The intro opens with Anne's hands on the Calamity Box, opening it. Light from inside the box shines brightly before it switches to a scene that shows Kenji, Anne, Sasha, and Marcy, looking inside. Suddenly there was a white light and everything when blank.
Kenji was on the ground when the light faded, covered in mud with Anne next to him. When he woke up, he looked shocked to see he was in Amphibia with Anne. The two friends stood up and looked at their surroundings in awe.
The camera then zoomed out and showed the entire world of Amphibia.
Tenohira ni kizama re teru
Tsugihagi no yona sono sen ni furete
The scene then changed to the town of Wartwood as the frog inhabitants go about their daily lives. As a pair of dragonflies fly past the camera, it followed them until stopping at the Plantar farmhouse while the sun was starting to rise in the sky.
When the camera changed to show the house's front door, Kenji and Anne stepped out from inside and out into the world. Ready to take on the day. But first, they ducked their heads under some dragonflies that passed them.
Hibiware sona atama to
Gurasu ga sasata kokoro de mae hashiru
The camera moves up to a window on the side of the house. Sprig opened the window with a telescope in hand. He looked through it at the horizon before slipping off the windowsill and started falling. Inside the house, Hop Pop was reading one of his books in his study when Sprig's falling and screaming made him look at his window. Down on the ground, Sprig had landed in Polly's bucket. His little sister responded by punching her brother in the butt. Sending him flying out of the bucket. She then dove back into her bucket of water.
Sprig landed on Anne's head, and the three of them smiled at one another. Then Sprig pointed at something. Kenji pulled out one of his Class Cards, and the friends rushed off into the unknown.
The scene changed to show Kenji, Anne, and Sprig hopping across multiple mushrooms that lit up when one of them landed on it.
Koware kake no sekai
Kuzure so o de memai
The next scene showed Anne, Sprig, and Kenji running for their lives from a giant chicken monster. Kenji summons a black steed from his Rider Card then gets the others on and gallops away faster from the giant poultry. The scene begins to break apart as red line spread across the screen.
The next scene showed Sprig, Anne, Kenji, Polly, and Hop Pop fishing together on a lily pad before it suddenly rose into the air. Underneath it was a giant fish that started swimming around as everyone started screaming. Kenji, however, started stabbing it with a black broadsword. The scene to break apart like the scene before.
Another scene showed Sprig in a temple looking at something before Kenji and Anne came rushing down the stairs beside him. Anne picked him up as they ran away from a giant boulder that came crashing into the temple. And just like the last two scenes, it begins to break apart in red lines.
Karappo na karada de
Ibtsuna shikai
The next scene showed a red, dark area. Anne and Kenji had their backs together, and both having looks of determination. Anne raised her card: Alter Ego, and Kenji raised his card: Saber as the cards begin to glow.
Still, in the same scene, the viewer is suddenly pulled back to reveal that they were surrounded by dozens of twisted frog/toad/newt-like creatures and a giant snake crawling up from behind them. Towering over them and hissing.
Zokkuri to myako o utsu inochi no sen
Naifu de nazotte nobashite shimaetara
ne dareka oshiete Tsuki ga mierunara
The amphibian-like abominations started attacking as Kenji now armed with Balmung/Gram and Anne now armed with the Absolute Sword – Endless Three-Stage rushed towards the viewer. Smashing, slicing, and killing any twisted being that came at them. Just as the viewer watched them go past the camera on both sides, the Giant Snake lunged at the fleeing kids. Its mouth opens as it comes towards the camera before the viewer is in the blackness of the snake's mouth, but it didn't last long as Kenji swung his sword and cuts down the snake with one strike.
Kesenai de
mada kesenai de
The scene changed again to a split screen with the left side show Anne's photo of herself, Kenji, Sasha, and Marcy together being held in a gloved hand and on the right is an older man in his fifties with a grin on his face. A flash of light showed the man's face more and the infamous Toad Tower in the background.
Kienaide mada Kienaide
The final scene of the intro showed Kenji standing in the middle of a road looking at the Class Cards he has. He looked to his left and saw Anne walking over to him with a smile. Then Sprig came over to his right and jumped on Kenji's shoulders while Fou jumps on his head with a content smile on his face. Hop Pop and Polly walked/hopped over and joined the trio. The screen begins to pan downwards as it shows reflections not of the group but of legendary heroes of Earth's history.
The intro ends with the title of the story.
FATE / CALAMITY
Book 1: Amphibia
Chapter 19: The Fated Day of Combat
One day, in Amphibia, Hop pop was taking the kids to another part of town. While Hop Pop heads to a convention called Crop-Con, Anne, Kenji, Jack, Fou, Sprig and Polly are forced to stay at a daycare center.
"I still can't believe you're bringing us to a daycare Hop pop," said Sprig. Anne, Sprig, and Polly looked agitated while Kenji, Jack, and Fou looked confused.
"Look, I'm sorry okay," said Hop pop. "But I have to go to the annual Crop Convention. It's a long way away, and I can't leave you kids on the farm alone for the weekend."
The kids, besides Kenji groan. "Are you sure about this Hop pop? It seems a bit excessive." Kenji asked as Jack nodded.
"Yeah, I'm sure we can take care ourselves while you're out for two days, Granpop!"
"Fou!" The little creature said as Hop Pop sighed.
"Look, I know that you kids don't like it, but this is just to make sure you kids are watched after" Hop Pop replied. "You kids need supervision. Why sometimes, it feels like we have two wacky adventures a week."
Kenji, Anne, Fou, and Jack look at each other with shock. Then, look at the invisible viewing audience.
"Is it just me or did things just got meta?" Kenji said as the group reach their location, an honestly decrepit looking tower, just asking to be toppled over by the smallest gust of wind, it had its own ancient look to it.
"Here we are," said Hop pop. The second they pulled up to the entrance the door at the foot of the building was slammed open. The figure who opened the door is shown to be a light green male newt with lighter shaded spots on his tail wearing an old school instructor's outfit.
"Greetings, I am Tritonio Espada. The instructor of this daycare." The newt politely bowed to them all, introducing himself confidently.
"Huh, I thought Briar and Iris Bogwater ran this place," said Hop pop with a raised eyebrow.
"The Bogwaters retired last year and sold their business to me," said Tritonio.
"Well in that case, I am Hopediah Plantar," he greeted. "This here is Sprig, Polly, Jack, Anne, and Kenji. These two may be gigantic, but they're also children."
"Hey!" Anne complained as Jack giggled. Kenji rolled his eyes and shrugged it off.
"Ah, yes," said Tritonio. "I shall educate them. Teach them true discipline."
Hop pop was most pleased with his determination. "Oh, I like the cut of your jib, Mr. 'Treytony'. Did I say that right?"
"Certainly not," replied Tritonio with a frown.
Behind Bessie's shell, the kids grouped together. "So, what do you guys think?" Polly asked.
"Well, it's not so bad I guess," said Sprig. "There is a cool tower. But what about you?"
"I'm still a little edgy about this ordeal. But I'll give it a chance," said Kenji.
"You guys don't get it," said Anne. "Tritonio's a teacher, an enemy of all that is good."
"What's so bad about teacher's Mama?" Jack asked as she tilts her head in confusion.
"Let's just say, me and them don't mix," replied Anne. "Teachers, they just don't like me. Probably because of my carefree spirit." Kenji sighed as he decided to pop her haughtiness towards teachers, Anne just doesn't realize what she's talking about.
"She thinks that teachers back home are giving her a hard time. But really she doesn't pay attention to them, which gives our teachers a hard time." Kenji said as Anne gave him a look of betrayal.
