Chapter 2: Aurora Australis

The Week After

Life is weird, like really weird. However, right now. Everything is normal. There is nothing wrong and you are tranquil… Yeah this shit doesn't work… How can people sit on their ass for hours meditating… "Told ya it wasn't going to work." You both knew that. Lancer is just being a prick about it.

Anyways after the weird events of the previous week, your house has an additional two residents living within it now. You wish you could say that your servant wasn't much of a resident and stayed in his spirit form most of the time. But he's an ass and eats your food despite not needing to… He even destroyed your table! The poor mahogany…

You decided that if he was going to waste your resources he needed to teach you how to use Gae Bolg, but he's been absolutely useless beyond technique. Like how are you supposed to release the power of the actual spear? Does it have to like you? Do you want it to like you? Why do you give a shit if a spear likes you…

You decided to attempt meditation, the whole become one with your weapon thing or whatever. It didn't work after 20 minutes of being there and you just don't have the patience to continue for another 5. So that was a bust. However, you were like 85% certain that the meditation thing wouldn't pan out anyway. Doesn't make it less annoying.

"Thank you, Lancer, for your excellent input. We both knew it wasn't going to work. However, there was no point in not trying. If you would just help me rather than act like you don't know, maybe this would be done faster!" He's one hundred percent doing this because of the Setanta thing.

"Sorry master, I have no idea how to help ya. It was only 'cause of my training that I could use it to its full potential. And well I don't really like the idea of facing my teacher right now. She'd kick both of our asses." He shivers at those last words. You gain a shiver of your own.

Shaking off your fear towards this woman you begin to speak, "That can't be all! I'm certain there is something you aren't telling me…" He shrugs at your words before you both hear a slam downstairs. Your spear appears in your hands, as Lancer returns to spirit form to investigate. You head downstairs as well.

You can feel the confusion coming from your servant before you hear it, "William! Are you alright!" Wilhelm? Why did he sound so frightened?

You hear Lucia approach Wilhelm with a friendly greeting before he speaks again, "What happened to the Manor? Why is it in such a state? I thought you two had been attacked!" Oh yeah, you and Lancer sparred. He was superior with a spear and was an ass so he threw you into the manor pretty much every time he kicked your ass.

You just never remembered to repair it… Oops. "William!" Uh oh. You're in trouble aren't you? He rushes towards you and checks all over your body.

"Why are you so roughed up William? What happened while I was gone? Wait… What are those…" Ah shit… He saw the command seals and was currently holding your hand. He gazed despondently towards the seals.

"Where did you get these William… Please be honest…" Why do you feel terrible?

"Um… Last week I, um… While out on a walk… I, uh… Got into some trouble with a rather large wolf… I killed it but I accidentally sum- summoned a servant when trying to… Then I took it's pup as a pet…" You fumbled over your words as you tried to tell what happened in the least weird way you could. You're uncertain if you succeeded as Wilhelm's face gets a dark look.

"I see. So the Grail War begins sooner than expected. I hope you summoned a good servant for your sake. However, we will be leaving the manor for a while. During my meeting with Lord Animusphere we came to an agreement that you would visit Chaldea. This is the place where your family's work was being done. He hopes to plead for your service to finish the project." Wait just like that. You expected a bit more. On the other hand, fuck, you have to interact with… People… Ew.

You couldn't help but ask, "That's it? No, how could you do something so foolish? Nothing?" He looks a little disappointed.

"I can't control what has happened William. I can only prepare you for the coming storm and potentially get you allies that will help you survive. I pray that you succeed, but I shall worry that you'll fail. Come we'll have to get you and Lucia ready. I also wish to check your progress before we go." You nod towards Wilhelm. This week is gonna be a long week.

Apparently traveling to Antarctica is actually incredibly boring and unfun. Worst part was having to take Setanta with you. He wasn't annoying or anything but the process of bringing him along was annoying as shit. Lucia was very upset that she didn't get to see him the entire journey, and if Lucia is upset, you are upset.

