Work Text:
Glass Cannon
Blood.
Rivulets of cloying, coagulating red pooled across the battlefield. Ritsuka’s eyes brimmed with tears, as the pernicious substance coated his trembling hands, eyes widened in pure horror.
His champion, his beloved Oni Musashi ... there was no way Ritsuka would let him die today, not ever! Though the pain and fear of such a brutal sight threatened to sink him beneath the pits of despair, he clawed his way towards formulating an escape strategy; his heart thrumming to the rhythm of a rapid and frenzied dance of hell.
Mind rushing with unlimited possibilities and solutions, Ritsuka’s thoughts dash quickly to the failsafe conclusion of lessening the damage with a command seal, the Heal effect effectively rescuing the servant from acquiring lethal damage. The striking red sigils burned brightly, a fiery pier of devotion gleaming within Ritsuka’s eyes.
As he rushed towards Mori Nagayoshi’s crumpled form, the berserker leaning upon his spear for support- despite the sheer pain that every breath brought him; Mori smiled regardless, his buoyant, spiky grin making for a terrifying juxtaposition against the blood drenching his bulky form.
Just as there was no way in hell that Ritsuka would let his strongest servant disappear, Mori would endure even the most fatal of fire and brimstone- and smile through it all, in order not to worry his dear master.
“Hehe...S’alright, Ritsu. I’m strong.” Such a bravado was for naught.
Both knew just how serious this situation had become, just how critical Mori’s condition was. “Ain’t no need to look so...” Words had failed him.
Like the waning flicker of a candle, Mori’s once blood-stained existence faded to black, as he toppled to the ground, unable to even reassure his master.
“Naga!!!!” A piercing shriek echoed through the sky.
“NAGA!!”
The battle had been just like any other boss fight at first; the two of them making for a formidable duo. Blood splattered and drenched the misty caverns, the battlefield encased within an eerie aura. Enemies dropped like grisly files before his gory spear; Mori Nagayoshi a wake of violence and dread.
Carefully balancing his servant’s murderous drive with spells that buffed, defended and boosted Mori’s stats whenever they were close to getting into a pinch; the two of them balanced one another perfectly.
Naga, the almost-demonic spear-wielder, and Ritsu; the linchpin of humanity.
Together, they made easy work of the cavern teeming with frightening appendages; bursting them to smithereens.
“Heh. These enemies ain’t much, huh Ritsu? Looks like we’ll be getting full points today.” Winking cheerfully, Mori’s blood thrummed with anticipation at the upcoming battle, amber eye reflecting bright light from the clearing ahead. “Time for some murder!!”
“Go get them, Naga. Then we can celebrate with some tea afterwards.” Traversing side-by-side, Ritsuka felt safe. Despite Mori’s unyielding adoration for violence, he also doubled as a safe space for his Master, as one who Ritsuka could entrust with his very life.
“I love that bloodthirsty side of yours...” He adds with a mumble and slight blush, looking away ever-so-slightly. “Makes me excited.”
At this, Mori’s expression briefly freezes for a moment, only then to surge with so much joy that it was infectious- Ritsuka couldn’t help but smile back. “Now you’re getting me excited, too. Let’s fucking do this!!”
Skidding to a halt as he cleaves his spear within a clear arc, they had finally reached the boss of the“???” mystery free quest.
Awaiting them was none other than a horrendous, teeming demonic-draconic beast, its glittering form and pincer-like legs fluttering seamlessly towards them. If Mori was a hurricane of destruction, this beast was akin to a pulsating volcano.
Sparks flew mercilessly-metal spear against metal pincers, as the two clash and circle one another fiercely, waging a dance of thrusts and dodges against one another.
This was a fight of endurance, a battle to see who could last the longest. Exploding geysers of blood ripped from the beast as Mori rushed its entire shell with his spear, cutting through hard flesh as if it was toilet paper.
From its rear, he spins his head back; grinning vehemently as it squeals with pain.
“Those screams...those yells!! Hahaha! This is the best time of my life!” Mori loved it- the wind rushing past him as he stabbed the beast, the sun pouring down overhead; the frenzied speed of the fight. War, violence; that was what he lived for.
“Naga, to your left!” Thanks to master’s orders, Mori seamlessly ducked beneath the claw shooting towards him; dragging his bulky, blood-stained white armor downwards with ease. It was impressive just how quickly he moved, despite lugging such a heavy form. “Nice one!”
