AN: Enjoy the chapter
Ch 48 Day 68: The Old Man of the Hermitage
Ritsuka woke up, feeling Mashu by his side in their bed. He reached out to brush away her bangs away from her face. She stirs in her sleep, opening her eyes smiling at him. "Good morning," he smiles.
"Morning Ritsuka." Mashu greeted her husband. She leans forward and gave him a little peck on his lips. "I'm glad Aphrodite-san was able to cure the poison."
"Me too," Ritsuka stretch before putting his arm over Mashu. "I'm glad that is over, it's been awhile since you've wore the armor." he commented at Mashu's old outfit.
Mashu giggles, snuggling against him. "Yes, that last time I wore it was during Avalon Le Fay. It felt good." She smiles.
Ritsuka sighs, relishing the peaceful moment. "This moment now would be better if Romani was here." He smiles, still holding onto his wife.
"Well, Ibuki-san and Parvati-san is bringing him back this afternoon." Mashu informed him. "I'm betting he's dying to be with us."
The Magus chuckles, thinking of his joyful son. "Yeah…" Footsteps echoes on the stairs, leading up to their room. The couple looks at the entrance of their room, they saw Lucifer walking in with a folder in her hand.
"Master, our investigation in Ginny cell is complete and…" The Devil smirks, seeing both her master and his wife in an interesting position.
Mashu's face brighten a bright red; she quickly covers herself with the blanket that she and Ritsuka shared. "L-Lucifer-san! W-What are you doing here?" Mashu stutters.
Lucifer smirks, waving the folder in her hands. "Well, I was going to hand this detailed report of the cell; but I can clearly see you two are…working on baby number two." She chuckles.
Ritsuka blushed, never thought of having a second child. "W-W-We aren't…" He gulps, looking at Mashu who shared the same face of shock.
"W-We haven't-"
Lucifer just laugh at the awkwardness between the two. "Just kidding, anyways I'll leave this here master." She place the folder on the table near the stairwell. "Oh, almost forgot." She looks at them, "Its almost time for your class master, and Muramasa is up next." She grins before leaving the room.
After a few minutes changing, Ritsuka in his Royal Brand Mystic Code and Mashu into her usual wear. He stretches a bit before turning to Mashu, putting on her stockings, Ritsuka rubs the back of his head. "Mashu, I'm sure everyone is going to ask you…"
"I know," Mashu smiles at her husband, putting on her boots. "I don't mind, Ritsuka. We can't exactly keep the secret for long."
Ritsuka sighs, loving her optimistic mood. "But we can leave out some parts of the truth." She suggested.
Ritsuka chuckles, grabbing his laptop on his desk before leaving the bedroom with Mashu behind him.
Jane, Hermione, and Ron sat together with Neville in their usual place in the Lore Class. After the events of yesterday, the whole Harry Potter Fan Club died down due to the conviction she has for her husband they saw the light.
However it's not the same when it comes to the Noble Phantasm Mashu unleashed during what the students called the Valentine Duel. Jane looks to her side, seeing Hermione's hand shaking with anticipation for an explanation. "Hermione, calm down. Ritsuka will explain everything." She said.
"I wonder what's that about, what did Mashu call it…the…Lord Camelot?" Neville asked himself, hearing what the Assistant Professor shouted.
"Yeah, I wonder that too. The white walls though…it's beautiful like you're being touched by the light of Heaven," Luna commented, liking the feeling when she saw the walls.
'Lord…Camelot…' That words replayed in Hermione's mind, curious why Mashu mentions the legendary city in Britain history.
Daphne scoffs, "If you ask me, that wall is way to white for my taste." She waved her hands. "Right Draco?"
Draco was being well behaved for someone of the Malfoy family. "Mmm? Oh, yes Daphne." He agrees.
Tracy notice how Draco is acting, it's strange for a Slytherin. Now that Draco has detention for pretty much every Friday he comes back satisfied. Something is going on in the detention of his. "Draco-"
"Alright, brats settle down. I'm here to assist the kid in his class today." Everyone turn to see Muramasa walking inside the classroom with Hinako and Lanling following him.
