A Home To Die For

[Hakugi Rima]

Day 1; Afternoon

... And here they were. After having walked from the clearing, along some kilometers of extra road and then some extra number of blocks in the city of Lucca, they had arrived. Rima had to admit it was a relief she had summoned an Assassin. It meant she was not broadcasting her presence yet STILL had the advantage of a Servant capable of sensing other Servants, and walking into town felt all that much safer. The people in the city appeared to respond similarly to the people out on the country about a single little girl with white hair walking alone in the middle of the street. Hm… she might have to rethink this. If she looked like a lonely little girl, she might attract unwanted attention. If, however, she had a grown adult that looked like her guardian…

Big sis. If I look like a lonely little girl out on the street, I might attract unwanted attention. As soon as possible, we’ll need to get you some clothes so you can look like my guardian for such occasions. Your class should allow this without too much trouble. It is for the safety of us both. This transmitted to her Servant using the special extra channel which they were provided for Masters. Rima was still expecting to walk into a bounded field… or perhaps suffer the effects of one she hadn’t noticed. For the moment though, it didn’t appear that she was about to be attacked just yet. While that seemed to be a good thing, she wouldn’t take anything for granted. But in any case.

Here they were, at the apartment where Rima had gained a place. It wasn’t all that great, but it was also not anything to sneeze at. After having walked up the stairs two floors they would find the place where the key she had been given fit. And that would be when Rima entered. Nothing too impressive. Yellow tapestry colored the walls as if the designer thought it looked cool. There were two rooms, one room with a bed, couch, shelves, tables, TV and all that which were so necessary for a daily life nowadays. All following a yellow-beige color-scheme. Rima was a magi, but her lack of pride in the title allowed her to keep the TV there without arguing. It could as well keep her safer, as some stupid magi might conclude, “nuh, she has a TV, she can’t be magi”. The inner image was almost poetically stupid. The bed was a normal one, made for one person. Though Rima was so small, another would probably fit anyway.

In the other end, there was a kitchen complete with sink, fridge, more shelves and all the equipment one could ever imagine needing. Not really, but Rima didn’t need all that much. Not to mention she couldn’t reach up half those shelves. There was also a bathroom with a shower, but that wasn’t all that much to take notice of. The living/bed-room had windows to the outside, for whatever inconvenient reason. And that was about that. Here. The last place in which Rima would ever live before dying in this war.

‘… Does this work well enough for you?’ Rima asked her invisible companion as she took off her shoes and walked in, placing her bag of things on the couch momentarily. Rima felt tired from walking so long and doing a summoning on top of that. Currently, all her desires pushed towards just crashing into the bed over there. This bed would likely be the last bed she ever slept in. This home… would be the last home she would ever live in. She had come to this town to compete, but inevitably to die. This home would be the ship in which she sailed the ocean called time towards her fate. Really. A home to die for.

[Semiramis]

The unseen Servant kept herself near Rima all the time as they walked through Lucca. Such a delightful city, no? Assassin was indeed quite relieved for her new freedom to go and actually interact with the world outside the Throne of Heroes, even if she’s still bound to her small Master. Still, she held her burning desire to explore the place more and find something “fun” to do. There’s always time for that, no?

Ah, is that so, Little Dove? Hmm, perhaps i can allow myself to be seen for you, although i might need a veil to keep my dazzling light hidden for now. Someone as bashful as you wouldn’t like to be surrounded by my admirers, no? Too many men and women fawning over me would be quite a distraction, indeed~ She said on a half-teasing tone. The Big Sister must now play the part well to be called such, huh? Very well, if her Master wants so... Yes, yes, there is something quite amusing that Assassin could do on that regard. Oh, how she loved the kind of trickery that sprung on her mind.

As they enter Rima’s modest apartment, Assassin materializes herself after the door is closed, with a quite perceptible difference as she turns visible again. Her hair quickly changes color from the original purplish-black to a faded white while her eyes turn bright blue, much like her Master’s. Truly now she could be mistaken for her Master's big sister, if at least appearance-wise if not from their vastly different attitudes. ”My, my, isn't that of your liking, Little Dove? We now can pass as family now, no?” She gave a bright smile while walking around in the apartment, analyzing the insides. Yes, that’s quite a smallish place, no? But it’s comfortable, although all that yellow looked too tacky for Assassin’s taste. The Servant heads to the couch resting on one of the rooms and elegantly lays on top of it, looking at Rima while still flashing her confident smile. ”Ah, that will do, I guess. Not a palace or mansion but i can do with that. I believe you wouldn't mind if I brought some ‘guests’ from time to time, though. After all, I must have some fun sometimes or I’d become really cranky.” She winks while pronouncing the word ‘guests’, and it’s fairly obvious to Rima that her Servant is planning something quite naughty on that point. But it's fairly obvious that her Master is completely exhausted from the summoning, and it's a Big Sister's duty to take care of such a fragile and tired Little Dove. "Now now, let's rest for a bit. We have much to do after all, and I can't have you fainting on the middle of a walk!"

[Hakugi Rima]

... Oh, that one skill. That skill would be troublesome indeed if let to work on its own. While still outside, she thought a moment about how to respond.

