AN: So getting close to the end of the Pseudo-Singularity here. As such a new poll on who Harry should Bond with in the Wandering Sea. List down below.
Ch 67 A Master's Decision
Harry clenched his fist, seeing that the Alter Ego, Ashyia Douman was smiling down at him. He glares at him for hurting his Mother and the Servants he came to know, "I thought you were supporting me, you said that you were a part of the Succession Faction."
"Hmmm…yes, yes I am, young master," Ashyia confirms what Harry asked, "It's true that I wholeheartedly support you. However, I have some problems with how master and Mashu raise you." He honestly said uncaring the glare from Mashu.
Ashyia Douman frowns, "I resented the fact that they've decided to take the more scenic route teaching the young master about Chaldea." The Alter Ego stated, disapproving of their approach. "Chaldea isn't a place where you can raise a Child in peace. Every step, in every corner Enemies are lurking, powerful Enemies waiting to strike,"
"Hmm…young master, can you really stand against Enemies such as me? Those who are deranged and fallen from grace, wishing for Chaos and disorder against the World?" Ashyia asked, looking to see if Harry had the guts to face the cruelty of this World. If he inherited Ritsuka's sense of Justice and views,
Harry doesn't know how to answer the Alter Ego's question. He looks at Kagekiyo, Shining Star, Andersen, Aria, Sirius, and Mashu, looking for their assistance in this.
"We cannot answer for you, young master." Shining Star stated, "It's your conviction that Limbo is looking for." The Assassin Servant said, ushering him to think of his answer.
"Indeed, this is your Trial, Child," Kagekiyo said, awaiting his answer as well.
Aria looks at Harry, "I agree with them, Harry-sama. Whatever you choose, I'll follow you on whatever you decide." The Rider said, speaking from the heart.
Harry looks to his left, Andersen too engrossed with his writing to even bat an eye. "Harry-kun," Mashu spoke, being held by her Father-in-Law. "T-This Trial, it may not be what we wanted you to experience here. It's true, both me and your Father wanted to raise you as a normal Child, but Limbo-san speaks the truth." The former Demi-Servant said,
"At this moment, it is you who you want to be as a master, Harry-kun," Mashu said, wishing things were simple when it came to her Son and Heirship.
Sirius nodded, agreeing with Mashu on that note. Even though he hasn't the slightest clue of what's happening, the sight of him is all too similar to his Past. "Your Mother's right, Harry. What exactly do you want to be?" He asked,
Harry thought hard, in all honesty, he was holding back this question from his mind. "What do I want?" He asked, glaring up at Limbo. His voice was ready to proclaim his desire, "What I want is to be a master that you'll respect!" He announced, causing everyone to smile, even Limbo. "And for me to do that is by defeating you, Ashyia Douman, and anyone who stands in my way!"
Kagekiyo chuckles, eyeing Hassan of the Shining Star. They both nod, hearing what they needed hear the young master's words. "Assassin, on me!" The Avenger called out to her fellow Chaldean Servant.
Shining Star nodded, following Kagekiyo's lead. "Very well, I'll follow your lead, Kagekiyo!" The Assassin leaps forward, following the Avenger's lead.
"H-Huh!? Where are you two going?" Sirius asked, seeing the two Servants rushing in,
Ashyia looked at the incoming Servants, preparing his Shikigami. "Hmmm, you all are quick to act. I'll teach you that Attacking right away is the wrong move here!" The Alter Ego tosses his Shikigamis, sending his Familiars to counter the two Servants.
The Shikigamis were hurling straight for the Assassin and Avenger, however a streak of light raced through the Digital Sky. The streak that soared through the Sky happened to be a large Mechanical Arrow that destroyed the Shikigamis.
"A-A Arrow made out of purely metal?" Sirius asked, never seeing anything like that before.
However, both Mashu and Harry knew who shot that Arrow. "It's Tametomo-san's Arrow!" Mashu exclaims, looking back at where the Arrow originated.
On top of the Medical Center's roof, Minamoto-no-Tametomo held his Bow at the direction of the Build Section Gate. "Target hit, successful." The Archer announced,
"Good job there, Tametomo!" Rogue Pretender said, looking up at the Archer next to her. "Master was in trouble there," She stated,
Ayus, also present with the Servants, observing the Battle at the Gate. "Yes, now the others can take down Limbo." The AI stated, seeing the two preparing to strike.
