Kiyohime
Would you mind if Omar joined us?

The Real Tamamo
I love how you always feel the need to ask

Kiyohime
I'm being considerate Tama!

The fox caster giggled at her phone and debated an emoji response. It was just so satisfying throwing texts instead of telepathic thoughts. Couple that with lounging happily atop her spacious room's plush cushions? A rather unparalleled feeling of normalcy. Lavish normalcy, she should say.

Tamamo's room was hardly a studio apartment. Recently moved to join other personal rooms connected to the Shrine, she was free from the 'building code' of the Residential District proper. She didn't go too overboard, but it was hard not to get carried away as a top tier caster; Let alone the true fragment of a mighty goddess.

Classic Japanese walls and tatami flooring. A queen-sized bed the size of a room with high-end oriental pillows. Finely crafted shelves imported from her homeland. Exotic treasures and trinkets she'd tastefully collected across her many deployments. Her room was more akin to a palace bedroom, but it was hard to shake that sense of comfort after much of a life lived within one.

Nevertheless, the mundane air of Chaldea was hard to ignore too. The act of scrolling her phone while waiting for her best friend's potential response. Lounging casually on cushions in a simple pink bathrobe. A total lack of any routine or schedule for the day. It was looking to be a very uneventful day, despite it being New Years' Eve.

But compared to how uncertain last year's could've been, she'd take that trade. "Thanks, Tama!"

The caster giggled at the berserker's response, muffled by a lone dividing wall. "Now we just need to drag Osa out of her room!"

"(No, no, no!) I'm behind schedule!" came yet another reply from her opposite wall. Tamamo sighed, but her smile remained. It was a cute idea to move their three rooms together. It sure beat her first neighbor on arrival: Spartacus was too loud. Then again, Osakabehime and Blackbeard could be too when they were excitedly collaborating on new projects at ridiculous hours.

Though as much as it grated her nerves on occasion, Tamamo supposed it was another spice atop this mundane platter: A dish she'd likely indulge in for another year at minimum.

It wasn't the Moon Cell, but Chaldea sure had its perks.

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Fragment 113: Setting the Pace

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Days off felt so jarring, but when cooking was a hobby, passion, and routine, that was only to be expected. Leandre was handling the mountains of simple appetizers and dishes for tonight's banquet, insisting the servants took off. It'd be the same tomorrow too, freeing Tamamo to pursue other activities with hours more free time. Except what else was there to do?

As per New Year's tradition, she'd chosen to dust her treasure shelves before dipping into the trio's shared bath. Usually she'd just snap her fingers with a tiny chant and be done with the chore, but it wasn't as personal as using a feather duster. She had to get close with the fluffy device. That way she could enjoy her treasures at the same time.

And they sure never ceased to bring a smile to her face.

The number of photographs and mementos with her and Kiyohime were staggering. An entire bookshelf's worth overflowed with moments, despite most being in photo albums. Some said they took as many pictures as Mashu or George, but Tamamo loved seeing Kiyohime's happy smile blossom over the past year. 'Now if only Osa's would look less forced, stressed, or embarrassed…'

After the feathers wicked the dust off a frame, Tamamo stared at the photo of the trio, reunited. It was Osakabehime's first sortie, and reluctant was definitely the mood of the day. The caster's eye twitched simply recalling all the objections and excuses the assassin made to try and get out of it. Sure Chaldea had an army of servants, but the goddess' favorite recluse did answer the summoning and the masters needed to know what she brought to the table.

"Quality doujins and merchandise for consistent cash flow," or so Blackbeard readily defended as the princess' favorite pirate degenerate. But at least he wasn't up to anything scandalous with Tamamo's friend. As strange and eccentric as Osakabehime was, the two girls were close. They had each other's back if push really came to shove, and it was bonds like that which Tamamo would always treasure.

All the betrayals and misfortune only solidified her devotion to those who genuinely cared.

And above even her greatest friends in Chaldea, there was one irreplaceable. As she moved on to the next shelf, she paused before dusting. The feathers drooped within reach of the heart frame picture holder, just as her smile turned longing and loved. Her eyes stared almost desperately into his, but alas, it couldn't be returned here. The Hakuno in the portrait was simply a conceptual design embedded onto a craft coin.

'If only you were here too, my husband.'

In truth, it was perhaps the only thing that made the Moon Cell that much better than Chaldea: His confident presence. The unfathomable master who'd won her heart and devotion, and gave his in turn. Even if he gave it to Nero too, there was no mistaking his love and compassion to her. Tamamo no Mae was Hakuno Kishinami's favorite, no matter what Nero preached about their shared lover. That much was obvious and enough to stay the caster's hand.

…But what was the endless squabble between the two heroines when he wasn't even here to break it up…

Maybe it was more than just habit then. Maybe there was a part in her that wished so desperately he'd be summoned with an argument. That they'd hear his cute, exasperated voice as he tried to calm the raging seas while a little Altera giggled behind him. Even if they'd taken more pictures in the Moon Cell, none followed her here, nor Nero. All the caster had for her eyes to cherish was this lone craft coin.

After a brief reminiscence, she sighed, and whispered on her lips. With a gentle flicker like a floating bubble, one bounded field popped from around the shelf. Then another. A dozen smaller ones surrounding the craft coin frame unfolded like origami cranes. A shower of cherry blossoms signaled the last to fall, nearly thirty seconds and just as many defenses later. This was one of her greatest gifts and treasures, which is why there should be no surprise it was so deceptively, heavily guarded.

Gingerly, her hand reached out and picked up the frame. Tiny feathers tickled his tiny face. His features didn't move, but she heard his gently laugh. Saw the appreciative glint in his eye. Smelled the disarming scent of home in his hair. Her heart pined further as she planted a gentle kiss atop cold gold. 'Someday… please…'

If only Chaldea's many useless grails could do something as simple as that.

Tamamo would still wish ridiculously, but wouldn't overlook what she had in arms reach. She was too aware not to take anything for granted, especially not the presence of good company. Those closest she'd spend time with later, but there were others more. Maybe she could spend a bit of time with Boudica or Pravati outside the kitchen? There was plenty of free time and little else came to mind.

She considered her options as she began re-erecting the fortress' worth of defense around the craft coin.

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Even after running a towel daintily through her hair, damp tresses still flowed behind her as she exited into the Shrine. Her large double doors closed behind her, replacing the smells of her hand-picked incense with the sakura blooms of the small corridors. She took a moment to appreciate the elegant bamboo decorations now placed at her door, a cute tradition to welcome blessings from a goddess. After tugging lightly on the sleeves of her favorite pink-and-white sweater, she sauntered down the halls in curiosity.

Her room's bounded fields buffered the commotion that spread through the many paper walls. Nobunaga and Okita were arguing about something again. An small train of chibi Nobus carried some incense holders through a doorway, followed by Tota and Benkei. Xunazang prayed quietly in a room she just passed. Usually the place was serene, but New Years was a bigger time for Chaldea's two most prominent Eastern communities.

The turn of a year was a big time for every community, but Japan and China's traditions were vibrant, even if the latter was still weeks off. Among the many simple Japanese decorations for good fortune and longevity, Tamamo already eyed a cartoonish, puffball rooster hanging on the ceiling. She quirked her head at the sight, "Quite the head start you're getting."

"Just a few," Jing Ke answered as she rifled around in a chest just beneath it. "Alice made that one! Isn't it adorable?"

"Very cute," Tamamo agreed plainly. Its large googly eyes reminded her of that scrawny chicken from the new Disney movie. "Don't get tired out now. It's supposed to be a relaxing time."

"Oh you don't need to go worrying about me," the robed assassin smirked as she held up a large bottle of sake and shook it. Judging by the lack of any sound, it was already empty.

"Clearly," Tamamo rolled her eyes playfully as the Chinese woman laughed. Still, they parted after a simple wave. There were many companions in the Shrine, but not many Tamamo would consider a friend. Small talk here and there at most, but those she got along with well earned more of her precious time. One didn't seem to be here, but she was an uncommon sight in their Eastern abode.

A quick peek into yet another room, then the next, only continued to prove Parvati wasn't there. Her lack of presence made it obvious, but Tamamo had an excuse to check up on the place. One never knew what sights changed with all the preparation for a lazy next few days. But after nearly glimpsing in on a subtle tender moment between Amakusa and Semiramis, Tamamo decided to speed up her exit.

Even the most subdued of lovey-dovey stuff made her heart ache.

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It was late into the morning, but the beach was looking rather vacant. Tamamo thought there'd be more New Years prep for the fireworks and all, but she supposed she was just being silly. Even if the inventors had something planned, it wouldn't take anywhere near as long as modern day shows. Whatever the case, the beach remained near-empty.

