AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 10 Back in Melromarc
Pavel smiles at Ritsuka, being placed down on the carriage floor. He giggles, going over to the Magus. He hugged his waist, smiling at him.
Naofumi scoffs, smirking at the little Boy hugging his ally. "So we have a little stowaway," He chuckles,
"P-Pavel, what are you doing here?" Ritsuka asked the young Boy. He watches him letting his waist go, smiling up at him.
"I want to come with you," The grey-haired Child stated, "I asked everyone about what you do when you go. They told me what you do and I'm curious what's it like." Pavel answers his Father Figure's question,
"Now this is just great, we have a Kid tagging along with us." Mordred groans, not liking the situation with befall them in the near Future.
Arthur saw the same problem as Mordred and probably the others shared the same thought. "Saber is right, having a Child along with us will open opportunities for the Enemies to use against us." The King of Knights commented before looking at Melty and Filo pulling the carriage, "I mean no insult to you, Princess, Filo."
The violet-haired Princess shook her head, "Oh no, I didn't take that as an insult. I'm sure Filo thinks so too." Melty denies what Arthur said was an insult to them. She looks at Pavel, innocently looking at them. "Though you are right on this."
"Having a Child with no Mage Abilities will be a problem." The Second Princess commented, agreeing with the King. "Someone has to keep an eye on him and keep him safe. Fujimaru-sama-"
"I'm sorry but I have my hands full with this one here." Naofumi motions to Castoria, who blushed upon hearing what the black-haired Hero said.
Castoria's face blushed, glaring at Naofumi. "Onii-san!" She made a pouting face at him.
Naofumi gave a smug expression at the Lostbelt Servant, "Why are you denying it, Arturia?" The Shielder asked his Party member. "Danger seems to be attracted to you no matter where you are. I swear, it's troublesome."
"H-Hey, it's not my fault, Onii-san!" Arturia sat up, defending herself from the Shielder's teasing. "I-I was there at the wrong place at the wrong time!" She proclaims, placing her hand on her chest.
Naofumi chuckles, rolling his eyes at the Lostbelt Servant. "Yeah…maybe you accidentally miss some steps when creating a Barrier." The Shielder commented.
Castoria blushed, kneeling next to the black-haired Hero, punching his arms.
"Is that really your strength, Arturia?" Naofumi chuckles, causing Castoria to whine and punch Naofumi's arm.
Everyone started laughing at the Child of Prophecy's reaction. Ritsuka smiled, calming down, and looked at Bedivere. "Can I trust you to look after Pavel?" He asked the Silver Knight sitting next to Pavel.
Bedivere smiles; already took up the role of Caretaker for Pavel. "Of course, to be honest, Pavel has grown on me." The silver-haired looked at the Child, looking around the carriage. "I'm glad to watch Pavel."
"Thank you, Bedi." Ritsuka looks down at the Demi-Human, kneeling to his level. "Pavel, what we're doing is dangerous, we might encounter the Heroic Knights of the Roundtable. It might be scary, and I might not be able to be with you in case I can't get to you."
"Don't worry, Ritsuka! I can be brave, just like everyone here!" Pavel smiles, determined to be with the group.
"Well," Ritsuka stood up, walking to the seat he was at. "It's going to be a long ride to the Border wall. Pavel, come here and sit," He pats the empty sit next to him.
Pavel smiles, running over to the master of Chaldea and sat next to him.
Da Vinci gave a light, gleeful chuckle at the sight before her. "(Now that's a Father and Son picture right there,)" The Caster commented to herself,
Hours went by during their travel, the sun was setting on the land, turning into night.
Saber of the Heroes Partisan smiles, seeing the Border Wall's top. "Hey, we're coming up to the Border Wall everyone," The green-haired Servant informed the group.
Everyone looked from within the carriage, seeing the familiar Wall coming in range. "Here we go," Naofumi said, feeling the carriage has stopped. The Shielder got off the carriage once Arthur got off while helping Raphtalia down.
The Knights got out of the carriage, and Ritsuka got out of the carriage before helping Pavel down. The young Demi-Human Boy looks at the carriage and the Horses. "Ritsuka, why are we getting out of the carriage?" Pavel asked the Magus.