"Traitor."
"Not going to lie, Anne. That's how I am."
"…Touche."
"Welp, kids," said Hop pop. "Looks like you're in good hands here with Mr. Tritonio. Crop Con, here I come." Hop pop takes Bessie and rides off to Crop Con. Tritonio watches the elder frog until he is out of his sight and then turns to the kids with a smile on his face.
"Finally, it is just us now," he said. "So let us cast aside this illusion, yes?" He tears off the instructor's outfit revealing his true self. He possesses dark-purple hair and facial features, a short mustache and goatee. He dresses in a French-style, wearing a typical vintage red French jacket with a brown belt fastened with a golden buckle and white puffy sleeves. He also wears long black heeled boots and grey pants.
"Woah," said the kids.
"And this is no mere daycare," said Tritonio as he kicked a nearby sign. "This is a combat crash course, for kids."
Sprig and Polly were excited about the change of venue of where they're staying for the weekend. Kenji smiled, realizing this was going to be an interesting weekend. "Adults, they shelter their children, I say 'no, teach them to fight.' For danger lurks around every corner in Amphibia. Stay on your toes, trust no one. Ahh! Look over there?!" he cried to Sprig, pointing behind him.
"Ah! What is it? Danger?" Sprig asked, before his head was smacked with a stick.
"I said trust no one," said Tritonio. "Now follow me, and we'll begin the next lesson." He hops back into the tower and Sprig follows him.
"This guy's awesome," said Polly with a big grin on her face.
"Ehh, we'll see," said Anne with suspicion as She and Polly followed them.
As much as Kenji was invested in what he was saying, he couldn't help but pick up on the suspicion behavior from the newt, he'd been trying to look at the frogs more than just what they seemed, but even now, something felt off.
"Something wrong Papa?" Jack asked as Kenji looked towards Jack and Fou who both had a concerned look on their face.
"No…nothing's wrong."
Even Kenji had to admit, the inside of the tower was almost like a hall of armor, caped to the brim with shields, equipment and weapons of all sorts, his eyes were practically shining as he admired every single detailed craftsmanship that was out for display.
"You really like this kind of stuff huh Kenji?" Anne recalled, only met with denial from him. He was slightly embarrassed on his slight obsession with things like this.
He never normally was but seeing Anne trying to peer in on it made him feel self-conscious for some reason, "I just think it's cool, nothing you need to look too far into," Getting a tad too defensive, Kenji brushed off her claim.
"Hehe. Papa's embarrassed." Jack said as she and Fou let loose a chuckle as Kenji just sighed at this as he rubbed their heads.
"None of that, you two."
"Now, now. There is no need to fret, I want each one of you to pick out a weapon of your choosing. Make sure it is something that resonates with you!" Tritonio said, making the others look around as Polly was rather quick on her chose; it was something that fit her perfectly, a barrel of glowing blue mushrooms.
"What a lovely chose m'lady! These are the lovely boom shrooms. They can seem harmless and no help, but if used properly..." Clicking the bottom of the mushrooms much like a grenade, Tritonio tossed it up into the air watching it detonate into a bright blue explosion, leaving Polly stunned and amazed.
Jack, with Fou resting on her head, looked around the line of weapons and saw something that caught the little girl's eyes. It is a set of four strangely shaped crimson knives. However, these knives were not just normal knives.
These knives were hers, Her Noble Phantasm: Maria the Ripper.
"Ah I see that you found something you like. Daggers: small yet effective for quick attacks." Tritonio said as Jack nodded as takes the knives from the stand and places them into sheaths that she had on her. "They fit you quite well."
'You have no idea.' Jack thought to herself with Fou looking at her in confusion as Anne wandered around the tower's arsenal both lost and uninterested on what to pick.
'What the heck, doesn't really matter what I pick anyway.' Anne thought as she made a basic chose on one of the several swords hung up, until she was stopped by Tritonio slapping her hand away. "No! Wrong!"
"What? Why?!" She yelled out rubbing her now red hand, confused.
"You do not have the dexterity to wield two swords at once! Learn how to properly use your first sword first and well see if you're ready for dual wielding." said Tritonio sounding weirdly serious. Despite that, he allowed Sprig to make a chose without any thought to it whatsoever, being two Sai blades.
Kenji was making sure to put some actual thought in what kind of weapon he wanted, not bothering to admire the metal or how it was made after all he knew nothing about that, he only appreciated the weapons designs and how they looked.
"Having trouble, young man?" Tritonio asked as Kenji shook his head.
"Not really. I'm good with what I got." Kenji said as he draws out his broadsword and Arondight, which Tritonio looked like he saw masterpieces in front of him.
"Very unique blades, but can you wield them?" Tritonio said as he presents a training dummy
Nodding, Kenji waltzed pass the newt, swinging the two swords with as much force needed, cleaving into the standing target that had been presented for them, impressed with how well it worked as it splits into multiple pieces. He gave it a few more swings of it, slashing at nothing.
"Yep, I can wield them." Kenji said with a smirk as Tritonio did the same.
"Let's get started."
The rest of today consisted of several strangely specific training exercises, Kenji and Jack were fruitlessly jumping into the swing of things, hopping through each one of the tire holes that were presented. Fou, Sprig, and Polly found it at relatively the same ease, quickly following behind the two. Anne was going to start the exercise just like them, before Tritonio quickly chastised her posture ruining any kind of determination she may have had.
It was the same for any other trial, when climbing monkey bars, whether it was by Sprig sling-shotting his tongue across each slot, or Polly as she made her way over the top of the bars. Kenji and Jack effortlessly swung from each one; Kenji could somewhat rely on his upper body strength to claw his way across while Jack relies on her nimbleness to cross the monkey bars.
Like before, Anne began to climb as well, she wasn't as fit as Kenji, but she was a reasonable athletic person, hence her reasoning for becoming a tennis player, that and it was solo sport. Yet again, Tritonio made it a point to call out Anne on how she was slacking, "You must be nimbler like Jack, Anne, you'll never make your way up a train car being that slow!" he explained, his words were weirdly cryptic as the others looked at him in confusion.
Afterwards, all four of them were tasked with ascending the ancient tower, which was just as hard as it seemed, as neither one of them could slip up or it would be straight down to the bottom.
"Tritonio's awesome isn't he!" Sprig gushed, jumping off a collapsing piece of rubble.
Kenji nodded; his eyes glued to the each of the bricks that could possibly be used to hoist him higher up, for some reason he felt a weird determination to climb up to the top as Anne could only let a low grumble.
"I'm glad you guys are enjoying yourself," she said as Anne sagged once more as Tritonio ridiculed her hand stance. "What'd I tell ya? The guy's totally picking on me,"
"You know Mama, it wouldn't hurt to ask him why he's being hard," said Jack as Sprig nodded.
"She's right," said Sprig. "Tritonio says, 'An honest dialogue is more powerful than any weapon.'"
Anne replied in disgust, "That's the corniest thing I've ever heard-" Not realizing that she let go of the wall, Anne stumbles back and falls. But Kenji catches her by her arm.
"I got you, Anne." Kenji said as Anne smiles at what he did, but then Tritonio says,
"Even your falling needs work, Anne."
Later that night, Anne was sitting on top of the tower feeling gloomy. She told her friends that she wanted to be alone, however Kenji, with Fou sitting on his right shoulder, and Jack thought otherwise. They sit by her sides, getting her attention.
"I thought maybe you could use a friend in this situation," he said. Anne gestured her hand allowing them to sit next to her. The three stared off into the starry night, unaware that Anne was leaning her head on Kenji's shoulder. Suddenly, Tritonio appeared behind them with three bowls of food.
