This is the final part of the roadmap, covering very, very roughly the last parts of the Lostbelts. As should be made obvious by what you're about to gleam, these are more like sparse notes for the future rather than any feasible roadmap. There was simply too much way too far into the future for me to honestly give more than fleeting thoughts about. So with that said, here are some of the things I was considering or had in store. Most of the immediate points were covered in the first LB Roadmap. Obviously extremely tentative to adjustment and change.
"Easy" Arrivals (Summoned or lateral entry) to be introduced between Shimosa and Lostbelts Prologue: Literally anyone released and not already mentioned, with careful care and consideration taken to duplicates.
Notable Memorial Essences: Same as above. Anything is plausible but doesn't mean guaranteed.
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Slim Lostbelt 3 Points:
1) Initiated when the recon boat was captured by the singularity's forces while deploying new intel devices.
2) Potential to swing to full peaceful resolution or outright warfare. I was personally leaning towards the latter.
3) If open conflict, potential provocative sight of open warfare. Two armies utilizing advanced and mythical capabilities to storm across fields or hold positions. Almost like the Battle of Kursk on an acid trip.
4) Jing Ke should still play a major role in the ordeal in some way.
5) An in-Lostbelt Spartacus can be the one to commit the sacrifice if still necessary.
6) Consort Yu's cooperation is a coin flip depending on negotiations since her real motive is just to be with her husband. If peaceful, she could be convinced by select others to side with Chaldea as the safer options. If war had erupted, she could accuse Chaldea of domineering manipulation and fight. If the latter, her summoning would add the potential of hesitant cooperation despite agreeing to be summoned, tempered slowly by her stay and continued streak of bad luck to try and get her husband. Her acceptance could be capstoned by his arrival.
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Slim Lostbelt 4 Points:
1) Chaldean Karna was going to die as per canon, becoming the first true fatality Chaldea ever suffers. His death serves as a final bridge to allow Ash and Arjuna to finally work together on the battlefield, even if they're still borderline tolerant when there's no common enemy.
2) Also as per canon, Karna is revived due to the quirk of the Lostbelt. Despite the agony for Chaldea ultimately being erased by the act, this can serve as a strong pivot point for even more paranoid planning.
3) As the Indian Lostbelt, Anishka's group would likely take the forefront of the endeavor. It'd still prove Chaldea's first serious challenge considering the power creep.
4) Anishka was set to snap here at Pepe's sheer indifference to what he's done. Kiara sees an opportunity and seduces Annie into bloodthirsty murder, promising she'll feel amazing once she gives in and orders her to kill him. Instead, Rama is relieved when Anishka uses her command seal to force Kiara to keep Pepe alive. Due to the confliction, Pepe manages to escape by some means.
5) Asha is one of a handful brought home from the Lostbelt. Anishka adopts her as her little sister.
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Slim Lostbelt 5 Points:
1) If there was anything solidly on the planning board, it was negotiations with Wodime going south and leading to a battle. His prowess against servants is shocking, as some of the Panhuman history servants are easily dispatched by him alone while remaining a mere human. Thus, Skyler, the weakest master, offers the clearest solution: They send in Angra, who absolutely demolishes Wodime in a one-sided battle. The avenger is the happiest he's ever been as Chaldeans are cheering his victory, but Angra did hold back to some extent. Enough to beat Wodime into true submission while allowing dialogue between him and a now very, very irritated/angry Ophelia. Angra shrugs casually and says he wouldn't be negotiating as a bloody mess if he'd stayed talking in the first place, then asks to return to Chaldea to play more Mario Kart.
2) Two Orions working back-to-back, despite one being only regular servant strength, could lead to a lot of awesome moments. Add in Heracles?
3) Naomi is the most disheartened about the big reveal in this lostbelt. Plenty of room to play around with this.
4) Potential for some resistance members to return via lifeboats is plausible. They'd certainly add more prowess to Chaldea's growing Legion.
5) Not much other thoughts were given to this lostbelt. The power/spectacle creep was large enough to warrant needing careful treading to decide how it'd transpire considering how crazy everything became.
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Assorted Development Points
- Consort Yu would take a bit to warm up to Chaldea depending on whether his husband is also present. Despite her carefully tempered irritation yet willingness to follow the contract, she tries to act like a senior to the other masters. This leaves her very wide open to Da Vinci and Roman's reminders that she lied on her examinations and fluked her way to be come a master, all for her husband. Despite knowing that, Anishka is more than happy to let her continue acting as a senior if it makes her feel better. Knowing that, Skyler and her really don't get along that well at all.
