Book of Memories
August 1st, 2015
"Okay, that wasn't so bad." Tatsuko said as she got out from her coffin.
"Yeah, that was pretty fun." Ritsuka replied. The Chaldean team slowly rose from their coffins as they returned from their mission. There was a minor Singularity in Canada that they had to fix, and it was agreed to make it a small team since the threat level was too low. Alongside Mashu to accompany them were Saint Georgios, Mata Hari and Marie. Thankfully, it wasn't as difficult as they thought, and all came back without any injuries.
"I cannot believe how polite everyone was." Marie said. "They were so nice!"
"I know right?!" Tatsuko exclaimed. "Hell, the person holding the Grail simply gave it to us after we politely asked them for it!"
"Not to mention they also gave us all this maple syrup." Mata Hari said as she pointed at Saint Georgios. The Rider was carrying multiple crates of maple syrup with the help of Mashu.
"Where should we bring these?" Saint Georgios asked.
"The kitchen." Henry answered. "The kitchen staff will take them off your hands when you arrive so don't worry about doing any inventory."
"Very well. I shall go there now."
"Oh, let me help with that." Mata Hari said. The Assassin walked over to Mashu with a smile. "Here, let me take those from you so you and the others can relax."
"Are you sure?" Mashu asked.
Mata Hari nodded. "I was going to drop off something for Boudicca, so this works out perfectly."
"I see. Then I shall give these crates to you." Mashu said. The Shielder handed the crates over to Mata Hari, and the Assassin followed Saint George until they were in the hallway walking towards the kitchen.
"So, did you take any good pictures?" Mata Hari asked.
"I did not take many pictures this time around." Saint Georgios answered. "Fortunately I managed to get a few good ones. Mashu took more though."
Mata Hari giggled. "I had a feeling she would take some. I'm guessing she wants to put some of them in that new photo album Ritsuka gave her for her birthday."
The Rider nodded silently. Ever since Ritsuka gave Mashu that album, the lilac haired girl had become much more enthusiastic about her photography.
"So, how are Siegfried and Kriemhild doing?" Mata Hari asked.
"It is going slow." Saint George answered. "Thankfully they're going to couple's counseling, and they'll try and make it work."
"I'm just glad both of them remembered what happened." Mata Hari said. "You know, you seem to be able to make your way into multiple groups and manage to make your presence known."
"I do not think I am that prominent…" The Rider muttered.
"Oh, don't be silly! You're always helping out when needed, and you're always surrounding yourself with the others here." Mata Hari countered. "Maybe you could organize group activities, or even start a club."
"Do you really think I am capable of such things?"
"Of course." Mata Hari answered. "Remember when Animusphere City first opened? Well I took up the offer of teaching at the dance studio down there, and it's been a huge hit. People continue coming in to learn how to dance, and I'm able to teach them what I know."
"Really? Who takes your classes?"
"Well, there's Ushiwakamaru, Kiyohime, Megan….Oh, Eric actually takes them to keep his skills sharp."
Saint Georgios raised an eyebrow. "Eric can dance?"
Mata Hari nodded. "Apparently he and his older brother took dance classes together when they were in college."
"What for?"
"Well if I remember correctly, Eric's brother was on the football team, and had to learn ballet to help his balance. And Eric decided to take it for fun."
"How good is Eric?" The Rider asked.
Mata Hari giggled. "One day I was going to teach Salsa to the class, and I chose him to go first without knowing what he was capable of. Needless to say, I almost asked him to be my assistant after that."
"He was that good?"
Mata Hari nodded. "He's very good. Granted there are some dancing styles he could practice on more, but he's a quick learner."
"And the others?" Saint Georgios asked.
"Kiyohime is a very lovely dancer." Mata Hari answered. "Megan had some trouble at first, but she's getting much better at it. And Ushiwakamaru actually surprised me with how nimble and graceful she can be."
"It sounds like you're having a wonderful time teaching them." Saint Georgios said.
Mata Hari smiled. "They definitely make my day all the brighter."
