AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 3 Siblings from Two Different Worlds
Faubrey Castle
Mirellia sat down at her temporary throne, she received word that the Magus from the Stars and the Shield Hero along with their entourage will be attending the ball from Saber of the Heroes Partisan.
She smiles, happy that the two important pieces of victory will be coming.
"Mirellia, what a lovely smile you got there." The violet-haired Queen frowns, hearing a gruff voice greeting her. She looks up to see an ugly, overweight man dressed in royal grabs and with a golden crown on his silver hair. "It reminds me of the many women who visited my humble abode."
"Aldrich, what a pleasure to see you at this time of day." Mirellia greeted her Brother-in-law with a strained smile, "I'm curious, what brought you out of your room?"
Aldrich Faubrey, the current King of Faubrey, and the Brother of the King of Melromarc chuckle at the Queen's question. "I was about to call one of my maids to bring me something to eat when I overheard the Guards saying that there's going to be a Ball in my castle." The King said,
Mirellia nodded, confirming what the old King said was true. "Indeed, you know the Prophecy Aldrich. The Magus from the Stars has arrived in Siltvelt, and the Shield Hero is with him." The Queen stood up from the throne, "One of my allies has made contact with them and will be here momentarily."
"If they make it here unscathed," The King of Faubrey commented, hearing about the trouble that his advisors were receiving. Aldritch noticed his Sister-in-law has a disdainful expression when he spoke about the two saviors.
"Oh come now, Mirellia. We heard of the reports in both Melromarc and other countries." Aldrich stated reasoning with her. "Black Knights and other monstrosities are appearing in so many places. Do you really think two Heroes from the Prophecy can save the World?"
"Of course, my master is the best out there." Aldrich turned around to a lovely brunette Servant making her way to the throne room.
Da Vinci crossed her arms, giving a cocky smile at the fat King. "Ritsuka Fujimaru has saved our World countless times, and many others as well." The Head of the Technology Development Division said, "Rest assured that your World is in good hands,"
"Lady Da Vinci," Mirellia greeted the Caster Servant entering the throne room. "How may I help you today?"
The Caster of Chaldea smiles, walking forward. "Well, I did want to speak to you regarding the request for assistance with the Rider of the Heroes Parisian on the requirement of the Amazon Tribe but…I can see you're busy." Da Vinci looked over at the King.
Aldritch turned and returned to his castle's halls, "I was just leaving, Lady Da Vinci." He walks past the Caster Servant before eyeing her body. "If you could, after you're done with my Sister-in-law, Lady Da Vinci. You could swing by my room and we-"
Da Vinci smiles, rejecting the invitation. "So sorry your Majesty, but I'm rather busy to even do such a thing." The Caster smiles already being informed of the King of Faubrey's royal treatment of females. "I do hope you understand, your Majesty."
"What a shame, a beautiful woman such as yourself being worked to the bone…" Aldritch sighs, leaving the two Casters be in the throne. "Do keep in mind, my chambers are always open,"
"Oh, I won't, your majesty." Da Vinci waved the King off.
Mirellia watches as the King of Faubrey left the throne room, she sighs in relief that he was gone. "I'm truly sorry about him, Da Vinci." She said, dropping the 'Lady' part.
Da Vinci waved her hands, "It's fine, I don't mind if people take in my beauty. After all, I am a personification of what I deemed beauty," She boastfully said before getting to the topic she came here for. "That aside, about the request from Rider…"
"I know, I heard the Amazon Tribe is very stubborn when allying with other nations," The violet-haired Queen frowns, knowing the stories of the tribe of female warriors. "We need to show them a show of strength,"
Da Vinci nodded, knowing this situation is difficult. "Rider of the Heroes Partisan has made contact with the tribe. At least they are willing to listen to our plea," The brunette Caster stated,
"I agree," Mirellia nodded, having a lot to think about regarding their goal. "We still need to prepare, especially matters regarding the master of Chaldea." She stated,
"I'll leave you to it then, your Majesty." Da Vinci turned around, heading back to the armory within the Castle. "There's some interesting technology here that I'm going to tinker with the rifles a bit to better our odds."
Mirellia smiles, "Of course, Da Vinci. I appreciate your assistance," She thanked her dedication to her and Humanity.
With that, the two Casters left the room heading to do their own thing.
Border Town
A carriage was stationed near the entrance of the Town, Barghest and Saber of the Heroes Partisan were prepping the horses while Percival and Lancelot loaded the carriage with the needed supplies for the journey to Faubrey.
Baobhan Sith, Castoria, Melty, and Filo were getting in the carriage with extra weapons for the non-Servants.
