Chaldea's Faithful
TheBoredBoot
Chaldea Present day
"What do you mean the Fate system just activated on its own?!"
Dr. Roman fingers across the keys sounded like machine-gun fire as he pulled up Fates controls, attempting to override them and prevent whatever was coming trying to come through from breaching the facility, his freshly poured coffee now forgotten as he focused on the screen before him.
"Dr. Roman I already alerted Gudao and Mash, as well as the other servants we have on hand, currently they are making their way to the Rayshift chamber as we speak."
"Thank you DaVinci, but they need to hurry. Whatever is coming through is about to arrive."
From his seat Dr. Roman could through the magically reinforced glass down into the Rayshift chamber, the building charge of mana was beginning to become visible as a deep humming and vibrating started to echo throughout Chaldea.
"Alright Doctor we're in position!"
Looking off to the side he could see their only on hand master, nicknamed Gudao standing at the ready. Beside him Mash Kyrielight and the Saber servant Mordred stood by while further behind them, their Archer Chiron and Stheno stayed back all bracing themselves for whatever was about to appear before them.
"Could Lev be making a move on us? No that's not like him at all, but then again him betraying us was unexpected as well too." Staring at the consol before him, Dr. Roman began counting down over the intercom for the gathered Chaldea security forces.
"5… 4…"
"I'm ready Master just give the word," Mordred growled donning her helmet and raising her sword, beside her Mash nodded in agreement and partially raising her great shield.
"3… 2…"
Nervously holding his breath Gudao squinted his eyes, the bright light coming from the center of the Rayshift chamber was almost blinding as they all focused on entry point.
"1… It's here!"
For a second the already blinding light flashed even brighter and the sound of electricity crackling could be heard. Opening their eyes again the team could just barely through the bright light they could make out a figure standing there.
"Who the hell are you?!" Mordred shouted getting ready to charge straight in and attack when suddenly Gudao grabbed her arm stopping her. "Hey what gives?" She asked.
The light around the Rayshift began to fade and as it became dim enough to clearly see, the intruder that they had all assembled to defend against suddenly collapsed onto the floor.
"What the hell? Wait Master stop it's dangerous, it could be a trap."
Mordred's words fell on deaf ears Gudao rushed to the collapsed man, flipping him onto his back everyone froze in shock.
Before their eyes he seemed to transform, no more like shrink slightly as he changed. His hair darkening slightly and face taking on a more youthful appearance, and even though he was laying down the team could see his height change slightly before halting just as quickly as they started.
Looking at his apparel it appeared to be some sort of uniform, one that either a soldier or maybe a mercenary would have. It had slightly bloodied white military trench coat, thick navy blue cargo pants and combat boots he didn't resemble any known group they could think of.
"Be careful Master, he's armed." Mordred warned pointing out the large sword on the young man's hip, her eyes searching for anyway to identify who their mysterious visitor was before they came to rest on his coat again.
On both shoulders of his coat there were two different symbols which she could only guess were crests of some affiliation. On his left a white damaged tower shield with a silver sword sheathed in it, and on the other a strange geared circle with either a torch or paintbrush through the center. Mordred in the end couldn't tell what it was, only that they weren't from any house that she recognized, and she had memorized all the crests from the knights of the round as well as neighboring kingdoms from her time.
"This is strange. No actually this should be impossible," Mash whispered a disturbed expression on her face staring at the unconscious stranger before turning to Gudao. "Senpai when he first came through the Rayshift there was no doubt that he was a servant. But now…"
"He's human."
Everyone turned to DaVinci who calmly entered the room, eyeing the mysterious visitor for a second she turned back to Mash and Mordred. "The Fate system seems to have summoned another servant, but since we only have two masters I'd say we're having an anomaly similar to the summoning of Chaldea's second Heroic spirit. Or this could be something entirely different," she muttered catching a glimpse of three faded tattoos similar to command seals but located on his forearm.
"If those are actually command seals this could be similar to the events of the Grail war for the greater Grail, I need to watch this one closely."
"Let's take him to the infirmary for now," Gudao suggested breaking the silence. Looking at the gathered Chaldea staff gesturing to the man on the ground, "I don't know what it is but I just have a feeling that he's here to help us, but we won't know until he wakes up so until then I guess we just sit tight."
