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I'm Not a Regular Mom (FGO OC)

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In Which Violence Hungers
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    • A/N: After ten thousand years I post! So part of it was general tiredness, but also thanks to some health issues I'm on meds with exciting side effects. Nothing lethal, still unpleasant. So yeah, this is either the last or next-to-last chapter I'll get out this year. (We'll see how much I get done by NYE.)

    Plenty of mood whiplash with comedy, attempted d'aww, and . I didn't answer everything this chapter, but I have heavy implications.

    Minor Content Warning: The discussion about Passionlip's prosthetics and other aspects can come off as body-shaming, regardless of intent. BB being gross about how designing 'Lip was for the lulz.

    Content Warnings: Creepy shit when Cu and company get to the roots. Past character death revisited. Morgan being inhuman and BB going right along with her. Body horror regarding the transformed humans. Vlad EXTRA being Vlad EXTRA (almost verbatim).
    __________________________________________________________

    The kick resounded against metal, and Mash was pushed backwards. Gritting her teeth, she flung the shield wide and forced Medusa away.

    "Hm. Your strength doesn't seem to have faded any," Medusa observed aloud, elegantly tumbling through the air to land on her feet. "Your speed and power seem to be the same as they were in Orleans. Your stance seems firmer, though."

    "You're taking it easy on me," Mash scolded, planting the lower flange of her shield on the ground. "Isn't the point to see what I can still do?"

    "Yes, which does not preclude me lightening my blows." Medusa paused. "Besides, overusing my strength comes with consequences greater than physical strain. I rely mostly on what my own parameters allow before invoking that power - and even then only sparingly and with precision." She shifted, lowering herself into a crouch. "Do you think you can attempt the use of your skill? The one you learned in Septem."

    Mash braced herself. "I won't ask how you found out, but… I'll try."

    Medusa smiled a little. "Matthew. How else?" Her stoic expression returned. "Medea."

    The Caster sat to the side of the room on a folding chair, hands resting in her lap. She lifted one daintily. "Ready. Though Mash is sturdy enough in her own right to endure a strong blow from you, I'd think," she mused.

    "Which is besides the point." Ophelia stepped around Medea. "We know Mash can take punishment; such is expected of a Shielder. We want to know if she can operate in the field both defensively and offensively if the search for a method to revive Galahad fails."

    Mash winced. "I won't fail."

    Ophelia shook her head. "Alright, stop." She waved a hand as Medusa stood and walked over to Mash. "Mash. No one is saying you're incapable, or that you're somehow lesser." She placed her hand on Mash's shoulder. "All we're trying to do is ensure you have the tools you need. If you don't, we'll work on getting them for you."

    "Mm. They're not Noble Phantasms, but with only the medical division to worry about and Nobunaga handling our labor shortage, I've had time to craft a small number of Mystic Codes." Medea leaned back. "I owe your brother for his assistance, and haven't exactly repaid him since giving him the unicorn hair he found. The least I could do is enchant some arms and armor, and outfit you with some potions."

    "And I'm sure Scathach has every intention of continuing your training," Medusa added. "You may not have all of Galahad's power, but you still have the foundations of a Servant in your own body. That's something that can be nurtured and drawn out."

    "People here want you to succeed, Mash," Ophelia said gently. "So please, don't misinterpret what we're doing as mocking or trying to insult you."

    The door to the training room opened.

    "There you are! We came to cheer you on!" Astolfo said happily, sketching a sloppy salute. Sieg nodded to his side with a small smile.

    "When we heard what you were doing and that you stayed behind, we had to come support you," Jeanne added.

    "And while I appreciate your initiative, I'd prefer if you didn't train without my supervision until we have a better grip of your condition." Scathach stalked into the room. "If nothing else, we do have someone who knows how Galahad's powers work, and that might be the first step to emulating them."

    Mash blinked as the last person stepped around the three from Orleans.

    Artoria placed one hand on her hip and looked at her appraisingly. She smiled. "You have the determination to follow through, whatever comes. While it is to be hoped for Galahad's recovery, you will continue regardless."

    Mash looked around the room, eyes burning ever so slightly.

    "So." Scathach strode towards Mash. "Shall we press onward?" She held a hand out with the smallest smile of encouragement.

    Ophelia turned to Mash with a fond look, squeezing her shoulder and stepping back.

    "Yes!" Mash bowed slightly. "Everyone… I'm in your care!"
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    "So. Want to explain your rationale?" Rin leaned against the desk, fixing Ritsuka with a piercing look. Hakuno busied herself at the terminal behind her, with Tamamo and Nero leaning over her shoulders.

    Ritsuka scratched the back of his head. "Well…" He glanced at Gilgamesh.

    The Hero-King smirked. No help there, but hopefully he wouldn't… 'help'. Hopefully.

    "Hakuno had things to do here, and separating Nero or Tamamo-no-Mae from her at this juncture seemed like a poor idea. Gilgamesh is bar none the most powerful Servant, so I'd rather have him on hand to protect us. Two stationary Masters is a tempting target." Also putting him in charge of one team or trying to get him to listen to Asako was a fool's errand. Though that wasn't something to say aloud…

    "Hm." Rin's eyes narrowed.

    "For the diplomats, I didn't want Asako anywhere near the roots and she was about to riot. Aunt Touko is a magus with the rank of Grand and a Noble Color, even before her Servant powers. She's professional, and Emiya is too. Meltryllis is smaller than Passionlip, so I assume she's more agile. I wouldn't be surprised if this secondary group is down one of the tighter hallways. Matthew's versatility is on par with Aunt Touko's, in his way. His use of the Universal Language will also help them navigate more smoothly."

    Rin opened her mouth.

    "For the ones I sent to attack the foundation of the tree, Dad has incredibly strong flames and access to Divine Constructs. If Gilgamesh is the strongest, he's probably the second strongest. Passionlip's claws made me think she excelled in direct combat, and Cu Chulainn is happiest on the battlefield. Charlie has tactical knowledge and given how despoiled the Tree is, I thought his skills as a Paladin would come in handy." Ritsuka nodded. "So?"

    Rin's mouth twitched. "Thorough. Very thorough. However…" she trailed off.

    Ritsuka blanched as she encroached into his space, eyes blazing.

    "What gives you the right to order around MY Servant!?"

    "Seriously!?" Ritsuka backed away. "Cu Chulainn's been an ally of Chaldea from the beginning! Why wouldn't I ask him to deploy?"

    Rin pressed forward. "Do you see these?" She held up her fist. "These are Command Seals. A contract!"

    "I know what they are!"

    "THEN WHY DID YOU ORDER MY SERVANT AROUND!?"

    Ritsuka scowled, bracing his shoulders. "You didn't voice any complaints at the time!"

    Rin stomped her foot. "W-well! You just kept going and had your momentum!"

    "Which you went along with!"

    "Like I had a choice!"

    Nero and Tamamo followed the argument as though watching a ping-pong match, heads slowly turning left to right to left again.

    "You, you, you-!" Rin shook, face scarlet. "Don't you contradict me!"

    "I'm not contradicting you! I'm pointing out that if you had an issue you should have said so when everyone was here!" Ritsuka groaned, digging his fingers into his scalp.

    "Matthew would have hypnotized her," Gilgamesh noted helpfully.

    "He would what!?"

    "No he wouldn't!" Ritsuka protested. "King Gilgamesh, please don't make such jokes!"

    He shrugged. "Believe what you will. If it would have gotten us down here more quickly or were to defend you, Matthew Kyrielight would have embroiled every victim of the False Fig in a storm of flame to turn them into less than ash. If he has so little love for those who experiment on Chaldea's behalf, turning him loose was a poor choice."

    Rin came to a full halt, eyes wide. "Eh?"

    Ritsuka felt sweat start to bead on the back of his neck as Gilgamesh's eyes pierced through him. "He is not without sympathy, but depending what he encounters it is entirely possible that the craftsman will rampage without your intercession."

    "...Asako would probably cry," Hakuno pointed out absentmindedly.

    "A magus child?" Gilgamesh scoffed.

    "A magus child raised by Rin Tohsaka. Even in another world, I'd still bet she's a decent human being despite any wizardry."

    Gilgamesh paused.

    "Also, he'd at least consider my feelings on the matter," Ritsuka added, emboldened. "Even if he'd hate the scientists, or if he didn't care enough about anyone else, he'd still do that." Which. Was honestly more terrifying than the idea that he'd condemned dozens of people to die by letting Matthew out of his sight.

    Assuming they weren't already as good as dead thanks to what had been done.

    Gilgamesh visibly processed that, a sour look coming to his face. "So you say, Ritsuka Tohsaka."

    Ritsuka honestly didn't understand why Gilgamesh would be actively dismayed by the notion. After all, it's not like Matthew was a monster or a tyr-

    ...ah.

    "Anyway! So, are we alright?" Ritsuka looked at Rin with a hopeful smile.

    She folded her arms and tapped her foot, composure regained. Giving a sidelong glance, she huffed. "Well. Your plans are sound enough, I suppose, and it's more direct than what we were initially doing. I can't fault you that." Her eyes narrowed. "Next time, though. Let me give the order, got it?!" She waved her hand, marked with the crimson seals. "These mean something, you know!"

    "Yes, Mom," Ritsuka grumbled. Why couldn't she be more like the Rin they'd met in Fuyuki!?

    Rin turned scarlet. "Th-th-! I'm not your mother! She's a totally different person!"

    "Of course. Your mother has such lovely dark hair, and this shrill child is blonde," Gilgamesh pointed out, egging them on.

    "Don't give in, Rin! We of the golden hair must have solidarity!" Nero cheered, standing tall.

    Tamamo gave a flat look. "Not that I have a horse in this race, but don't you yourself have blond hair? Hm?"

    Gilgamesh lifted his chin. "I am the king."

    "Mostly that means if he could belong to a group, he only does if he wants to. Right now he'd rather pick on Rin. And Nero since she painted a target on herself, probably," Hakuno pointed out absentmindedly. Her fingertips continued to flutter across the keyboard.

    "Better than him being bored I guess," Ritsuka muttered.

    Rin shot him a betrayed look.

