AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 17 The Line Between Them
Going further into the Northern Territory, Ritsuka, his Servants, and the Underground Rebellion tread forward the damaged lands.
Ritsuka looks around the area, seeing no plant life or any Animals anywhere. His brow lowered at the state the Northern Territory was in. "You and Iwatani weren't kidding, Ruler." He commented, walking beside Harriet.
"There's really nothing here," Ritsuka said, taking in the sight before them. "It's a wasteland," He added before hearing Harriet speak,
"Yes, it's a shame that the Northern Territory became like this," Harriet said, looking at her master. "A few of my Soldiers were from the North, their homes were too damaged from the recent Resistance movement led by Heroic Knight Tristan. Of course, I gave them a place to stay, and they became a part of my Rebellion." The Ruler explains,
"I guess I shouldn't expect someone who wants everyone to treat each other equally," Ritsuka said, looking at the Ruler Servant.
Harriet blushes, turning away from the compliment. "A-Ahem, anyways, Ritsuka, what exactly is your plan when we encounter Heroic Knight Tristan?" The Ruler asked the master of Chaldea.
Ritsuka looks over to Agravain, seemingly keeping to himself. Most likely he's formulating a plan, as for Gareth, she was entertaining Pavel showing him how she uses both a Spear and Shield together.
"Saber will handle Itsuki while Lancer can handle his Aid." The Magus explains what his plan was before continuing. "The rest of us will take care of the Soldiers and Knights,"
"That sounds like a plan, but I prefer to have my Soldiers face the Enemy Soldiers," Harriet said, knowing that her Soldiers weren't fit to fight Servants or Dragon Knights.
"Don't worry, Ruler." Both Ritsuka and Harriet look at Galahad, walking beside them. "Master has no intentions of allowing your Soldiers to fight Opponents who are stronger than them." The grey-haired Shielder explains to the Servant.
Harriet nodded, already seeing her new master wasn't like those she heard about in Grail Wars. "Thank you, Ritsuka." The Ruler said before continuing their way through the barren terrain.
Eventually, the group managed to find some footprints of many People heading in the Northeast direction. Most likely it was Heroic Knight Tristan's Party and Platoon.
Arthur stood next to an experienced Hunter, "Lord Saber, at least forty People are heading to the Northeast." The Hunter informed the King of Knights. "Based on the footprints, they're freshly made quite recently," He continues to explain further.
The Saber nodded, seeing what the Hunter was seeing. "I see, thank you for your hard work." Arthur walks over to Ritsuka, informing him of the situation.
"Master, we found some fresh tracks made by most likely Heroic Knight Tristan's Platoon," Arthur explains to his master and Harriet,
"I didn't realize we're this close to catching up with Itsuki's platoon," Ritsuka commented, placing his hand on his chin. "This changes things than an all out Attack,"
Harriet shook her head, disagreeing with her master. "No, an all-out Attack can be played. However, considering how close we are to them, I suggest you take a small group and confront the Enemy." The Ruler explains what she has in mind.
Galahad nodded, seeing the logic in the planning, "That sounds reasonable," He turned to his master, wondering what his play was. "What's your plan here, master?" The Shielder asked him.
"Of course, Saber and Lancer will come," Ritsuka stated, calling both Agravain and Gareth over to him. "We'll go ahead and confront Itsuki and his group. When we get his full attention, you all can proceed with the Attack,"
Harriet nodded, seeing the two Servants going to accompany Ritsuka. "Very well," She said before calling over her two Conductors to explain the plan to them.
"Master, based on what I see, we're going to confront Heroic Knight Tristan's group?" Agravain asked his master, assuming that was the reason why he called them.
"Yes, we are, Agravain. Are you two ready?" Ritsuka asked his two Servants,
Gareth gave a stoic expression, nodding to her master's question. "Hai! I'm ready to face the one who stole my name!" The Lancer said, her voice filled with determination.
"Alright, let's go you two." Ritsuka smirks, both ready to depart.
Traveling across the barren landscape of the Noth, Naofumi's Party along with Archer of the Red Cliffs continued their way to the Great Heathen Army's Base. While traveling, Castoria, Melty, and Raphtalia caught Archer up with current events.
"So, correct me if I get some things wrong." The steel grey-haired Archer spoke, before retelling what he got so far. "The Land we're in is called Melromarc's Northern Territory. The Country itself is run by a trash King and Princess, as Iwatani-dono says it, Trash and Bitch."
