AN: Quick change, since we're doing the trial, I figured a few Counter Force Servants would appear from the New Orders. As for the Marie Alter from Anomaly II, she's the Marie Alter from that World and the Marie Alter in Chaldea is from Ritsuka's world. In short same Person but the Marie Alter is the Marie of Miraculous's History.
Ch 65 Mother Knows Best
Keep Section
The Keep Section is a Section filled with many Bookshelves. From the Walls to the corners, the Walls folding over the walkways, the support Pillars were filled with some Ceilings with Holographic Books.
These Books are Records of Chaldea's Missions, from minor to major ones such as the Singularities and Lostbelts. All are being well cared for by the Alter Ego, Muryan Kazuradrop acting as a Record Keeper.
In short, Muryan Kazuradrop has made the Keep Section her Fae Domain much like Gloucester. Most Servants can't do much in her Domain, however, that can't be said about Servants who are outside the Alter Ego's Level. Such as Foreigners or…
Explosions echo throughout the Keep Section, three figures leap back from where the explosion originated.
"Damnit! I just got rid of BB's Sentinels, she has to put one more here!" A small purple-haired Fairy/Servant. Her Body was small like those Pixies from those Fairytales. She wore a green British dress with black shorts. Brown knee-high boots, gloves, a yellow bow that tied in pigtails, and a pair of slim green wings. "Those Security Sentinels don't have any common sense when it comes to recordkeeping!" Muryan Kazuradrop exclaims.
Ritsuka caught himself, kneeling on the Digital ground. He looks at the Alter Ego, giving her an apologetic smile. "Sorry about this, Muryan." The Chaldean master apologizes to her.
"Tch, forget that. Here I thought that me, an Alter Ego meant that my Section was safe." Muryan Kazuradrop complains, wanting to be left alone in this Chaldean conflict. "Damn that BB." The Alter Ego said to her master.
"Stop complaining!" A blonde Man wearing a black Motorcyclist Jumpsuit shouted, "There's no use crying over spilled milk now! Boss, we have to retreat for now. There ain't no way we're ready to face her now with our Team." He stated,
Ritsuka has to agree with the Rider, even though they're so close to the Central Command Room. However, being this close to where BB means that the Keep Section is most likely the Second Strongest place here.
Ritsuka gritted his teeth, seeing this was getting ridiculous. "I swear, this Anti-Succession Faction bullshit is really ticking me off!" The master of Chaldea said, finding this inner conflict annoying. "This isn't what I wanted for Harry." He complains, wanting to give Harry a decent Family he deserves.
Kintoki Rider looks at his master, understanding what he's feeling. "Boss, I know what you're saying. But try to understand what those Anti-Succession Faction Servants are thinking." The Rider said, "The Little Boss is from a World outside of both Mages and Chaldea. Someone like that has to get used to the hate and pettiness of our World."
"Especially if he's going to be the master of Chaldea in the Future," Muryan said, looking at her master and adding her thoughts to the inner conflict. "Remember how most Servants are willing to kill you at any given chance? That Boy needs to know that even though you intend to raise him like any other Kid. But try to remember, he's now heavily involved in the World of Chaldea/Magecraft. By now, any Mage Heirs have an understanding of what kind of Life they have."
"I understand, but if Harry's going to be inheriting Chaldea in the Future. I will raise, teach, and guide him my own and Mashu's way." Ritsuka retorted, not wanting Harry to live fully as a Mage. "Only if everyone would just leave it at that." He said, fully understanding why they doubt how Harry should be raised.
Kintoki Rider nodded, fully supporting how Harry should be brought up. "You said it Boss-" He halted, realizing that they were still in a predicament.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" A vicious laugh echoes throughout the air. Projectiles were released from the Entrance to the Control Room.
Stepping out from the smoke, was a blue-skinned Woman with whitish blue hair. She wore a rather revealing outfit with a black cloak around her shoulders silver Armor and a red bow in her hair.
She was carrying Nine Weapons and a white Snake in all of her ten arms. "HAHAHAHA! It's so nice to be finally let out." The Divine Servant said, laughing at the freedom she was experiencing. "Master, oh my master, grant me the pleasure of Battle! Don't try to use a Command Seal, master. BB has granted me Independent Action so I'm free to do what I please." Kali, the Goddess of Destruction and Slaughter announced.
