AN: Enjoy the Chapter.
Ch 20 The Beginning of an Alliance
Ritsuka and Naofumi followed the Great Heathen Army to their Base of operations. The Underground Rebellion joined them too, intending to form an Alliance between Resistances.
Ritsuka smiles, holding onto Pavel as he leaps forward while holding onto Ritsuka. "Didn't think you were a Father, master." Berserker of Einherjar commented, seeing how he interacts with the Demi-Human Boy. "I expected you to be those Mages from our own World, but you're different from them."
"I heard that a lot from other Mages," Ritsuka said, not minding Berserker saying that. "I do not practice what regular Mages do to enhance their Magecraft. I just do Runes over the inhumane techniques."
"Runes, you say? I would never guess you used Runes, master." The iron-haired Berserker commented,
Ritsuka chuckles, looking at his new Servant. "It's more of inscribing some Runes on Gems. A combination of Gem Magecraft and Runes." The Magus explains what he does. "I remember reading a book of Runes when I was younger."
"All I can say is keep at it; Runes can be useful in dire situations." Berserker of Einherjar stated, knowing how Runes are. "Who knows what situations you might find yourself in."
The Magus nodded, he's been using Magecraft to escape and make situations work with him. "I already know, Berserker. I'm a Magus after all," Ritsuka chuckles, continuing to Berserker's base.
The walk wasn't long, soon enough they arrived at the walled Village. "Here we are," The iron-haired Berserker said, showing his Guests to his Resistance Base. "The Great Heathen Army's Homebase!"
Everyone looks up at the walled Village, they approach the gates. "How impressive, the walls are at least twenty meters tall, normal Arrows can't get over it," Agravain commented, looking above the walls.
"A Servant could possibly go over the top," Gareth commented, seeing the top open for any flying thing could enter. "I can see an entrance above the walls." The Lancer added,
"I doubt that Lancer," Castoria stood beside the Proper Human History version of her Friend. She looks over the Gate, pointing at them, "You see the Runes written on the Gates? They have created a Bounded Field around the Village to protect it." The Lostbelt Servant explains.
Harriet pouted, looking at the Northern Resistance's Stronghold. She felt a bit envious since her own Stronghold didn't have any Magical properties that protected it. "Well, I have to give it to your Stronghold, Berserker. Not even my old Stronghold where my Rebellion once was had Runes protecting its walls." The Ruler stated,
Berserker of Einherjar looks at the Leader of the Underground Rebellion, hearing her speak. "The Runes that created the Bounded Field is weak at best, I'm not those scholars type Servants. So my Runes aren't on par with them." The Counter Force Servant explains. "But it's something, I guess." He looks up at the Watchtower, waving his hand.
"Oi, open the Gates!" Berserker of Einherjar cried out, gaining the attention of his People.
One of the Villagers looks out of the Watchtower, seeing a large group of People at the Gate. He was about to call for the Guards, however, his eyes caught their Leader standing with them. He turns to the Villagers down near the Gates and informs them.
"Lord Berserker is back everyone! Open the Gates!" The Watchtower Guard calls out to the Guards down at the Gates.
The Gates opened, letting their Leader in with the Guests he brought.
Berserker of Einherjar led the group into his fortified Village, letting the Rebellion, Chaldeans, and Shield Hero Party take a look around his Village.
The iron-haired Berserker saw the impressed expression on their faces, among the Soldiers from Harriet's Rebellion.
Ritsuka looks around while holding Pavel by his hand. "The Village seems to be flourishing from what everyone told me." He said, remembering People describe the Villages of the North as rundown and damaged from the previous Resistance movements.
The Villagers' Homes were repaired with stronger material, there was a farm where Vegetables were growing normally, unlike the outside.
"Fou, Fou." Fou nodded, seeing life as the same as any other Villages he had seen so far in the Anomaly.
Ritsuka felt a tug on his hand, prompting him to look at Pavel. "Hmm? Pavel, what is it?" He asked the grey-haired Child.
