AN: Enjoy the chapter.

Ch 6 The Hero of Light

"Mmmm…it's morning already?" Ritsuka stood up from his bed, feeling someone tugging his arm. He looks down and saw Pavel clutching it as he snuggles against him. Fou was on the

Ritsuka smiles, petting the young boy's head. "Da Vinci was really shocked to know that you can speak to Fou," He chuckles, remembering the conversation from yesterday.

Flashback

"So, Pavel. That child seems to be interesting, where did you ever find him?" Da Vinci asked her master,

Naofumi turns to Fujimaru, always wondering what the story is with the kid. "Fujimaru, is he someone from the Village you were staying with?" He added,

Ritsuka placed down his cup, looking at Pavel smiling at Percival while Fou was on his lap. "He's not from Brightwell Village, I can tell you that." He stated before continuing. "When me and the others first arrived in this World, we came across Brightwell being held as captives for Raiber's Slave Trafficking. Pavel was a victim in that scheme when his original Village was raided. His parents died during that time."

"For someone to have both their parents taken away like that." Raphtalia looks at the Demi-Human child, feeling sympathy for him. "I can understand that well,"

"At least we put an end to Rabier's operations with the Underground Rebellion," Naofumi stated, happy to put that monster down in the ground.

Da Vinci nodded, "A Servant leading a Rebellion under Melromarc's nose, of course, you have something like that popping up in this situation." The Caster commented, having experienced those Rebellions firsthand. "I would like to meet this Ruler of Miso for myself. Personally, I want to see if I could give her a little upgrade to her rifle. But in any case, continue Fujimaru."

Ritsuka nodded, "Where was I? Right, after I've saved Pavel from being killed by the Knight; I decided to take him under my care." He smiles, turning to the Boy in question. "In short, he reminds me of me when I was his age."

Naofumi looks at Pavel, seeing the resemblance if he takes off the ears and tail. "Well, you do look alike, but with grey hair," He chuckles, sipping his tea.

"Not only that, but he can also speak to Fou." Ritsuka nonchalantly informed the group.

Da Vinci spat out her tea, hearing what Ritsuka said. "HE CAN UNDERSTAND FOU!? LIKE HE CAN SPEAK TO HIM, ONE ON ONE!?"

Raphtalia, Naofumi, and Ritsuka were caught off guard by the Genius's shock. "U-Um…yes," Ritsuka responded.

End of Flashback

Ritsuka chuckles, remembering that moment. "You really are something special, Pavel." He stroked his messy grey hair.

Pavel stirs in his sleep before fluttering his eyes open. He smiles, looking up at the black-haired Magus. "Good morning, Pavel." Ritsuka smiles at the young boy.

"Good morning, Ritsuka." The Demi-Human Boy yawns while sitting up on the bed. He rubs his eyes. wiping away the sleep from his eyes.

"Did you have a nice sleep last night?" Ritsuka asked the boy, smoothing down his hair.

Pavel nodded, smiling at his Father figure. "Yeah! I did!" He blinks at the Magus, tilting his head. "How about you, Ritsuka?" The boy asked,

The Magus chuckles happily, answering the young Demi-Human child's question. "I did, thank you for asking Pavel."

The child smiles brightly before his ears twitch upon hearing someone near the door. Pavel promptly turned his head to the door as someone knocked on the door.

"Master, it's time to wake up." A petite voice came from the other side of the door. "D-Do you mind if I come in?"

"Lancer, yes you can." Ritsuka watches as his door opens, revealing Melusine entering. "Morning, Melusine,"

The Fairy Knight nodded, "Good morning master," The white-haired Fairy greeted her master. "Are you doing well this morning?" The Remnant of Albion asked,

Ritsuka nodded, "Yes, is there something that needs my attention?" He asked one of his Strongest knights with him.

Melusine smiles, "I'm afraid so, master. Her Majesty, Queen Mirellia wants to pick up from yesterday, her Majesty Queen Morgan is with her now, after that Lady Da Vinci wants you to meet her for personal reasons." The Lancer explains what's happening today.

"I see, there's no rest for the Heroes." Ritsuka chuckles, looking down at Pavel. "Pavel, are you ready for the day?" He asked the young Demi-Human child.

Pavel nodded and quickly got out of bed. He smiles brightly at Ritsuka, readying to tackle the day with him. "Yeah! I'm ready Ritsuka," He responded.

