AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 9 Changed of Plans
"Constantine, protect Saber and the Heroes of Paris!" Ritsuka ordered his Servant,
Constantine nodded, obliging to this command. "Yes, my master!" The Rider drew his Sword, summoning his Mount to attack the enemy Lancer,
Lancer frowns, seeing the new Servant Summoned by the master of Chaldea. "Tch, this was supposed to be an in and out mission," He grumbled.
Constantine's mount rushed forward, leaping over Chat Noir and Ladybug. "Ha!" He swung his Sword at the Lancer,
"Ngh!" Lancer deflects the attack, but he stumbles back.
Constantine's eyes shift back seeing that his attack caused the enemy Servant to stumble. 'That's effective, maybe I can tire him.' The former Emperor thought, turning his Mount back at the enemy.
Lancer gritted his teeth, being caught off guard by both the Summoning of a Rider and his attack. He heard the Rider's horse galloping behind him, he swiftly turns around.
Another slash from Constantine caused Lancer to stumble once more.
Both Ladybug and Chat Noir saw the new Servant fighting for them. Unlike Taikoubou who didn't call for his mount or Nikitich who rode on a Dragon, Constantine genially rode a white horse to battle.
"The Holy Roman Emperor Constantine, the last Emperor of the Byzantine Empire." Chat said, seeing the Rider Servant fending off the Lancer of the Eternal Empire. "He was the Last Emperor that fought against the Ottoman Empire from religious conflicts between the East and West. His death is the fall of the Capital City Constantinople."
"Some say that he a hundred thousand to seven thousand men in a desperate siege that lasted two months." Chat continued, remembering his lore from his private lessons with his tutors. "He kept the walls standing until they fall due to the enemy's military power."
Ladybug looked back at Constantine, slashing his Sword upward. "He's amazing, to hold out for months. I wonder if he's a Miraculous Holder at some point." The bluenette said, amazed that someone was able to hold out against an enemy for so long.
Chat nodded, watching the fight before them. "I believe so too,"
Lancer of the Eternal Empire gasps, he wasn't sure why he was struggling with this rider Servant. He was infused with an Olympian God's Klironomia, an advantage against Chaldea's Servant.
Was it a Homeland advantage; no it can't be. Lancer huffs, now noticing the resistance within himself, meaning one thing. "It must be me holding back, damnit." Lancer cursed that he could resist after converting to the Eternal Empire's forces.
Constantine noticed the off behavior of the enemy Lancer. "Now's my chance to eliminate Lancer once and for all," He stated as his horse continue his pursuit.
"Do it, Rider!" Ritsuka ordered his Servant,
Lancer growls, preparing to use his Noble Phantasm once more against the Last Emperor of the Byzantine Empire. He opened his mouth, having the red armored Hero in his sights,
However, two people appeared behind him, "Take this!" Lancer's red eyes shift back, he swiftly deflects a metal Shield letting it push him back before he pushes it up in the sky.
"Damnit, reinforcements are here already-" Lancer of the Eternal Empire quickly brought his Spear to his center, blocking a wooden Sword that was meant to slash him down.
Mandricardo returned, pinning the orange-haired Lancer in his place. "Man, I thought I got you for the moment." The Adventurer stated, "So much for a sneak attack,"
"So that's your plan? You're trying to attack me when my guard was down?" Lancer pushed back Mandricardo, turning around to deflect Constantine's attack.
"Tch," Constantine met up with Mandricardo after that failed combined effort between him and the friend of their master.
The Emperor leaps off his Horse, now standing beside the Adventurer. "He's good, though I do sense he has Divinity with him," Constantine said, noting the power scaling.
"So we're dealing with a Divine Spirit?" Mandricardo asked, groaning mentally at their predicament. 'Great just what we need, a Servant with Divine power. This is much like Atlantis…' he complained mentally.
Mandricardo shook his head, eyeing his master/friend and Charlemagne on the other end. 'No, this isn't the time for being a worrier. Fujimaru needs me to save Charlie,' He prepared his wooden Sword, ready to save the Saber. 'And that's what I'm going to do. As his sworn friend.'
