AN: The next chapter is what everyone is waiting for. Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 41 Circe's Quest, Complete
"So…this isn't your doing, Enkidu?" Ishtar asked the Servant with green hair, similar to Kingu except for the eyes which were a forest green.
Right before the group of Servants was Chains spread like a Spider's Web. Caught in between those Chains were three Pigs struggling to get free.
Enkidu, the Chains of Heaven shook his head. "No, this isn't my handy work useless Goddess." The Chain of Heaven said, walking up to the Chains and observing them. "My Chains work is more on the elegant side, this one is more out of anger and annoyance."
Ishtar's eye twitched, clearly peeved by what Enkidu said before ignoring it for now. "Well, the Culprit is simple, Kingu has been here." The Goddess of Venus said, "He is an exact copy of you, but more annoyed with Humans other than master."
"True…" Ereshkigal agrees with her Sister, looking up at the Pigs in the air. "I am curious though, why did Kingu use his Chains to catch these Pigs?" The Goddess of the Underworld asked,
Enkidu looks at the Pigs, struggling as Humans would in restrains. "Because they are Humans, Mages to be more precise." The Lancer said, informing the Goddesses behind him.
"Circe must've cursed them," Ereshkigal assumed that this was her doing. "Understandable, the Clocktower Mages can be annoying…"
Ishtar looks up at the Pigs, "So, what do we do with them? We can't just leave them there," The Archer commented,
"What do we do? Fuhahaha! Easy Useless Goddess, we leave the Swine there." Ishtar shutters at the arrogant laughter coming from the Rainforest.
"Ugh…why are you here, Goldy? I thought someone like you wouldn't get involved with Chaldea Branches." Ishtar looks at a blonde Man with red eyes in Golden armor.
Gilgamesh Archer, the King of Heroes walks up to the Chains and his only Friend. "Gil, seriously though, why are you here in South America? A place like this is beneath you," Enkidu stated, knowing what his Friend would say.
"Indeed, Enkidu. This far in the Amazon Rainforest is hardly a place for a King." Gilgamesh stated before explaining his reason for being in a place like this. "However, the Mongrels at Chaldea City are saying that the Smoking Mirror has challenged Mongrel's Heir to a Grail Front."
The Golden Archer smirks, the talk of Harry participating in a Grail Front has piqued his interest. "Regardless of where the Grail Front is, the fact Mongrel's Heir is participating has intrigued me," Gilgamesh said to his fellow Mesopotamian Servants.
The green-haired Servant nodded, agreeing with his Friend. "Indeed, I do wonder how Harry will fight in this Challenge," Enkidu stated,
Ereshkigal looks at the Chain of Heaven, surprised to hear him call Harry by his name. "Weren't you on the Neutral side in this inner conflict about Harry, Enkidu?" She asked the Lancer.
"Of course, but I'm leaning on the side that supports him. Just like Gil, right?" The green-haired Lancer looks at the Golden Archer.
Gilgamesh huffs, answering his Friend's statement. "Of course not. Nor I'm siding with the Servants who oppose him," The Archer stated, "I'm gonna witness his worth with my own eyes before I decide to give him my support."
Behind the Servants, the brushes were rustling. The Servants turned around, and they saw the Person they were talking about, "Speak of the Devil," Gilgamesh said, observing Harry as he entered the area.
"Zhou Yu, I think the remaining Pigs are here." Harry looks back at where he came from, speaking to his Servant following behind.
"Fou, Fou," Fou turns his head to the front, being Harry's frontal eyes. He then noticed the group of Divine-Spirits standing before them in a web of Chains, "FOU!?"