Meltryllis tilts her head, seeing Harry with his Mother and Grandfather/Godfather. "Gotta say, the Brat really did take control of the situation." The Alter Ego stated, impressed by how he handled the situation.
Back at the Gate, Sirius was in awe of the Metal Arrow that struck the ground. "Tametomo? As in Minamoto-no-Tametomo? The Legendary Archer of the Genji Clan who said to slay a hundred Oni and Ayakashi?" He asked, surprised to hear even the smallest Historical Figure of Japanese History was around. "The same one who fought in the Siege of Shirakawa-den against the Taria Clan?"
Mashu nodded, getting up from the ground. "The same one, though as you know the real Tametomo-san is different from what you know." The former Demi-Servant said,
"Child, provide me a boost!" Kagekiyo called out to the young master,
Harry nodded, looking at Aria for her assistance. "Aria,"
The Rider nodded, already one step ahead of her master. "Right, I'll give them a boost in their Attack and Stamina," She gave her Blessings to the two Servants, improving their status.
Shining Star held his Sickles, conjoining them into one Weapon.
"Acceleration start," His Body began to glow a began to hover above the ground before ultimately picking up speed.
"Now, becoming a shining Star!"
Hassan of the Shining Star raced through the Hellish field, passing Kagekiyo as he resembled a Shooting Star.
"Mmmm…attacking me with a Noble Phantasm? Please, this is Child's play to me." Douman stated, commanding his Shikigamis to Attack the Assassin.
Shining Star frowns as he raises his Weapon, slashing away the Shikigamis before using one of them as a foothold. He was nearing the Alter Ego as he cried out,
"Zabaniya!"
The Assassin's speed picked up as he slashed through the former Apostle. The light turned back as he did another strike.
"GAH" Shining Star managed to and several hits on Limbo, causing him to stagger back.
Hassan of the Shining Star's glow began to disappear, sliding on the ground with his bare feet. His golden eyes didn't take off from the Opponent.
Douman huffs, looking at the purple-haired Assassin. "You think one merely strike or more from your Noble Phantasm can actually defeat me that easily?" He asked the Hassan behind him. "Did you forget, I still retain that trick from my time as Chaldea's Enemy-"
"We only need to bring you to the brink of Death, then my Flames shall render you immobile!" The Alter Ego turns around, seeing Kagekiyo standing behind him.
Harry held his hand out, "Do it now! Kagekiyo!"
The Avenger grins, hearing the Child's voice crying out to her, feeling his support. She raised her Katanas, moving them to her center.
"The hue of the Sal Tree's Flowers shall teach you the providence of the World!" Purple Flames burst around her, and the Blades sliced through her black wrappings.
The Flames then burst into copies of herself before dashing forward with one target in mind.
The Fire was like a dance, they all leaped and skipped across the Hellish Field. Sirius could only watch as the Genji Killer came out of the Flames, the other Flames gathered into her Sword and raised it at the Onmyoji. "A-Amazing..."
"Fleeting World, Fleeting Might!"
The Avenger slashed through Douman, causing a burst of Flames throughout the Gate. "GGGAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
Mashu got in front of Harry and Sirius, shielding them from the sheer brightness that came after the Noble Phantasm.
After the light show was over, Mashu lowered her Shield, allowing the two to look at the aftermath. "I think it's over," She said, informing the two.
"Is it? I still feel the heat of the Fire from here." Sirius said, feeling something before him but he couldn't see what it was.
"You all can come out, it's over," Andersen said, closing up his book and informing the others it was safe to come out.
Harry quickly rushed forward, wanting to see if the Servants were alright from Douman's Noble Phantasm. "Everyone! Are you alright?" He asked, only to see Ashyia Douman standing on the normal set of stairs, similar to Ryuudou Temple in Japan.
In fact, the Hellish Hellscape was now an exact replica of Ryuudou Temple in Fuyuki. "Man, Douman doesn't really hold his punches when his Noble Phantasm is unleased." Harry looks at Charlie, getting up from the ground.
"Uncle Charlie!" Harry ran up to the Pseudo-Servant, relieved to see him all right.
"Hmm? Heya Kiddo, it seems like you've defeated Limbo with your own merits." Charlie reached out to his Grandson, ruffling his hair at a job well done. "Nice job,"
"Umu, that we can agree," Nero said, approaching them after recovering from the Battle. "Truly you have learned a lot when Commanding us, Servants! Of course, it must be that Lesson I departed with you that gained that confidence and Commanding side of yours, Umu, Umu!" The Roman Emperor proudly said,
Harry chuckles, smiling at Nero's proclamation. "Yeah, your Lesson helps a bit, Nero." He said before feeling a large hand on his shoulders.
