AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 25 Back on Task
It's been weeks since Ritsuka arrived at Hogwarts, he already went over some notable Greek Heroes now onto the next culture. As of right now he and his Servants already investigated the school and the northeast sector of the Forbidden Forest. Now they're planning to investigate the southern sector to see any signs of the Rogue Servant that Saber of Sheol spoke of.
Ritsuka sat at his desk video chatting with Hermione, Ginny, and the others who can make it. -ZZZ- So the other me in that world is the same? -ZZZ- Hermione asked, curious about her doppelganger's life and personality.
"Yes, in fact, it's no surprise that she's one of my top five students who have the highest grade." Ritsuka chuckles causing Hermione to blush.
Ginny patted her on the back, trying to cheer her up. -ZZZ- Hey at least your doppelganger and you are practically the same person. Mine is all spoiled and selfish. -ZZZ- She shutters at the thought of her in a frilly dress. -ZZZ- And with her trying to get all over you, Ritsuka. I mean no offense, but you are good-looking, but not my type. -ZZZ- Ginny laughs.
-ZZZ- Oh? What is- -ZZZ-
-ZZZ- Your type, Gin? -ZZZ- Both the twins asked their little sister on kind of boy she likes.
Ginny thought for a moment thinking of the boys she used to date. -ZZZ- I guess I'm more of the serious responsible type. The guys I dated were great but didn't catch my interest. -ZZZ-
Ritsuka smirks upon hearing what type of guys that Ginny likes. "So does Lucien catch your interest, Ginny?" He asked seeing her eyes widen and face flustered.
-ZZZ- N-N-I has no idea who you're talking about. -ZZZ- Ginny huffed, hiding away her flustered face.
Everyone could see her face; her cheeks were bright red as an apple. 'She definitely has a thing for him.' a thought that was on everyone's mind.
Draco coughs gaining Ritsuka's attention. -ZZZ- So, Ritsuka I was wonder what's my doppelganger is like? -ZZZ-
-ZZZ- Same here, I wonder if we're engaged in this universe. -ZZZ- Daphne ponders in her mind about what they're like there.
Ritsuka chuckles, crossing his arms. "Both of your doppelgangers are like those Pureblood Wizards who are in support of the old Ministry back home." He laughs remembering their high and mighty faces. "As a matter of fact, I just gave your doppelganger detention for mouthing other students Draco." He informs the Animusphere heir.
Draco blinks before laughing at the comment. -ZZZ- Seriously? Mine is that bad? If father hears about this, he'll scold that other me like it was the end of the world. -ZZZ-He laughs, -ZZZ- So what did you given 'me' for detention, Ritsuka? -ZZZ- he jokes with his family friend.
Flashback
Ritsuka was sitting at his desk grading the homework assignment of the Titans. "Mmm, at least Lavender did the assignment," He said to himself before hearing his door open. The Magus saw Filch dragging Draco by the arm over to his desk. "Mr. Filch, what brings you here at this time?"
Filch pulls Draco in front of him. "I'm on an important engagement tonight with Dolores, you have to take Mr. Malfoy for his punishment." He explains to the Magus.
"You mean detention." Ritsuka corrected the Squib of his wording.
"Detention, punishment, all the same with these children." Filch took off, walking back to the entrance door of the room.
Draco scoffs, dusting off his sleeve from the touch of the Squib's touch. "Filthy Squib, touching me without permission. Who does he think he is, touching a Pureblood like myself." He huffed before looking at Ritsuka. "So? What punishment you're going to make me do, Potter?" he crosses his arms.
Ritsuka blinks, sighing that he never planned for hosting any student detention before. He stood up, placing down the paper before sitting at the front of his desk. "I do not know, what do you do when you were given detention." He asked, not trying to be smug about it.
"Look here, Potter. I don't know what you're up to, as a Malfoy I expect to be treated with the respect I deserve!" Draco proclaims, expressing what his father taught him when he was in a difficult situation when his tactic didn't work.
