AN: Enjoy the chapter,
Ch 90 Further Investigations
Harry sat in a Hospital Bed with everyone around him inside the Medical Bey. Alongside her were Sirius, Remus, Asclepius, Flat, Marie Alter, Marie, and Arjuna Alter.
Fou was sitting on the Bedside, close to the young Heir of Chaldea at this time.
"Asclepius-san, how is Harry-kun?" Mashu asked her Son, concerned for his Health.
The black-haired Boy looks at his Mother, replying to her question. "Mom, I'm alright-"
"You don't say anything." Marie Alter barks, glaring at Harry for trying to cover this up. "It's bad enough that you hid your condition from us and look at you now!" The Avenger scolded Harry, frustrated with his lack of care for himself.
"Um, aren't you being too harsh on him, Alter?" Remus asked, sensing the anger seething from the Servant.
"No, Remus she's right," Sirius said, turning to face his Godson/Grandson. "Harry, that was very irresponsible of you in hiding your Health condition. Not even Ritsuka or James were this reckless-" Sirius stopped, hearing Marie and Asclepius hold back their laughter the best they could, however, they failed in doing so.
Sirius didn't remark since he saw first-hand what Ritsuka could do. "Anyways, what's causing this Doc?" He asked the God of Medicine, wanting to know what's making Harry sick. "Is there any cure for this Illness?"
Asclepius turns to the worried Adults, answering their question. "For starters, don't rush a Doctor while examining a Patient. Doing so might cause a misdiagnosis." The Caster stated before answering the question. "As for your question, this is a side effect of something else."
The Caster picked up a Tablet with Data he collected from his examination. "Based on the symptoms, this is some kind of a Mental Attack on the young master's mind," Asclepius explains, having seen this type with Ritsuka before. "The side effect is lack of sleep and frequent Memory flashes."
"A Mental Attack? Are you saying that Harry is being Attacked on his Mind?" The Werewolf asked, shocked to hear that something like that could happen to the young Boy. "Who could've done that?" He asked,
Mashu ponders, having one idea of what could lead Harry to this condition. "I have one prospect but by now, he is most likely aware that we're onto him." The former Demi-Servant explains to the two.
"Oh, you got to be kidding me!" Marie Alter exclaims, understanding what Mashu is saying.
Arjuna Alter sighs, crossing his arms at who they're referring to. "This Evil has his Name written all over the young master." The Lostbelt King said,
"Well, I should've expected this to happen." Marie sighs, having a feeling why Cagliostro was acting out of Character lately.
Remus turns to the Servants, discussing what he presumes is the one responsible for this. "You're telling me that someone here is responsible for Harry's Illness!?" He asked, sounding a bit angry. "I thought you all won't harm him!" He exclaims,
"Uncle Remus, I'm okay! There's nothing to-"
Sirius looks at his Best Friend, "Remus calm down. I know you're mad, but now's not the time." The Wizard Convict stated, understanding his anger about this. However, finding out how rid of this from Harry takes priority. "But, curing Harry is the important thing now."
The Werewolf paused, realizing getting angry wasn't helping anyone nor Harry. Remus took the time to take a deep breath and think straight. "Sorry, I lost myself there. I know Ritsuka wouldn't let anything bad happen to Cub," He said, still having questions of his own. "But I don't get, why?"
"Well, considering this is Count Cagliostro we're talking about then it's most likely that the Mental Attack is some kind of test for the Petit Maître," Marie said, knowing the Pretender the best.
"A Test? Why kind a Test?" Remus asked, looking around for answers.
Mashu sighs, not wanting to think about this. "Harry-kun's Adoption…well, some of the Servants are skeptical about him. Those who are against Harry-kun being Heir to Chaldea formed the Anti-Succession Faction." She explained the situation to Remus who was kept on the down low with Chaldea's Politics. "Though slowly, Harry-kun has won over a majority of Servants, there are a few remaining numbers who's yet to be convinced."
"Take Cagliostro for example," Marie Alter chipped in. "At First, he wasn't particularly pleased to hear master Adopted a Son. However, with Tez's defeat in South America and BB's blunder in Seraphix, he started to change his views." The Avenger added, explaining what happened to the Count of Despair.
"He became intrigued by the young master's actions in two difficult situations. He wanted to know how he fairs when he is confronted with the Despair of a Chaldean master." The Avenger turns to Harry, explaining the obsession Cagliostro has with him. "He wants to see how he can handle the position of master for himself." She said, understanding how Cagliostro works.
