Fate/Broken Melody: Chapter 1

Silence.

Was this death?

When I looked around, all I could see was inky darkness. Not like a dimly lit cave, but as if I was put into the night sky. With every star and light turned off as if to deny me a guide.

How strange. Even in the bowels of Hades there was still light. Yet here there was none.

Had I become blind? But if that were the case, then why was it when I walked I never felt anything? Why did I not hear anything? Why was it when I looked down, there was nothing there?

It was confusing. It was disturbing. Yet at the same time, it felt as if it almost made calming amount of sense. There was a comfort in this plane of existence. Of feeling the dysphoria of being both dead and alive.

It felt like a realm of dichotomies. That both existed and yet didn't at the very same time. Time seemed to pass, and yet it didn't. I seem to move, and yet I also was not.

After what felt like both an eternity and a blink of an eye, a voice called out. One that stole my attention in it's tone. In it's very nature of being a voice.

The voice had a story within it. Of pain and heartbreak. Of love and loss. Of betrayal and bitterness.

It did not say any of these things, but it didn't need to. Such things were simply self evident in people's voices. There was nothing that could truly relay the thoughts and feelings of another person than their own voice. Their own personal rhythm and song.

So when I heard the voice that seemed to be calling out for help, my heart went out to them.

And slowly but surely my hand did as well…
My mind felt as though a bucket of cold water was splashed onto it as knowledge that wasn't my own went through. Time had passed since I existed, since I once lived. The world was now a very different place.

Buildings reached upwards into the sky, as if to cut the very clouds themselves. People now wore such strange garbs, and were much less reverent to the gods. This land was vastly different and far away from the place I had once called home.

The information was like a book. Stating facts as if I was reading them directly from one. Yet instead of giving me a ton of answers, it felt more and more as if it was giving me a lot of questions.

But there was no time to focus on that. As I had materialized into the world of the living once more.

I blinked slowly before turning around to face my master who had summoned me, only to see a figure shrouded by a purple cloak. Leaving me to blink rapidly as she made the first move by extending her hand. The marks of the command seal clear as day on top of it.

It also became rather clear that I had not been summoned by a true master, but rather another servant.

Which was…interesting.

"Rise Assassin, and help me achieve victory in the holy grail war."

Well. My work seemed to be cut out for me, wasn't it?

Especially considering I wasn't exactly good at any of that war business. But even so…I'd try my best.

With a sincere smile, I took the hand of my master. As I got a bit closer, I started to realize why that cloak and figure seemed so…familiar…

"…Medea? Is that you?"



*~o~*

A Japanese temple was just the strangest thing. It was different than anything back in Greece, and their shrines couldn't even be compared.

There were no columns. No great depictions of the gods or any sort of deity really. Yet the people here were nonetheless pious in their own way. Keeping their beliefs alive and well in the modern era.

It was quite beautiful really.

In a foreign land there were many strange sights that not even the grail could prepare me for. How beautiful the local foliage was. The buildings that were so paper thin with foreign architecture. Even the people were more attractive on average.

Though perhaps that was due to bathing and other sources to improve hygiene being more prevalent than in my time.

"Hey Medea, will the-"

I was interrupted by the cold and crisp voice of my master who answered without turning back to look at me.

"Caster. Refer to me as Caster, not Medea or Master. The less our enemies know, the better."

For a brief moment I felt lightly hurt, before she added the second part. She was obviously a bit more…different than I remember. Even so, there was still the old Medea buried somewhere within.

"Of course, Caster."

The word felt all too familiar on my tongue despite having never said it once in my life. Then again, I was also speaking a language completely foreign to my own. So maybe that wasn't too strange by itself.

"There are some supplies in town that I will need you to pick up for me. Make sure you aren't spotted and do nothing to draw attention to yourself."

Medea stated, before slowly turning to the side. Allowing me to see just one eye that gazed with an almost cool indifference.

"Understood?"

"Understood."