- The whole thing surrounding "Black Barrel" and a pregnant Mashu obviously makes a hell of a problem. No serious thoughts to resolution on this front, nor potential ways to get around it since there's still much of the story to be released. If anything was played around with, it was the idea it could be mounted to one of the lifeboats to ease repositioning for its human operator. Again, just tentative play notes.
- The Sieg/Astolfo/Jeanne relationship was designed to remain ambiguous. After the Apocrypha Collab's release made Sieg far more developed, a romantic relationship with Jeanne became far more feasible. That said, Astolfo would arguably be a better fit because of his sheer optimism and introduction as the first male x male relationship. The idea both can help Sieg experience the world anew should also not be understated, nor the idea both can either act as an older brother/sister to him. Things could even remain platonic. This potential relationship(s) is the biggest coin flip FoC had considered because any path is very literally subjective and can be executed well with careful development.
- Scathach/Chiron was intended to just be a friendly bond despite some occasional sexual tension. One could develop into something more, but the idea of them being a fearsome teaching duo (good cop / bad cop) and debaters with opposing views resonated louder.
- Depending how many demographics are added and Chaldea's growing population, many amenities of a city could be added. This is noted because, obviously, it opens up avenues for exploring other slice of life ideas without having to shift to a singularity. Like a potential racetrack in the mountains at the outright protest of Lobo and some other pro-nature factions. Or other such wild ideas.
- It should be noted Legion troops are probably the equivalent or betters (depending) of the rank and file of Lostbelt forces. The difference is Chaldea has a high value on keeping their troops alive, and every casualty is seen as a disheartening mistake. This can be leveraged for character growth or for the enemy's own benefit to increase danger/intensity.
- It shouldn't be surprising the latter part of the roadmap was so sparse. There's simply too much room for interpretation.
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And here it is: The Christmas gift. Likely the final canon piece for the Fragments of Chaldea series.
This is a special fragment: A segment I'd always wanted to write, but was too far in the future to reach. If I'm to end this at all, it may as well be with a future entry of the last remaining scene I wanted to complete.
Her smile felt brighter this day. "Then we're sure it will function properly?"
"Hm. Not like you to question the numbers. The simulation data was checked and calculated several times over. At this point-"
"Yea, yea, yea… But where's the fun without human emotion? Just look at you, you stiff~," BB's voice echoed from the far side. Just beyond SHEBA's gentle swirl, the final panels were being put into place teams of robots and golems. Edison oversaw the replacements while BB carelessly stood atop the system's gyroscopic stabilizers. Her proud gaze was levelled at the stoic Archimedes, whose ever stoic façade held much.
Da Vinci still giggled at her fellow inventor's hidden irritation. "I suppose he's right. Let's just call it excited affirmation for what comes next."
"Activating it means a dire situation," Archimedes raised an eyebrow, but Da Vinci merely waved him off with a small giggle.
"I was being playfully mysterious. Let me have my fun." Although, in truth, she too hoped it would never be used; The signs proved otherwise. More and more evidence stacked, collected by Holmes, Makeda, and more. Whatever was coming…
The Director's smile remained firm against the crashing wave of doubt. They'd been steadily preparing for that. Every singularity completed. The steady flow of new comrades welcomed into their community. Without a doubt, Chaldea had competence to be taken seriously, and many skills that could be utilized to stem a possible tide. But confidence was carefully balanced with diligence on the scales of success, and so arrogance was turned away at the door.
Before her eyes, Chaldeas spun quietly as it had so many times before. For a moment it flashed red in her mind's eye. She could hear the blaring sirens and the many nerve-racking situations that had gripped their throats. Every "next time" was different, but she dared to say it improved with each iteration. The next time would again be better, yet equal parts familiar to ones before. Familiar in one of the best ways possible.
Da Vinci clapped her hands together gently and beamed. "Perfect! Now that this is all settled and confirmed, we've got some preparations for tonight's impromptu summoning ceremony~!"
"Oh? So that's what your secret was?" BB looked a bit deflated as she sat down atop one of the floating rings and sighed. "And here I thought you were going to announce Hana was going to be Master Five…"
"She'd be safer in Chaldea," Tesla argued from another corner of the room, sparking an argument with BB. They started rattling away, but Da Vinci had already turned around and began walking to the entrance. "Archy, I trust you'll see they don't put any panels upside down?"
