Two days later.
For Gray, it was nothing new waking up with her body barely responding to her commands, having gotten used to the feeling of certain numbness and tiredness, but it was only after extreme sessions of training. This time, it was different, as she recalled being stabbed deeply into her back, bleeding profusely then drained of her powers and unable to do anything, with Gray realizing that she was to die back there and then and she did not. All she could remember was Shirou calling out, pleading her not to die… and then right before she lost her conscience, she felt as if Holy Light had entered her.
Puzzled and disoriented, Gray groggily sat up on her bed, seeing that she was somewhere that she had never been, a small hotel room that she had no recollection on. Fortunately enough, she was in her cloak and hood, which was already comforting enough, but then, Gray noticed something very important. She looked around with panic in her eyes, trying to find her signature birdcage yet she failed. Panicking from the realization that Add was nowhere near her, she tossed aside the covers, quickly dressing herself in her shoes, preparing to leave on her own shaky legs, when the door into her room opened.
"Gray, thank goodness you are awake." Lord El-Melloi II said with an all too unfamiliar to Gray worry, surprising and startling her, before he composed himself with a cough. "You… You shouldn't be up so soon, Gray, not after what had happened."
"Sir, I… I'm sorry, but I must go." She said with anxiousness, but Waver didn't let her go through him, gently stopping Gray. "Sir, please, Add…" She was about to explain to him, but then she saw his defeated look.
"Gray… How much to do you remember from what had happened in that tomb?" He asked of Gray.
"I… I was stabbed, and then…" Gray tried to think of it, before widening her eyes in realization. "Th-The Blackmore C-Crest… I-I can't feel it, a-and Add… S-sir, wh-what had happened? Wh-where is Add? Wh-Where is Muramasa-san?" She asked of Lord El-Melloi II with clearest panic in her voice, with Waver letting out a defeat sigh, before he moved to sit down and motioned her to do the same.
"I was hoping you could fill us in on the details, but from what we do know… Morgause Le Fay has returned back to life, claiming the body of Shirou's maid Arturia, and then, apparently, used her Magecraft to turn it into a complete copy of Arturia Pendragon's." Waver explained, with Gray listening with stilled breath. "She… When we saw her, she had in her hands Rhongomyniad. Not one of Add's forms, but the genuine article, and then… We found this." Waver took out of his pocket what remained of Add, and tentatively gave it Gray, who widened her eyes in horror, as tears began to well up.
"A-Add…" It was all she could say, before wiping her tears and speaking up again. "B-But she… She was stopped, right? Sh-Shirou and you…" Gray tried to say with a hopeful tone, before she saw Lord El-Melloi II's grim expression.
"I… I am sorry, Gray." Waver said with clearest regret. "Muramasa… Shirou tried to stop her, but Morgause was too powerful, far too powerful, even for him. He…" Gray's eyes widened at his words, as her mind could hardly comprehend the fact.
"H-How?" She asked of him.
"They destroyed the tomb open, and then… She pierced his heart with Rhongomyniad." Waver answered Gray's question. "We… We saw it happen before our eyes. Lady Runeas tried to kill her, but Morgause didn't seem flinched by her attacks. She would've killed us, probably, but then something had happened…"
"What?" Gray asked of him.
"I… We are still racking our brains about what exactly happened, but Shirou's body suddenly glowed and disappeared, and we've not been able to find it anywhere on the globe." Lord El-Melloi told Gray. "After that, Morgause just forgot about the three of us and left, and now… Now we are here, in Compton Dandon, two days later."
"I… I was out for two days?" Gray asked, with Waver nodding.
"Yes, we've found you right after Morgause had left. You were under ten layers of Wards, must've been work of Shirou, and your wound… It was healing before our eyes." Waver stated to Gray. "Whatever had happened to you, Shirou somehow had saved your life. Gray… If you see Lady Runeas, please…"
"I understand, Sir. I… Wait, Sir." She suddenly caught on with something. "Wh-Why are we in Compton Dandon?" And at that very moment, the door into the room opened up, and in stepped a certain Enforcer with magenta colored eyes and short hair, dressed in an official suit.
"Lord El-Melloi II, the Lords are demanding your and your Apprentice's presence." Bazett Fraga McRemitz informed them, before stepping aside to let them out, and then following them.
"Sir, what is going on?" Gray asked of Lord El-Melloi, as they've gotten onto the ground level and then went outside onto the streets, with Gray noting how she saw none but Mages on the streets. "Wh-Where are all the people, Sir?"
"They were evacuated, as were all the people that had received government message in nearby towns, farms and villages. Right now, we are currently inside a four hundred square kilometer exclusion zone, encompassing all the surrounding area around Glastonbury." Lord El-Melloi informed Gray, making her look at him with surprise and much confusion. "As for why Glastonbury and surrounding area was evacuated, the answer is simple- Morgause is in Glastonbury, and she has effectively taken over minds of all that hadn't evacuated from the area."
"B-But if that's the case, th-then the government and military forces would've responded already." Gray noted, understanding the full weight of what could be happening right now.
"Lord Barthomeloi and Director of the Clock Tower have already settled the matter with the Downing Street, hence why the exclusion zone. Officially, they reported a leakage of some dangerous chemical elements in the area, or something as such." Bazett answered for Lord El-Melloi, as they have traversed the streets. "Of course, the Downing Street is pissed at what had happened, but they allowed us to take care of our mess… However, how we will be able to stop that witch, I doubt anyone has any idea, especially since she appears to be completely invulnerable to all we can throw at her."
"Invulnerable?" Gray asked, with Waver nodding, before Gray realized what it could stem from. "A-Avalon…"
"What was that, Gray?" Waver asked of her, with Gray shaking her head, as they have arrived in what once was a town's hall, repurposed into a temporary headquarters for the Magi's usage.
"Lord El-Melloi II, a moment of your time." Bazett stopped them for a moment, turning to them. "Just so you are aware, they are looking for a scapegoat, and more than a fair few of them are accepting of the idea, to place all the blame on you."
"I'd be disappointed if at least someone wasn't pointing their fingers at me." Lord El-Melloi II responded with nihilistic tone. "But why are you telling me?"
"Just so you were prepared for what's to come and because Muramasa-san liked you a lot." Bazett responded, surprising Gray and Waver. "Said you were the best teacher in the whole Clock Tower, and that he learned more from you, than he did from that old crone Valualeta and instructors of Mineralogy."
"I wasn't aware he held me is such high regard." Lord El-Melloi II noted with some surprise.
"Don't be so surprised. Compared to most other Lords and instructors, you are a pretty decent and good person, and someone who is actually teaching their students, instead of looking for ways to exploit them." Bazett said, before her expression turned sour. "A number of the Magi out there are also placing the blame on Muramasa as well, since he didn't manage to stop that witch and now caused this whole big mess in the first place."
"No! He… He did everything he could to stop her!" Gray stated in protest, finding courage from anger and indignation at the way Shirou was treated.
"She is right. It was Muramasa's decision to go in alone, and had we been there with him… It's possible we would've been killed as well." Lord El-Melloi II admitted with grim expression. "Though I imagine that snake Adashino has already span her own tale."
"She's actually of the same mind as you are, and said as much to all of them already. And you don't need to try and convince me." Bazett told them. "Miss Adashino lent him to me for two missions, and we've gotten along better than I expected. He was a good kid… No, a good man, someone who could've been a great Enforcer. He didn't deserve any of it." Bazett said, before letting them inside the building, where a near complete menagerie of Clock Tower's elite and higher ups greeted them.
"Ah, there he is, the failed Lord." Bram Nuada-re Sophia-Ri declared, as all eyes turned to Waver and his student. "Tell us, Lord El-Melloi II, for how long were you expecting to be oblivious to the secret you and that worthless apprentice of yours had?"
"What secret exactly are you talking about?" Waver asked of him. "And why exactly were we called here?"
