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[img[https://image.ibb.co/mBaQiH/tsd_title.png]]
''3:47 PM, Setagaya Ward''
The day is a Saturday in the month of ████, 1991. It’s been ██ days since the start of the Tokyo Holy Grail War.
Or at least, I think that's the count... It's hard to remember when time has been passing like a blur since I summoned him.
I'd just left school when a familiar tingling sensation ran through my head- really, mages get used to this way of communicating? Yeah, right…
//"Tatsumi. You're on your way home, aren't you?"// His soft voice echoes in my mind. //"Mmm. That's right. My bad, I would've left earlier if I didn't get caught up chatting after cleaning... But y'know, people already think it's suspicious that I skip out on school- and then when I do come, try to head home so soon!"//
//"I suppose it can't be helped... You already know that I want you to keep up your everyday life, but are you sure you don't want me to come with you to school? Your enemies..."//
//"How exactly would I even explain you to others? Besides, who'd attack me out in the open like that in front of all these people?"//
//"Tatsumi..."//
//"Don't worry about it, Berserker. I'll be home in a bit, okay?"//
He gives me a low sound of confirmation before falling silent, and I continue my walk home. Berserker... I know how you feel, but really, I'm only still going to school because you insist the schoolwork is just as important as the War!
""">""" [[Continue home]]
''4:10 PM, Tatsumi’s Apartment''
The moment I open the door, I can already smell the fresh, comforting scent of tea wafting through the apartment. “I’m home,” I say as close the door and take off my uniform jacket, tossing it onto the coat hook and slipping my shoes into the shoebox. Walking into the main room, Berserker is sitting right there on a zabuton, just finishing up pouring the tea. “Right on time then! I--”
“Brewed tea?”
“...Yes, for what I’m sure was a tiring day for you.” He turned his attention to me with the kettle still in hand and a small smile on his expectant expression. I...
""">""" [[Berate him for using so much tea]]
""">""" [[Thank him]]
I clicked my tongue in mock annoyance and planted my right hand on my hip. “Man… at this rate, I’ll have to make another run to the convenience store by the end of the week to get more tea, you know!”
Berserker blinked and furrowed his brow. “Oh… you’re concerned about your tea supply?” Looking particularly sheepish, he put the kettle down and averted his eyes from me. “I shouldn’t have then, perhaps. Sorry about that…”
…Crap. Did I sound too serious?!
I waved my hands in denial. “No, no, I’m not being serious…! Really, it’s fine…! Sorry, um-- thanks for the tea, yeah?”
“O-oh, I see, then… A jest, ahah.” That small smile returned. Phew, crisis averted…!
""">""" [[Sit down]]
I was about to berate Berserker for running through my tea supplies like crazy, but… Agh, how can I be mad at him for being so considerate?! And besides… it’s nice, somewhat, to have someone thinking about me here at this otherwise single-occupant apartment… Ah-- Suddenly it feels a bit warm… “Th… thank you, Berserker.”
Looking pleased, his smile widened as he put down the kettle. “Think nothing of it. Tea always helped calm my nerves… And I know that I might be asking a lot of you to balance life as a Master and a normal person.”
Well, it’s nice to know he actually //is// aware of how hard it is!
""">""" [[Sit down]]I sat myself down on my own zabuton, though as nice as it smells, drinking piping hot tea is probably a bad idea.
“So,” Berserker begins, “Your day. How was it?”
“My day…? Nothing particularly interesting; Just more schoolwork. Ah-- don’t worry, I’ll get it done tomorrow. I just wanna drop dead tonight… Plus, we’ll have more planning to do. There’s gotta be some way we can get another Master to work with us, otherwise we’re gonna have a pretty hard time dismantling this Holy Grail War…”
I’d been turning those thoughts around in my head all day. Negotiating the other week with those other Masters didn’t work out, and going on the attack again at the Reiroukan Estate’s forest seems too risky right now… But if we’re going to save Tokyo, then how…?
Berserker clears his throat, throwing off my train of thought.
“Tatsumi… I can appreciate that you’re working quite hard to think of some kind of strategy, but I worry that you’re overthinking it. As have I. In fact… I was thinking that you should get your work done tonight.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Perhaps we need to step back for the answer to come to us. You don’t have anything to do on Sundays, right? So let’s just finish up your work tonight-- unless you don’t want to?”
“You want to go out?” I ask him as I start to sip on my tea. As always, Berserker brews it perfectly…
“Precisely. Let’s make a date.”
Yeah, a date. That’d be nice.
…
""">""" [[A DATE?!?!]]
""">""" [[A DATE!?!?|A DATE?!?!]]
I almost spit out my tea. “Huh- What?!”
“D-did I say something strange? I just meant, to specify a time for an outing on tomorrow’s date… Is that acceptable?”
The way his head is slightly tilted, it’s…! This man…!
“Yeah- uh, a date…! On which to have an outing! Sure! Nothing’s weird about that!” Gah, that hot feeling is back! Is- Is it the tea getting to me?
Berserker raises a brow at me, but he seems to be pretending not to acknowledge how embarrassed I must look… “Right… Then, we should get an early start tomorrow. After all, if you’re as tired as you say, it’s best that we get your work out of the way as soon as possible so that you can rest.”
“Y-yeah… out of the way…” Still reeling from //that// word, I can only mechanically guide my hand to my bag to pull out a textbook.
“Now then, Master, what section do you think you’ll have trouble with…”
------
""">""" [[Rest.]]''//Sunday//, 8:37 AM, Tatsumi’s Apartment''
The very first thing I can feel is a warm sensation washing over my face, and then something bright against the closed lids of my eyes. Haaah… what’s with that…? No way…
I turn over, just wanting to stay right here, wrapped in this cozy blanket…
…
“...tsumi. Tatsumi.”
Berserker’s voice makes its way into my murky consciousness. But…
“It’s time for you to wake.”
But that softness… just makes me want to fall right back asleep…
I let a low grumble escape my mouth and mutter…
""">""" [[Five more minutes, mom…]]
""">""" [[Alright, alright…!]]
I stubbornly bury my head deeper into the inviting fluff of the pillow and raise the covers over my head.
“Five more minutes, mom…”
The room falls silent. Ah, yeah… Sweet, sweet peace…
Until I hear Berserker clear his throat.
“...//Tatsumi, I am going to have to insist that you wake.//”
Uwah-!! Suddenly, the warmth of the covers are torn away from my head, replaced by the icy prickle of my apartment’s temperature!
A yelp escapes my lungs as I scramble to curl up and my eyes snap open. “B-Berserker?!” Looking up, I see his hand gripping my blanket and his face colored a bright red, refusing to look at me.
“Now realize, I can only give you so much concession before I am forced to remind you that it is well past your usual time to get up…!”
It’s early for a Sunday! ...Is what I think of saying, but I’m not sure that’d be wise! “A-alright, I’m up, I’m up, sorry…!” I quickly sit up on the futon, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. “H-how can you be so awake on a Sunday, of all days…?”
Berserker closed his eyes as if to focus on regaining his cool composure. “As we Heroic Spirits aren’t human, we don’t require sleep…”
“R-right…! I see.” Is he calmer, maybe…?
“And if may I remind you, I am not your mother.”
What? My mother? I- ...Oh, crap. “Sorry…! I-I was just half-awake, and the last time I’d lived with anyone else was my own family and-!”
“And you said it reflexively, I understand.”
Berserker’s cheeks were still brushed a light pink as he avoided my eyes.
“... Well. If you’re awake now, perhaps you’d be willing to join me for breakfast?” He spoke as he stood to move to the table, and I was just relieved that he switched the topic. More importantly, I’m starving…!
""">""" [[Get up.]]
“Alright, alright…!” I force my eyelids open, squinting as the light seems to assault my eyes. As they adjust, I can make out Berserker’s face, hovering over me as he sits on his knees right next to my futon. The smile that forms on his face matches the sun just behind me…
Am I still dreaming?
“Good morning, Master. I would hope that your sleep was restful?”
Uwah-! Not a dream! I try propping myself up with elbow and run my other hand through my hair, trying not to stare at Berserker’s face.
“Uh- yeah, I think so…”
“Good. I’m happy, knowing that…”
Still trying to blink the sleep out of my eyes, I idly reply: “You are?”
“Knowing that despite this War and the stress it brings, you can still find restful sleep… Near me, even.”
H-huh? I was only half-listening… I peer up at him through my messy bangs. “What do you mean by that?” Berserker seems to be distractedly looking into his own lap, but raises his chin to attention when he realizes I’ve asked him a question.
“Oh- nothing, really…! I apologize for rambling so early.”
Was he blushing just then…? I didn’t get to see it clearly before he rises to his feet, moving to sit by the table. “More importantly, come-- I’ve made you a small breakfast!”
Thank god, I’m starving…!
""">""" [[Get up.]]
Still too tired to actually stand up, I scoot off from the futon and over to the table. Laid out before me was a tray with a pretty modest breakfast: some toast, water, an orange, and a bowl of rice. Berserker had left himself with a glass of water.
“I apologize-- I considered adding an egg, but… I wouldn’t say cooking is one of my skills.”
“Hey, don’t worry about it- I’m just glad you made something! So you figured out the rice cooker, huh?”
“Yes, I suppose even I can learn a few things from watching you! Even if it was… a learning process.”
I look at him skeptically. “‘A learning process’, you say?”
Berserker chuckles, “Y-yes, well, most things are when you try them for the first time, aren’t they? Anyways, you’d best get started on your breakfast!”
...I’m going to have a look at the rice cooker later. For now, though, I stop scrutinizing him and start on my breakfast.
“Now that you’re more awake… Let’s discuss the day’s activity.”
The what? Oh- right… This… da- outing. Outing! Right. I totally remember. “Yeah…! Did you have something in mind already, Berserker?”
“No… I am still but a stranger to this area. That, and I already made that request of you when we first met to go somewhere with lots of people like Shinjuku, so… I was hoping you would tell me what you’d like to do.”
Right… I completely forgot. Berserker would have no way of knowing what there is to do around here, but it’s so easy to forget when he can blend almost seamlessly into the crowd. Well… as much as someone looking the way he does can blend in! But as for what we could do? Hm…
""">""" [[There’s a nice tea house nearby…]]
""">""" [[Maybe you’d like the aquarium downtown?]]
""">""" If you liked Shinjuku, what about Akihabara? (LOCKED)
""">""" [[The mountain views are pretty nice.]]
""">""" What about the National Museum? (LOCKED)
“There’s a kissaten I like not too far from here… In fact, we could walk there.”
“Kissaten?”
“Yeah, like a teahouse. Or a cafe…?”
“Oh- I see…” Berserker cups his chin thoughtfully. Is it really something he has to think over? Or could it be that he really does take tea that seriously...? After a short moment, he grins to himself.
“It sounds like the perfect opportunity to sample this era’s idea of tea! Let’s do that, then.” There was something of an eager glimmer in his eyes.
It was settled then-- a quiet afternoon at a teahouse.
""">""" [[Finish your breakfast.]]''11:47 AM, Setagaya Ward''
The brisk afternoon wind was catching Berserker’s jacket as we walked down the suburban streets of Setagaya. I contemplated earlier whether or not Berserker’s outfit would attract too much attention, but he seemed to blend in fine at Shinjuku…
I stuffed my hands nervously in my tracksuit jacket pockets. What if he doesn’t like the tea? The kind of packets bought from the convenience store seemed to be enough, but wasn’t tea kind of a big deal to Victorians? Or--
“It’s a little cold out for midday, isn’t it? Are you warm enough?” Berserker’s question cut right through my thoughts, and for a moment I could only blink at him.
“Eh? Oh- I’m alright. We’re almost there, anyways.”
We turned the corner onto a busier street. Looking to my side, Berserker was practically entranced by the activity even though it isn’t nearly as busy as Shinjuku. If anything, I thought he would be bored…
Our walk was filled with idle small talk as we drew closer to the teahouse. Turning onto a side pedestrian street, there was the teahouse, nestled between two larger stores. The exterior red brickwork and dark wood lining the wooden door separated it from its modern neighbors. The awning declared its name: Hiroyuki House.
""">""" [[Enter the teahouse.]]
''12:02 PM, Hiroyuki House''
The teahouse was dimly lit, but just bright enough that I could make out Berserker’s features without a problem. There was the distinctly sharp scent of coffee pervading the air and I couldn’t hear a thing from the outside, only the light thrum of conversation from the patrons within. Dark, hardwood flooring stretched thirty feet out from the snug entrance hallway in which Berserker and I now stood, the space populated by a blend of minimalist and Western, rosewood furnishings. To my right, the counter stretched all the way to the back, its wall shelving behind the busy staff displaying rows upon rows of carefully polished china and teaware.
When I looked to Berserker, he was still scanning the teahouse almost methodically. “What a lovely establishment… Is that coffee I smell?”
“Yeah- it’s still a teahouse, but it serves coffee and cakes, too. It’s pretty common.”
Berserker hummed in understanding while I searched for a spot for us to sit. Thankfully, there was a two-seater table towards the back and near the corner. Leading him to the open table, we had our seats just as a waitress approached and gently placed two glasses of water to greet us. She passed a pair of menus to Berserker and I before excusing herself to attend to a table on the other end of the room.
""">""" [[Browse the menu.]]I skimmed the menu, not quite sure what to get… A sudden gasp of surprise from Berserker draws my eye up to him.
“There really are a lot of options, aren’t there?”
“Well, I thought I told you that just a second ago!”
It was hard to tell with the low light, but he seemed to be blushing at his own surprise. “Yes, I believe I underestimated your words… It’s amazing how many varieties of tea there are. Some of these I’ve never even see before, not even to mention the coffee or snack selections…!”
“That’s right, it was probably different in your time.”
Berserker’s stare on the menu was intent, taking his time to search before he seemed to settle on one spot and smiled.
“There are so many options… But I think I’m going to settle on an Earl Grey.”
“Was that your favorite?”
“Oh, it was one of them… There were quite a few I enjoyed, but black teas are some of my favorites.”
The waitress approached and it hit me just then that I hadn’t even figured out what I wanted!
“Good afternoon. What can I get you today?” She watched me expectantly with her notepad and pen in hand. Wh-why me first? Berserker can speak just fine, right…?!
“Ah-ahah, please, you first, Ber- uh- Henry!”
The waitress turned her head to Berserker with some confusion while he shot me a look of disapproval for using his True Name. Regardless, I buried my face back into the menu while he ordered after clearing his throat.
Quick, I have to pick something fast…!