"You two should eat. Only fools fight on an empty stomach," he said. Kenji and Jack nodded as they take a bowl of food and decides to let Anne and Tritonio talk it out.
"Tritonio, can I ask you something? Why don't you like me?" Anne asked as the newt looked at her in confusion.
"What? I like you, Anne," said Tritonio.
"But you've been super tough on me for no reason," said Anne as she begins to vent out her frustration towards him. "Just like my teachers back home."
Tritonio listened, nodded at what she said and begun to speak up, "Anne, if I seemed tougher on you, it's not because I don't like you. It's because I see a girl who is not living up to her full potential."
"Really?" Anne asked with a raised brow as Tritonio nodded.
"Indeed," he replied. "In you I sense someone that, with a little effort, could achieve greatness. And I am sure, your teachers back home, feel the same way."
"He's not wrong about that," said Kenji as the two looked at him now. "I used to have trouble with teachers. But when I asked for help, they were always there to give me the boost I needed. Don't think you can do everything by yourself Anne. It never hurts to ask for help or encouragement."
"That's right!" Jack said as the others turned to her. "It's never a problem to ask for help, Mama!"
"Fou!" the little creature said as Anne smiles at the group, now feeling a little better as Tritonio stood at the edge of the tower.
"Get some sleep children," said Tritonio. "For tomorrow, the real training begins." With that said he leaps of the roof and lands in a pile of hay. Anne, Kenji, and Jack smile at each other, knowing that they are ready to listen with the little creature tilting his head.
Now training in the equipment room that they had previously been introduced to at the start of their combat camp, Kenji was currently sparring with Sprig – who was using his tongue wrapped around Sai as a long-ranged weapon. Kenji was quick to disarm him of his Sai's with Arondight, claiming victory.
Polly was enjoying her own company prepping one boom shroom atop of another, causing an even more devastating explosion while Jack was using her speed to tear apart a nearby training dummy with her knives.
More importantly, Anne was locked in a duel with Tritonio, currently losing. The newt was simply too fast and tricky to handle, his swordsmanship was leagues above hers, although she still had an idea up her sleeve. After all, everything he went on about was thinking outside the box to win a fight; so, with the sun just peeking through the window and casting over her eyes, she bounced the light off her newly gifted sword blinding Tritonio and allowing her to knock the fencing blade right out of his hands and across the room.
"Each of you are all ready, I am proud of each one of you," Tritonio smiled, as he led the kid to a door nearby "Which is why I've prepared this final test for you all!"
He opens a door to a lower chamber, showing blueprints and railroad maps. "Tomorrow is our last day together," Tritonio announced. "So, I put together an exercise to test all your skills you've learned. I have rented a train, inside of which I have hidden a 'fake' priceless ruby. Also, I have hired actors to portray guards who will stop at nothing to keep the ruby safe. You must retrieve it, using the wisdom and skills I have taught you. Now study these plans, become one with the plans, eat the plans." He takes a piece of the plan and eats it to prove his point.
Not to long later, after having heard the explanation, Kenji was the most skeptical about it all, "You want us...to rob a train, that you've apparently rented out with hired actors and a fake train conductor to steal a fake ruby, did I get that right?" He repeated everything he had heard, his monotone voice not helping his words.
"Why yes, is there a problem?" Tritonio questioned, ignorant to how suspicious everything sounded.
Kenji had no opportunity to argue his reasoning before Anne smacked her hand over his mouth, keeping him shut, "No problem! We'll make sure to study these maps!"
Triotonio nodded as he heads back up the stairs. "We leave at dawn." As he leaves the kids alone, they start questioning his plan.
"So, does anyone else think that we're robbing an actual train?" Sprig asked as Kenji and Jack quickly nodded at what Sprig said.
"No doubt about it," Jack said.
"I could see it a mile away," said Kenji said with his eyes narrowed.
"That's ridiculous," said Anne, defending her teacher. "Tritonio is a good person who believes in me. I think we should do it."
"You seem oddly invested, Mama." said Jack.
"Fou!" The little creature said.
"What happened to you Anne, you're being weirdly compliant," Sprig squinted his eyes, peering up at his best friend.
"Yeah, what happened to the 'I hate teachers' Anne?" Polly added, seeming just as doubtful. Checking that Tritonio was gone, Anne face became overshadowed, lifting the tadpole up into the air,
"That Anne is dead and buried!"
No longer getting to argue with Anne's persistence, Kenji accepted defeat and went along with plan, "Just saying, I don't trust this..." he said while still being suspicious.
"Same here." Jack said in the same tone as her Papa.
It was morning when the group were nearby the train tracks ready to spring their plan. Kenji had to make sure that Fou stayed at the Combat Camp while they do their final test.
For starters, Sprig was one who would instigate the start of the plan, a plan that had been thought out by Anne, surprising Kenji as he hadn't really been all the much help in the development process of how they were going to get on.
Masquerading as a young orphan, the train skidded to a halt just before it could hit him, "Please sir's I'm just a young lad, trying to find a home; and now I've wounded my leg."
"Poor kid, guards help me!" The conductor ordered, grabbing the attention of the toads inside of the train.
Leaping into action, Kenji hoisted Anne, Jack, and Polly up to the front of the train, clambering up it himself. He lifted the hatch to reveal the top of the beetle that seemed to be driving the train, only slightly poking Arondight into it, revving the creature back up.
Anne had expected the train to quickly speed off, preparing herself against a pole. Only for it to slow start chugging along, "This is what is similar to Earth, c'mon!" Anne let a cry of frustration escape her.
Still, it wasn't enough for the guards to keep up with, especially as Sprig shot his tongue out, knocking them off their feet, "Haha!" Bounding off the conductor, Sprig was quickly grabbed by Kenji placing him onto the train.
"Nicely done, although if those are actors, you might want to tone it down," Kenji observed, wincing internally at how roughly the toads had hit the floor.
Even Sprig acknowledged what he'd done, "Yeah, but it's like Tritonio said, the beauty of actor is how it feels."
"Yeah, and I bet they really felt it when they smacked into the floor," Kenji deadpanned, shaking his head, and sagging his shoulders.
Suddenly, the conductor returned smacking his sword downwards, only narrowly missing the pink frog, "I trusted you!" he yelled in outrage.
Anne came to his aid in a hurry, blocking the blade and pushing back and off the train onto a nearby hill, "Sorry," Kenji said in a tone that was just above his usually pitch.
"These are some really good actors," Anne recognized, almost impressed with how real it all was.
The five of them made their way across the train eventually reaching the car that housed the 'fake' gem. Polly wasted no time, blowing off the locks with her boom shrooms.
Each of them dropped down into it and stared an overly realistic red jewel, "Anne, this feels way too real. Something's not right," Kenji turned to the girl, his eyes saying all he needed.
"Proud is an understatement," said Tritonio as he jumped in the car. "You've all done so well."
That's when Kenji and Jack nodded, "Hey Tritonio, what was the first lesson you taught us?"
"I know," said Anne with a smile. "Trust no one."
"Exactly," said Kenji as he and Jack unsheathes their blades and points them at Tritonio. "Don't trust a master thief!"
"Woah, Kenji!" Polly cried as the others were surprised by Kenji and Jacks actions toward Tritonio who was oddly calm about the situation.
"It all makes sense now," said Kenji. "The train, the guards, the charming encouragement. He has thief written all over him."
Tritonio chuckled knowing that he was caught, "Clever boy. I have to say, even I'm impressed."
"Wait, so you really are a master thief?" Anne asked, a look of betrayal shown on her face.