"Come now, its way past time to be playing dumb, Lord El-Melloi II. We have confirmed our suspicions, and now know exactly how Morgause Le Fay has obtained The Holy Lance of King Arthur." Inorai Valualeta stated with a small, yet vicious smile, as she looked at Gray, who wished to stay behind her mentor. "Quite cunning of you, to have kept such a massive secret from us all. We had all pegged you for a pretty weak and insignificant man, but to think you would have the gall to harbor Rhongomyniad and its keeper… Well played, Lord El-Melloi II."
"Yes, except now it has all but destroyed our Moonlit World, and risks exposure of our Mysteries to the world! All thanks to your "apprentice" and Shirou Muramasa, and you." Bram Nuade-Re added. "I hope you realize that we need to take appropriate actions now."
"If you wish to take actions, then go right ahead and take them. Only instead of standing here and looking for scapegoats, maybe we should focus on trying to find a way to defeat Morgause." Waver nearly shouted at them all, as he looked around the room, barely able to contain his anger and irritation. "Since our initial attempts to stop her have failed, than perhaps it is time for us to petition for help to the Holy Church and other arms of the Association."
"So you would have us go crawling for help before Atlas and Wandering Sea, not to mention the Holy Church?" One of the higher ranking Magi stated, with Waver losing it finally.
"No, I would have us finally doing something productive, instead of just looking to secure our backsides from the fallout!" Waver snapped finally. "In case none of you have figured it out yet, we have a Witch who is equal to fucking Merlin in terms of Magecraft prowess, with the body of King Arthur and his lance! So maybe you should stop playing politics, and start doing something about it all?!" The amount of widened eyes and grunts and grumbles of indignation was at record high at Waver's words, before Inorai spoke up.
"Hm, perhaps you do have a point, Lord El-Melloi II." Lady Valualeta said, as her eyes landed on Gray. "Your apprentice here held Rhongomyniad within that queer box of hers. I say we question her sharply and find out all that she knows about it. She mayhaps hold answers we are looking for." She snapped her fingers and several Enforcers began to move towards Gray, with Waver putting himself between her and the incoming Enforcers.
"Please, drop the act, Waver." Bram mockingly asked of him, as the Enforcers got hold of Waver and just pushed him aside. "Either way, she's ought to know something that can help us. Or, at the very least, serve as an adequate scapegoat." Bram's words seemed to a reflection of the general thoughts of most gathered, as Gray tried to back away, but soon was backed into the corner with the Enforcers preparing to take her captive, but then all heard a loud thud on the floor from a cane striking it.
"Would you gentlemen stop scaring this young miss and start acting as you are supposed to?" All of the people turned to see who it was, and all eyes widened in shock, as in the entrance stood Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, followed by Touko Aozaki, Aoko Aozaki, Venelana Runeas, Caenis and Irisviel Emiya. "Now then, I'd say it's about damn time you've actually listened to Lord El-Melloi II here, 'cause from what I'm hearing, he's the only one who at least is trying to resolve this disaster."
"L-Lord Z-Zelretch, what are you…" One of the Magi tried to speak up, but Zelretch and his group forced his way inside and at the center of the room, where the main table with maps was, with none other than Lorelei Barthomeloi, followed by a member of Church and Zepia Eltnam Atlasia, Director of Atlas. arriving a moment later. "L-Lord Barthomeloi, but shouldn't you…"
"I shouldn't what, be here and trying to end this catastrophe, or do you mean to imply that all I am good for is desk job and PR management?" Lorelei asked with steel, but before she got her answer, she spoke again with authority. "Everyone safe for Lords, commanders of Enforcers, and Lord El-Melloi's apprentice, are to get out and ensure that the containment is secure." She ordered, and soon the room was cleared up, with only Inorai, Bram, Karmagliph and Bazett remaining of the previously packed room.
"Touko, my dear, you have my deepest sympathies. It truly is a tragedy, for such a talented and perspective student to have died such an ugly and worthless death." Inorai couldn't help but speak up of Shirou, as if she were Touko's friend. "If only he had the foresight to actually pursue his true calling instead of playing heroes, then…" And at that moment, Touko closed her distance with Inorai, and then struck the elder woman with her fist across her face, breaking her lip and nose, before grabbing her by the collar and bringing her face to face.
"Shut up, you scheming vulture. Say one more word of my son, and I'll break your face so had, then not even your family will be able to fix it!" She growled with purest of rages, before she all but tossed her into Bram's arms. "Take that bitch, and get her out of here, before I change my mind."
"You… Who do you think you are to command me?!" Bram demanded in indignation, as he helped Inorai to her feet.
"Ugh… A-And to think that you w-were once such an exemplary Magus, Touko." Inorai said with her broken nose and snide. "I guess… I now know whom poor Shirou got his heroism from." And then Aoko grabbed Inorai by her hair.
"Listen, you old crone! In case you didn't get it the first time, here's a refresher." At that moment, she literally tossed the old Lady out into the street, before returning back, with Bram deciding to follow after.
"L-Lord Barthomeloi?" Bazett found herself in an uncomfortably peculiar position, since she was the sole remaining highest ranked Enforcer.
"McRemitz, report on the containment." Barthomeloi demanded, with Bazett nodding and reporting.
"We've deployed our Enforcers along the traffic roads and maintaining full coverage of the exclusion zone via familiars. For now, there were no movements from inside the exclusion or into it." Bazett stated, as she pointed at the map. "Right now, according to our information, Morgause seems to be concentrating her thralls in Glastonbury. Right now, we believe she has around 22 thousand under her direct control."
"This constitutes the combined populations of Street and Glastonbury, as well as surrounding villages." Executor, a fair-skinned girl with blue pixie cut hair, stated with a sigh, before she turned to Bazett. "With the size of the exclusion zone, you can't possibly cover the entire area. The Church is ready to deploy our own forces to supplement your numbers, give us the details on the arrangement of the perimeter, and we will supplement it." Bazett was surprised to hear it, as she turned to Lorelei, before Zelretch spoke up.
"Miss McRemitz, please meet Ciel, Church's trump card and our liaison until someone with authority arrives. Coordinate with her the containment efforts, and please make sure that all know that there are to be no altercations with the Church." Zelretch ordered. "The last thing we require is another conflict amongst each other."
"Y-Yes, sir. Please, follow me." Bazett told Ciel, and she nodded, following her to the other room.
"Lord Meluastea, what of the Gorlois family?" Barthomeloi asked of the man, as he looked nervous.
"W-we've not had any luck finding them." He simply stated to them, noticing how Barthomeloi gave quite a cold look.
"I see. Enforcers, arrest Lord Meluastea on charges of treason, cooperation with traitors and endangerment of Mystery." And then Enforcers barged in and immediately took Karmagliph out, before he could even say anything in his defense, while Barthomeloi slammed her fist onto the table. "Damnation, how in the world could I be so blind?! I should've known that this entire investigation was going way too strange!" For a moment, Lorelei allowed her emotions take control of her, clearly showing shame and blame for her act, before Zelretch spoke up.
"None of us are infallible, Lord Barthomeloi, and at this moment we can't allow ourselves to wallow in our mistakes." Zelretch's words did manage to get to the woman, as she composed herself. "Right now, we need to deal with Morgause."
"That is easier said than done, Wizard Marshal." Zepia finally spoke up, as he looked at the reports and maps. "She has her hands on Rhongomyniad, the very pillar that holds Reverse Side and our world in place, and her Magecraft mastery matches that of Merlin, as you've said, and that is not to mention her own Magecraft that allows her to take over minds. Even we Atlas have only heard anecdotes of such Magecraft, and of Morgause… She is basically an unknown entity to us all. All we have to go by are unreliable romances and stories."
