AN: Please enjoy the chapter.

Ch 5 Meeting an Old Friend

"So my feeling was right, you are a Pseudo-Servant," Ritsuka commented, a bit surprised to hear that a Human of this World became a Pseudo-Servant. But he's not really, in his experience anything is possible.

Naofumi looked at the Queen of Melromarc, surprised to hear that she was somewhat similar to him. "Wait, step back for a second. You're a Pseudo-Servant?" He asked the Queen. "Just like me?"

Mirellia nodded, confirming the Hero of the Shield's question. "Indeed, I was given the Spirit Origins of a Hero not from reality by an ally of Humanity," The Queen explains to the Heroes in front of her.

"Not of reality? What do you mean by that, your Majesty?" Ritsuka asked, confused by her explanation of how she became a Pseudo-Servant.

"I'm not sure how to put this in a simple answer. But I can tell you that the Hero I currently possess is a Phantom Spirit that was meant to be used by someone named Vlov Arkhangel in what I presume to be the final Anomaly you'll face. That's what the Phantom Spirit is telling me." Mirellia explains the best she could how she acquires the Hero inside her.

Ritsuka's eyes widen at the name, instantly remembering Zelretch's lesson on the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors. "V-Vlov A-Arkhangel!? Y-You mean to say that the Phantom Spirit was meant to be used by the Nineteenth of the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors!?"

Mirellia nodded, "It seems you are quite as shocked as what I previously assumed. But considering that it's a name of great importance." The Queen said, currently gaining knowledge of the Dead Apostles from the Spirit inside her.

"You have no idea," Ritsuka dreads the day when they'll arrive at the Final Anomaly.

"Um, what are the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle?" Raphtalia asked everyone in the room.

Morgan sighs, turning to the Demi-Human next to the Shield Hero. "In a simple explanation, the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors are Vampiric entities, most become one via Magecraft or other means while some have other methods. They can also rival regular Vampires, and some can rival Servants." The Fairy Queen explains to the Demi-Human. "To hear one being involved in the destruction of Humanity is alarming for us."

Naofumi nodded, understanding the grave situation the Chaldeans are talking about. With the Heroic Spirit inside of him, he knows what they said was exaggerated. "If we are done discussing the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, the current situation is something more important than that." The Shield Hero stated.

"We can worry about dealing with those Vampires later, right now is what to do with Melromarc." Naofumi changed the subject, not wanting Ritsuka to be overwhelmed by the Anomaly beyond this one.

"Sir Naofumi's right, the entire Chaldea Staff should be here to speak about it." Lancelot supported what the Shielder said. "Let's just focus on our current mission, master."

Ritsuka took the moment to recollect himself before speaking. "Okay, I'm good."

Mirellia had a sorrowful expression on her face, feeling bad to bring that topic up. "I'm sorry to cause you distress, Lord Fujimaru. I thought you might want a little insight into what you'll be expecting."

"It's fine, your Majesty. I was just caught off guard," Ritsuka ensures the Queen that he'll be fine.

Saber turns to the person that Summoned him to this World. "Your Majesty, it'll be wise to let the Chaldean master and the Shield Hero rest for the rest of the day." He suggested to the Queen. "They've been through many hurdles just to get here,"

Mirellia nodded, taking the green-haired Saber's advice. "You're right, Saber." She looks back at the Chaldeans and Shield Hero, inclining her head to them.

To the trusted Guards of the Queen, Raphtalia, and Melty, were shocked to see her Majesty bowing her head to the Magus from the Stars. "I am truly sorry for giving you some added stress, master of Chaldea. Please relax and we'll discuss everything later on,"

"Thank you, your Majesty." Ritsuka inclined his head in respect.

Morgan stares at the Queen of the Country, sensing that something is bothering her. The Fairy Queen decided to confront her at a better time,

"Melty," Mirellia called for her Daughter,

"Yes, your Majesty?" Melty responded respectfully to her Mother.

Mirellia smiles at her Second Daughter, wanting her to do something for her. "Melty, take Sir Naofumi and Lord Fujimaru's Parties to the guest rooms?" The Pseudo-Servant asked her Daughter.

Melty nodded, obliging her Mother's request. "Yes, Mother." She looks at Castoria and nodded.

"Follow me, everyone, the guest rooms are on the next floor up." Melty smiles at everyone before them.