Now openly irritated, the inventor groaned and tossed a glance to the retreating caster. "What a menial task…"
Well, between him, Moriarty, Babbage, and Holmes, nothing more should go wrong. Never hurts to confirm. Especially not when her mind is already so uncharacteristically distracted with the day ahead. So much so she ignored the sudden crash from the Deployment Chamber and Moriarty's yelling. She reached out telepathically, letting her smile leak through the line.
"Hey, Mimi~? David~? It's time~! Mhmm~! That time~!"
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Fragment 116: New Dawn
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Chaldea's residential accommodations had come a long way. The classic 'apartment room' was still popular, but more and more new ones were being made for servants that wanted a real home. So much so the third expansion to Residential had room that felt more like one story ranch houses, the equivalent of the original multi-room suites of Chaldea's highest. Except this little house in particular felt humbler and well-loved.
The living room itself had many potted plants to freshen its air. The furniture's glistening white theme gave it a Mediterranean feel. Along the walls, Sunscape windows helped complete the illusion of an Italian villa overlooking a Seaside desert resort. By all accounts, it felt like an extension of Fantasia Resort, but tailored to the residents' personal comfort. It warmed the young duplicate just fine, though perhaps it made her too relaxed as she stared at the coffee table before her.
Lisa never understood why she needed to do homework. Or Voyager. They're far smarter than the rest, with their only competition being Miyu. I mean, wasn't that obvious? She was Mini-Vinci, a tiny genius! What was this basic algebra going to do for her that she didn't already know? It'd take a minute at most.
Except it always took an hour because she ranted about it so much.
Still in her school uniform, she tapped her pencil against the cat-pattern paper and stared at the equation. This many cats, multiplied by this many adult cats… She sighed again. 'Ms. Taiga has too much fun with these…'
A soft purr erupted from the pile of pillows behind her. Shifting through, a Djinn stuck its fury head out of its comfortable fort, only to be met by the soft pets of a gentle hand. Lisa giggled at the mythical pet nuzzled into her affection. "Did I wake you?"
It made a quiet bark in response, echoed by another Djinn somewhere in the adjacent kitchen. Hopefully it wasn't getting into her mother's newly cooked food; Makeda spent long, painful sessions beneath Benienma's glare to get that recipe down right. It's smell was intoxicatingly tempting, but she still had no idea why her mother made it. Or why her other mother was being so mysterious about a summoning tonight.
Lisa smiled. She teased herself when there was no one else around to have fun with; Of course she knew. She was a mini Leonardo Da Vinci who shared her ambition and intelligence. There was only one thing that would get her mothers that excited, and it only made doing this homework that much harder. The Djinn now cuddling itself into her lap only made it impossible. She quietly considered her options, then decided to-
The front door flew open as one of her humming mothers danced through the door with a scented box. Smelled very fruity. It made the Djinn perk its head as the tanned caster's fluffy tail easily shut the door behind her. Lisa watched as her mother happily placed the box onto the half-wall counter by the kitchen, only to happily pull her phone out and start texting madly. Even her ears twitched with overwhelming enthusiasm as the child eyed her mother's clothes. Then the box of scented candles again.
"Going to be that kind of night, Mommimi~?" Lisa teased, making the voluptuous woman snap her blue gaze her way. Summoning was still hours away, yet her prized tight ivory dress, a surprising blend of sultry allure and class, had already been dawned. But the older caster only returned the child's smirk with her own.
"A bit too young to be talking about that stuff~," Makeda waggled her finger gently. "Has Grandpa David been saying weird things again?"
"Nope. It was Kuro this time," Lisa shot back, making her mother sigh playfully.
"She's a bad influence on you," she returned sarcastically, but the caster quickly walked across the room to happily bring the child into an excited hug. Lisa laughed as Makeda swung them around happily, uncaring if they accidentally tipped over a vase, Bonsai tree, or the other mother's paintings. "Today's the day~! Today's the day~!"
Lisa laughed. "It's guaranteed right?"
"Of course! Leona said her catalyst was foolproof!" Makeda cheered. "Ohhhhhh I can't wait! I still need to get my nails done with Nito and Sher! And a shower! And Ushi's doing my hair~! Oh, and Medea said she'll have my necklace cleaned in time too!"
