CHAPTER 15:

SPARROWS, SUPPLIES, AND SURPRISES

In the lecture hall that now served as their briefing room, Olga looked at the gathered Masters and Servants, Roman and Da Vinci flanking her, while Waver sat with Grey. "We estimate that it is approximately a week before we can pinpoint the Singularity focused on Italy and the Roman Empire," she said, getting right to the point. "Tomorrow, another magical reactor will be online, enough for each Master here to have three Servants apiece. However, I want to keep it to three Servants per Master for now. Saint Quartz supplies and the mana load on the reactors can't allow for anything more, and besides, I think we have enough on our plate managing the dynamics of the Servants already summoned. With the revival of three members of Team A, I have made the decision to bench three Masters for now, holding them in reserve unless it is necessary to send them. For now, the benched Masters are Ritsuka Fujimaru, Delphini Potter, and Hermione Granger."

"You what?" Delphi yelped.

Ritsuka, however, held up a hand. "Director, may I ask why?"

Olga nodded. "For the pair of you, you are young Masters, relatively inexperienced in real world combat, the past two Singularities aside. Do not misunderstand me, both of you acquitted yourself well in the previous Singularities. Delphi, your father's teaching in DADA and wizarding combat clearly paid dividends. And Ritsuka, for all your slapdash attitude towards magecraft, your diplomatic ability matches that of your seniors. However, you are far from veterans in warfare or the Moonlit World. This is far from a permanent benching, I should emphasize. You will have the opportunity to participate in future Singularities. It depends on how many more members of Team A we can revive. Hermione, meanwhile, will help Waver Velvet with intelligence support."

"And the Servants?" Barghest asked.

"I'll leave that to your discretion. However, I must request that Mash stays with the group making the sortie into Rome," Olga said. "I'm sorry, Mash, but your abilities and Noble Phantasm are extremely useful. Are you still willing and able?"

The artificial human nodded. "Both Dr Roman and Da Vinci have cleared me fit for duty, Director. But, if it's all right, can you have Senpai speaking with me when possible?"

After a moment, Olga nodded. "Very well. And keep in mind, the benched Masters are on standby for a potential attack on this facility. Assuming what we saw wasn't an illusion, Lev could potentially open up a portal into this facility with contemptuous ease. We cannot rule out either him, his master, or any other Demon Pillars attacking. If that is the case, having Masters and their Servants on standby to defend Chaldea is prudent. And keep in mind, we will be swapping a few Servants between Masters. Mash, for example, will be contracting with someone in the field team. We'll work on potential teams of Servants during the coming week, after you've finished the latest round of summonings. But for now, let's get to the briefing proper. This Singularity is centred around Italy and Western Europe in 64 CE. This is during the very last gasps of the Age of the Gods, and, with one exception, the most distant of the Singularities so far. It is set during the last days of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty of the Roman Empire, which already suggests a number of famous names who could be Servants. However, it takes place during the reign of the Emperor Nero, second only to her uncle Caligula in notoriety."

"…Her?" Harry asked.

"…Yes," Olga said, nodding wearily, knowing what he was going to say. "I read a number of esoteric texts in Clock Tower stating that Nero was actually female. However, due to her popularity with the common people and her unpopularity with the nobles and the Christians, her gender was changed in all public histories. She had apparently acted rather tomboyishly anyway. And before you ask, yes, there's a few texts claiming that historical figures who were claimed to be male in most history texts were actually female. I studied them at Clock Tower when I assumed command of Chaldea. Okita Souji, for example, or Francis Drake. But let's move on. It's a fair bet to assume that the Servants you encounter are either Roman, or have connections to the Roman Empire, even as enemies. And do not forget, while what most people think of as the Roman Empire collapsed over a thousand years ago, the Eastern Roman Empire, based in Constantinople, lasted for a time. In addition, an argument could be made for the Catholic Church taking its place."

Harry frowned. "That includes a lot of potential historical and legendary figures. Various emperors, military leaders, writers and politicians, people opposing the empire like Boudica, Spartacus, and Hannibal…the list is long, and is damn near endless if we count the successors to the Roman Empire like you said."

