Land of Shadows.
The pale and bleak realm of legendary warrior queen Scathach may have appeared desolate and devoid of any existence, but it was far from the truth, for there were creatures and beings that exist here. Yet most of those creatures were neither truly alive, nor truly dead, stuck in the perpetual limbo as wraiths and undead spirits that roamed the land, forever cursed to fight one another, or any living being that was to walk the hills and plains of the Land of Shadows. Aside from those, this realm, like all others in the Reverse Side of the World, was also home to the Phantasmal and Divine Beasts, they too unable to forever pass away, and roaming the Land of Shadows, hunting and living off each other, or those that would come in these Lands.
It could be said that Land of Shadows was one of the most dangerous places in Reverse Side of the World to be in, and considering the perilous danger of simply being even near Reverse Side, that said many things. A realm of the dead, where countless warriors fought and died, one that is ruled by Scathach and her will alone is the true one, and it was by her design that today's events were taking place. Shirou Muramasa, armed with a blood red spear, fashioned by Shirou in similar style to Scathach's Gae Bolg out same materials, was to fight the inhabitants of this realm for seven days and seven nights.
The purpose of this training was to see if Shirou could continually fight and win against all the warriors she herself had slain and to see the progress that he has made and if he was able to put it to good use. The moment Shirou had stepped onto center of the plain, warriors of old, spirits and wraiths and more sensed his presence from miles away, and all began to converge, and soon Scathach watched, as her new student was fighting for his life against legions of the undead. Any other person would've thought that this would be the end for Shirou, even with his new Elemental Spirit nature and heart of Albion, but not Scathach, for else she would not have placed Shirou where he was now.
As she had promised, she trained Shirou as her pupil in all that she knew, every form of combat, martial art, weapon, tactic and more, Scathach was passing it all to Shirou, with her training course best described as merciless and unforgiving for all, save for Shirou. Former human was soaking up everything that Scathach could teaching him like a sponge, learning and adapting it all to him, before applying it to his knowledge and combat. To say that Shirou was a natural genius would be an understatement in Scathach's opinion, for he learned at such speed and hunger, that Scathach had not seen in anyone, even Cu Chulainn. Same was true with Morgan, who trained Shirou in her own Magecraft and helped him further his control and power, and at first the Queen of the Lands of Shadows thought this was due to Shirou's new heart, but that wasn't it.
Only a few months after the beginning of the training did Scathach and Morgan realize, that it was Shirou's Origin, Creation and Adaptation, that made him so exceptionally gifted in every area. Adaptation could be interpreted in several ways, such as learning new abilities and evolving them, and such was the case with Shirou, as he learned and evolved at such a pace that made even Scathach marvel. At first, his martial prowess was dependent upon his strength and Magecraft, and actual skill was lacking, as he was mostly self-taught in the field of arms, but he had the right mindset and instincts, with the only thing needed is a capable teacher that could refine him. Scathach did just that, teaching Shirou proper stances, styles and ways of utilizing arms, and he progressed by leaps and bounds. Each time he and Scathach sparred, Queen of Dun Scaith noticed how Shirou was getting closer and closer in matching her skill, and since the beginning of the last month, Scathach had found herself actually fighting in full strength with him.
In their first battle she held back a great deal, using only enough effort to force him to unveil his Caliburn Albion, but now things have changed, and now Scathach watched the results of her and Morgan's work. She observed the entire battle, her ruby eyes upon Shirou and the battlefield, seeing him fighting specters of her past students, warriors and kings she slew, and more, all those that she had defeated and killed… And who had failed to kill her. Indeed all those that came to this field were all warriors and heroes worthy of songs and sagas, all of whom Scathach had bested in her past pursuits, and who all could not end her now, when she had surpassed even boundaries of mortality. Most mortals fear death, for it may rob them of their greatest ambitions, with same being true to nearly all of Magi, who blindly pursue their goal of obtaining ultimate power and knowledge, all so to reach the Swirl of the World, or the Root. Once there was a time when Scathach was the same way, but now… Now she was different, and having obtained that which so many desired, she found herself unable to part with it, as it became not a blessing, but a burden and a curse.
Indeed, Scathach had succeeded in what she set out to do, and at the end of her path she found neither joy or enlightenment, but cold loneliness and hollowness. To be the best is to stand alone, as she had found out, and so in Lands of Shadows, the realm, which she won for herself from Gods, Divine Spirits, Beasts and Men, Scathach stood and will stand alone for eternity, unable to end her curse of empty life. At least that is what she had thought, until Shirou came and in him, Scathach finally saw a chance for what she desired for what felt like eternity: death of a warrior, a definitive end to her endless life of battle. This was why she was so hard on him, why she trained him harder than any other, and why she now felt he could actually manage to achieve that which she so desired, for in the last of their bouts, they've fought on near equal grounds. During this battle, Scathach observed as all of skills and prowess Shirou had obtained was refined and improved to the point where Queen of the Land of Shadows judged him to be able to defeat her.
It was in battle, as Scathach had noticed, that Shirou learned the best, as she had observed his trainings carefully and studied him, but just as she studied him, she noticed that Shirou too had paid her attention, and not merely that of a student. Though had not been in the company of men for who knows how much time, Scathach was not oblivious to the way her young student looked at her and Morgan, and she saw in his eyes more than just respect, adoration and attention. She saw in them passion, want and desire, one that a man casted upon a woman he wished to bed, but in Shirou's case, it was far stronger than just that. His heart was that of Albion, and all of his senses have evolved and grew in strength and power, and he was a growing young man, who was becoming aware of desires of flesh.
As much as Scathach had wished to say that she possessed no such desires, she would be lying if she said so, because even with her desire for death, over the time, which amount to literal years, she too had begun to cast upon him glances not that of a teacher, but that of a woman. Though immortal and transcending death, Scathach didn't become rid of her own desires, as she had thought, they were merely buried deep inside, and now they were awakened once more. It was a shock for the Witch of Dun Scaith to once more sense the desire to be loved by someone, to be with a man as a woman, to kiss and let herself be taken, but not just by anyone, but only by someone whom Scathach would deem worthy. Right now, that sole man whom she saw worthy of her was finishing off the last minutes of his challenge, and now Scathach found herself conflicted.
Shirou was truly a warrior worthy and capable of slaying her, and she had thought that such a prospect would bring satisfaction to her, but she didn't sense any of it. No, instead, as she witnessed him finishing his quest, she felt joy at his victory, one that woman in love would feel for the man she had chosen, and Scathach tried as hard as she could to deny this fact, only to feel regret and tightening in her heart that hurt her worse than any spear wound. The Queen of Land of Shadows had to admit to herself, that she indeed had fallen for her student, and not merely because of his prowess as a warrior, but also because of his character.
Shirou did not seek war, but self-improvement and pursued his dreams without regret, yet didn't allow it to become his obsession, and though he was no questing hero, he was not going to abandon those in need. In periods between trainings, it had become a norm for Scathach and Shirou to spend time just talking, sharing stories and talking to one another, bonding over their past, and Scathach had to admit that she had indeed missed such company, not merely because he could talk, but also listen. Now that she recalled all of his good traits and their talks, Scathach didn't even notice how her mind wandered to one of their countless discussions, but one that she felt was the most special.
Some time prior.
Another hard day of training was behind them, and so Shirou was granted time for cooking, one of his most favorite pass times, and one that Scathach had grown to appreciate the fastest, as Shirou's skill in culinary was beyond anything she knew. Before Shirou had come to her realm, Scathach had forgotten that food could be more than simply nourishing, but with him, she once more discovered her appetite, especially towards Muramasa's cuisines. Despite the sparsity in technical applications, Shirou did manage to organize a more or less effective kitchen area, adapting and even perfecting his culinary skill, as he worked with Phantasmal and even Divine Beasts, which he and Scathach ate most often, though with Shirou now came vegetables and fruits from Avalon as well.