As her mother rattled off excitedly, the gleam in her eyes shimmered as if she stared at an armada of camels. Without a doubt, Lisa enjoyed the sheer enthusiasm of her more mystical mother, even if she was far from the brightest bulb in the family. Well… if the story's are to be believed, her father isn't exactly that far off either. Rather strange considering his true identity, but-
The door opened just as Makeda put her child down, only for her 'real' mother's playful chastisement to pinch her ear. "Now, now, Lisa~… Finish your homework. We got a big night tonight~!"
The tiny genius groaned. "Yes, Mama…"
But how was she going to do that when there was a homecoming to look forward to?
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"…The children are being extra loud today…" Ozymandias noted, but his smile proved it was an empty complaint. The breeze that fluttered his open white tropical shirt carried the excitement of Chaldea's large group of child spirits. At the edge of the cape, the towering silhouette of Sieg's dragon form sat gently, letting the host of kids use his tail as a slide into the water. Were his scales not rough? A question Gilgamesh didn't care to seek an answer for.
Instead, the mighty king stood equally proud beside one of his greatest friends, staring across the warm expanse of the resort from the Wishing Well's outcrop. Many new faces he didn't deem worthy of his attention shored up Chaldea's forces. Many more expansions and additions had been made. This home had become irritatingly louder, but still acceptable by his terms. Their strength and purpose wouldn't be doubted, for the more foot soldiers there were meant the nobility didn't need to waste time with trivial matters.
Noise became a fair exchange for free time in worthy company. "Have you prepared a gift for him?"
Ozymandias raised a casual eyebrow to his friend. "Of course. The Hero of Chaldea deserves no less."
"Indeed. Our recognition is more than enough, but a token of appreciation wouldn't be wasted on him," Gilgamesh pondered, though the sarcastic tickle at the end bought a chuckle from the Pharaoh. "If for no other reason, than the gifts of true Kings should prove superior to the rest of Chaldea's."
"Lest we liken ourselves as cheap," the rider agreed as he took a seat on the wooden bench beside him. "It will be enjoyable to see his expressions again."
"Quite the jester," the King of Heroes agreed in fond memory as he stared across the beach. On the far side, Enkidu and Ishtar had gotten into another squabble, likely involving the nearby Ereshkigal in some way. Giglamesh paid it only mild heed; His best friend could more than handle the useless goddess' rants. "Much time remains until then… Care for a chess match?"
"Here? You're feeling quite delighted today," Ozymandias pointed out as a glistening golden table appeared before them. Their chess matches often got heated, but this sense of competition with a fellow king was not something Gilgamesh would ever grow tired of. "Very well. Where have we left off?"
"Ninety four to Ninety one," the King of Heroes reminded. Though he was in the lead, it irked him they were so close in score. It would've been completely unacceptable had it been anyone but a chosen few, like Ozymandias.
And soon, another would rejoin that list… though Gilgamesh highly doubted that interesting man would ever hold a promising score over him.
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'So I'll get to see who he is…' Chaldea's newest child wondered. Though the blond harbored a darker power within, her deceptively innocent form bobbed among her many new friends among gentle waves. Sieg's massive form snoozed quietly behind them, acting as a wave break while Astolfo napped on the rocks by his head. Only Jeanne remained awake to watch over them, but even she was a bit distracted with her own novel as she leaned against Sieg's large stomach.
"You okay, Abi?" The blonde turned to spy the celestial blue of her adoptive brother. Usually Voyager would've been buzzing about, but his little rocket-ship pool floatie now bobbed beside her pancake one. His childlike eyes were steeled with sudden worry, but Abigail only smiled reassuringly to him.
"I'm okay. Just wondering what he'll be like."
"He's the bestest best playmate!" Jack cheered from her shared float with the Hundred Face identity. Kirby cheered from atop her head. "Right, Yedda?"
The young assassin hummed happily in turn. Behind them, Illyasviel was woken up when Kuro suddenly started a splashing war between her and Miyu. Jack and Yedda quickly got caught in the crossfire, but Nursery Rhyme was quick to put up a defensive balloon wall to shield their half of the group. Lisa sighed from her float. "Thanks, Alice."
"One water fight too many," the caster mumbled. She shot a quick glance to Lily, Ana, and Mia, but the three younger identities didn't seem keen on starting a war either. Nursery Rhyme turned back to the closer group and beamed. "Anyone want tea?"
