I don't own HSDxD and gain no profit from this writing.
Chap 19
'All that boasting, all that scheming… How embarrassing.'
In the end she still lost, she could draw out a hundred excuses and the fact remained was that she had lost. Lancer might feel vexed, but she was not going to blame Issei. The boy had done what he could in this war, even if his actions were naive and unhelpful.
Sometimes life just doesn't go as one wants.
Lancer looked down at her own body. Her arms had grown back, and every wound had been healed. Her armor was also completely repaired. She was as good as when she was summoned at the beginning.
An inhuman perfection.
Did she have the right to rule the kingdom, when her time had been over for centuries?
The nature of servants, is that they will be summoned from the Throne of Heroes which is placed outside of time and space. Hence they can be summoned into the past, present and future. Even answering the call across dimensions and parallel worlds is the norm for them. So it wouldn't be far fetched if out there somewhere, another version of her had been summoned, won the grail war and achieved the wish. Such possibility is not abnormal in the infinite timeline.
'Is it worth it?'
The memory of that day replayed in Lancer's mind. It was vivid, because she had seen it twice when she was alive.
The scene of the bloody hill. The end of her last battle.
She had become what her kingdom asked of her, she had made every right choice, and ruled with a fair judgement, but even then it was not enough.
'Am I… a mistake?'
Camelot could not be saved, no matter what. That was what her mentor told her.
What is the point of trying, if the result has been determined from the beginning?
As if she were looking for an answer Lancer saw her master who was still examining the dimmed cube. His body had grown beyond that of a teenager, and his skin was covered in red scales. He had sharp black claws for his nails, and there was a tail with a spike tip from the end of his back. His skull no longer bore the shape of a human skull, and there was a pair of horns on it. He did not have a pair of wings, but that was just a matter of time before he grew one.
Issei had become a dragon. His body structure even changed from bipedal one to the quadrupedal one to accommodate his new form. He had already shown significant dragonic features back in that shady hotel, but only after the fight against Berserker that his body had fully grown into one. The mortal wound inflicted by Siegfried must have accelerated the healing process, which forced his body to discard the weak human parts to make rooms for the tough dragon ones so that he could survive.
No amount of 'I choose this myself.' from Issei himself could cover the fact that she was the reason why he turned into this.
Earlier he made a joke that he could replace her mount, but she had denied him.
Duh Stallion was a good horse, and his loss might contribute to the reason why Elizabeth could corner her. However he could not be compared to an actual person like Issei. Lancer did not want her master to see himself as an animal. He was a human, and even if his body had become a phantasmal creature he should continue to think himself as a human. Once he started seeing himself as a beast there was no telling what would happen.
'We should find a way to turn him back into a human before the World crushed him.' Lancer decided that was the least she should do before returning to the Throne.
"Hey Issei." Lancer softly said, just at the same time Issei turned back to her. "Hey Lancer."
It was awkward when their eyes met, but Lancer gestured to let Issei talk first.
"Since I have become a dragon Boosted Gear has unlocked a cool ability. Watch this."
Lancer failed to notice that Issei in fact had had his Sacred Gear out for some time. The red gauntlet flashed, and came the mechanical voice of Ddraig.
[Transfer!]
The cube between his hands began to shine brightly, then it rapidly changed its shape into a chalice full of mana.
Lancer was speechless at the sight before her. Undoubtedly that was the holy relic which she had heard of, and sent her knights on a quest to find it. Now the prize of the war was floating between Issei's hands, waiting for a wish.
"Boost can temporarily double anything, and Transfer allows me to give that boost to others! Since the grail still has some mana I can increase that amount to reactivate it!" Issei cheerfully said.
"Unbelievable…"
Still Lancer quickly recovered, since Y Draig Goch was the legendary Red Dragon Emperor it wasn't unreasonable that his power could allow Issei to pull out something like this. They were lucky that they ventured into the church, got the grail and Issei's Sacred Gear had the right ability for it.
"Then-"
You should use it to turn yourself back into a human.