    "Hey, you started yelling at me first!" Ritsuka accused, drawing back with his arm in front of his face. "Don't stare at me like that!"
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Cu Chulainn dipped his spear low, following the thrust as it went behind the leg of one of the armored… things.

    Now that they were indoors and away from the threat of the wheel in the sky, he was able to slow down enough for a better look.

    Initially, they looked human. A little bulked up and wrapped in metal, but human. The armor was a dull and shineless black, meant more for protection than ornamentation. The shape was sleek, with small barbs at the joints for elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. A pattern like insect wings covered the back.

    However.

    The soldier fell, showing what lay beneath the bland, featureless helmet.

    Eyes devoid of iris and pupil, a solid white. The nose had retreated into the face, which had developed deep crevasses within. The mouth rasped open, a ring of pointed teeth as though of some parasite.

    "Ugh." Cu Chulainn quickly flipped the spear, and plunged the point into the creature's chest. With a spout of dark blood, it squirmed on the end of his lance for several seconds until the gush slowed to a trickle. He tugged Gae Bolg free, standing it on its end as he stood.

    "Cu Chulainn! Did you run into trouble?" Shotaro called, hobbling around a corner.

    "Trouble ran into me, more like," he muttered, cracking his neck. He'd let Shotaro get a bye on that sort of thing. Even though the man radiated power, he was more househusband than warrior. "So, these things are supposed to be human-adjacent, yeah?" Cu used the butt of his spear to knock the helmet off an unresisting neck and head. "I'm not seeing it."

    Shotaro reached him, and paused. "...that is a lot of teeth," he said finally.

    "Mm-hm. And the eyes…" Cu Chulainn huffed. "I wish Matty was here. He could just ask what the fuck it is and we'd know."

    The body twitched.

    "What." Cu's eyes narrowed, and he whipped his spear into a ready position. "Oi, get behind me."

    "Hhhh…" A clawed gauntlet dug its fingers into the floor, trying to heave the body up. "Haaaa."

    "There you guys are!" Charlie barreled along, coming down the hall Shotaro emerged from. "Uh. Aren't we supposed to… you know. Not kill them?" He narrowed his eyes. "Wait."

    The armored human shoved itself from the floor, wet breaths hissing from its lipless mouth.

    Charlie stood next to Cu, Joyeuse in his grip. His eyes flickered back and forth as the thing got to its feet. "Okay. Ritsuka's going to page Matthew and find out what exactly happened here. Hopefully we'll have answers soon."

    Cu grimaced. "Right." Damn, but he wished he had a link to Chaldea's Master right now - if only because he'd have a faster influx of information.

    Suddenly, it fell to its knees like a puppet with its strings cut. "Hraaa…" The mouth moved, but no words came. Then it dropped completely.

    Shotaro hobbled forward, orange motes dancing around his body.

    "Uh…" Cu held up a hand towards him. "What're you thinking?"

    "I am thinking that we haven't had a chance to see one of these up close." He leaned over the body. "They come from the fruit on the tree, and it's safe to assume the vines and branches draw people in to convert them. However, we managed to make it inside with minimal interference thanks to Matthew."

    Cu allowed himself a brief flicker of pride. "Got you all past the army, huh? More of them are up top than down here, but there's still patrols. And when they run into each other…" He trailed off, 'remembering' his counterpart's experiences. NPCs would dissolve on incapacitation when they were taken out, leaving them in the dark as to the nature of the transformation. "They grow through combat. The more they win, the stronger they get."

    "That's normal, isn't it? To grow through pushing your limits?" Charlie asked with a frown.

    "Not like this," Cu murmured. He turned his head away, jerking as he noticed a fourth presence. "Whoa, miss! Careful there."

    Passionlip's hulking form hesitated behind them. "Ah… sorry. I went ahead to look around. I haven't seen any bodies, so that's good? I think?" She ducked her head. "But, well, I know that… people don't like my arms…"

    Which was true, Cu could admit. Though her proportions were also a little off besides- the arms at least made supporting her body viable. 'Well-rounded' women were beautiful, but even he could admit the existence of too much of a good thing, yeah?

    Charlie scratched his head. "Well… Matthew hasn't responded to Ritsuka yet. He's either busy or not answering."

    "It's probably the former," Cu pointed out. "Matty might try to circumvent Master once in a while if he thinks the course of action is stupid or he gets a notion in his head, but outright defying him doesn't seem normal."

    "The wound's trying to seal itself." Shotaro stood up, favoring his bad leg. "It's not healing; more like an attempt at erasure from what I can understand."

    "Huh. Gae Bolg leaves wounds that don't heal, but… a blow like that should have killed the bastard outright." Cu scratched his chin. "Strange."

    The creature let out another gurgling hiss.

    "Don't remember anything like this. How about you, missy?" Cu tilted his head to meet Passionlip's eyes.

    "N-no." She shook her head with a small frown. "Whenever an infected NPC was downed, it was deleted. But… this isn't a datascape, so maybe it's because they're 'real' humans?"

    Charlie took a deep breath. "Right. Something that grows by killing but doesn't die when it's killed… if this tree manages to get beyond this platform, humanity as a whole is in deep trouble." He narrowed his eyes. "Our best bet is to keep moving forward. If I recall, there's an elevator to the root cluster Hakuno found."

    The body writhed, letting out another wet growl that drew the Servants' attention.

    "...we shouldn't leave him to suffer," Passionlip whispered.

    Cu Chulainn jerked his chin at her. "You have something that can take him out and make it quick?"

    "You might want to make it a higher priority," Charlie warned, brandishing Joyeuse. "The wound's starting to seal!"

    "Eh!?"

    The hole in the warrior's chest, true to Charlemagne's word, had begun to slowly shrink. The spilled blood remained on the floor, but the wound began to seal itself - not from the outside in, but from the exit wound to the entry puncture. Cu could see that the skin over the exit had already sealed, and muscle was beginning to form. There was no disgusting, slick sound or light or darkness - simply a rejection of the wound.

    Cu stepped back, readying his spear. If he had to put it down again-

    The hallway erupted in a hellishly orange glow that seared Cu's eyes. A thundering crash echoed. Metal groaned, squelched. The hiss of vapor filled the air, and heat washed over him - dire heat, molten heat, heat that he associated with the lava pit Matthew had nearly dumped his 'Fuyuki-self' into. If he had been closer, Cu Chulainn was certain he would be set ablaze. Blinking rapidly, he squinted against the harsh light - and saw the source.

    The head was oblong and blunt, with flat face and roughly the size of Cu Chulainn's forearm. It glowed a cherry-red at the point of impact, reminding Cu of metal worked in a forge. The handle was effectively a polearm in its own right, a straight length of black iron three fingers thick. It was wound with golden filigree along the haft, but light seemed to be devoured by the bright metal rather than reflected.

    The hammer was lodged in a rapidly cooling circle of slag, Shotaro's hands gripping it along the length. The metal burbled as it rapidly cooled, the floor warped beneath his feet. Gingerly, the man stood and planted the butt of the weapon-tool on the ground to serve as a brace. "Ah… do you think I overdid it?"

    Cu blinked a few more times, banishing the spots from his eyes. The wounded warrior was nowhere to be seen. Not a spot of blood, nor the slightest scrap of armor remained.

    "...right. Elevator's not far, so let's just keep going." Charlie nodded slowly. "Hopefully we won't run into any others, and we can undo the transformation by damaging the False Fig."

    "Shouldn't we just enter our spiritual forms?" Passionlip asked.

    Charlie froze in the middle of sheathing Joyeuse.

    "I figured it out when I was passing through a hallway too narrow for my claws. It would let us travel faster, too," Passionlip continued blithely. "That way we won't waste energy fighting that we could save to finish the mission."

    Cu Chulainn watched in amusement as Charlie brought his palm to his forehead.

    "I think that's a yes," Shotaro replied in a politely cheerful tone.

    "Mm. Wonder how close we are, though. Haven't seen any signs of the roots yet, and that was the first sentry we found," Cu muttered. He shrugged. "Eh. Probably nothing to worry about."
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Within an empty lab, BB folded her arms and closed her eyes. The lights were off and the air was still.

    "Kingprotea?" Kazuradrop stared in shock as the vines encircled her. The pattern of veins began to bulge on her body.

    The giant in question was already dematerializing, her data flooding from her body in pale blue cubes. The 'corruption' spread, but in its wake left only deletion.

    "What's happening?" Kazuradrop whispered, curling in on herself. The ribbon in her hair began to fragment, and tears started to fill her eyes. "What's happening to me?"

    BB whipped her head around, catching sight of Violet. The tall, secretary-like Alter-Ego fell to her knees as a vine wrapped around her throat. The pattern began to spread, and-

    Of course. Alter-Egos, at least the ones she had created, were pure personality. Something that would change them was as certain as death. Any change they themselves did not perform was an execution. Be it by the Thesis of the Still Heart, or...

    The tree loomed, growing and rotting at the same time. It was in motion, but not truly alive. It consumed, repurposed, regurgitated.

    Meltryllis and Passionlip had managed to avoid being caught off-guard - Meltryllis danced around the encroaching vines, and Passionlip's arms sundered any that got close.

    It didn't escape BB's notice that Meltryllis didn't absorb any data of the downed plants.

    The battlefield was a scene of carnage. Data floated through the air, twisted Attack Programs clashing with blade and beam and body. High above stood three Servants. Higher, a man in a tattered labcoat. At his side, a blond in a black suit.

    Serpentine eyes gazed down at her in dark amusement.

    In the distance, a girl in a green dress watched - BB caught a glimpse as she vanished, taking the hand of a Servant clad in white as she pulled them to wherever she went.

    And then-

    BB took a deep breath. "Fuck," she whispered. "Fuck, fucking-" She forced her eyes open. Meeting Hakuno like that again, face to face, was like a knife in the ribs. She wanted her to remember so badly it ached. But if she was going to get it, it would cost her. This wasn't the Moon Cell, she didn't have her cheats, and nothing she'd gotten was free.