"We just had tea…" Abigail responded quietly, but Ana and Lily were quick to raise their hands. Excited, Nursery Rhyme began paddling herself over. "I could have a pancake…"
"Ask Dad. He took lessons from Sanson," Voyager listed off nonchalantly. Abigail blinked in surprise, then Voyager did. "Oh… I thought he told you."
"I didn't know he's done." Now Abigail's stomach was really urging for more pancakes. Pancakes in the morning wasn't enough anymore. "Maybe after we're done playing."
Her thoughts lasted only a few seconds, but as expected, her brother was already a dozen meters away paddling off to some observed curiosity he wanted to sate. Abigail blinked, then sighed. "Don't go wandering off too far! Papa's not around to fetch you."
As if anyone could get lost in this contained sea.
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"No, Sky! We're all pulling the lever together!"
"I don't even know him. Doesn't seem right to me. What if my hand throws things off?"
"Then put your hand atop ours! What, are you allergic to holding hands?"
"I swear, Gabs…" Skyler grumbled out, but Gudao and Annishka only chuckled from their seats at the Club Cove table. Their master uniforms were as pristine as possible, marred only by the little bicker-fest between the fourth and second masters. Gabrielle gave a quiet, dead stare at Skyler who finally rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll do it. Just because Da Vinci asked. Still doesn't feel right."
"Who cares! It'll all feel better when he comes back! Now, let's work on our first words for him!"
"Do we need to script everything?" Anishka wondered quietly, but the smile on her face was near-permanent today.
"Well, no, but a general idea would be good," Gudao finally chimed in. He tossed a glance to his girlfriend at the bar, who was excitedly talking with Ereshkigal. The sheer joy on her face was immeasurably, even if Da Vinci never indulged who the summoning was for; Not that it mattered. Marie was quick on the gun, and the rumor spread like wildfire in minutes. To be fair, though, Da Vinci's newsletter on completing Chaldea's greatest secret defense, footed with a mysterious summoning announcement, telegraphed very obviously what was happening.
Gudao could almost tear up just thinking about it. He hoped it wouldn't all end tragically tonight. The system confirmed it: Solomon was no longer in the throne. But what if? What if their overworking acting director wrote himself in as a hero of human history in that moment? Leonidas, Merlin… Many heroic spirits suggested the masters themselves probably proved their own worth to the throne, so what of that stressed man who had paved the way forward with a tide-turning sacrifice?
"Don't tear up, Gudork." He wasn't surprised to look up and see his best friend's eyes were also a teeny-bit watery with optimism. "He's not here yet."
"Yea… But he will be. Again," he asserted confidently as Anishka nodded happily beside him, holding her own feelings back. Skyler, clearly left out, rubbed the back of his head awkwardly but still smiled for them. Gudao stared down at the cup of tea before him. "Not long now and we'll hear his laugh again."
"And all his other silliness," Gabrielle beamed with a bright smile.
On the far wall, the clock ticked closer. The passage of time grew slow and hazy.
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It was all a blur. A cascade of incomprehensible images flashed before them like a rapid slide show. The static prevented anything from making sense. Concentration was impossible, but not out of pain or emotion. There was simply nothing to understand amid the endless swirl. Ceaseless, a bodiless form wandered a sea of stars that remained out of reach. As if they were a painted canvas among an eternal prison.
The sense of identity was as lost as the focus of thought. The images flashed. The sea ebbed with its invisible tide. Any concept of time was lost, but there was no despair, regret, or guilt. Only an unusual sense of satisfaction that couldn't be comprehended. A feeling that whatever transpired before was right.
Ceaseless they floated.
For seeming eternity, they existed in silence.
Then the painting cracked like glass. It shattered silently before them, growing into a perfect swirling mass. A whirlpool, or a portal. A silent beckoning from the warmest light. A sudden sense of familiarity that washed over them like the first wave of an endless sea of stars.
And without any rhyme or reason, they felt the first urge of infinity.
They reached out hastily. The pull was strong. The sense of yearning incomprehensible. Every image that flashed before them was suddenly palpable. Vibrant.
Understandable.
Soundless forms their mind desired.
An endless cascade, all connected like never before. A menageries of pieces from a heart's fond vaults. There was no denial in their wish, nor any regret as the existence urged itself towards the light. Its warmth welcomed them forward as new images formed in the mind.
…Terrible, terrible sights to behold.
A world of endless white. A canvas of nothing, worked by an uncaring brush. Its sense of loss was crushing, but the sliver of hope formed a trail forward across its barren expanse.