I nodded back seriously. She was rather cautious in her actions. Obviously winning meant a lot to her. It also spoke to what she had been through…

Well…I could understand that. Heartbreak wasn't something that was gotten over easily after all. Yes, I understood that rather intimately…even if it was very different.

Heartbreak was still heartbreak after all.

As Medea turned away, my determination was renewed. I had a purpose here beyond just some magical wish granting grail. One that was perhaps even greater than that.

To help an old friend.



*~o~*




The modern era was fascinating.

"Ah! I heard about these…a vihuela, correct?"

I asked the shopkeeper, who gave me a rather peculiar look as I examined his wares. Medea's orders came first of course, but it wasn't as if the local shops were going anywhere, were they?

Besides, how could I resist the allure of music? The rhythm and sound that brings humanity together? The very essence of what makes us, us?

"Uh dude…it's a guitar."

The shopkeeper helpfully supplied. Causing me to nod my head seriously. It was interesting just how many more instruments have been made since my time on this earth. How many new sounds have been discovered? How many new melodies created and played?

"Would you be willing to trade for this guitar?"

The shopkeeper frowned at my words before cautiously answering.

"…It's worth around three grand."

"Would a performance be adequate?"

Instead of answering, the shopkeeper simply looked at me with a slightly open mouth. As if he couldn't comprehend what I had just said. Leading me to pull out my lyre.

After plucking a few strings, it was rather easy to fall into old habits. My eyes closed as the music washed over me. There wasn't a need to even think about what I was doing, where my fingers were at, or to keep check of the tempo.

The song simply flowed through me. The notes, the cadence, and the tempo. They were all things that were just felt.

I wasn't playing the song, the song was playing me. My heartbeat was simply along for the ride of the melody.

My eyes opened with a start as I realized I had fallen into a bit of a trance. It would seem I had been playing for quite a while. About half an hour by my estimate, give or take a few minutes.

I smiled at the shopkeeper who's head was resting in his hands on the counter. His eyes locking with my own. His entire posture much more relaxed than it had been previously.

"So? How was it?"

"…That was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard."

Ah, that was much more embarrassing of a compliment than I had been expecting. Even if he did slur his words a bit. I felt my cheeks get a little hot at that.

"Why thank you. That's very kind of you to say."

For several minutes the two of us simply stood there. Staring at each other for quite awhile saying nothing. Until finally I decided that being too polite wasn't the move here.

"So…the vi-guitar, may I have it?"

"Yes, of course…"

The shopkeeper said tonelessly, causing my small smile to widen in excitement. Offering a small pat on his shoulder as I took the guitar from right beside him.

"You are a generous man. The gods will surely bless you one day."

He simply blinked slowly at me in response. Well, that was to be expected. I had forgotten that this wasn't Greece after all. So I simply thanked him again, this time with wording that was a bit simpler before leaving.

Now, it was time to get Medea's...was that an aulos? But why did it look so…strange?

…This needed to be investigated.

*~o~*

Things had gotten a bit out of hand, that much I could admit. But that was just how these things go. Plans never go as planned. True, genuine foresight was something only given to the gods. It was foolish to even think something like that was possible for a mere mortal such as myself. To approach the realm of gods…well, I was not nearly arrogant enough to commit such an act.

Yes, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that my very actions are a show of piety. For what else could this be called than simply following the road of fate handed down to me by the gods? If it is their command, who was I to disobey?

That is all to say that the actions that were taken in order to get me on top of a stage in a local bar were completely unavoidable.

A microphone in one hand, and a guitar in the other. A small crowd of people staring up at me expectantly. The aroma of alcohol wafting through the building.

In truth all that was missing was the rocking of a ship and it would have reminded me of the Argo.

The words that poured out of my mouth were utterly foreign to these people, but it didn't matter. Music transcended language. Every human had a heart that beat like a drum. A mouth that could sing. Hands that can pluck a string.

It wasn't a stretch to say that to be receptive to music was to be human.

