When Nanoha woke up, she was extremely worried about her underclassman. She made her way through the halls but was stopped by one of the other candidates for Kyoto. "Takamachi-san can I talk to you for a moment ?" Nanoha turned around and looked at a 19-year-old student. unlike most schools, magical education in Japan lasts much longer, especially in the field of Magitech. The student in front of her was one of the proteges of the subject, Tatsuya Shiba. He had short black hair and always looked a tad aloof and emotionless. He was dressed in a white and green coat and black pants, the official uniform for the students in the Research course of the academy.
"How can I help you Shiba-senpai?" She was rather curious about what he wanted. "It's about Morgan-San. I and my sister are quite worried about her. I noticed she looked rather, terrified when her name came out of the Goblet. What exactly happened in that regard?" Nanoha looked saddened.
"She... she is forced to compete, you should have seen her, she... she lost it. I... I never thought, her of all people would ever break down like that. Then again, I guess even for someone as mature as her this is a lot to take in." Tatsuya gave a nod.
"very well, if she is forced to compete then I guess all we can do is give her our full support and help in whatever way we can." Now she looked puzzled.
"Isn't it forbidden to help her?" But Tatsuya gave her one of his rare and sincere smiles. "Not in the slightest. While yes, it's against the rules but so is the existence of a 4th and also minor Champion. I researched and read up on the Goblet of Fire. The no help clause was added by the Ministry and is NOT part of its binding magical Contract. So I do intend to make sure she makes it out of this alive, and I spoke to the others they all agree. Of course, we can not help you. With Morgan-San its purely about her survival. But helping you would, well... not be pleasant for everyone involved."
"Don't worry Senpai I understand. I don't even want any help! I have to do this on my own! I too will help Morgan-Chan however I can! Isn't that right Rasing Heart?" She looks down at a necklace containing one single Red Gem. "Yes, Master." Spoke the gem in a synthetic female voice.
"Hmm. Those Intelligent Devices, truly fascinating little things. The endless applications of Magitech are truly amazing. But I'm not here to gush over yours or Testerossa-Sans equipment. I was on my way to speak to Potter-Sensei in regards to where we can practice our magic. I assume you also were on the way to check up on Morgan-chan?" Nanoha gave a nod and the two went to Lilly's makeshift office on the Ship. When they knocked on the door and entered, both were surprised by what they saw. Lilly's hair was a mess and she had big dark rings under her eyes, her eyes were also red and puffy. It was clear she did not sleep last night.
"S-Sensei are you alright?!" Asked a Nanoha worried. Lilly gave a short and tired nod.
"as good as it can be under these circumstances. now... congrats for being chosen Nanoha. you earned it." She gave the Champion a tried but also well-meaning smile.
"Thank you Sensei, but we came for different reasons. How is Morgan-chan?" Lillys face became sore, she looked like she aged over 10 years in seconds.
"...not well. She was given some calming potions and went to bed but... she still is absolutely terrified. And no one could blame her for her reaction."
"...Regarding that, I can offer some help to Sensei." For the moment forgetting is the original reason for being here, he started to explain how he could help Morgan.
"...True it's not part of the binding contract...Thanks, Tatsuya-Kun. I really appreciate it. Sadly I can not tell what the tasks are because I, myself have not been informed yet, and considering one of my children is a forced champion." Understanding the two nodded and because their teacher looked like she collapses at any moment, they decided to leave.
Lilly indeed fell asleep only mere seconds later but got awoken when Arthuria and Mordred entered the office. "Master. We tried searching for who may have entered Morgan's name into the goblet but, frankly could have been anyone. From a student wanting to play a prank or someone who genuinely wanted to harm her." Explained Arthuria.
"That walking freakshow Moody, their Defence teacher said he suspects someone confounded the Goblet to choose a 4th School. Apparently, only dark magic can do that, but he had no idea who in School could have done it, except for that bat like Potions teacher." Lilly smiled a little at the thought of her old friend. They occasionally wrote to each other but just during summer when he was home and she could youse Muggle Mail.
"My, my it seems all of you are in quite a predicament aren't you?" Suddenly an unknown voice rang out. The two Servants had their swords drawn and Lilly had two glowing talismans at the ready. Only now did they notice the elderly man, standing in the corner of the room. He was grinning. Arthuria recognized him.