The sentence choked in her throat. A force inside Lancer kept it down, preventing the only shot at returning Issei's life back to normal.
"I remember our promise, don't worry I will make sure that you will get your wish." He had a smile on his face and a fire in his serpent-like eyes. It was no different on that night when her master made the same promise to her.
"No-" Before Lancer could clarify what she meant Issei spoke first.
"Earlier what did you want to tell me?"
"Ah, about that." Lancer was surprised by that, but after a minute she decided to let it out.
"Issei, back then… if you already knew that Shuri Himejima, Akeno's mother, has been killed for years, would you still go to Kyoto to save her?"
Her master was taken back by that question, and he had a puzzle face for a few seconds.
"Yeah? I mean, if I don't see the truth with my own eyes I wouldn't believe it. What if Mrs Shuri was still alive and hidden somewhere? I don't know, the future is simply unpredictable with so many possibilities. Therefore I will try, and try until I can't anymore. If I don't do it then I will always question myself later on of what could happen, and that is a regret I want to avoid."
An answer befitting of his personality and experience.
"... I'm an idiot but let me tell you something Lancer. You know our country, Japan? There was a time when we got too cocky, and became one of the main participants in a war that was so large it involved multiple countries all over the world."
"Yes, I know it. You mean to talk about the second great world war." She had got the general knowledge of modern events when she was summoned, so it wasn't hard to know which war Issei was talking about.
"Yeah, now I'm not gonna say that our nation didn't do terrible and stupid things during that time. However after starting a fight against a country that is like twenty times bigger than ours, the result is obvious. Our destiny had been decided on that day when we dove ourselves into the enemies on that harbor."
The warmongering Japan was defeated on multiple fronts, and the two bombs that were dropped on her two cities had instantly forced them to surrender. If the country had suffered that much damage and casualties, then it was not possible to recover.
"We lost everything, but we picked ourselves up. We studied, we trained, we toiled and we built like no tomorrow. It might take us decades, but we did it. Today Japan is proud to be one of the most developed countries, and we can live a prosperous life! These weeks may not be enough to show you the wonders of modern Japan, but I'm sure you have got a gist of it." Issei pridefully said. "You see Lancer, a land doesn't make a country, its people do."
Lancer wanted to say something, but she couldn't find a word for it.
"Alright, let's get back to business. So you got a grail here, and you wish to be able to return to rule Camelot once again. It is simple, correct?"
"Yes…"
"However before you do that I have a question: Is it possible to maintain our contract after you travel back to Britain in the past?"
"... No, I don't think that is possible."
Their contract wouldn't disappear even if they were in two different countries, but what Lancer attempted to do was to cross space and time. The master-servant contract would be nullified in the time when Issei did not exist, such was its nature.
"Then, how do you intend to stay in the mortal world without a master and a reliable supply of mana?"
"..."
Issei silently looked at her, waiting for an answer.
Truth to be told Lancer had thought about this, but she had decided to focus on winning the grail war first, and then when it was over she would figure it out. What she did not expect was that they lost the war, but still had the means to achieve the grail.
Mana was not a big problem. The Isle of Britain was the last bastion of the supernatural in that time, therefore she could slowly absorb the dense mana in the air, or hunt wild games to sustain herself.
"Will anyone understand and agree if you ask them to be your master? And will you manage to find a master who would treat you fair?"
The answer was yes, but with extreme difficulties. Finding someone who would support her faithfully was the first obstacle, and then there was a problem of explaining and protecting said person. Merlin was her best bet, but the court mage served the living King, not the dead King. He might be a wanker sometimes, but Lancer knew more than anyone if Merlin considered that she would not be allowed to exist then he had plenty of ways to remove her from Camelot. So she could not risk such a huge gamble, depending on him for everything. Her half-sister was out of the question due to how malicious she could be, and any Knights of the Round Table would listen to the King who would be advised by Merlin.
"I thought so, that's why to make your wish come true you will need this."
All of a sudden Issei plunged his right hand into his chest.
The Knight swung her sword.
His claws digged through the flesh, broke the bones, and tore away the blood vessels.
