AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 35 The Fourth Lesson
Hogwarts
Sirius and Remus returned to Hogwarts after being somehow Apparated back to Britain from Russia by Chaldea's own version of Apparition. Remus heard Kadoc calling it, a Teleportation system, a minute version of Rayshifting.
Like Apparitions, first-timers felt sick in their stomach. "H-Hey, Mooney…" Sirius held his vomit, looking at his Best Friend. "D-Do you feel sick?" He asked the Werewolf.
Remus only nodded, taking in a deep breath before speaking. "Yes, it's like when we first Apparate for the first time." The Werewolf cleared his throat before standing straight. "Just give it some time-"
" Sirius, Remus! how did yeh get ter Hogwarts this fast? Did yer Apparate just now?" A large, tall Man walks up to the two Wizards, not expecting them to appear now.
Sirius looks at their Friend and fellow Order member, "Hagrid, yeah we did. We came to report to Dumbledore on our mission to find Harry," He said, informing the Half-Giant.
Rubeus Hagrid's eyes widen filled with excitement. "Really? Did you find the wee little Harry?" He asked, wondering if they did. "The last time I saw Harry was when dropped him off at his Aunt's House in Surry."
"Yes we did, but it's rather important that we need to speak with the Headmaster right away," Remus stated, knowing they were welcomed to the School.
"Of course, this way to Hogwarts." Hagrid guided the two Wizards' inside the School where they met some upset Students.
Both Remus and Sirius saw many Students from all Houses either crying or studying their hardest over a certain Class. "What happened here when we were gone?" Sirius asked, having never seen this many heartbroken Students since James's time in School.
Hagrid sighs, informing the two what happened during their mission. "Many things happened while yer gone, Sirius, Remus. Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore have hired a new Defense Teacher and the Students are having a hard time." The Half-Giant stated, "The new Professor has this strict notion about her Class, dismissing everyone who has taken it. As yer can see, it's a stressful year for the wee ones."
Remus nodded, seeing the result of the new Professor's strictness. "It's a good thing we don't have to attend her Class." He said, grateful for being an Adult.
"That's one hell of luck yer we Adults have. If Professor Tonelico taught Classes back then, then we'd be still in School." Hagrid commented on Morgan's teaching style.
That name caused both Remus and Sirius to look at each other, Tonelico. The Fairy of Paradise whom they met during their time in Russia. "(Hey, Mooney, you don't think…)"
"(No, it can't be. Tonelico is far too young to be even considered to be a Professor. Let alone way too nice to even give Kids some grief.)" Remus whispers back, unsure of what is happening.
Sirius looks around, thinking to himself of the information Hagrid gave. "(Something is indeed going on here…I don't think Ritsuka would intentionally send someone to mess with the Wizarding Community.)" He said, trusting his Son wasn't aware of the situation.
Soon enough, the three reached the Headmaster's Office where the door opened upon their arrival. "Headmaster, Sirius, and Remus have returned from wherever yer sent them," Hagrid informed the Greatest Wizard in his eyes,
Dumbledore saw the two remaining Marauders, relieved that they hadn't abandoned their mission or that Voldemort's Followers got to them. "Sirius, Remus, thank Merlin you've returned. I was starting to think you two have gone rogue after your last report." He stated before continuing,
"Have you located Harry Potter during your silence during your Mission?" Dumbledore asked, walking up to the two,
Sirius looks at Remus, telling Dumbledore what they agreed upon. They looked at Dumbledore, seeing the twinkling in his eyes. "We…."
South America, Brazil, Crystal Valley
Harry sat down at the picnic table that the Staff set up for the others. He sat down next to his Mother and Father, having some breakfast.
Ritsuka noticed that Harry was absentminded, watching him pick the food with his fork. He looks at Mashu, motioning his eyes to their Son.
Mashu nods and turns to Harry, "Harry-kun, are you having fun here in South America?" She asked, trying to start up the conversation.
"Hmm? Oh, um, yes! Yes, I am Mommy." Harry stated, smiling at her, and answered her question.
"You seem to be preoccupied with something in your mind, Harry-kun," Mashu said, observing her Son's slightest reaction and action.
