AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 102 Volleyball Lesson
Harry huffs, running while looking up in the Air. "HUP!" He held his Hands together and bumped the Volleyball back to the other side of the Net.
"Ha! Nice one Kid!" Cu Chulainn came in, leaping in the Air and serving it back to the other end of the Court.
Harry saw the incoming Volleyball heading towards him, "Sei!" The young Boy hit the Ball from below and served it back to the other side.
Ritsuka chuckles at his Son, trying his best to hit the Volleyball back. "Nice hit, Bud!" He praised his Son's volley before running to intercept it. "HA!"
The Magus leaps in the air, striking the Ball back before landing on the ground.
The Volleyball rushed back to Harry's side of the Court, seeing the Ball was shot a bit far from where he stood, he proceeded to look at one Team Member. "Takeru!"
"I got it, young master!" Takeru rushed back, reaching their Arm back in an attempt to serve it back.
However, the Volleyball just grazed the Hero of the Boundless Azure's Fist. "Damnit!" The Saber cursed at them missing.
Sion blew her Whistle, raising her Hand towards the Chaldean master. "Set point to Team Ritsuka," The purple-haired Alchemist announced to the audience.
Many applauded Ritsuka's Team for earning a point, Sirius stood up from his Seat and cheered loudly. "WAY TO GO RITSUKA! WHOOO!" He cheered loudly,
"Sirius, remember you're not only cheering for Ritsuka, but you're also cheering for Harry too." Remus reminded the shaggy-haired Wizard that his Son wasn't the only one on the Volleyball Court.
Sirius turns to the Werewolf, still retaining a proud Fatherly smile on his face. "Yes, I know Mooney, I didn't forget about Pup." The Wizard turns his Head in the direction of his Godson/Grandson is standing. "Harry!"
The young Boy turns his Head, his Sirius calling his Name. "Do your best! Don't let that miss shake you up!" Sirius called out as Mashu joined in the cheering.
"Harry-kun, be sure to have fun as well!" Mashu said, not caring who wins or loses. She's happy that both her Boys are having fun.
Zhou Yu, Marie, Marie Alter, and the rest of the Servants he'd met in the Wandering Sea cheering for him.
Harry heard the cheers coming from the Audience for him, he gave a small chuckle as he waved his Hand toward those who were cheering for him. "Harry, we have to rethink our position," Hakunon said to the young master,
The black-haired Boy nodded, hearing the AI's suggestion. He looks around them, not knowing what exactly they need to change in their Team position, "You're right, but…:
On the other end of the Court, Emiya saw Harry speaking to Hakunon. The Counter Guardian turns to his master, informing him about his observation.
Both Cu Chulainn and Emiya aren't just participating as a part of Ritsuka's Team. They also assist him by observing Harry's training. "Master, Harry looks like he and his Team are rethinking their Position." The white-haired Archer informed the Chaldean master.
Ritsuka looks at his Servant, nodding to the Counter Guardian notification. The Magus then looked at his Son, taking the opportunity to teach him something. "Harry," He called for his Son to which he responded.
"Think of which Servant is perfect for taking up the rear. Though it doesn't mean much, someone covering the rear will do wonders." Ritsuka said, knowing Harry's Team was standing side by side.
The black-haired Boy heard what his Father was trying to say to him. "Got it, Dad!" Harry looks at both Takeru and Hakunon, rethinking their Position. "Okay, I think we need someone who's agile and nimble to keep up with those Volleyball," He said to the Two.
"Well, Takeru is faster than me so they should take up the rear." The Moon Cancer suggested, giving helpful advice to the young Boy.
Harry looked at Takeru who was standing beside him. "Takeru, can you take up the rear?" He asked the Saber Servant,
Takeru nodded, complying with Harry's request. "Sure thing young master," The Hero of the Boundless Azure approached the rear of the Team,
"That's good, Takeru." Harry looks at his Father, waving his Hand toward his Team. "Dad, we're ready!"