"Not to all of us." Zelretch corrected Zepia, as he gained attention of all and began his tale. "Morgause is the eldest daughter of Uther Pendragon and Igraine, older twin to Morgan and younger sister to King Arthur, who's body she had recreated down to the very last detail, from cells to the Red Dragon Core she had, thanks to Merlin. Like with Morgan, she is a Fairy, or at least part of it, and views herself as the rightful Queen of all Britain, normal and magical, and her goal has always been one and the same – to rule over it, no matter what. Her lust for power and sheer might had made her a mortal enemy of Arturia and Morgan, as she had nearly brought them down before Camelot was even founded, with the help of Vortigern. In the end, the two sisters did defeat her, but Arturia decided on life imprisonment instead of execution, and it was up to Morgan to ensure that it would come to be without a chance for Morgause to return. She succeeded, through creation of that prison, with bonds holding Morgause in mind, body, spirit and soul, only able to be broken by blood of Pendragon bloodline. Yet before she was entombed in there, she somehow managed to engrain her will upon Morgan, and hence once loving and supportive sister became incarnation of Morgause's vengeance and madness. And now… Now this very Witch, whose existence and story was regarded as dangerous, has returned, thanks to Gorlois and Meluastea assistance."
"Care to share how is that you are so well informed of her?" Aoko asked of Zelretch, who let out a tired sigh.
"My knowledge of her comes from my own experience with her. I, Yumina and Brishisan had lent our support to Merlin and Morgan in stopping Morgause, and it was Yumina who had essentially erased Morgause from the minds of most with her First Magic." Zelretch revealed to all, with Lorelei slightly widening her eyes after hearing it. "The power she wielded with her Magecraft was too much, and so we have had to make sure that none would gain it, so Yumina erased it from memories of all, safe select few."
"And now she is back, and she has already taken over this area." Zepia noted. "Even with all of her new powers, she can't be immortal. I am prepared to authorize the utilization of Black Barrel…" And it was at that point that Gray decided to speak up.
"I-It won't work…" She suddenly spoke up, getting attention of all. "M-Morgause, she… She has…" At that moment, Venelana took over, as she spoke with a near dead voice.
"She has Avalon." She stated simply, with Lorelei and Zepia widening their eyes at her words.
"The World's strongest Ward Divine Construct, able to grant eternal life and negate every curse and wound from any weapon?" Zepia asked aloud, and after receiving nods of confirmation, shook his head. "It was supposed to have been lost, wasn't it?"
"It was… Until the Einzberns found it, and we used it to summon our Servant into the war." Irisviel said with a grim tone, as she closed her eyes at the memories. "After the War, it rested within Shirou, to help him heal from injuries he got in the Fire. It was in him ever since then and he… H-he only learned of it a-a day before…" Tears welled up in Irisviel's eyes faster than anyone could see, and without another word, she left the room, with Touko barely in any better condition, as she followed her, while Caenis offered Venelana a hand on her shoulder and a sympathetic gaze, yet Lorelei wasn't so forgiving.
"That case with Kotomine, back then you said that Muramasa's shield was merely a ward of his father's design… But you knew and lied, to me." Lorelei turned to Venelana with an infuriated expression. "You know full well just how powerful that Divine Construct is, and you've left it with him?" Venelana was far too fragile in spirit to offer any retort, but Caenis was there for her.
"Back off, Lorelei." Caenis ordered to Barthomeloi, making her widen her eyes from sheer audacity of Venelana's Servant, before Caenis glared at the woman. "You know better than anyone what Venelana would do for her family, what she did for you, so if you have even the slightest bit of gratitude towards her, you will back off of her." Lorelei widened her eyes at the insinuation, but then she looked in Venelana's reddened eyes, empty and devoid of it's usual fire, and a wave of shame washed over her.
"I… My apologies. It was beneath me." She said with clear shame, deciding to return back to the problem at hand. "With Rhongomyniad, Avalon and King Arthur's body, she is veritably undefeatable for us… Yet why is she here? What reason would she have to stay here for two days Is she simply tarrying, or compiling a strategy?" At that moment, she Irisviel and Touko returned, while Zelretch spoke up with a heavy sigh.
"The reason why she is here is not because she tarries or makes plans, but is preparing a ritual." Zelretch stated, getting the attention of all. "She is here because of what is hidden in the Glastonbury Tor – the original article, from which the Einzberns drew their Grail of Heaven." Irisviel, Touko, Venelana, Waver, Gray and Lorelei all turned to Zelretch.
"Wait… Y-You mean that there is another Holy Grail in Glastonbury Tor?! L-like in those Arthurian legends?" Waver asked with shock.
"Not another, Waver Velvet, but the Holy Grail, the very same that once touched lips of the Savior himself, and which Joseph of Arimathea used to catch his blood. The truest object of quests of Knights of Round Table, and one thing that can bring ruin to all of the World, should Morgause get it." Zelretch said, as he pointed at the map. "Glastonbury Tor is placed upon a leyline nexus, it is there that The Holy Grail can manifest, but for his true manifestation, like with the Greater Grail, it needs to draw massive amount of power, and so Morgause is doing exactly that."
"She… She means to enact a new Holy Grail War?" Irisviel asked. "But with her amount of mana and if this Grail is stronger than the one Einzberns created, then…"
"Oh, I can assure you, Miss Irisviel, the comparison would be laughable. The Greater Grail was designed to achieve full access to Third Magic and only had limited capacity for truly reality changing power, but The Holy Grail of Glastonbury… It is truly limitless in its power and capacity for wish granting." Kischur stated with grim confidence. "It's sheer potential was enough for me and Morgan to ensure that it would be impossible to manifest it, but like with all such things, there is a catch…"
"If it is fed enough power, it will manifest and grant wishes." Touko surmised, with Zelretch nodding to her answer. "But normal Grail War has rules and such, which needed time to be established. I'm guessing she's not gonna need such details."
"Yes, all she needs to do is summon the necessary Servants and then sacrifice them all to fill the Grail with power, and with her Magecraft, she can do so to even those Servants that have high Magic Resistance, and she can summon multiple and maintain them all at once." Zelretch stated. "Thanks to Gorlois, she has the basic information on how to create the summoning system, and once it all done, she'll summon her Servants and then… Then she'll have her wish granted."
"And something tells me that this is not something we want to be granted." Caenis surmised. "So, how do we put her down for good? If she's got Arturia's skills and that Rhongomyniad, I'm sure I can fight her on equal footing and…"
"And you would still lose, Caenis. There's no denying your power, but she is not Rider." Venelana spoke up. "With Avalon… She is basically invulnerable, and we have no way of removing it from her."
"Your Master is correct, none of us have what it takes to defeat her." Zepia agreed.
"True, but we can stop her in her tracks, stall the completion of the Ritual and buy the time for our true trump card." Zelretch said with a knowing smile, drawing looks from all.
"What are you talking about, you old vampire?" Aoko asked of him with suspicious eye, with Zelretch turning to her with a smirk.
"Of Muramasa Shirou, naturally." Zelretch answered, with all widening eyes, with his family immediately sending glares towards him. "And before you his family members decide to tear me apart, please hear me out. I do not deny that poor Shirou was killed, and yet his body was not recovered, was it?"
"No, it somehow disappeared, when that flash of light appeared…" Waver answered, before a thought came to him. "But… What was that flash of light, exactly?"
"That was a tiny little bit of Second Magic being at work." Zelretch stated, getting everyone's eyes. "Right that moment, Shirou's body was transported to Reverse Side of the World, specifically, to Avalon, by the one person who could give him the chance at beating Morgause – Morgan Le Fay." Once more, shock came upon all.
"Morgan Le Fay? Are you positive of this?" Barthomeloi asked of Zelretch, who nodded.
"Most certainly. In fact, our fair Queen of Avalon has an invested interest in Muramasa line and in Shirou in particular." Zelretch said. "Allow me to elucidate to you a bit of history, which started when Genji Muramasa, then an apprentice of mine, in his practice of the Second Magic, had managed to find a way into Avalon, and had nearly died. Luckily for him, Morgan and I are old acquaintances, and she was gracious enough to save him, by granting him her blessing, which is what allowed Genji to remain in Avalon nigh indefinitely. But as a payment, she wished for Genji to do something for her, something, that I am certain you two are most well familiar with." Touko and Venelana widened their eyes at his words.