"And remember France," Hermione pointed out. "We had Kiyohime and Elizabeth Bathory summoned who had little links to France, unless Elizabeth was being summoned to combat her older self summoned by Jeanne d'Arc's Alter version. Siegfried could have been there because of Fafnir being involved, and Mozart was because of his association with Marie Antoinette."

"And I know that Nero and Okita Souji do resemble me from my time on the Throne of Heroes," Arturia Fae pointed out. "Sorry, I should have mentioned that."

"In other words, don't be tied down to preconceptions," Olga said. "Servants tend to be stronger in regions where their legends hold considerable sway. Arturia Pendragon, Mordred, and Gareth would be strengthened in Britain, for example, as would Moriarty, while Oda Nobunaga was presumably strengthened by her time in Japan. But keeping that as an assumption is dangerous, and France proved that other Stray Servants from other regions will show up. And that's leaving aside any Servants summoned by the enemy. Now, while Nero is already notorious in history, I need you to go in with an open mind. Being diplomatic should help us pave the way…"

Delphi was still somewhat sulky after the briefing, but she was accepting of the decision, albeit with bad grace. Ritsuka was more philosophical about it, though he spent time with Mash, talking things over. Both Kadoc and Ophelia comforted their juniors…though they were seniors in terms of experience with the Singularities.

Harry also comforted his daughter. Honestly, in terms of tantrums, it had nothing on when she learned of her true parentage. And he had Barghest, Melusine, and Hermione to help this time. Then again, they would be left with Hermione and Waver. And Delphi got along well with them, and with Grey.

Hinako, however, made an interesting observation while the Masters were discussing matters over lunch. Hermione stared at the vampire. "Sorry, what? You claim to know where the famed Sparrow Inn is, and know the proprietor?"

"Yep. Beni-Enma is the adopted daughter of one of the judges of Buddhist Hell, and that in itself is a long story, but she is basically the Tongue-Cut Sparrow of Japanese myth."

"…Seriously?" Ritsuka asked. "But how do you know her?"

"I visited the Sparrow Inn regularly over the centuries, and actually helped her out with a spot of bother with some monsters trying to destroy her business," Hinako said. "Think of her as Gordon Ramsay, only with less swearing, and in the form of a kid. She's also a fearsome swordfighter. Anyway, heading there after the Grand Order is done would be great. I get massages there regularly, and the food is to die for." She frowned. "In fact…the Sparrow Inn exists in its own dimension, so maybe she might still be alive despite the incineration of history. Hmm…in fact…I'm annoyed I didn't try this sooner." She fished around in her jacket pocket, before finding a mirror, albeit an ornate one that had to be centuries old at least. "A-ha!"

"Is that a Communications Mirror?" Harry asked.

"Not in the way wizards create them. It's closer to a paired walkie-talkie, or a dedicated phone line," Hinako said. "Give me a moment." She then spoke in Japanese. Only Ritsuka seemed to understand her.

Eventually, they heard a high-pitched, yet oddly mature-sounding voice, like a child that had the tone of an adult, speaking in rapid-fire Japanese. Hinako, eventually, said, "My apologies, Lady Beni-Enma, but could you please speak English? I have guests who wish to speak with you."

"Of course," the voice said, in accented but perfectly understandable English.

Hinako placed the mirror on the table, and with a gesture, expanded it, the mirror becoming a standing one the size of a portrait painting. "A special function of the mirror," Hinako explained.

In the mirror was the image of a girl who was in her early teens at most, a short bob of mahogany-coloured hair framing cute if serious-looking features, her eyes the same colour as her hair. A short horn poked out from the centre of her forehead, while she wore a hat that looked like a cartoonish sparrow's head. She was dressed in a short dress and a kimono-like robe with long sleeves, along with an apron.

"Greetings, chirp," the girl said, her tone solemn. "I am Beni-Enma, proprietor of the Enma-Tei resort, also known as the Sparrow Inn. A mixed group, it seems. Mostly human, but a couple of Fae. So, Hinako, that is the name you go by these days, should I book you and your guests in?"

