AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 2 The Invitation
Three consecutive strikes were sent flying towards a Shield. "Sei!" A blonde girl wearing silver armor and wielding both Shield and Spear jumps back after her attacks.
"Ngh!" A black-haired man hid behind a silver Shield with a red gem in the center. He has platinum armor and a red cape that flows from the strikes from the small Knight.
"You can do it, Naofumi-sama!" An auburn Demi-Human called out to the Hero.
"Don't give up, Onii-san!" A blonde girl with pigtails and holding a Staff added, cheering on Naofumi in his training.
A blonde man wearing silver armor and a blue-green cape stood at the side of the field. He watches as both his Sister and Naofumi duel. "Find your center, Sir Naofumi. Once you do, the closer the enemy will fall." Gawain, the Knight of the Sun instructed the Hero.
Naofumi huffs, standing straight from where he stands. "Look, I get why training is important but why am I learning Sword stances where I can't even wield a Sword or any other melee weapons?" The Pseudo-Servant asked the Knight of the Round.
"Your Shield produces a Sword, thus learning to properly use it will assist you when you're fighting strong opponents," Gawain informed the young Knight. "Learning other melee weapon stances will also help you, especially for those going for you due to false information."
"Motoyasu, right? I swear he is really overbearing when it comes to him." Naofumi stated, seeing firsthand how Motoyasu acts like an older brother figure to Fujimaru. He looks at everyone, curious about their background. "Say, you guys knew Fujimaru for a while. Do you know anything about him and Motoyasu's relationship?"
The Knights and Castoria looked at each other, not really knowing that much about their master. Gareth looks at the Shielder, shaking her head. "Not really, this is the first time we heard that master has a brother figure in his life before Chaldea." The Lancer stated.
"All we know is that master's Parents, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, and Twin Brother, treated him like some garbage," Gawain stated, remembering when they first met Lily and James. "Other than that, Heroic Knight Lancelot is the first who cares for master."
Raphtalia turns to the two Knights of the Round, hearing their conversation. "I may not know that much about Ritsuka-dono, but I can tell Motoyasu-sam-I mean Heroic Knight Lancelot cares deeply for him." The Demi-Human stated. "And Ritsuka-dono, though he may hide it; is really worried for him."
Castoria nodded, seeing that too. "It must be the fact that we're going to face the entire Three Heroes Roundtable when we return." The Lostbelt Servant stated, "And master's brother has the name of the strongest Knights in the Roundtable."
"Lancelot, Gawain, Tristan, I'm not too versed in the legends but I know those names are big. Second to King Arthur." Naofumi commented, walking to the fence, and leaning back for a short rest.
"Um…if you don't mind, Naofumi-sama but the names you just said. Gawain, Tristan, and Lancelot," Raphtalia looks at her master, still confused with this Roundtable ordeal. "Are those names really important?"
(Insert Fate/stay night - Kishi Ou no Hokori)
Naofumi looks at Raphtalia, hearing her question. "Raphtalia, there's a legend back in our World. In the story, there was a King who was said to be the savior of Britain, (A country in our World.)"
"Yes, as the story goes the King gathered many Knights, out of all the Knights three are well known." Gawain continued after the young Knight. "These Knights are the names that the Heroic Knights have. They also possess weapons similar to the ones the Roundtable use."
Raphtalia nodded, remembering hearing something about Ren's Sword. "I remember a few soldiers were talking about Ren's Sword. I believe it's called Galatine." The Demi-Human stated,
"Galatine, Arondight, and Failnaught, those are the names of the weapons that the Fairies gifted to those three Knights," Gawain informed the group of their origins of themselves.
Naofumi nodded, though he doesn't know the story fully he does remember a Sword that Arthur wields. "If I remember correctly, King Arthur has the strongest Sword. Excalibur."
"Excalibur?" Raphtalia questions the name, something about that name was inspiring and brings hope.
"Yes, Excalibur, a Sword that's made from the six Fairies Clans. A Weapon that was a symbol for the King's heroism." Castoria explains, gaining the knowledge already from the Counter Force. "It was also used as a Weapon against external threats to the planet."