"Of course, it now makes sense where he could've gotten the shards of that sword." Touko uttered, with Waver and Lorelei looking at her with question. "Genji's last masterpiece, the one weapon he said he would never be able to surpass in mastery, power and potency. The very damn sword that had made him go white in the hair, just restoring it had nearly cost him his life…"
"Oh, but he didn't just restore it, Miss Aozaki, oh no. Genji, the mad lad that he was, had managed to make it into a completely new sword, one that could match Excalibur, and serve as it's counterpart." Zelretch stated, with Venelana looking with shock. "It was that very same weapon that had ended Angra Mainyu and Greater Grail, though at the cost of Genji's life, yet before his demise, he was able to place in safekeeping within his own son, with hopes that Shirou could find a way to use it without paying the ultimate price, and with Morgana… He may well have a chance at doing it."
"But Shirou is dead, vampire." Caenis reminded him, with Zelretch smiling to her.
"And you think that it would stop Morgana from bringing him back?" He stated to them all, making all again look at him with shock. "Need I remind you the Age of Gods' rules are what govern Avalon, and Morgan is the one who runs that joint? If our lovely Miss Irisviel here can do a little bit of Third Magic and bring Arturia's soul in a new body, who's to say that Morgan can't do the same."
"Th-then… D-Does that mean that Shirou…" Gray tentatively was saying something that all were hoping for, with Zelretch nodding.
"He is alive, yes, though it didn't come without a price, but I'd say he is now better off for." Zelretch said. "And right now, our mad lad is preparing to go up against that crazy witch, but he needs time."
"Laws of time and space in the Reverse Side are completely different to our world's, and if it has been days in our world, than there…" Waver was trying to comprehend it all, before a thought came to him. "But even if he is somehow training in there, what can he do about Avalon?"
"Knowing him, he'll probably forge something that can deal with it." Zelretch said. "But in all seriousness, I have confidence that Shirou can and will deal with Morgause, and we need to trust in Morgan. However, we need to stall Morgause and buy Shirou time to return, and for that one, we need to tie her up somehow, force her to focus on something else, other than her ritual and work."
"We've already tried attacking her, and it didn't do a thing to her. She either destroyed the Mages we sent, or turned them into her new thralls." Lorelei reminded them all, before Venelana spoke up.
"Caenis can distract her, long enough for Shirou to come back." Venelana stated with confidence, one that not even Caenis possessed. "We don't need to defeat her, only put her in a position where she can't back off or retreat, against an enemy who will keep coming after her no matter what. A match in offence and defense, an immovable object to her unstoppable force. Caenis will be that wall that stops her indefinitely."
"Your Servant's power and skills are formidable and rightfully so, Venelana, but against the combination of Avalon and Rhongomyniad, not even your Lancer can withstand for long." Lorelei stated, but then Caenis spoke up, as she caught up with her Master's idea.
"No, she's right. I can fight her indefinitely, just like I did against Rider in our second bout." Caenis smiled to Venelana, seeing her fire return to her again. "On land, she's got the advantage over me, but if we were to fight in the ocean, I'd be as invulnerable as she is with Avalon. We just need to drag her ass to the middle of an ocean. Think you can do it, old geezer."
"Leave it to me, and Zepia, about that thing I asked, you've got it." At that moment, Zepia produced from his pocket a small glowing white cub and handed it to Zelretch. "Will it hold?"
"It may be a downgraded version of the original, but it will." Zepia assured them. "But what will happen if she has already succeeded with figuring out the concept behind the Holy Grail War?"
"Then we'll have to fight fire with fire." Zelretch simply stated. "But right now, we need to put her on the back foot."
Sometime later. Glastonbury
"For all the failings of these pathetic Magi, at least there are some still capable of some paltry achievements." Morgause said, as she weaved her Magecraft with but a thought, while a smile crept up to her face. "You've done well, hiding that Cup, but like always, there is nothing you could truly hide from me. Soon, I shall have all that I am owed, and then…" And at that very moment a powerful wave of headache came upon Morgause, destabilizing the preparations and setting her back in the process of its establishment, as she hissed from pain and anger, knowing full well who was behind it.
"You must be more deluded than I once believed, if you think that you'll just succeed with your madness." Arturia Pendragon stated to Morgause in her mind. "Mark my words, Morgause: you shall fall, just as you've done before."
"Oh, and pray tell who will stop me this time, Merlin's little pet?" Morgause mocked Arturia. "Your Knights of the Round are long dead, Merlin is imprisoned in that tower of his, and Morgan is forever bound to never stand against me. Who are left? Those worthless Magi, or the Magicians they so revere? The sole reason they were able to defeat me was because of Morgan and you, and now I have all the power I need to destroy them."
"There are those that can and will fight you, Morgause. And one of them will defeat you." Arturia stated with defiance, before causing another massive headache to Morgause. "And so shall I. For as long as I remain, you will not know a moment of peace! Not after all the evil you've caused, not after you killed Shirou!" And then Arturia inflicted the strongest lash of pain upon Morgause still, showing clearly her fury and rage.
"O-Oh, so… Even the Perfect King had a heart of a weak maiden." Morgause said with a chuckle, now understanding how to effect Arturia. "Let's see how deeply you cared for that pathetic Mage…" Yet before Morgause could even think of what do to, she heard an irritatingly familiar voice
"Still trampling over pure romance and love. You haven't changed one bit, still the same grouchy joy-kill as ever." Zelretch stated with his usual smirk, drawing full attention of the Witch. "Long time no see, Morgause. Gotta say, you look like you've had a good day at a spa salon, even grew back that nose you lost, though to be fair it does lack that crook it had." Morgause growled with anger at Zelretch's words.
"You… You are one of those Solomon's disciples, aren't you?" Morgause asked, as he looked closer, while summoning Rhongomyniad to her hand. "Yes, Kischur Zelretch, I remember you now. The one who defeated the Crimson Moon, it seems the centuries haven't don you any favors."
"On a contrary, I've not felt more alive than I am in this age! You wouldn't believe what humanity had achieved while you were cosplaying a mummy: proper hygiene, electricity, Internet!" Zelretch continued with his smirk. "All so wonderful things, and I'd really hate if some perpetually evil witch with an inferiority complex decided to go and ruin it all."
"And you think that I'll just listen to you and stop my plans?" Morgause laughed at him, before speaking to Zelretch. "You lived when Magecraft was at it's pique, you saw the true Age of Gods, and this… This is not our World, but an absolute Hell. The world that this humanity is building is doomed to die, so why bother with saving it, when we can restore our paradise and once more be who we truly are?"
"By using Rhongomyniad and Holy Grail to merge the Reverse Side and World of Men? Even a deranged mad woman like you have got to realize that if two Textures overlay, they would destroy one another." Zelretch stated to her, before he figured out what she wanted. "Ah, so that's why you need Grail exactly…"
"A new Age of Gods, my Age, will come to life. The Age, the Kingdom, the World that I was denied!" Morgause stated to him with fervor. "And not a single thing can stop me now! With Avalon and Rhongomyniad, not even Alaya can even challenge me."
"With what you are doing, I wouldn't be surprised if both Gaia and Alaya finally came to one simple conclusion: that bitch must go for real this time." Zelretch commented, with Morgause growing rather peeved with his carefree attitude.
"And I suppose you are here to stop me, are you?" Morgause laughed at him. "What can you even do to me, besides provide a small entertainment?"
"Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not here to fight you." Zelretch smirked at her. "I was just waiting for a certain someone to finally arrive here." And in that moment Caenis materialized and grabbed Morgause from behind.
"Hey there, bitch." Caenis called to her, before shouting to Zelretch. "Now!" And in that moment Zelretch pulled out his fabled Jeweled Sword and cut space, sending both of them out of that place.
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.
