Cutie and the Beast

Pairing: Ritsuka (female) x Tiamat

Genre: Friendship

Disclaimer: I do not own the Fate series or any of its characters.

Author's Note: So…I've decided to challenge myself and write about the most powerful beast in all of Fate Grand Order, at least to me: Tiamat. Now, I've thought about it long and hard. So…if I mess this up pretty badly, I apologize. I'm still learning about Tiamat.

Anyways, please enjoy.

It feels like it's real. Or at least to Ritsuka-chan. All she knows is that she woke up in a strange place. She finds herself on top of a rock, surrounded by water. Her servants are nowhere to be seen. She stands up and frantically looks around. There is no way for her to call for help or find a way out of here. However, she can hear something. Some beautiful voice singing in the distance. There is a strange human-like creature with great horns on her head with long, turquoise hair, coming toward her. When the figure shows herself, it turns out to be a beautiful young woman.

She lets out her beautiful singing voice again. "AaaaaaAAAAaaa~!"

Ritsuka-chan doesn't know why, but she is drawn to this young woman. She reaches out her hand….

**Reality**

"Sempai!" Mash cries as she shakes her awake. "It's time to get up! Are you okay?"

The redhead opens her eyes and jolts up, looking around. She's in Chaldea again, in her own room with her kouhai next to her. "I-I'm fine. Just had this weird dream."

"Was it the same as before?" Mash asks.

Ritsuka-chan nods. "It's really, really strange. But I'm sure it's just a dream. Nothing was real in there." She could be lying to herself, but why did it seem real to her? And who was this human-like creature with the beautiful singing voice?

"Anyways, let's get going," Mash says. "It's time to take our vacation, remember?"

"Oh! Yes, yes! I do remember~!" the excited ginger jumps out of bed. "I'll get ready right away~!"

"Hehe! Take your time. I'll meet you outside, okay?" Mash says as she leaves the room.

**Later**

"Yaaaaaay~! The beaaach~!" Ritsuka-chan cheers, pumping both fists in the air. She is wearing a red Hawaiian shirt with short shorts and sandals.

"A beautiful day to just relax," Jeanne says as she looks up at the sky, putting a hand over her forehead to use as a visor. She is wearing a one-piece swimsuit and her hair is tied in to a long pony-tail and wearing glasses.

"I can't wait to make the best sand castles!" Jalter Santa Lily cheers. She is also wearing a one-piece swimsuit.

As for Jalter, she is already prepared as she had her class changed just recently, resulting her to wear a small black jacket with a black bikini top, red panties, a red stocking on her right leg and on her feet are high heels.

As for Mash, she is wearing a purple regular bikini, following her Sempai wherever she goes.

Everyone else has come to the beach as well. Artoria "Lancer Saber" Pendragon, Ushiwakamaru, Ishtar and Eresh, Quetzalcoatl, and Ana as well. Jalter Lily and Ana are having fun together, building sand castles right now. Ishtar and her little sister are picking out seashells. Quetz is sitting on her lounge chair with her sunglasses on and wearing a sling bikini, just relaxing while having a smoothie. Jeanne sneaks over toward Jalter having ice cream to have a bite, surprising her. Ushiwakamaru is playing some watermelon splitting with Ishtar and Eresh with the samurai being the one who hits the watermelon.

As for Ritsuka-chan and Mash, they walk along the rushing waters, holding hands. A wonderful day to relax and have a fun time together.

"I've never seen them so happy," Mash comments.

"Maybe it's a great time for a break," Ritsuka-chan replies. "We've been through a lot, you know?"

"Yeah."

The cute red-head hugs her kouhai happily. "So, let's make the best of it while we can~! This won't last forever, riiiight~?"

"Sempai!" Mash squeaks.

"Hehehe! Catch me if you can~!" With that, the red-head dashes ahead while Mash takes the challenge and runs after her.

Jalter Lily and Ana have finished making their first sand castles. They stand back to admire their work.

"Looks great, doesn't it~?" the Christmas sweetie says, putting her hands on her hips.

"Yeah…we did a great job…" Ana says quietly.

"Look out!" Ishtar cries out too late as Eresh has the bat and trying to find the watermelon when she accidentally steps on the sand castles.

"Heeeeey!" Jalter Lily screeches. "Those were our first sand castles!"

