AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 9 Back to Melromarc
The next day after the Ball, everyone resumed their preparations for the attack on Melromarc. Each Knight trained with each other just as Saber of the Heroes Partisan taught them.
However, Ritsuka and Naofumi have other plans than sticking around in Faubrey.
Naofumi approached Ritsuka, petting the horses that were pulling their carriage. "Didn't expect to be returning to Melromarc this soon, I was really enjoying the no Kingdom after you part." The Shielder sighs, leaning on the carriage. "Aren't you going to miss it, Fujimaru?" He asked his ally.
"If I'm being honest, I'm glad that we're heading back to Melromarc." Ritsuka lowered his arms, turning to better speak with his friend. "It's nice that we have some people here aiding us, but I don't feel right leaving the people there under the Enemy's rule." He turns to the side, placing his hand on his chin.
The black-haired Hero took notice of the sudden change in Ritsuka's demeanor. "Fujimaru, what is it? Your face changes from a happy-go-lucky expression to something serious." Naofumi pointed out the serious expression on his face.
"Sorry, Iwatani, I was just thinking about who is behind the Anomaly," Ritsuka explains to the Shield Hero,
Melty overheard the Magus of the Stars and the Shield Hero conversation. "What's to think about, Fujimaru-sama?" The Second Princess asked Ritsuka.
Ritsuka looks over at the violet-haired Princess, "Well for starters, everyone Anomaly we went to, Britain, Paris, and the Bermuda Islands all have a master who proves the Anomaly Leaders Servants to help with running the Anomaly."
"You can scratch a few off the list, Fujimaru. You said that Servants are Heroes from our Past right?" Naofumi asked his ally, receiving a nod from him. "Then let's list who's on Melromarc's side,"
"For starters, we know the Three Heroes Roundtable is clearly on the side of Melromarc," Naofumi stated, listing the enemies they have. "Well, scratch Ren since he's acting as our Spy for the Queen."
Melty nodded, "Then you can add Saber of Melromarc. I always had a bad feeling about him whenever I was at the Castle." The Princess added, sharing her information with the two leaders.
"Right, that leaves-"
"Oh? Sharing information about the enemies, are we? Then allow me to interject." The three look behind them, seeing Saber of the Heroes Parisian walking towards them.
The green-haired Saber smiles at the master of Chaldea and Shield Hero. "I can confirm that Melromarc has a Lancer on their side. Luck will have it; I know the True Name of the Lancer of Melromarc." The Saber of the Heroes Partisan informed them.
"Wait, you do?" Naofumi asked the Saber, surprised to hear that the Servant knows the True Name of one of the Enemies. "Do you know him in life or something?"
"In a way, though we haven't in Battle; I heard of him through my Soldiers who fought his army." The green-haired Saber informed the Chaldeans. "Anyways, do-"
"His name is Yukimura Sanada, a famous Warrior in the Sanada Clan during the Sengoku Period of Japan," Ritsuka informed the group of who the Lancer was. "He was the strongest Warrior in his clan and was known as the Last Sengoku Hero."
Naofumi's eyes widen at whom their Enemy has on their side. "Yukimura Sanada, he's one of the many Japanese Samurai that we learn in School." The Shield Hero stated, knowing who this Hero was. "The Second Son of Masayuki Sanada and the younger Brother of Nobuyuki Sanada. His skills as a Samurai are unmatched and celebrated as Japan's Heroes,"
The Shield Hero clicked his tongue at their situation. "To think we're going to face one of Japan's celebrated Heroes," Naofumi stated, getting a bit nervous about whom they were facing.
"If you're getting concerned over our Enemy, Iwatani-san then don't worry." Naofumi's green eyes look at the Saber Servant. "I have fought against Lancer and can deal with him if he shows up."
Melty raised her eyebrow at the Servant her Mother Summoned, "Wait, what do you mean by that Saber?" The Second Princess asked the Saber.
The green-haired Saber smirks at the Princess in the carriage. "You might not hear, but two of us are joining you back to Melromarc." Saber of the Heroes Partisan stated.