Kali raises her hand at her master, "Now, bring me the Head of that Rogue Servant, master! Your Goddess requires you to pay your tribute!" The Alter Ego demanded of her master,
Ritsuka frowns, seeing the incoming Projectiles. "Only if we weren't held up by Kali then we would've looked for Mashu, Otou-san, and Harry. Damnit, BB…" He grumbles before looking at the side. "Alright Moon Cancer, you're up!" The Chaldean master exclaims.
"Master, what did I tell you to call me?" A wavy blue-haired Man glares at Ritsuka, "I told you to call me by my Host's Name. I don't like the fact that I share the same Class as that AI." The Pseudo-Servant stated, already knowing the situation about this Pseudo-Singularity and some personal attachments to BB.
The Pseudo-Servant has wavy blue hair with blue eyes. He wore a white suit with a brownish-red vest and pants. He also wore a black trench coat that was similar to a certain Mage from the Fourth Singularity.
"Right, right, sorry Shinji," Ritsuka said, apologizing to the Pseudo-Servant.
Shinji smirks, accepting the apology. "Hmm, better. Grail, I really don't want to do this…it's bad enough there's a lot of her here," The Moon Cancer groans, taking out a book from his coat. "But since when did she become this blood-thirsty…"
The Counter Force Servant smirks, swiping his hand aside. "Tch, no matter what you are, Pseudo-Servant or not, I rather not face you." The Moon Cancer stated, having some qualms about facing Kali. "But as master's Servant, I gotta do what he says. 'Kay, here it comes!"
Shinji opened his Book, releasing a dark aura from within it. It hurls straight for Kali, only for her to swing one of her Weapons to swipe it away. "Goddamn it! Nothing is working against her! Master, what were you thinking Summoning such a…beast!?" The Counter Force Servant complained,
Ritsuka merely shrugs, "It just happened, but for now, I'm not in control of her. BB is, let's just go and regroup, Shinji." He looks at the other Alter Ego, needing her to do something. "Muryan, can you-"
"Hai, hai, I'm already on it, master!" Muryan Kazuradrop said, holding her hand to the Walls. Her mere motion caused it to open up, "Alright, let's go, everyone! We may not be able to beat Kali, but we can outrun her!"
"Yeah, that's Golden right there!" Kintoki grabs hold of their master, heading straight for the passageway entrance. "Moon Cancer-er Shinji, provide cover for us, will ya?" The Golden Rider asked the blue-haired Servant.
Shinji nodded, creating a black haze around the area. "This will keep you occupied for a moment!" The Moon Cancer said, providing cover.
Kali merely laughed as she rushed in, "HAHAHAHA!" The Alter Ego slashed her Weapons at the Counter Force Servant, however, she missed. "Tch, where? Where are you, you Onii-san!?" She demanded, her Host Body reacting to the presence of the Alter Ego.
The Divine Spirit searched for her master, making her way down the Hall.
Within the Bookshelves, Ritsuka and the others managed to find a place to breathe. "Man, talk about power. I must admit, not even I can beat Kali alone." Kintoki stated, taking a breath. "This isn't Golden at all…"
"Of course not! Kali was tamed only because master used a Command Seal on her and Durga was keeping her restrained." Maryan Kazuradrop added, "And thanks to that idiot AI, the Command Seal was broken along with a temporary disconnection to master!"
Shinji, being new to Chaldea turns to his current master. "Oi, we should get out of here when the getting gets good." The Moon Cancer suggested, seeing they can't even hold their ground against Kali.
"No," Ritsuka stood up, not wanting to leave the Keep Section. "If Harry, Mashu, and Otosan come here unknowingly of the danger here." The Magus said, not wanting them to be caught up with Kali.
Shinji sighs, seeing there's no other way around this. "Fine, but make sure we don't die by her hands." The Moon Cancer stated, "This Body has some livid memories with that Woman." The Rogue Servant shutters,
Kintoki Rider slaps Shinji's back, laughing at his comment. "Come now, Shinji. Boss has some plans in mind for this," The Heavenly King looks at his master, grinning at him. "Right, Boss?"