It became a usual thing for them, to dine after a hard training, though not before a bath in a hot spring, with Scathach unabashed inviting Shirou in, so they would clean off the sweat, dust and dirt faster. Needless to say, that Shirou and Scathach both had a perfect opportunity to see one another in full naked form, with Shirou finding his instincts far harder to control, even after he started to relief himself in private. Scathach too felt her own desires again awaken in her, but she would not let it be a reason to deprive herself of his company, which she grew to enjoy greatly. And now, as she ate his cooked meal, the warrior Queen of Dun Scaith spoke up, drawing Shirou's attention.
"I am curious, Shirou. Your skill with cooking, is this something normal for your world, to be able to prepare such great meals, or alongside forging, this is a form of your Magecraft?" Scathach asked of him with interest, her ruby eyes looking into his golden ones
"Well, I can tell you it isn't my Magecraft, though I did need some to accommodate my needs for cooking here. Although I have heard quite a few people, Magi and not, to say that my cooking is akin to that of Magic because of how good it appears to be." Shirou admitted, with Scathach chuckling with a smile. "Truth be told, I've loved cooking since I was a kid, and actually learned it alongside my Kaa-chan, from dad. I think I was about four when I started, and since then, I always enjoyed it, even before I've gotten into forging." Shirou told Scathach, with took one more bite of his cooked up boar, tasting and speaking up.
"I can see why your friends would believe so, for I've never tasted a better cooked boar in my entire life." Scathach admitted truthfully. "Gods and Kings would give much to have you serve them, Shirou. This food surpassed even that which I've tasted in the halls of Gods." She told him with a smile, with Shirou chuckling.
"Now you must be joking." Shirou said, with Scathach lightly shaking her head at that, while still smiling.
"I would not dare mock you in that which you excel, Shirou, not as teacher, nor your friend." She told him with genuine care. "What has Morgan told you of your cooking prowess?"
"She said much the same as you have, she also added that if other Faeries were to learn of my skill in cooking, there may be a new war in Avalon, over me." Shirou said with a bit of a confusion. "I've assumed it was a joke, but her tone indicated the opposite."
"Like with humans, Faeries also enjoy good things, and are not beyond wanting to have that which pleases them. Your food is something that gives pleasure and nourishment in abundance, and many of the Fae folk would do much to obtain you." Scathach assured Shirou, surprising him. "Morgan's worries are not unfounded, and with your heart of Albion and new nature… Most, if not all, Faeries will wish to take you as their own, though they'll never succeed in such things.
"I've heard that Faeries can be somewhat… assertive in their desires." Shirou decided to phrase in a more polite tone.
"More like greedy, but let's not talk of them anymore." Scathach decided to change the subject. "You've mentioned those who too enjoyed your cooking. I imagine your family must treasure you like a King treasures his crown."
"They do, if not a bit more, though it's not me who always cooks in the house." Shirou admitted. "Mom, Illya, Rin, Sella, Arturia… All of them too a great cooks and love it, and so we alternate who gets to cook when. Luvia too is an excellent cook, she even taught me about Finnish cuisine, as well as Jewel Magecraft, which had really helped me with advancing my own craft of forging." Shirou said with a fond smile, remembering his friends and families, wanting to see them again, yet knowing that for now he could not, with Scathach catching a glimpse of sadness in his golden eyes, the sight of which stirred her.
"You are fortunate, to have such a good family and so many friends. Treasure them and time with them, for when they are gone, you realize that the most happiness you had is with them." Scathach said with a saddened tone, her own memories of time long forgotten, flashing before her, with Shirou seeing the sight of her grief.
"Teacher." He called out to her softly, drawing her attention. "Could you tell me of them, of your family and friends?"
"They have all long passed away, all in battle. What else would you wish to know?" Scathach asked of him, surprised at his request. "My father and mother were once rulers of this land, and I was raised to one day be given as a bride to a strong warrior, while one of my brothers was to lead this land…" At those words, Scathach suddenly grew silent, as her face showed a sudden surprise.
"Is something the matter? I'm sorry if it's a sore topic…" Shirou immediately decided to apologize, but Scathach stopped him.
"No, no, it is not like that. I've just remembered something, the first time I took into my arms the spear… It was my elder brother, Ciaran, who gave me the spear, and was my first instructor in it." Scathach said with a fond smile. "I've had seven brothers and one sister, and all of them, I alone was not permitted to train, for I was the fairest and father wished to marry me off. I resented and hated it, wishing too to take up arms, and one day, when I snuck away from my mother to the armory, Ciaran found me, gazing with awe at our arms. He then took up one of the spears and gave it to me, before saying, that as daughter of a warrior king, I should know our arms, and so he gave me my first lesson. He… He helped me become who I am now, believing in me when all others didn't and tried to make me who I couldn't be." Scathach revealed to Shirou, who looked at her with awe and surprise, before speaking up.
"I see. He must've been a great person." Shirou said, with Scathach chuckling lightly at his words.
"He was, indeed… You remind me a bit of him, Shirou." Scathach admitted, before deciding to ask her own question. "What of you, Shirou? I you've told me all of your family, but who among the many maidens you've mentioned hold your heart?" She asked him directly, making Shirou nearly choke on his meat, as he drank water.
"Wh-what do you mean?" Shirou asked, red in the face, and his heart pounding a little harder, the thought of all the girls that had feelings for him making his blood flow faster, while Scathach simply cocked her brow up.
"I meant who is your lover among them, what else would I ask with such words?" Scathach clarified, with Shirou growing redder. "Is there a reason why you are so red in the face? I remember you've not served ale or vine, so why the red face?"
"It's… It's just somewhat… It's not exactly a… comfortable subject for people of my age to… to talk about." Shirou tried to explain, with complete embarrassment in his tone, which surprised Scathach.
"I had feared that men of your age have grown softer in heart, but I had not expected you to be like that, Shirou." Scathach said with somewhat admonishing tone. "In war and live, a warrior must always be able to see and say things as they truly are, and not as they seem to appear. Same is with matters of heart, so speak plainly, Shirou." She told him, and Shirou sighed, before giving his answer.
"It's… It's everyone and no one." Shirou told Scathach, surprising and confusing her. "The truth is that… Well, almost every girl that I have spoken of has feelings for me, all of them are amazing and wonderful, and I feel, or at least felt attracted to each of them, but now… Now it feels different."
"Can you describe this feeling?" Scathach did not admonish him for his indecisiveness, instead deciding to help him sort his feelings out.
"In the past, before Morgause, I was just attracted to them, found them all beautiful and so on, but now… Now, whenever I think of them, I… I feel like I want to just take them all and never let them go." Shirou said with a stronger tone, before letting out sigh. "Every one of them: Rin, Illya, Sakura, Luvia, Arturia, even Caenis, Ayako, Grey and Lorelei, the memory of them stirs my heart and makes me wish to be with them more than anything, and more than that. The mere thought of anyone now even making a pass at them is…" Scathach could sense how Shirou's magical energy reacted to his emotions, and she began to understand what he felt.
"You want all of them now as your lovers, and can't even fathom the idea of letting any of them go." Scathach stated, with Shirou nodding. "It seems we've found another effect of your transformation. By nature, Dragons are creatures of power, and do not compromise, even with themselves, and you are even more than just Dragon now. The thought of your lady friends doesn't just stir you, but arouse you, does it not?" Shirou admitted with another nod.
"Yeah, it… I've had thoughts and dreams of them, of carnal nature." Shirou admitted, expecting Scathach to admonish him again. "You probably think I'm just some horny guy thinking of only girls and caring about nothing else now…"
"You are anything but "some horny guy," and it is only natural for men to desire women, and I have no reason to judge you for it." Scathach told him in a tone that simply stated facts. "And in your case… I see nothing wrong with your desire of them all, but I think I see what is troubling you: you perceive your new urges and desires as something perverse and unnatural, a sign of you losing your humanity. Shirou, your mind and body have become different, yes, but your soul remains the same, and all that Albion's heart did was enhance what was already there, good and bad, but it is only you who determines what you wish to truly be in the end, no one else." Scathach told Shirou, and he felt some comfort from it.
"I… Thank you, Teacher." He told her, with Scathach speaking up.