The Adventurer looked at the Emperor beside him, his eyes motioning to the left and then the right.
Constantine managed to understand the plan that Mandricardo signals to him. "Understood," the Emperor nodded, going to the right.
Mandricardo smiles heading to the left side of the street.
Lancer of the Eternal Empire look at the two Riders coming at both sides of the street. "Tch, going at all sides. How annoying, (But smart, I can only deflect one of these strikes.)" He growls, going for Constantine's attack.
The orange-haired Lancer raised his golden Spear, blocking the Sword strike of the Emperor. However, he didn't block Mandricardo's attack. "GAH!" A large slash appeared on his back.
The two jumped away from the enemy Lancer kneeling on the pavement. He gasps, feeling his Magical Energy leaking out.
Constantine landed on the sidewalk, holding his Sword at him. The same thing goes for Mandricardo, "Give up, we got you at both sides and the Heroes of Paris are rested." The Adventurer motions to the two young Heroes.
"Thank you guys," Chat Noir got up from the pavement. He held on to his Baton ready to strike at the enemy.
Ladybug spun her yo-yo, also ready to fight. "Now that Chat Noir and I are rested up, we can fight again." The bluenette announced.
Lancer clicked his tongue, seeing he was outnumbered. He looks at Charlie still on the road, "You're outnumbered Lancer," Ritsuka announced with Minerva flying above him. "Leave or-"
"HA! Don't think that this is an easy win just because you have the numbers." The Lancer stated, turning to the fallen Saber behind him. "You got an injured Servant that so happens to be your Grandfather. I will kill him and that's-"
Just as Lancer of the Eternal Empire was speaking, a yo-yo from the air wraps around the King of the Franks. He was pulled up to the air as arms caught him. "Master, I got Charlie!" Ruler of Paris stood on the rooftops holding Charlie over her shoulders. "Go out as much you like!" She announced.
"Thanks, Ruler!" Ritsuka looks at everyone, now surrounding the enemy Lancer Servant. "Alright everyone, we got Lancer of the Eternal Empire surrounded." He announced.
"But be careful, he still has Hephaestus Klironomia within him," Minerva informed the group of the danger still present.
"Hephaestus Klironomia? Really again," Mandricardo groans that they're dealing with the blood of the Gods again. This time on the enemy's side,
Chat and Ladybug walked in a circle along with everyone else. Lancer still remains vigilant, despite the odds against his favor. "Damnit, now things are complicated." Lancer frowns, seeing he has no other choice in the matter. "Well, I'm not letting you capture me. It's against my priorities," with a twirl of his Spear, a portal appeared above the group.
Everyone looked up to see a Cybernetic City with the sky permanently starry night sky. Soon a shadow appeared looming over the hole in reality as an arm reached out for the Lancer.
"Everyone, take Lancer of the Eternal Empire before that thing takes-" They were too late, the hand had already taken the orange-haired Lancer in his clutch and was retreating.
Everyone saw the hand escaping through the rift in reality, aiding in Lancer's escape. "Until next time, Chaldean master and you Heroes of Paris!" He cried out leaving the Present and into the Future.
Reinforcements soon arrived, a little late to the fight. "Master!" Jeanne arrived with Marie and Napoleon. "What happen-"
"No time to explain Jeanne," Ritsuka quickly turn back to the river. "Charlie has been injured," He rushed back with Constantine and Mandricardo following closely.
Chat looks over to Ladybug, concerned for their former King. "Let's go with them,"
"I am too concerned for Charlie," Ladybug agreed as the two heads to the Seine River,
"Oi! Master!" Jalter cried out, holding her hand out. "Damnit," She cursed, seeing their master along with the two Riders are gone.
Napoleon steps forward, concerned for their friend and ally. "Let's hope that everything will be alright." The Archer watched as their master and allies headed back to their mobile base.
Ritsuka stood before the Medical Staff doing all they can to stabilize his condition. Nightingale, Nemo Nurse, and Asclepius were in there for about an hour.
