Fate Archetype - Eternal Kingdoms Chapter 24 - The Cornish Boar, a fate/stay night fanfic

And as agreed, the updated list of the pairs who participated in the Paris Grail War.

* Adélaïde Fleury - Kid Gil/Gilgamesh (Archer/Caster)

* Waver Velvet / Lord El-Melloi II - Iskandar (Rider)

* Dorian Janson - Mysterious Heroine X (Assassin)

* Sakura Matou - Medusa (Rider)

* Shirou Emiya - Chiron (Archer)

* Rin Tohsaka - Ishtar (Archer)

* Fiona of Elvaren - Gilles de Rais (Saber)

* Evelyn d'Elvaren - Joan of Arc (Lancer)

* Cedric d'Elvaren - Gilles de Rais (Caster)

* Agnès Dufors - Medea (Caster)

* Lucas Renoir - Charlemagne (Saber)

* Master Inconnu.e - Emiya (Assassin)

* Reika Sakamoto - Tohno Shiki (Assassin)

* Akito Sakamoto - Ryougi Shiki (Assassin)

* Master Unknown - Bedivere (Saber)

* Master Unknown - Tristan (Archer/Saber)

* Master Unknown - Galahad (Shielder/Saber)

* Master Unknown - Gauvain (Saber)

* Master Unknown - Lancelot (Saber)

* Master Unknown - Percival (Lancer/Saber)

* Master Unknown - Gareth (Lancer)

* Master Unknown - Artoria Pendragon (Lancer/Rider)

I had been stalling on the previous chapter for almost a year, while the whole sequel was written. I took the time to finish this fanfic with pleasure. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. On that note, I leave you with this last chapter and the two-part epilogue that is coming soon! Don't hesitate to leave a little comment, by PM or comment, I'll make sure to read them carefully.

I hope to see you again at the end of a line,

Lenia41

Chapter 24 - The Cornish Boar

It was an absolutely crazy idea, one that required her to have absolute trust in her partner.

It was a stratagem she had been the victim of once before when Caster had awakened during the fight against Rin and Ishtar in the Buttes-Chaumont park, which had saved his life and whose activation was based on two points: the will of the Wise King and the use of a particular artifact. Gilgamesh Caster had a more advanced mastery of the gates of Babylon, which he was able to use in a more unorthodox way than simply drawing from its vast, partially sealed treasures. It was also one of the reasons he had not wanted to retrieve the strange pendant that Godric had entrusted to the archaeologist with the sole instruction that she should wear it on her person. She didn't know what exactly the item represented, but she had chosen to trust him even after learning that young Gil and Gilgamesh had set up the ruse at her expense. And yet, Adelaide had not hesitated to take the risk of backing right into the portal haloed by a bright golden halo. Before the darkness overtook her and the golden glow blinded her, she had time to see the growing silhouette of the swift knight, a few hooves away.

Plunged into darkness and disoriented, the teacher tried to keep calm and wait.

Her patience was rewarded when a bright golden light appeared under her nose, extending far enough to engulf her completely. A familiar gloved hand grabbed her left forearm and pulled her ruthlessly out of the surrounding shadows. Although surprised by the suddenness of the gesture, Adelaide let herself be carried away in the movement and made a big step forward in order not to fall.

- Well, here is a way of presenting itself in front of me. Caster declared with mockery.

- Greetings, Majesty! Sorry for this disheveled appearance, I didn't find the time to refresh myself. Answered in a tone at the same time good child, joking and relieved the teacher.

- Hmpf, you certainly didn't take the time. Well, you have some extenuating circumstances. Drink this, but your work is not done. It's far too early to think about resting.

Adelaide accepted willingly a small vial that he handed her. The contents of the vial felt refreshing and soothed the pain she felt in her legs and arms, while restoring the mana she had expended throughout the endless final battle. Under her blue-gray gaze, she saw the equine and human figure of the King of Knights ride by on his steed from another portal, galloping away from their own position before she turned around. She tried to charge them again, but was forced to deflect her charge when Gilgamesh Caster conjured up a mighty wall of flame between her and them, soon followed by vicious bursts of magic from bewitched staffs protruding from the appeared portals.

- For someone who dares to call himself a king, there is nothing to be gained from this. It's more powerful, yes, but it's not just power that makes a king what he is. In fact, it's little more than a rogue shadow of the King of Knights, lacking any real will.

- Tough enough, though, to bring the others to their knees, and that's not far off for us. Adelaide recalled as she approached the Wise King, invigorated by what must have been a panacea.

- Hmpf. Since the kid deigned to hand me over, I shouldn't be too bored. Take this with you, I won't have time for you. You know what you have to do, priestess.

