CHAPTER 21:
FITORIA
A wizard, a witch, a demi-human and two Filolial Queens share a meal. If this started with them walking into a bar, people would start looking for a punchline. It certainly made for a surreal experience for Raphtalia, watching what was one of the oldest and strongest beings in the world eating stew with them.
If she had to give an impression of Fitoria, it was a sense of age, grace and dignity, and yet, there was also something of a child pretending to act like a grown-up. There was no denying her authority, but her maturity seemed, if not quite a façade, then at least partly an affectation. Though there was a solemnity that couldn't be denied. Her eyes often held a sadness to them.
She was reminded of Youji Itami's eyes when he talked about his mother. Her guardian had a troubled childhood, with his father abusing his mother, though much of it was behind closed doors to Youji. He only learned the full details later. But when he was a teenager, his mother snapped, and murdered her husband. It was self-defence, but a distraught Youji chewed out his mother, unknowingly contributing to her mental collapse. He only realised how thoughtless he was when she tried to burn herself alive, and even to this day, she was confined to a mental hospital. Raphtalia had met her a few times, as Youji had managed to reconcile with her, but his mother was still severely unstable.
Youji Itami and Fitoria both seemed to share eyes filled with sadness and regret, perhaps even self-reproach. If anything, it was worse with Fitoria, and given how old she was, it was understandable. What she saw in her lifetime must've been hard on her.
Though her dignity was reduced a little by the quiet but noticeable belch she emitted after she finished her meal.
Soon after they had their utensils and plates cleaned and put away, and introductions had been made, Fitoria sat on a log, kicking her feet, looking pensive. "Shield Hero…scion of Ignotus Peverell…I do need to speak with you. Alone."
"No. Whatever you have to say, you can say it to all of us. I trust everyone here with my life," Harry said automatically.
"But that may not be enough," Fitoria said. "But if you insist…I should start by saying I am somewhat aware of events in this country. Your reputation was already darkened thanks to the idiocy of the people of Melromarc, to say nothing of the atrocities both Melromarc and Siltvelt love to inflict on each other and their own people. And now that you have been summoned, forces are at play to blacken it even further. I despise the political games humans and demi-humans play. What was it Ignotus once told me? Fiddling while Rome burns(1). The Waves are a real and present threat, and I am not sure the Cardinal Heroes are ready to face them. So, I need to ask you…are you on good tems with the other Cardinal Heroes?"
"With one of them? Hell, no," Harry said. "The Spear Hero's an idiot who listens to anything a pretty woman tells him, and he doesn't think. With the other two…well, I'm pretty sure the Sword Hero's an ally, but the jury's still out on the Bow Hero. The Sword Hero at least thinks this world is real, and not just a game."
"I am aware that some of those summoned as Cardinal Heroes believe this world to be akin to a computer game. I have not seen one myself, save for memories from Cardinal Heroes I have spoken with, and who have assented to donating memories for my viewing."
"Donating memories for viewing?" Hermione asked. "You have a Pensieve?"
"You are sharp, Hermione Granger," Fitoria said, nodding. "And that is good, that the Cardinal Heroes have not wholly succumbed to in-fighting. But even one led astray is dangerous enough. Too often, it is either the Spear Hero or the Sword Hero, lusting for either lovers, or power. But even other Cardinal Heroes of yore have succumbed to darkness, believing this world is little more than a playground for them to live out their most vile fantasies. Even Shield Heroes of the past have done so, though it pains me to admit it. And even then, sometimes, the politics brings them to an untimely end. The last Shield Hero died under suspicious circumstances in Siltvelt. Siltvelt blamed assassins from Melromarc, and Melromarc blamed Siltvelt, as the Shield Hero had a falling out with Siltvelt's leadership."
"I'm sorry, Fitoria, but I presume there's a point to this?" Raphtalia asked.
"Only that if the Cardinal Heroes don't work together, they will die. And if they succumb to infighting, or worse…I will do the deed myself." As they all looked at her sharply, she held up her hand. "Please, do not misunderstand me. That is very much a last resort, but it is necessary, for then, new Cardinal Heroes may be summoned."
"You mean abducted and conscripted," Hermione said coldly.
"Yes, I do understand that some may view it that way, and I cannot truly blame them. But the Cardinal Weapons, for whatever reason, choose people from other worlds, usually variations of Earth."
"But you want to kill Daddy!" Hedy snapped. "You've got to go through me first if you ever try it!"
Fitoria hopped from her perch, and went over to Hedy, staring her down. "Your conviction and affection for him is admirable, Hedy. But you lack the strength to back up your proclamation. If I wished it, everyone here would be dead within an instant. But I must emphasize, I do not wish any of you dead. This is a warning, not a declaration of intent."
