Author Note: Hi there and welcome to the grand finale...of the first part.
Once more, I appreciate everyone who has reviewed my work thus far, so let's answer some of the questions I received.
Flaming devil - I wil keep the title for Part 2 as well.
hcook10 - I have decided to do a mix of the fights in Fate and FSN, because of Shirou and Saber. In Fate, it's Saber who fights Gilgamesh but in FSN, it's Shirou. So, by placing them together, I had decided to mix it, hence why Gilgamesh used more skills aside from simply standing there like a idiot throwing weapons left and right (in UBW), at least. His skills in Fate was far more believable.
tl34lt12 - Man, please do not compare me with Parcasious. His story Fate-in-time is so awesome and filled with amazing details. Next to his, mine pail in comparison. I do try my best, though, and I appreciate your review greatly.
The-Killer40513 - I have decided against him using the Reality Marble, because Saber was the front fighter in this, not Shirou. But, also, because I don't feel like he should know something just because he fought against Archer and received the information. Truly, that's kind of messed up in my opinion. Even if they are the same person, just how could Shirou replicate something without first knowing about it. It seems weird to me that's all.
Old Steamer - Well, I won't comment on it from fear of showing my hand, so please read the chapter.
Ok, on with the chapter.
Fate Stay Night: Sword and Arrow
Part I – Fifth Holy Grail War - Epilogue
Chapter 10 – A King's Choice
Both warriors were bloody and aching all over the place after their successful encounter with perhaps the strongest servant of all times.
It took their combined effort to finally neutralize Gilgamesh. Shirou with his projections managed to neutralize every single weapon that Gilgamesh could use to throw at them, and Saber constantly stayed on the offensive. They truly were a pair to be commended for their teamwork in the midst of battle and Saber could not help but be amazed by her master…no her partner… no her beloved's growth throughout this entire war. At the start, he had worked well with him aiding her, but right now, she would not have him anywhere else but by her side in their battles.
As such, they both cursed the heavens for that they knew what needed to be done now.
And what the consequence would be if they succeeded in destroying the Holy Grail.
Sure, they had talked about in high detail that this moment would come. They had cherished each other's company for every possible minute together, being in fighting…being in sharing passionate moments on Shirou's room and in his shower. Saber could feel that despite her lover's resolve to go through with this, he was dreading every second of it. Saber could practically feel his heart pounding in his chest for the inevitable moment where they would have to depart forever. She knew it because her heart was the same. The couple's resolve hardened, despite knowing that it would be painfully easy to simply choose a most selfish route and let the grail be.
As soon as they reached the lake where the monstrosity that became of the Holy Grail, the couple stood side by side for a while, as they gathered courage and resolve for what needed to be done.
Saber took a step forward and gathered as much mana as she could from her master and herself.
Bright yellow lights gathered beneath her feet as Excalibur surged. She needed every ounce of the holy sword's power to deliver the final blow. And for that to happen, she also needed her lover to use one of the three yet unused command seals on his wrist. She needed the energy of the command seals to have enough power to destroy the Grail. And she also knew that Shirou was dreading every second of it, though she knew that he would not dare take her away from her oath as a knight. She respected and loved him way too much to even consider that he would take such a selfish and dishonorable path.
"Shirou, I need you to say it…please. Allow me to fulfil my oath here."
Tears fell from her eyes at her request to him, despite never wavering from her position.
Their link right now made it unbearable to even turn to see the pained expression on his face for she knew he was crying as well. Hell, her will power right now was bearing its limits. All she ever wanted was to hug him once more…to kiss him once more…to feel his body on top of her as they made love…to feel his warm embrace as they slept together. However, her mission here took precedence. Either destroy the grail now or risk it killing thousands, even millions of lives. Her master and lover simply would not have that. Shirou, for his part, felt that every second that passed, his heartbeat threatened to jump from his chest. Their mission was clear, though the sacrifice needed was the inevitable end of everything he held most dear to his heart…her…Saber…. Arturia Pendragon…the love of his life…the reason for his entire existence.
However, in choosing not to, he would have disrespected her greatly…disrespected the very attribute he found most endearing.
Her resolve as a knight.
If he were to deny her this, then he would forever see the look of disappointment in her eyes and that would pain him more than anything else. No, selfish just was not a word to describe either of them, Saber more so, because of how much she sacrificed only to see that what she fought for would never happen. She needed closure…she needed this to move on with her life. She needed this to be once more reunited with her family. As such, no matter how much he loved her, he loved her too much to even consider asking her not to destroy the Grail, not after what they had gone through, not after what he had told her.
"Saber…please fulfil your duty."
Saber's resolve was skyrocketed right now as her sword glowed in yellow energy, aided by the power of the command seal. If possible, her love for this man reached unknown limits. They would fulfil this mission together and then she would cherish this memory for all eternity while waiting for him on the other side. She reached her sword up high and screamed the word of her most powerful noble phantasm. But said scream not only meant towards the Grail, but also the unfairness of the world to force them to take his decision.
Ex-CALIBURRRRRRR!
