AN: Enjoy the Chapter.
Ch 13 The One-Eyed Dragon
Ritsuka and Naofumi step forward to the altar, however, when they got there, nothing was present.
"W-Where's the Piece?" Raphtalia asked, seeing nothing on the altar. Just an empty space,
Both black-haired Men look around for any hints of a Piece of the Spear of Light. "I thought there was a Piece here? I don't see anything resembling a Spear Piece." Naofumi said, crossing his arm.
"You're right, I don't get it," Ritsuka said, looking around the altar. "Mirellia said that there was a Piece of Rhyongomyniad here, but there's nothing." The Magus added,
Arthur looks at the Second Princess, "Princess, were there any Archeologists that came here before?" The King of Knights asked the only Person here who has knowledge of what happened.
Melty shook her head, answering the Saber's question. "No, I get why you want to ask me; but I nor Her Majesty ever send any Archeological team here." The heir of Melromarc said, now curious why there wasn't anything waiting for them.
"Hmm…" The Saber said, wondering why there wasn't anything related to Rhyongomyniad. The only explanation was that the Piece was taken by Archeologist, and with the information given by the Princess, it's not a possibility.
Raphtalia looked around, 'You're here,' Her ears twitched, hearing the same voice that called them or her to these Ruins. "Huh?"
Naofumi heard Raphtalia speak, "What is it, Raphtalia?" The Shielder asked for his Sword.
"I-I thought I heard something." The Demi-Human said before seeing a faint light coming from behind the altar. She steps forward, walking towards where she has seen the light.
"Lady? Where are you going?" Arthur asked the Demi-Human, curious why she was heading to the end of the altar.
Everyone watched as the auburn Demi-Human stepped down from the altar, heading to a Sword sticking out of a crack in the wall.
Filo looks at Naofumi, wondering what Raphtalia was doing. " Master, why is Raphtalia-Onee-san heading to the end of the altar?" The Filolial asked the Shield Hero.
"Raphtalia!" Naofumi shouted his First Party Member's name as she touched the wall causing a blinding light to appear.
Everyone closed their eyes from the blinding light, unsure of what was going on before them. "RAPHTALIA!" Naofumi exclaims as the light dimmed.
Once the light disappeared, Ritsuka turns to Da Vinci and Castoria, "Da Vinci, Arturia, can you determine what was that light just now?" The master of Chaldea asked the Casters next to them.
"I can-w-wait, what's this?" Castoria asked, looking at the Technical Head of Chaldea. "D-Da Vinci, c-can you confirm something-"
Da Vinci nodded, sensing something she hasn't felt since coming to this World. "Yes, I sense it too." The Caster said, even though it's weaker but the presence is no doubt about it. "It's a Divine Spirit,"
Raphtalia stumbles back, feeling something different and yet the same. She shook her head, turning her head back to the Party. In her hand was a Katana, indicating that she has ownership of it.
The Demi-Human blinks at them, curious what was the faces they were making. "Um…is there something on my face?" Raphtalia asked, placing her hand on her face.
"Uh…no, it's just…." Ritsuka cleared his throat, unsure how to break it down to her.
"Y-Your Mana, Raphtalia," Melty spoke, sensing the same thing as everyone. "It's…powerful than before."
Filo nodded, agreeing with the Magus and the Second Princess's words. "Yeah, you're even more powerful than before!" The Filoial exclaims with excitement.
The auburn Demi-Human blinks, still unsure what everyone was talking about. "Huh? What do you mean? I feel the same as ever," Raphtalia said to her Party. "Though the Katana is rather odd like it's meant for me." She added.
Naofumi took the moment to check Raphtalia's status. Upon checking, he caught something that he didn't expect. "(Divine Core of a Goddess? What's with this Skill she just got?)" He thought, curious if that light had something to do with it.
"Raphtalia, you just become a vessel of a Heroic Spirit," Ritsuka said, sensing that she just became a Pseudo-Servant of a Heroic Spirit.