Ritsuka nodded, devising a plan for Kali. "Kali is a bit more difficult to deal with than Durga, just give me time Kintoki." The Chaldean master said, thinking of a plan to deal with the Alter Ego.
Central Control Room
"Isn't Kali a bit overkill?" Hideyasu looks at BB and their unexpected Guest. "A Divine Spirit like her, you must really don't like the director's Son." The Magus asked the AI.
BB merely smiles, not denying or confirming what Hideyasu said was true. She turns to her fellow Anti-Succession Faction Servant. "So, how do you like the show so far?"
The Servant places his hand on his chin, observing the young master facing the Alter Egos at each Section. "The Child does have some makings of a Chaldean master; negotiating, standing before an Enemy, and ready to face the challenges that await him…" He said, finding Harry to be impressive to some degree.
"Tch, it sounds like you're going to lend a helping hand to him," BB said, turning to her fellow Chaldean master. "If so, what's the point of making us set up our challenges for him and creating the Anti-Succession Faction if the so-called Founder lends his aid to the very Person we oppose." The Moon Cancer asked the founder of the Anti-Succession Faction.
"Relax, BB. I'm not going to back out now." The Servant said, excited for the time Harry goes to his Trial. "We've dedicated ourselves to our master and his beliefs. The Child must be ready for what Goetia's predication has in store for him."
"Scorn…Resentment…Despair…Malice. These are what Harry Fujimaru must be prepared for when the time comes for him to attend that, School." The Servant steps forward, eyeing the young Boy with his Mother and the Servants, finishing his talk with Kagekiyo. "You better not mention this to master, director. I'll be the one telling him when he comes to the Wandering Sea." The Servant looks at the Magus,
Hideyasu nodded, knowing he couldn't do much against Servants who'd do anything for Ritsuka. "Of course, Sir…"
BB watches as the Servant turns around and makes his way to the exit, "Where do you think you're going?" The Moon Cancer asked,
"To prepare for my Trial," The Servant looks back at BB, answering her question before smiling. "I heard that master requested that Lady Sokaris make a few arrangements in the Wandering Sea to make it a suitable learning environment for the young master. If anything is involved with Education, then as Vice-Principal it's my job to educate the young master." He explains.
Hideyasu looks at the Servant, raising his brow. "Weren't you the Vice-Principal of the director's School at one point, Count?" The director of Seraphix asked, reading the reports before.
The Servant merely chuckles, remembering what he did before during the Lostbelts. "Fitting, no? In any case, I bid you farewell, BB, director." He said, not before wishing her luck in her Trial. "I do hope your resentment for the young master will do him good."
BB waves, not caring about whatever her fellow Anti-Secession Faction Servant is doing. "Hai, hai, I have plenty to give to Kohai." The Moon Cancer said, placing her attention on the young master, frowning at him. "After all, he dares to threaten Senpai's place."
Repair Section Hub
Harry sat down on the benches, ready to depart for the Build Section Gate. The others were talking about how to deal with Ashyia Douman.
However, his mind was off somewhere else. The young Boy gazes at Kagekiyo, thinking back at what she said. 'Scorn…Resentment…Despair…Malice…the Trials of the Anti-Succession Faction…' Harry ponders, thinking about what the Avenger said to him.
The young Heir has yet to answer the Genji Killer's question. "Pup," Harry looks at his Grandfather/Godfather, seeing him walking up to him. "Are you okay? You seem to be disengaged after coming back inside."
"Uh…sorry, I was just thinking about…where Dad is," Harry said, obviously lying to the shaggy-haired Wizard. "I've been to two Sections in Seraphix already and he's nowhere to be seen." He said, also worried about where Ritsuka could be.
Sirius nodded, understanding how Harry was feeling. "I am too, Pup. But after what I've seen and heard so far, Ritsuka can handle himself." The shaggy-haired Wizard said, placing his hand on Harry's shoulders.
Harry merely smiles, accepting his Grandfather/Godfather's reassurance. "Thanks, Uncle Sirius." He said before looking up at Mashu who was approaching them.
