AN: Enjoy the chapter,
Ch 10 Putting the Past Behind
"It's the Freak!" Harry's eyes widen with fear at the mere mention of that name.
Both Ana and Fran took notice of how the young master was frozen in fear. They turned around only to meet with two poor excuses of Humans.
Disregarding the Servants' protectiveness over Harry, Dudley approaches him with his Aunt in tow. "What do you think you're doing here? You're supposed to be where Freaks should go and die." He stated, about to punch his cousin.
Fran pushed Harry behind her, growling at this Piglet for saying hurtful things to him. From the way she sees things, Harry was just like her with her Creator.
"What do you want?" Dudley asked, puffing out his chest to look intimidated just like his Father does. "Move out of the way before I give you some," He tries to be threatening to this girl.
"Aaaah! Ugh, aah!" The Berserker shouted, ready to bring out her mace,
Dudley laughs hearing how Fran spoke to him. "Why do you speak like that? You sound like a retard!" He laughs at her, dismissing the louder growls.
"AHH!" Fran warns the boy not to make her anymore angrier.
Marge sneers at Fran, hearing his Nephew being battered by her wordless sounds. "How dare you bother an innocent Boy, especially my Nephew!" The fat woman approached the group, letting Ripper down from her arms.
"AAAHHH!" The Berserker turns around, growling now at Marge.
"How dare you speak to me like that, girl! I'm an adult and you should respect me!" The fat woman exclaims, causing a scene in the gardens. She turns her attention to Harry, gritting her teeth at his sight. "You, boy, tell this Bitch to respect me or I'll let Ripper play with you." She threatens him.
Dudley grins, hearing that he gets to see Ripper play chase the Freak. "Yeah, Aunt Marge! Let Ripper play, let him play!"
Harry whimpers in fear, having flashbacks from when he last played chase the Freak. He looks at Fran, seeing that she's still defending him despite the horrid comments towards her. "NO!"
Ana smiles, waiting for that from the young master.
"What did you say, Freak!?" Dudley responded, never hearing that coming from him.
"I said no, I won't tell Fran to stop!" Harry stated, standing up for Fran. "I won't let you or Aunt Marge say hurtful things to Fran or Ana!" He exclaims, standing in front of Fran, wanting to be the one to protect them.
Fran looks over to the Divine Spirit, impressed by how he manages to gain the courage to stand up for himself.
"How dare you defy me, Freak!" Marge leans down, unleashing Ripper from his leash. "teach the Boy a lesson, Ripper!"
Ripper barks, dashing towards Harry and the others.
Harry flinched but stayed where he was to protect the girls. After a few minutes, nothing happened, he opens his eyes to see Ana glaring down at Ripper.
Ripper was frozen in place, unable to move or bark,
"Ripper! What did you do to my baby!?" Marge exclaims, seeing her Bulldog petrified in front of the group.
Ana removes her hood, glaring at the two poor excuses for Humans. "Don't worry, I only used half my power to petrify your mutt." The Lancer spoke, "By day's end, he'll be back to normal but I don't think you have time to see him."
"A-Ana?" Harry blinks, seeing that the purple-haired girl has done something to Ripper.
Marge growls, taking out her outdated phone. "I don't know what you did, but just wait. I'll have you reported for abusing an animal and threatening a citizen of Britain and a child."
"Is that so?" A gun click came from the back of Marge's head,
Marge and Dudley froze, seeing a dark-skinned man with short white hair standing behind them. In his hand was a Sword mixed with a gun,
"W-Wha-" Marge turns her eyes to the man behind her, his cold dead eyes were glaring at her.
Dudley fell to the ground, looking up strange man, terrified when he has a gun in his hand.
"Seems like you two were causing trouble for the kid and the others." Emiya Alter said coldly, pushing the tip of his gun to Marge's head, causing her face to contort.
"How dare you, I have you know my Brother is with your Boss," Marge warns the Altered Servant. "Any word from me and you can kiss your job goodbye-"
Emiya Alter let out a cold chuckle, not even effective by the fat Woman's warning. "I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not your typical Chaldean Employee." He informed the Human before him. "The worst I would get is getting a scolding from my master."
"W-What?" Marge questioned, seeing this man isn't batting an eye when she threatens his job.
"Speaking of master, I think he should be informed of this encounter." Emiya Alter looks at both Ana and Fran, who understand what they have to do. "You, Brat, you're coming with us."