"Lord Saber, please be more refined when addressing master's students." Lanling pleaded with the Blacksmith.
Hinako sighs at the crankiness the quote old man is giving them. "Is it because you left the kitchen or that your in a classroom filled with maturing children with high hormones?" the True Ancestor asked the former apostle of the Alien God.
Muramasa looks at Hinako, his eye twitch at the comment she made. "Not at all Hinako, just the fact our secret might be compromised now." he said to her.
Hinako shrugs, "Well Ritsuka can handle that," she saw a hand raised, her head turns to Hermione. "Yes, Hermione?"
"Is the secret about what Mashu said during the Valintine Duel? Lord-"
"Camelot." Ritsuka appeared before everyone with Mashu standing behind him. They all looked at them, walking down the steps of his office.
"What is exactly is Lord Camelot?" A Ravenclaw asked the Professor.
"Yeah, does it has to do with the Kingdom or…"
Ritsuka smiles, knowing that it came to this. "Lord Camelot is the ultimate protection that was once held by Sir Galahad." That name, one of the most famous name in Britain history.
"So the Shield is-"
"Yes, the Shield is made from the remains of the Roundtable where Arthur's Knights gathered." Mashu explains, "The Chaldea Security Organization isn't just a research center for relics."
Ritsuka steps forward, "It's a place where we conduct experiments to harness a hero's ability to use to protect our world." He lied, knowing that revealing that each Servant is a Hero will be too much for their developing minds.
"So what you are saying is that, Ms. Kyirelight wields the power of Sir Galahad?" A Hufflepuff asked the Magus which he replied with a nod.
"That…"
"That…"
"IS SO WICKED!" Each student looked at Mashu like she's the next Sir Galahad; even the Slytherins who dislike her due to her status change their perspective.
Daphne stood up, her face was filled with admiration for her. "So you're like the new Sir Galahad, right? I mean you're strong when facing Ginny,"
"Yeah, to think I'm meeting a Knight of the Roundtable!" A Ravenclaw squeals in joy; an inspiration for all Wizards and Witches alike. "How did you obtain the Roundtable?"
Hermione's eyes widen with curiosity about this topic. "I have to agree, the Roundtable was destroyed by Sir Mordred. How were you able to get the Roundtable?" she asked,
"Yes, yes, I know you all have questions but this is still a class session." Ritsuka informed his students, receiving groans of disappointment from them. He sighs, looking at Mashu for help.
Mashu smiles at her husband, taking over for him. She looks at the class, "As we said before, we have many connections around our world. One of them happen to find the center of the Roundtable in a ruin." She explains.
They all nodded, accepting what the wife of Ritsuka said. Ritsuka claps his hand, gaining their attention to him. "In any case, let's begin our lesson shall we?" he announced to the class. "If you would turn to page Thirty three then we can begin."
Ritsuka heard the pages turning to his request. Muramasa walks behind him, patting his shoulder, "You got this Kiddo, after all…you know me very well." The old man smirks, sitting where
Ritsuka smirks before logging on his laptop. "The Sengoku Jidai or Waring states period of Japan is a time with rampaging bloodshed." Images of a blood soak battlefield in a Japanese style of art appeared on screen.
"Samurai Warriors and Shoguns strive to obtain power by relentlessly with their military strife. Peace and solace is gone with states feuding, one peaceful fields where birds would sing are replaced by clashing sounds of swords of enemy armies." Images of opposing factions sigils appeared on screen.
"Professor, what are those symbols?" Hermione asked, curious about the symbols.
Hinako steps forward, ready to answer. "The symbols represent the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Matsudaira, and the Oda clans. Each of them fighting for control of Japan's states."
"Talk about a massive war," Ron resting his head on his hand. "Are we going to talk about the clans?"
"Yeah, is this about the war Professor?"
Ritsuka shook his head, "Not at all." His students have a complex expression on their faces, confused by his answer. "In short, we're learn where their blades came from." Images of katanas appeared in the next slide.
"The blades each Samurai carries were forged by a single man, said to be cursed when forging them. A man named Senji Muramasa or Sengo Muramasa." Ritsuka pulled up a image of a old man near a forge.