The two of them continued to discuss Mata Hari's dance classes in length, from breathing exercises to footwork. It did not take them much longer to reach the cafeteria and hand over the maple syrup. The two of them were about to leave when Mata Hari gasped.
"Oh shoot, I almost forgot!" She shouted. "Hang on, I have something for you, Boudicca!"
The Assassin ran back and handed Boudicca a book. The Rider raised an eyebrow before smiling. "Oh, so this is the romance novel you've been wanting me to check out."
Mata Hari nodded and smiled. "It's pretty spicy too."
Boudicca grinned. "Oh? Now I really want to check it out."
The two women giggled for a few moments before Mata Hari turned away and walked back to Saint Georgios's side. The two of them walked in silence for a few minutes before Mata Hari turned her head to face him.
"I was being serious, you know." She said. "You should really consider forming a group or a club."
"I do not know where I should even start." Saint George said.
"Just think of something that you and a couple of people are interested in, and start from there." Mata Hari said. "After that, just follow your heart, and you'll find your answer."
Saint George was about to open his mouth, but Mata Hari gasped. "Oh, I have to get going for my next lesson. I'll talk to you soon!"
And with that, the Assassin ran off to one of the elevators and waved goodbye to Saint Georgios. The Rider simply stood in the hall with a look of confusion written on his face. He could not help but ponder what Mata Hari just told him.
"Follow my heart….Hmmmm, I wonder…."
August 3rd, 2015
The cafeteria was bustling with almost everyone eating and talking together over breakfast. That is except for Saint Georgios, who simply stared at his food alone.
"Hey, are you going to be eating your breakfast?"
The Rider looked up and saw Cú and Mozart standing near the table with curious gazes.
"Yes, I was just thinking of something." Saint George answered.
"Would you mind if we joined you?" Mozart asked.
"I would not mind at all." Saint Georgios replied. "In fact, I would like the company."
The Lancer and Caster sat across from the Rider and the three of them began eating their breakfasts in comfortable silence for a brief period. Saint George then put his fork down and lost himself in deep thought, causing Cú to raise an eyebrow. "What are you thinking about?"
"I am thinking about something Mata Hari and I discussed a couple of days ago." Saint Georgios said. "She suggested I organize some group activities or even start a club, but I find myself at a loss."
"Are you not wanting to do so?" Mozart asked.
"No, I do actually want to do something like that." Saint Georgios answered. "In fact, I think a club might be my best bet. But my problem is what kind of club?"
"How about horseback riding?" Cú asked.
"That would have been an excellent choice, but the problem is that the only ones with horses are Servants." Saint George countered. "Then there's also the issue with the fact that we don't have any other horses to speak of."
"Why not a dragon-slaying club?" Mozart asked.
"That was my first choice initially. But there's not enough of us yet to make a club yet."
"Why not a book club?" Cú asked. "I'm sure Medusa would sign up in a heartbeat, considering she is always found in the library."
"There's already a book club." Saint Georgios replied.
"Then why not join?"
"Because I tried that yesterday, but Medusa told me that the club is for women only." Saint George said.
"Well that was mighty rude of her." Mozart said.
"She's not part of the club either, so she was just informing me." Saint George countered.
"Seriously? But she's almost always reading books!" Cú exclaimed.
"She prefers her solitude for now." Saint Georgios answered.
"Okay, so why not make a book club for men?" Mozart asked.
"Nah, that doesn't seem to be a fit for him." Cú said. "Damn, this is harder than it looks."
"You sure have your work cut out for you." Mozart said.
"You are right." Saint Georgios said. "But I do not intend to give up. There is something here that is bound to work."
"Then we'll stay here to help." Mozart replied. "This should be a fun exercise for the three of us."
"Count me in." Cú said.
"Oh, can I help?"
The two turned to see Roman with his food tray staring at them curiously. It was a strange thing, usually Roman would eat in his office or anywhere but the cafeteria, and yet here he was. The three Servants looked at each other and shrugged. This was a rare opportunity, so might as well take it.
"Of course. Have a seat." Saint Georgios said. Roman nodded and sat down next to the Rider before taking a bite out of his egg.
