AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 33 Camp Chaldea
Ritsuka was beyond mad, and that was the kind way of saying it. In truth, he was furious,
He sat at the desk in the director's tent within the Chaldean Campsite. Next to him was Mashu, Holmes, Koyanskaya in her jumpsuit, and Samuel Quahog standing as witness to this minor hearing.
Standing before them was Tezcatlipoca who had his hands in his pocket. He smirks at his master, seeing the unhappy expression on his face. "Master, it's been a while since we've spoken. How's things going for you?" The blonde Servant asked,
Samuel sighs, looking at his Boss. "He's clearly trying to make things as an innocent prank, director." The Magus from Botany informed him, knowing all of the Assassin's tricks from working aside him.
"Tezcatlipoca," Ritsuka said his full name, indicating his mood. "You're asking what my mood is, right? Well, I don't know, maybe having Camazotz kidnapping Harry right under me, gathering your Anti-Harry Succession Faction, having both Beni-Enma and Kingprotea turn to their Altered forms, and I don't know…challenging my SON to a Grail Front should indicate my mood." He gave an innocent smile, a smile all know too well that Ritsuka was pissed off.
Tezcatlipoca merely sighs, shrugging his shoulders. "Well, I expected that much knowing you, master." The Grand Servant commented before hearing Mashu speak.
"Tezcatlipoca-san, why did you have Camazotz-san kidnap Harry-kun? You know that we're heading to the Campsite and yet you did it." Mashu asked the Assassin, curious about his motives.
Holmes looks over to the Grand Servant, "Be careful about what you say, Tezcatlipoca to Mr. Fujimaru." The Ruler warns the Assassin as a cautionary warning.
The Grand Servant sighs, seeing there's no other way to get out of this situation. "Right, so to answer your question, Mashu. Me and a couple of Servants here wanted to see what the little master is like." Tezcatlipoca explains before continuing. "I'm sure you're aware that getting yourself an Heir is like a sign that you'll be retiring soon enough. And many of us, mostly Servants who were greatly attracted to you didn't like that."
Ritsuka raised a brow, but he didn't give any indicator of doing anything else but hearing the Aztec God out.
"In any case, for the whole Grail Front business. Think of it as a little test to see what the Kid's made of as a master." Tezcatlipoca reasons with Ritsuka. "He does have a set of Command Seals; what better to test his capabilities as a master than a simulation? Those extra wordings are just to make him think we're serious."
The blonde Servant looks at his master, "Master, think about it. How can we be sure that when the time comes for your retirement, can we really be sure he's ready?" Tezcatlipoca asked, "Not to mention the small amount of Magical Energy in he has as a Wizard."
"He does have a point," Koyanskaya belated out her thoughts,
Samuel chokes on his own saliva, turning to the Alter Ego. "W-Wha- Ms. Koyanskaya, clearly you jest? Tezcatlipoca has endangered the welfare of a Child, to say the least, right out kidnapping under his Parents' watch." The Magus stated, having a list of crimes the Servant has committed just in a span of a Day.
"Calm down, Sammy. There's no need to have your knots in a tie." Koyanskaya waved her hand, "I'm stating that Tezcatlipoca does make a good point. Since Fujimaru refused to put the Child in the simulator reenacting the Singularities and Lostbelts, what else can we test him on?" The Alter Ego said,
Ritsuka sighs, seeing the point from Tezcatlipoca's view. 'How did Daybit ever handle this Man.' He moans before glaring at the Grand Servant. "I get your views, Tez. But that issue isn't a problem, remember my Magical Energy is nothing compared to the Big Wigs at the Clocktower."
Tezcatlipoca remained silent, not able to counter that as Ritsuka spoke, "The next time you ever do anything like this, I'll punish you accordingly on how I see fit. I'm willing to even use a Command Seal on you if you dare to do something." Ritsuka said, not liking how he is treating his Servants as Children but it needs to be done.
Tezcatlipoca sighs, looking away from the Man he respects. "Hai…" He monotonously said before being dismissed.
Samuel looks at Ritsuka, wondering why he left the God of the Night and Sorcery off with a warning. "Director, why did you give Tezcatlipoca a warning? You know as I that he doesn't play by normal Servant/master rules." The Branch director said, reminding him of who the Assassin is.
"I know, but being Tez is just who he is," Ritsuka said, trusting the Aztec Servant to at least behave himself. "He's done so much here in South America, rally some Mages to monitor the Crystal Valley. Ensure nobody gets into the Valley by enlisting the Gangs and Mafia Bosses here to work with us with payment."
