Man. Practically a whole month since the last update. I won't attribute this to my previous streak of frequent updates burning me out cuz I love writing this fic. I probably just needed a break in general. But I'm back now. Anyways, enjoy the Chapter.
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The days passed by quickly in the Emiya Household.
After the sudden realisation of Shirou's unique skill, Kiritsugu and Illya spent most of their time helping the younger Emiya with fine-tuning the Magecraft he recently dubbed "Tracing".
Claiming that the name felt natural to him due to the incantation he had already been using to focus his Magical Energy, Shirou worked tirelessly on his Projections.
And although Kiritsugu and Illya were disappointed when they realised that the Einzbern couldn't perform the craft no matter how much Shirou explained it, they simply decided to keep things under wraps so as to avoid any unwanted attention from the Clock Tower.
Artoria also had been spending most of her time resting, following the events of days past, although she was perfectly capable of overseeing things so as to make sure Shirou didn't overdo it.
Of course, some things had to be explained to her first.
Kiritsugu felt that he should be the one to announce their plans to Artoria and after several hours of conversation, she had been filled in on everything regarding Shirou's abilities.
Shirou was also surprised at just how easily Artoria accepted the fact that Avalon could be copied, even in a significantly less effective state. She however simply attributed the fact to Shirou having Avalon inside his body, and no one could exactly argue against the logic due to not having nearly enough information to do so.
True to his word, the first thing Shirou attempted to Trace upon resting was Merodach. Finding an opportunity in the dead of night, he locked himself in the Storehouse and performed each of the steps necessary to project the Noble Phantasm granted to him by the King of Heroes.
Moments later, a visually perfect copy was held in his left arm, matching the splendor of the blade in his right. And although he could tell that the Projection was of a lower quality in regards to the mystery of the sword, Shirou now had a base to compare his other Projections of Avalon with.
After all, both Merodach and Avalon were Noble Phantasms and yet Merodach was seemingly leagues above Avalon when it came to quality of Projection. A fact that Shirou could only attribute to Merodach being a Sword while Avalon was a Sheath.
Every other bladed object he had used Gradation Air on had been easier to manifest compared to normal objects, so he assumed it was the same for Noble Phantasms and all the other Projections.
The reason behind it was a mystery. But he would strive to uncover it nonetheless.
Every day after that had been spent with Illya and Kiritsugu shoving objects in his face, ranking the quality of each of the Projections he produced while also categorising everything related to them.
From their duration to their quality, nothing was disregarded. Soon enough they confirmed his suspicions. Shirou naturally had an affinity towards bladed objects. Every different knife and weapon Kiritsugu could procure was way ahead in terms of quality. Especially compared to the items Illya often tasked him with projecting. Mostly toys and dolls laying around.
One day she managed to give Shirou a gun, probably found in Kiritsugu's stash. He had no idea how Illya managed to get her hands on it. Only that analyzing the structure and composition of guns was a headache and he could immediately tell that his Tracing was incompatible with the damned things. At least until he eventually mastered it and even still, he never really liked guns enough to be bothered to do so.
Between this, his own Noble Phantasm projection training and Artoria's watchful eye, Shirou could tell that he was making steady progress both in speeding up the process and in improving the quality of the traced weaponry.
Months would pass, and surely, their routine was bound to be shaken up by one of Illya's seemingly random suggestions.
"We should try training against each other with your Tracing."
That was the reason why both Shirou and Illya found themselves in the dojo with Artoria acting as a referee, a worried expression on her face.
"I don't know why I agreed to this… Illya, my projections are practically as good as regular swords. How are we supposed to have a spar with lethal weapons in the mix?" Shirou voiced his concerns and Illya merely waved them away.
"Simple. I've been dying to show you what I've been working on in my spare time!"
Without warning, Illya pulled out an impressive looking white dagger with a silver blade. It's edge however was tinted crimson and it seemed like it had the ability to unfold, judging by the parts and it's exterior design. Shirou, awed by the design, felt tempted to use Structural Analysis on it.
"Don't you dare! I know that look on your face. It's the same as whenever Papa brings home another pair of Mystic Codes for you to trace…" Illya exclaimed loudly and Shirou relented.
Lately Kiritsugu had been acquiring all sorts of different blades and Mystic Codes for Shirou to apparently 'add to his arsenal', whatever that meant. Shirou guessed that the Magus Killer's contacts could certainly manage at least this much, even during apparent retirement.
"So is this another one of Dad's gifts?"
"Yup. I had it specially designed and commissioned so that it fits my combat style. Or at least, the one I'm working on right now."
"Must have been expensive. Usually the things Dad brings home are all either used or simple in their design. Don't you think you went a little overboard?"
"You'll have to find out for yourself I guess."
Not one to back down from a challenge, Shirou armed himself with a single Sword. Plain but durable. If he felt the need to use something more unique, he would simply trace another blade. It was certainly good for practice.
