Author Note

Hello there and welcome to another chapter of Fate Shadow Spear.

This chapter will mark the final scenes of the first movie and beginning of the second. Therefore, I plan on having a very important scene that was in the first movie but was rather quick in my opinion. This chapter will be somewhat short compared to the others.

Plus, Shirou will begin the final stages of his training. He will also have quite the discovery.

Before that, though, let us answer the reviews.

AngelicWisdom - Not that I dislike Sakura, but her situation in HF ends up changing Shirou more than the other paths. And personally, I don't like seeing him in HF. In the end, there is no clear future for him because of his choices. He would remain in Fuyuki with Sakura and Rider, doing what exactly. Yeah, Sakura did try pushing him away, but not at the same time. In essence, Sakura's story is more of a dark drama than the other two.

lagurazach - Thanks for the correction.

runelt99 - Welll, even if Saber is his pairing, this is still the route where Sakura is most envolved. Also, the influence by Angra Manyu is already present.

Anime55Kicker - Sorry to disappoint...kkk.

Lawrence Hbain - Well, I can't say right now. But I do have something in mind about them. Only thing is that I'm still in debate about what to do.

Toshiro Ricky - kkk...no need for that.

Zero - Scathach is not a mom, she is his teacher.

hyperomegasonic26 - Wow, I appreciate for the long review and thank you for the compliment, really. In this chapter, none of the scenes are from HF, but rather something I had planned to finish the scenes from the first movie and then jump right to the second movie next chapter. I have some ideas about Scathach's full participation in this war but I will keep them secret for now. When the second movie starts, the events of HF no longer pertains to the war itself. But most of them must happen to some extent. Ilya will make an appearance next chapter as well. Once again, thanks for the review!

Dimihd - I used to hate Saber Alter as well in the past. But, after studying her for a while and seeing her in FGO, I can see that she and Saber are not so different. Sure, she became the villain in the end, but she always recognized Shirou's strength and character. In the Visual Novel, their fight was quite thrilling to read. She respected him greatly in the end.

Now on to the chapter.

Heaven's Feel

Fate: Shadow Spear

Chapter 12 – Alter Ego

Beta - Axel Emiya

It was already nighttime outside, and the heavy snow was already accumulating up to the point that the grass of Shirou's house could not be seen anymore.

The only visible light was of the dojo where Shirou and Scathach battled it out. Shirou has been sparring against Saber's sword since the start of this war and he had indeed missed facing his teacher in battle. In his battle with Saber, the servant obviously did not put her all from fear of hurting her master. However, as Saber learned before and now saw with her own eyes, indeed Scathach tried pounding on Shirou every chance she got, every time forcing Shirou on the defensive. Saber was kneeling quite close to the dojo wall as she saw the two red blurs facing each other. Tsuki was sitting by her side, seemingly not at all bothered by the two combatants.

Shirou's protective runes around the dojo was working diligently to keep the blows from destroying the building walls.

The king of knights could attest to Scathach's strength and skill. Shirou was by no means a good enough test for her to show her all, though. Not that she did not find her master to be strong, but Shirou was a magus and could not compare himself to the likes of either herself or Lancer. Her master could hold his own against perhaps Assassin, Archer and even Caster servants, but certainly not against warrior servants. And Scathach was showing skills that compared herself with Saber easily. Dared she say that the Celtic woman was even stronger than her.

Still, strangely, her master was still keeping it up with the woman showing extreme defensive prowess and even agility.

However, Saber could see in Scathach's visage that she caught up as well.

There was something different in Shirou.

While he was still keeping himself on the defensive, it was clear that the redhead was moving faster than before. His movement speed and spear position was almost to the point that he moved on par with his teacher.

Scathach saw this and smirked, taking it up a notch.

Indeed, her student always seemed to surprise her. She wondered if his bond with the King of Knights and his constant sparring with her, allowed him to become stronger like this. However, when she looked at Saber from the corner of her eye, she saw equal astonishment in her eyes. Scathach was taken by surprise to see her feet skidding against the sudden onslaught from her ward. Shirou was excellent in defending himself, but he never managed to switch from defense to offensive like this against her. Her eyes then followed Shirou's spear about to draw blood from her stomach and she quickly positioned her own spear to block.

Still, Shirou managed to graze her battle outfit, drawing blood.

The redhead stopped cold after seeing what he did, while collecting his breath. Even he was surprised at what he had accomplished.

"Not to sound proud of your achievement as a teacher should, Shirou, but you couldn't possibly have grown this much in under a week…"

Shirou looked up from his spear to his teacher.

"Due explain."