The King thrusted her lance.
Blood began to drip from the hole on his chest, but Issei didn't stop. He gritted his teeth to pull out his still beating heart.
The Knight missed her target, but the King did not.
With his heart on his right hand, and the grail on his left hand, the master presented them to the servant.
The victor was decided when the lance promptly pierced through the heart of the opponent.
"Take this Lancer." Issei said, holding back the pain. "It might be immature, but this dragon heart will be the anchor to keep you in this world, and it will give you the mana to live on independently."
The King took the bloody heart from the shaking hand of the dragon, and fused it with her own heart silently. Because they shared the same blood of the Welsh Dragon the compatibility was high enough that her body could accept his organs.
Issei offered her a smile, even when blood was coming out from his lips.
"My knowledge of time travel only comes from the manga and anime that I have read and watched, so I can only tell you what I know... The journey that awaits you is an ordeal. Nobody will understand you, and you can only keep your secrets to yourself. Friends might become foes, and your memory of the past will only help you to a certain point due to the chain effect that you bring with you. However please do not be discouraged, because as long as you never give up you will eventually find a path to reach your goal. That is the greatest strength within a human." Issei looked at her with warm eyes, even if his face began to contort in pain. "I know not the way of kingship, for I am only a schoolboy who lives in the modern age. However I believe that this time, you should not just fight for your people, or for your country. Fight for yourself too. You are a human, Arthur Pendragon. Humans are selfish beings, and we cannot live without flaws. That's why, live not as an ideal, but as a human."
There was no reply nor acknowledgement, Lancer only took the holy grail from her master.
"You have done your best the first time, I believe you can do it better the second time." He slightly nodded. "I pray for your success, Lancer."
Her wish was accepted.
The scenery swiftly changed after the grail shone, and within seconds Lancer found herself on that fateful day.
"It hurts…" Lancer gasped for breath as her knees gave up.
Lancer clutched her left chest. The fusion of the hearts had completed, and there was no reason for it to hurt.
She was but a tool to fight, and he was but a resource for her to use. Their relationship was just that, so what was this feeling?
Sacrificing 1 to save 100, had she not done that herself several times?
Yet the pain was greater than any wound she had suffered, and she could feel the warm tear on her cheeks.
Lancer had never cried since she took the throne.
"No… I… I cannot…"
She bit her lips. That boy, that small master of her… He was but a child who lived in a peaceful era, who knew no war and poverty… All the time she dreamed of his past she had never seen him face a tragedy or hardship.
So where? Where did the strength of his resolve come from?
He was the model of her ideal world, the innocent civilian who should be protected by her. They didn't win, but they survived the war which was already a blessing for a teenager who was never forced to pick up a sword. By all means Issei had the right to live on in his happy town. These two weeks of life and death should be nothing but a bad dream for him, and it should remain a tavern tale. He should long for his normal life, a life where he could laugh and cry with his friends and family without care.
Yet he did not hesitate to give up everything just for a ghost like her when it was clear that he could have the grail for himself.
It was a one-side trade, because Lancer had not done anything for him to receive such great boons. She did not win the grail for him. What rights did she have, to take away his precious?
Lancer could not even thank him, or give him words of comfort. The only rewards for keeping his promise were misery and loss. Nonetheless she trampled on his goodwill because she knew if she was to think of anything else she wouldn't be able to bear it, and lose the chance to achieve her selfish wish.
Therefore she would not allow it. She would not let his sacrifice be in vain.
"... Besides, if he can use Boosted Gear to increase the mana inside the grail to activate it, then he should be able to do it a second time to save himself." This she told herself, so that she would have a reason to believe that her master would be fine.
Lancer took a deep breath, she wiped her face, and opened her eyes to the sight before her.
From the distance she could see two figures, along with a sword in a stone.
Lancer knew what she needed to do, and she still had her notebook which had recorded the essential knowledge from the modern age.
She walked toward them.
When Akeno woke up she was in an unfamiliar room. Her head felt dizzy, but she remembered what had happened.