Harry gave a slight chuckle, trying his best to hide exactly what he was doing. "I'm just exploring the Rainforest. It's not every day I get to see this place," He smiles,
Mashu nodded, understanding where her Son was coming from. "I see, it's great that you're exploring the Amazon Rainforest. Just make sure you stay in the perimeters of the Camp." The former Demi-Servant said, wanting him to be careful.
Ritsuka looked at Harry, knowing that his Son was hiding something and he knew what that was. "Harry," He called for his Son.
Harry looks at his Father, hearing him call his Name. "Yes, Daddy?" The young Boy asked his Father,
Not wanting to destroy his morale or interrupt what he was doing so far. He decided to give a little nudge and assistance to him, "Why don't you come with us?" Ritsuka asked his Son, interlocking his fingers together, "We're going to a nearby Ruins just the outskirts of the Crystal Valley. I know it's near the place you might not go, but it's still it's something you might like." He smiles,
Harry ponders for a moment, thinking about what his Father said. The pro is going to an Ancient Ruin, something he really wanted to see before, but the con is that it's right next to the very place he fears.
Remembering what his Father said on the Shadow Border, he smiled bravely and nodded. "Yeah, I've always wanted to see what an Ancient Ruin is like," Harry responded to his Father's offer.
Mashu smiles, "Go get whatever you need in a bag, Harry-kun. We're going to be at the Ruins for a while." She informed her Son, wanting him to be prepared for the small trip.
Harry nodded, "I'll get ready then! I'll be back," He smiles, getting up from his seat and heading back to their tent to get some stuff.
"Alright, don't take long now," Mashu said, watching Harry leave for their tent. She turns to her Husband after Harry leaves, having something to ask him. "Ritsuka, what are you planning? I know you wouldn't ask Harry-kun to join us unless it's something, what is it?"
Ritsuka sighs, knowing he can't hide anything from his Wife. "You know as I that Harry has accepted Tez's challenge, and most of the Servants here aren't keen on him." The Magus informed his Wife, "I'm just giving him some opportunities to gain some more Allies for his Team." He said, knowing who was waiting for them at the Ruins.
"Oh, I see now. If memories serve me right, then she might be there." Mashu said, remembering the locations where specific Servants were stationed in the area they were in. "I'm sure that once she meets Harry-kun, she'll be happy to help him." She commented.
Ritsuka smiles, "I'm betting on that, after all…" A memory of last night flashes in his mind, the image of Harry sleeping soundly in his bed while a certain blonde Goddess watches over him and strokes his hair gently. "Servants related to Death seem to be attracted to him…"
Harry smiles, running back to his Family's tent. The thought of going to an Ancient Ruin is racing in his mind, plus it gives him the chance to talk to other Servants about joining his team against Tezcatlipoca. Good thing his Parents didn't know about him accepting a challenge from the Grand Assassin,
He was so preoccupied mentally that he didn't see someone walking before him. Soon enough, he bumped into the Person that was in his path. "Oof!" He landed on the ground, feeling a rather strong body in front of him.
"Mr. Fujimaru, are you alright?" Harry looks up, seeing Nightingale standing before him.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I was so excited about going out with Mommy and Daddy that I didn't see you, Ms. Nightingale," Harry said, getting up from the ground and apologizing for bumping into her.
The Berserker leans forward, checking every inch of Harry's body. "No external injuries…have you been keeping up with your treatment?" Nightingale asked the young Boy, wondering if he was putting ointment on his scraps.
Harry could only nod at Nightingale's question, "Um, yes…I just put some this morning actually, Ms. Nightingale." The young Wizard stated, informing the Nurse what he'd done.
"Mind telling me why you're in a rush? A Patient who sustains such injuries must keep themselves from more injuries." Nightingale stated, she then got close up to him,
"Okay, I get it. Thank you, Ms. Nightingale-" Harry said quickly, however, Nightingale said something unexpectedly.