The redhead looked at the woman who taught him everything he knew, and he could see that frown in her facial expression, demanding an explanation.

Well, obviously he did not have any to give…

"Is it about Archer, Shirou?" Both spear users turned to Saber who got up from her kneeling position and approached the two.

"One of this war's servants…who is he?" Shirou sighed, already knowing what Saber was talking about.

"We don't know actually…he is of the Archer class, but we have seen him use an actual bow and arrow once or twice. In close range, he uses a two-sword originated from China, called Kanshou and Bakuya." Shirou then released his spear projection and quickly projected the swords that he memorized upon looking at Archer's swords. Saber, for her turn, looked mesmerized by the craft, only now remembering that her master had also shown her a projected version of Caliburn.

"Impressive looking blades, indeed. Its appearance is exquisite. Though what does this Archer has to do with you being stronger, Shirou?"

"Every time he is close, I could feel myself getting stronger somehow…I don't know who he is…all we know is that he mentioned to Saber that he is a counter-guardian."

Scathach uncrossed her arms and asked to take a look at the swords in Shirou's hands.

"Oh! Interesting. A counter-guardian you say…first that fool Setanta and now a Counter-Guardian…this war is getting quite interesting, indeed."

She could feel the power of these swords as per Shirou's skill in projection of Noble Phantasms.

While it was not as strong as her spear or Saber's sword, it was indeed powerful and quite maneuverable. Still, what exactly was the link shared between Shirou and this Counter-Guardian Archer Servant? The Celtic legend was no stranger to Alaya's pets, having met a couple of them in her lifetime. Powerful warriors sent with the mission to protect the balance of the World. Scathach herself became something of a target to Alaya because of her history. Alaya would choose either heroic figures from the past and even beings from the future to do its bidding. For now, Scathach didn't have much to go on in solving this mystery.

The random thinking of her ward becoming a counter-guardian was ludicrous. But, considering what she knew of her ward's dream and ideals, it would not be impossible.

"If he is responsible for you getting stronger or not, I don't really care. All I care is that you managed to surprise me yet again, my ward. It's time for you to learn how to use runes to shape the terrain to your advantage." Since the part about Archer was finished, Saber saw no reason to intrude on teacher and student moment as she saw them leaving the dojo, talking to one another.

"What do you mean shape the terrain? I already know how to cast protection runes in mid-air…"

The teacher nodded as they stepped outside the dojo as both teacher and wards stood watching the snow falling on the garden.

"Indeed, you became quite the knowledgeable in primordial runecraft in such a short time and that gives me praise as your teacher. However, there is one final step and before you ask, no, I am not going to teach you how to open the gate to the Land of Shadows." Shirou was caught using his hand to question her about that, but stopped. Shirou became aware of Scathach's noble phantasm a couple weeks ago, but that happened more at the slip of her tongue.

"Such a skill will live and die with me, Shirou!"

He also learned that day that his teacher did say that he would learn everything possible from her, with the exception of this.

Tempering with the world like this would drag Shirou to the same curse that she has and that is something she will never teach him.

"I understand…"

Scathach smiled at her prodigy. Shirou was the ideal student that any teacher could ask for. Never once did he question her judgment and always pushed himself to improve.

She then slammed her hand on the ground.

"Now, time for your lesson, my ward!"

Shirou instantly saw runes and sigil arrays spreading towards the snowfield on the ground and even in mid-air. He could feel the air shifting as if he was suddenly in an enclosed space, though they were outdoors. Shirou even stretched his hand and saw in surprise a sigil array close to it, reflecting the hand. Also, he was surprised to see that he could not feel anything from the world outside. The teacher saw his reaction and nodded in complete satisfaction.

He did catch on quick.

"Indeed, my student, through the use of runecraft, we can create our own battlefield. Plus, with this, you are able to snare your opponent inside, forcing him to fight in your own terms, in close range. Not to mention that your opponent won't be able to use mana from the outside, being limited to his own life force. You, on the other hand, have the use of your runes, thus gaining the advantage." Shirou's mouth was agape indeed as through this technique, Shirou could stop the outside from interfering with this enclosed space…similar to a bounded field, but on a much larger scale and much faster to cast.

"Amazing!"

"Well, don't just stand there drooling, Shirou, get to work! We won't be leaving here until you do."

"On it!"

The ward showed his fists in excitement and got to work in excitement, none the wiser that a certain blonde king of knights was watching the scene from the dojo's door with a fond smile. Shirou may not have the skills to surpass a servant right now, but she could see the drive clear in his eyes. As such, she took a seat by the dojo's entrance, while Tsuki settled down on her lap.

===Shirou's Bedroom===

Shirou's training regimen with Scathach was just as he described…brutal.