The Magus took notice of the Demi-Human Child gazing over at some Children playing. "There's some Kids over there," Ritsuka said before kneeling down to Pavel. "Pavel, do you want to play with the Kids here?" He asked,
"Can I, Ritsuka?" The grey-haired Child asked, looking at Ritsuka with a bright and excited expression. "Really?" Pavel asked once again.
Ritsuka couldn't help but chuckle at Pavel, wagging his tail at the proposition he made. "Sure, the meeting might take a long time, and I don't think long talks are for you yet," He smiles at the Child he's looking after.
Pavel nodded, looking at Fou on his shoulders. "Come on Fou, I bet we can make more Friends here in the Village!" He said, filled with hope for new Friends.
"Fou, Fou!" The Beast nodded, riding along on Pavel's shoulders as they headed to where the other Children were.
"A good decision, master," Arthur said, standing next to him. "A Child like Pavel should experience fun whenever we get a chance to lower our guard." The King of Knights stated, watching as Pavel interacts with the other Children in the Village.
"Oi, Fujimaru, Saber." Both Ritsuka and Arthur turn to Naofumi calling out to them near what seems to be Berserker's House. "Stop standing around, we got an important discussion here."
The Servants, Raphtalia, Melty, Castoria, and Berserker were standing at the door to the House. They saw Filo joining Pavel and the rest of the Children.
"Let's go, Saber," Ritsuka said, looking at the blonde Servant.
"Of course, master. Let's join them." Arthur nodded, following his master to Berserker's House.
Inside the House, Berserker of Einherjar sat on a wooden throne with Norse carvings decorating the inside of the House.
Everyone sat on either end of a rectangular table, their attention was to the room.
Naofumi couldn't help but be impressed by the room. 'This room gives off some Viking vibes, even the Houses outside were built like in the Viking Era.' The Shielder looks at Berserker, knowing a few famous Vikings when he studied back at his University. However, his appearance is nothing from the History Books he read.
"So!" Naofumi was brought out from his pondering, looking at Berserker clapping his hand. "Caster, right? Is the connection to the Queen of this Country connected yet?" Berserker asked, showing the impatient side of the Berserker Class.
The Lostbelt Servant pouted, glaring at the Counter Force Servant. "Just give me a second, we're a bit far from where Her Majesty is located," Castoria stated, working on the connections between them and her.
"Let's forget about the meeting between the four of us," Agravain spoke up, seeing there was time to squeeze in other matters to take place while waiting for Mirellia to pick up.
Archer of the Red Cliffs nodded, agreeing with Agravain. "Yes, for the first topic is what do we do when Heroic Knight Tristan returns." He stated,
"Hold on, we defeated Itsuki-san, I mean Heroic Knight Tristan," Raphtalia said, seeing every time they faced, they somehow beat them despite having the disadvantage whenever they go Berserk.
Gareth shook her head, denying Raphtalia's claim. "No, Lady Raphtalia. I explicitly remember that thief said that they're going to regroup." The Lancer informed the table what she heard. "So, based on what I heard; they're probably waiting for reinforcements from the Capital before they Attack again."
Ritsuka trusts Gareth's intuition, "If Lancer believes Itsuki and his Platoon will come back with Reinforcement then I believe her." The Magus from the Stars said,
"Then we should start getting our defenses ready before they catch us off guard-"
"Ah! I got through!" Castoria exclaims, pointing the gem to the table. Projecting from the gem, a small holographic version of the Queen of Melromarc standing before them.
Melty stood up, surprised to see this form of communication being used. "Mother-er Your Majesty!" The Second Princess greeted her Mother.
Mirellia heard her Daughter greeting her, she turned to face the violet-haired Princess. -ZZZ- Melty, my dear. It's relieving to hear your voice again. -ZZZ- The Caster spoke, worried for her Daughter's safety.