The Magus nodded, seeing that Lucius here is clearly one of those Pureblooded puritans. He looks at Draco with a scrunched-up face, sneering at him. "Very well, you can just sit at the desk over there until the hour is up." He points to the empty seat in front of him.
"Tch," Draco pulled the chair, placing his head on the surface of the table. he then covered his face with his arm, preventing Ritsuka to see his face.
Ritsuka walks back behind his desk, finishing grading the homework from his students. After a good fifteen minutes, Ritsuka gazes up from one of the papers noticing Draco staring at the piano in the corner. "You play the piano?" he asked.
Draco scoffs thinking that he would play an instrument. "Those are for peasants to play for-"
"I was just asking if you ever played before," Ritsuka asked again.
The blonde boy looks at the young man, holding some papers. "What are you trying to do, Potter?" he demanded of the Magus.
"Nothing that would cause concern, it's just the Draco back at my world would always play the piano given the chance." Ritsuka smiles, remembering one of his recitals that he was invited by Lucius. "He loved to play, even to his family and friends. He would play just about anyone."
Draco scoffs, "So what? What does that get to do with me?" he asked, this time a little bit kinder.
Ritsuka stood up from his desk, walking over to the instrument. "I just figured that you might share the same love for the piano." He pulled the seat beneath the piano and open the cover.
The Malfoy heir walks over to the piano, leaning on the side of the desk. he scoffs getting a sense of what he's doing. "So you're going to play for me, Potter?" he rolled his eyes at how ridiculous this was.
"In a sense, yes." Ritsuka places his hands on the keys ready to play a song. "My friend wrote this song since he arrived at my home. I think it goes like this." (Insert Familiar Melody)
Ritsuka started to play a song composed by Mozart. This was a piece that he worked on upon being summoned and found a piano in the storage room. The song has a sense of peace and warmth to it, Draco was surprised to hear such a beautiful melody that it sparks something within him.
Draco closes his eyes, listening to each key of the piano play a smoothing sound to his ears. He opens his eyes seeing the movement of Ritsuka's fingers, pressing down the keys to making music.
The Magus looks at Draco, smiling at the melody. "Do you want to try?" Ritsuka asked, seeing his fingers pretending to play the keys.
The Slytherin blinks asking him to play, he looks to the side. "W-Why would I even play this piano? It's for peasants to use." He eyed Ritsuka, continuing to play that satisfying melody. "Fine, I'll play. But don't tell anyone!" he shouted at the Magus.
Ritsuka chuckles, moving to the side. "I won't, this will be our little secret." He smiles, letting him play the piano. (End Song)
End of Flashback
-ZZZ- So you use my love for music as a punishment for my other self? -ZZZ- Draco smirks, seeing that he's no different from any other Magus. -ZZZ- Very deceptive director, you do have a Magus side to your personality. -ZZZ- He jokes.
-ZZZ- He's right, you rarely see this side of Lord Fujimaru. -ZZZ- Daphne added, never getting to see this side before.
Luna nodded, agreeing with the two Magus. -ZZZ- Daddy always says that director Fujimaru is always a kind man, however he says that he can be cruel at times when the situation is dire. -ZZZ-
Everyone chuckles knowing what she meant. -ZZZ- Yeah, remember The Great Battle of Hogwarts? He was all serious. -ZZZ- Neville commented, remembering his commanding presence.
-ZZZ- Oh yeah, it's been almost a few months now. -ZZZ- Hermione commented, realizing how much time has passed since then.
Ritsuka nodded, "It sure has, Hermione. Time past when you're having fun."
-ZZZ- By the way, where's Mashu? -ZZZ- Ginny asked not seeing her around the office. -ZZZ- She's usually with you all the time. -ZZZ- She asked the Magus.
"Oh, Mashu went out for a bit with Bedivere and Parvati, I have her research on what happens to the Mana and Magus in this world," Ritsuka explains, not believing that the Mana wouldn't just be dwindling with Gaia and Alaya still around. "The world hasn't pruned this timeline yet, I believe that someone altered the timeline before we've arrived."