"Not for now, Lady Beni-Enma, but…allow me to explain the current situation. The Sparrow Inn is isolated from the rest of the world, or at least more than it normally is, yes? We have some news about that…"

Beni-Enma frowned as she considered that news. "I see," she said, pursing her lips in thought. "And with the rest of the world incinerated, supplies are a potential issue, along with morale. As it happens, I received a few guests just prior to the incineration. At least one of them may be of help. And the Enma-Tei is always open to customers, chirp-chirp."

"What do you mean, always open to customers?" Ritsuka asked.

"Once you've gained permission from your superiors, you'll see," Beni-Enma said with an impish smile…

Olga, Da Vinci, and Roman took some time to debate it once they were notified by Hinako about the offer. But they agreed. The upshot was, the Enma-Tei had various areas where foodstuffs were produced, partly helped through the magic of its enclosed dimension. In exchange for supplies and a place for the personnel of Chaldea, human, non-human or Servant, to rest, Olga agreed to pay in either valuables or services, mostly sending someone to help repair or clean part of the Enma-Tei. Waver and Grey volunteered: as they couldn't Rayshift, they were better suited to travelling directly to the Enma-Tei.

Eventually, however, one of the empty storage areas was chosen, and under the watchful eye of a small group of Masters and Servants, along with the top three of Chaldea's personnel, Hinako drew a special sigil in her blood, albeit a small one. It was to act as a homing beacon of sorts for Beni-Enma. Seconds afterwards, a door appeared, outlined in light, before in a flare of light, it opened.

Walking through with considerable dignity was the figure of Beni-Enma. Though very short, she held herself with the bearing of someone at least twice her age. A katana was at her hip, sheathed. Following her was a bunch of plump, round forms, cartoony sparrows in kimonos.

But she wasn't alone as far as humanoid forms were concerned. Following her was an elegant woman in a white dress and pointed hat, her long crimson hair framing beautiful and solemn features. A staff was in her hand.

The second figure following Beni-Enma was slouching along, dressed in a white shirt, short skirt, and with a pink hooded jacket. Her eyes were framed by glasses, and she was holding a laptop, of all things, under her arm. She also looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here. She could have been a Japanese teenager or young woman.

However, the third figure was even more extraordinary. It was hard to tell her age, but early to mid-teens was a fair bet, for her physical age at least. She was dressed in a pale blue dress that matched her long hair. Massive horns sprouted from her head, a draconic tail poked out from beneath said dress, and her ears were pointed. Her eyes were pink with a reptilian slit, and yet…they also seemed to have glowing crosses over the pupils. Yet when she saw Harry, oddly enough, she smiled in recognition…a gentle, welcoming smile, and yet it showed some fangs.

Beni-Enma marched up to Olga, and met her gaze. "Director Olga-Marie Animusphere…the facilities of the Enma-Tei are now linked to the Chaldea Security Organisation. As long as your personnel do nothing to warrant rescinding this privilege, they may rest and even dine as long as they can pay at the Enma-Tei. And we will endeavour to help with supplies."

"Thank you for your kindness, Lady Beni-Enma," Olga said, giving a brief bow. "While we will be supplementing our supplies with items retrieved from the Singularities, this was an unexpected godsend."

"You have Hinako to thank for that, chirp," Beni-Enma said, indicating the Elemental in question. "But I believe these guests of the Enma-Tei have more to offer your organisation."

With that, the redhead stepped forward, sweeping off her hat. "Allow me to introduce myself. You may call me Miss Crane."

"As in the one from the legend of the Tsuru no Ongaeshi?" Roman asked, excited. "The one who weaved clothes for a human spouse for a time before he learned of her true form?"

"The very same," the woman said with a sad smile.

"We already have tailors working on Mystic Codes, but if you are willing to help…" Da Vinci said.

"Yeah, yeah, Tsuru-san's majorly hyped to help. Me? I've no idea what the jigoku-heck I'm doing here, other than Suzume-chibi wants me here for something. I had some doujinshi I wanted to draw, and get back to that hikko-life."

This came from the dark-haired girl. Beni-Enma turned to the girl and scowled. "Osakabehime, you've been freeloading in the Enma-Tei too long, and your money has run out. I'd send you home, except Himeji Castle is no doubt incinerated, along with the rest of the world. Maybe Chaldea could find some use for someone of your talents."

