A foreign land is a mesmerizing place for people who don't speak the same language. Culture, rules, and even interacting with other people can be completely different from the place where a person grew up. It shapes people who live with these concepts that differentiate people who live in England compared to those who live in Japan.
Ritsuka Fujimaru was familiar with the customs and rules of England. Throughout his year of preparation, Ritsuka studied many different subjects that would aid him during his time as a transfer student. Prominent concepts like learning English to communicate and talk to others were essential.
Everything that happened that year was thoughtful and meticulous in his effort, following the instructions that Magi Mari had sent him from the initial envelope to letters that appeared to him every two weeks. The mysterious benefactor thoughtfully crafted a lesson plan that fitted Ritsuka's approach to schoolwork and aptitude for learning and easily helped the student with what needed to be learned.
He would be able to communicate somewhat fluently in English despite having a bit of a hard time struggling. The anxiety from a year's worth of effort scared him when the plane landed at London Heathrow. A part of him wondered if all the effort he had put in would be enough. The tension would lessen as he went through customs to be able to enter the country.
His answers were concise and to the point with all the neccessary documents available. Before he knew it, Ritsuka exited the airport and was in a taxi. Following his benefactor's last instructions, he exited the cab in front of a small cafe called, the Chateau D'If. He makes his way inside, seeing a well-kept cafe that has a rustic charm of being decorated like that of a noble mansion from many centuries in the past.
"Excuse me. I had booked a room here?" Ritsuka asked a worker who was polishing a glass. The figure turned around with an evident look that came from the person's pale skin and white hair. His crimson eyes stared deeply into Ritsuka's soul and he couldn't help stepping back.
"Welcome, my esteemed guest..." The man called out to Ritsuka in a solemn voice, continuing to examine Ritsuka with a bit of intrigue. "To the Chateau D'If... You're the lone soul from a foreign land in a world that is completely unknown. Ritsuka Fujimaru."
"A-Ah! That's right! A pleasure to meet you... Uh?" Ritsuka tilts his head, unsure if he had gotten the man's name.
"I don't have a name... However, the usual customers have given me the nickname "The Count". Use it as you like." The Count says, continuing the wipe the mug before pouring a small cup of coffee. He places it on the counter in front of Ritsuka. "Take a moment to shed the burden of your travels."
"Ah. Thank you." Ritsuka takes a seat at the counter, placing his luggage on the floor next to him. He picks up the coffee, a rich refined scent tingles his senses. Taking a sip, he could sense a smooth texture that was a nice balance of sour and bitter. He could feel some of the exhaustion from the flight wash away as he quietly enjoyed the coffee.
Before long, Ritsuka would finish the cup letting out a relaxed sigh of relief. The Count let out a slightly amused grin before looking up from the glass.
"The Blue Mountain blend was to your enjoyment?" The Count asked.
"Yes, it was, thank you," Ritsuka said with a small bow. He rummages through his pocket to find his wallet.
"Payment is not required monsieur... It's customary for all those accommodated to the lodgings upstairs." The Count says without raising a hand. He places a key on the counter in front of Ritsuka. "Your belongings have already been taken to your room by the staff."
"I didn't even notice!" Ritsuka said in awe looking at his side. The luggage that he had placed had magically disappeared without him realizing it.
"A perk of this establishment. It's a fervent desire for all guests to be at the mercy of every comfort and convenience. Enjoy your stay at the Chateau D'If." The Count says before beginning to work again.
Ritsuka walked upstairs to the upper rooms, roaming the halls of the establishment before eventually finding the room listed on his key. Unlocking the door, he entered to find his room stylized in the same manner that the cafe downstairs was like. The decorations and designs fitted the style of the French aristocracy. It seemed overwhelming at first but it had a charm that Ritsuka enjoyed.
To the Count's word, he found his luggage lying next to the bed which stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the fancy furniture. He lays on the bed, fully processing that he has finally reached England. The cultivation of everything that he worked for had led him here. Before he knew it, exhaustion took over his body. His eyes become heavy and he falls asleep almost instantly.
