Fate/stay Night: Across time
Chapter 27: Wicked schemes
A pair of slender legs paced quickly along the pavewalks of Shinto. Tohsaka complained to herslef as she was rushing towards the Verde. A portal had appeared on it's roof and she had to hide it fast. "Geez! So annoying. Anyway, just bear with it. Only three more months and then it's over." As she arrived at the Verde, she ran in to someone unexpected, Merlin.
"Goooood afternoon, Tohsaka. How was school today?" Her frustration worsened. Merlins' carefree attitude was the last thing she needed.
"Good. But I am busy right now." She replied taciturn.
"I know. You have another portal to close. And you know, I have studied them a little and I think I can help you with that." He clapped his hands together. "No, seriously. I can."
No matter how annoying he was in her eyes, he was still a powerful Magus. And as the saying goes, don't stare a gift horse in the mouth. So she politely, but still annoyed, accepted his offer. "Thank you. Please follow me."
"I will." He giggled. Using suggestion magic they made their way onto the roof, where the portal was located. "You know, it is really amazing that nobody has ever gone through it by accident so far. It seems that you people had the devils luck."
Tohsaka sighed heavily. "You have no idea what we had gone through. These past ten years a team of magi had been doing everything to cover this up. On two occasions someone had gone through it. It was sheer luck that we managed to bring them back. Even so, it was hell to keep these things hidden."
"No doubt about that." They saw the portal located in the middle of the roof. The black and silver fog swirled around calmly, pulsing lightly.
"So. What is your plan?" Tohsaka asked. "I am curious to see what you are going to do."
"Quite simple. I will anchor the portal to this location." He chirped. Tohsaka looked at him bewildered.
"What did you say? You are going to anchor this portal to this spot? Is that even possible?" Tohsaka felt relieved, excited and confused.
"It is quite simple I will create a magic circle that will create an anchor of prana, which will tie the portal to the nearest lyeline. And thus keep it in place." Merlin tapped his fingers together. "I am certain that it will work." He added, when he saw her questioning face. "Why don't you make the bounded field, while I make my circle?"
Tohsaka agreed silently and started work on the field, while Merlin procured a clay bottle from under his coat. He removed the cork and started humming a tune in some ancient language. What seemed like a thin stream of gold, not thicker than a silk wire, flowed out of the bottle. It didn't drop to the ground in a straight line, but coiled and twisted, as it started to draw a complex magic circle on the ground. As if it was drawn by a great artists pencil. The chanting continued to intensify as the circle became more and more complete. Tohsaka followed it with utter fascination and forgot about her own task. She felt a sting of sorrow as she knew that she would never be able to perform this ritual, simply because it was out of her reach. After five minutes of intense chanting, the circle was finally complete.
"Phew! That is done. How are things on your end?" Merlin saw her, looking at him with fascination. "Oh! You didn't finish your bounded field?"
Tohsaka snapped out of it and simply answered. "No, I was taken in by your ritual." She looked at the golden, magic circle on the ground. It showed patterns and symbols which she had never seen before. "Is that the language of the faeries?"
"Good deduction. How did you know?" Merlin laughed impressed.
"I didn't. Call it intuition. I know that faeries played an important part in the legend of King Arthur." Tohsaka admitted. "What is this ritual called?"
"Oh, it doesn't really have a name. It is a variation of the Fairy circle of embracement, which I came up with after studying the portal at Shirou's house. Which I, by the way, also have anchored to that location."
Tohsaka eyes widened for a moment. "That's great. Now I don't need to run around town anymore to hide them. That's a load off flab of my shoulders." Tohsaka smiled from relieve. "Now, why don't I put up the bounded field, so we can leave."
A few minutes later, they were walking back towards Miyami town. "I guess that Mordred has done something similar to the third portal when she arrived. Or rather this Esdelot-guy, who followed her. To be honest, I am surprised that Morgan le Fay didn't come."
"She is most likely furthering her plans to aid Mordred's rebellion, while Mordred is here. And devising schemes to torment me." his expression grew uncharacteristically brooding. "I never recalled doing anything so hurtful to her until she harbor such a grudge against me."
Tohsaka gave him a sideway glance. Her expression filled with silent criticism and exasperation. From what she had learned about him and witnessing his behavior and personality, she doubted that sincerely. As they crossed the bridge, they ran into El-Melloi.