As Mori rolled away from crashing grey rocks sent tumbling from the beast’s attack, its pincers were now trapped within the wall...just as Ritsuka predicted.
‘A creature like that is rendered useless once trapped,’ Ritsuka’s mind sifts through calculations, as he boosts Mori’s strength just in time to release his noble phantasm.
“Naga, ready to unleash your Noble Phantasm?”
“Thought you’d never ask.” Red hair dancing ominously within the wind, power leaks from his pores; emanating powerfully from his figure. “That's my Master. You know when to go for the kill!!” Slotting his helmet back on, it was now time to get serious .
What excited Mori even more than battle, even more than the flames of war; was knowing that Ritsuka was there for him, cheering him on all the way.
‘It doesn’t get better than this!!’ How lucky he felt as a vassal, to be serving a lord that valued him so dearly! Such blossoming joy spread through his heart, further propelling him to eviscerate the beast that dared challenge him and his beloved master.
“Die!”
It was almost if time came to a halt, the world dying itself within a crimson, murky red. The bulky berserker shifted into a demon, embers drifting wistfully around him as he pummeled the beast with his spear, convulsing with manic laughter; as the beast screeched in agony.
“Why you...! Keep your hands off my Master! Die! Ningen Mukotsu!!!”
Mori was just about to finish off the beast by thrusting his spear so that he could lift it into the air, until-
Like a flash, it shot away. Leaping within the sky, its pincers were like a blazing meteor, reaching for Ritsuka’s heart at an impossible speed- a speed so fast, that Ritsuka’s face could only widen in fear, sweat dripping down his face.
Whilst Ritsuka panicked, unable to find a way to escape this tumultuous change of events; Mori’s world lulled to a frightening halt, almost as if he was trapped in a stasis. In that moment, his eye locked onto his master’s own; heart sinking at the fear radiating within his master’s sincere eyes.
It was as if the last shackle- desperately struggling to keep Mori’s reason intact- splintered in two, giving way to a beast of unimaginable proportions.
His Master, his valued lord. The one who he had endured so many ups and downs besides, shared many a tea ceremony; and spooned gently as they slept together.
His Ritsuka.
Anyone who would dare to hurt him would die!
It was if a superhuman urge overwhelmed him, as he shot forwards quickly enough to block the beast’s pincers as they sliced straight through his armor, blood bleeding despairingly through his gallant form.
Though he had rushed to Ritsuka’s aid just in time, Mori’s own health was now in severe danger.
However, Mori Nagayoshi couldn’t care less. Not when his foe still lived, still breathed.
His last sense of reason dispersing into dust, wrath engulfed Mori Nagayoshi’s entire being- as he blacked out into a frenzy of bloodied fanaticism, willingly sacrificing his defenses for the sake of enacting vengeance. Like a glass cannon, every hit that Mori landed upon the beast was returned tenfold, the pain unbearable.
Yet he only laughed, laughed like there was no tomorrow.
Laughed through it all, simply glad to be killing the beast that threatened the one that he held dear. Laughed now that his Master was safe, and that he was strong enough to take care of him.
Ritsuka’s screams were drowned out before the pulsating rage and endless cackling roaring from Mori Nagayoshi’s deranged form, as he shut down all other extraneous forces, dulling the pain shooting through his veins.
His Ritsuka. His Ritsuka. His Ritsuka. His Ritsuka. His Ritsuka, Oni Musashi’s precious Ritsuka.
Each thrust, slice, attack was enveloped within this endlessly repeating cacophony that rung throughout his mind; a ceaseless prayer.
His Ritsuka, HIS RITSUKA!!
It was murder’s time to reign supreme.
Rayshifting back to Chaldea, Ritsuka had been able to lessen the flow of some of the bleeding with his jacket and shirt sleeves, the frayed material wrapped tightly around Mori’s faltering form. The two of them were battered and bruised, servants and staff anxiously rushing towards them as soon as they landed.
To make matters worse, Mori was barely conscious; his health depleting rapidly by the second- with only an incredibly fiery willpower keeping him upright.
“Senpai, are you okay?!” Mash all but cried, as Nightingale and the other staff rushed Mori onto a stretch bed. “Senpai!”