"Wait, so we're learning about an old man?" Goyal asked the Magus.
"I thought we're learning about cool Japanese generals!" A Hufflpuff asked, really wanting to learn about the war.
Ritsuka chuckles at the question. "Yes, I know you like awesome fights; but where every war needs weapons. Muramasa's weapons are legendary, every samurai wants one of his blades." He looks at the Pseudo-Servant, chuckling in the corner.
"So, why did you say cursed when forging, Professor?" Jane asked curiously.
"Ah, that's going to be next," Ritsuka smiles before continuing. "Sengo Muramasa is one of the most iconic swordsmith in Japanese history. Born in the Fifteenth century, Muramasa hones his craft under Heianjo Nagayoshi, another swordsmith in Kyoto. He specializes in spears and engravings." Works of the famous blacksmith is shown on the next page in the text.
"After he completed his tutelage under Nagayoshi, he went on and establish his own school. The Muramasa school of Sword Smithing," An image of the old school appeared on screen.
"In Issei Province, blades were produced that were dated as early as fifteen-one; while Muramasa's blades are acclaimed by their sharpness in cutting enemies. They were also feared by the rumors that they were imbued by his madden and ill mind." Ritsuka shown an image of a sword with a black aura around it.
Everyone saw the old illustration, a bit of fear for the blade developed in everyone's being. "It is said each blade thirst for blood, unable to return to their sheaths until their thirst is quench. With this, Swordmen were driven to murdering others or claim their own lives." Ritsuka continues on.
"How can a sword do that!?"
"Sounds a horrible experience."
"Indeed, it is said that the swords where also forged with demonic attributes. Muramasa dreams of creating the ultimate blade that is not for slicing flesh but spiritual and conceptual targets with ease."
The trio instantly remembered the Christmas night at the Potter Mansion. Their eyes lit up, realizing he achieved such a dream.
"Each sword has it's unique characteristic or Muramasa Ba or Muramasa like edges. During the Harding process of his swords, a visual effect is created on the blade; a pattern known a Hamon." Ritsuka motions Muramasa to throw his sword over to him. Muramasa did so, letting everyone see the sheathed sword.
"Is that-"
"It can't be, you were able to get a sword!?" A Ravenclaw asked, in awe at the katana in the Magus's hand.
Ritsuka unsheathe his blade, showing it's design to his students. "I commissioned this sword a year ago from the Muramasa school of sword smithing. They use the same techniques as the original blacksmith." He lied to hide the fact it was made by the real Muramasa.
The Magus place the sword under the projector, revealing it's patterns. "Now the Hamon is the part where the division between a katana's harden section." Ritsuka motions the hard part on the screen with his finger on the blade. "And it's cutting edge, Muramasa's Hamon is considered as gunome-midare with random wave shapes and narrow valleys." He motions the waves on the blade.
Everyone looks at the screen that Ritsuka is pointing his blade at. "Muramasa's blades are known for their nakago; a portion of the blade concealed by its handle. His nakago appeared as fish bellies." He motions the rounded part of the blade near the handle.
"It looks so authentic," Draco commented, seeing how perfect the blade is.
"The sword is like the ones in the picture." Crabbe added in awe. "Now I want one,"
Everyone began to chatter amongst themselves about the sword on the screen, seeing how cool it is to have one of their own. Muramasa cleared his throat loudly, causing the chatter to die down.
"If I can have everyone's attention," Ritsuka smiles, hearing noting from the students. "Now, not is much known about Sengo Muramasa, however his blades represent his legacy beyond mortality. Before his blades developed their wicked reputation, they were coveted on the battlefield for over sixty years."
"While the Sengoku Period comes to an end, the Tokugawa Ieyasu ushering a new Period called the Edo Period. The Tokugawa Samurai, known as the Mikawa favored Muramasa's blades for their pristine sharpness." Ritsuka pulled an image of a Samurai killing another in training.
"However Ieyasu's grandfather; Matsudaira Kiyoyasu was accidentally killed by his vassal with a Muramasa. By his act, he looses his mind causing him to stab Ieyasu's father by another." An image of Matsudaira's vassal stabbing Ieyasu's father in an old painting.
