Fire and water

"Ballistae!" Roseblack yelled. "With how closely packed our ships are we don't have time to get them all to turn. Break the connecting ropes between ships and get people working those ballistae."

Everyone jumped to obey. The ships had been kept close together so they didn't lose any but fire ships could use that against them so they had to scatter. Shirou himself helped retrieve the ammo for the ballistae though he wished he could have just made some himself as that would have saved precious time.

He was able to create extra weapons from tracing the many generic blades he had made before his marble had returned in full. Those at least helped ensure everyone was armed if the enemy decided to board (From what Nereth said it was a distinct possibility).

"Fire!" Roseblack ordered and her ballistae each fired at the approaching fire ships. They aimed to place holes that would quickly sink the fire ships as that solved the most problems.

As he stood at the front of the ship, Shirou's arm was grabbed. He turned to see Nereth who spoke quickly "Do you have anything you can do? Could you throw something explosive maybe."

Shirou shook his head "While it would normally be an option, currently my magic lacks good long range options to make explosive. If I wanted I could swing an explosive sword but other than that I am unable to help."

Nereth cursed and ran off while Shirou watched the ships, a lucky shot had sunk one of the three fire ships coming towards the center so now they only needed to take out the next two. Mnemon's warships also grew closer and Shirou could see they had Ballistae too and something else near the back.

Suddenly something flew over Shirou's head, he heard the sounds of cracking followed by the sound of wood being violently ripped apart. He spun and saw the ship's now destroyed mast. He heard people yelling about how a blue spiked ball just shot into the mast and destroyed it. He didn't have anyone to ask but he realised it was likely sorcery.

It stopped them from maneuvering out of the way of the remaining fire ships. A well made plan.

As he thought that, Another of the three fire ships near them was struck and began to sink. The one left however would crash into them within moments. No chance to reload and fire again. Shirou was not practiced with throwing most swords. If they were too big then their weight could throw off the throw. However right now he had very little choice. He traced Aestus Estus Reficio and gave it a practice throw. It didn't even go more than 3 meters. Anything more would require a more specialised weapon.

He had made arrows! He remembered now. Sure they wouldn't be nearly as powerful when broken but they would explode. It was like comparing a small pouch of gunpowder to multiple barrels though. The difference in scale was vast.

Regardless he picked up a bow that had been dropped on the deck, traced an arrow and took aim. Low on the ship. Once the target was locked he fed magic into the arrow until it would shatter with even a little bit more. It was fast as the arrow didn't have much power in the first place but the arrow did drink more than he expected. Maybe a difference in materials or maybe the arrow's least god was doing something.

Regardless, In Shirou's mind the arrow found its target. He released his fingers and the arrow shot forth striking exactly the point at which he aimed. There was a cracking sound but no real damage to the ship.

Shirou made a choice and traced another arrow before breaking it, he fired and the same spot was hit. this time the creaking was easily audible.

Once more Shirou traced, broke and fired. A small tear ripped the ship in the place he had struck thrice. He only prayed it would be enough to prevent the ships reaching here in time.

After a few long and agonising seconds, the last of the three fire ships aimed towards them slipped beneath the waters.

Unfortunately they were not out of the battle yet. The warships came forward and Shirou could see soldiers lined up on them ready to come aboard. There were also sorcerers, at least one per boat.

Shirou once again traced Aestus Estus Reficio and prepared for boarding.

End of chapter.

Yes it's short. I know.

I just wanted the fire ships and the boarders to be two separate chapters.