"Ah, Lord El-Melloi. How are you doing today?" Tohsaka greeted him politely. Merlin merely waved, with a sheepish grin.
"Miss Tohsaka. I was making way way to the Emiya residence. After deliberating the recent events, the Association has given me new instructions and now I am going discuss with King Arthur and her knights." He took out his cigarette and exhaled the smoke. "And I see that you had a conversation with Merlin."
"Indeed. I had to cover up another portal and Merlin offered to help me."
"Oh, don't mention it. I was glad to help." He said with fake humility.
Tohsaka sighed and Waver frowned. "Anyway, he managed to anchor the portal to that location, so it will no longer move around." Tohsaka continued.
Waver was now visibly impressed. "The Association has been trying that for years and never succeeded. As irritating it is, this oaf is indeed a great Magus."
"Oaf?" Merlin reacted shocked. Though more shocked of being called an oaf, than the fact that Waver had called Arturia a martyr yesterday. "That isn't very nice of you. I was the one who guided Arturia on her path of kingship. It was I, who imbued her with the power of the Dragon. I created one of the greatest kings, who ever lived."
"Just call her what she is... a Martyr." Waver dismissed him. "A great king, yes. But still a martyr."
Now Merlin merely looked at him calmly with a serene smile. "That is her own choice. She chose this path even though she knows how this will end for her."
"Indeed." For a moment it seemed as if he wanted to say more, but then he waved his hand. "Forget it. I will be going now. Are you coming along?"
"Sure thing." Tohsaka replied.
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Shirou had returned home earlier then normal. His shift at Copenhagen ended earlier then expected. And since his class was ahead of schedule for the festival, Shirou thought it was a good idea to do some much cleaning today. To that end, he bought some more cleaning products and some more soap and shampoo, as he was using so much with so many people at his house. He met Bedivere when he entered the dining room.
"Already back, I see." Bedivere stated.
"My shift ended earlier and my class is ahead of schedule. So I thought that I could do some extra cleaning." Shirou put down his bags. "And what about you?"
"The King and I also returned earlier then expected. Nothing noteworthy has happened." Bedivere returned to the book which he was reading. Upon closer inspection, Shirou saw that it was his Physics book.
"You are reading that?" Shirou scratched his head. "Maybe I should buy more books. I mean if you are reading that..."
"Oh, no. It's not like that. I was curious, so I decided to take a peak. I must say this is very interesting." Bedivere turned his attention back to the book. "Never knew that light was made up of waves. Or rather is a wave and a ...particle, was it?"
"In that case, feel free to continue reading."
"Thank you, Shirou. But I will continue later. For now, why don't I help you clean the house?" Bedivere proposed as he closed the book.
"You want to help with the cleaning?" Shirou blinked.
"No need to be so surprised. I mean, we have been here for a while now and... Well, we don't really do anything, but walk around town and train." Bedivere spoke sincerely. "If you think about it logically, that makes us freeloaders. As such, I want to help you."
"Hmmm. If you insist. What does Arturia say?" Shirou looked around as if expecting to see her. "By the way, where is she?"
"I don't really know. Perhaps she is in the dojo. Wait, I will go look for her." Bedivere stood up and started for the dojo.
"In the meanwhile I will get the cleaning materials ready." Shirou rubbed his hands together. He took his bag with washing products. "Let's bring these to the bathroom first." Shirou walked to the bathroom and opened the door to freeze on the spot.
Arturia had just come out of the bathtub. Shirou got a full view of her gorgeous body. His head turned redder than a tomato. "Ah, Shirou. You're back. Don you want to use the bath? It's not a problem, since I just finished." She was just as calm as always, without a hint of embarrassment. "Shirou?"
Shirou turned around. "I am sorry. I should have knocked first." He wanted to close the door, but she stopped him.
"Shirou, I have said this before. I am not ashamed of others seeing my bare body." She spoke calmly. "Please look at me."
"Even if you say that, it is troublesome for me." Shirou reacted embarrassed. Undeterred, she stepped into the hallway.
"There is no reason for you to be embarrassed. I..."
"Have you found her, Shirou?" Bedivere returned from the dojo. "She isn't in the dojo, so... Oh, my." He stopped abruptly.
"Bedivere. You were searching for me?" She looked at him. "Is there something you need?"