Draco nodded, -ZZZ- We read the reports, man I wonder what father would think if he saw his office at the Association now. -ZZZ- He ponders at the scenario in his mind.
Hermione thought for a moment before a lingering thought uproots itself in her mind. -ZZZ-Is it Avenger of the Gallows? -ZZZ- she asked the Magus.
"That's a possibility, I mean we're literally in her Anomaly." Ritsuka agrees with the possibility. Anything could happen in this mission. "I'm planning to go with a small-"
The doors burst open, causing everyone to look who entered. "Da Vinci?" Ritsuka asked, standing up from his desk. "What's going on-"
"Fujimaru, no time. It seems the Toad is at it again with Professor Trelawney at the courtyard." Da Vinci informs her master.
-ZZZ- Professor Trelawney? Ritsuka what's going on? -ZZZ- Hermione asked, concern for her former Professor back when she attends Hogwarts.
Ritsuka looks at his protégées on the holoscreen. "I'll get back to you all later." He shuts off the meeting before looking at the Oni in the room. "Ibuki look after Romani for me,"
Ibuki materializes in the corner of the room, crossing her arms. "You better have some compensation later, human." She warns him for asking such a task.
"I'll give you a jar of sweets later," Ritsuka chuckles before looking at the Caster. "Da Vinci, take me there." He asked in a
Da Vinci nodded, motioning her hands to follow her. "Right this way." They both rushed out, heading to the front courtyard to see the situation.
Jane arrived and stood with her friends seeing Sibyl Trelawney trembling with fear. "What's going on?" She pokes Hermione on the shoulder.
Dean walks up behind her, moving in next to the red-haired girl. "I heard that Professor Umbridge just fired Professor Trelawney." He informs his former best friend's twin.
"What!?" Jane exclaims, can't believe what she is hearing.
Hermione turns around to face her. "It's true, I heard it from one of the inquisitors bragging about it." she supported the Gryffindor's claims.
Jane looks at the Divination Professor, seeing that she's scared and upset with this outcome. "I feel bad for her." She said, watching as Filch steps out of the doors with one of Trelawney's bags.
"W-Wait, I-I-"Trelawny whimpers, stumbling back as the groundskeeper places her baggage in front of her.
The doors opened wide, letting Umbridge walk out with a smug smile on her face. She made her way over to the former Professor, she stumbles over her bag trying to walk to her. "S-S-S-Sixty-eight years, I-I have lived and taught here. H-Hogwarts is my home." She pleaded with the cruel woman to reconsidered.
Trelawney started to whimper; tears poured from her eyes. "Y-You can't do this," she cried.
Umbridge looks around, lifting her hand with a notice in them. "Actually I can," she smiles, relishing in her pain and suffering. "One more thing, before I ask you to leave. Care to retell my prophecy again? Maybe this time it would change." She giggles.
"I-It d-did not change. A-A bloody fate will still await you, a being that is ancient and just will give retribution upon you." Trelawny retold her prediction to the unpleasant woman.
Umbridge frowns at the prediction she heard before. "A shame, it seems you're losing your touch." She shook her head at her.
Lily, James, Hinako, and Mashu arrived to see what's the commotion was about. "What's going on?" James gasps seeing Sibyl in front of the Undersecretary.
"Oh no," Lily gasps, she turns around to McGonagall arriving at the scene with Ritsuka and Da Vinci.
Mashu looks over to Ritsuka, about to inform what's happening. "Ritsuka, Trelawny-sensei is being fired by Umbridge. Things aren't looking good for the Professor." The former Demi-Servant looks back at the courtyard.
"This is going too far with her." Hinako restrain herself from attacking that bitch for doing this to the sweet human she came to know,
McGonagall pushed her way through the gathered students. "Professor?" Da Vinci asked, following her lead.