Ritsuka stood with Pavel with Fou on his head and Naofumi in front of Arthur.
"We're heading out now, Saber. I trust you and the others in helping Lord Harobalomia to take care of things while we're gone." Ritsuka said, putting his faith in him.
"To think that we're invited to attend a social event by the Queen." Naofumi chuckles, having never been given this amount of appreciation by the Bitch and Trash King.
Ritsuka notices that Naofumi still has some doubts about the invite from the Queen. "Iwatani, at least we can trust the Queen."
Naofumi sighs, placing his hand on his side. "Fujimaru, you really are optimistic when it comes to people." He still has some doubts about this but it's the only plan they got. But he does trust Melty's word.
Ritsuka just smiles before feeling Pavel pulling his sleeves. He looks down at the child, curious about his needs.
"Ritsuka, are we going now?" Pavel asked, getting a bit impatient with all of the talking.
"Kid's right, we better head out before it becomes dark," Naofumi stated, agreeing with the Demi-Human child.
The Magus nods with the two. He turns back to Arthur, bidding his farewells for now. "We'll contact you through the gem Arturia made when we get to Faubrey," Ritsuka explains.
"And we'll await, master."Arthur inclines his head in respect for them. "Safe travels, you all."
The three head over to the carriage where Lancelot, Melusine, and Percival took the horses on the side. Barghest and Saber of the Heroes Partisan sat at the front of the carriage.
Filo offered to pull the carriage which Naofumi allowed. Everyone else was inside the carriage as they take off.
The Villagers and the remaining members of the Roundtable bid them farewell.
A few hours into the trip, Naofumi leans on the wooden border of the carriage. He looks around the carriage,
Ritsuka was petting Pavel's head while he sleeps. The small dog squirrel-like creature sat on his shoulder.
Melty was mediating with Castoria and Sith which turned into an argument about who would dance with Fujimaru.
Raphtalia heads over to the front where she sat with Barghest and Saber of the Heroes Partisan.
"Sir Naofumi, what's on your mind?" The Shielder looks beside him where Morgan was reading a report she made on the fake Holy Weapon they required.
Naofumi sighs, looking out of the carriage. "I'm just curious about what awaits us at Faubrey. The only thing I heard was that they worshipped the Four Cardinal Heroes,"
Morgan nodded, only getting a few inserts from the Villagers and Townspeople. "King Aldrich Faubrey III, a King who ruled Faubrey known for its Industrial Revolution. Similar to the Industrial Revolution in Proper Human History."
"I assume that their weaponry is more advanced than Melromarc's?" Naofumi asked, knowing all too well that with an industrialized Kingdom, weapons should be produced due to the technology.
"It's a possibility, I mean Ruler of Mirso's rebellion has some items that are advanced for this world," Ritsuka stated, overhearing the conversation between the Lostbelt Queen and Shield Hero.
"Such as the few guns they have on stock." Naofumi then realized that many of the Rebels did wield those weapons in the time they'd been with them. "Hey, did anyone notice the guns in the crates? It looked like they haven't been used."
Ritsuka nodded, finding it weird to have weapons that could turn the tides but never used them.
"It's possible that Ruler of Mirso was still gathering forces and hadn't had the time to properly train them," Morgan stated, assuming that was the case.
Ritsuka nodded, running a rebellion, ensuring everyone is healthy, and planning for raids there isn't any time off to properly train them to use guns. "I hope with her and the others in a safe place, she can train the soldiers on how to use them." He commented.
"I'm sure she's doing just that," Naofumi added before the carriage suddenly stopped. "Why did we stop?"
Raphtalia poked her head from the front, "Naofumi-sama, Ritsuka-dono, there's a pack of Barghests further down the road."
"Barghests?"
Everyone got out of the carriage, leaving Sith, Castoria, Morgan, and Melty to stay with Pavel.
They all left the carriage where there was a horde of Blackdogs with chains around their bodies.
Filo, Lancelot, Saber, Percival, Melusine, and Barghest were standing at each other's side. "Those are a lot of Barghests," Filo commented, only seeing a few from time to time. "Filo isn't sure if Filo can defeat them all."
"They're blocking the path, if we go around them, they'll notice," Lancelot stated, seeing their numbers isn't an issue the strength is another problem. "I suggest that we take them out quickly, so they can't gather their strength,"
"Everyone!"
Barghest turns around to her master and the Shielder. "Master, I take it Raphtalia informed you of the situation?" The Fairy Knight asked.
Naofumi nodded as Raphtalia stood next to him. "Yeah, we're informed." He looks ahead and saw the pack. "Barghests, aren't those Blackdogs with chains?"