Berserker of Einherjar leans forward, shocked to see a Hologram formed by Magecraft. "Yo, this is actually cool! Is this some form of Magecraft communication?" He asked, looking at the Lostbelt Servant responsible for doing this.
"Y-Yes, it's something I picked up recently," Castoria said, confirming what the Berserker suspects.
Harriet looks at the Queen, finally seeing the Monarch of Melromarc. "So that's the Queen of Melromarc then." She said to herself, not knowing that some of the Servants heard her. 'I heard a lot from our Collaborator, but she's not what I expected.' The Ruler thought, expecting her to be those upper-class Nobles.
Mirellia took notice that there were more Servants currently with the Magus from the Stars and Shield Hero. -ZZZ- Lord Fujimaru, Sir Naofumi, I see you were able to meet the Resistance in the Northern Territory. -ZZZ- She said, looking at Berserker of Einherjar.
"We made it in the nick of time," Naofumi stated, "If any minute late, then Itsuki's group might get a jump on them." The Pseudo-Servant explains to the Queen.
Berserker chuckles, crossing his arms. "Heh, my Scouts already informed me of this Heroic Knight Tristan once they enter the territory." The Counter Force Servant informed the group. "But we do appreciate your attempts in aiding us. For that, I can speak for the Great Heathen Army will hear your proposition in an alliance."
"The Underground Rebellion will too hear you out," Harriet spoke as well, wanting the best for her Rebellion.
Mirellia nodded, looking up at the Servants. -ZZZ- Thank you, -ZZZ- She cleared her throat, proceeding to negotiate terms on a potential Alliance. -ZZZ- As you are aware, I'm the Queen of Melromarc, however now my control over my Kingdom is overwhelmed by another. -ZZZ-
"I see, so the initial Attacks on the People weren't your doing, but from another," Berserker commented, seeing that the Queen was genuine with her words.
-ZZZ- Yes, my Husband, the King, and my Daughter, the First Princess orchestrated this situation with the help of other Servants. -ZZZ- Mirellia explains, gaining her information from Spies loyal to her alone.
The violet-haired Queen continues with the negotiations, -ZZZ- In any case, I understand the People you're leading are the ones who brought you into our World. As such, I am willing to hear your conditions, -ZZZ- Mirellia said, offering the two Resistance Leaders to speak their conditions for them to be an alliance.
Harriet and Berserker ponder on what their People might like. Ultimately, Archer of the Red Cliffs spoke, "Your Majesty, if I may speak, I might have a solution to this." The Servant spoke,
Everyone turns their attention to the recently Summoned Servant, "Archer, what are you planning?" Ritsuka asked, curious about what he had in mind.
"Yes, what do you have in mind, Archer?" Harriet asked as Berserker placed his hand on his check,
"Seeing the Northern Territory is devoid of Nobles or Governors. I believe it's for the best to give the Territory to the inhabitants here," The grey-haired Archer suggested to the table.
Ritsuka blinks, seeing what Archer offered sounds good. "So like an Autonomous Region?" He asked the Strategist.
Da Vinci understood Archer's suggestion, "That does sound like a reasonable idea," The Caster commented, "The People of the North seems to be governing themselves with no centralized government."
"What do you say, you two?" Arthur asked the two Servants; he supported the idea of an Autonomous Region for the People of the North. "Seeing you two are the voices and have the interest of the People, it's up to you to decide."
"Now hold on," Naofumi spoke up, having issues with this idea. "The idea of the People in the Northern Territory governing themselves is nice, but how can we be sure that the Nobles won't try something like Raphtalia's Village?"
Raphtalia seems to agree with her master, the incident left almost everyone in Lurolona Village sold as Slaves. "Naofumi-sama," She said,
Ritsuka was about to say something before realizing what Naofumi said was true. "That's actually what needs to be addressed." He stated, agreeing with him. "The Village we were staying in was destroyed by Saber of Melromarc's Noble Phantasm. Before that-"
"It was targeted by other Lords and Nobles to exploit the Villagers as Slaves." Bedivere supported his master, "Many of the Villages said that their Villages were attempts to bring the Demi-Human Countries and Melromarc into a peaceful coexistence." The Knight of Loyalty said based on what he heard.