"A Servant who you believed to be controlling everything has renamed the Cardinal Heroes into the Three Heroes Roundtable, gifting the Three Heroes with the names of the Knights of the Round," Archer commented, getting the gist. "With Ritsuka Fujimaru here, Chaldea is tasked to stop whatever the Enemy is doing, which is here in the North."
Melty nodded, "That's the abridged version, it's a bit complicated." The violet-haired Princess said, confirming what the recently Summoned Archer said. "The best way to understand it is to experience it," She added,
"I see, I see…" Archer nodded, knowing that Chaldea's adventures are complicated and yet fascinating. "Hmm?" He looks up, seeing Raphtalia looking at him.
Raphtalia looks at the Archer, still curious how he knows Ritsuka. "Um, Archer-san, if you don't mind. Can you explain how you know, Ritsuka-dono?" The Pseudo-Servant asked the new Servant.
Castoria nodded, curious as well like the Demi-Human. "I'm curious as well, I was Summoned with master's adventures already in my mind." The Caster explains to him. "But it's different when other People tell it."
Archer of the Red Cliffs nodded, understanding what the Lostbelt Servant meant. "Very well, I don't mind telling you all how I met the master of Chaldea." He smiles, crossing his arms. "Like I said, I met him during a Singularity known as Traum. A place where Servants rebel against Humann History,"
They all nodded, listening to Archer speak. Naofumi's eyes look back, also listening to the new Ally. "The number of Servants who rebel against Human History outnumbers those who were Summoned by Human History itself. I was Summoned by Proper Human History to resolve the situation." Archer told them his background to his new Companions.
"In any case, Fujimaru-dono soon became the master/leader of the Via Regalia and trained under his Servant, Vlad III," Archer explains how he knew Ritsuka to Naofumi's group. "I may not know Fujimaru-dono personally, but I admire his determination to protect Humanity."
"Huh, I guess you being here is some kind of Fate," Melty spoke, smiling at the grey-haired Archer, "I mean back then you were Summoned to help your World with Ritsuka; now you were Summoned to help him again."
Archer of the Red Cliffs chuckles, leaning his arm on his knee. "I guess you can see it like that, Princess." The grey-haired Servant said, "In any case, this mission you're all on. What is it about?" He asked.
Naofumi sighs, letting the Archer in with the plan. "We're heading to warn the Resistance about Itsuki's arrival." The Shielder explains to him. "We're also going to negotiate with the Resistance to ally with us when we eventually invade the Capital."
"The Resistance, you speak of another Servant leading a Resistance here," Archer remembered them mentioning of a Resistance in the Northern Territory. "I take it that Fujimaru is gathering allies for the eventual invasion?" He asked, receiving a nod from everyone.
"That's right. If we can get them to cooperate," Naofumi said, having an inkling feeling the Resistance won't be easy to talk to. Considering that the Northern People have been through Hell. "Melty here offered to be the negotiator between us and them," He motions to the Second Princess.
Archer nodded, looking at Melty. "That's right, as Second Princess and Heir to Melromarc; it's my job to handle any negotiations that would lead my Country to a peaceful resolution." The violet-haired Princess stated,
Melty's face fell short, feeling guilty for what her Father and her Country did to her People. "It's also a way to pay retribution for the damages that my Father and Sister did to our People." The Second Princess stated, gripping her heart.
Raphtalia's brow lowered, seeing Melty feeling remorse for what happened. "Mel-san," She said,
The Archer saw that Melty was acting like a true ruler of her Kingdom. "For someone so young, you are more mature than the other Children around your age." The Servant from the Counter Force stated.
"Um, thank you, Lord Archer." Melty blushed, not ready for a compliment like that.
"Princess, if you don't mind, I might also be of assistance during your discussions with this Resistance." Archer of the Red Cliffs said, offering his service to the group. "I have experience with negotiation with other Clans during my lifetime."
Melty smiles, grateful for Archer lending his aid if things go south with the negotiations. "Thank you for your offer, Archer." She said to him,
A few more minutes into traveling, the group soon arrived at a large, fortified wall surrounding the Village. "Master, master, is this the Village where the People we're looking for?" Filo asked the black-haired Pseudo-Servant, standing before the walled Village.
Naofumi and the others looked at the Wall, impressed by the structure. The Wall was made of large trunks of trees, fortified with strong bindings. The Gate was something out of Norse Mythology, a large wooden door with Runes at the front.