Another one. The roar of otherworldly attacks, threatening the sanity of those before it, was met with human defiance never before seen. The thunder of technology unsurpassed. The battle cries of legends new and old.
Yet another. The deaths of entire civilizations before them. Innocents in their way, but not trampled carelessly. Amid snowy mountains, a fleet of unrecognizable vehicles loaded many of the willing. A small blonde girl, overflowing with wonder and uncertainty, walked up one's ramp as a cannonade echoed in the distance.
The images shattered in their sight. Incomprehensibly quick. Barely enough time to grasp one's meaning before the next quizzed them. They flashed along the spectrum of courage and fear. Despair and joy. Victory and loss…
…a new story of...
The words echoed in their mind amid the waterfall of sights before them. The beating of one's heart roared first and loudest, silencing the maelstrom swirl before them. Its warmth was all consuming. The sense of self returned, as did a feeling of form and existence.
"…I…"
No longer did they float, nor fail to understand themselves. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction was overwhelming, but second to the overwhelming optimism that pulled their form forward into the light.
"…I am…"
The light consumed him.
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It was hard not to forget those first senses.
He felt it first. The warmth that faded around his flowing white robes; Familiar yet different cloth, tailored like old but in a recognizable palette. It swirled like his loose, long hair, whose strands fluttered across his face as the brightness faded. Those orange strands were venetian blinds before his blue eyes, yet they were not what blurred his vision. Tears prevented his first true sight, but the growing sound roared forward.
To his surprise, he smelled it next. That wonderful scent of comfort that came from someone he'd never thought he'd see again… let alone feel. His arms instinctively seized onto the familiar form as he breathed in the unforgettable smell of Cyclamen, a favorite of hers. Between hitched breath, he took it in again to wipe away any possibility this was but a dream… it wasn't.
Before the deafening noise could be discerned, he tasted next. Desperate lips crashed against his, parting swiftly for a fleeting taste that left him wanting more. A touch of cherry rested sweet on his tongue, matched only by the taste of relief and desire. But she'd pulled the kiss back faster than he'd liked, or had eternity passed so quickly? Yet, as the taste lingered, the noise remained powerful but… understandable.
He heard it undeniably. The sounds of cheer. Any colosseum or stadium would envy the might of this applause. Countless words and phrases were shouted… too many to pick up alone. But it was the same message, over and over. The same words spread between cheers and jubilant applause at roared around him, blotting out the surprise as two more pairs of arms ceased him in their grips.
"Welcome home, Roman!"
Finally, with a sniffle, Da Vinci's face came into view as she wiped his eyes clean for him. His cheeks were wet, but they'd be waterfalls once more as he stared in disbelief at the Summoning Chamber before him. So many recognizable faces, all cheering the same thing. The crowds were growing closer, complete with faces he didn't know or comprehend. He saw what looked to be soldiers, some Clock Tower mages, new towering servants… there was too much to take in.
But there was no denying the one true fact: This was no dream.
"H-How…!?" He managed to stammer, and Da Vinci gave him a playfully annoyed stare that her smile betrayed completely.
"Looks like Roman Archiman took Solomon's suddenly vacant slot in the throne~…" Da Vinci hummed, even as pleasant tears welled in her eyes. "This proved our thesis… Welcome back, Roman. We've missed you."
"I-I…" He couldn't even form a sentence as he bumbled and stuttered. Everywhere he looked… He saw Gilgamesh giving him a look of approval. A crying Mashu raced in to join the giant hug. His favorite Chaldean masters were joined by... a new one? So much to take in, yet… "I… E-Ev… Everyone…"
Then their eyes met for a moment, and Roman lost his focus again. Though the ones in his arms meant the world, his mind flickered to a lost memory. A tearful farewell on a bleak battlefield, where he wished for the briefest moment he could be a coward again. But he couldn't, and the smiling man before him didn't stop him either. Now here they were again... reunited as with everyone else.
David only stood a few meters away, patiently waiting his turn with the proudest, fatherly smile he'd ever seen on him. A glint of fulfilment and relief he'd never before seen; A pleasant warmth Roman thought he'd never see again. "...Dad..."
"Took your time getting here, didn't you?" the green-haired man smiled, even as the tears formed. "...One at a time. Welcome home, Son."
"...D-Dad... E-Everyone..."