Dudley was about to refuse when Emiya Alter took out another gun from who knows where. This frightens him and obliges the Counter Guardian.
Back inside the Outpost,
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE ENDING OUR CONTRACT!?" Vernon shouted, appalled by what Holmes said to them.
Holmes smiles at the now angered Walrus. "As I said, we decided that it was best to move on from the old contract and search for someone a little more influential." The Ruler Servant spoke on the behalf of his master.
"But that doesn't make sense, your previous director has promised our Company that we'll not be affected by any change!" Vernon reasons with the Ruler Servant and the director of Chaldea.
"Director Marisbury may have promised you that Grunnings won't be affected by the change in power," Ritsuka stated, looking at the Walrus and Horsewoman. "But seeing how there are many complaints about your company, I can't have it tarnish Chaldea's name."
Ritsuka eyes Koyanskaya, signaling her to hand him the file.
Koyanskaya nodded, handing him her tablet. "From my Secretary, I have many complaints saying your drills aren't up-to-date to the quality of drills you said you have." Ritsuka continued, handing over the tablet on the table. "Considering that there are many companies who promised the quality of drills and other assortments they said were true, I think it's best to go with them."
Vernon growls, taking a look at the reviews the Grunnings' customers left regarding his Company's drills. "These can't be right! All those people were satisfied with the final product!" He shouted,
"Don't believe those people, they're only trying to sully my good Husband's name!" Petunia stated, defending her Husband's name from the baseless rumors. "My Husband is a good, hard-working family man who does nothing wrong!"
"I beg to differ, Mongrel," Gilgamesh stated not caring for their growing anger. "I've looked over the financing of Grunnings and your sales dropped at least thirty percent and still increasing." The Caster leans forward, glaring at the Horsewoman,
"So tell me, what do you think of that, Mongrel?" Gilgamesh Caster asked Petunia, raising his brow at her.
Vernon stood up from his seat, feeling disrespected, "How dare you question my Wife like that!" He exclaims,
Mashu sighs, looking at her Husband knowing he has a habit of angering people he dislikes. "Dursley-san, please calm done. If you-"
"Don't talk to me like you know me you pink-haired Freak!" Vernon shouted at the former Demi-Servant.
Petunia joined her Husband, who can't stand people such as the Fujimarus. "I have no idea whom you are thinking you can speak to your betters like that." The Horsewoman exclaims, no longer hiding her judgment of them. "To think we would be speaking to children on adult matters and be disrespected like trash!"
Holmes heard footsteps coming from the outside of the room, deducing it was the other two. "Mr. Fujimaru, it seems that the other two found themselves in trouble."
"What are you blabbering about?" Vernon demanded as the doors opened loudly.
Marge and Dudley were pushed into the room by a dark-skinned and white-haired man. "Master, these two were about to assault the young master outside in the gardens." Emiya Alter informed the master of Chaldea.
"And checkmate," Gilgamesh Caster smiles, standing from his seat and joining Koyanskaya at the back to watch the show.
Koyanskaya offered the King of Uruk some popcorn she had for this occasion. "Popcorn, your Majesty?" The Beast of Cherishment asked the Caster.
Gilgamesh smirks, taking the offer. "What's a show where Mongrels get what they deserve without refreshments." He asked, taking one for the moment.
"M-Marge!?" Vernon exclaims, seeing his Sister on the floor.
"My Diddy-kins!" Petunia shrieked at how they manhandled their Son,
"Mum! Dad! Help me!" Dudley cried like some three-year-old, terrified of what was going on.
Marge looks up at her Brother and Sister-in-law, her face pale as a Ghost. "Vernon! Get us out of here, it's a trap! They had us played, like some twisted game from the start!" She exclaims as the Alter aims his gun at her.
Suddenly the two Dursleys stopped, their mouths hung open to see someone they thought they'd got rid of.
Harry walks in with Ana and Fran protecting him from whatever these people are doing. "Freak! What are you doing here!?" Petunia shrieked at the sight of him.
"I thought I have gotten rid of you when we left you at the freaky orphanage!" Vernon shouted, approaching the boy. "How dare you show yourself here! I'll teach you another lesson you won't forget!"
Harry flinched, seeing his Uncle coming for him. His eyes gazed upwards to see a shadowy figure morph from the ceiling. "Boy didn't you here-" A large silver Scythe was against the Walrus's large neck.