James, Lily, Mashu, Hinako, and Ritsuka followed her through the packed archway. McGonagall rushes over hugging Trelawny, comforting her as she cries in her arms.
Hinako came over, rubbing her back, repeating her words to her. "It's going to be alright; it's going to be alright, Sibyl." The Dead Apostle comforts the human.
Umbridge looked at the Professors standing with the woman who she just fired. They all glared at her for doing this to the poor woman who dedicated her life to the students. The Toad soon noticed Lily; her eyes are fiery with anger. "Is there anything you want to say, dear?" She smiles at the brightest witch of her generation.
"Oh, there are several things I would like to say." Lily rubbed the back of her colleague. She turns back to the crying woman, comforting her.
McGonagall looks at Umbridge, her face is written with disappointment. "Aren't you ashamed of your action Dolores? Don't you even have a heart for Sibyl?"
"My Minerva, I'm only doing this for the Minister." Umbridge reasons with her. "And as his Undersecretary, this woman is unfit to teach- "The horrid woman paused hearing the main door into the school burst open.
Everyone turns around seeing Dumbledore with Waver and Koyanskaya, indicating she informed him of the situation. He made his way down to the courtyard, going over to his instructors. "Professor McGonagall, Professor Potter, Professor Caster, Professor Akuta, and Mrs. Fujimaru, might I ask you all to escort Sibyl back inside." He asked the Professors in the courtyard. "And Professor Caster mind if you give Sibyl a cup of tea while you at it."
Da Vinci nodded, "Of course, Headmaster." She turns to the Divination Professor. "Now come along, I'm sure Saber has some Jasmine tea with your name on it." she smiles at her.
Trelawny's eyes widen with relief, McGonagall guided her back inside the school. "Sibyl dear…" she comforts her. "Right this way."
The Professor took Dumbledore's hand, holding it with joy. "T-Thank you, thank you, thank you…" she was grateful for the old man's kindness.
"Sibyl, this way," Hinako said, helping her out. "This way,"
"We'll stay with you when you feel better Trelawny-sensei." Mashu comforts her with her kindness.
"Yes, we won't leave you until you feel better," Lily added in, helping however way she can. Koyanskaya and Waver helped out too, leading her to the kitchen.
Umbridge was getting furious but she hid it well, she looks at Dumbledore retaining her smug façade. "Dumbledore, may I remind you under the terms of Educational Decree number Twenty-three; as the act of the Minister-"
"You have the right to dismiss my Professors." Dumbledore proclaims as both James and Ritsuka stood beside him. "You do not have the authority to banish them from the grounds. That power remains with the Headmaster."
Umbridge remains silent, still, retain her smug look. "For now." She claims.
Dumbledore gazes around before looking at James. "Professor Potter, take Sibyl's things back to her room." He then looks at every student who has gathered today. "Don't you all have studying to do?" he walks off back inside the school with Ritsuka following him.
"Headmaster, are you feeling alright?" Ritsuka asked the tired look man.
The old headmaster sighs, feeling tired from the Umbridge's stunt. "I'm sorry Mr. Fujimaru, it seems my old age is getting to me." he jokes to lighten the mood. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Ritsuka shook his head. "No, I was merely informing you that I'll take a leave of absence." Dumbledore froze upon hearing his words. He turns around facing the Magus.
"Mr. Fujimaru, might I ask why you're suddenly asking me this request?" Dumbledore asked, curious why he is asking the sudden request from him.
"It's just I need to go right back on track for my mission here," Ritsuka explains to the Headmaster. "I-"
"No need for further details Mr. Fujimaru." Dumbledore leans into the Magus. "(Between you and me, Hagrid said that strange things are happening on the southern part of the Forbidden Forest for the past month, I suggest you look there first.)" he gave some information that might help him on his mission.
Ritsuka looks at Dumbledore, smiling at him. "Thank you, Headmaster, for your information."