Despite the trip, the place you were going to was rather impressive. Chaldea was surprisingly well funded, they received funding from all over the globe and even… Less impressively the Church. Not to say it isn't impressive, you just have a very powerful grudge for some trauma they inflicted upon you that need not be said.

Hopefully you can keep your grudge in check and not demand something stupid like as long as Chaldea stops taking funds from the Church you would assist. Mostly because you weren't even certain you wanted to help Chaldea.

Though Wilhelm is clearly leaning towards allying with Chaldea. However, you are incredibly hesitant… It's not because of the Church thing you aren't petty… Ok you are…

Thankfully Wilhelm was not only satisfied with your progress but also your 'choice' of servant. Like you wouldn't have begged for anything but Lancer at this point.

He tried to fight Wilhelm just before you all left, using only a portion of his strength. Cause you know, heroic spirit. Honestly if you weren't sure of Wilhelm's skill, his thrashing of your servant (albeit holding back) definitely solidified his mastery of the blade.

As your hike soon comes to a close you end your reminiscing and look upon the Chaldea facility. It is as impressive and as bland as you expected. A little bit of you is disappointed, but Lucia looks at it in awe so you won't ruin it for her.

You approach the entrance and get a strange feeling. A feeling like something is not right. Like the sight in front of you should not exist. You see a man standing just outside of Chaldea. The feeling exasperates itself when you look at him. He should not exist.

You felt hostility and uncomfortably towards him. It felt like he should have never existed and he had no way to exist. Either way, he existed. He should not, but he does. You do not like this man...

He approached you and your company, "My name is Romani Archaman! I'm head of the medical department and will be the one giving you the tour of Chaldea. You're William Arathorn correct." He spoke with faux genuinity… No he was genuine, it just didn't feel genuine… As if even when speaking absolute fact it felt like he was lying blatantly... You do not like this man…

However, you shall not be rude, "I am William Arathorn. I hope you don't mind that we'll be staying for the next three days. However, traveling back and forth from Antarctica is a bit time-consuming. Oh, also you don't mind the dog I hope? We couldn't exactly leave him unattended."

Romani looked at you skeptically before continuing, "Of course we don't mind. Lord Animusphere invited you personally and understands why you would be staying for a time. Also… Dog?" Setanta tackles the man into the snow. He lets out a surprised yelp as Lucia giggles. You can see Wilhelm shaking his head as you all head inside.

"Wait! You aren't going to leave me with this… Thing? Are you!" Ignoring the poor man you enter the building. He enters not long after being chased by Setanta all the while. He seems terrified, you couldn't help but smirk.

"These will be your rooms. Enjoy your stay at Chaldea, and I hope my tour was… Enjoyable?" If he can't sound certain while asking, that is telling enough. Seriously, how does someone like that become head of medical staff. They must not deal with very serious injuries then.

Why is he still here? "Are you going to-?" He is looking at you with concern. Not concerned for you but about you. You can sense his apprehension towards you and you are certain he can sense yours towards him as well.

"I'm just going to be honest Romani. I don't like being stared at." He scratches the back of his head, mumbling out apologies as he leaves. Finally, his literal existence freaked you out. He brought a visceral hate like no other from you and you don't understand why…

As Wilhelm handles your luggage Lucia comes up to you and asks, "Dad? How long are we going to be here again?" Is she getting homesick or something? This is the fifth time she has asked this.

Deciding it would be better to answer her, you say, "We'll be staying here for three to five days Lucia. Tomorrow I'll be speaking with Lord Animusphere about a few things. Then we will be staying till we can fully prep our departure. Hopefully this time we can keep Setanta with us." Lucia did something surprising, instead of getting upset over it, she got a determined look.

Taking a moment to think, the four-year old nods her head before pointing at you, "Then by the time we leave! I'll get you and Mr. Romani to stop hating each other!" What? WHAT THE FUCK DID SHE JUST SAY! How did she even notice? Your shock could not be hidden and you hear the chuckling of Lancer and Lucia as they look at your jaw dropped face.