Naofumi's eyes widen, never hearing this part of Excalibur. "Seriously? I'd always thought Excalibur was some kind of Magical Weapon. Not a defensive mechanism for external threats to Earth."
Raphtalia was inspired, no in awe that there was a Sword that could rival the Cardinal Weapons. "Amazing, to think there's a Sword with that capabilities." The Demi-Human said,
"So for that saying since those Weapons are being used by the Three Heroes Roundtable, is it possible that Excalibur is their trump card?" Naofumi asked, wondering if the enemy have hold of the Sword of Victory.
Castoria shook her head, "Not from I can feel. When I was at the Capital, I didn't feel any Holy Sword presence." The Lostbelt Servant stated, (End song)
"That doesn't mean they have it." Everyone turned around, the Knights inclined their heads. Ritsuka, Pavel, Fou, and Arthur arrived shortly, hearing their conversation. "They must have Excalibur hidden away, where even the strongest Magus can't sense it."
"Master," Both Gareth and Gawain greeted their master,
Naofumi and Raphtalia turn to the Magus from the Stars, "Fujimaru, you sure do take your time waking up." Naofumi gave him a blank glare, "That's a bad habit you know,"
Ritsuka chuckles, waving his hand at the Hero. "Ahahaha…you're not the only one that scolded me for sleeping in, Iwatani." He stated with a smile.
"Motoyasu must have a hard time with you during the mornings." The black-haired Shielder sighs, imagining how those two live in their World.
Ritsuka sighs, remembering that all too well. "Hahahaha…yeah…"
Naofumi sighs, sensing that these two are definitely brothers more than blood. "So that's how it is when you guys were in your World." He sighs,
"Um…does this mean master has adopted Heroic Knight Lancelot's habits?" Gareth asked, having a sense of what was going on between her master and the enemy.
"It seems so, Sister," Gawain added, now understanding where his master gets his carefree personality.
"It does explain a lot of things, like how master goes out and helps strangers and very protective to the people he cares about," Arthur added, putting the pieces together with the many years he serve his master and the small time he fought Heroic Knight.
Raphtalia giggles, placing her hand over her mouth. "Y-You do share the same views on being a Hero." She commented before realizing what she said. "Oh, not the self-delusion and ignorance mind you."
Castoria nodded, seeing the similarities between Motoyasu and Ritsuka. "You're right, Raphtalia. Fuj-er master has the good qualities of Heroic Knight Lancelot but not his bad ones."
Ritsuka blushed, hearing his allies comparing him and his brother figure. "D-Don't make this a big deal you guys!" He exclaims, his cheeks red with embarrassment. "A-Aniki helped me a lot back then and I still follow what he taught me-er…well not everything…"
"Hence the comparison we did," Naofumi smirks,
Pavel tugs onto Ritsuka's sleeves, causing him to look down. "Um...Ritsuka," The small Demi-Human child looks at him with big eyes. "Does this mean that Heroic Knight Lancelot is your brother?" He asked.
"Fou, Fou," Fou commented, seeing that the only family he looks up to is the enemy.
Ritsuka ruffled Pavel's head, smiling at him. "You can say that Pavel. Though right now, he's a bit of a difficult spot to even speak properly." The Magus sighs sadly,
Pavel smiles, "Don't worry Ritsuka! I'm sure Heroic Knight Lancelot will come around!" The child said with innocents and optimism for him. "After all, he is your brother."
"Your optimism is always cheering me, Pavel." Ritsuka smiles at the boy.
Naofumi watches Ritsuka interacting with the Demi-Human child. Those two were like Father and Son since they reunited with the main group, Pavel was sticking to him like a fly in a flytrap. "Say, Fujimaru are you just here to greet us or there's something you need us?"