"Sorry, but Eresh is kind of confused here!" Ishtar says as she dashes after her sister.

"Did she trick her again…?" Ana questions as she dead pans.

"Possibly…" Jalter Lily sighs and turns back to the black haired goddess. "YOU OWE US A SAND CASTLE AFTER YOU'VE PLAYED YOUR GAME!" She calls.

Ritsuka-chan and Mash stop running to catch their breath and looks out to the ocean.

"Want to go for a swim?" the ginger asks.

"Yes, but as long as we don't go too far," Mash says.

"That's right," Ishtar says as she pulls off the blindfold on Eresh. "You don't want to be taken by something big."

"What do you mean? I can handle sharks," Ritsuka says.

"No, not sharks," the black haired goddess says. "I mean something much worse. There is a legendary creature named Tiamat that is in the depths of the ocean. Its beautiful sound can attract anybody. If you're dumb enough to get close to it, then you're out of luck. The creature captures you and puts you in its lair. No one has returned since then."

"N-no one!?" Mash stutters. "That's horrible!"

"Hehe! Don't worry~!" Ritsuka puffs out her chest and puts a fist on it. "We can get away from that creature if it tries anything."

"You better rely on your luck because no servant is a match for this creature," Ishtar says, closing her eyes. "I suggest you try to run away if you can."

"Will do~!" Ritsuka-chan gives a thumbs up. " Come on, Mash! Let's go swimming!" She takes off her Hawaiian shirt and short shorts and heads toward the water. Mash catches up to her and dives in with her.

Ishtar floats high to keep watch for anything suspicious. So far, nothing. But she still keeps on a lookout.

**Later**

A few hours later, it's time for lunch. Luckily, Ritsuka-chan and Mash has made some food for everyone. They sit down in separate blankets with umbrellas over them, passing around each plate of food until they all got what they wanted. It's like a mini buffet. The Jeanne sisters eat together, the three goddesses as well. Artoria, Ana and Ushiwaka eat together and lastly Ritsuka and Mash are at their own spot, eating happily together. This day cannot get any better. While eating, Ritsuka can't help but glance over at the ocean. This creature Ishtar was talking about: was that the same one she saw in her dream? Maybe she was talking about a different one. But how Ishtar mentioned the beautiful sound seems a bit familiar to her.

"Sempai?" Mash says. "Are you okay? You're kind of spacing out."

The cute red-head snaps out of her thoughts and nods. "Oh! Yes, I'm fine. Sorry, Mash. Hehe!"

"Are you thinking about going for a swim again?" Ishtar asks as she steps toward the duo. "How about instead I give you a ride? I'm much better than a silly old motor boat."

"Would you~?" Ritsuka says excitedly. "That would be so much fun!"

"I don't mind going," Mash agrees.

"Alright, then. I'm finished with lunch, so when you two are ready, you can hop on Mana," the black haired goddess says as she turns to leave.

**10 minutes later**

"Woooow~!" Ritsuka exclaims as she is on Ishtar's ride, along with Mash and the goddess herself is levitating next to it. "I love the view here~!"

"See? I told you a motor boat wouldn't be as fun~" Ishtar says with a toothy grin.

"Hehe! This is great!" the cute red-head says. "I love it!"

The three of them travel across the ocean a little with the wind blowing, making their hair sway. It is then that they make a stop and turn back to see everyone else on the ground, having fun.

"Good. As long as we can see them, it's fine," Ishtar says.

The group take a look down below to see only the ocean and then back up at the horizon. It may not be the sunset, but it's still beautiful. Mash rests her head on the red-head's shoulder, enjoying the view. About 10 minutes pass when Ritsuka can hear a faint sound.

"What's that noise?" she asks.

"What noise? I didn't hear anything," Ishtar says.

"I swear I hear someone singing," Ritsuka says.

Ishtar gasps and grabs her shoulder. "Never go there. Understand?"

Ritsuka-chan nods. She can tell the goddess is serious about it. "Let's head back then. I think we've been here long-"

"Sempai, look out!" Mash cries.

Just then, a winged creature zips by, making them get off balance. Ishtar tries to regain their balance, but the winged creature, flies straight at them again. Ishtar summons her sword and charges at the creature to swing at it. She misses completely, giving the creature a chance to zip past her.

