Chapter 10: Should we? Can we?

Once again night's light shone above the city of Orario. The adventurers that made their way to the dungeon were making their way out and the citizens were making their way back to their homes. What were once busy streets were now starting to clear.

Sitting under the night sky on top of a roof was the resident Archer in red, thinking. The day had been… eventful and much had happened. He got to explore more of the city, learned some things about his current master and got to experience something new. By the time he and Astraea got back to the Familia home night had already taken form. Astraea's Familia welcomed them back and dinner was much the same as his first night. Everyone shared what happened during the day and made reports to their goddess. When the Familia was about to have a meeting, Archer excused himself to give them some privacy. There was no need for him to listen to matters that didn't concern him. And so he came to the roof.

Actually him being alone also worked in his favor, he needed to collect his thoughts and think about what happened earlier.

(Earlier)

"Well what do you think about joining up with mine?"

Right here in this moment he was given an offer. An offer that most would probably jump at the chance to grasp. It honestly shocked him. The chance to join a Familia, an offer made by the Goddess of Smiths.

Next to her Tsubaki was grinning. She must be pretty happy that her goddess was reaching out to him. Beside him was Astraea, she was happy for him but there was almost a look of sadness hidden behind that smile.

"I appreciate the offer Goddess Hephaestus, however at this time I have to decline your offer."

"Oh… Any reason why you are rejecting such an offer?" the goddess asked. She wasn't offended by his decline moreso curious to know why.

"Currently I have a contract with Lady Astraea and until that contract is completed I'll be staying by her side for the time being."

Hearing his reason, all of his words were true. Hephaestus herself knew how important keeping a contract was. After all as a smithing Goddess she herself made sure to uphold all of her contracts as the other parties as well.

"I see. Well I'm not one to break an already established contract so I'll back down for now," she responded. "But…" There was a pause. "If you ever feel like exploring this hidden talent, feel free to let either Tsubaki or myself know. We would be happy to welcome you." She let out a smile to those words.

(Present)

Those final words from the Goddess did surprise Archer. She was inviting him to explore a supposed hidden talent he had. Perhaps one day he would take her up on that offer, Astraea would also probably tell him to have a go at it but now wasn't the time to be indulging in such things. What was more important in this present time was learning more about this city and preparing for the grail war.

"Ara, enjoying the night are we Archer?" Hearing a voice from behind to interrupt his thoughts, it was none other than Kaguya coming up. Her look was quite different from her usual outfit, probably one of her night outfits. "I never thought you'd be one to gaze at the stars."

"Can I help you Gojouno-san?" he asked.

"You've been up here for quite some time. Lady Astraea was starting to get worried," she replied. Walking closer to him, she took a seat beside. "Lady Astraea told us what happened today. To be honest I'm surprised you turned down a personal invite from Lady Hephaestus. There are many who wouldn't refuse such a request." She sounded almost disappointed.

It didn't surprise Archer that his master would tell her Familia of what happened. With how close they all were it wouldn't be surprising if they didn't share anything with each other.

"Did Lady Astraea tell you why I declined the offer?" he asked Kaguya. He wanted to know just how much his master shared with the others.

It took a moment to think about it but Kaguya reached an answer. "No. Lady Astraea didn't really go into detail on the reason why. Whatever the reason is we won't press on it as long as it doesn't bring danger to the Familia or the city."

"I see." Thankfully Astraea had yet to reveal anything about their "bond" to the others. Who knows what might happen if any of them found out. A lot of disagreements would be one thing.

The two continued to sit under the moonlight in silence, neither of them spoke a word. Both were enjoying the calm night with the gentle breeze blowing by. Eventually Kaguya decided to speak up.

"Archer, would you answer me this?" Kaguya asked. "Why do you continue to stick around with us?" Her question threw Archer with a puzzled look, not sure the meaning behind her question. "It's not that I dislike having you around with us, I'm just curious why. You were given a great opportunity and you passed it."