Adelaide nodded with a determined look. Her hand put away the item Gilgamesh had just lent her, wrapped in a fine silk case. She then reopened the mystical codex in her hands and concentrated her magic between its pages. She had one last mission to complete if they were to triumph when the time came. Plan B was underway, and they would carry it out.

A good hour later.

Godric and Gilgamesh had given her a single task, their only key to escaping a nightmarish outcome. Adelaide had put away her family's mystical codex, defending herself with only her knowledge and skills. She clutched a mysterious tablet covered with a thin screen of quality silk fabric in one hand, while she helped keep the fearsome Artoria at bay as she continued to stand her ground. The fight did not seem to end while it devastated always a little more the park of the Field of Mars and its immediate surroundings. The archaeologist didn't know how long the enchanted diamond barriers would hold, defending the top of the Eiffel Tower, which was their ultimate fortress, with the help of her army of golems. The teacher could no longer count on the support of command spells, she had only one left. She witnessed the titanic battle that raged between the King of Uruk and the Lion King, above the park that was no less than the battlefield of Camelot. The Gates of Babylon were open, revealing countless mythical staffs pouring their power on his opponent to crush the runic shields set up by the Master. Gilgamesh Caster stood, spear in one hand and tablets in the other, and commented in a dignified and severe tone.

- There are two differences between you and me. One, I am a king who assumes my position. And two...

The Spear of the End brandished by King Arthur... no, by the Goddess Rhongomyniad, continued to sparkle on its ice-blue blade, announcing the "Light of Destruction", this time without the thirteen seals that had hitherto limited its divine and devastating power. The Lion King gazed at the Wise King with his cold, light green eyes, still chanting his Noble Phantasm.

- I can delegate! Caster exclaimed before summoning Adelaide in thought - "Priestess!"

It was then that the bloodied archaeologist looked up at the sunken figure of the Lion King who stood proudly on his Dun Stallion steed a few feet above the Champs de Mars. Without further ado, her free hand pushed aside the silk case that covered the tablet she held, and her dry lips parted to gasp out the two Sumerian words Caster had taught her.

- Dup Shimati.

The tablet she held tightly between her fingers was soon surrounded by two circles, azure and gold. The cracks that bruised her consecrated stone blazed with golden flames. Her jaw clenched under the incendiary pain that ignited her magical circuits and the sheer suffering of her hands bruised by the sacred flames of the divine artifact, Adelaide stood her ground, channeling the tumultuous flow of magic to act as a medium for Caster. Responding to their joint efforts, the Tablet of Destiny came to face the Spear of the End.

For many minutes, the Divine Authority and the Rage of the Spear faced each other like opposing winds.

To Lancer's surprise, the flames of the Tablet finally enveloped the glare of the sacred spear, swallowing it relentlessly. Before the Lion King could recover from his surprise, the Wise King teleported to Adelaide's side as the Tablet of Destiny disappeared in one of its endless golden circles, chanting.

- Hear my voice, prepare the ballistas! By my command, prepare the arrows! Use my treasures to show them the power that protects Uruk! My determination will flood the land! Melammu Dingir!

The cityscape of Paris faded away to make way for the sands that surrounded proud Uruk in her golden age. In this illusion projected by Caster's Noble Phantasm, the Eiffel Tower had given way to the palace of Ziggurat, atop which the Wise King and the archaeologist stood. All around them, on the walls, on the towers, on the roofs of the buildings, flew golden clouds of pure magic drawn by the balists consuming the energy of the treasures of the Gates of Babylon, which represented the whole people of Uruk who lived at the time of the peak of its legendary glory.

The whistling of the cloud of golden arrows drowned out the clamor of the Lion King, who was fighting to the end. Then the archaeologist saw the silhouettes of the deity and his steed falling to the ground in the distance. Caster waited several minutes before teleporting them away from Lancer's landing spot.

- You fought well, but you didn't diversify your strategies enough. You paid with your life.

Caster's voice sounded distant to Adelaide, even though he was only a few steps away. Had the adrenaline worn off? Was it the fatigue that had come to remind her? The professor ignored it. thoughts were all the more confused because a migraine was gnawing at his skull. It was as if her magical circuits were screaming their complaints at her after being stretched so much, probably too much. Her clear eyes flickered in hopes of clearing her vision, as her eyesight gradually declined. Under his gaze, the majestic figure of the deified Lancer gradually faded into a golden glow, his light green eyes riveted into those of the Wise King. They were neither hostile nor friendly, unfathomable like the surface of a lake nestled in the heart of the forest. His armor had holes in it, his white coat was torn to shreds and stained with blood, but the Lion King had lost none of his nobility, draped in his strange, distant, inhuman serenity.