Her master was completely beaten and almost drained of mana from overexerting himself. Aside from that hellish training, Shirou was also replenishing her own source, so it came as no surprise that her master had quickly fallen asleep as soon as he got inside his futon. Saber smiled when she heard a gentle snoring coming from his side of the bedroom. Not doing anything aside from resting, eating and watching her master train, did wonders to her core capacity. While it was not enough for her to openly face other servants, Saber knew that it would not take long for her to be full once more. Thanks to Scathach opening another link between them, Shirou was replenishing her reserves much faster. By this time tomorrow, she would be cleared once more for them to go outside and continue the Grail War.

For now, rest was her main concern. So, she closed her eyes hoping not to be bothered by nightmares or concerned thoughts.

However, for someone like her, with as many regrets in her life, such hopes never came to fruition.

For as soon as she opened her eyes, Saber found herself in a strange place. This was not any of the dreams that she had of Shirou's memories. For once, she was wearing her full armor and felt her body quite light like she was floating, more like sinking. Her body felt as if she was below water, although her eyes could not see where she was. There was a distant light and she looked upwards to see a white ring of fire slowly spinning. Her eyes widened in recognition because of the information provided to her by the Holy Grail. This place her eyes fixed on now was the artifact that she and her master were fighting for. It was the Grail…which would finally grant her wish and with it, save her country from destiny.

So, she tried swimming towards it.

No longer believing it to be a dream, her face turned from composed to ecstatic at the notion that all her efforts would be rewarded in the end.

"Finally,…the grail…I will finally seize it with my hands…"

In her mind, she was thankful for her master for aiding her in this quest and now it came the time for her to be rewarded.

"Do not worry about that…" The hollow voice that echoed around her seemingly her own voice was ignored as Saber kept on swimming, hoping to reach the artifact.

Saber was still swimming when a hand suddenly grabbed her shoulder from behind. Saber turned, already intent on skewering whoever attempted to keep her away from it. When she turned, however, her throat simply closed, and she could not breathe. It could not be possible. The person in front of her looked exactly like her…the hair color was the same. The color of her skin was paler than Saber's and instead of green eyes, golden ones stared back at the servant. Her dress while similar in design was jet black and showed more skin in the middle, though Saber could not see an armor like hers.

"W...who are you?"

"Who, you ask...huh, it should be obvious just by looking at me."

Saber Alter opened her eyes and Saber flinched, not daring to conclude that this twisted mirror appeared before her.

"I…don't understand…how could you…I don't recognize you." Saber Alter could only smile in derision at her alter ego.

"You need not recognize me as a separate entity, but rather someone you repressed your whole life. Ever since we pulled the sword from the stone, you created me…"

Saber flinched as she stared at the cold eyes before her.

"That old fool Merlin thought what…that you would simply set aside your emotions and be the perfect king…pathetic. Every time you decided based on what it was needed of you, you only allowed me to grow stronger. When you let Agravain do whatever he so desired…when you let our dear sister do her own bidding against our kingdom, instead of killing that wench…when you allowed Sir Lancelot to have his way with our queen. Every pathetic decision you made in our reign made me grow stronger inside you. Do not even get me started with Mordred…your feeling of guilt only allowed her to be controlled by Morgan to the point of no return. And you did what in the end…nothing. Only after she destroyed almost all of our army, did you kill her and not even finished it."

Every word that Saber Alter said made Saber flinch. Everything she said was true, down to the syllable.

"If you are me, then you don't need to bother throwing it in my face. I know that I was responsible for the kingdom's downfall…and I plan to rectify that with the grail."

"You were indeed responsible…not because of you…but rather because you failed to be the king that was prepared to do anything. You kept this illusion of the righteous king, when you should have shown each and everyone what would happen if they stepped out of line. You were king, yet you did not rule over them. You merely sacrificed yourself so that everyone could be happy. Your actions ended up cementing the kingdom's downfall."

Saber by this point was biting her lower lip and drawing blood.

Having someone vomiting the ugly truth in front of her and looking like elated in doing so was getting on her nerves.

The worst part of this was that in reality she was getting angry at herself.

"The Fourth Grail War was even worse…though I did not disapprove of his methods, Kiritsugu betrayed us many times. And you did nothing to show your displeasure aside from throwing a temper tantrum. Also, every fight you had was just as pathetic…huh…keeping it honorable. You could have killed Lancer easily and you allowed him to use that accursed lance on your arm. With Caster as well, you needed to use our noble phantasm on such a pathetic adversary. Even against Lancelot, you allowed your feelings for him to get in the way. He was the enemy!"