"Not just a regular Heroic Spirit, master." Castoria checks over Raphtalia's Magical Energy, sensing a powerful aura. "It's a Divine Spirit," The Child of Prophecy corrected her master.
Naofumi raised an eyebrow at the Caster, Servant. "Divine Spirit? As in a God has processed Raphtalia?" The Shielder asked, seeing that she was like him and the Queen now.
Galahad crossed his arms, "Seems like this Divine Spirit has taken a liking to Lady Raphtalia." The Shielder commented, "They must have strong compatibility with Lady Raphtalia to be able to manifest."
"So Raphtalia is like a God now-er I mean a Goddess?" Melty commented, getting what the others were saying.
Raphtalia opens and closes her hands, getting a feel of her newfound power. 'This is all I can do for now,' The voice spoke to Raphtalia in her head.
'Wait, who are you? Why are you giving me this power?' Raphtalia asked the voice of the Divine Spirit taking refuge in her Body.
'I am Caster, I heard your plight and decided to aid you.' Caster spoke to Raphtalia, explaining the reason why she was gifting her power to her. 'Since our interest is similar, it's only natural for me to lend my power to you. Use it well, I cannot interfere any further now that I have a suitable host.
'Wait, at least tell me your name!?' Raphtalia mentally called out to the Divine Spirit, wanting to know her name.
'You will know in time, now protect those whom you protect.' The Divine Spirit said before disappearing within Raphtalia's body.
"Raphtalia!" The Demi-Human blinks, hearing Naofumi call her name in a raised tone of voice.
The newly formed Pseudo-Servant looked up at her master, his face was filled with concern. "N-Naofumi-sama, everyone…" Raphtalia said, looking at them.
"Raphtalia, are you okay? You seem to be…a bit off." Naofumi asked, worried about the Demi-Human, seeing she was acting differently like she was in a daze.
"Yeah, I'm just…taken aback by what just happened," Raphtalia answers her Owner, feeling the same as usual. "Though, the voice in my head said something strange."
"Voice in your head?" Melty asked, now concerned about the Demi-Human's mental stability if she hears voices. "Are you sure you're okay, Raphtalia?"
Da Vinci quickly dispels the Second Princess's worries. "Don't worry, Princess; the voice that Raphtalia hears must be the Divine Spirit that chose her." The Caster explains to the indigo-haired Princess. "They must be telling her what their purpose is here and needs Raphtalia's help to do it."
The Heir of Melromarc seems to understand. The Servants her Mother has called upon and the Heroic Spirit she infused with say they have a part to play. "I see, everyone seems to have a purpose here," Melty said, feeling a little left out.
Filio and Castoria saw their fellow Party Member's expression, "Mel-Chan…"
Melty slaps her cheeks, drowning the thoughts and worries deep within her mind. "
"M-Melty, what are you…" Castoria was taken aback by the sudden action she made.
Melty looks at Ritsuka and Naofumi, seeing things wrapped up. "It's nothing, Arturia; now that we got what we needed we can head back now!" The Second Princess said,
"Not exactly, Princess." The young Girls turns to Arthur, hearing his voice. "We still haven't retrieved the Piece of Rhyongomyniad yet," The King of Knights informed them.
Ritsuka nodded, turning to them. "That's right, we just happen to gain a new ally in Raphtalia." The Magus explains, looking at Raphtalia talking to Galahad and Da Vinci about her newfound power.
"We still don't have any clues on where the Piece is-"
"I wouldn't say that, master." Ritsuka turns back to the Altar, where Saber of the Heroes Partisan has broken the Alter in half.
Everyone looked at the green-haired Saber, wondering why he had just broken the Altar. "Okay, now that is too much, Saber," Castoria commented, seeing there the pieces of what once the Altar. "Hmm?"
They all saw a small golden light from the rubble, "I knew it, the Altar was strange. I got this feeling it doesn't belong here." Saber of the Heroes Partisan commented, placing his Katanna over his shoulders.