"Wait, what!?" Melty was taken aback by the sudden proclamation from the Servant. "What about the Partisan Army and-"
The green-haired Servant placed his arms behind his head, relaxing in front of the Heir of Melromarc. "Rider of Bermuda and Her Majesty's Elite Generals have my training regimen down to memory. They can handle their training for a while until I get back."
"Besides, Her Majesty wants to know the current state of the Country." Saber of the Heroes Partisan explains his true reason for joining them.
Ritsuka smiles before catching the other part of Saber's statement. "Wait, you said 'two of us'. Who else is coming?" The Magus asked the Servant.
"You don't think I won't join you when we just reunited Fujimaru?" Ritsuka smiles, seeing the Genius walking over to the carriage. "I was eagerly waiting for the right moment to join in the adventure. That time as an instructor in the First Anomaly was nice, but that was a small role."
"Since this Anomaly is like the Sixth Singularity and Lostbelt it's natural for me to join." Da Vinci smiles at her master, standing before him and Naofumi. "After all, a Genius like me can be useful in your Journey."
Ritsuka chuckles, "I figured you might join us, Da Vinci. Happy to have you aboard." The master stated.
Naofumi looks over to the brunette Caster, "So we have two more members joining our Party." He scoffs at how large their Party was. "If both Motoyasu and Itsuki saw us now, they would be jealous."
Soon Raphtalia and Lancelot joined in after prepping the carriage for their departure. "Ritsuka-dono, Naofumi-sama, everything is ready. We're set to leave for Melromarc," Raphtalia informed the two. "Pavel-kun is sleeping in the carriage with Filo and Fou."
"Thank you for telling us, Raphtalia. But before we head to Melromarc, I want to stop by the Town we're currently using as a base." Ritsuka stated, looking at the large group.
"Master, if I may why are we heading back to the Town?" Lancelot asked his Son-in-law, "I understand that our allies are there, but shouldn't we head towards the Border?" The Knight of the Lake asked his master.
Ritsuka looks over to the purple-haired Knight, answering his question. "I understand your reasoning, Saber. But if we are heading back to Melromarc, I like to have an extra muscle in the group." He smiles at his Servants.
Melty nodded, seeing that was reasonable. "Considering that the Three Heroes Roundtable is powerful in Melromarc, it's understandable that you want some extra muscle." The Second Princess commented.
"Then let's get going, the longer we stand here the soon Melromarc will get what they want," Naofumi stated, looking at Ritsuka, agreeing with his statement.
"Now we're talking, I'm really interested in what the Country you all escape from is like." Da Vinci commented, turning to the carriage. "Andiamo!"
"Cheery as always, eh Da Vinci?" Ritsuka chuckles, following his Caster Servant into the Carriage.
Mirellia watches as the Magus from the Stars and Shield Hero leave the Castle ground with Da Vinci and Saber of the Heroes Partisans. "Be safe, everyone." The Queen said, wishing them safe travels.
After a day of traveling, they manage to reach the Border Town the rest of the Roundtable were at,
Gareth was on patrol at the entrance of the Town. "Hmm?" The small Knight's eyes spot a small carriage and a couple of Horses coming toward them. She then noticed similar armored Knights along with a Samurai with the group.
"AH! It's master and the others!" The Lancer exclaims, "I must tell everyone!" She turns around to the Border Town and announces the return of their master.
The Chaldeans that visited Faubrey returned to the Border Town. Once they entered the Town, they were greeted by Enforcement Knights,
Ritsuka got down from the carriage, helping Pavel down. The young Demi-Human Boy noticed the silver Knights lined up on the road as the Townspeople stood behind them. "Since when did we have Knights?" Pavel asked Ritsuka.
"Fou?" The Beast looks up, seeing many Knights armored in similar armor as Agravain's Enforcement Knights in the Sixth Singularity.
"Everyone must've been busy when we were away," Ritsuka commented, seeing Agravain's Noble Phantasm affecting the volunteer army. "These Knights are impressive,"
"Indeed, Husband. My Son has been working hard on the Chaldean Enforcement Knights Program." Morgan held her master's hand, being assisted down by him. She then took a look at the Enforcement Knights that her Son from Proper Human History, taking note of how Human these Knights are than the ones in the Sixth Singularity.