Yes, if possible you should keep that skill in check. Attracting attention because of that would be even worse than attracting attention like this, because it would be obvious for our enemies it wasn’t natural. I trust you to take advantage of that skill when it is fit to do so, big sis. Rima was somewhat worried what her Servant might decide to do. It didn’t feel like she was going to take her Master’s command for everything, and she was most likely more fit to command anyways. But… but Rima needed to have her hand in somehow. She didn’t want to be powerless. Even though she knew she was.

After they had come into the house and Assassin had materialized… and left Rima staring at her in slight awe as she changed her hair and eye-color on the spot. Suddenly, the beautiful woman’s hair and eyes matched how Rima’s looked, nicely white hair and perfectly blue eyes. It… it certainly did make them look alike. But a streak of regret went through Rima as she was reminded that neither her hair nor her eyes were naturally white or blue. … Nothing else to it. Rima gave a nod towards her Servant.

‘It is… very good, big sis. That ability is going to be… most useful.’ …. Looking at the now white-haired but still beautiful woman… Rima was reminded what she could have looked if her body had developed like it should. Now she was strangely short, even for her age, and was never going to be that beautiful or developed as big sis was. Dispelling her envy since it would never amount for anything, Rima went and checked through the clothes she had at her disposal while her Servant went and checked around.

It appeared the place was good enough for big sis. Rima mentally breathed out in relief at that while she was picking up some necessities, such as toothbrush, nightgown and such… She intended to sleep a while now, after all… Rima flinched as she heard one thing her Servant said. Rima sent a surprised look at where big sis was apparently… entirely serious. The notion… upset Rima slightly by some reason, and Rima felt her cheeks flush somewhat. She would do such things in Rima’s new home…? It was not proper! She wasn’t old enough…! … But her mind soon came to terms with it. As a Servant, it was best to keep big sis in a good mood. And Rima wasn’t intending to restrict her if there were special things she wanted to do…

‘F-fine. Y-you can bring… “guests” if you want to. But don’t let them see me while you do, not unless it is the last sight they’ll ever see. I’ll… I’ll stay away while they’re here. Locked up somewhere or something…’ … Rima hadn’t prepared herself to deal with such notions on her visit here. She had steeled herself to deal with sharp weapons and magical blasts ending her life. Not… temptresses or tainted beings having their way with their prey. Rima was… feeling very afraid that big sis would somehow tell her that she’d play a part in that. Because… she didn’t want to. Those were worries for someone at least six years older than Rima…

Big sis told her to rest due to risk of fainting. ‘I intend to. So, do you require sleep or food? Or do you simply… exist, dependent on nothing but prana?’ Rima asked that while walking into the bathroom to take care of things that usually are taken care about hygiene before going to bed. While it was early, Rima had eaten a sizable lunch on her way and she didn’t feel like she needed any more until at least tomorrow. Rima was never a particularly big eater, as might be understood considering her size. After being done with brushing her teeth and undressing and dressing into her nightgown (done in the bathroom because Rima didn’t want to show herself to big sis) and assuming she wasn’t disturbed in the bathroom she’d simply walk over to the bed and lie down into it. She’d only take a bit of space on one side, as if there was someone else that were also supposed to sleep in said bed…

[Semiramis]

A pleased and mischievous smile formed on Assassin’s face after Rima’s sudden blushing. She could barely contain herself from chuckling at how her Master reacted to the teasing... Such an innocent one after all, maybe protecting her innocence is for the best, after all, rare things are to be tended and protected, such as the beautiful flowers on her ancient garden. Yet the possibility of corrupting such a rare flower was equally amusing for the Servant. Imagine how beautiful would she be stained? After all, if Semiramis could turn like Rima, Rima could turn like Semiramis, which is fair after all.

And speaking of reciprocity... ”Little Dove, don’t you have any night clothes for me? And am i to rest beside you? After all, sharing a bed is preferable than using two. There’s this lovely heat that emanate from our bodies.” Her arms do a hugging motion while explaining that. Hmm, how will Master respond to this? And it’s not like Assassin liked so spend nights alone either. Even on the (few) days that she refrained to revel in the flesh, she always was surrounded by those who comforted and warmed her during the night...

And now Little Dove tried to hurriedly respond to her remark about guests. Ah, how disappointing. It was expected that the poor girl would resist to the idea, but just asking to keep a door closed was a somewhat weak reply. Perhaps it’s Assassin’s duty to push her Master until she finds a backbone now? Or is it better to just go in the flow? Having a strong-willed person with access to Command Seals was as bad as a weak-willed one, however while the first would only hamper her entertainment and enjoyment of the current situation, the second would put the two of them at risk. ”My, my, it’s not like I’ll drag you to meet some nice boys. Unless you have something to say on that matter. After all, puberty starts at this age, no? She lifted up and started walking around the apartment, opening all closets and compartments in a quite blatant attempt to invade Rima’s privacy. ”Is there anything that fits me here? Being a few feet taller than you might not be of much help, but still...”