Despite the anxiety, worry and fear plaguing his mind, Ritsuka shifted into his “master mode”; a mode that was pleasing and cheerful, that seemed upbeat no matter what the weather.
‘I can’t do this anymore...’ His inner weariness tugged at him, yet he still plastered a smile to his face regardless.
“I’m fine. I’m just going to watch over Naga. Don’t worry about me.” Though Mash doubted his words, she let him go; nodding with understanding, as the others rushed towards Ritsuka, speaking words of encouragement as he followed behind.
“Master, I’m sure he’ll be okay. That Mori’s a real tough one!”
“Wow, he looked real beat up back there...what a mad lad.”
“We’ve got your back if anything goes wrong. Count on us.”
“He’ll be as right as rain in no time!” Patting Ritsuka on the back, it seemed as if everyone had convinced themselves that there would be no problem. “Do you want to talk about it? We can help!”
“Yeah...” Evading any personal questions, Ritsuka looked towards the direction of Mori’s retreating stretcher; eyes glazed with unshed tears.
“...I’m fine. Everything will be okay.”
Despite wanting to break into pieces and cry right there and then, Ritsuka ultimately ended up as the one pacifying and supporting his fellow servants, effectively dispelling all tension- whilst his own mind had lapsed into a zone of immeasurable suffering.
Yet he never let any of that show, his walls impenetrable.
‘...’ Though Mori Nagayoshi was strong, he had a very low defense; making him weak against direct hits; yet he had endured countless of them to protect his master. Heart thrumming in pain from this, Ritsuka clutched a hand to his chest, unable to sob in front of his fellow allies.
‘Even if he’s strong, Mori still feels pain, you know?’
What could he do to help? How could he ease Mori’s pain?
Frustratedly streaking his hands through locks of hair, fatigue took its hold upon Ritsuka Fujimaru; his world falling apart.
Mind bubbling like a brook on a river, Mori’s eyes squinted at the clinical white ceiling overhead, world shifting in and out of conscience. One second, he’d spot a treasured Yunomi teacup- filled with comfortingly warm, roasted tea- by his bedside, only then for it to disappear thanks to the irritating darkness tugging constantly at his eyes. Yet a warm, familiar presence would softly hold onto his calloused hands, keeping him cozy during such an isolated time.
Refusing to budge from Mori’s side for longer than an hour at a time, Ritsuka would perch by his bedside, eagerly awaiting Mori’s recovery. Unable to sleep, days melted into afternoons; that blended into nights as he sat patiently next to him, lacing his wounded fingers within Mori’s own.
A little tug of Ritsuka’s hand, a slight glimmer of his amber eyes, a brief smile...Ritsuka desperately clutched onto any brief respites in Mori’s demeanor, almost leaping out of his skin whenever the berserker would briefly awaken...only then for his world to fade as soon as Mori sunk back beneath the depths of unconsciousness again.
Stomach rumbling, Ritsuka sighed sadly; as he reluctantly pulled his hands away from Mori’s giant, calloused palms.
“Sorry. I’ll be back, Naga...” Softly placing a kiss upon his bruised cheeks, Ritsuka hesitantly dragged themselves in the direction of the cafeteria; looking back wistfully at the sleeping form of his beloved. “Take care.”
‘If only Naga could wake up soon...’ Nausea threatened to take hold; Ritsuka’s heart yammering in fear from leaving Mori’s side. What would happen whilst he was gone? Would his condition improve or worsen? It felt tough, knowing that there was no way for him to restore Mori back to full health again.
‘I miss him so much.’
Loud voices, cheerful faces, and food...drink...to be frank, Ritsuka’s heart felt so bogged down with pain from the recent ongoings, that food and drink were at the bottom of his priority list. However, it would be more of a pain to be scolded by an indignant Mash or lectured by an angry Emiya for missing his meals.
‘I’ve got no choice. Time for me to be a “master” again.’ Turning left towards the sprawling chaos and fun of the shared quarters, a perfectly placed smile wagered war with eyes that brimmed with lethargy.
‘What I wouldn’t do just to leave right now.’
“Huff...Huff...!!” Panting desperately, Ritsuka’s trembling legs rapidly sprinted through the clinically cleaned Chaldea Halls, body wobbling with desperation as his breaths threatened to topple him over.