""">""" [[Royal Milk Tea|Tea][$Tea to "Royal Milk Tea"; $Origin to "here in Japan"; $Flavor to "rich"]]
""">""" [[Hibiscus and Strawberry Tea|Tea][$Tea to "Hibiscus and Strawberry Tea"; $Origin to "the Americas"; $Flavor to "fruity"]]
""">""" [[Keemun Tea|Tea][$Tea to "Keemun Tea"; $Origin to "China"; $Flavor to "sweet"]]
$Tea... Yeah, $Tea! Sure, that’ll work!
Berserker had just finished his order as the waitress turned to me again. “And you?”
“Ah- $Tea for me, please!”
“Certainly. Anything to eat to go with it?”
“And er, two slices of cheesecake.”
She scribbled down my order, collected our menus, and thanked us before hurrying away. Phew…
“Tatsumi. You are aware that we had discussed before that using my True Name, even partially, can be dangerous for us?” Berserker gives me a sternly disappointed look.
“H-hey, come on now, I couldn’t just say ‘Berserker’ in front of someone…! That’s just weird!”
“Yes, I suppose that is true…” He sighed, thumbing at the rim of his water glass with a furrowed brow.
“In that case… Yeah, that’ll work- use my nickname, then. Just use ‘Harry’ when you have to.”
“H-Harry?”
“Yes. In life, there were two close friends of mine who once referred to me by that name. I’m alright with you using it.”
‘Close friends’… Even though I know that he’s just giving me the name out of necessity, I can’t help thinking…
“Harry, then…”
I noticed a grin curl on his lips as I spoke it. Or… could it be for both reasons?
“It sounds wonderful coming from you, Tatsumi.”
“H-huh?!”
“It sounds wonderful from you. As I said, it has been some time since I have been called that. I missed it. And I don’t mind it coming from you, the one who summoned me and did not laugh at my wish to be a hero in this life.”
“Oh…! It means that much to you… I suppose I’ll have to use that more often then, er… Harry.”
He gives me a toothy smile at hearing his nickname again. Yes… That sort of bright smile is the one I saw when I agreed to save Tokyo with him. I want to see it more. I want to see him happy-
W-wait, what am I thinking?! I mean, I want to see him happy, sure! We-we’re friends, of course friends want that! They… they do…
My attention snaps back up from my water as the waitress returns with our tea and cheesecake, setting them down before us. She leaves us with a polite “Enjoy!” before returning to the other patrons.
Right, the $Tea. It’s not something I usually order, but I hit the panic button… I guess I might as well have switched it up since I’m here with Berserker rather than my friends.
I look to the center of the table, where a wooden tray holding a colorful assortment of additives for tea, coffee, and cakes.
""">""" [[Reach for the sugar cube tongs.]]
""">""" [[Reach for the milk/cream.]]
I stretch out my right hand to reach for the tongs, glancing at my water glass as I moved it aside with my left. Alright, just a bit of sugar, and--
...My fingers touch something warm.
I peer over to the tray of additives and… that “something warm” is Berserker’s hand.
I couldn’t help yelping as I snapped my hand back to my chest, heat rushing to my face. Berserker’s hand…! “S-sorry, I didn’t realize…!”
Berserker was wide-eyed as well, although he seems to be more alarmed by my reaction than anything else.
“Ah, sorry, I didn’t realize you were also reaching, Tatsumi…!”
It feels like my mouth is glued shut…! I can feel my heart racing, unable to look away from him. Now, just hold on, why am I even getting so worked up over this?!
“I-it’s fine! I wasn’t looking, that’s all…” I offered a weak laugh, hoping to play it off cool…
I hesitantly reach again for the sugar cube tongs while Berserker observes, waiting as I drop in a cube and then quickly return the tongs to the tray so that Berserker can take his turn.
""">""" [[Drink your tea.]]
I stretch out my right hand to reach for the milk jug, glancing at my water glass as I moved it aside with my left. Alright, just a bit of milk, and--
...My fingers touch something warm.
I peer over to the tray of additives and… that “something warm” is Berserker’s hand.
I couldn’t help yelping as I snapped my hand back to my chest, heat rushing to my face. Berserker’s hand…! “S-sorry, I didn’t realize…!”
Berserker was wide-eyed as well, although he seems to be more alarmed by my reaction than anything else.
“Ah, sorry, I didn’t realize you were also reaching, Tatsumi…!”
It feels like my mouth is glued shut…! I can feel my heart racing, unable to look away from him. Now, just hold on, why am I even getting so worked up over this?!
“I-it’s fine! I wasn’t looking, that’s all…” I offered a weak laugh, hoping to play it off cool…
I hesitantly reach again for the milk jug while Berserker observes, waiting as I shakily pour a bit of milk for my tea and then quickly return the tongs to the tray so that Berserker can take his turn.
""">""" [[Drink your tea.]]The tea. Of course! The tea! The perfect distraction.
The cup sat right at home on its matching saucer. Desperate to think of literally anything else other than //that// moment just then, I raise the teacup to my lips and take a small sip. The warmth of it washes over me and aroma fills my nose.
Ah… Much better… At least now I can’t tell the difference between that strange warmth and the warmth from the tea.
Berserker, meanwhile, seems more fascinated by his teacup than the tea itself.
“Oi, your tea’s gonna get cold if you just keep staring at the cup like that…”
Berserker blinks at me as if I’d given him information he’s never heard before. “Oh, of course,” he affirms before taking a sip. His eyes close, deeply concentrating on the flavor of his Earl Grey, analyzing every part of the taste and comparing it with his memory of the Early Grey of his past with acute discernment…
...Or at least, that’s what I imagine. His apologetic half-smile indicates that it must’ve failed his test.
“It is a very good brew of Earl Grey… But I’m afraid I’ll have to say that perhaps no brew of this tea could match the way my butler had prepared it.”
“S-so you don’t like it…?” No way, even the best kissaten in Setagaya could please Berserker…?!
“Oh, that’s not it at all- Really, it is very good as tea goes! Please, don’t look so disheartened… ”
Eh? D-do I really look ‘disheartened’? Suddenly, I become aware of my expression before I cough intentionally and take another sip of my tea.
“I suppose I only set myself up for it by ordering an Earl Grey… After all, Mr. Poole always did know my taste best. What about you? Is that tea your favorite?”
“It’s not something I usually get… I just go for something like Sencha.”
“Then you’re much more adventurous than I. There were many teas on the menu that I haven’t tried before… Perhaps I should’ve tried something new.”
“Ah, well… We can always come back another time. I’d be fine with that.”
“That would be nice…” Berserker trailed off as he thoughtfully sipped his Earl Grey. “What was it you got again? $Tea? That’s certainly something I’ve never tasted…”
""">""" [[Describe the tea to him.]]
""">""" [[...Do you want some?]]
I give a low hum, tapping the teacup handle with a finger.
“Well, let’s see, $Tea... It has this sort of $Flavor flavor, I guess? It comes from $Origin. Huh… S-sorry, Berserker-- I’m not exactly a tea connoisseur or anything like you.”
“Then it seems I have no choice but to instruct you. Why, by the time I’m through with you, you’ll be able to perfectly brew and describe any tea that you encounter.” He tilts his head with what I first assume to be a playful joke, but I really can’t actually tell if he’s serious.
“Hah, well, like you said earlier, nobody could make your favorite as good as your butler could, right…?” I scratch my cheek with a finger in my best attempt to look innocent.
“I wouldn’t be so sure. You certainly have enough tea at home to fool me into thinking you have a sense for good tea! A few weeks of intense study is all you need. I’ll make a tea savant of you yet.”
His eyes are boring right into mine.
He’s… //He’s 100% serious//.
“N-now, hold on a minute, Berserker…! Isn’t this War and my schoolwork enough? Have mercy? H-Harry…!” I beg it of him with every bone in my body, clasping my hands before him.
Berserker considers my words before humming in amusement. “Ah, well, maybe it is too much for you right now…”
Aha, I’m saved…!
“Then I’ll just have to leave the intense instruction for after the War is over and your school term lets out for vacation!"
//''NOOOOO!!!''//
I can hear Berserker laughing as my head drops against the table, hands covering my head. ‘Weeks of intense study,’ he says… on tea! I like tea! But I can’t possibly match this man’s rabid enthusiasm!
...It’s only then that I realize that Berserker’s laugh isn’t one of ridicule, but of genuine delight. Peeking up through my fingers, I can see him attempting to muffle himself with his hands. Was I really the one responsible for that smile…?
I feel that heat rush to my face again.
“Tatsumi… You’re not actually worried, are you?” He needed a moment to restrain a giggle. “I’m not really going to make you study tea if you don’t want to, you know!”
“Eh? Really?” I raise my head to meet his gaze and playful smile. So, even this serious Servant of mine can joke…
“Of course not. As a former professor, I should know! Students won’t really learn anything at all from something they’re not interested in.”
“A former professor?” I finish off my tea as I listen to him explain that he had a part-time position at a London university teaching. I can’t understand that, really… I mean, his story said he has //how many// degrees?!
“...But enough about that. I’m more interested in this cheesecake right now…”
Cheesecake? Oh- I’d been so busy listening to him that I’d nearly forgotten…
""">""" [[Eat the cheesecake.]]
I narrowed my eyes at Berserker’s curious gaze. Somehow I get the feeling that this is exactly what he wants, but…
“...You wouldn’t wanna //try// some of it, do you?”
“Eh? I-Is that really be okay with you?” He asks, somewhat surprised. I-is that not what he wanted? Crap, I just offered something weird!
“I mean, I said it, so I guess…!”
“Well, if you say that’s fine, then I’d like to.”
//What?!//
“Knock yourself out!” I pass my teacup to Berserker, who seems to have… no hesitation whatsoever in taking a drink from it.
It’s back-- that thrum from my heart…! Haaaaah, when is this going to stop?!
But I just can’t pull my eyes away. Berserker parts his lip from the teacup as he savored its flavor, his expression then brightening.
“My-- what an interesting flavor… A satisfyingly $Flavor taste…! You have excellent taste. Thank you, Tatsumi.” He offers the cup back to me. As I take it back into my hands, I realize I haven’t taken my gaze away from the spot Berserker had sipped from… There was still a bit of $Tea left.
It… It would be an awful waste to just let it…
…I raise my teacup. It feels no different from earlier, but… As I drink the very last drop, //“This is right where Harry’s lip was,”// won’t stop repeating in my thoughts.
Berserker seems to notice my intense stare at the cup as he finishes his own tea, asking “Tatsumi? Are you alright?” with that ridiculously… //cute// rising tone to his voice. That innocent tilt of the head with a genuinely concerned expression.
The hand in my lap curls into a tight fist. I don’t understand this.
//I don’t understand this at all!//
“I’m fine.” I say it much more tightly than intended, but I don’t take it back. Berserker is the type of person that worries, that much I understand, but then he’ll stubbornly take care of me. It only makes sense, given that he //is// a doctor, but… but this isn’t something a doctor can fix! What could possibly explain these warm feelings? I want… //something//, but it… I…
“Hmmm… Well, fine or not, there’s still the cheesecake!” Berserker’s comment completely threw off my line of thought. Huh? Cheesecake? Right, that cheesecake, the slices sitting in front of us…
""">""" [[Eat the cheesecake.]]
The cheesecake had been sitting to the sides of our tea saucers in wait. The yellow cake slice looks to be just plump enough, sitting upright perfectly on its saucer. It was topped with a signature golden brown hue and light sprinkling of powder.
If nothing else, the cakes alone were the reason I would come here.
By the time I blinked, half of it was gone.
“Tatsumi? Y-you certainly are enjoying yourself, aren’t you…” Berserker’s comment suddenly makes me aware of just how wide of a grin had spread on my face.
“I-isn’t that a natural way to react to good cheesecake?! You’re one to talk, you’re still studying it!”
Berserker’s face becomes flush with embarrassment. “W-well, yes…! I’m curious… This cake is quite different from the cheesecake I’m familiar with. It seems quite sponge-like!”
“Oh, right… You’re probably used to the common type with creamed cheese. This is a Japanese cotton cheesecake. It’s not as sweet, but the difference isn’t too much… And it’s healthier for you.”
Berserker hums in understanding and mutters out a typical intellectual “I see, I see…” before finally cutting into the slice with his pastry fork and trying a bite.
“...Mmm! What a delightful spongecake!”
“Oh? You like it, then?”
“It may not be a type of cheesecake I’ve had before, but I like it. About the same taste, but much less… heavy, so to speak.” He glances upwards as he gives me his thorough analysis while my cheesecake disappears piece by piece. “...And as you say, it’s much healthier. I would have loved to have had one of these during one of my low teas.”
“Low tea?”
“Oh, something of a social gathering in my time, or perhaps more accurately it was something specifically British? Low tea was to have tea and something light to eat, like a biscuit or something small or sweet. Conversely there is high tea, which was more of a meal than a snack to go with the tea.”
“High tea…? You were kinda rich, so was high tea…”
“Actually, low tea was more popular amongst the aristocracy, since we could afford such leisures. High tea was more convenient for the working class. I guess you would think that way from what it sounds like!”
I nod my head in my best attempt to look totally understanding when I hear the sharp clink of my fork against the bare porcelain of my cheesecake plate… upon which there was no more cheesecake. Damn, already…! What I’d give for just one more bite…
“Oh. You’re already out of cake, are you?”
“Ahah, seems that way…”
I notice something move in my periphery while I stare at the bare plate. I look up to see a piece of cheesecake hovering in front of me on Berserker’s fork.
“Here, then. I still have some left,” he smiles.
""">""" [[What are you doing?!]]
""">""" [[Eat it.]]
“//B-Berserker?!//” I yelp in surprise. Was he seriously offering to feed me?!
He seems somewhat startled in return, but he doesn’t withdraw his fork entirely yet. “Now, Tatsumi, I thought you liked this cheesecake… I’m perfectly willing to let you have some of my mine.”
“That’s not the issue here--”
“Are you certain?”
I draw my shoulders up stiffly. “Y-yeah, I’m sure!”
Berserker reluctantly withdraws his outstretched hand to eat it himself. I feel like I’m paralyzed… this time I can’t shake off the heat rushing to my face, and the more I try to get rid of it, the louder my pulse becomes… He’s probably watching me right now, but I don’t care…!
I’ve got to ignore it. I’ve got to ignore this…! My hand shakily reaches out for a napkin, but just then I hear berserker’s tap against his plate as his other hand gently takes hold of mine.
“Berserker-!”
My eyes snap to his, but they hold mine in return.