The huge blast of energy hit the grail dead on as they saw the creature scream in pain from the attack. Looking at the sky, a huge bright yellow star enveloped the city as Saber's sword left her hand. It was done. They had finished the mission and Saber could consider that her actions managed to prevent a major catastrophe. However, with that settled, now came the inevitable separation.
She reached for Shirou's hand in order to at least feel him one last time.
She turned to see his face and smiled at his own saddened smile back at her. Together, they did it. As the small bright yellow droplets of energy fell around them, they looked at one another, both wishing for this moment to last forever…Shirou knew that Saber would now return to her time and let go of her contract to become a servant. With that, she would be able to rest in peace and perhaps look down upon him from the sky, to protect and guide him. Saber for her part could only hope that her lover would find a path that he would fill his heart with joy, but different from the path chosen by Archer.
She could only wish the best for him, even if she was now having difficult breathing properly.
As their hands touched one last time, the message to each other was clear.
'Saber/Shirou…I love you'.
Little did they know, however, that one cannot simply kill an entity such as the Holy Grail. It represented the dark of men all around the world. It was corruption incarned. Suddenly, one droplet of mud fell on Saber's arms and it immediately enveloped her entire being. Shirou tried to scream for her, but it was too late. The mud simply enveloped her whole.
===Inside the Grail===
Saber opened her eyes to look at a scenery that she never thought she would witness in her life, well at least outisde the realm of her mind.
Here she was right where her path as a king began. In front of the Stone where Caliburn resided. She could see the sword in all its glory standing there waiting for the suitable king to yank it from the stone and be crowded for the position. The sun was about to settle for the day. Her memory was a blur for a while as she wondered if she was dreaming. Eventually, her thoughts returned, and she remembered destroying the Grail with Shirou. So how could she was here right now and not back at the time where she was killed by Mordred. She would be talking with Bedivere right now, telling him to return her sword to Lady Vivian.
"You figured that with your power, you could kill me child. Haven't you learned it from ten years ago!?"
The hollow feminine voice was nowhere to be found as she was alone in the field with Merlin sitting in front of the stone.
"It's impossible to kill me so much as it's impossible to rid the world of the darkness of men. As long as there is darkness in their hearts, I will always resurface…if not ten years from now…then longer if that what it takes."
Saber snarled at the voice as she could gather the pieces. So, everything was in vain. Everything she and Shirou worked so hard for…. sacrificed so much for…was all to waste. Saber could not help but hold her chest with extreme force at the notion of losing her lover and see that nothing would change in the end. Tears of anger and sadness quikcly fell from her eyes. She screamed at the heavens for such unfairness. Haven't she done enough? Haven't she suffered enough? Why must the heavens curse her once more? Tears were now falling freely as her heart threatened to open her chest wide and explode. She desperately wanted to hold him…to hug him…to be by his side right now. She missed him now more than ever as she felt hopeless.
"Ah, don't be like that child. Rejoice…for as you now have the opportunity of your wish. Anything you desire, I can and will grant you."
Saber stopped and looked at the horizon once more.
Her wish…but the Grail was nothing but a weapon of destruction.
As if reading her mind, Saber heard a hollow dark laughter that sent chills to her spine.
"You believed that I was nothing but a weapon of mass destruction, because that was what you were told." Saber was now at a loss, but the voice continued. "While I can indeed serve with that purpose, my power is intimately related to the one who appears before me, child. If the one who gets to make the wish is evil, then for all intents, I shall be as you described just now…a weapon of mass destruction. Truth be told, everyone that has ever appeared before me had evil intent. I then merely deteriorate what is already rotten inside. You my dear is the first one that's not." Saber then looked at the images of Gilgamesh, Kirei Kotomine and even her old master Emiya Kiritsugu, who despite being his servant, Saber knew how rotten he was on the inside. Gilgamesh was the one who bathed in this mud and thus the grail had corrupted him, but her…
"Yes, you worked so hard and sacrificed yourself to win and now you can claim your reward…it's time to choose…I remember that it was your wish to make someone else pull Caliburn from the Stone. Is that what you desire?"
Saber could see now the image playing in front of her. A young Arturia is walking towards Caliburn only to stop and think about her situation, wondering if she was doing the right thing. Then she could see another person walking towards it and grab the hilt of the sword. The image stopped as she pondered on this exact scenario. It was what she most desired ever since she received the deadly wound from her son millennia ago. Her wish was that another more suitable king would present himself, so that her country would not fall. Turning sideways, she saw herself in said scenario not dressed as King Arthur, but in a beautiful white dress, probably looking up at a different live. Perhaps helping her family with the house chores or even being wed to someone else and have a family of her own.
It was indeed what she pledged her loyalty to as a heroic spirit to, so that this wish could be granted to her.
Looking to her left, however, she could see a different girl…she could see herself as King Arthur with Caliburn in her hand. She could see then the events that led up to her being a heroic spirit and being summoned by her lover's side to fight in the Holy Grail War. It was then that she remembered his words…the words that she remembered accepting as truthful words. Regretting her past would be the same as throwing away the lives of her most loved ones. Her family which helped her settle into the throne…her surrogate brother and father who stood by her…her fellow knights who stayed with her until the end…if she were to take it all back, then she would take away their lives as well.