Glasses of wine and beer flowed through the crowd as they found their own place with the rhythm. Even I was given a drink to both quench my thirst and wet my throat. Leading me to thank the kind red hair boy who had delivered them.

It took a little over an hour for me to finally finish up. The crowd had been too pleased and excited for more. Faced with such sincerity, who was I to deny them?

Eventually however, enough was enough. There was a time and place for everything, and I knew when to call it quits. When to really put my foot down and finally get a move on.

Sure, the bar was also closing at the same time, but that hadn't effected my decision, really. Even if it was formed after the fact.

…All that mattered was that I had the thought to begin with.

It took several minutes for me to gather everything I had gotten on this shopping trip onto my back and into my arms. In truth it was starting to become a bit…burdensome. There wasn't really anymore room, and the afternoon had already faded into night.

It was time to start making my way back to the temple with what Medea had asked. As well as a few personal belongings and gifts that had also been picked up on the way.

As I exited the bar, I noticed several of the previous occupants of the bar going across the street in a group. They were heading the same way, so I didn't think much of it. At least until they diverged into another similar looking bar.

As the doorway opened, a smaller stage was revealed. With what seemed like a group of musicians on top of it. Playing some sort of strange but alluring song with instruments completely foreign to my ears.

…Reconnaissance. This was a type of reconnaissance. Besides, I'll only stay for a few minutes…at most!




*~o~*



The steps up to the temple were as laborious as Sisyphus's task to push a boulder up the hill. With every step my body protested with the movement. Balance had to be maintained perfectly or everything would unravel and be cast down the stone steps.

Something that was made only more difficult by the bright light of the rising sun. Piercing through the skies and into my very skull. As if even Apollo was attempting to put me to task.

But I endured.

With every step I got closer and closer to my goal. It mattered not if it was an inch or a mile. Progress was made towards my destination. That was the only thing that mattered.

My arms ached as I got closer to the top. Sweet whispers formed in my own mind. Telling me just how easy it would be to just drop what I had. To just take a break and rest for only a few seconds.

Yet the closer the peak came, the easier it was to ignore them. To push forward and achieve my goal. My destiny.

After finally taking that final step, a wave of relief washed over me. Allowing me to finally relax my arms, if only for a moment.

And a moment was all I had, as I noticed Medea staring me down mere feet away. In my panic, what I had been carrying fell out of my hands, falling to the ground below. Most of which fell to the ground next to or in front of me.

…but there were some that fell behind. Clattering down each of the steps as the journey was undone for them.

For a moment nothing was said. Medea said nothing, and I simply stood there. Not cringing at all while waiting to see what she had to say. Eventually I decided that it was better to make the first move than simply respond to it.

"…I have returned with what you have asked."

I informed her, causing Medea to narrow her eyes before turning around. Nodding her head in an almost imperceptible manner.

"Bring it with you and follow me. Leave the rest."

I nodded before safely placing what hadn't crashed against the ground down and following after Medea. Something that required a bit of jogging due to how quickly she moved.

It was unsurprising, she always did have rather long legs.

Uh…not that I had actually paid attention to them or anything. Or rather, I hadn't especially paid attent-mmm. I think I was going to stop that thought there before I dug an even deeper hole for myself.

As Medea lead me deeper into the temple, I couldn't help but notice just how many monks were now up and walking around. Taking care of the place while completely ignoring us. Even going so far as to get out of our way when we came near.

Likely some sort of enchantment placed by her, if I had to guess. They completely ignored the two of us as we crossed several hallways. Even when we strode straight through several that were having a conversation their eyes didn't budge even slightly.

Eventually Caster led me near the back of the temple. In a room that was in a lower level than the base floor. I paused a bit after seeing the sole occupant of the room.

A rather handsome tan skinned man that was tied to a chair. His blonde hair fell around the sides due to his slumped posture. There was light in his eyes as they peered aimlessly into a corner. Drool dribbled down his chin leaving a wet stain on his nice looking suit.