Making the first move as usual, Shirou swiftly and yet carefully struck at Illya's left side, seeing how she was unarmed there and it would take her longer to defend that side.
Much to his surprise, the dagger in her right side split into two thinner blades and he could now see that the second one was completely red, most likely the tinted edge of the silver blade had simply been a second blade in disguise. Impressive indeed.
Now prepared to block his advance, Illya momentarily locked blades with Shirou's sword before redirecting the blow to make him distance himself. Her twin daggers were short and thin, therefore not nearly as durable as a sword.
Shirou could see the appeal however. When in need of a focused strike with more power behind it, the user could merge the two blades into a single dagger. But a more dexterous defense with less openings called for dual-wielding. The only thing missing from a weapon like that-
"There has to be another trick hidden behind those things. You wouldn't simply give up on Artoria's training and all those forms you mastered just to spice things up."
Illya chuckled lightly at that.
"As I said, you'll have to make me use these tricks if you want to see everything it's got, no Structural Analysis allowed."
Shirou nodded in acceptance and projected a rapier-like Mystic Code that Kiritsugu had shown him. It didn't have any powerful tricks hidden up it's sleeve but the material was especially durable and could channel Magical Energy very efficiently. It's strikes were as a result more dangerous and would hopefully make Illya reveal her hand.
It's range was also a part of the reason why Shirou chose to use it. If his theory was correct, Illya would soon have to change up her tactic.
"Here I come, Illya."
Another charge and Shirou fell into a stance influenced by the Projection's experience. He had already gone through most of the weapons' histories the moment he received them and carefully molded his fighting style to suit each one. It had greatly improved his skills even if Artoria strongly protested against it.
After all, her logic was sound. Assimilating too many weapon styles could lead to more openings and less precision as all the information would undoubtedly blend together after a while. Focusing on one weapon had been her way and as a true master of the Sword, Shirou could not claim to know more about them than her.
So instead of completely copying each weapon's style, he had been actively creating a new one suitable for almost any weapon, with only a few adjustments needed between them.
With his rapier in hand, the plan was simple. Continue the assault of strikes as usual but from a greater distance. He would also need to pay attention so as to not accidentally stab his Big Sis.
Illya didn't back down. She met his focused strikes with careful deflections whenever possible. Striking at his openings and swiftly defending herself in a loop of offense and defense between the two.
A low strike from Shirou finally managed to break the stalemate and Illya was forced to jump back, making some distance between them.
"Are you both okay?" Artoria called out to the siblings and both of them nodded.
Although slightly tired and breathing heavily, both Illya and Shirou raised their weapons once more.
"I have to admit, Shirou. You're good at forcing someone into difficult situations."
Shirou tilted his head in confusion.
"That seems like an insult for some reason. If it is, I'd appreciate an apology." he playfully teased and Illya wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead.
"Don't worry. I mean that you're forcing me to fight at a disadvantage, hoping that I'll be forced to reveal whatever it is I'm still holding back on."
"So are you ready? I'm willing to bet it's a sword. It has to be."
Illya's face changed to show disappointment at her brother's words.
"Must you take the fun out of everything? Things like these should be revealed with a big dramatic display or something."
Shirou sighed at Illya's playfulness.
"You must have been really proud of your new weapon. I'm sorry if I'm making this an awkward reveal or something."
"It's fine. It's not like I wouldn't show these things to you anyway. I just thought it would have been more fun this way, that's all."
"Then by all means." Shirou raised the tip of his rapier to point at Illya, giving her the go-ahead.
She reluctantly shrugged and merged the two thinner blades back into one dagger and Shirou watched, amazed at the way the two formed into one before the hilt expanded as the design unfolded into a thin but durable-looking guard and the blade merged into what could only be described as a Shortsword.
"Shirou, this is Angel's Poem. It is in essence a Sword that can basically compress itself into a dagger for swifter close quarter encounters or split into twin daggers to allow for more defensive and offensive options. Obviously, the current form is the one that allows me to engage at a greater range. It isn't much, but it's greater than the Dagger form."
"And you'll be able to utilize the form Artoria taught you. I have to say, I'm impressed. Seeing it coming doesn't quite prepare you for the real thing." Shirou stated earnestly and Illya smiled.
"I'm glad you like it, Onii-chan."
With a wicked smile on her face, she lowered herself into a familiar stance. One that Shirou had seen many times but wasn't quite the same.
Artoria had offhandedly mentioned that out of all of her teachers, the most frustrating of them all had dubbed this the "Lily Stance". And Shirou could see why.
Illya made the first move and her strikes were all swift yet elegant. Fluid yet powerful. And while her Shortsword, no, Angel's Poem wasn't very durable, she must have been reinforcing her attacks with Magical Energy. Shirou was proud but also weary. One wrong move and he would be in for a world of hurt.
Finding himself on the defensive, Shirou struggled to hold his ground as he was forced to retreat, his guard blocking and deflecting Illya's onslaught of attacks.
