Fate/Eclipsed Stars (Project Moon/Fate Grand Order)

A loud crash echoed through the air as Ritsuka was sent flying into a haystack, landing with a dull thud that sent golden straw scattering in all directions. A few stray wisps floated gently to the ground, settling over his sprawled form like nature itself was offering some form of pity.

For a moment, all was still.

Then, a groan.

Buried under golden strands, Ritsuka sat up, dazed, brushing hay from his hair. "Ow…"

Mash gasped. "Senpai!"

She hurried over, shield in hand, carefully lifting the fallen hay from Ritsuka's body. He groaned, shaking his head as he sat up, only to find himself staring into Mash's worried violet eyes.

"Are you alright?" she asked, offering a hand to help him up.

He sighed, letting her help him up. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just a little... airborne."

A few feet away, Angela observed the event impassively, her golden eyes flickering with a faint, unreadable interest.

Hong Lu chuckled as he watched the commotion. "That was quite the landing. I'd give it an eight out of ten."

From her relaxed perch on a barrel, Der Freischütz adjusted her pipe and smirked. "Should've aimed for the roof. Would've been funnier."

Marie Antoinette shook her head with an amused sigh. "Such conflict… wouldn't it be nicer if we all just got along?"

"Ha! As if," Mozart scoffed, arms crossed. "Two performers fighting for the spotlight? This is bound to get messy."

"More like annoying," Medusa muttered, rolling her shoulders.

Scorched Girl, standing eerily still near Angela, tilted her head slightly as embers flickered faintly around her. Though she said nothing, she seemed entirely focused on the ongoing spectacle.

Cu Chulainn walked over, spear lazily slung over his shoulder. "So… are we gonna stop them, or are we letting this play out?"

Mash sighed. "I don't think they're going to stop on their own."

The culprits responsible for Ritsuka's airborne journey—one a pink-haired girl in an elaborate gothic dress, the other a green-haired woman clad in an elegant white kimono—were still locked in a heated verbal brawl in the middle of the village square.

The pink-haired girl, her small bat-like wings twitching, jabbed a microphone in the other's direction. ""Listen here, you overgrown salamander! You dare insult my divine voice?!"

The green-haired woman, her serpentine golden eyes narrowing, folded her arms across her chest. "Insult? I merely spoke the truth. Your 'voice' sounds more like a dying gecko's final screech. I can't believe you call that 'singing.' How do people even tolerate listening to you?"

The pink-haired girl gasped in horror. "How dare you compare me to a mere gecko! I am a dragon, thank you very much!"

The kimono-clad woman scoffed, flipping her long emerald hair over her shoulder. "A dragon? You? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing but a screeching skink."

The pink-haired girl gasped dramatically. "You—! How dare you insult my my voice?! You wouldn't know talent if it set you on fire!"

The green-haired girl golden eyes narrowed. "I may not be an 'idol,' but at least I have dignity." She leaned forward, voice dangerously low. "Unlike a shrill, attention-seeking skink."

"You wretched snake!"

"You flightless chicken!"

Ritsuka, who had finally regained his senses, blinked at the bizarre exchange in utter confusion.

"…What the hell is going on?" he mumbled.

Mash sighed. "I… I have no idea."

Angela tilted her head slightly, observing the quarrel with a detached curiosity.

The villagers, who had initially gathered to see what was happening, were slowly backing away, not wanting to involved themselves between two powerful girls.

"I should probably stop them before they burn the entire village down" Ritsuka muttered.

Stepping forward, he raised both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, enough!"

The two paused mid-insult and turned their gazes toward him.

The pink-haired girl huffed, placing a hand on her hip. "What do you want, piglet?"

Ritsuka twitched. "I am not a piglet."

The green-haired woman gave him a piercing stare. "And why do you interfere with my search? Are you trying to deceive me?"

Ritsuka frowned. "Look, I don't know why you two are fighting, but whatever it is, maybe you should calm down before you burn the whole place down."

The pink-haired girl scoffed, crossing her arms. "Hah! I doubt you'd understand!"

Ritsuka sighed. "Try me."