As Osakabehime (whoever that was, though Hinako seemed to know who it was) whined softly, the blue-haired girl stepped forward. Harry noticed that she was looking at him with unnerving intensity. But she was smiling genuinely and warmly, and Harry wasn't sure she was a threat. "…Umm, sorry, can I help you?"

"You already have, Father." Her voice was gentle and musical, solemn and yet friendly.

Of course, her words were like a bombshell, and as everyone stared at Harry, the girl tittered. "My apologies. My song was one of mirth, to play what you called…a prank. I know you are not my father, not in this timeline at least, and the song of our true relationship is a complex melody. Mother sent me here, hoping to find a timeline to assist you in this one. In truth, I am a fragment of Mother, born from her song, one of many sent into other timelines, or the Throne of Heroes, so in a sense, I am her, and yet not her."

"…And who are you?" Harry asked, dreading the answer.

"…You may call me Tiamat-Larva…a fragment of the entity once in danger of becoming Beast II…"

CHAPTER 15 ANNOTATIONS:

0_0

WHAAAAAAT?!

Does this mean…THE MULTIVERSE IS REAL?!

*cue Doctor Who-style cliffhanger screech*

Okay, okay, all jokes and memeing aside, while this wasn't something I had planned from the beginning, after I began thinking about Servants I wanted to bring in, I was thinking of not only having Harry summon Tiamat-Larva as a nod to Primordial Song…but have him summon an offshoot of the very Tiamat his parallel self was paired with in that fic.

But partway through writing this chapter, I hit on the idea of bringing in the Enma-Tei early, and not as a Singularity, but as a pocket dimension that Chaldea can link up with, solving its supply issues. I considered doing that for the abortive sequel for Primordial Song. I thought about bringing in some characters who, while Servants in the game, could be living in the modern day. I nearly brought in Tamamo, but I don't know whether any non-Servant aspect of her is alive and existing in the world, not counting Amaterasu herself. Osakabehime was an obvious one, and Miss Crane came naturally afterwards.

But Tiamat-Larva…I decided to bring her in with the Enma-Tei lot because I didn't want to waste Harry's next Servant summoning on getting her. Basically, she is one of a number of fragments scattered across timelines. While she identifies as Tiamat's daughter, she's actually a fragment of the original. And before you ask, she's more like a copy sent to help Harry wherever he acts with the help of Chaldea. True, Tiamat in Primordial Song can't do this too many times without risking losing too much of her power (especially as she helped Fou revive Mash in that timeline's version of the Solomon Singularity), but this Tiamat-Larva, aside from her self on the Throne of Heroes, has about half a dozen sisters. And no, she's not going to be a threat to Barghest for the pairing. Instead, Delphi's going to get yet another dragon daughteru sister.

She's also going to be less sullen and reserved like Tiamat-Larva is in the game, and closer to, well, Luna Lovegood as a draconic being. I want her to be closer to her progenitor's self as she was in Primordial Song.

Of course, some of you think that this may be the point where I've jumped the shark. Maybe I have, but I've sure done it in style.

Plus, I like the thought of bringing Beni-Enma in. She's an interesting character and one of my favourite Servants from the events of Fate/Grand Order. She's adorable, she's got a complex character and an interesting (if depressing and horrific) backstory, and the fact that she can be summed up as a Loli Gordon Ramsay is immensely amusing to me.

Review-answering time! ZLC genesmith: What kind of meme is that?!

Skull Flame: Well, I'm doing my take on Tiamat-Larva. As for Servants having some perspective on their lives, well, Columbus is the only one to revel in things despite being in a different era. Most Servants seem to adapt to modern mores easily enough, and it helps that a significant number of the ones I've brought in remember their prior summonings. I had this thought that Anastasia, smart girl though she was (apparently she was quite intelligent IRL, even if she was also a little terror), would have realised that her father and the government of the time was wrong, at least posthumously. Oh, she hates the Bolsheviks and the Communists, but the common people, I think, she would have sympathy for, due to partly her intelligence, but also Rasputin's influence. After all, as mentioned before, despite his faults, Rasputin did bring up the plight of the common people sent off to war…

No numbered annotations this time.