It made finding potential quarries very easy, and she was in luck: Boudica and Parvati were together at a pair of lounge chairs. Currently distracted by a monkey playing beneath Boudica's chair, the two didn't see Tamamo walk off the boardwalk towards them. The heat of the sun was already making her sweater feel a bit too hot, so she quickly muttered a spell. Most servants had only one spiritual garb, but she had her entire wardrobe at a simple uttering… if she was too lazy to change manually.

The brief pulse of energy drew the other ladies' attention. As Tamamo returned to full view, dressed in a pink lacy monokini she'd gotten for Christmas, Boudica whistled. "Wow. Save the extra heat for the kitchen please~."

"Aww, am I not allowed to join you?" the caster winked, but Parvati only motioned to an empty lounging chair beside her own. Tamamo giggled, "Great! You two having a good morning?"

"Oh yes, but I'd rather be helping Leandre," Parvati sighed.

"He'll be fine. He's handled all of Chaldea before," Boudica insisted as Tamamo plopped down onto her lounger. "And he has Elsa and little Gio to help him~."

"Now I really want to go help," the Indian goddess cooed as Tamamo glanced to her cooking friends. Boudica's white beach dress glistened like the puffy clouds above, while Parvati's blue bikini shimmered under the sun like the distant cresting waves. The lancer reached down to a cooler to pluck a bottle of wine out, then offered a glass to Tamamo. "Care for some?"

Tamamo nodded, and while Parvati poured, the caster summoned her favorite straw hat. After carefully sliding her foxy ears through its slots, she glanced over to Boudica. "What're you working on?"

"A little snow cap for Gareth," the rider answered as she held up her royal blue work. "She doesn't want to get her fancier ones messy by wearing them."

"But that's the point of clothes…" Tamamo blinked.

Boudica giggled. "Sure, but this is Gareth we're talking about. Camelot's little fashionista likes all the clothes too much so she's trying to keep them pristine. What with all her little slips."

"She's so innocent and adorable," Parvati agreed. "A great guardian for the younger kids too."

"Not that they need it," Tamamo added as she gratefully took the glass of wine. "I laugh whenever an enemy tries for an easy target."

"Easy for Chaldea's super children," Boudica giggled, then sighed a bit melancholy. "…I wish my daughters could meet them."

"We can't have everything…" Tamamo let slip bitterly, then realized what she accidentally spouted. She glanced to Boudica guiltily, but the motherly rider only smiled at her sympathetically instead of getting mad. Tamamo could never understand how this woman, who should've been a horrific avenger, had so much endless patience and understanding instead. She was inspiring, even if Tamamo never voiced it outright. "Sorry, I-"

"You didn't mean it like that, I know," Boudica reassured. "But it's lovely we can be greedy, right? It shows how small our problems currently are."

"I guess so," Tamamo agreed as Parvati nodded. The little monkey scrambled from one chair to the next, then peered out from beneath Parvati's lounger to eye the caster's thoughtfully waving tail. The caster's eyes narrowed lightly, and the monkey froze. "Don't you think about it."

"Awww, it's okay. You can come to Parvati instead," the other goddess offered with an open arm. Instead, the monkey darted away from both of them and towards its calling companions by the distant wood line. The two goddesses blinked to each other, smiled, and giggled. "Or not. That's fine too."

They paused for a moment as a pulse of baleful energy rocketed from the forest, sending a wave of tropical birds fleeing for their lives. Tamamo, as seasoned and powerful as she was, couldn't help but shiver at the tremor of an unseen gale. The trio stared, seemingly frozen, along with many others as the once unnerving energy vanished in a split second; That was the most worrying outcome.

"What was…?" Boudica began uncertainly as her Peacekeeper radio began sputtering to life with plentiful calls.

"I don't know," Parvati questioned as she stood. "Not a good way to bring in a new year. That's for sure."

Tamamo contemplated gleaming with a scrying orb or spell. Usually that's the most she'd do, and not because other Chaldeans offered a better response. In truth, Tamamo didn't want to get involved in any sort of hassle unless it directly threatened something she cared about. In this case, her current home… but again, there were volunteered servants to bother with that mystery.

Yet, despite the unnerving minute that seemed to follow, broken only by Boudica's radio chatter, nothing else happened. Strangely enough, Rama and Sita, Chaldea's most attached-at-the-hip couple, simply walked out from a forest trail and merrily onto the boardwalk. Or more specifically, Rama was bridal carrying his smiling beloved while whispering sweet nothings to her. That, their matching red workout sweats, the flare in their eyes…

Tamamo forgot about the strange occurrence, and instead sulked at how ridiculously cute and romantic they were being. As always. Her heart ached and groaned. 'Stop rubbing it in…'

As the couple moved into the tropical flower gardens, Parvati hummed and tapped a finger to her chin. "Maybe… Hm…"

"Maybe what?" Boudica asked curiously as she lowered her radio. She and Tamamo quickly followed Parvati's gaze to the forest paths, to a weaker servant signature. It was a drop of water compared to two divines that exited before, but a servant was a servant. Medb appeared in a sultry white bikini top and the tiniest jean shorts, but her expression was far from confident or sultry.

This was the first time Tamamo had seen the proud, dominating Celtic queen so thoroughly shaken and terrified. With heartache knocked to the mat by curiosity's comeback swing, Tamamo burned the image into her mind. What could have…

"Mmmm… Hmhmmmm~…" Parvati hummed delightfully, then giggled. Boudica and Tamamo turned back to her, but the Indian goddess only laughed in turn.

"Care to share with your kitchen mates?" Boudica asked with a blink.

The lancer nodded. "Oh, I'm just playing connect the dots with legends and stories. But to sum it up… I don't think Medb will be flirty with Rama again anytime soon, or again~…"

Upon gazing back towards the happy Indian couple, Tamamo's mind was quick to connect the dots. The twinkle of apology in Sita's eyes, countered by the appreciation in Rama's own, was hard to miss even at such a distance. Medb's swift, unnerved glance towards the couple, followed by a flinch when Sita glanced back, solidified everything. Tamamo placed a finger to her smiling lips and stifled a giggle. 'So the legends are true.'

Within such a cute and small frame hid a powerhouse that could devastate the land, yet Sita was so modest about herself. Parvati too. Tamamo liked to believe she was also humble at times, even if Nero would denounce otherwise. Criticisms were usually the sharpest arrows to fly at her in Chaldea. Thankfully.

Here she could just live with her two friends, a once wronged and vengeful queen, and a mighty motherly goddess, as if they were just frail, flawed humans. Not powerful heroes, servants, demons, or what have you. Their faults may still be judged, but compared to what hardships many faced before, Chaldea was a curious new balancing act that offered a chance to any who genuinely tried.

And try she always did. Tamamo sighed, "Remind me never to get on Sita's bad side."

"You'd have to stomp hard to set off that mine," Boudica pointed out sheepishly. "Or try to get at her man."

"Any spouse would be fuming if someone tried to steal their man," Parvati quickly added. "Right, Tamamo?"

"Of course! Ask anyone who remember the Moon Cell wars what it meant to take my husband!" She cried out and crossed her arms, earning a giggle from her friends when she huffed. "I could be a real demon, you know?"

"But it's for what reason that counts," the rider agreed. "Remind me never to get on your bad side too?"

"If you do, it's because you'd be spoiling the kids and keeping us from joining," Parvati winked. "More wine?"

"I shouldn't, but I should. Please!"

Tamamo sipped from her own red wine, savored the taste, then looked to her friends again. It felt just like their Kitchen conversations… minus the food. A change of setting never hurt, but she was content this sense of comfort wasn't exclusive to their workspace. It was an idea treasured more by Tamamo than the other two realized.

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Tamamo hated being judged, but often judged others. It was hypocritical, sure. But it was natural. Both divines and humanity gauged others to their values, so it was simply expected. It remained unwanted.

That's why she rather enjoyed Chaldea's strange charm. Here she wasn't a joint-ruler of the Moon Cell, a mighty fragment of a goddess, or a feared spirit looking to usurp the royal order. Often she wasn't even treated like a mighty servant: Just another person. Something she'd wanted to try becoming a long time ago, only to fill her eyes with jaded tears at the inevitable outcome. Yet no longer.

"Good afternoon, Miss Tamamo."

"My, already the afternoon? This year's ending too fast," she joked lightly to the passing veteran employee. She waved gently as they walked past. "Have a happy New Year."

"Blessings from a goddess? Great start for sure!" The employee turned down a corridor she walked past, but their shared laughter met. Though it was less of a praise and more of a pleasant quip, Tamamo's heart naturally filled with satisfaction hearing a normal human 'worship' her. She always had, and it being so rare in Chaldea only made it a sweeter nectar. Honestly, as much as she loved being accepted and treated so normally here, she'd never grow tired of praises too.