The very next moment, Morgause had managed to get herself away from Caenis by pushing her away with a burst of her mana, before both landed onto surface of the ocean, standing on top of it as if it were solid ground. Caenis used the moment to summon her trident and shield, with her golden armor, preparing for combat, before she tossed up into the air the cube, which broke almost immediately, yet then formed some kind of a barrier around them, confusing and surprising Morgause for a moment.
"A Bounded Field… No, some kind of Reality Marble." Morgause said with surprise, before she turned to face Caenis. "If you think that such pathetic means will stop me, you are mistaken." And at that moment summoned five magical circles, sending blasts of Magecraft at Caenis, yet all she did was simply tank them, shocking Morgause.
"Surprised? Ya ain't the only one around here who's got the ultimate defense." Caenis stated with a vicious smile, as she twirled her trident. "But first, my name is Caenis, victor of the Third Holy Grail War and Lancer of Venelana Runeas." Caenis stated with pride.
"Caenis? Hm, I do seem to recall some minor character of Argonauts or something like that." Morgause commented. "But if Gorlois' work was correct, then you should be but a weakling, since Servants are only as strong as their legend allows them to be." And at that moment Morgause suddenly heard a laugh from Arturia, shocking her.
"Then it is quite a shame you were such a poor student of mythos and history, Morgause. But then again, when compared to Morgan, you were always like a drunkard, trying to compete against a poet in literature." Arturia allowed herself to gloat a little bit. "She is one of the very best warriors I've crossed my blades against, when I was summoned as a Rider, and you are now on the worst terrain imaginable."
Before Morgause could try to elaborate, Caenis made her move, as she charged Morgause with speed that she did not expect any being to possess, and only through pure Instinct did she manage to block her strike with Rhongomyniad, but it didn't save her from Caenis using it as a leverage and jumping over her head. In midair, she tossed with great power her shield, forcing Morgause to deflect it, but then she was blasted away by a powerful wave of water, forcing him onto her knees meters away. The power of the attack was such that it nearly crust her arm, but Avalon already healed her, yet her reprieve was a short one, as Caenis was approaching her fast and mighty, riding a powerful wave.
Smirking at her position, Caenis dashed straight at Morgause, locking spears again, before her wave suddenly split into ten streams and flown in the air towards Morgause. Not allowing her a moment to prepare or react, Caenis commanded the water floor beneath Morgause to drive her upwards, and sending her flying, before the streams struck her relentlessly and with enough force to crush concrete into rubble. Finishing it off, Caenis sent her trident at Morgause with enough force to shatter her armor and send her flying, with only Avalon saving her life and not ending it, before trident returned back to Caenis, who walked towards downed Morgause.
"You may have obtained my rival's body and power, but you are nothing compared to what she was!" Caenis proclaimed to Morgause with fury, as she charged at Morgause and locked weapons again, driving her back. "Shall I tell you what your big mistake was?"
"What mistake?" Morgause hissed out her, as Caenis pushed her back, driving Rhongomyniad aside and striking Morgause with shield, as her face displayed pure rage.
"It's this stolen body!" Caenis kicked Morgause into the chin, propelling her up, before jumping and plunging at her with her spear, striking her in the intersection between shoulder and torso, plunging them down. "Every muscle, every cell! Her body had been built from a lifetime of intense battles! But you took it, it is all secondhand!" She slammed her into the surface of the sea and deeper, going past even the limits of the Faery's blessing, before kicking her back onto the surface, before reappearing, shield and trident gone, proceeding to quite literally beat the living hell out of Morgause.
"You feel the power of that Dragon heart, the might of her muscle and the sheer potency of her mastery, but you did not build, you stole it all from her!" Caenis let powerful attacks with each her words. "And you will never learn or be stronger than Arturia!" And with that final declaration, Caenis punched Morgause so hard, that she sent her plummeting deep down into the ocean floor, water literally splitting away from the impact, creating a clearing in the ocean.
"H-how… h-how can she overpower me? I-In the p-past A-Arturia m-matched her, so why c-can't I…" Morgause asked of herself, hissing from pain, as Avalon reconstructed her damaged organs, while Caenis appeared above her, grabbing her by the hair and raising above the ground.
"That's simple." Caenis simply stated, before head butting Morgause and kicking her back, sending her skidding along the ocean floor, as the water parted around them. "Because you are a but a fake, an interloper that had dared hijack the body of a true Hero, of a true Warrior! But I am a real deal… I am Caenis, Hero of Thessaly and Lancer of Oceanus!" She declared, and then she showed Morgause just what Arturia had to fight in the Third Holy Grail War.
Reverse Side of the World.
If one were to ask Shirou Muramasa, what was it like, to come back from the dead, he would say that it was like waking up from a dreamless sleep, where only darkness ruled all that he saw and sensed. Or at least that's how he thought it was, as once he opened up his eyes and stared at the unnaturally clear sky, breathing in air filled with scent of sweetest fruits and flowers in the wind, the vestiges of his dreams left him. Sitting himself up from the ground, Shirou looked around, his vision blurry, yet quickly focusing and becoming sharper by the moment, and soon it returns back to him in full, and then he finally sees the world around him, and next moment, he senses it.
The only word with which Shirou could describe the location he was in was utopia, and for the moment he indeed believed that he was dead, and yet something was telling Shirou that it wasn't yet the paradise of afterlife. No, had he been truly dead, then he would not be sensing all of this, or feel like he was alive… And he wouldn't be feeling so much mana in the air alone. For almost as long as he could remember, Shirou had a certain talent in sensing mana, magical energies of the world, but here it wasn't simply present, but suffocating in its intensity and quantity. The leyline nexuses and concentration he felt in Tintagel or on grounds Euralia family were nothing compared it, quite literally so, as Shirou took in the energy and felt it run through his body and Circuits as if it were air, but also…
At that moment Shirou's eyes widened from the memory and another realization, as not only was he alive, but the wound in his chest was healed, and so looked down, seeing his naked chest, and a spot where the wound was, fully healed, yet with a pale scar on it. Tentatively putting his hand onto it, Shirou was stunned when he felt intense heat coming from it, from underneath his skin, and how strong his heart beat, far stronger and hotter than any regular heart of a human. This confused and alarmed young Muramasa, but the moment he moved hand away from his heart and touched his stomach, it too felt far too hot, like he was running an intense fever or something, yet he didn't even feel discomforted or ill.
It was quite the opposite, as Shirou felt better than he ever did, like he was beyond the pique of his physical state, and when examining himself better, Shirou could clearly see that it was so. Last he remembered, he and most of his bones and body was in worse shape than ever from taking a shot from Rhongomyniad head on, as his internal organs and bones were ruptured and broken, and he could barely move his hand. Now he felt like he was stronger than ever, with magical energy literally coursing all over his body, permeating his being, and it felt like it traveled in pulses, in sync with his heart's beat.
The more Shirou thought and figured that he was different, the more questions he had appear, yet once he managed to pick himself up and stand up, he looked around himself. Flowers of kinds he never saw, forests and hills endless, lush with greenery and life, sky of clearest blue, and golden sunlight, with air made of magical energy. Only in one place Shirou could possibly think this to be possible and real, yet the thought of him being in there was surreal, but after what he was sensing… He was ready to believe it.
"This… This is… Avalon?" Shirou said tentatively, before widening his eyes from the sound of his voice, touching his throat with his hand. "M-my voice… What the heck happened with me? H-How did I even end up here?"
"You are here at my will, for I have taken your body, and returned life to it, Shirou Muramasa." Shirou turned to look at the bearer of the voice, before standing in shock upon see her.
Before him stood a woman that looked like a near complete copy of Arturia, only with long flowing white hair made into a pony tail, fairer skin and blue eyes, clearer and warmer than those of Morgause, dressed in garments of a Magus of the past, and holding and enchanted black metal spear. To say that Shirou felt enchanted by her would be a fair assessment, as this young woman looked like a goddess to his eyes, and he admitted that so. Yet what he did not expect of himself was an extreme desire for her, an instinctual, primal want to have her, foreign and natural at the same time to Shirou. It came like a wave and nearly forced him to lose control over himself, but somehow, his will persevered over his lust.