"Naha, don't think you can do whatever you want here," A voice spoke out of nowhere, "I've got you where I want you,"
Petunia could only scream at how terrifying this creature was hanging down like a bat.
Dudley cried at the thing holding a large blade against the strongest person he knows in life.
"WHAT IS THAT THING!?" Marge exclaims in both an angered and terrified voice.
"My, my, my, what a delightful sound you made." The Beast of Oblivion grins at the terrified sounds of the Humans. "Master, if I may, can I have that one as a pet?"
"HOW DARE YOU-"
"No, you can't, Beast." Ritsuka scolded the Lostbelt Servant before he motions for Harry to come to him.
"What a shame," Camazotz looks at Harry, sprinting over to Ritsuka like some rabbit. 'So that's the Boy who is to be the heir of Chaldea, hmmm….' The Beast ponders, hearing about him from the others.
Harry saw many things while he was here, a man with Fairy Wings, Professor M's large lanterns floating around him, Fran as a person, and many other things. However when this newcomer was on a whole different level of strange, like some ancient deity that was forgotten.
Once he sat next to Ritsuka and Mashu, he looked at his relatives. Their faces were a mix of emotions, mainly just anger.
"Now that things have settled, let me tell you the truth about why I let you come here," Ritsuka said, standing up to face the Dursley. "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, you have not only insulted your Customers and employees, but you have threatened my Son. The next director of Chaldea, as such you will be under my custody until the British Police come and take you away."
"WHAT!? WHAT WRONG DID WE DO?" Vernon exclaims at the Magus, only for Camaztoz to pull his Scythe closer to his neck,
"We've done nothing wrong to the good people of Bri-"
"Nothing wrong, Mrs. Dursley?" Holmes asked, being a part of this interrogation. "I believe you are fully aware of what you did, Mrs. Dursley." The Ruler looks over to the young master, being embraced by Mashu in a form of protection.
Petunia looks at her Nephew, realizing what he means. "THAT FREAK ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE TREATED AS ONE OF US! HIS KIND IS NOTHING BUT TRASH TO GOO-"
Holmes smiles softly, "A Child is still a Child, Mrs. Dursley. We have much evidence that pins both you, your Husband, your Sister-in-law, and even your own Son to the crimes you have committed." The Detective stated,
Marge looks up at the Chaldeans, "WHAT CRIMES ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? THERE WEREN'T ANY CRIMES COMMITTED BY MY BROTHER!" She exclaims at them. "IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT CRIMES, THEN YOU SHOULD KNOW YOU HAVE ABUSED MY BABY BOY, RIPPER-"
"As I said, your dog will return back to normal by day's end," Ana spoke out, turning to her master and inclined her head to him.
Ritsuka looks at Mashu who has compiled a list of the many crimes against Harry and many others for them to hand over. She cleared her throat, "The crimes you have committed are Endangering the welfare of a Child, Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Expired Breeding License, Public Vandalizing, Extortion, Embezzlement, Attempted Assault on United Nations Sanctions…"
Mashu listed many crimes regarding the Dursleys, she finished before looking at her Husband.
"With this many crimes listed on your name, it's only right to have the British Government to deal with you," Ritsuka stated, feeling like justice was served right. However he felt something was off with it,
Vernon growls glaring at Harry being his outlet for everything that has gone wrong in his life. "THIS IS YOUR FAULT, FREAK! IF YOUR FREAKY MOTHER HAVEN'T GIVEN BIRTH TO YOU THEN THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!" He berated Harry who was holding back his tears,
"IF YOU HADN'T GOTTEN YOUR FREAKISHNESS, THEN THINGS WILL GO WELL!" Vernon continued with his nonsense. "I HOPE YOU DIE IN HELL, YOU DEVIL! DIE AND SUFFER-'
That was going too far,
Ritsuka approached Vernon and signal Camaztoz to let go.
Camazotz grins, knowing what his master was doing. He dismisses his Scythe; however, he did not return to his Spirit Form, wanting to see what reaction Ritsuka has to this Walrus's cries.
"What are you going to do? You alrea-" Vernon gasps, Ritsuka plunged his fist into his stomach.
"DAD!" Dudley cried, seeing Ritsuka punch his Father.
Petunia was hyperventilating when she saw Vernon's face pale upon impact.
"VERNON, NO!" Marge exclaims, trying to move but can't due to Emiya Alter aiming his gun at her.