"From your lower brow and sweat running down your face, it's clear you have alternative motives for this trip." The Berserker stated, "And you're hiding it from your Parents," Nightingale eyes Harry,
"H-How did you-"
Nightingale shut her eyes, stepping back. "I may be a Berserker, however, me being a Nurse and having many experiences with Patients gave me the intuition of a Medical Provider to see if Patients are lying from their slightest motion." The Nurse glared down at Harry, demanding to know why he was planning. "Now, tell me what you're planning, young master so I can properly educate you on how not to injure yourself in the near Future." She scolded him,
Harry flinched at Nightingale's strict tone, "U-Um…" Harry gave in, not liking the strictness with which Nightingale presented herself. "O-Okay…I'm actually hoping that I could speak to more Servants joining my side against Tezcatlipoca. I-I know that it's risky and, in your case, dangerous,"
He looks up, his eyes filled with determination in his eyes, "But I have to do it, if not then Tezcatlipoca and the others who don't like me will leave." Harry stated, looking down to the ground. "And Daddy will be sad because they're leaving him…and he might be disappointed in-" He shook his head, not thinking about that scenario.
Nightingale knows that Tezcatlipoca just said that to stir something. "Mr. Fujimaru, Tezcatlipoca is merely saying that to rile you up. Don't pay it no mind, Mr. Fujimaru." The Berserker said, seeing that despite telling the truth, Harry still had that gloomy expression.
Sighing, Nightingale stood before the young master and addressed him. "Your Father and Mother won't be disappointed in you, even if you lose to Tezcatlipoca." She said, prompting Harry to look at her. "As long as you try your hardest, they will never be disappointed."
"Mr. Fujimaru, a dream, and a desire are different things," Nightingale spoke, looking down at him. "Have a long hard look at reality and take stock of the odds; fighting with everything they got to the end is how the path of the wisher is paved."
Nightingale kneels down, placing her hands on Harry's shoulders as he looks at her. "My advice is this, you should live life for your own sake from here on out." She states, advancing Harry with a bit of advice she gave to his Parents in the Fifth Singularity.
"As long as you fight for your own reasons, then the People you wished to impress will be never disappointed," Nightingale stated, explaining what her advice to him entails. "I do hope you keep this in mind, Mr. Fujimaru. It might help with the Grail Front against Tezcatlipoca, now on with you, you're Parents are waiting for you." The Berserker stated,
Harry nodded, taking what he learned from the Servants he learned from and what Nightingale just said. "Thank you, Ms. Nightingale, and I will." He smiles, continuing to do what he was going to do prior to the divergence.
Nightingale smiles, instantly reminded of her master when he and her first met in the American Singularity. "The same as master," She chuckles, heading to the Medical tent.
After getting a backpack with snacks and water, Harry turns to Oberon relaxing near the AC. "Are you sure you won't come, Oberon?" Harry asked the Pretender Servant lying next to the AC.
Oberon turns to Harry, waving his hand at him. "Eh…it's way too hot for me. Maybe next time where somewhere much cooler…" The Fairy King moans, turning to face the cold breeze.
Harry frowns, hoping that the Lostbelt Servant will join him. "Okay then…" He looks down, seeing Fou coming over to him. "At least you're coming, Fou."
"Fou, Fou," Fou climbed up to Harry's arm, sitting where he sat on his shoulders. Once the Beast was set, Harry proceeded back to his Parents who were waiting for him.
Harry ran across the Camp, seeing his Father and Mother with a few Servants. One he recognized instantly, "Mommy, Daddy! I got everything,"
Ritsuka and Mashu (In the Ortinax) turn around upon hearing Harry's voice. "Got everything you need Bud? And you also have Fou on you too." The Magus smiles at his Son and Fou, his trusted companion.
"Fou, Fou," Fou responded, always being with Harry on his side.
"Nya, Little master, ready to continue with our Adventure?" Jaguarman leaps forward, standing in front of Harry.
"Jaguarman," Harry nodded, finding exploring South America with her to be a fun experience. "Yeah, I am."
The Lancer spun gleefully, "Excellent, this pawsome duo will make it that Black will cower with fear!" Jaguarman exclaims,
Zhou Yu chuckles, eyeing his master indicating that he's accompanying them to the Ruins.