A white glow appears on Mash, transforming her into her usual servant clothing. Summoning her shield, she jumps to swing it at the creature, but because of its size and weight, her attacks are slow, making it easier for the creature to dodge

The winged creature zips past the ride Ritsuka is on, making her lose her balance and nearly fall off. But the creature catches her with its feet and starts to fly away. Unfortunately for Mash, she's in the water as a result of jumping off of Mana. She notices the red-head being carried off and she knew she's too late.

"Sempai! Sempai!" she cries.

"Help! Somebody help!" Ritsuka-chan calls as loud as she can.

Ishtar grits her teeth and starts to chase after the culprit, but two more winged creatures interfere, making the goddess distracted and fight them. Wherever this creature is taking Ritsuka-chan, Ishtar better find her fast or she'll be lost forever.

**Hours Later**

The red-head can hear beautiful singing. Plus some rushing of the water. Is she at the beach again? When she opens her eyes, she can see only rock, at least at her side. But she can feel something on her head, something smooth and soft. When she fully opens her eyes, she can see a beautiful young woman with long turquoise hair and great horns that reach down to her waist. Is she dreaming again? But…it feels so real. The singing continues and it…seems to relax her a bit. She has a really, really nice voice. Wait…

"Ah!" she jolts up and frantically looks around. The human-like creature stops singing and looks at the red-head in concern. "Oh! Ummm…hi?"

The creature just nods.

Ritsuka takes a look around to find herself in a large cave. And right there with her is a creature that stands 9 feet tall. Is this the same exact creature Ishtar was talking about?

"Ahem…let me ask you something," the red-head tries to keep her composure. "Do you happen to be…Tiamat?"

The creature nods again.

"I see." Ritsuka walks around a bit while rubbing her chin. "So the legends were true. But quick question...was the winged creature yours that brought me here? If so, why do you want me here?"

"Aaa..." Tiamat says softly, rather in song than actual sound.

Somehow...Ritsuka-chan can understand this creature's "language". "So you're lonely, you say? And want some company?"

Tiamat nods.

"Then why get cooped up in here~?" the red-head says. "Come on. I'm sure there are plenty of other people that want to get to know you."

Tiamat shakes her head. "Aaaaa..."

"Ohhhhh, you don't want to be hunted down? But why?"

"aaaaAAAaaa..." The creature answers.

"They've done that in the past, so you decided to shut yourself in a cave," Ritsuka says. "And then, you became lonely, so you sent your winged friends to pick out whoever's worthy to come to you?"

Tiamat nods again.

Ritsuka-chan nods as well and smiles. "Don't worry. I'll be your friend, okay? But there's one thing: I have friends of my own that I need to go back to soon. However, I don't mind staying with you a couple nights or so. Is that okay….Tiamat?"

"AaaaaAAAAA~!" Tiamat exclaims happily.

"Hehe! You're welcome~" the red-head says.

The creature tenderly picks her up and nuzzles her a bit. Ritsuka responds by nuzzling her own face against Tiamat's cheek. This creature isn't so bad after all.

**Meanwhile**

Artoria notices Ishtar and Mash come to shore. "Where's Master? Wasn't she with you?"

"Sh-she's gone...she was taken by this...winged creature," Ishtar answers. "We don't know where though."

"Huh!?" Jalter Lily cries. "Reindeer is gone!?"

"We must find her immediately!" Ushiwaka says, pumping a fist and standing up. "Search everywhere!"

"Wait," Artoria says. "We don't know where to begin. It's best if we stay put until she returns."

Jeanne walks over toward Mash to put a hand on her shoulder with a reassuring smile. "Do not worry. I know Master is stronger than this. She won't let anything happen to her when she's alone."

"I hope so..." Mash says softly. This isn't the first time she's been separated from her sempai, but even so, she feels incredibly lonely without her.

**Back at the Cave**

The sun is setting and Tiamat was kind enough to offer her some food to eat for dinner tonight. Some fish to cook. The red-head happily accepted and made the food for both of them to eat. While they were at it, Ritsuka looks over at the sky to see the sun set. She can't help but stand up and try to walk outside to get a clear view. Tiamat takes notice and tenderly reaches out her hand to have her jump on her palm. Ritsuka-chan hops on and the creature slowly moves outside of the cave and takes a seat while putting the red-head on her shoulder.