"This wasn't here from the last time we were here," Raphtalia said, pointing out the new structure in front of them.
"I remember that the reports say that the Villages of the Northern Territory were in ruins," Melty said, seeing the wall before her. "To think during the small time frame they would be able to rebuild despite the lack of resources around." She motions to the barren Land around them.
"It must be a Skill," Castoria looked at the Wall, there was a Bounded Field around the Village. "There's a Bounded Field here, most likely from that Rune on the Gates. Based on the Runes, it's Nordic." She commented, gaining information from her Summons.
Archer looks up, sensing a powerful Magical Energy from above them. "Lord Naofumi, above on the Wall!" The Counter Force Servant said, materializing his Bow.
Naofumi looks up, seeing an iron-haired Man dressed in modern attire, his jacket revealing his chest and torso. in his hands were two Axes, one hanging down while the other was over his shoulders. "Ahahahaha, what luck! I never met another Servant until now," A loud voice echoes in the air, gazing down at the Party and sensing more Servants.
"Let alone three more," The Rogue Servant announced,
Naofumi couldn't help but feel intimidated by just gazing up at the Servant. "Onii-san, this Servant. He's a Berserker Class Servant, be careful." Castoria informed the Hero of the Shield.
"A Berserker Servant, like Ritsuka's Berserker." Naofumi said, that even though they can speak, they could misinterpret what he says.
Standing up, Naofumi spoke to the Berserker before them. "Hey, we're not here to fight, we merely want to talk!" Naofumi spoke up,
Melty soon stepped out of the Carriage, standing with Naofumi to take her place as Negotiator. "Berserker, I am Princess Melty S. Melromarc; the Second Princess of the Kingdom of Melromarc and-"
"So you're the Princess that everyone is talking about?" Berserker asked, stamping his foot on the wall. The doors immediately opened, People in Viking armor and Weaponry came running out of the Gate,
Naofumi and his Party looked around; he saw that they were surrounded by Berserker's Resistance Soldiers. "We're surrounded!" He stated, looking for a way out,
"I predicted that there was a high chance of being surrounded," Archer of the Red Cliffs commented, ready to use his Bow.
Castoria materialized her Staff, lending her support. "Then let's show them we're not People that should be messed with!" The Lostbelt Servant said,
Raphtalia drew out her Blade, ready for combat. "Right, Filo stay with Mel-san." She said to the Filoial,
"Alright!" Melty jumps to Filo's back, being protected by her. "Don't worry Mel-chan, Filo will keep you safe," Filo informed the Second Princess.
The violet-haired Princess smiles, having faith in the Filoial. "I know you can do this Filo." Melty smiles, petting her feathers.
Naofumi looks around, calculating a way to get around these…Vikings to describe them. He looks up, seeing the Servant leading the Resistance leap from the wall, landing in front of them.
"The Second Princess of Melromarc, eh? If you are really a Princess of the Kingdom then you have a lot of nerves showing up here," The Berserker walks up to Naofumi and his Party.
"We're not here to fight, we're here to talk." Naofumi spoke for the entire group, "Look, we've come to warn you that Itsuki, Heroic Knight Tristan is here in the Norther to snuff you guys." The Pseudo-Servant stated, delivering their message to the Resistance.
A Soldier scoffs, not believing the Shielder. "A likely story, all of you from the Capital are liars and take advantage of us!" He exclaims, venting his frustration.
"It's true!" Melty spoke, trying to convince them. "We've come with the Underground Rebellion and the Magus from the Stars to seek aid from you in taking the Capital!" She said, her eyes filled with seriousness.
Berserker of Einherjar saw the seriousness in the young Princess's eyes. He has a sixth sense when it comes to lairs. "I see, I can tell you're telling the truth." The iron-haired Servant said, causing his People to lower their guard a bit.
"Then will you lend us your-"
Berserker stomps his foot on the dirt, causing it to crack. "Sorry, but I can't join you and your group." He stated with a stern expression, raising his head at them. "I have the People here who look up to my leadership; it won't be right if I just join you all right on the spot." He stated,
Archer of the Red Cliffs eyes the Berserker, "Then what will you have us do?" He asked the Servant before them.
"Simple, you have to fight me." Berserker slams his Axe on the ground, placing his thumb on his chest. "My name is Berserker of Einherjar; the leader of the Great Heathen Army!" He grabs hold of his Axe, pointing it at Naofumi.