Holmes nodded, seeing the hard work that Tezcatlipoca did to ensure the protection of Humanity. "Yes, Tezcatlipoca is a major cornerstone of our operations here in the Americas." The Ruler commented, "A warning is probably the only path he could do,"
Ritsuka groans, leaning back on his chair. "I just hope Harry wasn't traumatized by Camazotz's nabbing." The Magus said, only concerned about Harry,
Mashu approaches her Husband, gently placing her hand on his arm. "Harry-kun is being checked by Nightingale-san, she's the best when it comes to healing People." The former Demi-Servant said, having faith in the Berserker.
Samuel shutters at the thought of the Head of the Medical Department of Chaldea. "Define…healing, Lady Mashu?" He asked,
Tezcatlipoca walked out of his master's tent after being dismissed. He merely sighs, barely escaping from whatever punishment his master has set out for him. "Man, nearly escaped whatever master has dished out for me."
"Great Tezcatlipoca," Izcalli approaches the Aztec God, "What has master given you as your punishment for taking the Brat?" The Avenger asked the God he worships despite being betrayed by him in Nahui Mictlan.
The blonde Servant gave a slight chuckle, looking at his Follower. "I got off with a warning, not that surprising how master is kind in that way." The Grand Servant said, informing Izcalli.
Izcalli frowns, not liking the kindness that his master has. "He's too kind in that way if we were in Mexico City then I'd shoot anyone who dares to defy you, Great Tezcatlipoca." The Avenger stated, showing he still stands with him despite being in a contract with Ritsuka.
"Calm yourself, Izcalli. We're in Proper Human History now, the Ocelomeh ways are looked down upon here." Tezcatlipoca said to the black-haired Servant.
"But what about-"
"I didn't say we're not going to test the Little master," Tezcatlipoca said to Izcalli, walking off to the Camp with Izcalli. "He's yet to give an answer to my challenge." The Grand Assassin continued before looking for Harry.
(Insert Treasure Hunting (Fate/Grand Order OST)
In the Medical tent, Harry sat down on the makeshift bed while he was being treated by the Florence Nightingale. She had pink hair that was braided and tied in a loose bun, she wore a red Military uniform with a brown satchel, a black skirt, white boots, and gloves.
Around her waist was a Pistol they used in the Nineteenth Century. "How is my master, Berserker?" Zhou Yu asked, standing next to him at his bedside.
"A few scrapes, no signs of bruising or any deep wounds caused by Camazotz's claws. Nor any whiplash from the kidnapping. All prior injuries to the Patient is already taken care of." Nightingale said, informing the recently new Servant. "There should be nothing to be concerned over."
Harry watched as Nightingale pulled out some ointment from her Medical bag. She turns to him and hands the ointment, "Apply this anti-bacterial ointment on your scrapes right after you disinfect them. If you don't then I have to perform amputation on both your arms to prevent the spread of the infection."
Harry paled at what she said, "A-Amputation?" He asked, surprised that she would go that far for simple scrapes.
"Hey now, don't scare the little tike, Nightingale." Harry looks over to the entrance of the Medical tent, hearing a Southern Accent. "He's still too young to handle your mindset."
A blonde young Man dressed as a Cowboy walks inside the tent. "Master won't like it if his Kid is walking around without any arms." He said to the Berserker.
"As do I, as much I appreciate you tending to my master's wounds. It's best not to go to the extreme." Zhou Yu stated, defending his master from Nightingale's lack of common sense.
Nightingale merely blinks, packing away the bandage wrapping. "It's merely a precaution, Archer. I am prepared to do what's needed to ensure the young master is Healthy, unharmed, and disease-free." The Berserker said before returning to her duties on the other side of the tent.
The Archer sighs as he turns his attention back to Harry. "Sorry about Nightingale, Bud. She's the do and don't think type, like all Berserkers." He chuckles, seeing the Servant Ritsuka Bonded the most in the American Singularity ignores his statement.
"I noticed," Harry replied, meeting all kinds of Berserkers during his trip with his Parents.
"Now, where are my manners?" The Archer spoke, smirking at Harry for introductions. "The name's Billy, I'm from the Archer Class Servant. I'm not one for those formal Servant Class Name types, but if situations call for it, feel free for ya to use it." Billy introduced himself to Harry, clearly on the side of his Succession,
Harry took a good look at Billy; both his outfit, his Southern accent, and his name were a giveaway. "Y-You're Henery McCarty Junior! Billy the Kid, the Outlaw who represents the Wild West!" The young Wizard said, knowing his True Name.
"Well I'll be damned, you're smarter than ya look, Bud." Billy smiles, impressed that Harry figured out his True Name out of the blue. "Ya figured out my True Name right out of the hat. As expected for the next big honcho of Chaldea."
Harry blushed, appreciating what Billy said to him. "Um, thank you, Billy."
"So, what brings you here, Billy? Is it to pay a visit to my master?" The Tactician asked the Outlaw.