Melusine nodded, confirming what her fellow Roundtable said. "Yes, a dangerous Fairy known to represent Death. We should take them out as soon as possible." She looks at their own Barghest who accepted the fact.
"I agree, but let's not go overboard with our numbers." Ritsuka looks at Barghest and Naofumi. "Shall we?"
"Hai, as you command master," Barghest responded, materializing her Galatine.
Naofumi nodded, having better control of his Shield. "Raphtalia, create a distraction."
"Lancer, help her too," Ritsuka asked Percival to assist the Demi-Human.
"Yes, master." Percival prepared Longinus and got off his horse.
Melusine looked at the Percival from Proper Human History taking on the Blackdogs. Though he's different from her Brother from Fairy Britain, she took a deep breath before speaking. "Good luck, B-Lancer. Please be careful,"
Percival looks at Melusine, sensing her uneasiness. He smiles at his fellow Roundtable member, appreciating her care. "Thanks, Lancer," He prepared himself as Raphtalia ready her Spell.
Raphtalia nodded, honing her Mana into a spell. "Fast Light!"
The Blackdogs were sniffing the area before a bright light shined above them.
They all looked up, curious about the light above them. Suddenly a loud neighing of a horse caught their attention,
"Sei!" Percival jumps from his horse before plummeting his Spear into the horde.
A Barghest roared in pain as the Speak struck its heart.
Percival smiles, looking at the Barghest around him. "Well, it seems I got your attention, but that's all you can get from me." The Knight of the White Dove smirks.
In a flash, a large Blackdog head rushed into the other half of the pack. "Ha!" Barghest swung her Sword at the remaining Blackdogs, cutting them down.
Barghest turns around to Naofumi, "Your turn, Sir Naofumi!"
Naofumi charges in, and he held onto his arm with his Shield at his side. "I'm on it!" The Shield glowed a golden hue as the Barghests charged back.
"Hup!" Naofumi swung upward, splitting the Barghest that jumped at him. "Sei!"
He impaled the other by the neck before slashing through the last one with his blade.
"Excellent, Sir Naofumi. Your training from Saber is paying off." Percival smiles, noticing how synced he was with his weapon and better trained.
Naofumi's Shield dulled, indicating that the battle was over. "Really? I was going on instincts when fighting." He stated. He felt different since they mentioned it, like the Hero within him is giving power that he was holding back.
Barghest steps forward, dismissing her Galatine. "Instincts are important in battle, you using that means your capable than you originally thought."
Naofumi chuckles, receiving compliments from the more experienced people.
Soon the others joined up when the road is clear. They decided to make camp for the night and continue their way at the break of dawn.
"Alright, the sticks are gathered, and the pot is ready." Raphtalia smiles, wiping away the sweat from her forehead. "All we need is to start the fire."
Morgan steps forward, pointing her Staff at the campfire. "Allow me," with a simple spell, a fire appeared below the pot.
Raphtalia, Filo, and Melty were impressed by the quick spell without a chant. "Impressive Berserker-san! You didn't even need to chant to light a fire!" Raphtalia's eyes widen at the Spell the Lostbelt Servant cast.
"It's a simple Spell, anyone could light a fire with it." Morgan closed her eyes, not thinking much of it.
"Um, Lady Berserker, a Spell like that is difficult without a chant for any Mages," Melty informed the Fairy Queen, "Only a few can use Wordless Spells like that,"
Filo nodded, agreeing with what the Second Princess was saying. "Mmm-mmm, Filo can do Spells without Chants, but have to use everything Filo has." The Filoial stated,
Morgan found that tidbit interesting, "How intriguing, for us it's similar to how we use our Noble Phantasms." She stated, seeing that these inhabitants of this Anomaly have their own versions of Noble Phantasms.
"Noble Phantasms?" Raphtalia asked, always wondering what those are. She remembered when Barghest, Gawain, and Baobhan Sith used them when they were at Melromarc. "Yeah, those are Spells you used when fighting the Heroic Knights. and that time when you killed Lord Rabier." She looks at Baobhan Sith who was acting like she wasn't paying attention.
"Oya? You do remember that." Baobhan Sith giggles, seeing that it has left an expression on the Demi-Human. "Yep, that was my Noble Phantasm. Fetch Failnaught, it allows me to make a copy of the opponent and attack from that copy,"
"Fairy Knight Tristan, I urge you not to disclose valuable information causally." Morgan scolded her Daughter for outright informing the Shield Hero's Party of her Noble Phantasm.