"Harry-kun, Black-san, we're going to go over the plan to get through the Gate," Mashu informed the two, inviting them to listen. "Feel free to give your thoughts during the conversation." She offered,
Sirius looks at Harry, patting his back for him to join them. "Let's go, Harry. The sooner we get through this Gate, the closer we get to Ritsuka." He said, standing up from the bench and about to head to meet the others.
"Okay, Uncle, Mom," Harry said, walking over to the Adults to start the War meeting.
Gathered around the Altar, Harry, Mashu, Sirius, Charlie, Vlad III (Extra), Karna, Tamamo Aria, Nero, Kagekiyo, Hassan of the Shining Star, Kiara, and Andersen have come together. Through Harry's Commlink, Mable, Lev Lainur Gusion, Ayus, and the rest of the Servants (Minus Spartacus) were also present in the meeting.
"Our goal is simple and like the previous Gates before we need to defeat the Alter Ego that guards the Gate to the next Section," Andersen explains to the group of what they know.
"Umu, that's what Passionlip and Melt said when we defeated them," Nero commented, looking around the group.
Mashu nodded, understanding the situation and how to overcome it. "Defeat the Alter Ego guarding the Gate and we can get through. Right, I understand," The Shielder said, turning to everyone and evaluating their fighting force. "Is there anything else that I need to know, Kagekiyo-san?" She asked the Avenger.
Kagekiyo looks at the Assistant director, answering her question. "No, that's the gist of BB's setup. I was brought in with Ushi Gozen and told a quick summary of her plan." The Avenger looks at Harry, still waiting for his answer. "Young master, you may have faced Lip and Melt, however, this far in is truly going to test you. So, I ask again, are you ready to face the Trials?"
Harry could only nod, "Yeah, I think so…"
"Look, Harry's just a Kid. Whatever you guys are doing, it's a bit much for him." Sirius said, making a point. "Let's just focus on getting through with this thing and end it."
Charlie agrees with his Adopted Son, looking at everyone. "Look I get some of you have issues with Chaldea's Successor, but this isn't the time or place." He said, supporting what Sirius said.
The Genji Killer nodded, accepting Harry's answer. It was good enough that she wouldn't have to ask again.
"Getting back to the topic of the Gate, who's guarding it?" Mashu asked, getting back to the topic.
Karna looks at Mashu, giving her the answer. "It's Limbo, Ashyia Douman."
Vlad III (Extra) hums, crossing his arms at their Opponent. "So a former Apostle of the Alien God is our Opponent…that's a difficult foe to face." The Lancer commented, knowing how strong and unpredictable Ashyia Douman is.
Sirius spat out his saliva at the Hero of Charity, revealing who was guarding the Gate. He coughs and hacks, trying to get some words out. "A-Ashyia Douman!? The Onmyoji who is said to rival Abe-no-Seimei, the greatest Onmyoji in Japan's History and Japan's Dark Wizard!?" He asked, shocked to hear a major Name being around.
"Japan's Dark Wizard? I don't think Limbo-san ever mentioned that before." Mashu said, receiving some new information from the Wizarding side.
"Uncle Sirius?" Harry looks at his Grandfather/Godfather, seeing him panicking a bit. Understandable, considering that Ayshia Douman is well-known in Japanese History alongside Abe-no-Seimei,
Sirius smiles at Harry, hearing him calling his Name. "A-Ah, sorry. You see, while I was in Japan I had the time to study its History and stuff." He explains to the young Boy. "And thanks to my Family's side, I also have some knowledge of previous Dark Wizards in the Past. (Much to my dismay…)" He said,
-ZZZ- I see…then we have to update our Records to incorporate Wizard History. -ZZZ- Gusion suggested, seeing it would be beneficial to do so.
"But the question is, how come Douman didn't say anything about his Wizarding side?" Nero asked, getting a bit curious about that part.
"Most likely it's because it wasn't relevant during our time in the Lostbelts or the Singularities." Shining Star stated, finding that to be a logical reason. "But I digress, that's an issue we should tell master when we meet up with him."
"Um…aren't we getting a bit off-topic?" Harry asked, making a point.
Everyone looked at each other before agreeing that Harry's right. "Y-Yes, you're right, Harry-kun." Mashu smiles, appreciating that her Son brought them back on track. "In any case, Harry-kun's right. The topic of Chaldea's Records can be placed on hold, for now, we need to devise a strategy against Limbo-san, Vlad-san?" She looks at the Lancer, knowing he can make the best Strategy in this sort of situation.