Medea took the box that I had provided before opening it and putting it next to the listless man.

This seemed like a good time to speak up.

"Uh, If I may be so bold as to ask, who's this?"

Medea didn't turn back to face me. Instead the corner of her lip raised up in amusement before quickly lowering.

"My master. Or perhaps it would be better to call him the man who had simply summoned me. It's not like he has any real authority anymore after all."

I hummed in response. Not really sure of what to say. Medea continued, placing a hand on his cheek.

"Even so, he's still rather useful. If only as a source of mana."

Ah. Well. Medea had always been a bit…peculiar and ruthless to her enemies. That much hasn't changed, but it definitely seems to have increased a bit.

I could only imagine what the man must have done for him to be punished like so.

"Assassin."

My body found itself standing at attention before even my own mind.

"Yes M-Caster?"

I quickly corrected myself before finishing. Medea stood up before turning to face me. A rather dour look on her face. One that I was starting to think was almost a new permanent fixture.

"I need you to watch the steps up to the temple for a few days. I will be focusing on gathering mana and shoring up our defenses. Make sure to stop…or at least slow down any servant you come across."

My head bowed in response.

"Understood."

Hopefully it wouldn't come to that. This was a war of heroes, was it not? Perhaps they'd be more inclined as to talking things out? Surely they wouldn't be so barbaric or bloodthirsty enough to demand to spill blood.

At the very least fighting could be done in an orderly and fair manner. One that would leave everyone at least satisfied with how things go down.

…Then again, Medea was an Argonaut through and through. And with the Argonauts nothing was ever that simple.

Ah, it seems that the gods were going to be testing me.



*~o~*



Watching the gate was something I had done with a certain amount of stoicism. Why wouldn't I? It was the only job I had, and it kept everyone safe.

It was important.

But it was also incredibly boring. So much so that by the third hour I felt like my body was decaying where it sat. Like the man Caster kept in the back of the temple.

Just the mere thought of him caused me to feel rather uncomfortable. Pushing me to once again guard the gate with zeal.

…For the better part of an hour.

What man can just sit still and watch paint dry? It was maddening to just do nothing and continue to count the seconds that rushed by. Something had to give eventually.

…Come to think of it, Medea said she was going to solely focus on her task at hand, did she not? Then did that mean she was skipping meals? Even if we didn't actually need to eat, it was still beneficial for us to do so. Marginally, but even so.

No one should go hungry.

With my mind made up, I sat up from the steps before brushing off my knees and turning right around. Heading straight for the kitchen in the temple. Which…took some time in trying to find.

I had actually found it several times, but walked right past due to how barren it was. Rice wasn't a new concept, but having it be such a main part of a dish as was expected of this culture was.

It also didn't really sound very appetizing.

Thankfully there was some raw fish in storage that I was able to procure and cook. While there wasn't any Argonaut who didn't know how to cook fish, I had a bit more confidence than most. As I was to help cook most of the meals for when I served with them.

The fish were a bit different than I was used to, but in the end there wasn't too much of a difference in cooking it. What did need to be added or adjusted was noted for next time.

The spice rack was also rather barren, but thankfully there were some herbs meant for burning that I was able to repurpose as seasoning. Perhaps I should also look into gathering herbs in the wilds later.

Or maybe buy those that have already been harvested?

Well, that would have to come later. For now, I will deal with what I have.

It took several minutes to find Caster due to being unfamiliar with the temple's layout. Not to mention she didn't actually mention where she would be.

As she seemed rather focused on her ritual, I knocked lightly on the door. As she didn't respond immediately, I decided to follow up by taking a step into the room.

"I thought you might not have eaten yet, so I made you a meal."

Caster didn't so much as look up as she continued what she was doing.

"We do not need to eat, Assassin."

I frowned at that.

"Well sure, but you also don't need to talk or wear clothes."

