Just a warning, there's a LOT of exposition in this chapter explaining Noble Phantasms and the such. If you just want to skim over it, feel free to do so. I yoinked things from the Wiki and all that, so it's not really anything new. No Old Li this chapter, though, Li needs to focus on healing himself instead

By the time the Company had been set down atop a large stone structure by the Eagles, the sun had begun to rise.

On the flight over, Li had taken inventory of his injuries. His hands, while slowly mending (more like at a snail's pace), were certainly broken and shattered. There were deep gashes across them from the blades of the mace and he was surprised that they were mostly intact.

The healing process would be slow if he didn't sleep and eat, but it would be alright— as long as there were no fights to get into or fights where he was needed to go all out again.

Aside from that, he had also gotten several bites from Wargs on his arms, legs, and on one side, though it was hardly anything that was too worrying. There were a number of gashes from the weapons, and small cuts and bruises, but it could be worse.

Though that seemed to be the general idea whenever he took inventory of any of his wounds.

And he was certain that Elrond would be unhappy, but he tended to get touchy about whenever Li showed up with untreated wounds.

Sometimes, he wondered if Elrond's actions were normal in terms of being worried for friends.

As a Servant of Chaldea, none of the other Servants he had been close with in terms of friendship had ever worried about injuries— Beowulf had smashed his skull in once for the gods' sakes, and Robin Hood just told the blonde that Li was "dripping" in reference to the blood trail that the Berserker had left behind him after carrying him to Florence. And, of course, he hadn't been friendly with any of the others in the other Wars he had been in (though he had been Human in the Lostbelt as an Assassin and he was almost certain that Nobunaga shot him in the back during the Redline Grail War in Japan) save for a few moments on the Moon in the Mooncell— but that was more friendly banter than making friends.

So he had to wonder— Was Elrond Mother-Henning him?

He would have to think on that later.

( If Elrond started acting like Nightingale though, he was done. Li would rather forfeit his life to Smaug than deal with another amputate-happy medic. )

Li staggered a bit as he slid off of the back of the Eagle he had been on, dropping to a knee to catch his breath. Gandalf was instantly at his side, but he waved him off, chest heaving as he stood. He brushed past the Wizard, quickly making sure all the Company were there and accounted for.

"Were any of you injured?" he asked them after he confirmed they were all there, staggering over to them.

"I don't think you should be asking that— or moving for that matter," Bilbo said, a bit hesitant and shaken, but Li waved him off— through the motion in and of itself made him stumble slightly. Dwalin and Glóin surged to steady him, but Gandalf beat them to it, suddenly at Li's side and letting the Lancer lean on him.

"I've been through worse," he told the company, "Though I apologize for stealing your revenge, Thorin."

"Think nothing of it," the Dwarven King said, seemingly still stunned as the last of the Eagles landed. They were perched on the edge of the platform in a circle around them, and Li bowed his head slightly in thanks to the one who had brought him.

"Gwaihir, my friend," Gandalf spoke up, bowing his head to them in place of stepping forwards. "Thank you for your timely rescue."

"Think nothing of it, Mithrandir," the largest of the Eagles said, "We are glad to cheat the Orcs of their sport with the Dragon of Red, and repay our thanks to you."

Li bowed his head again. "It is always a pleasure to know that a grounded beast has support from those above, Lord Gwaihir," he responded with a slight grin.

The Lord of the Eagles clicked his beak in good nature. "Indeed, but taking into account your Injuries… you all need rest. We shall fly you all down tomorrow," He said, "Is there any particular direction we should take you?"

"Unfortunately, we are going East, towards the settlements of men," Li said and Gandalf nodded. "But you do not fly towards those of men— they will shoot you down, is that right?"

At the nodded he glanced at Gandalf, tilting his head towards the eagles.

"Perhaps the base of the Carrock would be better? From there we can journey onwards." The Wizard asked and Gwaihir nodded. Li's raised a brow at that. Beorn would not be happy, considering how he was never happy to deal with company, but the Wizard seemed to be set in his choice.

