The sun had barely risen over Chaldea when Ritsuka Fujimaru found himself face to face with the one Servant who never failed to stir a whirlwind of emotions in his heart Mordred, the rebellious Saber known for her fierce pride, unrelenting strength, and untamed spirit. Their partnership was anything but conventional, forged not through duty alone, but through the trials of countless battles, stolen moments of quiet, and mutual understanding. In the world of fanfiction, Ritsuka x Mordred is a pairing that captures the attention of Fate/Grand Order fans who are drawn to stories of tension, growth, and the fragile balance between warrior and master, friend and something more.
The Dynamic Between Ritsuka and Mordred
A Clash of Wills
Ritsuka, often portrayed as kind-hearted yet emotionally resilient, stands in stark contrast to Mordred’s volatile personality. Their early interactions are usually laced with sarcasm, misunderstandings, and explosive arguments. Mordred, carrying the weight of her complicated past as the rebellious heir to King Arthur, keeps people at arm’s length, while Ritsuka, used to uniting heroes from across time, refuses to let her build walls around her heart.
It is precisely this friction that fans love to explore in fanfiction. The tension between Mordred’s brashness and Ritsuka’s calm determination creates countless opportunities for drama, emotional breakthroughs, and powerful romance arcs. Each story often begins with resistance but slowly shifts to mutual respect and affection.
Moments That Spark Change
- The Battlefield Rescue: A classic trope where Ritsuka saves Mordred from a near-fatal blow, earning her grudging admiration.
- Training Sessions: Late-night sword practices turn into candid conversations, allowing Mordred to let her guard down.
- Jealousy and Confessions: Mordred witnessing Ritsuka interact with another Servant triggers emotions she doesn’t know how to name.
These pivotal moments help develop the emotional arc of the relationship, taking the story from comrades-in-arms to something deeper and more intimate.
Popular Themes in Ritsuka x Mordred Fanfiction
Healing Through Love
Many stories focus on the emotional scars Mordred carries from her life as a Knight of the Round Table and her rebellion against her father. In Ritsuka, she finds not just a master, but someone who sees her not as a failed heir or weapon, but as a person deserving of love and peace. Through small acts sharing meals, holding hands, exchanging stories Ritsuka becomes a safe haven.
Slow-Burn Romance
The most compelling fanfictions often adopt a slow-burn approach, taking their time to develop the relationship with authenticity. From tentative glances and awkward silences to full-blown confessions after a hard-fought battle, the emotional payoff is satisfying. This progression feels especially fitting for Mordred, who has trust issues and a deep fear of rejection.
Modern AU (Alternate Universe)
- High School Settings: Mordred as the rebellious student and Ritsuka as the transfer class president who unexpectedly tames her temper.
- College Life: Shared dorm rooms, accidental confessions during campus festivals, and lots of unresolved tension.
- Band AUs: Mordred as the lead guitarist of a punk rock band, Ritsuka as the unsuspecting lyricist whose words reveal her hidden emotions.
These alternate settings allow writers to explore their dynamic without the constraints of the original game’s war-torn world, bringing fresh perspectives to their relationship.
Key Emotional Conflicts
Mordred’s Struggle with Identity
At the heart of many Ritsuka x Mordred fanfics is the theme of identity. Mordred often wrestles with her lineage, the shadow of King Arthur, and the burden of never being recognized or loved for who she truly was. Ritsuka becomes the first person who not only listens but accepts her without condition. This emotional validation is something Mordred doesn’t know how to handle, and it becomes a core struggle in their growing relationship.
Ritsuka’s Duty vs. Personal Desires
As the last Master of Chaldea, Ritsuka must make difficult decisions, often prioritizing the safety of the world over personal happiness. Writers frequently explore the conflict he feels about falling in love with a Servant especially one as headstrong and dangerous as Mordred. The tension between professional responsibility and deep emotional connection makes for compelling storytelling.
Romantic Milestones in Their Relationship
From Partners to Lovers
Many fanfics highlight the subtle transition from battlefield camaraderie to emotional intimacy. Ritsuka may begin to notice how Mordred fights harder when he’s nearby, or how she starts to linger longer after missions, finding excuses to be in his presence. Slowly, touches become more frequent shoulders brushing, hands accidentally grazing, until they can no longer deny the bond between them.
The First Kiss
Writers often make the first kiss momentous. It could happen under a star-filled sky after a mission gone wrong or in the Chaldea infirmary, where emotions are high and defenses are low. Mordred’s vulnerability in that moment is raw and honest, revealing a side of her rarely seen. Ritsuka’s gentleness contrasts with her fire, creating a beautiful emotional collision.
Protective Instincts
After becoming romantically involved, both characters display fierce protective tendencies. Mordred will challenge gods and demons to protect Ritsuka, while Ritsuka faces his own fears and enemies to keep her from falling to her self-destructive urges. Their love is not just tender it is fierce, stubborn, and deeply loyal.
Fan Favorites and Headcanons
What Fans Love
- Mordred being a softie in private but gruff in public.
- Ritsuka combing her hair while she grumbles but secretly enjoys it.
- Domestic fluff where Mordred tries (and fails) to cook something for Ritsuka.
- Jealousy fics where Mordred gets possessive.
- Post-canon futures where they retire and live peacefully together, maybe with a dog and a motorcycle.
Ritsuka x Mordred fanfiction offers a rich, emotionally dynamic pairing that goes beyond the surface of battle and command. It’s a story of healing, acceptance, and transformation. Through fan-created narratives, readers explore how two seemingly incompatible souls could find solace and love in each other’s presence. Their journey is never easy, filled with setbacks and emotional turmoil, but that’s precisely what makes their bond so powerful. Whether in alternate universes or the heart of Chaldea’s war, the relationship between Ritsuka and Mordred continues to inspire readers to believe in love that defies expectations and grows stronger through struggle. It is a testament to how fanfiction can deepen character development, offering new dimensions to beloved stories and relationships.