“Tatsumi. Please wait a minute and hear me. If that offer of mine was inappropriate, then I deeply apologize.” His eyebrows are drawn closely together, his concerned expression beseeching me.
Berserker, you think I’m upset with you, but…
“That’s not it at all.”
He lets go of my hand, pulling his own back to his side. I still can’t move… “Then what is it?”
I can’t… I can’t tell you that, because I don’t know myself! My heart is pounding, and I can feel myself begin to sweat-
“...Tatsumi. Please.” His lip purses slightly.
...//Agh-//!
""">""" [[Excuse yourself to the bathroom.]]
""">""" [[Tell him how you feel.]]
[img[https://image.ibb.co/bvZYyS/cg1.png]]
I can feel myself getting goosebumps as that strange, but now familiar heat prickles at my cheeks. I-is he really serious?!
“Go on. I’m perfectly alright with it!”
I’m about to protest, but… Well, if it’s fine with him, then I…
Oh, who am I kidding, I was hoping for this.
I hesitate at first, but I lean in to take the bite of cheesecake into my mouth. Berserker reaches just a little bit further to help, and afterwards I pull back more more quickly than I leaned in as the reality of the situation washed over me whilst processing the sweetness of the cake.
...Berserker just fed me.
//Berserker just fed me!//
Every time I repeat that internally, I can feel my eyes widen just a little more, my face become a little hotter, my pulse get a little faster.
I squeeze my eyes shut. No way. No way this just happened to me! And he offered it so casually…!
I peek one eye open, but Berserker doesn’t seem to notice my predicament at all as he nibbles down his cheesecake to all but one more piece, and…
//He’s offering it to me again!//
“Here. I thoroughly enjoyed this sponge-y variety of dessert, but you ought to have the last piece.”
Compliantly, I lean in again to bite the very last piece of cheesecake from his fork.
I can feel a drop of sweat running down my forehead. I-I can’t believe this…! Not a bit! I can’t stop myself from slapping my hands over my face. I-I can’t let him see me like this!
“Eh? Tatsumi? Are you alright?”
“I’m okay!”
“...Tatsumi, I want to believe you, but as your Servant, I can feel when your heart rate is too high for comfort.”
//''HE TELLS ME THIS NOW?!''//
""">""" [[Excuse yourself to the bathroom.]]
""">""" [[Tell him how you feel.]]
I stand.
“Excuse me for a minute!” It feels like it takes the strength to move a mountain just to force the words out, but turning on my heel to make a beeline for the restroom is easier than anything else right now.
I didn’t even see Jekyll’s face on my way to the restroom.
-----
''12:41 PM, Hiroyuki House Restroom''
The door squeaks shut. Light floods the cramped room compared to teahouse floor, and having been in such a setting for so long, my eyes strain to adjust. It was very plain, the only splash of color being a single vase and small, fake floral arrangement to the side on the sink counter.
...First of all, I need to get this sweat off my face.
I stop at the counter, turning the handle for cold water until the water flows freely. Rolling up my sleeves, I lower my hands to catch some of the cool water and bring my face just low enough to rub it in thoroughly. The chill of the water is sharp against my hot skin, but it’s such a relief…
I stop the faucet and plant my hands on the counter, leaning on them as I look at my own reflection in the mirror just in front of me.
What are you doing… What is going on with you? I knit my brow, interrogating the me I see on the other side.
I don’t understand this feeling. Even now, when I’m not right next to him, my chest tightens when I think of Berserker… It squeezes almost enough to hurt.
I’m not an idiot. //I know what this feeling is!// ...But I can’t possibly accept it!
First of all, he is my Servant. My ally. In this Holy Grail War, we could die! Second, we’re… well, there’s no getting around it, we’re both men, but… Anyways, third. What are even the chances he’d feel the same way? He’s a brilliant scientist with like a million PhDs or something who had a whole legend written about him! I’m just… a high school student. I’ll just look like an idiot if I tell him anything!
But if I don’t, I’ll…
...My stare hardens at my reflection.
“I feel like I’ll burst.”
""">""" [[Go back.]]
“...Berserker. You might not like this, but…”
I gulped. There’s no turning back from this…!
“But?”
“But the truth is, I… When I’m with you like this, I feel so warm…”
“Warm… Do you have a headache? It could be a fever or cold-”
“Berserker, that’s not it..! Please, just hear me out. I mean, I ache, but, it’s…” My hands were firmly planted on my lap, but I moved one to stiffly tap it against my chest. “It hurts here!”
Crap…! I can feel my eyes sting… Don’t cry now, you idiot, //don’t cry//!
“It aches… Being with you makes it ache. I haven’t known you for terribly long, true, but I… You’ve already done so much. You’ve protected me with your life. You care about me… Maybe just because you have to because you’re a Servant, but… But that’s just how I feel anyways! You’re important to me. I’ve felt something like this before, but not this strongly…”
I still have no idea what Berserker must be looking at me like.
“So, please… I’m sorry to just blurt it out like this. But I have to tell you that… That I…”
Just say it. Get it over with! //Say it!//
""">""" [[Say it!]]
''12:47 PM, Hiroyuki House''
With a somewhat renewed confidence, I make my way back to the table. Berserker was still sitting there, hands clasped and resting on the table. He seems to be in deep thought as he watches the clock tick away softly on the wall opposite of him.
He notices my approach and is about to stand before I wave my hand, motioning for him to remain seated.
Sitting down, even after all that, I still can’t seem to make myself meet his worried gaze.
“Tatsumi…?”
I steeled myself for what was probably going to ruin everything.
""">""" [[Tell him how you feel.]]
“//I think I like you!//”
…
The silence between us hangs for one moment. Then another. And another.
...I really blew it, huh?
“Tatsumi… is that what you were you so worried about?”
“Eh?”
My head snaps to attention. Where I expected a face of scorn, disapproval… I'm met by Berserker’s kind and understanding smile.
“You are my Master. That much is a fact. By contract and those command seals on your shoulder serving as the proof, I am bound to protect you. However, if I had nothing binding me I would protect you regardless. You didn’t laugh at me when I opened my heart to you at Shinjuku. Me, someone who died as a villain, telling you that I want to be a hero in this life… But you met me at equal level and promised to make that wish come true. Actually, that’s wrong… by deciding that we would dismantle this War and save Tokyo together, you already have granted my wish.”
“B-Berserker?” My mouth was already hanging open when Berserker extends his hand to me over the table. I stared at it in disbelief… but finally, I raised my hand to rest on his even though I was trembling slightly.
“Tatsumi… The most important person to me is you. Just as you promised me then, I promise you now that I will not let you down or abandon you. I want to see this War ended before it involves the innocents of this city. I want to see you live your life in peace after. I want to see you happy.”
...I had thought just the same thing before, didn't I?
Berserker laughs through his nose in an attempt to defuse my shock.
“...Sorry. It seems I haven’t been able to let go of my habit of rambling, have I?”
Before that tear forming in my eye could even begin to fall, I swipe it away with my sleeve, though I couldn’t help the quiet sniffle I made.
“You’re… you’re fine with that, then? What I just said?”
“I have no reason whatsoever to reject your words.”
“Then…”
Berserker interrupted me by extending his other hand to rest on top of mine. My hand, now sandwiched between Berserker’s… They give a pleasant warmth, matching the feeling I get from the smile in his eyes.
“Together, we’ll move forward.”
...Right. Together.
As much as I want this moment to last forever… there’s a tickling sensation beginning to form in my stomach, and the longer I sit here, the more flustered I get…!
“Eh… B-Berserker… I um… I still have to pay the bill.”
“Hm? Oh- O-of course…!” He releases me, pulling back his hands to his lap. Now that I look more closely, Berserker himself seems a bit nervous… Could it be that I’m not //totally// alone in feeling new to all this? Well, I sure hope so, anyways…!
""">""" [[Pay the bill.]]
I stand, my thoughts still running wild… But it wasn’t so bad. No-- it went much better than I anticipated. Making my way to the counter and paying at the register, I couldn’t stop reflecting. Yeah, it didn’t just go ‘much better than I anticipated,’ because Berserker…!
“Thank you for your patronage. I hope you have a lovely day!”
“Yeah- you, too…!” I pocketed my change, and when I turned about, there was Berserker, ready to follow.
“Are you finished here?”
“Just did. Let’s go, then.” As we walked to the door, I waved with a quick “Oh, thanks again!” to the cashier with a bit more energy to my voice than usual.
-----
''1:13 PM, Setagaya Ward''
Berserker and I walked next to each other in awkward silence. Or rather, it was comfortable… but neither of us have said anything since we left the teahouse. I try to think of something, anything to pick up where we left off with our conversation--
Berserker’s hand brushes my own, one of his fingers lingering against mine.
Still nervous, I hesitate, but…
I grasp his delicate hand firmly.
I suddenly don’t need that conversation I was trying to revive to assure me. This told me everything that I needed to know.
""">""" [[Together, we’ll move forward.]]
[img[https://image.ibb.co/bvZYyS/cg1.png]]
//Special CG Get!//
❤︎ Date “Teahouse” Complete ❤︎
Start again?
-----
""">""" [[Route Select|Get up.]]
""">""" [[From the beginning|Start]]
-----
Thank you for playing. Did you experience any bugs? Writing errors? Send a report to me at [[@JCakins|http://www.twitter.com/jcakins]] on Twitter or at jkulick@student.otis.edu.
Route 4 releases March 25, 2018. Please stay tuned! :^)
~''Tatsumi’s SunDate!''~ V.1.3.0
Written, illustrated, & coded by Jeanette Kulick
Website: [[Weebly|http://www.lulukiins.weebly.com]]
Twitter: [[@JCakins|http://www.twitter.com/jcakins]]
Email: jkulick@student.otis.edu
Beta Reader: Nico Smith
Twitter: [[@puffinlord|http://www.twitter.com/puffinlord]]
Thank you, Nico, for all your hard work. I couldn’t execute this project without you! <3
Special Thanks:
To all those who give amazing support and extremely cute scenario advice (or just bullied me into making good choices), I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Momo
Ellome
Ferris
Jesse
Kagu
“It looks like it’s gonna be a nice day… you wanna go see some nature? Like… I dunno, the mountain?”
Berserker smiles as he considers my idea, briefly glancing past me out the window. “Yes, the radio did say this sunny weather is going to hold. It’s not a bad idea… Hm. Alright, let’s do that! Er, which mountain did you mean, though? There are quite a few near Tokyo.”
“Mt. Takao. It’s west of here and the closest mountain; we can get there pretty quick in only an hour or so by train.”
Berserker rose once more to his feet, speaking as he ambles over to the kitchen. “Then I’ll get us ready right away, Master.”
Wait a minute… My favorite outfit might be fine for a mountain hike, but Berserker’s…
I start to stand to speak up about it, but Berserker interrupts with a stern point of a rice spatula at me without looking up from the counter as he organized some other utensils. “Finish your breakfast, please.”
...I guess I’ll tell him later.
""">""" [[Finish your breakfast.|Foreststarter]]''10:23 AM, Takaosanguchi Station, Mt. Takao''
The moment I step out of the shade of the train station, the sun’s light warms my entire body. I rummage through my backpack, checking that everything was in order and let myself follow Berserker in my periphery as we turn onto the concrete cobbled path leading to the foot of the mountain.
“Do you have everything?”
“Yeah, just making sure I didn’t leave anything on the train… Camera, map, wallet…” I trail off as my search draws to a close. Everything seems to be here. I swing the backpack back over my shoulder and look back up to the path stretching before us. Small shops line the side street that we walk on leading up to the mountain base. It’s bustling with other tourists that had disembarked the train with us. Although we were walking on the last fringes of an urban neighborhood, verdant greens of the mountains surrounding us dominated the environment.
I spare a glance to Berserker, who was dressed down quite a bit from his usual outfit after hearing me out earlier. I’ve let him borrow my clothes before when he accompanied me to the convenience store a few times, though it doesn’t seem to suit him very well. Besides some of my clothes, he’s borrowing one of my older backpacks.
And yet… Berserker wearing his shirt like that, a button undone and clad in one of my other track jackets… it’s kind of cute.
...Kind of what?!
I resist the urge to pinch myself so that I don’t draw Berserker’s attention, which was focused on the towering mountains ahead.
""">""" [[Proceed to the mountain.]]
We leave behind the suburban side street and come to where the path splits into different mountain trails. A large cable car station presides over the fork.
Berserker perks up as he spots a board in front of the station with free informational pamphlets.
“Ah, maps! Excuse me for a minute, Tatsumi--”
“Oi, where are you running off to?”
Berserker had only taken a few steps, pausing in his tracks as he looks over his shoulder at me. “I’m sorry?”
“We’ve already got a map right here, you know.” I can’t help the pride brimming from my voice. A wide smirk tugging at my lips, I reach into my backpack and pull out my absolute masterpiece of a handmade map of Mt. Takao’s trails, holding it up for Berserker to see right next to my face. “See?”
...Berserker doesn’t seem very impressed as he furrows his brow.
“Tatsumi… i-it’s a lovely map, certainly, but it would be wise to have a copy of the official guide…”
“Huh? What’s wrong with my map? It’s just as trustworthy, you know!”
“There’s nothing wrong with it! It’s just a little…” He purses his lips as he searches for the right words. "...It doesn't look very easy to read."
I catch up to his side and lightly nudge his elbow with mine. “Come on- I’ve been here before on birdwatching walks. I know what I’m about, here.”
“Are you certain?”
“Absolutely!”
“And when was the last time you visited?”
“Eh- ...Junior High School, but trails don’t change!”
Berserker sighs, unable to match my stubbornness. “Well, if you insist… Then we’ll use your map.”
I hum confidently as I unfold the rest of my map for us to see and Berserker studies it carefully. “You’ll see, it’s perfectly reliable. I know the best spots that //aren’t// on the official guides.”
“It certainly looks that way. It seems there’s two paths to take... One by cable car and another which looks longer through nature. Which one do you suggest?”
""">""" [[Take the cable car.]]
""">""" [[Take the nature path.]]
“Let’s take the cable car up. We should have an easier time getting to the top that way.”
Berserker hums in agreement and follows closely as I fold up the map and head towards the station.
-----
''11:13 AM, Mt. Takao Cable Car Station''
Berserker allows me to exit the cable car first after it pulls into the station. Just outside was a confectionary shop, which I couldn’t help but stare at longingly… but Berserker looks at me judgementally.
“Tatsumi… I brought food, remember?”
“H-hey, can you seriously blame me? It’s //sweets// we’re talking about here…!”