    "Hm. Well, she can endure here since she has enough 'soul' that she isn't an 'NPC' as you call them. And as she's immaterial she won't be subject to the usual side-effects of a human in Avalon. But if she's to go anywhere else…" The tall woman looked down at BB speculatively. "To be sure, I was astounded you managed to escape here without certain allies. But, here we are. You have your own recording on the Throne of Heroes. Your beloved doesn't."

    BB curled her hands into fists. "So what is it you want from me?"

    "The girl you saw. She sowed the chaos so she could more easily obtain the being known as 'Altera'." The blonde's green eyes flashed crimson. "She     cheated in our little dance, drew in an entirely new arena, so I'm taking my forfeit. You."

    BB took a step back, glancing at where Hakuno slept peacefully on her bed. The patterns etched across her skin, corroding her flesh. "Me."

    "Yes. I have several projects in the works. Many Divine Spirits are willing to offer bits of themselves to make pseudo-avatars, these 'High Servants' you pioneered. Other phantoms are willing to blend at your hand. And yet others are willing to bind themselves to humans wholesale." The Queen gestured, and a pair of ornate chairs appeared - white wood with pale green felt cushions. She sat. "So. Let's talk terms, hm?"

    Hesitantly, filled with some strange emotion, BB seated herself in the opposing chair.

    "The first exchange is already in process. I will remove the corruption from Hakuno's body and soul. It will be difficult, given my current circumstances," the Queen hedged, "but Avalon will answer when I call. However, this is not without side-effects."

    "Like what?" BB asked harshly.

    Flower petals floated in on the breeze, carried through the single window.

    "She won't remember the past few months of her life. Those memories may return, but the trauma of the process will suppress them." Morgan gave BB a stern look. "That likely includes any memories of you. After all, this is not quite 'your' Hakuno, is she?"

    BB jolted, eyes wide. "Wh-     that's your price!?" It was true that she'd had only a few minutes with Hakuno, but they'd proven it was still her Senpai in there. After all...

    "    That is a side effect," Morgan stressed. "My price is something else entirely." She paused. "I want you to assimilate the emotions returned to you."

    Meaning the remnants of her Alter-Egos.

    "If I do that, they'll be gone. All three will never return," BB said slowly.

    Morgan shrugged. "It isn't as though I'm particularly bothered. Are you?" She tilted her head. "Aside from having something approaching human emotions, that is."

    BB refused to answer.

    "I need my soul-stitcher to be stable," Morgan announced. Her eyes glowed. "While the other two live, I can deal with their absence. But you need to receive those feelings. The desire for love, the ability of compassion, the possibility of restraint." She leaned forward. "After all, love and desire still dwell within you despite the others existing. The rest are what you need."

    "And all of their feelings? Their memories?" BB shot back.

    "Oh yes. It might be a little humbling." Morgan smiled.

    ...it couldn't be any different than what she had now. "Done."

    Morgan's smile brightened, turned friendlier. "Oh! Well, good. My, my, and here I thought I'd have to be a hardass about it!" She relaxed visibly. "So then, let's hammer out the details for the next couple. Firstly, I have managed to call to the Throne and there is a hero who is willing to join her power to Hakuno's. With that, she will have power and be able to exercise autonomy in the world above - such as it is," she finished in a mutter.

    "The world on fire," BB elucidated. "That world?"

    "Yes, quite. After all, can you see her sitting idly by while the Rome of her beloved Emperor falls?" A canny look entered Morgan's eye.

    BB grimaced, feeling as though she'd sucked a lemon. "No."

    "Good! This hero won't have too much to offer, but they will solidify the bond between Hakuno and the Moon Cell. Unless I miss my mark, she'll benefit most from being able to bring the bulk of its power to bear." Morgan folded her hands in her lap. "The price is simple. Your help in forging the Servants I require for each Singularity, as well as a few others - and to perform these tasks at the fullest of your ability, without betrayal."

    "So what you wanted in the first place. Done." BB folded her arms. "What else do you want? And what's on offer?"

    "Hm. How about a favor?" Morgan smiled. "Any favor in your power. In exchange… the assurance of security and the return of Hakuno's beloved people?"

    "...how do you expect to do that?"

    "My opponent will hardly let such a resource linger untapped. The man, the tree, the Servants-" Morgan trailed off. "When she opens a way to deploy them, then… then I will tap one of my allies. He will open the way for the survivors." Morgan frowned. "Know this, however."

    BB straightened her posture.

    "From what I have gathered, destroying this enemy will force a reset of the Moon Cell entirely. Anyone here will be trapped in this world. This will become their new home. You understand? Win or lose, there's no returning, no second chances. Even if you rejected my bargains… you and your Hakuno would be trapped in this world. As will everyone else who follows."

    And like a fool, she accepted it. The bargain, that is.

    She'd attempted to return once. It didn't bear recalling.

    "There's one way on hand to get Hakuno where she needs to go. Where she can remember what she needs to accomplish her mission and remember me." BB rubbed her arms, crouching down. "But that…"

    Could she afford to trust the Fairy Prince? Could she afford not to?

    Who… are you to me? And who am I to you?

    BB took a shuddering breath. "Senpai…"

    And in the dark, quiet solitude, BB allowed herself to feel.
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Asako scowled at her immediate surroundings.

    Organic matter threaded along the corners of the walls, creaking as they slowly moved. It was something between plant and animal, flesh and fiber. The air was full of a sickly sweet smell, overlapping the sterile scent she'd become used to in the halls of Chaldea. If it was this bad on her end, she didn't want to think about what her poor dad's group was dealing with.

    In terms of theory, Asako understood why Ritsuka had chosen her team the way he did. Emiya fought at a distance from what she understood. Matthew was versatile and at least average in every respect. Aunt Touko was vicious and terrifying and had a not-werewolf that could stop magecraft cold. Meltryllis looked built for agility and had knives for legs. They could all move fast and get her out of trouble quickly.

    That said? There was at least one line of tension there.

    Emiya hadn't said a word since they set out, but every time he looked at Matthew, the skin around his eyes tightened. At that point, resting bitch face definitely turned to glaring. Touko was quietly amused, and Meltryllis was observing all of them like a bored bird of prey.

    So yeah. On paper? Crack team, great for getting her where she needed to go and handling contact with the enemy. With the current emotional climate? Yeah, nah.

    "Sooo…" Asako drawled. "What crawled up your ass and died?" Hey, Emiya was Ritsuka's not-uncle, not hers. She spent her time harassing Lord El-Melloi II - or as she liked to call him, Mister Velvet. Waver if she was feeling spicy.

    It was subtle, but the corner of Emiya's mouth turned downward. He didn't respond.

    "If I had to guess," Aunt Touko mused, "he's taken exception to your brother's Caster interacting with Alaya. Or in other words, the Counter Force which presides over mankind."

    Matthew twitched before ducking his head. "He's not the only one," he muttered rebelliously.

    "Well, hopefully whatever you gained from your contract was worth it," Emiya said tartly, finally speaking up.

    Meltryllis leaned over Asako's shoulder. "Oh, this ought to be good," she whispered. Her legs scraped the floor as she skated on, following along.

    "What contract?" Matthew gave Emiya a baffled look. "When I draw on the Universal Language, I connect to the Origin directly. It left me vulnerable, and the fucking Counter Force decided it was free real estate. I didn't consent to anything!" He pouted. "Seriously!? I'm of the Fae, the Aes Sidhe, the Good People, the Fair Folk! Do you really think I'm dumb enough to get involved in a bargain I'd have no power over?"

    Asako watched Emiya's face as it became a study in multiple emotions, very rapidly. First was shock, quickly followed by horror, rage, then regret. His eyes widened, and his mouth opened slightly - only for his mask of professionalism to return. "Ah," he said. "I see."

    Matthew sighed. "At least it won't try and melt my brain out of my skull again. I think. So long as I play along when it pages me." He shuddered.

    "What?" Aunt Touko asked, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "When I read the report, it only said the Counter Force made direct contact - which is in and of itself noteworthy."

    "Blood came out of my ears and carried the little bones," Matthew grumbled. "It sucked."

    And there went the horror again in Emiya's eyes. Asako could relate; just the idea of it made her feel nauseated. Just because she could control her responses like a good little magus didn't mean she'd discarded her humanity. Mom had been pretty clear that wouldn't fly.

    (Thankfully, jewel magecraft didn't require the more disturbing sacrifices of some other practices. Well, unless you got Sealing Designation-level inventive, but Asako had no intention of doing that.)

    "If it was me, I'd have written off humanity then and there," Meltryllis mused. "Not that I have too high an opinion of most of them anyways." She skated over to Emiya. "Speaking of, I hear that humans have this quaint little social custom."

    He glanced at her, expression schooled once more into a bland mask. "Oh?"

    "Mm. Apparently you lot express regret and sentiment when committing an error against each other. Or something like that." The look on Meltryllis' face indicated that she knew full well what she was talking about, and was just yanking Emiya's chain for her own amusement.

    Emiya let out a long breath. "That… is a good point." He looked at Matthew with a stern gaze. "I apologize for assuming."

    Matthew spun on his heel, walking backwards so he could face Emiya. "Fair, fair. I mean, you were scared on my behalf, right? That's as good a reason as any to get mad." He gave a cheerful smile. "And I mean, it's because you care. So I won't hold it against you."

    Meltryllis gave a dramatic sigh. "Really? Just like that?"

    "Just like what? Emiya's good people. And he makes good food! What long-term benefit do I get for holding a grudge on him?" Matthew raised his eyebrows. "And anyways, all he did was snap and give me the cold shoulder. It's not like he shoved injection coils into my body, snared my circuits, and started using highly unethical transmutation to enhance them while I was still conscious."

    That… was a lot. Asako slowly opened and shut her mouth.

    "That's… oddly specific…" Meltryllis said haltingly.

    "I mean, I was also on an IV for alchemical enhancement where they pumped an activated mixture of charcoal, mercury, and salt into my bloodstream to prep my body for the enhancement," Matthew continued blithely. "You know. Just Experiment Things."

    Silence.

    "Well, there was some other stuff, but those were the components I recognized. The rest were probably too rare and expensive, and I had no interest looking them up."