Lancer finally decides to speak up from spirit form, "You weren't as subtle as you thought kid!" Already you want him back on mute. You could actually think peacefully when his words didn't cloud your thoughts.

"William, I have finished unpacking our luggage. Whatever you or Lucia wish to do for the remainder of the day I suggest you do it now." Speaking with a tone of finality Wilhelm leaves the room no doubt to have his own meeting with Lord Animusphere. You have time now… But you do not know this place… Should you really go around snooping?

Fuck it, snooping it is. You know you would get antsy if you stayed in here anyway. Leaving your room with Lucia following directly behind you, you decide for whatever reason to head to the medical lab. As you enter you hear Romani fumble around, "I'll be right there! Hold up! Oh… You…"

You're not exactly happy to see him either. Why did you come here again? "Mr. Romani! Are you having a good day?" Lucia ever the gem talking to the man that if you had your way would not be even 5 feet near her. Seriously, why did you come here?

His confusion palpable, "Uh? Y-yes, my day has been fine? Why are you two here? Neither of you have injuries? Right?" Oh, Romani there is one injury here. Your own soul has been fatally wounded by incompetency.

Either way you might as well make up some shit for why you are here, "No, neither of us are injured. I just had a few questions about Lord Animusphere, perhaps you can answer them?" He looks puzzled and obviously questioning why you came to him. You hope he finds the answers to his question.

"Um… Sure, I guess? I see no reason why I shouldn't… I was instructed to help you in any way I could…" He's hesitant and clearly doesn't want to be in your presence. To be absolutely fair to him, neither would you want to be anywhere near you. For very different reasons, though.

You came up with something rather harmless and easy to answer, "Could you tell me more about Lord Animusphere? I haven't exactly interacted with a Lord of the Clocktower before. It would be in my best interest to know what to expect." Romani gets an uneasy expression. Really? He's not going to answer that of all things?

"Is there a problem?" Lucia glares at you. You don't want to make her upset like this but she has to realize that there are just some people who can't get along. You're not being petty…

Romani shakes his head, "Ah, no. Just trying to figure out what to say… Marisbury Animusphere is a complicated individual. I don't think there are truly any good words to describe him. Just cold and professional I guess, but even then… Not really the most fitting. It just depends on the person…" Great, non-answer… Should've expected some shit like this.

Your anger was about to unleash itself upon Romani for his unhelpfulness, but before you could, you heard barking? Did Setanta follow you and Lucia from the room? You approach the door to check outside but you hear a squeal as the door launches open and you get knocked flat on your ass. "Ah! I'm so sorry!" A girl?

Uh, oh… What is this tightness in your chest? Are you having a heart attack? You look away from the cute girl towards Lucia and start to feel a bit lighter. That was weird? Why did that happen. You look back towards the girl in confusion and she is flushed red, "Please forgive me I was just trying to escape that… Whatever that was!"

She points towards the door and just outside it you see Setanta. Tongue out and tail wagging. To most her fear likely seems ridiculous, but you know beyond the appearance of that cute puppy, there is a monster. "That's just Setanta. Sorry he scared you! He just wanted to play I'm sure!" Lucia comforted the older girl and that tightness re-entered your chest. You're going to have to ask Wilhelm about that later… It's really annoying.

Letting out a simple Arf! Setanta walks up to the girl. She cautiously pets him before growing comfortable with his presence. "Ah sorry, I should probably introduce myself… You're the guests Lord Animusphere invited right? My name is Mash, Mash Kyrielight… I hope, we can get along…" Someone has a vice-grip on your heart apparently cause fuck why is it so tight?

Why is your skin red as well? This is seriously concerning. Throughout this entire scenario Lancer was laughing so hard that if he were to physically appear right now you feel he would be laughing and rolling all over the floor. It's starting to annoy you how loud he's getting.

