Faye sat in a chair overlooking the seas around Novum Chaldea, the wind a gentle breeze flowing through her hair as she watched the waves. Normally they’d be rough, treacherous seas but today, as if just for a moment, the ocean was a relaxing calm. Sparkling blue water shone up, greeting the setting sun as the sky began to shift. Blues turned to a vibrant orange and purple, the clouds layered themselves like ripples in a sea of clouds. All the while Faye simply sat and watched.
There was no urgent mission. No desperate need to save the lives of herself or the director. No ticking clock or the ever flowing sands of time to rush humanity’s last Master to thrust herself into the breach once more. No, now was a moment of calm, of peace, of reflection. Thinking back, Faye begs to reflect on her life. Her unremarkable youth up until her enlistment with Chaldea. How she went from a useless flunky to the last hope of mankind.
Faye also looked back upon her sorrows this past lifetime. The loss of dear friends, of those she couldn’t save, and the burning sensation of losing those she thought she could. All the pain and anger and depression that came with those hurdles were anchors in her heart. Each one tethered Faye to a moment she’d never move on from. The fear of the past and a longing to change what can’t be altered anymore. All those thoughts, those memories and regrets, made every effort to drag Faye down into her own mind. To drown her in her psyche and never want to step out.
That is, until something changed.
Until Faye met the love of her life. Until the young Master found herself happily entangled with a goddess in a chance encounter none could recreate. The two began to share a love so deep that nothing, not even the machinations of an alien god, could hope to break. A bond formed between soulmates of the highest caliber. Faye began to smile as the memories of Ereshkigal began to flood in. Every laugh, smile, blush, hug, kiss, and every late night spent talking over the woes of the world….all of it surged forth within Faye’s heart. Eresh had never left Faye’s side, even when the two weren’t physically together they always seemed to be as one.
The Master idly played with the ring on her finger, a solemn promise, a vow most unbreakable. As the sun began to crest across the horizon, Faye stood, turning her back on the coming darkness and stepping forward towards the brightly lit hallways of Novum Chaldea. Waiting patiently was a blonde girl in a black dress, one with an identical ring in her finger.
“Are you ready to come inside?”, the Queen of Kur inquired.
Faye gave her that ever signature smile as she nodded. Her eyes lighting up as she took Ereshkigal’s hand in her own and the two began to walk.
Faye was exhausted. She loved working out with Eresh, she really did. The satisfaction of every improvement, the view, the burn of her muscles after a good workout, so many things to enjoy. The only problem was that sometimes Eresh would get a little...too fired up. It wasn't her fault, she was a goddess, of course she would be able to push herself harder than Faye could keep up with. But that did nothing for Faye's aching, exhausted body. And of course, there was a meeting scheduled with Da Vinci and Holmes, and it had already been a long day. Faye just wanted to sleep.
By the time she was able to return to her room, Faye was dead on her feet. She shuffled through the halls, hardly able to lift her legs. Sliding open the door to her room, she saw Eresh curled up on the bed already. It was odd, Eresh was usually so industrious that she never went to bed before Faye, despite the Master’s best efforts. Still, Faye brushed it off. She climbed into bed and curled into her goddess’ back, too tired to even change her clothes. Laying her head next to the sea of silky black hair, she closed her eyes and drifted off into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
---
Morning came too soon, leaving Faye groggily struggling to wake up. Despite the ache in her arms, she tightened her embrace on her goddess. She relished in the feel of her skin, the familiar scent of her hair...Huh, did Eresh change her shampoo? Something was different. Nothing drastic, but enough to notice. Faye adjusted herself, shifting under her goddess’ embrace to rub the crust from her eyes, and...wait, that wasn’t right...
Faye squinted through half-lidded eyes at the head of hair in front of her, endless waves of black...but Eresh wouldn't dye her hair like that, it would make her look too much like...With a start, Faye's eyes sprung open. She shook the goddess lying next to her and hissed in her ear.
"What are you doing in my bed, Ishtar?!"
With a tired mumble, Ishtar rolled over to face Faye.
"Mmm....Master? What're you doin' in my room..."
Despite the identical layout of the rooms in Chaldea, everyone found their ways to make their space their own. And as Faye looked around, she realized that no, this was not her room. It was unfamiliar, but...had she really never gone to Ishtar's room before?
Ishtar wrapped an arm around Faye with another tired mumble. She wanted to adjust herself, but any time Faye tried to get up, she found herself held down by two sets of arms...two? She couldn't crane her neck far enough to see, but Faye was held down by another servant holding her from behind. Oh no, what would Eresh think? Faye's mind began to go blank with panic, fearing what her goddess would say, would do if she found her now. Sleeping together with Ishtar and some other servant, she would never forgive Faye.
As if reading Faye's mind, Ishtar squeezed Faye tight against her, warm and comforting in a way Faye didn't expect from the goddess of the heavens. Even when Ishtar’s lips pressed against her own in a slow, chaste kiss, she couldn’t help but feel her anxiety begin to dull.
"S'kay, y'r safe here...J's go back t'sleep...W'll pr'tect you...snxxk."