Dumbledore simply nodded, "As long you have someone to cover your class, but I think Professor Akuta would suffice if you trust her." He walks back to his office letting Ritsuka walk to his.
Forbidden Forest October 3rd, 1995, 2:30 PM
"I swear master is one to be late to this." Waver crosses his arms, waiting near the entrance of the Forbidden Forest with a small group of Servants.
Benkei walks by Waver's side. "Come now Waver-sama, Fujimaru-dono is a very busy man since he arrived in this world." The Lancer defended their master honor. "Didn't you share the same experience when you were an instructor?" he asked the Pseudo-Servant.
Waver sighs, feeling defeated by this man. "Indeed, I shouldn't criticize master when I was in his position in the past." He spoke to the three Servants.
Ushiwakamaru chuckles, "Waver-sama, aren't you an instructor as well?" she asked the former Lord.
"Now that you mention it, Sir Waver aren't you still consider as an instructor now?" Gawain asked, leaning on a tree. "You did offer your expertise to Lady Da Vinci in the Mundane Culture Class." The Knight commented on the Professor.
"Shut it," Waver warns before feeling their master's presence.
"Sorry I'm late, I have to give Hinako the lesson plans for today." Ritsuka walks up to them in his Artic Mystic Code with Watanabe by his side.
Waver looks over to his master, ready to scold him once again for being late once again. "Master, you can't keep-"
Ushiwakamaru steps forward with a smile, interrupting the Caster. "Fujimaru-dono, we have scouted ahead. Nothing we found so far," she reported to the Magus.
Ritsuka nodded, hearing the report. "Well, Dumbledore has informed me that Hagrid has been seeing strange behavior from the creatures who reside in there." He told the small group.
Benkei nodded, noticing the lack of animals in the greenery. "It seems Hagrid has been correct on this mystery." The Lancer commented. "I do believe something has made them uneased."
Watanabe looks at the forest, feeling an ominous wind coming from within the tree. "I sense a great evil from the forest, the smell of malice and death." The Heavenly King informs the group.
"Indeed, it seems danger is afoot." Gawain senses the feeling of danger too. He turns to his master, readying his sword. "Master, your skills with the sword are exceptional however it will ease us if you stay close as possible." He expressed his worries.
Ritsuka nodded, understanding Gawain's concerns. "Don't worry, I can handle myself." He looks at the sky, "Foreigner,"
Voyager materialized next to Ushiwakamaru after hearing his name being called. "Yes, master?" the blonde boy asked his master.
"I need you to fly above the forest and map the area as you did for London and Hogwarts," Ritsuka asked the Foreigner for his help.
"I understand master," Voyager responded flying up in the air. "I'll make sure every ounce of this place is mapped with no hidden secrets."
Ushiwakamaru smiles at the devoted boy as he took the skies. "We're counting on you Foreigner." She called out his name.
Jamie and Colin were walking on the pavement to Hagrid's hut, wanting to see if he's back. "Geez, Jamie are you even sure Hagrid is even here?" Colin asked, looking around for any signs of a teacher. "We're going to be caught if they see us out here during study hall."
"You're such a worrywart Colin," Jamie smirks, arriving at the small hut for a half-giant. "We're here." He proceeds to knock on the door, trying to gain the half giant's attention.
"Hagrid! Are you in there?" Jamie called out trying to get Hagrid's attention. "Hagrid?" he calls him once more.
Colin jumps at his best friend's sudden increase in volume. "(Jamie! Lower your voice down or…else…) His eyes averted to the right seeing a group of people near the entrance of the Forest. "Hey isn't that Professor Fujimaru?" he points to Ritsuka walking inside the Forest.
"Mmm?" Jamie looks over where Colin was pointing to and saw Ritsuka disappearing into the Forest. "Why is he going into the Forbidden Forest? Doesn't he teach lore right about now?"
Colin nudges his friend, "So are we going to-"
"Let's follow him, I'm curious about what he's doing out here," Jamie said, going straight over where he saw Ritsuka entering.