This wouldn't do. He had to create some distance in order to switch to a more suitable weapon. At this range and pace, the Rapier would fail even with it's increased durability.
His train of thought however led to an opening that Illya pounced on, slamming down on his guard with a powerful slash that made his arms quiver under the pressure.
In that instant, Illya dismissed Angel's Poem and opted to use another form of attack, getting ahold of Shirou and knocking him off balance using his weight.
Before he even realised he was on the floor, Illya straddled his chest and drew Angel's Poem once more, this time in it's dagger form as she aimed at his neck.
Stopping just before impact, Illya lowered her head to whisper in Shirou's ear.
"I win this one, Onii-chan."
Shirou gulped as he stared at his sister from below. Her eyes were fierce but the playfulness behind them was unmistakable.
An overwhelming sense of pride swelled from within and he beamed at Illya.
"You've been working hard, Illya. I'm glad."
She stood up and held out her hand for Shirou, grasping his own and helping him off the floor.
"That's all well and good Shirou, but you'll have to catch up if you want to keep up with me." She stuck out her tongue teasingly with a wink and Shirou sighed in exasperation.
"Huh? I'll just have to be aware of your form and project accordingly. You caught me off guard-
"What makes you think it'll be that easy?
"I never said-
Artoria used this opportunity to sneak up on the siblings and lightly tapped them both so as to get their attention.
"Needless to say I'm proud of the progress you two have shown. You are both quite capable of analyzing and exploiting an opportunity to your advantages. Bickering about the outcome is in poor taste."
Shirou and Illya pouted before looking at eachother.
"You did try to stop me from Tracing another sword. That was clever."
"And you did correctly assume the range you needed to keep to force me into a corner…"
Artoria smiled. "And that way, both of you can help the other get stronger. By pointing out flaws in eachother's approach to fighting, you can each cover for the other's mistakes."
The two siblings nodded and turned to look at Artoria with an expectant expression.
"Why are you both looking at me like that?"
"What did you think? Anything specific you might want to point out?" Illya stated and Shirou nodded, also eager to hear any input coming from Artoria.
"W-Well, I suppose I have to congratulate Illya on her use of my old form. The way you used Reinforcement to make up for the lack of physical strength was brilliant. The results will also vastly improve as you train your own body so I would suggest you keep refining that." Artoria carefully pointed out everything and Illya gratefully bowed.
"Thank you, teacher."
"And you Shirou, your versatility has improved along with your skills in Projection Magecraft and that translates to your perception in Combat. You've always had a great combat sense and that has only been improved. Though you still tend to rush in first when the best move for you and your skills is to anticipate and counterattack, you're quick enough on your feet to switch back and forth between offense and defense accordingly."
"I'm trying to break out of that habit, honestly."
"Indeed. Though it is surely hard, I believe we can at least find some way to use that to your advantage."
After everything was settled, Shirou, Illya, Kiritsugu and Artoria all spent the rest of the day idly talking about Illya's new sword, Shirou's progress and Artoria's condition.
And every night, when everyone retreated to their quarters, Shirou Emiya would find himself inside the storehouse, Merodach in hand and Avalon radiating the same familiar warmth he had gotten used to in the past few months.
Despite the rapid pace of his training in Projection Magecraft, the mental landscape he was trying to achieve was at a standstill. Never seeing more than the same hill and Merodach, even the robed figure he had grown used to seeing wasn't always there anymore.
Sometimes, it felt more like he was peering through a window than inside his own mind. And however frustrating the lack of progress was on that front, he was more than satisfied with the progress of his other skills.
Not to mention, with the last days of winter now behind them, Shirou would have to worry about a whole new set of problems.
Namely, the start of Spring. And with it, the School Year.
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Review Corner Time :)
A Guest mentioned that Shirou was capable of perfectly reproducing Avalon because it was in his body for 10 years. Merodach is playing a part in Shirou's compatibility with Avalon but it's hardly been half a year, much less a decade. Give him some time :)
SaLaX: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. And while It's sad to see so many other cool ideas not realized, everyone has lives and circumstances interfere with plans all the time. I'm both relieved and glad to have at least finished this story in my drafts and only having to do revisions and putting ideas into words for the most part. So don't expect this story to be dropped if I have anything to say about it.
SentinalSlice: I can't go over how Shirou might react to Gil's role since I can't confirm their standings before the war even starts. I can point out the fact that the Treasury of Babylon apparently exists? in the Nasuverse and has simply never been found. As such, the Gate of Babylon or more specifically it's key as a Noble Phantasm, most likely draws from the Treasury. And as Gil has already stated himself, sometimes he doesn't even want the Swords fired to return to the Treasury according to what they have been used for. So it's safe to assume that they are permanent but Gil can call them back himself and even have them disappear.
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Anyway, that's it for this Chapter. More of a filler in-between Chapters but it was the best I could do after a long break. I hope you can still enjoy it.
As always, stay safe and take care!
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Next Chapter: Early July
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