AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 87 Into Unknown Territory Pt 1
It's been an Hours since they departed from the Wandering Sea, upon Rayshifting Harry, Mashu, Remus, and Sirius all watched as the Chaldean master entered the Coffin, ready to Rayshift.
They all wish him luck and hope for his safe return, With that settled, Ritsuka and the Investigation Team shifted to Great Britain, London.
Upon arrival, Ritsuka, Holmes, Vlad III, and Robin Hood proceeded to search for the many entrances to the Wizarding World.
Walking down the street, Ritsuka checks the Mages Association's Map showing the Wizarding World entrances. More specifically, a place filled with Wizarding Activities, Diagon Alley,
"Hey, master…how do we know where the entrance to this Diagon Alley is?" Robin asked his master in his Spirit Form. "From what I was told that Area is covered with many Bounded Fields. It'll be a bit difficult to find the Entrance we're looking for." The Archer pointed out,
Holmes heard what the Archer said, answering his question. "I'm afraid you have mixed Bounded Fields and Wards, Robin. Wards are simple Magical Barriers that Wizards use to ward off Mundanes from certain Wizarding Hotspots, such as Diagon Alley or the Ministry of Magic." The Ruler explains, reading up on the Wizarding World and their Magic.
"While Bounded Fields can be more complex and additions can be made to their makeup." Holmes continued, comparing the Wards and Bounded Fields.
"So in all, these Wards are rudimentary versions of Bounded Fields," Robin Hood said, gaining a proper understanding of the differences between the two. "Alright, I got it down. But one question remains, how are we going to access Diagon Alley?" He asked,
The Four reached one Area of London, indicating they had arrived at one of the Entrances to Diagon Alley. "From what my Advisor said when I was Alive, they spoke of a Code that Wizards use to enter Wizard Hotspots." Vlad III explains, remembering what his Advisors said to him.
Robin looks at the Berserker, having a question for him. "Do you know how to enter the Entrance, Berserker?" The Archer asked,
"I admit, the Wizards can be idiots at times. However, they aren't stupid enough to use the same Code for the other passageways." The Impaler said, correcting the Man in Green.
"Okay, okay, sorry for asking." The Archer apologizes quickly before noticing they are standing before a brick Wall.
Ritsuka stood before the Wall with Holmes by his side while the other two were in Spirit Form. "This is it, where the Entrance to the Wizarding Community." He said, informing his Servants.
"Master, I know I sound like an old Recorder, but how do we get in?" Robin asked the master of Chaldea.
"Lorelei gave me this Mystic Code that could disable Magic Sealed Areas for a brief time." Ritsuka showed a small Circular Object to his Servants. "It could only work a few times, so let's make use of this as a Key and an Exit. Holmes, if you would." The Magus gave the Mystic Code to the Ruler,
Holmes smiled and took the Mystic Code off from his master's hands, He placed the Mystic Code on the Wall, causing some Magical Static to spread across the Wall.
The Ruler and the others step back from the Wall, watching as the Mystic Code dismantles the Wards protecting the Entrance to Diagon Alley.
After a moment of dismantling the Wards, nothing happened. "That's it? A bit of an anticlimactic if you ask me." Robin asked, seeing the lackluster Magecraft performance.
"Archer, sometimes Magecraft doesn't need to be all spectacular," Ritsuka explains to Archer Servant.
"Also, it might give us unwanted attention. After all, we are breaking into a very Isolated Community." Holmes steps forward to the Wall, "In their eyes, we are invading their Community." The Ruler said, feeling the Brick Wall before hearing a click within it. "Aha,"
The group watches as the Wall dismantles, forming a Gate leading to Diagon Alley. "Well, would you look at that? It is an Alleyway," Robin commented, taking a look at the Hidden part of London.
"Archer, the Name of Diagon Alley speaks for itself," Vlad III reminded the Man in Green of what Diagon Alley is. "Regardless, we have to tread more carefully now. We're entering an Unknown Territory now," The Berserker informed the group.
"Berserker's right let's not draw too much attention to ourselves," Holmes stated, turning to his master. "Mr. Fujimaru, are you ready to see what your Father's Heritage is like for yourself?" Holmes asked the master of Chaldea.
The other Two Servants looked at their master, watching their master's reaction.
Ritsuka closes his eyes before opening them, "I'm ready. Let's go, everyone."
The Recon Team walked through the Gate, finally entering the anticipated Wizarding World.