Ritsuka nodded, seeing Takeru taking up the Volleyball that landed on their side of the Court. However when they were about to begin the Child of Light approached him, "(Oi, master aren't we supposed to let the Kid make his own decisions during this Match?)" The Lancer asked, "(Why is it Hakunon enabling him?)"
Emiya turns to the blue Lancer, overhearing the conversation. "Hakunon isn't enabling Harry, Lancer. It's more of her giving her insights into the situation." The Archer stated, understanding where the Lancer is coming from. "The point of this exercise is for Harry to gain experience in Teamwork."
Ritsuka nodded, turning to the Hound of Ulster. "Emiya is right, though Harry is experienced in leading a Team of Servants. He's only experienced in leading them," The Magus stated, placing his Hand to the side. "Being a master isn't just leading, it's also hearing out what the People's suggestions are when leading them in a situation."
"Huh, never thought I would hear you acting like a Mentor, master." Cu Chulainn commented, laughing to himself seeing his master acting something he hadn't seen before.
Ritsuka cleared his throat, hiding his blush from his Servants. "O-Okay Cu, I get it." He said,
Emiya merely smiled before looking at Sion who was waiting for them to proceed with the Match. "Sion, we're ready to continue." The Archer informed the Alchemist.
"Alright, Emiya," Sion responded to the Counter Guardian's Words. She looks at Harry, seeing was also waiting on them. "Ready, Team Harry?"
Harry nodded, speaking out to tell Sion they were ready. "We're ready, Ms. Sion!" The young Boy informed the Alchemist.
Sion smiled, raising her whistle and blew it. "Team Ritsuka, One Point, and Team Harry Zero! Round Two!" The Atlas Alchemist announced,
The young Boy smiles, confident that with this new line-up, they can win a Point. "Alright, here I go!" Harry tosses the Volleyball in the Air, leaps up, and serves the Ball back.
Emiya saw the incoming Ball and rushed to intercept it. "Heh, nice serve there, Harry." He then hit the Ball back, causing it to fly into Harry's side.
"Oh no you don't Nameless!" Hakunon came rushing in, hitting the Ball back on the other side. The Moon Cancer landed back to the ground, crossing her Arms, "Hahahaha," She laughed, similar to a certain Golden King after hitting the Ball.
"Ha! That's a good serve, Hakunon but I'm still faster!" Cu Chulainn laughs, maneuvering through their side and towards the Ball and hitting it back,
The Volleyball hurls towards the young master with great speed. Harry's eyes widen, seeing the Ball heading towards him,
Harry shut his eyes, seeing there was no way to avoid the incoming Volleyball. He raised both of his Hands, bumping the speeding Volleyball.
The Volleyball flew up in the Air, traveling to the other side. "Good hit, Bud!"
The young Boy opened his eyes, seeing both his Father and Cu Chulainn running towards the Volleyball, only for them to miss by an inch.
Sion blew her Whistle, raising her Hand towards Harry's side of the Court. "Point to Team Harry, it's now one on one!" The Alchemist announced,
The Servants and the Staff who were watching the Game cheered for Harry's team to receive a Point.
Mashu smiles, waving her Hand at her Son. "Harry-kun! Good job there!"
"Fou, Fou!" Fou stood on his hind legs, cheering for the young master.
"GO HARRY! WOOP-WOOP!" Sirius cheered loudly for his Godson/Grandson, "THAT'S MY GODSON/GRANDSON THERE!" The Son of the Black Family proudly announced to the entire Chaldean assembly.
Remus couldn't help but also share the same joyous feelings as everyone. "Way to go, Pup! Keep it up!" The Werewolf joins in the cheering,
Cu Chulainn rolled back his shoulders, as his red eyes looked back at his master. "Well, talk about close, the Kid was smart enough to toss the Ball close to the Net." The Lancer commented,
"I'm pretty sure that was a fluke, Lancer," Emiya commented, "The Volleyball was served a little too hard, it's natural that Harry wouldn't serve it properly," The Counter Guardian added, knowing a few things
Harry heard the many cheers for him earning his Team a point. He still retains his big smile, never hearing so many People cheering for him. He then remembers Carmilla's Lesson on Etiquette.