Despite her worries, Faye found her eyes drooping again. She wanted to get out, to explain to her goddess what was happening, but something about Ishtar's words put her at ease. For as much as the goddess bothered her and Eresh sometimes, it felt like just this once, she could be trusted. And so, despite her best efforts, Faye drifted back to sleep.
---
Faye felt refreshed the second time she woke up, well rested and ready to face the day. Opening her eyes, she saw Ishtar's face, far too close to her own. Somehow it felt okay, though, like she knew nothing untoward had happened, would happen. Still, she had to get up, and Ishtar had her trapped. She shook the goddess gently, trying to rouse her. Slowly, Ishtar opened her eyes, then sprung away from Faye in shock.
"Faye! I, uh, what, you, but Eresh, she, I, aaaaaa!"
Before Ishtar could go any further, Faye silenced her with a finger over her lips.
"It's okay, don't worry. Nothing happened, just a long day and a wrong room. She'll understand."
Forced to stop herself, Ishtar's breathing calmed down. With a chuckle, Faye wrapped an arm around her and gave her a tight hug.
"And thanks for letting me stay, I...really needed the rest."
Faye punctuated her statement with a kiss on Ishtar's forehead, leaving the goddess uncharacteristically red in the face. Slipping herself out from under the arm of the last person in bed, Faye sat up, a smile on her face. Now that she was awake, it wasn't hard to figure out who it was that had been holding her through the night. Shaking her shoulder, Faye leaned in close and whispered in the blonde woman's ear.
"Rise and shine, my goddess."
---
A/N IshFayEresh naps for @hasereshdoneanythingwrong. Everything contained within this fic was enthusiastically agreed upon and 100% Faye Approved. Don’t believe anyone who says otherwise.
Rex had woken up full of energy, because today was a special day. He and his wife were going to visit another universe's chaldea, specifically Faye's. They had to get ready soon, they were spending the morning there then bringing Faye and her girlfriend Ereshkigal to their chaldea. They had been planning this for a bit, both pairs were excited.
They had to wait for the opportunity tho, since they were messing with the multiverse itself things had to be just right. The two Da Vincis and Sions needed to make sure there were absolutely no problems whatsoever, because otherwise the risks could be too great. Just the other day the two groups were finally able to coordinate a good day to do it and now it was that day.
Rex and Quetz went to the control room to prepare to go to the other chaldea. Da Vinci and Sion were in contact with their counterparts to make sure things go well.
Sion: ok you two! Ready?
Rex: yeah!
Quetz: si!
Da Vinci: ok, sending you in! I'm 3... 2... 1!
And while in their coffins Rex and Quetz are sent into the other chaldea to meet up with Faye and Eresh.
It's dark for a short while then everything lights up. Rex and Quetz found themselves in the other control room with Faye and Eresh standing not too far.
Faye: hey you two!
Eresh: good to see you again!
Rex: heyyo!
Quetz: so far everything's the same as ours.
Faye: I mean, I doubt much can be changed with just a different master.
Rex: do not doubt the influence we can have on our chaldeas.
Eresh: you probably have more influence on your chaldea then Faye does.
Faye: so where to first?
Rex: cafeteria! I'm starving! Haven't eaten at all yet!
The group goes to the cafeteria and sat down at a table together. Each master sat next to their respective partner servant while face to face to each other. Faye and Ereshkigal had relatively normal meals for their breakfast. Meanwhile Rex and Quetz had huge meals both with a big stack of pancakes.
Faye: my, you two are healthy eaters.
Rex: well we train for lucha a lot so we need the energy.
Quetz: si! Can't have mi amor tire out on me while training!
Eresh: oh you like lucha too Rex?
Rex: well not at first, but Quetz got me into it! I'm training to be her lucha partner one day!
Faye: oh that sounds so fun! A huband/wife lucha duo!
Quetz: si! We actually did have one match together before!
Eresh: really?!
Rex: yeah... in the final match-up for the last Christmas Quetz's original partner Bradamante couldn't fight because of an injury but because it was the final match-up they let me sub for her!
Faye: what?! She got injured?!
Rex: yeah... I imagine things went differently for you then.
Eresh: yeah, in fact at the last moment Bradamante had became like this super Santa I think? And had defeated the other Quetz in the end.
Quetz: oh! That's very different!
Faye: how did you manage to fight the other Quetz?! She was Quetz's more violent bits so how did you even survive?!
Rex: it's still Quetz tho! She loves me no matter what! She couldn't actually give it her all against me!
Quetz: si! Even when training I don't want to hurt mi amor too much! I love him too much to see him injured, especially by my own hands.
Eresh: so it was like the power of love basically!
Rex: yeah! It was hard for me to fight her too tho, since it's still Quetz but since I needed to beat her to make Quetz whole again I managed to defeat her in the end.
Faye: aaawww! It really was the power of love! And lucha.
Rex: yeah! Honestly tho it didn't feel like THE match for us. Y'know what I mean? Like... since our opponent didn't give it her all and didn't have a proper partner it wasn't the right match-up for us.
Eresh: it's not the perfect match for your husband/wife team?