Baobhan Sith sighs, clutching her legs. "Fine, don't mind what I just said before." The Fairy Knight scoffs,
"But didn't you just said-"
"I'm back everyone!" The Party looks back where Castoria and Lancelot returned from setting Wards around the area. "Setting up Demonic Beast Wards wasn't an easy task."
Baobhan Sith scoffs, glaring at the Child of Prophecy. "Mother can set up a better Ward than you ever could, Bumkin." The Fairy Princess stated.
Castoria let out a cold and annoyed chuckle, "Ah, and yet I didn't see you even lift a finger when you speak highly of Berserker's Magecraft, Archer." She retorted at Baobhan Sith's comment. "This Ward requires a gentle touch; Berserker's is too rough for any Beast to notice."
"Eh? Are you downgrading my Mother, Bumpkin? I have you know, Mother's Magecraft is way better than yours," The Fairy Knight growls at the Caster, "In fact, Mother single handily fended off the Angels back at the first Anomaly and where were you?"
"Oh don't start with that, Archer,"
Lancelot and Raphtalia quickly acted, each standing between the two. "Now, now, there's no need to fight, Caster, Archer." The Knight of the Lake stated, trying to calm the situation, "Your voices might attract other beings besides Demonic Beasts,"
"That's right, aren't we allies in all this? Infighting won't get us anywhere." Raphtalia added, holding back the Fairy Knight.
Morgan sighs, looking at Melty and Filo. Both were smiling at the little fun between the two Servants.
Melty noticed the Fairy Queen looking at her and smiled, "It's nice to have this around, right Lady Berserker?" She asked the Servant.
"Filo wants to join in too!" The Filoial jumps from the log, now standing with Raphtalia in holding back Baobhan Sith.
"Indeed, a light moment like this is needed." Morgan smiles before looking back to where her Husband and Pavel were sitting.
"That there is Orion, you can tell by the three stars that form the belt." Ritsuka points to the constellation of the Grand Archer to Pavel.
Pavel's eyes widened, filled with wonder at the stars. "Wow, I never knew you could draw a picture by looking at the stars!" the young boy stated.
"Fou," Fou curled up on the Demi-Human's lap, allowing him to pet his fur.
Ritsuka nodded, smiling at the child. "If you look closely at the stars, you can picture anything in your mind." He explains, "Like that one, I see a…big spoon by just following the path."
Pavel smiles, following what the Magus sees. "I do see it! I do see it!" His head turned to the side, now picturing a smaller version of the big spoon. "And I can see a smaller one below it!"
"That's the Big and Little Dippers, there are many more but it's about time we eat." Ritsuka looks to the side where Naofumi, Saber of the Heroes Partisan, and Barghest returned with buckets of fresh water.
"Stargazing right? I remember you promising the kid something like that when we're on the road." Naofumi stated, seeing the child looking at the stars.
Ritsuka chuckles, "Yeah, I do keep my promises. It's the least I can do for him."
Barghest noticed that her master was missing the young master back on the Storm Border. She could tell by the soft expression in his eyes. "Master, I'm sure when we meet up with our ally in Faubrey we will have communications back with the Border."
"I take it you have people back at this Border place who's worried about you?" Naofumi asked, seeing that face many times before he met him.
"Yeah, my Wife and Son. We encountered an unexpected enemy, and I was sent away. I only assume it was to kill me in a place without my Servants around," Ritsuka stated,
The green-haired Saber was intrigued, never in a million years that the master of Humanity has a kid. "So you're a Father, then taking care of the young Demi-Human child isn't new." The Saber placed his hands on his side, impressed by him constantly juggling two difficult jobs at the same time.
"I try my best to both be a Father and the master of Humanity," Ritsuka smiles hearing Pavel's stomach growling. "Seems like someone is hungry," He chuckles,
Pavel's ears flatten, a bit embarrassed that everyone heard that. "S-Sorry, everyone." He apologizes to the adults.
Everyone chuckles at the shyness that the young child is showing. Naofumi smirks, placing his hand over his muscle, "Just give me a moment and I'll whip something up," He stated, "Saber, you know how to cook right?"
"I mean I do have the knowledge of this World's cuisine but other than nothing too grand." Saber of the Heroes Parisian stated, "But I can assist whatever you need, Sir Naofumi." He offered his assistance.
"I-I as well wish to assist you, Sir Naofumi." Barghest interjected, finding the opportunity to better her skills in cooking. "I want to hone my skills in cooking if you don't mind."
Naofumi nodded, accepting the Blackdog's help. "Right, follow my directions and food will be served as soon as possible." He looks over to the master of Chaldea, "Fujimaru, do you know where the Lancers are? I don't remember seeing them."