Bedivere felt some amusement from this scene. Shirou trying his best not to look at her. Arturia standing there, completely bare without a hint of shame. "Apologies. I didn't mean to interrupt. I will wait until you are finished, my king." He withdrew to the dining room and closed the doors, all the while wearing a big grin on his face.
"I think I will join him." Shirou rushed after him, before Arturia could stop him. Shirou stormed in the dining room and slammed the doors behind. Arturia gave a disappointed sigh and went back inside the bathroom.
"I don't understand what your issue is?" Bedivere chuckled, looking at Shirou who sat there with a head like a tomato. He patted him on the back.
"Doesn't this bother you? I just saw her naked!" He complained.
"She is really beautiful isn't she? No, it doesn't bother me. Since you are a reliable and trustworthy person." Bedivere admitted. "Shirou, do you know how high I value you?"
Shirou gave him a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"You know ever since I knew her, I admired her. She always gave her all for her country. And I hold the greatest pride in being her guard. That's why it was so frustrating."
"What was so frustrating?" But before Bedivere could answer, the doorbell rang. "Hold that. I will go and see who's there." He left Bedivere to open the door, causing Bedivere to sigh.
"Good day, Shirou." He could hear Rin's voice, when Shirou opened the door.
"Tohsaka. And El-Melloi. What brings you here?" Shirou inquired.
"It's Lord El-Melloi. And I came to inform you about the decision made by the Association in regards to our visitors." He complained. "Can we come in?"
"Sure thing. Sakura and Fuji-nee aren't here, so there is no problem."
"Thank you, Emiya. I'm coming in." The next moment Tohsaka entered with Merlin and El-Melloi. Shirou led them to the dining room, where Bedivere had returned to reading the Physics book.
Bedivere looked up and greeted them. "Good evening, Milady Tohsaka. Lord El-Melloi."
"Good evening to you too, Bedivere. And just Tohsaka is fine." She greeted him kindly. El-Melloi simply nodded and they both sat down at the table.
"If you wait a while, then Arturia can join us. She should be almost finished." Bedivere informed her.
"Do you guys want something to drink?" Shirou asked.
"Tea, please." Tohsaka answered.
"Coffee for me. And make it strong." Said El-Melloi.
"OK. Give me a sec." And Shirou began making the beverages. The next moment Arturia entered the room. Her hair was still hanging loose.
"Good evening, Rin. And ...Lord El-Melloi." She looked him in the eye.
"Hey, Arturia. How are you doing?" Tohsaka returned the greeting.
"Fine. Thanks for asking. To what do we owe this visit?" She looked once again to El-Melloi.
"Lord El-Melloi is here to tell us about the Association's decision in regards to you and the others." She turned to El-Melloi, with a look of anticipation.
"I see." She sat down and became al serious. "Please, tell us, Lord El-Melloi. What is the Association planning to do?"
Shirou returned from the kitchen and handed El-Melloi his coffee. "Here you go. The tea will be ready in a moment.
"Thanks, kid. Now onto business. You know, you guys present the Association with a serious conundrum." He began. "They know that they can't force you back with violence. At least not without a serious battle anyway and a lot of casualties."
"You think that you Magi can take us on? From what I've heard, it is obvious that the Magi today are far weaker then those of our age." Bedivere pointed out.
"That is certainly true. But that doesn't mean there isn't anyone who can beat you. And power isn't the only deciding factor in battle." Tohsaka retorted, brushing her hair. "And it's not like you people are invincible."
"A valid point indeed Tohsaka." Bedivere bowed his head in admittance.
"Ahum." El-Melloi cleared his voice. "Can I continue?"
"Oh, sorry. Please go on." Tohsaka returned her attention to him.
"The Association has put together an emergency response team for as long as you are here. As I said earlier, forcing you back with force is certainly an option. But one that we prefer to avoid. It would most certainly risk exposing our world." He paused for a moment, before continuing with some reluctance. "And since you are from the past, we can't risk killing any of you, which further limits our possibilities."
"So what are you planning to do then?" Arturia pressed the issue.
"Sure. The end decision is that we will allow you people to settle this with Mordred. However you are not allowed to bring back anything from this time, or try and learn about your future from books, TV or any other source." His voice began to sound more annoyed. "Sisigou and I are to remain here in the city to keep an eye on you people. At least for a while. If we deem that things are getting out of control we will call in the response team and force you back, by whatever means we can think of."