"You have our thanks, Princess." Percival, Barghest, and Lancelot inclined their heads in respect.

Once the Chaldeans and Shield Hero Party left the Throne room, Mirellia return to the Throne.

Rider and Saber looked at their Summoner, a bit concerned for her. "Your Majesty," The maroon-haired Rider opened his mouth.

"It's fine, Rider." Mirellia sighs, closing her fan. "I just thinking how I should say it to the two," She looks up at the door, thinking of Ritsuka and Naofumi.

"If you think that you overstep some boundaries, I believe that you didn't overstep anything, your Majesty." Saber of the Heroes Parisian stated, shrugging his shoulders. "You just did what you felt right for Fujimaru's mission. After all…"

Mirellia nodded, knowing the accomplishments of the Magus from the Stars. However, that's not the reason why she's like this. "I know, the Spirit within me wants to tell him. However, that is not the reason why I'm feeling some doubts."

"Is it your plan to a-"

"Yes, Saber. You know as I that the Nobles of Melromarc won't accept Lord Fujimaru as a member of the Nobility." Mirellia said, knowing what the Nobles of her Kingdom are like.

Rider closes his eyes, crossing his arms. "Let's hope your plan will unite the entire country after our invasion." The maroon-haired Servant said.

Within the hallways, everyone followed the Second Princess to their rooms within the Castle. "Speak about unexpected, the Queen of Melromarc being a Pseudo-Servant," Percival commented, "How many does that make?"

"I've never really kept count; it doesn't concern me." Baobhan Sith shrugs, not really caring if the Queen is a Pseudo-Servant.

"Fou, Fou," Fou patted Ritsuka's cheek, sensing that he was uneasy. The Beast was concerned for the Magus after a piece of unexpected information from the meeting with the Queen.

Ritsuka turns to Fou, gently scratching his chin. "It's nothing, Fou. I was just thinking about the remaining Anomalies we have to resolve later."

Barghest walked forward, keeping pace with her master. "Master, I understand the severity of the opponent at the final Anomaly but please don't bite off more than you can chew." The Blackdog stated,

"Fairy Knight Gawain is right, Ritsuka-dono. Just focus on your task and worry about the others later." Raphtalia supported the Fairy Knight, seeing how he was distressed back in the Throne room. "Um, if it helps maybe think about the upcoming Ball. I'm sure it'll be exciting to attend."

Ritsuka nodded, "Thanks, you two, mmm?"

Nearing an ajar door, Ritsuka heard the familiar laughter of both Filo and Pavel coming inside.

"Is that Filo and Pavel?" Naofumi asked, hearing the same laughter as Ritsuka.

"I heard it too, let's check it out." Ritsuka turns to the Roundtable behind them.

"We'll be in our rooms, Husband. I want to make an attempt to contact Brother and the rest of our group." Morgan turns to the Fairy Knights and Percival. "Knights of the Roundtable, I request your assistance, as well as you, Arturia."

Castoria nodded, wanting to help out as much as she can. "I'll do my best."

Baobhan Sith nodded, obliging to her Mother's request. "Of course, Mother! I, Fairy Knight Tristan will help you." She said.

"Yes, your Majesty!" Barghest answered the Fairy Queen.

Melusine nodded, "I'll give it my all, your Majesty."

"Saber, can you lend your aid to Berserker?" Ritsuka asked the strongest Knight of the Roundtable of Proper Human History.

Lancelot nodded, following his Son-in-law's request. "Yes, master." He looks at Morgan, nodding at his assistance.

Both Ritsuka, Percival, Raphtalia, and Naofumi entered the room where they heard laughter. Inside they find Filo and Pavel laughing while riding a familiar vehicle.

"Filo didn't know there's a carriage that isn't pulled by Filo!" The Filoial exclaims with joy while riding next to Pavel.

Pavel giggled while stirring the vehicle on the driver's seat. "Ms. Da Vinci, this toy is amazing! It's like riding a carriage!" The young child exclaims while laughing.

"Of course, I did build many models before. This is just the prototype version of a gift I plan to make for a child I know back home." The brunette woman stated, taking in the compliments. "However I need children to test out my prototype first."

The Demi-Human maid clasps her hands together, amazed by the ingenuity of the Genius next to her. "This invention is revolutionary, my lady. To think this would be used by many people of different races." She stated.