Upon entering, Ritsuka and his Servants scanned the entire Community. "Well…I have to say this…" Ritsuka said, looking at what his Father's Home is like. "This is nothing compared to London or anywhere I've seen." He commented.
"You are correct, Mr. Fujimaru, however, I wasn't expecting a major Wizard Hot stop would be…this narrow." The Detective commented on how compact the Alley was.
The Chaldeans had their first taste of what the Wizarding World is like. The Buildings were tightly close together, they were also leaning forward almost like they were going to topple over. Based on how the Witches and Wizards were unconcern about them falling, one could assume that they are held by Magic.
Despite the rather odd Structure of their Buildings, the People of the Wizarding World are like the Mundanes in every sense of the World. 'It feels like we just entered a Singularity or Lostbelt.' Robin said, speaking through his Bond with Ritsuka.
'You are correct, Robin. You can tell that the Wizarding World is somewhat different to London and yet the same.' Vlad III replied, using their Bond to their master to speak. 'Master, what do you have us to do?' He asked for his master's orders.
'Robin, scout ahead of us. Listen closely to those who look suspicious about the Dead Apostle here.' The black-haired Magus ordered the Green Archer. 'Come back after an Hour. We'll try to listen in to what the People are gossiping here,'
Robin saluted to his master's words, about to leave them. 'You got it, master.' The Archer quickly left the group, scaling the Roofs to get a better layout of the Alley.
"Alright, where do you think we should check out First Holmes?" Ritsuka asked his Advisor, wanting his input on the Mission.
"Considering we're looking for Information, it's best to check out where there are a lot of gatherings," Holmes said, looking down the Street where he spotted a Teashop down. "That Teashop should suffice." The Ruler pointed to where the Shop was.
Ritsuka nodded as he and Holmes walked down to the Teashop, Vlad III followed behind still in his Spirit Form while listening to the Wizards.
"I must say, I can't believe my Son failed Defense Against the Dark Arts Class this term." A Witch spoke to her Friend,
"That goes for my Daughter too…I can't believe that Professor would dismiss my Child like that." The Witch stated, venting her frustration to her. "But after seeing her Grades, I can see why…that Professor said that she's been failing their Tests and Quizzes."
Ritsuka turns his Head, hearing the conversation wasn't what they're looking for. "That's not it…though I'm curious who they are speaking about." He commented, finding that Professor they spoke of was familiar.
In another direction, Ritsuka listens to what they say. "Did you read the Daily Profit lately? Rita Skeeter has an exclusive interview with the Gilderoy Lockhart about his latest Adventure." A Witch told her Friend,
"His Adventures were always interesting, I wonder when he's going to release his next Book." The Wizard said, invested in his Book Series.
Ritsuka shook his Head, hearing that wasn't what they were looking for too. He turns his attention to the Teashop, hearing the many gossips being held within. "Seems this most likely the best place to find Information about the Dead Apostle." The Magus said,
"Yes, much of everyone here is speaking about the Professor in Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic, and what I assume to be the Newspaper," Holmes said, looking around for any Papers from the Daily Prophet to read.
Ritsuka steps on the step into the Teashop, turning to face Holmes. "So, nothing on your end, then." He said, reaching for the handle of the door. "Well, in any case, you can hear the chatter in this Teashop. We might learn something here and get a better understanding of how the Wizarding Community works."
Holmes merely nodded, seeing his master was correct. "Very well, master. However, if I may can, I trouble you for a Newspaper?" The Ruler asked, "I like to see what the Wizards are writing the current Events."
"Go for it, I'm not stopping you, Holmes." Ritsuka allowed him to look for a Paper as they entered the Teashop.
Entering the Teashop, Ritsuka, Holmes, and Vlad III saw how oddly different it was from London's Teashops. It felt more like a Tavern than a Teashop, though they serve at least some Tea there.
Once seated at the Teashop's Table, Ritsuka and Holmes got a better understanding of the Wizards/Witches around them. Like every Teashop, a Waitress handed them the Menu.
Holmes managed to ask her for a Newspaper, or rather in the Wizard's words the Daily Prophet. He roams through the Pages, a bit surprised to see the Pictures and some words move like a GIF.
With Holmes gathering information, Vlad III took the opportunity in Spirit Form to survey the Wizards/Witches for any details of their Dead Apostle.