"Lancer, do you mind accompanying us?" Ritsuka motions to the grey-haired Child, wanting someone to keep an eye on him.

Melusine nodded, obliging to her master's request. "Of course, master." She removed her masked, revealing her tender eyes to him. "Pavel, you'll be staying by my side with master for today. Does that sound good to you?" She asked.

Pavel nodded, swiftly hugging the Fairy Knight. "Yeah! It does Lady Melusine!"

"Pavel, remember," Ritsuka looks at the Demi-Human boy. "Call Melusine by her title when we're in public, alright?"

"Ah, sorry Lady Me-I mean Lady Lancer." Pavel apologizes to the Lancer Servant.

Melusine smiles, petting his soft fluffy hair. "it's all right, it's just a small mistake." She turns to her master, ready to go. "Shall we, master?"

Ritsuka nodded, before noticing Fou waking up. "Fou, Fou," The Beast yawns, stretching on the bed.

"Come on, Fou. We got a busy day to tackle." The Magus held out his hand, allowing the Beast to run up his arms.

Fou sat on the master of Chaldea's shoulder, "Fou, Fou!"

"Alright, seems like everyone is ready," Ritsuka announced,

The small group left the room, heading to the halls of the Castle.

Ritsuka follows the hall to the Throne room, he took notice of the Guards and Maids whispering around him.

"(That's him, that's the Magus from the Stars!)" A Maid whispered to her fellow Maid.

The other Maid nodded, excited to see him. "(I know, he's young to be someone who came from the Stars.)" She whispered back.

"(You think that boy is his Son?)" The Maid pointed to the young Demi-Human Child, walking closely with the Fairy Knight.

The two Maids turn to the grey-haired child, smiling up at the Remnant of Albion. "(Well he has to be, his hair is similar to the Magus from the Star and his facial structure too.)" She points out the minor details between both males walking past them.

The other Maid placed her hand on her chin, looking closely at the two. Her eyes widen a bit, seeing the resemblance. "(Now that you've mentioned it, they do look similar.)"

Ritsuka eyes the Maids, making sure his line of sight wasn't detected by them. "So much for no rumors," He sighs, looking back at Pavel.

Melusine was keeping him preoccupied with conversations about the Ball and other things from the gossip around the Castle.

"Fou, Fou," Fou patted the Magus's cheek, sensing something is off with him.

"It's nothing Fou," Ritsuka scratches the Beast's chin like a pet. "I was just concerned for Pavel hearing the gossip about us," He stated.

"Gossip? What's that?" Pavel pulled on the Magus's sleeves, hearing him talk about them.

Melusine gently took Pavel by the shoulders, pulling him back. "Pavel, let's master walk, okay? Tugging him like that is rude," She lightly scolded him.

Pavel's ears flattened, being reprimanded for his actions. "S-Sorry, Ritsuka."

The young boy looks up, feeling the gentle touch of his caretaker. He saw Ritsuka smiling down at him, "You don't need to apologize, Pavel." Ritsuka said, not minding that he was pulling on his sleeves.

The young Child smiles brightly, happy that he was forgiven. "Now, you want to know what's gossip, Pavel?" Ritsuka raised his eyebrow.

Pavel nodded, listening carefully to what the Magus from the Stars. "Uh-huh!"

Ritsuka explains what gossip is to the little boy, who was listening carefully to what he's saying.

Melusine watched from behind, smiling at the bond between her master and the Child.

The group made their way back to the Throne room, standing near the guards were Naofumi and his Party members waiting for him.

"Ah, good morning master! Are you rested up?" Castoria greeted her master,

Naofumi turns to Ritsuka after talking a bit to Castoria and Raphtalia, "Feeling better this morning, Fujimaru?" He asked his only ally in this mess.

"Yeah, I think I needed rest before jumping into the pool like that." Ritsuka jokes, knowing that the Dead Apostles will have to wait until they reach that point in their mission.

Raphtalia nodded, looking at the Foreign Magus. "You did look like you needed it, Ritsuka-dono." The Demi-Human states, observing him yesterday. "I'm happy to see you're doing well."

"Yeah, thank you for asking Raphtalia." Ritsuka thanked Naofumi's Sword.

The Demi-Human smiles, happy to receive a kind compliment from her master's ally.

Naofumi crossed his arms, "So, I'm guessing that we'll be picking up from the meeting from yesterday. Right Arturia?" He looks at the blonde Fae.