The black-haired Magus looks at the people around him. Ritsuka just smiles, seeing there's nothing major going on here. "I was just checking up on your training, Iwatani. I know you have your own way-"
"I'm doing fine, Saber and Lancer have taught me a few things about fighting." Naofumi looks at the Knights standing behind them. "Their lessons have been…helpful. I wasn't thinking outside the box when I fight."
Raphtalia nodded, supporting her master's claims. "Naofumi-sama has been working hard to learn how to fight," She said.
"Indeed, Sir Naofumi is progressing well with his stances," Gawain informed his master of the great progress they were making.
Gareth and Castoria agreed with the Knight of the Sun, seeing Naofumi getting stronger with his newfound power.
"That's great to hear, I'm glad you're doing well Iwatani." Ritsuka was genuinely happy that Naofumi is gaining more experience with the Heroic Spirit's power he wields.
Naofumi scoffs, actually happy to have met Ritsuka and the rest of Chaldea. "Thanks, Fujimaru."
Ritsuka turns around, knowing he can't stay for long. "I have to go check on everyone else," He stated, walking to the dirt road with Arthur and Pavel.
"We understand, master." Gareth smiles, understanding what he's doing. "Don't worry about us,"
"We'll speak later, take care master!" Castoria returns to the other side of the fence where Raphtalia was at.
Raphtalia looked at the Magus from the Stars, smiling at him. "We'll be here if you need us, Ritsuka-dono." She waved at Ritsuka before leaving their sights.
Ritsuka smiles, seeing that his allies are already back with training. The three walks down the dirt path, seeing the Rebels and the Villagers of Brightwell are fitting well with the Townspeople. "Saber, we were lucky that this Town is a part of the growing Rebellion. If not, then I'm not sure if Archer could-"
"Master, you did nothing wrong," Arthur stated, seeing Tristan and Baobhan Sith fulfilled their part as Servants well. "We know the risk of facing the Three Heroes Roundtable, fortunately, there are skilled Mages here with powerful healing spells for Archer."
"Thanks, Saber, you always know what to say to make me feel better." Ritsuka smiles at the King of Knights walking next to him.
Pavel smiles, enjoying the walk with the Magus. "Fou?" He looks up at the Beast sitting on his head, seeing his ears perked up. "Fou? What's wrong?" The child asked before seeing the Lord of this Town.
"Ritsuka, there's the Lord." Pavel looks up at the Magus from the Stars. "Didn't you want to talk to him?"
Ritsuka looks forward, seeing the dirty blonde Elf speaking with some people. "Lord Harobalomia," The Elf turns to the three, hearing his name being called.
"Ah, Lord Fujimaru. I hope you and your people are doing alright for the past few days." Harobalomia greeted the Magus.
"Yes, it seems everyone is fitting just fine. Thank you for letting us stay in your town." Arthur smiles at the kind Elf, appreciating his kindness.
The dirty blonde Elf held out his hands at the Chaldeans, "Please, your praises are too much for a small Town like ours, Lord Saber." Harobalomia stated, not wanting the Magus from the Stars and the Shield Hero to think they were indebted to his Town.
The Lord smiles at them, having no qualms with them at all. "We're allies in the Heroes Partisan, it's only right to help each other out," Harobalomia stated.
Ritsuka nodded, agreeing with Harobalomia on that sentence. The Harobalomia he knew was off with him, but this one was more reasonable and easier to talk with. "Anyways, Lord Harobalomia, Saber told me you wanted to see me about something?" He asked.
"Yes, first let me say I'm sorry that you've lost your Village and as such I'm offering your villagers a place here." Harobalomia stated, "And lastly, allow me to offer my Town as your temporary base,"
Both Arthur and Ritsuka looked at each other. They were surprised that the Lord of this Town was willing to let them use it as a base of operations. "Are you sure, Lord Harobalomia? If you're letting us stay here then-"
Arthur leans to his master's ear, whispering to his ear. "(Master, I believe that Lord Harobalomia knew the risk of letting use his Town as a base.)" The King of Knights looked at the Elf, still confident with his statement.
Ritsuka nodded, his eyes looking at the Elf. "Lord Fujimaru if I could be bold. I truly believe that both you and the Shield Hero will save the World from its impending doom."