Stumbling over your words for some reason you say, "I-I… My name is William Arathorn. I was invited by Lord Animusphere to learn about a project my family worked on. I also see no reason why we wouldn't get along after all I have no issues with you. I understand that Setanta can be quite the beast at times." She beams at your words and holds out her hand. A handshake? Oh god, touching another human that you don't consider family? You are very tempted to run.

However, you persevere and do the scary human interaction thing. You are not a child. You are not a child. You are not a child. You are a proud magus at the age of fifteen and you shall act like it! Not that you need to act.

You face the girl before saying anything. "So Mash, you don't mind if I ask you a few questions. I was trying to bleed some information out of Romani here and he's been practically useless on that front." The mentioned man lets out a 'Hey!' at that. His complaints have been heard, filed away, and ignored. Poor man.

She looks a bit confused at your statement and your sudden hostility towards Romani, "Ummm… Sure, I guess? What do you need to know?" You feel ecstatic for some reason… Is your chest tight again?

Trying to brush off the feeling you begin your questions, "Why exactly are you here in Chaldea? I didn't see you throughout the tour and I doubt that you're staff…" She tenses up a bit and looks past you. Does she have a connection with Romani? Oh god, please do not be his daughter!

"I'm actually Dr. Romani's assistant. Most of the time the other staff just have me help them with menial tasks… I'm not exactly the strongest, so I can't do any heavy lifting unfortunately. And Romani himself is actually trained in medical procedures." So she's just his assistant. That's good. Well not good, you don't like anything associated with him, but you'll make an exception for Mash.

You nod your head at Mash's words before speaking, "So you're just an extra set of hands then? No shame in helping in any way you can I guess." She gains a lovely smile at those words. The tight feeling in your chest got particularly annoying though so you couldn't really enjoy it.

"If you don't mind, I have one last question. It's about Lord Animusphere. I want to know more about him." The room takes a darker atmosphere as Mash closes in on herself. This doesn't bode well for the kind of person Lord Animusphere is.

Her unease towards the question is obvious and you kind of regret asking, "Um… I, uh… Don't… Want to talk about him…" Romani looks at her concerned before giving you a glare. Fuck you too Romani.

"Forgive me for intruding on your personal issues. I'll take my leave now. Lucia, Setanta come on, I think we've been gone long enough." You nod your head towards Mash, and not Romani before removing yourself from the room. Trying to not make Mash anymore uncomfortable.

"Dad? That girl was really cute!" Indeed she was Lucia, indeed she was.

As you walk along the halls of Chaldea back to your room, Lancer informs you of something concerning, "I didn't want to mention it while you were gawking at the poor girl, but she might be a servant." Wait what? Mash is a servant? That doesn't make any sense! She looked frail enough that picking up anything heavier than 10 Ibs would be an issue.

Lancer elaborated on his thinking, "Yeah that was why I was holding off on saying anything. She's either a servant or is… Fused with a servant. Don't know how the latter would be done, but I wouldn't write it off." That's concerning, you really don't want to hurt Mash. She seemed like a decent enough person.

Lancer sighs at your thoughts just as you enter your room. "William there you are! Was wondering where you and Lucia were. Are you having a nice stay so far?" He seems unexpectedly jolly. Like a light has been relit.

A little shocked at the jubilancy of the man you answer cautiously, "Um… Yes, actually our stay has been rather great. We met a nice girl named Mash Kyrielight. She happened to be the assistant of Romani and we talked for a bit. I think I made her uncomfortable though." He nods at you.

You decide to ask a question you have on your mind while you can, "Wilhelm… While I was talking with Mash I had an inexplicable tightness in my chest… I think there might be something wrong with me and I decided that you deserved to know." Wilhelm looks at you befuddled before chuckling and you hear Lancer hysterically breaking down in his spirit form.

