AN: So summer event is here and I decided to make the Atlantic Celestial Defense Station a Private Chaldea Beach Resort. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Anastasia- 10
Atalante Alter - 21
Antonio Salieri- 3
Setanta- 2
Sitonai- 5
William Tell -0
Ch 24 Russia, Home to the Demonic Beasts
"W-What the hell, you're telling me that Sirius Black is Fujimaru's Father!?" A gruff voice exclaims with disbelief at what he was told. "This has to be a joke, right?"
A groan came from a young man, answering the gruff voice. "As much as I want it to be a joke, it's not, Goldolf," Kadoc said, crossing his arms. "But DNA doesn't lie, Kieri had the Doctors run the blood twice along with the DNA Ritsuka left behind-"
"You know what I mean," Kadoc corrected himself, "Anyways, it all came back the same result. They're truly Father and Son," The white-haired Magus stated,
"Tch, well, this sure does change things," Goldolf commented, worried for Ritsuka. "If the Association finds out about this, who knows what would happen."
A Woman with white hair in a Noble Dress and holding a Doll. "The Mages Association will not intervene with Chaldean affairs. This is an issue for Chaldea, not for the Clocktower." Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova said, sharing her thoughts on the matter.
Kadoc nodded, agreeing with his Partner. "It's Chaldea that both the UN and the Association come to us for their clean up or when trouble is too much for them to handle." The Magus said, waving his hand.
"You may be right on that, Zemlupus, but most Mages will see this as a-"
"Isn't the Botany Department made of Witches and Wizards who were outcasts by the Wizarding World or what they call Squids," Kadoc said, remembering hearing that term from Mages who left the Wizarding World.
"Squibs, master Kadoc." Anastasia corrected her Partner, "They called Squibs,"
Kadoc looks over to his former Servant, hearing her correction. "Ah, thank you, Anastasia." He said, appreciating her correcting him. He then remembers something from his Past as a Crypter. "Hmm…"
"What is it, Zemlupus?" Goldolf asked the director of the Russian Branch.
"Since we're talking about Wizards, I think I should tell you something about what I've been keeping," Kadoc said, hiding this important information he's been keeping since the early days of Chaldea.
Goldolf blinks, stroking his mustache. "Oh? What is it Zemlupus?" The blonde Magus asked his fellow Magus, interested in what he needed to tell him.
Anastasia looked at her Partner, knowing what this was about. "Master Kadoc, are you sure you want to reveal the secret you've been keeping from everyone?" The Lostbelt Servant asked,
"Yes, Goldolf…"
Somewhere in the Russian Outpost, two Wizards were restrained by Anti-Wizard Chains while Remus was under Anti-Beast restraints.
Sirius groans, feeling like he woke up on the bed. "Ugh, my head…w-what just…" His eyes widened, realizing how it was a bit colder here and were in a different room than the Cells they were in. "W-Where are we!? Remus, wake up!" He turns to his Friend, seeing he's there with him.
"S-Sirius, be quiet, it's late at nig-dear Merlin!" Remus's eyes widen, realizing they are in their Cells held by that True Ancestor. "Where are we? The last I remember was seeing that strange Muggle talking to us-"
Sirius took note of how Remus's stopped talking abruptly, turning his head to the Werewolf, he began to question him. "Hey, Moony, what's wrong?" He asked about the sudden silence. "Why did you stop tal-"
"Greetings, and salutations my dear Wizards." Sirius turns his head, and his sentence is interrupted by a voice, following where the voice came from. He saw two Men standing in the shadows, one looked like Snape with slick back hair and black armor with a blue cape.
The other was someone whom they didn't expect. The one thing the Wizards feared other than Grindelwald or Voldemort, an emissary of the Holy Church. "W-Why is there a Priest here!?" Sirius exclaims, seeing the Priest.
"F-Frist was that True Ancestor with that Onmyoji, next is that Muggle who smells like dead Beasts, and now a freaking Priest from the Holy Church!?" Remus exclaims, wondering why there are so many elements that threaten the Wizarding Community.
Sirius took a deep breath, glaring at the Priest, not faltering from his fears. "What do you want, Priest from us?" He demanded,
Kirei Kotomine or Grigori Rasputin, the Assistant Director of the Chaldea Russian Branch smiles. He saw the same fearless expression on the Convict's face, "Your face, it reminds me of your Son, Mr. Black." He chuckles, confirming his master's heritage.
"What did you do to my Son!?" Sirius demanded of the Priest, growling at his face. "I swear if you have done something to him, I'll end you, I don't care if you're from the Holy Church. You'll regret it when I escape here!"