His words were lost amid overwhelming fulfillment. One's soul was willingly sacrificed, but his selfless decisions were rewarded once again. Though the memories of his first life were a hazier recollection, like a story once heard, his life as Roman was crystal clear. Against his beliefs, he'd been given yet another chance to live, understand, and breathe satisfied. His body shook with equal parts relief and satisfaction amid cheers of reunion.
Sooner than he hoped, they gave him breathing room. Da Vinci and Makeda smiled warmly at him, and he returned it fully. It was good to see them again, especially after… Roman blinked. "Wait. Queen Makeda!? When did you arri-"
"You just noticed her!?" Da Vinci gawked openly as laughter raced through the crowd. Including Makeda, thankfully. Beaming delightfully, the caster quickly seized him in another very warm hug. His cheeks grew red… an equal mix of surprise, nervousness, and a bit of arousal. Her voluptuous form never stood out much in Solomon's distant vision, but as the admittedly perverted Roman… This was a very nice change of pace. Very, very nice.
"Oh you remember meeeeee~! So this is what you're like when you're not so serious~! It's so funny~! And attractive~… You really are handsome with orange hair~!" Her words would've melted him into a flattered puddle, had he not been so stiff with fear. Still, he turned slowly and fearfully to Da Vinci as Makeda nuzzled affectionately into their embrace, wondering if she…
David laughed just behind her, milking his sudden anxiety for all it's worth. Da Vinci only giggled back before returning a playfully smug stare. "We've had a long time to talk, Roman. A genius doesn't mind sharing with a visionary."
"I'M SO JEALOUS OF YOU! LIVING THE DREEEEEEEAM!" Blackbeard yelled from somewhere in the crowd, only for, what Roman presumed to be Drake, smacked him loudly.
It dawned on him quick. The realization, its meaning, the fantasies… Oh the fantasies. His eyes glowed at Da Vinci, but she only rolled her eyes. At least a smaller, child-like version of her peered from behind her to smile happily. "See, Daddy? Everything turned out alright!"
"Yea… I can't beli- WHAAAAAAAAAAT DADDY!?"
"You just noticed our daughter too!?" Da Vinci roared back incredulously as the mirth grew from everyone else. At a new sudden loss, he stared at the happily smug mini Da Vinci. Yup, definitely her likeness… but probably a summoning or retrieval? He'd definitely have to ask, but his attention was momentarily seized when Mashu took a step closer to Lisa to happily pat her head. The child giggled with amusement, but the Shielder's satisfied attention turned back to him.
His eyes lingered happily on Mashu, wondering the circumstances of her return for only the briefest moments before Makeda released her hug. He noticed the approaching masters. Gudao, Gabrielle, Anishka… They'd made it. They succeeded like he knew they would. Eyes blind with blurry delight, he quickly closed the gap with arms wide to- "UWAAAAH!"
As graceful as a swan nosediving into a mud puddle, Roman fell flat on his stomach; His robes were a lot drapier than he recalled. Then again, he couldn't recollect how he'd done it in his life as Solomon. What he could understand was the groans and laughter that erupted around him as he picked himself up. Gabrielle was the first to happily seize him in a new embrace before he could dust himself off. "Yup~! It's Roman alright~!"
"Did it hurt?" Gudao asked, amusement shining through teary eyes.
"…Not much. Not much at all," Roman chuckled sheepishly as he sniffled. A servant body, capable of handling mundane affairs. The only reason he felt it at all was the casters' reinforcements weaved into the fabric of their… home. Their collective home. "…I'm home…"
"Welcome home!" "We missed you!" "You missed a lot!" "Nice to meet you, Daddy!"
As he broke his tearful hug with his father, then lifted his 'child' for the first time in wonder... so many conversations rose at once. Much of Chaldea seemed to have grown a bit closer too, or maybe it was just his return that brought some closer for a fleeting moment. Knowing Chaldea, there was certainly drama lingering somewhere. But that didn't matter right now. There were so many hands to shake, hugs to receive, and gratitude to be shared.
It all blurred together, and yet in the back of his mind, the fear of what's to come stared him down like his life before. The unsettling images he'd witnessed like during his separation from Solomon's existence. There was no denying the horror that was to come, but how would they tackle it this time? How would they… His mind wandered back and forth as he seemingly met every Chaldean face, new and old. Allies too… He was glad Da Vinci succeeded with those notes. As if he had any reason to doubt her.