She tossed her vibrant twin pigtails back dramatically. "Fine. Since you insist." She struck a pose, placing a hand over her heart.

"I am the greatest idol in history! One day, my voice will reach across the world! No—across the ages! My concerts will echo through time! Future generations will sing my name in adoration! But this skank—" she dramatically gestured at the green-haired woman "—has the audacity to claim my voice is grating?! Can you believe that?!"

The kimono-clad woman exhaled through her nose. "It is grating. Your 'singing' is akin to a dying bird shrieking for mercy."

The idol gasped as if she'd been stabbed. "How dare you!"

A new voice, firm and filled with an edge of exasperation, cut through the conversation.

"You are all ridiculous."

Jeanne d'Arc had remained silent up until now, standing off to the side with her arms crossed, her golden gaze moving between the two dragons as if weighing their worth. "There are far greater things to concern ourselves with than… this.

Elizabeth scoffed. "Ugh, you sound just like those boring knights who never understood the power of music!"

Kiyohime, however, stared at Jeanne with mild intrigue. "You… seem familiar."

Jeanne tensed slightly but said nothing.

Ritsuka, still feeling the ache from his unfortunate flight into a pile of hay, rubbed the back of his neck. "Alright. Let's take this one step at a time. Now that things are somewhat calm, how about we start with introductions?"

The pink-haired girl immediately straightened, dramatically flipping her long twin-tails behind her shoulders. She placed a hand on her chest and smiled as if she were about to deliver the greatest speech of all time.

"I suppose it's only natural that you peasants would wish to know the name of someone as divine as me," she declared. "Listen well! I am the one and only Elizabeth Báthory—the future superstar idol who will redefine the meaning of music itself! My beauty is unmatched, my voice unparalleled! One day, all shall bow before the power of my concerts!"

Her introduction was followed by an awkward silence.

Mash smiled politely. "Ah… it's nice to meet you, Elizabeth."

"Finally! Someone with proper manners!" Elizabeth huffed, flipping her hair again.

Cu Chulainn grinned. "An idol, huh? That explains a lot."

"Yes, indeed! You're probably awestruck by my presence already, aren't you? Don't worry, that's a normal reaction when meeting someone as talented as me!"

Angela observed this interaction with the same calculating look she always wore. "A self-proclaimed idol… seeking validation through the admiration of others. What a meaningless pursuit."

Elizabeth twitched. "What was that?!"

Angela didn't bother to repeat herself.

Before Elizabeth could launch into another boastful speech, the green-haired woman stepped forward. Unlike Elizabeth, her introduction lacked the over-the-top bravado but carried a different kind of intensity.

"I am Kiyohime," she said, her golden eyes unwavering. "I am searching for someone—my Anchin. I know he is here. And I will find him."

Her voice was soft, almost melodic, but there was an underlying sharpness in her words.

Mash blinked. "Anchin?"

"My beloved," Kiyohime clarified, closing her eyes for a moment. "I have searched for him for so long… I can feel his presence in this land. No matter how far I must go, I will reach him."

The intensity in her voice made Ritsuka gulp.

Cu crossed his arms. "So, we got one lady trying to be an idol, and the other on the biggest case of 'Where's My Husband' I've ever seen."

Marie Antoinette clapped her hands together. "Ah, such devotion! It's almost romantic!"

Mozart smirked. "It's something, alright."

Der Freischütz let out a low chuckle. "This whole situation is like one of those absurd stage plays. Except the lead actor," she nodded toward Ritsuka, "really doesn't know what's going on."

Ritsuka let out a tired sigh. "You're not wrong."

Now that the introductions were done, there was one small problem. These two were still on the verge of ripping each other apart.

Ritsuka needed to figure something out before the town got caught in the crossfire.

He took a deep breath. Think, think, think.

Elizabeth wants to be popular.

Kiyohime wants to find Anchin.

How do I handle both of these problems at the same time?

Then, inspiration struck.

"Alright," Ritsuka said, clapping his hands together. "Elizabeth, you want to be an idol, right?"

Elizabeth gave him a look as if he had just asked the most idiotic question imaginable. "Of course! Were you not listening?! My dream is to have my voice reach across the ages!"