Quetz: si... and mi amor wasn't fully prepared for lucha. He still needs more training. I don't know if we would've been able to win if she went all out honestly.
Rex: yeah... I'm still training.
Faye: I'm sure you'll get there one day! And I'd love to see that perfect husband/wife match-up when it finally happens!
Rex: yeah, but that's enough about us! What have you two been up to?!
Faye: actually not long ago we had another double date with a different universes' master and servant pair!
Quetz: oh! Who was it?!
Eresh: it was Maya and Helena.
Rex: ah, lil miss horny. Did she convince you to do anything risqué?
Faye: yeah... we played a game of strip poker.
Quetz: strip poker?! How'd that go?!
Eresh: she was trouncing us! She always saw through our bluffs! I ended up naked first! It was so embarrassing!
Rex: oof! That sounds like hell.
Faye: it wasn't so bad...
Quetz: well we'd never agree to such a game!
Rex: yeah! Only I get to see mi corazon's body!
Quetz: si! And mi amor's body is for my eyes only!
Faye: that's nice to hear!
After a bit the pairs finished their meals and so the tour could start proper.
Rex: so what do you wanna show us first?
Faye: oh I know! Let me show you my goddess' place of worship!?
Rex: oh you got one too!?
Faye: yeah! She's a goddess after all so she needs a temple!
Eresh: but Faye you only gave me one. That line of reasoning implies places for the others.
Faye: I mean... you're my goddess so you deserve it the most!
Rex: yeah, same thing in my chaldea. I've got a huge room dedicated just to Quetz! But she deserves it the most!
Quetz: mi amor! You're making me blush!
Quetz then proceeded to take Rex's face in her hands and give him a kiss. Which had the other pair turn a bit red.
While on the way to the temple of Ereshkigal the four ended up meeting a very interesting individual.
Irkalla: oh my! Is this the other master you mentioned Faye?
Faye: yeah this is Rex and his version of Quetzalcoatl.
The other death goddess eyed the new pair a bit. Despite her looks she had a very different vibe to her when compared to her counterpart. She definitely felt more intimidating then Ereshkigal.
Irkalla: hmmm, interesting. Not really sure what Quetzalcoatl sees in him tho. I've seen better.
Quetz didn't like that, but instead of attacking her she just flashed her signature toothy grin and said a few words.
Quetz: now what's wrong with mi amor?
All of a sudden Irkalla got nervous. Not as much as Eresh would've but you could tell she didn't want to deal with the lucha goddess.
Irkalla: er... anyways I've got to go. See you later Faye.
Faye: seeya! Huh... never seen her like that before.
Eresh: Quetzalcoatl is a very scary woman. I got nervous when she made that face.
Quetz: ehehehehe, well I don't like people being rude to mi amor.
Rex: it's hard to believe she's also Ereshkigal.
Faye: are the other Quetzes closer to the original?
Rex: well... mostly? Hard to say without them here.
After a bit of time they were in Eresh's temple room.
Rex: impressive!
Quetz: si! It seems perfect for Ereshkigal!
Faye: thanks! Only the best my goddess!
Eresh, turning red: yeah, it's pretty great.
Then all of a sudden a familar voice is heard.
???: hello?! Is the other master here?
And in came someone else, it was the Quetzalcoatl of Faye's chaldea.
Faye: oh hey! What are you doing here?
Other Quetz: I wanted to see the other master, and I figured you'd bring him here.
The other Quetz came up to the group and looked at Rex.
Other Quetz: my what a cute lil master! I almost want him to take me back with him!
Faye: woah! I dunno if we can do that!
Rex: what would you do if my Eresh said the same?
Faye: uuuuhhh...
Faye was turning red with the question.
Rex: because I'd trade!
Faye: wait! You can't just say that! You already have like 5 of her!
Rex: you don't want 3 Ereshes?
Faye: pls! Let's drop the topic for now!
Rex: fine...
Eresh: Quetzalcoatl, how come you don't seem angry like normal?
Quetz: I think I'm getting used to other me's loving mi amor. At least it makes sense.
Eresh: that's kinda concerning.
Quetz: si...
After a bit it was almost lunch time, which meant it was time to switch chaldeas. The group headed towards the control room to go to Rex's chaldea. They got into the coffins to head to their destination.
Sion: ok! Just like before! 3... 2... 1!
A/N: ok! There's part 1 of this RexCoatl/FayEresh crossover! Next time it's my chaldea's turn! And Faye will meet all the other Quetzes and so on. Hope you guys like it!
Credit to @hasereshdoneanythingwrong for letting me use their beautiful ship! Hope it's accurate!
Alarms were going off in Novum Chaldea's control room! It was an emergency! The three masters along with Mash and Quetz came into the control room to learn what had happened.
Rex: what happened?
Rikko: yeah, what's with the alarms?
Da Vinci: a new singularity has been detected.
Rikka: what?!
Da Vinci: yes, we had detected it earlier but it seemed so minor that we figured it would solve itself.
Holmes: but that's no longer the case. It's grown since then and now it's nearly as bad as the singularities from the incineration of humanity.