Saber remembered the scene like it was yesterday. Striking her friend down like that to this day weighed heavily on her consciousness.

"Don't you think I know that! You can't talk as if he meant nothing to us…he was our friend." Saber Alter this time lost her cool.

"He betrayed us! Such friend you claim he was…he slept with the queen and made a fool out of us…of our kingdom. Quite a friend, indeed."

By this time, Saber was holding her chest hoping to quell the pain she was feeling. Every word that her alter said was like being stabbed. She could not deny them as she now realized that she was repressing this dark side of her since the beginning...since Caliburn. The moment she drew Caliburn from the stone was the moment she stoppd being human, but only now did she realize that it would not be as easy as that! Every choice has a repercussion, both for others and for herself. Her altered version was a mere byproduct of her choices.

And when the shadow tried possessing her, it must have given shape and form to this hatred….to this anguish…to this person that lurked within her, just needing a push.

And the corrupt energy of the shadow has provided it.

Saber Alter was not done, however as she voiced her thoughts about this current war.

"Now, our Shirou needs a strong servant by his side, not someone weak like you, someone who needs to be protected. Above all else, he is a man for us…fierce, loyal, strong…I would even add ruthless based on his actions against that Tohsaka girl and also how he dealt with his enemies…efficient…that teacher of his trained him well indeed." Saber looked up from her inner wonderings as Saber Alter mentioned her master. She flinched at the look that Saber Alter was giving her. It was a look of a tyrant, not at all bothered in taking what she desired.

"The thought of him picking us up and getting close contact with his chest like that…you should have taken advantage right there…and yet you did not. Had you listened to your desires, you would have followed up to what his teacher suggested and claim him to ourselves. Just picturing him having his way with us…oh do not give me that look…deep down, you would have enjoyed it immensely. You can't hide your feelings from me, dear Arturia." Saber, however, remained in denial. Shirou respected her and she deeply respected him as well…there is no way she was thinking about him like that. Though, the eyes that looked back at her kept-on smiling, though, as in daring her to openly deny her feelings.

She became appalled when Saber Alter approached her and used her hands to touch Saber seductively.

"To believe that you could have felt the deep pleasures of his flesh, desiring us. Oh, I could only shiver at the feeling."

Saber, though, looked away, not daring to think of such undeserving wishes. Someone who failed with her country is not meant to have such freedom.

"Quite pitiful indeed, dear Arturia! You lack the resolve truly needed to win this war…truly needed to destroy our enemies. That being said, I believe it's high time you step aside and let me take over."

Saber saw her alter pull a black sword that looked exactly like Excalibur and attacked.

She did the same as both swords battled for dominance.

Saber flinched at the pain, however. Whereas before both Arturias were floating, now they were in dry land, in a scene that reminded her of the fated battle that led to her demise. The change in scenery was left forgotten, however, as Saber and Alter danced in a battle of swords. Excalibur and Blackened Excalibur created a show of sparks as each Arturia battled for dominance. However, while Saber remained collected in her strokes, her altered version had no such qualms, fueling her strikes with negative emotions. Looking at Saber Alter, it was like battling against Mordred, albeit a more skilled sword user and not one blinded by rage.

As such, her knees buckled at the pressure of parrying the blackened Excalibur, something that Alter capitalized on.

"See how weak you are…Shirou does not need someone weak like you…I will take over your body and be by his side…we will kill everyone that stands in our way and after that, I will claim him like you should have done!"

Saber was sent skidding after Saber Alter slammed her blackened sword. Using her Excalibur as a crutch to get up, Saber looked at her alter ego, maintaining her distance while keeping her guard up. Despite it all, Saber could not help but smile at the scene. Even when blackened and driven by emotions, when it comes to fighting, she is still a fearsome and skilled fighter. It comes to reason that despite seeing such altered behavior, Saber could not really see much difference in terms of overall personality. Going over what the Alter said, she also cared for the kingdom and was of the same mind about what happened in the Fourth Grail War. She even cared for their master all the same, even showing a lewder desire to him, which surprised Saber considering that to this point, she has never had any thought about that regarding anyone.

The king does not understand the hearts of men…

Taking a deep breath while the deep traumas of her past linger in her mind, Saber stood up and fell into her guard while facing her counterpart.

She now understood that the person before her was a different aspect of herself, but it was still her, deep down. Breathing easily now, Saber felt more composed about the decisions made in the past, mainly those who led to the creation of this blackened version of herself. She still believed in her wish to the Grail, as per her duty to the kingdom. However, she realized that the only path she had right now was forward. Her decisions as king were already made and thus the only way to remake them was for someone else to be in her place. However, what she can focus on in her present choices and actions.

