AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 15 Heading for the Next Piece
Bedivere smiles, watching Pavel play with the sticks near the carriage. He was tending to the Horses, prepping them for a quick departure.
Pavel smiles, placing down the stick and looking at the Knight with him. "Sir Bedivere?" He called out for the Servant.
The grey-haired Saber turns to the young Child, hearing him call for him. "Yes, Pavel?" Bedivere responded to Pavel. "Is there something you need?" The Knight asked, stopping with prepping the Carriage.
"When is Ritsuka and the others are coming back?" Pavel asked, cocking his head innocently. "It's been a while since they left for the Mountain Top." He continued, wondering when they were coming back.
Bedivere smiles, answering the Demi-Human Boy. He looks at the sky, "Yes, it has been a while since master and the others depart." The Knight of Loyalty commented before looking back at Pavel. "I'm sure they are finishing things at the Mountain as we spea-"
"Bedivere, Pavel." The two turn around, hearing Castoria call for them.
"Lady Arturia!" Pavel smiles, rushing over to meet the group.
The grey-haired Child smiles before noticing that a few were missing in the group. "Huh? Where is Ritsuka?" Pavel asked the group.
Bedivere walks behind them, curious why there were only a few. He then took notice of Mordred being supported by Galahad. "Sir Mordred," He said before looking at the others. "What happened?"
Mordred coughs, glaring at the Silver Knight. "T-That damn Bastard showed up at the Mountain." The Knight of Rebellion informed her fellow Saber.
"Huh? You don't mean-" Bedivere looks to Galahad, confirming what he was thinking.
The light grey-haired Shielder nodded, "Heroic Knight Lancelot's Party has appeared on the Mountaintop." Galahad informed the Knight of Loyalty. "With those People, master's Brother has appeared. Sir Mordred holds them off for a good time, going into combat with him."
Bedivere looks at Mordred, seeing the same wounds on her just like Tristan. "I can see that Sir Mordred has also faced the Berserk form of Heroic Knight Lancelot." The Saber commented. "Similar to when Sir Tristan fought Heroic Knight Tristan."
"Tch, don't remind me," Mordred groans, not wanting to remember what happened just a little while ago.
Pavel steps forward, hearing the conversation between Servants. "Ritsuka's Brother was at the Mountain?" He asked, worried about the Man he looked up to. "Is Ritsuka going to be, okay?"
Castoria saw the worried expression on the young Demi-Human Boy's face. "Don't worry, master will be back. He has dealt with many situations like the one with Heroic Knight Lancelot, Pavel." The Caster said,
Melty nodded, walked to Pavel, and touched his back. "That's right Pavel, from what the others told me, Fujimaru-sama will come back." The Second Princess said, comforting Pavel.
Filo then heard some rocks falling from the path they had just taken. "Ah, they're back! It's Ritsuka-chan and master!" The Filoial informed the others,
Everyone turns to where Filo is pointing, coming down from the Mountain path. "Ritsuka!" Pavel ran over to the Magus once he saw him.
Ritsuka saw Pavel running over to him, "Oof!" He chuckles lightly, seeing this is a natural habit for the young Demi-Human to hug him every time he sees him. "Wow, you missed me that much, Pavel?" He asked,
"Fou," Fou leaps off of Ritsuka's shoulders, landing on Pavel's head. "Fou, Fou,"
The dark grey-haired Child hugged Ritsuka tightly, he simply nodded in response to his question. "Yeah…" Pavel looks up at Ritsuka, his eyes filled with worry. "Heroic Knight Lancelot is up there, your Brother. I'm worried that he might hurt you…"
Ritsuka blinks at the young Demi-Human Boy, worried for him. He could imagine Romani at Pavel's Age, saying those things. He smiles petting his fluffy hair, "Thank you for worrying about me, Pavel. I appreciate it." He said,
Naofumi placed Masamune inside the Carriage along with Mordred being placed by Galahad. "Man, Motoyasu did some massive damage to them." He commented on seeing the wounds on the two Servants. "What kind of power did Saber give those three?"
"I believe it's a curse," Galahad said, recognizing a curse when he sees one. "I have spoken to Sir Ren during his imprisonment with us, he said that Saber, quote gave us some new upgrades to the Three Heroes during the transition from Cardinal Heroes to the Three Heroes Roundtable."
Castoria nodded, "Names do hold power." She climbs into the Carriage, still performing healing Spells on them. "Whether good or bad, a Curse can be transmitted by just saying a name." The Lostbelt Servant said,
"So how can we lift the Curse on those three?" Naofumi asked the two Servants, curious how to free those three.