“Even so, you really must think of your health, given that most of the time you just have cup rame- ...Oh…”
“Berserker?” He stopped right in the middle of berating my diet, looking out past me. Turning around, I understand completely just what it was that distracted him.
Berserker walked reverently past me to the safety fence, gripping the bars as he looked out to a view of Tokyo’s urban jungle partially obscured by tree leaves.
I followed with my hands stuffed in my pockets and stood next to him just in time to hear him let out another sound of amazement. “What a wonderful view…!”
“If you like that, just wait until we get to the top! You’ll be able to see a lot more from there.”
I watched Berserker’s eyes scan the horizon perhaps with the same fascination that he had for the cityscape.
“I am not of the Archer class, so my vision is not as sharp… But such a view has still taught me much.”
Huh?!
“Hey, don’t go getting all serious, now-- I thought we were here to kick back!”
Berserker released his hands from the bars to scratch the back of his head. “Ah, that’s right, isn’t it… And I was the one suggesting it in the first place. Forgive me.”
“Forgiven. Come on-- we’ve got to keep moving if we wanna get to the top at a good pace!”
I turn away from the view to the cobbled path leading further up the mountain and Berserker follows suit, walking at my side.
“Information is power in this War, as I explained to you before, and getting a good sense of the land helps in forming good offensive and defensive strategies. I guess I couldn’t help thinking of your safety.”
A sudden wave of heat rushes to my cheeks- wh-what’s with a sudden comment like that?! I shot him a look and was about to speak, but I couldn’t hold his gaze and looked away. “I-I already said you’re fine, didn’t I…?! And… thanks…”
“Tatsumi? What’s the matter?”
“I’m fine!”
""">""" [[Take a path leading to a wildflower field.]]“The nature path. There’s much more wildlife, so I can probably get more pictures!”
Berserker nods in agreement and I fold up the map, putting it away as I start walking to the path to the side of the cable car station.
-----
''11:13 AM, Mt. Takao Nature Path''
As we hike further and further from civilization, the cobbled path becomes a dirt path and the number of other people with us thin out, moving at their own pace or never having come at all, preferring to use the route with the cable car. The forest is quiet, except for the gentle rustle of leaves and the songs of birds.
I hum as I listen closely to the sharp, rhythmic '//dwip//' of a bird hidden somewhere above in the safety of the trees. “Hmm… A wood nuthatch.”
“I’m sorry?” I hear Berserker say quizzically, as I still watch the trees above.
“That’s the bird making that call… I think.” I’ve been too busy with school and this whole Holy Grail War ordeal to seriously brush up on my bird watching hobby, much less the ones that live in the forests like this. “I can’t say for sure if I’m right. Hah… Maybe if it were doves or sparrows-- something you see in the city, you know?”
I pull my head back down from looking up at the tree canopy to look at Berserker only to see that he was watching me intently the whole time I was talking about it. He quickly averts his eyes. W-was I not supposed to notice him staring at me like that...?
Berserker clears his throat. “It’s nice that you’re still able to keep up with your hobbies as you do… Ahah, I had no so such luxury in my life. Although, perhaps my ambitions were my hobby…? Though it felt too much like a duty for me to say it was a hobby.”
“Oh. You mean your attempt to divide good from evil in the heart?”
“Correct.” Berserker answers quickly, apparently eager to drop the subject despite thinking of it in the first place to distract from his earlier staring.
Oddly enough, it’s not that I even minded… If anything, now that I think about it, I wish he’d watch me more…
Wh-what an embarrassing thought!
I try to put it out of my mind as we continue our trek.
""">""" [[Continue the peaceful walk.]]''12:31 PM, Wildflower Fields''
As Berserker and I progressed up the path, the vibrant green of the cedar trees was replaced by the vivid pink of cherry blossom trees lining the cobblestones. The path itself was snaking its way up the ridge of the mountain, providing a view of the city on our right side all along the way in spite of the obstructing trees.
It wasn’t long before the forest on our left side opened up as we progressed. Dense forestry became an open field with an explosion of color from the wildflowers populating the area. Eager to follow other tourists diverting from the main path we walked, he tugged my sleeve to thefield’s walking path.
“Such a lovely assortment of wildflowers…!”
“You’re telling me-- definitely not something I get to see in metropolitan Tokyo every day.” My attention is captured by some sort of perennial plant, its milky white, tubular flowers hanging from the curved stem like diamonds from an expensive chandelier.
I stoop down to get a better look and snap a quick photo with my camera.
My focus didn’t last long however, as I hear Berserker call me from across the field. I look to him as he waves his hand in the air to signal me over.
“You really ought to see this, Tatsumi!”
“Oh I do, huh? And what is ‘this’ supposed to be?” I ask, closing the distance. Berserker responds by gesturing with his arm to somewhere through the trees and off the walking paths.
""">""" [[Follow Berserker into the wood.]]
''12:23 PM, Mt. Takao Waterfall''
As Berserker and I continue down the path leading to the falls, large, flat stones begin to crop up on the dirt path we walk. Berserker watches in amusement as I can’t stop myself from hopping from one stone to the other.
“You’re awfully energetic today, Tatsumi. It’s almost unlike you…” He looks at me with a small smile.
“Is it really?” I make a grunt of amusement as I hop to the next stone-
Hey, wait a minute.
“Wh-what do you mean ‘unlike me’? Are you just saying that because of those excuses I made to stay home from school?!”
Berserker chuckles and prods me further with a cheeky “That, and it was particularly difficult getting you out of bed this morning!”
I squeeze my eyes shut and let out a whine. “All that stressful stuff is completely different from this, and you know it…!” Now feeling a little self-conscious of how oddly playful Berserker seems to think I’m being, I shove my hands in my pockets and resume a casual stroll next to him.
“Yeah, when you say it, maybe I don’t seem like the type of person to even like hiking… But I liked going out into the woods with my little sister when I was younger. We watched the animals, played pretend... all that kind of kid stuff.”
“Your younger sister is called Tamaki-- correct? I remember you telling me that once.”
“Yeah, that’s right…”
Tamaki… I made a promise to her once to protect her from evil demons lurking in the woods. It was just some game I said that for, but… I still remember it.
I hadn’t realized how lost in thought I was until we rounded a gigantic bush and heard an amazed “Woah…!” from Berserker. I looked ahead to see what the foliage had previously been obstructing-- the view of the waterfall, cascading down as a thin sheet of water from high above a pool stretching before us. The sound of running water hadn’t even occurred to me when I was thinking of Tamaki. The rocks lining the shore of the pool and the river that formed at its mouth glistened in the light leaking through the tree canopies, reflecting some of the emerald green of their leaves.
Berserker was stunned still until he finally moved to turn his gaze at me. “Could I borrow your camera? I’d like to try taking some pictures myself of this…!”
The way he was grinning from ear to ear made me wonder if for him this is the difference between a scholar reading about the wonders of nature in a book and actually stepping out from the library to go see it for himself.
That smile is something I won’t forget, although I wouldn’t mind seeing it again…
I can’t stop my cheeks from warming somewhat after seeing that, and I take a moment to fish through my bag for the disposable camera. I hand it off to Berserker.
He wastes no time in fidgeting with the camera buttons, accidentally snapping a picture of his own feet before laughing off the embarrassment and leaving my side to go take the pictures he wanted.
Hmm… It’s been a while since I’ve been out in nature, and now that I’m here, I can’t help feeling a slight race of adventure when I look at the stones near the waterfall. The stones form an overall slope-like shape leading up the natural wall from which the waterfall fell. ...It’s like they’re begging to be climbed up.
A sharp trill from the nearby brush warbles out, the sound of a bird that I can’t quite identify… Something like that, it might be a rare bird I haven’t seen before. But if it’s down on the forest floor, this might be my one chance to get a good look!
""">""" [[Climb the rocks.]]
""">""" [[Observe the bird.]]
Nevermind the bird-- there’s always a next time. This is just too tempting!
Stepping off the path, the leaves crackle under my sneakers as I make me way over to the rocks. I’m not exactly what you would call a rock climber, but the slope of the rocks isn’t so extreme that even a child couldn’t do it. It can’t be the hard, can it?
Cautiously, I grip the lowest boulder, trying not to cringe at how slimy the moisture on the rock feels against my skin and haul myself up without too much effort thanks to how low the surface is.
One by one, I conquer each stone until I take hold of what will be the last one before reaching the top of the natural wall.
I lift my leg to get a better hold before I pull up-
“//Tatsumi?!//”
Berserker’s cry is so sharp that I nearly slip from how hard I jolted in surprise.
“What on Earth are you doing?! You’re going to get hurt doing something like that!”
“I’m gonna fall if you just yell so suddenly like that!”
“Get down from there!”
“Hey, what’s the point of going on a nature adventure if you don’t try to have //some// fun? Just get that camera ready to take my picture or something when I get to the top!”
I hear him make a loud groan of protest, but I press on anyways.
Pulling myself up one last time, I make it over the edge and stand proudly on my cliff of victory.
“You see? I’m fine!”
It’s hard to get a good look at Berserker’s face from almost a one story height difference between us, but he looks like he’s about to have a stroke.
“Yes, it seems like that way for now, but you still have to get down!”
“You worry too much! Now get this picture already…! Come on, //please//?”
Another protesting whine, but Berserker gives in to my begging and snaps my achievement on film for all time.
Berserker pleads with me again to get down now that I’ve had my moment, and it’s my turn to give in as get on my knees by the cliff edge to start on my way down the rocks.
I make it one rock down, hand on the wet stone and-
My grip is too hard, slipping from the rock-- my body pitches to the side.
""">""" [[Fall.]]
On second thought, I can’t climb those rocks. No //way//. Berserker would lose his mind!
Besides… I can’t resist seeing a rare bird for myself. I feel around my bag until my fingers touch the stiff cardstock of my birdwatching guide. I draw it out as I carefully approach the bushes where I heard the bird call come from.
It would be better if I had bait, but I didn’t expect to get a chance to get so close…
I get down on my chest, leaves crunching under my weight, and shimmy closer to the bushes. If I walk and get close, it’ll just fly away. I’ll be noticed in an instant.
I peer through the branches of the foliage, and then… I spot it.
A brilliant streak of blue surrounds its beady black eyes, standing out against its pitch dark feathers. It’s hard to make out all the details since it’s about the size of my hand and I’m squinting through the brush, but as I scan my guide, there’s no mistake about what it is.
A Japanese paradise flycatcher.
I’ve never been able to observe one of these before! It’s hopping about on the forest floor with its tremendously long tail feathers flopping behind it, the tiny bird occasionally pecking at the ground. The hop is incredibly cute to watch, though I can’t help but wonder why it’s hunting for food down on the forest floor when usually the insects are up on the tree branches…
I stare at it hard, memorizing every detail. When I shift my body slightly to get a better look, the sound of the leaves alerts the bird to my presence. However, instead of fleeing, it freezes in place. Its beady eyes are locked with mine…
The sudden snap of a camera startles me to blink, and the bird chirps in alarm as it quickly absconds up into the trees. When I stretch to look back, it’s none other than Berserker, craning his head over.
“Tatsumi? What are you doing down there?”
“H-hey, I was trying to get a good look at that bird…!”
“Oh- was that the thing that ran away so suddenly?” His eyebrows drew closer together as he began to realize just what he’d done.
""">""" [[Berate him.]]
“And it was a really hard-to-find one too…” I make my complaint as obvious as possible as I stand with my guide in hand.
“I didn’t realize that- I-I see… I’m sorry.” He sheepishly looks to the side with the camera in his hands raised near his chest as if he were going to hide his face behind it out of shame. Well, at least he knows just what kind of opportunity I’ve missed now-
Berserker looks at me with sudden fascination, as if he was never embarrassed in the first place.
“Ah- Tatsumi, your eye…”
“My eye?” What about it? Was there something strange about it? I raise my hand to gently touch the skin around it, searching for some kind of clue as to what Berserker was talking about.
“Your Mystic Eye. It was shining quite intensely just then…”
Oh. That’s right-- Berserker was the one who told me about it just after we met when he noticed it immediately. I remember telling him how birds would stop when I look at them hard enough… Was I using it?
“R-really? I can’t tell…”
“It’s a part of you, and you’ve been unaware of it until I told you about it. Naturally, you probably wouldn’t notice it being used… Though I haven’t been able to see it myself until now. What a brilliant shade of crimson it was…”
Berserker gives off a sense of adoration with his smile and then steps closer, his thumb gingerly touching my right cheek as he tilts my head up to get a better look.
“B-Berserker?!”
My mouth snaps shut after that, and I can feel my heart starting to pound at his touch…!
He doesn’t respond for a few long moments as he continues his studious observation, but his head jolts up as he seems to suddenly realize how flustered I am!
“Ah- Sorry! I only wanted to try getting a closer look while it was still fading, and-” He steps back and takes a breath before muttering another apology.
His cheeks turned a light shade of pink and turned his gaze to the leaves at his feet. I heave out a sigh. “I-it’s fine… You’re a scholar, so you can’t help it.”
“Yes, but-”
“It’s fine, already…! D-don’t worry about it, okay? Let’s just keep moving!”
Berserker gives a stiff nod, returning the camera to me as we continue past the waterfall.
""">""" [[Rest for a while.]]
''2:41 PM, Mt. Takao Main Path''
Berserker and I continue our hike up in the mountain. He seems none too worse for the wear, but with every step I take, I pant just a little harder and my legs scream in resistance. Even a desperate swig of water doesn’t save me from my growing exhaustion.
Berserker finally notices my predicament and stops to look me over with his discerning eye.
“We’ve made significant progress, but perhaps we should rest for a moment, Tatsumi. You’re exhausted.”
Oh, thank god…! A chance to get off my legs! I was going to limp my way over to a rock on the side of the path, but Berserker approaches and wraps an arm around my shoulder. Well, that’s nice of him to help support my weight like tha-
He then shifts to reach his other arm under my knees and raises me right up into his arms.
...I can’t even think. Did my brain just break?
So close… Berserker is just too close right now! I feel that mysterious, warm sensation before he sets me down carefully and joins me in resting on another nearby rock. Wh-why is it that he doesn’t even look at all embarrassed about carrying me like that?!
He slips the backpack off from his shoulder to rummage around through it, pulling out a couple of lunchboxes from home.
“Eat-- you’ll feel much better.” He offers one of the boxes with a smile and I take it gingerly into my hands.
The box is wrapped neatly in a cloth. As I unwrap it, the warm feeling doesn’t leave my cheeks. Maybe it’s because I can’t stop thinking about how this is Berserker’s handmade lunch...