A glance to her right arm told her that Saber had indeed gone, for all of her command spells had disappeared along with the contract.
A long sigh was let out, but this was within her expectation. Akeno knew she would just lose and die somewhere. That would be the better result. The fact that she somehow was still alive annoyed her to a degree, because it meant she would have to deal with the loathsome Himejima when they hunted her down for her act of betrayal.
It was not hard to guess whose room it was with the items and decorations.
She looked down on her body and noticed that she was still wearing the same attire when she came to the hill that day, so that… guy at least had manners. The curse of Caster had also ended, and there was no visible wound. Ironically if she didn't have the power of a crow it would take more time for her to recover.
"Hm?" Akeno noticed that to her right there was a familiar wooden box which had been cleaned properly. She recalled that she had let it there to rot back in the shrine, but he just had to bring it here. Not that she didn't understand why, it's just… She just didn't want to face it now. So Akeno did that and grabbed the package next to it. Inside was money, and a letter written in haste.
Dear Akeno Himejima
If you are reading this it means you have recovered first, or I have done some very, very stupid things. I'm not a bright kid so please take it easy on me.
I know you hate me for what I have done, but you are the only one I can ask for a favor. The current me cannot return to my house now, because there is this important thing I must do first. It might take months, or even years before I can go home. Therefore in the meantime can you please take care of my parents? Don't worry about the explanation, I have hired a devil to smooth things out (by borrowing a million Yen from you so again I'm sorry for that, but I swear I will return it later) so now you are officially adopted by the Hyodo! Our family might not be rich, but I hope you can accept my father and mother. They are very nice people, and absolutely longed for a daughter since their son is a useless pervert.
I have lived a peaceful life, so I'm not in a position to judge you. However I do know that life is more than just hardship, and Saber has also sacrificed herself so that you could escape unharmed. So please, stay with my parents until my return, and then you can do whatever you want. I know you might not believe the Himejima for everything they have done to you, but Miss Suzaku, the Head of the clan, has said that she would take care of those guys who used you, and you are declared dead to them. In other words, you are free.
I hope that time will heal your wound, and you will find a reason to be happy. If you hate the wooden box then feel free to hide it in the closet, but please do not destroy the memento of your mother.
Best regards
Issei Hyodo
P/S: Please discard any ero books you find in my room.
"How cruel of you…" Akeno had a bitter face when she closed the letter. "Forcing an abomination like me to live on and take your responsibility like that..."
She changed her dirty clothes to the new ones which had been prepared. "The size is not right, but it should do for now." Then she headed downstairs. She would return to the shrine to grab whatever left there later on.
It was a Thursday that was no different from any Thursday to the commoners. Akeno could see Mr Hyodo was reading the newspaper before work, and Mrs Hyodo was preparing breakfast.
A typical day in life.
"Ah, Akeno! I was about to go upstairs to call you down for breakfast!" Mrs Hyodo gave her a smile.
"... I-"
"Seriously, that useless son of mine. Just when we adopt a beautiful young girl he just has to receive a scholarship and study abroad immediately."
She might not show it, but Akeno could hear a tone of sadness from Issei's mother.
"Nah, I bet ya he's gonna snatch some foreigner like Miss Lancer!" Mr Hyodo laughed, but that was just an act to hide the fact that his son just disappeared without so much a word.
"Oh right, your school has an accident so we will have some free weeks before they can relocate you to another school. Why don't we hang out together as mother and daughter?" Mrs Hyodo clasped her hands. "But breakfast first!"
"Mrs Hyodo…"
"What are you saying, Akeno? You are our daughter, you must call us 'mother', and 'father'."
She couldn't keep her emotion in check anymore. Akeno sprinted to Mrs Hyodo and hugged the woman tightly. At long last, she was allowed to use those precious words.
"There, there. It's okay, Akeno. You must have a hard life." Mrs Hyodo returned her hug with her own warm and gentle one.
"Mother…! Father…!"
"Anyway, breakfast first! Then we can spend time together. Dear, don't you think we can have a trip on Sunday?"
"That would be lovely, we must have a special party to welcome our daughter!"