"So you are allowing us to settle this on our own accord?" Arturia surmised. "I am grateful for your decision. Of course, we will agree with your terms regarding bringing items from this time to our time. We will equally comply with your demand to not find out about our future."
"You certainly are woman with an outstanding character." Rin marveled.
"I thank you for agreeing with these terms." El-Melloi drank up the last of his coffee, just when Shirou brought in the tea.
"The tea is ready." Shirou walked in with the tray. El-Melloi stood up as he put it down on the table. "Are you leaving already?"
"Yes. I had come to deliver these terms. Now that I have done this, I have no reason to stay here any longer." He sighed.
"Before you go. There is one thing that I would like to ask." Merlin who had simply sat in the corner listening, spoke out. "What do you know about that Golden man?" Everybody stared at him. And then they turned to El-Melloi.
"He is a powerful, self-centered individual. Don't try to fight him, because it will end in disaster. But I am certain that you already know that. If you want to know who he is, you can go ask him yourself." He grumbled. "You should be good, as long as you don't provoke him, which is really easy."
"What do you mean by Golden man?" Tohsaka jumped in. "I have never heard of that."
"Apparently there is a powerful individual in this town. According to Merlin his aura is pure gold and he has the power to face the entire Round Table by himself." Bedivere informed her.
"That's nuts. What kind of man is he?" Shirou blurted out.
"The entire Round Table? No way? But than again if he really is a servant..." She covered her mouth in shock.
"Indeed. He is the Servant Archer from the fourth Holy Grail War. You better don't antagonize him." El-Melloi warned them. "Now, if you'll excuse me." He looked at Shirou. "Will you show me out?"
"Are you that dissatisfied?" Bedivere asked before he left the room.
"Of course, I am. I am an instructor at the Clock Tower. But now I have to babysit you guys, in a city filled with bad memories." He cast a glance at Arturia. Then he sighed. "If you don't mind I will return to the hotel." And without further ado, he left. Shirou followed to see him out.
"He really seems to dislike you... Or rather he dislikes you for the memories you bring up." Merlin shook his head.
"Seems that way. I would like to ask him more about my interaction with Iskandar. If I hadn't agreed with those terms... No, I accepted them and I will hold my word." She stated resolute. "We will inform Kay and Gawain as soon as they return."
"Understood." Bedivere acknowledged. "Now, there was something I was meaning to discuss with you."
"What is it that you want to discuss?"
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Later that evening at the castle, Esdelot was reflecting on past events. Or more accurately cursing them. For he had been thinking about how his lifework had been destroyed and his heir slain. This wasn't the first time he did this. And each time it would rekindle his hatred for king Arthur and her knights.
After he had been driven from his hideout, he had sought out a new one. Where Morgan Le Fay eventually found him. She asked, or rather forced him, to join her. He agreed, partially because he knew that it would give him a shot at revenge. But also because he knew that he couldn't refuse her. Not without ending up being beaten by her in a fight. Even though, he knew that this was his best shot at revenge, he hated every minute of it. He gritted his teeth harshly and smashed his fist on the table.
"That accursed witch." He was many times more experienced and knowledgeable about Magecraft than she was, yet he was serving her. "Just you wait. All of you. I will take the Grail for myself... And then..." He started cackling.
"Then what?" He turned around to see Mordred. She looked at him with disdain. "What are you planning, creep?"
How much did she hear? He put up his usual arrogant face. "None of your business. What do you want?"
"I came to see what you are doing. You have been unusually quiet. You said something about the Grail. What was it?" She hadn't heard it clearly, but she knew he said something about it.
"I was saying that, I hope that we find that accursed item and can return home already." He lied.
But Mordred's instincts were sharper than that. "Don't lie to me. What are you planning?"
"Nothing that would jeopardize our quest to obtain the Grail. I can promise you that." Esdelot began to lose his patience. Just leave me alone.
"I am certain of that. But my problem lies with what comes after that. You are planning on using it for yourself." Mordred scoffed. "Well, it's quite obvious actually. Have you already planned how you would get rid of us?" She mocked him. "Try all you want. Scum like you will not succeed on my watch."
"Shut up." He growled with a low voice. "You lowly homunculus. You are but a lowly tool to bring about the downfall of king Arthur." Mordred's face hardened. "How long until you die? Two, three years? At least no more then five. No longer then your average bitch. How fi..."