"Okay I might have an idea for a group activity." Roman said. "How about a race?"
"I do not think that would be wise." Saint Georgios said. "We really don't have the space for that."
"Well it was worth a shot." Roman said. "Then how about laser tag?"
"That does sound like a good idea." Cú replied.
"However the Archers would have to be banned in order to make it fair." Mozart countered.
"Well, I can work on the details of that particular one later." Roman said.
"Fair enough." Cú said. "Well, I think I'm going to get some more food. You want to come with me, Mozart?"
"Oh of course! I've been wanting to get some pancakes since that haul of syrup came in a couple of days ago."
Cú chuckled. "Okay, we'll be right back."
The Lancer and the Caster soon got up and made their way to the counter, leaving Roman and Saint Georgios alone.
"You didn't like the idea, did you?" Roman asked.
"I did like the idea." Saint Georgios said. "But I am not sure if people would want to participate."
"Then you need to think of a club." Roman said.
"Do you have any ideas?" Saint Georgios asked.
Roman sighed. "Unfortunately I can't do that."
"Is there a reason?"
Roman smiled. "This is something that you would have to decide for yourself. Think about what you enjoy doing, and find others that share that same thing. That is my two cents on the subject."
"That might be a little difficult." Saint Georgios replied.
"It might not be as hard as you think." Roman said. "You just need to keep your eyes peeled, and trust in your gut. If you do that, the answer will come to you."
"That may be the best course of action…." The Rider muttered.
"Okay, we're back." Cú said. The Lancer and Mozart returned to their seats, and began eating.
"Okay so I thought of a club idea." Mozart said. "Why not a music club?"
"I don't think that's his area of expertise." Cú countered.
"He is right, that sounds more like something you would be better suited for." Saint Georgios replied.
Mozart sighed. "You're right, that was silly of me."
"Okay, so I had an idea for a group activity." Cú replied. "Improv show."
"No. Not happening!" Roman shouted.
"Why not?" Saint Georgios asked.
"We once had that a couple of years ago. But one night things got…..chaotic, and so we had to permanently ban it." Roman answered. "That damned hypnotist act nearly turned us into a cult…"
"Okay, I don't even want to know what happened there." Cú said.
"Thanks. I'm just glad Mashu and I weren't there…." Roman said. "Oh here's an idea, how about you host a talent show? You can get a few people to help you organize it and then set a date."
"That is not a bad idea." Saint Georgios said. "However, I do not think I am best suited for that specific task. Nero sounds like a better option for this."
"Fair enough. I'll go talk to her later about this."
"Then I have an idea that might help." Mozart said. "How about Georgios takes pictures of the show, and putting them up on display?"
"Now we're getting somewhere!" Cú said.
Roman nodded. "So, you and Nero can probably organize this together, and you handle the photos?"
"That would work." Saint Georgios replied. "However, I do not think I can do all that alone."
"You have a point there." Cú said. "You can't be everywhere at once."
"He could always have Mashu to help him." Mozart said.
"Even then that might not be enough." Roman said. "Mashu and Saint Georgios might be excellent photographers, but they're just two people."
"Maybe you could ask more people if they're interested in helping out?" Mozart asked.
The Rider's eyes widened in realization. The answer to all his problems were in front of him the entire time. Saint Georgios turned back and saw Mashu sitting with Ritsuka, Kojiro and Medusa. The Rider smiled and got up from his seat. "I will be right back, I know what needs to be done."
The three men watched as Saint Georgios made his way to the Shielder's table and sat down next to Kojiro and Medusa. The Rider proceeded to speak to Mashu, with the lilac haired girl smiling and nodding. She proceeded to reply to the Rider, with Ritsuka, Kojiro and Medusa joining in on the conversation alongside them.
"What's happening?" Mozart asked.
Roman smiled. "It seems Saint Georgios figured out his problem."
August 5th, 2015
Saint Georgios smiled at the sign in front of the door. It took a couple of days for him to find people to come, but with some help, he managed to find people who were interested in his offer. The Rider opened the door and walked into the room, smiling at the people at their seats. Mashu stood next to the podium and smiled as Saint Georgios walked to the podium and cleared his throat.