"Move again and I'll shoot." Emiya Alter threatens the fat woman,
Harry flinched when he saw his Adopted Father punch his Uncle in the guts. Harry then saw Ritsuka's face, cold and emotionless. "R-Ri-"
"Harry-kun, come here." Mashu motions her Son into her arms,
Harry quickly followed Mashu's instructions and hugged her.
Ritsuka leans into Vernon's ear and whispers in it. "(You think Beast is frightening? Believe me, he's not the one you should be terrified of.)" He whispers to him, causing him a great fear of this man. "(I have many people like him who are far worst under my command. If you ever say or lay a finger on my Son, then hell is the last place you ever wish for.)"
"Y-You monster." Vernon stammers never felt this much fear in his life.
"(I don't care what you say about me. My Family is very important to me, and anything you do to them will cost you.)" The Magus stated, (You're lucky that I'm a nice person even to let you live.)" Ritsuka continued before leaning back,
"Emiya, Beast, take them to the holding cells until the British Authorities arrive," Ritsuka ordered his Servants to get rid of the trash,
Camazotz leaps down from the ceiling, placing both his hands on Petunia and Vernon who was gaging air. "Of course, my master! That was an excellent display of power!" The Divine Spirit commented, pushing the people out of the room.
"Very well," Emiya Alter grabs hold of Dudley and Marge, taking them to the holding cells.
Ana joined in, taking the still petrified Ripper to the holding cells with the two Servants.
(Insert Fate/Grand Order -ADF: Babylonia- OST Vol.1 - #13 Just One Hope)
Later that night, Harry sat on his bed still comprehending everything that happened. He'd never seen Ritsuka like that before, if he's being honest, he doesn't want to see that side of him again.
Harry held onto his Stuff Dog, unsure what would happen after today. 'Will Ritsuka be that way from now on? Will he ever be the same nice Ritsuka he met and spent time with?'
Those thoughts clouded the young Boy's mind, a never-ending cycle of doubt and question.
A knock came from the other side of Harry's door. Harry looks up, waiting for whoever is outside to answer. "Harry? It's me, Ritsuka. Can I come in?" Ritsuka asked,
Harry thought for a moment before answering. "U-Um, y-yes," He answered, hearing the kind tone Ritsuka spoke before.
The doors opened as Ritsuka walked inside his room. Ritsuka smiled, and approached Harry on his bed, "I'm sorry for today, bud." He apologizes to him. "I didn't intend for you to be at the meeting. I was hoping that Fran and Ana took you somewhere a bit farther in the gardens."
"I-It's okay," Harry spoke, a bit scared to speak with his adoptive Father. "I-I wasn't too affecti-"
"No, it's not," Ritsuka stated, leaning down near his Son's bed. "I didn't want you to see me like that. It's something I know can scare a lot of people, I'm sure I scared you too." He said,
Harry looks down, nodding in response to his question.
"Harry, I will do anything to protect you and Mashu. You two are the most important people in my life," Harry looks at Ritsuka, his eyes filled with sorrow for what he did today. "I want you to know that my work tends for me to be strict and serious. Sometimes dead right cruel, but in case I ever scare you with my job, just know you can always tell me."
"You can tell me anything, both me and Mashu are there for you." Ritsuka continues, wanting to make Harry feel safe around him.
Harry was silent for a moment, never had someone cared so much about him before. Another feeling grew inside of him, a feeling contorted with sadness and happiness simultaneously.
"Harry?" Ritsuka asked, a bit worried if he had done something wrong to upset him.
Suddenly Harry threw his arms around Ritsuka's neck, hugging him tightly. He then cried, letting the feeling he was holding back inside out.
Ritsuka figured that it was something that poor excuse of an Uncle said early said. "Yoshi, yoshi," He patted Harry on the back as he cried, "I got you, let it all out,"
"D-Daddy, Daddy!" Harry cried, tears pouring down his cheeks while calling his name.
Ritsuka's eyes widen, hearing what Harry is saying. He decided not to say anything and continued soothing him until he fell asleep.
Once Harry cried himself out, he began to feel drowsy. He lets out a yawn, signaling Ritsuka to tuck him in.
Harry looks at Ritsuka with sleepy eyes, "Daddy," He called for him one last time,
Ritsuka smiles, kissing his forehead. "Goodnight, Harry. I love you,"
"I…love you…too…Daddy." Harry shuts his eyes before falling to sleep, (End Song)
AN: How do you like it? I'm planning another scene like this with Mashu, so expect that to happen. Please leave a comment or review.