He never thought this day would come so soon, that things would finally pick up...
‘Agh...why did I have to fall asleep...I forgot to check on Naga!’ Armed with a massive Yunomi brimming to the rim with tea, its liquid substance sloshed randomly about as Ritsuka sped ahead, eyes brimming with tears. ‘I hope I’m not too late...’
Through heaving breaths, Ritsuka recalled how he had just been brewing tea for Mori during what only felt like a minute ago (but somehow ended up as an hour, thanks to his eyes somehow drifting shut). Rattled awake by none other than the bold form of Nobunaga and the Gudaguda Boiler Room Gang themselves, Ritsuka had almost backflipped in shock once Nobunaga declared a,
“Guess what, retainer?! Your boyfriend’s awake. When we came to visit, he was excited to see you...ah, young love is such a joy! A great sight to see, if I do say so myself.”
Ritsuka was unable to even form any coherent words in response, thoughts darting and leaping, cartwheeling hamsters taking over his mind. Mouth dried with anticipation; his feelings desperately struggled to smash through the mighty walls that he had suppressed them beneath.
The only thing that slipped from his mouth was a simple, “He...Naga...is he...is he...”
“That Katsuzo’s doing rough , but he’s fine. He’s the reliable Oni Musashi, after all!” Nobunaga only winked. “Your assistance has been exemplary.”
As soon as those words were uttered, he had been off like a comet, their waves of encouragement rallying behind him. ‘Haah...Haah...’ Mind blanking from a combination of fatigue and worry, Ritsuka could barely lift himself up once he reached the doors of Chaldea’s medical quarters; his heart yearning immensely just to be reunited with Mori Nagayoshi again. ‘Naga...’
“Hey, Ritsu. Glad ya could make it.”
There he sat, almost as if the events prior had never occurred.
Mori Nagayoshi was back, grinning as widely as before- heck, even more widely than usual.
His golden eye softened into an affectionate hue at the sight of Ritsuka, crimson red hair swaying against his hospital robes. Smiling serenely, Mori Nagayoshi spread his arms wide, guffawing with joy.
“Hahaha!! Looks like I made it out alright. Made one heck of a killing, didn’t I?”
“Naga...” Ritsuka breathed, speechless from the sight before him. Those warm, comforting arms. That bright expression and sparkling amber eyes. How greatly had he missed being wrapped within them; how they regarded him with such burning passion. “Naga!!”
“Yep, that’s me, Ritsu. Sorry for making ya worry like that. I’m fine now.” And like that, Ritsuka softly burrowed himself within Mori’s muscly, yet bandaged arms; tea sloshing slightly onto both of their clothes. Wincing slightly in pain, Mori tightly wraps his arms around Ritsuka as he places a small kiss against his forehead, the graze of his lips tingling lovingly against Ritsuka’s scalp.
Pulling back ever-so-slightly at Mori’s wincing sounds, Ritsuka flailed about worriedly. “Naga, are you okay? Sorry, did I hurt you anywhere...err, here’s some tea! Some tea, take it!”
“Hehe, no, it’s alright, Ritsu. I mean, I’m fucking aching right now, but that ain’t ever gonna stop me from hugging you. And thanks for the tea.” Gratuitously taking the cup from Ritsuka’s trembling hands, Mori’s expression takes on a tender hue; as he takes a deep sip from the cup.
“Oh, tastes damn good. Thanks. You’ve gotten good at making a brew, Ritsu! Hehe.” Patting Ritsuka’s head with his free hand, Mori’s heart swelled with affection.
As for Ritsuka, his tears threatened to spill over, brushing them away. Chest singing with joy at the fact that Mori was back in one piece, he never wanted to leave the safety of his arms.
“And picking out my favourite Yunomi cup as well...This is one of the best greetings I’ve had in a while.” All those ceremonies shared together, drinking from their precious chawan whilst gazing at the sky. Brewing tea side-by-side on a regular basis, his Yunomi placed right next to Ritsuka’s own cup. “You know me well, huh?”
It held a special place, deep within the ravines of Mori Nagayoshi’s heart.
“That’s because I love you, Naga. My ace in the hole. I’m just glad to have my beloved Oni back.” Nestling his head against the crevice of Mori’s chest, Ritsuka clung onto him for dear life.