"I second that," DaVinci added with a nod turning to Mordred. "Would you mind carrying him and following me to the infirmary, and don't worry I'll stay and keep an eye on him while he makes his recovery. I want to run some tests because a summoning like this doesn't add up."
"Very well DaVinci, but if something happens don't try and handle it by yourself make sure you call for help." Mordred growled picking up the stranger and following DaVinci leaving Mash and Gudao alone in the Rayshift chamber. Watching the two from the observation room Dr. Roman took a sip out of his coffee and frowned slightly.
"Damn, it's cold now."
Three days later
"It's been three days already, what's taking this guy so long?" Mordred growled once again as she stood at the side of their mysterious guests bed.
"Well his vitals stabilized after the first day, the last two days however his magic circuits seem to have repaired themselves, something I've never seen before. That plus his already stunning recovery speed from his injuries it makes sense he'd be out for this long." Pausing a moment to check her instruments again DaVinci added suddenly, "his brain activity has been fairly high these past several hours so we should prepare. He was injured and most likely doesn't know where he is right now."
"Don't worry DaVinci if things get out of hand I'm sure I can handle him, after all he's just a human mage right?"
"That remains to be seen," Roman stated matter-of-factly entering the room giving Mordred a curious look. "The readings were clear when he appeared yet currently you're right. He does seem to be a human though with that sword he was carrying I don't think he's an ordinary mage, what sort of mage just has a sword and an assortment of throwing knives."
"Both of which are giving off strange mana readings similar to the initial Servant mana we detected," Davinci added before a beeping came from her monitor and their patient began to stir slightly.
"Speak of the devil, look he's waking up…"
The gathered Chaldea staff all watched as their mysterious guest stirred, opening his eyes and looking at them in surprise.
Making no sudden movements he slowly sat up looking back at the gathered group watching him, his eyes going from one person to the next all before coming to a rest finally on the suspicious man in the lab coat and light cherry-blonde hair.
"So I take it you are the one in charge here?" He asked calmly meeting the man's green eyes, his voice slightly raspy from lack of use.
"A decent guess. I'm only temporarily the director right now, my name is Romani Archaman but you can just call me Dr. Roman" Holding out his hand he gave the man a friendly smile.
"Nice to meet you Dr. Roman and thank you for saving me." Taking his hand and firmly shaking it his expression turned slightly dark as he struggled to remember something before shaking his head. "My name is junior Specialist Morven Kenrich."
"Alright Morven Kenrich, is there anything you can remember, anything at all that can help explain what you're doing here?"
This time instead of Dr. Roman asking it was a woman this time with long brown hair and striking blue eyes. Morven also noticed that on her left arm she wore a strange mechanical gauntlet. Meeting her gaze he nodded slowly.
"Forgive me I'm being rude," she said with a laugh giving him a friendly smile before meeting his eyes again. "My name is Leonardo DaVinci."
"Now here we'll see it," she thought carefully watching for a reaction from him. "If he is from a modern or maybe even advanced time in history recognition of my name should prove that."
"Leonardo DaVinci, that's an interesting name but I'm sorry to say honestly I don't remember much of what happened before arriving here." Morven answered barely even raising an eyebrow as a reaction, returning to looking around at the rest of the group before falling on the armored figure in the corner. "So who are all of you and where am I?"
"Tch if anything you should be answering our questions," the figure in full white and red trimmed armor, complete with horns on the helmet. "Afterall you're our guest here."
"Fine I'll ask you first young lady since you seem to want to talk," Morven said, narrowing his eyes at the armored figure, the voice threw him off for a second he realized the secret behind that helmet and even without seeing her face Morven could tell she was glaring at him as he asked. "So what's your name?"
The warriors hand immediately snapped to draw her sword as she roared, "what the hell did you just say to me!? Bastard I should kill you right here for insulting me like that! Just who the hell do you think you are?!"
"Well considering I already introduced myself you should know the answer to that," Morven growled bristling slightly, climbing off the examination table he stood and shot her another glare. "More importantly where are my equipment because I don't remember much, but I know I didn't arrive here wearing this."