"Yep, that's definitely the same Magical Energy pattern as the Rhyongomyniad we've encountered in the past." Da Vinci confirms that the light they are seeing was indeed the Piece they were looking for. "It's the Piece we're looking for."
Ritsuka, Castoria, and Arthur step forward, staring down at the Piece of Rhyongomyniad. "So this is it, the Piece of Rhyongomyniad." The Magus commented, he approached it and try to grab it.
However, the Piece phase through his hand. "Huh? It just phases through my hand." Ritsuka said, stepping back from the Piece.
Naofumi crossed his arms, seeing that Ritsuka didn't pick up the Piece. "Oi, Fujimaru, what's taking too long? The Piece is right there in front of you," The Shielder said, wondering why he was not picking it up.
"I don't think Ritsuka-dono can pick it up," Raphtalia said, seeing what is happening with the master of Chaldea and the Piece. "I don't know why, but it's a protection placed on the Piece that no one could lay their hands on." The new Pseudo-Servant explains, unsure how she knows this.
Filo blinks at Raphtalia, curious how she was able to tell. "Raphtalia-Onee-chan, how do you know that?" The Filoial asked the Demi-Servant.
The auburn shrugs her shoulders, unsure how she knows this information. "I'm not sure, I don't know where I get this information," Raphtalia said,
"Must be the Divine Spirit who gave you that information," Galahad commented, answering Raphtalia's question. "The Divine Spirit's information will surface in your mind from time to time. Just don't reject it, let it flow." The Shielder advises the Demi-Human.
"I see, thank you Shielder-dono." Raphtalia smiles, appreciating him and helping her understand her situation.
Naofumi turns his head, "So, someone is protecting the Piece…" He shook his head, knowing that was a question for another time. "Anyways, now that we found the Piece and found out we can't take it. What's the plan now?" He asked.
Castoria looks back at Naofumi, hearing him speak. "Hold on, Onii-san, the protection on the Piece is indeed in place to prevent others to grab it." The Lostbelt Servant explains, analyzing the Spell beforehand. "However, there's only one way to transport it.
"We need the original or someone close to the Original Wielder," Castoria explains how the Spell works, gazing over to Arthur.
Ritsuka saw the Lostbelt Servant gaze over to Arthur, understanding what she meant. "I see, so that's what it is." He said to himself,
The Chaldean Servants knew what Castoria was talking about. They all have their eyes on the King of Knights, waiting for him to do something.
Arthur nodded, understanding what he needed to do. "I understand," The Saber walks over to the Piece gently placing his hands.
Ritsuka turns to Castoria, curious about something. "Hey, Arturia, since you know…her Lostbelt version of her," He said, prompting her to look at him. "How come you don't pick the Piece up?" The Magus asked the Fairy.
"Heheheh…well…" Castoria looks away from her master, scratching her cheek. "I mean you may think I can hold the Piece, but truth be told I only hold Rhyongomyniads once and not compatible. The Holy Sword is more of my suit." The Fairy of Paradise explains to the master of Chaldea.
The blonde Caster looks at Arthur, lifting the Piece in his hands. "Saber is more compatible since he's closer to the Original Wielder." Castoria ponders, now considering someone else who's compatible. "I would say, Berserker is too, but Saber is the best option."
The black-haired Magus nodded, "I think I understand."
Once Arthur holds the Piece of Rhyongomyniad it glowed before disappearing. He blinks, looking down at himself, "Huh?"
"W-What happened? Where's the Piece?" Melty asked, seeing the light show before them.
Arthur turns to the Second Princess, hearing of her plight. "It's alright, it's still here." The King of Knights said, "I have it with me."
"Saber?" Ritsuka blinks, feeling something strange with his Bond with Arthur.
"Now this isn't right. Saber's Magical Energy input has increased a bit." Da Vinci said, checking the Spirit Origin of the King of Knights. "It's like the Piece of the Rhyongomyniad has imbedded itself into Saber's Spirit Origins." The Caster said.