Rex: holy crap!
Sion: so we're sending you lot to go fix this just like before. Thankfully unlike those singularities this one's localized to one large portion so it should be relatively straightforward once you get there.
Rikko: where is the singularity?
Da Vinci: it's actually in Orleans again.
Rex: huh, that's interesting.
Da Vinci: anyways get ready to go you three, we need to fix this as soon as possible!
All 3 masters: on it!
The 5 of them find themselves in the French countryside once again
Mash: it seems we managed to get here smoothly this time.
Da Vinci, over comms: we've sent far enough away as to not get caught up in whatever's happening but close enough so you can get their quickly.
Rex: thanks Da Vinci.
The group heads into the city, where the disturbance is coming from and see a very unexpected sight.
Quetz: it's one of those giant ghost enemies.
Rex: this one's different... but familiar.
Rikka: wait a minute! Isn't that how Ereshkigal looked in Kur?
Rikko: that's right!
Berserk Eresh: Raaaaahhh!!!
The giant ghost is seen whipping up a wind storm that terrorizes the city and is wielding a huge spear.
Rex: why is she so angry?
Mash: senpai look!
Rex looks right underneath the raging Goddess and sees a human. A woman with brown hair tied in a braid, she seemed unconscious and bleeding.
Quetz: maybe that's the source of her anger?
Rex: it's possible.
Rikka: wait a minute! She's wearing a mystic code!
Rikko: huh?
Rex: you're right! But how?
Quetz: mi amor I don't think now's the time to question that!
As she says this the berserking goddess sees the group
Berserk Eresh: STAY AWAY FROM HER!!!!
As she says this she swings her spear at the group, they manage to dodge but it was very close.
Rex: fucking hell!
Mash: we gotta stop her! She's too angry!
Eventually the goddess lifts up her spear readying a big attack!
KUR KI GAL IRKALLA
MOLD CAMELOT
Mash manages to put up the walls of the false Camelot to protect them from the goddesse's attack.
Rex: ok that was a lot! Quetz! Give her a taste of her own medicine!
Quetz: si!
After that Quetzalcoatl engulfs herself in huge flames, eventually creating a huge serpent shape to attack the other goddess.
XIUHCOATL
The attack weakens the huge ghost who then returns to her more humanoid form, lying on the ground next to the human woman she seemed to be protecting. Thankfully it seems she took the whole of the attack and the human was left unharmed.
Rex: now we can investigate this person.
The group go up to the unconscious woman. Rex reaching his hand out only for the weakened goddess to grab his arm.
Eresh, weakly: dont... hurt... her...
Rex: we won't
Rikko: we want to help.
The group sees that there's a large glowing spike stabbed into the girl's back.
Rex: what the hell...?
Rikka: it might be magical?
Rikko: then we'll probably need a Caster.
As such they summon Merlin to help out.
Merlin: very interesting!
Rikka: what is it?
Merlin: this stone is not only slowly killing this woman but it's also what's turning Ereshkigal so berserk.
Rikko: well can you get rid of it?
Merlin: I can negate the spell, but you'll need a medical professional to help remove the actual spike.
As he says this he uses a spell to disable the glow from the stone, already the fallen goddess seems more calm.
Merlin: well there's the spell deactivated!
Rex: thanks again!
They then summon Nightingale, who helps remove the spike and repair the wound.
Nightingale: she's still weak, It'll be some time before she's better.
Rikko: well that's good to hear.
Rikka: Da Vinci? Is everything good?
Da Vinci: well the singularity is back to the weakened form we originally sensed. It might've been this woman originally.
Rex: well what should we do now?
Sion: if she's the source of the singularity we should just wait until she wakes up and talk to her.
After a while the girl finally awakens.
Rex: hey there! How ya doing?
???: ...I'm kinda hurt. Who are you?
Rex: you can call me Rex and these are the twins: Rikko, and Rikka. And you're name?
???: Faye...
Quetz: Faye, where did you come from?
Faye stands up properly, now seeming to feel better.
Faye: novum chaldea, in the wandering sea.
The 5 of them: Huh!?
Ereshkigal is finally back to her normal self and is excited to see Faye seeming to get better.
Eresh: Faye! Thank goodness, I was so worried!
Faye: everything's OK my goddess, they helped me!
Eresh turns back to the group.
Eresh: I'm so sorry about my behavior, I don't know what got into me.
Rex: it's alright, it was the magical stone.
Rikko: do you have any idea who hit you with this?
Faye: before I was knocked out we encountered Koyanskaya. We tried to fight her but she managed to stick that thing into me. After that... I was put.
Eventually Faye's comms start up
Da Vinci?: Faye! Finally we're able to communicate again! Are you alright?
Faye: yeah... thanks to these guys.
Rex: huh...
Eventually Rex's comms start up
Da Vinci: what is going on? Why is there another master of Chaldea talking to another me?
Sion: must be another dimension, just like how Musashi is just able to warp dimensions randomly.
Other Sion: oh my! Another me! That's amazing!