Flashback
Harry sat before a white-haired Woman with piercing Yellow Eyes being covered by a mask. She wore a rather revealing Outfit, with a Red dress covered by barbs. In all, her appearance resembles that of a Female Vampire Noble.
This Servant was Carmellia, better known as Elizabeth Bathory, the Older Version of the Countess of Blood.
Carmilla stood before the young master, teaching Etiquette to the Future Heir of Chaldea. "Remember this well, Boy. Being an Heir is nothing to take lightly." The Assassin sternly said to Harry,
Harry could only nod in response to the Countess of Blood while noting what she said.
"People, Politicians, World Leaders, Mages, even Wizards; you'll meet many ranking People in your Lifetime," Carmilla informed the black-haired Boy, pacing back and forth. "As such you need to know how to handle them all. Be wary of their intentions, and most of all you know how to maneuver around their alternative motives."
"So how do I do that, Ms. Carmilla?" The black-haired Boy asked the Vampiric Noblewoman.
The white-haired Assassin smirks, answering the young master's question. "The answer is simple. Master has mastered this even before establishing Chaldea City." Carmilla explains to Harry. "Remember when dealing with Politicians, be cunning at all Times, and be sure to smile (even if you're feeling any other Emotions), but most of all, you also need to be Humble."
"Despite all of the People you're going to meet, it's important to be humble, regardless of what they do," Carmilla said, advising Harry on what to do in Social Situations.
End of Flashback
Harry looks up at the Audience, smiling and gently waving, trying to be humble in front of the many cheers.
Carmilla who was watching among the crowd of Servants saw the young master being humble while receiving praises. The Assassin smiles softly, seeing that Harry has kept her lesson from her Etiquette Class. "Well done, Child. You kept your lessons on Etiquette in mind,"
Ritsuka saw his Son humbling waving at the Audience, "Seems that Harry has remembered Carmilla's lesson on Etiquette." The said, recognizing the way Harry's way of acting.
Cu Chulainn winced, hearing that the young master was taking Lessons from the Countess of Blood. "That's a terrifying thought, someone like Carmilla teaching the Kid…" The Lancer gazed over to the young master, having some concerns about it.
"I understand you're worried about Harry, Cu. But Carmilla has my full trust that she can teach him how to handle difficult People." Ritsuka ensures the Child of Light everything is alright.
Emiya couldn't help but chuckle at Cu Chulainn's worry for Harry. The Archer crossed his Arms and spoke to the Lancer, "Lancer, since when you were concerned about Harry?"
"Hey, any reasonable Adult would be concerned for a Kid, especially from someone who's known for bathing in Women's Blood." Cu Chulainn said, stating his concerns. He then sighs, looking back at Harry, "I don't have anything against Carmilla, but she can be a bit strict."
"Hars has met a lot of Servants in this Anti-Succession Faction. Meeting strict Tutors is nothing compared to that." Ritsuka said, seeing how Harry has gone since he'd met him at the Orphanage. "He's stronger than you think, Cu."
Ritsuka cleared his throat, proceeding to continue the match. "Shall we continue Bud?" Harry turns to his Father, hearing him speak.
"Yeah!" Harry said, looking back at Takeru who was holding the Volleyball in their Hands. "Takeru, do you want to serve?" The young Boy asked the Saber Servant.
The black-haired Saber nodded, wanting to serve, "Get ready, Emiya, Lancer. I'm not going to go easy with you all!" Takeru tossed the Volleyball in the air, leaped up, and hit it to the other side of the Court.
Emiya smirks, taking the chance to hit it back the Ball. "Not on my watch!" The Counter Guardian cried out, hitting the Volleyball.