Their paths of glory as knights of the round table.
She could not do that, but she had already decided that she could not. Shirou was right.
'Yes, that's right...I removed the sword from the stone, swearing to uphold my duties as king…I had sacrificed many things and I fought for the people…I…I have no remorse about that. If I have pride for what I accomplished in life, then I should not try to change it…even if ended in destruction. The King had protected its kingdom…but the kingdom has not protected its king. That was all…even if it ended in tragedy, if the actions that led up to the kingdom's downfall were beyond reach, there is no need to try and change it. I sacrificed so much attempting to reach this change, but there was something that I had protected until the end…I protected him…yes, I will keep this forever in my heart. I was able to protect him, even I who failed to protect anything, managed to save him.'
But if it was true that if she had the possibility of a wish from the Grail, then her mind was already made up.
She looked at herself in the beautiful white dress and narrowed her eyes at this path. She could not know what would happen to her country, perhaps the new king would perform an even worse job than her…perhaps her life would be miserable, seeing as she always envisioned herself becoming a knight and even a king. No, such a path was wrong. Turning to her left, she nodded at seeing herself as King Arthur and lately as Servant Saber…she smiled, and her heartbeat increased as she saw Shirou standing by her side with his his longbow. If it is possible for the Grail to grant her a wish. Then her mind was made up.
"I wish to stay by Shirou's side then. I want to have a human life together with him, I want to grow old with him."
She said with the utmost intensity, way more than a collected person should. The amount of dread that she carried over not being able to be with her beloved was too much. Above all, she wished to be by his side if or when he ever crosses the path to become Archer.
Saber cold hear thunders echoing in the horizon.
Above all else, Saber knew what Shirou would become in the future if no one was there to help him - if or when he ever faltered on his ideals. And she wanted to be there for him…just like he was there for her this entire time.
"Very well, child. A selfish desire indeed which I applaud." She could hear a humorous laughter, but Saber could not care less about being judged.
She had only measured her life's choices and now concluded that simply changing the past would not be sufficient.
Also, if she could have a new chance in life, then she would be by his side, no questions asked.
===With Shirou===
Being none the wiser, the boy was on the ground cursing everyone and everything for the pain he felt right now.
This was not supposed to happen.
Saber was supposed to vanish and go back to her time. When she was enveloped by the mud, Shirou thought that she would be like that Archer servant. It would simply kill him to see the woman he loved become like him. Although alive and living in this world, she would change. She would not be his Saber anymore and that was simply not fair…not to him and quite certainly not to her who sacrificed so much, only to become something else…something that Shirou could not look in the eye. He then watched in great concern as the mud that swallowed Saber began to dissipate and his eyes widened when he saw her naked body lying there. He blinked twice as he inspected the woman he loved with critical eye and could see nothing different on her, although there was a deep wound on her stomach.
In a couple of seconds, the mud receded to the ground as Shirou went immediately to check on Saber to see just what was going on.
Just how was she still here? His heart ached at the possibility of somehow her being able to stay with him, but his rational mind remained alert for anything and mainly if this Saber would become like Archer. He could see that she was breathing and could sense a pulse coming from her wrist. She was alive…and she was here with him. When Saber opened her eyes, she was no longer staring at the valley where Caliburn was located. She was back at the lake where she and Shirou attempted to destroy the Grail.
She saw his beloved face looking at her with as much passion as she remembered and smiled at the redhead.
She could also see hints of worry from him as she realized that Shirou was clueless about her rather enlightening conversation.
"Saber...you are back...you are here…" Saber smiled as she grabbed her hand and gently caressed his face. It has been a gamble, despite hearing from the Grail that she was free to wish anything. She could feel herself different than the time she was a servant. For instance, it was the first in a long time that she had felt hunger, true hunger…it was the first time she felt tired…and not when she needed mana to sustain herself as servant. All she was thinking right now was having her lover's wonderful meal and then his wonderful chest pillow.
"Yes Shirou, I am here."
They then hugged each other for dear life, neither one daring to let go. Shirou then bombarded her with questions, to which she explained everything. He heard it all and was flabbergasted by it. It mattered not in the end, for as Saber chose to be with him, despite having the freedom to choose anything. Shirou acknowledged the weight of his beloved's decision. In the end, she chose to be with him, over her kingdom.
For sure, he had a responsibility to uphold, but he had no doubt in his mind that their partnership would continue for life. Just like she said that she wanted to be by his side, he wanted and wants to be by hers. Saber…no…Arturia had then expressed their responsibility as survivors of this war to stop any and all attempts from someone using the Grail in the future or if the grail manifested itself somewhere else. In the end, the Grail was right, Saber mused. As long as there was darkness in the world of men, then it would never be killed. As such, it remained a threat to the world. And she would either destroy it every time it appeared or keep others from doing so.
Shirou took off his jacket and enveloped her as they stood up to see the bright lights still falling throughout Fuyuki.