Rex: ok, but can we focus for a sec, it seems at least one version of Koyabitch is out there to deal with
Other Sion: actually not really, right before we lost communications we saw that she had left already, confident that she ended Faye, it seems tho that she was wrong.
Rex: oh... cool.
Quetz: that's great to hear, so now what?
Sion: well since there's no worry about singularities anymore you guys can rest up if you want.
Faye: sounds nice.
Rex: yeah
For a long time, the group talks to each other, comparing similarities and differences between their timelines. Eventually an interesting topic comes up.
Rex: so you've also met another chaldean master besides me and you?
Faye: yeah, Maya she's pretty fun. We encountered her and Abby in a similar scenario to this... minus the whole Koyabitch thing.
Rex: not that similar at that point.
Faye: yeah... so you've met another master too?
Rex: yeah, Ayako, She's a nice artist but also likes to keep to herself. That's fine tho since I'm much the sake.
Faye: cool, actually now that I think about it... I think I've heard of you before from Maya
Rex: huh? How?
Maya: yeah yeah yeah, she said something about you swapping servants with another master called Kiryu swapped. Like how I swapped with Maya.
Rex: ...I don't remember swapping with anyone.
Faye: really? Could've sworn she mentioned that... maybe I misremebered.
Rikko: thanks goodness, they haven't, I'd rather not think about his reaction to losing Quetz.
Rex: ...
Faye: well regardless it's still nice to meet you guys. Maybe our Da Vincis can work to connect our comms and we can communicate with each other.
Sion: already done!
Faye: huh?
Rex: well we already had ways to talk with Ayako so she probably used that as basis.
Faye: that's cool!
As the masters talk, their servants talk aswell.
Quetz: so this Maya has been giving you advice? That's nice
Eresh: yup, her and Kama's advice has been helpful. When I actually build up the confidence to do anything with it.
Quetz: oh... Kama
Eresh: is something wrong?
Quetz: I'm not on the greatest terms with her...
Eresh: really? Why?
Quetz: oh I dunno, might be her constantly trying to seduce my husband right in front of me, so much so that in one day she managed to be more annoying then BB and Kiara combined!
Eresh: wait... how did you avoid being absorbed into the Ooku?
Quetz: Sion says it might be me and master's contract. He didn't use Chaldea to summon me but a traditional summoning circle.
Eresh: he can handle that!?
Quetz: his circuits are... scarily good according to the staff at chaldea. He knows very little but has tremendous potential.
Eresh: amazing!
Eventually the groups finished resting and decide to leave finally.
Rex: it was nice to meet you Faye
Faye: same here Rex! Talk to you surprisingly soon!
Rex: seeya!
Later
Rex, talking on a communicator: so I actually managed to talk to another master Ayako! It was crazy!
Ayako: damn, another one huh? You think there's something to all this?
Rex: ...maybe... hey wait where are you? I thought I heard water or something?
Ayako: I'm at a beach in the simulator, Count insisted I needed to relax so here we are.
Rex: anything to see Dantes in his beach clothes huh?
Ayako: ...don't act like you're not the same with Quetz and her little super suit.
Rex: ...touche. anyways, Sion managed to figure out a way for me to communicate with Faye, hopefully I can introduce you to her soon.
Ayako: sounds nice, anyways I gotta go, seeya.
Rex: bye!
A/N: lil crossover with Rex and Faye, with others being mentioned and Ayako cameo. Name is a twist on the Faye/Maya crossover name. Hopefully you guys liked it.
“Faye….what did you do?”, Ereshkigal asked. The goddess looked out across the Vegas Skyline, lights filling the air as the gentle wind carried her hair across her face. She looked over to her girlfriend, her loving Master, Faye, her eyes filled with concern.
“Well, my goddess. I maaaaay have, um, gambled with the Bunny King to reserve the rooftop for us tonight.”, Faye replied. Eresh’s fave was aghast with concern.
“You what?! What did you bet to balance this out??”, the goddess replied.
“Only, uhhh…..”, Faye turned, mumbling to herself. “All of Gil’s QP..”
Eresh sighed, pressed her palm against her forehead as she massaged her temples. Not wanting to let her love fret for long, Faye took the goddess’s other hand and led her to the fantastically adorned table overlooking the city. Two glasses and a full dinner set awaited the two. Sitting down, Faye pressed a silver bell, causing a bunch of Medjeds to appear near the table, their heads carrying platters of freshly cooked food and placing them onto the table. The group of minions all disappeared in a flourish as soon as their task was done, leaving the couple to enjoy themselves in privacy.
“Faye…..did you really arrange all this for me?”, Eresh asked. Her eyes were lit with the reflection of the skyline’s lights, each one brining out their crimson hue that much more.
Faye nodded. “I got lucky playing blackjack against Artoria. She was true to her word though, even offered the full services of Nitocris’s medjeds too.”
The laughter of a goddess filled the air with a sense of divine grace as Ereshkigal let out a beautiful chuckle. She continued to laugh before wiping a tear from her eye.
“I don’t know why I found that so funny, but this really is lovely, Faye. Thank you.”