She then stopped her clothes search after Rima’s last question. ”Ah... Considering your current Prana supply i might not take much longer until i ‘starve’, actually.” That actually wasn’t a joke. The Servant had a quite respectable amount of Prana accumulated, but it was fairly obvious to her that her Master had not the quantity needed for her survival in more than a week, and that’s not counting the amount spent on Semiramis’ own Magecraft and Noble Phantasms. Then again, it’s just a matter of ‘refilling’ it with whatever poor sod she manages to fool to her bed, or just group a bunch of corpses if things get dire. Desperate times need desperate measures after all. ”But good food and good liquor are always pleasurable. And pleasure is something i consider myself to be quite the connoisseur, so if Little Dove finds some time to feed her Big Sis, it would be appreciated~”

[Hakugi Rima]

Rima sighed slightly when her Servant spoke of clothes for herself while she was trailing on the journey to the bathroom to get things done. Rima had thought of preparing clothes for her Servant… but there was no way she’d have known what kind of Servant she’d get. The Servant that appeared could have been anything from an impossible giant at 2.7 meters or something equally ridiculous, and even then Rima’d have absolutely no idea about the tastes of this person. So, the answer to that was unfortunately…

‘I’m sorry, big sis. There are no clothes that are prepared for you. All clothes available are… a few sizes too small. There is money to go buy some, if you want. I can keep myself awake a little while longer for that purpose. It isn’t quite bedtime yet and daytime should be safer than night for Masters.’ Though, Rima was still sure that she’d be killed regardless of day or night. But… her Servant was able to sense enemies on a distance before they could sense her. As such, merely walking around might as well be the best strategy available.

‘… I’d be relieved if you’d sleep beside me. I don’t… think I’d sleep well in a town where I know highly capable people out to kill me are around. So… if you could… please comfort me while I try to sleep. I want you to, big sis.’ Rima made sure to look roughly anywhere but at her Servant when saying this. She was embarrassed at her own request, and as such looked into a wall while saying it. The reasoning was the same as that of a small child who was afraid of sleeping alone… but that was probably exactly the case. Despite Rima’s resolution about growing up early to handle a war, she was still making a request like that. … Hypocrite…

Rima did, however, look towards her Servant to object when big sis had suggested having Rima meet some nice boys. ‘I…! I don’t…!’ But the taller woman was off opening all that could be opened, apparently in search for something she could wear. It struck Rima as slightly weird. While indeed, the place had been properly outfitted by her family before Rima’s arrival (and she had told them all to scram during the Holy Grail War to keep them out of danger), there would be nothing big sis could wear that wasn’t too small. Possibly some dress or something that would hang like a mini-skirt due to how short it was. Also, the Servant would notice that anything above 1.5 meters was decidedly completely empty. There was no point if Rima couldn’t reach it. ‘I… I doubt you’ll find something.’ Giving no specific objection to big sis opening everything, Rima simply continued the journey to go to sleep (unless answer to previous paragraph made her decide to head out to buy clothes to big sis, instead). After all... anything here was the belongings of both of them now. They were a team, and this place was for them to divide between one another. There was no problem of big sis seeking through what was hers as well...

Rima stopped what she was doing immediately upon hearing that her Servant would starve. Of course she would. Rima’s amount of prana was pathetic. Even an Assassin, the most prana-efficient class along with that mana ranking could be sustained for that long. It was… a definite problem. If Rima survived long enough, she’d lose on default? Then she might actually survive the war but lose anyway. … Not likely. Her Servant… could sustain herself. Rima was quite aware of the methods that could be used to replenish, and her Servant was… highly capable in one of those methods. But that aside… ‘… I see. Should I prepare dinner for us before going to bed?’ Rima asked, letting her eyes trail towards the refrigerator visible through the opening to the kitchen while wondering what kind of stuff her family had filled it with…

[Semiramis]

"Ah... Yes, the lack of clothes, be night or street ones, must be remedied as soon as possible. But I can't force my Little Dove to leave now, no? I am okay wearing what i have right now, although I recognize it's not possible to mingle with commoners outside with what i'm wearing right now." Assassin says while passing her fingers on the lush fur collar surrounding her neck. Indeed, she'd blend with a party of aristocrats quite well, although such trappings are completely out of place on the streets of Lucca. And well, she can always sleep without garments.

Rima's acceptance of the two of them sleeping together did caught her by surprise. Maybe she's not as shy as Assassin thought she is... Or is perhaps too innocent to notice the implications that it brought? Either way... "All right. I'll try to be as gentle as possible when the time comes. She says with a radiant smile despite the overwhelming innuendo on her voice being painfully obvious. She IS quite happy with Rima's approval, if only to shake the creeping sentiment of loneliness that encroached on her at some times, and it's obvious that the poor little girl really needs some love and protection from the impression that Assassin caught from her, with all the 'i am going to die soon'-like phrases that her Master said. Semiramis didn't had the heart to tell her that even if they were together, she lacked the strength and capacity to protect her Master from harm, specially from stronger enemies...

