AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 38 A Witch and a Quest
After what the Chaldean call ORT's rude awakening, Ritsuka and the Staff immediately sent Drones to observe the Crystal Valley. Due to the Ultimate One's small awakening, Ritsuka called Lorelei Barthomeloi and reported what happened.
Of course, Lorelei was outraged at him that they let the only Being capable of destroying the Planet wake up. She started asking why Chaldeas and the SHEBA Lens or better Trismegistus II didn't detect the awakening of ORT.
Ritsuka understands; he knew Peperoncino would inform him if Chaldeas or Sion with Trismegistus II would tell him about ORT's awakening beforehand. Considering they didn't contact them with a World Ending threat before this event, it was predicted that Kukulkan would be able to put ORT back to sleep.
Lorelei was livid by this situation, however, with some first-hand accounts, and recorded Data from the incident with Samuel's Mystic Code Drones, things were taken down a notch.
The Head of the Barthomeloi Family then saw this as an opportunity for their case to the British Minister. As such, the vice director of the Clocktower requested that video footage of the incident be sent over, acting as evidence when the time comes to put the Ministry of Magic on Trial.
The only thing she has yet to make a successful case is if Chaldea did warn them before the Wizards entered the Crystal Valley. Which, Ritsuka already has.
The next Day after the incident, Harry walked out of his Family's Tent. He hesitated at first, still having that image of the Wizards turning into Crystals.
"Fou," The Beast gently patted the young Boy's shoulders, indicating that it was okay.
Harry smiles, scratching Fou's chin, and thanks him for giving him confidence. "Thank you, Fou. You always know when I need cheering up." The young Boy said before turning behind him inside the tent. "You're not going to come again, Oberon?" He asked the Lostbelt Servant.
Oberon, like before waved his hand at Harry. "Sorry, young master. The heat and murky air isn't for me…" He moans, facing the AC.
Harry smiles, knowing he can't do anything to change his mind. "I'll be going now, I hope you feel better Oberon." The young Boy said, heading off into the Camp with caution this time.
Walking around the Chaldean Campsite, he noticed that there were more People here at the Camp than before. Some were wearing something outside of the Chaldean Uniform, indicating they were from other Organizations.
"Hey, Fou, do you think these People are from the Mages Association?" Harry asked, hearing that Name many times from the others.
"I can't believe those Wizards entered the Crystal Valley." Harry overheard someone talking about the incident from yesterday.
The other Staff nodded, crossing her hands. "They really did get what they deserve, they almost brought the end of the World right there and now." She sighs, thankful that Kukulkan was able to put ORT back to sleep.
Harry turns to some Mages from the Association, also talking about the incident. "Damn those British Wizards, they really gone and done it." The Magus stated, gritted his teeth,
"At least they experienced what the Lord of Archaeology experienced years ago. I bet that Wizard who escaped has turned into that Crystal substance by now." Another Mage from the Clocktower commented before seeing Harry walking by. "Hey, isn't that the Boy the Wizarding Community idolizes?"
Harry flinched and quickly departed from the area once he heard them talking about him.
"To think Lord Fujimaru would take in a Wizard as his Son." The Magus commented, changing the subject of the conversation. "Just what he was thinking?"
"It doesn't matter, as long as he got his Servants the Association can't do anything about Lord Fujimaru's Heir situation." The other Magus added, "I consider this as a good thing, think how much easier it'll be when their so-called Savoir is being raised as a Magus. That will be a kick in their morale."
As the young Heir walked, many Mages from the Association were talking about him and this Wizarding World. It was the first time he heard about it, and from what he heard with his Uncle Remus and Uncle Sirius-er now Grandfather, they came from the Wizarding World.
Maybe asking his Parents about it would help shed some light on his curiosity.
Speaking about his Parents, both of them were talking with some Higher Mages from the Association and Branch director Samuel Quahog. "Looks like Mommy and Daddy are with some important People," Harry commented.
Fou didn't like the Mages from the Association, they may be better than Wizards in terms of Advancements, but they use less moral ways to practice Magecraft.
"…due to the Wizards' interference, the Crystal Valley has increased its territory by a foot." Ritsuka paused his reporting to the Head of Archeology and Lore Departments once he noticed his Son.
Ritsuka smiles, motioning his eyes that he and Mashu will be a bit longer.
Harry nodded, looking at Fou on his shoulders. "Let's go to the Kitchen, Fou. I'm a bit hungry, are you too?" He asked his little Friend.
"Fou, Fou."