Sure I take lunch with school with me, but I usually do it myself. Berserker insisted while we were getting ready at my apartment earlier to leave this sort of thing to him today.
Inside the lunchbox, it’s mostly food that can be prepared easily like chopped vegetables, but what really catches my eye is…
“Berserker, is this a rice ball you rolled yourself?”
Berserker quickly turns his head to me and is blushing outright.
“Th-that’s right. ...Is something wrong with it?”
“No- I’ve just never seen you make one yourself before…”
“Ah, well… I could have just gotten some from the convenience store like you showed me, but-”
“And have you risk another plastic wrap incident without me to supervise? No thanks!”
Berserker purses his lips in a pout. “Th-that’s not what I meant…! Anyways, I noticed you sometimes made them yourself, and with how many you end up otherwise buying from the store, I thought you must really like them, so…”
Knowing that doesn’t do any good to help with wiping the blush off my face.
""">""" [[Eat the rice ball.]]
I cry out as I fall towards the forest floor. I hear Berserker call my name and I snap my eyes shut to brace for the impact…
But something catches me before I can hit the ground.
I can feel heavy panting against my face, and I hesitate to open my eyes. I was met with Berserker’s intensely worried gaze, eyes darting to and fro over my face. It was then that I became aware of Berserker’s hands cradling my body.
“Tatsumi! Thank goodness you’re alright…!” Berserker could hardly contain his sigh of relief. “You scared me half to //death!//”
I couldn’t look away from him, feeling paralyzed from head to toe. I wasn’t sure if I was hot from my heart beating so fast after falling like that, or if it was because of something else entirely.
“B-Berserker…” I finally manage to stammer something out.
“Didn’t I tell you it was dangerous? I should’ve forced you to come down right away-”
“...Thank you.”
I say it before Berserker can even begin to somehow blame himself for this. Sure I wanted to fulfill that sense of adventure I felt, though now that I see putting myself in harm’s way needlessly like that makes him feel that way…
Even so, I’m a little shocked that some part of me is glad that I fell. That same part tugged at my brain, and I notice how close Berserker’s face is… Close enough to…!
//No way is this happening!//
I cover throw my jacket sleeve over my face.
“Thanks for saving me!” I shout stiffly.
What kind of thing is that to think about?!
“...You’re welcome any time.” I can hear Berserker trying to stifle his heavy breathing and regain his usual cool composure. He starts to stand, helping me up back to my feet with him.
“Just… please don’t scare me like that again, alright? As a Servant, I’m able to react much faster than an ordinary person. However, I’m merely a Powerless Shell-- I can’t guarantee always being able to catch you like that…” He tries a small laugh to defuse the tension between us, and I return with my own shaky laugh.
“Yeah, I’ll try to keep that in mind…” I’m glad at least one of us can do that.
I fetch my camera from the ground on my way back to the dirt path, and Berserker apologizes hastily for having to discard it in order to catch me. Upon examination, there didn’t seem to be any damage to the film, so no harm done-- even if it did break, disposable cameras aren't exactly hard to replace. We continued on our way past the waterfall.
...But the image of Berserker’s face so close to mine lingers in my thoughts.
""">""" [[Rest for a while.]]“It seems most people are ignoring this way, but you can go deeper. Here-- follow me.” He wears an eager smile as he leads me into the dense wooded area.
Beyond a few trees, a thin dirt path takes us into a small clearing. Hydrangeas look as though they’re bursting from the hillsides they grow on with how densely their leaves are growing and the forest floor is dotted with common, yet colorful, small wildflowers. The breeze wasn’t as strong in this secluded area, allowing the fresh scent of flowers to grace my sense of smell.
“It’s a much quieter place to enjoy the flowers, don’t you think?”
I couldn’t help but look anywhere other than Berserker. I don’t remember putting this hidden away spot on my map-
My line of thought is interrupted as Berserker suddenly moves in front with his back facing me.
“Tatsumi, stay behind me.” He says it with a firm assertiveness that I haven’t heard since our last operation in the Holy Grail War.
“Eh? Why? What’s going on-” As I crane my head to look over his shoulder, I realize precisely why Berserker was so abruptly on edge. In front of us stood another blond foreigner, jawline defined and eyes resolute. I haven’t seen him up close before, but I vaguely recall Berserker’s description of other Servants to me some days ago. Even though I'm a novice mage, just feeling alone of this intense aura of power he gives off… this could only be one of the other six Servants- Saber.
In spite of the mountain environment, he was dressed in a dark suit missing only a jacket and was carrying a straw basket. What, is this guy going to some kind of fancy party up here or something? I almost want to say it out loud, but the thought of provoking him into attacking makes me shiver.
However, he doesn’t move an inch towards us, only trading stares with my own Servant. With Berserker in his Jekyll persona, Saber could probably finish us right now if he’s as powerful as this oppressive energy he exudes is any clue…
He gives a sideways glance to me peeking over Berserker’s shoulder and some part of his stony look seems to drop as he awkwardly raises a hand in greeting. “...Good day to you.”
‘Good day’? //Is he for real//?! But if he’s not going to make a move, then…
“Master…”
""">""" [[Berserker, attack!]]
""">""" [[Berserker, stand down.]]
I reach out to Berserker with my mind. “//Berserker, use it!//”
“//Understood…!//”
The moment Berserker moves his arm to draw out his phial of elixir, a small dart of light bolts out from the foliage and strikes his hand. The phial is flung from his grasp, striking the ground and dissolving into golden dust, fading away.
Berserker’s attention, and my own, draws to the source of that mysterious light as someone steps into the light peeking through the forest canopy…
A young girl with short, pale hair and a childish demeanor emerges with a smile on her face.
“That’s no way to treat someone just saying hello, is it~?” Her playful voice matches the way she skips to Saber’s side.
“Who’re you supposed to b-”
“You know, it’s even more rude to demand things just like that! I should just kill you two for being so mean to Saber like that…”
This girl can only be Saber’s Master, but the way she clings to his arm like a schoolgirl makes it hard to take the threat seriously… And the way Saber is side-eyeing some of the flowers, he doesn’t seem to appreciate it much, either.
Even so, there’s a cold feeling dripping from this innocent-looking girl's eyes. Berserker is on alert too, not having moved an inch from where he stood.
“...But! Since I’m here on a special picnic, I think I’ll spare your life for now~!”
""">""" [[...Huh?]]
“Berserker… stand down.”
He looks over his shoulder at me in shock, but comes to accept my judgement after a moment of hesitation.
Saber looks somewhat surprised as Berserker backs away to come to my side.
A childish giggle cuts through the tense air, and a young girl with pale, short hair skips in from behind a few trees to Saber’s side. She takes hold of his free hand, which seems to make him a bit uncomfortable.
“Ah, Saber~ and who are these people? Hmmm, that one looks very strange. You always seem to attract such a strange crowd!”
“Wait a minute-- just who are you supposed to b-”
“It’s so rude to ask like that! Don’t you have any manners~? Oh, wait, that man next to you… Could that be Berserker? So then, //you’re// his Master!”
Her smile at me is completely devoid of any sincerity. If anything, I’d be dead if glares like that could kill!
“In that case, maybe I should just kill both of you here since you’re so vulnerable!”
W-Wait, what?!
Berserker starts, leaning towards me with a hand defensively held in front of my chest. This girl is definitely Saber’s Master, then…
She giggles. “But, since I’m here on a special picnic with Saber, I think I’ll spare your lives for now~!”
""">""" [[...Huh?]]“What?” I seriously have no idea what is going on right here…!
“That’s right! Isn’t that so lucky for you? I mean, all I wanted was a nice picnic on a flowery mountain with Saber… Getting blood all over my dress would so suddenly would ruin the whole thing!” She pouts, leaning into Saber a bit more to support her.
“I mean… uh… thanks? I-I think?”
“Think of it like a gift! After all, you came up here too for a lovely picnic with Berserker, right? Being dead wouldn’t make for a very romantic lunch.”
Saber turned his gaze down to her, embarrassed at his Master’s words. “Master, do you really have to say such things?”
She seems to utterly ignore what Saber has to say.
“I mean, you look like a cute pair, so I just feel bad that you’re not nearly as cute as us!”
""">""" [[Defend Berserker’s honor.]]
""">""" [[We aren’t a pair!]]
//How dare she//?! I may not be as strong a mage as this girl must be, but I can’t help getting riled up over this! I mean, she must be blind since she //obviously// can’t see Berserker’s face!
“We are too a cute pair!” I shout defiantly.
...It takes all of two seconds for me to realize exactly what I’ve said.
I feel my blood ice over. From the corner of my eye, I can see Berserker staring at me in wide-eyed, utter astonishment. “...M-Master?”
Actually, it’s not just Berserker- I can feel all of their eyes on me.
...''//WHAT HAVE I DONE?!//''
It takes all my strength to not collapse and die on the spot. Though, giving in to the idea is just so tempting right now.
“Oh? Hmm, it seems your Servant also brings out an assertive side in you despite you looking so horribly average… I almost feel like Saber and I were the ones intruding on you!” She stifles a giggle and coyly touches her fingers to her lips.
“Master, perhaps we should go…” Arthur looks at her beseechingly and for the love of //god// I hope she takes his advice.
“Mmm, you’re right… A prince’s lady wouldn’t do to be seen peeking in at a private affair. We’ll meet again soon someday, I’m sure. Bye-bye... Master of Berserker." She waves farewell and drags Saber by his arm away elsewhere. All Saber can do is give the two of us an apologetic look as he’s led away.
Berserker is still looking at me in shock.
What do I say? //What do I do//?! There’s gotta be a way out of this, just think, quick!
""">""" [[Explain yourself.]]
“We’re not a pair, you…!” I shout defiantly.
“Is that so? Mmm, maybe it could be my imagination, but I was so sure. I mean, even though he can’t do anything about this at all, Berserker is still glaring so fiercely at me… How scary! I bet that just based on that scary face alone, he’d die for you.”
Berserker himself looks a bit taken aback, but he manages the courage to speak up. “I am a Servant-- isn’t such resolve necessary for my existence?”
“That’s true, but it’s sad how badly you’re both lying to each other. Especially you there, other Master.”
“Me?!” What exactly does this creepy pipsqueak have against me, anyways?!
“It’s completely obvious in your eyes. The way you look at Berserker is so much how I look at Saber, at my prince in shining armor~ It’s honestly pitiful watching you play pretend.”
My own knight in shining armor? Berserker isn’t a knight-- I-I have no idea what she’s talking about…!
“Master, that’s enough.” Saber speaks much more firmly than before.
“What? I’m only telling the truth, Saber...” She exchanges a pouty glance with him, but she closes her eyes and accepts his suggestion. “But, maybe I’ll let him go… It seems like Berserker’s Master isn’t as brave as I thought.”
“Hey-!”
She began to lead Saber away without acknowledging my protest, but she stopped suddenly and turned her face to me one last time. Her childish smile was gone for once.
“You know, this War is to the death. I kinda want to win. You should make sure you don’t die later with any regrets in your heart.”
They were just words, but it felt like I’ve just been struck by some kind of blow from an unseen arrow.
She smiled one last time before continuing her exit with Saber.
“...Master? Are you alright?”
Berserker calling to me makes me realize that I’ve been standing here for a fair bit of time.
Like a knight in shining armor, she said… N-no way. That can’t be right, but something tugs at my heart when I remember how quick Berserker was to get between Saber and I… A strange, hot feeling returns to my cheeks and I can’t meet Berserker’s worried gaze.
“C-can we go? I’m just creeped out by that girl is all…”
Berserker nods, and we start to exit the clearing in silent agreement to pretend her taunting didn’t occur, but…
She’s right, maybe I really am a liar.
""">""" [[Rest for a while.]]
“Wh… What I meant was, back there, that we’re a good Master-Servant pair! A-aren’t we?!”
“I agree, but-”
“S-slip of the tongue, accidentally copying what she said! Classic mistake!”
“Is that so…” Berserker’s surprise fades away as he considers my words carefully. “I see, it does happen quite a bit when one is under the sort of stress we’ve just gone through. I understand.” He gives me a half-hearted smile, but is that a sliver of… disappointment in his eye?
“Y-yeah…! We’re a great team, I think… We’ll probably end up fighting Saber some other time, but we’ll uh… we’ll win, because we’re the better team! I mean, didn’t you see how totally creeped out he was by her?” I laugh it off, letting myself ramble. It’s all I could do to quiet the loud beat of my heart.
“Even so, she caught us off guard… we should move on while we can, Tatsumi.”
“Y-yeah. You’re right. Let’s get outta here.”
Berserker’s glimmer of disappointment still bothers me. Why would he be disappointed at all? Is it because I just let myself yell that... //thing// out loud in the first place? Otherwise, I meant what I said when I was rambling about us being a good team, so then, why…?
There was one other possibility for why, but… but there’s no way that would happen.
‘//By some astronomically small chance, did I just accidentally break his heart?//’ The thought echoes in my mind, and I bite back a stinging sensation in my eye as we return to the main path.
""">""" [[Rest for a while.]]As I chew on the rice ball, I can’t help but notice Berserker looking at me expectantly, waiting on my judgement.
“Hmm- it’s good! Packed just tightly enough, and the plum is a nice touch…”
The corners of his lips curl up into a relieved smile, eyes brightening.
“I’m glad you like it. The truth is, I’m a bit nervous since… Well, I never really worked with food in my life, but watching you do it on your own made me think maybe even I could learn something new.”
“Like with breakfast, huh?”
“S-something like that.”
We eat our meal in relative silence, letting the songs of the forest take over. The truth is, I don’t really understand Berserker here… He’s trying his best to impress me when he tries things like making food, and maybe even when he’s being an intellectual, babbling about some odd thing or another like when he was talking about something as mundane as the plastic wrap used to preserve food.
I’m not really worth impressing. The only thing I really take pride in about myself is my photography, and even then it’s only a hobby… What is it about me that motivates him to try so hard where he doesn’t even need to? Is it just because I’m his Master? But it doesn’t make sense for a Servant to try taking up cooking, which he says he’s never really done before. Plus, it’s not like that’s a necessary skill to have as a Heroic Spirit.
Moreover, the way he was hanging on my every word when I was only telling him that it was a good rice ball…
We finish our break soon enough, packing up our bags and continuing up the mountain. It wouldn’t be long before we would reach the top…
As we progress, a huge traditional temple comes into view. Berserker looks to it with interest. “Master-- could we stop there for a minute?”