Unless I were to seduce them... But even than this might not work against some people. She thought to herself while giving up on trying to find any fitting clothes on Rima's drawers. Yes, those would be too short and too tight on the chest area for comfort, so wearing her dresses is a big no-no for the moment. The fact of the top ones being empty was quite amusing though, and gave Semiramis a tip on what place she'd need to hide whatever Little Dove doesn't need to see... "What's the problem? You don't fancy boys? Perhaps... Am i more of your liking~?" She said on a half-playful tone. That sort of thing was common on her time, and Assassin has indulged on that experience more than once, although her preferences were more of a masculine kind.

"Perhaps... Do you have Lamb there? Or any kind of vegetables as well, although I can have that provided if your 'refrigerator' lacks those. You could say Big Sis has permanent access to the World's largest grocer after all." The Servant chuckled as she sat on a chair near the house's dinner table, still giving a lazy look at her surroundings. Quite a cozy place, if only a bit small... It reminded Semiramis from her own childhood on a Shepherd's house, before she was thrust in a cruel world and learnt to be even crueler than it. Maybe... Maybe she's not meant to do the same to Rima. Her Master didn't deserve that kind of thing to happen to her, no more than being forced on such a deadly sport as this Grail War. Semiramis sighed as the thought lingered on her head. She'd keep her Little Dove safe... Or at least ensure she outlives her Servant. There ARE some people who deserve happiness on this world.

[Hakugi Rima]

Rima nodded as she heard her Servant speak of getting the clothes another day. It was of no consequence. Rima had a fair bit of money that had been brought. While it perhaps wasn’t all that much, it would serve for as long as this war would go on. Unless her Servant went on some kind of shopping spree, but that wouldn’t be very effective way of ensuring Rima’s victory in the war. Ensuring her victory… Something so impossible. She had been thinking that thought as if it was possible when she knew it wasn’t. Rima internally sighed. Just… just get on with life so it can end faster. ‘Alright. We’ll be shopping when morning comes, then.’

Rima had redressed into her nightgown in the bathroom during the conversation one way or another. She was intending to sleep, after all. And inside the bathroom simply to ensure the Servant didn’t see her naked. While it probably didn’t matter any since they were both female, Rima felt as if her big sister’s tainting gaze saw her body it would be tainted by the eyes alone. There was no risk of anything happening as long as the Servant knew where to draw the line, which she appeared to so fa-…

… Rima stood silent after the “be as gentle as possible” comment. The Master then swiftly pointed mercilessly at her Servant with a strangely determined and wary eyes.

‘You will sleep on the floor until you rectify that thought, big sis.’ She then resolutely closed her eyes and hoped that that would be enough to keep the dangerous Servant at bay. If verbal commands wouldn’t do it, then Rima wasn’t sure what would work… The Servant didn’t seem to find any clothes to wear. Rima’s mind started working. It would seem that big sis started paying attention to things she found amusing when bored. And unfortunately for the called “Little Dove”, her emotional status and anything about her seemed to be an ample resource for entertainment. Not good. Rima would need to find a way to keep her Servant entertained that didn’t negatively effect the Master and didn’t cost a boatload of money…

‘… I don’t have the time to fancy any boys. I am a young magus. I spend my time training Magecraft and getting ahead of life. I have never had the time to be seduced or be seducing anyone. And if anything else, nobody is interested in someone as small as me. I focus on my goal. Boys… has never been a priority, big sis. Maybe in two to four years, but not now.’ … But she’d never live to see that time. Of course, Rima wasn’t immune to romantic dreams. At times she had dreamed of some dashing prince sweeping her off her feet and carried her to wonderland… but Rima was too much of a realist to keep that up. As a magus she was undesirable, as a girl she was… small. There was no way she’d ever be loved. And now… she’d die. Die in this war of magi. … Perhaps while she still can she should allow herself to… no. Rima figured she’d still retain her dignity in death, if possible.

‘… Alright. Let me check.’ Upon hearing her Servant speak about the food, Rima walked over in nightgown to look into the fridge. … Obviously no lamb. The fridge was filled with things typically in the middle prize-range, nothing as exclusive as such. Though there was a fair share of vegetables. Wonder, would her habits when it comes to food reveal her area of origin? … No. Rima’s need to be a complete expert when it came to that to be able to get any information. And hadn’t she decided not to pry? None of it would matter when her stomach was pried open by an enemy, anyway.

‘I hope you are able to limit yourself to the foods of a somewhat lower prize-class and a not quite as skilled chef…’ Rima said as she stretched in to see what she could find in the lower areas of the fridge… [and Watcher is too lazy to imagine what would be in the fridge, since she doesn’t pay much attention to what she eats…]

[Semiramis]

Assassin puffed her cheeks and pouted after hearing Rima’s order to sleep in the floor. So her Master is now trying to humiliate her? It’s enough that she was willing to live on this run-down excuse for an apartment, but being treated as a dog instead of a queen hurt the Servant’s pride deeply. She stared at Rima with an annoyed expression on her face, crossing her arms. ”I might have to follow your orders, but be warned that this kind of stuff will not ingratiate you with me, Little Dove. If you can’t treat me with the respect i deserve, perhaps i should find a way to find a Master who can. The dark-haired Servant turned her face away from her Master, still lying on the couch while mumbling to herself about the terrible treatment she’s getting from Little Dove.

