Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight prepared to embark on their next mission—a revisit to a previous Singularity. Standing with them was the ever-inquisitive Master of Masters.
"So," the Moon Cancer mused, adjusting his hood and rocking back on his heels, "these Singularities are kinda like 'what if' scenarios with a splash of world-ending chaos, huh? Sounds like a blast!"
Mash gave him a polite but slightly concerned smile. "It's a bit more complicated than that, Moon Cancer. Each Singularity poses a real threat to the world's foundation."
"Uh-huh, uh-huh," MoM nodded, though it was clear he wasn't fully listening. "Anyway, does this Singularity have good food? I've been dying to try some authentic London cuisine. Fish and chips, maybe?"
Nearby, Mordred scoffed, crossing her arms. "You're more worried about snacks than saving the world? What kind of joke Servant are you?"
"I'm a scholar, not a warrior," MoM retorted with a dramatic wave of his hand. "And scholars need to eat, too, you know. Besides," he added with a sly grin, "I'm pretty sure even you'd prefer a good meal over fighting Clock Tower weirdos."
Andersen, seated on a nearby bench with his notebook, rolled his eyes. "Wonderful. We're stuck with a clown who thinks every crisis is a comedy sketch. The world must truly be doomed."
Jekyll adjusted his glasses, his tone neutral but tinged with curiosity. "I have to admit, I'm not sure what to make of you, Moon Cancer. Your… demeanor is certainly unique."
Jack the Ripper, standing close to MoM, looked up at him with a curious tilt of her head. "I like him! He's fun. Can we show him around, Master?"
Ritsuka chuckled nervously. "Let's focus on the mission first, Jack. We're heading to the London Singularity, and things might get dangerous."
"Dangerous? Pfft," MoM waved dismissively. "I'll just hang back and let you guys handle the heavy lifting. Think of me as your charming, witty mascot."
"More like a walking headache," Mordred muttered under her breath.
As the team gathered in the Rayshift room, Mash glanced at MoM. "Moon Cancer, please remember to stay close and follow Master's lead. Singularities aren't a joke."
"Got it, Senpai!" Master of Masters said, giving a cheeky salute. "But seriously, if we pass a good fish-and-chip shop, someone better let me know."
With a flash of light, the group was transported to the foggy streets of Victorian London. As the eerie atmosphere settled over them, Mordred tightened her grip on Clarent.
"Alright, Moon Cancer," she said sharply. "This is where things get real. No wandering off to find snacks."
"Noted," Master of Masters replied, though he wasn't entirely serious.
As the group began their exploration, MoM lagged slightly behind, humming a jaunty tune and occasionally poking at the cobblestone streets with his foot.
Fran let out a soft hum of acknowledgment as she stayed near Ritsuka, while Jack stayed close to MoM, her curiosity about the strange man growing with every step.
As the group ventured deeper into the foggy streets of Victorian London, Jack trotted alongside the Master of Masters. She glanced up at him curiously, her large eyes gleaming in the dim light.
"Mister," she began, tilting her head, "why did you come with us? You don't look like you like fighting."
Master of Masters chuckled, clasping his hands behind his back. "Ah, you caught me, little one. Fighting isn't really my thing. I'm more of a 'stand back and observe' kind of guy."
Jack frowned. "But why come if you're just gonna watch? Mommy always says people like you are weird."
That last line hit MoM like a dart to the heart. He clutched his chest in mock offense, staggering dramatically. "Weird? Weird?! Why, Jack, I'll have you know I'm a perfectly normal, well-adjusted scholar with a deep passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe!"
Jack blinked. "You're still weird."
The Moon Cancer sighed, waving a dismissive hand. "Fair enough. Weird is just another word for unique, after all." He crouched slightly to meet her gaze. "But to answer your question, I came because I'm curious. Other worlds, different timelines, how tiny choices affect massive outcomes—it's fascinating! Plus…" He straightened up, glancing around with a wry smile. "I needed a change of scenery. Chaldea can get a little… dull."