"Hey let's all just calm down a bit and keep talking these things out," Dr. Roman stammered sweating slightly, avoiding Mordred's eyes he turned to Morven. "Please try to refrain from mentioning that please, Mordred is a little touchy on the subject. As for your belongings," he gestured to the dark haired haired young man who held a briefcase.
"I have an idea Morven, why don't we head to the simulation room," DaVinci suggested placing a hand on his chest stopping him. "I'm sure after laying in a bed recovering you must want to get out and stretch your legs a bit right?" Looking over to Dr. Roman she raised an eyebrow suggestively.
"DaVinci what are you playing at, Morven just recovered and now you want too…"
"That might actually be a good idea," Morven growled interrupting Dr. Roman. "You say it's been three days right? Alright a little workout should do me some good. Should I assume you want to run me through some combat paces then just to see what I am exactly, no matter who's first then? Is it you Mordred?" Morven asked, turning to her with a slight smirk.
The room fell silent and all eyes warily went to Mordred who froze her still hidden behind her helmet.
"Heh hahaha."
Turning to face Morven, Mordred's helmet began moving and folded up finally revealing her face. Medium length blonde hair done up in a ponytail, a soft yet permanently smug face and piercing green eyes that were narrowed at him.
"You really must think pretty highly of yourself, or you're completely clueless. Either way I don't care." Mordred leaned back and laughed again before meeting Morvens irritated expression with a smirk of her own. "The fact that you even think you could fight me is a joke. There's just no way a human mage can fight a Servant so don't even bother trying."
"But he isn't just a mage Mordred, both you and Mash sensed it when he arrived." Gesturing to a brown haired young man she turned back to Morven. "Inside you'll find your belongings from when you first arrived. We took the liberty of washing your clothes since they were stained with blood and as for your weapons they are already in the simulation chamber. When you're done changing Gudao here will lead you to the simulation room where you and Mordred can get better acquainted." Giving Morven a nod DaVinci motioned to the others and they all began leaving the room, Mordred being the last to leave shooting Morven another glare before leaving him and Gudao alone.
Waiting till the door closed behind the group Gudao walked over and handed Morven the case with his clothes. "Here's your stuff Morven, oh and I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru but everyone calls me Gudao so as to not confuse me with my sister." Waiting a moment and not getting a response he turned a little red trying to think of something to say before adding, "I gotta say it was pretty bold of you challenging Mordred right off the bat. You do know what she was known as right?"
Raising an eyebrow as an answer Morven continued putting his uniform back on while Gudao explained. "She ended up being known as the treacherous knight and is incredibly powerful, besides our other Saber she's like a trump card to our foundation right now so be careful not to let your guard down when fighting her."
Morven nodded in understanding, finishing buttoning up his jacket he turned to Gudao looking him over again. "So what's your story, I heard you were called a Master and Mordred was called a Servant, what exactly does all that mean? Also where is this place? Chaldea, that's not a place I've ever heard of."
"Wow ok that's a lot of questions all at once so I don't really know where to begin. Lets see," shaking his head in thought suddenly Gudao clapped his hands together. "I know I'll show you while we head to the simulation room, come on." Leading Morven out of the room down the hallway Gudao stopped by the window and gestured for Morven to look." Outside was a vast expanse of snow and ice as far as the eye could see.
Morven approached the window and placed a hand against it, staring intensely outside for a moment as if trying to identify where they were Morven then turned to Gudao. "So how far would you say are we from Atlas?"
"Atlas? We are in Antarctica. I don't think I've heard of Atlas so I couldn't tell you if that's close by or not, why do you ask anyway?" Looking back Gudao saw a strange look on Morvens face as he stopped walking. "Morven?"
"I'm not on Remnant anymore… Am I? No nevermind. Right now it doesn't matter and I'll get those answers later so let's keep moving, I don't want to keep Mordred waiting."
"Agreed," Gudao said with a nod continuing on leading Morven through the facility, occasionally answering questions Morven asked until they arrived in front of a large door. Opening up it revealed a large grassy field, and in the center was Mordred still fully armored with her helmet onholding his sheathed sword in one hand.
"You certainly took your sweet ass time getting here Morven, what's the matter? Are getting cold feet at the idea of actually fighting me? And what's with this sword of yours?" Mordred yelled hurling his weapon at him. "It feels lighter than it should be for its size, you compensating for something? Don't worry that's nothing to be ashamed about."