"Indeed, I am." replied Tritonio as he quickly grabbed the jewel before anyone else could do anything, jumping out of the hatch while promptly slamming it behind him and locking the hatch shut with the group locked in.
"Sorry kids, I really was proud of how far you've come. But there's no way I could've robbed this train myself. So, give my regards, to the guards!"
"Not funny!" Polly belittled.
Anne slid against the wall in defeat, brandishing the sword from its sheath staring her appearance, "The first teacher who I actually got along with double-crossed us!"
There didn't any time to sit around though, Kenji skepticism had been realized and he knew Anne wasn't contempt with just sitting around to wait.
"Polly. You still got those boom shrooms?" Anne asked, the only response being the tadpole revealing an entire cluster of them.
"How did you even carry tho- Y'know what? Never mind, blow that hatch open, Polly."
"Ah, they were good kids. Too bad they must go to prison foreve-" An explosion to the ceiling immediately cut him off, "I should have seen that one coming," Tritonio said to no one in particular, as the kids climbed back up on top of the train.
The group stared down at the thief as the battle will begin on who will strike first. Kenji was first as he was directly met with Tritonio's sword, having the fortitude to hold it back and reflexes to stop it. It didn't mean much however, Kenji was able to hold himself in a fight, but even he had to admit that there was a definite gap between the two of them. The sword swished around Arondight completely sweeping Kenji up into the air before landing back on the now speeding train,
"You're fast Kenji, especially involving your reflexes. But you're fighting style, it ends up being rigid because of you second-guessing things, that will be your downfall!" Tritonio said with a grin, but stopped as he raised a brow as Kenji chuckled.
"You're right. That's why I got a plan B. NOW JACK!" Kenji said as Jack jumped above him and tried to stab the newt. Tritonio was quick to step back from getting stabbed as now must deal with two opponents at once. Unfortunately for Kenji and Jack, the newt was more skilled in combat than he looks as he was able to keep up them as he uses his tail to sweep them off their feet and almost sent them off the train car. With some level of intuitive thinking, Kenji grinded Arondight into the side of the train car, holding himself up, but with no real way to climb back on in time as he caught Jack.
"Are you ok, Jack?" Kenji said in concern for his 'daughter' as Jack looked up him with dizzy eyes.
"Yeah…I'm ok, Papa." Jack said in a tone that shown that her world was spinning.
Sprig and Polly tried their hand against Tritonio with their weapons, but he handled them with ease as he knocks them out. The Newt thief veered his eyes back over to Anne, egging her on.
Working like a charm, Anne grits her teeth and charged at him, angrily forcing herself to swing her sword up and back down just as fast. It was easily countered, stopped, and used to prop him and rest himself on the sword, booting his foot right into her face. She lost her footing, almost slipping right off the train. A sword in her face only served to inch her even closer to edge.
"ANNE! / MAMA!" The group said in fear for the young woman who would more than likely fall to her death.
"I never should've trusted you!" Anne berated, her voice shaky, feeling her shoeless foot teetering to the point that it was off the train. Whilst she was keeping herself upwards, Anne winced as the sun flashed in her eyes for a moment, "But you also made a mistake"
"Oh, yes? And what is that?"
"You taught me how to fight!"
Like she had previously, Anne shifted the light off her sword, stunning Tritonio for a moment, entangling the broadsword with his fencing one, flicking out of his hands and far away from the train, as the others held Tritonio down as Anne pointed her sword to his face. This is her victory.
"School is out teach!"
Later, the driver and guards arrive with the local law enforcement. At that time, the curse wore off and Tritonio was unfrozen.
"Thanks kids," said the driver. "The tower's been trying to catch this slimeball for months. Been robbing trains with kids for several times now, the sicko."
"Well, there was one flaw that he failed to see," said Kenji. "A couple of us are teenagers."
The cops take him on the train, changing course to the tower. "See you around Kenji and Anne," said Tritonio. "I wasn't kidding when I said you had potential. You both certainly bested me."
"Save it you crook," said Anne with a crossed look on her face. "I just have one more question for you. Was the goatee even real?"
Tritonio was silent before he takes it off for a moment, "What do you think?" The guards close the door, and the train takes off.
However, the group just realized something…
"Oh crap! How in the world are they going to get back to Combat Camp before Hop Pop gets back?!" Kenji said as the other begun to panic a little as the situation they are in. Jack, however, sensed something as she turned to the direction where she sensed it. The others were confused at her action and turned to where she was looking. They were surprised to see a tall figure cloaked in a white cloak approaching them. From the clanks that the group heard, the person was more that likely is wearing armor underneath that cloak.
Kenji, Anne, and the other drew their weapons ready for another fight but were surprised when the figure spoke to Kenji. "Young man. That sword that you wield, is that Lancelot's sword?" the mysterious figure asked as Kenji looked towards Arondight before looking back the cloaked figure.
"Yes, it belonged to him before he gave it to me before he passed on. However, I need to know who you are?" Kenji said as the figure reached for his cloak hood, showing that he is wearing armor, but his right arm is a silver prosthetics arm, and pulls down his hood to show a handsome man with long silver hair tied into a ponytail.
"I am known as Bedivere, Knight of Round Table and of King Arthur's Court. And I have a request for you."
After a few minutes, the group with their guide, Bedivere approached a cave as they enter it. The request that Bedivere asked of them is to accompany him to help someone: His king, Arthur Pendragon.
From what Anne and Kenji could remember from history, Bedivere was the first member of the Knights of the Round Table, serving as the steward of the royal court, the king's care-taker. He was one of the few who remained loyal to King Arthur until the end and tended to the king's final moments. Despite not being as popular as knights like Lancelot, Percival, and Galahad, who embarked on the quest for the Holy Grail, he was one of the most senior knights along with Kay and Gawain, displaying a history even older than Arthur, whose name was thought to be derived from the ancient War God of the Celts, Bedwyr. He eventually came to serve the young king out of admiration, entrusting his sword to Arthur and working to become the king's personal guard. Seeing the indifference as the king was trying to be fair without allowing personal feelings to interfere, Bedivere's most wanted wish is to see his true face and expressions by being near her. Although he thought her true self would become apparent outside of her court duties, his eventual promotion to the rank of Imperial Guard proved him wrong. Although he guarded her more closely than the other knights and constantly watched her behavior, he was unable to see the king smile even once.
In one of his adventures as a knight, he accompanied King Arthur and Sir Kay to Brittany, hunting the Giant of Mont Saint-Michel, who was wreaking havoc on Mont Saint-Michel in Brittany and who kidnapped Princess Helena, the niece of the King of Brittany. Bedivere could do nothing while King Arthur and Kay killed the Giant, and as a result the princess died. Her death would continue to wrack Bedivere with guilt, blaming himself for it and considering Princess Helena one of the two people he failed to save, the other one being his king at the Battle of Camlann.
After the end of the Battle of Camlann where the battle between Mordred and Arthur ended in victory and a fatal wound for his king, Bedivere, the only other survivor, takes his king upon his own wounded white horse away from the battlefield. Despite being wounded, he expends all his energy to futilely try to save his wounded king, possibly even believing his desperate thought that Arthur may be able to be saved if they reach the forest. Clinging to the idea that the holy sword, Excalibur, and his king's immortality may save her if they reach a pure place, he refuses to accept the obvious fact that the wound is truly fatal. Not wishing to approve of his king's death while Arthur is still isolated from others without even being rewarded for her accomplishments, he wishes to attempt to fetch help for her.