Adelaide distanced herself from their conversation. Her tired blue eyes contemplated, mute, their devastated surroundings. If the Eiffel Tower had been miraculously spared from the endless battle, the same could not be said for its surroundings. Many trees had been twisted, amputated or even torn down. The emerald carpet of greenery and the light brown stones of the park's paths were reddened by blood, human and homunculus, as bodies lay here and there. There was not much left of the surrounding buildings. Everything in the park and in the closest parts of the district had been crushed and devastated. She could smell the ash and pungency of the smoke as fires gnawed at the ruins of the surrounding buildings and tried to spread to the greenery, trees and flower beds. In the distance, she could hear the siren of ambulances.

- The chaos, the horror, the devastation were etched in Fleury's memory.

- Priestess. Caster's authoritative voice called out to her.

Adelaide shook her head to get out of this morbid contemplation and to chase away the exhaustion. Gilgamesh was a few steps away, his crimson eyes riveted on something in front of them. The teacher's tired eyes followed his gaze before freezing to the scene before them.

It had nothing to do with the commonly seen representation of a solid gold wine cup of the Grail. No, she saw first a huge pillar of dark matter and terrifying magic, teeming with a black liquid that did not inspire her with good. Highlighted by the flames of the surrounding fires, the apparition had all the features of a pure, uncontrollable, even demonic manifestation.

A figure appeared in place of the terrible manifestation, which did not reassure the teacher.

- Fi... Fiona? asked the archaeologist in a choked voice, her features drawn and pale.

She realized her mistake as the apparition approached them. If by its size and its stature it reminded her the teenager to whom she had been attached, its features were not quite the same. They were delicate, but her beautiful face was rounder and paler. Her blonde hair was slightly curly, and waved like a waterfall over her long white dress edged with silver, while on her forehead was a tiara rather than a royal crown. Her eyes were not blue like little Fiona's, but a fascinating, piercing blue-green.

Worried, Adelaide looked around and worried about the sudden absence of the Wise King. Where had Gilgamesh gone? Had the King of Uruk left without even saying a proper goodbye?

- Congratulations on your survival! I am pleased to announce that you are the only Master left standing, and indeed the winner of this sixth Grail War.

- Who... who are you, or rather, what are you? The Grail? Fleury asked cautiously.

- You weren't very far away. I am the vessel of the Great Grail, a gateway to the Root of Magic created by the collected souls of the many Servants defeated in that war.

The archaeologist may have been informed of the nature of the artifact by the stories of Rin, Shirou, and especially Waver, but to hear it said in the soft voice of a young girl was chilling. Who was she? What was her connection to Fiona? The apparition's quiet but determined smile told her, without a word, that she would not have an answer to these questions as she continued.

- As you may already know, but the Grail can grant a wish of your choosing.

- I have been informed of this, yes. Where is Caster anyway?

- Don't worry, he's already told me his wish. I will give you a few minutes.

- Wait, what do you mean by that? cried Adelaide as she faded away.

- I'll be right back to you, Professor. promised the apparition with a slight laugh.

Her surroundings had changed the next moment. She was no longer in the charred district of the Parisian Champs de Mars, but on a kind of black rock plateau surrounded by a ravine. The terrifying silhouette of the dark pillar and its ominous contents had reappeared on the horizon, while an incarnate glow cast a bloody, sinister and chilling light on its surroundings.

- You took your time, mongrel. commented the voice of the Wise King, to his left.

- Caster! What the...

- I don't have much time so I'll get to the point. Caster interrupted her as he walked towards her, towering over her by at least a good head and a half.

He was certainly less intimidating than when he sat on his huge golden throne in the Ziggurat, but he never quite shed the nobility that characterized rulers.

- I have changed my mind about this war and about you. It was interesting, and you served me well.

- Caster...

- Be proud of how far you've come.

- It was a pleasure and an honor to accompany you on this journey. Oh and before I forget...

Fleury delicately removed the gold chain and cartridge that Godric had given her before their battle with Rin and the mighty Ishtar, and placed it on her palm, holding it out to the Wise King. Caster did not take his eyes off her and closed his fingers on the precious item.

- Keep it with you, you have proved yourself worthy.

- Gilgamesh? Fleury asked with perplexity.

The Wise King brushed his fingertips against Adelaide's cheek, his incarnate gaze both piercing and indecipherable, while Caster watched him in contemplative silence. Then, without shouting guard, the delicate contact took the shape of a light tap on her cheek while he added of a malicious tone.

- And this is so that you don't forget what I taught you!

Arms crossed over his chest, looking satisfied and laughing, the Heroic Spirit remained dignified as his figure gradually began to fade into the scarlet gloom of the stone plateau. Adelaide watched him disappear without a word, her smile warm, her clear eyes clouded with tears that she refused to let fall. It was never easy to say goodbye to a friend, so two...

