The freezing winds of Hel whipped across the landscape, the snow swirling in every direction. The campfire flickered weakly, its flames dancing in defiance of the bitter cold. Around it sat Ritsuka Fujimaru and his companions, huddled in cloaks, their breaths visible in the frigid air. The dark skies of Hel loomed above them, casting an eerie glow on the snow that blanketed everything.
Fou, perched on Ritsuka's head, was not pleased. The tiny creature's little hands repeatedly struck Ritsuka's head, eliciting soft thumps, each hit light but full of irritation.
"Fou! Fou! Fou!!" the tiny beast barked angrily.
"Ouch! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Ritsuka groaned, shielding his head with his hands. "I didn't mean to use your name without permission, I swear! I will give you more free sweets."
Mashu, sitting nearby, giggled softly. "Fou-kun, please forgive Senpai. He's really sorry."
Artoria Avalon, regal as ever, stepped forward and gently lifted Fou from Ritsuka's head. "There, there, Fou. That's enough. Forgive Master this once, won't you?"
Artoria Lancer, watching from beside the fire, smirked. "Ritsuka looks cute."
As Fou relented with a soft huff, Ritsuka sighed in relief, rubbing the back of his head. "Thanks, everyone. That little guy doesn't pull his punches."
But the mood quickly turned somber as Ritsuka finished recounting his story—everything that had led them here, everything they had fought for, sacrificed, and lost. His journey across worlds, his battles against the Lostbelts, and his ultimate responsibility in their destruction left a profound silence among the group.
Goredolf and Kadoc, standing near the edge of the campfire, exchanged glances. There was a shared sense of relief between them.
"Well," Goredolf began, his usual bravado tempered with a rare sincerity, "at least we know our world is safe. If it wasn't, we wouldn't be here at all…"
Kadoc nodded. "Yeah… If our timeline had been pruned away, none of us would even exist as Heroic Spirits. I guess that's one less thing to worry about."
Skadi and Scathach, both sitting a bit apart from the rest, listened quietly. They had just been summoned after so long, and while they were happy to be at Ritsuka's side again, there was an undeniable tension between them. Scathach, her crimson eyes gleaming, finally broke the silence. She stood up and approached Ritsuka, sitting down at his left side with a teasing smile.
"You're late, Master," Scathach said, her voice carrying both amusement and a hint of reproach. "Summoning us after all this time? Keeping two women waiting like this… It's a bad habit."
Skadi, sitting down gracefully at Ritsuka's right side, crossed her arms and added, "You understand, don't you? Making us wait this long… It's not something we'll forgive easily."
Ritsuka swallowed nervously, feeling the intensity of their gazes. "I… I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to make you wait." He smiled awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. "But to make up for it… how about this: Let me make you both mine, join my new journey, and… become my brides?" (A/N: ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!)
Both Scathach and Skadi froze, their eyes widening in surprise. A deep blush crept across their cheeks. For a moment, the stern, powerful figures of these godlike women were reduced to shy maidens. Then, as if synchronized, they each took one of Ritsuka's arms and leaned in closer.
Scathach's voice was softer now, almost playful. "Hmph. We're already your brides, Master. You should know that by now."
Skadi nodded, her usual icy demeanor melting into something much warmer. "We've always been yours. There's no need to ask."
Artoria Avalon and Artoria Lancer watched from across the fire, nodding approvingly. Mashu, however, turned bright red, fidgeting as she tried to maintain her composure.
"I-I can't believe Senpai just… said that…" Mashu mumbled, too flustered to even look in their direction.
At the same time, across the camp, Ophelia Phamrsolone and Napoleon approached, their forms shimmering slightly as if they weren't entirely part of this world. Both had been revived, miraculously brought back after their sacrifices in the Lostbelts, and the weight of everything Ritsuka had shared had settled heavily on them.
Ophelia, her voice soft yet resolute, spoke first. "Ritsuka, Mashu, Kadoc… after hearing everything you've been through, I can't even begin to express how amazed I am." She smiled gently, a touch of pride in her voice. "You all managed to accomplish the impossible. I never thought I'd live to see this, but… you really pulled it off. I can't scold Kadoc anymore. You've all grown so much."
Kadoc, not used to praise, shuffled uncomfortably but managed a small smile.