    How the heck is he alive!? He shouldn't be alive! He should be un-alive! Asako's thoughts ran a mile a minute as she broke into a cold sweat.

    Emiya stared. "I knew in theory what happened, but that…"

    "Oh, they're all dead now!" Matthew chirped. "Flauros took them out with his surprise presents. One good thing the bastard ever did."

    Aunt Touko hummed. "I see." She was utterly unperturbed, as per usual. Asako supposed that's what a Clocktower education could do for you.

    Meltryllis had observed the exchange with her mouth slightly open in a shocked smile and eyes wide, slowly sliding along on her 'feet' without moving.

    Asako swallowed harshly. "Is. Is there anything else we should know?"

    Please say no. Please, please say no.

    "Oh, well if these survivors are from the old guard of the Chaldea Organization, one of you guys should talk. And make sure to emphasize how 'under control' I am." Matthew nodded.

    "Why would we need to do that?" Aunt Touko asked with narrowed eyes.

    "Because when Marisbilly presented me on his organizational broadcast, I knifed him in the thigh with a cursed dagger that made his flesh start rotting off of his bones," Matthew replied blithely. "Everyone saw it and it kind of left an impression."

    "You and BB will either murder each other or end up platonic soulmates." Meltryllis spoke with the voice of someone making a prophecy. Like a Nostradamus of bullshit. Bullshitstradamus.

    "Well, there's a mutual geas in place that we can't hurt each other when I tricked her into making a bargain with me," Matthew noted absentmindedly.

    Asako watched as Emiya rubbed his forehead in exhaustion. Meltryllis continued to glide silently, once more frozen in shock.

    "Hm."

    Asako looked up at Aunt Touko feeling the muscles in her neck creak from the stress-tension.

    The Grand Magus wore a speculative look. "It seems as though you might be more efficient than I suspected."

    Lugh, who was curled up on her shoulder, gave her a look that clearly questioned her sanity - in such a way that only small cats are capable of.

    "If a bit chaotic for my tastes," she admitted.

    "High Chaos! High Chaos! Flesh and Steel!" Matthew cheered, pumping his fists as he whirled around to face the front once more.

    "What in the name of all that is holy is that racket?" a man's baritone whispered down the hall.

    And of course now they'd found their targets. Asako was convinced her luck fluctuated in the weirdest ways.
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Slowly, Astaroth picked his footing across the bare branches of the tree. With a cursory glance, he took in the dissolving carnage below. Blood streamed across the deck of the oil platform, streaking from the loading docks to the foot of the chapel.

    "Hm. That little distraction of his certainly did its job." Astaroth smiled. "Clever boy. If we were in the Moon Cell, that would have led to a rout."

    Tens of converted humans wandered, each more monstrous than the last. The insectoid armor gave way to pallid flesh patterned like bark. Though far away, Astaroth knew the rest - fading facial features, throats ringed with teeth. Fingers become branches to seek blood.

    "They're growing," Twice whispered. A useful patsy, able to hold the aspects needed to create the little illusion they had going.

    Unfortunately Astaroth was set in his form so Manaka could not alter him. Though, his colleagues in the Goetics would have words if they discovered such desires. Best not to push. Astaroth was old hat at temptation, but he wasn't one to indulge.

    "They are. Well done. It was a masterstroke, not letting them halt Chaldea." Astaroth smiled. "And now they've ascended and grown stronger still."

    "Yes. And now we can send them below to finish the last pockets of resistance." Twice looked up, face gaunt. He hung in the air between the Chakravartin and the tree below. Legs crossed, a parody of the Saver who had finally abandoned him.

    "I had thought to stay by his side, until the end."

    "And now?" Manaka smiled, the seed in her hand. Twice looked at her expectantly, full of hope.

    Astaroth merely observed. His part would come later. For now…

    Saver - the Buddha - closed his eyes. "I am here to relieve human suffering. Should he no longer be human, then…"

    "But-!" Twice rounded on him, aghast.

    "Then as a parting gift?" Manaka prodded. "It would be churlish to deny those who seek salvation to humanity."

    Referring to Astaroth and Twice. Astaroth was a Goetic, and one who had yet to fully forsake the Incineration Protocol. Twice had his little war to end all wars, which was somewhat adorable in the demon's view.

    "Should you find one who can turn the wheel, by all means make use of it." Saver opened his eyes. "I see you, girl. Your desire is to save one person and one alone. One who does not even desire salvation himself. Not by your definition, nor mine. And for this desire you abandoned a state of true understanding."

    Manaka paused.

    "By all means. Make use of my image. Tie the turning wheel into this man who walks an endless road of penance, to whom I once bound myself for the sake of compassion. But know this." A cold look passed over Saver's face, totally uncharacteristic of him.

    Astaroth flinched at the wave of pressure that passed over him, as did Twice. Manaka alone was unmoved.

    "This wheel will be all I leave. Its true powers will remain dormant, and all it shall yield is more destruction." Saver's eyes shut, and after a flicker of sadness he regained his poise. "And outside of my grasp or willing inheritance, that is all it will do."

    "And that is all that I need," Manaka replied with a small smile. "After all, what I seek lies in SE.RA.PH. The chaos of an uncontrolled wheel spinning out of control will bring it to the surface."

    Flickers of light left Saver's body. "So be it. Thus concludes our contract as Master and Servant."

    "Saver…!" Twice reached a hand out to the spirit, only for Astaroth to place a gentle touch on his shoulder. That barest restraint was enough for him to falter.

    "Go, Twice H. Pieceman. Spread your enlightenment as you see fit."

    And with that, Saver was gone.

    "Astaroth?"

    The demon smiled. "Apologies, Twice. I was reminiscing on how we met." He stepped forward onto thin air. Silently, he approached. When he reached his target, he cupped the man's cheek in a gloved hand. "And I was thinking on how far you've come. How many people you've saved, in spite of their struggles against you."

    "Or perhaps because of them," Twice pointed out.

    "True," Astaroth murmured, amused. He pat the man's face, as though he were a small child. If Twice would have taken offense before, he was incapable of it now. Not with what had been settled inside of him.

    Manaka had found a turner for the wheel.

    Indulgence, ignorance, aversion. Twice could pretty up his philosophy, but it was only the desperation of a man trying to impose meaning where there was none. Enlightenment was not that way. In the end, he only wanted to destroy everything as an end to pain. The 'progress of mankind' was simply a rationalization to close his eyes.

    It wasn't a desire, but… it fit. And the spirit was able to linger in the background of Twice's mind.

    "I'm sending them down." Twice's eyes narrowed. "And I'm going to deploy two of the Servants."

    The branches rustled.

    "Oh?" Astaroth raised an eyebrow.

    "If they encounter danger, I'll rely on you to retrieve them. It's too early to sacrifice those pieces."

    Berserker, Lancer, and Assassin. The three prizes they were able to claim before the Servants simply disposed of themselves to keep the army from growing. Unlike humans, their bodies would fade if destroyed, but they'd been well-fed.

    "Well! You seem to have things well in hand." Astaroth gave a sly smile.

    "For now. They're making a move on the roots. And there's a second group - two Servants and a woman." Twice scowled. "Something tells me she is more of a threat than she seems, if she survived without changing."

    "I see." And he did. Astaroth had been keeping track of their progress subtly. One Master was making her way alongside the Fairy Queen's spawn, and the others were behind an admittedly impressive bounded field.

    Well, Astaroth could admit some small admiration. The Goetics as a whole would likely laugh and burst the thing down in one swoop. That didn't change the fact that it would be a tough nut to crack for anything short of a fully realized Beast - which Astaroth alone was not.

    Astaroth's shadow writhed, alerting him to new information from his familiars.

    "Ah. It seems contact has been made between the survivor and Chaldea."

    Twice stiffened. "Ah. Then… I will deploy Lancer there."

    The tree shuddered beneath Astaroth, and he glanced down to see the trunk begin to pulsate. A bulge grew, only to rocket down with the harsh sound of crunching bark.

    "And to the roots… Berserker."

    Again the bulge, writhing in the wood, and again it fell down, down, down.

    Astaroth pursed his lips. "Personally I would have used Assassin to deal with the little troop trying to destabilize the tree… but that's merely my observation." He shrugged. "I'm sure you know best, after all."

    And when Berserker failed, Astaroth would frame it as something impossible to foresee, and obfuscate any previous mention of an alternate path.

    Twice truly was a useful puppet - once you found his strings. On his own he could be quite the threat, but Manaka had chosen Astaroth specifically to keep him under thumb.

    Astaroth… and-

    Twice flicked his gaze up, eyes flashing a sullen red. "Easy, now. The man isn't an idiot, after all. Soft sell does it, and I need this body to manifest just as Kama does his new vessel." His lips took a wry curve. "Even devastated by the pestilence, he still has enough ties to humanity to rebel if the full scope of our deception is uncovered." He blinked rapidly, eyes darkening. "Astaroth?" A look of concern crossed his face.

    Astaroth inclined his head. Far be it from him to interfere with the designs of the former candidate for Third. "Apologies, Twice. I was ruminating. Forgive me?" He gave a small smile.

    "Of course. You are my staunchest supporter, after all." Twice glared at the turning wheel above. "And with the power the maiden gave me, your assistance is all I'll need to bring the world in line with my vision."

    "As you say it, so shall it be." Astaroth bowed deeply at the waist, hiding a smile that bloomed into a manic grin.
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    I slowly peeked around the corner.

    Three people.

    A boy with blue hair and eyes, shorter than me and slender. He wore formal clothes in dark colors, and showed a dour expression far older than his body. He held himself gingerly, as though injured. Towering over him were a man and woman in quiet conversation.

    The woman wore a white labcoat and a black dress. Her head was bare, showing long, wavy black hair that draped down her back. Her eyes were a brilliant gold, and three dots stood out on her forehead. Her face was gentle, kind. There was a beauty to her that permeated beneath her skin, a sort of inner light that radiated outward.

    The man was clad in silver armor, tall and broad. He had dishwater-blond hair and aqua eyes. His face was handsome, with long lashes and a firm jaw. For a brief moment I lingered on him, wondering why he felt so familiar.