"Ah, youth. William, there's nothing wrong with you. What you're feeling is incredibly natural for a boy your age. You are probably just attracted to this Mash. Did you like anything about her appearance?" Attracted? Like love? No that wasn't it… Sexual attraction? That made a bit more sense.

As you thought about it more everything did begin to make sense, "Yes. She had a pleasant smile and generous figure despite her frailty. She also seemed rather nice and considerate. Though a bit submissive, then again I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing." Wilhelm nodded at your words.

He smiles at you contently before speaking, "Seems you already have a type William. You always seem to know what you want. In that sense I envy you. Perhaps you should interact with this Mash more? The social interaction will help you later down the line. My biggest mistake in life was not gathering connections. Hopefully you will not do the same." He heads towards his room as you ponder your thoughts.

You get ready for tomorrow as you lay on your bed. You hear Lucia and Setanta snoring and as you listen peacefully you begin to drift off yourself. "Hello again, Pride." God fucking dammit.

Apophis once more speaks to you. Great, you're worried about a Clocktower Lord now you have to deal with the Voice. "It hurts to hear that you think me a nuisance… However, I have serious news for you. I have unlocked your Pride Mark. You will need it in the near future." Pride Mark? What the hell is that supposed to be?

The constellations all around you shined brightly. "I'm afraid due to reasons that are completely nonsensical I will not reveal what it does just yet. However, when you need it most, it shall activate. Then you'll learn what you're really capable of." Great, just a whole lot of nothing.

Will anything just be allowed to make sense. It feels as if the whole world is going against your desire to have a little bit of normal. "Not like you too won't be fighting for strange one day. You wish for normal but what you desire is comfort. Comfort cannot be gained from normalcy." Of course it can. When a world view isn't constantly being fucked with, you can be comfortable anywhere.

The constellations finally shift back into a snake. Looming over you the Voice speaks from all directions, "You do not understand then… Whatever the case I noticed you haven't been using your other Corrupted Phantasm since it's initial use all those years ago." Corrupted Phantasm? You feel like you're repeating yourself.

The stars dull as a sigh is heard, "I never did explain them did I… Anyway, you have access to four Corrupted Phantasms Eyes of Balor, Gae Bolg, a mystery one, and Pride Mark. They are the tools you shall use to turn the tide of battle. Especially Pride Mark." So are you capable of using 'Phantasms' like Servants?

Aren't they supposed to be a crystallization of their legend or something like that. Apophis decides to throw you a bone and explain it in his own way, "Corrupted Phantasms are the representation of your sin. Your Eyes of Balor represent your pride for your heritage and how those under your gaze shall be destroyed. Your Pride Mark represents your pride for yourself and how others shall listen to you. The Gae Bolg is simply a gift. You will need to learn it's use on your own time. For the last Phantasm? I'll leave that a secret"

So I could use that… Blast again… You have no need for such destructive power personally. "You won't need to for now. That was simply the fully unleashed effect of the Eyes of Balor. The one you have now is much weaker, only capable of sending foes flying rather than destroying an entire forest." That might have it's uses then. However, you don't plan to fight anyone unless you have to. Well in the Grail War… You will have to, won't you…

A morose feeling exits the stars as they look towards you expectantly, "Your trauma towards violence shall come to bite you. I recommend you get over it. It only impedes you. You train and train and yet you plan to not hurt others. Let us both be honest. You are simply scared. You must get over this trauma or you are doomed." How dare it… You are not scared. It has no right to dictate what you do and do not feel.

The stars shift from the serpentine creature becoming formless once more an echo spreads throughout the infinite expanse, "You are terrified. To truly become Pride you must overcome yourself. How else will you survive William?" With that you wake.

It was so early in the morning when you awoke that not even Wilhelm was awake. Your servant however, due to not needing sleep clearly saw your distress. "You alright Master? Looking a little panicked there." You do not need this shit right now…

"I'm fine Lancer, I just had a nightmare… I'm going to walk around Chaldea's facilities for now, watch over Lucia for me." You hear him grunt in confirmation as you get up and leave your room. Wandering the dark halls of Chaldea you truly begin to realize how empty and barren it is.