Arturia was now the same as when she received the dire wound from Mordred, moments away from dying in her time.
But for all intents and purposes, history showed that King Arthur perished that day. Arturia Pendragon, on the other hand, lived to die another day. Shirou immediately went to work with his healing magic aided by Avalon, quickly closing her life-threatening wound. While not possessing the powers of a servant anymore, she still had the same abilities as a knight, but now she bled like anyone else and no longer had the power of healing she had as Saber. Also, she no longer had her precious sword by her side, though that did not matter as her lover could provide her with another for the time being.
===Two days later===
Soon after the events of the war ended, Shirou took Arturia back to his house and provided everything she could ever want and need.
School had already resumed its activities, but obviously he would not leave her unattended. He kept his bounded field up which allowed him to keep outside visitation for more time than necessary. He could feel three people regularly attempting to approach the house, but neither managed to get inside. Rin tried only once. She was curious about the end of the war. She even tried to talk to Kirei but was surprised to see the church burned to a crisp. The fire department told her that only a body was found, but they could not identity, because strangely so, no agency had data on the corpse's identity. Certainly, Rin knew the reason why, as that good for nothing priest had connections to the Church and the Magus's Association. Only they would have any records, but the local authorities did not know of such entities' existence.
Taiga and Sakura received a different excuse each from him through the phone. Taiga had screamed at him, wondering about his whereabouts and that she had not spoken with him for two whole weeks. Shirou had apologized and lied that he was going through his father's belongings and documents, saying that he needed some time alone to reminisce on the old days. He felt somewhat guilty for using such a low blow, but it was necessary at least for a little more time as he figured out what was happening with Arturia. Of course, Taiga understood since she still missed Kiritsugu as well and would even visit his grave on occasion.
Sakura also acknowledged the lie and just said that she missed him and wished that he would come back to school soon afterward.
Sakura was now living with Rin in her house. The eldest Tohsaka knew about the Matou elder named Zouken and after what happened to her, she now had taken protection of Sakura at all times. Of course, Zouken would not let it slide, but then he would have to move against a powerful magus in Rin and Zouken did not have the strength to do that. That did not mean that Rin was comfortable, so she had taken some precautions without even Sakura's knowledge. A couple of jewels hidden inside Sakura would help Rin protect her from Zouken's influence, until she could figure out what to do. Once she graduates, Rin was even thinking of going to London and enroll in the Magus's Assocation. She could even take Sakura with her to finish her regular school there.
Back to Shirou, he knew that his lies would backfire.
He was inside his room as he waited for Arturia to awake from her deep slumber. When he brought her back home two days ago, he had prepared her some sandwiches and like usual, she had ravaged them. However, she then passed out right in front of him. Shirou went to her immediately, afraid that the grail had done something to her, but relaxed when he could feel a steady heartbeat from feeling her wrist. He figured that the woman needed rest, since that wound on her stomach was recent, perhaps from some event in her past. He knew he had healed it and Avalon even supplied her the needed protection. Shirou then placed her on his bed, allowing her to rest as long as possible.
Shirou only fully relaxed once he heard her light snoring.
Another new aspect was that Shirou no longer had his link with her when she was his servant. Even if he only had it for a short amount of time, Shirou was already used to it, to the point that he missed it dearly. It was something they would need to get used to it, in the end. Shirou would also get used to them not worrying about the war anymore, but their regular lives now as humans. Still, he was elated at the prospect of her being with him. He would have to introduce her to a couple of things, but Arturia would catch on quickly. He noticed a small noise coming from her, before he saw her eyes slowly open as the sun illuminated her face.
"Arturia, I'm glad to see you awake…you scared me." The woman turned to him and smiled.
"Good morning Shirou…why did I scare you?" She was surprised when he said that she was sleeping for two days now. "Really…that long?" She felt her throat dry and appreciated the glass of water supplied by him.
"After you ate dinner two days ago, you passed out and I brought you here to my bed…now, stay here while I will bring some food" Arturia nodded in appreciation as Shirou left her alone for a while. In her deep slumber, she had a dream of the time she had received Avalon from the lady of the lake, Lady Vivian. It was the first time that she had a dream in quite a while. She knew that such a dream was not random. It was something that she needed to do. Shirou soon came with some snacks and a cup of tea as Arturia explained to him about her dream. She mentioned to him that she needed to go there and Shirou acquiesced.
He vowed to be by her side to do everything that she needed to do.
Shirou had never been to England, but he had to figure out how to take her there, considering that she did not have a passport.
Hell, she did not even have an ID for that manner.
"We can go there, Arturia but I need to talk to someone for that. Getting you on a plane would require a passport…"
It was the first time that Shirou called her by her name and she enjoyed it.
She nodded, remembering when in the last grail war, Irisviel had pulled some strings to fly them to Fuyuki from Germany. Shirou, for his part, scratched his head at the necessity of talking with that man. Fujimura Raiga has been in Shirou's life ever since he was adopted by his father. He was a dear friend of his father's, despite Shirou knowing about the man's illicit activities. Still, Shirou thought along the lines of practicality. He would have to ask Raiga to supply him with a passport and ID for Arturia and in exchange, Shirou would have to offer his own services as a mechanic when Raiga's family required. Sure, the man always requested Shirou's aid in fixing his appliances and even his cars and motorcycles. His trace magic aided him in that regard.