Ritsuka watches as his Son and Fou head off to the Kitchen Tent before hearing the Lord speak. "So, that is your Heir, Lord Fujimaru. A Wizard being your Heir?" He asked, raising his brow at the Magus, clearly showing his disdain for the Wizards. "I heard that you yourself are half Wizard, am I right, Lord?"
The Lord of Lore frowns at his fellow Magus, seeing he's walking on a path of his own destruction.
However, Ritsuka only responded to the Magus with a simple sentence. "Oh? Is my Parentage really that important?" The Magus asked his fellow Magus, smirking at him. "I mean don't you guys from the Clocktower have some Mages who were cast out from their Community? Squibs am I right?"
The Lord of Archology flinched and gritted his teeth at the snub statement. He was unable to respond, seeing that Ritsuka had a point.
Mashu smiles, knowing her Husband won't take any insults from the Mages of the Clocktower. She then cleared her throat, stepping in before things got dicey. "Excuse me, but we should discuss what should we do now that the Wizarding Community may have information about ORT." She suggested,
Samuel nodded, supporting the former Demi-Servant's statement. "Lady Mashu's right, by now the British Wizards might come back," The American Branch director stated to which the other Magus started to realize he was right.
"Very well, let's finish this discussion later. For now, let's make a perimeter around the Crystal Valley." The Lord stated, changing his perspective and proceeding to do what they were meant to do.
They all agreed and entered the Crystal Valley to scout the area.
Going through the Camp, Harry and Fou pass some more Mages from the Clocktower. Soon enough, he saw his Servant walking to the Kitchen tent. "Z-er Archer!" Harry called out to Zhou Yu, almost saying his True Name in front of the Mages.
Zhou Yu turns to his master, hearing him call his Class name. "Master, are you heading to the Kitchen tent?" The Archer asked.
"Yeah, I just woke up and both me and Fou are really hungry," Harry said, looking at the Beast on his shoulders.
"Fou, Fou," Fou agrees with the young Heir, feeling a bit hungry himself,
The Archer nodded, knowing that breakfast was the important meal of the Day. Now with what other Servants call a Second Life, Zhou Yu has been exploring some aspects of the Modern Age. Such as the internet and past Wars after the Three Kingdoms Era, but what most he enjoyed in his Second Life was the cuisine from many Cultures.
"Master, if you permit me, may I join you in the Kitchen?" Zhou Yu asked his master,
Harry smiles, having no qualms over his Servant joining him. "Of course, you don't need to ask, Archer. If you want to do something, then you don't need my permission to do it." He said, following his Father's example as master to his own Servants.
The Strategist smiles, appreciating the gesture. "Much appreciate it, my master." Zhou Yu walked beside Harry, about to enter the Kitchen tent when a bunch of Pigs came pouring out.
"P-Pigs!?" Harry exclaims, not expecting anything like this to happen in South America. "W-Where did all of these Pigs come from?" He asked, seeing them running into the Amazon.
'Fou, Fou?" Fou added, unsure what happened.
Zhou Yu observes the running Pigs, looking at how they run. "They seem to be running in a panic, whatever happened in the tent it must really distressed them." The Archer said, walking into the Kitchen tent to investigate.
Harry and Fou followed closely, curious about what was happening inside. Upon entering the Kitchen tent, he discovered that the small dining area was messy with plates and Porridge scattered around.
His eyes then shift to a small red-haired Girl with blue, green, and red feathers frowning at another Servant.
The other Servant has orange hair mixed with pink streaks, she wore an article of white Greek clothing, some high-heeled sandals, and a pair of wings on her back. She has pointed ears indicating she isn't Human and a Staff in her hands with a feathered crown on her head.
(Insert 51. The Witch and Her Happy Piglets)
"Hahahaha! That's what you get for an insulting Piglet like that." The orange-haired Servant spoke, seeing the remaining Pigs run off while crossing her arms. "Nothing like a serving of Kykeon to dished out due punishment." The Caster spoke,
Beni-Enma sighs, looking around at her messy Kitchen tent. "You know you overdid thith with your Kykeon Circe." The Saber leaps over the counter, grabbing some wash clothes to clean.
Circe proudly turns her head, "Hey, nobody talks smack about Piglet like that. Hmm? You're that Servant that the Piglet's Son Summoned," The Caster commented, seeing him standing in the Kitchen. "You looked oddly familiar…"
Zhou Yu couldn't help but agree, she seemed familiar to him too. "Yes, your face is somewhat familiar to me…I know we didn't meet in life since obviously you're from the Western Countries." The Archer commented,
"That we can agree, huh, maybe we met in a Grail War somewhere," Circe shrugs,
"If we did, we probably met briefly without knowing each other truly." Zhou Yu added before hearing her speak.