She supposed she and Nero had at least that in common, besides excellent taste in a lover…

After turning down a new corridor, she was almost back to the Shrine. There she'd get her steamy romance novel Osakabehime gave as a Christmas gift, just to show Boudica at lunch; Who knew the motherly queen had interests like that? Maybe one of her other friends showed her?

She let the thought slip. After briefly acknowledging a passing robot's pleasantries, she spotted a familiar comrade in a black sherwani walk out of the doors. A moment later, Chaldea's resident equine servant followed through the renovated Shrine entrance. The two spotted her, but she was quick to wave to the lancer. "Mister Karna. I'm surprised to see you here."

"I came for Red Hare," he answered promptly, as always. "He wished to talk about his master over lunch."

"Oh? Like Gabby's ridiculousness or-"

"Oh, no no. Not our masters. My master. My partner!" Red Hare corrected eagerly. "I heard he was under your leadership in this Moon Cell war."

Tamamo quickly felt her chest puff with pride. "Oh, yes! He was one of my generals and advisers. A valuable ally!"

"Did he betray you too?" Well that was blunt. Tamamo stared and blinked, but Red Hare only seemed amused with his comment. "It's what he does! It's like a pastime. Like Baseball for Argentinians?"

"Americans," Karna corrected with a small smile. "And Lu Bu heavily considered it."

"That's my master, alright!" Red Hare laughed, but Tamamo's eyelids drooped with exasperation and irritation. Did Karna really have to bring that up? It was a bit of a sore spot, even if it was a safe expectation from the Chinese warlord. One she may have… sort of brushed under the rug back then…

Tamamo sighed. "Well, it was a complicated war, but he didn't leave my side until the fighting was over. I'm grateful for that. I needed his strength. Yours especially, Mister Karna."

"You don't need to keep thanking me," Karna waved off with that now rather common, tiny smile of his. "It was the proper choice."

"Nice to hear you say that," Tamamo mulled lightly as she brought a finger to her lips, stared at his smile, and felt her own brighten a bit. "Also nice to see you more expressive here. Even if a little bit."

"I'm working on it. Annie has been hopeful and insistent," Karna agreed. "Rama too. Sita. Parvati."

"And Arjuna in your wildest dreams," she joked with a light roll of the eyes. "I'm glad your quarrels stay at the Training Grounds."

"Yes. I'm glad he's more expressive too. I can accept that," Karna smiled genuinely. "Maybe you and Tamacat will find a slither of acceptance too."

Tamamo's eye and ear instantly twitched at that mention. "…Are you serious?"

"I wasn't. Sorry, I was trying to make a joke," Karna smiled as Red Hare looked between them curiously.

Tamamo blinked again, then sighed. "…Okay. Phew. I thought you'd lost your mind for a second… Me getting along with that… embarrassment…"

Once thought impossible, some found fair footing and civility for different reasons. It could be anywhere from small talk to avoidance, but the fact Chaldea still stood with rivalries on a hair-trigger was proof enough something could work with the facility's seemingly endless possibilities. Her and her stupid, ridiculous, brain-dead other fragment getting along?

No. Chance. In. Hell.

Karna's smile faded, but he shrugged lightly. "You and Elizabeth are on even terms after what you put her through."

"If by even terms you mean blank stares, passive-aggressive comments, and careful avoidance, sure. We're on even terms," Tamamo half-joked. "Me and that cat will always tear at each other's throat, Karna, but the Peacekeepers should be well aware we're not about to bring Chaldea down around us to do it."

"One can never be too sure," he warned, but still smiled. "Have a Happy New Year, Tamamo. May we have a blessed year to come."

"You too. I hope your talk is fruitful," the caster bid farewell as the horse nodded in appreciation. They soon walked off, leaving Tamamo to mull over yet again at Chaldea's delicate balance. Yes, they made things work, but begrudging cooperation and real acceptance were two very different things. Many were simply neutral to her, but some, like Tamacat, she couldn't help but dislike or hate. It simply what was.

The difference was that one's options were limited in dealing with it. Like it or not, they were allies, and Da Vinci had become ominously cryptic about more hands being a good thing rather than bad. Tamamo had become far too jaded to discount any little forewarning of misfortune. Especially during times of festive delight, where one's guard was at its lowest.

But little good ever came when one let desperation and fear control you.

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"Tamamo. Please don't cause a scene."

"I won't. But she will!"

For once, Tamacat didn't respond. From a few tables away, the berserker's irritated gaze held levelled at the true counterpart. Her tail wagged flicked with frustration, and so did Tamamo's. The tension between them was a fissure waiting to crack open. All their respective eating companions could do was wait to potentially intervene before yet another catfight broke out.

For the rest of the presently eating Chaldeans, it became an… ignorable sight. A few tropical birds eyed tables for targets from the rafters. Artemis squealed while she chaperoned the nearby children's table. Robots scurried back and forth from the grills to keep the buffet topped off. If there was any acknowledgement to the potential disaster, it was how some were inconvenienced to take a longer route for more food unless they wished to chance crossing the firing line when it turned hot.

Yet Tamamo's judging gaze didn't break. She hated being so unfairly judged, but she could only do it for that lesser part of her soul. Such a feral, unrefined berserker so freely acting like an airhead was unacceptable; What would her husband think if he saw her like that!? Tamacat was a walking embarrassment and a shame that needed to be removed from her sight!

And removed she was. Tamamo blinked in surprise as Tamacat vanished behind a casually placed tabletop menu. Upon recognizing Leandre's handwriting detailing today's wine offerings, the caster turned her attention to Boudica. Exasperated, the rider let out a sigh. "You let me borrow your book. I offer you my shield."

Parvati giggled. "Out of sight. Out of mind."

"…I guess this works." Boudica had a point: It was best not to cause a scene, even if she couldn't help it. Poor Emiya probably popped a dozen veins scolding them of catfights in the kitchen, yet tradition continued. Their mutual hatred remained cemented, though they may have gotten better at holding back to a degree.

…Kind of like a stick dam holds a reservoir back for a millisecond longer…

"Now enjoy the cuisine before it gets too cold," Boudica offered with a smile.

"Yes, mother," Tamamo joked as she glanced back at her chosen food. As much as she loved cooking for a purpose, she didn't quite enjoy food like some others; Especially not the Pendragons. The divine still had her tastes, and if not that then what tradition dictated.

A bowl of simple soba noodles for a boost of longevity. A helping of Leandre's famed home-style garlic bread she'd come to crave as a snack. A cup of her favorite sake. That was it, really. She tended not to eat too much in order to keep her womanly, perfect housewife figure. Even with an ethereal body, one could never be too careful.

Across from her, Parvati was enjoying her usual mix of Indian, Western, and Japanese cuisine. Boudica had a sampler platter from various cultures, ever the explorer for her taste buds. An empty seat at their small table was where Emiya should've been, but he was running late for one reason or another.

After a quick, attempted glance through the shielding menu, Tamamo picked up her sake for a sip. "Thought of any resolutions?"

"To be a sunny spot for those I love," Parvati answered cheerily between bites.

"So your modus operandi," Boudica commented lightly, but then hummed in thought. "…I haven't really thought of anything. Do I need one?"

"What was it this year?" the lancer asked.

"To save the human order," she answered simply with a sheepish smile. "I have a few wishes for myself, but they're not really New Years resolutions. Just my hopes."

"But it's nice to have something to work towards," Tamamo offered, partially to herself too.

Parvati lowered her fork and turned to her. "What's yours?"

"To prove that I'm the best Tamamo," she answered plainly. Admittedly a tad loud in hopes of riling Tamacat, but she was laughing about something with Passionlip. "And to continue becoming an even better ideal housewife."

"I still don't think you can get anymore perfect, Tamamo," Boudica complimented merrily.

"I'm not perfect, but I'll always strive to be ideal for him." She trailed off a bit at the end, if only to subdue a melancholy downturn. She still sighed yearningly. "…Sometimes I wish this was my Millennium Capital, but then most of us may have never met."

"I thought there were lots of servants in the Moon Cell," Parvati pointed out, making Tamamo nod.

"There were lots, but with little reason to come together unless the stakes were raised. Don't get me wrong. I loved the privacy and breathing room. But I doubt I would've found friends like you if Chaldea didn't create this reckless system."

"Mm," Boudica mulled as she glanced around with a fond smile. "But isn't it interesting to see so many being so human?"

"Most of us were at some point," Parvati giggled, and the divine nodded in agreement. "We're just inspirational too."

Tamamo was about to add to that, but her eye twitched as a microphone blared to life. "Hello, Chaldean fans! I won't interrupt your lunch, so I'll be quick! Don't forget about my little impromptu cape concert this afternoon! Robin will have my first album ready for pickup for those who pre-purchased! Extra copies will also be for sale! See you then, vassals!"