The former Apostle of the Alien God smiles, seeing how deeply he cares for their master. Only if they knew that he was a different Man than when he knew him. "Worry not, Sirius Black. You'll see him soon, I promise that." Kirei smiles,
Agravain frowns, turning to the Alter Ego toying with the Wizard. "Father Kotomine, we should make haste with the interrogation. Master will be here soon," The Knight Advisor of King Arthur suggested,
"Of course, Saber." Kirei smiles, walking over to Sirius who has greatly interested him. "I am curious what's this Wizard's relationship with his Son." He said, noticing the displeasure of how he spoke nonchalantly about Ritsuka.
Within the Imaginary Number Space, the Shadow Border has departed France now that they finished with their work. A few Servants remained in case there were some things they missed or a few Wyverns still roaming out their Nest.
Monsieur has the Chaldean Soldiers take the Wizards they captured to the Outpost. Where they'll be interrogated by both Mages Association Agents and UN/ICW Agents.
Other than that, things were wrapped up in France. Now Ritsuka and his Family were heading to Russia to check on things in the Russian Branch where Harry would meet his Uncle and Aunt.
Harry couldn't help but be amazed by what was in front of him. It was like they had downloaded themselves into a computer and traveled through its data. He asked about where they were to Da Vinci, and she gladly answered.
She explained to him that they were traveling through the layer between Reality and the Imaginary Number Space. A risky and yet quick way to travel to many places, she also explained that only a few Servants can go out and explore the Space, but if anyone else wants to do it they need a very special Mystic Code which they don't possess currently on the Border.
Da Vinci also explained that they used this method when they had to deal with the Lostbelts. When asking her about the term she used, she immediately changed the subject, saying it's best for him to ask his Parents about it.
Harry was curious about what a Lostbelt is, but he decided to ask about it later. It'll be two more hours until they reach the Russian Branch,
Moriarty decided it was time for a lesson about Russia's land and Chaldea's purpose there.
"So, to sum this lesson up, Harry. Russia's frozen landscape still has dormant Leylines from the Age of Gods where Demonic Beasts of Russia tend to stay." The Ruler explains to the young heir. "Chaldea's job is similar to what the French Branch does. Monitor the Demonic Beasts' activities and ensure they don't get too close to Civilization."
Harry nodded, understanding what Moriarty's lesson was. "Any questions so far?" The Ruler asked.
"Um, Professor M. Who is at the Russian Branch?" Harry asked, curious about the Servants stationed there.
Moriarty frowns, crossing his arms. "Well, to tell you; I need your Father's permission on the topic." The former Apostle of the Alien World said. "It's a rather difficult topic to understand for a Child around your Age to understand but-"
"Professor," Mashu walks in, dressed in her normal attire before the Ortinax. "I believe it's alright for him to know." She said, standing before them.
Harry and the Ruler looked at Mashu, and the young Boy smiled at the sight of his Mother. "Mommy!" He exclaims,
"Mashu, are you sure that informing the young master about the Lostbelt now is the best?" Moriarty asked the former Demi-Servant, wondering if it was the right time to tell him.
Harry looks at his Tutor before looking back at his Mother, watching them decide on his lesson.
Mashu looks at the former Apostle of the Alien World, giving her reason. "True it may be too much for Harry-kun, but were we similar to Harry-kun's situation when we know next to nothing about the Lostbelt?" She asked the Ruler Servant.
The Crime Lord ponders on that sentence, seeing the reasons behind her words he couldn't help but agree. "Very well, you make a valid point, Lady Mashu." He turns to Harry, proceeding to teach him about what a Lostbelt is. "Young master, are you prepared to learn the harshness that lies within a Lostbelt? Are you certain that you are ready to face the reality that Human Society claims to be fictional?"
The young heir nodded, ready for anything. "Yeah, I'm ready Professor!" Harry exclaims, excited to know the deal with the term Lostbelts.
Moriarty nodded, looking at Mashu who was on standby to intervene, "Young master, as you know the World isn't what you perceive." Harry nodded, listening to what he said.
"Now, picture the World as a giant tree. This tree is the accumulation of Human History, now the Branches of this Tree are paths or decisions that History might take ultimately leading to the conclusion." Harry understood, taking notes by drawing a tree with many branches.
"Alright," Moriarty saw Harry giving his full attention to him, about to delve into the Lostbelt. "Harry, now what does a Gardener do to trees if their branches get too big or diverge?" He asked.
Harry looks up, answering the question. "Well, they cut the Branches. Prune them from what I saw the Gardener does in the Mansion back in Britain." He said before asking his Tutor about it. "But what does this have to do with Human History?"
Moriarty smiles, sitting down on the table with the drawing. "Well, Harry the World itself is compared to a Gardener. It observes all the possible outcomes Human History takes and watches it carefully." The Ruler took the pencil and circled a branch as Harry watched. "Now there are moments in Human History where History diverges. This divergence leads to stagnation, where Human Civilization is unable to move forward thus the World prunes it away to make way for what it deems Proper Human History."