Lancelot looks at the Knights his fellow Knight made. "The Enforcement Knights that Agravain made this time have more Human reasoning than his previous ones." The Knight of the Lake commented. "Having Human hearts would make things easier than the soulless Knights we had in Camelot."
"So this is the Town you all are staying in?" Da Vinci exited the carriage, smiling at the sight of the buildings. "This Town reminds me of the City of Venice! Those architectural and artistic buildings, this World really does have references to the ones in our World!" She laughs.
"Do you really see this Town as this World's Venice?" Naofumi asked, walking up to the Renaissance Woman.
Da Vinci chuckles, placing her hand on her chest. "Of course, even if we are in a different History than the one, we know, Iwatani-kun!" She proudly answers the newest Shielder.
Naofumi stares at the brunette Caster, seeing her flamboyant personality. Then he just remembered that Da Vinci came from Italy. "Ah, right, you would know what Venice looks like." He sighs,
"Master, is Venice a big City in your World?" Filo asked the black-haired Hero beside her.
"Yes, it is," Naofumi answered the young Filoial he raised. "It's a City in my World famous for waterways that people used to get to places." The Shielder explains what Venice was.
Ritsuka smiles, confirming what Naofumi said. "Yep, that's pretty actuated to describe Venice. A City with waterways," He commented.
Filo was in awe at the idea of a City where she could swim to her destination. "Venice sounds fun, master! Filo can swim all day, if Filo can go to Venice, then Filo can swim all the time!" The Filoial cheered, wanting to see the City on the water.
Naofumi chuckles, ruffling Filo's head. "Yeah, you would like Venice, Filo." The Shielder commented.
Soon Arthur and Saber approach the group, greeting them after a long journey to meet with the Resistance. "Welcome back everyone, I hope that you had an enjoyable time with the Heroes Partisan." The King of Knights smiles at his master and the Fairies.
"Yes, it was a nice change of pace from our mission, Saber," Ritsuka answers the blonde Servant.
Saber sighs, placing his hand on his side. "Man to think you guys sure has some interesting adventures." The Grand Saber Candidate looks at his master with a smile. "Anyways, did you manage to gain the Heroes Partisan's cooperation?" He asked.
"Yes, the Queen is very cooperating with our mission to retake Melromarc," Naofumi told the two blonde Sabers, informing them of their new forge alliance with the Resistance.
Arthur smiles at the good news he received. "I'm happy to hear that we're able to gain allies for our attack." The King stated.
"Yes, yes, but before we can stage the attack, we still have issues that need to be taken care of in Melromarc." Da Vinci stated to the King.
"Da Vinci's right, gather everyone at the table and we can discuss the mission," Ritsuka ordered to which Arthur and Saber complies.
Once everyone is gathered at the Roundtable, Ritsuka began the meetings. "As you all are aware, we have allied with the Heroes Partisan. Given Saber here is acting as a Representative for them."
Saber of the Heroes Partisan smiles, waving at the British Knights. "Yo, glad to be working with you all." He smiles at the Knights of the Roundtable. "I heard about your exploits from the Shadows reports."
"Shadows?" Tristan asked about the strange term the Saber used.
Naofumi sighs, "Ah, that's right you guys didn't meet them." The Shielder stated, telling the Roundtable about the Queen's eyes and ears in the Country. "Shadows are namely Shadows of the Queen. These are her eyes and ears of the Kingdom,"
"So basically a surveillance group that works for the Royal Family of Melromarc," Bedivere commented, comparing the Shadows to modern terms.
"Hmm…that's the best way to describe them," Naofumi answered the Saber Servant.
"Um, they only work for my Mother and not anyone else in the Family," Melty interjects, wanting to clear a few things with the Shadows.
"I see," Bedivere nodded, understanding the workings of the Shadows. "I understand, anyways let's continue with the meeting." The Saber stated,
Ritsuka nodded, taking over the meeting. "With said and done, things are getting serious in Melromarc with the Three Heroes Roundtable." The Magus stated.
"Indeed, the Enemy is searching for the pieces of the Rhyongomyniad scattered across Melromarc," Morgan informed the entire Roundtable.
"WHAT!?" The Roundtable Knights exclaim at the concern that the Holy Lance was the goal of the Enemy.