"…Vassals?" Parvati blinked, then glanced around to where Elizabeth once stood happily atop her chair.

"It's her new thing, or so Nero says," Tamamo sighed. "She's testing out calling her fans vassals."

"Playing off her former life, I see," Boudica hummed, but then quickly giggled. "I think it's cute."

"As long as it doesn't involve bathing in blood, I suppose it's a fun gimmick," Tamamo commented a bit dryly. It was rather ridiculous to her, but she never did understand the whole song and dance routine that had Nero and Elizabeth so enthralled. "I guess her fans like it too."

"Oh, don't be so sour," Parvati smiled hopefully. "She's come a long way. Isn't it nice to see how happy she is? She's watching her dream become a reality."

Tamamo did her best to keep a straight face, blank stare at her friend. It mostly held. In truth, as irritating and off-putting as Elizabeth was, Tamamo was happy for her on some level. Maybe out of some never fully admitted guilt for what she put her through as an indentured servant in her Moon Cell castle, but she was. Even if they still remained on coarse terms.

"My actions weren't the best." That's all Tamamo had offered for the abuse. Past her pride, that's all Elizabeth would get. And so their thin thread of civility remained but a second away from breaking, with only their own goals holding it taut. To move on aggression would undermine their own progress and status. Why jeopardize future success for the sake of petty fleeting satisfaction?

The hard part is always letting go, but getting to attack an evil mimicry sure helped vent. Elizabeth probably thought that too.

Tamamo gave a brief glance over to Elizabeth's table, where she sat and talked with two newer employees, now idol fans. The smile was no lie. Sparkling eyes practically reflected the enthusiasm Tamamo saw in her own mirror when gushing to herself about beloved Hakuno. Part of her wanted to smudge the lancer's happy trail out of spite, but she let her have it. Let the lesser souls follow bread crumbs to their own feast.

After a sip from her drink, Tamamo finally turned her attention to her noodles.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

The afternoon passed relatively quickly, but boring. It was amazing how one had so much to do when time was scarce, only to have nothing to do when freedom presented itself. But the clock ticked, and soon enough Tamamo finally found herself in Osakabehime's new room. Mostly because it meant less fussing and tugging.

"Only four hours left of 2016."

There was a panicked shriek. "My deadlines!"

"Oh will you relax!? You've got all the time in the world!"

"Not when I've had artist's block! (No, no, no, no-)" A light smack echoed through the room. "Oww! Tamamochii!"

"You're doing it again," Tamamo sighed while Kiyohime chuckled dryly beside her. "You didn't even relax for Christmas. You'll get wrinkles if you don't take it easy."

"I'll get wrinkles if I don't meet the deadline…" Osakabehime whimpered as she sank dramatically beneath her room's sizable kotatsu.

"Please learn to relax," Kiyohime sighed from her own spot at the luxurious table. "New year, new you."

"New year, old projects, new projects, same deadlines, new deadlines…" the assassin's muffled voice groaned somewhere beneath the comfy covers. Both Tamamo and Kiyohime facepalmed lightly. After letting out a long breath, Tamamo blindly reached over, plucked a tangerine from Kiyohime's stack, and began unpeeling it. As she did, and ignored her dear friend's stressed groans, the caster glanced around again at the assassin's personal taste in interior décor.

It never ceased to amaze Tamamo just how different it was compared to hers or Kiyohime's luxurious Japanese mansion styled rooms. Yet the princess' noble domain remained regal beneath the countless wall scrolls, posters, memorabilia, imported Japanese figures, stacks of drawing supplies, cushions… Tamamo sighed again. "It's been three days since we moved in, Osa-chan. You are aware cleaning one's room for the coming year is one of our trad-"

"Don't call my merchandise a mess!" Osakabehime pouted as she shot back up from the warm shelter of the table. Her hair was admittedly a bit messier than her room, and she still wasn't exactly dressed for the fireworks show later. Tamamo and Kiyohime had already donned their favorite kimonos for the occasion, yet here was their train wreck of a friend, who remained only in an unironed teal t-shirt and overly expensive underwear.

Then again, why was Tamamo ever surprised about their longtime pen pal's eccentricity? Kiyohime wasn't as she offered a tangerine with a smile. "Here."

"Thank you," Osakabehime took it, plucked a slice, then unceremoniously tossed it into her mouth before checking her laptop in front of her. Even among friends, she was busy scratching at her Wacom as the screen illuminated her face. Then again, Kiyohime was often checking her phone, and so was Tamamo. Gabrielle said it was common to be distracted with texts and such… But this 'impersonal interference' still took more getting used to for the eternity-old divine.

A long but comfortable pause reigned. One only broken by Kiyohime's rather blunt input. "We need to find you a man."

"Nan- Kiyohi!? Where did that come from!?" a blushing Osakabehime gawked.

"I mean, she's not wrong," Tamamo mulled quietly. "One that can drag you out of your room and keep you in order."

"Or keep me in the room…" the princess near-silently whispered. Most girls would probably giggle at their friend's suggestive thought. But this assassin was horribly reclusive, so her friends merely stared blankly. After hiding her blush, she corrected herself. "It'd be nice. But I don't need one distracting me from my work. And if I needed the company of a man, I've already royally accepted Blackie-chan as my business partner and collaborator. Whoever wishes to date me, must be approved by him too! Not just you two!"

"…That wasn't what we were asking about but…" Kiyohime sighed, but Tamamo smiled lightly. There was much relief to be had that Blackbeard and Osakabehime would remain very good friends at most… Even if Tamamo still wasn't convinced the pirate was the best influence on their dear friend. But they shared a passion for the same hobbies and interests, so…

"You said your first Japanese sales were doing well?" Tamamo changed curiously. "I didn't know you found a distributor."

"Blackie-chan negotiated it. He's very well versed in negotiations." Something about that line didn't sit too well with Tamamo, but she passed it off as her friend's smile turned genuine. "I'm making big sales and they aren't even my lewd works yet!"

"Right, that's good to hear," Tamamo offered delicately, and the assassin nodded. "…Anyone in Chaldea reading your work?"

Her smile mimicked the Cheshire cat. "I got my first customers just the other day."

"Wait, what? You didn't tell us about this," Kiyohime prodded in light offense.

"I wasn't certain until today! But they picked up a few of my non-yaoi works this morning," Osakabehime beamed, clearly happy with her growing success. It only faded with a smudge of apology when she met Kiyohime's curious stare. "Gomenasorry. The sale is under NDA that Blackie-chan and I can't tell anyone about it."

"Gomena what…" Tamamo gawked, and the assassin quickly flushed in embarrassment.

"I slipped! Forget you heard that! We were joking about mashing languages together for a romcom all last night and… I'll skip the details about the other words."

"I thought that was loud laughing leaking through my barriers…" Tamamo joked, only making the assassin flush brighter. "I'm joking. But I'm happy you're finally getting an audience."

"And you don't have to come out of your castle on a certain date to do it~…" Kiyohime joked. Osakabehime's rollercoaster expressions between joy and embarrassment was a fun teasing show. "Oh right. About the castle. Are those mini ones I saw? Near all that packaging?"

"Oh yes! It's a special diorama we designed for our little shop," Osakabehime quickly waved a hand, and a cluster of origami bats flew forth at her bidding. They shot across the room, plucked one of the works in progress off the floor, and carried it over. After setting it on the table, the full creation's design became very apparent. "Ta da! It's Himeji castle diorama with a dock for an exporting tallship! We'll sell these as special collector pieces when our circle really takes off!"

"Himeji castle with a pirate ship…" Kiyohime mulled as she looked over the starting work. "It looks really nice, but isn't this a bit much for a simple mascot?"

"I thought about combining it too to save space, but Blackie-chan said it'd look weird to throw Himeji castle on top of something. So we settled on a small diorama with our representing mascots on the sail!"

Tamamo eyed the wooden ship in the beautifully crafted waters, but hummed in thought. The assassin grew increasingly more unnerved the longer the caster stared. Moreso when she narrowed her eyes a bit in thought. Finally, Tamamo clicked her tongue. "Hey Osa-"

"Tamamochiiiiiii! Please let me have just this! Please just this one blessing Amaterasu!" Osakabehime's pleading burst of desperation made the caster flinch in outright surprise. Kiyohime dropped her tangerine into her lap as the frantic princess plopped onto the floor into a perfect posture for potent begging. "Please, please, pleeeeease! I didn't go too far, right? I can have this!?"

Speechless, Tamamo could only stare back at the diorama and the ship's mascots. A colorful parrot with a pirate hat and cheeky grin was clearly supposed to represent Blackbeard. At its side was a cute looking bat with lilac fur and… a fox head for a head. It was a strange combination, but Tamamo immediately knew what the assassin was trying to go for. Hopefully so, as it appears.

