Chapter 156

I took slow, methodical breaths. Eyes closed, I focused on my Aura as it pulsed around me, following the rhythmic rising and falling of my chest. I lost track of time, how long I had been sitting here, cross legged on the ground, but I could feel my Aura reserves refilling at a noticeable rate.

Aura was something that resonated with one's emotions. It's why meditation was a powerful means of increasing the rate that your Aura recharged at. Being calm and serene, not allowing any negativity into your 'self'. It meant that your Aura was not impeded, your Soul could flow back out unabated.

That was the theory anyways, and Jinn had helped me with a few things. Well, I could confidently say this worked, just based on my own practice.

My Aura reserves were relatively high after doing this for a few hours. That and I had gotten about four hours of sleep, which also helped refill them.

I didn't even mean to fall asleep in Raikou's lap…..don't really regret it either.

Taking a deeper breath than usually, I 'let go' of my Aura, allowing it to just flow out naturally.

I opened my eyes to see Raikou sitting silently to the side, eyes never leaving me. She had so much patience, I don't think I could sit here for hours on end if I wasn't doing something. At least with my meditation, I had something to focus on.

Climbing to my feet, I lightly stretched my arms, and felt the side of my stomach. There was no pain, just a tiny bit of tenderness.

"Any issues while I was busy?" I turned to look at my Servant.

Raikou shook her head. "I had not sensed anyone approach." She replied happily.

"Hmm." I pursed my lips. I had thought this place would have been found out by now, or at least be under watch. Closing my eyes again, I search the link I had with Sir Wiggles, and he was standing near a pile of dead doves again.

Ah, that explains it.

Good job, Sir Wiggles.

I was about to look away until I noticed something about my Familiar. About his feet…..what? I had to call him back because I was surprised. The rabbit burst through the door with an astonishing speed, faster than he was the last time I had seen him and he hopped right into my arms.

I lifted him up, to get a better look. "Huh…..I never thought of that." I looked at his feet, they were encased in a sort of lightning armor. In that, the Lightning was so condensed that it looked like a completely solidified form.

My Rabbit is a genius, why am I even surprised anymore? Though it gave me several new ideas for some spells and such. While I've trained with my Lightning Form to get it more or less 'under control', I had yet to push the boundaries with it, to truly see what I could gain from my new ability.

"Hey, Raikou." I called out as she hopped to her feet. I barely had time to blink before she was behind my arms wrapped around my chest and chin on my shoulder.

"Hehe~" She lightly giggled. "Does Master need momma's help?"

"Could you show me your lightning?" I asked, ignoring her draping herself over me. I was sorta used to her doing stuff like this by now.

"Like this?" She asked, holding one of her hands out infront of me, her signature purple lightning invoked, and dancing across her fingers.

I hesitantly reached out, a single finger touching on it. I wasn't harmed, I think Raikou was consciously reeling it back from harming me. "Interesting, I can immediately tell how much 'denser' it is than my lightning." I held my hand out, mimicking her own actions as my lightning also manifested.

"My son takes after his mom." Raikou cooed.

I have many more thoughts about this now, things I can do that I hadn't considered previously.

Sir Wiggles he, well, wiggled out of my grasp, wanting to go out and play some more. I didn't have an immediate need for him, so I allowed him his fun.

Strangely, I think he was becoming more intelligent. Maybe awakening his aura jump started something inside him? I would need to consult Jinn when I got back.

I moved out of Raikou's grasp and took her hand. "Ready to go shopping?"

****

The town was deceptively peaceful.

Technically, this place could be called the territory of the Red Faction, but for the moment, we were pretty much safe. One of the information dumps the Grail gives is a very stringent requirement that the fighting must not take place during the day.

Most people are willing to abide by the rule, even without the threat of a Ruler Servant, because no one wants the Counter Force coming down on their heads.

It may seem like a huge jump to make considering the Counter Force very – very rarely makes any overt action, but the Grail Wars are one of the exceptions. I guess another factor would be the world-lines they preside in. If certain realities are important, the Counter Force has a much firmer grasp on allowances.

The secretive nature of the magical world is often times referred to as the 'Moonlit World', and that was more than just a poetic naming convention. It had actual baring on the operation of 'Mystery' during the night time. Even the Counter Force is more…..asleep, for lack of a better word, during the hours the moon is in the sky. During the night, the greater masses are more susceptible to suggestions, to allow themselves to ignore or believe lies and fabrications. Conceptually, it's when things can be 'hidden' with greater efficiency.

Obviously, there would be no way a mountain getting removed would be ignored on a wide scale, yet there was no one talking about it or kicking up a fuss.

The Grail sat on the Leylines in the area it resided, and a small part of its power went to ensuring the secrecy on a larger scale.

Even the Fuyuki Grail worked similarly, to ensure that people 'believed' that the destruction was caused by something as inane as 'gas leaks'. Or that massive magical phenomenon was just figments of their imagination, that Artoria didn't unleash her Noble Phantasm to slay an Evil God trying to manifest into the world.

That was one of the Old Man's contributions to the Grails creation, and one of the few parts about it I remember vividly.

But I digress.

"What about this one?" I glanced over to Raikou holding up a sweater to herself, asking my opinion.

