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: Start of a Revolution
Word spread fast about Albion's defeat in the skies. Many could not believe the news, Albion ruled the skies, for them to have lost is a testament of the power this Artifact the Conquistadors have acquired.
"Me and my luck..." Emilya muttered.
It was only a few days since the party where she said she has no idea how her quest was supposed to be, and yet here it is. A strange ship with outworldy technology that stems from magic was unearthed in Gallia. Once it was told by his father that Tristain is being demanded to provide men to help with their quest to conquer the Elves and their Cold Desert, she immediately began to ask about it.
What she learned was something new and somewhat relatable. From what Laurence has explained to her, the Elves are enemy of Humanity in this world, capable of feats of magic Human Mages would always dream of. Based on what Laurence explained, it would be akin to comparing the Caster Class Servant to a Modern Mage. But she felt like something isn't right, and asked if there was a case where an elf came to Tristain.
"The description of Elves were purely on the Holy Text of Brimir," Laurence explained. "After all, they killed Lord Brimir, and thus becoming an enemy of Humanity."
"That doesn't sound right." Emilya muttered, earning a gasp from Karin. "I mean you don't just kill something without reason right?"
"Are you saying that the Elves killing Lord Brimir is okay?" Karin asked.
"I never said that," Emilya replied. "I just, it doesn't feel right. There has to be something that made these Elves kill him."
"Emilya," Laurence sighed. "Have you been reading the Holy Text without your mother? All your questions can be answered there."
"Are they?"
"It has been recorded by Lord Brimir's children and apprentice, the event's that transpired before his demise from the Elves." Laurence replied. "I have a meeting with our guest once they arrive, and when we are done, I will guide you and explain the Holy Text."
A maid then entered the study and behind her were Lords Marcillac and Vallerie. "My lord, your guest are here."
"Good Day Lord Marcillac and Lord Vallerie," Laurence greeted. "I trust the journey was a pleasant one?"
"Of course Lord Mailliart," replied Lord Vallerie. "I hope you do not mind that I brought Centurion with me, there has been less Soldiers for escort available since these Conquistadors threaten Tristain."
"It is quite the coincidence Lord Vallerie," Lord Marcillac said. "Arthur is also the one who escorted me, though his reasons were to visit his fiance."
The adults gazed upon Karin and Emilya before Laurence let them be. "Why don't you two get along with your respective fiances? Specially you Emilya, since Arthur will be called to Tristania soon."
It didn't take long to find Arthur and Centurion. Both were having a conversation, and from the looks of things it is also about the Conquistadors.
"This is quite the crisis," Centurion sighed. "I don't suppose the king would agree to their terms Sir Arthur?"
"That is not for me to answer Sir Centurion," Arthur replied. "But regardless, this Conquistadors are a threat to Tristain, no matter what their intentions may be."
Karin then called Centurion's attention earning a groan from the man, and a slight chuckle from Arthur.
"I must say Centurion," Arthur whispered. "I can already tell who will wear the pants once you two are married."
"Don't remind me." Centurion replied.
Centurion went ahead and met Karin while Emilya and Arthur were left to themselves.
"I don't suppose we can talk as we walk Saber?" Emilya asked.
Arthur nodded and both walked around the manor.
"I came here as soon as I had the chance." Arthur explained. "You have been thinking about this Artifact being the Fragment you are seeking, haven't you?"
"You can tell?" Emilya asked.
"I have fought along side you for a short while Shirou," Arthur answered. "But in that short while, I can was able to learn about you and your resolve."
"..."
"And I can already tell that you want to get this over with as fast as possible to begin your search for what you are missing." Arthur continued.
"If this is the Fragment," Emilya said. "All I need to do is destroy it, there has to be a Sword in the Unlimited Blade Works strong enough."
"I can think of a few," Arthur stated, Emilya already knowing which Swords he meant. "But will you be able to reach this Fragment?"
"What do you mean?" Emilya asked.
