The young child cooed as the woman set her down gently, the baby girl's eyes slowly falling as she settled in her crib. The woman gently caressed the babies head, the soft skin reminding her of what she was about to do. The woman looked out into the night, the moon illuminating her as she closed the curtains. She took a deep breath, jumping slightly at the sound of the door opening behind her.
"They're here my lady." The old male voice said, the wisdom in it sounding loud and true.
"Thank you Merlin," The woman said as she walked towards a nearby table, picking up the blade that laid upon it. The blue and gold engravings still shined brightly, contrasting the steel as she looked over it. A single word was inscribed upon it in an ancient language but she knew the word, Gram. She quickly grabbed a nearby sheath and slid it in before looking up to match Merlin's eyes, "Merlin…take care of her."
"I know my lady," The old man sighed as he walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulder, "Just be sure to return in good time, if she has to grow up without a mother, that'd be a greater tragedy than the one that befell your dear Beowulf."
The woman winced at his name, she wanted so badly to see him again, to feel his bearded face against her palm, but it was not to be. She grit her teeth as she started out the door, leaving the old man to his lonesome. The light of the hall illuminated her as she move through it, her blue dress billowing as she moved to her destination. The servants paid her no mind as she walked for it wasn't their place to ask questions, her blond hair marked her as one of the masters of the house.
She stopped in front of a door with two guards in front of it, both wearing chainmail.
"Lady Artoria, what are you doing here?" One of them asked.
"I'm here to retrieve my father's armor for the ceremony." She said in a commanding tone, the two soldiers looked at each other.
"I'm sorry my lord, but we have been given specific instructions to not let you enter the armory." The guard who spoke earlier responded.
"You would stop me from retrieving my father's personal armor?" Artoria asked in an angry tone.
"I'm sorry, but unless he sends word, I'm afraid the answer is yes." The soldier replied as he looked over to the other guard to get some backup, only to see him fall to the ground. The other guard didn't even have time to call for help before he felt a blow on the back of his neck.
"Well, that was easier than expected." Perseus's voice came out of nowhere as he faded into sight.
"Were are the others?" Artoria asked.
"Securing transport," The man said as he lifted a card off the guards and slid it into a nearby insert, "We'll see how that goes, they aren't exactly the most subtle of people."
"So why did you recruit them?" The woman said as the door opened.
"Eh, they're the only ones crazy enough to follow us." Perseus stated as they entered the armor, weapons and armor decorated the walls but Artoria moved right past them all, stopping at a table with a cloth over it. She pulled it right off to reveal her old armor, albeit with one alteration. The armor was, rather than black, a light blue color. She lifted up the helmet, pressing her head against it as a sign of respect before undressing herself.
"Hey, be quick about it," Perseus whispered as he dragged the bodies in, "It isn't going to take long before they realize two guards are missing."
Artoria nodded and, after revealing that she was wearing jeans and a shirt underneath her dress, quickly started putting on the armor. Soon, she tapped Perseus on the shoulder, the man turning around to see her nod before putting on the helmet. The pair started walking, closing the Dorr behind them as they moved. The two moved throughout the halls, doing their best to not make any noise.
"Hanger is that way." Artoria whispered as she pointed a large metallic door with a guard in front of it. Perseus nodded as he faded away, soon, the guard got a face full of wall as the Mistrali slammed him into it. Artoria walked forward, pressing a button to slowly open the metal door. The door opened enough for them to enter and close it behind them, the pair stopped as they turned around.
"Somethings not right…there should be dock workers…" Artoria muttered before a light suddenly shined on the pair and the clicking of guns being ready got their attention.
"My, my, what have we here?" A voice rang out, the pairs eyes shot up to a balcony were four figures were standing. One of them was wearing green armor, one wearing steel armor with a green sash, another in golden armor, and the final wore black robes, the one in black continued, "My dear sister, trying to run away?"
"Morgana…" Artoria growled as she looked upon the woman's face, it was a beautiful but vain face that looked upon her with a sneer.
"Lady Artoria," The man in green called, "Please, return to your quarters, you will not receive punishment as long as you do so."
"And what, pray tell Galahad, will happen to my companion?" The woman yelled back.
"He will be executed, for trespassing, theft, and attempting to kidnap the lady of the house." Morgana said with a laugh.