"The one Branch that the World pruned is called a Lostbelt, a World where Humans can't move forward." Moriarty continued, drawing the Branch extending while the other Branch was crossed. "Take Russia for example,"
"Russia?" Harry looks up, taking note of how they are heading to Russia.
"Yes, before you were brought to Chaldea and know it how it is today. Chaldea was nearly destroyed with your Parents and a few survivors taking refuge in the Imaginary Number Space." Moriarty explains what happened in the Cosmos in the Lostbelt, titled by Da Vinci. "But that's prolonging it, to make it short Chaldea emerges in the Russian Lostbelt where it's very different from Russia in Proper Human History."
Harry turns to his Mother, to see if this is true. She nodded, confirming what he said as Moriarty continued. "How is it different?" He asked, getting curious about the different History of Russia.
"The Russian Lostbelt diverges when Ivan the Terrible was in reign in Fifteen-Seventy when an Asteroid collided with Earth. This began a new Ice Age where Humans and other life forms died due to the intense cold and Demonic Beasts emerging due to the reaction of the climate change."
"T-That actually happened…" Harry's eyes widen, shocked to hear what was being told. "B-But how did Humans survive, there must be-"
Mashu nodded, "You're right, Humans of Russia survived due to their living conditions already cold. Ivan the Terrible enlisted Mages to help save his People by turning them into half Demonic Beast we call the Yaga." The former Demi-Human said. "This includes Ivan himself, assimilating himself to an Ancient Demonic Beast and ruled Russia for Four Hundred and Fifty Years."
Harry was, to say the least, shocked. For another version Russia where Ivan the Terrible ruled Russia for around Four Hundred years and turned into a Demonic Beast existed is shocking. He looks up at both his Mother and Tutor, curious about one thing. "What happened to the Russian Lostbelt? Is it got to do with our visit?" He asked innocently,
"No, the Russian Lostbelt was destroyed once we've cut down the Tree of Emptiness. The Tree that kept the Russian Lostbelt tethered to our World." Mashu explains, having some feelings about it. "In short, it no longer exists. But as long as we know about it, the inhabitants will live within our minds."
"So…you guys destroyed a World?" Harry asked, never thought Chaldea was capable of destroying anything. But he has to consider that Servants, the Shadow Border, UN clearances, and possibly other factors can in essence be the most powerful Organization in the World,
Mashu nodded, not sugarcoating it. "Yes, but do understand Harry. We have to do what we need to do to save this World-Proper Human History. If not, then…we wouldn't have you in our lives." She smiles, cupping his cheeks. "Even though we've destroyed countless Worlds, remember that we Chaldea, no, both your Father and I don't want to do it again. But if the time comes for it again then we have to protect the World we know."
"Do you understand, Harry-kun?" Mashu asked,
Harry nodded before hearing Da Vinci on the PA. -ZZZ- Attention Shadow Border crew, we've reached Russia, it'll be a few moments until we emerge from Void Space. Right now, we're passing Moscow and heading to the cold Tundra of Russia, thank you for your attention. -ZZZ- Da Vinci's voice was cut off from the PA, prompting Mashu to get up.
Mashu heads to Harry, placing her hand on his shoulders. "We'll continue this conversation when we get to the Outpost, Harry-kun." She said gently, "We need to find you suitable winter clothing for the climate outside."
Harry nodded, understanding that Russia's climate is a bit colder than Britain's. He follows his Mother into Da Vinci's miniature Workshop to get something to wear.
Moriarty watches as both Mother and Son leave the little Library, pondering to himself. "I do feel bad telling this to the young master, but what's done is done." The Ruler said, hoping this inspired Harry to understand the World not as black and white as he believed, he must see it as grey to be the proper Heir of Chaldea.
That's what the Chaldean Servants who are against him being the next master believe. Even without their animosity against Wizard-kind, any Child who views Chaldea as Heroes is very concerned. Harry is very young, still thinking the World is black and white,
However, despite that, if both Ritsuka and Mashu lead him to the right path, he might prove everyone wrong. Something that Moriarty would bet on,
Ritsuka adjusted his Mystic Code before heading out in the cold weather of Russia. "Master, are you sure you're up to this? I know it's a very sensitive subject and Mr. Zemlupus or Father Kotomine would take over if you're-"
"Holmes, I am the director of Chaldea. If there's any trespassers on Chaldean grounds then it's up to me to decide on their punishment." Ritsuka said, not even batting an eye that his Father was one of the trespassers.
"Master, even so, he is still your Father. No matter what," Holmes stated, trying to convince his master to go easy with his Father's punishment.