"(Charlie…please hang in there…)" Ritsuka prayed, hoping the Pseudo-Servant will pull through.
Mashu stood at the end of the hall, watching her Husband looking at the Medical bey where his only family was being treated. "Mashu, do you think Ritsuka's going to be alright?" Hermione asked, standing behind her.
"This is his family we're talking about," Ginny held onto her tablet, concerned for the director.
Mashu smiles softly, believing that Charlie will pull through. "We've been in difficult situations before, I know we can move on forward from this…" She smiles, hopeful of the outcome.
The girls nodded, having faith that she is right.
Ritsuka held his wrist with a commlink, hearing a message from it. "Alright, I'll be right there." He looks to Mashu, Ginny, and Hermione, they nodded in understanding what he was asking.
"We'll watch over him, don't worry Rits-director," Ginny shouted softly, receiving a smile from him.
Mashu leads the girls to the Medical bey where they watch over Charlie's condition.
Ritsuka arrived at Da Vinci's Workshop where the Da Vincis and Qin Shi Haung were discussing something and waiting for his arrival.
"Master, we're glad you can make it." Qin Shi Huang greeted the director and master of Chaldea.
"So what's happening? I remember when we enter the Storm Border you guys swept both Marinette and Adrien away to the Workshop before they do anything." Ritsuka stated, remembering that clear as day.
The Servants looked at each other, unsure how to explain things to their master. Da Vinci (Caster) walks up, being the high ranking out of everyone in the room. "Fujimaru, we calculated where Mrs. Le Chien's origins are and discovered the Lostbelt…well it's complicated." She explains.
Ritsuka blinks, finding it curious. "How so?" He asked.
"It's sorta like how the Seraph Pseudo-Singularity works with a bit of Lostbelt interference." Loli Da Vinci picked up where the Caster version left off. "We reevaluated the results and turned out the same. It's gathering Magical Energy into something, but we also detected a weak Chaldean Servant in the Lostbelt."
"Altera…" Ritsuka was now concerned for the former White Titian.
Da Vinci nodded, "Yes, Altera was detected there but with a small Magical Energy signature. Not only that we need to dismantle the Lostbelt asap-"
"But we need to save a friend, right?" Everyone looked to see Adrien walking out of the changing rooms with Fred doing some last-minute checks with his tablet. "I'm all for it," He smiles.
Plagg floated next to him, hearing the conversation between Chaldeans. "Whoever this Altera person is then expect that these two can aid you."
Ritsuka smiles, seeing the Mystic Code Da Vinci made for Adrien. It was a short black sleeve, green hooded t-shirt with a harness over his chest. Tan pants and black boots with a belt filled with pockets. He wore black fingerless gloves with his silver ring in the usual place.
"Looking good, Adrien. Nothing I expect from a model." Ritsuka jokes, seeing the Mystic Code.
"Thanks," Adrien smiles, looking at himself in the mirror. "Though I'm a bit overwhelmed that the actual having two female Leonardo Da Vinci made something for me." He looks over to the two Da Vincis waving at him.
"I take it this is an honor to be wearing Da Vinci brand Mystic Code?" Loli Da Vinci smiles, seeing the nervous smile on the Model's face.
Adrien nodded, "Da Vinci brand…never thought I heard that term with your name, Ms. Da Vinci." The blonde chuckled.
"Thanks, now Fred can you explain how this Mystic Code works to Mr. Agreste?" Da Vinci asked her apprentice to do the explanation.
"Yes ma'am!" Fred nodded, looking at the Hero of Destruction. "This Mystic Code is special, Adrien. Not only we can track your vitals like all Mystic Codes, but it will channel your Miraculous Power of Destruction without you transforming."
Plagg looked over to Fred Weasley, "As long as I'm close by, right?"
Fred nodded confirming what the Kwami said. "Yep, you can also transform into your Superhero wear and make contracts with Servants as usual." He explains.