"If you want me and my army to join you, you have to fight me." Berserker Einherjar stated his condition, smirking at the Hero of the Sheild, "Prove your valor to me, Shield Hero and yes, I heard about you, Shield Hero and I've been itching a fight with you."
Naofumi scoffs, seeing Berserker is the kind of Person who loves nothing but a good fight, "So you're all brawns and no brains type of Servant," The Shielder said, prepping his Shield. "Alright, I get it, then I'll show you what I'm capable of!" He ran over to the Counter Force Servant.
"Ha! I like your spunk kid!" Berserker of Einherjar grabbed his Axes and ran for Naofumi,
Both Heroes faced each other, each slam their Weapons at each other.
Just beyond the Village, Itsuki and his Party stopped midway through their path, seeing the Northeastern Sea. "Sir Heroic Knight Tristan, we've located the insurgents' base." One of the Knights informed the Archer.
"Is that it? That small fortress?" Itsuki asked, walking to the edge of the hill,
Mald stood behind him, his arms crossed at the walled Village before them miles away. "Tch, those Peasants, thinking a mere wooden wall could stop us." Heroic Knight Aid Gareth looks at the Heroic Knight next to him. "Sir Heroic Kight Tristan, we should take this opportunity to attack and end their Resistance here,"
The light green-haired Hero sighs, prepping his Failnaught for the upcoming Battle. "Mald, tell the Men to charge at that fortress," Itsuki ordered his Knight Aid, "Clear the obstacles that prevent us from getting the Piece."
"Very well," Heroic Knight Aid Gareth turns to the Knights and Dragon Knights, along with Heroic Knight Tristan's Party. "Alright, move out! We'll be plowing through those Peasants!"
The Knights smirked, readying themselves to eliminate the Villagers. As for the Dragon Knights, they shifted their Swords, ready to do whatever its necessary for Saber of Melromarc.
Mald grins, holding his Sword at the read, "Now charge!" He ordered, leading the Platoon towards the Northern Village,
Itsuki had an emotionless expression, all he cared about was retrieving the Weapon that could one-up Fairy Knight Tristan. Just as he was about to take his first steps, he sensed something was off, "Mald, cease the attack!" He ordered his Knight Aid.
"Huh!? Heroic Knight Tristan, what do you mea-" Mald was about to ask Itsuki as to why to cease the attack when black flames erupted from the ground.
(Insert Fgo ost- Piano Movement for Four Hands)
"GAH!" The Knights cried in pain, those who didn't get burned by the flames stepped back,
"W-What is this? Fire Magic?" A Knight asked, never seeing black flames before.
"I-Is it a Wave? But it can't be," Another Knight commented as the flames calmed down, "The next one won't be for another five months!" He exclaims,
"A-Are those…weapons?" One Knight peers through the flames, within them are Spears, Swords, Long Axes, and Javelins scattered where the fire spreads.
Both Heroic Knight Tristan and Heroic Knight Aid Gareth approach the front, seeing the burned armor of the Knights fallen to the flames. "What happened here? Why is there a Wall of Flames here!?" Mald questions the Knights.
"I'm not sure, Heroic Knight Aid Gareth." The Knight responded, unsure what was happening. "The flames just appeared out of nowhere and-"
Itsuki steps forward, seeing three figures within the flames. "So, you decided to show yourself, Fujimaru." The Archer stated,
Mald and the others turn back to the flames, seeing the center disburse. "Heroic Knight Lancelot's Brother!" Mald exclaims, seeing the black-haired Magus with two of his Servants.
One wearing black armor like the Dragon Knights, a blue cape, and combed back black hair. The other was a small Girl wearing iron armor, both holding a Spear and Shield.
Mald clicked his tongue, seeing the Girl was holding two Weapons that shouldn't be together. "Tch, hypocritical Bitch, how dare you hold both Shield and Spear!" The Heroic Knight Aid barks at the Lancer, "By the Three Heroes Roundtable, I Heroic Knight Aid Gareth shall punish your blasphemous wa-Heroic Knight Tristan?" He looks at the Heroic Knight, holding his Failnaught at him,
"Mald, don't," Itsuki said, wanting some answers from them.
Gareth lowered her eyes, seeing the Knight before them with Heroic Knight Tristan. "That's the Knight who stole my name?" The Seventh seat of the Roundtable asked, sensing his Magical Energy is the amount of a Human. "He's just a Human, he's not a Gifted Person at all,"
"Interesting, it seems the Gift is only of Gawain, Lancelot, and Tristan. Just like the Fairy Knights." Agravain studied both Mald and Itsuki, he then laid eyes on the Dragon Knights seeing their makeup was similar to his Enforcement Knights.