"That will do. We shall fly you there, then," the Lord of the Eagles agreed.

At that, Li moved from Gandalf's side to sit down, the adrenaline from the fight ebbing away. The Eagles soon took off to hunt, as the Company was famished. Gandalf moved over to him, sitting down next to him as the rest of the Company began to set up camp on the rock.

"How are your hands, my friend?" Gandalf asked, resting his staff against the rock. Li simply grunted, head bowed between his knees as he closed his eyes.

"Not so well," he uttered, raising his hands for the Wizard to see, though his head remained bowed. While the blood had mostly clotted— and if not, blood was only oozing slowly from the open injuries— his hands were very clearly swollen, fingers out of place and obviously broken.

"As I thought," the Wizard sighed, taking his hands in between his own. The Wizard mumbled a spell softly and he felt the pain ease, though they did grow numb, and the swelling went down. Li felt the tension leave his shoulders and he sighed softly, lifting his head a bit.

"Didn't know you were a healer," he mumbled, raising a brow. Gandalf just chuckled slightly.

"I am hardly as good as Lord Elrond," he told him simply, "I have eased the pain and persuaded the bones into place the best I could, though my skill in coaxing bone together to mend is hardly anything to compare to our Elven friend."

Li just shrugged.

"You nag less than he does. But my body will heal faster than most," he said, "Had Azog not smashed my hands, I would have certainly finished him off faster."

Gandalf simply nodded as he sat back. "He nags, as you put it, because he cares. I dare say you two are the closest of friends."

The Lancer just nodded as well, resting his arms on his knees, his head atop them now.

"Mhm… I'd say so at least," he hummed before he closed his eyes, reaching out with his mind again.

Everyone's mind was different in feeling and matched with their magical signatures. Even with his low magic levels, could search them out when he focused.

Gandalf's mind was always drifting and hazy, like the smoke that swirled upwards from his pipe. He, like all Istari, thrummed with magic that reminded Li of flames and there was a strong energy around him— no doubt, it had something to do with the Valar.

(He hadn't ever bothered to try and make contact with the foreign gods, no point for him.)

Radagast's mind was always moving, hard to read, and— in the only way he could put it— full of circles and curves. There were scattered wisps of thought, like birds, and like Gandalf, his mind thrummed with magic. But his was warm and earth-like.

Beorn's mind was wild, loyal, and strong, feral like his bear-form, but quite open to him. He was a good man who didn't care to hide his emotions, and so his mind reflected that. But probing and talking to him through a mental link was always hit or miss, the beat-man didn't like to talk that way and Li respected that.

Thranduil's mind was guarded, cold as ice, but warm under the surface. He had sealed him and the rest of his people away in order to protect them, and like Beorn, this was reflected in his mind.

Li didn't try to reach Gladriel's without her doing so at first, her's was so blindingly bright and mind-numbingly powerful.

Elrond's mind was warm and calming. Like the sun. It was inviting and gentle, much like the Valley was. Very different from his fellow leaders.

And Li had promised that he would try and use it more.

'Elrond? Are you awake, my friend?' Li asked softly.

'I am, has something happened for you to finally use this link?'

'Yes, but you can't be mad when I tell you what happened on the other side of the Misty Mountains.'

'Eru save me.'

He chuckled softly at the instant response before he sobered. 'The Company was attacked by Azog the Defiler.'

'The Pale Orc lives?'

'Well, not anymore,' he told him simply and he could hear the sigh in his mind. 'You promised you wouldn't get mad.'

'I did no such thing, but tell me what happened,' the Elven Lord seemed to sigh again.

'Well I killed him, first of all, so he himself isn't a threat anymore,' he reported, opening his eyes slowly. 'But before I was able to, he broke my hands.'

'Hands? Plural?'