"Merlin, this went dark fast!" Hermione gasps at the bloody depiction.
"I know, yet intruging too." Neville commented.
Ritsuka pulled another image with Matsudaira Nobuyasu committing seppuku. "Ieyasu's first son, Matsudaira Nobuyasu is forced to commit seppuku and was beheaded by another Muramasa." Ritsuka added on.
"Professor, what is seppuku?" Parvati asked the Magus.
Ritsuka saw Hermione's hand raised, seeing she knows the answer. "Hermione, why don't you answer the question." He offered the brightest witch of her generation.
Hermione adjust her seating, then cleared her throat. "Seppuku or Hara-Kiri in the west is when a Samurai commits suicide instead of being taken by another's hand."
"Merlin! That's bloody beyond dark!" Ron gasps, many agrees with the Weasley boy at the thought of suicide.
"It's traditional in Japanese medieval days; the practice is still in use by the modern era." Hinako informed the who class, receiving a bit of displeasure of the practice.
"For this very reason, Muramasa's sword became a symbol of rebellion for Anti Tokugawa factions. Long after Muramasa's passing is still considered a curse against the Shogunate with his blades wielded in battle up to the Bakamatsu Period and the Beauchene War." Images of both periods of time where Samurais wielded the cursed blades against their enemies appeared on screen.
"The sword's popularity inspires forgeries to satisfy demand. The resulting factor is that only one blade is considered as Japan's most famous artwork known as the Myoho Muramasa. Once wielded by Nabeshima Katsushige; the first Daimyo of Saga. " The Myoho Muramasa is shown on the screen in a display case in a Museum. "This sword is up on display for all to admire to this day."
"Awesome."
"Sengo Muramasa has crafted many weapons in his life, such as the powerful and mysterious Muramasa Koshirae (Bloodthirst Legend in the Sword Soul). Once wielded by…by…" Ritsuka froze, realizing what else the enemy has in his arsenal.
Everyone looked at each other, curious on why he froze. "Professor Fujimaru?"
"Professor are you alright?"
Ritsuka blinks, sweat pouring from his pours. He gulps before continuing. "By Yukimura Sanada. This blade can transcend the realm of Demons being imbued by a minor God in attempts to control it's wielder." He shakes it off before continuing on.
"In conclusion, Muramasa is a man who dedicates his life to creating a sword that could purge hate, cleaving through karma and destiny." Ritsuka turns around to his class, finished with lecture for today.
The Magus then place the next assignment on the board. "For tonight's homework, I would like each one of you to write a one page essay about one of the warriors who fought during Japan's Warring Periods of your choosing." Ritsuka announces to the class. "Class dismissed."
Ritsuka motions his Servants inside his office for an emergency meeting. Everyone left the classroom, not notice how strange the Chaldeans were acting except for the Golden Trio. Once Neville left with Luna the three went into action.
"Hey you guys saw that right?" Jane asked her two friends.
Hermione nodded, "Yeah, when he mentions Yukimura Sanada he stammers. It's like that name means something." She suggested.
"So who is this Yukimura Sanada?" Ron asked, curious about the guy.
Hermione open the pages to the Sengoku Period. Scouring the list of Samurais listed in the index until she found the page number of Yukimura. "Ah, Sanada Yukimura known as the Crimson Demon of War and the Last Sengoku Hero."
"He was apart of the Sanada clan, following his father Sanada Masayuki and his older brother Nobuyuki as a general in their clan. He fought during the Siege of Osaka as the defender thus earning the title A Hero who may appear once in a hundred years."
"He fought in many battles up to his death at Yasui Shrine located to the west of Shitennoji Temple in Osaka." Hermione finishes. "It went on saying his way with his lance is legendary, it says that he has a secret technique when wielding a spear. It also said that he possess the Muramasa Koshirae."
"I think it has to do something with the confrontation in the Forbidden Forest you guys." Jane got up, walking to her 'brother's' office.
The two looked at each other before joining Jane, walking to the Lore Professor's office. Jane slightly opens the door, hearing their voices in the cracks.