This went on for a while until they reached the Final Round of the Match. Both Harry and Ritsuka were working up a sweat from playing many rounds of Volleyball. The Servants on the other Hand weren't sweating,
Huffing, Harry saw that the score was tied between his Team and his Father. "One more round…"
Takeru nodded to the young master, "Yeah, I have to say this was an intense game of Volleyball." The black-haired Saber commented, having much more fun than they had anticipated.
"You can say that again, Takeru," Hakunon added, also having fun playing Volleyball with Harry. The brunette Moon Cancer looks at the young Boy, "Are you okay, Harry? You're sweating up a storm there," The AI commented on the appearance of Harry,
Harry huffs, looking up at his Teammates, and smiles. "Yeah, I'm alright. This is nothing compared to Leonidas's training." He said, remembering the rigorous training he did with the King of Sparta.
"Oh that we're aware of," Hakunon said, remembering the training regimen of the Lancer. "Anyways, we got one more point to win this Match." The Moon Cancer said, keeping track of the Points.
"That could go for master's side too, Hakunon," Takeru commented, seeing the Scores are tied. "Both sides can win this Match if either our Team or master's scores." The Hero of the Boundless Azure said, gazing their eyes at the young master and asking him something.
"Are you ready to continue with the Match, young master?" Takeru asked Harry, getting pumped up for the final Round.
The black-haired Boy nodded, standing straight up from his knees. Harry looks at his Father who is also ready to continue with the Match. "Yeah, I'm ready, Takeru, Hakunon." He smirks,
Ritsuka saw the smirk on his Son's face, the Chaldean master smiled at how confident his Son had recently,
"Well, talk about confidence. He was a lot quieter from when he first arrived in Chaldea." Emiya commented, also impressed by the young Boy's progress.
Cu Chulainn scoffs, cracking his knuckles which interrupts the small conversation. "Well, if he's confident enough. Why don't we make things a bit more interesting now it's the Final round?" The Lancer asked his Teammates, suggesting to give the young master a test.
The Counter Guardian and his master looked at each other, pondering on the Child of Light's suggestion. "What do you say, master? Should we up the pressure on this Match?" Emiya asked,
Ritsuka scoffs, liking the suggestion his Servant gave. "Yeah, I want to see the accumulation of knowledge Harry has learned during his Time here." The black-haired Magus looks at his Son, "Hars, get ready! We're not going to hold back,"
Harry smiles, "Go for it, Dad!" He said, wanting to challenge himself,
Ritsuka nodded, taking the Volleyball he was holding and tossing it in the Air. "Here I go!" The master activates the Magic Circuits in his Arms and Legs, leaping in the Air and serving the Ball.
The Volleyball was hurling faster unlike before, Harry could tell that this was what his Father meant by 'not holding back'.
Harry looks at the incoming Volleyball, clearly hit with his Father using the Enhancement of his Limbs.
Remus saw that his Nephew hit the Volleyball rather hard. The Werewolf turns around to Mashu, "Mashu, why did Ritsuka hit the Volleyball hard?" The auburn-haired Wizard asked the former Demi-Servant.
The violet-haired Woman turns to the Werewolf, answering his question. "Ritsuka most likely wants to test Harry-kun. He's been slowly increasing the difficulty to build up his strength, courage, and Magic Circuits." She explains,
"Fou, Fou,"
"So this is for Harry to develop his Magic?" Remus asked, seeing this to be an unconventional and yet interesting way to teach. "I find it an unconventional way to train someone in Magic like this. However, considering I've only heard about Magecraft; unconventional means of teaching it works best." He commented, trying to understand the World of Magecraft.
"However, I do believe Sirius doesn't care for that." Remus and Mashu turn their attention to the shouting Wizard, cheering for both Boys' victory.