"According to Ezra," Arthur explained. "This Artifact the Conquistadors acquired has the capabilities of an Airship and the destructive power of an army of Square Class Mages. So it would have the power of flight and the firepower to match an army. And they are demanding Knights and Soldiers to their cause, so you are already disqualified."
"You managed to pull it off before right?" Emilya replied, Arthur already knowing what she meant.
"True, that may be possible," Arthur answered. "But that could only be done if we are to either fight them, or give in with their demands. But the second is not an option I would not wish to be chosen. And knowing the majority of Nobles in Tristain, that would be the first thing they would consider."
Emilya only tilted her head to the side, something Arthur took as a sign that she does not understand what he said.
"Tristain is not as large as the neighboring Kingdoms Shirou," Arthur began. "Historically, Albion has helped Tristain maintain its borders from Germania every time the Germanians wanted to take Tristain. And after a long time, Germania has signed a peace treaty after an abysmal loss some hundred years ago. But against this Conquistadors, Tristain may as well give in with their demands since Albion's Army has fallen."
"What if we make it so I can get close to the Fragment?" Emilya suggested. "Besides, you promised to help me with my mission."
"What do you have in mind?" Arthur asked.
"First we..."
A council was assembled the time after the word has reached Tristain. All Lords were present, along with the few Knight Commanders of Tristain. Currently the council are at an argument regarding the Conquistadors request.
"We should just provide one army be done with it." one Noble suggested.
"That will leave Tristain one army less." another countered.
"You've seen what this Artifact in their hands has done with Albion!" one shouted. "We can sacrifice a few to save all of Tristain!"
"And which are you going to send?" asked another.
"What of the Griffin Knights?" suggested one.
"No I refuse to send my men on a death mission!" the Griffin Commander said.
"The Basilisk Knights?"
"No!"
"But that leaves-"
"That is enough." King Phillip interrupted. "One way or another this Conquistadors will come to Tristain."
"My King,"Arthur said. "Might I be permitted to share my thoughts?"
"Permission Granted Sir Arthur de Marcillac."
"These Conquistadors are blinded by their belief that one old Artifact will be enough to threaten a Kingdom." Arthur began. "Then I propose we destroy this Artifact they speak of."
"Are you mad young one?" the Basilisk Commander asked. "Eyewitnesses from Albion shared their experience, not to mention not one was able to even damage the Artifact."
"And we were to agree with their terms?" Arthur asked. "Would providing one army be the only thing they will request from us? I don't think so my fellow Commander. This is no quest for the Holy Grail, this is a campaign. And a campaign needs time, and resources. Not to mention this group have no backing from any Kingdom according to my information gatherer."
"Holy Grail?"
"What is Sir Arthur talking about?"
"Is he referring to Lord Brimir's Chalice?"
There was quite the murmuring and whispering when Arthur mentioned spoke.
"Elaborate Sir Arthur." King Phillip said.
"Sir Ezra of L'otal-"
"The Commoner?" interrupted one of the Nobles.
"- the Knights of Round's information gatherer called in a few favors, and was able to get information about this Conquistadors." Arthur explained. "From what he has gathered, these Conquistadors are a group of Fanatic Nobles and Soldiers, from both Gallia and Romalia, who are obsessed with expanding their borders into the Holy Land."
"I do not trust the Commoners words Sir Arthur." the Griffin Commander stated. "He could have been offered a sum of money to lie to you."
"He has yet to fail me," Arthur replied. "Though his methods may be questionable to you, I assure you Griffin Commander, he is loyal to the Knights of Round and Tristain."
Arthur looked at the king before asking permission again, to which the king granted. "These Conquistadors have no backing from Gallia and Romalia, and are nothing more than a group of madmen who believe that just because they have a powerful Artifact, they could do as they please. If we are to engage them, I am confident that both Kingdoms would not mind losing a few fanatics."
"But Sir Arthur," one Lord pleaded. "If we are to fight back, Albion will not be able to provide help. They already lost a number of Airships."