"...Wizards Marshal. I'm surprised it took you 13 years to show up. What do you want?" The now titled Wizard Marshal's grin just widened. "Ah, my dear lady Pendragon is that how you greet an old friend?" But Arthuria just narrowed her eyes.
"You know that old fart, no this Dead Apostle?" Mordred sword now started to crackle with red energy, once she realized what the being in front of her was. Even Lilly was shocked, having been told what a Dead Apostles are.
"Sigh. Youth these days, no patience whatsoever. Fine if you want to be like that, I'll keep it brief. Believe it or not, my dear King I come to assist you. Or rather, I have come to assist young Morgan." Lilly took a step closer to the Vampire.
"What do you want with my daughter? And who exactly are you?" He gave a small curtsey but also kinda mocking bow.
"Where are my manners. It seems old age is catching up to me. I'm Kichur Zelretch Schweinorg, the Wizard Marshal of the Clock Tower and one of the reasons you're still alive. I, after all, provided the means of the summoning." Lilly's eyes widened in shock.
"...Why? Why would you help me? What's your game?" The grin that on Zelretch face would make any Magus of the Clock Tower run and cower in fear. "What's my game? Entertainment of course! You can't believe how wonderful it can be to just plop some Servants into a world and see what happens! Sure the last 13 years were rather dull but now the
entertainment begins! Dark times are coming my dear and I will love to see how you all will drive the fools of this society nuts! As for helping your Daughter well... did you know that Servants are technically nothing more than human familiars? Now, as far as I know, familiars do not count as outside help and don't break the rules of that strange goblet, you're catching my drift?" He snapped his fingers and out of nowhere a glowing blue jewel, a bowl and a small vile of blood appeared on her table.
When they looked from the table back to Zelretch the old man was gone.
"...Sigh, I'm always unsure if he truly wants to help or if he just messing with people. Master, I advise extreme caution! Zelretch is a trickster. You never can trust him, even if it seems he is helping you" Lilly gave a nod, Mordred was checking out what he gave them.
"Soooo, he wants the little one to summon an Archer Class? Huh, wonder whose blood this is." Lilly also started to look over what they were given.
"Arthuria? Get Morgan. I will talk with her about this." Arthuria nodded and went straight to Morgan's room.
After an explanation, Morgan was starring the ingredients for the ritual. "It's your choice, Morgan. I personly would wish you would do it but in the end, it all depends on you." Explained her Mother. Sirius and Sakura were there too both looking worried at Morgan. "Hey, Nee-Chan, if I were you, I would do it. I mean we know how strong Father and Mordred are. Having someone as strong or maybe even stronger, so what's the problem?"
"Yeah Pup. I say go for it" Comments Sirius giving her a thumbs up.
Morgan smiled at both of them. "Don't worry, I... I already decided to go through with this, how do I perform the summoning?" Lilly opened the old book and showed her the magic circle Morgan had to draw. "After that, you have to place the Bow, the Blood, and The Jewel in the center of the circle and pour your magic into it." Nodding at her mother's explanation she started the ritual. Everyone was nervous while watching her. Arthuria and Mordred were standing a little farther in the corner.
"How high are our chances she will summon Tristain? As much as I hate his whining and constant self-suffering annoyed me I would not say no to another of the old gang... even if he most likely will try to kill me." Said Mordred. "Well, you cannot blame him, you did betray us all and brought the end of Camelot. I personly hope it is not one of the Round Table. Because I will most likely not be able to stop them from trying to kill you." Mordred flinched and she looked away from her father. To say that their relationship had improved would be a big fat lie. Mordred tried, God knows she tried to reconcile, if only for her Master and the children's sake... but her father made it very clear that if they did not serve the same master... Mordred would already be dead. Of course, no one knew of this. Both kept their hostilities to a minimum and only when they were alone. Pained and angered by her father's words she nearly missed the summoning.
The bright light shined from the circle, similar to when Arthuria and Mordred were summoned. Everyone covered their eyes until the light dispelled. The result was extremely unexpected, to say the least. In the center of the circle stood a young 12-year-old girl. Her hair was snow white and her eyes blood red, she had fair skin and was dressed in a black combat vest with a long flowing red coat, her midriff was exposed and she was wearing shorts that were cut off above her knee. She had black Combat Boots on her feet.