"Then how do we stop him?" Harry asked, causing everyone to look at him with complex expressions. "If Cagliostro wants to Test me, then go ahead. I won't back down from whatever he has planned for me." He stated, showing his resolve.
Both Sirius and Remus were surprised by Harry's sudden proclamation. Within the two Marauders' minds, they saw a vision of their Friend saying the same thing. 'If Voldemort wants my Son then go ahead. I won't back down from whatever he and his Followers have planned for my Son!' A Memory of James spoke, proclaiming to protect his Son.
Remus turns to Sirius who shares the same expression as him. Both gave a lighthearted chuckle at the bravery the young Boy showed similar to his Father, "Harry, you sound a lot like James right there," The Auburn Werewolf said, sounding bittersweet about it,
"Yeah, James said the exact same thing when facing You-Know-Who," Sirius added, seeing Harry inherited James's bravery.
Harry merely smiled, happy to make his Uncles happy.
Mashu steps forward to her Son, she places her Hand on Harry's shoulder. The violet-haired Woman looked at Harry with a serious expression. "Harry-kun, are you sure about this? Count Cagliostro isn't like every Servant you have met," She explains to her Son. "Much like Limbo-san, Father Kotomine, Professor Moriarty, Koyanskaya, and Holmes-san, he's one of the Seven Representatives of your Father. Unique Servants that once served the Alien God now serve him with similar Duties when they were Apostles."
"Fou, Fou," Fou agrees with the former Demi-Servant, Cagliostro is a dangerous Servant regardless of who he's serving.
Harry looks at Fou, petting his tiny Head. "Thank you for being concerned over me Fou, but I got a good understanding of him thanks to Limbo." He said, comparing what everyone said about the Assistant Principal to the Alter Ego he'd met in Seraphix.
Mashu sighs, seeing Harry has adopted Ritsuka's confidence. "If you say so, Harry-kun. However, as your Mother, it's my right to say that you need to prepare." The violet-haired Woman said, "Going into your mind isn't going to be easy nor simple. A lot has to be done before sending you off."
"Whatever it is, I'm ready Mom-"
"Heh, if I can interrupt." Flat steps forward, causing eyes to draw on him. "I know I've been here for a short while and might have no input. But why not train Harry here on what to expect when going into his Mindscape? I've been there since I was Summoned by the Human Order to solve whatever it is that plagues Harry." The Assassin said, suggesting what to do in this situation.
"Wait, you've been into Pup's Mind?" Sirius asked the Counter Force Servant, curious how that works.
Flat merely smiles, waving his hand to the Wizard. "It's rather complicated. Try not to worry about it,"
Marie Alter sighs, shaking her Head. "If we're really discussing going into the young master's mind then we better make sure he's ready." The Avenger stated, turning to Flat with an idea of what Harry's Mental Landscape is like. "By now, Cagliostro has made his Mind similar to master's Mindscape during the Id Singularity. He needs to be prepared for what he'll see inside,"
"But the question remains, how do we get Harry inside his own mind?" Remus asked the group, finding this task to be impossible. "Reading a Person's Mind is one thing, but entering into one? It's impossible, Legilimency is one of the most difficult Magic to Learn. Only a handful of Witches and Wizards can do it, let alone enter someone's Mind." The Werewolf exclaims, knowing how Spells revolving with the Mind is difficult to perform.
"The only Person I know who is very skilled with Legilimency is Professor Dumbledore." The shaggy-haired Wizard stated, "I never heard anyone else mastering that kind of Magic. It's rare as rare it can be," Sirius said before noticing everyone was acting strange,
Mashu laughed lightly as she explained that they could do it to the two. "Black-san, Lupin-san, Chaldea have experience with situations revolving around the Mind. More so in Ritsuka's Mind where he has an Affinity for Dreams." The former Demi-Servant explains,
"H-Huh?"
Harry smiled, hearing his Mother explain to his Uncles how they were going to send him inside his own Mindscape.
Fou suddenly sat up, looking at the approaching Altered Queen of France. "What you're doing is extremely foolish and idiotic. No one in the right mind would do such a thing such as this." Marie Alter said, sounding a peeved at how accepting Harry was with the upcoming Mission within his Mind.
"But, didn't Dad do this, Alter?" Harry questioned, having a bit of smugness in his voice.
"Fou, Fou," The Beast agrees with Harry's statement, seeing Ritsuka delve into his own Mind countless times.
Marie Alter was taken aback by Harry's response. "(Damnit, you really are taken after him.)" She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "If you are still going regardless of what I say to convince you otherwise, then I'll accompany you when preparations for this Mission are done."