Jack nodded thoughtfully, her small fingers toying with the edges of her cloak. "Chaldea is kinda boring sometimes. No dark alleys to explore." She looked back at him and added bluntly, "But you're still a little strange, Mister."
MoM let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, the cruelty of children! But fine, I'll wear the title of 'strange' like a badge of honor." He grinned, tipping an imaginary hat. "It just means I keep things interesting."
Jack giggled. "You're silly, Mister."
"I try," Master of Masters replied with a shrug. "Now, let's catch up with the others before Mordred starts yelling about me slacking off."
As they rejoined the group, MoM glanced at Jack with a smirk. "By the way, next time you see your Mommy, you can tell him this: weird people are the most fun."
Jack tilted her head again, as if pondering the idea, before giving a small smile. "Maybe…"
Mordred's sharp voice interrupted the moment. "Oi! Stop dawdling, Moon Cancer! We've got work to do!"
"Coming, coming!" MoM called back, waving lazily. He gave Jack a conspiratorial wink. "Let's not keep her waiting, huh?"
Jack nodded, and together they followed the group.
Moments later...
The foggy streets of London were filled with tension as Mordred's voice rang out. "What the hell are those things?" she barked, pointing her blade toward a group of black, shifting masses with sharp claws, twitching antennae, and glowing yellow eyes.
The rest of the group halted in their tracks, eyes locked on the strange creatures.
"Master, do you recognize them?" Mash asked, gripping her shield tightly as she glanced back at Ritsuka.
Ritsuka shook his head. "No… I've never seen anything like them before."
Andersen pushed his glasses up his nose with a grimace. "They look like something out of a poorly written gothic horror. Care to explain, Moon Cancer?"
Underneath his hood, the Master of Masters' expression shifted ever so slightly. "So… they exist here too, huh?" he murmured under his breath, almost too low to hear. "It's been ages since I've run into them."
Before anyone could respond, the creatures began to advance, their movements jerky yet predatory. Mordred, Fran, and Jack prepared to strike, but before they could, MoM raised a gloved hand and stepped forward.
"Hold up," he said casually, halting the group. "Let me handle this."
"Wait, what?" Mordred snapped as she turned to glare at him. "Are you seriously telling me you can fight?"
Without answering, Master of Masters extended his arm, and with a faint shimmer of light, a strange weapon materialized in his grasp—a Keyblade. Its intricate design and aura radiated a sense of power that caught everyone's attention.
"Now, now, let's not make a fuss," he said, spinning the weapon effortlessly. "This won't take long."
In a flash, MoM dashed forward. The Keyblade moved with uncanny grace, slashing through the black creatures with ease. Each swing dispelled the monsters in bursts of dark smoke, leaving no trace of them behind.
Within moments, it was over. Master of Masters dismissed the Keyblade, turning back to the stunned group with a nonchalant shrug.
"Well, that was fun," he said cheerfully.
The group was left in silence.
Mordred was the first to recover. She stormed up to him, pointing her sword directly at his chest. "What the hell was that? You've been acting like some lazy weirdo this whole time, and now you're telling me you can actually fight?!"
MoM tilted his head, his gloved hand gently pushing her sword aside. "Oh, that? Just a little trick I picked up ages ago. Nothing worth bragging about."
"Nothing worth bragging about?!" Mordred's voice rose in anger. "You took those things out in seconds! Why didn't you say anything about being able to fight?"
He shrugged again. "Didn't think it was relevant. Besides, you guys looked like you had it under control."
"You're unbelievable," Mordred growled, glaring daggers at him.
Ritsuka and Mash exchanged glances, both unsure of what to make of their enigmatic ally. Jack, however, tugged on MoM's sleeve.
"That was cool, Mister," she said with a small smile.
Master of Masters chuckled, giving her a playful pat on the head. "Thanks, kid. At least someone appreciates my unique talents."
Andersen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This fool is another idiot…"