"YOU BOTH CAN DO IT, RITSUKA! HARRY!" Sirius cheered more loudly than before, "GO, GO, GO!" The shaggy-haired Wizard was having fun than he realized; seeing his Son playing Volleyball. This feeling of excitement was a feeling of pride and he regretted that he wasn't able to see Ritsuka compete when he was in School.
"THAT'S MY SON AND GODSON THERE!" Sirius cheered continuously, punching the Air,
The young Boy focused on the incoming Volleyball heading towards his way, prepping himself for the Ball. He focuses himself and moves his Arms forward, unaware that he has activated his dormant Circuits,
"Holy shit!" Cu Chulainn laughs, seeing Harry has served the Volleyball that was served with Enhancement Magecraft. "Did that Kid just activate his Magic Circuits?" He asked,
"I thought Wizards doesn't have Magic Circuits?" The blue-haired Lancer asked, surprised and impressed by Harry's achievement.
Emiya looks at his Rival, answering his question. "Wizards and Witch may have Magic Cores, however, most have dormant Magical Circuits but they aren't that strong from Mages." The Archer said, getting a bit distracted.
"Oi, you two!" Ritsuka called for his Servant's attention, rushing towards the Volleyball.
The Magus extended his Arm, trying to hit the Ball, however, he missed by a hair and landed on their side of the Court.
With a moment of silence, Sion broke through the silence with her Whistle. "Point to Team Harry, that's Point and Game!" Sion announced, holding her Arm towards to Harry's side of the Court, "The Winner of this Match goes to Harry Fujimaru!"
The entire Simulator burst into cheers for the young master claiming Victory.
"You did it Big Brother!" Jack leaps from the Bleachers, heading towards Harry,
"Yeah! That was the most fun we've seen!" Alice followed the Assassin down to meet with the black-haired Boy.
Many Servants did the same, running up to Harry to celebrate his winning and being able to activate his Magic Circuits. Even though it is nothing to any other Mage Family, however for Chaldea, it is something to celebrate.
Harry smiles, seeing the Servants running over to him, cheering his Name.
A large Tan Man wearing nothing but grey jeans came over, lifting the young Boy on his shoulders. "Awesome job, Kid! That's one hell of a Game you played!" Beowulf, the Swedish Hero of the same Name, Beowulf exclaims. "We're drinking booze tonight!"
Kyokutei Bakin smiles at the prospect of drinking, "Let's get our drunk on!" The Rider cheered, excited for a chance to drink.
"Hahahah, you can say that again, Bakin." Leonidas agreed with the Rider Servant, "After all the hard work that the young master has been through, it's a cause for a Celebration!" The Lancer stated,
Mashu approached her Son on Beowulf's shoulder, smiling proudly at his accomplishment. "You were great out there, Harry-kun. I knew you had it within you and your Father also believed in you too." The former Demi-Servant said,
The black-haired Boy looks over to his Father, standing with Emiya, Cu Chulainn, Hakunon, and Takeru, all having a face of pride and approval. Harry then looks at his Mother, smiling more brightly than ever. "Thanks, Mom!"
"Fou!" Fou leaps from Mashu's hold and onto Harry's shoulders, causing him to giggle,
A white-haired Woman wearing red Armor and a Beak on her Head looks at Sirius and Remus who want a chance to congratulate Harry.
Every Servant and Staff member cheered loudly at the prospect of a Celebration. When it comes to a Celebration in Chaldea, it's going to be one heck of a Party,
Later that Night, at the Celebration everyone was drinking away and all were having Fun.
Hakunon, Takeru, Cu Chulainn, and Emiya were together, drinking at the successful Game and achievement Harry gained.
"THAT WAS AN AMAZING GAME! MAN, I WANT TO SEE MORE! RITSUKA, DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE VOLLEYBALL GAMES PLANNED!?" Sirius drank more Sake from his Sake Cup for the Celebration, clearly drunk after a few Cups. "MERLIN, THIS IS GOOD SAKE!"