"R-Really? I wasn't expecting you to help me." Harry said to the white-haired Avenger.
Marie Alter scoffs, placing her hand to her side in a sassy manner before speaking. "I'm only coming to ensure you don't hurt yourself in there." The former Queen of France stated, not wanting to see him hurt inside his own Mind. She then gave a smug expression at him, "Plus, I want to see if the Hellish Depths that Cagliostro created within your Mind would lead you to Vengeance."
Harry laughs softly, seeing through the Avenger Servant. "Okay, whatever you say, Marie Alter," He smiled at her, not understanding
Flat smiled, watching Harry before being approached by Mashu. "Ah, Mashu…right? Something you need?" The Assassin asked the Temporary Head of Chaldea. "Is it to watch over your Son? Don't worry, I got you covered," The Pseudo-Servant was about to leave it there, however Mashu wasn't finished.
"Actually, since you came from Harry-kun's Mindscape, you're the only one who's been there for us to get the proper Coordinates to the Area," Mashu explains, needing the Counter Force Servant before her.
"Hmm? Sure, don't know what you're going to do, but I'm willing to help." The blonde Assassin said, ready to help out in any way possible.
"Thank you, Flat-san," Mashu said, having a good feeling about this Mission.
Britain, Diagon Alley
After the rather unexpected meeting with another Servant Summoned early much like the Edgar Allen Poe, Rogue Pretender, Ruler of Patricius, and the Avenger of Hallows.
With another Servant being here, Trismegistus II's predictions were coming to fruition. However, for the time being, they can't do anything until Chaldeas detects something in the Present. In the meantime, Ritsuka and his Servants were being guided by the Assassin of Gringotts.
Despite the early interaction, Assassin of Gringotts didn't seem to be the type to shoot first and ask questions later. From what Ritsuka saw, he seemed almost like the front Guard of the Bank, a Bouncer.
Based on what he observed about the white-haired Servant, he got an idea a few People in History that fit the Assassin's description. "Master,"
Ritsuka turned his Head, looking at Vlad III who called him. "Look around, there's something strange about this." The Berserker said, looking at the surroundings of the Bank.
The Chaldean master took heed of his Servant's words, his eyes looked around him finally noticing some things were off,
For a place filled with Wizards, Witches, and Intelligent Phantasmal were present in a Bank such as the Bank. However, there were many People present that was out of place,
"Now that you mention it, Berserker. There's a lot of Men wearing Suits and Fedoras." Ritsuka commented, noticing that in every corner were Men wearing well-strapping, tailored suits all standing guard in the Bank.
'Normally, Banks run by Goblins tend to only be run by and guarded by Goblins.' Dantes spoke through his Bond with Ritsuka while staying in his Shadow.
'How do you know that, Count? Did you encounter some in your travels?' Ritsuka asked via their Bond,
Dantes nodded, responding to the question. 'Indeed I have, it was when I escaped the Château d'If and found myself refuge by these Sailors that took me to the Island of Monte Cristo that I encountered them.' The Avenger explains to the master of Chaldea. 'My Mentor, Abbe Faria had Goblins safeguarding the Tressure of Monte Cristo for either he or anyone sent by him came to retrieve it.'
"I see…" Ritsuka said, learning something new about his Mental Protector's Story that was left out.
Holmes looks forward, his eyes drawn over the Rogue Assassin. "Assassin of Gringotts, these People around us. I take it they're Phantom Spirits?" He asked the white-haired Man.
Assassin of Gringotts turns his Head to the Ruler Servant, his facial expression still stern since they met. "You're a Ruler, am I right?" He asked the Detective to follow behind him. "You're not the only Ruler who figured out who these People are. To answer your question, these Phantom Spirits are my Men; a part of my Noble Phantasm." He commented,
"Not the only Ruler?" Robin asked, hearing that the Assassin told him about another Ruler Servant visiting here.
Ritsuka could only think of one Ruler the Assassin of Gringotts was talking about the Ruler of Patricius his Son and his other Servants met in London. "This Ruler, did he go by Ruler of Patricius?" He asked,
"Yes, he does." The Assassin said, "Based on that Ruler appearing, there's only one thing. There's going to be a Holy Grail War starting soon." The white-haired Servant said, looking forward with an even more stern expression once he said it.
"I take it you have a Wish for the Holy Grail?" Ritsuka asked the Rogue Servant before he responded with something else.