Ritsuka turns to the Detective, still not convinced. "He stopped being my Father the moment he left Okasan and me all those years ago." He stated, not wanting to forgive him.
Koyanskaya enters the Command room in her Winter Uniform she wore in the Russian Lostbelt. "Holmes, Fujimaru is clearly livid by his Father leaving his dear Mother alone raising him all alone." The Alter Ego said, smiling at the thought of Ritsuka going out on his Father. "Speaking of Family do you intend for the young master witness…"
"No, I don't want Harry to see an interrogation," Ritsuka said, planning to introduce how to interrogate a Person when he's older. "I'm planning either Atalante Alter or Anastasia to take care of Harry while there. Though with his growing curiosity, I think he might get himself in trouble." He said, taking note of how curious and confident he was getting.
Da Vinci Loli came up on the Border's Monitor, overhearing the conversation. "Oh, don't worry about that, Fujimaru. I'm also going to be with Harry during this trip," The Rider said to her master. "Also, I have a few things on the Shadow Border that a Child around his Age might like."
"Don't tell me you still have-" Koyanskaya stopped, hearing the door open.
"Ritsuka, we're ready for Russia's weather." Mashu enters the Command room in her purple Winter Coat.
"U-Um…" Harry blushed, wearing a purple winter trench coat with a fluffy hood, thick grey boots, and a grey tapper hat with the Chaldea Symbol at the center. (The Winter Mystic Code in the Artbook). "D-Does this look good on me?" He asked,
"Fou, Fou," Fou barks, sitting in Harry's hood.
Harry flinches, feeling Fou's fur on his cheek. "H-Hey, Fou don't move too much. Your fur is tickling me." He giggles, wanting Fou to stop.
"Fou,"
Ritsuka smiles, can't help but coo at how adorable his Son is. "Of course, you look great Hars. Gotta say, I didn't think we have a Child version of the Chaldean Winter Gear." He commented, looking at Mashu.
"Ah, Da Vinci made this once she learns we're heading to Russia," Mashu informed her Husband what the Rider did.
"Yeah, sorry I can't help myself. I figured that Harry-kun might look adorable in Winter gear." Da Vinci said via monitor before the alarm went off.
Harry flinched, hearing the alarm flaring. "W-Why is the alarm going off?" He asked, a bit worried.
"Ah, sorry I was a bit distracted…" Da Vinci switches to the PA, announcing to the crew. -ZZZ- Attention, we have arrived at Russia's Tundra. Ready to emerge from Void Space in three…two…-ZZZ-
The Shadow Border emerges from Void Space, returning to normal Space. Upon entering Normal Space, the Border stopped near a large metallic facility with the Chaldea Logo on the top.
Ritsuka steps out, followed by Holmes, Moriarty, Koyanskaya, Da Vinci, Mashu, and Harry.
Harry's eyes widened, seeing the usual Chaldean Soldiers he had seen at Franch. However, among them were Men in black trench coats, grey suits, and ski masks with silver masks shaped like bird beaks. In their hands were crossbows or hatchets standing at the entrance. "Are those black coat People Soldiers?" He asked,
"Ah, those are Oprichniks, Russian Policemen during the reign of Ivan the Terrible," Mashu explains what the Oprichniks are. "They aren't real People, but a Noble Phantasm Ivan used to assist Chaldea during really cold times instead of sending Chaldean Soldiers in the Tundra."
"Oh, I see," Harry said, hearing that Ivan the Terrible was also here. He then saw a white-haired Man in a white winter coat with black fur around his collar. On his collar was the double diamond logo like every Chaldea Uniform has,
Next to him was a Woman with white hair dressed as Noble Woman holding a Doll like a Child. The other was another Woman with grey hair and black fur, but the most notable thing about it was the giant boar head on her shoulders.
"Hey, took you long enough Fujimaru." Kadoc greeted Ritsuka, smirking at his oldest Friend. "Here I thought you might be distracted with your Adopted Son," He jokes.
"Stop that, master Kadoc. There's nothing wrong with master having time for his Family." Anastasia scolded her former master for making fun of Ritsuka.
Atalante Alter nodded, "Yes, it's no laughing matter that master wants to take the time to spend time with a Child." The Berserker supported what the Caster said. She turns to Ritsuka, heading towards him and his Family. "Master, it's wonderful that you have a Child." She grabs hold of his hand.
"Protect the Child with. Your. Life." Atalante Alter said, warning him not to bring harm to his Son. "Russia's outskirts are very dangerous."
Ritsuka nodded, understanding Atalante Alter's concern. "I know, Atalante. If you're concerned, would you like to act as Harry's Babysitter?" He asked, causing her to be taken aback.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.