"So you heard of the Prophecy as well?" Ritsuka asked, assuming that was the case.
"Yes, unlike Melromarc, the people of the Southern Countries were foretold of the Prophecy of the Stars," Harobalomia informed the three,
Pavel looks up at Ritsuka, curious about this talk about a Prophecy. He heard that word before but "Ritsuka, what's a Prophecy?"
Fou tilted his head, not sure what this Elf Lord was saying. "Fou?"
"To make it short, Pavel. A Prophecy is something that predicts the future," Ritsuka explains, hoping that's enough to make him understand.
Pavel nodded, getting the gist a bit. "Oh…okay," The smiles, learning a new word.
"That makes sense, aiding us is sticking to your beliefs," Arthur stated, understanding why he's allowing them to stay in his Town.
Harobalomia nodded, turning to his townspeople. "Many of my people believe in the Prophecy of the Stars, especially for the Shield Hero playing a huge role in it." The Elf explains, expressing the respect they have for them.
Ritsuka nodded, smiling that they have respect for them. "I appreciate it, Lord Harobalomia."
"Your words, honor me, Lord Fujimaru." One of Harobalomia's aids came over, whispering in the Elf's ear. "You're kidding me? Alright, fine." The Lord looks at the Chaldean master and his Servant.
"Forgive me, Fujimaru-sama but I have something to attend to." The Lord inclined his head to the Chaldeans before leaving with the aid to deal with the situation.
Ritsuka turns to Arthur once the Elf left them. "So, shall we check on Archer, Saber?" The black-haired Magus asked his loyal Servant.
The King of Knights nodded, wanting to check on his Knight. "Yes, master."
"We're going to see Sir Tristan?" Pavel asked, hoping that was the case.
Ritsuka looks down at the Demi-Human child, "Yeah, you know that Tristan was injured when distracting the Heroic Knights at the Border." The Magus smiles at the child.
Pavel nodded, remembering the injured Archer and how the Healers and Doctors were treating him during their track here. "I know, I'm sure that Lady Morgan is trying her best to help Sir Tristan!"
"Your optimism always brightens the mood, Pavel." Ritsuka chuckles, happy to have met the boy.
Arthur smiles at the two, following them from behind.
The four made their way to the Healers only for them to pass a large gathering of rebels, Brightwell villagers, and some Townspeople. Standing before them were Agravain, Saber, and Barghest in her armor doing the recruitment.
"Master, it seems we're at Sir Agravain's recruitment for his army." The King of Knights pointed to the Roundtable Aid stepping forward to the gathered people.
Ritsuka looks at the large gathering of people, curious just like the other Townspeople. "Seems like Agravain and the others are trying to recruit more fighters for the small army." He smiles,
Pavel was in awe of the people gathered that wants to join the upcoming fight against the Three Heroes Roundtable. "There's a lot of people, Ritsuka."
"Fou, Fou," The Beast looked around, seeing many different races come together for the army they're building up.
"Agravain!" Ritsuka smiles, calling for his advisor.
Agravain turns around, seeing his master and King coming over along with the boy and Fou. "Greetings, master, my King. What brings you all here?" The Saber asked the group,
Ritsuka looks at the people behind the Knight before looking up at him. "I was just curious about whom you have chosen for your army, Agravain." The Magus stated, "And by the looks of it, you've done one hell of a job with the recruitment."
Arthur nodded, looking at his Aid. "Sir Agravain has an eye when spotting good soldiers when recruiting people for Camelot's army back then."
"It's only right to do the same considering the situation we found ourselves in," Agravain stated, turning around to the people they manage to gather. "If you would, master. Allow me to use these people as my subordinates."
Ritsuka nodded, approving his request. "Go for it,"
Pavel steps forward, giving a happy expression to the Knight Aid. "Good luck, Sir Agravain." He smiles at him,
Agravain looked away from the boy, hiding his face. He reaches down, patting his shoulder. He walks back to where Barghest and Saber stands.