"The Carriage and the Horses draw too much attention for us," Ritsuka explains to the grey-haired Child, "If we want to be undetected by the Guards on the Border Wall, we have to travel light." The Magus explains to the Child.
"Oh, I see." Pavel nodded, understanding why they ditched the carriage and Horses. However, he can't help but be worried for the Horses, "But what will happen to the Horses and the carriage? Won't the Knights see them where we left them?" The grey-haired Demi-Human Child asked,
Pavel does have a point when day breaks when the Guards could see the Horses and carriage. "Huh, I guess you're right, Pavel," Ritsuka commented,
Castoria overheard what her master and Pavel were talking about. "Ah, don't worry about that, Fujimaru, Pavel. Those Horses were trained to return to the Town after an hour or so." The Child of Prophecy informed the two. "That's what Lord Harobalomia told us before we left."
"Well, that's interesting to hear. At least we know there's nothing to worry about." Ritsuka commented, a bit relieved that there was nothing to worry about. "Ain't that right, Pavel?" He asked the Child.
Pavel smiles, nodding in approval. "Yeah!" The young Child cheered,
Arthur, Galahad, and Da Vinci smile at how their master is great with the Boy. "I'm not sure to you all, but Ritsuka is really great with Kids." Da Vinci nodded, placing her hand on her chin. "It must be the many Children he has met during his travels."
"Indeed, and the birth of the young master has made him more Fatherly," Arthur commented, seeing the change in their personality.
"Yes, a good change, my King," Galahad added to the King of Knight's comment.
The group continued their way, walking toward the end of the Border Wall. Once they reached the rendezvous, the group rested before Ruler of Mirso and her Rebellion to show,
Mordred leans on the tree trunk, tapping her finger on her armor piece. She lets out a loud groan, looking at the others through her helmet. "Damnit, what's taking so long? It's past at least thirty minutes or so!" She exclaimed,
"I-It's all right, Saber-san," Raphtalia said, trying to calm down the agitated Knight. "Ruler is leading a Rebellion; something must've happened if she's running late." The Demi-Human said, assuming that was the case.
"Still, I don't like how it's getting late," Melty added, agreeing with the Knight of Treachery.
Filo yawns, sitting beside Pavel on the trunk of a tree. "Master, Filo's getting sleepy." The Filolial yawns.
Pavel looks over to Ritsuka, rubbing his eyes with his hand. "R-Ritsuka, I'm sleepy. Can I sleep?" The young Child asked his Father Figure.
Ritsuka turns his head to Pavel, hearing his small voice. "It's getting late for you." He looks up at the night sky, seeing the time of day it was. "You can sleep, I'll wake you up when it's time to leave."
The young Child yawns, nodding before falling to asleep next to Filo. Once the Children were asleep, Naofumi took the chance to speak with Ritsuka. "Fujimaru, do you have any idea where Ruler is? I know we arrived early, but I don't like how we're waiting out in the open when the Enemy is literally right next to us." The Pseudo-Servant commented, keeping his eyes on the Border Wall.
Galahad held his chin, eyeing his master. "I have to agree with Sir Naofumi. Master, you're contracted with Ruler of Mirso, correct?" The other Shielder asked the black-haired Magus. "You can check if Ruler is still around?"
"Wait, you can check if Ruler is alive or not?" Melty asked, curious how Ritsuka can do that. "The Servants that Mother Summoned, she doesn't have that connection as you do, Fujimaru-sama." The violet-haired girl commented.
Ritsuka looks at the Second Princess of Melromarc, answering the Princess. However, Saber of the Heroes Partisan answers him. "I can answer that, Princess." The green-haired Servant said. "Indeed, both me and the Riders answered the Summons that your Mother performed. However, she does not have Command Seals." Saber stated.
"So in all, you're all Rouge Servants then?" Arthur asked the green-haired Saber before them.
Saber of the Heroes Partisans nodded, confirming what the King of Knights "Yeah, all three of us are Rouge Servants. This includes Her Majesty as well, being a Pseudo-Servant and all." The green-haired Servant said,
"Rouge Servants?" Raphtalia asked, curious what the Rouge part.