"Do not fear or feel disgust at who you are now. Accept it and embrace it, for only by accepting oneself, a warrior can truly flourish. Being true to oneself is the path to true greatness." Scathach told him, with each of her word lifting the weight upon his mind. "But if you fear for what you may do to your chosen loves, I shall test you. Now, close your eyes, clear your mind, and when I ask you a question about one of the girls, answer not what the mind tells you, but what your heart tells you." Shirou did as she asked, and once Scathach saw it, she began her test.
"When you see Illya smile from pure joy, what do you feel?" She asked of him.
"Joy, warmth, lightness on my heart, wish to make happy." Shirou stated without hesitation.
"You and Rin are on a walk together, her arm around yours and she leans close to you, what does make you feel?" She continued.
"I want to tell her how much I love her, to hold her close and make her smile, to embrace and protect her smile and joy." Shirou answered immediately.
"Sakura comes to you, tears are in her eyes and spirit broken…" Scathach didn't even get the chance to finish.
"Embrace and hold her close, wipe away her tears and take away all that pains and hurts her." Shirou answered without any hesitation, with Scathach snapping her fingers, making him open his eyes.
"Three out of three good answers, all of them good natured and not conceited. Your feelings towards each of them are clear and strong, but not mere lust." Scathach told him, as she looked in his eyes with a small smile. "You love all of them, don't you? So much so, that you'd rather die than hurt them in any way."
"I do." Shirou said, this time without hesitation. "But to love all of them, to not make a choice… It is the height of selfishness, for if I do not simply wish to be with one of them, but to be with all of them. It's weird, but I know it is love, each unique and clear to all of them, and yet when I think of letting even one of them go… It almost makes me want to tear my heart out."
"Then do not let them go, unless they themselves do not wish to leave. Tell them of what you feel about them, and let them make a choice." Scathach told him, surprising him. "I can see it in your eyes, the person and character that you are. You'd sooner die than let either of them be hurt, be it by you or not."
"Yeah." Shirou admitted, while thinking over all that Scathach said, before speaking up. "Thank you, Teacher. I… I feel better now." Scathach simply smiled to him.
"I am glad you are. Now then, remember the topic we discussed yesterday…" Scathach decided to again shift the direction of the conversation, yet in her mind she still lingered on his words and reactions.
The warrior queen of Dun Scaith was able to discern all about a person with but a gaze, and same was true about Shirou, and she already knew what answers would be. Yet when she saw his reactions, the way he spoke of all of the girls and recalled it all… She began to first wonder, and then wish, that she herself could feel such love towards herself. Suddenly to herself, within Scathach's heart once more opened up a yearning that she had thought was gone forever and a change began to take place in her heart.
If before she only wished to end her life, then now, seeing such sincere and strong love towards others, Witch of Dun Scaith felt envy towards Shirou's chosen women, and also wished to be one of them. It was but a small passing thought at the moment, but over time this would grow and bloom into something deeper than just wishful thinking. Scathach would find, that her desire for death was now weakened and hollowed, and another was taking place, a desire to live, to bind herself to one whom she saw as her equal, who would love her with abandon as a dragon would.
Back to the present.
Since then, the thought of Shirou holding same feelings towards Scathach had caused her to grow red in the face, with her heart beating faster and stronger, and the sight of him now fighting was a sight to behold and savor for the Queen of Land of Shadows. Shirou was magnificent, showing in clear that he was her finest student, even surpassing Cu Chulainn in sheer determination, will and even talent, forging and refining himself as blacksmith grinds one's blade to perfection, so too did Shirou with himself. Scathach may have shown him how to reach his true potential, revealing to him the new horizons of his being's power, but it was Shirou himself who rose up to the challenge and didn't hesitate to do all he needed to succeed. And now it was time to see, if he was truly ready to face her in full combat, as the last of the enemy warriors has fallen, and now their leader has made it's appearance.
Riding upon the chariot, pulled by four steeds, Warrior Queen of Alba and sister to Scathach, Aife rode forth, trampling over all of the defeated enemies, with her demonic steeds moving faster than wind itself, all towards Shirou. Seven days and nights of battling with near no respite would've been the end for any human, but Shirou was no longer human, and wasn't even all that winded, as his body either resisted or shrugged off fatigue without any problem. Swinging his spear around and flicking away bones and bodies, he struck it into the land with the bottom end, before it glowed crimson red in his hands, as the chariot approached him at full speed and mere seconds away from him.
Before the steeds and the chariot could reach and trample Shirou, out from the ground sprouted 10 blood red spears, which impaled the steeds and chariot of Aife, destroying the horses and her prized chariot. Stopped in her tracks and forced to jump off her broken chariot, the maddened wraith looked with absolute fury at Shirou, who noted the clearest resemblance between her and Scathach, though in his mind, his teacher was a far fairer woman in looks and soul. Aife wielded a spear and a sword as her armaments, and they glowed with red runes carved into them, Primordial Runes that Shirou had also learned under Scathach, yet he did not fear them. And so, once the two warriors have readied themselves, they charged straight at each other, with both of them immediately casting runic spells towards one another, with the air heating from fire spells, before being dispersed when their blades made contact.
Aife and Shirou locked their spears, finding them to be a match to another, as she tried to shatter it with her strike, yet had failed to do so, for Shirou's armament was no simple spear. Crafted from Ashwood of Yggdrasillб bones of the sea monster Currurid, Shirou infused them with iron found in the Land of Shadows, before weaving into it several Enchantments and Curses. This was his new weapon, Gae Ruathar, the Red Spear of Surging Death, derived from the legendary Gae Bolg and sharing much in ways of properties, but being one of Shirou's own best creations to date. Seeing as her spear was not able to shatter Shirou's spear, she went for her short sword, using it to slash at Shirou's stomach, but finding that the armor that protected him was able to shrug it off. Another creation of Shirou, forged out of iron from both Land of Shadows and Avalon, fashioned into the black, white and red scales that covered him akin to a dragon, taking inspiration from Arturia's armor and one Morgause had summoned.
The blade didn't pierce the metal and Shirou used the chance to disarm Aife of her short sword by a precise swing of his spear, the bottom striking it away and driving Aife's spear away, making her fall back for a second. The Warrior Queen of Alba didn't wait for Shirou to seize the advantage and instead casted runes to stop him in his tracks, commanding the roots and the ground to move against him, but even this was not enough to stop Scathach's student. Striking his spear into the ground again, five more spears drove out of the ground around Aife, which she deflected with her own spear in a sing swing of her spear, before using the moment to charge the now immobilized Shirou with her armament, intending to break past his armor.
Collecting himself and preparing for the incoming attack, Shirou, though not in the best stance thanks to the immobilization, was able to clearly gauge and judge speed, strength and reach of Aife, and so he used it to his advantage. Once she was at the precise right place, Shirou's Gae Ruathar struck Aife's spear, driving it into the ground as she charged him, using Aife and her charge to plow away the roots beneath his feet and freeing himself. Thrusting his spear again at Aife, she fell back, but this time Shirou was in hot pursuit and the two now engaged in a deadly contest of who would strike whom down first, which Scathach observed from her vantage point.
The Queen of Dun Scaith had watched and seen Shirou face off against all that populated her realm of the dead, alone or with her, today and before, and was never one to interfere in his fights when he fought them alone, like today. But if there was one taboo she had placed upon Shirou, it was one where he must never face Aife, Scathach's own sister and equal in skill and martial prowess, with even Cu having been prohibited to fight against her, which he disregarded as he usually did. The sole reason he was able to win was because of trickery, but here there were no tricks involved, only pure skill and ability of a warrior. Should Shirou succeed to beat Aife, then Scathach knew that he would be able to grant her final request, yet at the same time, as her heart raced at the sight of their battle. She could not rid herself of the thought that the previous confidence and need to die haven't just abated, but was replaced with something sh didn't think she was capable of. As much as she had wished to say otherwise, Scathach's spirit and heart were conflicted and in such circumstance, she knew that she could not draw out all of herself into this battle. She thought that in days leading up to this one she would be able to come to terms and fully ready herself, but she was wrong and now… Now all she could do was watch her student and wraith of her sister fight.