"And as long as this Artifact is in tact, they will be able to do anything they please." Arthur explained. "Say they decide to use this against the Kingdoms, instead of just to conquer the Cold Desert. What could our small group of Knights and Soldiers do? What if they do not manage to get the support they need, and will use force to ensure their will be done?"
"Those are just speculations Sir Arthur!"
"I doubt they would use it against the Kingdoms." one Noble stated.
"Might I remind you that they destroyed Albion's Air-fleet because they refused to help these Conquistadors." another Noble said. "I may not like it, but Sir Arthur has provided a valid point, these Conquistadors are only acting as such because they have a powerful weapon, if we take this away from them they will be silenced."
It sparked another argument and the gathered Nobles are once again at a lost. Many began conversing with their neighbor considering Arthur and the other Noble's words, while the King and the Cardinal were conversing with the other Older Lords.
"I have a plan." Arthur stated. "This involves my Knights and a bit of help from Albion if they agree."
His eyes scanned the surrounding before casting a silencing spell wide enough to cover the entire room. "First the Knights of Round and our soldiers will be the ones to take the battle head on, while the the Basilisk and Griffin Knights attack from behind."
"Such a cowardly tactic!"
"Unacceptable!"
"Such disgrace!"
"The goal is to destroy their Artifact," Arthur explained. "Something I can personally do. If Albion can provide even a small group to attack the Conquistador's Ariships, our chances of destroying the Artifact will be greater."
More shouting occurred as more Lords began to argue about the plan Arthur presented, while King Phillip and Cardinal Sergio remained silent.
"Enough!" King Phillip called for order. "Sir Arthur, are you confident you can destroy that Artifact."
"Yes Your Majesty." Arthur replied without doubt. "As of recent information, Tristain's Knights may be able to hold it's ground against the gathered mass that is the Conquistadors. If we can get even just a little bit of help from Albion, we have a greater chance to silence them."
King Phillip was in deep thought for quite some time before giving his final decision. "Basilisk Commander evacuate the population of the border towns in, we will limit the battle at our borders if necessary. We have five days left before I send my response, that would be enough to limit casualties."
He scanned the surrounding before setting his eyes on Arthur. "Sir Arthur, we will go with your plan, under the condition you show us how you plan on destroying this Artifact. Griffin Commander send your fastest flyer to Albion, with information of the plan, and have him wait for their response."
Arthur nodded when the king mentioned him, before setting his hand on a sword at his side. "Shirou, I hope this idea of yours work."
Emilya began to gather a set of clothing and armor. She did so discreetly as possible and when news spread that Tristain will engage the Conquistadors, she knew the plan she told Arthur was the one chosen.
However, her actions didn't go unnoticed by Karin. A day before the inevitable, her disguise was finished and she sneaked out the Mailliart Manor. She managed to reach the gates before someone grabbed her. Emilya quickly traced a sword and swung at the one who grabbed her, before it was stopped by an enchanted swordwand.
"Karin?" Emilya asked as she could now make out the face of the one who grabbed her.
"You don't think I would not notice you creating a disguise now would you?" Karin asked.
"Karin what are you doing?"
"Isn't it obvious dear sister? I'm going with you, or I could just make a commotion and prevent you from leaving."
POST CHAPTER NOTES:
To answer/reply to some recent reviews:
1. I do believe that Emilya (Shirou + Illya) ages normally because Rin states in Heaven's Failure that Illya managed to create a Miracle. And some confusing notes state that Illya's Body was remade to house Shirou's Soul, because UBW and Reasons maybe... So yeah, Emilya ages normally I guess?
2. Lancer, I hope you're not dead, yet. (Anybody get the joke?) About the world building, I have only a few mentions about Karin's younger days in Familiar of Zero, so most are made up.
3. I have quite a few more references that can be used, maybe...
4. Define good?
Anyways, Merry Christmas Everyone!