Hmph. I trained on such arts myself... And many others on a young age, but i still had time to go out and have fun. Life is short, and people should make the best with whatever little time they have. And i said before, you are quite a cute girl, i really don’t know why you think so low of yourself. All that self-pity disgusted Semiramis. It’s good to recognize your own limitations, but you do so while trying to find a way to overcome them, not to keep yourself down. Maybe she could do something about that as well. When Rima apologizes for her treatment, though, no point to help someone who doesn’t treat you like how you deserve it, that is basic common sense.

Of course, something to eat could mitigate her current grumpiness, so Assassin just carefully waited as her Little Dove went after something for her dinner. Her ears twitched at the prospect of a good meal, one of the most simple yet beloved pleasures in life. A good drink could help as well, there are so many things she would like to taste on this new world... Especially with someone else on the other side of the table, having a private dinner... Fufufu~ A slight chuckle escaped from Semiramis’ lips as imagination did the rest of the job for her. She saw some restaurants on the way to the apartments, and some had quite the delicious-looking meals on the ads. Perhaps next time she would force Rima to take her out as punishment.

My, my~ If you put a little bit of effort and love in your food, Big Sis is sure that it’s going to end up quite delicious. she quipped while still lazing around on the couch, her body completely relaxed.

[Hakugi Rima]

‘Eh.’ No. That was not right. That wasn’t what she had meant at all. She hadn’t actually intended to force her Servant to sleep on the floor. Rima’s arm quivered where it had pointed at her Servant as doubt overwhelmed her. That’s right. Big sis was from a completely different age and class. She might… not understand such things. Rima felt how she had needlessly endangered their relationship over something… not quite trivial, but still not major enough. She… she needed to rectify this at once.

‘I… I didn’t mean it like that.’ … What had she meant? It didn’t seem like anything but a straight order. ‘I was never intending to force you to sleep on the floor. It seemed like you were going to… do things to me in bed. I meant that you were to sleep on the floor until you stopped thinking like that, which I hoped to be at once. I was never intending… to make you sleep on the floor. Please forgive me, big sis…’ Rima shrunk back slightly from her Servant. She gripped ahold of her left arm with her right and gripped them both towards herself as if to hug herself with a single arm in insecurity. Her eyes looked anywhere but at her Servant. Would… it end this quickly, and because of a mistake? What would it take to rectify it? Nothing… like that, she hoped…?

Rima listened to her Servant speaking about how she put her values into having fun during their short life. To make the best out of it. Called Rima cute. Rima felt herself tighten her grip around herself (in an attempt to bind the two conversations together). Having fun. Something she had never quite been able to. Sure, there had been those times back in town where she had experienced some form of enjoyable interaction with classmates and such in school between the times her practices. But… Rima had never thought of taking use of them. In her strict life… fun had seemed so pointless. Why she thought so low of herself? Because she was the shortest person her own age she had ever heard of, because she was the worst magus she had ever heard of and because the entire world seemed hell-bent on pressing her down? … There was probably a deep mental reason for her own thought-process Rima concluded, but she wouldn’t be able to do anything about it at this stage. She would be dead in not too long anyway… Oh, wasn’t that exactly the thought-process which…? Rima chose to remain silent…

Later, by the fridge Rima gave quick glances at her big sis while looking at the fridge and picked out ingredients. Taking a tactically placed short chair Rima could reach up to almost normal human length for cooking. Despite being so small, Rima was actually kind of good at this. She had learned. And learning was at least something Rima was good at. Not that it mattered in the world of magecraft when her prana value was so low, but… it was something. A while later, Rima was done and delivered the food to the table. Some kind of vegetable stew. She had requested vegetables, after all.

‘I hope it is to your liking.’ And if it isn’t I hope the consequences won’t be too expensive, Rima thought silently to herself.

[Semiramis]

Hmm, now things got a bit more interesting. Semiramis smiled while turning herself to Rima, locking her eyes with the ones of her Master, even if the small white-haired girl tried to avoid her stare. Maybe she was a bit too harsh on the poor child considering her desire to make good with her own Servant. Ah, it really can't be helped, and Assassin sighed before lifting herself from the couch, approaching Rima and patting her head. "My, my, it's all okay now, Little Dove. I admit that my teasing may not have been in very good taste, but I never wanted to embarrass or make you feel this way. If there's something that Big Sis can do to apologize, you are free to tell me what." She then spread her arms and gave Rima a long and gentle hug, still gently patting her Master's head while holding the girl in an embrace.

Ah, so I'm getting maternal again... Yes, this girl could be the daughter that i never had time to raise... No, no, that kind of thought is... Unacceptable, you remember what happened the last time you tried to raise a child. Semiramis thought to herself as she opened her arms. It's... Yes, it's not time to assign emotions that might backfire on you later. To feel protective of someone whose life guarantees her own continued existence on the mortal world is something, but to think herself as this girl's mother... It really was a stupid idea to ask the girl to call her Big Sister. This kind of sentimentalism always managed to hit the Servant where it hurt the most, and to assign so much importance to something this frail was beyond any kind of logic.