Harry heard the Beast of Humanity cry, "Huh? What's the matter, Fou-oh," He finally noticed the group of Servants before them. "Um, hello everyone." He greeted the Servants,
"Master, is there someone there you're talking to?" Zhou Yu approaches the area, before seeing the group of Divine Class Servants,
Gilgamesh blinks, seeing the grey-haired Servant. "So, that's the Servant the Boy Summoned in Russia's Tundra…impressive for a Boy with little Magical Energy…." The King of Heroes took a closer look at the Archer, feeling a familiarity with him. 'Hmmm, this Servant…he seems familiar, maybe we met in a Grail War at one point.' He thought,
Ereshkigal, being the one with a close bond with Harry approaches him. "Y-Young master, it's good to see you. But why are you here?" The Lancer asked the young Boy. "Weren't you supposed to be with your Parents?" She asked,
Ishtar, Enkidu, and Gilgamesh continued to observe their interaction. Harry smiles, feeling confident after explaining things to them.
"So, you were sent on a Quest given by that Witch," Gilgamesh commented,
Harry nodded, looking at the King of Heroes, feeling like he'd seen him before. "That's right, she said that she'll teach me some Spells when I help her retrieve ten Pigs that she'd Cursed." The young Heir explains to the Divine Spirits. "We only got three more…Pigs…" He looks up, seeing the remaining Pigs suspended in the air.
Ishtar seems to understand what's going on. "Now I see…well since you're going up against Tez, you need everything you need to fight him." The Goddess of Venus said,
"It's rare for a Human to stand against the Gods." Enkidu spoke, " The only one who showed this much defiance was Gil and master." The Lancer said, comparing him to Ritsuka and his Friend.
"H-Huh? Uncle Kingu?" Harry blinks, unsure why his Uncle was complimenting him when he already met him.
"Fou," Fou shook his head, correcting Harry.
Enkidu chuckles, placing his hand on his chest. "I believe you are mistaken, Harry. I am not your Uncle," The Lancer stated. "I am Enkidu, the original Chain of Heaven. Your Uncle Kingu and I just share appearance with the minor difference in the eyes." He points to his green eyes,
"O-Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Enkidu." Harry apologized to the Lancer.
"Don't be, but please do call me just Enkidu. Alright?" Enkidu said, accepting the apology, "Since he's not going to introduce himself, this is Gilgamesh, Archer-"
"Fool, he's still lacking the confidence to even stand among Kings!" Gilgamesh exclaims returning to the comment earlier. "A Boy who lacks in confidence has no place here in Chaldea," he stated, looking at the green-haired Lancer before looking at Harry testing him in his own way.
Harry flinched, hearing the commanding voice of the King of Heroes. He closes his eyes before looking at the Golden King. "W-Well, I'm learning to be confident like Daddy," He said, standing before Gilgamesh.
"Gilgamesh…as in the Babylonian King Gilgamesh from the Epic of Gilgamesh?" Harry asked, studying about it during the first tutoring session with Professor M. "You were supposed to be the cornerstone between Humanity and the Gods. But you rebelled against them and ruled Uruk. You also fought Gugalanna with Enkidu after refusing to marry Ishtar."
Gilgamesh frowns for a moment before chuckling, "Fuhahahahaha! Excellent, that's what I wanted to see from you, Mongrel." The King of Heroes smiles, "Though it's a start and there's some hesitation there. You need more experience to truly stand among your Father, Mongrel." He said,
"I must say, the rumors of you being knowledgeable of our History is impressive," Gilgamesh smirks, crossing his arms. "You have earned my interest, Mongrel."
"O-Oh, um…thank you?" Harry said, unsure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.
"Hey, don't chastise the Kid, Goldy," Ishtar stated, defending Harry.
Zhou Yu frowns, not liking how this Arrogant King was speaking to Harry. "Yes, I'd appreciate it if you don't speak to my master like that." He said, being reminded of Cao Cao.
Gilgamesh scoffs, crossing his arms. "Hmph, I'm just teaching the Mongrel a lesson on being confident if he truly wants to be the Heir of Chaldea." The Archer spoke, looking at the young master. "Mongrel, ensure you remember this lesson well. Don't let anyone dictate who you are." He said, advising him on what to do in the Future.
"Okay…" Harry said until he felt Fou's paws pet him.
"Fou, Fou," Fou looks up at the Pigs, still in the Chains.