There were so many questions he and young Gil had left unanswered, but it didn't matter.

The King of Uruk had left as he had come, draped in his dignity and wrapped in his mysteries.

It was at this moment that the avatar of the Great Grail chose to reappear. The archaeologist turned towards her, his features determined. He had one last formality to accomplish before a well-deserved rest.

Adelaide had finally found the answer she was looking for, the vow she would make to the Holy Grail.

Velvet Manor, London, England. 2020. Six years later.

The professor had never been able to forget that dark finale to the battle royale of the Sixth Grail War. Although the command spells had not been visible for nearly six years, the events had left marks on her, scars that were more or less visible. She understood better now why Waver had been so marked by the first Fuyuki War.

They had avoided the catastrophe, but the price of victory had been very high.

Not a day went by without her feeling her own frustration, her own helplessness. As in Warka, despite her victory, despite all her efforts... Fleury had failed to save them. Adelaide had not been able to save one of her best friends, Lucas. The professor had been defeated in spite of Charlemagne's support, before being coldly shot by two of the homunculi in the service of the Russian mafia involved in the conspiracy, because he was too close to the truth. She had failed to protect one of her students and her brother, Reika and Akito, who died in each other's arms.

Little Fiona had lost her father Cedric, an instigator of that War, in traumatic circumstances before seeing her aunt Evelyn sacrifice herself alongside Joan of Arc to save them, and then losing her "Great Friend", the Saber Gilles de Rais, who had unwillingly protected her. Adelaide had been able to use her wish as the winner of the Grail War, asking the Grail to guarantee Evelynn's survival as she lay dying. Alas, life could be cruel despite the best of wills, and Fiona's aunt, a year and a half after coming out of her coma, had lost her life under murky circumstances. Adelaide had given her word to Evelyn that she would take care of her niece if anything happened to her. And even without this given word, the Franco-British woman would have refused to abandon Fiona to her fate. After a time of acclimatization, Fiona had finally opened up to them. In their eyes, beyond being a ward at least until adulthood, the young Elvaren was like a second daughter. Fleury, like Waver, had done her best to be there for her, knowing that they would never replace the parents Fiona had lost.

Ironically, this tragedy had strengthened her bond with Waver, as they understood each other better. This war had made her aware of the fragility, the evanescence and the preciousness of life. This experience made her take control of her life and become more involved in it. In spite of the ordeals, their couple had held together and strengthened day by day, until they were consolidated by a marriage. Adelaide had chosen to reduce the frequency of her archaeological digs, and to invest as much in her family life as in her courses at the Academy of Mages in London. Appointed head of the archaeology chair, she devoted herself to rebuilding it by actively participating in its activities, research projects and the coordination of student internships. Slowly, she had managed to train and retain the heirs of the lost team at Warka among her doctoral students, young post-doctoral researchers and future master's students. Their ties with Rin and Shirou had been consolidated and strengthened, and Adelaide had succeeded in keeping her word by attending the birth of their only son, Suzaku, who had celebrated his fifth birthday this year. The family lived mainly in London, but traveled regularly to Japan.

As for Dorian, he had chosen to go and live in Ireland once he had successfully completed his studies. Adelaide had hoped to keep him by her side to train him as an assistant to take over the chair of archaeology, but she had respected his choice. Her former protégé was now teaching at a mage academy partner of the London Academy, located in the southern part of Ireland... but he had not settled there alone, much to the surprise of the students in the research group, as he had become engaged to their Scottish counterpart, Bridget. The young couple had a child, little Liam, of whom Adelaide was the godmother. Her adorable and curious godson was about to turn four years old. Adelaide had taken a new student under her wing, Lilian Evans. Quiet, shy but persevering, Adelaide was trying to help her gain confidence. Fleury had decided to give the young girl a chance, especially since Dorian had recommended her.

The archaeologist was no longer working full time, however, in order to reserve time for her family. She and Waver had made arrangements to be present in the life of their daughter Emily, who was born a year after the end of the sixth Grail War. The little girl was now five years old and was proving to be a real ball of energy, an inquisitive child whom they loved with all their hearts. She and Waver also looked after young Fiona, whom they had welcomed into their fold with open arms.

The sound of small knocks at the door of her room drew Adelaide out of her reflections. Turning away from the notebook on which she was writing and closing it with a sharp movement, she announced.

- It's open, you can come in!

The door swung open to reveal the figure of a teenage girl dressed in a sober uniform. Adelaide immediately relaxed and gave her a warm smile while turning to her.

- Hello Rosemary. I understand you finished school early today.