"I am Servant, Archer. I await your command Master." Said the little girl in a serious tone. Morgan just blinked, everyone also blinked in confusion, the girl seemed to get slightly uncomfortable. "C-Could you please stop staring?!" A blush crept upon the girl's cheeks and Morgan notice she tried covering her legs her coat. Apparently, she didn't like being dressed so... risque. But it was not Morgan who broke the silence. It was Arthuria.
"..ILYA?!" Said the former King in utter shock. The Archer now named Ilya turned around and only now noticed Arthuria. Her eyes widened but not in recognition like Arthuria's but fear. She took a few steps back. "H-How do you know my name?! Better answer me NOW! I killed you once I can do it again!" To everyone's surprise, she materialized a pair of black and white swords in her hands. Arthuria blinked confused.
"...You are Ilyasviel von Einzbern correct? But tell me why are you dressed like Archer?" Suddenly a new voice spoke. "AH! I may be of service!" Out of Archer's pocket came a pink Circle with a star in its center with wings attached to it. "If you allow me to explain Ilya-San? I assume this Servant knows you but an alternate you from another dimension! I know I know you have questions, buuut explaining the spacetime continuum would be really long complicated, let's just say it's a... Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whiney thing. So yeah, let's just pretend we're all strangers okay?"
Archer looked confused at the flying circle but then just shook her head. "To answer you're question, yes my name is Ilyasviel von Einzbern. As to why I'm dressed like this... well... I'll explain it another time. First, who of you is my Master?" Morgan raised her hand. "That would be me. I am Morgan Potter. This is my Mother Lilly Potter and her two Saber class Servants are Arthuria and Mordred. Then we have my LITTLE sister Sakura and my Godfather Sirius Black" She put extra emphasis on the little to make sure it was clear she was the older one. Archer gave a nod and made a curtesy bow.
"I am Ilyasviel von Einzbern. Just Ilya is fine. And this is my partner Kaleido Stick Ruby." "YAHOOO!" Greeted Ruby cheerfully. "So ahh... why have you summoned me?" It was Lilly who explained their current situation.
"...you're forcefully entered into a deadly tournament… it kinda reminds me of myself, And how a certain someone." She glared at Ruby who was whistling innocently. "Dragged me into something just as dangerous without my consent, which led to me absorbing a class card and turning into well... this." She looked down at herself, blushing again.
"Mou, Ilya stop acting like this is bad! You basically became a Heroic Spirit that doesn't need Magic to sustain yourself! You're basically immortal and forever young." "And I died because my body couldn't contain the power and I literally exploded." Said Ilya dryly. Ruby just waved one of her wings dismissively. "Details Details." Everyone sweatdropped at the sight of the two.
"Ahem... weeeell what now? I mean sure Nee-Chan has now a super-powerful Servant at her side and all." But Ruby interrupted Sakura. "Actually, Ilya is a pretty weak Servant. If it wasn't for her Unlimited Blade works, or me, she probably would be bested by even a normal Magus! AUAUAUAUAUAUAUAU!" Ilya just grabbed Rubys wings and started pulling.
"SHUT IT YOU STUPID THING! WHOSE FAULT IS IT THAT MY MAGIC CIRCUITS DEGRADED?! THAT WAS YOUR SHITTY PATCHWORK AFTER YOU FUSED THE CARD WITH ME!"
"...I'm so doomed" muttered a disheartened Morgan.
Meanwhile at the Castle. Tatsuya, Fate, Nanoha, and Rin were on their way to the library. "Are you sure we will find something in the Hogwarts library to help Morgan-chan?" Asked the blonde girl. She noted how many Hogwarts students looked at her strangely and with fear while they were walking. She had no idea why though. Tatsuya answered.
"I'm certain. we can at least research some information about previous Tournaments. Perhaps a pattern exists in the tasks that allow us to narrow down what the first task entails, even if we don't find anything about the first task Thosaka-San maybe we will finding out how to break the Magical Contract." Rin gave a short nod and put her hand on her chin.