Yet then again, Semiramis was not the kind of person to follow cold logic... The exact opposite, she is a creature of passion, and would that passion end up creating other kind of love? And even if she hated what Ninyas has become, Assassin always wondered, what if she raised her child better? What if she cared for him more than her manifold lovers? Maybe he wouldn't hate and betray her... Remorse and resentment gnawed further on Semiramis' mind, and she found herself unable to keep the happy facade she used to keep Rima think everything was okay. A tiny tear dropped from the Servant's left eye, quickly falling from her cheek into the ground. Thank goodness that the girl was too busy cooking to notice that... It would raise too much questions from her Master, and Assassin wasn't in the mood to answer them.

"T-Thank you. Assassin almost choked on her own voice while picking while picking the plate that Little Dove served her, yet trying to keep her cryptic smile. She deftly took the knife and fork and carefully tasted the stew. It was... More than acceptable, quite good indeed! Not at the same level of the feasts she held on her previous time, but it was definitely not something you would serve the livestock. The Servant elegantly cut and picked tiny vegetable parts, thoroughly tasting them as she put each of the parts in her mouth, one at a time. "Aren't you eating with me, Little Dove?" She said after politely wiping her own mouth with a napkin, her form and etiquette at the dinner befitting someone as regal as herself.

[Hakugi Rima]

… Oh. Rima realized she might have made… another mistake when her now white-haired Servant turned towards her with a smile. Soon big sis had sighed, lifted herself to her feet and come over to pat the outstandingly short Master. So… they had both misunderstood each other. Or had Rima been the only one? It didn’t really matter. She was fine… for now. Big sis embraced her Little Dove and told her that if there was anything she could do for Rima then the smaller female could tell her it. Rima, who was currently just happy big sis wasn’t going to abandon her just because of a poor choice of words, couldn’t think of any right now. So… ‘… I’ll save that for when I can think of something, big sis.’ Then Rima just relaxed in the embrace until it let go…

… This individual. This hero of the past. She was dangerous and capable. Rima posed a threat as long as big sis existed. At the same time, they needed to slay opponents. This was a war. Rima was frightened. Naturally, this was the perfect description of a situation to be frightened in. She would have to trust her big sis with all she had. The feelings of necessity which the smaller girl had became aware of since the short moment Rima had thought she lost her Servant’s favor swelled within her. … This was… this was not the time for that. They needed one another to continue this War. … The Master more than the Servant, but… Rima could only hope to remain in her Servant’s favor, so each moment big sis comforted her felt way too relieving…

When Rima later served the food it would appear it was appreciated. At least, no complaints. On the question if she was not eating too, Rima simply went and got her own plate as well. She had in fact made for both of them, it was just that the Servant’s thoughts on the food was more important than making sure the Master had something to eat at the time. Rima took her own set of cutlery and started eating her own food, staring intently at her Servant for signs of liking or disliking the food. It… well, it went down… In any case. Then there was… that part. Rima needed to ask…

‘… Big sis.’ Rima stopped eating her food half-way, staring at her partner in the war. ‘I know roughly due to your class, but I need to know roughly what abilities you possess. I know you didn’t want me to know your name just yet, but I do need to know under what circumstances you’d prefer to confront an enemy. Can you tell me?’ … Despite being so young and tiny, she knew about tactics and what was necessary to win in a war such as this. Even if she was doomed to die… she wouldn’t go down crying about it just yet. Who knows? Maybe she’ll even drag one of the enemies with her.

[Semiramis]

'Save that for later'? It looks like Semiramis now owes her little Master a favor, and the Servant wonders if that was either an innocent blunder or a clever ploy from the Little Dove. Hah... It would surprise her if the second guess was correct, and she would respect her tiny Master much more if she was capable of deceit with that kind of cutesy behavior. For now, however, better not to jump to conclusions.

Ah, so Little Dove wants to know her Sister's abilities? Well, that is an obvious course of action, so cooperating is for the best now. Assassin puts her fork and knife on the now-empty plate. "Very well, Master. As you know, Big Sis is from the Assassin Class. That means that... Well, i am not one who could win against most Servants on a one-on-one fight, and in fact, that is something we should really avoid." She says while caressing her now-white hair with a somewhat distracted look on her face. "I can hide in the shadows all right, but my best chance of infiltration is by disguising myself as someone else... Just like i have shown you before." The Servant chuckles while lifting up from the table, her right hand scratching the wood while leaving a black residue from it. "And... There is that power of mine. It's my main Noble Phantasm, the strongest poison i crafted in my lifetime, able to liquidate even frailer Servants... And everything weaker than them in a matter of seconds. I can make use of other poisons as well, it is one of my many areas of expertise. Magecraft, Botany, Medicine and many other ones are within my range of knowledge as well, Little Dove. And of course, there is another Phantasm i own, although i'd rather not display it now. Just know that it allows Big Sis to have access to many kinds of herbs and plant life known in my time."