The young Boy looks up at Duryodhana, smiling down at him. "Seems like you've proven me wrong, young master. Here I thought you were just a Kid that master and Lady Mashu Adopted." The Berserker stated as he continued. "But you have shown you can lead us into Battle."
"Yes, truly you have the makings of a great Leader, young Lord." Vlad III (Extra) said, seeing what the black-haired Boy can do as a master. "If my other self could see you now, then he'd agree with us," The Lancer said,
Passionlip smiles, walking carefully up to Harry. "Hmm-mmm, you did good here, young master." She said short and sincerely, seeing his Commands were like master's.
Harry smiled at the Servants before hearing his Mother and Uncle approach him. "Mom, Uncle Sirius! We did it, we defeated Limbo!" He exclaims,
"Yeah Pup, it seems we did best Ashyia Douman at his own game," Sirius said, feeling relieved that things went better for them at the end.
Aria nodded, happy to see her master happy from their victory. "Ara, Ara, Harry-sama, you were amazing when commanding us," The Counter Force Servant announced,
"Thanks, Aria," Harry said before hearing Mashu speak.
"Harry-kun, you did well defeating a strong Opponent such as Limbo-san," Mashu said, proud that her Son had become a master in his own way. "If your Father was with us now, he'd be proud of what you did." She smiles with pride.
Harry blushed, happy to hear the compliments he was receiving. "Hmmm, oh yes, the young master has really shown his stripes here, as they say. Hmmm…" He turns around and sees Ashyia Douman walking down from the top of the Gate. His wound was already Healing with his Omyoudou.
"I always believe that the young master has the capabilities of a Commander. All he needs is a little push from the right (wrong) Person, am I right, Kagekiyo, Hassan of the Shining Star?" The Alter Ego turns to the Servants who face him.
"The Child did…well…but I still stand my ground." Kagekiyo said, still not supporting the path of suffering Harry was on now. The path that his Father, her master is far down where he's just halfway from the beginning.
However, now that Harry is determined to follow his Father's path. The only choice for the Avenger is to ensure that the young Child doesn't suffer that much in the Future.
"I'm still evaluating the young master, however, what I've seen so far. He's rather impressive thus far." Hassan of the Shining Star said, giving a small smile at Harry.
"Limbo, you're not going to Attack anymore?" Sirius asked, calling Ashyia Douman by the Name he goes by. He was still gripping his Wand, ready to defend against him.
"Hmmm….no, not anymore. The young master has defeated me fair and square." Ashyia Douman said, admitting his defeat. "I may be deprived of any Humanity, I do keep my word," The Alter Ego stated,
Mashu nodded, relieved that the Battle was really done. "Whew, that's a relief Limbo-san." She commented,
"Hmmm….however that being said, the next Section is rather…challenging…" Douman said, informing them what to expect from the next Section.
"What's exactly in the Build Section?" Harry asked, wanting to know what's in there.
-ZZZ- The Build Section is where the Rani-Bs originated from. -ZZZ- Gusion informed Harry as the Rani-Rs arrived with the help of the Rani-Ts' transportation. -ZZZ- The Rani-Bs are responsible for repairing damages to Seraphix. However, they are also responsible for building Vehicles Chaldea uses, such as the Stymphalides White Birds, the Shadow Seekers, and the Ornithopter Tanks. -ZZZ- The Prime Ai said,
"Typically those are Prototypes, they have yet to be tested," Mashu said, confirming what is inside the Build Section. "We find it wise to have some sort of Military to able to protect Chaldea when the Servants are stretched thin."
Harry nodded, understanding better what was inside the Section. "So we need to be careful when heading inside-"
Ashyia Douman grins, shaking his head. "Not quite, you see BB has granted me a little insight into her Pseudo-Singularity." The Alter Ego said, explaining what to expect further down from this point. "At this point, entering through the Gate that's where the real test begins."
"This point and on, you can only bring a few Servants with you. Hmmm…like around four or five…" The Alter Ego said, telling the group of the difficulties up ahead. "BB doesn't like it when there's a large Servant army coming at her. So choose your Servants carefully,"
"Hmm…so our forces will be cut in half, hpmf. Typically of that AI." Andersen commented, finding it annoying that the purple-haired Moon Cancer always makes the last two stretches to be difficult.