Caster paused at that. Looking over in my direction with her face obscured by her hood. I had to think about it for a few seconds before finally realizing how that could have sounded.

"Wait, no. That came out wrong!"

I immediately began to speak up, only to be waved away by Caster who had started to walk towards me.

"I know what you meant. You are unfortunately correct. It would be best for me to save as much mana as possible."

She took the plate from my hands causing me to smile slightly. Even if it was in a slightly rough manner. Once again the Medea I knew shined through as her royal mannerisms in terms of eating took ahold. Cleanly and regally cutting into the meal and taking bites out of it.

"Should I play some music to-"

"No."

Just as I pulled out my lyre I was immediately shot down. Causing me to frown slightly before having it disappear back into my robes. For several minutes I simply stood there as Caster continued to consume the meal.

Only after the fact did she speak up. Likely another such manner she had picked up due to her upbringing.

"…Your skills have improved."

I nodded at that.

"Oh yes. I actually used to cook all the time for Eury-"

I stopped, before having to close my eyes. Shame, guilt, and despair all hitting me relentlessly as she came to the forefront of my mind. I took a step back before quietly looking away.

Caster turned towards me and seemed to be examining my expression rather closely. She folded her fingers loosely before speaking.

"…Do you think of her often?"

"…I do."

I confessed, a pit felt as if it had opened up inside my chest and was devouring everything within it's reach. Yet I felt no pain. Just a simple numbness.

As the situation was starting to get more than a bit uncomfortable, I decided to switch the topic back onto Medea herself.

"What about you?"

Caster's voice immediately became a bit more guarded.

"What about me?"

"Do you…think of J-"

Caster's hand slammed into the table below her. Causing me to jump slightly at the sudden movement. She said nothing, simply glaring over at the direction I stood.

Well, that could have definitely been worded better.

I decided discretion was the better part of valor, and started to slowly extradite myself out of the situation.



*~o~*



Medea PoV


Orpheus. Son of the muse Calliope and the thracian king Oeagrus. A legendary musician who had the ability to charm even a rock. A member of the Argonauts, under that disgusting wretch of a man.

Perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised that I summoned someone who I had some ties to in the past. Without using a catalyst for the summons, it would seem that I myself became one instead.

It was a stretch to say I was actually well acquainted with any of the argonauts. Or that I was even friends with any of them.

Even so, there were several that I was more closely connected to than others.

Heracles for one. He was the one who was the closest to him. Likely due to how useful he was to have around. His strength and power were legendary, that much was for certain.

Below him would have been the hunter, Atalanta. While we didn't have many conversations together, we were both usually kept in the rear during battles. Then right below her would have been Orpheus.

He had been the complete opposite of Atalanta in many ways. Whereas she was stoic and quiet, he was excitable and loud. Constantly playing songs and singing for almost the entire time he was there.

Back then I had thought nothing of it. Only when I looked back on it did I realize how much of annoyance he had been.

…Even so, he was rather useful.

There were three types of situations the Argonauts had to contend with. The first was those that needed to be physically overcome. Heracles and the others were quite good at that.

The second type was situations that needed to be solved with magic instead of brute force. Naturally I was the best one for those types of scenarios.

And the third type was situations that couldn't be overcome physically or magically. Those were well suited for Orpheus. The man who was loved by all of Greece. Indeed, possibly the entire world.

He would make an excellent pawn.

But there was something…off about him. It was likely due to how he's changed as a person after his own legend. His eyes seemed to have lost a bit of it's luster, and his movements seem a bit more subdued than usual.

It also didn't help that I had next to no information about him. Honestly, what kind of presence concealment skill doesn't even allow his master to see anything about him? If I hadn't even been the one to summon him I might not have even recognized him as a servant.

Despite being a bit annoying, he was at least low maintenance. Capable of supplying himself with prana from the surroundings instead of solely from what I could give him.

Still, I couldn't help but wish I had gotten someone more physically capable.