"In any case, both you and the Little Piglet there are here for Breakfast, right?" The Witch Queen said, assuming that was the case. "I'll get a nice batch of my Kykeon ready for the-"
"FOU, FOU!" Fou exclaims, knowing what will happen if anyone eats Circe's food.
Beni-Enma steps in, now wanting to be in trouble with Ritsuka. "Circe, you're not allowed to serve more of your food. Master will be mad if he findth out that the young master hath turned into a Pig.
Circe turns to the Saber Servant, defending herself. "I only gave them my Kykeon because they're insulting my Piglet. I swear these big wigs at the Mages Association are so annoying." The Caster stated, flapping over to the Kitchen. "I'll get you two regular Porridge, go sit down and relax." She said, starting the stove.
The Saber leaps over to both Harry and Zhou Yu, showing them to an empty clean table. "Young master, Archer thith way pleathe." Beni-Enma showed the master/Servant pair to the table.
Both Harry and Zhou Yu followed Beni-Enma to a table free from mess. While waiting for their food, Zhou Yu took notice of his master fidgeting in his seat. "Is there something the matter, master? You're fidgeting in your seat." The grey-haired Archer spoke.
Harry looks at his Servant, seeing that he is observing him. "I-um…I was just thinking who should be on my side when the Grail Front begins." The young Heir said, sighing at the many choices and yet limited Servants who were willing to join him. "There are so many Servants here that either one of them could join me. But they rather see what I'm made of when facing a strong opponent."
"As you're aware, master. I'm willing to fight with you, despite the Enemy being a Grand Servant and a God." Zhou Yu said, swearing to serve his Summoner to the best of his ability.
"Thank you, Archer, I know I can count on you," Harry said, seeing Beni-Enma bringing over some of Circe's Porridge.
Beni-Enma placed Circe's Porridge onto the table, serving it to the two. "Here'th your breakfatht, young master." The Saber smiles, about to leave the Servant/master pair to enjoy the food.
Fou sniffs the Porridge, inspecting it if it's the one Circe cursed to turn anyone to Swine. "Fou…"
Harry turns to Beni-Enma, though her appearance is different from the time he'd met her. Harry could tell that this was the original form of Beni-Enma Alter. "Um, excuse…Saber, right?"
Zhou Yu blows the spoon of Porridge, seeing Fou nibble a bit from Harry's bowl. "Master?" He asked, hearing him call out to the Saber.
Beni-Enma turns around, hearing the young master call her. " Yeth young master? ith there thomething you need?" The Innkeeper asked the young Heir of Chaldea.
"You were the one who saved me before when I just arrived here in South America," Harry said, looking at the red-haired Saber.
"Ah, th-tho you do remember, young master." Beni-Enma blushed, embarrassed that Harry saw her in a state like her Alter form. "I-I'd like to clarify that even though I wath with Tezcatlipoca'th group and in my altered form. It doethn't mean that I oppothe you." The Saber stated.
"Both me and Nitocris Alter were there to enthure that you don't get hurt by their opinion of you, young master," Beni-Enma explains to the black-haired Boy, clearly supporting his Succession as the next master of Chaldea. " In fact, I think that if you were being raithed by master and Lady Mashu then Chaldea would be in good handth."
Harry blinks, not expecting that from the Saber Servant. "So, you don't mind me being Mommy and Daddy's Son?" He asked,
Beni-Enma shook her head, looking at the young master. "No, I don't. I think that you are the perfect candidate for the next Chaldean master. It'th jutht the matter of the otherth who doubt you." The Saber explains,
"Then if you think I can be the next master of Chaldea, then can you help me during the Grail Front against Tezcatlipoca?" Harry asked, hoping it wouldn't be like the Dinosaur King and Kingprotea Alter.
"Of courthe, my blade thhall be yourth for the time being," Beni-Enma stated, happy to be of assistance to Harry against the Grand Servant.
Harry smiles, looking at Zhou Yu who nods at the conversation. "That's good news, master. Now (including myself) have two Servants for the Grail Front." Zhou Yu responded, "And a Saber Servant no less." The Archer stated.