Ritsuka opens his eyes to find himself lying in an open plain under the night sky. The wind rustled against the grass with an aching ringing sound that was aching in his mind. He found himself struggling a little to breathe while staring at the sky. He clenched his chest, trying to revitalize himself and relieve the tension that was hanging over his chest. But no matter what he did, it would remain.
Slowly, the ringing would dissipate and Ritsuka would be able to breathe once more. This would allow his senses to show the warm sunlight shining over him. The grass blades around him would twist and take the form of small buds that sprouted into flowers hanging around him. A single touch from them made Ritsuka's grievances disappear instantly. It made Ritsuka not want to leave.
The sounds of someone approaching could be heard through the rustling of the flowers. It didn't interest Ritsuka until he noticed that the footsteps stopped next to them. He looked to his left to find a person in a white robe and hat that covered their face. The mysterious figure takes a seat on the flowers, watching the area in front of them. Ritsuka was curious as to who this person was and what they were doing.
He tried to voice his questions, but nothing came out. And yet the figure took notice of Ritsuka's attempt to communicate and looked over to reveal...
Ritsuka opened his eyes to find himself lying in one of the most comfortable beds that he had ever been in. It wasn't too soft and had a decent level of firmness to it that supported his body nicely. It worked a little too well that it didn't even feel real to him that he remained drowsy while collecting his thoughts. For a moment, he didn't recognize where he was at. It took him a while to remember that he had flown across the world to England. He pulls himself out of bed, taking a deep breath before beginning to prepare for the eventual day ahead of him.
After going through his usual morning routine and a shower, he exits his room and locks it behind him. Walking downstairs, he noticed that the Chateau D'if was filled with patrons. The attire of people that he saw was completely foreign ranging from cloaks to clothing that one wouldn't see often from people walking around. The sight was perplexing to see as Ritsuka took a seat at the bar that he had at the previous night. The Count who was hosting from the previous night was still there, seemingly unchanged in terms of appearance or attire despite it being morning.
"Good morning, Monsieur Fujimaru." The Count greets Ritsuka as soon as he sits down. "I trust that you were well-kept last night?"
"It was great, thank you very much," Ritsuka says with a relaxed smile. The Count places a small cup on the table, before pouring a cup of coffee into it. Saying thanks again, Ritsuka takes the cup and takes a sip. Unlike the previous night, the blend was fruity with a bit of acidic flavor that was well balanced with the bitterness.
"Monsieur... Would you be dining with us this morning, as well?" The Count asks, placing the cup in a cabinet out of sight.
"Sure, I would like that. And I was hoping to ask for something as well." Ritsuka said with the Count slowly nodding.
"Is that so? Perchance, give me one moment before we talk if you don't mind." The Count walks into the back. A few seconds go by as he returns with a plate and places it in front of Ritsuka. A Croque Madame alongside a green salad and a small arrangement of fruit. "What was it that you wished to speak about?"
"I wanted to know how to get to Diagon Alley from here." Ritsuka gets straight to the point as it was the main reason that he was staying at the establishment. Hearing this, the Count couldn't help but chuckle before laughing to himself.
"Is that so? I had deduced it but to see that I am amid a fledgling wizard at such an age." The Count says continuing to chuckle, covering his face at the very thought. He takes a moment to steady himself before looking back at Ritsuka. "Please excuse, me. It wasn't meant to be discourteous."
"I-It's fine..." A bit of confidence did leave Ritsuka from that very laugh. He knew that the Count didn't have any ill intentions with the statement, but it still stung.
"In any case, regarding your request. You would be closer than you believe." The Count explained before nodding his head, glaring at the influx of patrons entering and exiting the establishment. "Unlike the front entrance, there is a side entrance that is connected to Diagon Alley."
"I-Is that so? That's good to hear..." Ritsuka lets out a small sigh of relief. Through the number of instruction letters that he received, he knew the existence of Diagon Alley, and finding it through traditional means was impossible given that the world of magic is hidden from those that aren't magical. With that in mind, he takes his time eating breakfast, somewhat amused that he's eating French-style cuisine in England, and pays for the meal.
"Was the meal to your satisfaction, Monsieur?" The Count clears the plate, washing it while asking Ritsuka.