The black armored Knight stood before the crowd once more, "Greetings, I am Sir Agravain or Saber. I'm sure you're all aware that we're looking for soldiers to enlist in our fight against Melromarc's army." Agravain announced, looking around the crowd.
Many of them agreed, hearing something like that. "This is a volunteer army, as such anyone can join. There are no required skills, just being able to fight and being able to withstand the pressure of war." Agravain continued.
Saber steps forward, taking over for the Knight Aid. "If you feel like we're asking too much from you, then feel free to drop out." The Grand Servant stated, looking around the people. "We're not asking for any of you to risk your lives on our behalf,"
"But we do need able warriors to achieve our purpose in saving your World." Barghest continued, she looked around to see if there were any dropouts.
Everyone didn't budge an inch, indicating that they are willing to fight for Chaldea's cause.
"Then line up," Agravain ordered the new Chaldean Volunteer Army. "We shall take your names and information to use,"
Soon everyone who was willing to join the Volunteer Army lined up and gave their information to the three Knights.
Ritsuka sighs, seeing how many people are willing to fight with them considering the danger. And yet, he was grateful for their cooperation. "Master, are you feeling okay?" He turns to the King with a worried expression.
"It's nothing, Saber." Ritsuka gave a smile at his Servant.
Arthur was skeptical, he'd seen his master's face many times before. "Master, I know-"
"Yo! Master of Chaldea," The Magus and the King turn to a green-haired Saber walking over to them. Next to him was Mordred guiding him to them.
"Sir Mordred, what are you doing with Saber of the Heroes Partisan?" Arthur asked his alternate Son.
Mordred and Saber grin at each other before looking at the two. "Just making a new fighting buddy," The Knight of Treachery stated, "We did a bit of a sparring match with this bastard, and he earned my respect,"
Saber of the Heroes Partisan chuckles, "For a Saber Servant, you got some raw strength." He grins at the Saber of Red. "Are you sure you're not a-"
"Berserker?" Both Sabers asked each other before laughing.
Mordred slaps her hand on Saber's shoulder and pats it. "I should be asking you that! The way you threw your blades," The Knight laughs, remembering the unexpected maneuver. "That's what the Berserkers do when sparring with them back at Chaldea!"
Arthur and Ritsuka were both confused with the scenery before them, the King leans over to his master's ear. "(Master, is it just me or that Mordred is-)"
"(Being friendly with a new Servant? Yeah, I notice that too.)" Ritsuka nodded, watching them laughing. He cleared his throat, gaining their attention. "Um, Saber; we were just searching for you."
The green-haired Saber blinks, hearing the master of Humanity was looking for him. "You were? What a coincidence, I was just coming to see you." He chuckles at the timing; the Servant looks at his fellow Servant. "Wanna tell them?"
"Saber here was contacted by his Summoner; thee Queen of Melromarc," Mordred told both her master and Father. "She wants to meet you at Faubrey Castle for this Ball shit or something-"
Saber of the Heroes Partisan scoffs, looking at them in the eyes. "What Saber meant to say is that Queen Mirellia Q Melromarc has given a royal invitation to a social event to better know you and Iwatani-sama."
"So it's like a ball," Ritsuka asked, having been to a few before.
"Yes, though the Queen would love it to meet everyone, you're vulnerable in your current state." Saber said, motioning to the injured Knight in the Healers and the lack of a proper army.
Ritsuka nodded, agreeing with the Servant from the Counter Force. "I can only bring a few Servants with me," He saw this was the reasonable course to take. "Mmm…when is the ball?"
Saber crosses his arms and closes his eyes. "I'd say…about four days from now." He informed them.
"Master, might I suggest taking the Fairy Knights?" Arthur suggested, knowing they're more versed in Nobility than his Roundtable.
Ritsuka looks at the King, hearing his suggestion. Though that was a good idea, he feels like it was uneven. "That's a good plan, Saber; however I feel like we should add two more to the group."