Gawain slams his fist on the Roundtable, clearly concerned with the situation. "If the Enemy gets their hands on Rhyongomyniad then not only Melromarc is in danger, but the entire World." The Knight of the Sun stated,
"I agree, a weapon like that should not be used by anyone with ill intentions," Agravain commented, sharing his thoughts in the meeting. "Our best possible course is to retrieve the remaining pieces of this World's Rhyongomyniad before the Three Heroes get it."
Naofumi nodded, having something he remembered during their escape to the Southern Countries. "Didn't we retrieve a Weapon from the Pope during our escape?" The Shielder asked the Roundtable.
Morgan nodded, "Indeed, I have placed a Spell on it so that no one other than me or Saber can touch it." The Berserker looks at Agravain, continuing her sentence. "Saber's Enforcement Knights are guarding the vault Lord Harobalomia lend to me by my request." The Lostbelt Queen informed the Roundtable.
"Through my investigation, the piece of the Holy Lance is just a fraction of its power and can't reach its full potential." Morgan continued, telling everyone the Piece cannot be used yet.
"So we cannot use the Piece of the Spear of Light against Saber until we get the rest of the Pieces," Raphtalia said, getting what the Lostbelt Queen was saying. "Sounds reasonable, the Spear is in Pieces and the only way we can use it is to reunite the Pieces and reforge it."
Castoria nodded, "So, in short, we're going to get to the other pieces before the Three Heroes Roundtable gets to them."
"Alright, let's discuss who's in the Infiltration Team," Ritsuka said, speaking more with the Roundtable.
The next day the Infiltration Team was made up of Ritsuka, Galahad, Arthur, Mordred, Bedivere, Saber of the Heroes Partisan, and Da Vinci. Naofumi's group consisted of Raphtalia, Melty, Filo, and Castoria.
Ritsuka sighs, placing his Sword on his belt. "Master," The Magus turns around to the Grand Saber candidate approaching him.
"Saber, what is it?" Ritsuka asked the Golden Saber.
"I just want to wish you good luck on your mission," Saber said with a smile, he looks at the carriage they were going to use to travel. "You're aware that you can't use a carriage once you enter the Country." He commented.
Ritsuka chuckles, "I know, that's why I asked Arturia to contact Ruler to provide us with travel back to Melromarc." The Magus explains to the Grand Servant before them.
Saber nodded, remembering the Ruler they met a few weeks ago. "It's been a while since we've seen Ruler of Mirso. Say hello to her when you see her." The Grand Saber Candidate said before leaving his master.
The Magus returns to preparing to leave until Fou climbs up to his Soldiers. "Fou, Fou," The Beast of Comparison barks at Ritsuka,
"Fou, what is it?" Ritsuka then spots Pavel standing behind some crates while looking at him.
The Grand Saber chuckles, seeing the young lad intensely at his master. He closes his eyes, starting to head back to the Town. "I'll leave you be, master." Saber smiles, his red eyes shifting to the young Demi-Human Boy standing behind the crates.
Ritsuka looks at Pavel, smiling at him to come over. "Pavel, what are you doing standing over there?" The Magus from the Stars called the grey-haired Boy over.
Pavel ran over to Ritsuka, smiling at him. "Ritsuka, are you really leaving already?" He asked, with a hint of worry.
"Yes, I need to do what I need to do here." Ritsuka petted his fluffy hair, "But don't worry, even if Bedivere isn't here, Melusine is here with everyone else." He said softly to the young Boy.
The grey-haired Boy looks at Fou, motioning his head to the carriage. "I-I see," Pavel innocently commented.
Ritsuka stood straight, placing both his hand on his side. "I'll be back right after my mission before you know it," The black-haired Magus said,
"Master, we're ready to go," Bedivere informed his master, ready to depart the Border Town. The Knight of Loyalty approaches the two, smiling at the young Child he was tasked to look after. "Saying goodbye I assume?"
Pavel nodded, looking up at the Silver Knight. "Yes, I want to say goodbye to Ritsuka and you all, Sir Bedivere!" The Demi-Human smiles at his Caretaker, "Are you going with Ritsuka too?"