"That's something we can worry about when we get there," They look at Ritsuka, heading over with Pavel holding onto his hand. "For now, let's head back to the Staging Grounds."
Arthur nodded, "Yes, reinforcements will come for the Heroic Knight Lancelot's Party." The King of Knights said, having an intuition that was the case.
Everyone heard what Arthur said, agreeing with him since they were already retrieving what they came here for.
Back on the Mountaintop, Heroic Knight Lancelot's armor reverts to the clothes he wore. His eyes opened, groaning as he got up.
"W-What just…" Motoyasu groans, his memory is all fuzzy. He can't remember what has happened in the past hour or so. All he could remember was seeing that Servant raising her Sword, releasing her Noble Phantasm.
Motoyasu gasped and swiftly got to his feet. He looks around, now noticing that he is in a completely different area of the Mountain. "Where…am I? No, forget about that," He turns his head back to the path, leading down the Mountain.
"Myne." The Laner grabs his Arondight Spear, rushing down to find his Party members.
Running down the Mountain path, he made it to the foot of the Mountain. "Huh?" Motoyasu saw that his Party was tied against a Large Boulder. "Myne, what happened!?"
The red-haired Princess recognized the voice of Motoyasu. "Sir Heroic Knight Lancelot!" Myne exclaims, happy to see the Pseudo-Servant. "Thank God you came back! That brute that was with Fujimaru-sama has chained us to this Boulder!" She exclaims, tears pouring down her eyes.
"P-Please help us, Heroic Knight Lancelot!" Myne cried, pleading for him to free them.
"Right, hold on, Myne." Motoyasu raised his Arondight Spear at the bindings, slashing it and releasing his Party Members.
The three Females were freed from the bindings, Myne quickly went to Motoyasu, leaning on his chest. "Oh, Heroic Knight Lancelot, what your Brother did. It's just terrible," Myne cried,
"That brutal Barbarian we saw earlier has tied us and assaulted us!" Myne exclaims, manipulating the Heroic Knight into believing what she wants him to believe.
Motoyasu growls, now remembering how Mordred fought and scolded him about something. He shook his head, seeing it was nothing more than a Madwoman's rabbling. However, he couldn't help but be curious about what a voice said to him. "Heroic Knight Lancelot? Is there something on your mind?" Lesty asked the Hero of the Lake.
The Heroic Knight smiles at his Party Member, hearing her voice filled with worry. "Lesty, it's nothing to worry about," Motoyasu said, not wanting her to worry.
Myne glared at Lesty for questioning the Heroic Knight. "Lesty, how dare you question Lord Heroic Knight Lancelot, Lesty!?" The First Princess asked rather loudly,
"O-Oh no, I'm just concerned for Heroic Knight Lancelot, Heroic Knight Aid Guinivere!" Lesty quickly corrected herself to the First Princess of Melromarc. "H-He seems to be down about something, possibly because we failed in getting both the Piece and capturing Fujimaru-sama-"
"Don't you dare bring up the failures, Lesty." Myne scolded her for saying those things. "Now that the Chaldeans got that Piece, our Kingdom will be in danger!" The First Princess exclaims.
The Lancer Pseudo-Servant steps forward, "Myne, Lesty is just concerned over me," Motoyasu said, trying to calm the Princess. He turns to his Party Member, "Lesty, thank you for making me feel better. Let's head back to the Capital and report to the King and Saber."
"Right," They all responded, heading down the Mountain.
Somewhere off in the distance, Bedivere and Galahad were sitting in the driver's seat of the Carriage. Inside, Castoria and Raphtalia were healing the injured Masamune and Mordred. "It's a good thing that Heroic Knight Lancelot didn't pierce your Spirit Origins. If so, we may not be able to heal your wounds." Castoria said,
Mordred groans, turning to the side. "Yeah, yeah, that idiot Bastard got the jump on me." The Knight of Rebellion huffs, "The next time I see that ugly mug of his, I'll beat his ass! Berserk form or not!"
Masamune gave a light chuckle, "Man, that's one hell of a fire in you, Saber." The green-haired Hero commented, appreciating those who won't give up. "I like it,"
"Shut up, you have your ass beat up like me," Mordred retorted, glaring at her fellow Saber.
"Yeah, yeah," Masamune chuckles, feeling the wound being closed up from Raphtalia's power.