But there was no use crying over it. The gods have always made my life as hard as possible, so why would that change?

It didn't matter. Sooner or later I'd get what I'd want.

The holy grail would be mine, even if I had to kill and betray everyone to get it. Because that was just who I was.

Medea, the witch of betrayal.



*~o~*


Orpheus PoV

The night life of Fuyuki was mesmerizing. The occasional chirps from the birds and the rustling in the brush from the wildlife moving around. Ah…how fearless they were. Foraging for food in the heart of the land of man.

What brave creatures. Even in the smallest of actions I saw distinct changes from my own time. In ancient Greece animals wouldn't have nearly been brave enough to take to the streets. Strolling around without a care in the world.

For they would have simply been seen as meat. Food for whoever could capture and find them first. Yet the people of today didn't seem to really forage their own food very often. Leaving them to be mostly ambivalent towards the animals.

It was quite nice to see.

The people of today were weak. There was little muscle to go around, and none seemed to even wear armor. The threats out in the world had simply been conquered long ago. Defeated. Smashed. Vanquished.

It was beautiful to see this new found lack of fear in the face of death, from both humanity and animals alike.

Ah…death…

…Was there anything more disgusting? Revolting? Repulsive?

Just thinking about it was enough to make me itch. As if my body was to break out in hives. My fingers scraping away at my clothes and bare skin in an attempt to soothe the feeling.

But there was no soothing it. Not really.

What a loathsome word. What a putrid idea. I would never question the wisdom of the gods. If they had allowed DEATH to exist there must have been a reason. There had to be.

I sighed. With my exhale, the weight of the world finally fell off of my shoulders and back onto Atlas.

Ah…Medea not allowing me to play any music was starting to affect me mentally. Ahhh! I needed to play an instrument! I needed to write a poem! I needed to express my thoughts and feelings through the art of music!

My mind couldn't take it! Even if it meant being punished, I just had to play something. Without music, was anyone truly even alive!?

I rolled on top of the stairs to the temple. My hands on my face as I spun around and around. Making small grunting noises before suddenly stopping.

A servant was near.

My hands fell from my face as I took a knee before standing up. Calmly staring down the steps in order to see who had finally arrived.

Oh? Ooooooh?

I see….I see!

Haha! How interesting!

It's Ireland's very own child of light!

For a moment as he gazed up at me, his eyes didn't even focus on my figure. But it only took a few seconds for his eyes to suddenly widen in alarm before finally looking me in the eyes. His grip on his spear strengthening.

Ah, he was the cautious sort? How odd. I hadn't-

Mm, nevermind. A small grin was plying at the edge of his lip. The possibility of a fight was exciting him.

So he was one of those who enjoyed the thrill of battle. How…unfortunate.

Still, he was a hero. A very well known one at that. So if this continued with bloodshed...well, it would be quite sad. It was settled then, I'd do everything I could to prevent any possible of disgusting death from occurring.

It shouldn't be too hard…probably.

"Hail, Cu Chulainn! Might I inquire as to your presence this time of night?"

He blinked for a few seconds before rubbing the back of his head. Closing one eye in thought as the other focused solely on me.

"…Seems pretty damn obvious, don't it?"

"Is it?"

Cu smirked before taking step back with his foot. His weight situated near the bottom of his spear as he shifted his stance. His thirst for battle was ringing out loudly around him.

"I'm here to take your head!"

Ah…well…

He wasn't making this easy, was he?

My eye twitched as my hand dipped into my clothes. A drop of sweat falling down my face as I sighed.

How should I deal with this…

…No, I shouldn't pull out the big guns yet. Not when I haven't yet tried talking to him. So then, what was my plan?

Ah, that's right. The Celts were radically different culture wise from the Greeks. But not everything was just so.

We were all human were we not? With music beating in our hearts?

Then it only made sense that similarities would spring up. Such as the laws of hospitality. They had the concept of xenia in their hearts.

