Author's Notes: I own nothing. Familiar of Zero belongs to Noboru Yamaguchi while Fate/Stay Night - Heaven's Failure is a Doujinshi made by Limit Break.

Legend of the Sword Dancer: Learning

Emilya was showed the guestroom where she woke up. Laurence told her that this shall be her room while with them. In a few days they will visit the capital Tristania to visit this therapist that Duke de la Vallerie suggested. Laurence did however misinterpret the horrified face Emilya had when he mentioned the therapist's name. And that night Emilya was unable to sleep. She quietly left the guest room, taking a mental note of which door it is, and tried to find her way outside. Once she did, she found herself in a makeshift training ground staring at the twin moons in the sky.

"I really am in another world." Shirou thought.

She looked up and marveled at the new night sky. She saw stars and constellations that she has never seen before. She then heard the creaking of the door leading to the makeshift training ground. She quickly hid behind a pile of training dummies, before the person arrived. She saw the only daughter of the family with what looked like a blunted rapier.

"A swordwand?" Emilya thought.

She was able to somehow copy the swordwand and gathered it's history. It was a a practice wand used by Knight Trainees Karin used to master her Wind Magic. Due to its design, it could also function as a proper sword given the right enchantments. She saw Karin take a stance, oh boy it was wrong on so manly levels that Emilya's Inner Swordsman wanted to correct it. A rapier is supposed to be for fast cuts and thrusts, utilizing its thin blade to find an armor's weak spot, yet Karin is almost using it like a regular sword.

"You're using it wrong." Emilya stated, causing Karin to lose focus.

Emilya dodged an attack aimed at her direction. Karin then appeared before her with her swordwand mid swing, but was able to jump out before getting struck by the swordwand. Her eyes could clearly see the wind gathering around the shaft forming a thin blade. Karin once again went for another attack, this time an over head swing. Emilya parried the attack with a well timed projection of a mundane long sword, directing it to the ground. She then projected another sword and aimed it at Karin.

"So she only created a blade instead of forming a sharp coating around the shaft." Emilya thought. "Otherwise it could have cut this sword."

"Listen this is a misunderstanding." Emilya said.

"Misunderstanding?" Karin asked. "You have a sword aimed at me."

"You attacked first." Emilya explained.

"After you startled me." Karin countered. "I thought you were a thief."

Awkward silence... Neither has any idea what to say to each other.

"What did you mean by using it wrong?" Karin asked breaking the silence.

"A sword with a thin blade is not meant to be swung around." Emilya explained. "It's more suited for fast cuts and thrusts."

"Really?" Karin asked. "I thought swords were all used the same way."

"No weapon is wielded the same." Emilya replied. "A sword cannot be handled the same way as an axe. And a long sword is used differently form a short sword even though both of them are swords."

"I see," Karin said. "An Earth Mage of your caliber must be proficient in the use of weaponry to differentiate that."

Emilya was confused, what did Karin mean by Earth Mage? [Projection] doesn't use [Transmutation] of any kind, it is more like creating solid illusions formed by shaping magical energy into a shape the caster wanted.

"You clearly know how to fight," Karin then stated. "Therefore, you will be my sparing partner form now on."

Emilya raised an eyebrow. "Really? I thought women weren't supposed to be playing with swords?"

"I plan to break that norm," Karin answered. "I'll become a Knight, even if I have to conceal my gender."

Her determination reminded Emilya of her own before. She wanted to be a Hero of Justice, to understand the smile Kiritsugu had when he saved the boy who would become Emiya Shirou.

"If you want to learn so badly." Emilya said tracing a blunted rapier of her own. "Let us test where your skills are."

That night, Emilya gauged Karin's skill with a sword. She has the basic on how to use one, however, she is yet to realize that not all swords can be used the same way. The day after the that faithful night, Karin noticed that her father brought home a set of dresses and other items. She found that odd since it is still a few more months before her next birthday. It didn't help that the head maid Stella was taking her time with their guest. And then one day, her father accompanied Emilya leaving the Manor with another noble.

"Mother," Karin asked. "Why is Father always with our guest?"

"Your father felt it is his duty to help our young guest my dear." Eileen explained. "He is bringing her to Tristania to get the help she needs."

"Will I see her again?" Karin asked, she knew that the nights training with Emilya will be over once she leaves.

"I do not know Karin," Eileen explained. "Maybe, maybe not, but it is up to your father to decide. Now you've wasted enough time, you are yet to correct your posture and your table mannerisms need more refining."

Karin let out a silent groan, this is how her mornings were mostly done. Her mother tutoring her with etiquette and later, lessons with a private tutor. Preparing her for the time she will be sent to Tristains Magic Academy.

Emilya realized that this world doesn't have much in terms of fast transport. There are no cars, buses or trains, all there is are carriages for land transport. However she was intrigued by what was called Air Ships as one passed above them. Laurence saw that she was curious and explained how they worked.

"They are called Airships," Laurence explained. "Fueled by a mineral called Windstones that can be mined near the surface. The this is also what keeps Albion from floating."

Albion... That was the old name for England. She wondered what else in this world is familiar to her old one. During one of their sparring, Karin noted that her swordsmanship is similar to an Albionian Knight. Possibly due to Arthoria Pendragon teaching him during the Holy Grail War. The day before they left for Tristania, she asked for help studying the map of Halkegina, she still could not read the language. She noted that the names of the countries are mostly similar to the continent of Europe. Her knowledge on the continent was provided by Illya's memories.