Harry smiles, happy to have Jaguarman's eccentric personality around and Zhou Yu makes an interesting Person to talk to. He turns to the other Party members, one with golden hair and a fleece covering his entire body, the other is a bit familiar but can't put his finger on it.
She had black hair with blue strands inside, her clothes were Modern like Tez's however Harry could feel her gaze upon him.
"Ah, Harry-kun, you might not be introduced to these People yet," Mashu said, turning to the two Servants and introducing her Son to them.
The first was the golden Servant, looking down at him. "So you're the rumored Son of master and Lady Mashu. It's a good thing you bear such a strong resemblance to master, otherwise Ereshkigal-"
"Hey, Dumuzid, don't say things that might frighten Harry." Ritsuka sighs, knowing Dumizud's lack of restraint when speaking.
"I didn't intend to frighten the young master, master," Dumizud stated, shutting his eyes. "You know better than I Ereshkigal is rather fickle." The Divine Spirit stated before looking at the young master.
"Young master, I hold no resentment over you nor have any opposition to your succession. However, I do hope to see what you're capable of as a master." Dumuzid said, giving a little bow to Harry.
Ritsuka sighed, seeing Dumuzid still not learning after what he'd said. "Anyways, Harry this here is Dumizud the Sumerian God of Shepards." The Magus introduced the Servant to Harry. "He usually accompanies Ereshkigal, who is…somewhere in the area."
Dumizud merely inclined his head, "A pleasure, young master. Unfortunately, I do not have a Class container to address me by since I'm not featured in any rate-up Banners. Regardless, I shall help you in any way as long as it's not in combat or support." The Divine Spirit said to himself before looking up, "Does Altera the San(ta) count as my rate-up?" He ponders,
Harry just blinks at what the Divine Spirit said, "Rate-up…what?" He asked,
"Fou, Fou," Fou sighs, unsure what the God means.
"Just ignore what Dumuzid, sometimes I don't have a clue about what Dumizud is saying," Ritsuka said, seeing that Dumuzid was still staring off into the sky. "In any case, the other one here is-"
"Don't mind me," Tlaloc said, her expression never changed similar to when she met Harry. "I'm merely acting as a Bodyguard for master," The Pretender stated,
Mashu turns to her Son, introducing Tlaloc to Harry properly. "Harry-kun, you might not know her now, but she's the one you met when…Camazotz-san took you." The Shielder explains to Harry, "Her Name is Tlaloc, she's a Pretender Servant like Oberon."
"T-T-Tlaloc!?" Harry looked at the Servant, picturing the version he met over this version before him. 'S-So this is Tlaloc the Pretender that is going to fight me with Tezcatlipoca…' He thought, wary of the Servant.
Tlaloc looks at Harry, seeing his guard is up. "If you're worried that I might do something to you, don't be." The Pretender said, giving no hostilities to Harry. "I'm here on master's request, I won't do anything unless he commands me to."
"O-Oh…o-okay then…" Harry said, still not letting his guard down around her.
'He still has his guard up despite my statement to be true…' Tlaloc ponders, taking a mental note of how Harry quickly adapts to the situation.
Ritsuka cleared his throat, seeing introductions were done. "Well, now that everyone is acquainted, let's head to the Ruins. Koyanskaya went ahead to make sure we won't encounter any dangerous Beasts here." He stated to which everyone agreed and left the Camp.
Walking through the thick lush Forest, the group continued their way to the Ruins they discovered. While walking, Harry was taking the chance to see the rest of the Amazon Rainforest, despite knowing they were heading to the Crystal Valley.
He paused, hearing some Howler Monkeys leaping across the branch to branch above them. "Woah, Howler Monkeys!" Harry smiles, looking at the Animal native to the Region.
Despite meeting Wyverns, and some Demonic Beasts, it's nice to catch a breath and see some Non-Magical Animals for a change.
"Would you look at that," Zhou Yu approached his master, looking at the Animal. "This is my first time seeing these types of Monkeys. China has some Monkeys, but never loud ones like these." The Archer commented.
Jaguarman smiles, crossing her arms. "Mmm-mmm, Howler Monkeys are Jaguar's natural Prey. They have the most delectable meat out there." The Pseudo-Servant's mouth drooled at the thought of having one for a snack.