Ritsuka took a sip of his Tea, listening to the conversations around them. Many were about Wizarding Politics, rants about Mundanes and Half-Bloods (Most likely Purebloods mentioned by Lucius), this Wizard Game called Quidditch, and the whereabouts of Harry. He chuckled a bit when they addressed his Son as the Boy-Who-Lived,
Just when he thought they weren't going anywhere, Ritsuka picked up on a conversation from a chubby Woman with red hair and freckles. "I can't believe that Sirius and Remus disappear like that." She said,
"(Sirius and Remus?)" Ritsuka whispers, honing into the conversation.
"Molly, I'm sure that those two have a reason why they disappeared." A red-haired Man spoke to the Woman, "Dumbledore did send them to find Harry Potter."
Now Ritsuka was intrigued, he knew that the Wizards were looking for his Son. However, with them being here, it's a good opportunity to see what these People know about Harry.
The Witch, Molly gave a hefty sigh. "Arthur, it's been a few Months now. They haven't reported back to Dumbledore or the Order." She reasons with her Husband.
"(Order…they must be talking about the Order of the Phoenix.)" Ritsuka whispered, reading about them in the Files from the Clocktower. "(Then based on the appearance, they must be the Weasleys.)"
Arthur Weasley placed his hand on his Wife's. "Molly, have faith in Dumbledore that he'll find a way to find Harry Potter." He said, reinsuring his Wife. "He has his ways,"
Molly Weasley nodded, "Yes, you're right." She said before smiling, "And with the Engagement Papers he made, our Future is secure when Dumbledore finds him."
"M-Molly, let's not forget. Ginny is too young for something like an Engagement." Arthur reminded his Wife that their Daughter is still young. "She has a lot to-"
"Arthur, don't nitpick about that. I know she's very young," The red-haired Witch said, "Ginny and our Sons will be able to help Harry Potter when he's of Age to go to Hogwarts. If they show him around, then we'll be able to gain access to the Potter Fortune. I'm sure James and Lily would appreciate what we're doing." She said, looking down at her Teacup with a sorrowful face,
Ritsuka didn't like what he was hearing. He doesn't like how this Woman is talking about using his Son for Wealth. However, the next part was intriguing.
"Speaking of Dumbledore, he sent out a Message to all available Order members to keep an eye out for the Vampire running around," Molly said, being close to the Old Headmaster. "He said if we somehow encounter it, we must inform him right away."
Arthur was curious about how they were going to encounter the Vampire. "How do we exactly encounter the Vampire terrorizing the Wizarding Community?"
"Dumbledore said that the Vampire Attacks from the shadows and that he will prey upon unexpected Witch or Wizards when they are alone." Molly continues relaying what Dumbledore said to her.
Ritsuka smiled, placing some Money from the Association for their excursion here on the Table. "Ruler, I believe we have spent enough time here." He said, using the code phrase to his Servant.
Molly and Arthur look back at the Tabel behind them. "Well, look at the time. We better head back to work before we get in trouble." Holmes played along, taking the Paper with him.
Ritsuka pushed into the chair, revealing a bit of his face to Molly and Arthur. Both were shocked at how familiar-looking he was, almost like they were looking at a young version of someone they knew.
"Arthur, that Boy…" Molly squinted her eyes at the black-haired young Man.
Arthur nodded, almost seeing what his Wife was seeing. "I know, I can make it out. He kinda reminds me of Sirius…"
Outside of the Teashop, Ritsuka and Holmes step out of the Teashop, having some Information. 'Seems we've gotten the information we needed,' Ritsuka said to his Servants, communicating through their Bond.
'Indeed we do, seems that our Dead Apostle only Attack Wizards or Witches when they are alone.' Holmes said, walking with his master down the Street. 'What about you Lord Vlad? Anything on your end?'
'It's the same Information as yours, many spoke of the Dead Apostle Attacking unsuspecting People and draining their Magic.' Vlad III said before relaying something else to them. 'However, I did hear a few talks about the young master.'
'Yes, it seems like young Mr. Fujimaru is the talk of the Century. Especially when we learn that someone is using his Status as a way to gain Wealth.' Holmes stated, eyeing his master on what to do. 'Master, might I suggest bringing Koyanskaya and Astraea on this matter of Engagement?'
'You needn't to tell me, Holmes, I'll speak to them when we return.' Ritsuka said, having a bad taste when that Woman spoke about Harry like some Key to Fame. 'Harry may be young, but I want him to choose who he wants to be with when the time comes.'