"Welcome to the Photography Club." He said. "I am Georgios, the President of this club. Our purpose here is for people who love photography, and those that want to learn, can come together, and share what they have done, and to help preserve memories we believe are important to us, or to others. Now remember, photography is a form of art. Meaning that there should be passion behind each photo."
The people sitting down began to nod, murmur and write down what the Rider said. Saint Georgios watched for a few moments to let everyone finish what they were doing and smiled.
"Now, I do believe we should do a roll-call." He said. "I shall let my Vice-President have the honors."
The Rider stepped away from the podium, allowing his Vice-President to step up. They were a little nervous, but after taking a few short breaths, they looked at everyone, and smiled.
"Hello, I am Mashu Kyrielight, Vice-President of the Photography Club. I shall commence the roll call!" Mashu looked at the list and cleared her throat. "Altera?"
"Present." The white haired Saber answered.
"Marie Antoinette?"
"Here!"
"Iris Idanphere?"
"Present."
"Okita?"
"I'm here!"
"Mini-Nobus #12 through 16?"
"Nobu Nobu!" All the Mini-Nobus shouted.
"Antonio?"
"Here!" The man named Antonio answered. A hispanic man of average height and build with light brown hair and black eyes, he flashed a warm smile and a wave. Mashu nodded, and with the end of roll call, stepped away from the podium and allowed Saint Georgios to return to it as she stood close.
"The rest of today's meeting will be more of an introduction, and to see what everyone hopes to accomplish, and what they want to do." He said. "Now, who would like to share first?"
"I would like to go first." Mashu said.
"Oh that sounds like a good idea." Marie said. "I just love seeing how confident you are becoming!"
Mashu blushed for a moment before clearing her throat. "I wanted to join in order to make many wonderful memories with everyone here, and I wanted to help those starting out in finding their passion, just like how many others helped support me in my endeavors."
"That's a fine answer." Okita said.
"Now, who would like to go next?" Saint Georgios asked.
"I will." Antonio said. "My brother was a photojournalist in our home of Mexico. He was always passionate about it all, and our family always listened to his stories because of his infectious enthusiasm. And since he, and the rest of my family are victims to this whole Incineration business, this is my way of keeping not only honor my brother's memory, but to keep him and the rest of my family close to my heart."
"Awww, that's so sweet of you." Iris said.
"I just hope when this is all over, I can show them what I managed to take." Antonio said.
"I would like to go next." Altera said.
"Honestly, I'm curious as to why you joined Altera." Okita said. "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that you agreed to join, but I'm dying to know why."
Altera blushed for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Preserving things, no matter the subject, is good civilization. It proves that they lived, and that they mattered."
"That's an interesting way of thinking." Mashu said.
"Okay, I think it's my turn." Iris replied. "My goal for joining might be more…selfish and uninspired. But I was hoping that one day to have more accurate appearances and depictions of the numerous Phantasmal Beasts we may come across. The books that depict them are pretty worn down and basic to the point it's difficult to get a good look at them."
"What about ones that haven't been depicted yet?" Saint Georgios asked.
"That too." Iris replied. "There are so many whose appearances have not been documented or described, and I want to be sure they get their chance."
"Maybe you could Rayshift with us the next time a potential Singularity pops up." Altera said.
Iris looked away and sighed. "Unfortunately, I don't have any aptitude for Rayshifting…"
"Hey, don't beat yourself over that." Antonio said. "Not everyone is like Ritsuka, Tatsuko, or even Daybit with high levels of Rayshifting aptitude."
"Daybit? Who is that?" Saint Georgios asked.
"Some guy the late director Marisbury hired." Antonio answered. "He was supposed to be one of Chaldea's top minds and solve some impossible scenarios."
"He was also a very strange man." Iris said. "He never really interacted with anyone unless he felt it was important."
"Then there is the fact that he was also part of Team A, like me." Mashu said. "Unfortunately, I never really got the chance to interact with him aside from small nods…."