Shirou had spent countless hours in duels and battles against Scathach, observing and learning her every move, and he could say with complete confidence, that Aife was indeed her true equal in skill. It took him all of his will and determination to catch up to Scathach in such short period of time, and even now he knew that part of his current ability to match her lay not with his martial prowess, but with his pure power that he now possessed. Still, without the needed skill and prowess, he would not be able to match Aife blow for blow, each striking at one another in hopes of wounding and killing, yet were seemingly completely locked in place. Two warriors of equal prowess, unable to determine who's skill reigned supreme, and so it came down to the armaments they wielded, with Aife's blue spear against Shirou's red one.
Two minutes they fought like this, and each of them exchanged over two hundred strikes, but in the end, one of them would have to give in, and so it came to one final thrust by the two warriors. Shirou and Aife sent their spears at one another, mirroring the action of another with clearest precision, and soon their blades met, for the moment seemingly completely frozen… Until the bone of Aife's spear cracked and shattered from the power of Gae Ruathar, and Shirou's spear surge forth like a crimson arrow and pierced her breast and heart, finally ending this battle. The Warrior Queen of Alba watched with shocked expression at the face of the warrior who had managed to best in her in true combat, and all she could do, was offer her smile to him, as she finally vanished from the realm of her sister, freed at last. Letting out a sigh of relief that it was over, Shirou felt the slight movement in the wind and the scent of flowers and blood, which belonged to Scathach, as she landed near him from the rock on top of which she observed the battle.
"You have succeeded in this final test, Shirou. Not one of my students could ever hope to accomplish what you did today, neither win against such armies, nor best my sister in single combat. As your teacher, I, Scathach, declare you my best pupil." Scathach stated to him, her voice filled with pride, but also hiding a sadness in it, as she moved to a distance of engagement, as her two Gae Bolg spears materialized in her arms. "I know naught what I can teach you to help you defeat Morgause, but… There is one final test, before I can know you will be able to best her as a warrior, in art of combat. The final test..." Scathach's tone lost it's joy and pride, replaced with coldness and neutrality, but Shirou could see that there was more, as she assumed her stance for an attack, her message loud and clear to him.
"You want me to fight you." Shirou declared, seeing his teacher take up a fighting stance.
"No, Shirou. I want you, to kill me." She declared to him, and them she charged him with all of her speed and power at him, ready to begin the last and final battle of her long immortal life.
Scathach charged, her right spear ready and aimed at his heart, a fast and clean strike that would end his life, shortest route to victory, while her left one was prepared to deflect any incoming attack. And yet, as she closed the distance her ruby eyes observed not a single movement of his muscle, nor a change in his spirit and intent, it was as if he was merely standing still. The more she closed distance, the more her confidence evaporated and desire to strike him down faded, but it was only at the last point where he could defend himself, that Scathach saw him simply let go of his spear. Scathach's eyes widened, her hand shook and she pushed her spear away, flying past his head, as Shirou's armor disappeared, before her eyes, opening his golden eyes to her. The Witch of Dun Scaith took one look in Shirou's eyes, and all of her confidence and resolve shattered as she read his soul… There was absolutely no desire for him to battle her, not in any way, and instead…
"Why…" Scathach's voice grew quiet, vulnerable and trembling, as her hair darkened her eyes. "Why… Why are you resolved so much to die?!" She shouted at him, as she retrieved her spears back, as she looked into his eyes with her face growing enraged.
"You already know the answer, teacher." Shirou simply replied, a small smile growing on his face. "You always could read me like an open book, so you should know why I can't fight you." He told her, and Scathach's hands shook from his words, as her rage boiled over.
"Do not toy with me, Shirou! You knew from the start that this would end like this, this is the only reason why I took you as an apprentice- to finally have a chance to die a warrior's death, to finally end this miserable existence!" Scathach shouted at him, as her past calmness was gone and she seemingly readied herself again. "Pick up your spear!" She commanded, but he refused.
"I won't." Shirou calmly answered, unfazed even as one of the spears flew past his head, millimeters away from cutting his skin and flesh.
"Then summon your Caliburn. Bring out your entire armory, your Reality Marble, Magecraft and more! You must fight me, or you will die!" Scathach declared and thrusted her spear again, missing one more time, despite her intent clear as day. "Fight me… Fight me, Shirou!" She nigh begged him to fight her, as her voice cracked at her demand.
"I can't do that, teacher." Shirou told her with a soft tone. "It's like you said: I'd sooner die than hurt those that I love, and I love you." He openly admitted to her, Scathach's heart skipping a beat and her being trembling, as she brought back her spears, seemingly unable to accept his words and feelings.
"Love… me? What… What do you even know about me?" She asked of him with a cold and bitter, yet vulnerable tone, as she looked in his golden eyes. "Do you know who all those men, women and beasts were? Those were all whom I had slain, without remorse and hesitation in my pursuits! Mortals, beasts, Gods and Demons- all fell before me without hesitation in my hands! My entire body and being is soaked in blood of countless of slain, innocent and naught, and there are none who can match me in thirst for battle and death! So how… How can you claim to love me, a bloodthirsty queen who threw away everything that she held dear, just to achieve her dream?!" She shouted at him, demanding his answer, yet deep inside, fearing and pleading that his words were true.
"It is all true, you are a peerless warrior queen who surpassed even concept of death, matchless even among the gods." Shirou stated with respect and adoration. "But before that, I see not a merciless and cold warrior, but a woman of fierce passion and pride, yet caring and affectionate, able to offer council and console in moment of distress. Both regal and light in character, caring and determined, nurturing and loving, fierce and kind- all this is Scathach that I see, and a woman that I grew to love." His words seemed to reach Scathach, frozen and growing shaken and struck by his words, as she lowered her arms, averting her gaze from him, seemingly in shame, before speaking in a quiet, vulnerable and sincere tone.
"Did you know what my dream was, Shirou? I wished to be the best, the peerless warrior you described me as… That was my dream, the one I pursued without hesitation, and so I did just that, leaving behind countless bodies of men and Gods behind. And as I did just that, I've also left my nature as a human, without even noticing it, I outgrew even what I perceived as perfection as a warrior, pushing and moving forward… Until I arrived to where I am now, and do you know what I found, at the end of my road to my dream?" She asked of him, turning to him, eyes full of grief, regret and sorrow. "I found only void, emptiness and loneliness, completely devoid of life, meaning, purpose or anything that could constitute being worth living for. I reached my goal, but there were none I could share the joy of it, only all these ghosts and wraiths, reminders of my path to this, being my sole companions. And even the students I took and taught, all have come and gone, living their lives to the fullest, before death took them in battle or in bet, yet I… I was denied it. I lived to see all my students pass away, to see their kin die and be forgotten, kingdoms and countries they fought for fall, I lived to see ages come and pass, and yet I remained: alone as the undefeated warrior, unsurpassed and unbeaten…" She told him with the tone Shirou wished never to hear from Scathach, one so vulnerable, broken and desperate.
"Do you know what immortality is, Shirou? It is not a blessing, but a curse, for you live long enough to witness all you care and love pass away, before all that is left is you and you alone, for all eternity, until the world ceases to exist." Scathach told him. "You can't comprehend the agony of living such a life, and if you truly care even the slightest bit about me, then p-please, Shirou… End it for me, Shirou." She asked of him, ready to not even fight him, and yet instead of taking up his spear, he spoke up to her.
"I thought the same thing, when I realized, that I won't be able to die anymore." Shirou said to Scathach, making her widen her eyes in shock, before she recalled, and the look of horror coming to her face. "I've asked Morgan about it, if I was still mortal or not, and she didn't want to give me the answer, but I've realized it myself. Albion lived for as long as our world had existed, and with his heart, I'll for just as long as our world exists… Just the thought of living long enough to see everyone I love and care about pass away frightened me to no end, and yet…"
And yet I'd rather live and see them pass away, then to give into despair, to be with them without regret and to tell them how much I love each of them. And that includes you, teacher, and if we are both immortal and you accept me and my love for you, then the thought of facing eternity feels like nothing to me." Shirou stated to her.