"Well then," Artoria growled, "Both of you can rot in hell were you belong."
"If that is your wish, then I have only one order," Morgana said with a frown, "Open fire."
"Morgana," Galahad said quickly, "Our orders are to take her alive."
"Shut up fool," Morgana growled, "Do you not see that armor? It is Lancelot's! Our bullets will do nothing but slow her down…but that other man will die."
Galahad helm looked down in thought as the bullets started ripping towards the pair, the two diving behind some crates.
"Well this is a problem." Perseus growled as he pulled out his scroll.
"Where is our backup?!" Artoria yelled as the crates started chipping away.
"I'm on it!" The man growled as he pulled out a scroll and dialed a number, "Where are you guys?"
"Coming in hot," A female Scottish voice replied, "And I've got a present for you bastards!"
The roar of an engine filled the air as an airship came flying in, the hatch doors opening. Another roar ripped out of it as an object came rocketing out, the object slammed into the nearest gunman before slowing down to reveal the motorcycle. It's back half whirled up and around to slam into the nearest man, sending him flying before a few shots echoed as well as the sound of an action being worked. The spinning stopped at the man on the bike was visible, almost anyone would recognize his mustache.
"Cheer's love," Teddy yelled out, "The Rough Riders here!"
Insert "Redneck Punk," Jackyl…
"Galahad," Morgana said as she looked at the man in green, "Deal with him."
The knight nodded as he jumped down to the ground, a spear in hand. His eyes matched Teddy's from across the room, the cowboy grinned as he revved up the engine. The bike rocketed forward as Galahad readied himself before leaping into the air, the cowboy looked up and leapt off his bike, the spear narrowly missing both him and the bike. Teddy twisted in the air and fired a shot at the man, who quickly dodged it as the cowboy landed.
Teddy quickly turned to doge a thrust from the man, going under and stabbing at Galahad with his bayonet. The knight whirled his spear around to deflect the blade, only for Teddy to follow up by slamming the butt of his gun into the man's jawline. Galahad growled as he shoved Teddy away, before gripping his spear even tighter.
"Get out of my way fancy pants." Teddy growled as he aimed his weapon at the knight, the knight replied by yelling as he charged in with a swing. The cowboy ducked underneath it before shooting at the knight, the bullets colliding with the mans armored chest. The knight flinched as he suddenly slammed his spears head downward, following up the rolling Teddy with a kick. The cowboy was sent back as the knight stabbed at his chest, sending the cowboy even farther back.
Teddy grit his teeth as he regained his footing, only to realize that the knights spearhead was crackling with electricity.
"Face judgment for your crimes," Galahad yelled as he pointed the head of the spear at Teddy, "Feel the holy light, Grail Judgment!"
Teddy couldn't doge the bolt of lightning that was sent forth, the electricity slamming into his chest. Teddy yelped in pain as he felt the current take him, freezing up his muscles, and allowing the knight to run beside him. Galahad slammed the spear into Teddy, sending him careening through the air. The cowboy landed roughly on the ground, rolling up to his feet, panting in pain.
"Impressive, most people wouldn't be able to stand after being hit with my Judgment Bolt," The knight said as he readied the weapon again, "You would have made a fine knight had you been born here."
The man let loose the bolt, only to gasp as Teddy grinned and fired a shot from his weapon, the bullet passing through the lightning…and carrying it back to Galahad. The knight felt his joints lock up as the electricity barreled through his armor, only to groan in pain as Teddy followed up the lightning with a slash at the knight who managed to lift up his weapon in time to block it.
Teddy grinned as his hit was blocked as he let go of his weapon and slammed his fist into Galahads jaw, the man yelped as he was sent back, before he roared as he slammed his weapon downward, only for Teddy to weave out of the way. The cowboy followed up by upper cutting the knight's jaw, before laying a flurry of body blows before leaping up and kicking the knight's jaw. Galahad fell to the floor with a groan, he lifted his head only to get a boot to the face, knocking him out cold.
"And if I was a knight, I'd have had honor." Teddy growled before looking at the rest of the gang.
End music
Begin "Where Eagles Dare," Iron Maiden
Perseus quickly dodged the ax of the knight known as Gawain swung it with all his might, the blade missing him by a hair. He growled a he whirled it around, hitting the teen with the butt of the weapon, a tooth flying out with a speck of blood. Perseus dodged another swing at him, this time stabbing at the knight with his sword. The knight's armor held strong as the blade failed to penetrate it, the green sash was the only thing that had been damaged.