"They're Servants without a master to Command or support," Ritsuka explains what Rouge Servants are to the Demi-Human. "Ruler of Mirso is one too."
"Speaking of me, Ritsuka?" Everyone turns around; hearing a Southern voice caught the attention of everyone.
Coming out of the tree's shadows was a familiar face. A dark-skinned Woman wearing a red coat and a green dress that opens in the center to her waist. Dark brown pants with brown boots that went above her knees. She wears a blue scarf and a green bandanna. "Ruler, been a while." Ritsuka greeted his first Contracted Rouge Servant in the Anomaly.
"Yo, I see you brought some Friends with you, Ruler." Naofumi took note of the two Rebels standing behind the Servant. One is a Human while the other is a Wolf Demi-Human,
Harriet nodded, looking back at the two Conductors she brought with her. "These two are Conductors that were the firsts upon my arrival to this World." The Ruler looks at the Shielder and the others. "Hollen and the others are waiting at the Staging Ground on the other side of the Wall."
"That's great, a place to be our base before heading to our destination." Da Vinci smiles, turning to her master. "Seems like you were busy, Fujimaru. Nothing I would expect from an experienced master!" The Renaissance Woman gave a thumbs up.
Ritsuka chuckles, scratching the back of his head. "Ahahaha,"
Harriet saw a few familiar faces from the Underground Rebellion's base in the North. However, there were new ones, more Servants in her master's roster. "I see there are new Servants here, powerful ones for that."
"Ah, so you're the Ruler Servant I heard about." Da Vinci turns her attention to the Ruler Servant. "A pleasure, I'm the Technical Advisor for Chaldea and Fujimaru's Servant. Tell me, how do you like giving that Weapon of yours a little boost?" The Caster smiles, attempting to converse with the new Servant.
"So you're also Ritsuka's Servant, well any help is welcome when the time comes to face the Capital and their Roundtable," Harriet said before questioning the other part of her greeting. "Also, what do you mean a little boost?" She asked the Inventor.
Da Vinci smiles, answering the Ruler's question. "I have modified many Heroic Spirits' Weapons to better their fighting parameters when traveling with Fujimaru." The Technology Development Division Head explains why she's offering to upgrade her Rifle and other armament she has.
Harriet looks at her master, seeking his approval. She saw him shrug, indicating that it was all right. She then looks at her Conductors before deciding what to do. "I'm sorry, but I don't require an upgrade to my Rifle." The Ruler stated,
"I prefer to have the same Rifle as my Rebellion," Harriet stated before adding to the comment. "Unless you're willing to upgrade my troop's armaments, then we can discuss the improvements." The Ruler explains, placing a line between them.
The Caster nodded, understanding her motives for being equal to her Soldiers. "Ah, I think I have a few ideas. Maybe when we have time, then I would like to see for myself what I can do about your armaments." Da Vinci commented before clapping her hands.
Harriet appreciated Da Vinci's attentiveness and investment in her Underground Rebellion. "I appreciate your help in improving my Rebellion's firepower." The Ruler stated,
"Of course, I always try to make my master's mission easy for him." Da Vinci proudly showed her pride as an Inventor.
Naofumi sighs, seeing that there was a small light coming from the top of the Wall. "Alright, that's enough small talk. There's a patrol on the Wall," He informed the others,
Arthur nodded, agreeing with his Ally, "Yes, it's best to take this discussion where there's some privacy from prying eyes." The King of Knights suggested to everyone, supporting the black-haired Hero,
"Alright, Ruler?" Ritsuka looks at the Counter Force Servant, needing her approval to enter her Railroad system as the Rebellion calls it.
"Very well, after all the Railroad system is only exclusively to the Underground Rebellion," Harriet stated, adjusting her Rifle. She eyes her Conductors to show their allies the way.
The Demi-Human Conductor motions his arms deeper into the dark Forest. "This way, there's an entrance that goes under the Border Wall." He motions the Chaldeans and the Shield Hero's Party the way.
"'Alright! We're on our way to Melromarc! Ain't that right, Saber of the Heroes Partisan!" Mordred gazed over to the green-haired Servant.