'Smashed his mace into both my hands as I was holding my spear,' he reported with a wince at the worry from Elrond that flashed in his mind. He did his best to soothe the other. 'I am fine, it will heal within a few days. Gandalf did what he could.'

'I wish I could assist,' Elrond murmured. 'I have half a mind to take my horse and ride out to you. I swear, you will make me go gray— and I'm an Elf, Mellon nin. Not even my Sons have worried me so.'

'Please do not ride out to where we are! You have a realm to run, and I'm sure that Elladan and Elrohir have caused just as much trouble as I,' he countered before he quieted, 'Though, but that is not the worst of it. And you have to promise this time not to get angry when I return to Imladris next time because of it. Because I know you will.'

Had he been in the presence of the Elven Lord, Li was certain that his lips would have been pressed together in a thin line. And his brows would have been furrowed, eyes narrowed, and calculating.

'Since you finally decided to start connecting and talking to me through this mental link of ours, I will refrain from lecturing you too much when you return, Shuwen,' he said after a moment and Li nodded. That was good enough for him.

'A Warg tossed me from the edge of the ridge and cracked my ribs in the process— cracked, not broken!'

There was silence followed by a long sigh and Li grimaced a bit, making Gandalf look at him with a worried look and he waved him off, simply jerking his head in the direction of Rivendell. The Wizard seemed to realize, nodding before Elrond finally spoke up again.

'Eru save me from my dear friend and his need to rush into battle without a second thought!'

'Hey! In my defense, while fragile, I was saving the Company.'

There was silence before another sigh.

'Mellon nin, I cannot fault you for that it seems,' Elrond groaned. 'But by the Valar's names please be more careful.'

'It is battle, I am used to it.'

'That does not mean I should not worry!'

He blinked but chuckled softly. 'You worry too much,' he told him. 'Have you been up all night?' he asked, changing the topic.

'Now look who is worrying, Shuwen.'

'Kahaha! Yes, but you are a Lord and have people to look after and you will be doing work all day,' he pointed out, 'Whereas I and the rest will be resting at the Eagles' landing for the rest of the day and following night.'

Elrond seemed to snort, and he was sure that he had rolled his eyes. 'I have rested,' he told him. 'And you should as well. Remember, you must tell me when you get to Mirkwood.'

'Yeah, yeah,' he sighed, mentally waving off the other's concern. 'I will.'

'Be safe, Mellon nin.'

And like that, he pulled his mind back, eyes refocusing and he was suddenly gazing into the icy-blue eyes of Thorin— whose brows were furrowed and he was gazing at him strangely. Gandalf was shaking his head, most likely having been telling the Dwarf to just leave him be. Thorin backed up, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Good evening," Li greeted the Dwarf. "Can I help you?"

"Eat."

A skewer of food was shoved into his hands and he carefully grasped it, grumbling under his breath in his own language about his numbed fingers and broken hands. Gandalf nudged him towards the fire as the Wizard stood himself. Li hauled himself to his feet, following him to the rest of the Company and sitting between Bofur and Dori. He ate mostly in silence as the rest of the conversation flowed over him before Balin moved to sit next to him.

"It's good to have you back with us, lad," he said, moving to pat him, but hesitating a bit, not wanting to disturb any injuries. He settled for resting his hand on his knee for a moment.

"Aye, I'll say," Bofur agreed around a mouthful of rabbit. "We thought the Weed-eater kidnapped ya when we couldn't find ya 'fore we left!"

Li chuckled. "Elrond would certainly feel better about my health if he could keep me in one place," he said, "Always making a fuss when I show up injured."

"It's because you show up injured that he makes a fuss, Master Li," Gandalf chuckled and Li just rolled his eyes.

"I do say, though, you are quite friendly with the Elves," Dori commented. "Does it extend to all of them?"