Billy nodded, confirming what Zhou Yu suspected. "Yep, I ain't denying it, but I was real concern when master said he's coming to South America." The Archer stated, "A lot of us know that Tezcatlipoca is the Head of those who oppose the idea of the young master being the next director." The Archer stated, sharing his dissatisfaction with how the Grand Servant had been acting lately.
"And when he had Camazotz to nab ya, well, it crossed the line," Billy stated, looking at the black-haired Boy. "But when Quetz and Kukulkan found where Tez was, the rest of us were relieved. I mean really, kidnapping a Kid like that from their Pa and Ma? It ain't right," He then shook his head, looking at the young master.
"Well, what's done is done, since you're safe, Bud. How about I show you around the Camp now you're already here." Billy asked offering to guide Harry around the site.
Harry nodded, accepting the offer. "Alright, I'm fine with that." He turns to Nightingale who is distracted with her work.
Billy placed his hand on Harry's back, patting him to leave. "Forget about Nightingale, she's busier than a Honey Bee in her hive." The Archer said, turning to Zhou Yu who he assumed to be following them. "You're coming, right Archer?" He asked.
"Of course, where my master goes; I go." Zhou Yu said, following them outside the Medical tent.
Stepping out of the tent, Harry was greeted by a lush green area. They were set in the middle of an opening within the Amazon. White tents with the Chaldean Logo were set up throughout the area,
There were so many jeeps parked at every corner, and crates of supplies were seated near bigger tents. The Chaldean Staff stationed in the American Branch were working around the clock,
Harry smiles, feeling like he is actually Camping. The Camp in France's Outskirts was also great, but the one in South America was like Camping in the Forest,
Billy smiles, seeing the fascination of the entire Camp. "First time Camping where Trees are everywhere?" The Archer asked the young master, receiving a nod from Harry. "Well, better get used to it, Partner. When you're older, you might need to set up a Campsite when you go on Missions."
"Did Daddy and Mommy do that too?" Harry asked the Archer next to him.
"You bet they did, both master and Mashu are practically experts by now when it comes to Camping," Billy said before noticing a dark-skinned Woman with purple hair and dressed lightly with golden jewelry. She has large ears on top of her head and in her hand was a silver Staff.
Harry instantly recognized her to be one of the Servants he'd met when Camazotz kidnapped him. "Ah, I see you're all better young master." Nitocris approaches them with a smile.
Billy nodded, greeting the Caster Servant, "Howdy, Nito, just came back from patrol from the Crystal Valley am I right?" The blonde Servant asked.
Nitocris nodded, stopping near them. "Yes, the activity in the Valley is the same as usual." She then shifts her eyes to Harry, who seems to be covered in an Aura of Death. "It's a pleasure to meet you finally, young master. I do hope my Altered self didn't scare you like the others did,"
"Altered self?" Harry questioned before realizing that both Nitocris now and the one he'd met with Tezcatlipoca were completely different. Now that he thinks of it, Jeanne D'Arc Alter and Atalante Alter share the same title. "I think I met some Alters before,"
"I'm sure you did. An Alter is what the title suggests, the Alter of a Servant. They're the sides of Heroic Spirits who became the opposites of themselves." Nitocris explains before continuing. "My Alter is the embodiment of the God of Embalmment, Anubis. She was crueler than me but she judged People on their beliefs and their capabilities." She explains who Nitocris Alter is as a Servant of Chaldea.
Harry thought back to Nitocris Alter when he met the Servants. He'd assumed that she didn't like him, but after what the Original Nitocris said, she was most likely there to judge him as a Person.
He then paused, looking at Nitocris, "Anubis? The Egyptian God of the Underworld? The only Person I know who has a connection to him is…are you Pharaoh Nitocris then?" He asked,
"Well burst my bubble, that's the second time in a row." Billy laughs, patting Harry's back. "I didn't expect you to guest Nito's Name like that." The Archer commented, seeing Harry has a bright Future ahead of him.
"You weren't exactly hiding her True Name, Archer." Zhou Yu sighs, hearing what the Outlaw calls him. "You called Lady Nitocris as Nito when you greeted her,"
The Caster smiles, scratching the side of her cheek. "I do not mind, it's not like we're hiding who were are in the Camp." Nitocris coughs, returning to her dignified persona. "Well, now that you know my True Name, ahem…"
"My Name is Pharaoh Nitocris, I serve under your Father as his Caster Servant. You may address me as Nitocris normally you have to be respectful to me and call me by my Class Name." Nitocris stated before continuing. "But since you are my master's Son, I'll consider this as a special circumstance." She said,
Harry nodded, understanding how to address the Caster, "Okay, Nitocris." He smiles,
"Well, well, it seems the Little master is up and about." Harry froze, turning his attention to a familiar voice.