Harry glared at her. "Excuse me? I'm here to help the people of this world, and you want to kill me if I can't play nice with the other Cardinal Heroes? Are you even listening to yourself?"
"But I don't want to!" Fitoria snapped, whirling to face him. Her usual near-monotone had suddenly broken. "You are a descendent of Ignotus Peverell, are you not? His progeny?"
"Distantly," Harry said.
"…I was a daughter to him…just as Hedy is to you," Fitoria said, more calmly. "That makes both of us family, Harry Potter. I do not wish to harm my family."
Harry stared at her, before laughing. A jeering, cracked, bray of laughter. Raphtalia wasn't sure why, though she suspected something. Harry and Hermione had hinted strongly that his relationship with his relatives had been a bad one, and certainly, what Hermione said about his aunt gatecrashing his birthday party and making vile remarks said a lot about their relationship.
And, of course, Raphtalia thought back to poor, poor Noriko. How badly her family treated her for being anything short of perfection. How they drove her to suicide, and all they cared about was how bad she made them look.
Fitoria seemed bemused by Harry's outburst, but waited for him to finish, before asking, "Are you quite finished?"
"…Sorry, it's just…family hurting me…it's something I'm too familiar with," Harry said.
"…Ignotus was like that too. His eldest brother often bullied him," Fitoria said. "But I was telling the truth. I detest lying. I don't know whether this is a dream come true, or a cruel quirk of fate, to have Ignotus' progeny be summoned here. But…the Shield chose well, even if you despise it for taking you from your world. I see, despite the darkness and the pain, the kindness glowing in your soul."
"Of course he is kind!" Raphtalia snapped. "But are you here just to make threats, and then claim you don't want to carry them out?"
"I said that it was a warning, not a threat," Fitoria said, turning her gaze to Raphtalia. "And I am here for more than that. I wished to meet not only Harry Potter, but also Hedy, for she is like me. Raised by a Cardinal Hero, she may yet grow to become as powerful as I. But I also find myself worrying. Melromarc has summoned the Cardinal Heroes, hoarding them as a covetous dragon hoardes riches. Are you aware of the Dragon Hourglasses?"
"Aside from the one in Melromarc?" Harry asked, having calmed down a little. "Yes. But I'm worried that if I try to go elsewhere, I'd be unable to cross the border, to say nothing of becoming a political pawn, especially in Siltvelt."
"So you are aware. I would suggest making the other Cardinal Heroes aware of them, even the Spear Hero. I have been intercepting the worst of the Waves in other countries, but I cannot be everywhere at once, and many a time, the fools fighting the Waves target me, believing me to be a threat from the Waves." She looked up at the sky, clicking her tongue in exasperation. "They forget too readily the lessons of the past. I believe that forgetfulness has a hand guiding that. In any case, sync with the other Dragon Hourglasses as soon as you are able. Please."
"I can't make any promises, but once the Queen of Melromarc has managed to get the King and her eldest daughter back in line, I'll try to get synced with the Dragon Hourglasses elsewhere, and let the other Cardinal Heroes know too."
Fitoria nodded. "One last thing. I can sense that the Curse Series has unlocked. Have you used any of them yet? I cannot tell for certain."
"…No, not that I know of, but I came close. I was feeling angry, and…"
"That may be enough. Anger unlocks the Rage Shield, and with it, the Shield of Wrath. The Curse Series are dangerous."
"I know, I have Ignotus Peverell's journal…well, one of them, anyway, and he spoke of them."
"You have one of his journals?" Fitoria asked, her usual monotone giving rise to a curious tone.
"Yeah. Anyway, I know of the Curse Series, and that they're dangerous. I don't want to use them at all if I can help it."
"That is prudent. The Curse Series corrode away at your very soul, until all that is left is a twisted parody of yourself. And the ability to resist becomes less. I heard one previous Sword Hero say something about how the Dark Side would forever dominate your destiny, or something like that."
At that, Harry, Hermione and Raphtalia all chuckled at the reference to Star Wars. It helped break the tension. Hedy simply looked confused, while Fitoria looked a little miffed. "It is no laughing matter," she pouted.
"No, no," Raphtalia said, "we know, but he knew about films we watched. Sorry. I guess we need to find the humour where we can."
"…True enough, but the Curse Series is nothing to make light of. The Rage Shield turns you into a berserker, wreathed in cursed flames that will harm friend as readily as it will foe. And its Skills often exact a heavy toll for using their power, potentially robbing you of your very life. There is little humour to be found in that." She shook her head. "Sorry…I…I came here out of curiosity and duty, but I've offended you."
"…More than a bit, Fitoria," Harry said. "I've already got the fate of this world resting on my shoulders, I don't need any more piled on."