Shirou may have appeared at times to be aloof and ignorant of the opposite gender and how many girls were making passes at him, stealing glances or subtly demonstrating themselves to him, Shirou was not so ignorant. He was perfectly well aware of all that, being that he was a teenager going through puberty, and to say that he didn't steel glances of girls would be a lie, especially when he was surrounded by such beauties. Rin, Luvia, Sakura, Arturia, even Illya, who had long since subtly made it clear that she saw him as more than only a step-brother, and that's not to mention Caenis and Lorelei. All of them beautiful and magnificent in their own rights, one that any guy could dream of, and Shirou certainly had thoughts and dreams of them, and now that he recalled them all, much the same primal sensation washed over him. Shirou had managed to overcome it with a growl that was akin to that of a dragon, which did not seem to scare or surprise her, yet all this caused more concern and created more questions for Shirou.
"Who… Who are you?" Shirou asked of her, with the woman giving him a sympathetic look, before answering.
"You need not worry, Shirou Muramasa, for though I share looks with my elder sister, I am not your or Arturia's enemy." She answered, with Shirou suddenly realizing that he had already heard that voice before. "And the sound of my voice is not foreign to you either. We have met before, when you have nigh died from trying to discern the mystery of Rhongomyniad. And now… Now we have met again, after I've returned you to world of living. But allow me to introduce myself in proper form – I am Morgan Le Fay, born Morgana Pendragon to Uther and Igraine, younger sister to Morgause and older sister to Arturia, once Queen of Orkney, and now Queen of Fae Folk and Avalon." She bowed her head in a respectful and elegant manner before Shirou.
"Morgan Le Fay?" Shirou asked again, as she brought her head back and nodded. "But… But how is it possible? You were born human, were you not, then how can this be?"
"My birth was that of a human, yes, but my lot and destiny were one of Faery Queen, and so I am not beholden to rules of mortality as human would be." She answered to Shirou. "But that is not what you truly wish to know, is it. What truly plagues your mind, is what has happened to you, and to this I hold answers."
"Before you tell me… Do you know what had happened in that tomb? The others, are they alright?" Shirou immediately asked, with Morgan slightly widening her eyes at his request.
"They are, though heartbroken at your loss, but alive and well. My intervention had made Morgause leave without harming them, and as of their time now, she is on her way to her target." Morgan answered. "But of the soul of Arturia, I fear I know naught for certain, yet I feel that she is battling Morgause."
"Arturia… I-It really was her soul in that body?" Shirou asked, wishing confirmation to what Morgause said, and Morgan nodded to it. "This shouldn't even be possible… Wait, what you meant by: "of their time now?" Shirou asked of her.
"The time in here and the time in your world flow at two different pacing, and in here, as the sovereign of this land, Time is a concept that I hold Authority over, and in here may passed years and centuries, while in the human realm only moments may come to pass." Morgan explained to Shirou, shocking him, as she smiled to him. "You indeed are you father's son, Shirou. He too had the same expression when he first appeared in Avalon."
"Avalon… So it really is it." Shirou said, as he looked around. "But if this is Avalon and the Reverse Side of the World, how is it that I'm even able to be here? The sheer concentration of mana in here would simply burn even most powerful of Magi, or dissolve them akin to radiation, or worse, and yet… What… What did you do to me?" Shirou asked of her, a realization creeping upon him, with Morgan's expression changing to one of sadness, as she sighed and answered.
"Rhongomyniad's power had devastated your body, but also your spirit, and when Morgause took your life with it there was no way for me to merely restore it here. Even had I done so, you would not have survived here, not when we both know that Morgause needs to be stopped, and so… I've changed your being, Shirou Muramasa." Morgan explained to him, as she moved closer and gently put her hand on his chest, where his heart was. "Initially, I had only intended to grant you a new heart, akin to one that Arturia possessed, but instead, the original article became your new core. The heart was the catalyst for your metamorphosis, changing you and your body into a new being. In place of your human heart, I've placed a different one, one that had before belonged to the last pure-blooded Dragon of World. Within your chest now is beating the heart of Albion, Shirou Muramasa." For what felt like an eternity, Shirou could not even come up with the words, as his mind could not yet comprehend it.
"A-Albion's heart?!" His tone of shock was clear and heard on miles around. "I… How is this even possible, t-to transplant a heart of the White Dragon a-and… Wh-what the hell am I now?" He tried to wrap his head around it all, with Morgan only offering a comforting gaze.
"Under normal circumstances, you would have been made into a Dragon, but with you… Something else had happened." She stated. "Your body had both transformed and evolved, or more accurately, adapted to this heart, and in the integration was flawless. You could be said to have become a dragon, yet retained humanity, not unlike what had happened to Arturia, only…" Morgan stalled, as if she was trying to find the right words.
"Only what?" Shirou asked of her, with Morgan sighing and speaking up again.
"While Arturia possessed a core of Red Dragon, one half of Albion, you have the true heart of him in you, and thus the sheer amount of power and magical energy in you surpasses that was afforded to my sister, and that is not all." Morgan continued. "Albion's heart had adapted all of you to suit its need, so that you could both make full use of it, and yet also retain yourself as a person. In other words, you have evolved into something completely unknown and different from human, yet also remaining one… The closest thing you are, that I can regard you as now, is an Elemental Spirit, hybrid that originated both from Gaia and Alaya." Shirou could clearly hear that this was something that Morgan had never anticipated to happen, while Shirou looked at his hands, comprehending what had happened to him, before coming to a certain conclusion.
"Regardless of what happened to me, I must go back and help stop your sister and rescue Arturia." Shirou stated to Morgan. "I am grateful to you for what you've did, Morgan, and I in your debt, but I can't tarry here."
"The sentiment you have I share, but I fear that even as you right now, you would not stand a chance against her." Morgan stated to him. "With Rhongomyniad, Arturia's body and knowledge of battle and the Red Dragon's Core, she has already become one of the most powerful beings in the world, but she now also carries Avalon in her. Even without Rhongomyniad's full power, she stands as nigh invulnerable against all your friends and Association can put up against her."
"Then what do you suggest we all do? Just give up and let her do whatever the hell she wants?" Shirou asked of her with a heated tone as he felt fire rise in his heart, before collecting himself. "Apologies, I… I think that my evolution has enhanced not just my body, but also my senses and feelings."
"It has indeed evolved all of you, from body to spirit and soul." Morgan stated to Shirou. "And I would be the last to suggest surrender against Morgause. While it is true that I can't fight against her, that doesn't mean that I can't prepare a champion to do so for me. Therefore, my champion shall be you, Shirou Muramasa, and for this purpose, I beseech you to remain in this realm, so as to prepare." Shirou was shocked to hear Morgan say it.
"You mean, you will teach me your Magecraft?" Shirou asked of her, with Morgan nodding to him.
"Not merely my Magecraft, but we will find and explore the full extent of your new powers. But against my elder sister, only Magecraft will not be enough, hence I have enlisted help of someone, who can help you reach your true potential as a warrior." Morgan stated to Shirou, again surprising him. "I've observed you, and your martial prowess is admirable, against the likes of my sister, I fear you not adequately qualified to fight her. As she is right now, Morgause is now akin to a hero from Age of Gods, hence why you must be trained in much the same conditions as those heroes were once forged."
"I'm all for learning, but how will I be able to prepare when Morgause is already active in the World above us?" Shirou asked of Morgan, yet it was not her who answered.
"The laws of World of Men apply naught here, as Queen of Avalon had stated, hence we have plenty of time shape you into someone able to stand up to her." Shirou turned around and saw who it was.