However, you are not the only one awake, "William Arathorn. I had not expected to see you so soon." The man you came to meet in the first place. Marisbury Animusphere. A Clocktower Lord was in front of you and all you could say to that fact was that you were disappointed. You expected some grand human being full of wonder.

All you see is a man. Disappointing… "Lord Animusphere, I did not expect you either. I've been having trouble sleeping so I decided I would wander your facilities until our meeting. Though I guess this counts?" He nods his head before motioning to a table. Obviously offering a place to sit.

You oblige him and sit at the table with the Clocktower Lord. "You'll have to forgive me for not having the ability to help your family when they needed me most. I was good friends with both your Uncle and Father, and it was a shame to hear they passed. They helped me set up Chaldea when most of the Mage's Association simply scoffed at my research." Why is he asking for forgiveness? He was not responsible for the Church's butchering of your family…

He has no reason to apologize. You won't be given pity. "You don't need to apologize for anything Lord Animusphere. You're not responsible for the actions of the Church and had no way of knowing what would happen to my family. I cannot blame you for their fate." He nods morosely.

He looks directly into your eyes before he speaks again, "Still. A part of me feels guilt for not being able to help you. More so now, due to me asking for your assistance with Chaldea when I have never reached out to you before. I do hope you'll at least consider my offer." You briefly mull over your life up until this point before realizing something.

You came to a decision rather quickly, "Do you mind if you just give me your offer here and now? I'm certain you're a busy man and to be honest I see no reason why we can't speak about it here." He considers your statement before nodding.

"Very well then. Your Uncle and a few of your relatives were working on Chaldea's summoning system. It was in an experimental phase for a while but we did have one successful summoning with the system. We summoned the servant Galahad into the body of Mash Kyrielight. He dispelled himself not long after but we did summon a servant with the system…" So Mash isn't a servant? Or she is but she isn't? You weren't given long to think over this information.

He wasn't done speaking. "Your Uncle had made a supposed breakthrough in the system before your family was killed off. The biggest issue we had with servants was binding them to the physical plane. He apparently solved that. However, he is dead now and the system has been inoperational for years. I wish for you to study it and finish the project." You used that knowledge when you summoned Lancer didn't you…

You decided to bite the bullet, "Technically it is finished although I don't know how I went about using it. I'm uncertain you are aware but because of how our magecraft worked all the magic crests of my family combined onto my back when they perished. As I was the only living member our legacy needed to be passed on somehow." He gains a surprised look.

He gets up and puts his hands on your shoulder, "You summoned a servant? With your crest? How!" He's desperate. Too desperate for this information. It honestly makes you uncomfortable just knowing that the system being possibly complete led him into this craze.

You take off your shirt slowly and turn your back to him hearing a gasp at the overly complicated mixture of crests. "This is my family. This is my crest. It is the only thing I have of them besides their experiments. The knowledge of this system is no doubt within my crest. I can finish the project if I so desire." He looks on in awe trying to see where each crest stops and a new one begins.

Putting your shirt back, you face Lord Animusphere once more. "I used the knowledge I believe haphazardly when I accidentally summoned the servant Lancer earlier this week. I don't know how I did it but that must mean the system by all accounts is complete, or at least the mechanics of it." He looks at your command seals, finally taking a notice of them before sitting down once again.

He lets out a sigh of relief, "So Chaldea is closer to completion than expected. I'm certain you'll still need time to create the true system but with this my expectation of having to wait decades is gone. I do hope I can provide enough incentive for you to finish it." Frankly you're considering it even without the incentive, so you'll likely agree. Not to say that you won't try to make the most out of this…

You already have an idea in mind though, "I wish for you to help me win the upcoming Holy Grail War. I can't finish the system if I die in the war after all. I particularly don't wish to perish but my pride will make it impossible for me to surrender my rights as a master." He looks at you in surprise, no doubt expecting much more. However, getting to live is the greatest gift you could ever ask for.