Harry gave Jaguarman a questionable expression before remembering that Jaguarman is technically a Jaguar. "Oh, a Furry."
"I'm not a Furry! I'm an Avatar of the Jungle, Little master!" Jaguarman quickly retaliates,
"Okay, okay, sorry…" Harry apologizes to the Lancer,
Fou's ears twitch, looking around him. "Fou, Fou,"
Ritsuka and Mashu look back, hearing Fou's bark. "Harry, is Fou alright?" Ritsuka asked his Son.
Harry could only watch as the Beast on his shoulders looked around the area. "I don't know, Fou just reacted to something, Daddy-"
"So that's your Son, Fujimaru? I have to admit, he does look a lot like you." A familiar voice echoes throughout the Rainforest,
Everyone looked around, seeing where the familiar voice came from. Ritsuka sighs, looking up in the air, "I know it's you, you can come out now." Ritsuka called out,
Harry looks around before a bolt of lightning crashes down behind Harry, causing him to flinch. Turning around, he saw a blonde and tan Woman with red eyes. She wore a black outfit with a skirt, boots that reached above her knees, red bows that tied her hair into twin tails, a black crown, and a black cloak around her. (Insert Fate/Grand Order OST: Space Ishtar NP Theme EXTENDED (Saber Wars II)
"E-Ereshkigal-er Ereshkigal Alter!? I thought you were-"
"Ishtar? Sure she did want to take the Boy but I decided to do so instead." Ereshkigal Alter stated, materializing a large red disk with spears around it. "Sorry, but not sorry, Fujimaru!" She floated up, making her disc spin rapidly.
"Hup!" The Lancer held her hands, directing the disc to draw a line between Harry and her master.
"Master!" Mashu steps in front of her Husband, protecting him from the Attack.
Zhou Yu materializes his Bow, about to take a shot at Ereshkigal Alter. "Cease your Attack, you have no reason to-" The Archer saw the disc heading for him and Jaguarman.
Both leap back before the disc could hit them. "Nya, why is this happening meow? I thought you were on the Little master's side." Jaguarman stated,
"Who said I was? I'm doing this because Tezcatlipoca came to us, asking us to do something with the young master." Ereshkigal Alter stated, floating down to Harry.
Ritsuka looks up after stepping to the side from Mashu's Shield. "Ereshkigal Alter, don't do this!" He stated, watching her stand before his Son.
Harry is unsure why, but he isn't afraid of the Goddess. She gave a perplexed expression, looking at the Boy. "Um…aren't you scared? I'm going to kidnap you now and take you somewhere, you know." Ereshkigal Alter stated, looking at her master's Son.
"I know," Harry said calmly, "But you're just acting scary, right?" He asked, having a feeling this was just a play.
"Mmmm…y-you know, you two are really alike!" Ereshkigal Alter blushed, she couldn't believe that the young master deduced her ploy. "Not in appearance, but you can see through me! AGH, you know what forget it,"
The Lancer took hold of Harry, causing him to squeak at the sudden gesture. With Harry now in her hands and positioned like an infant in one arm, she was ready to take off. "Tezcatlipoca, you owe me for ruining my introduction," She used her other hand, tapping Harry on the forehead.
Harry felt drowsy before his eyes got heavy. He fell asleep in the Goddess of the Underworld's arm.
Ereshkigal Alter looks at her master and Mashu, "Fujimaru, I'll take your Son off your hands now." The Lancer stated with a smile, "If you want to see him again, then go to the Ruins. We'll be waiting for you there!"
In a flash, Ereshkigal Alter and Harry along with Fou disappeared from the group.
Once everyone gathered around, Mashu looked at her Husband. "Ritsuka, what are we going to do? Ereshkigal has sided with Tezcatlipoca and kidnapped Harry."
"I know," Ritsuka responded,
Jaguarman looks at Dumizud, wondering if he knows about this kidnapping. "Do you have anything to do with this, Dumizud?" The Lancer asked the Sumer God.