Arturia was specially interested when Shirou mentioned a motorcycle as she remembered the Yamaha V-Max she rode in the last war.
"I will go talk to him today about it. Now, I gather that you would need a new wardrobe huh. We can go shopping if you want today. I have cleaned your clothes."
Arturia accepted her clothes with a smile on her face.
"Thank you Shirou, now I would also wish for you to think about projecting me some armor in case we run into trouble. I feel naked going to battle without it."
Shirou had to smile at that. Of course, the war ended, but Arturia was far too engrossed in such lifestyle to believe that fighting was no longer necessary. Of course, he would not be too naïve to believe that nothing would happen in the future. He is a magus after all and being a magus means walking with death. Also being a survivor of the grail war meant that Shirou was on the map. He would have to tread carefully just in case they run into another magus with ill intent. Still, he first needed to visualize the armor's design with a suitable clothing that she wanted.
"We can choose some clothes for you that are more suited to wear under your armor. Now, feel free to take a bath, while I go talk to Raiga about your passport."
At the mention of a shower, Arturia blushed and turned to him.
"Why don't we go take a bath together and then you can see about the passport…" Shirou now took on the same blush as her, though he would be a fool not to accept.
Two hours later, the newly couple was happily strolling around town for clothes shopping. Their nice shower ended with them having another time together now as a man and a woman, instead of master and servant. Still, it was the first time they had done it in the shower, and both quite enjoyed it immensely. After the love making, Shirou had quickly visited Raiga and asked for his favor while Arturia stayed put with a cup of tea watching television. The old mafia boss was all too pleased for Shirou's help in exchange for a simple favor. After all, the man had yet to find a better mechanic and one who would not ask questions. Still, Arturia accepted that it would take a couple of weeks to get by the necessary bureaucracy. Shirou just chose not to know what would happen in that time frame.
The necessary ignorance of practicality, he mused.
Soon, the couple entered a couple of shops and Arturia quickly browsed some clothes that would suit her. Shirou noticed with a smile that the woman enjoyed the combination of blue, white and goldish yellow. One specific combination that she enjoyed was one with blue legging trousers and a blue skirt that covered her knees, added by light brown leather boots, a long white sleeve shirt, and a blue scarf to finish the outfit. Saber had acquired other outfits as well, including a nice beige overcoat. Shirou could only marvel at the combination with her hair and complemented her beauty in the middle of the shop, earning a blush from Arturia. She admitted to not picking clothes to make her look beautiful, but rather clothes that were similar to the ones that Shirou had said it looked good on her when they first met.
Still, she found that being complemented by her beloved was nice and made a mental note to explore this feeling.
Shirou was not overly rich, but he had enough to live by from the inheritance he received from Kiritsugu. The man's freelance jobs paid him quite a lot, considering the level of danger in his assignments. Shirou had some part-time jobs in the past, but mostly because he wished to help the shop owners, not because of money needs. Still, he had enough to take him far until he got a job of his own. Lastly, Arturia had chosen some light clothes to be used below a new armor that Shirou would project for her. She was used to wear a long dress and even was used to the necessary balance needed to move around. However, she could get used to the light fabric of modern clothing. She had chosen what appeared to be a reduced version of her old battle dress, a long dark blue one with dark yellow stripes.
After leaving with many shopping bags, they returned home as Shirou had taken her to his shed in order to do some attempts in projecting her an armor.
Trace on…
He had her armor's colors down and even the necessary material needed in his mind. It would be the same material as Caliburn's steel. Arturia could already see some metal armguards, different than the ones she used. Shirou then provided her with leg protection up to her knees. Then it was time for her upper body protection and even her neck. When Shirou finished his first design, Arturia looked at it and even tested its durability and maneuverability. Still, she could think on some changes to the first design, maybe something to get around her waist and shoulders. Still, it was a very good first try. Moving on, Shirou had moved on to release the added addictions to his bounded field. There was no need to keep his sister figure from coming here anymore. He even called her, inviting for dinner. Arturia was somewhat concerned about meeting Taiga, wondering what Shirou would tell her, but he already had a good excuse prepared. She would be his girlfriend from England and that she came to Japan to travel around the world until they meet, and he offered her to stay with him during her stay in Japan.
Of course, Arturia was living with him permanently, but that would be latter explained as Arturia stayed longer.
In the end, her worry was for nothing as they met for dinner. Taiga began by yelling at Shirou for not seeing her for two whole weeks, but then she melted when Shirou told him about Arturia and how they felt for each other.
The elder woman enveloped both Shirou and Arturia in a big hug as she always wanted Shirou to find someone to be with. Still, Taiga frowned at a woman living with Shirou together, despite Shirou saying that they have been living together for two weeks now. Arturia found the woman to be quite cheerful and cared too much about Shirou, which to her was a boom. Shirou even frowned in dismay while Taiga told Arturia about him as a kid. In the end, most of what she heard was similar to the notion of him wanting to become a hero of justice ever since he was ten years old. Taiga stood there for quite a long time until she left the house, not after demanding Shirou to return to school immediately, earning a nod from him.