Napoleon, always the larger-than-life figure, laughed heartily. "I can't call you a kid anymore, Ritsuka! You've grown into someone even I have to respect. I'm proud to be summoned again to fight at your side. This is a miracle, and I'll make sure to give it everything I've got!"
Ophelia's expression turned more serious as she glanced at Ritsuka and the others. "That's true… I never thought something like this could happen to me either. But if this is a miracle, there must be a reason behind it."
"Everyone," Ophelia began, her voice steady despite the emotions coursing through her, "I am a Crypter. I was your enemy. I know that you will never forgive me, nor will you trust me... but please, let me be of help in your journey to save this world."
Both Mashu and Kadoc moved to stop her, alarmed by how deeply she bowed, but Ophelia wouldn't be deterred. This was her way of making amends, and no one could take that from her.
Ritsuka stood frozen for a moment, watching as Ophelia bowed deeply before him and the others, her voice sincere yet strained with emotion. The cold air of Hel swirled around them, but it was the tension in the group that made the air feel heavy. Ophelia's words carried weight—not only because of her past but because of the path she had chosen now, one that went against everything she once stood for.
She paused for a moment, bowing her head even lower. Mash and Kadoc quickly moved to stop her, concern evident on their faces, but Ophelia continued to speak, undeterred.
"I know it's presumptuous of me to say this, as I have rebelled against Chaldea and human order before. But..." her voice faltered for a second, her hands gripping the edges of her cloak as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded, "the only way I can repay the favor for being given my life once again… is to help save this world. I'll do whatever it takes. Mashu, Ritsuka..." Her gaze softened as she looked at them, pleading. "I want to be your friend. Please, let me fight alongside you all. I'm not working for Kirschtaria-sama anymore. I won't betray humanity again."
Hearing her heartfelt plea, the group held their breath. Goredolf, Skadi, Artoria, and the others exchanged glances, the uncertainty in their hearts clear. They understood Ophelia's feelings, and her sincerity was palpable, but there was still the unspoken question of whether Ritsuka and Mash could accept her, knowing everything that had happened.
It was a delicate situation, one that could easily tip either way.
And then, breaking the silence, Ritsuka took a step forward. A gentle smile played on his lips as he looked at Ophelia, the warmth in his eyes unmistakable.
"That's right," Ritsuka said, his voice full of determination. "We can't let a miracle go to waste. Let's do our best from now on, everyone!"
Mash, standing beside him, smiled brightly, her cheeks flushed with emotion. "Of course, Senpai!" she added, nodding enthusiastically. Cadoc, Artoria, and the others all followed suit, nodding in agreement with renewed resolve.
Ophelia, still slightly stunned by the warm reception, blinked a few times, trying to comprehend the weight of Ritsuka's words. She wasn't sure what she expected, but this… this acceptance, this forgiveness, was more than she had hoped for.
Ritsuka, as if sensing her lingering doubt, extended his right hand toward her. "Once again... nice to meet you, Senpai."
Ophelia blinked in surprise, her face flushing slightly at the gesture. She hesitated for a brief moment, her eyes drifting to his outstretched hand. Before she could respond, however, Kadoc's face twitched slightly, trying to suppress a grin.
Ritsuka, realizing what he had done, moved to retract his hand, but before he could, Ophelia raised her index finger in front of his eyes with a stern expression.
"Fujimaru," she said with a hint of playful admonishment in her voice, "lesson one. If you are a magician, do not carelessly entrust your hand to others. Your hands hold a lot of information, after all. In particular, you have a Command Spell in your right hand, you know? You understand how important that is as a Master, right? It's no good handing over your Command Spell so casually."
Ritsuka scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah... sorry. I see your point."
At that, the others couldn't hold back their laughter. Goredolf chuckled heartily, Skadi let out a soft laugh, and even Mash couldn't help but giggle at the familiar scene. It was as if they were back in the familiar days of Chaldea, when such moments were more frequent.
Ophelia, confused by their reaction, blinked in bewilderment. "What's so funny?"
Ritsuka, still smiling, extended his hand again, slower this time. "I was listening to what you said, Ophelia. But..." His eyes softened. "I'm shaking your hand because I trust you, Senpai."
Ophelia's face softened, her stern expression replaced by something gentler, something warmer. "You're… really something, Fujimaru." She sighed, a wry smile playing on her lips. "People will say that you're too soft."
"Yeah. They say that all the time." Ritsuka returned the smile, unfazed.