Laying her against a tree, he plans to hurry to the port where his army is stationed a half a day away, but she awakens and stops him. Mentioning that she had a dream, she says it was a valuable experience. Although he again prepares to depart, she is surprised that she is still "dreaming" while awake, asking if it is possible to see it again upon once again sleeping. Apologizing for the first and last act of dishonesty towards his king, he replies that a strong desire will allow her to experience it again. Praising his knowledge, she asks of him to take Excalibur back to the lake and return to recount his journey. Although he protests, Arthur does not rescind it and he take the holy sword while racked with indecision. He knows his king will disappear upon throwing it into the lake, so he is unable to throw it away due to being unwilling to depart from his king.
He returns to his king twice, each time lying that the sword has been thrown away and only met by the order to follow her command. Although it is a great sin for him as a knight to disobey his king, he proceeds to do so twice, but finds that he cannot change her decision and throws it into the lake upon coming to it for the third time. Upon returning it, it is taken by a white hand and vanishes from the world. Accepting the end of his king, he returns to her as dawn comes, recounting that it was accepted back by the Lady of the Lake. Arthur tells him that he should be proud of following the king's command, and he nods silently to his king's fading voice as Arthur apologizes that she will be taking a long sleep. As he watches over her until the end, he can see his wish come to fruition, a peaceful sleep that Arthur had never been able to obtain. Happy about that fact and thanking the someone who has given his king peace, he proudly watches over his king and asks if Arthur's watching the continuation of the dream.
"So, what happened to King Arthur? Something must have happened before you and you king arrived here." Kenji asked as Bedivere lowered his head with a somber look on his face before he nodded as his question.
"Correct. When we arrived in this world, my king has… changed and not at all for the better. It's probably best to see for yourselves." Bedivere said as the group nodded. The group quickly came to a halt at the large opening. The inner sanctum was massive, a flat top raised section of ground lay in the center. Kenji frowned; he could feel the power radiating from whatever it was that was there.
It was certainly far more than he had been expecting it to be.
"This is…" Anne breathed out in shock as she beheld it, malignant dark power visibly radiated from the central structure.
"Oh-ho?" A voice echoed across the chasm, the group instantly focused onto a figure standing atop the hill, staring down at them. The figure the appearance of a young girl in her early-mid teens with a slender physique, soft pale skin, and golden eyes. She has "finely textured" blonde hair that seems "as if sprinkled with gold dust." Her face shows some signs of emptiness and displays arrogance. She wears black armor with crimson lines on it with an old, styled dress, made from old-fashioned black cloth, underneath. In her hands is a black longsword with red markings on it. Her small stature was completely contrasted by the sheer level of power she radiated from her being. Something Kenji took note of as he prepared himself.
"That's King Arthur? Didn't expect her to be a woman." Kenji spoke up as he stared up at the opposing Saber-Class Servant. "It would appear that the legends of their Dragon blood are accurate. She certainly feels like one…"
"My king…" Bedivere said as he steps forward. "I have come to save you from what you have become!"
"An interesting group you have there, Bedivere." The altered Saber said, ignoring Bediveres proclamation, walked forwards, coming to a stop just at the edge of the drop, her gaze swept over them before falling on Anne and Kenji, eyes narrowed nearly imperceptibly as she stared the two down then she notices a certain sword that Kenji has in his hands. "That sword…Arondight." her face remained blank as she leapt from the ridge, hurtling through the air before crashing into the ground in front of the group with enough force to release a small shockwave.
Kenji and Bedivere protectively in front of Anne, Jack, Sprig, Polly with Kenji raising Arondight in response as Bedivere did the same with his own sword.
"Jack. Keep Anne, Sprig, and Polly safe." Kenji said as Jack nodded and pulls out her daggers. Ready to defend her Mama and her friends.
"If you are to take up the mantle of defenders, then you must prepare yourselves" The Altered Saber began to advance. raising her own sword, she pointed it towards them "With this blade, I shall deem whether your conviction is true."
Kenji steps forwards as he gave Anne the Arondight to hold on to, much to the confusion of the others and his opponent, reaching for something in his coat pocket. In a flick of motion, he pulls out the Saber-Class Card.
"Install: Saber" Kenji said as a pillar of light surrounded him causing the group to cover their eye. When the light dies down, standing in Kenji's place is a man wielding a blade of glowing blue in his hands. Black pants and a long-sleeved black top covered his form, along with armor that covered his shoulders, arms, and all along his legs. A purple cloak was draped over his shoulders. His appearance is what Anne could describe his looks as that like those of an ice sculpture who had attractive features. But has a calm expression like he was a calm before the storm that was about to happen. The looks in his honest eyes can make someone fascinated by them as the color of his gentle eyes gave the impression of a good item to honor gratitude as it shown within the wisdom of his daring gaze, even a single smile from him made women lovestruck, making her very heart go as it pierced her very being.
Arthur remained blank faced at the transformation, although something flickered through her eyes as she stared at him. "Are you to be the sword for them?"
"I am Sigurd, charged with defending my Master and his allies." The King of Warriors replied in a brisk icy voice, pointing his crystal greatsword towards Saber "While my origins of renown are not held in high reguard as yours, Arthur Pendragon." Arthur narrowed her eyes at the distinct lack of respect he showed her
"However, I will devote all of my strength to seeing this through by showing you the difference between the King of Knight to the King of Warriors." Sigurd said as his body begins to glow from pure energy.
Sigurd: The King of Warriors. The posthumous child of Hjördís, and King Sigmund of Frakkland who fell in battle against Odin, shattering Gram into fragments with his spear Gungnir. He was sent by King Alf who married his mother to be raised by his blacksmith and teacher, the Dwarf Regin as his foster-father. He personally revived the sword Gram, "the sword of supremacy in the tree", reforging it anew into a demonic sword that could kill even a dragon, becoming renowned as a demonic sword of both ruin and glory. He soon became the everlasting friend of Grani a descendant of Sleipnir; becoming his steed in turn. As he avenged his father, by defeating the armies that joined King Hunding. Soon becoming a long-time military man of valor and then a dragon slayer by slaying the dragon Fafnir unabated. As he obtained the wisdom of the gods and power, by devouring the dragon's heart after beheading his foster-father Regin who tried to take Fafnir's hoard.
Later in his life he rode forth to the top of the summit on Mt. Hindarfjall, an inhuman devil cave; bravely riding through the flame with his steed to reach her. He came before her, cutting off her mythril armor with Gram. From that act she awakened from her long sleep, but questions him why he is doing this. He should have already known of the prophecy from his uncle. In which is that if both were to meet each other, ruin would await upon both in the future. He replied that, he knew of it and is doing this act because he's only doing what must be done. As love and emotion are not necessary for him; his plan was to go against the prophecy only to save her and not love her then. Brynhildr felt glad, but at the same time she felt sadness inside as well, he said this to her that he intends to do just that. But unfortunately, he had fallen in love with her in first sight, giving her a smile, Brynhildr felt her heart go. As the smile he gave her in which pierced her very center. He then proposed to her, taking her as his wife.
After a time, they had spent together in their honeymoon, she taught him the original runes she had learnt from her father Odin. As time went on, he left her to continue his hero's journey until his return. Sometime during his journey, he had been tricked to drink a special alcohol which was made by Gudrun to have Sigurd forget Brynhildr, so that he may marry her. Gunnar, Gudrun's brother also desired to marry Brynhildr, so he and Sigurd rode off to meet with her, yet she still loved Sigurd and said only the one who passes the trials shall gain her hand in marriage. Gunther knew he could not do it, so he had asked Sigurd for aid. The one she loved the most in the world, disguising himself with runes in the guise of his brother-in-law's shape. Sigurd rode forth with his steed Grani, proposing to her again in the guise of his brother-in-law, however Brynhildr knew it was Sigurd. Challenging him into a fight, although this was sophistry as Sigurd was already much stronger than her. As a result, he won the fight from the combat skills she provided to him from their time together, presenting her as his brother-in-law's wife. Although she initially accepted the events as her immutable fate, she eventually raised her own hand against her beloved one, killing him by slicing him in half while his family and all his followers were killed as well through a conspiracy as she took her own life to follow him into the afterlife
"...So be it." Arthur shot towards him at the same time the King of Warriors charged her, dragging her sword upwards along the ground in a vertical slash, Arthur launched the first attack towards the King of Warriors.