===A week later===
In the end, old man Raiga came true with his promise and had provided Arturia with an ID and her own passport.
Shirou then purchased a couple tickets to London, England. They would not need to stay there for long as Arturia merely wished to reach that holy place. Despite being a long time ago, she knew the exact location of where they were supposed to go. The flight took almost an entire day until they landed on Heathrow Airport. Arturia had even used her native language to pass them through customs. Shirou was impressed, despite knowing that he could barely follow a few words, which earned a smile from her. She could teach him easily. She would want to come back and know more about how her native country flourished. Purchasing a map, Arturia had pointed to the location and Shirou had purchased a bus ticket.
They would need to cross the border to Scotland.
When they had their date back in Fuyuki, Arturia was marveled by the sight from the bus. Now, this was news to both of them as it was the first time that Shirou left Japan. The bus would pass through many of London's many historical buildings. Arturia would have to study about her homeland and she figured that while Shirou would go to school, she could purchase some books on history after her own era. In her time, the nations were divided. Not only that, but they were in constant war with each other. She had a couple of centuries of history to catch up with.
Soon, the bus reached the road as they crossed the border to Scotland towards the Isle of the Skye. Throughout the ride, as the scenery shifted from tall buildings to green fields, Shirou could see a deep smile in Arturia's face. He figured that this scenery was closer to her own era as he could hear a couple of tales from her quests. When the reached Isle of the Skye, it was already nighttime.
Shirou would simply follow Arturia as she walked around, seemingly knowing where she needed to go.
Soon, Shirou marveled at the sight before him as they stopped. In front of them, Shirou could see a clean water lake surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. For some reason, though, it looked like the water was glowing in a greenish light. Arturia turned to him and smiled as she saw the look of curiosity. She offered her hand for him to grab as Arturia took a step forward. Shirou stood still as he looked at her, wondering if he needed to follow her. Arturia smiled at his trepidation.
"There is no need to be afraid Shirou…you need to step in the water with me." He soon followed her as they got inside the lake.
As soon as they stepped in, the water glowed even brighter.
'So, the king has returned…and with a curious company with her…
The couple heard a melodious voice echoing in the clearing and Shirou looked around wandering what to whom the voice belonged to.
"Lady Vivian, yes, I have returned. Though, I no longer hold the tile of king, I came with a request." There in the middle of the lake, the water rose slowly, until Shirou and Arturia saw a beautiful white-haired woman emerging from the lake. Shirou could then marvel as the woman glided on top of the water until she reached their position. Lady Vivian then looked at both and Shirou felt the woman looking at his very soul. He could see that Arturia had her eyes closed and he followed her example.
'I see…you have indeed gone through a lot my king…though I do wonder why this boy has Avalon in him, hmmm' Shirou could feel a soothing energy pass through him.
"I need not tell you what happened, Lady Vivian…" Shirou could hear her laughter once more. She could feel Avalon reaching out to her, telling her everything that happened to him and Arturia.
'You do not…you mentioned about a request. How can I be of service, my king…'
"I am in need of a sword…"
'Well, both of your weapons are here for you my king…' Arturia and Shirou looked at the lady in surprise, Arturia even more so. Both…
Soon Lady Vivian used both her hands and lifter her arms as two new water geysers surged by her sides.
Shirou could see Excalibur emerging from the water by Lady Vivian's right. A new weapon appeared by her left.
"Rhongomyniad…" The lance that Arturia used to kill Mordred appeared in all its majesty. Shirou could see the look in his beloved's face when she held both Excalibur and the Holy Lance in her hands. Despite Arturia no longer having her king and saber attire, Shirou could see the legend in front of him. He could even feel the amount of mana Arturia had right now, which was probably even higher than the time when she was a servant. So, these two weapons are her noble phantasms after all. However, in his mind, there was something missing in this frame of nobility. Ever since their fight with the old Archer servant, Shirou had found out that he had Excalibur's scabbard called Avalon inside of him, though never in his life he recalled ever hearing about it from his father.
Looking at Excalibur, now Shirou realized that said artifact did not belong to him, it was hers. Though, he had to figure out how to take it out of him and give it back.
Then Shirou was reminded that the spiritual being in front of her was looking at him with a smile on her face.
'If you wish for me to remove it from you boy, just ask…'
Arturia took her eyes away from her holy weapons and looked at Shirou. Shirou was surprised at his thoughts being read, but he then turned to Arturia with a content smile on his face.
"Avalon is not mine to keep Arturia, it's yours…it always belonged to you. You should have it." She then looked down for a while, but then looked up with a smile.