Ritsuka nodded. "And idols need… what, exactly?"

Elizabeth blinked. "A stage, an audience, a legendary setlist…"

"And a manager."

Elizabeth paused. "...A what?"

"A manager," Ritsuka repeated. "Someone to help you actually get famous. A real idol doesn't just perform whenever they want—they build their name, plan their performances, and make sure their audience enjoys it."

Elizabeth scoffed. "Hah! What nonsense! My audience already loves me!"

The villagers in the background were still rubbing their ears in agony.

Ritsuka sighed. "Elizabeth. You want to be famous, right? Do you really think just screaming—uh, singing—loudly is going to make people adore you?"

Elizabeth frowned, crossing her arms. "Well… obviously! My voice is divine!"

"You think it's divine," Ritsuka countered. "But if you really want to prove it, you need someone to make sure the whole world sees you as an idol. And that's what a manager does."

Elizabeth hesitated, tapping her chin. "Hmm…"

Mash watched with fascination. "Is he actually convincing her…?"

Cu smirked. "Hate to say it, but that's a pretty clever move."

Mozart looked personally offended by the entire situation. "The idea of that voice gaining actual fame is a crime against music itself."

Angela, meanwhile, continued observing. She was intrigued by how Ritsuka navigated social conflicts. He was no master manipulator, but there was an effort—an understanding of people's wants and how to direct them.

Elizabeth, after a long moment of deliberation, finally snapped her fingers. "Alright, fine! You've convinced me, piglet! From now on, you shall be my manager!"

Ritsuka blinked. "...Wait, what?"

Elizabeth grabbed his arm. "You said it, didn't you? Idols need managers! And since you so boldly volunteered, I shall allow you to guide my rise to stardom!"

Mash stifled a giggle. "Senpai, you really walked into that one."

Angela murmured, "He really did."

Ritsuka sighed in defeat. "Alright, fine. I'll help—but only if you promise to listen to advice."

Elizabeth smirked. "Hmph! I shall consider it!"

Ritsuka felt like this was going to be a headache.

But one problem was solved. Now, onto the next.

He turned to Kiyohime.

"And as for you… You're looking for Anchin, right?"

Kiyohime's eyes softened slightly. "Yes. My beloved is near. I know he is."

"Well, then," Ritsuka said, keeping his tone careful, "how about we help you find him?"

Kiyohime stared at him, unmoving. Then, she took a slow step forward, tilting her head slightly.

"You're… offering to help me?"

"Yes," Ritsuka said firmly. "If he's in this land, we'll find him together."

Kiyohime narrowed her eyes. "...You're not lying to me, are you?"

Ritsuka felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. "No! No lies, I promise!"

Kiyohime studied him for a long moment.

Then, she took a deep breath—her expression relaxing just a bit.

"...I see," she murmured.

Mash held her breath.

"Very well," Kiyohime finally said. "If you do not lie… I shall trust you."

Mash let out a relieved sigh. "That was close…"

Ritsuka wiped his forehead. "Way too close."

Angela watched this exchange with a thoughtful expression. Another careful balance of words, another step toward maintaining stability.

Yet, even as things settled, Angela couldn't shake the feeling that the real challenges were yet to come.

And she was right.

Because the sky suddenly darkened.

A villager screamed.

And in the distance, something monstrous was approaching.

---

The air was heavy, thick with the scent of burning wood and the distant cries of terrified villagers. The sky, once a clear blue, had darkened unnaturally, as if something monstrous was descending upon them. Ritsuka gripped his command spell-marked hand tightly, bracing himself.

Then, she arrived.

A lone figure strode into the village square, her presence cutting through the chaos like a blade through silk. She was a woman clad in battle-worn robes, a staff in one hand, and a quiet but commanding aura around her. Her deep blue eyes held a storm within them, a silent battle waging beneath their surface.

The villagers, who had already been panicked by the wyverns, shrank back even further at the sight of her.

Mash stepped forward cautiously, raising her shield. "Who… are you?"