Castoria nodded, "Yes, currently there are a lot of things that need to be done-"

Soon the doors opened, revealing Morgan letting both her Husband and the Shield Hero inside. "Husband, I see you're rested up." The Lostbelt Queen said, relieved that he was now calm from yesterday. "If you would, please follow me to see Mirellia."

"Mirellia? Calling the Queen by her given name, Berserker?" Naofumi raised his brow at the Fairy Queen,

Morgan stopped in her place, turning her head to the black-haired Hero. "You have a sharp tongue, Sir Naofumi." She chuckles, putting her emotions aside. "Though that sharp tongue is caused by your Heroic Spirit's personality leaking out, I suggest you mind your tongue. I am still a Queen,"

Naofumi nodded, "Duly noted," He looks at Ritsuka, both were walking inside the Throne room.

"Don't mind, Berserker. I believe she's in her moody state," Ritsuka commented, noticing that the Lostbelt Queen was preoccupied with something in her mind.

The black-haired Hero chuckles, looking at the Fairy Queen leading them to the Queen of Melromarc. "Yeah, I can tell she's annoyed," Naofumi stated,

The group approached the Throne where Mirellia Q Melromarc sat, standing before her were both Rider of Bermuda and the Saber of the Heroes Partisan, her trusted guards are posted where the regular guards are.

On the side were Da Vinci, Percival, Baobhan Sith, Lancelot, and Barghest.

Melusine quickly guides Pavel to their side of the room, standing with the other Chaldean Servants.

Filo saw Melty standing with her Mother, so she waves at her. "(Hi Mel-san!)" She greeted her.

The Second Princess smiles softly at the Filoial, waving at her in return.

Mirellia puts down her fan, looking at both Heroes of the World. "Lord Fujimaru, I do apologize for yesterday's upbringing. You have already a lot on your mind with you being disconnected from your allies and other things," The Pseudo-Servant apologizes once more.

Ritsuka held out his hand, "It's fine, your Majesty. What you said really caught me off guard." The black-haired man said. "I'm doing fine this morning to continue where we left off."

"I see, I'm glad to hear that you're doing well, Lord Fujimaru," Mirellia commented before going straight into the frying pan. "In any case, let's continue with the current situation in Melromarc."

Both Ritsuka and Naofumi waited patiently, hearing what was going on in the Kingdom.

Saber of the Heroes Partisan cleared his throat, looking around the room. "Our spies have sent us word that Saber and Lancer of Melromarc sent the Three Heroes Roundtable off to the mountains." The green-haired Servant informed the group. "We are unsure what those two are planning, but we do know that Saber has somehow required some new Knights, calling themselves Dragon Knights."

"Dragon Knights…" Naofumi ponders as an image of those Black Knights back at the border appears in his mind. "Those won't happen to be the Black Knights we fought against at the Border."

"It's most likely the case, Onii-san." Castoria responded, turning to Morgan for her to explain things.

Morgan nodded, holding out her hand. Suddenly a golden Spear appeared before her, unlike her blue ones this one was weaker.

Pavel whimpers, seeing the golden light of the Spear. He clutched onto Melusine's hand, a bit scared of the Spear.

Naofumi and Ritsuka's eyes widen, recognizing this Spear. "Isn't that the Fake Holy Weapon that Pope Biscas had?" The Pseudo-Servant asked, seeing the golden light still active when the Pope had it.

Ritsuka looks at Morgan, having a feeling about what that is. "Berserker, is that-"

Melty gasps, seeing the Spear before her. Mirellia frowns, recognizing the Spear from the legends in their Mythology. "T-That's the Spear of Light from the Hero of Light story!" The Princess gasps.

"I'm sorry, the Hero of Light? Can somebody explain?" Naofumi asked, receiving a cough from the Demi-Human beside him.

Raphtalia looks at the black-haired Hero, knowing the Mythology. "Naofumi-sama, the Hero of Light is an old Myth passed down through generations." The auburn Demi-Human explains, "It's about a Hero who tried to vanquish a Black Dragon with a Spear of Light but was destroyed and separated into pieces." She informed the two.

Ritsuka held his chin, finding the Myth of the Hero of Light off. "It just ends there? Nothing else?" He asked Raphtalia.

"What do you mean, Ritsuka-dono?" Raphtalia asked the Magus.

"I think Fujimaru is trying to say that is there an ending to that Myth, Raphtalia?" Naofumi asked his first Party member, finding the Myth strange too.

