A Twist of Fate (Fate Zero & Fate Stay/Night:UBW)

Chapter 2: Introductions

After a night of thugs, cops and pushy medical staff, by the time Avantina made her stop at McDonald's the cashier could tell she was just about done with this shit. It must have shown on her face because said cashier sneaked in two extra nuggets into her order. Avantina made sure to leave a good tip.

Presently our teenage disaster was slouched in a chair, feet on the desk and phone in her ear while Diarmuid stood sentry by the window. The call clicked after two rings.

"Avantina."
"Sensei," greeted the pupil. Diarmuid discerned a fondness paired with respect. "My Servant has arrived."

Inwardly, Diarmuid grunted in approval.

My master is respectful and disciplined.

"Also somebody kicked my ass."

Respectful and disciplined.

"But it's okay I kicked them back."
No answer. Avantina's heart leapt.
"Uh...Sensei?"

Silence. And oh boy, did she know that silence.

Finally, "Your injuries?"
Avantina gave them a once-over.
"Not that bad..."
"You're lying."
"Okay fine, they're kinda bad. But there were a lot of people."
"That's an excuse. What was the reason?"

Silence on Avantina's end now. She chewed on a nugget, fidgeted with the hem of her T-shirt.

"I got cocky..." she murmured.
"Yes. This is the price you pay. Let your pain be a lesson."

Avantina winced. Such simple words stung like frostbite in Olivier's voice. She tried shifting the mood.

"You coming home soon?"
"In a week. Still hunting down a few more spies."
"Cool. Cool. And uh...what about..." Avantina tried gesturing discreetly at Diarmuid, as if her Sensei could see him. "Him? What do I do?"

Olivier's voice lowered in gravity. To Avantina it was a steady hand on her back.

"You have to start making your own decisions now, Avantina. I trained you for the war; I can't fight it for you."

Avantina winced again, mentally kicking herself.

Of course. I can't keep depending on Sensei.

Diarmuid noticed her change in posture. No longer were Avantina's legs stacked on the desk in rebellious abandon. She leaned forth in her chair now, elbows on her knees, eyes sharp with focus.

"Whether you choose to make the first strike or hold back and do reconnaissance, that is up to you." Olivier continued. "Move as you deem fit. You have everything you need inside of you to win."

Avantina's balance was restored, her soul grounded.

"Got it." she said. "See you soon, mom." She choked on her nugget. "Ah no, I-I mean-"
"Mm." Was that...a smile she heard? "See you soon, kid."

Avantina smiled herself, ending the call. Three feet away, Diarmuid kneeled. For a while there nobody said anything.

"Chicken nugget?" she offered.

He didn't stir. Avantina lowered the paper box with a sigh.

"Look. I get that you're kinda upset about almost stabbing-"
"I nearly took the life of the one I was sworn to protect."
"Okay cool it, Romeo. You came out of nowhere into a confusing, dangerous situation and you acted with caution. I'll admit, could've done without the stabbing part, but I've think you've made up for it so would you please, stop kneeling on my floor?"