    Ah! Gawain! It's Gawain! Oh my, it's my little boy! Look at him, all big and strong!

    ...well that explained it.

    A tendril dropped from the wall, unseen by the adults, but the boy grimaced. "You-!" he snapped, stepping away while dragging the woman by her arm.

    With a grin to myself, I lightly touched Aoibheall in its new spot affixed to my choker. The ruby lit with a sullen red glow, and I exercised my will targeting the vine.

    Gawain turned his head just in time to see the vine burst into flame.

    A pungent sweetness filled the air alongside a muted shriek of pain and outrage. The tendril writhed, bright blue fire dancing along its length and thinning it as flecks of burning plant matter drifted downward. The vines in the wall began to struggle, but for some reason did not move once the stray had been reduced to ash.

    -tthew, I nee-

    Ritsuka? I blinked and began to focus on his voice. ...I didn't know we could establish a telepathic bond, but as I'm his Servant…

    "Ahem."

    I blinked again, a wall of silver in front of my face. Then I looked up.

    Gawain gazed down at me, face drawn in consternation. "Would it be appropriate to assume the fire was your doing?"

    I stood up straight, and laced my fingers behind my head. "Yep!"

    He raised an eyebrow, and despite himself relaxed slightly.

    "Ah, I see." Meltryllis skated by, water trailing under her blades as she passed. "So we have a knight, and-" She cut off immediately. "You."

    One word. A word held a world, a story, a history. Hate. Abhorrence. Fear. Rage. Despair. Misery. Loss. Determination.

    The woman looked confused, holding a hand to her sternum. "Have we met?" she asked. "Ah, your legs…" Her eyes passed over the blades. "Apologies. If you want a better prosthetic, I may be able to procure something from medical? At least, for when you're out of combat."

    I snorted. "Blehhh. Human-make. I can do better by far! Give me two days, some alloys, and a furnace to work in." I blinked. "Prosthetic? Wait, I thought she just came like that!"

    "Alright, enough!" Asako stepped out from behind me, followed shortly after by Touko and Emiya.

    "Ah, Nameless Archer!" Gawain's eyes widened, and his face brightened in joy. "Miss Meltryllis, you found him!"

    "...uh." I glanced at Asako.

    "Hm?" Gawain's attention returned to me. "Is there something you'd like to say?"

    "What he means to say is that I'm not the comrade you know from the Moon. My name is Emiya." Said Counter Guardian folded his arms, looming over my shoulder.

    "Perhaps introductions would be appropriate?"

    Holy shit. That kid was who I heard earlier!? His voice is so fucking deep!

    Meltryllis bristled. "I know who she is. Why is she still breathing!? You of all people should…" Her eyes narrowed. "Unless you're contracted to her again, you little gremlin."

    The boy gave her a scathing look. "No, I am not. However, one must consider: if we are not to place our expectations on 'Emiya' corresponding to the Nameless Archer of the Moon, then neither should we place the burden of another timeline's debt upon this 'Kiara Sessyoin'." He folded his arms. "Are we understood?"

    "You're defending her? You?" Meltryllis gaped.

    "No, I am merely pointing out that killing her is at best a waste and at worst counterproductive." The boy narrowed his eyes challengingly. "After all, her path diverged at some point, and so her character has changed. I am still collecting observations before I evaluate her myself. At this point, I am separating out two sets of details - the Moon and the Earth. The differences are vivid and clear, yet the echoes of potential still ripple beneath the surface."

    "Right! So I'm Asako Tohsaka, a Master of Chaldea. Pleased to meet you!" She gave a jaunty wave, smiling. "These are the Servants assigned to my protection. My mission was to look for survivors, so I guess that means you!"

    "You're so young…" the woman murmured. A sad light entered her eyes before she shook her head. "My name is Kiara Sessyoin, as Mister Andersen said. I am a therapist here at Seraphix. ...I have yet to find any others unaltered." The sadness vanished completely, replaced by determination. "What of you?"

    I shook my head. "Nope."

    "Well, there was that 'Rin' from the Moon timeline," Asako mused. "She's back at the base we established." She coughed. "Right! So this is Touko, my Caster." Asako waved at Touko. "She's got essentially the entire story of Pinnochio to draw on for her stuff."

    Touko gave a sly smile. "Charmed." Her eyes were razor-sharp as she looked over the newcomers, and I could imagine how she was dissecting them in her mind. Probably considering strengths and weaknesses; how best to take advantage of both.

    (We were alike in that regard. Just because we liked the Tohsakas didn't make us particularly safe - just willing to wait until provoked to drop the hammer.)

    "We've met Meltryllis before, and 'Emiya' is similar enough to an old comrade." Andersen stared at me.

    I folded my arms. "You first, short stack."

    "Your obstinance may be charming to some, but don't imagine it will win everyone over," he pointed out drolly. "That and your blithe cheer make an effective mask, but the balance of malice and goodwill teeter on a knife's edge in you."

    I narrowed my eyes and held up a finger. A small flame danced on its end.

    "Now that's-" Gawain began, startled.

    "Hans Christian Andersen," the boy said smoothly.

    ...I know that name.

    I lowered my finger, and the flame flickered out. "The author?" I asked slowly.

    Andersen stared at me. "Please tell me you're not a fan. If you tell me it's 'The Little Mermaid', I may scream," he deadpanned.

    I scoffed. "It's just one book, and not that one." I paused. "I enjoyed 'The Snow Queen' growing up."

    "Ah." Andersen's gaze cut through me, and I felt uncomfortably naked before him. "That would make a certain kind of sense," he murmured. "But! The time for analysis is not now. This lummox is Gawain-"

    "Gawain of the Orkney siblings, Knight of the Sun, nephew to Artoria and son to Morgan Le Fay," I rattled off. "Wielder of Excalibur's sister blade, Excalibur Galatine. He can't cook quality to save his life since his tastebuds are mostly dead, but quantity is where he excels. In terms of brute force, few can match him - especially between the hours of nine and noon, or three and six in the evening."

    With each word, Gawain's eyes widened. "That is. Ah. Fairly comprehensive?"

    "You know him, or know someone who knows him well," Andersen surmised. "Given your affinity for magecraft, likely Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, or…" he trailed off, looking between Gawain and I with a suspicious expression.

    Asako coughed into her fist, hiding a smile.

    Aww, look at him! Gawain's like a big puppy when you aren't fighting him. Just look! So adorably clueless.

    I drew one ankle behind the other, placed an arm at my waist, and gave a half-bow. As I leaned forward, I flicked my wings up, the four of them pointing out. "Fair's fair, then! I am Matthew Kyrielight, prince of Avalon and heir to Morgan Le Fay, the Faerie Queen. I am the Caster-class Servant of Ritsuka Tohsaka, lead Master of Chaldea." I stood back up, and flicked my wings down.

    Gawain stared.

    "Ah, right. My Morgan came from a timeline where she advised the King as a caring older sibling, though her name there was 'Altria'. I think that covers it?" I tilted my head, placing a finger to the side of my chin.

    "So if you are her heir… she adopted you?" Gawain said slowly, visibly processing.

    "Mm. I take after her in appearance, or so she says," I mused.

    You do! A veritable mini-me!

    Er. No.

    Aww…

    Gawain nodded once, and stepped forward.

    "Gawain…?" Kiara asked hesitantly.

    "Mrph!?"

    Gawain gently gripped my head in both hands, peering into my eyes. He tilted his head this way and that. After a moment, he smiled.

    "Hrm?" I couldn't say much, as opening my mouth wasn't happening anytime soon with Gawain's grip.

    He let go, and wrapping his arms under my armpits, hoisted me into a bear hug that crushed me against his chestplate. "Well met, little brother!" he cheered, pressing his cheek to mine. "If there is justice in the world, perhaps I can introduce you to Gaheris and Gareth some day!"

    ...well. Okay, then. Wait, what about-

    Don't look at me. In my timeline he and Agravain got on like a house on fire, and Mordred was all Altria's.

    Awkwardly I hugged him back. "Th. Thanks…?"

    ...how do you think he's going to take me having multiple partners?

    Fufufufu!

    Oh boy.
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    The further down the elevator went, the dimmer the light got. It wasn't an impediment for Cu Chulainn thanks to his other senses, but it was for the best none of the Masters accompanied them.

    "You know, if this place is so important, you'd think they'd have better wiring," Charlie noted. His eyes glinted in the low light.

    Orange embers flickered in the elevator, replacing the fluorescent lights. "Perhaps because of its importance, it was a priority target?" Shotaro offered. He held up a hand, a small sphere of fire scattering like the petals of a flower.

    The elevator was too small for Passionlip to accompany them in her physical form. Cu considered again whether to broach having her arm prosthetics modified. Matthew might…

    "If you're thinking about offering 'Lip a little fixing for her arms, you might want to reconsider."

    Cu Chulainn stiffened, looking down.

    "Who…?" Shotaro asked, brow furrowed.

    BB smirked. "I made the Sakura Five based on what would amuse me. Some, like Kazuradrop and Kingprotea were ill-advised," she admitted, "but even so. What would matter to you, I guess, are Meltryllis and Passionlip."

    The elevator continued down.

    "Meltryllis' legs are prosthetics, so maybe you can help there. But even so, she has a neurological disorder. Her hands are all but useless, and most of her 'feeling' is through combat." BB tapped her lips with her pointer finger. "Passionlip I gave her proportions because it was funny. Seriously, a giant pair of breasts that could suck things into a pocket dimension? Hilarious!" BB giggled maliciously. "And her arms are her actual arms - the weapons of Durga, infused with Brynhildr's obsession. Unless one of you has experience with Divine Constructs… good luck."

    "So in other words, Matthew and Shotaro?" Charlie asked, tilting his head.

    BB paused.

    "Ah, right. Matty did work on that new Gungnir, didn't he?" Cu Chulainn noted airily. "And Shotaro has multiple forge-gods inside him. And whose doing was that?"

    She frowned. "Hrmph. They're still her arms, so removing them to work on those claws will be far easier said than done."

    The elevator came to a halt, and the doors opened.

    Passionlip waited outside, hunched over shyly. She looked up. "Y-you made it. Um… shall we…?"