"Unfortunately no, that was all that was recovered. The Archeologists only found that Myth inscribed in a wooden tablet" Mirellia answered Naofumi's and Ritsuka's question. She looks at the floating golden Spear before them, "If I'm going to guess, that Spear is the same Spear the Hero of Light used to fight the Black Dragon in the Myth."

Saber of the Heroes Partisan looks at the Chaldeans and Shield Party. "And from the information that our spies gave us, it's only right to believe that the two Servants at the Capital are searching for the other pieces of the Spear of Light." The green-haired Servant assumed.

Raphtalia raised her hands, a bit curious about the topic. "So the Three Heroes Roundtable is searching for the other pieces of the Spear so they can use it?" The Demi-Human asked, getting what she could piece together. "I thought the Spear of Light was a Myth."

"Actually, the Spear of Light is something we Chaldeans are very familiar with." Da Vinci spoke out, raising her hand from the sideline. "In fact, we've faced at least three or so versions of the Spear of Light you're talking about."

"You are? (So the story is true…)" Raphtalia commented, placing her hand on her chin. She looks at the Renaissance woman, hearing they've known at least three Spears of Light. "So there is more than one version of the Spear of Light then,"

Castoria smiles, gripping her Staff. "Well, the Spear of Light is really important to the World itself, Raphtalia."

Raphtalia nodded, "I see,"

"In any case, it's clear that the Spear of Light pieces are what the Three Heroes Roundtable is searching for," Mirellia stated, hearing the importance of the Spear of Light if the Magus of the Star and the Chaldeans faced more than one time. "If I would make a request of you, Sir Naofumi and Lord Fujimaru; once the Ball is over I'd like for you to get the piece of the Spear of Light before any of the members of the Three Heroes Roundtable gets to it."

Naofumi nodded, "I doubt that if we ran into Ren, he would not just let us take the Spear without a fight." The Shielder stated,

Ritsuka agreed with Naofumi on the matter. "It will compromise his status as a spy for us and to the Heroes Partisans." He added to what else is at stake.

"Then I urge you two to be careful," Mirellia stated, knowing too that the Sword Hero is working with them. "Even if Heroic Knight Gawain is a hidden ally, treat him as you would with the other Heroes as well."

Naofumi paused, realizing he was taking orders from the Queen of Melromarc. He chuckles, preferring this over the way he was treated back in the Kingdom.

"Got it, your Majest-" Ritsuka paused, seeing the disdain on Mirellia's face when he was addressing her. "I mean, Caster."

Mirellia nodded, smiling at the title. "Until then, rest for tonight. The Ball will be happening tonight, as such take the rest of the day to prepare."

They nodded before leaving the Throne room, leaving Morgan and Da Vinci alone with the Queen of Melromarc. "Lady Da Vinci, Lady Berserker, am I making the right call here?" Mirellia asked the two Servants. "The diplomatic mission I sent Rider on isn't going as planned. I was planning to send Lord Fujimaru and the Shield Hero to convince them to join the alliance, and yet I know the Myth of the Hero of Light is important."

"That depends, your Majesty," Da Vinci asked, crossing her arms. "If the Three Heroes Roundtable gets their hands on the Spear of Light, then that's a problem added to the problem we're already facing."

Morgan nodded; she had gotten to know Mirellia during their short time. She could tell that she was conflicted if she should act as the Queen or the Servant she combines with. "Seems like you already know what your decision is, Mirellia." The Lostbelt Queen stated. "If I'm in your shoes, then I'll do what must be done for the greater outcome."

Mirellia nodded, feeling better after consulting with the two Servants from Chaldea. "Then I made my decision correctly." She turns to the Servants, wanting to know more about the Spear of Light. "Tell me, what is the Spear of Light,"

"It's called-"

"The Rhyongomyniad, a Lance that holds both the Reverse Side and our side of the World together." Ritsuka looks in the mirror as the tailor adjusts his suit for tonight's Ball. "I bet that's what Raphtalia is referring to."

Ritsuka wore a white shirt with a white bow tie and a navy blue tailcoat with golden detailing. He wore black pants, white gloves, and black dress shoes. (Halloween Royal Mystic Code)

Naofumi chuckles, feeling like he had heard that name before. "So there's a Spear that holds the World together, now I heard everything." The black-haired Hero scoffs, "You know there's a lot of Arthurian Mythos in this World than I assu-Gah!"

"My apologizes, Sir Shield Hero." The tailor apologizes for pricking him with the needle. "Just stay still for a moment and I'll be done." He said, finishing some last-minute details to Naofumi's suit.