"Yes, it was. Thank you for the food. I'm off!" Ritsuka says walking to where the herd of people were walking, towards the side entrance to Diagon Alley. The Count watches the boy fade into the crowd. He places the cloth in the sink, taking out a cigarette. Lighting it, he puts it in his mouth and ponders a little to himself.
"Ritsuka Fujimaru... A terrible fate awaits you. Through these trials and tribulations, will you be the same person that you were at the start of your journey... Or will you forever fall into the whims of fate? Attendre, Espérer...
Wait, and Hope."
Ritsuka's list of items that were necessary throughout his journey was the very item that helped wizards and witches channel their magical prowess, a wand. For the most part, Ritsuka followed instructions that helped guide him, but he had to search for all the items by himself. He wandered through the bustling streets, seeing people from many different backgrounds and styles that greatly varied from one another. Some were kids who would window shop to see through the latest trends to students shopping for supplies with their families.
Despite looking like a normal street, Ritsuka could feel that certain aspects weren't as it seemed. Some objects could be seen flying around to some figures that caught the boy completely off-guard. He had researched some of them to better understand them, but it was surreal seeing them in real life. But all these factors would not sway him as he continued to look through the street before hearing the distinct sound of iron clanging in the background. He turns to a local shop that isn't getting any attention from the other passersby. Interested in it, he opens the front door and walks inside.
The first thing that Ritsuka notices is a huge wave of heat hitting him as he enters. Looking around, he can see that this shop was a smithy. Tools can be seen lying around, a bundle of sticks lying on the ground, burnt to a crisp. Bewildered by the pile, he looks up to see a shirtless blacksmith hammering a small bundle of sticks. With each strike, sparks flew around the man but it didn't make him waver. His attention wouldn't be deterred, even with Ritsuka entering. His sole focus was finishing this one item.
He grabs the item with a pair of tongs before quenching the item creating a huge bundle of steam that fills the room. Sweat pours through the blacksmith's head, patiently waiting for the right timing before pulling it out revealing the item that he was working on that catches Ritsuka's attention, a wand.
The blacksmith takes hold of the wand, closely examining it. He looks over at a target dummy that has seen worse for wear before pointing the wand at it. He flicks his wrist.
"Reducto!" A small blast of energy crashes against the target, blasting it away almost seamlessly. The potent power behind the blast was impressive to Ritsuka as he looked in awe. He turns to the blacksmith before noticing the wand fading away into dust.
"W-What happened?!" Ritsuka states which catches the blacksmith off-guard as he turns to Ritsuka with a confused look.
"Huh? The hell brings you here?" The blacksmith says as the wand in his hands completely turns into dust in his hand.
"S-Sorry... I heard noises and came to see what it was." Ritsuka apologizes frantically before letting out a small sigh. "I was looking for a wand."
"A wand? Shoulda just said so. Could've saved me a lot of trouble." The blacksmith takes a seat near a waiting area. "Looking for a wand, right? I could give you one."
"Really? But that wand you were just using..." Ritsuka starts which seemingly annoys the blacksmith.
"That one? I didn't expect much from that anyway. It was just another experimental wand. It was a failure..." He grumbles to himself, annoyed by the circumstance.
"So it was designed to break like that?" Ritsuka responds with a bewildered look.
"Something like that. They're not defective if that's what you're wondering... That's just how I made them." The blacksmith grunts before waving his hands. "Forget it, kid. You seem a little old to be getting your first wand in the first place, anyway. What's your name?"
"My name? Ritsuka... Ritsuka Fujimaru." Ritsuka answered hesitantly.
"Ritsuka huh... That so? If you want, I can give you something." The blacksmith pulls himself up, making his way into the container. He grabs one before flicking it towards Ritsuka as he grabs it. "The hell are you waiting for? Try it out."
"R-Right..." Ritsuka waves it as it shoots a spell directly at the target but also seemingly sending him backward hitting the wall behind him.
"Another failure..." The blacksmith groans in annoyance as he fumbles through the box once more. Ritsuka groans, wincing a little as he slowly pulls himself up. He places the wand on the table before looking at the items sitting across the counter. That was when he noticed a small wand sitting on a small pedestal. He didn't have an eye for wands, yet that one was calling out to him like a whisper in his ears.