""">""" [[Approach the temple.]]''3:10 PM, Yakuo-in Temple''
The temple towered above us with its bright red paint adorning the woodwork and ornate gold decorations lining the undersides of the roof’s shingles. Colorful flags were hung about the temple, and people crowded around the outside to look at the numerous small stone monuments dotting the temple grounds.
“This is…?”
“Yakuo-in,” I answer as I look at my map for reference, “a temple devoted to the Tengu of the mountain.”
“That’s some sort of legendary creature, isn’t it?”
“Something like that, yeah. People come here to pray to the Tengu for good luck…”
“You sound as though you don’t believe in such a practice.”
Berserker’s sharp observation catches me a little off guard, and I stuff my hands into my pockets. “Hah- I guess I’m not very superstitious… I would’ve said magic is a silly thing to believe in before I met you and got involved in this whole mage war thing, but this is a little different.”
“I see… So you’re not interested in offering a prayer?”
“I mean, I might just for the heck of it! Wh-why are you suddenly so interested in that?”
Berserker looked to the sky, contemplating my words deeply. “Sorry if it’s an abrupt question- as someone who once offered a prayer to God, I wondered whether or not you believed in some kind of higher power.”
“You were religious?”
“You could say that, especially towards the end of my life. ...Not that I’m about to pressure you or anything! It was nothing more than an idle question I had on my mind.”
“Well since you asked, I don’t usually go to temples much at all.”
“Because?”
Berserker’s curiosity is beginning to hone in on my reasons, but I can’t bring myself to tell him exactly why… Bringing up something so personal puts a bitter taste in my mouth. It’d probably just make me look like a coward, besides the fact that I’m just not someone I’d consider a religious person.
“Not much a reason, I guess.”
Berserker looks at me skeptically, but thankfully decides to drop the subject.
""">""" [[Enter the temple.]]
The inside is much more quiet and serene than outside, where people were flocking to take photos of the picturesque building. Delicate carvings lined the main hall and the smell of incense was heavy on the inside. A few people are inside with us, observing the carvings or kneeling in prayer before the shrine.
Berserker makes a gentle coo of wonder, going off himself to get a better look at the carvings.
Somehow, I feel out of place here. If anything, I’ve been avoiding temples for some time now on purpose because the idea of being somewhere where you ought to be thinking about loved ones…
""">""" [[Pray for safe passage.]]
I bite my lip and draw closer to a shrine devoted to an angry looking Tengu. It occurs to me that I don’t really know too much about what sort of good praying to it is supposed to bring, but the idea of doing so anyways seems increasingly appealing.
I clasp my hands together and close my eyes, reaching out with my soul to anything that might be there, listening or not.
//If anything or anyone is there…
Protect us. Please.
We’ve got to stop this War before it involves other people. If you care about protecting the people of this city, then please… I offer my entire body. Let us win. And even more importantly… protect Berserker. I’ve seen what he thinks of himself. It’s too sad for him to think of himself as a villain when that’s not true. He works hard, and protects me even though I must be a really hopeless case with how weak of a mage I am…
Lastly, my grandfather… treat him well. After everything he’s done for me, the Servant he left me, he deserves that much in the afterlife.//
I open my eyes, hoping that something out there heard me. It occurs to me just then that Berserker was standing next to me, watching.
“Tatsumi? Are you alright?” He whispered so as not to disturb the temple’s quietude. I wondered if he’d try to ask about what I was doing, so I’m relieved that he doesn’t. If anything, there was something of a look of understanding on his calm expression.
“I’m fine. Are you finished?”
“Yes. If you’re ready too, let’s move on to the top of the mountain.”
""">""" [[Resume your ascent.]]
''5:21 PM, Mt. Takao Mountaintop''
I ascend the last few stone steps before we reach the mountain summit. A visitor center stands on the wide open area, welcoming the other tourists that had made it to the top with us. Deciduous trees line the perimeter of the summit that was fenced off, their leaves jostling from the bracing wind.
I let out a breathy sigh and stooped over, grasping my knees.
“We made it… Finally, we made it!”
Berserker searches for an area to get a good view from, only leaving a hand on my shoulder. “There now, the hard part is over, but where…”
I was still catching my breath when I hear Berserker gasp sharply. “Oh, Tatsumi, would you look at that!”
“Oi, can’t you see I’m busy being an old man, here?” I chide him jokingly, but when I look up, I see Berserker was already taking off on a jog across the open area, threading through the crowd and past the visitor center. “W-wait up, you…!”
I take a deep breath and push myself to run after him. Berserker skids to a halt just at the edge of the safety fencing, beyond which was a dropoff, the tops of the cedar trees below just barely making it past his knees. As I slow to catch up, I too can’t stop my mouth from hanging open a bit from the sight.
The city was now hidden behind the ridges of neighboring mountains, their forests like an ocean riding the ripples of the landscape. The clouds were parting just enough that in the very far distance, I could make out the shape of Mt. Fuji, capped ethereally by a pure white.
Berserker hums blissfully as he takes in the scenery. “Such beauty… I never dreamed I’d see something like this!”
“You’ve never hiked a mountain before?”
“No. In fact, I hardly ever left London at all, but this is… something else.”
I scramble to grab my camera and snap a photo of the landscape.
I look to the side after taking my picture, and Berserker is wearing one of the purest smiles I’ve ever seen. He’s squinting somewhat from how wide his grin is, the light of the waning sun reflecting in his eyes as if it were the fire representing just how alive he felt at this very moment.
An idea strikes me like a bolt of lightning.
""">""" [[Sneak a photo of Berserker.]]
""">""" [[Tell Berserker that he belongs here.]]
[img[https://image.ibb.co/fYVnnn/cg2.png]]
The snap of my camera in his direction alerts Berserker to my scheme.
“T-Tatsumi? What are you doing?” His face flushes as he looks at me and I can’t help but smirk playfully in return.
“Just taking a souvenir!”
“//Of my face//?! Master…!” I hold the camera as far behind me as I can, out of Berserker’s grasping reach.
“Hey, once it’s done, it’s done! You can’t just delete film!”
“//I’ll certainly try//!” The more he tries to reach for the camera, the further back I inch until I realize that he’s backed me up against the corner of the safety fence, my back pressed against the bars. Berserker, however, is persistent and still tries to reach-
//W-W-WOAH, HE’S SERIOUSLY PRESSED UP AGAINST ME…!//
My entire face heats up enough that I can’t even feel the cold mountain breeze-- Th-this is way more than I bargained for!
He tries one last time to grab the camera, but it’s just barely out of the reach of his fingers that can only just brush the surface of the camera-- and my hand…!
Finally, he gives in with a defeated whine, his head dropping onto my shoulder.
“Berserker?”
His voice is somewhat muffled from my jacket. “I just hope it was at least a good photo…”
I gulp. Th-there’s no way this is happening right now. Should I pinch myself to make sure? But he’s comfortable enough to let himself do this…
I’m sorry, Berserker, but it’s just…
""">""" [[Let it slip out.]]“Berserker… you belong here.”
He turns his attention to me, blinking in confusion as I tuck away my camera. “I’m sorry?”
“You belong here. I don’t know what exactly happened in your life- stories aren’t always accurate… But just now, you looked… you looked //alive//!”
“I did?” A light pink appears on his cheeks as he considers my words. “Maybe because… You’re right-- it is because I feel alive. Even though I am, as a Heroic Spirit, merely a shadow of the past-”
“//I won’t let him get away with that!//” I think as I press my hands onto his shoulders.
“You’re not just a shadow. You’re here!”
“Tatsumi… I am only a downloaded copy of my true self that lies within the Throne of Heroes.” He looks at me wistfully, but I won’t accept it. I won’t! Because it’s just not true!
“You’re wrong!”
“T-Tatsumi?”
“You’re wrong. You just said that you felt alive! Isn’t that all that matters? No, wait-- I know that’s all that matters. So what if you’re a copy? It’s still a reflection of who you are! When I look at myself in the mirror, it’s who I am! And you… even if you’re the mirror copy of your true self, it’s still you!”
Berserker is stunned speechless. I think even I might have scared myself a little bit. I let the moment hang before taking my hands off of him to the grip the safety fence bars instead, looking out at the view.
“...Sorry. I just realized… I can’t stand it when you say things about yourself like that. Like when you thought it was stupid for you to be a hero of justice despite the way your story ended.”
Berserker is always so hard on himself. I just wish… I just wish he could believe in himself the way I do. To me, he’s more than my Servant or a tool in this War, he’s my protector, someone I admire- he’s…
No, he’s even more than that.
""">""" [[Tell him what he is.]]
“...You were just so beautiful.”
My head is completely blank. I can’t even think that I might have possibly said something wrong when Berserker raises his head from my shoulder to look at me with a crease in his brow. “...Tatsumi?”
I can’t stop my mouth from moving. “I’m sorry, Berserker-- the photo, it’s just… you looked so pleased that I couldn’t help taking a picture. And not just now-- you’re like this every other time, too! Whether we’re at home, or… Or out together, or right now… I-I’ve never felt this strongly about anyone before, much less even talked about it, so… S-so…”
I was beginning to register exactly what was coming out of my mouth, and a bit horrified at what I was saying, I spoke the last words quietly. “I’m sorry.”
Berserker’s expression mellowed out as I spoke. He searches my eyes, and then smiles once again.
“Don’t apologize.”
“Huh?”
“I said, don’t apologize. If that’s your reason for taking the photo, then I’m fine with it. Yes… even where I lack the confidence in myself, you make it up with your confidence in me. I see that now. It’s strange though, that you say that I'm beautiful…”
“H-how so?”
Berserker had averts his eyes for a moment to consider his next words carefully, then looks at me with renewed self-assurance. “I had the very same thoughts about you as we traveled this forest, you and I.”
Wh-what?! Is he serious-
“You seem at home here, gazing at the birds the way you do. I want now, more than ever, to see this War through. Not just because you already fulfilled my wish of believing in me as a hero on the side of justice, but… because you’ve given me a new wish, Tatsumi.”
Berserker embraces me tightly, his hands firmly pressed against my back. I can’t help the gasp escaping my throat as he gently squeezes me.
“I want you to live, too. To love this place that you will save for every day after this War ends. And maybe, if you’ll let me... I want to see it with you.”
If it weren’t for the breeze brushing my bangs and the racing pound of my heart, I would have thought time stopped.
It feels as though my body was moving on its own, but I was fine with following my instinct as I hesitantly returned Berserker’s embrace.
There’s nothing I want more after this Holy Grail War than you at my side.
""">""" [[I wouldn’t have it any other way.]]
[img[https://image.ibb.co/fYVnnn/cg2.png]]
//Special CG Get!//
❤︎ Date “Mt. Takao” Complete ❤︎
Start again?
-----
""">""" [[Route Select|Get up.]]
""">""" [[From the beginning|Start]]
-----
Thank you for playing. Did you experience any bugs? Writing errors? Send a report to me at [[@JCakins|http://www.twitter.com/jcakins]] on Twitter or at jkulick@student.otis.edu.
Route 4 releases March 25, 2018. Please stay tuned! :^)
~''Tatsumi’s SunDate!''~ V.1.3.0
Written, illustrated, & coded by Jeanette Kulick
Website: [[Weebly|http://www.lulukiins.weebly.com]]
Twitter: [[@JCakins|http://www.twitter.com/jcakins]]
Email: jkulick@student.otis.edu
Beta Reader: Nico Smith
Twitter: [[@puffinlord|http://www.twitter.com/puffinlord]]
Thank you, Nico, for all your hard work. I couldn’t execute this project without you! <3
Special Thanks:
To all those who give amazing support and extremely cute scenario advice (or just bullied me into making good choices), I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Momo
Ellome
Ferris
Jesse
KaguI pick out a mountain ridge in the distance and stare hard at it as my grip on the bar tightens.
“You’re more than that. Even more than a hero of justice. To me, you’re…"
...
“You’re //my// hero.”
I’m scared stiff to look at Berserker’s face, but I’m glad when I force my head to turn his way. Something is glinting in his eyes.
“Tatsumi, I… I had no idea that you… th-that you think of me that way.”
A single tear slips down his cheek. ...W-wait. Did I seriously just make the serious, scholarly Berserker cry?!
“Eh-- w-wait-- I’m sorry…!” I rush to start rummaging around my bag to find my tissues, but Berserker waves me off as he uses his other hand to dry his eyes. “No, no-- I’m fine, really, Tatsumi.”
When he finishes, he closes the distance between us and takes hold of my hands, clasping them between his.
Even though it’s a bit chilly up here, his hands are still so warm-- it’s a warmth that matches my cheeks, and my heart begins to rush.
“Thank you. Truly-- thank you. For bringing me here. For summoning me. I’m truly glad to have met you…! And, if you would allow it… I never want to leave your side. If you say that I am your hero… Then I want to protect you, no matter what. Even after we finish this War. Even on peaceful days like this. It’s bold of me to say so-- I know that. And now, you can hear in return just how I feel about you. In fact, it’s only a sliver of the truth when I say that I have felt this way for some time. So… Would you let me do this for you? Please?”
I fight the urge to pinch myself. It sounds fake, even when I repeat it in my mind: Berserker confessed to me, here on Mt. Takao.
I can feel my own eyes stinging and a toothy grin works its way onto my face.
""">""" [[I wouldn’t have it any other way.]]
“What do you think about going to an aquarium?”
Berserker tilts his head slightly. “To see the fish?” He strokes his chin thoughtfully, then giving me a small smile. “I can’t say marine life is within my field of expertise, so yes-- I’d love to. Where is it?”
“I’m thinking the Tokyo Sea Life Park in Edogawa. I pass it whenever I go there for the birdwatching center nearby.”
Berserker makes an affirming hum with a bit of a curious twinkle in his eye.
It’s settled, then-- a trip to aquarium.
""">""" [[Finish your breakfast.|AquariumStarter]]
''11:45 AM, Kasairinkaikoen Station''
The scent of the saltwater breeze fills my nose as I exit the train platform with Berserker. A dome glass ceiling peeks just above the trees on the horizon.
“There- that dome is the aquarium… it’s a bit of a walk, but it’s not too bad.”
“Oh? Have you been there before?”
“No, actually… just read about it.”
Berserker starts walking down the wide, paved pathway. I follow closely at his side.
“I thought you once told me that your hobby was birdwatching, Tatsumi?”
“It is- I only thought of this place because I remember Tamaki telling me that I //have// to take her here the next time she visits.”
Berserker blushes slightly, looking at me apologetically. “Oh, but this is your… I'm sorry, I had no idea I was stealing away the first time here you meant to spend with your sister… she is your sister, correct?”