The two enjoyed a full five course meal, starting with a light appetizer, a delicious soup, and a hearty main course. They followed up with a sorbet as a palate cleanser and a fantastic, rich cake the two shared as a dessert. Once everything was done, the dishes and food taken away by the army of Egyptian servants, the couple was left alone once more.
Faye took Eresh’s hand as they walked along the rooftop of the King’s casino. The two didn’t speak, instead just enjoying the presence of one another as the city noises and bright lights filled the air. The two stopped at a corner overlooking the streets, fantastical sights before the pair. Eresh looked out to take in everything before something drew her attention.
“M-My goddess?”
Eresh looked over, her eyes now filled with shock as she saw Faye on one knee next to her. In the Master’s hands, a small black box. Eresh was speechless, her mind lagging behind as she tried to comprehend what was happening.
“Ereshkigal….will you marry me?”
To Faye’s dismay, there was no answer. Her confidence began to waver as fear took over only for Eresh to drop to her knees, grabbing the box from her girlfriend, still speechless.
“Is-is that a yes?”
Ereshkigal nodded furiously, her words still betraying her as Faye took the ring out and placed it on Eresh’s hand. The goddess stared at the Diamond before her, eyes glancing quickly between Faye and the ring and back to Faye. Faye, on the other hand, simply moved forward and kissed her now fiancé. The two passionately embracing each other as fireworks shot off in the distance.
“I love you, my goddess”, Faye said.
“I love you too, Faye.”, Eresh replied, her face cherry red as she finally was able to form words again.
Faye stood on the wooden balcony, the aged oak creaking a bit as she moved to the railing. Putting her weight on it, Faye looked out amongst the tree line as the sun created over the far off mountain line. The early morning breeze kissed the Master’s cheek and ripples through her unbraided hair. As usual, Faye’s mind began to wander, thinking of just how long she’d be allowed to live like this before some world-ending catastrophe pulled her away from her honeymoon.
No sooner had Faye began pondering did a slender, band-graced hand wrap around hers from behind. Faye felt a pressure on her back as strands of hold came into her peripherals. The brunette held that lone hand, the two identical bands intertwining as the two held hands.
“Good morning, my goddess”, Faye spoke with a genuine smile on her face. A groan came from behind her from a very sleepy goddess. “Come on, aren’t you the one always scolding me for not getting out of bed soon enough?”
Faye teased easily as she turned, planting a kiss on Ereshkigal’s forehead. The goddess’s hair too was unbound, her ribbons and tiara laying discarded on the dresser in their bedroom. Ereshkigal leaned in for a proper kiss, receiving her wish as Faye obliged.
“I’ll make some breakfast, you focus on waking up.”
“Mhm…..sounds goob”, Eresh muttered as Faye led her to the living area.
Depositing her wife on the couch, Faye moved to the kitchen, donning her “kiss the cook” apron in the process. Faye was by no means an experienced chef and most certainly not on the level of Emiya or Boudica. She did, however, know how to make some pretty mean pancakes. Faye looked over to see her slumped goddess slowly rousing as she began to prep and mix the ingredients. Within minutes a number of pancakes dotted the plates Faye had set out. By the time she was finished, Faye realized she’d made a bit too many. Stacks of pancakes filled a few plates when she’d finally run out of batter.
“Holy muscle memory…….I wish Bunyan was here for this….”, Faye mused as she looked at her creations. Chuckling, she moved the couple’s breakfast to the table before walking to the couch. “My goddess, breakfast is ready”
Eresh let out a tired noise before moving to the table. Faye set out a mug of coffee for the blonde, leaning cream and sugar by Eresh’s side of the table. As the caffeine hit the goddess, she slowly started to wake up.
“Goob mornin…..”, Ereshkigal yawned.
Faye let out a chuckle, trying to stifle it before her wife noticed. “G-good morning, my love. It’s about time you woke up.”
“Shush…..it’s vacation time…..”
“Yes, yes. I say we eat breakfast and plan out the day. What do you think, love?”, Faye asked.
Eresh nodded, her fork and knife beginning to dig into the pancakes. The two enjoyed each other’s presence as they began to work through the mountains of food that Faye had accidentally made. To no one’s surprise, the two made very little progress before stopping, their bellies full to bursting. The couple then moved outside, hand in hand, to the balcony where two long chairs resided. The chairs themselves were warm, the old wood sun-kissed and well worn. With a sigh, Faye laid back, looking over to the twin chair as she spoke.
“So what would you like to do today, my goddess?”
Eresh laid out on the chair, her coffee gently clasped in her hands. She took a sip and savored the bitter taste before responding. Those ruby red eyes met Faye’s emerald green ones.
“Maybe we can go for another walk? There’s more of the forest to explore, I’m sure.”
“Hm…yeah that sounds nice! We can make some stuff for lunch and take it with for a picnic or something if we can find a clearing.”
“Oh that sounds lovey”, Ereshkigal replied, giving a warm smile.
Faye’s heart fluttered a bit at the sight. How she ended up with such a wonderful goddess, she’d never know. The master instead settled back into her chair and relaxed. The lunch could wait, she’d just enjoy the time she had before the world came calling once more.