So instead of placing my hand on the lyre, it left my clothes empty handed. My hands extended towards Cu before bowing slightly.

"I don't have much to offer, but I would be honored to share what I can. Please, won't you take a seat next to me?"

Immediately Cu's face contorted in a mix of displeasure, confusion, and anger. Obviously he had been hoping for a much different response. One that had been refused to him.

Slowly but surely, he trailed up the steps. Glaring daggers into my soul until he was finally next to me. His grip on his spear tightened until finally he put down to his side…

As he took a seat with his legs crossed. An annoyed scowl on his face as he turned towards me. Thankfully I already had prepared some tea ahead of time, but it wasn't much. Most of the tea that I was to drink went towards Cu's own cup, leaving me little.

Ah…how disappointing. Perhaps there was a river nearby to drink from?

Cu quickly swiped up the meagre looking cup before taking a big gulp and tossing it aside. His eyes squinting before screwing up.

"Either that was some of the worst tea I've ever had, or you just tried to poison me."

I winced.

"Uh…sorry. I wasn't joking when I said I had little to offer. But I will make sure I get better ingredients next time."

Cu's eyes widened in anger. The red pupils seemed to almost glow in response as the wind picked up his hair.

"There will be no 'next time'."

"…That bad huh?"

Cu didn't respond. Simply continuing to be annoyed as he stared straight into me. Making the atmosphere rather uncomfortable. I'd have brought out my lyre to play some music, but I was quite certain that if I reached into my shirt Cu would attack.

I needed to make the situation a bit less tense…hmm, lets see…

Got it.

"Let's see, how about we play a game?"

"...Not exactly in the mood for games."

Cu grumbled but I waved off his concerns.

"Nonsense. Here's what we'll do. I'll ask you a question, and you'll respond truthfully. Then you'll ask me a question, and I'll also respond as truthfully as I can."

He paused at that. His eyes narrowing at me as he started to think about my suggestion. Trying to find the hidden blade within. What I was truly looking for.

He seemed to chew on it. His face losing that ferocious look for something more casual and cautious. Eventually holding up two fingers.

"…Alright, but on two conditions. The first is that we don't talk about our masters."

A safe enough option. He was extending that branch towards me in order to cover himself. he went out of his way to make sure that wasn't an option…so either he was under strict orders to not say anything, or he cared that deeply about his master.

Hmm…it was hard to say which it was.

"And the second?"

I politely asked, to which he smirked. Jerking his thumb towards himself as he sat up a bit. That almost feral like demeanor creeping slowly back into his features.

"I ask the first question."

"Well, that sounds completely fair."

I concluded, leading him to smile and relax back into a sitting position. He was much calmer due to having to think things through. It was quite nice to see. Like giving an intelligent child a puzzle.

He seemed to think for a bit before finding his question.

"You recognized me almost immediately. What gave me away?"

I smiled.

"Of course I recognized you. I know every hero who's praises have been sung by the people."

Cu's eyes narrowed at that. Evaluating my body for any telltale signs of deception. Which of course he didn't find. Causing him to nod.

"So you simply recognized me from the stories?"

"…Something like that."

More like he resonated with the songs of his own story. But he wouldn't really understand what that meant. Most don't and fail to realize the true potential of music.

But that was fine. They'd learn with time.

Cu's eyes narrowed, before finally closing. Digesting what I had said before nodding. Obviously having taken more from that then I had first thought. Hmm, even if he did get something from that, it wasn't all that important.

Now it was my turn.

"Your master-"

"Oi."

Cu's face quickly turned stone cold. Showcasing how close he was to simply attacking me out of annoyance. I quickly waved my hands as to not offend the child of light any further.

"Ah, my apologies. By that I meant the one who trained you."

"…Eh?"

It was interesting how quick he was to change his expression at the talk of his teacher. His eyes widening as if a bit alarmed. Perhaps he thought the tales about his master weren't that well known?

