Healing Over Time Ch 6 Preview
...Because I forgot that this story is turning one this month on the 25th. Go me. Then again, finally having a version of Arturia in FGO has made me a bit absent-minded when it comes to writing. The Valentine’s Day Event is good for farming for those Mysterious Wines that just elude me otherwise...
Anyway. Here’s a preview/snapshot of what I have so far for the newest chapter. For all those who started Healing Over Time with me back almost a year ago, back when it was still a oneshot in my Google Docs. Thinking of you, @withanina, since you’re the one who encouraged me to start this story to begin with. :)
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An old man looked through his mirror with a smirk. No one but him really knew what world he was seeing, but interest was obvious in his facial expression.
“To think a simple civilian girl could charm the King of Knights without even drawing blood in contrast to her predecessors…”
There was a harsh laugh as he waved his hand through the dark air, leaving sparkles in his wake as he considered. “This world is certainly interesting. Filled with ninja fighting each other to the death, yet able to yield a girl so unlike anyone I’ve seen there. Even if I cannot affect it as much as any other universe at my fingertips, that does not make the possibilities intriguing. Perhaps, with her good…”
He took a breath, focusing his magic. The Kaleidoscope flickered at his feet, and he sat back in his chair, white hair brushing the cushion behind him. “Perhaps a mere homunculus can live again. Wouldn’t you agree, Justeaze?”
The sparkles in his hands turned white.
“Second chances are earned, after all. At least some Einzbern are not fundamentally evil as the rest of that family.”
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I have said before that you are not my first Master, Milady. Saber gently moved a pawn one space forward. I have been in two Holy Grail Wars prior to our meeting.
That much I remember, I thought back, placing a finger on the nearest bishop before considering. But, um, Art-san?
Are you sure about talking about this while we’re playing chess?
Without a minute to spare, Saber had already raised one of her knight pieces to take my pawn. Welp.
I believe we can balance the two, Tomoko. Saber raised her head to give me a smile. I could tell from the glint in her eye, though, that she was invested in the game. Well, shoot. If you do not mind.
I-I don’t! I’m just… bad at chess?
Another moment and a rook of mine was already gone.
Saber blinked, having put down her newest knight to step onto one of my squares, the glint in her eye flickering from shock before she recomposed herself, opening her mouth. “Milady, have you… have you never played chess?”
My face was starting to feel like it was on fire. “Um. Excluding past memory, no.”
Saber was making a funny face. “Should we put the talk aside so I can teach you?”
“To be honest, this is really embarrassing, Saber, so just talk?” I squeaked, trying not to feel ashamed of my lack of knowledge. “I-I think it will go better that way…”
Needless to say, I probably should have expected Saber’s furrowed eyebrows at my response. “Milady, there is no shame in not knowing something.”
“Th-That doesn’t make it any less embarrassing.” I covered my face with my hands. Go away, blush, goawayblush. “Y-You help me plenty enough already, so—”
“That does not mean avoiding how to learn, Milady.” Something was tugging at my fingers, and I opened my hands just a crack to catch a hint of almost golden blonde hair and warm green eyes. “I would be happy to teach you.”