The two of them stare at the beautiful orange sky with the sun slowly setting. Seeing this makes Ritsuka feel very relaxed and happy. She wonders if this makes Tiamat feel the same. As if the creature is reading her mind, she slowly puts a fist over her chest, tapping it softly.

"Aaaaa...aa..." she says quietly.

Ritsuka smiles warmly. "Yes...beautiful..."

As Ritsuka looks at the sunset, her smile turns melancholic. As much as she loves watching it with Tiamat, she loves it more when she's with Mash. They watch the sunset almost every night before going to bed, holding hands. It's sad, but as a person who loves helping people, she will do what she must to keep Tiamat happy. And after a couple days, she will have to leave and say good-bye.

"Don't worry, Tiamat," she pets the creature. "I won't leave forever, you know? Some day, I WILL come back to you. That's a promise."

The creature smiles and nods. Ritsuka-chan lets out a giggle. If Tiamat has kept her prisoners here, why aren't they staying? When did they leave? What was it about them never returning have been all about? Whatever the reason is, the redhead figures that they must have made Tiamat angry and killed them because they were being mean. But…Ritsuka-chan is a different story. Tiamat must have seen the good in her already when she captured her.

As the sun completely disappears, Ritsuka-chan crawls on Tiamat's lap and curls herself, which is surprising. Yet the creature smiles a gentle smile.

"I had fun," the redhead says. "It was a lot of fun with you, Tiamat. Don't worry. I'll stay with you for a bit longer. And then, I HAVE to get back to my friends."

Tiamat slowly nods. It's sad, but she must keep her promise as well. It works both ways, after all.

**Later**

Mash has been quite lonely for the past couple days. Not that she's completely lonely, but mostly, she misses her sempai. Although she tried having fun with the others, she can think of none other than Ritsuka-chan. It worries her that she must have either been killed or taken to a place where she can never escape. Ishtar and Eresh began their search after breakfast, searching high and low for anything. Since they pretty much know about every location, it should be simple. Mash only prays that one day, her sempai will return.

And meanwhile, Ritsuka-chan and Tiamat's bond grew the more they spent time with each other. Other than playing in the water, Ritsuka-chan would tell great stories to the creature, do her hair and pretty much relax most of the day. The two days they spent with one another has been glorious, but probably later today that she will have to get back home. It's hard, yes, but Ritsuka-chan doesn't want to worry anyone.

By the time the sun sets, their last moment together has been cut short by the red-head tapping Tiamat and looking up at her.

"It's time for me to go," she says sadly. "The others are probably looking all over for me by now. I should at least give them a sign or something. To tell them that I'm alive."

Tiamat looks at the tiny human, biting her lip. She doesn't want her to leave, but she has to keep her promise. She reluctantly reaches out her hand to have Ritsuka-chan hop on top of it and the creature levitates about 5 feet from the water. She glides across the waters like a smooth ride while holding the cute redhead. She has ridden on Tiamat's hand the couple days they've spent together and it'll be the last ride of her life.

They go to the middle of the ocean when Ritsuka-chan sees something flying overhead. She recognizes the figure and jumps to her feet and waves her arms around wildly.

"HEEEEEEY! I'M HERE! I'M HEEEERE!" she yells.

Ishtar hears and turns around to see Ritsuka and…the legendary creature.

"No way…!" the dark haired goddess gasps. "Eresh! I've found her! Let's get that creature!"

"Right! On it!" the blonde goddess nods and both swoop down to attack Tiamat from both sides.

Mash is on Mana, who is watching everything. "Sempai! It'll be okay! I'm going to come to you!"

She has Mana float over toward the red head, quickly grabs her and hops back on to float back away while Tiamat is distracted. Mash gives Ritsuka-chan a big, tight hug, before pulling away.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Sempai!" The Demi-servant is on the verge of tears. "Don't worry! We're going to take you back!"

"But…Mash…I can't just leave Tiamat here," the red-head says.

"Huh?" The violet haired demi-servant is confused.

"We can't hurt her! All she wants is peace. Not fighting!" Ritsuka-chan turns around to see Ishtar and Eresh circling around the creature.

Ishtar fires lasers while Eresh fires some spears at her. They hit the creature, but they just leav a few marks. However, Tiamat seems hurt by them and lets out a loud screech.