Which was fair. They were a rather minor and forgettable character in the Ulster Cycle. Even so, I found myself interested about them. They were the one to craft his weapon after all.

"If I remember correctly, the stories I've heard said that she taught you and Fergus mac Roich. Then afterwards you bedded her and had her bear your child-"

"Are you trying to get me killed here!?"

I paused for a moment. Having been slightly surprised by the outburst from Cu. It wasn't that him speaking up suddenly that was surprising, but the fact that he seemed almost panicked.

…How peculiar…and interesting!

"Are you saying that's not what happened?"

Cu snorted.

"Hell no. That old h-er, my mentor, isn't that kind of woman. I don't even think she's really human."

Huh. Whatever question I had originally been going to ask had been long forgotten. This was much more interesting. Whatever this was.

"I see…and the rumors of her having an evil twin?"

"Hah. If she had any family she probably killed them long ago."

I blinked at that.

"Why?"

Cu gave me an exasperated look. One that seemed to not even be targeted towards me specifically.

"Out of boredom. It's the reason she does anything. Was pretty much the reason she even taught me and Fergus."

What an interesting picture he was painting. A merciless woman who didn't even seem human. So threatening as to inspire fear in her students long after her death.

Mmm…I feel inspired to make a song about her.

"…Alright, I've had enough of this."

After another brief silence, Cu finally spoke up. Sighing before standing up. The spear in his hands being placed behind his neck. He gave me a single glance before narrowing his eyes and shaking his head.

Leaving me to respond.

"Well, I hope your next visit is much more pleasant."

"…There's not going to be a next time. I don't know what you're trying to do here, but if you think every servant is going to just play nice when asked, then you're a dumbass."

Cu twirled his spear in his hand before finally bringing it down. The butt of his spear hitting the ground underneath, causing small cracks to form from the almost gentle hit.

The wind picked up slightly, yet he showed no signs of even feeling it against his skin. An act that reminded me a bit of some of the other Argonauts. Yes, I could see him getting along quite well with them.

Cultures may be different, but the song that beats within the hearts of heroes stays the same.

"Perhaps you're right. Even so, if I can stop even one life from being taken, I will."

Cu's eyes met my own. Squinting as he seemed to try to gain my measure.

"Is that a threat?"

"I was talking about my life."

Cu blinked. I blinked. Cu blinked again, leading me to copy him. Only after a few minutes of silence and him processing what I had said did he finally lean backwards…

And laugh.

"Hahahaha! Well, at least you know your own limits."

"Just so."

I nodded along causing him to hum before finally turning away. Taking the first step down the steps in order to leave the vicinity of the temple. He did so slowly and methodically. Taking his time with each and every step.

Only after he reached the last step did he turn his head to look back at me. His gaze searching for something before finally turning back around. Whatever he had found seemed to have brushed him the wrong way, as he shook his head.

After a few more steps he simply shifted into his spirit form and disappeared. A short while later Medea came up from behind. Gazing straight towards where Cu had disappeared.

"…We'll need to deal with Lancer eventually, but it'd be best if he could cut down some of the other servants on his way down."

I hummed in response.

"He was definitely looking for a fight. I don't doubt that others will be more…receptive to his advances."

Medea nodded her head. Her face still mostly obscured by her raised hood. Even with the wind picking up it didn't so much as even flutter. Likely some sort of enchantment If I had to guess.

"Indeed. Best case scenario all the fools take each other out, or are at least weak enough to easily pick off."

Ah…death. I couldn't blame Medea for thinking like that. Cu had been absolutely right. Fighting was all but a given. People would die. Blood would be spilled.

Even so…

I wanted to try and prevent it if I could.

"Of course, master."

Medea turned around, and started to head back to the temple. After taking several steps she paused. Staring straight ahead at the temple without looking back.

"…good job, Assassin."

I smiled wide at that.

"I'm only happy to have been of service."

Caster said nothing else as she continued on her way. Hmm…I wonder if that bought me some leeway in terms of playing music?