“That’s right, she is. But don’t worry about it! If anything, then I’ll be a better guide for her, right? Think of yourself like my trial run or something!”
Berserker accepts my excuse with a low hum.
As we approach the Sea Park’s humble gates at a crossroads on the walkway, I looked to where Berserker should be following just behind, but--
Hey! Where’d he run off to?!
Turning on my heel, I scan the crowd frantically until... There he is!
I run to the other branching path where Berserker stands, staring distractedly down a path lined with blooming cherry blossom trees.
“Berserker…! The Sea Park’s the other way, y’know!”
“Mm? Oh, sorry- I was just thinking about how beautiful these looked…”
""">""" [[Follow Berserker down the path.]]
""">""" [[Keep going to the Sea Park.]]
Berserker is clearly captivated by the cherry blossoms… Oh man, how am I supposed to say no when his eyes shine like that?
I can’t help a sigh and give in with a “Well, I guess we //do// have all day, huh…”
Berserker flashes me a small grin. “I promise I won’t belong- just a quick walk, alright?”
-----
''11:57 AM, Cherry Blossom Path''
It was a bit difficult hearing Berserker over the din of the crowd walking the cherry blossom path. It was a wide, paved walkway lined by the bright, rosy pink trees, jostled by the seaside wind. Petals were occasionally knocked loose from the branches, fluttering in the air. Just as Berserker couldn’t seem to look away from the blossoms that nearly blotted out the sky, I couldn’t seem to look away from his adoring eyes.
“What a lively lot gathered here- are these flowers popular in this country?”
Though… some part of me wishes that he would look at me like that--
“Tatsumi?”
“Huh? Oh- y-yeah...! They aren’t like this all the time, so it’s a big deal when the cherry blossoms are in bloom like this. All sorts of festivals pop up over it.”
“Festivals… so these places become even more alive. I’d like to see that sometime.”
“Not that you //have// to, but you’ll usually see people wearing traditional clothes to those sorts of events.”
“Oh? You mean, er… what’s it called? Wafuku? Do you have more than one set? I’d like to experience such an event from your perspective… if I could.”
“Well, I only have my one… I guess I’d have to go shopping for that. You’re pretty set on trying new stuff, huh?”
“Ahah… I suppose I’ll have to blame my own nature as a scholar for that.” Though, Berserker in traditional clothes… He wouldn’t look bad- no, if anything, now I’m a little curious too to get him in those clothes. ...I-is that even the right phrasing I should be using?!
“Hold on a moment, Tatsumi.”
""">""" [[Stop walking.]]
“Berserker… If we go that way, we’ll have to do a lot of backtracking. That path is pretty long…”
“Really? Well… If Master says we shouldn’t, then let’s not.”
Berserker turns away from the path to follow me to the Sea Park.
-----
''11:51 AM, Tokyo Sea Life Park Walkway''
Even after passing the ticket gate, the Park was still a good distance away. The domed building housing the aquarium had now come into clear view, the sky stretching out behind it over Tokyo Bay. As we continue walking down the path, I notice a vending machine. Now that I think about it, I’m a bit parched…
“Hold on a sec Berserker, I’m gonna hit the vending machine.”
He gives a quiet noise of acknowledgement while I head to the machine. It’s a fairly standard drink machine with a variety of choices both in actual content and packaging colors. Tea, coffee, water, sodas… What could I possibly choose?
""">""" [[Hot latte.|C1][$MyChoice to "latte";$C1 to "I could go for some hot caffeine right now, sure."]]
""">""" [[Lemon water.|C1][$MyChoice to "lemon water";$C1 to "Why settle for regular water when I could be adventurous and get some LEMON water?"]]
""">""" [[Popu-Cola.|C1][$MyChoice to "Popu-Cola";$C1 to "I guess there’s nothing like a classic Popu-Cola."]]
""">""" [[Green tea.|C1][$MyChoice to "green tea";$C1 to "Let’s play it safe and go for something I’ll always like."]]
I stop and peer at Berserker incredulously. “What?”
He reaches his hand out and plucks something from my hair. “H-hey…!” I reach instinctively over my head and cover it. However, when Berserker draws his hand back to get a better look, it was only a blossom petal. For a few moments, his face was one of deep concentration, eyes darting back and forth between my face and the petal. A small grin crawls onto his face.
“Hmmm… This petal was in your hair-- but the strange part is that its pinkish color resembles the one blooming on your face. Is the nippy ocean air getting to you, perhaps?”
H-he caught me?!
Becoming aware of the heat that had spread on my face from thinking of Berserker in those clothes, I shove my hands into my jacket pockets and turn my face towards the cherry blossoms. “Yeah! It’s pretty cold!”
Berserker falls quiet except for a thoughtful hum that I could hardly hear over the urban noise.
“If that really is the case…”
Eh- Looking quickly, I see Berserker hook his arm through one of mine to draw me closer to his side…! His smile had been replaced by something of a serious countenance.
“B-berserker?”
“Stay close. We Servants aren’t affected by the temperature, but I wouldn’t want you catching a cold now.”
The heat on my cheeks only intensified, and I couldn’t look anywhere else but at the paved stones as Berserker began to resume our pace. In fact… Berserker really does feel warm, as though the cold air couldn’t touch him at all.
""">""" [[Head to the Sea Park.]]
<<set $TouchPool to false>><<set $Penguin to false>><<set $World to false>>''12:06 PM, Tokyo Sea Life Park''
The park’s glass dome towering above the entrance is even larger when standing just before it. However, there was no building attached to the dome-- it was more like a giant awning over the space. Berserker is looking about in utter confusion.
“Er, Tatsumi… Is this the right place? Where’s the aquarium? Not to say that this dome isn’t impressive, but-”
“Oh, it’s underground. See over there?” I point out the people descending on escalators.
“What an interesting way to construct an aquarium… So you see the creatures at their own level?”
“I guess you could say that.” I guide Berserker to the escalators with the rest of the crowd and we descend together into the aquarium complex.
The aquarium itself was dimly lit for the sake of the fish, although there wasn’t much to be seen yet other than colorful infographics on the walls, selectively lit for reading. Immediately after we finished our descent, a gift shop was tactically placed in front of us to intercept those who were exiting on the ascending escalator.
A large map of the aquarium is displayed at the end of the hall.
“This is quite the sprawling complex, isn’t it… Which way should we go first?”
I give it a bit of consideration and touch my finger to…
""">""" [[The Touch Pool.][$TouchPool to true;$Time to 0]]
""">""" [[The Seas of the World exhibit.][$World to true;$Time to 0]]
""">""" [[The Penguin exhibit.][$Penguin to true;$Time to 0]]
$C1 I press the button for the $MyChoice on the vending machine. After slipping in my coins, the machine whirrs and out pops my drink at the bottom.
Though, now that I think of it, Berserker might want something, too… Even if he doesn’t actually need it, being a Servant and all. What would he like…?
""">""" [[European Blend coffee.|C2][$BChoice to "European Blend coffee";$C2 to "I mean, he is British, so..."]]
""">""" [[Lemon water.|C2][$BChoice to "lemon water";$C2 to "You’re gonna take this lemon water and like it."]]
""">""" [[Milk tea.|C2][$BChoice to "milk tea";$C2 to "Has he ever even tried milk tea before?"]]
""">""" [[Popu-Cola.|C2][$BChoice to "Popu-Cola";$C2 to "Popu-Cola’s terrifying mascot is just too scary to refuse…"]]
$C2 I order a $BChoice from the machine.
I retrieve the drinks and head back to Berserker, who notices me just in time to catch the $BChoice I lightly toss his way.
“Ah- This is for me? ...Thank you, Tatsumi.”
“Don’t worry about it.” I reply casually and open my $MyChoice as I start again towards the Sea Life Park.
“You always seem to be thinking of me. For that, I can’t thank you enough.”
“Really, Berserker… How can I not think of you since we’ve been stuck together since I summoned you?”
“Even so, you know that I don’t need this sort of thing, so it’s still worth thanking you for it. I like that about you, actually- you have a kind heart.”
Wh-what’s this about, over a drink…? “Come on, now… it’s just a drink, Berserker- relax…!”
Berserker tips his head back to have a taste of the drink. “Maybe I am a bit too easy to praise you, but you work hard and think of small things like this. I admire that about people in general… That small urge to do something for the sake of someone else’s happiness and then the warmth of the payoff when you see them smile… It’s hard to imagine that such a wonderful phenomena exists in the very same hearts of men that can blacken with sin.”
...Now I’m seriously lost. “Really, what are you talking about?”
Berserker blinks as if he only just now realized how much he was rambling. “Oh- ignore the ravings of an old scholar. I think far too much about that sort of thing.”
Well, he’s got that much right. His mind always seems to be stuck on the duality of man, but I guess he can’t help it given that he is a Heroic Spirit with a split personality. Someone that studied the evil lurking with humanity with profound interest… I only wish his thoughts like that wouldn’t always end up being so sad after talking about that feeling of gratification when you give to someone else.
If nothing else, I still feel a bit fuzzy from seeing the smile on his face after giving him the $BChoice.
""">""" [[Head to the Sea Park.]]
''<<if $Time is 0>>12:31<</if>><<if $Time is 1>>1:03<</if>><<if $Time is 2>>1:35<</if>> PM, The Touch Pool''
The touch pool room is filled with the coos of children and adults alike, huddled around the edges of the multiple pools around the room. Berserker and I approach one of the pools. This particular one was populated by small manta rays, their sandy brown hides almost similar to the sand at the bottom of the pool.
Berserker mumbles an “Oh,” when he notices his own gloves and takes them off to tuck away in his pocket.
I’m much more focused on these rays myself… Maybe touch pools are more of a kid’s thing, but there’s nothing wrong with being a bit of a kid, right?
A passing ray brushes my fingertips with its sandpapery skin and I can feel a smile curl onto my lips. There’s something exhilarating about being able to touch an animal like that…
My attention is immediately drawn to Berserker when he yelps in astonishment. “Tatsumi- it touched my hand…!”
“I mean… That’s what it’s supposed to do?”
“I-I know, but…” A blush begins to appear on Berserker’s face, but I don’t get to get a good look at it when he turns his head a bit away from me. “I’ve never been able to touch an animal like this before…”
I turn my focus back to the rays circling in the water. “It’s nice though, isn’t it? It kinda lets you feel closer to them… How is it, then? Touching a ray?”
“An odd sensation… Rough- perhaps as a sort of camouflage for the sand at the bottom? Or maybe…” Berserker continues his analytical ramble about rays but it all starts to quickly sound like gibberish to me… I thought marine biology wasn’t one of his specialities?!
I nod my head in pretend understanding and keep my focus on the rays. Maybe if I don’t meet his eyes, he won’t see how utterly confused I am…
As Berserker continues to ramble about the fascinating texture of manta ray skin, I notice his other hand idly waiting in the water for the touch of another ray. I sneak a quick peek up at Berserker. He seems to be staring distractedly at the wall ahead while he continues contemplating the feeling of a ray...
""">""" [[Touch his hand.]]
""">""" [[Hesitate.]]
''<<if $Time is 0>>12:31<</if>><<if $Time is 1>>1:03<</if>><<if $Time is 2>>1:35<</if>> PM, Seas of the World Exhibit''
The Seas of the World exhibit is full of small tanks lining the walls and a few in the center. Fish of all sizes, shapes, colors, and exotic patterns inhabit the tanks. They swim as if they’re ignorant of all the people peering into their modular worlds. The dim lights from the ceiling projected a blue color washing over the entire room, making us feel just a bit closer to their world.
Berserker was smiling, looking from tank to tank, not at all sure of which to go see first-- then he looked to me, searching for approval. I shrugged and waved my hand noncommittally, and he took that as permission to go explore the room.
I was more interested in the larger tanks in the center of the room, defined by their ability to be viewed from all sides. It seemed to be a miniature coral reef, with a central pillar covered in multicolored, alien shapes. Fish of vivid scales dipped in and out of porous coral and anemones.
Looking to a rock closer to myself, I was startled to discover a strange formation wasn’t part of the rock, but instead an eel staring back at me.
It’s kind of amazing seeing how much this tank on its own is just teeming with life… Even though the signs at the bottom of the display showed the fish and their names, I couldn’t even begin to try to find all of them.
I followed an orange shape swimming through the water-- a clownfish?-- as it weaved in and out of schools of other small fish. Then, as the clownfish disappeared into a hunk of coral, my eyes settled on something deep green in color. In fact, it seemed to glimmer, reflecting the rest of the tank. I could just barely make it out- was it on the complete other end of the tank from me? No, wait, now that I look closely, that shimmering green thing had a twin--
Wait a minute. Those aren’t some kind of fish, it’s...
//''BERSERKER?!''//
Both of us jolted upright, myself from realizing I was staring into Berserker’s eyes, but Berserker because…?
“//Tatsumi? What’s all the yelling for?//”
Oh damnit, he heard that one through our mental link!
“//I-I just didn’t expect to see you on the other side was all…!//”
Berserker starts to smile and he breaks out into a small laugh. Wh-what’s so funny? It’s not… It’s not //that// dumb of a reason to get spooked over!
""">""" [[Make him regret it.]]
<<set $Time to $Time + 1>>...What could possibly happen here?
I feel a strange sense of mischievousness and move my submerged hand just enough to the side to touch Berserker’s hand. I can hear his talking come to a sudden halt as his breath hitches and his face jolts down to his hand-- then to me. “T-Tatsumi?”
I can’t help the snort I make when looking at Berserker’s face of utter bewilderment. “Just checking to see if you’re paying attention!”
“I was in the middle of...!”
Again- there I thought I saw a blushing face from Berserker… but I couldn’t catch it in time. A warm feeling starts to rise to my cheeks. Is it wrong to think that Berserker gets kind of cute when he looks like that…?
No, no, wait, what am I thinking-!
“Sorry, then… I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”
“It’s fine- I think I was beginning to talk your ear off over something like the texture of ray skin as it is.”
Did he only just now figure that out? Even so… “You’re not annoying me or anything. Sometimes I find it hard to follow what you’re talking about, but I think I like it when you’re putting your passion as a scholar into your thoughts…”
“‘Passion’, you call it…” A soft grin finds its way onto Berserker’s face. “It’s nice to know that you think of it as passion.”
I’m not totally sure I know what he’s talking about there… But all I know is that Berserker seems to be happiest when he’s talking about things that interest him. I wonder if he would sound that way if he would ever be talking about me… W-wait, what am I thinking?!
More importantly, I need to figure out where we’ll go next.