Before Shirou and Morgan stood a majestic woman near same age in appearance to Morgan, standing as her equal in posture and beauty, though in latter hers was a different kind, yet not unattractive one. Her curvaceous body covered by a dark purple tight bodysuit slightly surpassed that of Morgan, which was hidden by her robes, leaving nothing to the imagination for Shirou. She possessed long dark purple flowing hair, with enchanting ruby eyes and fair face of a Queen. Yet it was not mere appearance that seemed to draw Shirou to her, but also her aura, the sense of power and regality with which she carried herself, and her gaze seemed to look directly into his soul, discerning his being. Once more Shirou had found himself suppressing his lesser impulses, and focused on her, clearly discerning for himself, that just like Morgan, she was a being of extreme greatness and power. Once this newcomer was done looking Shirou in the eye, she turned to Morgan and spoke.
"Your words were true, Queen of the Faeries. Dragon and Human, of Earth and Humanity, an existence of two, yet not one that ever came before…" She said with deep thought, as she turned to Shirou. "Elemental Spirit, or a Phantasmal Beast, that is how I can consider you, though you are a Man too, and Morgan's words of you are true. A shame we've not met when you were a man." She said with a hint of sadness, but not before giving him a supportive glance.
"Shirou Muramasa, this is Scathach, Queen of Land of Shadows and Dun Scaith." Morgan introduced them, with Shirou's eyes widening in shock.
"The immortal and undefeated Warrior-Queen of Dun Scaith, and a legendary trainer of Celtic heroes?" Shirou asked again, with Scathach nodding with a modicum of pride in her eyes. "But how is it possible?"
"My existence had long ceased to be one of human, as has yours, though in different manner, hence I and my realm are part of this Side of the World." Scathach simply stated, as she looked at Shirou again appraisingly. "Hm, yes, I can see it. Your Origin is most unique, blacksmith, first time I have ever heard or seen one possessing it. Creation and Adaptation… Your very existence is a unique phenomenon, as you've become now." Shirou was surprised again at her ability to read him like an open book.
"I had initially wished for Scathach to prepare you to stand against Morgause, to become warrior akin to her, but you have become something more, hence I fear we'll have to alter our plans." Morgan stated, with Scathach speaking up with a smile.
"Not necessarily in a bad way, and I relish this opportunity, both as a warrior and a teacher." Scathach stated, as she looked Shirou in the eyes. "I've not seen such raw potential since days Cu Chulainn had walked through my gates, and akin to a blacksmith, I would refine you into a hero the kinds of which the world had not seen in ages, but only if you are prepared for what is to come. What I offer are no mere lectures, but a harsh and brutal course of survival and training in my Lands, wrought with dangers for Mortals and Gods. Know, that should you agree, the only two ways for you out will be death or completion of my training. What shall you say, Shirou Muramasa?" Much to her surprise, he answered immediately.
"I accept!" Shirou stated without hesitation, before bowing his head deeply. "To defeat Morgause, to protect my family and friends, I'll do everyone. Even shed away my humanity if I must, but I will defeat her." The fire of determination in his heart was evident to Scathach and Morgan, and both shared a smile.
"Then I accept your pledge, Shirou, and henceforth, I am your Master." Scathach stated, before suddenly manifesting in her hand a crimson spear. "And the first lesson is for you to draw that weapon out that rests in you, Shirou."
"Weapon?" Shirou asked again, while Scathach twirled her spear in preparation. "You wish to spar with me?" She chuckled to that.
"Not quite." And at that moment she thrust her spear with such speed, that made all attacks Gilgamesh threw at Shirou look like nothing, with Shirou only evading the attack by a split second dodge.
"What the…" Without missing a beat, Scathach moved forward and kicked him in the chest, sending him flying through the field of flowers, skidding and dragging his feet through the ground, breaking it. "Damn it, she's not kidding." Shirou immediately began to fall back on his Magecraft, instinctively manifesting twin blades, only for them to explode in his hands, shocking him, while Scathach landed near him.
"You had tried to fall back on your Magecraft, but you learned it when you were Human, but you are no longer it, Shirou." Scathach stated to him with a serious look. "With your new nature come new rules in usage of magical energy, and before you learn how to control all of it, to rely upon it would be foolishness." Then she charged him, thrusting her spear again at Muramasa, aiming to take out his head, with him managing to catch the spear by it's wood, stopping it mere centimeters from his eye.
"A-And how do you expect me to defend myself from you?" Shirou asked of her, with Scathach unlocking her spear and twirling it, making Shirou fall back in evasion of her blade.
"Like I had told you, Shirou, with the weapon that is inside of you." Scathach stated to him as she readied herself for another attack. "The Magecrafts you know now will not help you. Your only chance is to draw out the sword you hold in you. Now is your last chance, Muramasa. The next attack will be the last one you see." She stated, and then prepared herself, before finally dashing at Shirou with speed unseen before by anyone, her spear in the position to be thrust at his heart.
His mind raced faster than ever, as he tried to discern what she had told him, yet none that he possessed in his mind could clearly tell him what she wanted, and then he understood that this was not in his mind. He recalled an image of a blade, the one that had rested inside Avalon when he contacted Rhongomyniad, and as he closed his eyes, its image came from the depths of his being, only this time, he saw the blade in full, and as he focused more and more, the understanding and hidden away words came to him. His hands unconsciously moved into a position in which one would hold a two-handed sword, and then his lips opened, and words finally left him.
"Come forth, Caliburn!" Shirou called out, and in that very moment his hands felt the weight of the two handed sword in his hands, and as Scathach thrusted her spear at Shirou, he had something with which he could answer.
Swinging the sword that came to his arms, Shirou deflected and blocked Scathach's spear from striking him, drawing a clear smile from her, before Muramasa pushed her back with his newfound strength and weapon. In that moment he was allowed to finally look clearly upon his weapon, and then Shirou saw the image of the Golden Sword of Victorious, the Sword of Choosing that was crafted for express purpose to select the King of Britain. A golden ornate sword fit for a monarch, a true masterpiece, and yet Shirou's eyes seemed to peer beyond it's mere image, and what he saw beyond it was enough to widen his eyes and elicit a startled breath.
The sword that he now held in his arms, or at least its current form, was but a Projection of its past self, before it was broken, clever trick to make others see only what it once was, yet Shirou… Shirou saw what it truly is, and it's nature shook him, for never in his arms rested a weapon of such magnitude and greatness. He was so preoccupied with his observations that he did not see Morgan and Scathach come to him, the latter bearing a small, yet proud smile on her face.
"Well done. You are a faster learner than I expected." Scathach said with a bit of humor, drawing Shirou out of his trance. "Consider yourself now my official apprentice, Shirou Muramasa. We depart for my Land as soon as possible." Scathach told him, with Shirou nodding, still wrapping head around what he just saw, and how he saw it.
"You have gleamed past Caliburn's past image." Morgan guessed correctly, as she saw Shirou's look of surprise and confusion. "Your conditions of casting Magecraft have changed, for magical energy is now akin blood to you. What once was a spell in the past, you should expect to become mundane occurrence for you. It may even well be possible that like your being, your Magecraft will evolve as well, if it has not yet." Morgan said to him with a smile, while Shirou nodded, taking one more glance at Caliburn, before lowering it and turning to the Faery Queen.
"Caliburn… You gave it to my father to reforge it?" Shirou asked of Morgan, who nodded to him.
"It was my price for saving his life when he accidentally appeared here. The prowess he held in craft of blacksmithing drew my interest and hope that he may restore this sword, that my sister so dearly prized." Morgan said, as she looked at Caliburn. "Your father, Genji, he was… He was unique, in his perspective and views of the world, and in Caliburn, he saw more than just an ornament to a King. He expressed to me the desire not to simply restore it, but to forge it into something more, a weapon truly fit for my sister's hands. I had thought him a fool at the time, for who in today's age could craft something that could match Excalibur and Rhongomyniad, and yet… He succeeded." She said with a quiet tone of admiration and respect, one that Shirou did not expect from Morgan Le Fay.
"He hid the truth of his work beneath the legend of the past." Shirou said, as he looked at Caliburn again, the last of his lost memories finally returning back to him.