“Gyahaha! Ain’t heard that one in a while.” Blushing slightly at the affectionate nickname, Mori’s expression became sheepish.
“...Love you too, Ritsu. You’re a real firecracker.”
After being discharged by Nightingale (who threatened to tear Mori Nagayoshi apart with the most torturous procedures known to man should he dare risk his life again), the two hobbled back to Mori’s chambers together, the Oni Musashi’s arm slung around his lover; Ritsuka helping him stay upright.
“Oi...Ritsu. Did ya sleep?” Peering down at the smaller form of his close contemporary, Mori couldn’t help but ask. He knew just how many sleepless nights Ritsuka was prone to having. ‘Shit...hope he didn’t get too worried on my behalf...’
A slight feeling of guilt gnawed at him, gripping him like claws.
“No... I couldn’t.” Ritsuka lowered his head, anxiety relapsing; as his throat clasped with pain at the melancholy Mori’s bloodied and battered form evoked; how intrusive thoughts of the frenzied, inane showdown between Mori and the draconic beast had haunted him within every waking moment. Shoving said thoughts aside, Ritsuka focused on Mori’s needs instead.
“It’s okay. Your health is important to me, so... If there’s anything I can do...let me know. I don’t ever want to see you suffering alone like that again.”
“Ritsu...” A clumping feeling rose within Mori’s throat at that, one that he couldn’t quite understand. Clogging it down, the Oni Musashi thinks of a way to ease Ritsuka’s worries.
“...You can help me patch my bandages, if ya like! The fucking things keep on clogging up with blood. It’s a real pain in the ass to deal with.”
“Sure, I’d like that.” Ah, that smile. That small upward quirk of Ritsuka’s lips, the one that Mori had committed to memory.
‘I’ve missed that smile.’
Mori Nagayoshi’s room is a brilliant sight for the eyes. Teeming with Japanese spears pinned against the wall, quaint tatami mats...and especially a specially made tea ceremony zone- a Ro (sliding tatami space for his Japanese teapot), sliding storage spaces; with the centerpiece; a Tokobashira zone with an elevated floor space to place his teacups; a neatly designed flowerpot and a beautiful calligraphy scroll- which had the words for a famous haiku beautifully scribed by Mori Nagayoshi’s own hand upon its surface- his room was akin to that of an artisan’s own.
Books, scrolls, washi paper, inks, pieces of armour...Mori Nagayoshi’s room made for a very special location.
And of course, laid delicately on the elevated platform, was none other than the tea ceremony chawan that Mori had especially reserved for Ritsuka. It was a room teeming with precious memories.
Unwrapping the stained bandages enclosing his rippling chest, both Ritsuka and Mori winced at the sight of Mori Nagayoshi’s sore, seething wounds. Though they were mostly sealed, it was certain that his chest was in dire need of a remedy.
“That looks painful, Naga. Let me patch you up,” Drenching a cotton ball within an alcoholic solution, he lightly dabs at Mori’s chest; the berserker’s heart swelling at the intimacy of such an action.
Ritsuka’s face is only mere centimeters from his chest, his breaths mingling with Mori’s skin. As Mori struggles to maintain his composure at the diligent, caring dabs Ritsuka makes against the raw flesh of his skin, Ritsuka continues.
“You really pushed yourself too far this time. Naga... don’t hurt yourself like this again. I want you to live.”
“...I couldn’t help it, ya know? I just...” Mori grunted as Ritsuka lightly tended to his lower chest as well, leaving tingling sensations in his wake. “There was no way I could let you die, either. My Ritsu.”
Struggling to articulate the words behind the feelings circulating his chest, Mori’s mind blanks for a minute. Even with the numerous books he read- and vast intelligence he possessed; it was much easier for Mori Nagayoshi to express his feelings via his actions and battle prowess, rather than words.
Aware of this, Ritsuka waited patiently for him to speak; a beacon of support. Only the sounds of damp cotton, lightly budding against skin could be heard; as a contemplative silence overtook them both.
“I just...ya know? Wanted to cut up the bastard, rip it to shreds for trying to attack you. And well, I lost all sense of reason.” Heck, Mori had enjoyed the brutal brawl. It made him feel useful, as if his heavy violence counted for something- especially when committed for the sake of his beloved.