Ophelia looked at him for a moment longer, then, with a small, almost shy smile, she gently took his hand. It was a simple gesture, but in that moment, it held the weight of a thousand unspoken words, of forgiveness, of trust, of a new beginning.
As she shook his hand, the others gathered closer, their spirits lifted by the heartfelt exchange. Goredolf cleared his throat loudly. "Well, then! It seems we've got ourselves another capable ally! Let's get back to business, shall we?"
Napoleon grinned, his booming laughter echoing across the snow. "That's the spirit! We've got a fight ahead, and miracles don't happen every day! Let's make the most of it!"
Napoleon's laughter echoed through the chilly air, his confident smile unwavering as he addressed Ophelia, the light teasing in his voice unmistakable.
"So, you remember everything," Ophelia said, her voice soft but laced with the nostalgia of their previous encounters. There was something in her expression, a subtle mix of fondness and exasperation as she gazed at the towering man who had caused her both admiration and frustration during the time before his death.
Napoleon grinned, his eyes sparkling with his usual bravado. "Of course I do. How could I forget? My wife," he said shamelessly, "I remember it all—from proposing to you infront of Queen Skadi upto help you overcome Surtr's influence."
Ophelia's lips curved into a small, amused smile. "I see..." She let out a soft chuckle, her tone playfully dismissive. "Thank you. But, just so we're clear, I still refuse your marriage proposal. Even now." She paused, her eyes softening as she recalled a particular memory. "But... the rainbow you showed me... it was truly beautiful. I'll give you that much."
Napoleon, undeterred by her refusal, puffed out his chest, his grin widening even further. "Ah, hearing such praise from my wife makes this truly feel like heaven. This must be fate after all!"
The lighthearted exchange between the two didn't go unnoticed by the others. Mash's eyes widened in disbelief, and she leaned closer to Ritsuka, whispering excitedly, "I can't believe this is happening! To meet his 'wife,' Napoleon crossed the multiverse! This is truly a love story happening right in front of us!"
Ophelia's face turned a faint shade of pink at Mash's comment, and she quickly raised her hand in protest. "Mashu, you're misunderstanding!"
But before she could explain herself further, Skadi chimed in, her voice calm and regal, but with a hint of mischief. "What are you saying, Ophelia?" she asked, looking at her with a knowing gaze. "Didn't you say before that you would consider his marriage proposal if the circumstances were different? Now those circumstances have changed. It's time to give him a chance, don't you think?" Skadi's expression softened. "You did say this is a miracle, after all. Such situations don't come twice. Think carefully, Ophelia."
Ophelia blinked, caught off guard by Skadi's words. She looked down, her mind racing as she thought over her previous statements. The others watched in anticipation, and for a brief moment, the usually composed Ophelia seemed genuinely flustered.
Finally, she sighed, running a hand through her hair in a gesture of resignation. "I... I'll think about it," she said, her voice steady but tinged with reluctance. "But don't get your hopes up. I'm merely... considering it."
Napoleon, never one to let an opportunity slip, clasped his hands together dramatically, his grin as shameless as ever. "Thank you for accepting me, my love! Truly, I am the luckiest man alive!"
Mash, unable to contain herself any longer, gasped in disbelief. "I can't believe it! Ophelia accepted him!"
At this point, Ophelia gave up trying to reason with them. The situation had spiraled far beyond her control, and despite her protests, it seemed the group had already decided how they would interpret the interaction. With a sigh of exasperation, Ophelia glanced at Napoleon, who gave her a playful wink in return, and she knew that trying to explain further would be a losing battle.
Thus, the playful banter between them continued, much to the amusement of everyone present. Even in the face of adversity, there was still room for lighthearted moments—moments that made the journey ahead a little less daunting.
Goredolf cleared his throat loudly, trying to maintain his air of authority, though the tension in the camp remained palpable. "Young people these days," he muttered to himself before raising his voice to address the group. "Ahem, everyone, I fully understand the situation now." His gaze shifted to Ophelia, his expression a mixture of sternness and careful consideration. "Ophelia, I know what you did in our past world was unforgivable. Betraying humanity, joining the Alien God... it's not something we can simply forget."
Ophelia lowered her eyes, the weight of her actions heavy on her shoulders, but before she could respond, Goredolf continued.