You finished the deal off with Lord Animusphere rather quickly after that. Your business being done but not feeling any desire to return to your room you begin to wander once more. Most of Chaldea seems up now, so maybe you should go talk to Mash like Wilhelm suggested?

You seem to gain cold feet however at the suggestion. Not out of wanting to but instead because something is telling you it is in your best interest to remain where you are right now. Probably the Voice messing with you but you'll listen for now. It is not because you don't want to make a fool of yourself in front of the cute girl again… Well not entirely…

As you wait there standing against the wall waiting for whatever the Voice wants to show you, two people start coming down the hallway. A man and a girl. You had seen them before but had not interacted with them. Not even a single hello.

You find your gaze focused on them. The whisper of 'Look…' enters your ears. You listen to the Voice, diligently. They seem acquainted to a point of familiarity as they walk and have an apparently engaging conversation… Then it began. The man fell to his knees.

Clutching at his chest he tries to stand but then he lets out a yell as he clutches his ears leaning against the wall trying to stand back up. The woman watched out in horror as she yelled out his name trying to help him, "Lev! Lev! Are you ok!" Obviously not you daft girl. She tries her best to help him, obviously not knowing what to do she begins to yell for help.

Apparently she never sees you throughout her calls for help. The man finally gets up and still clutching his head he screams, "Get out of my head! Make them stop! Make the damn voices stop! I need them to stop!" He reaches out for the girl's neck before starting to squeeze. She struggles in his grasp no doubt very confused and afraid.

You struggled to watch as the girl slammed her arm into the man, "Lev! P-please. Let me help… Stop…" What the fuck does the Voice want from you? What does Apophis fucking want from you! You should not be forced to sit here and watch. You won't allow it.

Summoning forth Gae Bolg you charge the man. Pushing him off the girl and facing him head on. He lunges at you but you put Gae Bolg through his throat. Impaling him on the wall. He still lives despite the spear through his throat looking around crazy and manic trying to say something. He has no right to live, he should die.

You speak something instinctively, "I look upon your suffering in disgust! By my Pride's Mark I beg for your suffering to end... So stop breathing…" His eyes begin to fade as his breathing stops.

There is nothing left of the man that was there. Just a corpse. You tear the spear out of his throat before turning to the girl who's coughing on the floor trying to regain her breath.

"L-Lev… Lev!" She runs to the dead man looking over his corpse in horror. Has it not caught up to her that this man just tried to kill her? For literally no reason… Jeez, and you thought you were stupid at times.

"He's dead. You aren't going to bring him back by crying over his corpse." She looks at you with a tearful glare before more of Chaldea staff arrive. They all look at you in horror. Romani among them, he rushed towards the man's side before looking at you in disgust.

"Before you blame me for anything, this girl was attacked by that man when I arrived. I decided to take lethal action to ensure our continued safety. Surely that is understandable?" Some look at you in understanding but both the girl and Romani still glare at you. They must've had quite the relationship with the man. Makes it all the more confusing why he would suddenly attempt to kill the girl.

However, regardless of what you think, the staring was getting to you. So you left before it became obvious you were as uncomfortable as everyone else was. You guess you did make a fool of yourself in front of a cute girl, huh. You're quite the screw-up...

You headed back to your room and did not leave all day. Simply playing with Lucia as you try to forget what had happened. Of course you couldn't even if you tried… Why did you do that? You had no reason to save her. Much less kill that man. You should've let her die but you didn't. Now another man is dead because of your actions.

Lucia sensing your mood decides to stop playing. Clearly unhappy that you're unhappy. By extension making you even worse cause now Lucia is upset. "Stop sulking! You're better than that Dad!" You're really not, but it warms your heart a bit to know that she thinks that.