    Cu Chulainn was struck by something. "Oi, Missy."

    "Yes?" She blinked at the group as they stepped out of the elevator.

    "If you could shrink those talons of yours, would you? Or get them changed?"

    "U-um. I wasn't aware of them, until a little bit ago. But… I don't know. It's…" She looked away. "Do you find them unsightly?"

    "Doesn't matter," Charlie said promptly. "If you're happy, nobody has the right to say anything else."

    Passionlip's cheeks turned a soft pink in Shotaro's firelight. "R- really? You mean that?"

    "Yeah!" Charlie smiled. "Mostly I'd worry if they were inconvenient to you, but to be honest? Huge gold sword-hands are pretty cool!"

    The girl turned scarlet and went quiet.

    "Ah?" Charlie reached out hesitantly.

    Cu Chulainn laughed under his breath. "Well your highness, you sure did it now," he said after. "Best take responsibility for that kind of thing."

    Shotaro shook his head with a warm expression. "Ah, to be young and brash."

    Charlemagne just gave a poleaxed stare while Passionlip fidgeted, shooting him furtive glances.

    "Ugh. I'm going to vomit." BB stepped forward, and held up a rod. The tip ignited with a pink light. "I've been down here before, so I'll guide you," she said off-handedly. "And seeing as things stand, you're safe to trust me."

    "As they stand?" Passionlip asked, apprehensive.

    "Ah. If one of us gents comes to harm, it'll hurt Matty indirectly, yeah? Charlie's an acquaintance, but he's close with Master. Shotaro's Master's father, and Matty and I…" Cu trailed off. "Though I can't see him being too pleased if the young lady gets hurt either."

    "No kidding. Why do you think I came here!?" BB huffed. "So long as I protect his interests, he might actually come through when I need him to. It's all about give and take." She strode forward. "Try to keep up, you idiots."

    Cu Chulainn sidled up to Passionlip and leaned over. "What she doesn't know is that he'd probably do what she wants for the hell of it," he whispered loudly.

    "Um. She probably knows, but can't accept it as anything but stupidity. BB and altruism… well…" Passionlip trailed off hesitantly.

    "Such a thing exists," BB replied flatly. "I just feel it's far rarer than idiot humans think. Also, I can hear you."

    "Good," Cu sniped back with a grin.

    "Now, now," Shotaro soothed. "Let's not agitate our guide. Even if she doesn't leave us, she might make things more difficult or uncomfortable."

    "Oh look, a voice of reason. So that's where Chaldea's lead Master gets it," BB drawled.

    The dark moved around them, and Cu Chulainn went on full alert. Narrowing his eyes, he saw the walls despite the encroaching shadows. They were threaded with a thin, fibrous lattice. It pulsated with soft creaking sounds. Out of sight, a soft dripping echoed, splattering onto the floor with disturbing rhythm. And the further they went, a pressure grew, as though the eyes of a ravenous creature were upon them - sizing up prey to determine the easiest mark to take and devour.

    "...it goes without saying, but. Something is really wrong with this tree. How could something like this come from Saver?" Charlie muttered harshly.

    "Good question. The answer is: it didn't." BB kept walking, undeterred. "As an expert in such things, the only thing of Saver's is the wheel far above. He didn't even leave a means to turn it."

    "B-but! It fired at us!" Passionlip stammered out. "So if it did that, and looks like it's turning-"

    "Manaka left something in that fool who ruined the Moon Cell. The place is going to need a full reboot once we destroy this thing."

    Passionlip stopped, her body swaying on her claws.

    "Yes, that means what you think. A full reset, including every Servant and NPC in it." BB kept walking. "We're in this for the long haul. You and Melt with Chaldea, and me at Morgan's side. If she gets her goal, I'm sure to get my own slice of space to stay with Senpai."

    Cu Chulainn, thanks to the memories of the Moon, understood as well. There was no going back for the refugees. Win or lose, this was it. All they could do was hold on to what little they had left and ensure such a thing never happened again.

    After a few more minutes, the dripping grew steadily louder. The air shifted, and somehow grew more stagnant.

    "Be careful. This thing is starving," BB said blithely. "After all, it had its very nature warped by Manaka Sajyou. Honestly, if anyone could do it, it would be her."

    With a twist of her wrist, BB illuminated the room ahead of them, and despite his own experience Cu Chulainn felt his stomach clench.

    Tendrils wrapped around subdued humans, drawing them into what looked to be a maw. An opening in the absolute base of the tree, almost as wide as the trunk itself - endless rows ot teeth ringed the inside, disappearing into the dank and dark. Water, sap, saliva - some clear fluid dripped from that obscene opening. Brittle branches wove in the shadows, points jabbing in and out of the light.

    It shuddered, the teeth sliding back and forth with a sound as though scraping on bark. A hollow sound, as though a blockage travelling through, echoed. In the dark, Cu Chulainn saw movement. Then with a heave, the abominable tree launched a bolus of deep red at the floor, splattering ichorous fluid across the ground.

    It was massive, and the casing fell away with ease as a spear pierced through. Slowly, the man inside stood. His eyes were pure red, glowing in the umbra. He wore a general's uniform, and two long red feathers adorned his head. His hair was red and short, and he wielded a massive polearm with a golden head.

    "Dedicate whomever you like to handling the good general," BB drawled, holding her rod in a ready position.

    Cu Chulainn brought forth Gae Bolg, and fell into a crouch, hand just behind the spearhead. His body tensed, and a snarl worked its way across his face.

    Charlie drew Joyeuse, which began to gleam with multicolored light as he brandished it. The radiance splashed across his face, grim with intent.

    Shotaro held his hand to the side, and the wrought hammer appeared in his grip. Flickers of orange flame wreathed him in a halo as his eyes burned an eerie gold.

    Passionlip's claws seemed to absorb all light, and after looking across the floor, she raised her head with a dark look in her eyes.

    Shadows danced around them, and the sweet smell that had plagued the area thus far finally had a name.

    Blood.

    "Passionlip, Cu Chulainn! We'll leave Lu Bu to you! Shotaro, with me!" Charlie's voice was no longer that of a knight-errant, but a king ready for war.

    "Right!" Cu blurred forward, the mix of clear fluid and traces of blood splashing in his wake. Faintly he noted Passionlip crashing in his wake, claws propelling her forwards.

    The tree heaved, and armored figures spilled down and out of the maw, even as more still bodies were drawn into it.

    "Well, we can't be having that, can we?" BB held up her rod, and branching pink light shot out, tearing through the shadows and slamming into the probing branches extending from the tree's base with a searing hiss.

    "Child of Ainnash."

    In response, it let out a grinding noise not unlike a scream.
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Asako sighed as they continued onward. "So what's your story?" she asked Kiara, looking up at her.

    The therapist paused as Gawain continued to fuss over Matthew. "Well, I was born into… not to put too fine a point on it, a Buddhist sex cult. I contracted an illness as a child, and a doctor found his way to me and treated me. Inspired, I began to practice medicine of body and mind. I excelled, but my talents outstripped conventional medicine and…" Kiara sighed. "I was forced to be on the run. Apparently tending to health for free makes one unpopular."

    "Thaaaat's bullshit!" Matthew yelled, puffing up. He whirled on his heel to look back, scowling furiously. "If you want to help people, help them! If you don't, don't! Nobody has the right to take that choice from you!"

    Emiya twitched. "So you say."

    "Yes, well…" Meltryllis gave Kiara a wary look.

    "For want of a nail, then," Hans mused.

    Kiara looked at Matthew with a small smile. "So… do you wish to help others?"

    "Eh. Not everyone. If a person is interesting, or I like them, or they like me, or I feel like it. Sometimes I just want to blow people up." He shrugged and spun on his heel as they continued back towards the command room.

    "Fascinating," Touko droned. "And what provokes that reaction?"

    "If they're gross or try to hurt me," Matthew said blithely.

    "Oh? What if they try to hurt someone you care about?" Touko asked curiously.

    Asako noticed Andersen's eyes sharpen.

    A knife with a twisting black hilt like thorns spun into existence in Matthew's hand. "I've got my methods." All levity left his voice. It spun away, revealing itself to be an illusion.

    "I… yes. Well, Chaldea was the latest place I'd run to in hope of sanctuary." Kiara continued as Gawain gave Matthew a rough pat on the head.

    "Well, since you're a Servant too, maybe we can find a way to Rayshift you to our Chaldea. Ours is better; we don't have any active unethical experiments or freak show magi," Matthew offered in a lackadaisical tone. "After all, it sounds like what you're looking for is a place to belong and be helpful. We could use a 'heal all wounds easy and for free' kind of person in medical, and you seem nice enough that you'd make friends."

    "Good point," Asako mused. "Wait, what?"

    Matthew tilted his head and tapped his ear. "It's faint, but someone's there, with her. I think it's a loose connection."

    "You're a talented lad, aren't you?" Gawain noted with a smile. "I'm sure you'll make some young lady very impressed."

    "Well my girlfriend can cut through black holes so I think she has one on me," Matthew admitted in a considering tone. "And then my other girlfriend can kick through walls and has a flying horse. And my boyfriend is really fast and strong, and can use runes and a spear."

    Gawain blinked slowly. "Pardon?"

    "Oh, we're all with each other! No infidelity here, just… yeah." Matthew shrugged with an awkward look.

    Kiara giggled. "Well, it certainly sounds like Chaldea is a lively place." A soft, distracted look crossed her face. "...friends, you say."

    Matthew looked back as Gawain wore an expression of a man coming to terms that his baby brother vastly outstripped him in game. (Asako wondered how he'd react when he learned that Matthew, in fact, had zero game - he was just insanely lucky in terms of partners, according to Ritsuka.)

    "I don't… well. I cannot say I've had someone that would call me a friend. Most of the time there are those I save, and those who rebuke me." Kiara shrugged. "Well, it is what it is."

    "Hmph. Well, we're friends now. So there!" Matthew crossed his arms and turned his nose up.

    Meltryllis made a fascinating choking noise.

    "Excuse me?" Kiara blinked, caught off-guard.