Fitoria sat next to him, placing a hand on his back, rubbing it gently. "Sorry," she repeated. And Raphtalia could tell she seemed genuinely contrite. "I should have realised."
"Look…I just…most of my life was stage-managed by a guy who did things supposedly for the Greater Good. I hate those words, because I always seem to get on the wrong end of them," Harry said quietly. "I don't care how much you think this is for the Greater Good. I still hate it."
"…I hate it too. I really do. If you wish, I will take my leave now. I will call upon you at a later date regarding Hedy, but…"
"No. No, if you really are sorry about it…just stay a while, okay? So we can get to know each other better?" Harry suggested.
After a moment, Fitoria nodded. "I can stay for a couple of days, but no longer. My personal flock become…antsy without me…"
Harry wasn't sure why he invited Fitoria. Maybe it was because she was a connection to his ancestor. And for all his anger and annoyance at her proclamations, she wasn't being malicious, as far as he could tell.
Still, after their talk, he needed to get away for a moment, walking away from the camp for a few minutes. To take his mind off things, he looked around, and experimented with some of the plants and mushrooms. He only unlocked one more Shield.
If it's not one thing, it's another, he thought bitterly to himself. I know she means well, but it's like with bloody Dumbledore all over again, only she's a centuries-old bird loli. Do this, do that, do the other bloody thing. Fuck, I'm so SICK OF IT!
He felt the anger he had felt during the trial by combat bubble up again. But then, his status display appeared, almost glitching. Shield Transformation Blocked, a message read.
"My apologies," Fitoria said, approaching from behind. "I felt your rage even at the campsite. I took a pre-emptive measure. Hermione said you've been angry for a long time, due to injustices inflicted on you back home."
"What did you do to the Shield?"
"I have learned how to block the Change function of Cardinal Weapons. I did that to prevent the Rage Shield from awakening, at least for now." Her hand, small and dainty, gently touched the arm the Shield was bound to. "But it will take any opportunity it can to get a foothold. Of course, suppressing and bottling up your anger only does so much, and causes harm later on. I am partly to blame, for this occurrence, at least."
"This bloody thing is evil," Harry muttered, glaring at the Shield.
"No. Like any person, the Shield has great capacity for both good and evil. It is alive, after a fashion, as are the other Cardinal Weapons, and the Vassal Weapons. But it is particularly sensitive to the flaws of its bearer, hence the Curse Series. Ignotus Peverell fought against the Rage Shield, and he held it off long enough to save this world, and to return to Earth. Here. Allow me."
She plucked one of her cowlicks from her head, and allowed the Shield to absorb it. Filolial Series Forcibly Unlocked, the resulting message stated. The Shields weren't able to be used, his level was too low, but they were there.
"These may not be useable yet, but they might mitigate the effects of the Curse Series, should you use them," Fitoria said, even as another cowlick grew into place. "Consider it an apology of sorts for angering you. What I said needed to be said, but…well, Ignotus once told me I needed to learn tact."
Harry chuckled. "Too right. But thanks anyway. I know you're meaning well, it's just…I hate having my choices decided for me."
"Hmm. But sometimes, life doesn't give us choices in the first place. I think we'd best head back. Your friends and your daughter will doubtlessly be wondering about us. Though are you and Raphtalia mated?"
"…Sorry, what?"
"…Never mind. It seems I still need to learn tact…"
CHAPTER 21 ANNOTATIONS:
So, Fitoria's laid down the law, but will Harry accept it?
I know I was going to write them as being more family-like, but it still ended up a little confrontational. Still, considering what Fitoria does in canon, it's hardly surprising. Don't worry, they'll warm to Fitoria soon.
Review-answering time! bryguydud2: I am aware of Shield Kid's Bizarre Adventure, along with Allen Blaster's other work, Diligence of the Shield Hero, formerly Hope of the Shield Hero. Allen Blaster was kind enough to give me a pointer about this fic when I asked them, specifically that Naofumi should be the Vassal Mirror wielder, something I was considering, but I was wavering with.
L: Exactly. Harry has made it clear where he lies, so to speak, and Mirelia will think twice before arranging a marriage with Melty. She'll still consider it as a political marriage, but offering Harry the lordship over Lurolona would be more than adequate to tie him to Melromarc.
Guest (regarding how Mirelia could contact Harry and company): Harry sent her a communications mirror in a prior chapter, along with a letter detailing how to use it.
1. This was actually a bit of a reference. In Japanese, Fitoria is portrayed by Sakura Tange, who also plays Nero in the Nasuverse. And while the Nasuverse Nero didn't fiddle while Rome burned, well, it's still an apt reference…