Just to ruin your day it seems, a knock rings out. So it isn't Wilhelm, he would've just entered. Meaning it's either Animusphere or Romani. Neither you want to see right now. However, you might get into trouble if you don't answer. You are a guest and should show proper courtesy… Should you really though…

You look towards the door in disgust, desperately not wanting to open it but a glare from Lucia was all that was necessary to get you up. You walk towards the door and hear impatient tapping from outside. You open the door with a sudden motion, getting a squeak from the person outside, "You?"

That girl from earlier? What does she want… You're already regretting opening the door. Flustered, she straightens out her outfit before looking you directly in your eyes. She tries to speak but then turns her head in embarrassment. Incapable of figuring out what she wants to say, she has made a fool of herself.

"Do you always take up people's time for no reason or do you actually have something you want to say to me?" Ok this was incredibly rude of you, yes. However, you have no excuse in all honesty. You were just annoyed and took your annoyance out on her. She looks flabbergasted at your way of conversing with her.

Her brain finally catches up to her mouth, "What is wrong with you? I came to say thank you for helping me and this is how you treat me? I know you are a guest of my father but I will not tolerate that kind of behavior towards me!" Oh fuck… Well you were right about an Animusphere being at your door. You just didn't know there was a second one…

You made a mistake. To be so rude to a Clocktower Lord's daughter, especially one you plan on working with, was probably not a good idea. You'll do your best to apologize, but only because you won't want to lose Lord Animusphere's goodwill, "Sorry about that. It's been a long day and I lashed out, I hope you can forgive me." Now she looks a bit queasy at your words.

Finding the strength to speak, the girl starts once more, "My name is Olga Marie Animusphere. How about this, I just forget you acted like that and you forget about me floundering when you opened the door. That is fair, yes?" Anything to escape this awkward scenario, you nod towards her.

"My name is William Arathorn. I hope you can forgive my actions from earlier." Olga gains a look of recognition as you introduce yourself before getting another queasy look. She looked like at any moment she'd throw up.

Trying to distract herself she focuses on the first part of your statement, "Arathorn? As in Gerald Arathorn?" She knew your Uncle? You knew now he worked here for quite a bit before he died. However, it was still a bit shocking to hear other people knew your family name because of him. Back then it was always either because of your father or brother… Moving on.

You nod, "Yes, Gerald was my Uncle. I'm aware that he was working on a servant summoning system. How exactly do you know him?" You couldn't help but ask. You're certain she just met him once during his meetings with Lord Animusphere.

"I was quite familiar with Gerald while he was still alive actually. I was the premier test subject for the system. As my father wanted someone he could trust to summon a servant." A childish part of you is jealous that time with your uncle was taken by someone you had never met till now. However, you have grown out of your childish tendencies… Most of them.

"I bet it was quite the experience." What else were you supposed to say? 'Hey, thanks for having known one of my dead family members. I'll never see them again!' She seemed content as she reminisced.

"Indeed it was. He was a good man and a great magus. It's a shame that he died. Anyway I'm certain you don't want to talk about your family. I wanted to apologize for how I acted earlier when you saved my life, and also thank you for it as well." She rushed out that last sentence as she began mingling her hair.

Your heart is beating fast, "Ah! No need to do that! I should've been more considerate and not have just used lethal force. I cost you a friend because of my actions!" She shakes her head before approaching.

Holding out her hand, "If it wasn't for you I don't know if I would still be here. Please take my most sincere gratitude's. As well as forgive my initial reaction to you saving me. I beg of you." Her hair covered her face but you could tell she was desperately holding back tears. You reach out to her hand, grabbing it firmly.

You didn't really know what to do in this scenario so you just said what came to your mind first. "It is nice to meet you Olga. I accept your gratitude." You felt a bit lighter from doing that. She raises her head teary eyed. She shakes your hand.

She chuckles before she speaks, "It is nice to meet you as well William… Thank you…" You can't see the stars. You don't need to. You know they're smiling.