The black-haired Boy smiles before pondering on who else he should ask. "Now that we got you on my side, Beni-Enma, I wonder who else I should look for." Harry ponders,
Beni-Enma looks over to the Kitchen, seeing Circe preparing for the Lunch rush. "Circe, do you mind if you join the young master againtht Tezcatlipoca'th team on the grail front?" The Tongue Cut Sparrow asked the Witch Queen.
Harry looks over at the Witch from the Odyssey, seeing for her response.
Circe looks up behind the counter, waving her hand. "Sorry, but I prefer to not get involved with this Succession situation." The Caster explains, her side of this inner conflict. "It's not really my taste to be on one side of a conflict."
She looks at Harry, showing no disdain for what he is or any sympathy for being a Wizard. "If you give a good show then I would reconsider being on the Neutral side," Circe said, offering her support if Harry could prove himself to her.
"What do you mean by that?" Harry asked the Witch Queen,
Circe flaps over the counter, landing just before Harry. "Little Piglet, I'm sure you have heard of me?" She asked, raising her brow.
The young Boy nodded, hearing her Name being addressed many times in the tent. "You're the Witch Circe, the Daughter of Helios and the Aunt of Medea, and the one who turned the Trojan Hero Odysseus's Men into Pigs," Harry said, knowing her Name very well from Greek Mythology.
"Then you should know, I like to give People quests to prove themselves that they are Heroes," Circe said, giving the chance for Harry to prove himself. She looks to the tent's entrance, "Those Piglets that ran into the Amazon. Those are Mages from the Association, I-"
"Turn them into Swine, I know," Harry said, fully aware of her deal once she spoke early.
The orange-haired Servant smiles, "Y-Yes…ahem, in any case. I'll be in big trouble if Piglet finds out, (your Father)." Circe cleared her throat, continuing with her quest explanation. "So, your quest is to gather all those Big Wigs from the Clocktower and bring them back to the Kitchen so I can reverse the Spell…and possibly alter their memories." The Caster commented.
Harry was tempted, however, there's one thing he wants when he succeeds in her quest. "And if I succeed in the quest, what do I get in return other than you siding with me?" He asked, a bit boldly of the Witch Queen.
"Boldness will earn a bit of respect, Little Piglet," Circe commented, smiling at him. "Alright, if you manage to retrieve all the Mages' turn Swine, then I'll not only side with you, but teach you some Defensive and Offensive Spells against Tezcatlipoca's crew." The Divine Spirit stated, offering a sweet deal to the young Boy.
"However, I won't join your side during the Grail Front. That will not change." Circe commented, not wanting to deal with Tez's crew herself,
Harry looks at Zhou Yu for his opinion, and in return, the Archer nods after considering the aspects. "Deal!" He responded, accepting the terms.
Circe smiles, happy to have some good old Greek fashion entertainment after what the British Wizards did with ORT. "Alrighty then, there are at least ten Piglets at my Kykeon. Get them all, use any help you can get, and make sure no Predators get them."
"Then I'll be-"
"Sorry Beni, but I need your Chef expertise to cook up an Antidote," Circe stated, receiving a scowl from the Tongue-Cut Sparrow.
Beni-Enma sighs, walking over to the counter. "I jutht join the young master and I'm thtuck in helping you." The Saber mutters to herself, "You know thith ith your fault, not mine."
Circe rolled her eyes, seeing the Saber walking around the counter. "Hai, hai, just get to cooking, Beni." The Caster said before addressing the young master. "Now, you better get going, Little Piglet. The more time you spend here, the more Piglets are in danger. Good luck," She waved him off. (End Song)
Once Harry and Zhou Yu finish their non-Pig turning Porridge, the master/Servant along with Fou walks out of the Kitchen tent. "So, where do you think we should start, Archer?" Harry asked his Servant,
"We should start by following which directions those Pigs headed off to." Zhou Yu stated, turning to the right of the Kitchen tent. "We can figure out the rest when we get to it, master."
Harry followed where Zhou Yu was looking, "I think I saw a Pig running in that direction…towards the…River…." He deflates, knowing who exactly was there.
"Fou…" Fou slumps, also knowing who was there.
Zhou Yu knows what his master is thinking, "In any case, we have to go and catch up with the Pigs." The Strategist commented, knowing there was nothing they could do about it. "Let's just hope Kingprotea isn't in her Alter form."
"Yeah…" Harry said as the two ventured towards the Amazon River.
Standing off to the side, Kingu steps forward, watching as the Child and his Servant head to the River. "So that Witch has sent the Brat on a quest.'' The dark green-haired Lancer chuckles. "This will be amusing to witness…" He followed the two, ensuring that he kept a distance from them.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.