Vlad III chuckles, seeing this side of his master suits him well. 'Fatherhood suits you well, master. I can tell that the young master is in good hands.' The Berserker commented,
'Thanks, Lord Vlad.' Ritsuka said, walking past a dark Alleyway. 'Now, back on topic. We need to figure out how to-'
Suddenly, a loud scream erupted from behind them. Ritsuka, Holmes, and Vlad turn around, "Did you guys hear that?" Ritsuka asked his Servants,
"Based on the scream and the location, I do believe we just found our Dead Apostle," Holmes stated, pointing out the obvious to the group. "However…"
Vlad III nodded, sensing it as well. 'Yes, this Bloodlust…it's something different. Something…familiar…master.'
"Right, let's go." Ritsuka said, 'Robin, converge with our location. We found where the Dead Apostle is.' Both he and Holmes quickly head for the Alleyway, Vlad III was following them behind.
Many Wizards and Witches looked at the two, unsure why they were running. "Why are they in a rush?" One Wizard asked, curious about them.
"Must be because they're late." A Witch spoke, assuming that much.
Ritsuka and Holmes entered the Dark Alleyway, determined to find and stop this Dead Apostle. However, upon entering the Alley, a blast of Heat struck them,
"W-What is this Heat-" Ritsuka paused, seeing the cause of the sudden Heatwave,
Both Holmes and Ritsuka were met by black Flames covering the entire Alleyway. "Fire! How come nobody is reacting to this outside of this Alley!?" Ritsuka asked, wondering what the Wizards and Witches were doing outside of here. (Insert 【FGO】イド 試練 Id ADV Part theme bgm)
Vlad III materializes next to the Ruler and their master, his Lance, ready for combat. "Master, step back. These Flames, they aren't your normal Flames." The Impaler said,
"Yes, they're imbued by Magical Energy," Holmes said, sensing the immense Magical Energy within these Flames before them. "With this and what we know, it's best to assume that-"
Holmes paused as did the two, hearing the loud clanking of Armor growing closer to them. The noise grew louder and louder until at the end of the Alleyway was a figure,
"I am…Flames…" The Figure spoke, in his arms was a Witch, her neck pierced and Blood drips from her missing arm.
"I am…Hatred…"
"I am…Retribution…"
Emerging from what little light was left in the Alley was a Dark Armored Being. His Helmet was dripping fresh blood, indicating that he took the Blood of the Witch in his arms. "I shall rid of the World of traitorous Wizards who dared to rise against me and seal me away."
The Knight dropped the Witch on the ground, having his sights on the Chaldeans. "You…you who bares the Blood of a Wizard. I shall take my Vengeance on you all!" He roared, his blood-red cape flared up, almost like Flames.
"T-This Magical Energy…master…." Holmes backed away, unable to endure the Flames around them. "The Bloodlust of a Dead Apostle and the Magical Energy of a-"
"A Servant…"
Ritsuka frowns, looking dead on at their Opponent. "The Dead Apostle we're looking for…is also a Servant; an Avenger!" He said, knowing the Class very well from a First Look.
The Avenger looks up, almost like someone is talking to him. He then glared at the Chaldeans, holding out his Hand. "Foolish, you dare to stand against me. Very well then…" His Hand burst into Flames, elongating as it formed into something.
Within his Hand was a long Silver Sword, the handle guard ends were covered by red Jewels and the bottom was a singular red jewel.
The Avenger held his Sword towards Ritsuka and his Servant, "Servant, Avenger of Hallows. Half-Wizard who commands Servants, you shall know retribution and pay with your Life!" He leaps forward, his Sword Flared up with Flames.
Vlad III steps forward, raising his Hands. "O Wall!"
Black Stakes emerge from the ground, blocking the Attack from the Dead Apostle Avenger. The Flames of Vengeance burst the Stakes away, causing him to leap back a bit, but not retreating.
Vlad III, Holmes, and Ritsuka gritted their teeth, feeling the power of a Servant with the Abilities of a Dead Apostle or the other way around. "I must admit, I don't think I could defeat him on my own, master." He stated, "His Power… it's something else."
Holmes nodded, "We have faced many Opponents before, but never fought a Dead Apostle Servant before." The Ruler said, taking note of how powerful the Avenger is. "Most likely he gains this Power after consuming many Magic from Witches and Wizards."
"Regardless, there's a lot of People back in Diagon Alley," Ritsuka said, not wanting the Servant/Dead Apostle to gain more Power as it is. "We have to put a stop to his excursion right here and now."