Da Vinci smiled, "Well I am a Genius after all. The miniature All-Purpose Vehicular Ornithopter Mach III! The other two are meant for adults and not for children." The Caster explains to the Demi-Human who just nodded, not fully understanding what she means.

"D-D-DA VINCI!"

Da Vinci turns around, spotting Ritsuka and Percival along with some newer faces with them. "Hi, nice reaction, Fujimaru!" She points to the master of Chaldea. "Hello my beloved pupil, it's been a while. How're things for you?"

"Da Vinci, it's great to see you too." Ritsuka greeted the Technology Development Division Head. Then he went for the attack "Da Vinci, what happened back at the Bermuda Anomaly? Is everyone-"

Da Vinci chuckles, patting her master's shoulder. "Fujimaru, please calm down. Everyone is just fine; I'm sure Berserker and the others explain the situation to you already." The Caster stated.

The Caster crosses her arms, thinking of the struggle just to track him. "I have to say that masked master is good. If Archimedes and Hephaestus didn't scan your Magical signature, then it'll be difficult just to track you." Da Vinci sighed, looking at the company her master has with him.

"We're just lucky that Hephaestus did his AI magic and calculated this Anomaly was connected to the Servants that relate to the Sixth Singularity and the British Lostbelt to send you back up." Da Vinci complained, "Anyways, enough with the technical part, just know that the Storm Border is awaiting for contact…which is…"

"Difficult, I figured as much when I Summoned the Lancer and Fairy Knight Lancelot." Ritsuka crossed his arms, "I believe something here is preventing us from contact with the rest of Chaldea."

Da Vinci nodded, agreeing with the director of Chaldea. "Anyways," She looks at the newcomers standing behind her master. "I can recognize Lancer but he's not the one from the British Lostbelt."

Percival chuckles, meeting the famous Leonardo Da Vinci in person. "It's pleasure to meet you, Lady." He greeted the Genius before him. "I'm Lancer, and by the looks of it; you too know of my Lostbelt self."

"Indeed, and you must be P-Lancer from our History." Da Vinci commented, happy to meet him regardless.

The brunette Caster then steps forward to Naofumi, seeing the platinum armor and red cape. "By the looks of your armor and your aura, you must be a Pseudo-Servant."

Naofumi nodded, confirming what the Caster was saying. "That's right, Shielder of Camelot; um, that's what the Hero is saying to call myself." He placed his hand over his chest,

"A Shielder, I've only heard of one other, and that was a while back." Da Vinci commented before catching the title Naofumi gave himself. "Camelot, so you must be a member of the Knight of the Roundtable, or someone related to the Arthurian Legends."

Ritsuka nodded, "That's what I suspect too, but that's for him to discover."

Da Vinci nodded, sensing there was some backstory behind this reason. "Very well, though if Holmes was here, he'll deduce his True Name in a snap." She smiles before moving to the Demi-Human beside Naofumi. "And you are another Demi-Human, correct? I'm Caster, one of the oldest Servants who worked with Fujimaru."

Raphtalia inclined her head in respect. "Nice to meet you, Caster-dono. It's nice to know that there are more allies with us than enemies." The Demi-Human stated.

"With introductions out of the way, can you tell me what's happening on your end, Fujimaru?" Da Vinci asked her master/pupil, "There are little information that I could work with within the City and the Shadows to get a bigger picture of the Anomaly."

"Right," Ritsuka answered before the Maid interrupts them.

"I'll fetch some refreshments for you all." The Maid inclines her head before departing for the kitchen.

An hour later, Raphtalia and Percival oversee Pavel, Fou, and Filo while driving the ornithopter toy.

"I see, I'd heard of the Three Heroes Roundtable from the rumors in the castle." Da Vinci nodded, drinking the tea that the Maid brought. "But to hear that the Three Heroes are Humans that were Summoned from other Worlds throughout the Dimensional Planes. If I'm to guess, the Summoning is similar to the Heroic Spirit Summon Ritual that we used in Chaldea." The Caster stated.