"Right, thanks Fou." Harry had nearly forgotten about what they were doing here in the first place. "Is it possible that one of you three can help get those Pigs down there? I kinda…need them."
Ereshkigal looks up, already forgotten about the Pigs. "Ah, right. Alright, forgot about them." She said as Ishtar and Enkidu flew up to the three Pigs.
Ishtar floated next to one as he squealed in fear. She smiles, materializing her Sword. "Ohohoho, I'll handle this, young master. After all, I am a Goddess," She said, about to slice the Chains. However, the Chains didn't break upon contact. "W-Wha- but it's supposed to break when I slice it!"
"Awe, it seems like all that talk of being the right Goddess was just big talk." Enkidu chuckles, giving a smug expression at the Goddess. "Oh well, it seems I have to step in and do your job again. Just catch the Pigs when they fall from the air."
"W-Why you!" Ishtar growled and gritted her teeth at what Enkidu said.
Enkidu smirks, his hand glows a greenish hue as he slashes Kingu's Chains. "Here, Ishtar!" He smiles, tossing the Pig at Ishtar. "Catch!"
"GAH! You little!" Ishtar quickly catches the Pig, growling at the green-haired Servant.
Harry witnessed the small interaction between the Divine Spirit Servants. "Those two seem to be good Friends." He commented, "Even though in the Myth they fought each other."
Ereshkigal nearly choked on breath, hearing what the young master said. "D-Do you see it like that, young master?" She asked with a 'Are you blind' expression.
"Fuahahahaha!" Gilgamesh couldn't hold in his laughter, seeing that his master's Son was blind.
"Fou…" The Beast sighs, worried about Harry's lack of understanding with others.
"What's so funny?" Harry asked the Servants around him.
Zhou Yu patted his master's back, "Master, I think you read the situation wrong." The Archer smiles but can't help laughing silently.
Once Enkidu cut down Kingu's Chains and Ishtar grumbled bringing down the Pigs from the air. The two brought the Pigs before Harry and the others,
"Alright, all three Pigs are down from the Chains," Ishtar said, overseeing the Swine. "So, what now? Do you have a Spell to reverse the Curse?" The Goddess of Venus asked the young Heir.
"No, we have to take them back to Circe to feed them the reversal Spell," Harry explains to the Pseudo-Servant what Circe instructed.
Ereshkigal nodded, seeing it was the safest way to return the Mages to their proper form. "Makes sense, we don't want to make things worse for them." The Lancer stated,
Gilgamesh walks toward the direction of the Chaldean Camp, walking past Zhou Yu. "Where do you think you're going?" The grey-haired Strategist asked the King of Heroes.
Everyone turns their attention to the two Archers, "A Mongrel such as you should know how not to question those who are above you." Gilgamesh stated, glaring at Zhou Yu for stopping him.
Harry and the Servants look at the two Archers, "I'm merely asking why you are leaving when you can help my master?" Zhou Yu asked, "Not aiding him against Tezcatlipoca but-"
"You Mongrel dare to suggest that I, a King will lower myself like a Mongrel? Fuhahaha!" Gilgamesh laughs it off, turning to face the Strategist from the Sun Clan. "I only came to South America to observe that Mongrel's Son; that's all I came here to do."
The Golden King turns to Harry, raising his hand. "Mongrel, entertain your King. I shall make it worthwhile if you give a good show!" Gilgamesh announced to him before dematerializing into his Astral form and heading off to who knows where.
Zhou Yu gave a hard sigh, receiving a headache just from talking with his fellow Archer. He turns to his own master, "I apologize, master, that Archer there just reminded me of Cao Cao. His arrogance and Cao Cao's are alike, it sets me off."
"It's alright, I understand completely Archer," Harry said, reading about Zhou Yu's Past. He then looks at where Gilgamesh stood, "So he's on the Neutral side then."
