Of Heroes and Heroics

~oo0oo~

"I knew it was idiotic to try and fight back. It did not make a difference even if I stood back up. In the name of all that was rational, I should've given up. Yet I didn't.

How could I?"

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.

.

I was on my last legs. Dead on my feet. However, my opponent didn't seem worn out in the slightest. The only way to describe my current predicament was... unfortunate.

I glared at the thing in front of me. Reality seemed to bend around [It, twisting and moving in an unnatural manner. [It] spoke, [its] deep voice seemingly warping the air itself,

"You continue to resist, Magus? Even knowing you have all but failed in the task you sought to complete? Or... do you fail to accept that fact?"

How annoying. I'd have snapped back, but I was busy trying to stand up and stay upright without tearing my own body in half. [It] went on,

"Strange. You continue to struggle. Humanity is bound to die, Guardian. You were the last line of defense, and you are as good as dead. Struggle all you want, you cannot win."

I rasped out a mocking laugh as I finally got a hold of myself and stood up, though barely managing to stay that way.

"Despite what others may say... I'm not that oblivious. I know I can't-"

I bit back a wince as a sharp pain jolted throughout my body. I regained my composure fairly quickly, before continuing,

"- I know I can't win. But, if...you think that I'm just going to kick back, relax and let you do whatever the fuck you want... then maybe you should think again."

[It] kept quiet, somewhat puzzled. Well, not like I was expecting it to understand.

I went on, uncaring of whether my words meant anything to the being before me.

"- I know. I know you are right when you say... that humanity is bound to die. I'm only prolonging its course for what?...three? four hours?"

Even talking was wearing me out.

"I know it's useless. But that doesn't mean I'll take it face value...

So, stab me and call my dreams stupid, but I'll continue to struggle. Because that's the essence of Shirou Emiya. Because that's who I am.

For the sake of my impossible ideal I strived to follow, for the sake of those I vowed to protect, for the sake of all who I wished to save.."

My voice grew softer as a small smirk grew on my face. I readied my stance, my hands grasping weapons that didn't exist yet. My next lines were but a whisper in the distorted reality I stood in.

"-And maybe, just this once... For my own sake."

"...So be it, Shirou Emiya."

There was no use for meaningless chatter now. This was it. This was how I'd go.

I steeled myself as Od crackled through my body.

"I am.. the bone of my sword!!"

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At that moment, as the fabric of reality was rewritten, the being known as Shitou Emiya ebomdied Steel. And at that fleeting instant, Steel surpassed Magic.

~oo0oo~

[A/n: Hi there, Author here.

No. You aren't supposed to be able to tell what the actual story is from this very short chapter. Feel free to try, though.

I wanted you guys to know that this is actually a rewrite. I didn't really like how the first try turned out, so I decided to try again.

Couple of noticable changes here, but I hope it doesn't effect the vibe I went for with the first try.

I also wanted to inform you that updates will not be punctual in the slightest, as I'm a fairly experienced procrastinator. I'm hoping the first actual chapter is at least 1k words. Please, bear with me. I'm only an amatuer at best.

If you liked it, be sure to drop a review. I always like to read them. Constructive criticism, passing comments or a nice compliment, if you feel like it.

- (uwu)]