Naofumi frowns, seeing himself in the mirror, wearing what the Nobles would wear in gatherings. His outfit consists of a white shirt with a red handkerchief and a dark green tailcoat with golden details on the sleeves and shoulders. A black and gold vest underneath and green-grey pants with black formal shoes. (Baggot's design)

"Never would I see the day that I would wear something formal for a Nobles Gathering." Naofumi tugged his collar, feeling itching in it. "It feels itchy though, how come you aren't itchy in this, Fujimaru?" He asked.

Ritsuka looks at his ally, chuckling at his situation. "I've been to many events like this and wear much formal clothing in those things." He explains, losing count of how many times he has to wear those outfits "I guess I have gotten used to it,"

The Shielder sighs, looking back at the mirror, "So, back on topic, the Rhyongomyniad. Is it really that strong?" Naofumi asked,

"If a being turned into a Divine Spirit, an Ark archiving souls, harming an alien entity, World alternating, God killing superweapon doesn't sound powerful enough to you…then no, it's not that strong." Ritsuka sarcastically said, eyeing the Pseudo-Servant standing next to him for a reaction.

Naofumi just blinks, hearing the things that the Spear of Light could do. He cleared his throat, feeling like he had walked right into that one. "Right…ahem…that does sound bad."

Suddenly the door opened, and running from the other side was Pavel with a happy smile. "Ritsuka!"

Ritsuka and Naofumi turn to the young Demi-Human Child. He wore a white shirt with frills on the sleeves, a white handkerchief around his neck, a baby blue vest, and white pants with light blue shoes.

"Woah, that looks nice on you Pavel!" Ritsuka gasps playfully, letting Pavel hug his legs.

Pavel looks up at his Father figure, giving him the biggest grin. "I never wore anything like this before! It's nice and comfy!" He giggled, excited to wear something new.

"Master!" Naofumi looks up, seeing Filo wearing a white dress skirt with the hem outline in blue, and white gloves with blue fabric sticking out the end. She has a blue bow around her waist, flowing through as she ran. "Look what the Maids made me! Filo looks like Mel-san!" She spun on her heels, excited just like Pavel.

"Pavel-kun, Filo! Please be careful with what you're wearing." Raphtalia enters, chasing after the two with Fou on her shoulders.

Naofumi blushed, seeing Raphtalia wearing a white dress with the center open revealing her legs. (Asuna Stacia dress). Her hair was tied in a neat ponytail held by a red bow.

Raphtalia managed to grab hold of both Pavel and Filo in her arms before looking at the two men. "I'm sorry Naofumi-sama, Ritsuka-dono. Filo and Pavel-kun ran out of the dressing rooms when they were finished with the fittings." The Demi-Human stated, apologizing to the two.

"Fou, Fou," Fou sighs, leaping from Raphtalia's shoulders and running over to Pavel's shoulders.

Pavel giggled, feeling his little paws climbing on him.

Ritsuka chuckles, waving his hand to the Demi-Human. "It's fine, Raphtalia. They're just kids, I bet standing still for so long is like an eternity for them." The Magus placed his hand on Pavel's head, earning a smile from him.

Naofumi sighs, crossing his arms at Filo, "Filo, don't go running off like that. You might bump into someone and get hurt." He scolded the Filoial for running like that in the halls.

"Sorry, master." Filo pouts, apologizing to her master.

"Now, now, Iwatani. I think you don't need to go too harsh on Filo there," Ritsuka stated, seeing the pouting of the young Filoial girl.

Naofumi turns to Ritsuka, hearing his comment. "Fujimaru, I appreciate your insight, but I know Filo the best." He stated.

Ritsuka held out his hand, seeing he overstep the line a bit. "Right, sorry. I overstep there,"

"Nah, you're right; I did a bit much with Filo." Naofumi replied to the Magus, "In any case, Raphtalia, do you know what time we should go to the Ballroom?"

The Demi-Human thought for a moment, trying to remember what Castoria told her. "Arturia-san said that we should head down by sunset." Raphtalia peeked over to the window, noticing the sun was setting soon. "I think we can go now since the sun is going down soon."

They all looked and saw the sun, Ritsuka smiled and guided both Fou and Pavel to the door. "Then I think we can head down there now,"

"Yeah, you're right Fujimaru." Naofumi agreed, everyone started to make their way to the Ballroom and were a bit excited about the event.

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.