Li blinked, leaning back a bit. "I haven't had the chance to go to Lórien," he said, thinking. "But the Lady Galadriel and I are at least friendly. I haven't met her husband, but I've heard it's beautiful in Lórien, and I wish I could have visited, just to say that I have. I should have stopped there when I went to see the Ents," he said before he blinked and shook his head. "Rivendell, on the other hand, was the first to welcome me. I am understandably closer to the House of Elrond than any other— It is a second home to me now. As for the Woodlands…" he paused, frowning a bit, looking for the right words.

"His Majesty is no less stubborn than some of you. But a heart of stone can be chipped away at, and it took me years of constant pestering. King Thranduil and I are not as close as Elrond and I, but we are friends," he said with a soft chuckle before he winced, feeling pain shoot through his side.

"Enough on those blasted creatures," Dwalin grunted, roasting another rabbit over the fire. "I want to know what the hell that was earlier."

"Ah, Wú Èr Dǎ," Li nodded, "No Second Strike. Yes, I expect you would be curious…" He trailed off, thinking. "To start, we must begin with the basics of what a Servant from the Throne of Heroes is. While I have no clue why the legend here refers to the Throne as a "Kingless Throne"— I suppose it was to make it seem as if we were physically in this world at one point— I will refer to it as such."

"You mean to say that you weren't?" Bilbo asked, shifting a bit as the Eagles returned to the rocks, settling down and listening as well. They had finished hunting for themselves and they were welcome to listen. Li shook his head at Bilbo's question.

"There is a… hmm, perhaps it is a Dimension? Truth be told, things are complicated, but there is a place called the Root. It is more metaphysical than anything, and I'm not one for understanding all the magical ins and outs, so that is all I really know about it aside from the fact that it stores and archives information of all possibilities and events, past, present, and future, of the World. It is the place from where all souls, including those of Heroic Spirits recorded on the Throne of Heroes, originate from and to where they return after death," he told them all as Gandalf lit his pipe. "In short, it is the Afterlife of a number of worlds. I do not think it extends to yours, but since The Legend of Heroes and Servants has reached your ears, I would not doubt it if a few Heroes from this place have slipped through and into the Throne's records. Sadly, that does mean that the connection between Valinor or Mahal's halls would be severed, you cannot exist in multiple afterlives at once— even if you exist in multiple worlds."

He leaned back a bit, thinking on how to best describe the concept of Servants to the Company. "Servants, in a sense, do serve the Throne, but it is more like our existence is part of the Main Body. Like one's hair and blood create a body of flesh and blood. Normally, one can only be summoned by the World, and summoning even one is considered to be a miraculous occurrence. However, above the World is the one who controls all things— the Greater Magic. The World and the Throne have very little influence on Middle-Earth, as this land itself is fundamentally different than the ones I have come from. And normally, a Servant would be tied to a Master."

"And I take it you're not?" Balin inquired and Li nodded, humming and placing a hand on the stone under him.

"Even if I was, I am not one to always follow orders, eh?" he chuckled, "I bow to no one, but luckily, I am tied to the land itself and the magic that comes from it instead of a Master."

He flexed his fingers, satisfied at the throbbing pain having lessened— though only a bit. "A Servant's body is made of Ether. I may take a form of a Human, and be more human than many of my counterparts, but I do not the same things that a normal living being would. That said, while our bodies can endure more than most living beings, but we will eventually reach a limit if enough time passes. Suffocation, for example, and then other physical ailments as well, will kill us. My hands, for example, may have been shattered, but I could still use them and was not hindered to do so. Had I been anyone else in the Company, I would have stopped short. Trust me when I say the pain was blinding. Each strike that followed sent bone digging into my muscles and tendons, and I could feel the pain in my chest from how much it burned. But I could still continue without being forced to stop from that pain."

"You did not say that 'if you had been human'," Gandalf pointed out. "Would that have made a difference?"

Li barked out a laugh. "Hardly at all, Gandalf!" he told him, "I have always lived to fight. I left trails for bodies in my wake when I was alive, broken hands, splintered bone, none of that matters to me as long as I come out on top. That is why being a Servant is exhilarating for one such as me."