Scathach, shaken to the core, felt her hands growing weaker, her mind racing, unable to comprehend what she should do, until her heart told her to do, as she always did, with Scathach turning and facing Shirou. There was always one way she had done things, and expected of all her students, and Shirou knew it all too well, and so she trusted in this one principal, to see if his words were true and he could actually end her suffering not with his skill, but with his heart.
"You have said you love you, Shirou." Scathach stated to him. "But… I am not a woman of flowery words and hollow confessions. Prove to me, that you are true to those words." She told him, and Shirou understood what she meant, as he stepped forth before her, his hand gently rising to cup Scathach's cheek, his golden eyes looking into her ruby ones.
"I love you, Scathach." He told her in a quiet voice, one reserved for only those that profess their true feelings, and then their lips finally touched.
Scathach was no stranger to kisses in her time and she was no saint, having taken men to her bed before, but all those were just momentary distractions, and what she had with Shirou now is what she considered her first true kiss. Her hands released the spears, and Scathach did not waste time to bring Shirou closer, as she moved her arms gently around his neck, pushing him deeper into her embrace. She knew this is his first kiss and it showed in his inexperience, but the love and passion were there, and so for Scathach this was the sweetest kiss she ever had. The two didn't let go of one another for as long as they could, nigh devouring one another, like they were starved for one another, and this was not too far off.
They had only separated from one another when the need for air began to burn their lungs and forced them apart, but it was clear for both of them that this was not enough. This kiss was akin to a match that lit up a forest fire, with Scathach's passions and heart racing as her need for more was evident, starved for the touch of a man, and Shirou's gaze told her that he too felt similar. No words were needed to be exchanged between the two, and Scathach didn't waste time transporting the two of them into her chambers, before Shirou assailed her lips once more and Scathach melted in his embrace, feeling the fire she's not thought she had in her reignited once. Without wasting her time, still kissing her now chosen man, Scathach all but ripped away his cloths, before letting him do the same to hers, leaving each other bare before one another, with two dethatching from one another to allow them a moment to marvel at their partner's beauty. Shirou would make the first move, as he gently pushed Scathach on her furred bed, laying her on her back, before hovering over her, kissing her deeply and finally giving into their passion, lust and love.
Many hours later, after the morning, day and evening passed and night once more reigned, Shirou and Scathach would finally grow satiated, pleasantly numb and barely able to move. Their first few times were soft, caring and loving, slow and deliberate, to allow them both to settle into the pleasure, but it wasn't long until passion and desire overtook them, and their slow and gentle lovemaking grew into a passionate and almost ferocious dance of two warriors.
Shirou's inexperience was mitigated by his enthusiasm and desire, as well as willingness to allow Scathach to take the reins, which she did and showed her bellowed all that the warrior queen had to offer to him and more. Scathach had forgotten that she was a woman and her being needed to be reminded of it, and once she has gotten a taste of carnal pleasure, she descended into it without regret and made love with Shirou in all ways she could think and remember. They have lost count of things they did to one another, the ways they made love and how many times they have reached peak together or not, but what they knew for certain, that from now none of them will sleep alone.
"Ah, so this it is like…" Scathach said with a blissful tone, after she had finally caught her breath, her body numb, sweaty and tired, yet to her it felt the best it had in eternity.
"Forgotten what?" Shirou asked, much in the same state as his lover, with Scathach slowly moving to be on the same eye level, her goddess body pressing to his.
"What it is like, to be truly loved." She told him with a smile, before capturing his lips one more time, conveying her love to Shirou, before she laid on his broad chest, listening to the beating of his heart, feeling the warmth coming from him. "Thank you, Shirou." She thanked him, as he gently put his hand around her frame.
"Always." He simply told her, gently caressing her shoulder, as he listened to Scathach's breathing. "Scathach, once the training is over…" She put her finger to his lips, silencing him.
"I know, I've not forgotten about Morgause and your world." She told him, before she put away her finger and caressed his face. "But I will not remain behind to simply watch and observe, not anymore. I will come with you, Shirou, not as your teacher, but as your companion, in battle and love. Wherever you go, I will go with you, and not even death will stop me from being with you." She assured him, as Shirou gently took her hand into his, a small smile forming on his face.
"Then, is this a proposal?" Shirou asked of her with a light smile on his face, with Scathach looking at him with a curious eye. "I mean, does this mean you wish us to be married?" Scathach took a moment to think of it before smiling and telling him.
"No, I want no ceremonies or proves to the world. All I want is for you to hear my pledge: I am yours, 'till end of times and beyond, Shirou." Scathach told him with a smile.
"And I am yours, 'till the end of times and beyond, Scathach." Shirou pledged to Scathach, and once more their lips met and hands roamed about, their passion once reignited and the desires overtaking them for the rest of the night.
Avalon.
Being an apprentice of two mighty witches and magi, Shirou's time was divided between Land of Shadows, Avalon, and their respective rulers who trained him. If under Scathach Shirou pursued martial prowess, Runes and mastery of the art of war, then Morgan had fully committed to training Shirou in the arts of Magecraft unheard and unseen since the days of the Camelot and beyond. However before Shirou could even begin to grasp it all, he needed to literally retrain himself in all that he had learned before in the world of men, as his new body, nigh unlimited mana and just god-like levels of it made casting previous Magecraft all but impossible.
Each and every act in the Magecraft required a certain amount of mana to be poured into it, with spells, rituals and invocations all drawing on it in certain amounts, and Magi's primary skill was not simply learning how to draw out Mana, but to do so properly without any issues. The most essential skill, one that was akin to breathing and walking to all Magi, and in one instant Shirou had become a metaphorical infant in this again, the skill he prided himself the most as a Blacksmith and Mystic Artisan. Even before he was nothing short of an extraordinary example of a Magi, possessing close to a 120 circuits and all of exceptional quality, the kind that not even all Magi could have, and able to replenish his Od in rapid succession to boot. It was safe to say that Shirou could be considered a monster among Magi and one that not even some Dead Apostles could match.
Yet after his rebirth, Shirou realized, just what a true monster of magical energy was, as he literally breathed mana out of himself, with not just his new heart, but also every cell of his body becoming a magical reactor of surreal proportions. Considering the fact that Albion was, arguably, the eldest being on the planet at one point and it is generally accepted that with age Dragons only grow stronger, possessing his full heart made Shirou into a being that was beyond even some Gods, and what was more, as he trained and progressed, he continued to grow stronger. And it wasn't just his body that had evolved, but also his soul, as his Magic Circuits were near unquantifiable in power as well, and just using those would be enough to flood an entire street with magical energy on such level, that normal people would choke.
Yet with all this newly granted power came the need to regain his control over magical energy, and to say it was not easy would be an understatement, as Shirou had spent close to two years' worth of time, at least in his comprehension, once more learning under Morgan to control his magical energy like he used to. The task that was already a hard one was made even more so by the fact that his mana reacted to his emotions and he could quite literally unleash a wave of explosive energy if he didn't control himself. Shirou had to gain a better control of his emotions, to which he was grateful, as it allowed him a better control over his carnal urges, though after he and Scathach had become de-facto husband and wife, she was more than eager to ease the tension, which worked wonders for Shirou.
After regaining his control, he moved on to all the Magecrafts he learned as a boy, from Structural Analysis to Tracing, to Curses and Wards, and all the others he had mastered in his life. The arts of Magecraft that were once his bread and butter, the hard worked and earned mastery of which he prided himself on became outdated, as Shirou not only reached his past levels, but pushed beyond them. Every field, every study and school expanded and brought to a level most Magi couldn't even dream of, from Runes to Wards and Curses, with the latter now being so dangerous and powerful, that Shirou could literally destroy even a Phantasmal Beast with them. Yet it was with Tracing where his greatest success lie, as Shirou had finally broke the threshold that was always there, the previously undisputed rule that every object he Traced was weaker in quality, even if altered and Strengthened.