"Okay, it seems Lancer of Melromarc possessed one of Gramp's cursed blades." Ritsuka said.
Muramasa nodded, "With that blade, he can easily cut through anything. Even our Spirit Origins with one strike."
"But the question is, why he's a Lancer and not a Saber." Hinako questions, "If his master knows of the sword he should've aimed for that class."
Lanling crossed his arms, finding this complexing. "The only thing I could suggest is that we must be carful when we face him. He might still wield the Muramasa Koshirae."
Mashu agrees with the prince, not wanting any chances with a deadly Noble Phantasm. "So we just wait until we're prepared for the sword."
"Yes, but I believe we need to fulfill our friends about our dear enemy." Ritsuka eyes the three, peering through the once closed door.
The three froze, realizing they are caught by the Magus when his eyes draws on to them. "Uh-oh," Jane commented, sweating nervously.
"Everyone, give us moment." Ritsuka asked his Servants to be alone with his students.
Once everyone left their master in the room, alone with Hermione, Jane, and Ron; Ritsuka has place three chairs for his students. Ritsuka sat behind his desk, looking at the Golden Trio. "You three heard our conversation, so I don't need to fill you all in. Ask whatever you have in mind." He said to them.
"When you're speaking about one of Muramasa's swords, you hesitated when mentioning Sanada Yukimura. Why is that?" Jane asked the Magus.
Hermione and Ron nodded, wanting to know as well. Ritsuka folded his fingers, all prepared to answer these types of questions. "Yukimura Sanada or Lancer of Melromarc is a Servant, contracted to the enemy. The reason why I hesitated with the name is because he possess a Noble Phantasm that can-"
"Easily kill any Servants." Ron continued, hearing that sentence from Muramasa. "How is that possible?"
"Remember Ronald? Muramasa's blades are cursed, plus his sword has a God within it." Hermione reinforms her friend. She looks at her professor, wondering something. "If Yukimura Sanada has that kind of weapon, do you have something to counteract it?"
Ritsuka nodded, "Well, Muramasa of course." He said like it was the obvious answer.
"Ah, the creator of the sword." Hermione chuckles, still shock to know that Muramasa is here.
Jane then remembers a slight important detail with all of this. She stood up, remembering the missing detail, "Cedric Diggory! The man you faced in the Forbidden Forest!"
Ron and Hermione's eyes widen, also have the image engrained in their head. "Yeah, what's with that guy looking like Cedric?" Ron asked the master.
"Is he some sort of lookalike?" Hermione added,
Ritsuka looks at them with a serious expression, "I told you that how Charlie was summoned by using Charle Potter's body as his host." He saw the three nodded, their eyes widen realizing what it means.
"Dear Merlin, does that mean-"
"Yukimura Sanada was summoned by his master by using Cedric Diggory's deceased body." Ritsuka said to the group of friends. Their reaction was in utter shock, the fact their old friend is working with the enemy.
Jane gulps, not believing that the kind hearted Hufflepuff would be the one to destroy Humanity. "I-Is it your Cedric Diggory or ours, the one that Yukimura is using?" She asked the Magus.
"If they are Cedric then maybe he's just a spy? A double agent for Humanity?" Ron asked, being hopeful that this might be the case for Cedric.
Ritsuka shrugs, unsure what the answer is. "I'm not sure, the Cedric that I know is alive and well. But yours, from what I read on the papers that his body is missing during the Third Task." He said to the group.
"The Daily Prophet wants to make drama, everyone believes that Cedric is dead." Hermione told Ritsuka what the Prophet did during the afterwards of the Final Task.
The Magus understood perfectly that the Daily Prophet would do something like that. But a missing body shouldn't be presume dead. "You're right, the Daily Prophet is only creating drama by using this world's missing Cedric." Ritsuka concluded.
Both Hermione and Ron looked at each, not getting what he's going on about. "What are you saying Ritsuka?" Ron asked.
"Does this have to do with Cedric?" Jane questions, trying to understand him.
"I got this feeling that Cedric is alive, and it involves with the Servants of Eden." Ritsuka said,
"How so?"