Raphtalia removed her hands, seeing the wounds Healed on Masamune's side. "I can see that you two are getting along well. The both of you have so much in common," The new Pseudo-Servant stated,
Castoria could only giggle, seeing how both Masamune and Mordred bounce each other off. "You're right, Raphtalia. The both of them have good chemistry,"
Masamune turns to the Child of Prophecy, hearing her comment. "We do, do we?" He smirks before feeling a light punch from Mordred, "Ow, ow,"
"Shut it," Mordred smirks, playfully punching him.
The four laugh as Ritsuka and Naofumi watch with a smile. Ritsuka held onto Pavel, sleeping on his lap. "Fujimaru, got a minute?" Naofumi asked his Ally.
"Yeah, what is it, Iwatani?" Ritsuka turns to the Shielder, hearing his voice.
The black-haired Hero looks forward, saying what's on his mind. "I know we got Ren on our side, but what do we do about the other two?" Naofumi asked, wondering how to deal with Itsuki's Failnaught and Motoyasu's Arondight. "I mean no offense, but every time we've encountered those three, your Servants were overrun by their Berserk form."
Ritsuka nodded, understanding where Naofumi was coming from. "Yes, their Berserk forms are trouble, the only way to defeat them is either a Noble Phantasm that cleanses the curse they have or just try to knock them out where they come to their senses." The Magus said, trying to find a way to get past the Berserk form.
"When we get back to the Border Town, I'll ask Berserker if she knows how to overcome that issue," Ritsuka said, knowing Morgan has some experience with Gifted names.
"Berserker, she seems to be the right choice to ask," Naofumi said, seeing her knowledge of all sorts of Magic, "Also, I like to ask her something too." He said, wanting to know something from her.
Ritsuka turns to the Shielder, hearing his words. "Is it Raphtalia?" He asked, looking at the Demi-Human treating the two Sabers before them. "I understand, let's ask her when we get back."
Naofumi nodded, happy that his Ally agreed to let him speak with the Fairy Queen.
Soon the Carriage arrived at the entrance of the Underground Rebellion Staging Ground. The group soon met with Harriet and her Conductors, "Ritsuka, Sir Naofumi," Harriet greeted the two and their group, her eyes then spot the injured, assuming their mission failed. "Hollen, get the best Healers we have and have them take care of the two there,"
Hollen obliges, inclining her head to the Leader of the Rebellion. "Yes, Lady Ruler." He quickly went off to find the Healers,
"Now, you all look tired." Harriet took notice of how tired the Chaldeans and Shield Hero's Party were.
"We appreciate your hospitality, Ruler," Arthur spoke on behalf of the group, watching Galahad and Bedivere assist Mordred and Masamune to the Medical Tent.
Da Vinci entertained both Filo and Pavel, showing her Familiar Typhone and how she works. Melty decided to take a little nap after the stressful Journey while Castoria and Raphtalia stayed with the injured to Heal them.
"I see, so you encounter Heroic Knight Lancelot on the Mountaintop…" Morgan said through the communication gem they have,
"Yeah, like the other Three Heroes Roundtable, Aniki went into his Berserk form," Ritsuka informed the Lostbelt Queen and the others what had occurred.
Naofumi crosses his arms, continuing after the master of Chaldea. "It took at least three Servants to take him down," The Shielder added, "Should've expected that Motoyasu is the strongest out of the three, he has Lancelot's name." He said, hearing the stories and from the information the Heroic Spirit is giving him.
"Fou…" The Beast looks at the two Men, feeling their troubles.
Agravain looks at the Infiltration group, "Master, do you two at least retrieve the Piece of Rhyongomyniad?" The Saber asked his master, hoping that his Brother didn't get it before them.
"We got it, Saber." Ritsuka turns to Arthur, stepping before them.
Arthur places his hand over his chest. "The Piece of Rhyongomyniad was absorbed into my Spirit Origins. I'm not sure why, but I understand that gaining all the remaining Pieces." The Saber explains to the two,
Agravain placed his hand on his chin, pondering on information she received. "Well, whatever the case. Our objective is still the same, retrieve the Pieces before the Heroic Knights retrieve them for themselves." The Knight of the Roundtable said,
"These Pieces, they hold more answers than we initially thought," Morgan commented before looking at her master. "Husband, I'll study the Piece I have kept from that Pope. I'll try to unravel the mystery behind this version of Rhyongomyniad and this Anomaly."
"Got it, Saber, Berserker. We'll ask around for any rumors or Legends about the missing Pieces." Ritsuka replied, knowing what to do already before moving the conversation.
Just before they end their conversation, Agravain tells them one last piece of information. "Oh, before you go, master. We received information from one of the Queen's Shadows." The Aid told them,
Naofumi was interested what the information. "What does the information say, Saber?" The Shielder asked.