His words were cut off, when Mordred grabbed him by his throat and smashed him onto the table. Esdelot was gasping for air desperately, as Mordred's grip was slowly crushing his throat. "Someone... Something like you should be made aware of its place. You are but a miserable miscreant, who preys only on those weaker than him. A maggot who feasts on the misery of others in order to further his own goals."
She dragged him over the table and threw him against the wall. Taking out Clarent from the bundle, she walked up to him and stomped on his right hand, before putting Clarent's edge on his neck. Esdelot writhed in pain, and looked at Mordred with utter hatred, fear and anger. Mordred's face showed a cruel and deceptively calm smile. "Pray that mother will find another use for you after this is over. Otherwise, I will end your miserable life then and there."
Esdelot tried to say something, but was silenced when Mordred pressed her blade a little harder on his neck, causing a trickle of blood to run down his neck. "But above all I want you to know, that I will kill you should you prove to be more troublesome than useful. Mother's will be damned." She walked away and left the room.
Esdelot glared daggers at the door through which she left, gritting his teeth. He could feel that his hand had been shattered. Moving it proved to be very painful, luckily two of his homunculi returned to help him up. One of them started healing his hand immediately. "That blasted bitch. I will make her pay. I will make them all PAY!"
An hour later after Esdelot had somewhat recovered from his 'argument' with Mordred. Esdelot's mood was the worst since his lifework had been destroyed. How dare she. That defective meat doll. I should...
"Teach her her place." Esdelot turned around to see Dunstan standing there. "Don't be surprised. That thought is written all over your face."
"What do you want?" Esdelot tensed up. The two homunculi followed Dunstan's every move.
"Nothing really. I heard that Mordred gave you a beating, so I came to check up on you." He smiled coldly, as he started pacing around the table. "You know, I just realized that we have somethings in common."
"And what would that be?" Esdelot asked skeptical. "I really don't see anything that we have in common."
"Oh, but we do. Firstly, we only care about achieving our own goals, no matter how many need to suffer because of it. Secondly, neither of us has any sympathy towards our victims and lack any scruples." He stopped in front of Esdelot and looked him in the eye. "And neither of us likes taking orders from either Morgan or Mordred. We both work for them against our will, reduced to pawns in their designs."
"I see your point." Esdelot had to agree with that. "But you didn't just come here just to tell me that. What is it that you want?"
"I want to be my own man again, just as you want it." He stated casually, his eyes had a shine to those words. "So, I propose that we work together to achieve this."
"I can agree with that. And knowing you, I take it that you have a plan already."
"A start at least. We both know that we cannot defeat Morgan." A cruel smile showed on his lips. "But I think that we can get some leverage on Mordred."
"You mean that you want to blackmail her? How do you plan to do that?" Esdelot doubted that that would be possible. "She doesn't really have anything with which we can blackmail her."
"Nothing until recently. I believe that she has made some friends recently, hasn't she?" Esdelot's expression changed to understanding.
"I see. Indeed, there are some who have gotten rather close to her. At least closer than anyone else. Not to mention her knights honor demands that she protects them. Even if that means obeying us." Esdelot started laughing. "Risky. We can not know for certain that it will work, but it is worth the shot."
"Correct. I think it would be best to move them to a safer location once captured. I believe you have a secret workshop, right." Dunstan proposed.
"Secret, yes. Except Morgan, nobody knows it's location." Suddenly his expression darkened. "So, the plan is for me to abduct them and hide them away in my workshop." He realized where this was going. "In other words, I do all the work and receive the blame. Leaving you spared from her wrath."
"Indeed, you will receive all the blame. However, this plan is merely to check how far she would go to protect them, to observe her reaction." Dunstan admitted. "It will also send a clear message to her. And while in your workshop, you may find a way to put a couple of surprises in place for her... and perhaps even for Morgan. If you get what I mean."
A cruel and excited smile appeared on Esdelot's lips. "I see. A dagger in the sleeve. For that, I can live with taking the blame. Hahahaha! Fine, we have an agreement." Esdelot grabbed Dunstan's hand and gave him a handshake. "Feel honored. You are the first person who I have shaken his hand."
"Thank you very much. I will be looking forward to our cooperation." Dunstan grinned.
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Ayako left the school building. Mordred's rehearsal, as well as the others, had gone really well. After everybody had left, she remained behind to bring some minor things in order. As she approached the gate, she ran into Issei. "Hey, Ryuudou."