And with that explanation done, Assassin crashes back at her couch, her arms spread alongside it as she crosses her legs and gives Rima a wily look. "I have given you that information in exchange of that meal of yours. Whether you are able to guess my identity based on it is entirely up to you." She says while her self-satisfied tone indicates that Assassin is more amused than annoyed at the prospect of her real name being discovered.

[Hakugi Rima]

Rima listened to Big Sis words about her own skills. Yes, they were pretty much what she had figured them being. Her Noble Phantasm… poison… an Assassin indeed. But… how would they poison their enemies? To be able to do that they first needed to locate their enemies. Also, herbs and plants? Rima assumed this simply meant that she had available cures and delicacies or poisons from many plants. But if it was a Nable Phantasm… Rima didn’t have any way of knowing. She could only hope that it was effective enough to be able to assist them in a time of need. For now… the plan seemed really simple.

‘… So we walk about town until we notice enemies, which we hope we’ll do before they notice us because you’re an Assassin and I can barely be noticed as a magus at all. When we locate one, you’ll use your abilities to find more information on the individual and finally find an opening to eliminate the Master. When you run out of energy due to my inferior amount of prana you’ll refuel in the way you do it best. If everything goes as planned we’ll never once encounter a Servant face-to-face. If we are noticed we… flee.’ … Rima sat silent, looking down at her not entirely fully eaten plate. As far as she knew, neither of them had any good fleeing capabilities compared to other Servants or Masters.

‘That’s… about that, isn’t it.’ It was difficult coming up with plans with the resources at hand. Rima knew a poor situation when she knew one. Out there were probably giants like Hercules, Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, who knew who else. Here Rima was with the only Servant who could be supported by her own prana for even a while, and Big Sis would have been better off with anyone else, as well. A single hero out there with the wrong ability would spell their doom. Rima sighed, looking determinedly down. They’d die. She just knew it.

Rima could have attempted predicting Big Sis identity, but… she was rather depressed at the moment. Then… her expression took a slightly annoyed turn. Why was she in this spot? Why was she naturally short? Why was her prana count so small? It was like reality itself was mocking her. Her little personal bout of anger as she had finished considering her current position was probably highly visible from her Big Sis point of view. But it wasn’t her Rima was annoyed with. It was… the world itself…

‘Big Sis…’ Rima was trying her best to sound… normal. ‘Why was I born so pathetic? It is not fair. If I were stronger, your chance of winning would be… much better…’ Her eyes were becoming teary again. Stop that, eyes. This is no time to cry. You’re trying to plan for the future so you don’t… get killed. You’ll be killed. Be killed… ‘… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you such a question.’ Rima would then stand up and start walking to bed unless stopped, leaving her plate on the table with a fair part left…

[Semiramis]

"Oh, that sounds like the correct course of action, Little Dove. Cautious enough to not trigger any unpleasant surprises, but gives us enough room to scout and analyze new possibilities. That is, of course, if you think that prowling around for prey is a good idea at all. We could as well just try to lay low and conserve our energy in the defensive, and take down the last people standing after all this unpleasant War." Assassin says while shrugging. The many issues that the two of them were facing right now clearly made things really difficult for them. Her Little Dove should know that the hunter many times become the hunted, and without many ways to prowl around for those who look dangerous? Well, that increased the danger factor by a great amount.

Still, she couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed at the small girl's dismayed expression. Is she going to waver between confidence and fear all the time? This is starting to get on Assassin's nerves, and she shows some of that annoyance, tapping her foot on the ground while Rima continued to wallow on doubt and self-loathing.

"Little Dove. I can't answer on whether fate or the gods hate you for making you the way you are, but..." Well, phrasing this will be a bit difficult. Semiramis was born with the full potential of greatness inside her body, and trying to relate or even maintain a dialog with someone like Rima was too difficult for her on this context. Still, it was her job to try and keep her Master from being too downcast, no? "Oh for the sake of... No. To be honest, your strength is no more of an influence to my success than today's weather. Even were I the Servant of the World's greatest Magus, or from a mere scarecrow, that would not change the fact that -I- am the Servant that will have a wish granted. However, if you are still afraid, you are completely free to surrender your Command Spells, and I shall go and find someone more willing to become my Master. With or without you, this Assassin is going forward. Now, Hakugi Rima, are you sure you have the strength... The real strength, the one from your convictions, to move forward?"

No more coddling and sweetened words. Assassin laid nothing more than the bare truth to Little Dove.

[Hakugi Rima]

Big sis added her own thoughts to the strategy which Rima had outlined. But… the strategy Rima had said was also pretty much the only one they had so far. Something others than her would be able to do much better than her, but it was the only one strategy Rima could do. Except for trying to rally her enemies with guile and wits to eliminate one another on her behalf, and then eliminate the last herself. But… that… how would she do that…? First, she’d have to find out who her enemies were… and then figure out how to turn them against each other without having them turn on Rima. She didn’t voice this thought. Not at the moment. It was too obvious. She’d voice it when the time had come. So she didn’t have to think too much before that.