- Good morning, ma'am. Yes, the teacher was absent. I arrived two hours ago, Master Gilbert told me that you were very busy," the teenager said in sign language with a respectful smile.

- You can call him father, if you want to. I'm sure he'd like that. And you can call me Adelaide, you know. Fleury commented in a warm and amused voice.

Fiona had been concerned about the fate of the girl she had saved from the clutches of the Caster-class incarnation of Bluebeard, the only survivor of her father's crimes. After consultation, Adelaide and Waver made inquiries with their network of contacts about the teenager's fate, before arranging for a calmer and more stable situation for her. Their butler, old Gilbert, had offered to take her in and train her as a steward for a family of mages, and had asked their permission to offer the girl this opportunity. With Rosemary's consent, he had formally adopted her as his daughter, himself being widowed and without children to succeed him.

She and Waver had seen to it that he treated the young woman well, and Gilbert had not disappointed them. The only requirement had been that they all learn sign language to facilitate discussion, since the teenager's vocal cords were too damaged to be healed.

- Do you need anything? the teacher asked.

- "I'd like to pick up Fiona from the Academy, her classes will be over soon and Master... I mean Gilbert, had a medical appointment. Can I trust you with Emily's care?"

- Of course! Thank you for watching her, I was able to move forward with some cases. Is everything going well with Fiona? She's very resourceful, but I hope no one bothers her.

- Everything is going well. I'll be sure to let you know if that's the case. And if anyone were to want to hurt her, I'll make them understand what a bad idea it is."

Rosemary completed her signs with a precise gesture by striking the palm of her other hand with her fist. Adelaide couldn't help but give an amused and tender smile. Rosemary had taken Fiona's welfare to heart, protecting her as a big sister would. The two young women were very close, even if Fleury did not know all the details of the story.

- I still hope you'll come and talk to me about it before it comes to that... or at least right after if the situation requires it. I trust your judgment, Rosemary.

Adelaide let a small hint of firmness mingle with her words. She trusted her, of course, but that also implied her and Waver as Fiona's guardians. The potential repercussions were not to be ignored either, especially in a viper's nest such as the mage society. There were those who would do anything to indirectly damage their family's reputation, especially Waver. Adelaide would continue to keep a close eye on the situation and remind the shameless of their place, one way or another. If the teacher tried to be a little more subtle before cracking down, she would make sure the message got through. Rosemary bowed to indicate that she would respect her instruction and slipped away after silently thanking her. A couple of minutes later, a clear voice called out to her at the top of her lungs.

- Mommy! Mama!

- I'm coming, my darling! Adelaide answered her while standing up, tenderized and tired at the same time.

The archaeologist descended the stairs to the first floor, where Emily was waiting with a broad, pride-filled smile, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement framed by matted brown hair.

- Rosemary and I drew! I made a beautiful drawing, come and see!

- Oh, let me see it," Adelaide replied sympathetically, leaning in toward her.

Smiling, her daughter handed her a sheet of paper with both hands, her eyes expectant. Adelaide accepted it and carefully unfolded the sheet, before freezing as she discovered its contents. Noting the perplexity and the concern of the child in front of his silence, Fleury pulled himself together and sketched a reassuring smile. The archaeologist put his clear eyes on the little girl and crouched down at her height.

- That's a nice drawing, darling. It's Daddy here, I suppose?

- Well, yes! That was easy. Daddy, he's the strongest and biggest daddy ever! the little girl shouted, bending her arm before adding. Even though he's almost the biggest.

Adelaide couldn't hold back a wide, affectionate, amused smile for the child, whose hair she briefly ruffled tenderly as she freed one of her hands. She couldn't wait to tell Waver about this when he returned from his long day straddling the Academy and the Council of Mages. She knew him well enough to imagine his reaction. He would probably try to keep a straight face for a few seconds, then end up tenderized and hugging Emily. The drawing was still not very accurate given Emily's age, but the essential features were recognizable. There was no mistaking the four figures in Emily's drawing, and Fleury had no trouble recognizing the photograph from which the child must have drawn. The teacher decided to approach the subject in a playful way, so as not to intimidate their daughter.

- Oh yeah, that's a big guy right there! He's pretty big.

- But not necessarily mean, he's just powerful like... like a bear!

- He looks great indeed! He and his little companion remind me a little of Goliath and David. I told you their story, I think?

- Yes, but it's not the same! They don't fight, at least not like that. They fight sometimes, but not for real. It's just for fun! exclaimed Emily happily.

- I see. Adelaide replied, biting her lips to keep from laughing. And that's me?

- Yes! You are small like me, but you are the prettiest and strongest of the mothers!

- You flatter me my angel, but it's nice. commented the teacher gently.