"The chances to find anything useful is slim, but I'm positive we at least will find a hint, and if not we can always fall back to the plan 'Blow thing up and hope for the best' even if I would prefer not taking such a risky move." The other two nodded and they entered the library. While Rin and Fate started searching the books, Tatsuya decided to ask the librarian.
"Excuse me, madam? May I inquire if you have any books regarding the history of the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" He was as polite as possible. The woman in front of him just glared at him, as if him asking about anything was a personal offense. Still, she took out her wand and gave it a wave, and a single book cam flying towards them.
"This is the only one we have. I warn you if it is not in the same condition as it was before I will ban you from the Library for the rest of the year am I clear!?" Tatsuya nodded and then proceeded to sit down at one of the tables. He could swear he heard the woman mutter something about how she hated giving her precious books away. Tatsuya wondered if the woman understood what even the concept of a Library is.
Rin and Fate soon came too, both looking annoyed. "This library is an unorganized mess! Everything is ordered in alphabetical order and not split into subjects as any proper library! I barely was able to find something and it doesn't look promising." She holds up a pretty small green book. Tatsuya's noted his book was not much better.
"Let's hope it contains valuable information then." While Rin and Tatsuya began to read fate decided to continue searching for anything of interest. Sadly she found nothing except for an entire section of the library that was closed off. "...Why would anyone close off an entire section of a library like this?" Wondering what this is about she returned to her two comrades.
Both of them didn't look pleased. "This Book... is a pathetic joke! No! A Pathetic joke is more informative than this! It's not even worth the paper is made out of! It just goes on and on and on about how binding, a binding magical contract is! It also is written abysmally and most of this information? Is outdated! This book is over 500 years old!" She rubbed annoyed the bridge of her nose.
"Well... I at least may have a hint of what the first task is about. Kisten what the first tasks of the last 5 tournaments were. Capturing of a Basilisk, it killed all CHampions and the judges, taming of a Nundu, battle against a mountain Troll, killing a Cerberus, get trough a nest of Acrumantulas... you get the picture?" The two girls nodded.
"They all included dangerous magical beasts. So we probably can assume the first task will contain getting past or fight a Magical Creature. But now is the question of what creature for this tournament?" Asked Fate. Rin seemed to have an idea but she did not seem to like it. "The Tri-Wizard tournament hasn't been done in a very, very long time... so they may want to start it off big... and think about it... what creature could kick something like this off? Dangerous, hard to get past, but also aw aspiring, dangerous but not as dangerous as a Basilisk or a freaking Nundu?" Fate and Tatsuya thought about it for a moment and all color vanished from their face.
"...A Dragon." Was all Tatsuya said. Fate shook her head. "The British can't be that stupid, can they? Dragons are arguably MORE dangerous that Basilisks and Nundu!" But Tatsuya disagreed. "Because Dragons are tamable they are classified as less dangerous than Baziliks that can only be controlled by a powerful Parselmouth or Nundu who can not be controlled at all. At least in the Brits eyes. Its a rather stupid view. But as far as they are concerned, controllable things are less dangerous than something uncontrollable."
The atmosphere became gloomy and the 3 were worried, not only for Morgan but all 4 Champions. "Should... Should we tell our suspicion to the 4?" Asked Rin uncertain. "Not yet. Lets first make sure it's a Dragon. For all, we know the Wizards will actually show some common sense and maybe pick something far less dangerous…. I mean I heard the Groundskeeper breeds Hippogriffs…" Fate's tone made it clear that was a fleeting hope if it was possible after all, but for all they knew, they agreed to keep their suspicion to themselves.
Ginny Weasley was worried about her new friend. She was sitting in the Gryffindor Common room and could not get the image of her new friend being terrified out of her head. And worst of all she had to listen to her idiotic housemates! "I bet she cheated! Thinking she is so great and special!" Said one student and Ginny restrained herself not to curse that idiot. If she was honest with herself she DESPISED Gryffindor! It was a house completely made out of judgmental, prejudiced, shot sighted, bullies! And worst of all they think they're the good guys! What stupid nonsense. Oh, how she regretted protesting against the hat when he wanted to put her into Hufflepuff. But then again...she would not have met her best friend.