Rima was slightly surprised. Her Servant openly declared she was the one Servant that would get her wish. Rima turned her head towards her big sis, and watched her intently with her own version of an unchanging expression. She’d win? She’d defeat all her enemies? Every Master and possibly even the other six classes? Rima didn’t want to doubt her Servant, but unfortunately that was exactly what she did at the moment. Then… her Servant said that if Rima was unwilling then she’d find someone more willing. And then that question… did she had conviction to move forward. Rima had stopped trying to walk to bed, and just looked at her Servant a moment…

‘… I am not giving up these.’ Rima held up the hand with her seals, in a decided movement in which she also turned her entire body towards Assassin. ‘My fate has guided me to this location. In my life, I have been able to do nothing but obey the rules of everyone else. In my birth I was too weak to accomplish anything. My life will not continue that way. I refuse to let it continue like that. If you are able to share a piece of that wish, I’d like to change my fate. I’m… NOT… going to just surrender. If I die or live… comes second. Big sis. I am your Master. If you are going to win, you are going to do it with me. Do you understand?’ She wasn’t very confident of winning, in fact she was pretty sure she’d die, but currently… Rima was absolutely not intending on giving up. Call it her own stupid pride, foolish determination or anything. But that was how she was going to compete in this war.

[Semiramis]

Assassin smiled as she heard Rima's determined speech. That is the reaction she expected from the small girl, and it was not that hard to goad her into that statement. It was a gamble though, and she would be really disappointed if her Master actually chose to relinquish her participation on the Holy Grail War. In a way, Semiramis is actually quite proud of her headstrong and determined Master who had not given up on her decision even after such disadvantage, and lets Rima know that by giving a sincere smile, her radiant beauty magnifying the intensity of it. "Fufufu~ Now that's more like it, Little Dove. That attitude is more commendable, although you do know some caution is required, no? It doesn't matter, as long as you command me well, this Servant will follow your every whim and order... Even if it's a private kind." She lets out a sly chuckle after the last two words, lifting herself while putting her arms around Rima on a protective embrace.

"I said it before, just leave it to Big Sis and all will end well. Now, will you be a good girl and go to sleep? I want to see you well tomorrow, we have much to do by then." She said with a kind tone on her voice while leading her Master to the bedroom while ignoring the dishes above the table. That can wait for later, there are other things to do by now.

[Hakugi Rima]

... Ah. It appeared her speech had been... successful. The Servant smiled at her, which made Rima slightly unsure if she had just brightened her mood with her determination or simply played into the Servant’s trap to make her own Master more determined. Either way, it currently appeared that the Servant was now going to allow her Master to lead. … Good. That was good. Rima lowered her Command Seal hand while breathing out a bit in relief. … She didn’t quite like what might be implied by the “private kind” of whims and orders, but… The little Master was still quite relieved over being embraced by her Servant. It was a signification of being protected. And Rima felt she needed it. Any protection at all. It was all she needed. The feeling of protective arms binding themselves around her, warming her… she could get used to this feeling…

‘… Yes, big sis.’ … Good girl. Yes, like a good girl the Master allowed herself to be led by her Servant to the bedroom in order to go to bed. They had left all the dishes behind, which somewhat conflicted with her inner peace but Rima let it go for now. Because… she needed to sleep. And after having slept, the War would truly begin. Truly… they would go up against foes far out of their league. How would they fare? Probably poorly, but that was to be seen for later. Their greatest advantage was not being sensed. … Which is done best when you are not tired from not sleeping. So… sleep. That was the number one priority right now. And with that, Rima went over to the bed and crawled down into it, spreading the covering aside, rolling herself into position on one side of the bed, leaving room on the other side. Silently she looked over at her big sis…

‘Will you sleep beside me?’ Rima asked, letting a bit of vulnerability into her voice. She had lived her entire life having to harden herself due to the tasks before her. It was rare… that she had the time to sound vulnerable. Rima was always vulnerable, but… she could never show it. There was nobody to protect her, and showing it would only make it worse. But… big sis. She could allow some for big sis. Just because… big sis. Big sis. ‘Big sis?’

[Semiramis]

Assassin can't help but give a pleased face at Rima when she asks for the two of them to sleep together, giving a slight blush. "Oh Little Dove, of course i can. Why would i deny that request of yours? Very well then, let us wait for tomorrow." She says while elegantly dispelling her clothes into thin air, sliding under the bed's sheets while her arms wrapped around her Master's body. To Rima it appeared that she was strangely warm to the touch, for someone with such a chilly countenance... Perhaps it's the warmth of someone who knew the embrace of many others before her Little Dove, and tried to share the undying love of all that is beautiful and good with the world, even if it ended up to be a corrupt and filthy kind of love.

And yet, she still couldn't help but regret how the World came to know her... Not as a Queen who led her countrymen with wisdom and cunning, but as a depraved harlot who devoured men and women alike with her perversions. She dreaded what would her Little Dove think if her real identity was discovered, and what would that mean to the relationship that the two of them had by now... Yes, that only rekindled Assassin's determination of keeping her true name under secret. And anyway, she enjoyed greatly being called 'Big Sis'. Such an endearing nickname, she thought.

And so the day ended.