Adrien smiles, liking how this Mystic Code works. "But be warned, making contracts with more than seven Servants will severely damage your being." Da Vinci warned the young Hero. "Master is the only one who can do that due to his experience and support. You're just a novice who just awaken your Magic Circuits, don't want a bloody mess now do we?" She asked jokingly.
"Uh…yeah, so no more than seven…got it." Adrien nodded, looking around for Marinette. "Where's Marinette?" He asked.
Ritsuka looks at the Servants, knowing they knew where she is. "Ms. Dupain-Cheng is in the other changing room, however, there are things we need to adjust on her Mystic Code." Loli Da Vinci explains, turning to the Lostbelt Servant beside them.
Qin Shi Huang nodded, "Indeed, with the Medical results from the Medical Head. We were called for our expertise." The Lostbelt Emperor informed his master. "With Da Vincis schematics on Mr. Agreste's Medical records and Mystic Code plan we made a special Mystic Code for Ms. Dupain-Cheng."
"Ms. Dupain-Cheng, we require you to show yourself to our master!" Qin Shi Huang exclaims, excited to show everyone his work.
Tikki phase through the changing room, and she gave a warry smile at the group. "Um, Marinette is a bit nervous showing everyone the Mystic Code you gave her." The Kwami of Destruction explains to everyone.
"Nervous? How come?" Ritsuka asked the Kwami of Creation.
"I think it's the Mystic Code," Tikki informed the people in the room.
Qin looked at everyone before looking at Tikki. "Well, tell her to come out Fairy. We will see what's the matter with the Mystic Code we provided for her." He asked the Nature Spirit to tell her master to come out.
"Alright then," Tikki phase through the door, informing Marinette what the others are saying.
Adrien looks at Plagg, concerned for his girlfriend. "I hope Marinette's alright."
The Kwami of Destruction waved his little arm, "I'm sure it's nothing kid. It's probably the design of the clothes," Plagg ensures the young Hero.
Moments later, Marinette steps out of the changing room and showed everyone the Mystic Code. "A-Are you sure t-this is right? I-I'm not comfortable wearing such short pants." The Hero of Creation stated.
"You look beautiful Marinette," Tikki ensures her owner that there's nothing wrong with what she's wearing.
Marinette looked in the mirror behind her, the Mystic Code was similar to Adrien's but at the same time a bit revealing. She wore a black short sleeve shirt under a baggy tan jacket and black shorts that were covered by the jacket. One black legging on her left leg and one short one that reaches halfway to her knees.
She also wore black heeled boots and a red choker around her neck. Marinette adjusted her hair so that it flows down naturally, "S-So what do you think?"
Adrien blushed, never saw anything that revealing on Marinette. On Chloe and Lila, that's for sure but nothing like Marinette's. "Y-You look good," Adrien covered his mouth, still blushing at the sight.
"See? It's just the clothes she's wearing." Plagg nudges his owner.
Qin Shi Huang steps forward, observing the Mystic Code on Marinette. "Seems like there's nothing wrong with your Mystic Code, Ms. Dupain-Cheng." The Lostbelt Emperor informed her.
"O-Okay," Marinette nodded, turning to Ritsuka.
"I know it's a bit revealing, but this will help you on the mission," Ritsuka commented,
Marinette nodded, turning to Fred who was bringing up the Mystic Code schematics on the tablet. "Alright, this Mystic Code is a special one that allows you to Rayshift to the Lostbelt. It works the same way as Adrien's where you can have at least seven contracts with Servants, and we can monitor your vitals."
"If anything is to happen within the Lostbelt, we can Rayshift you back to the Border for emergencies." Da Vinci informed the young Hero.
"I see, at least I can now join you all in the…Lostbelt." Marinette smiles, looking around the room.
Tikki nodded, agreeing with the blue-haired teen. "Will Marinette and Adrien wear this during their training session today?" The Kwami asked the master of Chaldea.
Ritsuka rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to explain things to them. "Um, there was a slight change in Sheba lens's observation. As much as I want you guys to be prepared for the mission, plans have changed."
