It was December and Manaka was staring out the window. Snow was falling outside and she was making herself comfortable on the armchair she had curled up in while Berserker kept himself in his Spirit Form. She was looking outside and figured that it was nearly Christmas, a time of celebration humans upheld for one reason or the other.
She could vaguely recall Ayaka enjoying it from what she could recall.
A sigh left her lips as she found the current situation rather dull. This circumstance has left her with a lot of free time. Hans has been left thinking about how to best move against his enemies while keeping the Holy Grail safe but it's only to be expected that the man was as he was, he wasn't as special as her.
He has shown to be quite the workaholic, he may end up collapsing at this rate.
Manaka raised her gaze to find Miyu stepping out if her room, the Child of God blessed with Wish Granting properties marched up to Manaka. Now this was a curious situation.
"Rather early aren't you? You're not usually the early bird type," Manaka noted with a giggle.
Miyu's golden eyes met her blue ones as she spoke, "I need your help."
"Well this is surprising. What could the Holy Grail want from me?" Manaka wondered with a raised eyebrow.
"Breakfast," Miyu said as she glanced at Hans' door, "For him. You're good at cooking. You have been teaching Assassin, maybe we should give him something that'll let him live longer."
The air shimmered and Berserker appeared, the rough looking man had his arms crossed as he looked down on the girl, "Missy, that's a good idea but do you really have to ask this one."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Manaka asked with a frown.
"Well, it seemed like you couldn't be bothered. Who knows what you might do," Berserker pointed out in a low tone.
Manaka stared at him and he stared back, ending with her shaking her head, "Fair assessment but I wouldn't do anything untoward to Hans. He's amusing. Sabotaging him will only make this trip boring."
"See? Can't be trusted," Berserker said once more as he glanced at Miyu.
"But I can cook. As the Bride of a King, I can at least do that much," Manaka said as she slowly got up. She raised her hand at Berserker and said, "I'll show you."
Berserker internally flinched and wondered if she would just force him to implode on the spot but she didn't.
Miyu wondered if this was a good idea after all.
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Wearing an apron and a pink bandana, Manaka got to work fixing up breakfast. Miyu was assisting her having humored the girl's efforts and they were well on their way to making their meals. Manaka had decided upon a few dishes for the occasion, making sure to get enough ingredients for everyone in the apartment.
"What are we making first?" Miyu asked Manaka from the side.
Taking a softer and the pack of flour, Manaka then replied, "We'll be making the pancakes first. I want you to sift through the flour and let it fall to this bowl."
Miyu blinked before she stepped in the stool and did as she was told. Manaka watched the girl work with her arms crossed. Not bad, the child showed promise in handling kitchen implements but that's only expected for the Vessel of the Grail, always so high spec.
It took a minute or so before Miyu was done to which Manaka inspected her work.
"Good. Now quickly mix in the rest of the ingredients," Manaka said as she cracked two eggs in her hand, placing them into the flour while Miyu poured in the right amount of milk.
Manaka then proceeded to mix the batter in her arms as Miyu watched closely. Manaka simply didn't waste any movements and soon enough, the batter was ready to be poured into the pan she had heated before they started.
Pouring the batter, the pancake began to cook, followed by a delicious fragrance to fill the air. Manaka timed it right before flipping the pancake to achieve its maximum fluffiness, allowing for a golden brown colour to fill its cooked side.
"Wow," Miyu breathed as she watched Manaka do this thrice before serving a full plate. The blue eyed girl then cut up a couple of strawberries and placed them on top of it, only to apply generous amount of whipped cream and maple syrup.
"That's one down. Not that hard is it not?" Manaka said as she placed a hand on her hip.
"It certainly is impressive. But then again what do I know about cooking," Beowulf said as he waved his hand.
"There's a certain improvement to the quality compared to our normal breakfast," Miyu pointed out with wide eyes.
"Of course," Manaka nodded with a satisfied look.
"Show off," Beowulf snarled from the side.
"Hush, you. In any case, while this is good and all, how about you stop hiding and join in, Assassin?" Manaka suggested as she glanced at the corner.
Chiyome hesitated before dropping her presence concealment, "How did you know?"
"I can hear you furiously scratching in that notepad. Now why don't you step up and give it a go? Hans is more likely to eat your food than mine," Manaka offered as she tilted her head.
"Why is that?" Miyu wondered from the side.
"Because she might poison him," Berserker replied before he shut his mouth as his Master looked at him.
Chiyome stood awkwardly where she was and said, "Well, I am not versed in meals for breakfast. It's normally just miso, cooked fish and rice. I am open to suggestions."
"Then how about Eggs Benedict?" Miyu suggested as she held up her hand. She then turned to Manaka, "You can teach her, right?"
Manaka blinked before shrugging, "I suppose I can."
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"First you saute the ham in butter for two minutes," Manaka said as she began working while Chiyome moved in parallel with her, "Melt some butter on a separate pan while you poach some eggs in salted, simmering water. Try not to leave it in there for long."
Chiyome took the eggs while Miyu handed her the pan with water. Manaka smiled as she placed the ham on some muffins they got out of the fridge before she poured the melted butter on the separate pan on it.
Letting the pan simmer, Assassin then poured two tablespoons of vinegar on the pan before stirring it gently. She then cracked the eggs at the center of the water before lowering the heat to prevent the water from boiling.
"Take the egg out and put it on the ham. Leave the yolk in the water and pour it in a bowl. Then briskly whisk it while pouring more butter into it," Manaka advised as Chiyome nodded.
She then scooped out the egg once set and placed it on top of the ham. Manaka had then used the spare butter to make a sauce, as she cut up some lemons and squeezed the juice on some melted butter.
Chiyome began to whisk on the side and had a look of determination in her face. Manaka glanced at her from the side and raised an eyebrow. To think a ruthless killer like Assassin would make such a girly expression.
Manaka, for the first time ever, understood what another was feeling. She closed her eyes and the image of a young man with blond hair, vibrant green eyes and shining silver armor came to her mind. Girls tended to do their best for people they loved after all...
A few minutes later, Assassin was done.
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Hans staggered out of room with a groan. The smell of breakfast having forced him up on his feet. After six months of being homeless, this smell was heavenly. His legs led him to the dining table where he found Assassin, setting up the table in an apron.
"Wha-" Hans blinked in surprise.
"Oh, good morning... Master," Chiyome said as her face lightly blushed.
"Wow... What's the occasion?" Hans asked with a small smile, walking up to the table and taking his seat.
"Take it as a Christmas Breakfast," Chiyome said with a nod. She then said, "The others helped me with it. We were hoping it'll help you regain your strength."
"Did you now?" Hans said as Chiyome turned and fetched him his coffee. He blew into his mug and took a sip.
That woke him up.
"Where are the others?" Hans asked.
"They went up the rooftop and left me here. I couldn't simply leave the food alone so... I waited for you," Assassin said.
Hans looked down at his meal and smiled, "Well, I'd prefer someone to sit with me. Grab a plate and let's eat together."
Chiyome blinked before smiling brightly.
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Manaka was leaning against the rails while still in her apron, "Deck the halls with boughs of holly..."
She was looking at the sun rise in the distance as the wind blew. Berserker was watching from the side with his arms crossed while Miyu drank some canned juice from the vending machine.
Manaka closed her eyes and she peered into the future...
A future where a one armed man and his Shinobi stood against Seven Blackened Servants and the raging Beast seeking entrance into this world.
Manaka's lips curled into a smile, "Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la..."
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Merry Christmas!