<<if $World is false>>
""">""" [[The Seas of the World exhibit.][$World to true]]<</if>><<if $Penguin is false>>
""">""" [[The Penguin exhibit.][$Penguin to true]]<</if>><<if $World is true and $Penguin is true and $TouchPool is true>>
""">""" [[The Aqua Theatre.]]<</if>>
<<set $Time to $Time + 1>>No, wait… I don’t wanna startle him or anything-
As if the rays knew I’d just thought the word “startle”, one of them slid up the side of the pool just above the water’s surface to flap its fins against the wall. The water it splashes just barely gets on my face, but mostly my shirt. It slips away just as quickly as it appeared and I can’t do anything but stand there, frozen in place.
I only turn my head when I hear Berserker starting to chuckle.
“I think that one liked you, Tatsumi!”
“Oh, //really//?”
Berserker raises his dry hand to cover his mouth in an attempt to stifle another laugh. “You’re a bit wet now, though… Here, let’s dry you off.”
“I can dry myself off…!”
“Nonsense, the responsibility of caring for the Master is the responsibility of the Servant.” He takes me by the hand and leads me away from the pool and over to the hand-washing station. He retrieves a few tissues and wipes the water off of my face gingerly.
Berserker’s touch is always so gentle… Wait- his face right now, it’s so close…!
He checks my face over again to make sure it’s clean before drawing his face back and smiling at his handiwork. “There- you should be fine. Though, your shirt might need a bit of time to dry off… Just to be safe, you should change them when we get back.”
“Berserker, it’s not like I was just out in the rain, it was only a little splash…!”
Berserker gives me a determined stare. “That may be so, but I’d rather err on the side of caution. Call it a doctor’s paranoia, if you must.”
Now he’s just overreacting! Even so, I can’t seem to really get upset with him over it… It’s his way of looking out for me, even if it’s really strange. ...No wait, more accurately, is it because I like it when he worries about me like this? I feel a strange warmth covering my face.
“Tatsumi? Your face is a little red- are you alright?”
“I-I’m totally fine!”
Berserker eyes me incredulously. I know that look- quick, I need to come up with another place to go to before he starts getting any embarrassing ideas…!
<<if $World is false>>
""">""" [[The Seas of the World exhibit.][$World to true]]<</if>><<if $Penguin is false>>
""">""" [[The Penguin exhibit.][$Penguin to true]]<</if>><<if $World is true and $Penguin is true and $TouchPool is true>>
""">""" [[The Aqua Theatre.]]<</if>>
''<<if $Time is 0>>12:31<</if>><<if $Time is 1>>1:03<</if>><<if $Time is 2>>1:35<</if>> PM, Penguin Exhibit''
The penguin exhibit itself is outdoors, connected to the aquarium. In fact, earlier when I said that the aquarium was underground to Berserker, it was more like it was seated on a slope.
Different species of penguins lounge on the rocks to soak in the sun opposite of the viewing platform, whilst others are leisurely swimming in the water.
Something about those birds made me jealous… I wish I could just lay around in the sun all day. That’d be so much less to worry about, wouldn’t it? Between all this Grail War and school business, that is… They can just lie there without a care in the world while I have to fear for my life day and night. How fair is that?
I occurs to me that I can hear Berserker snickering.
“Oi. What’s so funny?”
“Oh, nothing in particular, it’s just…”
“It’s just what?”
“Well, this may come off as a childish observation, but… I couldn’t help noticing that…”
“Seriously, what’s with you? You’re in too good of a mood right now--”
“The black and white coats of these penguins really resembles you!”
...Eh?
""">""" [[Two can play at this game.]]
""">""" [[What is that supposed to mean?]]
[img[https://image.ibb.co/dPz1vH/cg3.png]]
“Tatsumi? We haven’t been to this place yet…” Berserker points to a spot on the map he’s holding.
“No, I guess not… Let’s go there next, then!”
-----
''2:03 PM, Aqua Theatre''
The theatre is only accessible after descending a set of stairs to the bottom floor. The reason becomes clear immediately as Berserker gasps in wonder.
I follow him to stop before a large tank two stories in height, stretching across the cylindrical room. In fact, looking straight forward, I could see nothing but the myriad of tuna and other large fish swimming about. Their scales reflect the light from the water’s surface, glimmering as the schools they travel in glide across the tank. The cloudiness of the saltwater tank makes it hard to make out the other side and had I not known in the first place that it really was a tank, I would have thought I really was looking out into the vast ocean.
“Tatsumi… It’s as though we’ve been entirely drawn into their world.”
I turn my gaze to Berserker who is completely enraptured by the sight before us. The light above the tank is refracted by the water’s surface, the lines of light created by it ebbing and dancing across Berserker’s face. Much like the scales of the fish, his green eyes are aglow with light. This is a smile that I’ve never seen before… It’s soft and subtle, but encompasses Berserker’s genuine delight in the parade of marine life.
I feel as if time has stopped. The moment is stretching on and on, watching Berserker be spirited away by immense display.
He looks to me and his smile widens just enough that his eyes wrinkle slightly at the corners. “Isn’t it a beautiful world we live in?”
...Berserker…
Some unknowable feeling wells up in my chest. Could I call it 'affection'?
""">""" [[Just say it.]]
<<set $Time to $Time + 1>>I can feel a now somewhat familiar warmth on my face, but I’m not sure if it’s embarrassment, or… something else.
But now you’re in for it. You think this is a game, Berserker? You wanna laugh? Well, I’ll show you what’s funny!
I stick my tongue out and make as weird an expression as I can twist my face into. I adjust the positioning of my face just enough that the warping of the curved tank glass should catch my features. Surely enough, Berserker is still laughing on the other side.
Oh, wow. I stop for a brief moment to watch. He could hardly contain himself. His eyes eyes were squeezed shut from laughter and not clapping his hand over his mouth could stop him. It’s as though a rare happiness that hardly ever appeared from him was radiating from every one of his features-- even from the way his stray parted hair almost bounced above his bangs.
...Even if I’m only a weak novice, I want to protect that smile. This warmth making my heart race is something I just don’t understand quite yet, but if it makes me feel capable of protecting him, then it can’t be all bad.
I should think about what we should see next… But even as weird as it sounds, I get the strange feeling that I won’t be looking at the animals as much as I’ll be looking at Berserker.
<<if $TouchPool is false>>
""">""" [[The Touch Pool.][$TouchPool to true]]<</if>><<if $Penguin is false>>
""">""" [[The Penguin exhibit.][$Penguin to true]]<</if>><<if $World is true and $Penguin is true and $TouchPool is true>>
""">""" [[The Aqua Theatre.]]<</if>><<set $Time to $Time + 1>>I-I look like a penguin to him?!
“Oh yeah? Well, your hair-thingy makes you look like a rooster!”
Berserker’s eyes widened, realizing that I am, of course, 100% correct and defensively raises a hand to touch it.
“I-Is that really what it looks like?”
“Yeah! Two can play at this game!”
“Ahah, I suppose so…” He pauses, then crosses his arms. “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to cause you any offense, but…”
“I’m not actually mad about it or anything-- You might be right.” I pinch my jacket sleeve and wonder if its color is what gives him the impression…
“I meant it more as a compliment. You see, I think these creatures are most adorable.”
Oh, adorable, I see-- //WHAT//?
My heart is suddenly pounding and I can’t hold back the blush I’m sure must be showing on my face…!
“Tatsumi?” His brow furrows in concern. “Have I said something inappropriate?”
Play it off, play it off…! “No, no, you’re fine, I mean… I do look… pretty penguin-y I guess.” Penguin-y? Is that really all I can come up with?! I can’t meet Berserker’s eyes. It’s probably better that way-- I can’t let him see just how embarrassed I am.
<<if $TouchPool is false>>
""">""" [[The Touch Pool.][$TouchPool to true]]<</if>><<if $World is false>>
""">""" [[The Seas of the World exhibit.][$World to true]]<</if>><<if $World is true and $Penguin is true and $TouchPool is true>>
""">""" [[The Aqua Theatre.]]<</if>>
<<set $Time to $Time + 1>>“Berserker…! What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Ah, don’t think too much about it! I couldn’t help the thought… Seeing so many new creatures, I think it’s put me in high spirits.”
Yeah, that much is for sure. ...But it’s nice seeing Berserker in a good mood like this. Maybe being able to see new things like these animals feeds his intellectual appetite or something like that? Or at least, that has to be the case since he’s always in way too good of a mood when he reads something like my school textbooks of all things.
“Berserker? Are you always like this when you learn new things?”
“Making jokes? No… I wouldn’t say that. Certainly, I do like seeing such interesting and, to be very honest, cute animals in person and learning more about them, but I think I feel this way because… Yes, because it’s with you.”
“W-with me?” I avert my eyes to watch the penguins- I can’t look at Berserker right now when I can feel how hot my face is getting. Why me? What makes me so special?
“Yes. The acquisition of knowledge isn’t nearly as stimulating without someone you trust, wouldn’t you say? In fact, being here reminds me of my institution days with my friends. The time I spent studying with the likes of Utterson and Lanyon… Those are long past, but something I treasure. I’m hoping that I can keep this as a happy memory as well.”
Berserker’s friends… In the end, they grew apart after his alternate personality emerged. Is it really possible that Berserker thinks of me as someone close to him like that? No, that’s silly…! Right?
Though, I’d really like that to be true…
<<if $TouchPool is false>>
""">""" [[The Touch Pool.][$TouchPool to true]]<</if>><<if $World is false>>
""">""" [[The Seas of the World exhibit.][$World to true]]<</if>><<if $World is true and $Penguin is true and $TouchPool is true>>
""">""" [[The Aqua Theatre.]]<</if>>
My heart skips a beat. A now familiar hot sensation strikes me like a bolt of lightning and the filter in my brain isn’t running at all when I whisper it under my breath.
“...I think I love you.”
...What am I saying? What am I //saying//?!
Berserker blinks at me with wide eyes as his smile fades. “I’m sorry? I didn’t quite catch that…” He steps closer to me.
No, wait, t-too close!
“I-I said… That…” It’s no good… I’m starting to sweat and I’ve lost my courage-
Berserker cuts through my thoughts with a low sigh, gently resting a hand on my shoulder.
“You don’t have to trouble yourself so much to say something you don’t want to yet.”
...But I //do// want to!
“It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just… hard to!”
“What’s hard, Tatsumi?”
It’s definitely hard to look Berserker in the eye right now. I can’t seem to look anywhere other than the buttons on his vest.
""">""" [[Admit it.]]
“I… Please don’t laugh at me for saying this. I-I think I like you, Berserker.”
He doesn’t say anything, but I still can’t force myself to look up or stop myself from talking to fill the silence. It feels like I’m about to burn up… “You look so happy here, seeing all these animals that I’m sure you’ve never seen before judging by your face. Especially here in this room- you said yourself just now that it’s like being in their world, right? I feel the same when I look at you. In fact, I’m actually a little jealous…”
“Jealous? Of whom?” He finally asks.
“Of the fish! I don’t really understand my feelings yet, and maybe it’s coming off as weird or maybe even disgusting, but-- What I am sure if that I wish you’d look at me that way, o-or something like that, because…”
I raise my arms so that my jacket sleeves can cover my face. Again, I’ve lost my gall. I’ve really done it now…
After a moment, I can feel Berserker tug on my sleeve. “Tatsumi? Would you look at me? Please?”
I hesitantly lower my arms expecting to be rejected, but instead Berserker draws close and wraps his arms around me.
“B-Berserker?”
“Thank you for telling me. But you know, Tatsumi, it’s not the animals that have been the reason for my happiness today.”
“They’re not?”
“Well… that’s a bit of an overstatement- they have a part in it. What’s made me happiest about today is being able to see more than just the city that you’ve shown me that you want to protect. The animals here are just as much a part of this world as you are. To protect this city from the ravages of the war means being able to protect such wonderful creatures as well… And about looking only at them, you’re a bit wrong there, too.”
Is Berserker really going to…?
He pulls back from the hug just enough so that I can see his smiling face, and I blush a bit harder when I feel his hand supporting the back of my head.
“I was admiring you this whole time. No, for even longer than just this trip. From the very first day you summoned me, watching you go about your daily life, seeing the determination in your eyes when you decided to believe in me and help save this city… I felt the same as I do right now: as though I'm watching something beautiful from behind a glass wall. I want to protect that-- to protect you.”
""">""" [[You don’t have to watch from afar.]]He makes it sound like something he has to do alone. Maybe that’s just how a Master and Servant works, especially with someone like me who’s so weak of a mage that I have to stay behind when a fight breaks out, but still…!
“You know that’s really cruel to say, right?”
Berserker’s brow lowers as he attempts to understand.
“We’re a team, you and I-- I mean… I’m not a strong teammate, but I want to be! I want to fight with you! So if I have to, I’ll break that glass if it means being by your side. You understand?”
It’s hard to tell with the ambient light of the massive aquarium tank just next to us dyeing everything in the room blue, but I swear I can see a blush starting to appear on his cheeks. Something wet in the corner of his eye glints before he draws me back into another embrace.
“Tatsumi… If that’s how you feel, even I won’t deny you. Just promise me one thing.”
“Wh-which is?”
“Let’s not only win this Holy Grail War, but survive. I want to remain by your side, the person who would trust their fate to me. An honesty of the soul that I find to be more beautiful and rare than any of what I’ve seen here today…”
""">""" [[I promise.]]
[img[https://image.ibb.co/dPz1vH/cg3.png]]
//Special CG Get!//
❤︎ Date “Aquarium” Complete ❤︎
Start again?
-----
""">""" [[Route Select|Get up.]]
""">""" [[From the beginning|Start]]
-----
Thank you for playing. Did you experience any bugs? Writing errors? Send a report to me at [[@JCakins|http://www.twitter.com/jcakins]] on Twitter or at jkulick@student.otis.edu.
Route 4 releases March 25, 2018. Please stay tuned! :^)
~''Tatsumi’s SunDate!''~ V.1.3.0
Written, illustrated, & coded by Jeanette Kulick
Website: [[Weebly|http://www.lulukiins.weebly.com]]
Twitter: [[@JCakins|http://www.twitter.com/jcakins]]
Email: jkulick@student.otis.edu
Beta Reader: Nico Smith
Twitter: [[@puffinlord|http://www.twitter.com/puffinlord]]
Thank you, Nico, for all your hard work. I couldn’t execute this project without you! <3
Special Thanks:
To all those who give amazing support and extremely cute scenario advice (or just bullied me into making good choices), I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Momo
Ellome
Ferris
Jesse
Kagu