"Wait! Jamie! We can't go inside the Forest, it's against Hogwarts's rules!" Colin tries to reason with his friend.
Jamie turns around with a cheeky smile, thinking of a good excuse if they were caught by any teachers. "We can always say Ritsuka was with us the whole time. The rules say that as long a teacher is with us in the forest then it's alright." He told him before rushing off. "Now come on, he's far inside already."
Colin looks back at the castle, then at Jamie. "Oh, I have a bad feeling about this." He quickly follows the red-haired boy to where they saw the Magus entered.
The Chaldean exploration team travels down a dimly lighted path where the sunlight barely passes the canopy. "I can hardly see in here," Ushiwakamaru commented trying to see the way.
"You are correct Ushiwaka-sama, this forest is known to have little light no matter what day it is if we delve in deeper," Benkei added to his friend's comment. "Master it's probably the best for you to light the way."
Ritsuka nodded, seeing the logic. "You're right Benkei," he took out a yellow gem and activated it. "Licht," He flips the gem in the air creating a small light source for them.
Gawain looks around, still a bit dark. "I'll assist too." He summoned Galatine, holding the blade with his other hand, and slide it across creating a flaming sword. "There, much better." He lifts the sword in the air creating more light in the shadows.
"Good work Sir Gawain," Watanabe commented, seeing the area better.
"Much appreciated Sir Watanabe," Gawain replied to his fellow Saber.
Ritsuka smiles, looking at the sky. "Voyager, how are you fairing up there?" he asked the floating boy just above the group.
Voyager looks down at the group, smiling. "I am doing well master. I have seventy percent of the southern part of the Forbidden Forest mapped already." He informed his master.
"That's good Voyage-"
"Master, I sense some lingering Magical Energy here." Waver said, walking up to a clearing with a tree on an edge of a small cliff.
Ritsuka looks around the clearing sensing the Magically Energy around the area. "I sense it too, this must be where the Servant Saber of Sheol mentioned must've materialized in this world." Ushiwakamaru walks around, examining the area some more.
Benkei kneels on the ground, seeing some tracks from months ago. "There are some tracks here, however they were made way before we arrived."
Ritsuka walks behind Benkei, seeing the cloven tracks with what seems to be a boot mark. "It seems that the Servant had an encounter with the local Centaur Tribe here." He concluded seeing the evidence here.
"Yes, it seems you are correct O Humanity's final master." Ritsuka looks up as his Servants went into a defensive position. A young boy with white hair, a tail blue coat a white vest light blue shorts, black socks, and brown boots. In his hands was a familiar book to the Chaldeans.
"Who are you? State your business here!" Gawain demanded the new Servants.
The Servant smiles, "Caster of Eden, a pleasure." He inclines his head. "I was just walking around in this part of the Forest, then I sensed you have arrived Ritsuka Fujimaru."
"An Anomaly Servant!" Ushiwakamaru drew her blade at the Caster, sensing the danger he poses to her master. "You are aligned with Avenger of the Gallows then." She grips her katana tight.
Caster smiles, opening his arms. "Of course, me and Avenger share a common goal for Rider of Heaven." He opens his books, three summoning circles appeared around him. "Now that you know where we Servants of Eden are, I can't let you go that easily." The Caster smirks casting his spells.
"Come! Watchers of Eden! Kill the one who would destroy the paradise you swore to protect!" Caster of Eden announced, the ground started to rumble. Three huge statues appeared right behind him. "Now…" A sadistic grin and dark eyes appear on Caster's face, he raises his hand pointing at the Chaldeans.
"Allow me to take pleasure in your pain and misery, Chaldean Master!"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review. And just a reminder, I know Skadi-Scáthach is an OC. I'm going to use just Skadi's lore not the Scáthach part, anyways the results for the poll are on the bottom.
Karna - 8
Arjuna - 1
Sigurd - 1
Skadi - 8
Valkyrie - 2
Ozymandias - 8