"But, back to the topic at hand," he said, continuing. "As our bodies are of Ether, Heroic Spirits most often take the form that represents our golden age at the prime of our lives. And as I'm sure you noticed, I have two— elder and younger. Had I been connected to a Master, then I would have one form, depending on how the Master wished for me to appear— a battle-hungry younger man or an older man who could keep his temper, but no less dangerous. But the Greater Magic tied me to the land until my duty is done, and as the land's needs shift, I was given the ability to do so as well. This land provides more than enough energy for me to stay strong, though after a lengthy battle with injuries, the best way to recover is food and rest, or to simply return to a Spiritual Body instead of a physical one."

He glanced to the Company, who were listening with rapt attention. "But I hardly think that is what you wanted to know, so I will cut to the chase now. Noble Phantasms."

He leaned back, gazing at them all as the fire reflected in his eyes. "Noble Phantasms are powerful armaments and are the weapons and abilities that are owned by Heroic Spirits from their lives before. Think of them as the embodiment of the as symbols of their existence," he started, and the Company's attention only grew.

"They can be physical weaponry— such as the Sword of Promised Victory: Excalibur, the Dawn of Ruin: Gram, or the Unfading Light of the Lake: Ardndight. In other cases, they might be classified as Support Items— the Coat of Oaths and Flag of Sincerity from Okita Souji come to mind first, or even Mordred's Secret of Pedigree, which hides the identity of the said Servant. There are some Servants who are more like Noble Phantasms to gods, and there are Noble Phantasms that are abstractions and take the form of attacks," he told the Company, holding his hands up. "The spear I wield is nothing more than a spear. There is nothing special to it, aside from the fact that it will come back to me as a whole weapon when splintered. But because of my unique situation, I have a Phantasm that is not like the others. It is the quintessence of my Martial Arts— No Second Strike. I'm sure you remember what I told you about me, how I needed no second strike to kill an opponent. That is what my Noble Phantasm is— a single strike to end it all."

He lowered his hand, as well as his head as he finished. "Truly, it is best for fighting those who are more like humans in form. Using it against dragons is always more of a trial— a dragon's hide is tough, but not impossible to break. It will take time. But enough for tonight," he said, standing slowly, signaling that he was done explaining things for the night, despite the questions the Company most likely had. "I wish to rest before we leave."

There were a few calls of "goodnight" as he left the fire, leaving the Dwarves to speak amongst themselves, Gandalf, and Bilbo. Landroval clicked his beak and settled next to Li as he sat.

"Rest well, Dragon of Red."

[cinnima sins noise] Roll credits. Just joking.

Anyways, I dont know what's going to happen in Redline, but in Koha Ace Nobunaga just straight up shoots li after he beats an enemy up for her and Okita because they entered into a three-way alliance (?). its a very funny panel because he basically goes "THE ONE THING YOU CANT DOGE!" and then dies. Either way,I really hope that Redline doesn't cuck Li Shuwen over because they play up the hype for Izou. Please don't pull a GGH03, I'm begging you Redline. Let us Li Shuwen fans have the epic name drop we deserve when Izou boasts about being the Best™ and then gets yeeted in three seconds.

On another set of notes, I admittedly only know a bit about the Root. I find it very confusing and complicated for a goldfish brained college student like me, so I hope that if I got anything wrong, you can forgive me for the sake of the story. Also, holy wow fate is wordy and complicated.

Okay, done talking. Review time:

VG Blackwing: Honestly, I forgot that he was a 5* servant until recently. Good thing I've been saving up for him a lot. LB3 was great, 10/10 loved him there, though he did make me panic when I fought him. That wasn't fun.

Doctor Snake Eater: I'd say rest in peace to Azog, but I would rather not lmao. It's fine, he won't know because he's dead.

Hadou Master: hahaha don't freak me out, I'm already nervous about summoning him with my 200-ish sq since I tossed a few into the LB3 banner. Hopefully, the events and logins leading up give me a few more. But thank you!