Ritsuka looks to the side, "A Noble Phantasm needs Magical Energy, an extremely high amount. My Servants can get the exact amount by using Chaldea's Mana preserves or mine in act their Noble Phantasm." He said to the three. "The gem that Prelati retrieved from the Potter Mansion is enough to power one Noble Phantasm but…"
"Why that much," Hermione caught on what he was talking about. "If the gem the Dark Lord retrieve can power a Noble Phantasm from what you said, maybe he's looking for another source of Magic?" she suggested.
Ron looks at Hermione, curious on how she get's that conclusion. "How did you came up with that Mione?"
Hermione looks at everyone in the room, "Well, if I was going to use a powerful spell. I should stock up magic incase something went wrong." She said to them.
"Interesting, that might be it…but the question is, what do I use for Magical Energy." Ritsuka questions.
Garden of Eden, February 19th, Unknown
"How's the Magical Energy, Prelati?" Rider of Heaven asked the Caster of Eden.
The white haired boy looks up at the throne, gazing upon the Matriarch of this Anomaly. "It's going grand, my queen. The Magical core we rip out of the Wizards and Witches we've captured is blending in the heart of the gardens." Prelati reported to the Rider Servant.
"By the end of Spring, we can launch the Noble Phantasm." Prelati grins, thinking of the bloodshed this will bring.
Michael scoffs at the Caster's wickedness. "And where's the first target? There are many humans in the world; major cities and many others."' The Archangel said. "We only have one chance to get this right to plunge the world back to the Age of Gods.
"Wrong, unlike the old Age of Gods there are many Divinities around the world." The Rider said to her loyal subordinates. "This Age of Gods will be different, where the humans shall worship me as their one true Goddess!"
"Exactly, and I will be the leader of the masses." Their master walks in with Archer of Phoenicia behind him. "With me guiding the people to a new era, we shall do the thing nobody has succeeded! Take over the world!" he smiles.
"I see your eyes has opened to the idea, master." The Rider said happily.
The master nodded, gripping his hands. "Of course Rider, with the plan we carefully crafted our dreams will come true." He smirks. "Then, and only then I can have my dear Lily in my arms. She can finally see me as the better man then Potter!"
Archer of Phoenicia blinks, fearing the worst. "A-And what of the children of Lily Potter? What are you-"
Archer's master turns to his Servant, his eyes went dark at the mere mention of the children. "Kill the boy and infant, they had too much of Potter's personality and looks engrave in their very being. I want Jane, she is to be our new daughter; her personality and looks originates to the Evans Family." The master said darkly.
They will understand, this is his destiny. His life's purpose to bring the new age of Humanity; it's so close that he could taste it. "Heh…Heh…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The master laughs, arrogant that his Servants are smirking at him.
Rider looks up at the sky, seeing the Golden Pillar pulsating at their master's moment. "Yes master, soon you'll have everything." Rider smirks.
Yukimura watches the Eden Servants and their master together, seeing their wickedness in the spotlight. He walks over to the room where Avenger of the Gallows kept her favorite toy; he opens the door revealing Cedric Diggory strapped on the white bed.
His eyes were blindfolded and was almost naked. Yukimura watches him flinched at the mere sound of his footsteps. "N-N-No! I-I can't take it anymore, m-mistress! P-Please let me-"
"Quiet, or else someone could hear you." Yukimura hissed at his doppelganger.
Cedric turns his head, hearing his own voice talking to him. "W-Why do you sound like me? W-Who are-"
"Tell this to the man Ritsuka Fujimaru, in order to correct this Anomaly. Take out the Pillar at all cost." Yukimura said, having enough of his master's plan. "And that, this is the only help I can give. The next time we meet will be in Dimension Nine Ninety-One as enemies." He said, knowing the consequences if he finds out.
"W-What?"
Yukimura opens a Dimensional Portal, stepping inside the black gateway. "If you want your Dimension to be save, then tell that to him." With that, Sanada Yukimura left Dimension One-O-Three and back to his assign Dimension.
AN: How do you like it? Jack's Lore is up next then shit will be coming down. Anomaly I is half way done. Please leave a comment or review.