Archer could see where she was coming from. Had he been just a regular person living in this world he probably would've taken the offer but as a spirit and a servant, passing an opportunity like that would seem quite irregular. He hadn't been here long and already he was becoming quite the oddball.

"Without going into too much detail the reason why is that I want to ensure Lady Astraea's safety," Now Kaguya was the one looking at him in confusion to his answer. "After that attack when we first met I felt as though I should look after her. She seemed like someone who would walk themselves in a bit of trouble. And before I knew it when I walked out of that building with her I met you and Alise and found out she was a goddess." A small smile had formed.

"As the Goddess of Justice, I was curious to know what her vision of "Justice" really meant. When she told me what her "Justice" meant it only made my resolve to look after her became more clear. Plus I'm also curious to see just how far her "Justice" can change this city."

Kaguya had listened to every word he spoke to her. She was well trained in knowing if someone was telling a lie through their words, expressions and their tone. Every word Archer spoke never gave her the feeling that he was telling a full lie. There were some parts that she picked up on that weren't painting the full picture but most of what he was saying was sincere and truthful. She did believe him when he was saying that he wanted to look after her goddess.

"I see. Well I think it might be time for me to head back in and inform Lady Astraea that you're fine," Kaguya began to get up. Just as she was about to head back inside she turned and left Archer with one more message. "Don't stay out too late Archer. Wouldn't want Lady Astraea to worry about your health now would we." With those last few words she headed back inside.

Naturally Archer didn't reply to such things. A cold night like this wouldn't bother him too much and as a spirit it was impossible for him to get sick.

Once again he was left alone, only with the night sky to keep him company though one thing that came back to his mind was what Kaguya said to him when she first came up.

"Hmm. It's been quite some time since I've seen the skies like this." Viewing the night skies was nostalgic. He may have lost his memories of that time but the feelings still lingered.

Back inside the Familia home Astarea was currently enjoying a nice cup of hot tea. The others were doing their own thing. Maryuu and Noin were currently modeling for Iska. Celty was enjoying a book she had picked up the other day. Ryana and Asta were cleaning up. Lyra was tinkering with some new bombs she made and Alise was busy teasing Ryuu again. Just another night in the Familia home.

Soon enough she heard Kaguya entering the room.

"Ah, how did it go Kaguya? Were you able to learn anything new about Archer?" Alise asked. After dinner and the Familia briefing, Astraea told everyone what happened on her end and the events with Tsubaki and Hephaestus. Everyone was naturally curious on why he would reject such an offer and Astraea wouldn't go into his reasons, Kaguya offered to learn more about their guest and perhaps get an idea on why he declined the opportunity. Being the captain Alise green lit Kaguya's offer since out of everyone in the Familia Kaguya was the best at gathering such information.

"Indeed. I did manage to learn a bit more about him," she replied. Everyone in the room stopped what they were currently doing as they also wanted to know what their vice-captain had gathered. "I didn't get him to reveal why he declined Lady Hephaestus's," Some of the members groaned in disappointment at hearing this. One groan in particular came from a certain "trash pixie". "But I did learn what his reasons for sticking around are." This gathered the interest of everyone.

Even Lady Astraea was curious to know why. Maybe Kaguya picked up something she had missed.

"Well don't leave us in suspense. What did you learn!?"

Kaguya recalled what Archer had told her. Everyone found his reasons for staying were quite noble. Like them, he wanted to look after their goddess, something that brought a smile to their faces. Then there was the fact that he heard what their goddess's "Justice" was and was onboard to seeing it. Everything that Kaguya had told them sounded too good to be true.

"Kaguya, just how sure are you that he's telling the truth?" Ryuu was the one that spoke up. With everything that they were just told she was sure that he would be up to something. "What if he's just saying that to get closer to us only for him to strike us down?"

