#abegail williams
Type: oneshot
Warnings: cursing, vague implications of twisted family.
So. Um. Hi. Mod Avenger here, back with something. Sorry I haven’t been on much. I’m nearing the final year of college and I have to start buckling up and preparing for the worst to come. Anyways, Thanks so much for 1,039 followers and I love you all guys. Many thanks to Mod Ruler who kept things running while I was MIA; you’re the absolute best.
Cultural notes at the end of the fic, guys!
This is extra long, and I hope it makes up for the long absence. ~ Mod Avenger
It was an inevitable event to meet the Master’s relatives after absolutely no contact with them for three and a half years.
After they ensured that Chaldea could keep itself running and kept Da Vinci (now a little girl) along with the other Servants and remaining Team A Masters who had to recuperate after the battles, Ritsuka Fujimaru, Mashu Kyrielight, the newly-resurrected Romani Akiman (parted fromSolomon, his mind whispered “I am who I am now.”) and the Team A Captain, Kirschtaria Vodheim, had opted to bring along ten Servants to visit Ritsuka Fujimaru’s home in Sapporo.
The ride there was joyfully anxious, with Kirschtaria , despite his insistence that he wasn’t interested in Japanese scenery and some-such, could be spied looking over the greenery they passed by with a tranquil smile. Ritsuka was playing cards with the other servants when the bus announced the stop. Everything was natural and not out of place, all according to what a normal, non-magic related trip should be.
What they didn’t expect was this: Ritsuka Fujimaru had two siblings: a younger sister named Mitsuhi aged seven, with vibrant orange hair, and mischievous golden eyes. It was not out of place that she wanted to play with Abby, Jackie and Alice while the adults talked.
That was not unusual.
Ritsuka’s older sibling, twenty-two years of age (single, Romani and Kirschtaria’s mind crooned in unison), was not the spitting image of the black haired Master, but they could see the similarities. The way they walked, the relaxed, silent air of power and warmth. The simple, transparent well-meaning kindness that they exuded when the child Servants tugged on their clothes, asking about this and that.
The bone-chilling, will-o-wisp glare in their eyes that was currently directed at Romani and Kirschtaria, was for one, a more potent version of Ritsuka’s glare.
(Also, in the back of Roman and Kirschtaria’s thoughts, they were also undeniably eye candy, and they both silently raised eyebrows if all Fujimaru clan members had genetic good looks or something.)
“I would like to know why on earth you brought three Zashiki-Warashi into the house and seven spirits.“ They replied in a curt, cutting voice. “And if you would, I would appreciate knowing how in the hell my little brother got so many scars and wounds–this is beyond a ‘transfer school bullying’. I demand answers and I want them now.“
The four of them were seated on the large, dark-wood chabudai,planted comfortably on the zabuton.Tea and some rice crackers along with manju had been served (much to Romani’s delight).
The elder Fujimaru leaned on their tented hands and exhaled (Romani tried to avert how his eyes strayed to their collarbone), looking at the two men, one a top-class mage, and the other a fraction of the King of Magecraft.
“Well?“ a raised eyebrow. “I’m waiting, gentlemen.“
Romani cleared his throat. “First off, Fujimaru-san–”
You waved a hand dismissively. “My first name is fine. I’m not too attached to my last name.”
Resisting the urge to reply ‘Would you like to have my last name instead?’, Romani cleared his throat, trying your name on his tongue. “First off, may I ask what you called Abby, Alice, and Jackie?”
You raised an eyebrow. “Zashiki-Warashi. House spirits. They’re sprites that live in old houses like ours. We already have Renzu here too.” you tipped back your teacup, downing all the tea in one go, missing how Romani and Kirschtaria stared momentarily at your exposed neck (though Ritsuka saw, and was currently stifling a smirk). “You mean those kids aren’tAyakashi?Youkai?Mononoke?”
“No, they’re…revived spirits? people? Concepts?“ Ritsuka replied softly. “Um, actually, why are you so knowledgeable about this?“
You looked at him incredulously. “You mean Aya didn’t tell you before he escorted you off to wherever godforsaken place you went?” you turned to Romani and Kirschtaria. “Hey, when this kid got on the plane, did one guy with sideburns and a gnarly mustache come along and explain shit to him?”