Sigurd swung his own blade down to meet hers. The second they collided, Arthur's strength proved superior to his at this moment as the King of Warriors was launched into the air with the crack of a cannon going off, shooting upwards into the roof of the cavern, and slamming into rock.
Arthur gave a look of distaste before she returned her gaze to Bedivere, raising her sword and preparing her herself to stri-
Her eyes widened as her instinct blared. Kicking her legs backwards just as a crystal greatsword sailed through the air where her neck had been moments prior, pale golden eyes shifted as they trailed back to the Saber servant. The horizontal slash continued, however Sigurd's fist shot upwards, colliding with Arthur's chin, and snapping her head back ever so slightly.
Sigurd slammed his right foot into the ground, the stone crunched downwards where his boot made contact before he shot his knee upwards towards Arthur's gut. The Servant let out a scoff before she swung out her own hand towards his head.
Sigurd leaned backwards so that the back of her fist barely scraped past the front of his head at the same time her other hand swung the blackened holy sword towards his knee.
She never got the chance to remove his leg as Bedivere slammed his silver prosthetic arm into her gut, launching her backwards. Arthur, however, took little time to recover as she skated to a halt. Raising her head and staring back at the servants with no discernable emotion in her eyes.
Slowly raising her sword in response.
Sigurd begins to focus; a teal hue covered his body as he felt his strength double. Arthur had surprised him with the burst of strength, her form was quite deceptive with how much power she could pack into her blows.
"Careful." Sigurd spoke to Bedivere as he joined him at his side "She is just as strong as Lancelot, if not more."
"Ho?" Arthur titled her head "So you knew Lancelot? I was curious as to who could match my strength." she exhaled "But it matters not, he is dead now and whatever curiosity he was died with him."
"I can match her strength for a time." Sigurd whispered to The Silver Arm knight. "However, I am relying on you to strike when the moment arrives."
"I understand, King of Warriors."
"Speaking in front of an opponent." Arthur frowned "How arrogant."
Sigurd shot forwards, instantly disappearing in a burst of speed as he closed the distance between himself and Arthur in barely a few moments. Raising his sword above his head and swinging it downwards towards her.
Arthur scoffed at the obvious attack and swung her own blade to parry the blow aside, only to widen her eyes briefly as she felt the Sigurd match her own strength. 'No... He's stronger now. An enhancement?' she briefly wondered before dismissing the claim. He was stronger than her base strength.
So, she merely released an explosion of magical energy.
Sigurd was blasted away as Arthur charged him down in the wake of the explosion. Sliding to a halt Sigurd was met with Arthurs furious blows as she swung her sword towards him. The two exchanged in a vicious clash. Sigurd narrowed his eyes.
He already knew he was no master swordsman and Arthur was undoubtedly better than him, however swordsmanship was never his forte. He was middling at best, but it was because he focused himself on being able to wield all manner of weapons.
As Arthur bat his sword away, Sigurd raised his palm towards her and multiple knifes shot forward, the burst of energy obscured her form. Then an armored black fist slammed into his gut, sending him shooting backwards and away from her.
Stabbing his sword into the ground to halt his flight, the blade left a gash through the rock as he raised his head, still coughing from the blow, to stare as Arthur marched out of the cloud of smoke, undamaged in anyway.
Sigurd clicked his tongue, the words 'magic resistance' filtered through his mind as a reason for this sudden development.
"A swordsman who uses daggers? An odd thing." Arthur commented "Perhaps if you had spent more time practicing your blade, you would have been above the level of an average knight."
Sigurd let out an amused huff as he straightened himself out, ripping his greatsword free from the ground "I was never a knight to begin with. After all, I'm the King of Warriors."
"Hmph." Arthur merely curled their lip in response, swinging their sword towards him while a wave of magical energy erupted from the blade.
Widening his eyes in alarm, Sigurd kicked off the ground, shooting off into the air as Arthur slammed the wave into the spot where he had stood but moments ago, destroying the area and sending debris shooting off in all directions.
Sigurd flew towards the wall, he tilted his body to hit it feet first, his boots slammed into the rock face as he turned his head to lock eyes with Arthur. The woman recognized his intent and turned to face him as he shot off the wall like a bullet towards her.
The two swords collided with each other with an explosive blast of air, Sigurd's rune boost had given him the means to temporarily match Arthur's strength, however he could feel its power already begin to affect him.
It wouldn't last forever, and it was power that this body wasn't designed to hold.
Arthur pushed the Gram to the side, Sigurd allowed her to do so before he swept his leg towards her, his boot contacted the back of her knee. Arthur grits her teeth in annoyance as she stumbled slightly, Sigurd took advantage of the small blunder to raised his sword high, swinging it down towards her neck.
Their left hand came away from Excalibur's hilt and wrapped itself around Sigurd's wrist, halting the blades descent, at the same time she slashed her own sword toward Sigurd's chest. Recognizing the danger, The King of Warrior's free hand released the handle of his blade and latched itself to Arthur's sword-arm.
The two began to grapple, straining against each other's strength as they both attempted to force their own swords to strike their opponents. Sigurd and Arthur grit their teeth before Arthur began to squeeze down on Sigurd's wrist.
His metal gauntlet began to groan as steel bent under Arthur's grip. The King of Warriors did the only thing he could think of in that moment.
He headbutted Arthur. The woman reacted; a look of incredulity flashed across her features as she felt that. Sigurd could see Bedivere rushing the woman from behind, something Arthur felt as her golden eyes darted to the side as if sensing ger former knight, she scowled, her grip on Sigurd's wrist tightened until a loud snapping sound could be heard as she broke his wrist.
Sigurd let loose a small grunt of pain as his sword fell out of his right hand and clattered to the ground, Arthur pulled back her fist to strike him in the chest, only for Sigurd to rear back his right arm in a back handed motion across his left side and slam his elbow into her jaw.
Arthur's head snapped to the side as Sigurd kicked away from the ground, leaning back to avoid her retaliatory strike at the same time Bedivere swung his prosthetic fist into Arthur's back. The woman let out a small gasp as the metal fist drove the air out of her lungs.
Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she stamped into the ground, spinning her whole body around to face Anne, gripping her sword tightly with both hands and she swung it into the shield. Anne released an intake of breath as the sword slammed into the arm, although he did not falter under the barrage.
Arthur narrowed her eyes, turning around and blocking Sigurd's strike aimed at her back, his greatsword now held in his left hand. The altered Sigurd parried the blow to the side but not before Bedivere slammed his silver metal fist into Arthurs ribs, causing the woman to stumble away from her before turning around to face them again.
Sigurd leapt back so at to stand next to Bedivere, his right hand rendered useless due to the broken wrist and mangled steel gauntlet. Bedivere's eyes briefly flickered to it in concern before focusing back on Arthur with determination.
"A fierce gaze." Arthur noted, moving her other hand to tightly grip the handle of her blade "However, the steel in your eyes is meaningless if you cannot support it." she raised the sword above her head as another burst of power exploded forth from it.