- And you know, even if you hide them, I like your hands. You do a lot of beautiful and good things with your hands, so those who say you have witch's hands, they are just stupid and jealous! I think you have the fingers of a fairy, Mama.

Adelaide tilted her head slightly to the side, her loose red hair brushing her shoulders. She looked intently at Emily, whose little head was slightly lowered and her fists clenched. The Franco-British did not think that the little girl would be so sensitive to the derogatory comments of some parents when she dropped her off at the nursery on days when she was full-time. The archaeologist gently placed the drawing on the nearest sideboard before crouching down to the child's level. It was a discussion she had planned to have with her, but not right away.

- And that's all I care about, angel. They're not the ones who get to enjoy the delicious French pancakes or play with handmade figurines, right? Adelaide replied, giving her a knowing wink whenever Emily looked at her again.

One day, when Emily was old enough, Adelaide would tell her how her hands had gotten so messed up, whether it was in a mother-daughter discussion or through a letter. The mage had already written a few to her, so she would understand things she hadn't been able to explain to her at the time, like the scars of a Grail War. Emily was not ready to hear what had happened in that sixth deadly war. Adelaide didn't want to divulge the details of the final battle she had fought alongside Caster. There were secrets she would take to her grave, and the Tablet of Destiny that had burned deep into her hands when she had used it with the Wise King's approval was one of them. Only Waver knew the truth, and she knew he would not betray her trust.

It wasn't just her hands that had been bruised. It wasn't just her sense of touch with her hands that had been greatly diminished. Some wounds were invisible to the naked eye. Her magical circuits had also been heavily affected by the overload of spiritual power they had had to endure and channel during the fight. While Adelaide had not lost any of her knowledge and skills as a mage, she was no longer able to produce magical feats as she had in the past. Her gift with earth magic had been weakened, and even the golems she crafted no longer had the excellence of before the finale. Wounded in her skills as a mage as well as her practical skills as an archaeologist, Adelaide had been slow to grieve. The presence of Waver, Emily and Fiona had helped her a great deal.

She did not regret these sacrifices. Without them, Emily would not have been there to light their days.

The archaeologist could not tell their daughter about these horrors, she was too young. All Emily knew for now was that she had hurt herself by accident, and that she should not touch the hotplates or any other very hot object or element at the risk of hurting herself too.

To please Emily who was glaring at her gloves, Adelaide removed them and presented her bare hands to Emily, from behind and then slowly revealing her irreparably bruised palms. The Franco-British woman was very touched that their daughter took her hands in hers without hesitation. Fleury looked at her with tenderness before gathering the child's hands in his with softness.

- Come on. What do you say we surprise Daddy with a pancake party when he gets back? If you want, you can help me make the pancake batter.

- Oh yes! We'll make savory pancakes as well as sweet ones? Emily asked hopefully, immediately forgetting what was bothering her.

- We call them galettes, my dear, because they are made with buckwheat flour. Adelaide said with amusement, taking care to pronounce the French word to help Emily.

Adelaide laughed heartily when the little one grumbled that it was like "tomato and tomato. When she pretended to sulk like that, Emily tended to make the same pout as Waver.

Adelaide took the little girl for a walk in the large gardens that surrounded their home, chatting happily with her. When Emily marveled as they approached a slightly more remote area of the gardens, which was far less orderly than the other parts, Adelaide could not help but smile mischievously. The archaeology professor could almost hear Iskandar's gruff voice exclaiming that he liked these battlefield-like gardens.

No doubt they would find them too orderly now! There was little evidence of the intense fighting that had taken place there, thanks to their joint efforts and the gardener's steady hand.

Nevertheless, with amusement, the teacher had noticed that Waver had left this part of their large gardens as it was. Located at the back of their property, this area was teeming with wildflowers and grasses that were a bit taller than the rest. It was, without a doubt, her favorite.

A small pond was nestled a little further back, but it wasn't yet warm enough to be too overrun with insects and, especially, mosquitoes, which were becoming a seasonal nuisance. Adelaide had always loved this pond. It certainly didn't have the particular charm of the one in Rin's manor, typical of the Japanese inspiration in this matter, but its simplicity was also soothing.

Fleury was sitting a few meters from the bank, watching with attention and affection the little Emily who trotted around, playing with all the energy and joy of her young age. The teacher was enjoying the calm of the moment, savoring a much appreciated moment of relaxation.

A calm that was as refreshing as it was evanescent.

A sudden blinding light appeared over the lake with a thunderous crash. Forced to close her eyes by the force of the glare, her ears ringing, Adelaide was immediately on her feet and called anxiously to Emily, afraid that her daughter might be in danger.

A thick golden haze prevented her from seeing through the cloud and obscured the lake shore. Adelaide rushed as fast as she could to the spot where she had seen Emily moments earlier, running through the magic-saturated fog as fast as her legs would carry her.