Kirschtaria shook his head. “No, we did not encounter a man with a description upon landing in Japan. Same goes for our departure from Nepal.” The blonde man raised an eyebrow. “Is there something wrong with that?”
A serious look overtook your face and you fell back spread-eagle with a groan into the tatami, offering the two an ample view of your stomach (again, Ritsuka snickered when Kirschtaria pointedly stared away and Romani couldn’t seem to tear his eyes from the expanse of unblemished, smooth skin). “Great. Aya must’ve gotten intercepted by Kuroboshi agents.”
Whipping up, you sat and dragged Ritsuka over. “Oi kiddo, drag those seven spirits of yours and the cute Zashiki-Warashi inside; set the table. We’re talking over food. You–” you pointed at Roman and Kirschtaria with the air of an emperor. “Help me out in the kitchen. I don’t give a rat’s ass if you guys are mages or whatever but if you don’t help cook, you’re not getting jack shit for lunch.”
With that, you left two stunned men and a very confused Ritsuka as you began puttering around the kitchen for preparations. Kirschtaria and Romani followed close as you handed them two aprons. “Roll up your sleeves, um…” a fresh hue of pink spread across your face and you laughed. “Oh yeah, I was so angry I forgot to ask your names. So?”
“I’m Chaldea’s Head Doctor, Romani Akiman.“ Romani replied with a smile. He couldn’t help but feel happy that there was no more second voice tacking on ‘Actually Solomon, King of Magecraft‘ after his introduction.
“I am Kirschtaria Vodheim.“ the blonde-haired male replied with a soft smile. “It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of Ritsuka’s sibling.“
You waved a hand. “Flattery. Ritsuka’s a good kid, but that won’t work on me.” You replied as you taught them their deeds. Romani would cut up vegetables and Kirschtaria would mix up the broth. “Back on track: I sent away Ritsuka because I know he won’t tell me anything that happened about his wounds.” you paused. “tell me everything. From the very start. The unabridged version.”
With a sigh, Romani opened his mouth and began to explain along with Kirschtaria. About Chaldea, Solomon, Servants and Heroes. The battles that Ritsuka fought and survived.
To say the least that the eldest Fujimaru had sensed seven servants outside the multi-layer barrier that encompassed their house was no mean feat.
It was even more surprising when they stated that they created the barrier themselves. Medea was impressed (but of course, as expected of dear Ritsuka’s sister), Merlin was…well, attempting to find out how they created such a complex latticework of wards and alarms underneath the barriers (and also using his ‘instant catch your heart smile’), Cu laughed, Arturia was appreciating the food via her elegant plate-to-mouth shoveling, Emiya was also curious and appreciative of the food (maybe you’d share recipes?), and Mashu and Galahad were also burning curious about Ristuka’s older sibling.
“Okay, so heads up. Hey, Ricchan; we’re from a family of Onmyouji.“ You bomb-dropped casually as everyone stopped and stared at you. “What?“
“Um, could you repeat that?“ Ristuka mumbled, cleaning imaginary gunk out of his ear.
You sighed. “Secret Family Hereditary PSA: we’re from a line of old farts using spirit magic to protect humanity.” you leaned towards Mitsuhi and wiped her mouth of tomato sauce despite your little sister’s protests. “Anything you wanna ask?”
“Um, yeah. Like why wasn’t I informed of this?“
“You went off to Chaldea Org. we were about to tell you since you were already sixteen.“ you blinked. “Actually eighteen now, but hey.“
Roman raised a hand. “Um, so are you saying your family is…”
“Not mages. Mages use different systems of magic. Onmyouji relies on contracts with spirits and equal payment and some-such.“ You explained. “And I guess these guests you dragged along here are also your Contractors?“
“Um yes? they’re my friends.“ Ritsuka mumbled softly.
You gave a fond smile that did not go unnoticed. “Don’t mumble. It’s a bad habit.”