The Servants frowned as they gathered around Harry. "Tez, why are you here?" Billy asked the Grand Servant.
"Shut your mouth, Human," Izcalli said, aiming his Gun at the Archer. "You have no right to question the great Tezcatlipoca on what he does!" The Avenger stated,
Billy laughed at Izcalli, pointing his Gun at him. "Well, hardheaded as always, ain't you, Izcalli." He raised his Gun at the black-haired Servant, responding to the gesture. "Back where I come from, when a fella aims their Gun at you, it's an invitation to do the same." The Archer stated,
The many Staff around saw the little tussle between Servants, they quickly moved out of the way so they wouldn't get caught in the crossfire.
Nitocris steps in between the two Servants, preventing any conflict from happening. "Hey, don't you dare start a shooting match here. Especially when we're near the Crystal Valley!" The Caster stated.
"I agree, plus there are others here that desired not to get hit by a stray bullet." Zhou Yu said, ready to materialize his Bow to prevent a conflict.
Tezcatlipoca held Izcalli's Gun, lowering it as a sign to stand down. "That we can agree." The God of Night said before looking at Harry. "I'm not here to cause trouble, I'm merely here to ask if you decided to my little challenge, Little master."
Harry blinks, already knowing why he is here. "You have yet to decide if you accepted or not." The Assassin said,
Harry knew of the risk if he refused to participate in the challenge. However, knowing who Tezcatlipoca was from the stories he read, there was only one answer he could give. "I accept your challenge." He replied,
The Servants who stood with him froze, looking down at Harry for his unexpected response. "Oi, Bud, you don't need to accept Tez's challenge. He's just sizing you up, nothing but a good old-fashioned bully." Billy stated, not wanting Harry to do this.
"Billy's right, you're still new to this," Nitocris stated, knowing Harry has little experience when it comes to combat. Sure the times in France and Russia are missions, but he was just in the background while Ritsuka and the others are doing the work.
Zhou Yu also believes this was a bit too much. "Master, I admire your bravery, but we're talking about facing one of the major figures in the Aztec Pantheon." The Archer said, having some concerns.
Izcalli smirks, glaring down at Harry. "Finally, I was waiting for the chance to beat the shit out of you-"
"Izcalli, I don't need your input," Tezcatlipoca stated before addressing Harry. "I half expected that you agree to the challenge, Little master."
"I-It's not like I have a choice, you said you'll end your Contract with Daddy if don't do it," Harry said, not wanting to be the cause of his Father's strife when Tezcatlipoca and the others leave.
The blonde Divine Spirit smiles, "I'm happy that you did, at the end of this expedition we'll face off in a Grail Front." Tezcatlipoca stated, informing them when they were going to fight. "During the week, you have time to ally yourself with the Servants here of your choosing. Whether be it the Servants who are natural of you or Servants who side with you. But if want to make it a bit challenging, you can also seek assistance from Servants who oppose your succession."
"The Servants who are going to be with me are the Pretender; Tlaloc, Avenger; Izcalli, and Beast; Camazotz," Tezcatlipoca informed whom Harry will face during the challenge before turning around to perform his duties as a Chaldean Servant. "I wish you luck, Little master."
Izcalli smirks, "Like you ever need it,since we're going to win here." The Ocelomeh King said, leaving with the Grand Servant.
Ritsuka stood near them without being seen, hearing that his Son had accepted Tezcatlipoca's challenge. "Foolhardily, what is that Brat is even thinking? Accepting Tezcatlipoca's challenge like that?" Kingu gritted his teeth, also watching the young master before him. "He's a lot like you when you're younger, you know."
"I know…" Ritsuka sighs, assuming that Harry has gained a sense of bravery from him when he was watching his Battles. "But there's nothing we can do about that now. Kingu, help him."
The Lancer looks at his Brother, surprised by the request. "W-What!? Why should I help an insignificant Child like him?" Kingu asked,
"Because I asked you to," Ritsuka stated, looking at the green-haired Lancer. "Harry is up against Tezcatlipoca, a Grand Servant, Tlaloc, a Pretender, and Camazotz, a Beast Class Servant, and Izcalli who need I remind you is trigger-happy. He needs the help he can get if he has a chance against him."
Kingu would normally refuse, but in this case, he can't. Not from his Father, "Fine, I'll help the Boy, got nothing better to do anyways." The Lancer said, going to assist with his Nephew with this Front. (End song)
AN: Since Harry accepted the challenge, which two Servants Harry should enlist to be on his team?
Jaguarman
Beni-Enma
Nitocris
King Hassan
Ozymandias
Quetzalcoatl
Nightingale
Ereshkigal
Ishtar
Kingprotea