulus patted her on the shoulder. "You have done well, child."
"I'm sorry to be a bother," Ritsuka said. "But can you tell us where the United Empire is located?"
The Lancer looked at the Male Master and nodded. "I shall show you."
Romulus walked towards the map on the table, and pointed. "It is right here in this fortress."
"Wait, the base is in Spain?!" Roman shouted. "Why would it be there of all places?!"
"I do not know." Romulus said. "I merely surveyed the area."
"How bad is our opposition?" Cleopatra asked.
Romulus's face turned grim. "A large army of undead Romans is stationed there, along with a large Servant."
"So Darius is the first line of defense with that army…." Malgus muttered.
"And with his Noble Phantasm, he can double the troop size." Jeanne said.
Nero looked at Romulus with a calm gaze. "What are our chances of storming the fortress?"
Romulus smiled. "I heard of your plan, your chances were decent. But with me here, your chances of victory have only gotten higher."
Everyone smiled in relief at that remark.
"So that means we have a shot!" Liz exclaimed.
"Hell yeah! We're gonna kick Lev's ass all the way to next week!" Tatsuko shouted.
"I would proceed with caution still." Romulus said. "Even the most well thought out plans can go awry. We must be vigilant."
"I agree." Caesar said. "Just because we have everyone here does not mean absolute victory."
Nero nodded and looked at Romulus. "Where would you like to go, Great Founder? You get to decide your position."
"I wish to be part of this infiltration team." Romulus said. "In the event things become dire, I can at least protect you from death."
"Then it is decided." Nero said. She turned to look at everyone and took a deep breath. She then smiled as she looked each and everyone, barring Boudicca, in the eyes. "It has been a long time coming, but the United Empire will now be facing the full might of Rome. But not today. Instead, we shall have one last night of rest, and clear our heads for the upcoming campaign. I want everyone to be at their best tomorrow, so rest up, and mingle amongst yourselves. For tomorrow, we end this war once and for all!"
Everyone nodded at the remark, but did not move until Nero patted Mr. Mittens and Linus on their heads. The emperor turned to them one last time and smiled. "You are all dismissed for now. Rest up, and calm your nerves."
The entire room nodded and broke off in pairs as they left the throne room, leaving Nero and Lucia alone.
"Thank you, Lucia." Nero said. "I was finally able to come to terms with myself."
Lucia smiled. "I don't think I did much."
"No, you did." Nero said. "I just cannot describe it. It's just a feeling."
Lucia giggled as she seductively carrassed Nero's hip, all the way to her stomach. "And, what shall we do to celebrate?"
Nero grinned. "I think we should wait until much later tonight."
Lucia raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Oh? And what do you have in mind?"
"Tatsuko has been looking a little…off lately." Nero said. "I think I should help with that."
"How?"
"Let's just say that I think I know where she's going to be in a few hours."
(Later that night)
Tatsuko stared at the moon in the sky as she sat down on the marble bench. The female Master sighed at the night sky. Ever since the fight against Caesar a few days ago, she had this nagging feeling like something bad was going to happen. Romulus joining their side has improved her mood, but something felt off. "Dammit, I should try and take my mind off it somehow."
She looked at the rose garden before her and tilted her head. "I wonder if this is where Nero and Lucia met…."
"Umu, you are indeed correct!"
Tatsuko gasped in surprise as she turned to see Nero and Lucia walking towards her.
"You scared me for a moment!" Tatsuko said.
Lucia giggled. "I apologize, we didn't mean to frighten you."
"Apology accepted."
"May we join you?" Nero asked.
Tatsuko nodded. "Honestly, I could probably use the company."
The emperor and her chief concubine walked towards the female Master, who scooted a bit so both of them could sit next to her. The three of them stared at the moon for a moment before Lucia turned to face Tatsuko.
"Where are your friends?" She asked. "Surely they would want you to be with them."
"Well, Ritsuka is with Leonidas and Spartacus because they wanted to talk to him." Tatsuko said. "Mashu's probably with Boudicca, or is about to find Ritsuka when he's done with those two. Jeanne is with Liz and Sanson talking to Nobunaga over something. I just got done talking to Astolfo, and he's going to hang out with Vlad and Siegfried. And Caesar and Cleopatra were-"
"With the Great Founder." Nero said. "We just got done with our conversations with them before coming here."
"Glad to hear you and Caesar worked out your problems."
"Umu, I am too." Nero said. "But now what about you? Why are you here all alone?"
Tatsuko shrugged. "Like I said, I just got done talking to Astolfo, and found this place to just relax."
"I see." Nero muttered. The three of them fell into a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Lucia saw Tatsuko fidget for a slight second. "Something is bothering you, isn't there?"
Tatsuko sighed. "Kind of. The last time we did something like this, it was just us about to storm the castle until we received aid. But now? We're fighting a literal war here. I'm…not really used to that."
"Umu, so you're nervous." Nero said.
Tatsuko nodded. "Ritsuka is too. I think that's why Leonidas and Spartacus wanted to talk to him, and why Boudicca wanted to speak to Mashu."
"That could explain it." Lucia said. "But maybe you should do something to unwind and take your mind off of it."
"That could work." Tatsuko said. "But I don't know what could help…"
Nero grinned. "I have an idea."
"You do?"
Nero nodded and got off the bench, and extended a hand out to Tatsuko. "Let's dance for a bit."
Tatsuko raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're wanting to dance?"
Nero nodded. "I think it will be something you will enjoy."
Tatsuko gulped. "I….don't know how to dance…."
"You don't need to worry." Lucia said. "I will be here to watch and coach you if need be."
Tatsuko looked at the chief concubine for a few moments before looking at Nero and shrugging. "Ah, screw it, let's do it!"
"That's what I like to hear!" Nero said. The female Master took her hand and got up as Nero directed them to the garden. "Just follow my lead."
Tatsuko nodded as Nero put a hand to her waist, and led her into the dance by taking the first step. The female Master followed Nero and let herself be spun around for a moment, before they both stepped in unison. "Wow, this is actually pretty fun!"
Nero smiled. "I told you that you would enjoy it."
"You definitely did." Tatsuko said.
"You're doing pretty good!" Lucia said. "Try moving your feet a little more."
"Will do!"
The blonde emperor and the female Master continued to dance in the garden, their only witnesses being the moon, and Lucia speaking to Tatsuko over her next moves.