"Oh! I do!" Pavel spoke up, causing everyone to look at him. "I remember Lady Me-I mean Fairy Knight Lancelot was walking to a small pond in that direction," He points to the woods behind them.
"Sir P-I mean Lancer went into the woods after her," Pavel continued, looking at each adult around him.
Ritsuka smiles, ruffling his grey hair. "Thank you for telling us, Pavel. You did great."
Pavel smiles, happy to help the person he sees as a Father. "You're welcome, Ritsuka!" He blinks, seeing the Magus standing up from the grass.
"Master?' Barghest asked, curious about what he was doing.
"Where are you going?" Naofumi asked, seeing the Magus heading to the woods,
Ritsuka looks back at the new Servant, "I'm going to look for both Lancers,"
Near the pond, within the small wooden area; Melusine sat on a boulder looking at the moon. She had her mask off, laying next to her.
She held her legs tightly, reminiscing the days in the British Lostbelt. The days she spent with her Brother,
"Nee-san, I can't keep up with you." A small grey-haired Human child with a Sword cried on the ground, "I can never be the Knight Father or Lady Aurora want me to be."
The Lostbelt Percival looks up at the Fairy Knight, holding onto his legs. "I'm just a Human,"
Melusine held out her hand to the child, gently picking him up. "Percival, you can be. You just need a little more confidence in yourself." The Fairy Knight stated, "Even if you're Human, I believe you can be stronger than anyone…trust me as your Sister."
Percival sniffs, smiling at his Sister. "Okay, I trust you. Nee-san."
Percival huffs, using too much of Longinus's power to wake her. "N-Nee-san…please…wake up. Britain needs…you…"
"P-Percival?" Albion's color reverts to its original color, she saw the Human dropping his Spear. The Dragon Fairy realized what he has done, "P-Percival…M-My little Brother…W-What did you…"
Percival's body began to crack, the wind blowing through his crumbling body. "Nee-san…you're back…thank…good…ness…" The wind blew through the Lostbelt Human's body, vanishing into dust along with the Spear of Selection.
Melusine held her heart, remembering that day that her Brother perished. "Percival…I-I miss you…" The Fairy Knight cried, "As your Sister, I should've…I-"
"Nee-san? So you were my Lostbelt self's Older Sister." Melusine gasps, turning around to see the Proper Human History version of Percival standing behind her.
"S-Sir P-Percival, w-what are you-" The Fairy Knight wipes away the tears she shed, not noticing that the Knight of the White Dove moved forward.
Percival approached the Lostbelt Servant, sitting next to her. "I noticed that you left the group when the sun set a few minutes ago." The Lancer stated, "I wanted to make sure no enemies were around while you're mourning,"
Melusine's eyes widen, hearing what the Knight said. She quickly turns to him, "H-How did you know I was mourning?" She asked.
"I've noticed that you were hesitant to speak with me since I materialized to this Anomaly," Percival stated, looking at the moon and the stars. "I also heard what happened to the Percival of the Fairy Kingdom from Lady Morgan. I may not know much, but I understand loss well."
The Remnant of Albion looks down, unsure what to say but…"I-I'm sorry." She apologized. "I know you and the Percival I know are very different and I can't help but be worried despite the difference between the two of you," Melusine explains, confessing what she held inside of her since materializing.
The Knight of the White Dove looks down at the strongest Roundtable member of Chaldea. He listens to her confession, waiting for the moment to speak. "But…Pan-Human History or not…"
Melusine looks up at the grey-haired Knight sitting next to her. "I still see you as my little Brother…Percy. For that, I apologize for thin-"
"You have nothing to apologize for, Melusine." Percival ensures the Fairy Knight that she didn't do anything wrong. He scratches his cheeks, honored to know that Melusine sees him as a little brother. "To be honest…I've always been the Older figure in my time. Especially with Sir Gareth," He smiles before looking back at the Fairy Dragon.
"But to have someone who sees me as a little Brother…" Percival leans back, relishing the moment between him and his Lostbelt self's Sister. "It's a nice change of pace. So if you don't mind, in honor of your Percival of the Fairy Kingdom. Let's fight together as Siblings like he would have wanted."
Melusine smiles, chuckling at how different and yet how similar both Percivals are. "I would like that very much, Si-Percy." She stood up and petted his grey hair just like how she did with the Lostbelt version of him. "But I'll consider you as a new addition to our family, little Brother,"
Percival blushed, gracefully accepting the conditions she has set. "Heh, alright, Nee-san."
At the greenery, Ritsuka observes the two Knights. He smiles that Melusine was able to come to terms with Percival. "I better leave them be, I have no business to disturb them." He walks back to the camp, wanting the two Lancers to bond with each other.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.