Bedivere widened his eyes in realization of what Arthur was about to do.
"Vortigen, Hammer of the Vile King!" Arthur exclaimed as the power exploded forth from the blade in a jet of dark magic "Reverse the Rising Sun, Swallow the light!"
"Devour my soul and come forth, o silver shooting star." Bedivere raised his prosthetic arm as Sigurd got back, sensing the danger as he stood next to Anne, Jack, Sprig, and Polly to defend them.
"Excalibur-"
"-Dead end, Airgetlam!" Bedivere cried out as he charged forward, the light within the prosthetic arm covered it as the Silver Armed Knight was ready for the attack that was coming.
"-Morgan!" Arthur brought the blade downwards, the beam of malignant black power shot across the ground towards them, the Noble Phantasm crashed into the powered-up prosthetic arm like a hurricane of power, splitting off in several directions. Lances of power reflected by the blast carved up along the chasm walls and roof, causing debris to rain down across the cavern.
Anne, Sprig and Polly let out strangled gasps of alarm as they beheld the devastation, only to cry out in shock when they suddenly felt arms wrap around them, Sigurd scooped up Anne with his arms as Jack did the same with Sprig and Polly as both warriors zigzagged to avoid the falling debris.
Sliding to a stop as the magical energy began to die down, stabbing his sword into the ground, Sigurd cast Dragonkind Modification, the bones in his wrist healed gradually, it wasn't back to its full durability, but it was enough that he could at least move his fingers again.
And that was all he needed.
"Stay put." Sigurd nodded to Anne with an oddly calm voice "I'll be back soon." were his final words to them as he turns on his heel, facing the direction of Arthur before kicking off the ground and disappearing in a blur of movement. Anne wanted to help, so she pulls out her Class Cards to see which one would do the job. One of them was shining bright as it wanted her to call whoever was in this card and she knows what she must do.
Arthur lowered her sword to see Bedivere had survived her assault, for the briefest of moments, a minute smile flashed across her face, although it was such a fleeting event that it could hardly have been said to have occurred at all. Their eyes shot past Bedivere as Sigurd towards them, his greatsword held in his right hand as he skated towards her, grinding to a halt.
"Demonic blade, complete." Sigurd intoned, his greatsword disappearing as he got into a stance with four daggers floating in front of him, spinning at high speeds as energy begins to build around the blades, "Show me your pride."
Arthur's eyes briefly widened in surprise 'That stance-!' was the thought that flashed through her mind, it was a stance she knew all too well and now recognized the similarities the two had held, especially in their rather direct fighting style. Perhaps it was fate that she should be contested by such figures. However, it didn't matter much as Sigurd delivered multiple punches sending the knives towards Arthur before the greatsword appears again as Sigurd sent it launching to Arthur. The knives begin to slash at Arthur who could do nothing against the onslaught as the greatsword pierced through her and impaled into her shoulder, causing her to grunt in pain.
"This is the dawn of destruction...Bölverkr Gram!" Sigurd cried out as he got close to Artur and uses one final punch on his greatsword as a beam of pure destruction erupted from the blade. Arthur let out a cry of pain as the energy seared her body and shattered away parts of her armor.
Sigurd steps back as he calls Gram to his hand as he gazed at the destruction in front of him. Arthur, however, was not without some tricks left. Her magical energy exploded outwards from her body; however, the damage had been done. Heavily wounded with burns covering her body, Arthur slowly turned her head to face them when another voice cut through the air.
"Install:" Anne said as the combatant turned to where she is and saw that she was holding a single card in her hand: the Berserker-Class Card. "BERSERKER!"
When Anne said this a Pillar of black energy with a blue outline surrounded her causing the others to cover their eyes. When the pillar dissipates, standing in Annes place a beautiful young woman with long blonde hair coupled by a crown and a veil covering her face. and empty blue eyes that held little emotion. She seemingly wore a black dress that exposes her navel and abdomen. In her hand is a weapon that is a hybridization of a staff, axe, and sword-spear. While Sigurd, Sprig and Polly had no idea who this woman was, Bedivere and Arthur knew who EXACTLY who this woman is.
"Morgan la Fey." Bedivere said as he raised his sword towards her who only looked at him blankly. What the Silver Armed knight saw was not a woman who is lecherous, cruel, and selfish, a true model of vice. Not a woman who cannot live without cursing others.
No, who Bedivere saw is a ruthless queen who relies only on her own power, a talented woman who has lost her way. A frustrated beauty who is contemplative of her country.
"You…" Arthur said as the other turned to her who raised her sword the Berserker-Class Servant. "You dare show your face to me, Sister?"
"…I believe that you are mistaken Arthur- No, Artoria Pendragon. I'm not Morgan Le Fay. My Name is Morgan Tonelico, Servant Class: Berserker. The Lostbelt Queen who rules over Faerie Britain, and the one who continues cursing Pan-Human History." The Berserker, now known as Morgan, said in a voice that shows her status of being a queen. "And the one who shall put an end to this."
"Hmph. 'Put an end to this'. What can you do against me, witch?" Arthur, now known as Artoria, said as she charges her energy into the sword, ready to unleash her Noble Phantasm once more. However, Morgan saw this as she knows what will happen is she doesn't end it now, so she uses her own Noble Phantasm as she and Artoria were surrounded by a giant sphere of darkness. Sigurd, Bedivere, Jack, Sprig and Polly were surprised by this and wondered what was going to happen next.
The only thing that Artoria could see is only darkness as she tried to find where her enemy is so that she could strike her down and take down the
"Such is the dream of destruction that I always saw. There is no retribution, there is no salvation. Despite being at the Farthest Ends, the birds will sing of tomorrow." Morgan, her voice sounded throughout this dark void, chanted as the area begins to lighten up showing that she sat on a uniquely designed throne as multiple large stakes made of pure energy landed into two straight lines as it began to approached the Altered Saber. Artoria eyes widen as she was about to swing her sword, however she couldn't as two giant stakes slammed next to her as it begins to emit energy hold her in place so that she couldn't swing her sword.
"YOU DAMN WITCH! YOU DARE STAND AGAINTS ME, MORGAN?!" Artoria roared at her hated foe, who only delivered her final words to her.
"Please…Roadless Camelot." Morgan finished her chant as she unleashed her final attack with her Noble Phantasm. Artoria widened her eyes in alarm and looked down as the ground beneath her feet erupted in a pillar of pure energy as Artoria let out a sharp cry of pain from the attack as the area begins to brighten further.
Kenji, who returned back to normal, Bedivere, Jack and the others begin to look around the giant sphere of black energy to see if they can get the two out of there. After a few moments, the sphere begins to crack as the whole thing shattered with a large cloud of smoke soon obscured the sight of the others for a moment before they saw The Queen of Faerie Britain standing tall.
Morgan slowly lowered her weapon with a frown, clicking her tongue "Doesn't feel right killing an opponent who's already weak."
"It had to be done." Kenji said as Morgan turned to Kenji with a slightly raised eyebrow as she slowly nodded her head, a small thoughtful frown flashed across her features.
"Ah." She suddenly made a noise of realization "You're like one of those warriors where it's 'kill or be killed', aren't you?"
"Isn't that how most deadly fights normally are?" Kenji said with a raised brow.
"...Most of the time." Morgan replied, giving a small shrug as she turned her head to the gradually disappearing cloud of smoke, only to grimace and let out a scoff. "So, you survived, Artoria?"
Kenji, Bedivere and the others turned their heads to see what had upset the Berserker, only to see Artoria standing in the scorched rubble, staring at them with a dispassionate gaze.
"Holy Frog, she survived that?!" Sprig said in shock
"What will it take to beat this chick?!" Polly said in frustration.