Tristain = Belgium

Germania = Germany and possibly some parts of Russia

Albion = England

Gallia = France

Romalia = Italy

It was no coincidence that Romalia is the home of faith in this world. After all, Vatican is in Italy and it is the center of Christianity. But while she was thinking of the similarities of her old world and this, another thought came to her.

"Wouldn't that energy run out?" Emilya asked. "Wouldn't that mean Albion will someday fall?"

"Ah the inquisitive nature of a child..."

"Many speculate that indeed, one day Albion will fall." Laurence answered. "But it has not for thousands of years. So I suppose it might remain in the sky for a thousand more."

"But isn't it wrong that people still remain there?" Emilya asked. "What if it falls tomorrow? Or a month after?"

"There now child," Laurence answered. "No need to burden yourself with uncertainties if they are yet to occur."

Emilya wanted to ask more, but they have already arrived in Tristania. They were greeted at the gates by a group of soldiers, and another person joined them in the carriage.

"Commander Davion," Laurence greeted. "It is a great honor for you to assist us despite your schedule."

"Nonsense Lance," Davion replied. "It's not wrong to help other's after all."

He gave the directions to the coachman, then conversed with Laurence along the way. Laurence kept correcting him since he kept calling him Lance.

They arrived at a small building near the edge of the capital. There were a few people there, some knights doing their rounds, a vendor selling produce, and some servants walking around.

"Most Nobles don't go here," Davion explained. "They would rather have house visits."

"Is this therapist good?" Laurence asked.

"Why yes," Davion answered. "He founded this small branch of medical research that focuses on mental ailments, rather than diseases. According to him, not all medical problems are physical, some are also mental."

"Zelretch did that?" Emilya asked.

"No that would be the therapist's mentor," Davion answered. "The old man is rarely around."

They entered the building and a servant girl welcomed them. "Welcome, have you made an appointment prior Lord Davion?"

"Ah-"

"You forgot to make an appointment?" Laurence asked.

"I was under the impression that Doctor Dvalin is free today." Davion answered.

"The good doctor was called for an urgent house call earlier this morning my lords," the servant girl explained. "It is unsure when he returns."

"I suppose we have to wait." Laurence stated. "We shall return in a few."

"No need to wait," a voice called. "I shall entertain the young lass."

An old man wearing dark clothes stood at the entrance. His appearance is that of someone in his fifties, yet one can tell that he is not one to be messed with.

"Lord Zelretch," the servant girl bowed.

"We will borrow Dvalin's office." Zelretch said. "Come child."

For once Emilya was afraid. During her life as Emiya Shirou, he heard tales of the Kaleidoscope both from Kiritsugu and Rin. The stories painted him as a madman who meddles with the world too much. She was more brought to the edge once he enchanted the room.

"Have a seat Emilya," Zelretch said. "Or should I say, Emiya Shirou."

Emilya did as she was told, figuring that it would be better to cooperate.

"Dvalin would only make things complicated for you," Zelretch stated. "Enjoying this world so far? How is it transitioning form boy to girl? Have you ever encountered troubles regarding being a girl?"

"You act like you didn't cause this." Emilya answered.

"Oh heavens no," Zelretch said. "Among the countless possibilities, this is not done by yours truly. No, this is caused by you and your group of girls. Imagine my surprise when someone other than me tore a portal to a realm where magecraft ruled."

"What!?" Emilya asked.

"Ah... you have yet to know the history of this realm." Zelretch asked. "Tell me if we were still in Earth, what year would this be?"

"I'd say around Saber's time." Emilya answered.

Zelretch let out a good laugh at her answer. "It seemed we had the same idea when I came to this realm a few years ago."

"The same time you started this therapy sessions I suppose?" Emilya asked.

"Indeed." Zelretch answerd. "Dvalin was a good student..."

"And the correct answer?"

"Around possibly the year 1970."

Emilya thought that's impossible, there is no way that humanity never progressed for thousands of years. There has to be something that caused this stagnation.

"Yes there is," Zelretch said snapping her out of her thoughts. "And no I did not read your mind. I also had the same question when I first saw this place while viewing other worlds. The answer is simple, Magecraft. Humanity in this realm became over reliant on Magecraft that they were no longer able to discern Magecraft and Magic. It is a shame that you appeared here in Halkegina, where you would have had a better option in Han, a continent in the east."

"What's the difference?" Emilya asked.

"There, humanity was able to advance," Zelretch explained. "Though it pales in comparison with ours, given time, they may catch up. Because there, Magecraft and Science work together."

"But shouldn't Gaia or Alaya intervene?"

"Alaya possibly, but the will of humanity is weak here," Zelretch explained. "Because this realm's over reliance in Magecraft, humanity is yet to be on the threatened with extinction."

"And Gaia?"

"The will of this planet has already intervened, it is only waiting for its fruition," Zelretch said."I suppose that is why the 2nd Magic sent you here. To prevent an extinction level event form happening. You my dear will have a big role to play, and change this story."

Emilya swallowed loudly, hopefully this session doesn't last a day.

"Oh I forgot to mention," Zelretch smiled. "Time here flows faster than outside, I know you've notice me place an enchantment around the room."

F-ck...

POST CHAPTER NOTES:

While many would portray Zelrech as "the crazy old man who crippled his disciples, and likes to plant chaos and watch the seeds grow" there is also a serious side of him. Like in Fate/Strange Fake where he was concerned and placed Ayaka into the Fake Holy Grail War to prevent the awakening of ORT or Type Mercury.