"Where is DaVinci and Dr. Roman?" Morven asked deftly catching his sword, ignoring Mordred's sudden torrent of curses for not even acknowledging her as he strapped his sword in place on his waist.
"Don't worry Morven," came DaVinci's voice over the loudspeaker. "We'll be watching your battle from the safety of our reinforced observation room but I suggest you pay attention to your opponent."
Feeling a movement behind him Morven leapt to the side just in time, dodging a heavy slash from as Mordred began her attack. Chasing after him like how a hound chases a rabbit, she hacked and slashed with her sword laughing as Morven barely kept out of her reach.
"She really is a treacherous knight, attacking from behind. In that case," glaring at Mordred he continued dodging, he smirked inwardly following her movements with his eyes and slowed down slightly baiting her. Just as expected Mordred went for the thrust not even hesitating for a second, dashing forward she aimed for his exposed side gasping in surprise as he sidestepped the attack. In the span of a second he had reached across and snatched hold of her sword hand with an iron grip, twisting sharply Morven raised her arm out of the way and cocked his arm back, with enough force to lift her off the ground punched her in her exposed gut, denting the armor and sending her flying back to the center of the room.
Back up in the observation room Dr. Roman couldn't help but give an impressed whistle as they watched the fight below them. On his right DaVinci typed in a rapid staccato as she filled in data from her observations, a slight smile creeping across her face as well. "He's about to attack, Roman make sure all are instruments recording. This is something we cannot afford to miss, these secrets and techniques he uses his mana for. There's just so much we can learn."
Sliding to a stop back at the center of the room Mordred jammed her sword into the ground and came to a stop, readying her weapon she glanced up barely reacting in time to block Morvens own blade as he flashed across the space between them in an instant knocking her back again.
"Dammit!" Mordred yelled parrying Morvens attack. Grinding her teeth in anger she screamed, "alright then! How about you try this on for size!"
Slashing her blade wildly to create some space between them, Mordred then began releasing her mana in the form of red lightning. Building up a charge she leapt at Morven, attacking with renewed vigor the two almost seemed to be in a dance as their blades met. The force of their attacks carving deep gashes into the terrain around them.
"What is this?" Mordred wondered wincing as she blocked another one of Morvens blows. "He's just a human now but this physical strength, it's almost like fighting a servant already. This makes no sense." With a scream of rage she launched another flurry of slashes pushing Morven back as she attempted to regain the advantage of the battle, the lightning from her attacks discharging in all directions now.
Next came a thunderous crash as Mordred leapt up into the air building up power before dropping down and slamming into Morven, the force of their impacting blades creating a crater beneath them as they locked blades. The two of them pushing against each other like an unstoppable force against an immovable object, neither of them giving any ground between them.
"I gotta say you've impressed me Morven," Mordred growled, her helmet unfolding again so they could see each other's eyes. Instead of the anger from before Mordred now met Morvens gaze with a smile. "You're a strong fighter, but in the end you won't beat a Servant, this battle was decided the moment I drew my blade."
With what little leverage she could manage, Mordred twisted and broke their blade lock pushing Morven back a step. In that same instant she pushed her mana outward through her sword discharging a large bolt of red lightning into Morven, blasting him into the wall where he disappeared behind a cloud of smoke and thunder.
Directly above him Dr. Roman was getting ready to call down for Mordred to stop when DaVinci gently tapped his shoulder. Turning back around and peering over DaVinci's shoulder at the readings streaming across her computer screen Roman's eyes widened in surprise. "His magic circuits, while they are generating some sort of protective barrier around him they also seem to be absorbing the ambient mana given off by Mordred's attacks." DaVinci whispered in awe checking the readings again before turning to Roman.
Panting heavily after her attack, Mordred hefted her sword onto her shoulder and wiped her brow smirking slightly. "Damn I really underestimated that guy, to think I'd be put through my paces like that. He really was a …"
Stopping in mid-thought Mordred suddenly felt something rush her from the front and by the skin of her teeth leapt out of the way, the spot she moved from becoming ground zero detonating in a flash of light and thunder knocking her back.