Ritsuka picks up the wand as a sudden rush of energy fills his body. Almost like the heavens were shouting for him, Ritsuka could feel the wand resonating with him. The blacksmith turns around, opening his eyes to what he is seeing. He couldn't help but smirk a little by Ritsuka's reaction once reality set in.
"Good grief. Who would have thought that failure would resonate so well with a random kid walking in?" The blacksmith questioned himself as he walked over to Ritsuka who was still being enamoured by the wand.
"This wand... Is it alright that I take it? I can feel it like a piece of me is in this wand." Ritsuka said, hoping that the blacksmith was willing to accept the request.
"Pretty bold of ya to just straight up ask for something that isn't yours..." The blacksmith chuckled while folding his arms. "Go on and keep it. It's all yours. Least I can do after the previous one threw ya back like that. The last thing I need is a scolding for the wands I make. This makes it easy on me."
"Huh? Are you letting me have this?" Ritsuka asks the blacksmith.
"Ears, open. Don't make me repeat myself. That thing is a failure as well. It isn't the ultimate wand that I seek to create in the first place. I don't hold any attachments to these failures." The blacksmith nonchalantly waves his hand.
"If that's the case, thank you very much!" Ritsuka bowed the figure as he took a look at the wand in his hands. He was bustling in excitement as he took his first real step into the world of wizardry.
"You done looking? If that's the case, hurry and get out of here. I have to get back to my work." The blacksmith says before walking back to his station, preparing to create a new wand again.
"Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!" Ritsuka says taking a look down at the wand. He looks up with one last question. "Does it have a name?"
"A name? If I had to choose one, I'd call it Kokoro Muramasa. 12 1/4 length, using apple wood and unicorn core." The blacksmith states.
"Kokoro... Muramasa?" Ritsuka tilts his head to the blacksmith who lets out a sigh.
"Didn't you see the sign before walking in? Name's Senji Muramasa." Muramasa states with a furrowed brow.
"Kokoro... The heart through one's emotional reaction." Ritsuka exits the smithy, still looking down at his wand.
Ritsuka was still giddy by having his very first wand that he didn't even notice a young girl passing by. She was staring to her side, seemingly looking at the stores around her. Given the two were not paying attention, the two would bump into each other which sent her back to the ground.
"Ah! Sorry! I wasn't paying attention." Ritsuka immediately pockets the wand in his side bag before extending his hand out to the girl who was wincing in pain. She fumbles a little, picking up her glasses that came off when she fell. She puts it on, looking up to see Ritsuka standing in front of her.
"It's fine. You didn't mean to." She takes Ritsuka's hand, pulling herself up. She lets out a small sigh, brushing the back of her clothes before turning to Ritsuka. He noticed that she was around the same age as he was which probably meant that she was most likely a student as well. "Plus I wasn't paying attention myself, so let's say that it isn't either of our fault."
"Sure thing! I'm Ritsuka, by the way. A pleasure to meet you!" Ritsuka extends his hand out to the girl. Seeing it, the girl happily takes it.
"Hello, Ritsuka. I'm Tonelico."
Wassup, my homies! This is NexusMHX and I decided that after much debate, I'm going through with this au. I'm sorry but the FujiTone comic that R_G_jol makes is just so amazing that it drives me absolutely feral. I need more of it in my veins of this wholesomeness that I never knew that I needed. But in order to fulfill these requirements, I need to make sure that everything fits properly. Granted the early chapters will have Ritsuka be a bit more of an open character as he naturally absorbs the world around him, but he will have more personality as time goes on. For now, I just want to make the whole process of him entering Hogwarts be simple as possible while adding my own spin on certain ideas using places from Harry Potter alongside the characters from the Fate Series. I hopefully will be able to make a perfect mesh that will fit the overarching wholesome narrative that I create where nothing bad will ever happen. In any case, thank you for being patient with me and my shitty writing. Please feel free to call me on my bullshit if I ever make any critical mistakes or shit that need to be fixed. I just genuinely want people to enjoy what I write with something that I love. In any case, thank you for reading and I still have no idea what I'm doing.
Also school starts in a week so uploads will be infrequent.