Melty lowered her brow, remembering that Day when a Star fell on the Village.
Berserker of Einherjar and Harriet looked at each other before speaking. "So, Queen, before this Alliance becomes official. Tell us," The iron-haired Servant crosses his legs, interlocking his fingers as his eyes shift to Harriet,
The Ruler nodded, turning her head to the Hologram. "How do we know that you can keep your word when we successfully subdue the Capital?" Harriet Tubman asked the Pseudo-Servant.
Mirellia placed her hand on her chest, -ZZZ- All I could give as reinsurance is my word, -ZZZ- She stated, knowing that Money isn't enough nor are Titles to ensure their allegiance. -ZZZ- I swear when we take control of the Capital, the Northern Territory will be able to govern themselves. -ZZZ-
Berserker has sent everyone out, wanting to discuss some things with Mirellia alone. Harriet also joined in their conversation, wanting to include her People in the talk.
Ritsuka saw Filo and Pavel still playing with the Village Children, having the time of their lives. He then notices Melty sitting alone near Berserker's House. He walks towards her, seeing her sad expression.
"Princess Melty, is everything alright?" Ritsuka asked the violet-haired Princess,
Melty flinched, looking up at Ritsuka, "Oh, Fujimaru-sama, I didn't see you there." The Second Princess greeted the Magus from the Stars. "Are Berserker and Ruler finishing their talks with Mother?" She asked.
"No, they haven't left the House yet." The black-haired Magus looks at the windows, hearing their voices inside. "But forget about that, how are you doing, Princess? I'm sure this is a bit much than you're used to."
Melty smiles, shaking her head. "Not really, I've been with Naofumi-sama and the others for quite some time, I'm used to it." The violet-haired Princess The violet-haired Princess said, looking at the Village of the Great Heathen Army. "To think this Village was in shambles like the ruined Villages we've seen."
"Yeah, Berserker has done so much for the People," Ritsuka said, looking around at the People. "It's a shame that most People in this World don't seem to care what happens to others if they will get a profit out of it."
Melty nodded, ashamed of the Nobles who took advantage of others. "That's why I'm traveling with Naofumi-sama and you. Traveling with you, seeing the many People suffering under my Father's and Sister's rule," She gave a serious expression, "It makes me want to do everything to fix their mess,"
Ritsuka saw Melty turning to him, "Fujimaru-sama, I took it upon myself to ask around the Village of a Piece of the Spear of Light." She stated, "I was waiting until the issue with Heroic Knight Tristan is dealt with and begin the search for the Piece. But now with the current situation, I believe it's best to tell you now before Heroic Knight Tristan attacks."
"Alright Princess, what information do you get from the Villagers?" Ritsuka asked, seeing her doing her hardest to help them.
Melty nodded, turning to the North. "Many Villagers I asked said that there was a Legend they were told as Children. It's a long story but I'll tell you the short version." The Second Princess said, telling the short version.
"A white-haired Girl wanders in the Northern Territory, holding something shining in her arms. The Villagers of that time said that she built a place further North, where she stored the item in the place she built." Melty informed the Magus what she heard from the Villagers.
Ritsuka nodded, taking in the information Melty gave him. "I see, based on the Story you told me, Princess. It seems that someone in the far past has hidden a Piece of Rhyongomyniad here as well," The Magus said, looking up in the North. "At least we have a lead where we can start the search. In any case, thank you for your hard work, Princess-"
"Melty," The violet-haired Princess informed the Magus from the Stars. "Just call me Melty, we've been traveling together for some time. I think formal titles like Princess aren't necessary when we know each other well."
The master of Chaldea chuckles, seeing the logic in Melty's words. "Alright, Prince-I mean Melty," Ritsuka said, about to converse with her more until bells rang.