"Your pretty nimble for all that armor you wear," Morven grudgingly said standing up. The area where Mordred had been standing now a small crater of fused glass and rubble.
"He's gotten faster," Mordred thought once again barely sidestepping his sword, which he flung at her before flashing in front of her again. Instinctively closing her helmet she was jolted to a stop as Morven grabbed hold of both of her horns stopping her in place.
"Gotcha."
Using her horns to hold her in place, Morven brought his knee up and hit her solidly in the faceplate of her helmet shattering it and knocking her back a step. The look of surprise on her face immediately turned to anger as she regained her balance.
Slightly dazed by the strike she saw a flash of black and silver coming right at her, and with a quick slash of her sword, Mordred found herself once again in a blade lock with Morven.
Mordred and Morven glared at one another sizing up their opponent as their blades grinded against each other. Mordred who could feel a slight trickle of blood down the side of her face grinned menacingly before pulling away putting distance between the two of them.
"This fight has gone on long enough," she roared holding her sword in front of her, the blade suddenly releasing a massive blast of energy creating a large blade of pure mana energy. "I didn't think our fight would get this far but you've done it now, prepare yourself Morven!" Raising her blade she took a deep breath.
"Clarent Blood…"
"By the power of my command seal. Mordred, I order you to stand down and to not release your noble phantasm!"
"Dammit Master!" Screamed Mordred as another flash of light engulfed them both before fading away leaving the two of them standing there slightly disoriented, Mordred's gaze shifting towards the entrance as she released a torrent of curses at the intruder.
Following her gaze Morven spotted Gudao leaning against the entrance, panting after sprinting all the way down there to stop them. Looking closely he also noticed that on Gudao's hand was a strange three part tattoo, where one of the parts seemed to almost fade away right before his eyes.
"This is probably a good place to wrap things up so let's go ahead and call it for this day's training session. Mordred your free to return to your Master and do whatever you want, as for you Morven. Chiron will lead you to myworkshop." Releasing the intercom button DaVinci smiled to herself glancing again at the data she collected. For her this newcomer provided an untapped well of information about a world no one even knew existed, as a scientist she couldn't be anymore excited about the potential knowledge to be gleaned from this experience.
Making her way out of the room, DaVinci paused at the door, glancing back towards Dr. Roman she saw he was quietly leaning back lost in thought, the figures on his computer screen a comparison of the readings from when Morven first arrived, vs the readings picked up from his fight with Mordred, a puzzled expression on his face as he quietly sipped his coffee.
"I'm sure you're already aware what this could mean if he joins us DaVinci, just like you know what happens if Chaldea's mission fails." Turning and meeting DaVinci's gaze he pleaded with his eyes silently.
Giving Dr. Roman a slow nod she left, going straight to her workshop DaVinci was greeted by one of her assistants who was pacing back and forth in the center of the room waiting for her.
"So what's the verdict DaVinci? Word is already spreading through Chaldea that this guy is pretty strong, being a human and able to fight on equal terms with a Servant. Even one as thick headed as Mordred."
"He shows great promise," DaVinci answered plopping into her chair, lazily spinning around. "He's on his way here actually if you'd like to meet him."
Stheno scoffed and whipped her hair back haughtily. "He's just a human though so an introduction isn't necessary."
"It remains to be seen whether or not he's just a human though Stheno. When he first arrived there was no doubt about there being a Servant's presence, and earlier during his match with Mordred he was giving off a Servant level mana signature."
"Could he be another Demi-Servant?"
"I think that's the most likely possibility yet at the same time I can't help but think it's something else entirely. During those three days he took to recover I checked for a match on the spiritron core reading from when he first arrived and there wasn't a single match." DaVinci looked towards Stentho with wide eyes. "The closest reading was similar to that of a Grand Servant but summoning one should be impossible."
"And if he ends up being one what are we going to do DaVinci, are you still set on trying to get him to help us?"
"I really do think that we can convince him to help us, I mean even though we know nothing about him I just have a feeling about him."
There was a knock on the door and Chiron entered followed by Morven, the two of them seemingly having a friendly conversation. Yet as DaVinci watched Morven closely she could see his attention to everything around him. In a clearly trained and subtle manner, while still maintaining his conversation with Chiron he glanced about the room no doubt mentally noting the number of occupants, exits and making an assessment of everyone.