"So what you're saying, Da Vinci is that Saber is technically the Piece?" Galahad asked, getting the gist of her analysis.
Da Vinci nodded, "Yes, in a simple approach; Saber has essentially become the Holy Spear." The Renaissance Woman informed the group.
Ritsuka looks at his Servant, worried about him. "How are you, Saber?" The Magus asked his Servant.
Arthur clenched his fist, having a feel of his new power. His green eyes look over to his master, giving his answer. "I'm just fine, master. In fact, I feel more powerful than before." He said,
The Magus nodded, catching the face when Arthur was covering up something. "If you say so." He said before hearing someone clap.
"Alright," Saber of the Heroes Partisan claps his hand, seeing their objective was clear. "Now that we completed the objective of retrieving the Piece of the Spear of Light. And we also gain a new Ally in Raphtalia, literally." The green-haired Saber said, celebrating their small victory.
Raphtalia blushed, feeling embarrassed by Saber's praise.
"Then if we got what we're after, then we better head back." The black-haired Hero said, looking past the Ruin's entrance.
Ritsuka nodded, seeing Naofumi's right. They have nothing left here to do. "Iwatani's right, Saber is probably waiting at the entrance mad that we took our sweet time." The Magus chuckles, now imagining Mordred with a piss-off look waiting at the entrance.
"That we can agree, master." Arthur chuckles,
The group went down from the Ruins, Ritsuka continued to look at Arthur, still worried for him. "Oi, what's with that look, Fujimaru?" Ritsuka turns to Naofumi, hearing him speak to him.
The Magus looks at his Ally, staring at him. "After we got the Piece before Motoyasu's Party could get their hands on it and got Raphtalia upgraded with a God's power, your face still shows you're worried," Naofumi said before getting to the point. "So, what's up? Is there something that we're missing?"
Ritsuka shook his head, his eyes shifted to Arthur speaking with Galahad and Raphtalia about her new training regimen since she's a Pseudo-Servant now. "It's Saber, the look he gave me is a look that I'm familiar with. He's hiding something important."
Naofumi looks at the blonde King, knowing what Ritsuka was feeling. "Must be the Hero within me, but I get what you mean." The Shielder said, having memories of the Heroic Spirit. He shook his head, "Saber has his reasons why he's hiding something from you. The only thing you can do is to trust him." The Pseudo-Servant said,
"You're right, Iwatani. Thanks," Ritsuka smiles, taking note of Da Vinci slowing down as she walks at their pace.
"Oh? Are we talking about Saber? Because I have something important to tell you, Fujimaru-kun." Da Vinci said, wanting to share what she discovered.
Both Ritsuka and Naofumi looked at each other before letting the Technical Head explain. "Go on, Da Vinci. What did you find out about Saber's Spirit Origin?" The Magus asked his Servant.
The brunette Caster nodded, "Well, for starters the Piece that absorbs into his Spirit Origin has changed a bit." Da Vinci explains what she discovered about Arthur's Spirit Origins.
"What do you mean by that, Da Vinci?" Ritsuka asked the Renaissance Woman, wondering what was happening to Saber.
"Simple, considering that we got the Piece of Rhyongomyniad and was absorbed into his very being." Da Vinci simplify what she explained. "Who else has Rhyongomyniad in our Chaldean Saint Graph list?"
Ritsuka's eyes widen, knowing at least two Servants with Rhyongomyniads. Considering that the Piece was a golden color, it only one that fits the bill. "The Lion Kin-"
"Master!" Ritsuka, Naofumi, and Da Vinci stop, seeing the rest of the group huddling around a familiar face.
"Mordred!" Ritsuka quickly rushed over to the Knight of Treachery, leaning on the rocky wall.
Naofumi blinks, hearing the Magus from the Stars calling the Servant he had a dislike for. "Mordred? As in the Knight who caused the Roundtable to fall?" He asked, seeing the battered face of the Saber.