"More or less, Harry," Enkidu explains to the young Heir of Chaldea. "Both me and Gil are on the Natural side who wants to see what you're made of." The Chain of Heaven continued to explain,
Ishtar and Ereshkigal brought the two Pigs, ready to leave for the Campsite. "If we're done here, can we go back? I'm pretty sure you just finished your Quest, young master." The Archer stated,
Harry turns to the Goddesses behind him, "Yeah, let's go back to Circe." He said all were heading back to the Chaldean Camp.
Back in the Chaldean Camp, the kitchen Tent,
"One…two…three…eight…nine…ten…alright, that's everyone." Circe smiles, counting the Mages she Cursed as Swine. "I have to say, you gathered them rather quickly. But it's better than nothing," The Caster said, addressing how quickly Harry gathered the Pigs.
(Insert 51. The Witch and Her Happy Piglets)
Standing beside Harry were Ereshkigal, Ishtar, Enkidu, Zhou Yu, Rama, Kukulkan, Quetzalcoatl, Billy, Jane, Nitocris, and Jaguarman.
"So, Circe, how exactly are you going to reverse the Curse?" Harry asked the Witch of Greek Mythology.
Circe smiles, answering the young Heir. "It's simple as simple gets, Little Piglet. Beni, you can bring the pot over." She called out to the Saber who was in the Kitchen.
Everyone turns their attention to the Kitchen, where Beni-Enma comes out holding a large pot of Porridge.
"Um, what is that?" Ereshkigal asked, seeing the large pot before them.
"It'th a pot of Kykeon. Both me and Circe made enough of thith for the Mages." Beni-Enma explains to the Mistress of the Underworld. "Of courthe, Circe added a memory tharm into the batth to alter the Mages' memorieth." The Cut-Tongue Sparrow continued, placing the pot in front of the Pigs.
Circe flaps over the Porridge, holding out her Staff above the Kykeon. "Yoshi, yoshi, my little Piglets. It's dinner time!" The Caster smiles, using a hovering Spell to lift the Porridge into the air.
Harry watches as Circe feeds the Cursed Pigs some of her Kykeon. Once each Pig ate some, they instantly blew up in a puff of smoke, reverting to their original forms. "I was kinda expecting something flashy, but it's quick and simple." He commented,
Circe landed before the Mages, smiling at Harry. "Little Piglet, not every Spell needs to be flashy. Personally, if a Spell is too flashy then it'll allow the Opponent to strike you down." The Witch explains, seeing the Servants taking each Magus ready to bring them to the Medical Tent.
Harry turns to the Servants he'd befriended, seeing they were ready to leave. "All of you are going to take the Mages to Nightingale in the Medical Tent?" He asked the Servants.
"That's right, Bud. It's better to let Nightingale check over these Mages." Billy explains, grabbing one of the Mages over his shoulders.
"I see…" Harry said, understanding what the Outlaw said.
Quetzalcoatl smiles, taking at least three Mages in her hands. "We'll fight for you during the Grail Front, Little master. But you need a little more training, yes?" The Rider said, looking up at Circe who was talking to Beni-Enma.
Harry nodded, looking at Circe before Quetzalcoatl spoke. "You better learn well from Circe, then after your Lesson, you can show Hermano what you learned." The Goddess of the Sun said, believing in the young master.
The black-haired Boy looks at the Servants, having confidence in his ability to overcome the Challenge. Harry could only nod in response to the vote of confidence they have in him. "I will!" Harry stated, watching the Servants leave the Tent with the Mages.
However, Ereshkigal stayed behind, watching Harry stand with Circe. "I thought you'd be leaving with the others, Lancer." Zhou Yu came up to the Goddess with his arms crossed.
Ereshkigal turns next to her, looking at the Archer. "Well…I-I want to give moral support to the young master. He's still a Child, since master and Mashu are busy with the Mages, any moral support will do good for him." The Pseudo-Servant explains to the Arche.
"I agree," Zhou Yu stated, looking at the blonde Goddess. "Then let's give my master all the support he needs, Ereshkigal." The grey-haired Archer smirks, sharing the same thoughts.