The air seemed to be on fire, as Shirou fell onto the ground, his small body covered in his father's mantle, protecting him at it's best capabilities, as the burning blood-like substance slowly creeped up to them. He looked up, seeing his father standing tall, cloth flying away and unveiling the golden sword in his hands, and then Shirou looked past his father, and saw what was moving at them. A formless horror, made of pure evil, made manifest in corrupt flesh, formed into something akin to a beast from nightmares, and as it lumbered towards the two of them, more and more of this corruption spread, and air itself seemed to become engulfed in his vileness. Last of strength have long left Shirou as he breathed poison and all he could do was barely keep his eyes open, and as he nearly gave up and closed them, a sudden light washed over both him and his father, air and ground cleared suddenly and allowed Shirou to breathe again.
The golden sword in Genji's hands transformed from it's sleek and narrow form into a broad blade, which now began from the ends of it's guard and narrowed down. Longer and wider, it's golden ornate blade was now peerless white, glowing with the soothing and empowering light that seemed to come from the starts and earth. Gripping the sword with both hands, Genji brought it up to his chest, seemingly preparing for a thrust, as the monster made its way to them, and then the blade began to glow with much greater intensity. And then finally, Shirou heard his father speak.
"You will not have him, you monster, or anyone else. Mine will be the last life you take, and I shall be your bane." He said through pain and agony, as thousands upon thousands of Curses began to take effect upon him, yet he poured all of his mana and life into his final creation. "Sword of Choosing, once broken and forgotten, let the World once more witness your peerless being. Shine with Light of Avalon and Gaia, let the World learn and tremble at your new form and nature. The Peerless Sword of Victorious Savior, Caliburn Albion!" And then this blade unleashed it's true power, as beam of peerless white light left it, and shuddered the earth, heaven and air, and all that Shirou saw last was the destruction of the monstrosity.
"He used it against Angra Mainyu." Shirou said, coming back from his memories, surprising Scathach and Morgan with his words. "Caliburn Albion…The Peerless Sword of Victorious Savior, a Divine Construct that was forged by the hands of a mortal, and used to slay the God of all Evils. He… He indeed earned this name, dad." Shirou said with quiet tone, as tears appeared in his eyes, before he wiped them away.
"A mortal who forged a Divine Construct? But the only possible way for a mortal to actually do so would be to be of Divine origin, or to obtain a blessing of a God." Scathach said, as she looked to Morgan. "How did he achieve it?"
"On that, I hold no answers, for he wished to not unveil it to me." Morgan answered to her, before she turned to Shirou. "But I sense, that we may learn the answer sooner or later. For now, we have to prepare Shirou." Scathach nodded to that, and so opened up a portal to the Land of Shadows.
"Come, Muramasa. We must not tarry." She extended her hand, and Shirou took it, before he, Scathach and Morgan left Avalon for the Land of Shadows, where he would be fully reforged into a new being.
England. Glastonbury. One day after Morgause's distraction.
The moment Morgause and Caenis began their duel in the ocean the coalition that had formed to stop Morgause had made their move, and began the liberation. Through considerable and herculean combined efforts of Association, Church and Atlas, the area that had once been under the command and control of Morgause was liberated, and through much toil and work, as well as help from Holy Church, the people were liberated from Morgause's command, before being immediately ordered to leave. Once their minds were sufficiently wiped away, thanks to Association and Church, they were gone from perimeter, and using the presented opportunity, Zelretch and others set about trying to secure the Grail, only to discover much to their horror, that it was no longer in their power to do so.
They had underestimated Morgause, for she had not only discerned the nature of Holy Grail's empowerment, but had managed to create a relatively rudimentary system to summon Servants, using Fuyuki's system as a basis. Yet unlike Greater Grail of Fuyuki, one in Glastonbury was far more potent and powerful and so instead summoning mere 7 Servants, it was now about to summon 21 Servant, and what was even worse was the fact that all would serve one Master, and that is Morgause. She had already drawn the summoning circles and prepared the evocations, with special modifications, that would enforce her will akin upon Servants with greater power than even Command Seals, and now was merely speeding up the process.
They were too late to prevent the ritual from coming to effect, but this did not mean that they were going to give up, and in either her hurry or carelessness, she left the proverbial programming open for manipulation. Zelretch, with the help of Irisviel, had used it to modify the summoning, and instead of all 21, now Morgause would have command of 14. The other 7, however, would not be lost, and as the summoning of the enthralled Servants began, so did the summoning of those who would stand against them, with the Masters chosen for them as well. The summoning circles lit up, as Masters assembled, their catalysts, curtesy of Zelretch's Second Magic and Genji Muramasa's secret collection of catalysts, which served as his souvenirs back at home, summoning forth their chosen Servants. Seven circles lit up, and then upon them stood the Servants, summoned to the mortal world, and now they rose up, raising their heads and spoke to their masters.
"I, Mordred Pendragon, son of King Arthur and, has answered the call to this war!" Saber Class announced proudly, as she looked into the eyes of Venelana Runeas, finding in them determination. "Now answer to me, are you my Master?"
"Lancer Class, Cu Chulainn, has answered the call of the Grail." The legendary Child of Light looked with a smile at stunned Bazett, who had summoned him. "So, little lady, are you my Master?"
"Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, Oda Nobunaga, has come forth once more as Archer!" The red haired tall woman in black with a matchlock stared at Aoko Aozaki, who smirked at her appearance. "Now then, are you the one who called upon me in this era?"
"So, I once more have been granted chance at conquest? Let it be so, for I, Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, have answered the call!" Proud and mighty Rider King of Macedonia proclaims to the heaven, before smile comes to his face, as Waver Velvet cannot contain his tears and smile. "And I see, that my one and only Master is here. Well then, boy, looks like you've grown up quite a bit."
"My apologies for having to summon you so, Heracles." Irisviel apologized to her mighty Berserker, as he looked directly into her eyes. "I would ask that you lend us your strength, in order to save this world." Though Mad Enhancement clouded his mind, the roar that he let out was enough of an answer for Irisviel to understand him.
"Caster Class, Medea of Colchis, answers the call of the Grail." The great sorceress of Ancient Greece looked into the eyes of Lorelei Barthomeloi, finding in them clear authority and power. "Oh, I see that my Master is truly a Magus of great pedigree."
"The call of Grail was heard, and I, Genji Muramasa, answer it, as Alter Ego Servant." The legendary blacksmith once more walked upon the ground, his iconic red coat and crimson mane clear to all, especially to his wife Touko, as he smiled to her, his warm golden eyes upon her. "You know I will always come when you call me, Touko-chan. Now then, let us win this war." In his hand materialized, one of his masterpieces in form of a unique looking katana, and it looked like fire and lightning gathered around him.
And so, the new Holy Grail War, had commenced…
What a twist and you thought I was done last time? Heck no, what a Fate story it would be if it didn't have a Holy Grail War, and now here it is, though not one in Fuyuki. And looks like Shirou is now something completely new, and before you ask, yes, he now has the heart of the same Albion, whose corpse now makes up the Spiritual Tomb, and as for how would Morgan have it, think it's safe to assume that she would make certain that such an immeasurably powerful artifact be secured. I mean, this is the heart of the pure-blooded Dragon, and now it is in Shirou, who now became… A hybrid of human and dragon, both and none of those purely.
I will admit that my understanding of the Nasuverse is not as good as many others, but I do try to improve, and if I make mistakes, do please be lenient about it. And this is Fanfiction, where we are allowed to express our own vision and stories we wish to write and tell.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter and will be sure to leave a review, or if you have ideas about it you wish to share, then feel free to do so, as I welcome suggestions, potential romance options, questions and more. Your feedback helps me make it better.
Next time: Glastonbury Holy Grail War; Surpassing oneself; Conceptual Sword of Separation.
Until next time!
PS! Sorry, found a little mistake with the summoning circles, forgot to edit it out the first time! My apologies for the confusion!