    "I don't need some saint to save me, or anything like that. And you just want to help people, which is rare and deserves to be protected." Matthew spun back around, facing them as he walked backwards. "So if nothing else, I'll watch your back. And there's actual saints and stuff at Chaldea, not your normal humdrum type of folks. You're bound to find people to connect with." Matthew scratched his cheek with an awkward look. "It's… good. Making friends and meeting people who care for you helps a lot."

    Andersen's gaze narrowed, and Asako could feel him pick apart Matthew in his head. Then he turned to look at Kiara, and his eyes widened.

    Asako looked too, and felt her chest twist.

    A soft smile rested on her face, and her eyes were gentle. "It's sweet of you to offer such a thing. As for going to Chaldea, I will have to find a method to get there. If, as you say, I am a Servant now, then I may be able to travel by Rayshift once all is said and done."

    "I have one opening for a Servant right now, and Ritsuka is full up," Asako warned. "We might have an in if Hakuno can work her computer magic, but-"

    "Hakuno? Lady Hakuno is with you!?" Gawain perked up. "Ah, I knew you lot were virtuous, on sight! How could you be otherwise, to have returned our precious Master to us?" He beamed like the sun itself. It almost hurt Asako's eyes. He wrapped an arm around Matthew. "And as the Lady Kiara said, Chaldea sounds like a most lively place. I look forward to seeing if any of my compatriots are there!"

    "Artoria is?" Matthew offered.

    "Who?" Gawain blinked.

    "Artoria? King Arthur? She's a girl, right?" Matthew blinked back.

    The newfound brothers held their mutual stare.

    "That. Truly? She is with you?" He looked beseechingly at the group.

    "Yes. Artoria is a fine woman, and a proud knight," Emiya replied, a flicker of fondness crossing his face.

    Gawain's eyes narrowed. "Oh?"

    "Yeah! Emiya's her Prince-Consort now, and her personal chef!" Matthew chirped. Asako was learning, slowly but surely, that was a sure sign of him being a little shit.

    She kind of admired him for it. In fact…

    "Yeah, Emiya's my kind-of-uncle, so in a roundabout way Artoria's my aunt too!" Asako added sweetly. "They're super cute together. Doesn't he make a beautiful queen for her?" She fluttered her eyelashes.

    This time Emiya made a strangled sound as he stared at her in betrayal.

    Meltryllis put her sleeved hands together in front of her mouth as she smiled malevolently. "Oh, go on. I need to hear more."

    "Well, it seems our course is clear," Aunt Touko drawled sarcastically. "Clearly we must protect Queen Emiya's chastity while here until he is able to return to King Artoria's side."

    Gawain punched his palm. "Of course!" he boomed. He smiled cheerfully at Emiya. "Fear not, my Queen! I shall escort you back to the King's side without so much as a scratch! So swear I as a knight!"

    "I am surrounded by treachery," Emiya gritted out, eyebrow twitching. "I shall remember this."

    A beautiful sound, like notes from a flute, filled the air.

    Asako turned her head to see Kiara laugh into her hands, eyes scrunched in joy.

    Andersen shook his head wearily. "There is no way I could improve upon this. All apologies, Archer. You are on your own," he intoned.

    At that instant, Matthew let out a squawk and pitched himself at Emiya, knocking both of them back.

    Just in time for a twisted length of wood to erupt from the ground.

    Gawain drew a blade long enough from point to pommel that if stood up it would reach mid-bicep. "Who dares?" he barked.

    The shadows receded, and a man stepped forward.

    He had silver hair and beard, wild and unkempt. His red eyes blazed, and he bared a fanged grin. He wore dark, spiked armor, and was wrapped in a crimson cloak. "At last, I have found you!"

    "Vlad III!" Gawain snarled. "So you yet remain as a pawn of the enemy!"

    The now-named 'Vlad', nothing like the genteel king who walked Chaldea's halls, ignored him. He fixed his gaze on Emiya as he regained his footing, Matthew hovering before him with a downright murderous look.

    "Ah, I knew you by scent. Is it not fateful, oh stiff-backed archer?" The man brought forth a spear, aiming it at him.

    Meltryllis lifted a bladed leg, eddies of water swirling around her as she swayed back and forth. Andersen stood before Kiara, who held a hand to her chest with a concerned frown.

    "Your noble stare yet still outshines the moon. You are the Apollo I have searched for!"

    A look of dread spread across Emiya's face as he brandished twin blades of black and white.

    "I long to pierce that supple body of yours with my spear. You compel me, you, you- You supremely gorgeous creature."

    For a moment, there was silence.

    Asako gave Aunt Touko her most deadpan stare.

    "Let the record show that I did not, in fact, jinx us," Touko remarked. Then she reared back as though pitching a baseball, flinging a golden projectile at the mad Lancer.

    And as the armored nutcases from the platform staggered out of the dark in their direction, crowding the large room-

    It bloomed into a screaming feral cat the size of a VW Beetle which sent the not-vampire sprawling across the floor.

    And so with the dispatching of Lugh Beowulf, the battle began in earnest.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • I'm hoping that with the action starting there will be much less talking and more showing next chapter, as is while you've gotten characterization reasonably down, there's still so much talking instead of showing.

    Also, EMIYA is not, in my opinion, foolish enough to assume "communicates with ALAYA" automatically equals "contract ala Counter Guardian" because he's not that singleminded or blind, especially without Shirou around. Matthew is annoying in that he keeps appearing to be better in general despite all these Heroic Spirits with far more experience and wisdom.
     
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    EVA-Saiyajin said:
    I'm hoping that with the action starting there will be much less talking and more showing next chapter, as is while you've gotten characterization reasonably down, there's still so much talking instead of showing.

    Also, EMIYA is not, in my opinion, foolish enough to assume "communicates with ALAYA" automatically equals "contract ala Counter Guardian" because he's not that singleminded or blind, especially without Shirou around. Matthew is annoying in that he keeps appearing to be better in general despite all these Heroic Spirits with far more experience and wisdom.
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    Right, so. I'll do my best with the showing bit. I'm kind of wobbly on what expectations for that are, but I'll try.

    For EMIYA, I was going for 'anger born of worry'. He cares about Matthew as a friend, and communicating with Alaya pushes an old trauma button. He's a pragmatist and cutthroat and amazing at what he does, but it isn't impossible to misconstrue a direct connection as a contract, especially when he wasn't informed of it beforehand. The lack of communication afterwards meant no frame of reference, so until Asako decided to prod him because she is a little gremlin he was turning it over in his head and that seemed like the most likely result: he knew about the Beasts and high stakes, but not the side effect of Universal Language. So it was going on available information.

    If it's about Matthew mouthing off, that's because he's stressed. Alaya has a backdoor into his skull, and he is low-key terrified of the next time it decides it wants a 'now thing' done and if he doesn't act quickly enough. What happened in Septem fucked him up, and Andersen is showing a modicum of restraint in not calling him out. His over-the-top behavior and posturing is a coping mechanism as much as anything. He really isn't magically better than the other Heroic Spirits.

    If it's Vlad's surprise attack, nobody knew he was coming until he struck out. Matthew had a few seconds warning because he has no control over the Universal Language and heard the echo off of him that he was about to repeat - his lines to Archer from EXTRA. It's not that he's better, it's that he reacted to information no one else had because of an innate skill. Things continue to be off because none of the other Servants were able to detect Vlad until he revealed himself, and only a poorly-controlled skill got Matthew in position. In terms of detection ability, EMIYA is miles ahead of Matthew - it's just Matthew had an ear open with a skill that spoonfeeds him information. Because he was curious about Kiara, he had it active to a low degree and that's what kept Vlad's ambush from being a success. In other words: pure dumb luck.
     
    Character interaction for the win!

    Vlad Extra actually says that? Wow that, I have no words ...

    On the other hand the Queen Emiya? Gawain is going to hang onto that isn't he. What a lovely meme idea.
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    Right, so. I'll do my best with the showing bit. I'm kind of wobbly on what expectations for that are, but I'll try.

    For EMIYA, I was going for 'anger born of worry'. He cares about Matthew as a friend, and communicating with Alaya pushes an old trauma button. He's a pragmatist and cutthroat and amazing at what he does, but it isn't impossible to misconstrue a direct connection as a contract, especially when he wasn't informed of it beforehand. The lack of communication afterwards meant no frame of reference, so until Asako decided to prod him because she is a little gremlin he was turning it over in his head and that seemed like the most likely result: he knew about the Beasts and high stakes, but not the side effect of Universal Language. So it was going on available information.

    If it's about Matthew mouthing off, that's because he's stressed. Alaya has a backdoor into his skull, and he is low-key terrified of the next time it decides it wants a 'now thing' done and if he doesn't act quickly enough. What happened in Septem fucked him up, and Andersen is showing a modicum of restraint in not calling him out. His over-the-top behavior and posturing is a coping mechanism as much as anything. He really isn't magically better than the other Heroic Spirits.
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    Those are actually some pretty good explanations, thank you.
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    Twice flicked his gaze up, eyes flashing a sullen red. "Easy, now. The man isn't an idiot, after all. Soft sell does it, and I need this body to manifest just as Kama does his new vessel." His lips took a wry curve. "Even devastated by the pestilence, he still has enough ties to humanity to rebel if the full scope of our deception is uncovered."
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    So a new god/goddess is stuffed in Twice's body, and Kama's gonna be in a different vessel, which makes sense. The new god looks like they're either going to escape in Twice's body and bother us later, or become the final boss of this event. Or Twice might rebel at the last minute and force them out.
    Blinktwice13 said:
    some clear fluid dripped from that obscene opening.
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    Presented without comment.
    Blinktwice13 said:
    "Child of Ainnash."
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    So the Child of Ainnash is fused with the tree, or they grabbed the Child of Ainnash and used it as the tree?

    Regarding the whole show/don't tell thing, it's like... hm. Instead of threading bits of background info and exposition into the dialogue, sticking them into the narration at more opportune points might be better. But I think what Saiyajin's specifically talking about is that instead of just simply telling us that Matthew was subjected to horrific experimenting, focus more on how those experiences affect how he sees the world, how he interacts with other people, etc. because that's what actually matters.