Karna closed his eyes, "Unfortunately I cannot accompany you into the next Section." The Hero of Benefaction said, apologizing to the young master. "However, if Arjuna or Bhima is in the next two Sections then they can be of use to you."
"Umu, even if we can't all go see the end at least a few of us can accompany the young Prince to the Build Section," Nero said, looking at the black-haired Boy as did everyone in the area.
Mashu gave a gentle smile, "Take your time on who you want to bring further down Seraphix, Harry-kun." The former Demi-Servant said, giving Harry the time to think crucially here.
A few minutes passed by the rest of the Servants from the Storm Border/Counter Force Servants arrived at the Gate.
Sirius was acquainted with the rest of the Servants that were on the Storm Border. To his shock, Minamoto-no-Tametomo was a giant Gundam. Something he gained a fondness for when he was staying in Japan.
Not only that but that Andersen Person was grinding him about Wizard Fairytales. As such, he gave the Summary of The Tales of Beedle the Bard; a collection of Wizard Fairytales. He told him about Babbitty Rabbitty and her Crackling Stump, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, The Wizard, and the Hopping Pot, and the Warlock's Hairy Heart.
Sirius saw Andersen raising a brow at the Titles, "Odd Titles, but considering you would find the Mundane Fairytales Titles to be strange as well." Andersen spoke, writing down the Names within his Book.
"At first, yes," Sirius answered, wondering what the Caster was planning to do with them. "What do you plan to do with the Fairytales?" He asked,
"I'm just curious about your Culture, mainly what kind of Stories you have written," Andersen answered before walking away. "If you have a chance, I would like to obtain The Tales of Beedle and the Bard Collection, Mr. Black." The Caster said,
Sirius had a confused expression about what he said. Not paying that in mind, he turns to his Godson/Grandson sitting on the stairwell with two of his Servants.
"Who to bring…" Harry said to himself, looking at the array of Servants around him. There are so many choices, Spartacus who is strong, Andersen who is smart, Vlad III (Extra) who is strategic, each Servant has their quirks that either of them is good. "Gah! This is so confusing, how does Dad even do it!?"
Rogue Pretender placed her hands behind her back, smiling at her master. "Don't worry, master. I believe you can do it," The red-haired Servant said,
"Yes, you can Command Servants just like your Father. I know you can choose which Servants to accompany you in the next Sections." Tamamo Aria said, trusting in Harry's judgment, regardless of who he chose.
Ashyia Douman stood behind Harry, smiling at the young Boy. "Still figuring out who to bring with you, young master?" The Alter Ego asked, leaning above him.
Harry flinched, turning to his former Enemy. "A-Ashyia Douman, you scared me." He said, causing Rogue Pretender and Aria to be defensive.
"Calm down, I have no intention to do any mischief with the young master. Please, call me Limbo." Ashyia said, placing his claws on the young Boy's back, glowing a bit before being abruptly stopped by Kagekiyo.
"Unhand your Claws, Priest," Kagekiyo stated, holding her Katana between the two. "Knowing you, you're always up to something." The Avenger stated,
Ayshia raised his hands defensively, giving a questionable smile. "Hmmm…and what am I planning, Tiara-no-Kagekiyo?" The Alter Ego asked his fellow Extra Class Servant.
The Avenger raised her blade and sheathed it. "Don't know, but considering what you do, it's no good," Kagekiyo stated,
Harry looks at Kagekiyo, trying to calm the situation. "Um…okay, I think we need to take a breather." He said, holding out his hands between them.
Kagekiyo huffs, turning around from the Alter Ego. "Very well…young master, I shall fall back." The Genji Killer said, moving away from the Representative.
"Much appreciate it, young Lord." Ashyia Douman inclined his head to the young master. "Now, what can this Alter Ego help you with? I can tell you're in a pickle with choosing the Servants."
Harry nodded, "Yeah, I just don't know who to choose. Everyone is just good at what they do." The young Boy said, feeling pressured by this choice.
Ashyia smiles, assisting his master's Son with this situation. "Then let me assist you. Choose anyone that you think can help you in the next Section." The Alter Ego said,
The black-haired Boy ponders and looks at the Servants gathered here.
Sirius walks up to Harry, overhearing what the conversation. "Made a decision Pup?" He asked, wondering who was coming with them.
"Yeah, I know who's coming with us." Harry smiled, already made a decision.