"I like it, Purple really is your best color." I nodded in approval.

She smiled brightly, hugging the piece of clothing like it was the most precious thing in the world. "So sweet." She began looking through the rack of clothing again.

I didn't rush her, allowing her to inspect it, to experience this 'culture' that she was probably unfamiliar with. "Is there anything else you want to do today?" I asked her. "Since we're not needing to do anything during the day, I wouldn't mind doing anything that took your fancy." I did wish to get to know her better.

"Ufufu, my master is caring about his mother." She giggled to herself. "Though my place is on the battlefield, I enjoy spending my time leisurely, to spend it here with you, just like this. It is refreshing…..to not be a General, but just a woman."

"Raikou…."I let out a sigh. "You said you didn't want a wish from the Grail, but….I'll do what I can to make sure you're happy." It was the least I could do.

"Master~" She looked at my coyly. "Be careful what you say to a Berserker like me, I am a rather possessive woman."

"When you say things like that, it makes it hard to think of you as a Berserker." Like she's completely aware of her own Madness yet is still afflicted by it.

How strange.

She tilted her head cutely at me. "Please do not forget that I am a demon, Master. It may not be wise to keep me by your side."

"Did you forget what I am?" I raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't trade you for any other Servant, Raikou." If She was willing to fight by my side without a second thought, how could I ever betray that kind of loyalty?

"Oh dear." She looked flustered. "It's embarrassing for me to say this…..but I am quite happy to hear that from you."

"Well, I –" I stopped mid sentence, as Raikou looked to the side and I followed her gaze. "This is a surprise." I greeted the newcomer that had come into this store we were patronizing. "Hey there, Frenchie." I greeted Ruler.

Ruler stood there, in what looked like a school uniform, watching both of us intently.

"Master, allow me to deal with the unwanted bug." Raikou's expression turned dark.

"Berserker, no fighting during the day." I called her off. She didn't argue with me, but still gave Ruler the stink eye. "What do you want?" I addressed the Saintess.

She looked a little embarrassed. "I sensed a Servant nearby—"

"And you were checking to make sure we weren't breaking any rules." I finished. "Yeah, I guess I can see that. I can bet the other Servants are holding up and preparing for the battle that will inevitably take place tonight, so we probably seemed really out of place just spending some time in the middle of the town."

"I….apologize for interrupting."

"Hmph" Raikou just huffed in annoyance.

"Quick question….why are you in a school uniform?" I was honestly kind of curious.

"Oh, um….it's nothing." She said awkwardly.

"If it's your fetish, just say so."

"W-what!?" She squeaked out.

"I thought Japanese school uniforms were revealing, but those are practically booty shorts." I admired the view. "They really do display your legs quite well."

"Eeeeh!?" She turned bright red, like she was unsure of how to react to my words.

Don't know why, but I continued to feel like I had to bully her.

I guess it was lucky we hypnotized the store owner into taking a long break while we shopped in peace.

"Master likes legs?" Raikou bit her finger, muttering to herself. "I will find some better clothing."

Well, I wouldn't talk her out of that course of action….

"I-I didn't wear this willingly!" Ruler managed to get out, her face still a bright red.

"Hmm, curious." I took another look at her, a true look as I analyzed her properly. "Were you even properly summoned?"

She stepped back. "How did you know?" Ruler said in shock.

"It was a guess, but you confirmed it." Actually, it was similar to how Artoria was summoned. "How did it happen?"

"You tricked me." She frowned, before letting out a sigh. "I don't know, I wasn't properly summoned by the Grail, so I had to find a vessel." She looked at her hands. "This – person, was the best suited for me." I guess she wanted to keep the name of her 'body' a secret. It made sense, I know plenty of Mages who would want to dissect her after the war. "But!" She quickly added. "Nothing will happen, she'll wake up after the war is over with nothing wrong, and even a little gift when everything is done."

"Huh." I rubbed my chin. "The Grail will be guaranteeing her safety, and probably do the equivalent of giving her some 'good luck' as compensation, neat." Again, there were very few in existence that had more knowledge about the workings of the Grail than I did. "But why a school girl outfit?"

"I....lost my luggage when Lancer attacked." Her shoulders slumped.

...Now I just feel bad. "Fine, pick out some stuff." I sighed, waiving around. "I'll cover the costs, penniless saint."

My Devil ancestors must be rolling in their graves….

"R-really?" She perked up, looking at me strangely. "I can't show you favoritism during the War, even if you help me."

"Do I look like someone who needs your favoritism?" I asked.

"I guess not." She seemed to accept. "I did not think a Master could fight a Servant like you did." She spoke a little quietly. "Even if you used me as a shield."

"If it's any consolation, you make a wonderful meat shield."

"It isn't." There was a small twitch above her eye, I noticed it before. I think it was a visible indication of her hiding her annoyance.

Well, I had plenty of time to verify it~

"Master, how do I look!?" Raikou stepped out of a changing room, I hadn't even noticed she went in. My eyes practically popped out of my head, she was wearing some very short shorts that displayed her magnificent legs for the world to see.

Nice.

Today was turning out to be a good day.

***

I do plan on explaining the link between Raikou and Karna as it came up properly, I wasn't going to just assume everyone knew it.

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