Da Vinci nodded, confirming what Naofumi heard. "That's right, the Servant over there is Mordred, the traitor of the Roundtable." The Caster said, both rushing over to her side. "And a few who have a strong Bond with Fujimaru-kun."
The Shielder didn't know, but just seeing the Knight of Treachery having close ties to Ritsuka doesn't sit right. "I don't like it, I don't know why, but trusting her is…"
"Ah, must be your Heroic Spirit within you." Da Vinci said, seeing that the Servant within the Hero has a connection with Mordred. "They must really have a grudge against Mordred if you're feeling a dislike to her."
"Must be, let's see what happened." Both Da Vinci and Naofumi head to where the rest of the group was,
Ritsuka approached Mordred, prompting Castoria to turn to him. "Master, Mordred has taken a significant amount of damage." The Fairy of Paradise informed the master of Chaldea.
Arthur leans over to his Daughter, "Mordred, what happened?" The King of Knights asked the Knight of Treachery.
Mordred coughs, looking up at her fellow Chaldeans and her master. "R-Run," She warns the group.
"Huh? Run?" Melty blinks, unsure of what Mordred was saying. She then heard a low growl coming from behind them,
"R-R-Rits…uka…"Everyone turns around, seeing Motoyasu in black armor, similar to Lancelot Berserker, hanging down from the cliffside of the Mountain. "RITSUKA!"
Ritsuka's eyes widen, both shock and fear seeing his Brother figure in a Berserk form. "A-Aniki…" He froze, even though he knew that he has a Berserk form like Kawasumi and Amaki. It is still hard to comprehend and hurts,
"RRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAA!" Heroic Knight Lancelot roars, leaping from the cliffside, his claws bear and ready to kill.
With great speed, Heroic Knight Lancelot was a foot away from killing the master of Chaldea. However, someone blocked the attack.
"Master! Get back!" Galahad steps in, blocking the strike from landing on his master. The grey-haired Knight looks at his master, pointing to the entrance of the Mountain top. "Head back to the entrance of the Ruins!" He shouted.
Ritsuka was unable to respond, he was frozen in place. For the first time in forever, he was scared, scared of what happened to his and only Family. "A-Aniki…"
Naofumi quickly grabs hold of Ritsuka's wrist, "FUJIMARU!" That snapped the Magus out of his daze, "Don't just stand there, Saber has taken Mordred back in the entrance!" He scolded him more.
"You're just here standing like a blundering idiot!" Naofumi continued to scold him, practically dragging him into the dirt.
"R-Right, sorry," Ritsuka pushed his worries back, heading to the entrance of the Ruins.
Galahad saw that his fellow Shielder had brought his master to the entrance. "Right, now it's my turn!" He pushed back the Lancer, making him jump back.
Heroic Knight Lancelot dragged his feet on the dirt, "RITSUKA!" He roars, taking his Arondight, and leaps for Galahad once more,
A slash knocked him away from the Chaldean Servant. "Oi, oi, now where do you think you get off in attacking us, eh Heroic Knight Lancelot?" Saber of the Heroes Partisan asked the Berserk Lancer. "Oh wait, you don't have full control over yourself, do you?"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!"
Ritsuka steps forward, seeing the Saber standing before the Shielder. "Saber…"
"Oi, master of Chaldea. Allow me to fight your Brother," The green-haired Saber stated, offering his services to him. "If your Brother has the intent to kill you, then I have to punish him for doing so!"
Everyone just looks at the Saber of the Heroes Partisan, pointing one of his Katanas at the Heroic Knight. "Servant, Saber of the Heroes Partisan," His one eye stares at the Lancer with green flames, "I am the One-Eyed Dragon of the Sengoku Period! The Head of the Date Clan!"
"Hear me, Heroic Knight Lancelot! Your opponent is none other than Date Masamune!" The Saber revealed his True Name, announcing it to the World. "Now, let's see what you got, Knight of the Round!" He dashed forward, holding his two blades in striking position.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.