The child found herself sitting on the grass, her inquisitive black eyes focused on the pond.

A boy with short blond hair, taller than her, floated over the garden pond, standing with his arms crossed. He was dressed in a white top, a large black long-sleeved jacket, emerald green canvas pants and black and white sneakers. His piercing red eyes looked around, as if searching for something, before landing right on Emily. Too fascinated by the apparition, the little girl did not look down, on the contrary. She held her arms out to him and couldn't stand still in wonderment. Emily declared with great enthusiasm.

- A Genie! He is a Genie!

The "genie" then walked towards her, still floating on the surface of the water. Emily was very curious as he kept his eyes on her and seemed to be watching her intently. He stopped in front of her, his feet skimming the water without ever touching her as Emily watched in admiration. The boy finally addressed her directly, with an air of both curiosity and confidence.

- I've been called that in the past so you can do that too, if you want. I'll take Majesty, God or Gil too.

He wasn't short on air, but it amused Emily more than anything else. He wasn't the first boy she'd met who was so confident, so she wasn't going to be intimidated! The strange boy leaned slightly towards her with an air of importance, arms crossed on his chest.

- And you? Who are you, little elf?

- I'm not a leprechaun! I'm a girl, and my name is Emily. I am five years old! the little girl protested loudly while placing her hands on her hips, one eyebrow raised.

- I can see where you get it from. commented the genie not without amusement before asking her a new question. Is your mom here by any chance?

Emily stared at him curiously. He reminded her of something, but what? She then remembered the small picture in the living room, which she had found on a sideboard and had wanted to draw. It was him! It was the golden-haired genius who was playing video games with his mom and dad with the big colossus with the fire hair. That's when she heard her mom calling her.

- Emily? Emily!

Genius! Mommy, there's a genie out of the lake! He doesn't have a sword or a lamp, but he's definitely dressed like a genie! Just like the one in the picture! Come and see, mama!

The residual haze of magic had finally cleared as Adelaide reached the banks of the pond, magic-fueled crystals in one of her hands. Worried about her daughter's fate, the archaeologist was on guard and ready to attack any threat that came their way. Her heart missed a beat or two when a familiar voice called out to her with aplomb.

- Hi Adelaide! Did you miss me? I found this leprechaun in the garden, I thought you might want to keep it.

- I'm not a leprechaun, I'm Emily!

The mage rubbed her eyelids with her free hand, before seeing that the image didn't blur. This was no illusion. A young boy with blond hair and incarnate eyes stood at the edge of the pond's bank, lifting little Emily, who was both laughing and protesting, into his arms with ease.

- Godric, is that you?

- In person! replied his friend and former spiritual partner.

Looking pleased with himself and enthusiastic, Godric gently set Emily down and released her, staring at the archaeologist with malice and his arms crossed behind his back as Adelaide pulled her daughter towards her. Reassured that she was not a threat, the teacher tucked the magic crystals into a small bag and placed it out of reach of Emily's curious hands before laying eyes on Gil.

- By the gods, it is you! But... what brings you here, how did you get here? Adelaide finally asked him once she was a little more recovered from her surprise.

- Who needs the gods when you've got me," replied young Gil with a laugh before adding with a little more seriousness. I came to see you, of course!

Obviously... if there was one who would allow himself to laugh at the rules, it had to be him!

An amused smile crept across the teacher's lips, her clear eyes shining with emotion. When she hadn't seen him after completing her own interview with the Grail spirit, the Frenchwoman had assumed he'd gotten what he was looking for. Seeing the young Archer again was a prospect she had not dared to imagine, resigned to its improbability. With one hand still around Emily's shoulders, she hugged the young boy with the other before placing her hand on one of his shoulders.

- It's good to see you again, my young friend! You look great, tell me. So, were you able to find what you were looking for with this cursed Grail in hand? Fleury said to him.

- Damn, damn! Remember, it's like magic. It's not good or bad in itself, it's what you make of it. And then, I was able to come back after all! Isn't that a good thing? The young Archer resumed with a slightly more hesitant smile and a beautiful example of soft eyes.

He had not changed and was perfectly aware of his natural charm and charisma, especially under this appearance. Adelaide was not very sensitive to it since the time they worked together, but it was stronger than him. Behind the joke, however, the teacher could feel an unusual nervousness in him. So Godric wasn't so sure this time? Had he made a risky bet, as he sometimes liked to do? She could have teased him, by not giving him the answer to his implicit question right away, but the archaeologist was happy to see him again and felt in a magnanimous mood. She answered in a slightly amused but sincere voice.

- I've been called that in the past so you can do that too, if you want. I'll take Majesty, God or Gil too.