"We're here," The Assassin informed the Chaldean group, turning to face them. "Please make your way inside, we can speak more privately here." He said, motioning for them to enter.
Ritsuka took the lead with his Servants following him inside. Dantes was within his Shadow, staying alert in case the Servant did anything.
The Assassin of Gringotts followed them, heading to the room to join them.
Inside was a sight; a Waiting room dawned with rare minerals such as gold and gems. At the center were two pieces of Golden Furniture with velvet fabric, an expensive kind from its looks.
Ritsuka sat down on one end of the center in the Furniture while Assassin of Gringotts sat on the opposite side. "So, what is it you want to talk about? I can tell you and your posey have some questions about me." The white-haired Servant said, leaning back on the chair. "Well? I'll answer whatever questions you have to some extent."
"Mr. Fujimaru," Holmes calls for his master, advising him in the questioning. "(I do believe asking questions about Assassin's Summoning and what he knows.)"
Ritsuka nodded, taking what the Detective said into consideration. His Saphire eyes gaze at the Rogue Servant, beginning the questioning. "Assassin of Gringotts, I presume you don't have a master? My Servants would've detected one due to Servants emitting different Magical Energy if they're in Contract with one." He said,
The white-haired Assassin chuckled, eyeing the Chaldean master. "You're correct, I don't have a master. However, I do find it odd that for a Holy Grail War, there are only a few masters with a bunch of Servants around." Assassin of Gringotts said, sharing his thoughts on the situation. "I really don't care whether or not there's a master. As long as I get that Grail then I can achieve my Wish since I was Alive."
"If I may, what Wish would that be?" Holmes asked, curious what the Rogue Assassin's Wish was.
Assassin of Gringotts crossed his legs and interlocked his fingers. "Simply put, I desire to rebuild my Empire once more. Nothing simpler as that, right?" He asked, knowing exactly what they were going to say next. "If you're curious about why I'm here, you can say that the one who's in charge of this Bank and I have come to a mutual understanding resulting in the Men you all saw at the Entrance."
"I see, I presume that this mutual understanding is your stay here in exchange is your service, Assassin?" Vlad III asked, being observant around them as a Warrior.
"Indeed, considering that Servants can easily pass through Gringotts's many Spells and Enhancements to prevent any robberies, I figured to take Assassin's presence here as an opportunity for the foreseeable Future." Everyone turns to the side, seeing a Goblin with grey sideburns wearing a Victorian Tailcoat step into the Waiting Room. "Welcome to Gringotts, I'm the Founder of this Bank, Gringotts, King of the Goblins. I must admit, I was skeptical about allowing a Magus into my Bank, however, once your Archer explains what you all did in Diagon Alley, I want to see who have bravely faced the Dead Apostle."
'A Goblin? He must be a Bank Teller then if he's wearing Clothes like the one at the Front.' Ritsuka said before greeting the Goblin making his way over to the seats.
Ritsuka merely smiled, looking at Goblin. "Well, considering that our Battle wasn't exactly concealed, talks about it will bound to happen." The Magus jokes with the two. "Anyways, we haven't introduced ourselves,"
"My Name is Ritsuka Fujimaru, director of the Chaldea Security Organization and as you know, master of the Servants currently with me." Ritsuka introduced himself to Gringotts and the Assassin. "As you know, I'm a Magus but I'm different from the ones you know."
Gringotts nodded, having met a few Mages in his Lifetime. "Indeed, a Magus is in contract with many Servers. I must say, never have I encountered something like this." He said, having lived a long time.
"Goblins have been on this Earth for many Years, living through the downfall of Mystery to the Modern Age. During that time, we've procured knowledge that the Ministry of Magic doesn't understand." Gringotts explains, looking at the Servants surrounding Ritsuka.
"Servants are a unique topic we've encountered before. Though little, we do know that Mages typically are in Contract with one Servant for a Grail War. However, making a Contract with so many Servants can be straining and the Magus needs high-quality Magic Circuits. The only Person that I know who has that kind of stamina was King Gilgamesh."
"W-Wait, hold on, you knew Gilgamesh!?" Ritsuka asked, surprised to hear that this Goblin knew the King of Heroes.
Gringotts gave a light chuckle, knowing all too well the master of Chaldea's reaction. "I take it that you know, His Majesty?" The Goblin King asked the Magus, "Yes, my First Generation assisted King Gilgamesh with creating his Vault called the Gate of Babylon. It was filled with the World's Tressures and Prototypes of various Weapons,"
Holmes nodded, listening in to the conversation. 'Makes sense, Fairies or this case, Goblins were abundant during the Age of Gods to the Age of Fairies.' The Ruler ponders, taking mental notes of their experience here in the Wizarding Community.