"Just this! It's not a full fox! It's a play on the flying fox bat! Pleeeeeeeeea-!"

"It's fine."

"Nani!? Really!?" The flood glint of joy and appreciation in Osakabehime's eyes was both happy and a bit unsettling. Tamamo could only giggle as Osakabehime bowed again, then quickly tackle-hugged the caster in appreciation. "(Thank you! Thank you! Thankyouthankyouthankyou You've made the start of my year extra special!)"

"Osa! You'll wrinkle my kimono! Hey! Get ahold of yourself!" Despite her complaints, she laughed like Kiyohime as Osakabehime celebrated her tiny victory for her image. Tamamo could easily let this slide. That much is fine. It was just hard to believe it had really been that long since they first met online like that.

With the caster asserting dominance on who got to keep the fox-girl image.

Which was admittedly unfair to her now dear friend, who also shared a kitsune-like mythicism to her legend. Tamamo merely had more pride and threw her weight around. But a flying fox? A clever way to make a similar image work. She could definitely allow that, and only pondered why it took so long for any of them to come up with that idea.

How long had they been friends again?

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VIII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

Night arrived on the red carpet. The brilliant gleam of the stars scattered across its face felt more vibrant tonight, only to be blotted out by fireworks later. The sea had fallen absolutely still like a lake, enticing some like George to take photos of the rare occurrence. Even the comforting breeze of the resort had vanished, leaving only the comforting chill for the event ahead.

Chaldea was getting absurdly good at putting up and taking down decorations. Since Tamamo's last glance at the resort, the boardwalk had exploded with decorations and festival stalls. Nearly all were manned by the robotic workforce, including the large food stand commanded by Leandre. Beach blankets, champagne buckets, and large candle clusters plastered the beach in lieu of fancier tables. Spots had been strategically occupied by different clicks long before she arrived, but there were still plenty of options.

After a very brief visit to the Roman cluster, mostly for Altera, Tamamo quickly retreated to her chosen spot for the evening. As fast as she could without kicking sand onto her kimono, at least. It was a quiet walk, with only a few waves and greetings to distract her during the small journey. A few minutes later, she'd reached the blanket tucked away at the edge of the beach away from most of the commotion.

"Wasn't this for New Year's Day?"

"It's not like we can't make more, silly."

Lit by the warmth of their gently floating candle stacks, Kiyohime sat glued to Omar's side. Tamamo easily admitted the Arabian looked rather off wearing the vibrant blue kimono the berserker got him to wear. Coupled with the traditional box of food in his lap, he certainly looked out of his element. She doubted he cared at all as he listened to his girlfriend explain the different food offerings in the Osechi Ryori.

It was supposed to be for New Years' Day, but Kiyohime had a tendency to get overeager when it came to spoiling. As Tamamo found her spot beside Osakabehime, the berserker carefully plucked a peeled juicy shrimp from the platter with her chopsticks. Lifting it up for Omar, she smiled as he quickly took her request. As his lips found the shrimp, the pair nearly fumbled with the food, though it only roused a dance of giggles and chuckles, complete with an adoring stare between them.

"Tamamochii. You're making a sour face." Tamamo blinked, then glanced to the assassin whose face was still glued to her tablet. One couldn't even tell she looked by the way her screen-spotlighted face remained unmoving and focused. But Osakabehime was more observant than most led on… and maybe Tamamo was making a face.

"Sorry, Tama…" Kiyohime giggled apologetically. "If we're being too much-"

"No, no. Keep being disgustingly cute," Tamamo laughed, but sighed longingly. "Don't mind me. Just going to sulk and plot about borrowing a greater grail."

"If we find one that doesn't implode," Osakabehime noted again as she raised her stylus to draw something… only to pout and lower it.

"If we do, maybe a small wish like yours means someone else can get theirs too," Kiyohime beamed. "Not that your wish is small to you…"

"Compared to some other boisterous servants here? No, it's small Kiyo. But that works in my favor~…" Tamamo giggled hopefully. "But what about you? Got a new wish to make for the New Year? Or a resolution? You're one for one so far."

"Mmmm~…" Kiyohime put a chopstick to her smiling lips in easy thought. "Just a happy and blessed year ahead. There's nothing more I'd want."

"The signs of satisfaction," the caster nodded as she turned her gaze to Omar. "Help fulfill it, hm? Oh, I know you will. I wouldn't even have to make any of my favorite threats to ensure it."

Omar noticeably stiffened as a chill flared up his spine. Kiyohime tried to hide her tongue-in-cheek smile as she fake-glared at her best friend, but only rolled her eyes and gently rubbed her head against his shoulder. "I thought you'd get used to her teasing by now."

"I'm still getting used to some of your teasing," he admitted, making the trio laugh. Osakabehime, as usual, was still too stressed with her work to notice.

"So how was your day, Omar?" Tamamo easily pivoted as she gently levitated one of the special food boxes from their stack. "Edison make your ears ring with his indoor voice?"

"I've gotten used to it. Or maybe it's my hearing's turn to go…" he joked as he watched Tamamo gracefully float her box over the candles to her lap. "He wants me helping with some new project I can't talk about to anyone. Sorry, Kiyo. Not you either."

"Sheesh, how many secret projects are the geniuses going to juggle at once?" Kiyohime pondered with a twitch of her lips. "Upgrading our security sure, that other one… but what else?"

"Maybe something to help my artist's block…" Osakabehime mumbled, making the other three glance in amusement. The origami flying fox in her lap nuzzled against her kimono for comfort.

"You can't say, but I'm going to guess it has something to do with the robots," Tamamo surmised. "Babbage was making a fuss that some new ones arriving weren't steam po-"

A flash of light flared across the sky, drawing some cheers and stares. The group turned to see the bright colors of an orange-and-blue flower race across the sky. It was joined by more streaks of specialized fireworks as they etched themselves across the sky. A third one flared high towards the stars, but instead of erupting, it fizzled like a fuse only to connect some stars in the sky to form a fleeting new constellation.

"It's a teddy bear uncle Orion!" Tamamo heard Jack yell from the distance.

"…Aren't they starting early?" Kiyohime mumbled as she quickly checked her pocket watch. Tamamo glanced over as she quirked an eyebrow. "An hour 'till midnight."

"They kept the schedule a surprise, but two hours of fireworks is lazy," the drawing assassin commented flatly.

"Then they clearly have something… Oh?"

The fireworks had stopped, only for a few brighter stars to glow bright. They flashed like supernovas, then turned into spotlights that scoured the still sea. They converged on the center, where a small floating stage appeared from nowhere like a Disney movie. Glittering celestial clouds formed small platforms, raised to different height and held by a small pillar of light. Each spotlight flew to a spot on the stage where four servants quickly appeared.

"Oh! A concert!" Kiyohime cheered with the growing, distant excitement.

In their chosen formal attire, Jeanne, Erik, Tristan, and Mozart waved to the gathered residents as Da Vinci's voice echoed from the stars. "Good evening, Chaldeans! I hope you don't mind we kept things a secret, but we've got some performances lined up to help count down the final moments of the year! But you're not here to listen to my voice, so how about we start off our New Years' concert?"

"Now I'll never be able to concentrate…" Osakabehime groaned, making Tamamo roll her eyes. "Why did I leave my room again…?"

"Because you're our friend and we want to make memories with you. Outside your room," Kiyohime stated matter-of-factly.

"What's wrong with my room? Tamamochii and I could've just made some scrying sphere and-" Now it was Kiyohime's turn to groan as the two began to bicker. Not even the first few notes of the band's first song managed to halt the growing tide, but Tamamo still smiled contently.

2016 drew to a close with a different beat than last time.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

The New Years concert had made the previous night more memorable than last year. The fireworks show by itself eclipsed the former one, even before considering it was held in the resort rather than outdoors. It was definitely more so for her dear friend, who went from pining for what could be to enjoying her first ever New Years' Eve kiss with a lover. But as comforting as it was, it still felt rather… ordinary.

For Tamamo at least.

Obviously there was no mistaking why considering the number of New Years she spent with Hakuno. His presence alone made anything impossible to match; The endless yearning was real. Once one tasted the finest of wines, it was hard to drink anything less and find satisfaction.

Osakabehime jabbed that he'd made her one dimensional. There was a bit of truth to it. It was bad to make any one thing or anyone define someone's personality and life, but he meant the world to her for all he'd done. But he'd point out instantly that she was an interesting soul that couldn't solely be defined by her overwhelming devotion to him.

Even Nero would admit that much. "Why not, Fox Caster!?"

"Nero, are those headaches getting worse? Are you thinking straight?"