Saber of the Heroes Partisan chuckles, looking at the Knight of Treachery. "You betcha, Saber." He then looks over to Ruler of Mirso, smiling at her. "Ah, this is our first meeting."
The Saber waved his hand at the Leader of the Underground Rebellion. "Yo, I'm a Saber Servant who's part of the Heroes Parisian. I'm working with the Chaldean master as a representative of the other Resistance against Melromarc."
"So you are working against the Kingdom," Harriet commented before accepting him as an Ally. "I'm looking forward to our cooperation."
"Same, now shall we go before we get caught?" The Saber of the Heroes Partisan commented.
Everyone agreed, heading to the entrance of the Railroad System.
Once inside the Underground Railroad, Da Vinci was impressed by the layout and the complicated pathway. "Oh wow, this is an impressive Underground Network of tunnels! And this Magical Energy I'm sensing; it must be a Noble Phantasm; a Reality Marble perhaps?"
Da Vinci looks at Castoria being the only Caster in their group. "How come you didn't realize that this is a Noble Phantasm, Arturia?" The Technology Development Division Head asked,
Castoria blushed, gripping her Staff. "Since I was sent to this Land, I was overwhelmed by the immense Mana density here." The Lostbelt Servant stated, explaining to her fellow Caster. "It took me a while to distinguish from a Servant's power to this World's workings!"
"What about now? Are you adjusted to our World, Arturia-chan?" Filo asked, walking beside the blonde Servant.
"Oh! Yes, I am, took me a while, but once Fujimaru arrived in this World, I got adjusted easily." Castoria cheerfully answered the Filolial. "I guess it's just the appearance of a master entering the World."
Ritsuka blinks realizing something, something he hasn't thought of since he encountered the Anomaly masters before. "Hey, Saber, Arturia, Ruler, can you confirm that there's a master behind the Three Heroes Roundtable? You three have been here before us." He asked the Servants.
"Unfortunately, I'm busy running the Underground Rebellion to even detect a master," Harriet informed her Contractor,
"As for me, I was Summoned in another Country; so I can't answer you there." Saber of the Heroes Partisan stated.
Castoria ponders, trying to remember if she felt anything resembling sensing any master. "We've been to the Capital once, right Onii-san?" The blonde-Servant looks at the Shield Hero.
Naofumi looks at Castoria, listening in to the conversation. "That's right, that was I think it was before the Second Wave or so." The Pseud -Servant stated,
"That's right, Naofumi-sama. We're at the Capital in the Boss's shop," Raphtalia reminded her master and Party member of the last time they were at Enhard's Shop in the Capital.
The Child of Prophecy jumps, now remembering that time in the Capital. "Ah…right…I-I kinda prefer to forget about that encounter…" Castoria gave a light chuckle, her face pales from that memory.
"Huh? Did something happen at the Capital, Arturia?" Arthur asked his Lostbelt Counterpart, taking note of the sick face she was making.
"It's that Spear Guy! He was all over both Filo and Arturia-chan!" Filio told the King of Knights what happened in the Capital.
Ritsuka groans, rubbing his temples upon hearing what Motoyasu has done to both Filo and Castoria. "Master, are you alright?" The Magus looks up, hearing Galahad's voice calling him.
Ritsuka just smiles at the Shielder as usual, "It's nothing major, just…living life, just knowing my Aniki has a Lolicon complex." The Magus sighs, slowly accepting that his Brother figure has a fetish.
"And are you sure you're doing fine? You're making that face again when something weirds you out." Galahad took note of the facial expression he was making.
Naofumi heard what the Knight of Revelation said to his master. He patted Galahad's shoulders, "It's no use, Fujimaru has to deal with this…issue with his Aniki on his own." The Shielder of Camelot explains to the Second Servant Summoned to Chaldea.
"Trust me, I'm an Older Brother to both a Brother and now a Sister." Naofumi turns to Castoria, talking to Arthur and Filo. "I understand fully how Fujimaru is feeling,"
The grey-haired Servant looks back at his Kings, knowing what he means. "Now that you mentioned it, I too share a Sibling relationship with someone who's like my Sister," Galahad commented,
Naofumi's eyes widen, remembering what Ritsuka said about having a Family. "Ah, right, you're Fujimaru's Brother-in-law, so you must be used to the Sibling dramatic." The Shield Hero commented.