The Watchtower Guard leans over the Watchtower's railings, "Melromarc's Knights has arrived at our front Gates! All hands prepare for Battle!" He announced to the Village,
"Heroic Knight Tristan's Platoon's attacking this soon?" Ritsuka questioned why they were attacking right after their previous bout. "That should be impossible for an Army to recover after a defeat this quickly." He said to himself,
Melty agreed with her Ally, "Father must've sent reinforcements after hearing Heroic Knight Tristan was defeated." The Second Princess stated, catching Berserker of Einherjar and Harriet Tubman walking out of the House.
Arthur, Agravain Naofumi, and Archer of the Red Cliffs approached them.
"I see that you all heard the bell and my Watchtower Guard announcement." Berserker of Einherjar commented, looking at everyone present.
"For Itsuki to attack so soon, it must be that he received reinforcements from Melromarc," Naofumi stated, seeing that's the only reason why he attacked now.
Archer of the Red Cliffs nodded, "I agree, Heroic Knight Tristan would attack now given the chance. Our only option is to do a defensive Battle." The Strategist suggested, "The Enemy is too close to the Village for an all-out attack."
Agravain agreed with the strategy. "I concur, have Archers defend on the Wall while the main battery confronts the Enemy while the Archers aid in support." The Saber added,
"A sound plan indeed, this is an official fight between a new Alliance!" Berserker of Einherjar smiles, supporting the plan.
"Wait, does that mean…" Naofumi looks at both Berserker and Ruler, seeing their lips smile.
Harriet nodded, confirming what the Shielder suspects. "That's right, Naofumi. Right now, we are working together with the same goal in mind." She stated, hearing Melty celebrate a little.
"That's great! Did Mother grant your People to-"
Ritsuka taps Melty's shoulders, causing her to stop. "It's not the time for that, Melty. We have another situation in our hands." The Magus stated.
"Now the-hmm?" The Counter Force Servant saw one of his Men run over to them.
"Lord Berserker, a small group of the Army has broken off the main one," The Soldier informed his Leader. "The one who broke off, it's a few of Heroic Knight Tristan's group." He continued.
"Why would some of Heroic Knight Tristan's Party break off like that?" Harriet asked, wondering why they would do such a thing when their Enemy was here in the Village.
Galahad could only assume, turning to the group. "Must be something important in the direction they're heading off to-"
"The Piece!" Melty exclaims, seeing that's the only explanation. "They're heading to retrieve another Piece of the Spear of Light!" The violet-haired Princess informed the others.
"Piece of Light? This is the first I heard such a thing." Berserker commented,
"As do I, I never heard of something called a Piece of Light," Harriet added before continuing.
Galahad looks at the two Servants, informing them of what the Piece of Light is.
The King of Knights sighs while his other Knight informs the Servants of their goal. "Regardless, we must not let them get their hands on it," Arthur said firmly, turning to his master and requesting something from him. "Master, if I may, we should split our forces too."
Ritsuka nodded, knowing the risk if we left them be. "I agree too but, if we do then the Village might be lost…"
"I'll stay behind," Naofumi spoke up, causing Ritsuka to look at him. "I have a personal connection with the People of the North. It's only right for me to protect them while you guys get the Piece before Itsuki can lay his hands on it first."
Archer of the Red Cliffs nodded at the suggestion. "This is a small divergence that shouldn't hinder anything." The grey-haired Servant said, agreeing with the plan.
"Then Saber, let's go get that Piece." Ritsuka smiles at him, aware that Arthur is important in retrieving the Piece.
Unbeknownst to them, Heroic Knight Tristan stood near a cliff, observing them in the Village. He saw Ritsuka and the blonde King head to gather some Servants to join them. "Heh…the plan is going as I expected. Heh…hahahahaha…." Itsuki laughs, grinning at how easy it was to fool them.
The Archer turns around, heading to position himself for Ritsuka's arrival.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.