(A callback blurb to my Innkeeper AU series. If you want to see that, you can find it either here or on my AO3 “FayeArtemio”)
It was a cold winter night in the rural countryside. The wind blew harsh and fast, freezing everything in its path as human and animal alike seek shelter. Amidst this onslaught of winter’s tyranny lay a small inn, all alone against the bitter odds. It’s stone brick walls steadfastly holding the winter chill at bay while keeping the hearth fire from escaping.
The inside of the Heaven’s Bull was warm, safe from the wrath of the elements. It was also unusually empty. No one dared to travel during these winter months given the harsh weather, so it turned these times into a sort of down season for the staff. Jack played around with Ishtar while Mash watched on from a table, book in hand as she split her attention between her reading and her girlfriend. On the other side of the inn, Eresh sat on a stool, watching as Faye prepared dinner.
Eresh: Are you sure I can’t help?
Faye, sighing: No, my love. I want to make this for you. That means no helping of any sort!…..besides sitting there and looking beautiful as always. That helps plenty.
Eresh fought back a blush. How dare Faye be smooth like that and adjust pretend it was nothing! The innkeeper sat there pouting as Faye set down her knife. The adventurer walked over and bent down slightly, kissing her lovely girlfriend as to break her upset act. It worked with a remarkable success, as Eresh immediately caved.
Faye returned to her knife and cutting board as she continued to work. Tonight’s dinner: Soup. More specifically an old family recipe for a potato soup. It’s warm, thick, rich texture made for a perfect and satisfying meal during such a brutal and bitter night. Faye let out a little hum as she chopped her potatoes. She’d already peeled them a moment before, now diving them into small pieces and placing them into the pot. The knife slid smoothly through the starchy vegetable as Faye worked. Her diligent efforts led to the pile of wedges getting larger and larger before being put into the pot.
Next came the broth. Leftover beef broth from Eresh’s amazing cooking made for an excellent base for the soup. While that came to a boil, Faye shifted her attention to the rest of the ingredients. Carrots, for good eyesight and a more balanced taste, some preserved ham steaks for the protein, and then base salt and pepper. Faye diced the ham and carrots, setting them aside in a wooden bowl as the pot came to a rolling boil. Carefully the potatoes were stirred, allowing for the broth to soften the tubers. Once the potatoes were soft enough to slice without resistance, Faye took half of them out, leaving the other half to sit in the broth.
Faye cracked her knuckles as the real work began. Eresh watched on from the sidelines as Faye began to mash the potatoes in the pot. Soon the broth and softened potatoes were nothing more than a smooth, homogenous mixture. Faye then added more wood to the stove and placed all the ingredients into the pot. Just as she’d done before, Faye stirred the pot carefully, as to avoid smashing the remaining potatoes further. Salt and pepper were sprinkling in, their dashes being lost amongst the newly formed soup. Minutes passed and Faye wiped her brow.
Eresh: Is that it?
Faye: Well….yeah. It’s not too complex, but I promise you, it’s better than it looks!
Eresh: I believe you, but I just wasn’t ready for it to be simple like that.
Faye let out a nervous chuckle while rubbing the back of her neck. In all actuality, her family was rather poor compared to so many villages closer to the Capital. Simple, filling meals like this were necessary to survive the winters and the cheaper it was, the better. Faye wasn’t exactly proud to have grown up poorer than some, but also appreciated the lessons she’d learned during her youth. Most notably the lesson of loving what you have. Her gaze lingered on Eresh a moment longer before she took the mitts and moved the pot to a cooler surface.
Faye: Mash! Jack! Ishtar! Dinner’s ready!
Her call was answered immediately as the three piled up to the table, bowls at the ready. Carrying the pot to the table, Faye was flanked by Eresh, the five of them all taking their seats.
Mouths watered as Faye lifted the lid off of the pot. A scent that can only be described as the feeling of “no place like home” filled the air. It was relaxing, her appetizing at the same time. Inside the pot lay a golden mixture. Carrots, Ham, and Potatoes all sticking out here and there as steam wafted up from the pot. Faye began to serve out the soup. Bowl by bowl she served until everyone sat, looking at one another, mouths watering.
Faye: Dig in, everyone!
Mash: Thank you for cooking, Senpai! It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve had this!
Jack: Thank you, miss Faye!
Faye placed her hand atop Jack’s snow white hair, ruffling it slightly.
Ishtar: Thanks for cooking, Faye. You know you don’t have to.
Faye: I know but….I wanted to make you guys something since you’ve taken care of Mash and I so much. Plus I like cooking. I don’t know a lot, but I like making what I do know!
Eresh planted a brief kiss on Faye’s cheek. Her own way of appreciating the effort her girlfriend had put in. It was always nice to not have to cook, after all.
Spoons Hir soup as everyone took their first bites. Faye watched nervously as everyone began to dig in. Her worries were alleviated as quickly as they’d come, however. The four faces she’d been watching lit up with a mixture of joy and surprise.
Ishtar: Faye this is-
Eresh: Amazing!
Jack: It’s really good!