Now, Shirou was able to Trace everything at the exact the same condition, and even more, improve upon them through Alteration, and what was even more important, these same objects were now permanent. Indeed, like Venelana said, Shirou was dabbling with something that was closer to True Magic than it was to Magecraft, and this was never truer than now, as Shirou now could literally create through his own mana every object he needed, so long as he knew it's composition. He didn't even need to bring it out into the real world, as he could store it all in his own Reality Marble that he possessed inside of himself. Indeed, as if there was nothing more that could surprise Shirou, the fact that he actually had a Reality Marble was certainly something that did indeed cause shock to him, as he was excellently well aware of what those were.
The taboo of all taboos, a Magecraft that is considered the closest to all Magics, and Shirou possessed it since he was but a child, when his father had saved and stored Caliburn Albion in him, if not earlier. It was because of the interaction between Caliburn Albion, Avalon and his Reality Marble that his family was so reluctant to share information about Avalon with him, fearing that even knowledge of it could be dangerous, which was justifiable. Shirou was a Magus and knew how the game was played, and even if one were not reveal it aloud, there were ways other Magi learned secrets of their rivals: divinations, spying, familiars and other forms, like psychic abilities. The greatest power of the Magus is the Mystery of his Magecraft, and if not even Magus himself knew of it, then it was in the safest possible state, and same was with his Reality Marble, which was the embodiment of what Shirou truly was, and now became his most powerful tool, transcending all he had before.
Thanks to training from Morgan, he learned how to use his Reality Marble, and it literally became his forge, one in which he could craft and create everything he could conceptualize and draw out of his mind. He could produce materials with his mana, tracing and creating them into existence at his will, using a fake version of First Magic, as Shirou still needed to know materials through Analysis, and draw out the entire process of their creation in his Marble and he was still limited to his own mana pool. Recreation was as swift as it could be, but Creation was different, and needed time, precision and concentration, yet once it was done, it could be safely stored in Shirou's Reality Marble. It was here he crafted his Gae Ruathar and new armor, as well as every other armament he made since, all of which served to one specific purpose- creating a weapon that could pierce Avalon's defense.
Shirou's skill and mastery had progressed well past what it once was in the field of creation of Mystic Codes and armaments, however, it was not merely enough to compete against Morgause. He knew full well, that with Rhongomyniad, she had the second best defense she could gain, but with Avalon… She was virtually invincible, as it was the pinnacle of Wards, the ultimate shield that was literally beyond piercing, and even though Shirou possessed the way of recreating it now, there was just one problem- he literally didn't understand Avalon with his mind. The reason as to why he could recreate it even before was because Avalon had spent so long in him, that the knowledge of it became something akin to being part of him, as it literally was part of him. He didn't need incantations, precise knowledge or anything to actually Trace Avalon, but literal instinct and it was there, the sole anomaly and closest object to True First Magic that Shirou had.
Yet this inability to comprehend and understand Avalon meant that he could not find a way to circumvent it through any Magecraft or skill he had, as Avalon could negate everything, from Noble Phantasms to even Conceptual Weapons. If Shirou possessed knowledge of what it was made, he may have had an idea of where to start, but this was also the problem, as Avalon was a creation that was not created through "conventional" materials, just as it was Rhongomyniad, and as such, nothing that was made in a conventional way could surpass or even harm them. Even Caliburn Albion, a Divine Construct, had his limitations, despite being literally the most powerful weapon in Shirou's arsenal, but what he needed was not pure power, but something that could negate Avalon, or else he would not stand a chance against Morgause.
It was in those searches that Shirou spent much of his time in Avalon, meditating and searching for a way to overcome these shortcomings, while also practicing with Morgan in Magecraft. Just as it was with Scathach, under Morgan, Shirou flourished into a Magus the likes of which hadn't walked the Earth in ages, learning secrets and Mysteries that seemed on the level of Magic. It was thanks to Morgan that he was able to not just create, but also perfect a subdivision of Ward Magecraft, specifically designed to counter Morgause's Enthrallment Magecraft. Though Morgan had been freed from Morgause's commands, thanks to her son Gaheris, she was still bound not to directly fight her, yet she did all she could to assist Shirou in the preparation to their inevitable battle with her older sister.
While focused on their common goal, just like with Scathach, Morgan too bonded and grew close to Shirou, having spent countless hours in talks about much, from past to philosophy and more. Their bond was not the same as that shared by Shirou and Scathach, but the Witch of Dun Scaith could clearly see that the two were bound together. She, along with Morgan, now observed as Shirou was both contemplating the way of breaking through Avalon, as well as practicing his magical control, while also performing exercises with 5 elements in the air, manipulating them in various ways that were beyond most Magi. They stood some distance away, observing him, when Scathach decided to speak up.
"Looking at him now, it's hard to imagine that this is the same boy we've started training all those years ago." Scathach said with a fond smile.
"Yes, though I am glad that much of what made Shirou who he was didn't disappear after he received Albion's heart." Morgan admitted, with Scathach spying a gaze of longing in Morgan's blue eyes, which she quickly discerned, before Morgan turned to her. "But it seems he is not the only who has changed." Scathach was not going to deny that, and simply smiled and looked with a proud and loving gaze towards Shirou.
"True, hard to think that I was such a depressed person, whereas I'm now… Now I am a woman in love, and all thanks to that wonderful boy." Scathach said, before a glint of mischief shined in her eyes. "Oh, my mistake, thanks to that wonderful man." Scathach clearly emphasized the last one in correlation to her, with Morgan shooting an annoyed look.
"I am not so aloof as to notice that fact as well." Morgan answered to Scathach. "From the way Shirou looked at you, and you at him, I had suspected that you would end up in bed, if only to relieve yourselves."
"Yet you do remain aloof enough to not notice how Shirou is looking at you." Scathach said back, with Morgan's eyes widening a little, her cheeks growing a little redder. "And don't think he hadn't noticed how you look at him, and judging by it, you could certainly use some love as well." Scathach's hint was completely clear to Morgan, who averted her gaze from Scathach.
"I… I have no intention of stealing him from you." Morgan told Scathach, though the Queen of Dun Scaith could hear a slight trembling in her tone. "Despite what you may think, Scathach, I'm not someone who would go after someone else's husband or lover."
"History says otherwise, and it also says that beneath all this prim and proper veneer, hides one naughty witch." Scathach said with a suggestive tone, with Morgan shooting her a scandalized look. "Don't look at me. It's not my fault that your Faeries are such blabbermouths and topic of your love life is one of their favorites."
"Since when did you become interested in such things?" Morgan asked of Scathach.
"Since I realized that there is more to my life now, and I should live it in full." Scathach told Morgan, before her expression softened, along with her tone. "And the same goes for you, Morgan. There is more to life than merely lamenting past mistakes, and you shouldn't deny yourself a chance at being happy." Morgan listened to Scathach's words, before asking.
"And if for my happiness I have to take your love away from you?" Morgan asked of Scathach, who simply chuckled.
"Go right ahead." Scathach told her, with Morgan looking at her with confusion. "I don't mind Shirou having another woman in his life, considering that he feels the same way towards those girls in his world, including your little sister."
"Wait, what are you saying?" Morgan asked of Scathach, before she turned to Shirou, and her eyes widened in realization. "Albion's heart, it had affected his mind."
"More like enhanced what was already in there, but that is beside the point." Scathach told Morgan, who turned to her. "You knew from the start that it could do something like that to him."
"Yes, but I've not imagined it would translate into… Wait, Scathach, are you saying that you are fine with Shirou having a potential harem of lovers?" Morgan asked of her.
"Honestly, if it makes Shirou happy, then yes, I am all for it." Scathach said to Morgan. "Considering who Shirou is now, it's not something really outlandish, since Elementals do not exactly follow common rules of human morality, and then there are two of us: the Faery Queen of Avalon and the God-Slaying Queen of Dun Scaith. The only rules we need to follow are those we set ourselves, and ones that Shirou sets, and we both know, that compared to most Elementals, he is the most humane of them all. And if you fear he would treat you as mere toy or trophy, I can assure you, that he'd sooner let you kill him than even say a bad word to you."
"Perhaps, but still…" Morgan was trying to come up with an argument, failing in that regard. "Arturia has set her eyes on Shirou, and I've brought her enough pain and misery. Once Morgause is dealt with, I'll make sure my sister gets her deserved due."