    Thank you for the chapter, and happy holidays!
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    "Yes!" Mash bowed slightly. "Everyone… I'm in your care!"
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    Scathach: "Free advice. Never say that where Morgan can hear you."
    Blinktwice13 said:
    "Hey, you started yelling at me first!" Ritsuka accused, drawing back with his arm in front of his face. "Don't stare at me like that!"
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    Poor Ritsuka. Having to deal with a teenage version of his mother is going to be constantly stressful.
    Blinktwice13 said:
    Asako was convinced her luck fluctuated in the weirdest ways.
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    Well you are descended from Rin Tohsaka and a version of Shirou Emiya. Some things are inherent.
    Blinktwice13 said:
    You do! A veritable mini-me!

    Er. No.

    Aww…
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    Despite the similarity in appearances, Matthew prefers being your son as opposed to your daughter Morgan (even if his shapeshifting could probably pull that off). You'll just have to find some currently-female Saber-face that you can cuddle, spoil and use as a dress-up doll.

    Oh hello there Mordred.
    Doom12394 said:
    On the other hand the Queen Emiya? Gawain is going to hang onto that isn't he. What a lovely meme idea.
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    Merlin: "Give me 20 minutes and I can take it from meme to reality. I got through Artoria's magic resistance and his is weaker. We'll finally get that heir issue sorted out once and for all."

    Saber: -stops in her tracks- "I feel the sudden urge to violently and slowly murder Merlin."
    Fou: "Fou cyuu, fou fou cyuu-fou cyu!" Translation: "I feel like that all the time. I can give you some pointers if you need them."
     
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    Blinktwice13 said:
    He let go, and wrapping his arms under my armpits, hoisted me into a bear hug that crushed me against his chestplate. "Well met, little brother!" he cheered, pressing his cheek to mine. "If there is justice in the world, perhaps I can introduce you to Gaheris and Gareth some day!"
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    BROCON INTENSIFIES
    Blinktwice13 said:
    Gawain punched his palm. "Of course!" he boomed. He smiled cheerfully at Emiya. "Fear not, my Queen! I shall escort you back to the King's side without so much as a scratch! So swear I as a knight!"
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    HIMBO INTENSIFIES
    Blinktwice13 said:
    "Your noble stare yet still outshines the moon. You are the Apollo I have searched for!"

    A look of dread spread across Emiya's face as he brandished twin blades of black and white.

    "I long to pierce that supple body of yours with my spear. You compel me, you, you- You supremely gorgeous creature."
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    I... I know what the symptoms of stroke are like. I should know what the symptoms of stroke are like. So why...

    Over all, great chapter. Nice set up showing that FGO!Kiara is different from Extra!Kiara. Also I forgot to quote it but marinating Beast?? In Twice?? WHO??
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    "Your noble stare yet still outshines the moon. You are the Apollo I have searched for!"

    A look of dread spread across Emiya's face as he brandished twin blades of black and white.

    "I long to pierce that supple body of yours with my spear. You compel me, you, you- You supremely gorgeous creature."
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    ... so Dracula gets to express Bram Stoker's repressed gay feelings. Wonder if we'll ever get Hans expression of how he reconciled his with his religion.
    Blinktwice13 said:
    For a moment, there was silence.

    Asako gave Aunt Touko her most deadpan stare.

    "Let the record show that I did not, in fact, jinx us," Touko remarked. Then she reared back as though pitching a baseball, flinging a golden projectile at the mad Lancer.

    And as the armored nutcases from the platform staggered out of the dark in their direction, crowding the large room-

    It bloomed into a screaming feral cat the size of a VW Beetle which sent the not-vampire sprawling across the floor.

    And so with the dispatching of Lugh Beowulf, the battle began in earnest.
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    I see Touko has been cribbing a few techniques from one of her students, Lord Doctor Waald Alman Katerin Alphonse Einelaurdos Newtonian. :V
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    Child of Ainnash.
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    Now i understand why the tree sounded so familiar, that fucking evil fig tree is connected to the Forest of Ainnash, great so they are fighting a baby from the seventh of twenty ranked Dead Apostles Ancestors. The fucking vampire forest, just what they needed.​

    Blinktwice13 said:
    He let go, and wrapping his arms under my armpits, hoisted me into a bear hug that crushed me against his chestplate. "Well met, little brother!" he cheered, pressing his cheek to mine. "If there is justice in the world, perhaps I can introduce you to Gaheris and Gareth some day!
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    Matthew needs more human contact and hugs from outside his own circle, Gawain and his other siblings and cousin will be good for him.....also Mash would also be Gawain's little sister, it will be hilarious.....btw on the topic of Mash....dont give her the Pre-Olympus Ortinax treatment i beg of you.

    Always Late said:
    I see Touko has been cribbing a few techniques from one of her students, Lord Doctor Waald Alman Katerin Alphonse Einelaurdos Newtonian
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    Wait....THAT is Oobleck's full name?!

    Blinktwice13 said:
    Your noble stare yet still outshines the moon. You are the Apollo I have searched for!"

    A look of dread spread across Emiya's face as he brandished twin blades of black and white.

    "I long to pierce that supple body of yours with my spear. You compel me, you, you- You supremely gorgeous creature
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    .......Did i just watch a christian, zealot, king express his desire to have gay sex with another man in front of an audience? Vlad Tepes the third, The Impaler of Wallachia of all people?.....Excuse me this is so surreal i need a moment......on the other hand, without his armor, Vlad III (Extra) is a fucking stud, so im not complaining about him being open to the idea.

    Reality_Impacts said:
    Over all, great chapter. Nice set up showing that FGO!Kiara is different from Extra!Kiara. Also I forgot to quote it but marinating Beast?? In Twice?? WHO??
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    Seems like Kama is around, so it may be Mara. After all the Kama of Fate Go is using dark sakura as a vessel because he doesnt care about his gender, seeing as they remember being Ananga, which was a genderless divine spirit. In mythology though, Kama was male.
     
    cupcakedrinker said:
    So the Child of Ainnash is fused with the tree, or they grabbed the Child of Ainnash and used it as the tree?

    Regarding the whole show/don't tell thing, it's like... hm. Instead of threading bits of background info and exposition into the dialogue, sticking them into the narration at more opportune points might be better. But I think what Saiyajin's specifically talking about is that instead of just simply telling us that Matthew was subjected to horrific experimenting, focus more on how those experiences affect how he sees the world, how he interacts with other people, etc. because that's what actually matters.

    Thank you for the chapter, and happy holidays!
    Click to expand...
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    Ah! Okay, that makes sense. I'll work more on reactions than dialogue statements then, thanks for the explanation!

    And Manaka had the seed and warped it into the tree using Twice, Chakravartin, and The One In His Head to do so. It's not a blood-drinking forest, but a conversion factory. But it remembers being a blood-drinking forest, so it's not having a good time. If Manaka can make an Eternal Britain before the World kicks in with Quantum Time Lock, and is listed as stronger than Proto!Arthur? Not to mention considered an outright evil goddess by Ozymandias? I'm pretty sure most of what I have her do is within her grasp.

    Ronnie's Lancer, on the other hand, is as forthright with the Ho Yay - upon being confronted with the playable Archer - as you'd expect from his other lines.
    Lancer: "Is it not fateful, stiff-backed archer?"
    Lancer: "That noble stare of yours outshines the moon. You are the Apollo that I have been searching for!"
    Lancer: "I long to pierce that supple body of yours with my spear. You compel me, you, you— You supremely gorgeous creature."
    Archer immediately recommends retreating.
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    So I pretty much yanked the quote almost verbatim from the TVTropes HoYay segment YMMV for Fate EXTRA. Though his 'spear rises in giddy anticipation' no matter who ends up in front of him, that set of lines seared itself into my brain so the rest of you have to deal with it too.
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    BB paused.

    "Ah, right. Matty did work on that new Gungnir, didn't he?" Cu Chulainn noted airily. "And Shotaro has multiple forge-gods inside him. And whose doing was that?"

    She frowned. "Hrmph. They're still her arms, so removing them to work on those claws will be far easier said than done."
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    BB seems to have forgotten that Lip can detach her arms to fire them like rockets.

    Passionlip could obliterate everything at this Singularity, even Chakravartin itself, with Trash and Crash... the problem is getting her far enough away so she can perceive it all fitting within her claws. Only then would she be able to start crushing the tree and Chakravartin, and Astaroth wouldn't take that lying down.
     
    You know, I never figured out if he was bi or just really, really liked stabbing people.

    For such a straightforward guy, Vlad EXTRA is kind of ambiguous...

    (Also you guys came reeeeal close to having PseudoBeast Run Ru. Even I had to pause for that.)
     
    Run Ru is EXTRAVlad's Master. She has an eating disorder where she can only eat things she loves - like her parents, her baby... And her avatar in the Moon Cell is a skeletal Ronald McDonald expy. Her wish is for the whole world to be like her, so she won't be lonely and have more people to love and eat!

    :)
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    Run Ru is EXTRAVlad's Master. She has an eating disorder where she can only eat things she loves - like her parents, her baby... And her avatar in the Moon Cell is a skeletal Ronald McDonald expy. Her wish is for the whole world to be like her, so she won't be lonely and have more people to love and eat!

    :)
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    ...What the hell Nasu?!
     
    jwolfe_beta said:
    It's Nasu. Were you expecting sanity?
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    True, but its nasu, and we all like his work. Some things more than others, but we are here for that reason.
    I mean, when the man wants to write a character whose sanity has left the building via power punt, he makes it so we all agree in "wtf how in hell did someone get this twisted?!"
     
    Blinktwice13 said:
    Run Ru is EXTRAVlad's Master. She has an eating disorder where she can only eat things she loves - like her parents, her baby... And her avatar in the Moon Cell is a skeletal Ronald McDonald expy. Her wish is for the whole world to be like her, so she won't be lonely and have more people to love and eat!

    :)
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    >Ronald McDonald expy
    >Run Ru
    Well that makes sense, although it does beg the question of whether or not Nasu saw "Ronald McDonald Insanity"
     
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