"No!" Ritsuka-chan reaches out a hand and gets Mana to go forward. "Don't hurt her!"

Ishtar fires another laser, but Tiamat raises her arm to use as a shield. As she lowers it, her starry eyes furrow. She cannot let them keep attacking her. Ishtar summons her sword and flies toward the creature. Tiamat waits for the right moment and then…she swings her fist, back hand, hitting the dark haired goddess. She is sent flying 20 feet away and falling in the water.

"Ishtar-nee!" Eresh cries.

Tiamat throws her head back and lets out another loud screech. Ritsuka-chan cannot believe this. This is what the creature doesn't want, but there is no other choice but to defend herself. Ishtar quickly recovers and she and Eresh circle around Tiamat again, finding openings to attack. Tiamat grits her teeth, looking around back and forth, unable to find the right moment to attack and gets hit instead. If it keeps going on like this…

"Stop!" Ritsuka-chan rides Mana in front of the creature and stands up to spread her arms wide. "Stop it this instant!"

Eresh and Ishtar grind to a halt, staring at the redhead. Tiamat lets out another screech, causing the others to back away a few feet.

"Listen to me! Tiamat is not a bad creature!" Ritsuka-chan yells. "She just wants some peace and company if she wants! She means no harm to anyone!"

"But…what about the legends!?" Ishtar counters. "What about the people who never returned!?"

"They just made Tiamat angry! They never cared about her at all!" the red-head says. "But me? I cared about her! She was giving herself another chance to try and make friends with humans. That's why I was captured!"

"How did you know that?" Eresh asks.

Ritsuka-chan turns and looks up at the creature, smiling. "She told me everything. The reason why she's hidden from the rest of the world is because she doesn't want to be hunted down and killed. But she still wants to make at least a few friends."

Mash, Ishtar and Eresh listen to their Master's words carefully. Tiamat looks down and reaches out a hand to have the cute red-head jump on it. Ritsuka-chan does just that and the creature pulls her hand close.

"Tiamat is like a mother to me," the Chaldea master says. "And I really enjoyed spending time with her."

"That's because she IS a mother," Ishtar informs.

"Huh?" Ritsuka-chan turns toward the goddess.

"She's a mother to all," Ishtar explains. "She calls everyone her children. She's a Goddess that cares for everyone in the world. Although…some people don't believe that."

"Why didn't you tell me that before?"

"You might be the same as them: not believing this tale considering this creature has taken lives before." Ishtar eyes Tiamat.

Ritsuka-chan glances at the creature. "Well…I've seen it with my own eyes. She's clearly not a murderer. All she did was defend herself against those selfish fools. Though it wasn't her intention, she did what she had to do to stay alive. Right?"

Tiamat nods in agreement.

Ishtar eyes the creature before closing her eyes and nodding. "Seems that you're right. We jumped to conclusions way too quickly. We sincerely apologize for that, Tiamat."

The creature nods again and looks down at Ritsuka-chan. Raising her hand, she gets the red-head closer until they meet face to face. The red-head smiles the best she could and cups her tiny hands to the creature's cheeks.

"Well…I'd better get going. It was nice getting to know you, Tiamat~!" she says. "I will see you again soon. I promise you that~!"

"AAAaaaaaa…." the creature sings softly.

She hugs the red-head gently in her arms, clutching her to her chest. It's a bit of a sad moment for the both of them. It was like a child leaving to go out into the world to Tiamat. But it's for the best.

As they pull away, Tiamat eyes Ritsuka-chan. And then…for once, the creature starts to speak in words.

"Good-bye…my sweet…sweet child…" she whispers, her voice quiet, yet so beautiful as her singing voice.

The red-head lets out a soft gasp, but she smiles with a couple of stray tears falling. She leans in and kisses Tiamat on the cheek.

"Good-bye, Tiamat. I love you…~" the red-head says.

Ishtar rides on Mana and beckons her to climb on. Ritsuka-chan hopes on and waves good-bye with the smile. Tiamat does the same and they leave the creature.

Looking back, Ritsuka-chan eyes Tiamat waving and then turning to leave as well.

"I will never forget you…Tiamama…" she says to herself. She then turns toward Mash and hugs her for comfort.

And meanwhile, Tiamat stops to turn back. The humans are gone by now and a lone tear falls from her cheek. Someday….somehow…they WILL see each other again.