"And what about your due?" Scathach asked of Morgan, who didn't answer, before Queen of Dun Scaith let out a sigh. "Morgause ruined both of your lives, Morgan, and if Shirou had told me right, before Morgause user her Magecraft on you, you and Arturia were the closest sisters in the world, or at least closer than I was with Aife, although that's a rather low bar." Scathach had to admit, with Morgan noting something in Scathach's speech.
"That last statement, it is from modern times, is it not?" Morgan asked, with Scathach nodded. "I do know you have something akin to clairvoyance like I do, but you've refused to use it. So how is it that you know it?"
"Shirou told me about it." Scathach answered. "Talking about the modern world is one of our favorite topics when we are alone, and I've got to say, for all the losses in Magecraft and proper warriors, the Age of Men did produce some exceptional wonders, like phones, TV and so much more. But what's more impressive is his homeland, Japan, and it's past culture of warriors, legends of old that shaped entire history. I've had him teach me Japanese just so I can read about them, when I come with him." Morgan widened her eyes at that.
"You mean to leave the Reverse Side of the World with Shirou? But what about you domain?" Morgan asked of her, with Scathach shrugging her shoulders.
"Considering that it's literally an inescapable realm of the dead, I'd say there shouldn't be any problem. After all, Dun Scaith, like I, was sundered from all planes of existence, and only here I have access to the rest of the Reverse Side, thanks to you." Scathach reminded Morgan. "If I mean to be with Shirou, then I will come with him to his world, and we both know that even though he has changed, he's not going to just up and abandon his home. This is why he is out there training his control in the first place."
"Yes, because even his mere presence can cause Magi's their Circuits burn out, if he is just flaring it up, and even without it, he is like a perpetual magical well." Morgan stated.
"More like a perpetual nuclear reactor plant." Scathach added her version, with Morgan shooting her a confused look. "It's a special place up there that produces electricity for men, using special materials for it. Like I said, he has been teaching me all the kinds of new stuff about the world above. Hasn't he told you anything like that?"
"I haven't had the opportunity or interest to ask." Morgan replied, but Scathach shot her a knowing look.
"You know, you are a worse liar than I thought." Scathach said to her. "We both know that you want to be with him, Morgan. Stop lying to yourself and looking for excuses and just admit it."
"What I do not understand is why you are so insisting on getting involved in this?" Morgan asked of Scathach.
"Because you are very important and special to Shirou, and that's enough of a reason for me to worry about you." Scathach stated, with Morgan being shocked at this revelation, making her think about it. "Morgan…"
"After Morgause is dealt with and Arturia is free…" She told Scathach, who understood what she meant. "Until then, could you…"
"You have my word." Scathach told her, before she and Morgan saw Shirou dispel his magic, rising up and moving to the two of them. "For now, let's see if he has managed to solve the Avalon conundrum or not." Soon, Shirou joined the two, and by the look in his eyes, it was clear that he had not had much success.
"Any success?" Morgan asked, with Shirou shaking his head.
"None, same as before." Shirou said with a defeated sigh, as he sat down on the rock near him. "I have a perfect understanding of what Avalon can do, but not a single clue as to what it is made out of, and that's where the problem lies. Every material, including Magecraft, has specific properties, properties that I can analyze, and through that determine their weak spots, but Avalon is different that it is something that, by definition, shouldn't even possibly exist, because it is not made of anything that exists, and yet… There is but one explanation that I can think of how it is possible, and that is the First Magic."
"Avalon was created to serve as the ultimate shield, alongside Excalibur as the ultimate sword, and both are equal in their true power and potential." Morgan stated to Shirou. "As you know, Excalibur was created by the six original Great Mothers and Fathers of Britain, back in the Age of Gods, and it took nigh all of their great might and power to perform this feat. To this day, I have not known any Faery that could potentially reach level of power or accomplish similar feat. Not even I have any way of crafting something that can pierce Avalon." Morgan sighed, while Scathach gave it some thought, before speaking.
"Say, if we categorize Avalon, it would have to something akin to Conceptual Weapon, embodying a certain concept, is it not?" Scathach asked, with Shirou nodding.
"Yes, it is the ultimate Ward Construct, embodiment of "warding off all that would seek to harm you," or something akin to that." Shirou said, with Scathach nodded.
"Then perhaps instead of trying to pierce through it, we look for a way to circumvent it, or better yet, separate it from Morgause, like she did with Shirou?" Scathach suggested, with Morgan shaking her head lightly at it.
"We have already discussed this option with Shirou, and unfortunately, it would be impossible even for him to do so. Morgause will protect herself with her own Magecraft to prevent Avalon from being separated from her, and in that regard, Morgause can ward off even Magecraft on level of Age of Gods." Morgan said, but Shirou seemed to be in some thought. "Shirou, what is on your mind?"
"Morgause may be able to ward off Magecraft of Age of Gods, but what if she were to go up against a weapon, that embodies the concept of "separation?" Shirou asked of Morgan and Scathach. "A Conceptual Weapon, meant not simply to do harm, but use the concept of "Separation" in all of its iterations? Like, for instance, separate Avalon from Morgause, ignoring all wards and not harming her, thereby not triggering Avalon's powers?" Shirou's words seemed to carry some sense, as Morgan gave it some thought and spoke up.
"This could work, but there still exists the problem that this weapon would need to embody this concept in all ways, even unknown ones. Another problem is that Avalon can also ward off Magecraft and effects made out of something that exists in this world, when it is directed towards it." Morgan stated. "In other words, in order to affect Avalon, you would need to find a way to create something out of nothing, which in itself is…"
"The First True Magic." Shirou finished for Morgan. "Denial of Nothingness, creation of something out of nothing, without any cost to it. Purest form of… Creation…" Shirou said, as a thought crossed his mind, before Tracing into existence the very first creation of his, the same katana that Zelretch ordered from him, surprising the two. "Creation of all things starts from certain knowledge, and the origin of all knowledge is the same for all- the Swirl of the Root."
"Yes, but why would you need this sword?" Scathach asked of Shirou.
"This is the very first blade I had crafted, the Origin of my path as a blacksmith, where my path to obtaining knowledge began." Shirou said, as he looked at it. "And the very first spell I've learned was Structural Analysis, which I've evolved into Tracing… Well, I guess it's time start and act as a proper Mage for once." Shirou let out a humorless chuckle, as he concentrated, with Morgan and Scathach looked at him with confusing.
"Trace…" Shirou finally spoke up, as he grasped the blade and all that were in it. "…On." And then he moved deeper, using the sword as a conduit to grasp the knowledge, and then go into the Origin of Knowledge as a whole, going down the rabbit hole that only one Mage had ever dared to thread.
The next moment Shirou opened his eyes, and he immediately realized that he was not in the Avalon, but in his own Reality Marble, which looked like an organic and harmonic union of all the important to him places. The landscape was a mix of Avalon, with hills and plains, yet with rivers high peaks and mountains of Dun Scaith in the distance, while the Clock Tower, Emiya Estate, his estate in London and more were placed around. The sky looked like it was in Japan in clearest day, with Sakura trees littering the area, blending in with the pink fields of Avalon.
And all over the fields, plains, hills and all of landscape, the land of was littered with the copies or original armaments, armors and artifacts that Shirou had ever crafted, possessed, seen and Traced. Under normal circumstances, he would not be so surprised to be here, as he had learned how to enter this place without drawing it out into the real world, but this was no normal situation, especially since Shirou could sense that someone had somehow also entered it, and dragged him here.
"Alright, this is my Marble, but I can sense that I'm no longer in control here…" Shirou said aloud, as he looked around. "If I remember my lessons with Morgan correct, it is impossible for anyone to hijack someone's Reality Marble… Unless you have someone who can do the impossible." Shirou said, as he sensed the presence behind him, making him turn.