He stared to his side, where his smiling… wives and child, happily escorted him. What a return. What a reunion he should have never received, but of course he was happy to. To accompany Chaldea again into future battles… he was fulfilled mere moments after arrival. He absolutely looked forward to a much more relaxing life this time arou-
"Don't look too comfortable, Son... Or Supreme Director. You're going to have some responsibilities, you know…" David commented contently.
He blinked at the title as his smile dipped ever so slightly. "S-Supreme director…!?"
"Well, Da Vinci said you hated being called Director because that was your friend's title, but Chaldea needs leadership. And as much as well as my Mommies handle it with the council, there's only one true spiritual leader," Lisa listed matter-of-factly. Definitely a mini Da Vinci alright.
"…Uh but that title is…" Weird sounding and uncomfortable for sure. His hesitation showed through his classic, sheepish smile. "I don't know if I can…"
"You can and you will. I, the King, deem it fitting," Gilgamesh commended only a scant few meters away. Roman turned to him with profound disbelief, only to meet the archer's amused smirk. Ozymandias and Enkidu chuckled beside him. "Don't get too comfortable with my compliments, Roman. I will not hesitate to criticize your slips."
'Sure sounds better than how he treats most…' Roman thought with relief, but definitely wouldn't count his lucky stars. To be on good terms with Gilgamesh was… a tightrope to say the least. "…I'm not about to let anyone down again, Gilgamesh."
"Great! Because we've got lots to go over after tonight's reunion party~!" Makeda perked up cheerily as she pulled out a scroll. Roman stared curiously, only for his jaw to his the floor soon after the scroll unraveled across it. Such a… such a long list! "Things like… Oh! Do you have a noble phantasm that sacrifices yourself or others? Because that's absolutely banned~! Can't have anything like that!"
"You're getting ahead of yourself, Mimi," Da Vinci chided lightly as she pinched the caster's shoulder. Makeda winced, and her early drooped playfully as she pouted back. "You said it. Party first. You'll get to see Roman stressed after the party. And tonight too~…"
Roman felt his cheeks flush as whistling flew from a few onlookers. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, rousing several chuckles at the very familiar sight. Still, his curiosity got the better of him. "...Just one thing maybe...? How'd you guarantee it'd be me?"
"Oh the catalyst was easy enough~!" Roman's eye naturally twitched at Merlin's know-it-all, smug, I-wanna-get-punched voice. The orange-haired man stared dryly at Merlin and his ear-splitting grin, ready to doubt what he said next. "They used your laptop. You know. The one everyone had to pry out of your hands?"
Roman blinked in confusion. Then blinked. Then paled as the laughter in the Summoning Chamber grew vibrant. The horror on his face only exploded into dismay when he turned to his family... To David, Da Vinci, Makeda, and Lisa. The mix of amusement, sheepish stares, and appologetic... Oh no. Oh... no... "My... My laptop..."
While David laughed, Da Vinci was quick to roll her eyes and pout. "Did you think I wasn't going to save your files!? I'll make you a new, better one! And you're going to-!"
"Y-Yes, dear! Please not in front of our child!" The speed at which he gathered and threw that sentence startled even him into baffled laughter. The mirth that filled the Summoning Chamber became... complete. Even Da Vinci couldn't keep her usual, annoyed stare levelled at him. The one he honestly found rather cute after a while. His smile bloomed with appreciation, and the light dismay in his heart was easily waved off: What was a few folders to a second chance?
Among the renewed cheers and calls, Roman's appreciative gaze turned to his father. Then Makeda. Lisa. Mashu… the masters… He turned to them all again in wonder and enthusiasm. Fearing for them and… optimistic of their defiance to the odds.
Roman beamed as a new wave of tears threatened his cheeks. Who was he kidding? Chaldea had clearly grown, and would continue to do so. Expansions, arrivals, diplomacy… he wondered what had transpired, and how much was still waiting to be written. But he was here… Ready to see countless more memories to a tale he holds dear. All those beloved fragments of Chaldea.
Their story of love and hope.
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And so the series officially ends as it begun: A summoning. As stated before, you're all free to take it wherever you want. Just because it's not officially continuations or offshoots of the series doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourselves. So thanks to all of you who've followed this endeavor over the years! It's been fun, and my only remaining regret is that its value didn't balance favorably against all my other interests, new and old. Not that this was underdeveloped or anything.
So one final time: Thanks for your time! Best wishes and fair winds to you all!
~GhostXavier