Dumizud shrugs, "Unfortunately, I have no idea Ereshkigal would side with Tezcatlipoca." The Divine Spirit stated, "What a turn of events, Ereshkigal was gushing over how there's a little master now." He commented,
"Should we go after them? He's my master, you know." Zhou Yu stated, meaning no disrespect to his master's Father.
"I know," Ritsuka said, turning around and starting to walk to the Ruins. "I have no idea what they're going to do with Harry, but if Tez's there then I'll handle him." The Magus stated, seeing that Tez's second chance was just used up. (End song)
Ruins near the Crystal Valley
A bolt of lightning came crashing down in a Ruin, a bright light appeared over Ereshkigal Alter. The Altered Goddess reverts to her original form now sporting a black dress, golden heels, a red cape, and a black crown.
Ereshkigal walks over to the Ruins, gently holding Harry as if he were an infant. She smiles, looking down at him. "Hmm-mmm, he really does look a lot like master. Not only that but he seems to adopt his personality." The Lancer smiles, "How adorable,"
"Fou, Fou?" Fou pops out of Harry's green jacket pocket, questioning the Goddess's kidnapping of the young Boy.
"Oh, I didn't know you were with him," Ereshkigal commented, finally noticing the Beast. "Don't worry, I have no ill intentions to him." The Goddess stated, entering the Ruins.
Upon entering, there were at least two Servants gathered around a bed. One of them looks a lot like Ereshkigal but with less clothing and black hair, "So, did you do it?" Ishtar, the Archer Servant and Goddess of the Heavens asked her Sister.
"Yes, I have him. Master will be heading here soon, so we better be quick about it." Ereshkigal stated to the group.
Tezcatlipoca walks out of the shadows, seeing Harry sleeping peacefully in the Goddess of the Underworld's arms. "Good thing he's asleep. This will get messy." The Grand Assassin stated,
"You better know what you're doing. Master wasn't pleased when I appeared in my Altered form." Ereshkigal stated, looking down at Harry.
The other Servant has a dark skin tone with brown hair, his outfit is like that of an Egyptian Pharaoh. "As expected of our master! He won't take our kidnapping lightly." Ozymandias stated, seeing his master come charging in after what Tezcatlipoca had made Ereshkigal do.
Ishtar wince, crossing her arms at the thought of their master coming in with full force. "Ugh, I can't believe we agreed to nab the Kid after Camazotz took him the last time." The Archer commented, "What makes this different than that, Tezcatlipoca?" She asked her fellow Divine Spirit.
The Aztec God smiles, answering the Archer. "Simple, after seeing the Boy for myself; I noticed something that has broken the Natural Laws of Life." Tezcatlipoca walks over to the bedhead as Ereshkigal places the young master on the bed. "As the Grand Assassin, it's my job to investigate it. Grail knows whatever the Old Man is doing, he's far too detached from us to even deal with this small problem." He said, materializing an Obsidian Knife in his hands.
"H-Hold on, s-shouldn't we at least get Nightingale to do this?" Ereshkigal asked the Grand Servant, having second thoughts about this. "She has some Medical experience despite being a Berserker."
Ishtar nodded, "Ereshkigal's right, do you even know what you're doing, Tez?" The Sumer Goddess asked,
Ozymandias crosses his arms, looking at the two Goddesses. "This is a Mystical procedure; no amount of Modern Medicine could handle what comes next." The King of the Sun stated, turning to the Grand Servant having no patience for waiting. "Black Sun, make it quick, any moment master will show up and stop this act."
The Rider then looks at Ereshkigal, knowing she's the most important part of this procedure. "Ereshkigal, get your Cage ready," Ozymandias stated, returning to overseeing the surgery.
Ereshkigal sighs, materializing her Cage. "It's ready for the Broke Soul," She said, knowing her duty as the Queen of Kur. "A Broken Soul...a Crime like this will not go unchecked." The Lancer stated,
"That I agreed, for now, let's get it out of the Little master. We can worry about who has broken the Law of the Living for another time." Tezcatlipoca smiles, looming over the sleeping Harry. The Obsidian Knife approaches his scar as it begins to glow, "Consider this as a welcome to Chaldea present, young master…"
The Knife pierced the scar; a cry of pain within echoes as a black ooze and smoke came out of Harry's scar.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.