"Oh, Mitsuzuri. I thought that I was the last one." He readjusted his glasses.
"I had some minor things to take care of and I wanted to do them now, so I don't need to do them tomorrow." Ayako explained, crossing her arms. "And what about you?"
"I had to adjust some aspects for our budget. Our haunted house is going to be more extensive than initially planned." He sighed from annoyance. "Don't get me wrong. I'm not against it. It's just a hassle to organize it all."
"Don't worry, Ryuudou. With you at the helm and Emiya helping out, it will all be fine." Ayako patted him on the shoulder.
"Hmmm. You're right? Emiya has been a great help... as always." He scratched his head.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. He really should think a little more about himself." She said, slightly worried. "I recall how Shinji often goads him into doing his club chores."
"I always tell him that he should be a little more selfish, but he simply continues helping people. One of these days it will end badly." Issei straightened himself up. "Anyway, we should return home. It's already dark."
"Yeah. See you tomorrow." She waved as she walked away. On her way home she spotted an owl sitting on a light post. The creature followed her with his eyes. She couldn't help but feeling watched for some reason. She shrugged and continued walking, though the feeling of someone watching her didn't go away. And it makes her feel nervous.
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The next morning, Mordred entered the school for the morning rehearsals. For some reason she felt rather tense. Her instincts told her that something was terribly amiss. As she walked towards the Archery club, she was suddenly stopped by a member of the Track-and-field club. "Hey, Mordred-san. Can I ask you something?" He seemed rather tense.
"Sure. What is it?" She suddenly felt his unease.
"Have you seen Makidera-senpai, Saegusa-senpai or Himuro-senpai? They should already be here, but nobody has seen or heard anything of them yet. It's really worrying. Even Makidera-senpai would inform the school if she was going to be absent." The unease permeated his voice. "I know that Saegusa-senpai had met up with Makidera-senpai and Himuro-senpai, since I walk past them each morning. They should have arrived here already, but they haven't."
Mordred felt the unease build up within her. "No, I am sorry. I haven't seen them. I promise that I will keep an eye out for them."
"Thank you." He bowed and returned to his group. Mordred continued on to the archery dojo with a suffocating feeling in her chest. Why? Just because they are late, doesn't mean that anything has happened. She shook her head and continued to the dojo.
"Mordred-san. Good morning." It was Sakura who greeted her when she entered.
"Good morning, Sakura. Another day for rehearsing." She grinned. "Is our director not here yet? Cause I don't see her."
"Apparently not. Which is odd, since she would have notified us if she would be running late." Sakura made a nervous expression. "Her brother however says that she left a little earlier than him. He thinks that she may have been sidetracked, but..."
"This has never happened before, right." She concluded. "She would never been late regardless."
"Yes. It is as you say. She would have notified us at the very least, if she was going to be late."
"Just now, one of the track-and-field club mentioned that the trio hasn't shown up yet either." Mordred mentioned. "Perhaps she is with them."
"Uhm. Maybe, but still... With the festival coming up... Even Makidera-senpai takes it serious." Sakura replied doubtful. Suddenly, Mordred felt her amulet tremble and a voice appeared in her head.
"Sir Mordred. We have a problem." It was Giraud's agitated voice.
"Would you excuse me, Sakura? I've something I forgot to do. I'll be right back." Mordred excused herself.
"Ah, of course. Then I will return to my duties." Sakura replied.
"Thanks." Mordred responded and went outside behind the dojo. "Go ahead, Giraud. What is the problem?"
"It's Esdelot. He's gone. And so are all of his homunculi." Giraud exclaimed.
"WHAT!? Do you know where he went?" Mordred asked.
"Yes. Back to our time. One of my men saw him and his homunculi going through the portal. The tension in his voice rose some more. "But here is the most severe part. They took four lasses with them. From the description, It sounded like those lasses we met at that school building. Sir Mordred?" Mordred had fallen silent for a moment.
"Giraud. prepare the rest of my armor. I'll be there soon, after I make the necessary preparations. I am going back to get them."
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Tohsaka was busy going over the schedule for their festival event. She was in a good mood, as they were ahead of schedule. "Good. Everything is coming along fine. Now, if just Himuro..."