A few minutes passed by, and Harry, Mashu, and Sirius were standing at the Build Section's Gate. "Are you ready to head in, Harry-kun?"
Harry nodded, turning to everyone he chose to accompany them. "Okay, are you guys ready?"
"Umu, of course." Nero stated, "As the Servant who accompanied you in this Pseudo-Singularity, it's only right to see it to the end." The Roman Emperor stated with pride.
Rogue Pretender nodded, excited to join her master. "Yes, ready, master. Too bad Aria can't come." The red-haired Servant looks at the Rider.
Aria merely smiled softly, "Ara, as much as I want to join Harry-sama. I just can't go," The Rider said, apologizing to the group. "But I got a feeling that my other self is beyond this Gate. I don't want to see her, ara…" She said, knowing if she met one of her Tails she might be revealed.
"But I'll be cheering for your victory, Harry-sama." The Rider said, praying that her master succeeded.
Harry smiles, looking at the next Servant. "Hmm…strange you chose me out of everyone to accompany you. How unexpected and how brazen," Ashyia Douman said, placing his Claws on his chin. "Very much of your Father who'll make an Enemy into an Ally."
Andersen closed his Book, already set and ready to leave. "If we're done, I'd like to get past this Gate and into the next one." The Caster said, "The quicker we meet with BB, the quicker we resolve the Pseudo-Singularity. Ready Lord Vlad?"
Vlad III (Extra) nodded, "Of course, let's end this madness BB has created." The Lancer said, ready to meet with the Moon Cancer.
Everyone nodded as Harry looked at the Servants, standing in front of them who were staying behind. "I wish you luck, young Lord. I wish I could see this to the end, however, I cannot face the next Avenger. She knows all of my tactics and weaknesses." Tametomo said, offering himself to stay behind first.
"Little Rebel, lead this Rebellion well," Spartacus said, smiling down at the young master whom he grew fond of. "As much I want to go, I know my Berserker tendencies aren't suited and you needn't of that. So, I, Spartacus will watch you through the Comms here," The Berserker said as the next Servant spoke.
Passionlip walked up to Harry, "E-Even if it's short, I know you can defeat Mother and resolve this Singularity, Little master." The Alter Ego of Love/Hate said, blushing away for a moment. "M-Maybe, after this ordeal, can we have a proper greeting? Like over snacks?"
"Yeah, I'd like that," Harry said before feeling a metal touch on his head. He looks up, seeing Meltryllis smiling at him.
"If Lip here is offering to eat with her, then I should give you a first-row seat to my performances," Meltryllis said, offering Harry a place in her recital soon. "Consider it as a reward for showing us you're capable of doing what master could do." She smiled, her face was impressed by what she saw,
Shining Star looks at Harry, crossing his arms. "Don't think that me staying here means my evaluation of you has ended." The Assassin smirks, his eyes glued to him "This is only the beginning,"
Karna closes his eyes, gazing at Harry. "I know you can pull this off, young master. You're much like your Father more than you realize." The Lancer stated,
"Do us proud, and show them what kind of Chaldean master you're going to be, young master," Duryodhana stated, having confidence in him.
Ayus nodded her hand on her Heart. "We'll be watching over you, and if you're somehow injured. Don't hesitate to ask one of the Rani-Rs for help." She said, showing her support in her own way. "I've put out a directive to all of my Ranis to aid you in the Singularity."
Harry nodded as Kagekiyo stepped forward. "Young master, the Avenger that lies ahead holds the same value of you as me." Kagekiyo stated, "You are a Child who has no place where suffering is a part of everything. You have answered my question, and I will support you. However, for this Avenger, you need to show it once more to her." He warns the young Boy about Ushi Gozen.
"I won't back down, not after I've been through here," Harry said, showing Kagekiyo his determination.
"Show that determination to every Anti-Succession Faction Servant and they'll soon realize you're not one to trifle with," Kagekiyo said, confident in Harry he can overcome the Trials.
Harry nodded, turning to Charlie who was giving his last words. "Well, Kiddo we'll be see each other soon," Charlie said, ruffling his hair. "As much I want to talk to you, Sirius, and Ritsuka, I think I should wait until things are cooled down for now. Kick BB's ass for us, kay?" He said,
"Yes, I will, Uncle Charlie," Harry said, turning around and heading to his Mother, Godfather/Grandfather, and the Servants, waiting for him.
"Ready to go, Harry-kun?" Mashu asked,
Harry nodded, ready to enter the Build Section. "Yes, I am."
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.
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