Everyone started to see the meaning in her words. Maybe they were being a bit too comfortable with him around. It's not like his cooking was the main reason why. No. Not at all…

"At first that's what I thought as well, however after careful examination I've concluded that he's no threat to us," Kaguya explained. "While he wasn't painting me the full picture, his answer was sincere enough for me to believe him."

Silence filled the room. Everyone had different thoughts on the matter. They all trusted Kaguya's judgment but the chance that Archer had an ulterior motive set them back. Some still believed that he was a good person and held no such things while the rest were a bit on edge.

Astraea herself remained silent. The thought that Archer would betray her never crossed her mind. She didn't believe that he would since he was her "servant" and she did hold the keys to force him to confess the true answer or make sure he never would bring harm to everyone but she knew that he knew that she wouldn't use such a method. However after spending time with him and getting an idea on his character, she believed that he would never betray her trust. She just hoped she could convince everyone to believe her without mentioning their "unique" partnership. As she was about to speak up…

"Well if you trust him Kaguya then I have no reason not to trust him too." Alise was the one to jump the step up first.

"Alise! Surely you jest!?"

"I see where you're coming from Lion, however I choose to believe in Archer," Alise reasoned. "Sure we only met him not too long ago and don't know much about him but he was the one who saved Lady Astraea from the Evilus. Plus if he wanted to betray us he would've done something already. I mean he had the perfect chance to attack Lady Astraea while we were out patrolling today so the fact that he hasn't tells me he can be trusted."

Everyone else's thoughts started to change after Alise's reasoning.

"But…" Well everyone but Ryuu's.

"Lion, I'm only asking you to give him a chance. I see where you're coming from and if he does pull something then we'll get through this together." Alise was being sincere to Ryuu. It was one of the rare times where she wasn't teasing Ryuu.

"I-I… I understand. I'll try to see it like you do." defeated Ryu had no choice but to comply with her captain.

"That's all I ask Lion."

"Honestly you really should trust my judgment, you crappy elf!" Kaguya exclaimed in a huff.

"D-don't call me a crappy elf!"

"Ah, here we go again. Another spout between our stubborn elf and our eastern princess. Can't they learn to get along for once?" asked an irritated Lyra. Fights between Kaguya and Ryu weren't uncommon in fact one would surely happen at least once a day be it on missions or when relaxing. The first few times were entertaining but now that it's become a common occurrence it got boring and annoying real fast.

The others shared similar feelings save for Alise who…

"Now, now you two. I know how heated your rivalry is but it can wait until tomorrow," Saw things a little bit different. "Plus Lady Astraea is here and there's no need to make a mess."

Hearing their captain, both back off for the moment. A few silent sighs of relief escaped from some of the others.

"Now that that settled I think it's about time we turned in for the night. We've got a fresh day of bringing Justice to the city!" Alsie exclaimed. "Ah what a great speech. As expected of me!" Her signature grin shined on her face.

"Tch. I really hate that stupid face she makes." grumbled Lyra.

"It really is a punchable face," Kaguya joined, just as frustrated. "It's a wonder why none of us have done it yet."

"..." The rest of the members remained silent, not speaking their opinions. Some even let out a nervous laugh.

Eventually the group started to break off, deciding to follow their captain's advice and turn in for the night. Just as Alise was about to make way to her room she was stopped by her goddess.

"Alise, can I have a quick moment of your time before you go?" Astraea had asked.

Hmm. What's the matter, Lady Astraea?"

"I just… want to thank you is all." Astraea let out a soft smile.

Alise was puzzled why her goddess was thanking her. Events like this weren't uncommon and she never really thanked her for breaking up one of Kaguya and Lion's fights. Why was this time different?

Seeing her child confused, Astraea went on to elaborate. "I want to thank you for putting your trust in Archer." Now things started to make sense to Alise. "I can't exactly reveal why but he is someone we can trust."

"As long as you trust him, I'll choose to put my trust in him as well Lady Astraea." Alise said. She soon made her way to her room and turned in for the night.

Soon enough, the sole person inside the room was the goddess herself left with nothing but a half empty cup of tea in her hand. Just as she was about to take another sip.