"The information they pass says, 'There are rumors of another Rebellion in the Coastal Area past the Country's Border in the North, Itsuki and his Party along a small Platoon was sent to investigate it along with the task of finding a Piece.'" Agravain relays the information to the group. "My guess is that our Spy, Sir Ren has new information about another Piece of Rhyongomyniad. It would be wrong not to take the opportunity before us." He said.
"Not only that, but another Rebellion was happening beneath the Country's nose," Arthur said, seeing the opportunity his former Aid passed down to them.
"Fou, Fou," Fou exclaims, hearing what the conversation taken place.
Ritsuka heard Fou speaking, not needing Pavel's special connection with him to understand. "Ah, since there's a Rebellion, there's another Free Servant Summoned to this World." He said, knowing what it means.
Naofumi nodded, placing his hand on his chin. "If we somehow make an Alliance between this new Rebellion and the Allies, we then have a good fighting force when we eventually attack Melromarc's Capital." The Shielder said, saying what was on everyone's mind.
"Then we have our next objective, go to the North and try to recruit the Servant and his Rebellion into an Alliance," Ritsuka said, motivating his group.
Arthur nodded, turning to Naofumi, seeing his concerned expression. "Sir Naofumi, what is it?"
"The Northern part of the Country, there was a Resistance there against its Governor," Naofumi answered the King of Knights, "They were assisted by Itsuki, Heroic Knight Tristan to bring down the Governor due to his corruption. Things were looking good until the Resistance started upping their taxes which led to their Territory's devastation."
Ritsuka looks at Naofumi and has some questions. "How do you know that, Iwatani?" He asked,
The black-haired Shielder answered the Magus from the Stars. "I happen to hear about some People needing some rations and Medical care in the Northern Territory," Naofumi answered Ritsuka. "This is way before I met Arturia and teamed up with you guys. Now that Itsuki's Party is heading there, I'm not sure if the Rebellion in the North can handle his Party let alone a Platoon."
"With two Servants down, our fighters are myself, two Shielders, Raphtalia, Filo, Da Vinci, Saber, Arturia, and Melty," Arthur said, thinking about the numbers they have,
"If you need Numbers, then myself and a few of my best men can accompany you, Ritsuka." Everyone turns around, seeing Harriet and her Rebels standing behind them. "If we're going to attack the Capital, then every fighting force is needed."
Ritsuka smiles, appreciating the Ruler's help in this next mission. "Thank you, Ruler of Mirso."
Agravain cleared his throat, gaining his master's attention. "Unfortunately, the Enforcement Knights we've been training are still not ready for combat. But I shall send a Servants to aid you, master." The Aid of Chaldea informed his master, "Along with myself, "
"W-What? Saber, are you sure you want to come?" Ritsuka asked his Aid, not expecting the Knight who knows not of Wounds. "You aren't known for fighting…"
"I'm well aware, but if those Dragon Knights are going to be there, I want to study them closely," Agravain explains his reasons for coming. "If the Enforcement Knights you ask me to make, I need to better understand their origins."
Ritsuka looked at Arthur and Naofumi for their opinion, they nodded seeing the reasoning.
"Alright, then I'm looking forward to you coming, Saber." He smiles, ending the communication from there.
After the debriefing with Morgan and Agravain, the team heading for the Northern Country is waiting until Chaldean reinforcements arrive.
Ritsuka had some soup the Resistance gave him before they departed. He looks at Pavel, "Pavel, eat your vegetables." He told the dark grey-haired Boy,
Pavel looks up at Ritsuka, pouting at him. "B-But Ritsuka, I don't like vegetables." He said to him,
"Pavel, you got to eat what's given to you," Ritsuka told the young Child. "We don't have much around here and we can't go hunting for the risk of getting caught. Now eat up, we're going out soon," He said which was received by a grumbling Boy.
Fou was eating beside Pavel, not minding the vegetables and soup. "Fou, Fou," The Beast looks at the young Boy.
"I-I guess you're right, Fou." Pavel continued eating but was not satisfied with it.
Ritsuka chuckles, imagining Romani at Pavel's Age complaining about eating vegetables. Soon, Naofumi came behind him with some news. "Fujimaru, they arrived,"
Ritsuka stood up, nodding at Naofumi before looking at Pavel. "Pavel, make sure you finish your vegetables, if you don't, I will know." He told the young Demi-Human.
"Hai…" Pavel grumbles,
The two head towards the entrance of the Staging Ground, standing at the entrance were Harriet and Arthur. The King of Knights turns to his master and Naofumi, "Master, Sir Naofumi, Saber, and Lancer have arrived to support our missing numbers." Arthur informed the two.