"Can you tell us more about him?" Altera asked.
"Not much aside from the fact he would usually get around the halls with his skateboard." Iris said.
"He sounds like quite the mysterious character." Saint Georgios said.
"Okay, I'll go next." Okita said. "I joined for a very simple reason. I wanted to try something that didn't have to do with swordsmanship.
"That is a perfectly valid answer in my books." Saint Georgios said. "Now, who would like to go next?"
The four Mini-Nobu's shot their hands up quickly.
"Nobu Nobu!" #12 said.
"Nobu Nobu Nobu!" #13 replied.
"Nobu!" #14 chimed.
"No-nobu!" #15 said.
"Nobu. Nobu Nobu Nobu." #16 replied.
"Oh, that actually makes a lot of sense." Iris said.
"Yeah, that's pretty neat!" Antonio exclaimed.
"Oh, my turn!" Marie said. "I chose to join because it looked like a lot of fun!"
Mashu smiled. "I began my own journey into photography with the same mindset. And ever since I have never looked back."
"You know, I've been wondering about something." Antonio said. "Why are you interested in photography, Saint Georgios?"
The Rider smiled. "I simply love to travel, and I want to take a piece of wherever I go with me in order to remember it, whether good or bad. Photography was the best way to do so, and ever since then, my love for it has only grown."
"That does sound like something you would do." Marie said. "It is so simple, yet inspiring."
"Thank you." Saint Georgios said. "Now since this is merely an introduction to the club, it is almost time to wrap up. But before we do I must warn you there is a talent show in one month. I know it sounds intimidating, but it will give you all some time to get accustomed to your new cameras. I will be taking some pictures of the show myself, but for everyone here, it is strictly voluntary. If you want to participate on the show as a contestant, then you are obviously exempt from taking any photos. But if there are any of you that want to help out, then you can tell me now, or you can tell me or Roman later in a few days in private."
"I have a question." Altera asked. "When will we be meeting next?"
"We will be meeting every Wednesday in the afternoon." Mashu answered.
"What if one of us can't make it to a meeting?" Antonio asked. "How many days beforehand do we need to inform you?"
"A day or even a couple of hours before the meet ups is more than enough." Saint Georgios answered. "And if a Singularity does happen on a Wednesday, then the meetings will be canceled for that week."
"Now, before we end today's meeting, are there any other questions any of you would like to ask?" Mashu asked.
Everyone shook their heads and rose from their seats. Before they could leave, Saint Georgios put a hand up with a weak smile. "Before we leave, I do have one request. I would like for us all to stand together and take a picture."
"Oh that's a good idea!" Okita said.
"This would be perfect to put in the Chronicles." Mashu said with a smile. Saint Georgios got out a tripod and put his camera upon it. After setting the timer, he looked back at everyone and smiled.
"I will be sure to send copies to each and everyone of you." He said. Not a second later, he returned to the group, standing in the center with Mashu on his right, and Okita on his left. Georgios then looked at the camera and smiled alongside his fellow club members. Mata Hari and Roman were right. He just needed to follow his heart, and find those who shared his interests.
Click!
OC: Well well, and here I thought we couldn't get any more photography related chapters in. And yet here we are.
CV: And more to come!
OC: And with this chapter, we also made a chapter that is truly in the style of Fragments of Chaldea, focusing a chapter around one individual Servant, and who better to start than Saint Georgios?!
CV: Well he doesn't get much in game so this is nice.
OC: That is true. So we decided to make a chapter about him, and also the birthplace of one of Chaldea's first clubs. This one is actually one of the ideas that I borrowed from my discussions with my friend Mystech Master a couple years ago because I always thought that a photography club would be perfect for the Rider, and Mashu in particular. As for why Mashu is Vice-President? Well she and Saint Georgios are pretty much the resident photographers, so they'd be the ones leading the club, and it also gives Mashu a bigger friend circle to rely on for her character development.
CV: We're setting up a lot of things for her from the start as y'all can tell..
OC: Given she's essentially one of the three main characters of Chronicles, it's a given she'd get her development happening early.