"You can come out now Archer." the goddess had called out to what seemed like no one in particular. However from around the corner she heard footsteps and from the shadows revealed the servant himself.

"So, how much did you hear?"

"I heard enough to gauge my relationship with your followers," he replied. "Honestly they are in the right to have some doubts about me. It would be foolish not to." His words held no punches. They were straight as an arrow.

A small but sad smile formed on Astraea. "True but I want everyone to trust you like I can."

"I'm sure there will come a time when that will happen," Archer tried to comfort her. Astraea gave him a small nod. "I think I'll head up for the night. Try not to stay up too late Lady Astraea."

Before he could leave the room, Astraea called out to him.

"Nee Archer. Are you sure we can't tell the girls about… that?"

"I'm afraid not. The Grail War is meant to be kept a secret. Involving outsiders in this would only lead to unnecessary casualties." Astraea was about to argue with him but before she could get a word out Archer cut her off. "I know that your followers are more than capable in handling themselves but if they fall then who will look after the city in their place?"

Astraea remained silent to his words. No matter how much she wanted to argue with him, he brought up a good point. If this war was as dangerous as he was making it out to be then something dangerous could happen to her children. Things were bad enough with the Evilus still running around and if this war were to escalate the already existing dangers then her children just might fall, crippling Orario's defense.

Seeing that his point had been made, Archer left the room in silence once again leaving the goddess of justice alone.

After a few minutes of collecting her thoughts, Astraea decided to retire for the night as well. Perhaps a good night's rest would help refresh her mind.

(That night)

One again she was back in that place. This hellscape full of fire. All around her the land was ruined and no life was in sight. She was all alone in a land full of despair.

Looking around she caught sight of a figure in the distance. Upon a closer look it was a male figure with black spiky hair in a suit going around the area clearing the debris looking for something or someone. The look on his face told Astraea everything about how he was feeling. Hopeless and drowning in despair.

From the looks on the man, he'd been searching for quite some time. She'd wonder just how long he was searching for.

Making her way over to the man, she tried to help him only for her hand to phase through him. It seemed that all she could do was observe and take in this horrible sight.

Eventually the man began to move, hoping to find what he was looking for. Astraea decided to follow him. Perhaps this man would provide the answers she needed to why she was having this dream again.

After following the man for quite some time, the man was losing even more hope. Everywhere he looked he was losing more and more hope. Astraea was feeling bad for him. If she were in his position perhaps she'd be the same as well. Eventually the man found a hand, a small hand trying to reach out to something. He made his way over in a hurry. Before that hand could fall, he managed to catch it and started crying. He finally found a small glimmer of hope in this endless darkness.

Astraea moved a bit closer to them and upon a closer look, she recognized the man's hope as the boy she saw in her previous dream. He was barely conscious, just barely alive.

She wondered just how much he'd been through to be like this. The poor boy. She wondered if there were any other survivors, if he had any family left and if he didn't who would take care of him. But for now she was glad that the man in front of her found his hope and the boy survived.

The dream soon ended and she began to wake. A small ray of light shined through the windows and reached her face. Covering her eyes and letting a morning yawn escape the start to her new day was beginning. After a few moments she collected her thoughts and started to recall her dream.

Twice now she was having that dream. There had to be a reason why she started having them and they all started when Archer showed up. She wondered why she was having these dreams and whether or not Archer was the cause of them. Perhaps there was some sort of meaning behind these dreams as well. There were too many questions and not enough answers. She remembered Alise and Archers words if she had these dreams again.

She thought about telling them but she decided for now to keep it to herself. Last night did get a bit heavy when discussing to trust Archer. If Alise or the others found out it could turn the already rocking relationship into something worse. Archer might know but how much he would be willing to share would be another matter. He'd probably brush it off or try to redirect the topic.

For now Astraea would keep this burden to herself. Until she uncovered more about these dreams and its meaning, she would go on this journey alone.