"Nero? Tamamo? Your voices are-"

"I'm thinking clearly! We have a mutual stake in this, and I'm offering you a rare acknowledgement of your skill! Only for you to turn it away!?"

"A music producer!? You want me to be your music producer!?"

Of all the crazy ideas the prideful other wife his husband regrettably had, this was definitely the most ludicrous. Sure they had their occasional sweet moments and agreements, but Nero and Tamamo didn't simply talk without butting heads here and there. It was natural like rice and raw fish delicacies! And here the saber was, expecting that… that…!

"What would make you think I'd even agree to this?"

"It's part of my New Years' Resolution!" Nero promptly declared as she stood to full height above their little picnic. She struck her usual theatrical pose, which lost much of its impact in red yoga pants and a white tank top. Her smug smile could never be diminished, and a flutter of butterflies passing by only made her appear unnecessarily dramatic. "I must prove further that I embody the greatness of Rome, for the sake of my fellow Romans and Emperors!"

Tamamo, sitting traditionally in a simple pink strapless, could only stare blankly across the blanket. "…And how is that different from any other day?"

"It's not! Which proves my New Years' Resolution is the only proper one for a beloved Empress!"

Altera lightly clapped from another side of their picnic blanket, making Tamamo gawk. The tanned saber sent a small apologetic smile her way as she lifted a tiny sandwich to her mouth. Though she sat normally, her caricature of a pet sheep was snoozing gently on her lap to serve as a fluffy table. How it could already sleep despite the two quarreling spouses was a true marvel of Helena's automata developments.

"Worry not! For I'm patient!" No. No Nero often wasn't, and the other two knew that well. "I'll give you time to think about my request and await the day you accept it!"

Again, she was making no sense with this out-of-nowhere idea, but Tamamo wasn't about to exasperate their squabble. It was barely eight hours into the New Year and the caster wasn't about to start filling it with more back-and-forth with a Roman Empress than necessary. It was supposed to be a day of relaxation. They were supposed to be having their typical dysfunctional family meal amid the Chaldean tropical flowers.

So, to shift topics and save herself some migraine, Tamamo turned to Altera with a smile. "So did you come up with a resolution, Altera?"

She shook her head. "I couldn't think of anything else I wanted."

"Seems to be a running problem. Though I don't think it's a problem…" Tamamo noted with a small smile. "Less potential fighting over a grail is a good thing."

Altera nodded and smiled sweetly. "You two would fight over it anyway."

There was a small pause as Nero and Tamamo glanced to each other blankly. Altera giggled. Zerco stirred, but only continued to snooze. She pet his fluffy coat happily as Tamamo finally took a new bite of her sandwich. The mixed silence crept back into their conversation, but it was much preferred over wasted energy bickering.

Even if they'd gotten used to having these occasional meals without his presence, his absence made a solid impact. The two spouses weren't constantly fawning and showboating to prove their superiority. Only Altera was doing anything to break the two's bickering up. If there was any consolation, it's that their conversations remained rather mundane.

It wasn't perfect, but it was nostalgic to a fair extent.

But just like then, it was often times trying to figure out what to say between them without sparking anything. Sure it was inevitable, but that didn't mean Tamamo wasn't going to try and dodge a mess. Nero definitely was too. But what common ground would they try to navigate next?

The silence was broken partially by Asterios and Fran's happy laughter a few patches over. A cluster of butterflies swirled into the air before swarming towards new flowers. It broke her train of through for a second, only for Altera to sigh peacefully. "So peaceful."

"Umu…" Nero mumbled quietly. "It makes you forget we're even here for a purpose."

"We need one? Could've fooled me after the Moon Cell war," Tamamo joked, and Nero shrugged in admission.

"You're right. There was only a loose reason to stay, just like here. Chaldea would manage current affairs fine with half of its current strength." Tamamo didn't question that, though experience constantly warned never to let one's guard down. An attack from an unexpected angle during complacent peace spelled doom for dreamy realities. "But there's no reason to leave either. Umu, not when there's so many possibilities to look forward to!"

"Like more Romans?" Tamamo chose carefully, making Nero nod happily.

"More Romans is always a good thing!" Boudica would disagree with that point. "But there's so many heroes we could still meet! So many that could become my first fans!"

"We've met a lot who aren't here. And many here we've never seen before," Altera quickly and thankfully diverted. "Who do you think will come this month?"

"Rider Scipio Africanus!" Nero proclaimed swiftly. "If we should face greater dangers ahead, another Roman strategist would put minds at ease!"

"You're placing a lot of faith in him when some big names still haven't shown up," Tamamo mulled, earning a small raspberry from Nero. "I'm being serious. I thought Charlie would've come by now."

"He's a complicated case…" Altera mulled, and Tamamo didn't try to refute that was likely the reason he hasn't appeared. "I'd like to see him again though."

"I'm sure Astolfo more. Those two are great together," the Empress stated, though Tamamo wasn't sure how 'great' was defined in this case. Those two had a beautiful level of trust, but amplified certain other qualities to a… No, it was best not to recount the great Charlemagne's ridiculous image. Especially not to Marie, who was absolutely starstruck about the prospect of meeting him.

"There's a bunch we're missing…" Altera smiled. "At least we have each other."

Tamamo and Nero shared a quick, blank glance. It faded to a mutual, small smile. Altera had a strong point. In the end, Tamamo would still go a bit out of her way to help Nero, despite how much she grated her nerves. She was still her husband's beloved, and if Hakuno could come to appreciate her, she couldn't be totally awful. They were family, with all the boons and busts.

If only they could be a complete family though.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ X ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

Lunch was approaching, yet Tamamo still had yet to visit the newly minted resort Wishing Well. Usually that'd be an ideal first activity for the New Years' morning to receive fortune and good blessings for the year to come. Usually. As a divine, Tamamo felt she had a little more leeway… and also preferred to dodge any potential crowds when she went. Silent prayer or not, she wanted a peaceful visit.

Yet with little else to do, she found herself just wandering between her room, the Shrine, and the salon. She could always just laze around and text with her closest friends, but that was a daily act. The impulse to shake things up or do something different was unusually strong. But options continued to elude or disinterest her. What a frustrating conundrum.

"Uh yea I'm on my way. Like, what? I'd take an hour choosing my bikini? Wait, Gabs what do you mean again!? Hey! Laugh it up, girlie, I'll be right there!"

'Grow an indoor voice…' Tamamo rolled her eyes. Just the loud chatting on her phone was enough to announce Suzuka's presence from half a continent away. It made avoiding her easy, but sometimes, like now, there was no real detour. Where she currently walked along Chaldea's famed windowed hallway, there was only the library behind her or the next intersection ahead where Suzuka was walking.

It'd usually be an easy decision, but apparently a short critic was in a bad mood today. 'What headache is worse… Hans or Suzuka…'

Biting the bullet and her tongue, Tamamo quickly decided: She wasn't about to divert her own course for a snooty low-rate saber. She'd just keep her chin held high and not even bother to give her notice. Even as she thought this, she instinctively smoothed any possible wrinkle on her dress just as Suzuka turned the corner.

Their eyes met in a flash, and an inferno begged to be unleashed. Tension narrowed their gazes for a split second, but Tamamo had already stared back down the hallway past the saber. She didn't even bother gauging her skimpy white crop top and jean shorts worn in such a way her yellow bikini was almost half-visible. As expected from that teenage-acting disaster.

Suzuka clutched her absurdly glittery iphone closer to her ear and popped the bubble gum she'd been blowing. "Huh? Could you like repeat that? I saw a fly I wanted to swat at."

'Don't. Don't…' Tamamo quietly bit her tongue and kept her gaze composed. Suzuka grew closer as the caster kept her stride graceful and-

"Sorry, hold on a sec, Gabs." Suzuka quickly lowered her phone and placed one hand over the microphone. One haughty little smirk and stuck out tongue was all it took to get Tamamo's fur prickling. The caster glared back, which only made the saber huff in victory. "You're so easy."

"Not as easy as you appear to be, skank." The two drew closer.

"Like, projecting much, or you just get an ego-boost out of teasing your body?" They were getting dangerously close to bumping into each other, but neither dared to move.

"At least I do it tastefully, unlike you offering others a free taste." Their steps were confronting. Their gazes demanded superiority.

"That's May-may, but nice try, half-wit." Tamamo's ears felt burning hot as a smirking Suzuka merely passed within shoulder-brushing distance, raised her phone, and dismissed her with a wave of her hand. "Sorry about that, Gabs. I got that fly good. Is May-may there yet? Gosh I'll feel even more like a million bucks with that massage."

'How dare she think she won!' Tamamo was caught in a rock and a hard place. She'd love to escalate things, but Chaldea cranked down harder on open confrontation thanks to a certain Amazonian. The best outcome would've been to just avoid her, but often pride gets in the way. And Tamamo wasn't about to give ground to that foxy saber in a social joust of dominance. The caster already made it clear she was superior on the battlefield, but she had to prove it outright!