“I love it when you get all wrathful and ferocious on my behalf, Naga. I adore my vicious berserker like nothing else...but I... I don’t want you to die . After all of that violence, I want us to celebrate, to continue being together.” Ritsuka’s hands fumble on the gauze, hot tears dripping from his eyes, as he awkwardly replaces the dirty bandages with new ones, wrapping Mori’s chest with such a feather-light touch that they barely press against the berserker’s wounds.
“I kept on thinking, ‘what if we never speak again?’ , ‘what if he never wakes up...what if we never share another drink again?’ I... I couldn’t bear it, Naga.”
“Ritsu..” Softly threading his hands through Ritsuka’s locks of hair, Mori presses his face against the top of Ritsuka’s head; placing his warm lips against it. Such words choked up the usually wild berserker, his entire being touched by how deeply Ritsuka valued him- not just as a servant, but as an actual person . “Thanks.”
“But Ritsu, I’m...I’m one of many servants ya got.”
Now Ritsuka was tending to the scratches and cuts lacing Mori’s arms. Despite the utter frenzy of his battle, Mori had ensured not to damage his arms past the point of repair. A warrior’s arm was their lifeblood, after all.
Watching with bated breath, as Ritsuka leaned in incredibly close; paying intricate detail to every single wound, Mori’s words could barely pass through his lips, thanks to the fluttering sensation of his heart.
For his lord to be so equally devoted as he was to him...it filled Mori with a funny sensation.
“I’m replaceable. My only use is to serve you with my entire body, until I bleed to death. So don’t worry about me, there’s plenty of others out there-!!” His self-depreciating rambles were instantly brought to a halt, as Ritsuka lifted his head mid-bandaging; eyes burning with a wildfire like no other.
‘Ritsu’s so damn beautiful when he gets like this...’
“Naga, you have no right to tell me what to do. You’re my favorite berserker, so don’t go calling yourself replaceable. I’ll have you know I’m humanity’s final master...which means that you have no choice but to remain by my side until the very end!!”
“R-really?! You...you really mean that?” Hope shone within Mori’s amber iris at that, joyful at the prospect of having a special place by his master’s side until the very end.
“...If so, then count me in ! Hahaha!!! Let’s beat the shit outta all enemies together until the end, Ritsu!”
“Haha, that’s more like it.” Lightly spreading soothing balms against the cuts and bruises marring Mori’s dashing visage, the two of them were now extremely close, faces mere inches apart. Wrapping his now newly bandaged arms around Ritsuka’s waist, Mori hummed happily, as the minty sensation calmed the twinging pain on his face. “I’ll be keeping you alive at all costs, if that’s the last thing I do.”
“You really are as tough as nails , huh. Ritsu. What did I do to earn such a smart, handsome and brave guy as you?”
Blushing at such lofty praise, Ritsuka coughs. “Thanks... well, I can confide in you. My trustworthy Oni Musashi.”
“You got that right. Any foe you want dead, I’ll kill ‘em. If anything’s up, you can talk to me. I’ve got your back, Ritsu. I’ll defend it doggedly until there ain’t any breath left in me. This body of mines...it's yours for the taking.”
Ritsuka’s heart swelled with overwhelming emotions, as he took in Mori’s beautiful form, drinking in the sight of the wonderful berserker by his side; one who would willingly serve him and protect him with his all; who he could laugh and chat to without wearing a mask...eyes transfixed onto the form of his beloved Oni, Ritsuka softly lined his fingers around the curves of Mori’s face, unsure what to say, and only able to express himself through touch.
Staring longingly into another’s eyes, the tension between them exploded as they settled into an embrace, softly kissing one another as they rested within each other’s arms. Soft, delicate kisses placed in all areas- the eyelids, the cheeks, the nose, the lips...and especially the mouth. Chaste kisses that spoke of reuniting, of home and love.
Oh, it was good to be back together again; cherished within those welcoming, passionate arms. For the rest of the day, the two napped within each other's figures; creating a protective atelier.
Sure, Mori Nagayoshi was a glass cannon; a destructive force that could easily smash into numerous pieces upon the battlefield; earning a reputation as a vehement force of bloodcurdling strength that could rip apart at any moment.
But to Ritsuka Fujimaru, all of that was secondary.
He loved Mori Nagayoshi just the way he was, after all.
THE END