"No, Shirou…I am your sword and you are my scabbard. Avalon is now a part of you just as it is a part of me. When you used healing mage craft on me all those times, I felt its power healing me…I did not know it was Avalon aiding you, but I felt its energy healing me through you. I do not know the troubles we will face in the future, but one thing I am sure of is that wherever life takes us, Avalon will be there to protect you, to protect us." Shirou looked at her mesmerized. He could see the water's green light reflecting in her eyes, and he was simply lost in them. Lady Vivian just looked at the scene and crossed her arms with a meaningful smile on her face. After all, she had accompanied this legend ever since Caliburn had chosen her.
The wonders of this World never ceased to susprise her, she mused.
Arturia had always embraced the burden of being chosen by herself, despite having a great number of followers to her cause. Lady Vivian, though, knew that despite her many followers, the king was always alone. This boy, however, she could see their connection…their bond. Above all, she could see his resolve in standing next to her. However,…
'Emiya Shirou…' Both Arturia and Shirou looked surprised at the spirit, since it was the first time, she ever mentioned his name. 'I can see great dangers in your future…a dangerous crossword that you will face and depending on your decision, you will not be able to return.' Arturia and Shirou both tensed as those words meant something, they both knew could happen with Shirou becoming Archer. But Arturia's will was resolute in being there for him, to drive him away from the ledge of no return. Shirou for his turn simply nodded at Lady Vivian with a resigned expression.
'Just like you saved me Shirou, I will save you.' Arturia even swore on her weapons in her hands that Shirou would not become him.
===Two years later===
Two years had passed in a blur for Arturia and Shirou.
Without wars to worry about, the couple was free to indulge in their own habits as they simply enjoyed each other's presence. They would hone their sword skills every day, which became more of a hobby for them behind closed doors. When Shirou firsrt fought with her as a human, he was ill equipped to even follow her movements. He needed to step up his game, or else he would not be worhty of being next to her. Their training usually happened right after they had woken up, since Taiga would show up for breakfast.
Certainly, Taiga could not witness anything, unless they both wished to receive an ear-full from the 'big sister' as Arturia later called her, much to Taiga's enthusiasm. Despite her outgoing tendencies, they had developed a nice bond together. When Shirou was in school and when Taiga was not teaching, they would go out together doing girl stuff and obviously talk about their mutual love interest (brotherly in Taiga's case) for Shirou.
So much so that Taiga did not bother asking her how long she would be staying in Japan anymore, much to Shirou's relief.
Arturia had also found a dear friend in Shirou's friend Mitsuzuri Ayako. She had accompanied Shirou once to the Archer Club and they had met. They had shared similar interests in martial arts and Ayako tried telling Arturia to convince Shirou to take over her job as captain. Ayako was specially overjoyed to hear that Shirou had found a girlfriend, and a beautiful one at that, as she had confided to Arturia that the boy in question rarely did anything fun for himself in the past. After that, every time Arturia accompanied Shirou to school, she would reserve some time to stop by the Archer club to chat with Ayako.
Arturia later understood that Ayako had somewhat of a crush on Shirou in the past, but now she saw him as more of a rival in archery and a friend.
The former king of Britannia could attest somewhat to the girl's sklls with the bow and arrow, but if she was to compare it with Shirou, then Ayako was an amateur at best.
The two years had made wonders for Arturia's growth, now becoming a woman. Without Avalon, her body was free to run its natural course. While she would never be as tall as her boyfriend, Arturia was as tall as Taiga and her hair was now longer, despite having the same design. Because they had practiced daily, Arturia had kept her well-toned physique, even improving on agility. She needed that in spades to keep up with her boyfriend in their spars. While Shirou would never reach her level of skill with the sword, it did not mean that he did not have other skills to use. His usage of mana burst (which she taught him) was honed almost to reach her level. As such, their spars ended up quite heated even if Arturia won most of the time from skill alone.
The major bonus in their minds was always after-practice as it became something the couple enjoyed greatly, the after-training shower together.
It was not to say that they had sex every single day. Arturia had always enjoyed kissing him deeply and being enveloped by his well-developed arms. She would just close her eyes and let out all her troubles while she let Shirou's embrace bring her closer to him.
In terms of mage craft, Shirou had opted to stay within his realm of expertise, honing his projection and reinforcement spells to almost perfection. His element would allow him better understanding than most about the weapons he scanned. He had also researched more in healing mage craft, something that Arturia always pushed him to hone, simply because it was an art that he could use to save both of them as well as others in the future, which he greatly appreciated. Of course, not every time was roses as news about the war soon reached the magus association and the Church even. There was simply too much chaos in the city for them not to get involved and start ask questions. Not to mention the strange disappearance of the church's overseer Kotomine Kirei. Tohsaka Rin was even summoned because of her responsibilities, but she could not answer much. After all, she was out of the war before it even finished. Strangely so, no one found any signs of the Grail's presence in Fuyuki.
Also, even if they were cautious, Shirou and Arturia had to face a couple of lesser known magus families. He was the last man standing after the war.
While there was never an official target on his back, unofficially, Shirou had to face the occasional mercenary or even the occasional freelance magus.
Of course, no one really knew Arturia's true identity. For all intents and purposes, she was like him. A powerful fighter that happened to specialize in a spell or two.