Despite their similarities, the two were just bound for conflict. Dialed down or not-

"I'm late! I'm late! I'm late! Ahhhh! Nyaaaaht like this!"

Tamamo's eyebrow twitched again. 'Two in a row!?'

Before she could even make a decision on what to do, her berserker counterpart came scampering down the passing intersection at mock-speed. The caster had to quickly step out of the way before Tamacat could tackle her. Or, more accurately, crash unceremoniously into the reinforced panes of Chaldea's giant windows. The impact resonated like a gong, drawing the attention of some distant robots, passing employees, and Suzuka.

"Owie…" Tamacat moaned as she lifted a cat paw to rub her head. Her legs were so ungracefully spread wide, despite wearing a short skirt and a kitty pattern t-shirt. The purring made Tamamo's cheeks heat up with embarrassment and rage. Her fists shook, finally grabbing Tamacat's attention with a lazy stare. "Oh. It's you."

"Can you… Just once… Act with some dignity?" Tamamo growled that out as calmly as she could, which, to her credit, wasn't too rageful.

Failing to read between the lines as usual, Tamacat blinked, tilted her head, and stared flatly. "You should say that to yourself. It's not civil to be openly mad in public. We're supposed to be graceful."

Tamamo's mind was frothing in its cage, begging to get one rageful swing at her idiotic counterpart. But no! She had to control herself! The caster had to be even more prim, proper, and elegant to prove she was the true manifestation, and not this walking mistake of a servant. And, as a daily ritual, Tamamo screamed to herself again. 'Why did this embarrassment get accepted here!?'

Why? Because Chaldea was beautifully accepting and understanding, even to those with darker backstories like her. A beautiful ideal that was absolutely going to claw at her sooner or later. And on some days, it did. Quite literally.

But today wasn't one of those days as Tamacat's dry stare vanished for a deer-in-the-headlights look. "Oh… Oh right! I'm late! I was going to help Lip and Taigee and-and Annie cook and then get some head pats and ear scratches~! I don't have time to waste on you!"

And like a drunk roadrunner, Tamacat was scrambling to get onto her feet to make a mad dash for wherever she needed to be. Staring dubiously with fury barely in check, Tamamo's eye twitch. She groaned. "If you're so late, then spirit form is faster."

Tamacat skidded to a halt comically in the hallway, turned around blankly, then beamed with that airheaded look of hers. "Oh. Oh yea! I guess you can have smart ideas every now and then too!"

"What's that supposed to mean!?" It was too late to throw a non-lethal spell tag or anything. Tamacat had already vanished in a cloud of golden dust, leaving the trembling Tamamo alone with Suzuka's distant, mocking laughs. Breathing slowly and deeply, Tamamo calmed herself as quick as possible, did an about face, and stomped elegantly down the hallway.

One would think getting along well with another aspect of oneself should be fairly easy. Such an optimist clearly never looked at their younger days and cringed. Such was her plight: Each of the Tamamo Nine embodied an ideal, but only hers was right as the true Amaterasu. Clearly. No matter what the others like Tamacat declared. Just thinking about her made her ear twitch with frustration. The caster's smile fell dreadfully sour… but it would pass.

She just had to keep reassuring herself that a few irritating gnats were the only rent for Chaldean residence.

Tamamo strolled down the hallway collecting her composure again. She breathed deep and calm, unnerving a few passing employees and keeping a busy robot silent. Eyes closed, and breathing gently, she found her inner peace. It was hard in the presence of some, but she dared say she could find balance even quicker than Xuanzang. With a serene smile back on her face, she thought of the good days to come, and possible activities to fill her time today; Repeatedly discarded or not.

She opened her eyes as she reached the fancy elevator doors. A bell signaled an arrival, catching her curiosity as she sensed the jubilant spirit within. Very jubilant. Before she could fully recognize the aura or the doors could open, the overly cheery servant skipped out with a spin-

"Did you all come on a bus together!?" That was a rather uncharacteristic instant break of Tamamo's composure… but after running into the previous two only minutes ago, what were her odds of bumping into BB? The overly-haughty and sadistic moon cancer of Chaldea, who she'd had to deal with on the Moon Cell for far longer than she'd wish to. Yet here she was, and very cheerful, which meant-

"Oh, hey, Tamamo~!" BB beamed, yet the suspiciously playful color in her eyes had called off work and gone fishing. That honestly creeped the caster out to see BB genuinely happy. "Just the person I was looking for~! Come on~! Time's wasting~! There's a special treat~!"

"Trea-? Hey! Let go of me, you-!"

"Will you relax!? We're just going down an elevator and walking down a hallway! Geeez! It's like you don't trust me or something!"

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ XI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

To BB's credit, it wasn't some trick, or so it seemed. They'd taken the glass elevators down, then walked to the Aerodrome's Terminal. The Entrance Hallway, usually spacious, was crammed with floating palettes for supplies. The surprise decorations were complete with rather indifferent or annoyed Vigil logistic personnel chosen for today's task. Which begged the question.

"Weren't shipments going to resume tomorrow?"

"Normal shipments. Today's was super special~!" BB winked her way, and now the expected evil little glint in her eye had returned. "The Edisons were a little eager to exchange some technology, so I thought I'd put on my innocent face and ask if I couldn't get a present a day early too~!"

'Why am I not surprised?' Trust the Edisons to be rather indifferent about workplace ethics and holidays when it came to progress. But what had BB so eager that she was going to brag to her about it?

"She dragged you over too, huh, Fox Caster?" And also Nero.

Waiting at the Terminal, Nero had her arms crossed as several robots buzzed about scanning contents and confirming destinations. Tamamo was about to ask how long she'd been there, but she spied the battleclad trio of Da Vinci, David, and Nightingale. Her question quickly shifted. "…Why're the Medical Bay chiefs out here?"

"To ensure the wellbeing of my present~…" BB hummed as she quickly skipped over to them, twirled happily, and gathered their attention. "Well? Is he disembarked or what~?"

"See for yourself," Da Vinci smiled as she waved her hand towards the Terminal's desk. Upon gazing over, Tamamo noticed some of the Vigil personnel weren't purely logistics: There were medics among their number. BB was happily skipping over to the cargo they crowded around, except this one looked strangely familiar. It was almost akin to the Leyshift coffins Chaldea used.

"What're you two waiting for? Get over here, unless you want to help those three with the boring paperwork~!"

Tamamo walked up to Nero, and after a quick apprehensive glance, the two strolled over to a humming BB. A medic seemed to be explaining something to her, but she clearly wasn't listening. She was too busy staring through the lone viewing port into the hazy contents within. Her grin lit up like wildfire, and her giddiness erupted. She stood on her tip toes and danced a bit, shaking her hands together like a schoolgirl who'd just won the prom tiara as the underdog.

That got Tamamo's mind churning quickly for answers, but of all the possibilities that could make BB happy… "Tamamo… Do you think…?"

"This has to be a trick," she quickly concluded. It was a safe call with BB, but her cheerfulness was genuine. She'd specifically grabbed her and Tamamo. Altera's absence added doubt, but BB didn't deal with her directly on the Moon Cell… maybe? The questions were flooding pass the gate of curiosity as her heart sped up out of the very small possibility that…

"It's got to be a trick. This is BB." After a quick glance to Nero, Tamamo saw the same emotion mirrored within guarded eyes. Disbelief. Denial. Hope…

"No smoke and mirrors this time… or I would've been really, really em-ay-dee mad," BB enunciated, though her smile never faded as she waved her hand to the coffin. "Well? Say hello to Chaldea's future resident~! I'm sure I'm not the only one waiting for his arrival..."

Tamamo's heart skipped a beat at her mention. No. This was a trick. It had to be another one of BB's sick mind games, but Nero had already fallen for it as she gasped audibly. A medic stepped back to allow Tamamo to get closer to the stainless cryo cylinder… and her own gasp quickly followed. A hand flew to her mouth, and her own eyes shot to Nero in recognition.

Nearly frozen, the two had to force their stunned gazes back to the coffin as BB smirked triumphantly. "He was Chaldea's end of the bargain and my gift… but I guess I could share if it means you two owing me a nice helping of favors. Oh. Aaaand you. Are. Welcome~…"

"Goshujin-sama…" "Praetor…!"

They'd found out about his blurry past as victors of the Moon Cell war. A mere human who succumbed to an incurable brain disease, only to be frozen in cryo until a new doctor could recreate a new solution. To think that BB would use everything at her disposal to find him was… believable. To think she'd pull threats and strings to bring him here was obvious. But to think the future Sovereign of the Moon Cell would be before them, in the flesh was…

But here he was.