"However..." He glanced at Kadoc, then back at Ophelia. "Kadoc, who once stood against us just like you, has since proven his loyalty to Ritsuka and humanity time and time again. He changed, and he's helped us in ways I never thought possible. So, after considering all that, I've decided to let you join us." Goredolf pointed a finger at Kadoc. "And Kadoc, you'll be responsible for her. Keep an eye on her."
Kadoc gave a firm nod. "Yes, Director. I understand."
Ophelia raised her head, offering a small, sincere smile. "Thank you, Director. I know it's difficult to believe... but I'll do everything I can to repay this chance. I won't let any of you down." Then, with a slight chuckle, she added, "To be honest, it was hard to believe you came from the Clock Tower."
Goredolf huffed indignantly, waving his hand dismissively. "Hey! Don't compare me to those idiots back at the Clock Tower. I'm not some pompous mage obsessed with trivialities. I am Goredolf Musik, the director of Chaldea, savior of humanity!"
The group exchanged amused glances, used to Goredolf's flair for dramatics.
Ritsuka, always one to keep the conversation moving, stepped forward with determination. "Now that that's settled, it's time to discuss something important. I know we've faced a lot so far, but... I'm going to summon *them if i could*. Scandinavia Peperoncino, Kirschtaria Wodime, and Hinako Akuta. If there's any chance of saving them, of bringing them back to help us... I have to try."
Ophelia's eyes widened, and even Kadoc seemed taken aback. "You really think you can do it?" Kadoc asked, his voice hesitant but filled with hope.
Ritsuka nodded confidently. "I will. They fought for their ideals just like us. They deserve a second chance." His words carried the weight of someone who had seen too much death and wanted to give everyone a chance at redemption.
Ophelia, touched by his resolve, whispered, "Thank you, Fujimaru... for still believing in them."
Mashu, standing beside Ritsuka, smiled warmly at her Senpai. "We've faced impossible odds before. I believe we can summon them, too."
Fou, perched on Mashu's head, chimed in with an enthusiastic "Fou! Fou!"
But before anyone could further reflect on the moment, Ritsuka turned his head sharply toward the looming castle of Hel in the distance. "Enough planning. It's time to meet Hela."
The air grew tense once more at the mention of the goddess of death. Goredolf, ever theatrical, clenched his fist and declared, "Yes! We need to complete this mission, and more importantly, we need to deal with Odin! How dare that old fool use Ritsuka like a pawn in his game! I'll give him a taste of my *ultimate* God Punch when we're done here!"
Artoria, in both her Lancer and Saber forms, exchanged a glance, then nodded in silent agreement with Ritsuka's plan. Skadi and Scathach, ever composed, readied themselves as well, their eyes sharp with determination.
Mashu, with Fou still comfortably settled on her head, tightened her grip on her shield, her resolve solidifying. "We're ready, Senpai."
Napoleon, ever the confident strategist, gave a shameless grin as he shouldered his massive cannon. "Hela or Odin, it doesn't matter! We'll blast right through them, eh, my beloved Ophelia?"
Ophelia sighed but smiled faintly, knowing she couldn't win against his charm. "Let's focus on Hela first."
Thus, with Ophelia now officially by their side, a new chapter began in Ritsuka's journey. And as they stood together in the frozen realm of Hel, facing the unknown challenges ahead, one thing was certain: no matter what obstacles awaited them, they would face it together.
Together, with Ritsuka leading the charge, the group—Mashu, Kadoc, Ophelia, Goredolf, Napoleon, both Artorias, Skadi, Scathach, and Fou—began their march toward Hela's castle, the oppressive aura of death surrounding the structure not enough to sway their resolve. This time, they were prepared to face a goddess—and they were ready for whatever the world would throw at them next.
The fight for Hel had begun.
******
A/N: sorry for late but let me say. I am writing the love story between hela and Ritsuka. I did 4 drafts and i got many ways to create a story. But they didn't satisfy me, i rewrote everything until i felt this way Ritsuka changed hela into good waifu without destroying Ritsuka character. I mean I don't want to make a hela fell on the spot. I want this hela have a unique personality which readers remember unlike yeah she is another Harem member. Who fell for Ritsuka because of her prophecy like in mindless fanfictions.
I want Ritsuka to make hela know real love. As i said in her profile. I will make hela and fem gil have good story.
I really worked hard on hela story by thinking 4 days nonstop while playing Fgo to fram with morgan and castorias. So please look forward to next chapter.
Please support me with infinite stones 🥺