Perseus leapt back, landing on the balls of his feet. Gawain growled as he gripped his ax harder, his breathing becoming fuller of rage. Perseus likewise growled before he rushed in, leaping over the knight's swing, landing a slash at Gawain's back. The knight growled once again as he whirled around forcing Perseus to duck under the blow, right before Gawain followed up by slamming his weapon into the ground. Perseus nearly dodged, spreading his legs apart before rolling away and to his feet. His eyes fell upon the knight once again, before he cracked his knuckles.
He suddenly put his sword near his other arm, a mechanical sound could be heard as the weapon shifted into a disk, only for the warrior to draw the blade out. The knight looked at the blade and shield with a nod as he readied himself, indeed…this would be interesting. The teen leapt in, dodging a strike from the knight, before leaping up and kicking him in the jaw. Gawain fell back a step before Perseus landed, slashing at the knight, who's armor held.
Gawain smiled as he felt the blow, right before groaning as Perseus swung his shield around, slamming its side into his gut. The big man leaned over as Perseus continued his assault, slashing and punching at the man's now exposed back. Gawain roared as he swung his ax around, only for Perseus to deflect it off and continue his assault. The knight suddenly lashed out with a right hook, the blow sending the teen back a few steps, his head ringing from the blow.
Perseus looked up to see the ax blade hit him in the chest, sending him flying into a nearby wall. The knight didn't let up as he charged in, swinging his weapon downward in a savage chop. Perseus narrowly dodged the blow before jumping off the wall but, rather than attack Gawain directly, he landed on the knights shoulders and leapt off before coming back down and kicking the knight into the wall.
Gawain growled as he regained his footing, only for Perseus to launch back in. The teen slammed his shield into the knight's helmet, making a resounding clang. Gawain's vision got fuzzy as he shook off the blow, only for the teen to keep slamming his shield into him. Each blow made Gawain's head go deeper and deeper into the wall, but Perseus didn't let up, he kept slamming the metal disk into the poor knight's head. Gawain's ax feel from his grip, blood started running down from under his helmet. Perseus raised his shield for another blow before a hand grabbed his arm, the teen turned to see Teddy.
"That's enough!" The cowboy yelled, "He's done! You don't have to kill him!"
Perseus opened his mouth but turned to look at his opponent, he noticed the helmet was bent to hell and back. The teen took a step back, realizing how close he had come to crossing that thin line.
"Let's go, the ship needs protecting." Teddy said, grabbing Perseus and pulling him away.
Insert "Blood of Bannockbern," Sabaton…
The young knight in gold walked towards the landing ship, his sword in his hand. A snarl was on his lips as he saw the ships doors opening, his grip tightened.
"Make sure that ship doesn't leave the docks." The man growled as the soldiers saluted and started running towards the ship, only for a blast of fire to send them flying back.
"Back your arse up," The Scottish teenagers voice yelled as she walked out, "Or am I gonna have to kick it?"
The knight growled as one of his shoulders charged in, slamming down a sword. Willow dodged the attack before slamming her sword across the man's chest, sending him flying. Another soldier ran in but she grabbed him and threw him to the ground, the man gasped as Willow dodged another strike from a third soldier. The highlander growled as she grabbed the soldier and threw her on top of the already downed one. They both groaned in pain as Willow's weapon opened and she slid in three dust crystals before turning to face the knight in gold.
"Stand down men," The knight said as he walked forward, pointing his blade at the teen, "I'll handle her."
Willow snarled as she readied her weapon, it was larger than her opponents but, considering what she knew about the training of the knights of this land…this wouldn't be easy. The knight yelled as he charged in, forcing Willow to block. The two blades sparked as they collided, highland steel vs knightly steel colliding in a contest that was still fighting to this day, before Willow pushed the knight back. He stopped himself, before charging in, shoulder bashing the teen. She fell back a step but managed to raise her weapon to block the second strike, this one she allowed her opponents blade to slide down the sword so she could perform a right cross to his jaw.