After discussing how to proceed with Ashyia Douman, Harry went outside needing to think. He sat down on the stairs, looking up at the Digital Sky.
"So it's no use, we need to head to the Central Control Room to reestablish contact with the Storm Border," Mashu said, walking with Kiara and Charlie.
Kiara sighs, placing her hand on her cheeks. "Ara, ara, BB really did make a ruckus…reminds me of what I did in the original Seraphix Singularity." The Alter Ego stated before noticing a certain Boy sitting outside. "Hmm, Mashu I think the young master needs your attention…" She called out to her.
Mashu looks outside from the window, seeing her Son. Charlie gazes over to his Grandson, "It must be what Kagekiyo said to him." He said, assuming as much. "Want me to talk to him? Sirius is somewhere else at the moment and he has known me since France." The King of the Franks asked.
"No, I'll talk to him. Thank you for offering, Charlie-san but I think I'm the right Person to talk to about this." Mashu said, making her way to speak to her Son.
Harry continued to look at the Digital Sky, his mind was buzzing with the question the Avenger asked him. Sure he did answer her, but he was still unsure if he was ready to face these Trials. "I wish Dad was here…he could maybe help me understand what everyone is looking for from me…" He said to himself.
Footsteps came behind him, causing the young Boy to look at who was approaching him. "If you want to speak to someone who's like Ritsuka then maybe I can be of help," Mashu said, standing behind him with a smile.
"M-Mom, I…um…" Harry blushes, turning from his Mother, unsure how much she heard.
The violet-haired Woman walked up to Harry and took a seat next to him. "Do you want to tell me something Harry-kun? I know this must be a lot for you with this Faction stuff," Mashu said, understanding how he must be feeling.
Harry nodded, confirming what she suspected. "Yeah, it is…"
Mashu gave a warm look at Harry, "Is there anything that's bothering you with it?" She asked, being patient as he spoke.
"I-I just don't know. Every Servant so far wants either me gone from Chaldea. Kagekiyo said that I have to face the Scorn, Resentment, Despair, and Malice that come with being the master of Chaldea." Harry said, hugging his legs together. "I know that I have to take over someday but I'm not ready to meet everyone's expectations of me. I'm just a Kid, I'm not like you or Dad who saved Humanity twice." He said, feeling unsure about himself.
Mashu looks up at the Digital Sky, saying something to him. "You know, you're a lot like your Father Harry-kun." The former Demi-Servant said, causing Harry to look at her wondering what she meant. "Not only in appearance, but you two share the same predicament."
"Even if your situations are different, the two of you do share the same challenges." Mashu continued as her Son listened. "Ritsuka was only Sixteen-years old when he joined Chaldea. After that explosion in the Command Room, leaving him the only available master. A lot of expectations were placed on him among the Staff; even though neither Da Vinci nor the Doctor didn't say or show it, they did have some expectations of Ritsuka to do his part as the last master. Especially the Lostbelts and Ordeal Calls," She said, seeing the comparison.
"The Challenges Kagekiyo mentioned, are exactly what Ritsuka has to face day to day. Even now when things are a bit peaceful." Mashu said, smiling at her Son. "He faced the Resentment of Goetia, the Scorn of Mages and others, the Malice of Servants whom he dares to oppose, and the Despair that he encountered during our Journey."
Mashu gave a smile, reaching her hand to caress his hair. "Despite all of that, your Father keeps on pushing and staying true to himself." She said, comforting Harry in his time of need. "I may not be your Father, but as your Mother, the best I could say here is that no matter what you face, we'll be there to support you." She said, hoping this would make him feel better. "That's what we've been doing for Ritsuka, and we will be doing it for you too,"
Harry felt better after the talk, he hugged her, appreciating what she said. "Thanks, Mom." He said, he really needed that.
Mashu hugged Harry back before getting up with him. "Now, let's deal with Limbo-san and resolve this Singularity," She said, receiving a nod from her Son.
AN: How do you like it? I gave a hint as to who the next Leader will be. Also, how do you like the new Pseudo-Servant? Please leave a comment or review.