"Changed?" Adrien asked, curious about what changed from the original plan.
"It means we'll be Rayshifting immediately to the future than the previous time." Loli Da Vinci explains to the Heroes of Paris. "So follow me to the Coffins where we can prepare for the-"
Ritsuka looks down at his Commlink, hearing it rings. "Yes?" He asked.
-ZZZ-Ritsuka, it's Charlie. He's up, and Berserker has some news she wants to inform you in person.-ZZZ-
"I'm on my way," Ritsuka looks at the group, giving them an apologetic look. "Sorry, but-"
"Go, we understand." Tikki nodded, hoping for good news.
"He's your family. That goes first." Marinette added, seeing Ritsuka's grateful face.
The Magus smiles, heading to the Medical bey to see what's going on with his Grandfather's condition.
Upon arrival at the Medical bey, Ritsuka was greeted by his Wife with the Medical Staff.
Ritsuka walks over to them, wanting to know what's up. "Ritsuka, we got some news regarding Charlie-san." Mashu greeted her Husband, knowing how worried he must've been about the Saber Servant.
"Hey Mashu," Ritsuka looks over to Neville and Nightingale discussing what to do about Charlie. "So you told me that you guys found a way to help Charlie?" The master asked his Wife what he heard over the Commlink.
The violet-haired Assistant nodded, turning to the Medical Professionals behind them, "Yes, Nightingale-san and Neville-kun can explain it better than I can," Mashu lead her Husband to the two,
"Nightingale-san, Neville-kun, Ritsuka's here to hear what you found about Charlie-san's condition and his treatment," Mashu said to the two Medical Professionals in front of them.
Ritsuka nodded, holding Mashu's hands for support. "If it's something I can do to help him recover fast and possibly regain his strength as before, please…" he looks at the two with hope in his eyes.
Neville looks at his mentor nodding at him to inform the director. The young doctor turns to the master of Chaldea, being the one to inform him of their finding. "Director, Ritsuka, whatever Lancer of the Eternal Empire did to Charlie…well let me say he won't be returning to the Throne of Heroes." He gave the good news to the master.
Ritsuka sighs relieved that his Grandfather won't disappear like other Servants. "That's good, but there's always a but," He said.
Nightingale nodded, "Indeed, there's a small issue on Saber's Spirit Origins." She explains to her master. "But his status as a Servant is stripped from him, but due to his bonds with your Grandfather, it has saved his life. thus classifying him as a-"
"Human," Mashu said, happy and yet sad that this was the outcome of the King of the Franks. "Is there any way to reverse this?"
"Yes, there is," Neville confirmed what the former Demi-Servant said. "But it's extremely dangerous for Charlie to reclaim his status as a Servant."
Ritsuka nodded, taking the risk to help his family. "How?" He asked.
"We theorized that if we have enough of Servants that have a connection to Saber, his Spirit Origins will automatically repair itself," Nightingale said, remembering a similar situation with Sita and Rama. "As such, Bradamante and Astolfo's presences has prevented him from disappearing."
"We've asked Holmes to do an initial scan for anyone who's connected with Charlie and detected weak Spirit Origin signatures within the Lostbelt and one powerful one as well," Neville said, informing them of the news.
Ritsuka nodded, seeing that's the only option they got for helping Charlie. "So basically-"
"If I'm to restore my Servant status then I will be coming with you to the Lostbelt." Charlie opens the curtains in the recovery room, holding Romani smiling in his arms.
"But-"
Charlie smiles, already knowing what he's going to say "Ritsuka, no matter what you say I'm still going." The injured Servant stated. "Lancer's attack was personal, and I want to return the favor. Even if I can't be used in combat, I'm still reliable in many places instead of a Servant of Chaldea." He smiles,
"Plus Romani thinks this is a good idea." Charlie bounced his Grandson on his hips.
Romani giggles having fun being bounced by his Grandfather.
The former King looks at his Grandson, still contemplating if this is going to be a good idea. "So, please, let me join you in the Lostbelt."
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review, next chapter is entering the Paris Lostbelt.