Akeno wiped her face, she sat down, and thanked the Hyodo for the food before joining them for breakfast.
'If you don't make it back I will seek your filthy soul and exorcise it, Issei Hyodo.' Akeno swore, but deep inside she hoped that he would be alright.
Because she could not hate the boy anymore.
Issei was breathing heavily, and every breath was hurting him.
The adrenaline and bravado earlier were all but gone. He wanted to sleep to forget the agony, but the pain was so great it prevented him from sleeping. Yet he couldn't move, or do anything but sitting on the soaked red ground.
Not that there was anywhere for him to run to. Issei was sure if someone saw him in this form they would report to the government, and then they would bring him to some underground secret lab in order to dissect him for research purposes.
"Heh…" He chuckled at the thought of dinosaur bones discovered in Kuoh Town. Surely this would fly on every news channel and papers for a few weeks.
According to Ddraig dragons had a method to teleport called 'Dragon Gate', but Ddraig had never used it when he was alive, and it would also require time and effort for Issei to learn.
Time, which was a luxury that he could not afford now.
The grail had crumbled into particles under the illogical power of Boosted Gear, a consequence for cheating against the rules. Not that he didn't expect it, the fact that it could still perform another wish when they had lost the war was a miracle of itself. Truth to be told he didn't know what to do if Transfer failed, so it was good that he could at least fulfill his promise with Lancer.
[I have seen my share of fools, but do you even know what you have done?]
"..."
[You have just cursed her with a burden that is as heavy as the one she received when she chose to draw the sword, and now she will relive the decline and destruction of Camelot.]
"... That I have to disagree with you. What I did is not to curse her, but to open another path for her. All of her life she had never asked for anything for herself, so I shall fulfill her wish..." Issei inhaled. "I hope she can do it... Her dream to save her kingdom is beautiful... That's why she deserves a second chance."
[You two are big fools, blindly chasing after the stars.] Yet Ddraig seemed to be laughing. [But only people like you are worthy of my power.]
"Thanks, without you I'd have probably died on day one." Stated Issei honestly.
[Farewell, partner.]
Issei knew this was it for him. He looked down, the hole on his chest had shown no sign of healing. The lack of the vital organ, the heart, was too much for the body to restore back into normal.
Originally he only planned to leave Kuoh Town to figure out how to turn back into a human without the miracle from the holy grail in case it could only fulfill one wish, that's why he had slipped in a letter among the cash he gave to the devil Rias so she could give him a cover on why he couldn't return home. What Issei did just now was not within his plan, but he had made up his mind and prepared for it, so the disappointment was not too big for him to handle.
"Mom, I'm sorry I haven't done anything to thank you for raising this useless me."
"Dad, I'm sorry we haven't gone fishing together again."
"Ms Suzaku, I'm sorry I can't look after Akeno."
"Asia, I'm sorry I can't give you the holy grail."
"Lancer, I'm sorry I couldn't help you win the war."
He knew there were more, but his brain was too muzzy and numb from all the pains to remember. He decided he would apologize to the rest once his head was clear again.
Dawn was upon him, and when Issei looked up to the sunray he could see a brilliant figure heading toward him.
It was her, the gorgeous and brave blond knight. The person he treasured the most. She was running toward him, and on her face was the most heavenly smile that he had seen in his life. The sight of his goddess eased the pain, and it made him feel incredibly sleepy.
"Ah, good morning, Lancer…"
Issei wondered whether her smile was for him or not, but that did not matter. He was glad that he could see her one last time.
The dragon exhaled and closed his eyes, but not without a smile on his face.
AN: First of all I would like to thank you for your support. It has been 3 years, and I'm glad that I have finished this story. I didn't really believe I can reach the end because of all the distractions and writer's block (on top of grinding FGO), but I manage to do it. I admit that I don't know how to make good fights, and it's difficult for me to understand how some servants fight so I just try to make it up as best as I can. This story might not be as popular as other HSDxD/Fate crossovers, but you guys still keep up with the updates so again thank you for reading.