The long brunette bangs that tickled her cheeks whenever they kissed. That flawless skin that set her alight whenever it was pressed against her. The craving to see his eyes open rose, as did the need to hear his sweet voice. To feel his hot breath against her ear! Tamamo would've swooned if her entire body hadn't locked up. She wrestled with a thousand questions and doubts, but Nero spoke for both of them.

"His condition… Will he…?"

"It took a joint effort, but with Holmes' help, I've found a way to cure the disease." The Moon Cell veterans turned to Nightingale as she approached with the other two. Clutching a clipboard to her bosom, she glanced to BB, whose gaze turned demanding and deathly serious. Nightingale's firm, stoic gaze never faltered. "Yes, BB. No amputation or any serious harm will come to them during the healing process, as part of your deal. They'll be restored to their full faculties within the coming weeks, but they may need further time to recover from whatever unknown altercations this disease may bring."

"So long as you're clear on that…" BB calmly noted, then smirked. "And medical bay visits?"

"Same regulation as comatose patients," David reassured with a small smile. "You'll be able to visit the Kishinami twins at your leisure."

"That's… Wait. Twins?" Tamamo's ears quickly perked as her gaze shot to BB. Nero shuffled around a bit, but Tamamo's questioning stare demanded answers from those clearly in the know. "What do you mean twins?"

"Yes. Your ears work." BB scratched her head rather dryly as she stared at Tamamo. "So it's not just Hakuno-senpai here, unless your oh-so-perfect observation skills missed Hana's cryo casket right over there, see?"

Sure enough, though she'd never admit it, a second casket lay barely a few meters away surrounded by Vigil medical personnel. And now Nero too. After a quick glance to her husband's casket, and a gentle stroke of her fingers across its viewing port, she walked over to join a dubiously staring Nero. And sure enough, again, the casket's viewing port showed a smaller Japanese brunette with the same breathing apparatus clasped over her mouth. Her features seemed very familiar, and though a name didn't quite register, something within her said she was also important.

Maybe not as important as Hakuno just behind her, but by nature of her being his fraternal twin, clearly significant to her future. BB beamed, "Two for the price of one, but I like this one a little better~!"

"I have so many questions…" Nero barely mumble, but then gazed between the two coffins. "I… I feel a headache coming on."

In a rare show of comfort, Tamamo placed a comforting hand on Nero's shoulder. "This is too much to take in… but he's here…"

"Umu… He's here." They often proclaimed they'd been far more jubilant and cheerful if their husband arrived, but it was still dawning on them. Definitely her. But the joy was absolutely blossoming like a supernova. Hakuno was here, and so was his twin sister. They'd been reunited in some way… but he wouldn't know them. How would this turn out? The troubling questions escalated, but BB didn't seem to care at all.

"Yes! Get the reading!" the moon cancer cheered. "The current masters may be interesting, but they can't be the Sovereign of the Moon Cell! Humanity will surely overcome all obstacles with these two super-senpais joining as new Chaldean masters!"

'Master…!?' So that was how BB was getting Chaldea to earn her full allegiance: She was only going to listen to the Moon Cell masters. But… she wasn't exactly wrong. If he was truly her husband, and he certainly was, he was a powerhouse in his own right. They'd just need to get him the experience he-

Beep! BB's cheerful face shot beside Da Vinci to stare at the computer… then it instantly fell. "Hey, what's with this machine? I thought it was supposed to stop at 100% compatibility."

Da Vinci blinked. "BB, there's a decimal. That's twenty-one-point-zero percent Leyshift affinity. Seventy-nine under the required flawless hundred."

There was a moment of silence as the gears turned in BBs head. Then she snapped. "Impossible! This is Hakuno Kishinami we're talking about! Give me that!"

Even with Da Vinci's complaints, BB snatched the small scanner from her hand, fiddled with some buttons, and aimed it again. The scanning beam blanketed the viewing window, beeped again… and BB's joy caved. "…N-No way… It's right- No! It's the window! The window is-!"

David sighed. "BB, you've watched us personally run the test scans through the exact same material as that windo-"

"Then Hana! Hana has to be compatible!" BB quickly denied as she jumped over, then proceeded to do the same scan through the viewing port. After another beep, BB's shoulders sagged even further. Tamamo gazed over her shoulder at the reading, but BB mumbled it out anyway. "Nineteen-point-three percent… Why… This machine is faulty! They're the Sovereigns!"

"Not here they're not," Nightingale stated calmly, earning a glare from BB and blank stares from the two spouses. "Them becoming masters was never part of the deal. Just Chaldean staff. I thought you were content enough that they could be properly resuscitated?"

BB growled, but she didn't do anything more than stomp over, toss the scanner back at Da Vinci, and fume. "What're they going to do here if not masters!? That's what they excel at!"

"Umu. On the Moon Cell… but here… No. They'll find something," Nero mumbled as she ran her fingers across Hakuno's casket. "Maybe not masters, but if I know my Praetor, he'll be spectacular at something. Many things."

Tamamo nodded, even as the swirl of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. He was here, and his family would help him reassemble his life. Hana too… but they didn't know them, and what about his real family? What of friends he'd left behind for how many years? Was any of this right?

It may not have been, but cruel or not, Tamamo hoped this decision would be the right one.

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ XII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

When she'd taken the winding outdoor paths up to the Wishing Well, it was finally empty. She had it all to herself that afternoon after much thoughts, many tears, and countless more smiles. This afternoon's revelation had been far too much, but a long, hopeful embrace between her, Altera, and Nero set the tone they wished to have: Their days ahead looked brighter, despite all the heavy doubts and questions that remained.

Some tried to follow her up the rocky tropical paths and small cave dips, but she'd lost them along the way. Now she stood on the rocky outcrop that had been built to overlook the resort. Carefully blended into the illusionary space, it was still one of the easiest new additions to Chaldea. Except for a few log benches, only a lone Torii gate and a stone wishing well stood affixed. The familiar red icon was surrounded by candles, an offering box, and a temporary bell stand.

Tamamo, now clad in an elegant blue kimono, quietly walked up to the gate as chirping birds sung from a nearby tree. Alone with the majestic blue ocean dancing in the distance, she cleansed her thoughts of anything but her first silent prayer. She tossed a few regular coins clatter gently into the box to join their friends. With a wave of her hand, she rang the bell, bowed twice, clapped twice, then bowed one last time. Silently, her prayer left her mind to beg some divine, fate, or anything to hear her newly-found payer.

A wish for her worries to be left unfulfilled.

A hope that the year ahead will be filled with promise and satisfaction.

A simple desire for a happy year to come, filled with memories to last an eternity.

A burning determination to be even better, for the sake of her friends and loved ones.

The birds flew off as she opened her eyes again. Her heart beat gently in her chest as she wiped the brief forming tears in her eyes. Her smile remained serene and optimistic. Quietly, she turned around and gazed to the lone tree where fortune tags hung. A simple sign hung from a branch, written in childish lettering and decorated with lots of cartoonish drawings.

Take what you need and nothing more please!

Tamamo smiled as the ring of the girls' voice echoed in her mind. She looked at the many tags, and gave quick consideration to her next move. Her smile blooming, she turned around and walked away to the small cave entrance. Tamamo disappeared into the cave as her heartbeat grew strong in its attempts to drown out her worries. The pace for the year ahead had to be set, but the days ahead already looked perfectly promising. For the first time that year, Tamamo let out a jubilant cheer that thundered across the resort.

"MIKON~!"

Author's Note

I wasn't kidding about the "likely months between updates" thing. It'll be like this for pretty much all of this year, even with the ongoing pandemic. I'm fine and healthy, just busy with side work and one of the other projects since the career is currently in limbo.

Thanks to all those who took the time to review, favorite, and/or follow!
My apologies on not getting to everyone in a timely manner like I used to. I'll hopefully be able to remedy that over the coming weekend.
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Reminder: I do not take suggestions or requests involving the story, servants, developments, interactions, and more into any consideration. The Fragments Series has a path and outline that it is following so I have scenes and depictions preplanned. Be patient, as there are others like you who are also waiting for certain servants to appear or be spotlighted.

For Fragment insights, information, and official illustrations, head to www dot fragmentsofchaldea dot com. There are links to a Discord and a question/answer tumblr in the menu bar if you wish to ask inquiries or talk with fellow fans.

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As par for the current course, there's no set release date for the next fragment. January is supposed to be a busy and highly developing time within FoC, so hopefully I can push out content a bit faster next time.

Teaser: To serve one's ruler was a high honor, no matter how mundane nor impossible the task. To do so elegantly, flawlessly, and precisely was a balance long refined. The chance to do so again was not missed, even as a mere server, and occasionally a spy once more. For the sake of their loving queen's smile, they'd be whatever she wished them to be.