Da Vinci looks at her tea, understanding the circumstances here. "Using a Heroic Spirit Summon Ritual to Summon living Humans to fight off these Waves of Calamities." She stated, taking in the information. "If I have to guess, the Cardinal Weapons are used as Catalyst meant to Summon those who wield them in the past…but…"

"The Mages had us Isekai here from our homes, and by doing that-"

"Aniki, Iwatani, Amaki, and Kawasumi are infused with the essence of the Servants meant to be Summoned." Ritsuka continued, finishing the report to Da Vinci. "Pseudo-Servants,"

Da Vinci nodded before catching a term that her master used. "Aniki? You mean you have Family here, Fujimaru?" She asked, a bit shocked to hear that he has a Brother in this World. "Aniki…does this mean Charles is here in this Anomaly?"

"Charles? Oh, right your Brother from Britain." Naofumi commented, remembering the conversations they had before during free time.

Ritsuka shook his head, "It's not Charles, Aniki is the first person I met in Fuyuki before coming to Chaldea," The Magus explains to the Renaissance Woman. "He's known as Heroic Knight Lancelot, Motoyasu Kitamura." He clutched his fist,

The Technology Development Division Head looked at her master, seeing the uneasiness in his eyes. "I see…" Da Vinci placed her cup on the coaster near the table. "Well, this situation is very humorous if you think about it." She said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Um…Caster-dono, how is this situation humorous for Ritsuka-dono?" Raphtalia asked the Universal Genius sitting in front of them. "Heroic Knight Lancelot is our enemy. Ritsuka-dono is conflicted about fighting him."

Naofumi looks at his Party member, hearing her statement. "Raphtalia, that's enough." He scolded her for assuming things on Ritsuka's behalf.

Raphtalia flinched, realizing what she said. She turns to the Magus and inclined her head, "I-I'm sorry Ritsuka-dono, I didn't-"

"It's fine, Raphtalia. I know you didn't mean any harm in saying that." Ritsuka assure the Demi-Human that she didn't do any harm.

The auburn Demi-Human sighs, smiling at the Magus from the Stars. "Thank you, Ritsuka-dono." Raphtalia smiles, happy to be forgiven by him.

"Raphtalia, I didn't mean Fujimaru and Heroic Knight Lancelot's relationship (Though I admit complicated). It's the fact that mostly everyone with the name Lancelot is somewhat related to his Family." Da Vinci explains why it's humorous to her. "Such as Shielder and Mashu, his Wife."

Raphtalia nodded, "I-I see,"

"Anyways let's continue with our little conversation. What else did you all do in Melromarc?" Da Vinci asked the allies as they continued informing her of events they'd been through.

Melromarc Capital

"Are sure? I mean we just met a week ago, and you helped me pay for my apartment, (which is next to yours) But coming with you to your University? That's too much," Ritsuka stated, looking at the blonde man before him.

Motoyasu chuckles, crossing his arms. "Fujimaru, you are a foreigner who knows next to nothing when it comes to Japan." He stated in English. "This week is a holiday at my school. I'll help you get accustomed to Japanese life, learn the language, and some customs you'll need."

The black-haired teen frowns, looking at the first person he'd met here. "I know at least a bit of Japanese, I learned it while I was on the plane," Ritsuka stated to the man.

The blonde man chuckles, ruffling the boy's hair. "Knowing how to say Kon'nichiwa and Arigatōgozaimashita aren't going to get you anywhere, bro," Motoyasu commented on the lack of terminology his friend has. "Now, got that notebook I've got you?"

Ritsuka adjusted his backpack, showing it to the College student. "Yes, and can you don't do that to my hair? It'll be hard just to fix that." He stated.

"Nope," Motoyasu smirks, walking into his University. "Now I know the perfect spot for you to study, I'll be there if you have any questions."

Once inside Motoyasu's University, he gave Ritsuka a tour of the place. They went to the College Library and found some English-to-Japanese books and had Ritsuka memorize the needed terms.

This went on for two weeks and Ritsuka was getting the hang of the Japanese language. One day while teaching Ritsuka in the library, a brunette girl approaches Motoyasu while explaining the characters to Ritsuka.

"Motoyasu-kun, I thought you we were going to meet up at the-" The girl frowned, seeing Ritsuka with the man she has a crush on.

Motoyasu looks up and paled seeing Ikuyo standing before him. "Ikuyo, w-what a surprise to see you here." He gave a slight chuckle, scratching the back of his head,

Ritsuka looks up, seeing a girl speaking to his friend. He blinks and remains quiet to better read the situation,

Ikuyo looks over to the black-haired and green-eyed boy, "Who is that person, Motoyasu?" She asked, suspicious of him.