"You should not worry yourself, Morgan Tonelico." Artoria called out, only then did the whole group notice the golden flakes of light beginning to peel away from her form, a small smile flickered across her face. "I have lost this fight. A Victory for the power that protects...so much like that one." releasing a nearly inaudible sigh, her smile vanished. "It seems that no matter how it is, I always face defeat when alone."
Morgan raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh, you're not normally this chatty, Artoria."
"Is it not the right of a King to show wisdom to the ignorant masses?" Artoria replied as Morgan's features flattened at her statement. "However, you will realize it soon. The Ultimate Holy Grail War will soon begin."
"…I see." Morgan said as she stepped forwards "Till we meet again, sister." The Queen of the Faerie Britain said her peace as Artoria had vanished. Bedivere could only look down in sadness as he felt that he failed to protect his King once again.
"I'm sorry Bedivere. We couldn't keep our promise to help your king." Kenji placed a hand on his shoulder, while Bedivere shook his head.
"No. You did the right thing. I just that we could have saved my king from this." Bedivere said in sorrow as the others felt bad for the knight.
"If I can interject?" Morgan said as she walks towards the group, who turned to her in confusion. "May I offer a solution that can be a benefit for you?"
"And you sure this will work?" Kenji asked Morgan said as she nodded when she finished drawing a circle with multiple symbols drawn within the circle.
"Indeed. This Magic Circle is required to summon a Heroic Spirit via natural means, and sense you've seen who she is, it is very possible to summon her in her true state before her change. Now recite the words once you've used your blood." Morgan said as Kenji sighed as he cuts his palm with his knife and squeezed his hand to draw out blood for it to land on the seal. Splashing a bit more blood into one spot, Kenji wrapped his hand in bandages to stop further. Disgusting business, but the young man needed to get his hands dirty every now and then. The young man stood on the opposite side and steeled himself as he begins to chant the words with the Magic Circle begin to brighten.
Let silver and steel be the essence.
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation
Let blue, silver and gold the color I pay tribute to
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall
Let the four cardinal gates close.
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate.
I hereby declare.
Your body shall serve under me.
My fate shall be your sword.
Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail
If you will submit to this will and this reason…Then answer!
An oath shall be sworn here!
I shall attain all virtues of all of Heaven.
I shall have dominion over all evils of all of Hell!
From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three greet words of power,
Come forth from the ring of restraints,
Protector of the Holy Balance!
FLASH!
A blinding flash of light erupted from the Magic Circle, obstructing the vision of those present.
Once they could see properly again, Jack, Sprig, and Polly gasped at who stood inside the Circle, Kenji and Bedivere couldn't help but share their bewilderment while Morgan could look on without much emotion. The newcomer was clad in clothes of gold, white, and blue of a royal shade. Strapped over these garments was silver armor befitting that of the knights extolled in tales of chivalry and heroism. She has as slender physique and soft healthy skin. She has "finely textured" blonde hair that seems "as if sprinkled with gold dust." with one single strand sticking out at the front while the rest was tied into a bun. Her face shows some signs of naivety and displays elegance. Both hands rested on her sword neither could even see; a localized windstorm seemed to cover every single detail. All of which should have been signs that Kenji had indeed summoned Arthur- No, Artoria Pendragon, the King of Knights.
"I ask you…" And that voice, young but proper, dignified, yet pitched higher than what a grown man could utter, was the final proof that Kenji had summoned the same person who was a girl, "are you, my Master?" Her eyes opened to reveal a startling green, alight with the determination of a noble lioness.
Kenji steeped forward as he shows his left hand to her, revealing the Command Seals that were given to him. "Yes…I am."
Artoria nodded to her Master as she looked to the others with a raised brow, then her eyes narrowed a bit towards Morgan for a moment but stopped as she just realized that this woman was not the Morgan she knew. However, her eyes widened as her eyes landed on the silver armed knight. "Bedivere…"
The silver armed knight was silent before he approached her as he stood in front of the King of Knights. After a few moments of silence, Bedivere kneeled towards his king.
"My King! I'm sorry that I failed to fulfill my duty to you. If you believe that ending my life will atone for my sin, then I won't object to it." Bedivere said as Kenji, Jack, Sprig and Polly looked shocked at what he was saying while Morgan sighed, knowing that something was going to happen here. Artoria was silent before she knelt to him and places her hand on his cheek, causing Bedivere to look at her in surprised at the sad yet proud look on her face.
"Bedivere. You were one of the few who remained loyal to me until the end and tended to my final moments. I have always had faith in your actions and that even from afar, you'll always be one of my knights. Never forget that." Artoria said with a smile on her face. Hearing her words nearly brought Bedivere to tear but he was able to hold himself together.
"I will succeed in living this third life, and that you will be my king Arthur- No. Artoria Pendragon." Bedivere swore as Artoria smiled at her knight's dedication.
"Well then." Morgan said as the others turned to her and notices that her body begun to glow. "I believe that my time is up. I look forward to seeing where this goes." With that said, a sphere of light surrounded Morgan completely. After a few moments, the sphere dissipates, revealing Anne who wobbled for a bit before she fell to the ground. Luckily though, Kenji was close to catch her before she hit the ground as the others coming towards the duo in concern.
"Uhhh…What happened?" Anne asked in a bit of a slur as Kenji let loose a tired chuckle.
"A lot happened. I will tell you on the way back to the tower."
"...Ok."
It was evening when everyone got to the Combat Camp, Anne, Sprig and Polly was bruised and battered while Kenji, with Fou resting on his head and Jack sitting next to him, was bandaging them up, while he was telling Anne about what happened. Bedivere and Artoria were trying some of the weapons in Tritonio's Armory to see what kind of weapon the Silver Armed knight should use.
"And that's what happened." Kenji said as Anne nodded. "So is the pain going down?"
"Sort of." Anne answered with Kenji smiling.
"Oof. You probably dislike teachers more than ever, huh Anne?" Sprig asked.
"You know what? Tritonio might have been a crook but, he was on to something. When I get home, I'm going to give my teachers another chance." Anne then looked at Artoria and saw that she was helping Bedivere looking for a new longsword for him to use.
"M'ok." Polly replied. Then, the kids hear Bessie's chirp. They turned to see Hop Pop then came in with Bessie, both also being battered and bruised.
"Hey kids." He greeted in a battered tone.
"How was the convention HP?" Kenji asked.
"Oh fine. Didn't get swarmed by killer locust if that's what you mean. How was your weekend?"
"Good." Anne said in a tired tone
"Yeah, just a normal weekend." Jack said in the same tone as Anne
"We didn't rob a train." Sprig said.
"Nope. No crimes committed." Polly stated.
"Fou..." The little creature said as Hop Pop nodded.
"That's good. Great to know that we didn't have two wacky adventures." Hop Pop said as the kids got on Bessie then noticed another human, Artoria, coming up to him.
"Excuse me Hopediah Plantar. Do you mind if we stay with you for a while?" She asked as Hop Pop looked at her for a moment before sighing.
"Great. More humans to feed." Hop Pop groaned. He also notices the Bedivere next to Artoria and sighs again knowing that Anne and Kenji would want them to come with them. "All right fine, you can stay. But if anything goes wrong, you're on your own."
"Thank you for your hospitality." Artoria said as she and Bedivere walked towards Bessie as she looked down at the silver armed knight.
"Uh, hi?" Bessie quickly gave him a little snuggle on Bedivere's checks, causing him to chuckle as he pets her which caused her to purr. Artoria smiled as she and Bedivere got on the giant snail and left with the Plantar family.