Ritsuka looked up, eyes resolute. “They’re all awesome friends and they’ve helped save my ass in several sure-kill situations.“
“That’s better. Thanks for that by the way.“ You responded, nodding respectfully to all the servants present. “Ricchan’s always got a strong moral compass and a tendency to attract trouble, so I was a bit worried if he had become a human Popsicle up there in the Himalayas.“
“Wait, how do you know about–“
“Romani-san told me everything. Also Kirschtaria-san knows he should be grateful that you’ve forgiven him or else he’ll be feeling a pain in the family jewels faster than he can say ‘gesundheit’.“
Ritsuka bowed his head. “I-I can explain–”
You held up a hand. “No. You’lllisten to me, Fujimaru Ritsuka.”
Silence. Medea looked worried, Cu’s face was impassive. Abby and Jackie looked worried. Would they tell Ritsuka that he was no longer to participate in Chaldea? That he should quit?
Then you smiled, so soft and genuine and so fullof affection and pride. “I’m so fucking proudof you, kiddo.”
Everybody blinked. Ritsuka exhaled. “That…wasn’twhat I was expecting.”
“From the Heian, our family has been embroiled in secret war with the Lord of the Night Parade.“ you said softly. “Battle is in our blood, and the Song sings when we move to a goal.“
“Our name was not always Fujimaru. it was called ‘Fujitei’–the Wisteria Emperor. until the Meiji Period, that is.“ Mitsuhi crawled into your lap and sat there, sensing your softening mood.
“Our clan was renamed ‘Fujimaru’,the Wisteria Circle, after one of our seers had a Divine Possession. She said that one of the scions of the Fujitei would bring the family to greater heights, and let everything come full circle. So the head renamed us the Fujimaru:the Wisteria Circle, in hopes of hastening the arrival of that promised child.“
The servants looked on in shock and dawning realization along with Romani and Kirschtaria.
“Who would have thought it would be my little brother?” You said as you smiled. “I may not be happy about you getting whacked around like a rag doll, but it’s better than being the next Fujimaru head.“ you continued darkly.
“Listen, everyone. I may be pushing it a bit too far, but please take care of this stupidly kind child.“ You asked, bowing deeply. “He’s an idiot, but a good idiot. The Fujimaru would only destroy him if they get their filthy claws around him.“
“O-Of course! I mean, Senpai is always under our protection.“ Mashu replied with Galahad’s reassuring nod.
“With our lives.” Cu and Emiya replied resolutely.
You sighed in relief. “Thank you. All of you have no idea how much that means to me.” A smile on your face. “Let’s just eat for now. I’ll explain everything about our shitty family in the morning, because I’m too sober for this shit. Who wants sake?”
“Oh, me!“
“Me too!“
“Mommy, what’s sake?“
The remaining six days were practically a vacation. Using an unused shed, Romani and Da Vinci had created a leygate into Ritsuka’s house, and Kiyohime had vigorously greeted her ‘sisters-in-law’ with all smiles. The other servants were also pleased to make your acquaintance, and you bonded over with some of them via housecleaning and cooking.
(You also liked company, because at times, the house got very lonely, even with Mitsuhi with you. So they kept the gate open to this day, so Ritsuka could see you in a moment’s notice. Also, Abby, Jackie and Alice, along with Chloe and Illya, seemed to have made great friends with the local children, so you weren’t complaining.)
The final day came with farewells and you mother-henning Ritsuka into a better sleep pattern and learning basic hand-to-hand combat from some Servants. The other Team A mages seemed to have varying degrees of acceptance, from Caddoc, who seemed to think of you as an ideal mother, to that Scandinavia guy who you could drink under the table.
“Later, kiddo. Get lots of sleep and eat your vegetables.“ You said as you ruffled Ritsuka’s bird’s-nest hair and bought him in for a tight hug. Releasing him, you turned to Romani and Kirschtaria who stiffened, and yelped when you pulled them both down at the same time by their ties and–
Two soft brushes of the cheek and catcalls. Romani and Kirschtaria pinked when they realized they just got pecked on the cheek by a very attractive individual.
Feeling like floating, they went their ways, and as the door closed, both men turned in unison to see a smug Fujimaru. “You know, I have photos of them in the bath. And I can totally see that both of you have a massive crush on them.”
Chaldea was suddenly confused as to why Ritsuka ran away in hysterical laughter from an irate magus and a ginger-haired doctor, both shouting profanities and flushed bright red.
End notes: a chabudai is a traditional japanese low table. a zabuton is the cushion. Manju is a sweet-bean paste filled pastry.