"Tohsaka Rin." Rin startled, for Mordred suddenly stood next to her, carrying her armor and sword wrapped in a bundle over her shoulder. Everybody in the class was staring at them. "We need to talk. Now!"
Rin wanted to retort, but from the look in Mordred's eyes and the tone of her voice, she felt that it was something serious. "Let's go to the roof."
A few moments later they were standing on the roof. Rin stared Mordred in the eye, her arms crossed. "What happened? It something severe, isn't it?"
Mordred bit her lip. It was obviously very embarrassing for her. "Yes. It's Esdelot. He...-sigh- He went back to our time and kidnapped Ayako and the trio."
"Whaaaaa!? Are... Are you kidding me? Are you telling me that they are now in sixth century Britain?" Tohsaka glared daggers at her. "This is your fault. I will... Argh! Forget that for now. What can we do to get them back?"
"I will go after them and bring them back." Mordred stated resolute. "It's, as you say, my fault. I had to keep a closer eye on him. So rest assured. For I swear on my honor as knight that I will bring them back safely. However, I need you to do something."
"And what is that?"
"You need to use your magecraft on the teachers and their family to make them think that they have been at home with a cold or something. If they notice that they are missing..."
"I understand. I will see to it. However, I will inform Arturia and the rest. And I will ask them to aid in the pursue of Esdelot." Tohsaka decided.
Mordred clenched his jaws together. "There is no need for that. I..." She sighed. "No, it's only natural for you to do so."
"Hmm. At least you have a good understanding of the situation. I will see you within three hours in front of the Verde. There is another portal on it's roof." This was more of a order than a request.
"Very well. I will see you then." Mordred turned around and left.
"Now then. Let's inform Shirou." Tohsaka went to find Shirou. She would let Shirou gather Arturia and her knights while she would take care of the teachers. Later she will ask Merlin to take care of the parents. She was hoping that his magecraft could reach the parents across the city.
Three hours later, Mordred stood on top of the roof. Tohsaka and her father hadn't arrived yet, but that didn't bother her. In fact, she was planning to go back without her father and the rest. This was her fault, so she would correct it. Besides, having her father being with her would complicate things greatly in many ways. It wouldn't come as a surprise that her father would try to arrest her on the spot. She stood in front of the portal ready to go through it. "Here we go."
"Hold it right there!" Mordred turned around to see Tohsaka, along with Kairi and some other magus. "You won't leave, before the rest are here."
"No, I am going. And you can't stop me." Mordred declared defiantly. "And I promise you, that I will return."
"I don't think so. You will return Ayako and the others and then you will remain in your time." Tohsaka glared at her. "You people have caused enough trouble as it is."
"Hmmpf. And what about you guys? Come to see me off?" Mordred looked at Kairi and El-Melloi.
"Sort off. We were made responsible for overseeing everything you guys do. This man here is Lord El-melloi II, by the way." He introduced his colleague.
"Pleased to meet you, Mordred." He said flatly. "Finally going back to your time. About time. Without you, we can force the rest of your men back easily."
"Don't count on it. You can't stop me regardless. Besides, I promised Ayako that I would participate in her play." Mordred declared boldly.
"What did I tell you. Rebellious through and through." Kairi spoke to El-Melloi, before walking up to Mordred. "Mind if I come along with you?" Everybody looked at him in bewilderment.
"Hey. What do you mean by going with her!?" El-Melloi burst out. "You can't be serious? Do you plan to alter the past even further?"
"The past has already changed since Emiya Shirou had gone there." Kairi shot back. "Besides, I might be able to aid in the rescue of these girls."
"Ok, fine by me." She agreed.
"What are you trying to pull here?" El-Melloi blurted out in disbelief.
"He's right. I have never heard of a magus this reckless. This is completely irresponsible." Tohsaka rushed up to them and barred the way to the portal. "You will not get past me! Now be good and wait for the others to arrive."
"Rin! Are you there?" They could hear Shirou's voice coming from the stairway. When his voice reached them, Mordred tensed up and grabbed Kairi by the neck of his coat.
"Hey." Kairi exclaimed.
"Here we go!" And Mordred flew towards the portal.
"Not, so fast!" Tohsaka strengthened her body and tried to block them, but Mordred shoved her aside. Or at least that was her intention. Tohsaka grabbed hold of her in an effort to stop her. Unsurprisingly she failed and all three ended up going through the portal. El-Melloi remained behind staring at the portal completely stumped.