A few moments later and after moving to a more appropriate setting. Harry was now sitting in his Family's Tent at his desk.
Standing behind him was both Ereshkigal and Zhou Yu, offering them moral support. Fou was sitting on his bed, taking a little nap while he was with Circe. "Since you completed my Quest, Little Piglet. I'll fulfill my end of the bargain by teaching you some Spells."
Harry nodded ready for the Lesson of one of History's Greatest Witches. "Before that, let me ask you something Little Piglet," Circe said, asking him something before she started the lesson.
"What is it, Miss Circe?" Harry asked, calling her 'Miss' as a sign of respect.
"What do you know so far? Based on the places you went, I'm sure you picked up a thing or two from other Servants." The orange-haired Caster asked, curious about what else he'd learned.
Harry ponders for a moment before answering the Queen of Witches. "Um…I'd learned some Runes from Brynhildr and Cu Chulainn…" He said, informing the Servant.
"I see…Runes may be the best fit for you due to your Heritage. In any case, since you are a Wizard, I think it's best to have something similar to Scathach-Skadi's Wand." Circe commented, taking a few materials she brought with her.
"A Wand?" Harry asked, seeing Wands for himself from the Wizards who were at the Crystal V Valley.
Circe whistles, taking out many types of wood from the materials as she spoke. "Master, your Father can do basic Magecraft Spells. You can do some minor ones too but with the help of a Mystic Code." The orange-haired Servant explains to the young Boy. "A Wizard doing Magecraft is not uncommon. Wizards born without what Wizard call Magic can perform Magecraft."
"However, you are the First Wizard that I know who can use Magic via Wand and have the potential of using Magecraft as well," Circe commented, checking over the materials. "In any case, I think it's best to start off with a Wand before going into the complicated Magecraft Theories."
Harry just watched Circe lay chosen materials for what will be essentially his Wand. "Wait, you're going to make me a Wand, Miss. Circe?" He asked, looking at the Caster.
"Hmm? Of course, I am the Queen of Witches, which essentially places Wizards and other Wizarding things under my rule." Circe explains to her new Student. "Though the views of Modern Witches and Wizards are different than it was during the Age of Gods and Fairies; the process of making a Wand is still the same."
Circe unfolds one of her Wings, plucking a Feather from it. "As such I'm going to give you a Wand that could rival any other Wand those in the Wizarding World could produce." She smiles, taking a large glowing seed and converting it with a Spell.
"These materials you see here are gathered during the Singularities, Pseudo-Singularities, and Lostbelts. Rare for anyone for Wizard or Magus to obtain without special conditions." Circe explains, changing the Spirit Root into a long slender, dark green stick. "A Spirit Root as the outer shell of the Wand, Phoenix Feathers, (A common material to find) to trick any Wizard of what the core is." She said, implanting the Phoenix Feathers into the inner areas of the Wand.
"Mystic Spinal Fluid for a better Magic conductor, Tearstone of Blood as a placeholder for the Wand's core," Circe said, implanting the materials into the Wand. "Divine Leyline Spiritron to add a little boost to your Spells…and one of my Feathers as its Core."
Once all the materials were implanted into the Wand, the Wand itself was completed and ready for Harry to use. "Alright, how do you like it?" Circe asked, handing her Circe exclusive Wand to her Student.
Harry took the Wand from Circe's hands, once touching it, he could see circuity similar to his Father's Magic Circuits coming bottom to top. "W-Wow, it feels like it's a part of my arm." He commented, waving the Wand in the air.
"It should, I fit it to your Magical Core for better movement and conduction with Spells. You can perform Runes by drawing the Rune in the air as you see." Circe explains before getting to the bulk of this tutoring session. "Now fitted with a Wand, you need Spells to go with it."
Harry nodded, listening to his Teacher. "The first Spell is an offensive Spell based on Hecate's Noble Phantasm; Machia Hecatia Graea: Rain of Light. A Spell that produces a ray of lasers at Opponents to a lesser extent…" She explains, proceeding to teach Harry many Spells for the Grail Front.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.