She looked at the chair beside her where a girl with bushy brown her was staring into the Fireplace. Her Name was Hermione Granger and she had something horrible happened to her in her first year at Hogwarts... A troll attacked her. She was in a coma and had to repeat her first year. Since that she needed a cane to walk properly and she lost one eye., so she has to wear an eyepatch which she hides with her hair. The mental trauma changed the girl, She often had moments where she... wasn't there, Just staring at a place as if her brain disconnected from her body. She also suffered from horrible headaches, and because she and her family are muggles, treatment was not granted for her.
"what do you think? of all this?" Asked Hermione her. The brown-haired girl's voice was quiet, barely a whisper. Quite the opposite of what she once was, but Ginny never met the old Hermione so she wouldn't know. She just guessed from the way her parents described it to her once.
"...I think its a lot of bull. I Saw Morgans face... she was terrified. No way in hell did she enter her herself into this stupid tournament." Hermione was not there during the feast. She barely ate in the great hall, the noise being too much for her. "But I doubt any of those idiots here would notice. Hey, how about we go visit her? I can introduce you two and I'm sure the Ship is more quite than this place." Hermione nodded, smiling a little while standing up and grabbing her cane. Duo to Hermione's condition that walk to the Ship took a while. Once they were there Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"...curious...their Japanese... but that's a Chinese ship…" Ginny wasn't really able to tell. She was not that well versed in anything Muggle or foreign. She tried her best to learn about the world of her friend but with a Mother looking down on anything not purely wizarding British, it was not easy. Especially when you're said Mother's least favorite child.
"OH! You are the girl Morgan-Chan befriended right?" The two were startled when someone behind them began to talk. They turned around and saw a young 17-year-old girl with long black hair standing behind them smiling. She was dressed in a white dress and a green jacket. She also wore some type of see trough cape from her Jacket that at its end had a snow motive. "Hello. I am Miyuki Shiba. You must be Ginny Weasley, right? And who is your friend?" Hermione introduced herself. "Were her to visit Morgan is that alright if we go on the Ship?" Miyuki nodded.
"Of course it's ok. Just you may have to wait, she is currently in the middle of something, I don't really know- OH! Morgan-Chan!" Out of the Ship stepped Morgan, closely followed by Ilya. The moment the indecently dressed girl came into view Miyuki, Ginny, and Hermione started to blush. Knowing WHY they were blushing caused also Ilya to blush.
"Hmm? Oh, Ginny! Nice to see you. This must be Hermione Granger right?" the bushie haired girl nodded. Morgan smiled at her. "Nice to meet you. I hope we can become friends while we are here. OH! This is my new... Familiar. Ilya." Ilya gave a short nod.
"familiar? you... bounded a human as a familiar?" Asked Hermione slightly worried. "Don't worry I'm... not a Human. I'm a Spirit. Same with the two Knights. There Spirits too. Illyasviel von Einzbern. But just call me Ilya or Archer." Then Ruby jumped out of her pocket, startling the 3 Girls. "And I'm the magnificent, electrical Kalaidostick RUBY! You may cheer now!" But the 3 Girls just looked confused at the flying Circle that didn't really look like a Stick. Ilya looked annoyed.
"Ahem...nice to meet you Ruby, Ilya...but why Archer I don't get that part." Ginny took a step back when suddenly Ruby hovered right in front of her face. "Oh well, that's easy to explain! You see Spirits like Illya are separate into different classes! Saber, Lancer, Berserker, Archer, Assasin, Rider, Caster, Shielder, Ruler, and Avenger! She is an Archer while the two blondies are Sabers. Simple right? The Class determines the abilities and skill! And then you have someone like who Ilya- BUHA!" Ilya grabbed Ruby, smashing her to the ground and stomped on her creating a small crater. Ginny and Hermione looked positively terrified at the younger girl, while Miyuki wisely took a step back. Morgan was not so surprised. It was pretty clear that Ruby either was a masochist or had a really shitty danger sense.
"Shut it! You stupid stick!" Grumbled Ilya. "Urgh. Ilya my dear you're such a brute! I wonder if you're really a Berser- AUAUAUAUAUA!" Ilya just stomped on Ruby over and over again and yelling and insulting the Kaleidostick. The girls just look on confused.
"...Sigh yep, I'm definitely doomed" Said Morgan once more while big anime tears came out of her eyes.