"That answers one question but creates so many more," DaVinci thought to herself greeting Morven and gesturing for him to have a seat in front of her.
Moving to sit down he suddenly froze, his eyes locked on one of the rooms occupants who also stared at him, though her gaze seemed tinged with malice.
"Morven this is another one of the servants here in Chaldea. Her name is Stheno," DaVinci explained introducing the small girl who still glared at him looking him up and down before suddenly smirking.
"Alright DaVinci I've changed my mind, I think he'll do nicely." Approaching Morven her eyes he noticed began to glow as her voice echoed in his head.
"So your name is Morven then? Actually it doesn't matter to me what you're called, you seem strong and you're not unpleasant to look at so I think you'd make an excellent dog to serve me. Now kneel!"
Like his legs were kicked out from under him Morven collapsed to his knees before Stheno, his body refusing to obey while with a look of triumph on her face Stheno gently began tracing a finger over the contours of his face still staring deeply into his glazed over eyes.
"Stheno…" DaVinci started trying to warn her only to receive a raised hand silencing her.
"While you may be powerful you cannot resist my charms," leaning so close she breathed lightly into his ear sending a shiver through him. The reaction bringing about a slightly sadistic smile. "If you serve me well though I'm sure you'll find the rewards from a goddess are better than your wildest dreams."
The second those last words left her lips there was a sudden surge of mana and his strange gold flecked eyes cleared up indicating the break in her hold over him. But instead of a sudden violent action he narrowed his eyes at her.
"I don't know what you were trying to do," Morven growled slowly getting back to his feet, his gaze not leaving hers. "But I suggest you don't try that again."
"What he broke my charm? But that I'm possible," Stheno involuntarily took a step back her mind racing as the man before her unblinkingly held her gaze staring into her mystic eyes without fear.
"What are you?" She whispered taking another step back staring hard at him, seeing through to his spirit he once again seemed like a normal human though just faintly, as if hiding behind a veil she spotted something within.
"Well now that that is done all done with why don't we all take a seat, I sure you have many questions you want to ask Morven," DaVinci said quietly also staring at Morven. The mystery surrounding him becoming even more enticing after watching his exchange with Stheno.
"I do," Morven replied with a nod, taking his seat and watching Stheno move away taking her own seat before turning back to DaVinci. "I understand that this place is not the world I'm from, and from the brief conversation I had with Gudao I know this world is also in peril and I…"
Morven fell silent so DaVinci finished for him. "You want to help us don't you?"
Morven nodded, "There's just one thing though I don't know much about this world or this Grand Order Gudao and Chiron told me about. The little bit though that I did understand was about the Master Servant system you all use here, which means the servants here were once heroes or legends."
"That's the case for most servants there are other though like Stheno here." Gesturing towards the girl seated to her right. "She was a goddess, well still is a goddess just a Servant as well. There are plenty of others too that were recognized by the throne of heroes but that's something we can discuss in much greater detail later."
"I'd appreciate that and that actually leads me to my next question. If I'm going to help you I'd like to learn more about this world. In exchange," Morven reached into his coat and pulled out a strange device and slid it across the table to DaVinci. "This is my scroll. It has a large amount of data on it, from history to certain technological advancements made by the people of Remnant. In exchange for you teaching me about my world you can have access to all that I know of my own world."
"I'll teach you all that we have to teach, when do you want to start?" DaVinci said practically pouncing on the scroll Morven slid her.
"As soon as possible DaVinci." Morven said with a determined smile placing his hands on the table. "I'm at Chaldea's disposal."
AN: Hello and thank you for taking the time to read the start of this new little project I've been spitballing for awhile. Now readers who have taken a look at some of my other stories may recognize the name Morven, and yes it is the same character just a younger iteration. Without too many spoilers this story despite him being younger here takes place after the end of Saviors of Remnant, and don't worry there will be more of an explanation further down the road. Now while I'm no slouch when it comes to the Fate universe I will also freely admit I am no expert either, so please don't be too harsh on me about certain events or character actions. As always I appreciate all the support from my readers and look forward to writing more for you, and remember to leave a review and follow the story so you don't miss out on the next exciting chapter. Morvens first Servant!
Till next time,
TheBoredBoot