Vlad III and Holmes nodded, ready to fight the Avenger. "Master, your orders."
Walking down the Street, a blonde green-eyed Boy in a red jacket and white shorts yawned. "Hey, you're sure that this is the place the rumored Dead Apostle is?" Mario Gallo Bestino asked the Nun who was taking point on the roof.
-ZZZ- Yes, while I was scouting Hogsmeade, some Wizards were talking about how the most Dead Apostle incidents are in this Alley. -ZZZ- Noel informed the Priest,
"You better be right about this, I had other work to do than go Vampire-" A large explosion occurred in front of him, causing many Witches and Wizards to flee from the scene. "Shit," He ran over to investigate, only to be halted by a Man in Green.
"Hey Kid, this isn't the place for you to be in," Robin informed the blonde Boy, not aware of who he was.
Mario raises a brow, glaring at the Servant. "The Hell, you shouldn't be here too! Damnit, these Wizards are stubborn-" The Puppeteer halted, seeing three Figures leaping from the smoke. "No way…"
Standing from the ground, Ritsuka stood firmly as both his Servants were ready to fight. "You're Ritsuka Fujimaru, the master of the Chaldea Security Organization!" Mario exclaims, meeting the master who commands many Servants.
Ritsuka turns his Head, eyes widening at who he's seeing. "Mario Gallo Bestino, the Puppeteer." The Magus said, not expecting a High-Level Church Official to show up. However, with the rumor of a Dead Apostle, then he should've expected the Church will get involved.
The loud clanking of Armor marches out of the smoke-covered Alleyway, and a flash of red appears on the eyes of the Helmet. "I am Flames…I am Hatred…I am Retribution…" He said, marching forward with his Sword dragging on the pavement.
"All shall know my wrath!" The Avenger announced as he heard some noise beside him. Turning to the side, he spotted a frightened Wizard who fell on the ground.
Ritsuka turns to the Wizard, shouting at him. "Get away!"
With a creaking sound emitting from the Servant, the mouth area of his Helmet began to split open revealing a set of Fangs and black Flames. He lunges at the Wizard as he tries to escape, however he isn't fast enough.
The Avenger grabs hold of the Wizard, sinking his Fangs into his Body. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!" The Wizard screamed, his veins were glowing as the Magic being drained from him.
"Berserker! Archer!" Ritsuka called out to his Servants,
Robin held his Crossbow, aiming for the Servant. "Got it," He shot a few Arrows as Vlad III followed his lead.
"From the ground!" Vlad III held his hand out, raising it.
The Arrows Robin Hood shot rushed toward the Avenger, however his Cape burst into Flames to shield him. "Tch,"
Soon Stakes burst from the ground in between the two, separating the Servant from his victim. "You dare to interrupt my meal! Then I shall seek retribution for that misdeed!"
Mario chuckles, standing with the Chaldean master. "So…that's the rumored Dead Apostle…" The Priest turns to Ritsuka with a chuckle. "It seems you've beaten me to it, Chaldean master. So, what's the plan?"
Ritsuka chuckles, rarely working with the Holy Church. "For now, we drive the Avenger away before he does any more damage to this place." He informed the Priest of the Plan. "Holmes?"
"I need more time to deduce the Avenger's weakness," Holmes said, trying to find some clue on how to defeat the Enemy Servant.
"Then we'll keep Attacking until his Magical Energy reserves are near empty." Robin Hood said, quickly taking the high ground. "Sei!" The Archer released many Arrows at the Enemy,
The Avenger of Hallows growls, slashing his Sword at the projectiles, "Arrows won't harm me!" The Servant announces, glaring at the Archer. "You're clearly not a match against an Avenger!"
"Then try someone who's close to your parameters," Vlad III said, charging in with great speed. "HA!" He lifts his Lance, striking down at the Avenger.
The Avenger blocked the Lance, however, their strength was equal enough to be in a standstill with the Berserker. "Seems like there's another like me here and serving a master no less."
Vlad III's eyes widen, hearing what was revealed. "You have a master?" The Berserker pushed the Dead Apostle aside before planting his Lance into the ground,
Stakes burst from the ground, creating some space between them and possibly harming the Enemy. The Impaler leaps back to his master, informing him of what he learned. "Master, I receive some important information about the Enemy." He said, relaying the information to him. "He has a master,"
"WHAT!?"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.