CV: True. And she forms connections with her new friends at the club which is nice.
OC: Speaking of the club, some of you may be wondering about some of the choices for club members for the photography club. Well this was actually difficult for a while because we wanted to make it look like some people were genuinely interested, but we didn't want to oversaturate it with characters we've used continuously in Septem or the previous chapters. Marie was always going to be a part of this club from the get go because she seemed like someone who would enjoy it. Altera mainly because we thought it would be cute. And Okita was pretty much a last minute entry and it was a choice between her or Ushiwakamaru, but we decided to go with Okita instead. The Mini-Nobus were mainly because it amused us, and we haven't used them for a bit. And Iris made sense because of the Phantasmal Beasts entries, and then we have the new guy, Antonio. I asked Vlad about what we should do, and he immediately wanted this guy to be made lol.
CV: I wanted to add an OC character that was Mexican since I'm also one lol, and this just seemed like a good chance to do so.
OC: Hey, I added Eric as an American OC character, so it's only fair that we do one for your home. But another interesting tidbit we got from this chapter is about a discussion about a certain someone. And that is Daybit! We decided to mention him here, and it's kind of hilarious because a fan asked us if we would have Mashu and some other members of Chaldea mention Team A earlier than in the game, but what they didn't know was that we planned on doing that anyway. But the reason we are doing this is because I found it odd that even though they were mentioned all the way back in the prologue of the Grand Order Saga, and that Mashu was part of that team, NO ONE, not even her, ever mentioned who they were, or what they were like, until the prologue of the Lostbelt Saga. It just didn't feel right that they'd just ignore possible character moments for Mashu and some of the others where they could have given there opinions on them while doing the Singularities to see Mashu grow and show they actually existed.
CV: Well tbf fair Mashu wasn't exactly a full member of the team, as all she was supposed to do was be there for them to summon their Servants, and the only ones she really knew were Pepe and Ophelia.
OC: True, but she saw them interact so much, so she'd have had some idea of what they were like. Except for Kadoc. He was pretty new, so he got the pass.
CV: And also had a lot of other problems, but he's 'dead' right now so we'll deal with that later.
OC: True. But I think that's enough about all that. Next up, we have a very special announcement. Next chapter will be the beginning of a new arc for Chronicles. And it is one that I have been looking forward to for quite a while now. That's right, we're going to Okeanos baby!
CV: Pirate time! And I just came up with this lol but let's make a fun game, readers. Let's see if you can guess which Servants will join the Masters this time.
OC: Oh you are evil! I love this! But we also have a cool ass Arc name to go with this, and it is a CosmicVlad original. Sea of Monsters.
CV: It's time to go forth into the third Singularity of the Grand Orders, meeting new faces and fighting new enemies along the way!
OC: And some very important character developments for quite a few members of the team. If the Septem Arc is considered Vlad's brainchild, then you can consider this one mine…..well, almost. Vlad had a lot of ideas that will be implemented too.
CV: I'm excited for the readers to see what you have in store for them in this one.
OC: Hehehehehehe I am too. Which is funny because this is the Singularity where I actually started to get addicted to FGO. Just like how Elden Ring got me addicted once again to the SoulsBorne franchise. And like I said last week, I am back to playing the first Dark Souls, and I am proud to announce that it has been a week, and I have now beaten both the Capra Demon, and the Gaping Dragon all in the FIRST TRY! I never even fought those bosses before because of a shortcut to BlightTown, but still, my hands were shaking! Especially since I also cleared BlightTown last night!
CV: You had a pretty good run at them, meanwhile I've just been playing Pokemon Violet lol.
OC: And now I am at Sen's…..Fortress…Oh god…..the horror…. (PTSD kicks in) AHHHHH NOT THE PENDULUMS! ANYTHING BUT THAT!
CV: That's rough buddy.
OC: Well I have a +5 Bastard sword. So time to Unga Bunga! Oh, would you look at the time. Thank you all for tuning in for this weeks chapter of Chronicles. Please come back next week as we finally delve into the first chapter of Okeanos!