Mash said nothing as she went for her second spoonful, her head bobbing back and forth in pure happiness. Faye blushed as she dug in too. Helping after helping was served and eaten until nothing remained in the pot but vestiges of the meal they’d just torn apart. With full bellies, everyone leaned back, a warm fullness hearing them from the inside out.
Eresh: Faye, that was amazing. I know I said it was simple but my goodness. I don’t expect it to be that good!
Mash: It was delicious, Senpai. Even better than when you made it back home.
Overstuffed groans came from Ishtar and Jack, the two leaned up against each other and the post meal drowsiness took them. Faye chuckled to herself as she sat their, wrapping her arm around Eresh as she mimicked the two beside her.
The slog through small singularities was never fun. Nine times out of ten it involved lots of walking, fighting, then more walking and fighting. Faye was no stranger to long treks but even she got tired after a while. Such was the case while resolving a small singularity in the southern United States.
The threat at hand was minor, a blip in the overall radar of humanity but nonetheless needed to be resolved. The problem occurred with Faye and Ereshkigal had failed to locate the source and instead spent their days aimlessly wandering the South in the summertime. The humidity was at an all time high and the temperature wasn’t too far behind. Step after step with shoes filled with sweat eventually wore down Faye’s iron will.
Faye: My goddeeeeess. I need a breeeeak.
Faye bemoaned her own lack of energy as Ereshkigal followed at her side. True to form, not a strand was out of place for the goddess, as if the heat and humidity couldn’t touch her divine figure.
Eresh: It’s about time! You’ve been walking for far too long and wouldn’t listen when I told you we should take a break!
Faye: I was fine then, I swear! It’s just now I’m super tired!
The Queen of Kur sighed at her helpless Master, looking around for anywhere to rest comfortably. Spotting a structure over a nearby hill, Ereshkigal hurriedly grabbed Faye’s hand, leading her to respite. Faye was surprised at the action but went along willingly. Surely she’s hear no end of scolding for overworking herself, but that wasn’t important. What was important to her was finishing this job and relaxing foe a couple days.
As the couple reached the building they took note of its usual look. It was nothing more than a simple shack in the middle of nowhere, yet despite its evident abandonment, it seemed about as pristine as it could get. There was no overgrowth or rotting, no damage to the building or even the small stone path leading up to it. Peculiar.
Faye wasted no time in entering the structure, taking a seat on a nearby couch and eventually sprawling herself out on it. The goddess took her place on a nearby recliner, posture as elegant as ever until she heard a noise of complaint from her Master. With a loving sigh Ereshkigal stood and placed herself where Faye’s head had been laying, her lap now acting as a pillow for her girlfriend as it has done so many times before. The two relaxed, letting their guards down as they just enjoyed being able to finally get off of their feet for a time. Eresh let her hands wander, fingers interlacing with Faye’s hair as her Master slept. The brunette locks curling in between her fingers.
The two remained like that for a few hours while Faye recuperated. Once she woke up, the next priority was finding something for Faye to eat. Unlike her servant, Faye was growing hungry. They’d spent too long in this singularity and ran out of rations earlier in the day. Scrounging through the various cabinets, the two found a host of cooking materials and ingredients. Preserved meats, cheeses, bread, spices, the host of food supplies increasing the oddity of this abandoned house. Pushing that aside for the sake of hunger, Faye sighed. Sure she could cook up something with what she had, but she’d much rather use—
A loud shriek pierced the air, causing Eresh to burst in the door, Meslamtaea in hand only to be shocked at the sight before her. For it was no monster, no beast or demon that caused that commotion. No, before her was something far more concerning. Faye beaming with a pan in her hand.
Confused, Eresh lowered her armaments, approaching her Master to further investigate the situation.
Eresh: Master? What’s that?
Faye: This, my goddess, is a cast-iron pan!
Eresh: Okay…..why did you shriek like that?
Faye: Because it’s a cast-iron pan!
Eresh stood there quizzically. It must has been written all over her face because Faye quickly moved to explain.
Faye: It’s a type of pan that some people, like myself, prefer to cook with. You season it and bake it to lock in flavors and many other things. I’ve used this back home for all sorts of meals! And look!
Faye gestures to the pan. Eresh, seeing nothing, looks back at her, confused.
Eresh: There’s nothing there.
Faye: Exactly! There’s no rust, no damage, an even layer of oil still keeping it preserved! It’s perfect!
Eresh, not understanding: I understand.
Faye let out a giggle, melting Eresh’s heart in the process as she quickly took out the various ingredients she’d found earlier. Faye cooked like a woman possessed, her dexterity becoming evident as she skillfully sliced, chopped, and diced her way through a pile of ingredients, throwing them all into the pan. Truly Eresh could only watch as her girlfriend passionately cooked, Faye’s body language and expression one of sternness but ultimately radiating joy.
After about thirty minutes worth of cooking, Faye finally removed the pan from the stovetop. Inside lay a mix of meats, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese that left Ereshkigal’s mouth watering.
Faye: I’m totally keeping this pan. Think I can fit it in my bag?
Eresh nodded as Faye set out plates for them. They’d leave finding the singularity’s cause for later. For now they ate.