It was precisely for this reason that the Magus Association did not consider offering him anything, because they did not consider him to be a magus, which suited him just fine. Still, Arturia had taught Shirou to be aggressive in fending off attackers, but she knew that he did not have it in his heart to go for the kill. It did not mean that there was no way in between. The last attempt they had was four months ago, when five mercenaries, hired by Einzbern family (of course, if asked, no one would acknowledge) sought to attack them both. It resulted in the mercenaries' bodies being broken in multiple locations with extra emphasis on head trauma. Shirou even used some mind spells that he learned in order to relay the exact cause of the trauma, usually a result of being hit by a truck in the middle of the highway.
Of course, Shirou and Arturia would then place their bodies close to the highway for good measure.
The story needed to be credible, Arturia mused. It's not like they could wake up in the middle of a park.
That was the last time, though it bothered Shirou that the Einzbern would move on him like this, just because of his father, though a part of him wondered about Ilya.
After the war ended, Arturia came clean to him and explained that Emiya Kiritsusu was her master in the previous war and that the man was deeply hated by the Einzberns because he betrayed them in the end, taking Avalon with him. At least, it was what Irisiviel explained to her. She apologized for keeping that information from him, but she said that it was not easy considering the love Shirou had for the man. He accepted her apologies in the end as they had exchanged perceptions about just who Emiya Kiritsugu actually was. Shirou may have loved like a father, but he knew that the man's line of work had forced him to make decisions that weighted on his consciousness. Even though it hurt her Shirou to hear, she always considered him to be a cold man willing to do anything if it meant concluding his goals.
Another topic of discussion between them was the occasional next step at least in Shirou's case.
She had already done everything that she could ever do in life and was comfortable in simply helping him and perhaps start a family one day. Having a child for good this time, instead of what happeend with the first one. Shirou had heard the tale of his girlfriend's son-daughter Mordred and was appauled by the situation. Truly, she had suffered a lot.
But they had the time for that. Because of Avalon, Arturia's body and development was of a woman close to adulthood, even if she was a few years older, perhaps 23-24.
Now it was time for them to talk about his path. And once more, just like in their servant master relationship, Shirou surprised her with his ideas after school graduation. After all, she had no idea that by urging him to add another specialization in his mage craft, she would be pushing him towards that specific field. Though, from what she learned from his character, she knew not to be surprised at his course of action here onward. Certainly, Taiga was more than elated at the news that he would apply for a college degree in medicine and even pursue the medical career.
Of course, Shirou would not stop his mage craft practice, but it was a nice decision in Arturia's mind as he would no doubt be able to save people and at the same time use his own strength and knowledge to do it.
As to Rin and Sakura, the shy timid girl found out about Shirou having a girlfriend and that was even living with him from Taiga.
Because of this, she rarely came to Shirou's house and only when Taiga insisted.
She eventually took Rin's offer, and both travelled to London where Rin would be enrolled in the Magus Association and Sakura would find a school there to finish her education. Although she still was considered a Matou, magic just was not a path she wished for follow any longer. The dark past with her birth family and even her terrible experience living with her new family…it was all because of magic and she wanted nothing to have with this world. Rin had managed to rid Zouken's influence from her long enough for her jewels to override the worms that were inside of Sakura, eventually ridding her little sister of this curse.
As far as Rin's views of Shirou was concerned, she had never found any interest in him before the war and certainly did not see any interest afterward.
She would just see him at school talking to Issei on occasion. And even if this Arturia girl was way too similar to the Saber servant, Rin simply did not find any rational explanation to look further into it. Also, she had heard from Sakura that Arturia was originally from England. Lastly, although he was a magus just like her and also a survivor of the war, Sakura's well-being simply became her top priority. She had already lost her little sister once, she would not do so again.
Author Note:
Okay, first of all, the theory I had about the Grail. No one really knows about the Grail's true nature, because the only ones in record to have witnessed it somehow were evil in nature. Kirei Kotomine had even explained that it was him who wished for the Grail to destroy the city in Fate. And Kiritsugu's notion of peace envolved killing a few to protect the majority. Hence why I went with this notion, that the Grail manifests itself according to the winner's intent. Plus, I have decided to bond the Grail's existence to the notion of darkness in the world, hence why Saber was unable to destroy it for a second time.
I know that some will not like it, but it's something that I have come up with to let her live together with Shirou.
Furhtermore, about the time skips and decisions, I believed that I managed to cover everything of interest. Of course, some will not like how I simply excluded Rin and Sakura from the picture, but i will bring Rin back at least. Sakura, yes, I do not like her, so she's out, sorry. Also, about Shirou becoming a medic, I have chosen that because this way he would not just waltz into battle arenas like Archer did. There are more ways to save people then simply go to suicide missions and even selling your soul as a counter-guardian.
Also, something I believe that some will not enjoy, but it will serve nicely for the second part of my story.
For those who wish to see how Arturia look as a grownup in my story and even how she will look with her new armor, I have placed a link on my profile. Go check it out.
Well, fell free to comment both positive and negative aspects of my choices here.
And see ya in a couple days for another time-skip which will serve as a bridge for Part II.