"Glad you can make it, Saber." Agravain nodded as Ritsuka greeted his Servant.
"As do I, master. These Dragon Knights you all encountered when you traveled the Country intrigued me." The black-haired Saber stated, determined to make the army his master commissioned to be perfect. "If I uncovered the truth behind these Knights then the Enforcement Knights can be on the same level as them."
Arthur nodded, accepting the logic given by his Knight. "Thank you for your hard work, Saber." The King of Knights said,
Agravain nodded before hearing Naofumi ask something, "I get that you want to come, but why Lancer?" Naofumi asked, looking at a certain silver-armored Knight with a Spear and Shield.
Gareth looks at Naofumi, looking down at her. "Huh? Isn't it obvious, Sir Naofumi?" The Lancer asked the Shielder. "I heard that a Man is calling himself Heroic Knight Aid Gareth." She smiles, lifting her Shield and Spear indicating she's prepared to fight him.
"I don't like People taking other's Names!" Gareth announces, feeling disgusted that her Name is being tarnished by someone who doesn't live up to it. "Since Archer isn't here, it's my job to deliver punishment on those who committed Identity Theft." She said in a positive voice.
Naofumi couldn't help but laugh at Gareth's serious and yet adorable expression. It reminded him of Raphtalia when she was Gareth's height. "Whatever you say, Lancer."
Harriet looks at the Chaldeans, seeing they are prepared to depart from the Staging Grounds. "Now that everyone's here, we can leave and head to the North. We can use the path we used to escape from our Stronghold to travel up the Northern Border." The Ruler said that everyone agreed to the suggestion,
"Alright, next stop the Northern Territory," Ritsuka said, ready to depart for the North.
Northern Territory
Walking through the Border between Melromarc and the Northern Territory, Itsuki stood before the ruined landscape of the Northern Territory. "So, after our help in bringing down that corrupt Governor, they still revolt against the Kingdom." Heroic Knight Aid Gareth clicked his tongue, "Tch, ungrateful Peasants. They should be grateful that we even notice their insignificant Village."
"It doesn't matter if they are Peasants or Middle Class," Itsuki stated, glaring at the horizon of the ruined Territory. "They stand in the way of that Piece, Saber wants. As long as he gets that Piece, that Fairy Knight Tristan." His face grew darker at the mere mention of the Fairy.
Itsuki growls, his vendetta against Baobhan Sith grows each time her name is mentioned. "Fairy Knight Tristan…she'll get what's coming to her, if not then I will personally do it myself." The Heroic Knight swore, getting obsessed with the Fairy Princess.
He turns to Risha, needing further information about their mission. "Risha, what can you tell us about this Rebellion?" Itsuki asked his Party Member.
"O-Okay, um, let's see…from what the informants give us so far. These Rebels showed up not too long ago. They're similar to the Underground Rebellion, but they call themselves Great Heathen Army, " The green-haired Adventure informed Itsuki and Mald. "Rumor has it, that right after we've aided the Resistance against the Governor and the Shield Hero…um, stole your reward for helping the Resistance. A Man calling himself Berserker of Einherjar has appeared suddenly and helped restore most of the Territory."
Risha cleared her throat and continued reading. "T-There isn't much about him, but he wields two Axes and a case. Rumor has it that he took down multiple Monsters on his own and insight half the People into rebelling against Melromarc." She continued, surprised to read someone who could take out Monsters on his own. "U-Uh, a-are you sure going after a Person who can take out many Monsters on his own is a good idea? He sounds like a difficult Person…"
Mald clicked his tongue, glaring at the green-haired Girl. "We're stronger than that Berserker guy. I bet these Peasants are exaggerating his feats!" He looks back, seeing the black armored Knights standing behind them, ready to destroy this uprising. "Get this through your head, nothing can defeat Heroic Knight Tristan, and me Heroic Knight Aid Gareth!"
"Plus with these Dragon Knights backing us up, those idiots here won't see us coming." The Knight grins, thinking of the defeated faces of their Enemy. "Am I right, Heroic Knight Tristan?"
The Archer grips his Failnaught, "Mald, prepare the troops. We're heading into the Territory, destroy everything that's standing in our way," Itsuki said, not noticing the Darkness glowing from his Bow as they marched into the Northern Territory.
AN: So, change of one Servant in this story. I got this idea from someone for a Berserker but turns out Fate just released it while I was working on him. Anyway, I decided to use the Fate version.