"He was fortunate enough to assist in its Creation," Gringotts said, reminiscing about his Past with the King of Heroes. "Tell me, how do you know the King of Babylonia?"
"I met Gilgamesh during an Adventure in Babylonia to help save it. After that he became one of my Servants in Chaldea," Ritsuka said, confirming what the Goblin King suspected. "In fact, he's Chaldea's Financer,"
The Goblin King blinks a few times before responding to what Ritsuka said. "I'm sorry, Financer? I find it hard to believe that a brilliant and yet arrogant man is a simple Financer." Gringotts said, hearing the position of the former King of Babylonia to be a Mundane position. "The King Gilgamesh will have someone else to do something like that. His Assistant, Siduri would be the perfect Candidate to be a Financer."
"Servants when Summon were Summoned in different points in their Life. There are at least Three Gilgamesh currently residing in Chaldea," Holmes explains to the Goblin King. "His Caster Version is the Wise King of Heroes who took responsibility for managing the Finances of our Organization and many Shares we have in certain Companies."
"I see…I take it the Title of the Wise King of Uruk is when his Friend, Enkidu Died at the hands of the Mesopotamian Gods." Gringotts said before shaking his Head. "In any case, I'm glad that His Majesty is doing well. Now, from what you and Assassin told me, you're Investigating the Dead Apostle that's terrorizing the Alley."
Ritsuka nodded, "That is correct, the Holy Church was Investigating as well. We're here on behalf of the Mages Association." He explains to the current Generation of Gringotts. "If you two have any information about him, then it'll be helpful for us."
Assassin of Gringotts looks at his Alley, nodding to tell him. He turns to the Chaldean master, relaying what he discovers. "During the fight, the Bank was on high alert due to it. Many Goblins and my Men were making sure nothing got past our eyes and aiding any retreating People." The white-haired Assassin said. "However…."
"However?" Robin asked,
"Someone managed to get past our Guards, however, our Spells and Enchantments on this place prevent him from getting any further," Gringotts explains to the Chaldeans. "My Goblins tried to apprehend the Wizard, however, he used some Curses that no Wizard or Witch use, without a Wand, and rendered my People helpless. He escaped after that," The current Generation of the Goblin King informed them.
'Curses that no Wizards or Witches use. Maybe it's Magecraft based on Curses or Botany.' Holmes said, putting the Pieces together. 'With the Battle between us and Avenger of Hallows taking place, it would create a perfect opportunity to break into a secure Area.' He said to himself, looking at his master having deduced what was going on.
Ritsuka nodded, seeing the gesture his Advisor made. He shut his eyes, also getting what happened here. "I see…thank you for your time," He said, standing from his seat. "From what you told us, I have a good idea of what's happening. As for you, Assassin, it's pretty obvious that you're here for a Grail War but Summoned early."
"Really? I thought I told you that," Assassin of Gringotts said before shrugging it off. "Anyways, it's hardly any of my concerns considering what you told me. You're not even participating in the Holy Grail War that's about to take place here." He said, looking straight into the Magus's eyes.
Ritsuka merely gave a slight chuckle in the Assassin's statement. "Heh, really then? We'll see what will happen in the Future, Assassin." He said, about to exit the Waiting Room to review their findings.
Gringotts saw the small chuckle Ritsuka gave, a chuckle that all his previous Generations had encountered many times. "Mr. Fujimaru, if I may. I want to ask you something,"
"Hmm?" Ritsuka turns around to the Goblin King. "What is it?" He asked,
"Throughout my years running Gringotts, I have met and run many Wizard Family's Vaults here." The current Generation of the Goblin King said, looking at the black-haired Magus. "Tell me, Mr. Fujimaru…are you related to the Black Family?" He asked,
Assassin of Gringotts raises a brow, looking at his Alley and the Chaldean master.
Robin, Vlad III, and Holmes looked at their master, fully aware of his Heritage. Ritsuka merely chuckles, showing the same smirk at the Goblin. "What makes you say that?"
"Your smirk, the only People who smirk like that are the Black Family," Gringotts explains, encountering the Black Family too many times to even keep track. "Yours resembles one who always rebels against his Family's traditions. Even after being outcasted from the Blacks, he retains that smirk. Tell me, are you perhaps…Sirius Black's Son?" He asked, out right there without hesitation.
"Yes, I am,"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.