Arthur understood his master's suggestion. He ponders for a moment before knowing whom to add to the group. "Then I suggest you bring Lancer and Saber, they hardly been out when we're stationed at Brightwell Village." The King suggested both Percival and Lancelot accompany him.
"What about me?" Pavel spoke up, looking at the adults. "Can I come to the ball too?" He asked with big bubbly eyes.
Ritsuka looks at Saber of the Heroes Partisan, seeing if it's alright with him to bring the grey-haired with them.
The green-haired Servant looked at the child, he chuckles seeing no problem with being him. "Sure, why not."
Pavel smiles brightly that he can attend the ball with Ritsuka. "Yay!' He spun around, turning to Fou sitting on his shoulder. "You hear that Fou? I can go!"
"Fou, Fou, (Special Translation: That's great, Pavel.)" The Beast was happy for the child,
Saber of the Heroes Partisan smiles, walking past the four, "I'll take my leave, I have to inform the Shield Hero of the invitation," He waves at the group and heads to where Naofumi is.
"Oi, master. You're going to see Tristan, right?" Mordred asked her master once Saber of the Heroes Parisian left.
Ritsuka nodded to the Knight of Treachery. "That's right, and probably the best time to speak to Morgan about the upcoming ball." The Magus explains,
Arthur looks at his 'son', curious about what she'll be doing now. "Mordred, what are you going to do now?" He asked,
Mordred shrugs at her alternate Father, "Just napping wherever, it'll be a long while till we see combat." The Knight stated, seeing a perfectly good shade with a bench underneath. "Anyways, there's a good shade there that's calling for me. Good luck, master!" she heads over to the shaded area.
Arthur sighs before seeing the Healers just ahead of them. "Master, there's the Healers."
"Shall we go then?" Ritsuka smiles as they venture to the building.
Inside the Healers, Morgan was standing over a shirtless Tristan and was pouring her Magical Energy into the wound he received from Heroic Knight Tristan.
Morgan managed to rid of the curse lingering inside the wound, however, it'll be a long time before he could do combat again.
"How does it look?" The Lostbelt Queen looks down, seeing that the Archer was awake.
"I have cleansed the curse lingering within you, Sir Tristan." Morgan closes her eyes, finishing her treatment. "I highly suggest you take some time to recuperate to fully restore your Spirit Origins,"
"That's good to hear, Morgan." Both Chaldean Servants looked at the entrance where their master was standing with Pavel and Arthur.
Morgan inclined her head to her master, "Greetings, Husband, Brother, young Pavel." She greeted the three.
Fou jumps on Pavel's head, a bit peeved that she forgot about him. "Fou, Fou. Fou!"
"Cath Palug, hold your sharp tongue. I may not know what you're saying, but I can tell that you are displeased." Morgan glares at the Beast sitting on the child's head.
Pavel giggles, taking the Beast from his head to his arms. "Sorry, Lady Morgan. Fou doesn't mean any of that." The young boy smiles.
"Fou? Fou, Fou! (Special Translation: What? Of course, I mean every bit of it!)" Fou commented, barking up a storm.
"Damn Cath Palug." Morgan continued to glare at the Beast,
Ritsuka chuckles as Arthur gave a bright smile despite the tension between his Sister and Fou. The two look over to Tristan who was watching everything between them.
"Tristan, I'm happy you're doing okay." Ritsuka smiles, he was scared that his Servant was going to disappear on him.
"Yes, you've given quite the scare when Baobhan Sith brought you to us." Arthur chuckles, happy that his Knight is well. "Soon you'll be able to be back to fight with us."
Tristan was happy that his master cares for him. "Thank you, master, my King. I'll try not to strain myself too much." He jokes, sitting up in his bed.
Morgan composes herself before looking at her Husband, "Husband, you seem to have something in your mind." She stated, seeing his facial expression. She closes her eyes, wanting to get it over with it. "Is it something you want to share with us?"
Ritsuka shook his head before telling the Lostbelt Queen. "Morgan, prepare the Fairy Knights. We're going to attend a Royal Ball."
"...Eh?"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.