Itsuki steps forward, glaring at Ritsuka. "Knowing what you did at the Mountain and the Border Wall, it's obvious that you're here to help the insurgence in the Northern Territory, Fujimaru.' The green-haired Archer stated,
Ritsuka stares at Itsuki, "That's right, Itsuki. I suggest you turn back now," He advises the Heroic Knight who stole Tristan's name. "I don't want to cause some bloodshed if I have to."
"Ha, you should be the one turning around!" Mald laughs, glaring at the treacherous Brother of Lancelot. "We have an Army here, while you only got two and yourself to stop us! Clearly, you're the one who's outnumbered here-"
"I see you didn't learn your lesson back at the Border Wall," Ritsuka sighed, seeing the arrogance seeping out of this Man before looking back at Itsuki. "Well, what it'll be Itsuki? It's your choice,"
Heroic Knight Tristan looks around, searching for one Person. "Based on what I'm seeing, Naofumi is probably at the Village right now defending it and you came with your Companions." The Archer stated before getting to the point. "So,"
Ritsuka raised his eyebrow, "So?"
"So, where's that Bitchy Princess, Fairy Kight Tristan?" Itsuki asked Ritsuka, knowing she was accompanying him everywhere. "Knowing her, she's always with you wherever you go, Fujimaru. Bring her out now," He said, his voice darkening, demanding for the Fairy Princess,
"Unfortunately, Fairy Knight Tristan is not with us for the moment," Agravain answered Heroic Knight Tristan's question. "She's back at our base of operations-"
The green-haired Archer stomps his foot, glaring at the Chaldeans. "LIAR! BRING HER OUT HERE NOW!" Heroic Knight Tristan demanded, growling at them. "Tell that Bitch that if she doesn't show up in the next ten minutes, I'll burn this Territory to the ground!"
Gareth flinched, seeing Baobhan Sith has really done a number on this Guy. "Man, what did Fairy Knight Tristan even do to this Guy?" The Lancer asked her Brother, "He isn't acting like an Archer at all, he's like a Berserker." She commented,
"Must be that taunting she's doing to him," Agravain answered his Sister,
"I told you, Fairy Knight Tristan isn't here with me, Itsuki," Ritsuka said, holding his Sword, ready to draw it for defense. "Now, calm down before this becomes an altercation-"
"SHUT UP!" Itsuki didn't hesitate, he plucked his Bow, sending a green projectile at Ritsuka.
Gareth leaps into her master's defense, shielding him from the attack. She turns to Ritsuka, to see if he's alright. "You okay, master?" Gareth asked,
Ritsuka nodded, not even flinching upon that attack. "Yeah, thanks to you, Lancer."
Heroic Knight Tristan's Failnaught began to emit a dark aura. "You're hiding her….heh, you, Fujimaru…you don't understand how much humiliation that Bitch gave me…." He laughs, his eyes went insane as they laid on him, "Since you are protecting that Bitch, then I'll take my anger off on you!" He raised his Failnaught at Ritsuka, ready to attack again before deflecting a swing from an Axe,
"Heroic Knight Tristan!" Mald cried out, watching as the green-haired Hero got propelled back like a baseball. The Knights and everyone else move aside, looking at their Leader.
The Heroic Knight slides back, planting his feet on the dirt. "Who dares to attack me!?" The Archer demanded.
Agravain stood where Heroic Knight Tristan once stood, in his hand was the Axe he used against him. "Don't be uncivil, Heroic Knight Tristan." He planted his Axe on the ground, glaring at the Person who attacked his master. "I will not tolerate anyone who slanders my master or my comrades,"
Heroic Knight Tristan stood up, glaring at the black-armored Saber. "Move aside Old Man, if you don't I'll make an example of you…" he warns the Aid of the Roundtable, clearly not in his Berserk form.
"I will not, Heroic Knight Tristan. I, Saber will be your opponent," Agravain stated as another Spear materialized next to him. "Now, Heroic Knight Tristan…" He walks over to him, plucking the Spear out of the ground,
Agravain looks down at the green-haired Archer, pointing his Weapons at him. "Prepare for your punishment!" (End Song)
AN: How do you like it? The next chapter will be fun, please leave a comment or review.