"O-Oh, um…(How do I explain-)"

"I'm Fujimaru Ritsuka, Aniki was just helping me study. I have a big test that I really need help studying with." Ritsuka fibs, eyeing the blonde-haired student.

"Aniki? You're his Brother?" The girl asked, looking at both Motoyasu and Ritsuka. "You don't look like Brothers," She observed their appearance.

Motoyasu quickly nodded, picking up Ritsuka's lie. "Yep, we're Brothers from another Mother!" He wraps his arms over the young teen's shoulders. "We have different Mothers, but the same Father! We just reconnected and are now living in the same apartment complex," He gave a light chuckle.

"F-I mean Ritsuka here came from out of the Country with his Mother, but things happen, and you know the rest a bit ago!" Motoyasu chuckles nervously, feeling the nudge from Ritsuka's shoulder. "(H-Hey, quiet that,)" He whispers.

"(What are you saying? Don't go overboard with that tale, just ended there!)" Ritsuka hissed back at the blonde man.

Ikuyo looked at the two before and ultimately didn't question it. "I didn't know that you should've told me Motoyasu-kun." She stated and looked at Ritsuka. "If you need some more help, I can-"

Motoyasu stood up and grabbed Ritsuka's shoulders, bringing him up with him. "Nope, we're all good! We just finished and should be heading home soon." He turns around and quickly packs all of Ritsuka's pens and notes. "Let's go, Ritsuka! Your Aniki is hungry!"

"W-Wait-GAH!"

Both Motoyasu and Ritsuka quickly leave the little room, leaving Ikuyo alone.

Later that night, Ritsuka was on Motoyasu's spare gaming laptop while Motoyasu was on his gaming computer. "Say, Fujimaru. Why did you call me your Aniki back there with Ikuyo?" Motoyasu asked while playing Emerald Online with him.

"I noticed that…Ikuyo was it? Was giving you some a nervous reaction so I stepped in-" Ritsuka paused, quickly moving the mouse. "Oh, there's some new quest on the guild board."

"I see it, wanna to do the one with the Dragon hunt?" Motoyasu asked before hearing confirmation from the black-haired teen. "So, the only reason why you called me your Aniki is to help me?"

Ritsuka typed a few things in chat. "Well, not only that. You did look after me all this time, teach me everything about Japanese culture, it's like I have an older brother looking after me." The teen stated, telling the College student what he was thinking. "It's nice,"

Motoyasu paused for a moment and looked back at Ritsuka, 'Aniki…me and Ritsuka…Brothers…' He gave the relationship they have so far, a thought and smiled, "Yeah, it does have a nice ring to it."

"Then I'll call you Aniki from now on," Ritsuka chuckles, continuing to play Emerald Online.

Motoyasu stood before the window, he looked at the horizon reminiscing about the time he spent with Ritsuka playing Emerald Online. "Ritsuka…" He said to himself. "I swear, I will destroy Chaldea and free you from their control,"

"Oi, Motoyasu," Heroic Knight Lancelot turned around, seeing Heroic Knight Tristan with his Party standing behind him. "You better get a move on; you got a big area to search for the Weapon's pieces."

"You as well, Heroic Knight Tristan." Myne approaches the Heroic Knights, sliding her arms under Motoyasu's arm. "Heroic Knight Gawain's Party has already left for his piece and Motoyasu-sama is about to depart soon. What about you?"

Itsuki huffs, turning around from the Bitch. "I'm just reminding Motoyasu. He was just standing at the window." He waves at them before leaving for the North.

Myne scoffs before putting on a fake smile, "Don't mind, Heroic Knight Tristan, Motoyasu-sama. I understand your worry," She purrs, "As Heroic Knight Aid Guinevere, I swear that I'll do everything to bring your Brother back."

"Thanks, Myne. I can always trust you," The Lancer smiles, appreciating her help. "By the way, where are we heading for the missing pieces?" He asked his Aid.

The Heroic Knight Aid drags the blonde Hero outside the castle. "If I remember, Saber said around the mountains and a place called the Ruins of Paradise."

"Ruins of Paradise…"

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.