- And you? Who are you, little elf?

- I'm not a leprechaun! I'm a girl, and my name is Emily. I am five years old! the little girl protested loudly while placing her hands on her hips, one eyebrow raised.

- I can see where you get it from. commented the genie not without amusement before asking her a new question. Is your mom here by any chance?

- Emily? Emily!

Genius! Mommy, there's a genie out of the lake! He doesn't have a sword or a lamp, but he's definitely dressed like a genie! Just like the one in the picture! Come and see, mama!

- Hi Adelaide! Did you miss me? I found this leprechaun in the garden, I thought you might want to keep it.

- I'm not a leprechaun, I'm Emily!

- Godric, is that you?

- In person! replied his friend and former spiritual partner.

- By the gods, it is you! But... what brings you here, how did you get here? Adelaide finally asked him once she was a little more recovered from her surprise.

- Who needs the gods when you've got me," replied young Gil with a laugh before adding with a little more seriousness. I came to see you, of course!

Obviously... if there was one who would allow himself to laugh at the rules, it had to be him!

- It's good to see you again, my young friend! You look great, tell me. So, were you able to find what you were looking for with this cursed Grail in hand? Fleury said to him.

- You've given us a nice surprise, indeed. You already know Emily, my daughter. Emily, this is Godric, a friend of the family. Waver will be back a little later. In the meantime, would you like to join us for pancakes and cakes over homemade hot chocolate?

- Now that's an offer I can't refuse. Let's say one now, and one later!

Her aplomb always amused Adelaide, who gently shook her head with a smile on her face. The nervousness that had won her over with the fear that her coming meant threats to come had dissipated to give way to the pleasant surprise that her visit represented. Emily was totally captivated by the young boy that she did not leave of the eyes and that she assailed of varied questions. The archaeologist asked herself however many questions: how had he come back? He did not give off the same presence as before, was he still a Servant? It should not be only for his beautiful eyes that the young king had come back, also she hoped that he would give her at least some small explanations.

For the time being, the three of them had returned to the kitchen of the manor and were happily working on making the dough for the sweet pancakes and for the savory galettes. Adelaide did notice Godric's glance at her gloved hands, but he made no comment, nor did the teacher feel like dwelling on it further. The heady, sweet smell of French pastries and old-fashioned homemade hot chocolate quite permeated the room. Godric watched more than he helped, but he showed a definite curiosity in the kitchen and she noticed that he sometimes helped Emily by correcting her actions after observing his. Fleury was amused to see how different his behavior was from the sometimes impatient boy she had known, who in the presence of a child showed unexpected patience and took to the game. This only made Emily more enthusiastic about showing how good she was.

They had just chilled the two pasta bowls and finished the dishes when Adelaide heard the lock mechanism on the front door activate. Emily had already jumped to her feet and was running down the hall as Adelaide set the rag on the edge of the sink and put away the last remaining utensil, a kitchen whisk. Godric had remained leaning against a wall, so he could keep an eye on both the little girl and the archaeologist. The teacher of earth magic was taking off the dishwashing gloves and putting on her usual gloves as the slight creaking of the old door was heard, soon followed by Waver's voice.

- Adelaide, Mily! I'm home!

- Daddy! Come and see, there's a genie come! Emily exclaimed with delight in English.

- A... genie? Waver repeated, intrigued.

Emily couldn't hold her tongue, with her usual spontaneity. Adelaide was still trying to figure out how to broach the subject with her beloved, especially since she hadn't had time to ask Gil how he had succeeded and what he planned to do next. The teacher moved away from the kitchen, followed closely by Godric, to the entrance hall from where Waver threw him.

- Dear, I told you not to leave your things lying around, especially artifacts. We've set up a cabinet specifically for them. At this rate, we're going to have to cut out a room. Waver commented as he turned to her and held Emily in his arms.

He froze as he noticed the small figure following in his footsteps, first intrigued then clearly surprised. Adelaide took it upon herself not to pick up on the remark about the peculiar organization of her belongings and to remind him that she wasn't irresponsible enough to leave them lying around with Emily. Before she could speak, Godric damaed her with gusto.

- Well, look who's here! Greetings fellow virtual battlefield warrior and appreciator of good things! Did you miss me, pal?

- So much as you can't even imagine. Finishes by answering Waver of a resigned air.

The archaeologist crossed well the glance of Waver, who asked him in silence for explanations. Fleury shrugged his shoulders with a light perplexed smile, indicating that she was as ignorant as him on the subject. The professor nodded silently when her dear husband specified without saying a word that they would have a solid one-on-one discussion afterwards, relaxed. She wasn't worried at all.

After all, she and Waver had always been able to adapt to the situations they encountered.