The knight growled as pushed off, grunting as he did. His hand came up to his helmet, shaking off the ringing in his ears. He suddenly rolled out of the way of a huge overhanded swing from Willow, who followed up by dragging the sword around and almost colliding with his head. The knight roared as he shoulder bashed again, this time following up by slashing at her arm. Willow grunted as she felt the blow through her Aura, before her blade started crackling with electricity. She swung it around again, only for the knight blade to come up and block it. The energy crackled but the knight didn't budge, suddenly his sword seemed to drink in the electricity. Willow quickly shoved him away, before looking at the sword in his hand in shock.
"My blade is made of some of the finest metals in our land, it can absorb Dust. You've already lost!" He charged in again, Willow quickly swung her sword at him, only for him to deflect it and catch her in the side. She felt the blow through her Aura yet again, her weapon hitting the ground and discharging the pent up energy. Willow quickly rolled to her feet, she grit her teeth and picked up her weapon. She knew that this wouldn't work, this knight's strength was nearly on par with her own and she could feel time ticking away. She needed to end this quickly, the highlander looked at her weapon. She quickly looked up at the knight as he readied his next attack, she suddenly pressed a button on her blade. Ice particles formed on the sides of it before a dull glow followed it, she readied herself.
The knight jumped into the air, slamming his sword down, Willowed followed suit, swinging her sword upwards. The two blades collided and a bright flash could be seen, the knight was suspended in the air by the energy.
"I already told you, my blade can absorb dust," The man yelled as he pressed down, "You've doomed yourself fool!"
"I heard you the first time," Willow said with a grin, "But tell me…can it absorb two at the same time?"
The knight suddenly looked at his blade and noticed that it was actually starting to crack, his eyes flew back to her.
"What did you do witch?" He yelled.
"Nothing much," She said with a grin, "Just combined two forms of dust at once."
The knight would have said more but suddenly his sword exploded, sending him back into a nearby crate. He growled as he tried to get to his feet, only to cry out in pain as Willow shoved her sword into his shoulder. The knight looked up and started to curse, only for Willow to rip the blade out and kick him across the jawline. His groan told her that he had been knocked out a she turned to face the trio approaching her.
End music…
The group started running towards the airship, which was being accosted by some of the lesser guards. The guards turned to see the small group charging them and dispersed after seeing that their champions had been defeated; the teens boarded the ship as they arrived.
"Josephine," Teddy yelled as he ran next to her, "What's our status?"
"Not good," The woman yelled back, "They've alerted the outside, the AA guns are going to be booting up soon, we need to leave now!"
"We can't," Perseus yelled, "Artoria is still out there!"
"Then go get her in!" Josephine yelled as she started pressing buttons on the control panels, the bronze teen nodded as he started down the boarding ramp, only to step back as he saw the group of soldiers had swelled and were all pointing guns at the ship.
"Teddy, we've got company!" The teen yelled as he opened his shield, looking up to see that Artoria was still battling Morrigan up on the railings.
Insert "This Will be the Day, (Acoustic)," Jeff Williams…
Morrigan whirled her staff and dagger around, catching Artoria's blade and stabbing forth into her chest. The dagger did nothing against the armor as the knight pushed the woman's blade away before slashing at the woman's torso, the crafty witch backing out of the way. They both snarled as they charged in, their blades sparking as they clashed.
"Why are you trying to leave us?" Morrigan yelled as they locked eyes, "Why? You have everything here! Your kingdom needs you now more than ever!"
Artoria pushed back, a fire in her eyes practically illuminating her face.
"Why? Look around you! The world is about to start burning and yet we stay here and pretend it's ancient times! A king's duty is protect the innocent!"
"And what of your subjects?" The witch yelled as she pushed Artoria back and slashed at her torso, "What happens to them when you're off saving the world? We are on the verge of collapse! Our very way of life will vanish before us!"
Artoria growled as she whirled her blade around, catching it the with the guard. Morrigan growled before she followed up by launching a fire ball at Artoria's feet, forcing her forward and allowing the witch to slam her staff into the teen's head. Artoria fell to the railing, shaking her head as Morrigan put her staff on her neck.
"Yield Artoria," The woman growled, "I don't want to have to hurt you, and please…your people need you."
"Shut up!" Artoria yelled as she shoved the staff away and grabbed Morrigan's arm, "I do care about my people and I know that I'm going to abandon them…but I have to. I'll endure the pain it brings me, I'll endure the shame, but I have to!"