Before him stood a beautiful young woman of Japanese origin, a model of traditional Yamato princess, dressed in a rich golden and white kimono with nature patterns. However, it wasn't her good looks that drew Shirou's attention, but what he was sensing from her, which was simply impossible to describe, as Shirou could literally sense that this young woman held in her everything and nothing. After his rebirth, few things could truly frighten Shirou, but this woman, or rather creature… It utterly terrified him, and he could literally sense that he could not do a thing about her.
"You are not wrong in that, Shirou Muramasa." The woman suddenly spoke up to Shirou, drawing his attention and making him tense up. "Although you have no reason to harm me, so I will not harm you." She said with a small smile, while Shirou calmed himself.
"Are you… Are you the Root?" Shirou asked with a bit of nervousness, with the woman letting out a small chuckle.
"You could say that. I am part of it and one with it, an existence brought about by it and inseparable from it, yet also one of my own." She answered to him, before continuing. "But you can call me Shiki, Ryougi Shiki, so as to avoid confusion. As for what I am now… Consider me a gatekeeper, who guards the Root."
"You are a manifestation of the Root itself?" Shirou asked with shock, with her nodding. "Okay… Should I even ask how you've managed to hijack my Reality Marble?" She chuckled lightly at his question.
"I did it because I sensed you coming to the Root, and I was interested to see what you are." Shiki answered, as she looked around. "Hm, your Reality Marble is a lot nicer than all other ones your alternative versions possess. Especially one that serves Alaya." Shiki said, seemingly admiring the scenery.
"Does that mean that all my other versions from other worlds used the same method to get to the Root, or you simply know about it because you know everything?" Shirou asked of her in a bit of a lighthearted manner, with Shiki giving him a knowing smile. "Sorry, it's just… I am just still processing the fact that I'm having a conversation with the manifestation of the Akashic Records, and it's…" Shirou let out a bit of a laugh, from the sheer perceived absurdity of it all, with Shiki smiling at him.
"You were expecting to be staring into the black hole from which sprung all of existence, and instead you get me." Shiki stated Shirou's thoughts, and he nodded. "I could take that form if you would like, but I think that my current form is more appealing to look at, and is easier for communication, same as you." Shiki again stated Shirou's thoughts aloud.
"Got me there." Shirou admitted, before he grew serious. "If you can read my mind and know everything, they know why I am here, and you know that I do not seek the Root out of malice or with ill intent. What I seek…"
"First Magic, Denial of Nothingness, and nothing more." Shiki Ryougi answered for Shirou. "The ultimate Magic, one that all of Magi crave, more than any other, for they see it as the truest expression of the Root. But not you… You want it to surpass the limitation of material world, to find a way to surpass that which was created by the Six Sub-Bells, and that which you envision to craft against Morgause may only be your first step to it... And yet you fear to truly thread down that road, because you fear what you could do with that kind of power."
"I do, I'm terrified that I'll succumb to the allure of ultimate power." Shirou admitted. "To craft the ultimate sword is to craft the sword that would sever all that exists, even the Root itself… First Magic may grant me this dream, but I do not need it now. What I need…" Shiki raised her closed hand before Shirou's eyes, stopping him.
"I know, and I know that like Yumina, you will not succumb to it, Shirou Muramasa, so long as you stay true to yourself." Shiki assured him, before opening the palm of her hand to him, and Shirou's eyes widened at what he saw, something that was beyond description and normal understanding. "Use it to your content, Shirou Muramasa, and when the time comes, I will welcome you at my side." She told him with a smile, before a blinding light engulfed the entire Reality Marble.
In the next very moment, Shirou's eyes opened up and he realized that he was back in the real world, with Morgan and Scathach looking at him with concern and confusion.
"Shirou?" Morgan asked of him, as he rose up and walked to the edge of the hill they stood on, his katana dispelled. "What happened?" She asked of him, but Shirou didn't answer.
Instead of giving them any form of answer, Shirou raised his right hand to his chest level, and in the next instant out of thin air in his hand appeared a long Japanese sword, with a white handle and golden tsuba. This was the sword that the two women had never seen before, but was confounded them even more was the fact that they didn't sense any magical energy coming from Shirou upon it's creation, like it literally appeared out of nothing in his hand. Moving the sword gently to his left hand and gripping it by the sheath, Shirou then suddenly unsheathed his new sword in a single Iaido motion, seemingly striking the air, and the two Queens widened their eyes at what they witnessed next.
Before their eyes, the very air seemed to split into two, a literal cut in the fabric of reality appearing before them, with two severed parts sliding apart in their vision, before the tear suddenly fused back together as if it had never been there. No Magecraft or Divine Construct could ever achieve something so extreme, and there was no way someone could craft something like this, a peerless katana that can seemingly split the world itself into two. There was but one possible explanation for it, and the realization that Shirou had actually achieved it, shocked and floored Morgan, while Scathach could only look at her former apprentice with purest expression of pride.
"S-something out of nothing… Only Yumina could create something like that." Morgan uttered with shock in her voice. "The Conceptual Sword of Separation… Shirou, y-you've a-achieved it? Y-you've reached the Root?!" She asked of him purest shock.
"Yeah, I've met the Root, and it gave me what I needed." Shirou said, as she elegantly sheathed sword and turned to Morgan and Scathach with a smile. "Now… I'd say it's time to put an end to Morgause for good." Shirou told them, signifying the end of his long and arduous training, signaled by his achievement of the First Magic.
You probably thought that I wouldn't find a way to make Shirou even more OP, and yet… I'd say that Morgause now has quite a serious problem on her hands, and she better be preparing her own grave.
Now, as some of you had expected, this chapter should've come out some time ago, and originally this was the plan, as I planned to post this chapter back on Sunday, but life had other plans. I've contracted some sort of an infection, which caused an indigestion and some other less pleasant symptoms, like vomiting. I'm mostly past it, but safe to say that it was a rough couple of days for me, and I only now felt strong enough to get back to this story. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back to it in full in full gear on this week.
Now, as I've promised in the last chapter, here are some Fate style stats for one of the Servants:
Genji Muramasa:
STR: B
END: B
AGI: A
MANA: A+
LUCK: C
NP: A+
Class Skills:
Magical Resistance: B
Territory Creation: A. Though a modern Magus, Genji had an excellent skill at setting up his workshop anywhere where he could, through which he could maximize his advantages.
Divinity: C. Through the Blessings of Susanoo and Kagutsuchi, Genji acts as their combined avatar, possessing a portion of divinity while as Alter Ego.
Personal Skills:
Mana Burst (Fire and Lightning): B+. Possessing blessings of the two Japanese Gods, Genji is able to use their elements to full effect for attack, defense and movement, yet he can't utilize both at the same time.
Magecraft: A. One of the most powerful modern Magi, Genji has skills in near every sphere of Magecraft and excelled in most of them, and he is able to utilize it to full effect.
Ward Arts: A. Heir of Runeas family, Genji was regarded as one of the greatest masters of Ward Magecraft, able to employ near every conceivable spell in both defensive and offensive ways. His Wards even in life were able to stop Servant class enemies.
Curse Arts: A. Head of Muramasa family, Genji inherited all of Muramasa's prowess in casting curses that can inflict multitudes of damage and harm upon others, even beings as strong as Servants are not safe from him.
God-Slayer: C+. Possessing blessings of Kagutsuchi, who burned his mother Izanami to death, Genji is grated a boost against enemies possessing Divinity, with his Magecraft being especially affective against them.
Noble Phantasms:
Ame-no-Habakiri. Eight Beheading Strikes: A+. By invoking the name of Susanoo's legendary sword that slew Yamato-no-Orochi, Genji summons into his hand it's manifestation and strikes his enemy with it. The attack also produces seven additional attacks, which are inescapable and strike all vital areas of the enemy, ensuring that the enemy dies. It origin lies in legend of Susanoo, who beheaded all eight of Yamato's heads in one strike.
Ame-no-Ohabari. Double-Edged Sword of Takamagahara: A. The sword that slew Kagutsuchi, it is embued with the very fire of the god it slew, and can produce fire of eight volcanos that it now comprises.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and will leave a comment about in the review section, and if you have various suggestions about it, feel free to all give them. Your contributions make this story better.
Next time: Calm before a storm.
See ya!