Bedivere nodded, "Yes, I have a duty to serve my master's will. I'm sorry that I can stay with you," The Silver Knight explains and apologizes to the young Boy.
"It's okay, Sir Bedivere, Lady Melusine is with me." Pavel smiles, acting innocently at the master and Servant.
The Silver Knight nodded, appreciating Pavel understanding of their situation. Bedivere turns to his master with Fou on his shoulders, "We better head out, it'll be dusk soon,"
"Right," Ritsuka turns to Pavel, bidding the grey-haired Demi-Human farewell. "See you when we get back, Pavel." The Magus and Knight along with the Beast.
Both Bedivere and Ritsuka approach the carriage, looking at Naofumi finishing loading the carriage. "Fujimaru, ready to go?" Naofumi asked, sitting in the driver's seat.
"Yes, Iwatani-san I said my goodbyes to my Servants," Ritsuka answered the black-haired Shielder. "But I want to ask if you and your Party are ready to head back to Melromarc?" He asked.
Naofumi sighs, combing his hair with his hand. "To be honest, I'm not that thrilled going back into enemy territory." The Shielder explains what he was feeling at this moment. "Especially when the entire Kingdom is after us,"
Arthur pops his head out of the carriage, listening in to the conversation. "Don't worry, Sir Naofumi. We'll be secretly moving around the Country with the help of Ruler of Mirso's underground network." The King of Knights explains to the Shielder.
Melty also joins in after checking the supplies they need for their mission. "Lord Saber's right with our alliance with Ruler, we can freely use the Underground Railroad." The Second Princess said with a smile. "Even though we need her to guide us through the underground…"
"Then we better not keep her waiting," Bedivere stated,
Everyone got into the carriage and then departed from the Border Town.
A few hours later, the Infiltration Team traveled on the road. Arthur and Raphtalia were in the driver's seat of the carriage while Bedivere, Saber of the Heroes Partisan, and Galahad were on horses next to the carriage.
Everyone else was inside the carriage, awaiting their arrival to the Border. Mordred raised her eyebrow, looking at the barrels beside them. "Yo, master, what's with the barrels at the back?" The Knight o Treachery asked her master.
"Yes, I'm quite curious as well about what's inside the barrels, Fujimaru." Da Vinci asked, wondering why they were bringing them.
Ritsuka looks back from the seat behind the driver's seat, "In exchange for her cooperation, she wants to bring medical supplies from our Town for the Demi-Human in her care." The Magus explains to the two,
"It's a fair trade if you ask me," Naofumi closes his eyes, remembering their conversation when they first met. "Anyways how long until we get to the Border?" The black-haired Hero asked.
"Not long, Naofumi-sama. I can see the flag at the Gate." Raphtalia said, seeing the flag waving in the wind.
Galahad looks at his King and ally, "It's best to head for the forest, that should be where we'll meet Ruler." The Shielder stated,
Arthur acknowledges his Knight's advice, turning to Filo to turn. "Filo, we're heading to the forest area, make a right now,"
"Hai! Right away Saber-san!" The Filolial made a quick right, causing the barrels to tumble a bit.
Castoria tumble next to Bedivere, causing her to blush. "S-Sorry Saber, I didn't mean to bump into you." The Lostbelt Servant apologizes to the Saber.
"It's quite fine, my Ki-I mean, Arturia." Bedivere smiles before catching a squeak from within the barrels. The Knight got up, approaching the barrels at the back,
Ritsuka noticed his Servant walking toward their supplies for the Underground Rebellion, "Saber, what are you doing?"
Bedivere eyes his master, answering his question. "I heard something back here, master." The Knight grabs hold of one of the barrels, gently placing his hands on the cover before opening it.
Melty looks at the Silver Knight, curious about what he has discovered. "Saber, what did you find?" The violet-haired Princess asked,
Bedivere smiles, reaching in and grabbing hold of something…or someone. "I do believe we have a stowaway." The Saber turns around, showing a sleeping Pavel in his arms.
"PAVEL!?" Ritsuka and a few others stood up, accidentally waking the Child.
Pavel yawns before blinking at the sight before him. "Hi, Ritsuka!" He smiles at him,
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.