The knight pulled Morrigan close, her eyes aligning with Morrigans.
"I won't let the world burn because we are afraid…there are far more important things to this world than just our borders." The teen said with fury in her voice as she punched the witch across the jaw, sending her to the railing. She coughed up blood before turning to face Artoria, her eyes filling with tears.
"Don't go…please…we can't lose you again…" Morrigan said as she reached out for Artoria, only for the knight to turn and start walking away.
"I'm sorry…I know how much you care." Artoria said, only for Morrigan to start weeping at her backside.
"You could never know why…" Morrigan bawled as Artoria jumped off the railing onto the floor below.
End music…
Artoria ran towards the ship, where Teddy and Perseus were blasting off the guards.
"My lady," Teddy said as she entered the ship, knocking away any of the guard who tried to stop her, "Jose! Let's go!"
"All right!" Josephine yelled as the ship started tilting for takeoff, "Hold on!"
The ship boosters roared as they shot out of the hanger, Teddy and Perseus grabbing a nearby railing to prevent themselves from flying out as well.
"You could have closed the doors!" Perseus yelled as they shot into the sky.
"We don't have time for that," Josephine yelled, "We've got to get out of her ASAP!"
"Boy's, we've got a problem!" Willows voice made the pair turn, the teen was staring at a screen, "We've got a missile at six o'clock!"
The pair whirled around to see the trail of fire it was leaving behind.
"Josephine!" Perseus yelled.
"It's no good! It's locked on to our heat signature! We stole this when it was being repaired, it doesn't have any flares!" The woman yelled as the rocket zoomed closer. Teddy growled as he ran back into the ship, looking for something to help. Perseus kept looking at the missile in desperation, he was trying to think of a way to stop that missile. That's when the sound of an engine filled the room, the teen turned around just in time to dodge Teddy's bike as it zoomed out of the airship.
The mustached teen leaped off the bike before it collided with the missile, his hand outstretched towards the ship as the explosion propelled him forward. Perseus reached out and grabbed it as Teddy neared the ship, the pair almost falling out if not for the intervention of Willow and Artoria, who both grabbed Perseus. They pulled the hard breathing pair in, the doors closing behind them.
"We should be smooth sailing from here on out!" Josephine said in a relived tone, "Radio chatter say's that the missile was a fluke, with Artoria on board they won't blast us with the AA guns either."
The crew all breathed a sigh of relief before Teddy got to his feet and held out his hand to Artoria.
"Just saying…you owe me a bike." The teen said with a hearty laugh as they started off towards the horizon.
A few days later…
Morrigan looked over the scroll in her hand as she reviewed the footage, looking up at the man sitting in front of her. He was a large man, wearing a brown cloak that showed off his huge, scarred chest. His legs were covered with pants of the same color, his brown boots barely making a sound as he got to his feet. Two spears lay upon his back, one a bright red, the other a dark black. Morrigan looked up as he towered over her, his breathing filling the room.
"You know what to do, bring her home," Morrigan said as the man turned around, "Kill all who get in your way, no matter who."
The man kept walking forward as a knight entered the room behind Morrigan.
"Are you sure that's wise?" He asked, "That man is a barbarian, they aren't known for their skills."
"That man once defeated Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad in a tournament," The witch said, "They were no novice warriors either."
"They were young then," The knight replied gruffly, "I highly doubt that man could beat Galahad now."
"Enough," Morrigan said with a silencing stare, "Our friend there will retrieve Artoria for us, it is not in their nature to reign on a deal…unlike others."
"Still, could we have not accomplished this with our own knights? What of Sir Galahad or Sir Tristan? Surely they would be able to find her and convince her to return." The knight asked.
"Or they would join her," Morrigan said in an annoyed tone, "The knights we have aren't even certain of our own course of action, they debate amongst themselves if it is just. We chose someone we could rely on, someone who's loyalty goes beyond just bonds of words…remember Sir Lamorak…blood ties are far thicker than any paper ties. He will retrieve Artoria…he has too for the honor of his people."
"This man…Culhwch, is not of her blood," The knight growled, "That is a disgraceful lie that dissenters have propagated to slander us."
"Whether you believe it or not, it doesn't matter," The witch said as she got to her feet, "He does…and he intends to prove it, one way or the other."