The image of her master immediately appeared in her mind as well the golden pillar of light that represented his energy. The warm and comforting feeling of it embracing her.

The perseverance in which he displayed to save her from the shadow…

The confidence he had shown in her…

The oath he had given her in helping her with her wish…

Saber squeezed the hold in Excalibur as she found a new resolve in facing the foe before her. So much so, that Alter was surprised when Saber took the initiative and slammed her Excalibur with great force, forcing Alter back a couple of steps. Alter did smirk, though, feeling what she was searching for.

"Oh, it's about time you showed some backbone…though that alone won't be enough to beat me…"

"We shall see about that…I can't allow myself to falter here. Not when Shirou placed so much faith in me…in us!"

Alter this time skidded some more as she now saw a different look in Saber's eyes. A gaze full of resolve.

However, she much enjoyed seeing that look.

"Yes, more my dear Arturia, more. Show it to me that you deserve to be by Shirou's side. Show it to me that you have what it takes to win this war! Show me you have it takes to truly become his partner!"

Saber took some steps back as she felt the anger…the corrupted power etched in the blackened Excalibur. Right now, Alter was emitting a blackened energy that resembled a giant black sword. Saber then closed her eyes and remembered the feeling of Shirou's energy pulsing in her veins. Lifting the sword up her shoulders, bright yellow sands of energy lifted from the ground and rising up above as her own Excalibur glowed yellow just like Atler's blackened noble phantasm. When Saber opened her eyes, she took a step forward and her mana exploded into action, ripping wind all around the region. Her eyes now were filled with resolve as she looked at her enemy…looked at herself…the person who threatened to take over her…the person who threatened to take her Shirou from her.

Master…Shirou…as long as I breathe, my sword will be by your side! That much I promise you!

Her resolve in being with the redhead superseded whatever desire to see her kingdom flourish even if for a moment as both Arturias each released their noble phantasms.

EX-CALIBURRRRRR

The yellow and black energies smashed in the middle, neither of them showing favoritism.

This was final.

The victorious noble phantasm would wake up tomorrow by Shirou's side and have his delicious breakfast. The victorious side will wake up next to him and train with him. The victorious side will be next to him fighting the other servants and even the shadow that threatened everyone. The victorious side would be with him. And that scared her more than she realized it. The thought energized her, gave her purpose. Narrowing her eyes, Saber focused on everything she had in this. All she was focusing on right now was opening her eyes again and say good morning to him.

As soon as the energies cancelled each other, Saber and Saber Alter charged for one last attack.

Saber saw the blackened Excalibur about to slash her in half and she placed a foot in front of her breaking Alter's guard, slashing her. The scene happened in less than a second as both stood opposite from each other both in identical position, following after their attacks. Their respective hair obscured the eyes as the winner was still unknown. Saber Alter then smirked as a drop of blood emerged from her mouth. They both mirrored each other, getting straight up holding the sword in mirror positions.

The darkness around them soon vanished as the sun soon rose in the horizon. Their respective dress danced to the gentle wind.

"Do remember about me, dear Arturia. Do not make the same mistakes anymore." Saber merely nodded, still having her back turned to Saber Alter.

"Hope you do claim him to ourselves soon…"

Saber smiled at that with a nod, wondering about that particular thought as the alternate's body turned into dark blue sands of energy and travelled towards Saber.

===Next morning===

As soon as the sunlight invaded the room, Shirou's eyes slowly opened as he looked around.

"Good morning, Shirou!"

The redhead turned and saw as the sunlight illuminated her beautiful visage kneeling next to his futon, looking back at him with an angelic smile on her face. Shirou may have met Saber only recently, but he would not mind at all if this image was the first thing his eyes saw everyday upon waking up.

"Ah morning, Saber."

The king of knights smiled tenderly at him, being in peace upon having the opportunity to be by his side once more.

Author Note

Thanks for reading and thanks to everyone who added this story to his/her follow/favorite.

Please tell me your thoughts.

I have enjoyed the scene with Saber and Saber Alter immensely. I have read about Saber Alter's personality from FGO's Shinjuku Singularity. In Heaven's Feel, she was merely the enemy and not focused on much. Deep down inside, she is the same person and care for the same things. For me, the only difference lies in the steps that Alter is willing to in order to reach her goal. In HF, Saber Alter had nothing but praise for Shirou in the end. That goes to say that despite being blackened by the mud, Saber never really changed.

Next Update – Avalon Bond.

Though since I won't be able to tell this before the December 25th, I wish everyone merry Christmas and a happy new year. Hope that in 2021, we can finally overcome this terrible pandemic. Until then, though, please stay safe!