The woman's grip on her staff tightened. "Saint Martha. Rider-class Servant." Her voice was firm, unwavering. "And I have come here to test you."

Jeanne, who had remained still at the back of the group, visibly stiffened at the name. Her hands clenched tightly around the flag she carried, but she said nothing—her golden eyes dark and unreadable

Ritsuka blinked. "Test us?"

Elizabeth crossed her arms. "Hmph! You're not another jealous competitor trying to sabotage my rise to stardom, are you?"

Martha barely spared her a glance. "No."

Elizabeth frowned. "Rude."

Kiyohime, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes. "You… do not smell of lies. But you reek of desperation."

Martha's jaw clenched. "Desperation… Yes. That would be an apt description." She took a deep breath. "I was sent to observe you. To gauge whether you were strong enough to challenge the Dragon Witch. But I can no longer stand idly by."

Mash frowned. "You were sent? By the dtagon witch?"

Martha nodded. "Yes. I was bound to her will, as many Servants have been. But I refuse to be her pawn any longer."

Angela studied her closely, golden eyes calculating. "And so you turn to us? To test our strength?"

Martha met her gaze without flinching. "Yes. If you cannot defeat me, then you have no hope against the Dragon Witch."

Ritsuka took a step forward. "Wait, wait. Let's slow down here. You want us to fight you? Why?"

Martha closed her eyes for a moment. Then, with a slow exhale, she said, "Because I am losing myself."

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning.

Cu crossed his arms. "Losing yourself, huh? Madness Enhancement?"

Martha nodded. "Yes. Her power seeps into me like poison. It clouds my thoughts, my will. But before it consumes me completely, I wish to fight as myself."

Mozart scoffed. "So, you want us to beat you senseless before you turn into a mindless beast? How poetic."

Jeanne inhaled sharply. "This shouldn't have happened."

Marie looked at Martha with sympathy. "You must have suffered a great deal."

Martha smiled bitterly. "You have no idea."

Angela tilted her head slightly. "Is this truly your choice? To be struck down rather than resist further?"

Martha's grip on her staff tightened. "It is the only choice left to me. If I am to be freed, then I must fall by the hands of warriors strong enough to stand against what comes next."

Mash hesitated. "But… isn't there another way?"

Martha shook her head. "No. The Dragon Witch's corruption is absolute. If I linger too long, I will no longer be Saint Martha. I will be her servant, completely and utterly. And when that happens, I will be another weapon against you."

Elizabeth pouted. "Tch. Such a waste. You could've been one of my backup dancers instead."

Kiyohime ignored her, her gaze steady on Martha. "I understand your wish. To perish as yourself rather than become something unrecognizable. It is… tragic."

Hong Lu smiled slightly. "It's a rather dramatic way to go about it. But I suppose in a world like this, such things are normal."

Angela remained silent for a moment, then finally said, "You seek to sever the chains before they fully bind you. I can respect that."

Ritsuka let out a slow breath. "So… no talking you out of this, huh?"

Martha shook her head. "No. I have made my peace with it." She lifted her staff, planting it firmly in the ground. "Now, show me your strength."

As she spoke, a deep, rumbling sound echoed through the village. The ground trembled.

Then, from the shadows, something massive began to emerge.

A hulking beast, its thick, armored shell gleaming in the dim light. Its glowing eyes burned with an unnatural fire, and its maw opened, revealing sharp fangs.

Mash's eyes widened. "That's—"

Martha raised her hand. "Come forth, Tarasque!"

With a deafening roar, the beast lunged forward, its sheer presence shaking the earth beneath them.

Martha looked at the group one last time, her expression resolute.

"This is my trial. Fight me with all you have."

Jeanne swallowed hard, gripping her flag tightly.

This wasn't just another battle. This was a test—one they couldn't afford to fail.

---

A/N: Hey everyone, I'm still alive—hell! yeah Unfortunately, I've got some bad news. I've been pretty sick lately with a nasty fever that landed me in the hospital. So, I'm really sorry, but I won't be able to upload a new chapter frequently until I'm fully recovered. Hope you all understand, and I'll be back as soon as I'm healthy again. Stay safe, everyone!