Merlin chuckles, drinking more from the same Sake. "You could say that again Black!" He drank more before raising his Cup. "Hey, Kiichi Hogen, more Sake for me and my dear Friend here!" The Grand Caster asked the Tengu,
A white-haired Woman wearing red Armor, white Feathers, and a Black Beak on her Head approaches the Two British Men. "Coming right up! I knew saving these special Tengu Sakes would come and handy one day!" Kiichi Hogen, the Mentor of Ushiwakamaru poured more Sake for the Two and they drank it immediately.
Sirius drank as he Howls at the taste of it, "WHOO!"
Taikoubou came in with a Cup of his own, handing it over to the Assassin. "Lady Hogen, may I have some of your Tengu Sake? I've been dying to try it after our interesting conversation of ale," The Grand Caster Candidate asked,
"Of course, there's no need to hold back, Taikoubou!" Kiichi Hogen poured more Sake into the Rider's Cup before they cheered together,
Off to another Table, Remus sighs, seeing his Friend in a Drunken state. "Sirius, I swear…" The Werewolf said, disappointed in his Friend who has a weakness in Ale.
"I'm sorry to see your Father in a state, Ritsuka." Remus apologized on the behalf of his Friend to his Son. "Sirius often is weak-willed when it comes to Liquor. Has been ever since we were eligible to Drink."
Ritsuka chuckles, not minding seeing his Father having Fun. "It's fine, I never seen Otou-san drunk before, even when I was old enough to be aware of my surroundings." The Magus said, gently petting Harry's Head as he slept on his Lap.
It was a tiring Day for Harry, he'd never experienced this much excitement in one Day. Ritsuka occasionally looks down at him as he sleeps. "Harry has sure worn himself today," The black-haired Magus said, commenting about his Son.
"Of course, Harry-kun has been working hard to make us proud," Mashu said, sitting next to her Husband. She reached out, pushing a strand of his hair away from his sleeping face,
Mashu then sighs, seeing how hard Harry's been working during their Time in the Wandering Sea. "I do worry that Harry-kun might work himself too much, I don't want him to think that if he isn't working too hard then we might think less of him."
Ritsuka agrees with his Wife, looking down at Harry. "Yeah, me too. I just want him to have a Childhood before heading into this Magecraft business." The Magus said, not wanting Harry to be like the Children from those Mage Families.
Remus chuckles, taking a sip of his Non-Alcoholic Drink. "I wouldn't worry too much, you two." The Werewolf said, consulting the young Parents. "You two are raising him right, I can see that Harry admires you two and wants to be like you. But he also knows he can't be exactly like you two," He said to the Parents of his Nephew as he gazed down at him.
"Sure what he experienced here in the Wandering Sea might be an indication for him to be like you Two. But showing him that you guys don't care if he's on your level, he'll understand that he doesn't need to be like you." Remus said, advising Mashu and Ritsuka on what to do about Harry. "And you guys are doing exactly like that in the Volleyball Game. Having Fun while learning; you're raising him right."
Both Mashu and Ritsuka looked at each other before back to Remus. They smiled, appreciating his consultation over their worries about their Son, "Lupin-san, thank you-"
"Um…Mashu, Ritsuka…" Hakunon who was sitting with other Servants called for the two, pointing in the direction of Taikoubou, Merlin, Kiichi Hogen, and Sirius,
Sirius was toppled over the Table, already fallen asleep from too much Sake he drank.
"B-Black-san!?" Mashu stood up, seeing her Father-in-Law knocked out,
"Damnit Sirius! You drank too much!" Remus exclaims, standing up from his sitting mat, swiftly heading to the shaggy-haired Wizard,
Ritsuka couldn't help but chuckle at the drunken state his Father was in. "Well…at least I know to keep an eye on Otou-san when he's drinking." He said, wishing his Mother was able to see this.
The Magus could see Akari heading to Sirius's side, comforting him while he spoke gibberish. Ritsuka sighs, relishing in the joyful moment.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.