"Yeah, a bit." Galahad chuckles, seeing that both he and Mashu aren't like normal Siblings but still experienced what other Siblings experienced. "Mine and Mashu's relationship is a unique one compared to regular Siblings."
"So Fujimaru's Wife is named Mashu, hmm…" Naofumi ponders, hearing the name Mashu in Manga and Anime. "Have to say, it's the first time I heard of a Person named Mashu other than Anime and Manga."
Galahad chuckles, hearing what Naofumi said. "I heard about the name Mashu in those Media," The Shielder commented, "But she's different from them."
The black-haired Hero nodded, understanding what Galahad means. "I guess I have to meet her to really understand," Naofumi commented.
"Heads up, we're nearing the Staging Grounds," Harriet informed the group of their destination approaching soon.
Everyone soon approached the Staging Ground near the Border Wall, like the one they visited before.
Saber of the Heroes Partisan smiles, seeing the Staging Ground for himself. "So this is the Underground Rebellion's many Staging Grounds. Gotta say it's not what I would expect!" The green-haired Servant commented.
"An Underground Cavern deep below the surface," Da Vinci took the time to look around the Cavern. Her blue eyes shift to the ceiling, seeing the glowing moss above their heads. "Oh, and a natural light source instead of torches. Quite inventive," She smiles.
Ritsuka chuckles, noticing that Naofumi was questioning what both the Caster and Saber getting excited about over the Staging Grounds. "Yeah, Da Vinci can get overexcited when something intriguing that she never saw before."
Naofumi nodded, understanding what the Foreign Magus means. "Oh, I know that feeling." His green eyes shift to Filo receiving some water from the Rebel Soldiers.
"Ah, I see." Ritsuka chuckles as everyone went further in the Staging Grounds.
Arthur, Saber of the Heroes Partisan, Raphtalia, and Naofumi was preparing another carriage to use in Melromarc.
Bedivere was entertaining both Filo and Pavel with the help of Melty.
Galahad and Castoria were speaking to the many Soldiers, sharing information between Chaldea and the Heroes Partisan. While Da Vinci was exploring the Cavern and taking research notes for Chaldea.
Ritsuka, not the one who can sit was carrying a crate, helping the Underground Rebellion. The Magus took a little too much he could carry. "Ah!" He stumbles a bit before someone helped him.
"Geez, how many times does everyone have to tell you? Don't bite off more than you can chew!" Mordred grabs hold of a few crates, taking off the load that was too much for him.
"Sorry Mordred, I just wanted to help out however I can," Ritsuka explains to the Knight of Treachery, walking with her to where the crates are needed.
"Tch, you're always working too hard, master. Take it easy," Mordred sighs, approaching their destination for these crates.
The two put down the crates before Ritsuka looks at his Knight. "Mordred, is there something you want to talk to me about something?" Ritsuka asked the armored Servant.
Mordred clicked her tongue, tapping her armor in annoyance. "Fine, look since we're going back to that Country and that…that…" She groans, not really good at these sentimental moments. "Screw it, master; everyone is concerned about you meeting your dumbass Brother. Heroic Knight Lancelot," The Saber stated, a bit frustrated.
Ritsuka smiles at Mordred, appreciating voicing the others' concerns to him. "Thank you for sharing what everyone else was thinking, Mordred." He said,
The Knight of Rebellion clicked her tongue, not wanting that as an answer. "Master, that's not what I meant. I'm asking you if you're prepared and able to face him if we are to see him." Mordred asked, making it simple for him to understand. "Hmm?"
Mordred flinched, seeing that Ritsuka's eyes were hidden by his bangs. "Ah shit, I didn-"
Ritsuka looks up at Mordred, giving her his typical smile in response to these types of questions. "Even if Aniki is our Enemy, I won't let that change our purpose here, Mordred." The Magus said, "Besides, there's a small chance that we might get through to him like Amaki."
"Whatever you say, master." The Saber sighs, continuing to assist the Underground Rebellion with minimal jobs before heading out.
AN: Please leave a comment or review.