Disclaimer: These are works of purely speculative fiction. It is not intended to infringe on any rights by any of the companies and/or individuals involved in the production of any series mentioned here. Fate Grand Order and all the franchises and series associated with it, are owned by Kinoko Nasu, Notes Co., Ltd. and their affiliates. Similarly, Fire Emblem Heroes is owned by Nintendo Co., Ltd. and their affiliates.
I DO NOT OWN THESE FRANCHISES.
Sister Fanfic: A Grand Order of Heroes
Presi-king Thomas Edison stood with his arms behind his back, gazing out at the vast plains from his office. The rising sun tinted the morning sky a faint purple as its rays peeked over the snow-capped mountains on the horizon.
He cherished this view, the stunning, untamed, and gorgeous image of the United States of America, in its most pristine form. It was a sight he had sworn to protect from the clutches of the witch queen Mebd.
America as a country has its flaws, however, it had nurtured him from a newsboy selling papers on the streets, into the successful businessman and inventor of famous inventions like the Lightbulb that he was today. It had given him the opportunity, to grow and mature and now, he has a chance to pay back what was given to him, by fighting against the Celtic invaders.
As much as he disliked it, the world favored the Old Guard. The weight of the world's power, at least when it came to the mystical, increased the longer it had come into existence. America is a young nation, only over 200 years old, and thus is a baby compared to the Celts and their motherland. Had this war happened between men, with no magic and nothing but innovation, Mebd's forces would have been crushed ages ago, however, magecraft and magic leveled the playing field. This was the sole reason that Tramp and her army of relics dared to challenge the might of modern warfare and managed to survive.
Even as a heroic spirit himself, crafted from the aspirations and ambitions of every past, present, and future US president, he found it distasteful to witness magic and archaic notions triumph over the potential of the future! Humanity must continue advancing and discarding outdated ideals, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow! There was no way he would allow a prostitute queen from the dark ages to pilfer that future away for the sake of her decadence!
Sure, the US might be a relative newcomer in terms of lifespan compared to the Old World countries, but he remains confident that he can repel the advancing Celts from claiming more American territory, lack of Mystery be damned!
And he intends to achieve this the same way it was accomplished in conventional history, through good old-fashioned enterprise!
The wicked Queen Mebd unleashing an endless horde of zombies to target American citizens? Presi-king Edison invested his vast fortune to raise factories that produce an army of expendable machines to match her forces and to prevent unnecessary casualties.
Summoning and enlisting heroic spirits to support their cause? Well, he's taken the same approach, ensuring adequate compensation and health benefits for all who side with him!
While Mebd enslaves her heroic spirits and forces them to become instruments of oppression, he harnesses his heroic spirits as the protectors and pioneers of industry and freedom. Clearing forests, constructing infrastructure, and helping the people are just many of the things that they accomplish that help uphold his rule and his resistance against the Witch.
Indeed, he is making his American ancestors and all the presidents proud!
*BOOM*
"Wah!" An explosion rocked his castle, causing his diligent assistant Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, who was meticulously filling out paperwork, to startle and panic, and accidentally knock over the ink well on her desk, as well as the ink itself, all over her freshly completed documents.
She scowled when she saw the consequence of the explosion and then made a hand gesture, creating a magical communication link with their comrade-in-arms, the demigod Karna. "Karna, report!"
The holographic form of the perpetually composed Karna materialized before them, his gaze fixed on Helena. "It's the Chaldeans. They've launched a massive attack, breached our defenses, and are advancing inside."
Hearing this news elicited a guttural snarl from Edison. "Halt them! We cannot allow the witch queen's forces to advance further!"
"Understood," Karna's hologram responded before abruptly disconnecting.
Edison shifted his gaze to the exterior of his castle, furrowing his brows at the sight of the horde of invaders clashing with his mechanized infantry. Connecting to his magical security cameras, he witnessed hundreds of fighters, distinct from Celtic warriors, engaging his mechanized forces. His eyes narrowed as he observed these primitives flying on creatures like pegasi and wyverns, confirming that they were indeed Mebd's forces.
His teeth clenched in anger as he witnessed the final lines of defense for his homeland being torn apart as if they were mere toys. Despite their numerical advantage, they were still being pushed back!
His attention shifted from the anonymous combatants to those leading the assault. The young Japanese boy and his motley crew of turncoats were steadily progressing through the castle's corridors.
He had seen enough. He will not allow them to step a foot closer without confronting them himself, thus, he brought up his arm and pressed a series of buttons on his gauntlet, the buttons allowed him to hack the traitors' transmission and change the frequency so that he was now projecting his hologram in front of them, obstructing their advance.
"...Why? Why do you people seek the death of America?!"
His thunderous roar halted them in their tracks, their wary eyes all falling upon him, but he did not shy away from the attention. He was a commander in chief, the gazes of the many did not deter him, he will speak his mind! It was the intruders who seemed more on edge, as they should be. His new feline face lacked the facial muscle memory that allowed him to bring up his poker face, an ability that had helped him close many beneficial business deals in his life as a businessman selling his inventions to investors. Although that is hardly as important at this moment and was beneficial, so he allowed his unfiltered anger to pour out for these invaders to see.
"We aren't-"
"I don't wish to hear it! You've not only spurned my offer to become allies but have also spat in my face and jeopardized my homeland by aligning with that sorceress! Are you not heroes? Why bolster villains and erase two centuries of our great nation's history!?"
His gaze swept across the faces of the intruders, recognizing many, while some remained unfamiliar. Among the familiar ones, one individual, in particular, prompted him to cast his eyes downward in sorrow, his rage giving way to disappointment.
Of all those who had betrayed him, it was little Paul's betrayal that hurt the most. She stood as America's quintessential icon, one of the greatest American legends who cherished her people, so much so that she destroyed its natural beauty and tamed the wilderness so that the first pioneers could settle and build their communities.
Edison had held the firm belief that Paul shared an unwavering commitment to their cause, to the continued survival of America, but he had been a fool.
"America is a country founded on immigrants, so I do not take issues with where its people come from. While Helena and Karna are not native-born Americans, their diligence to help keep America alive has shown how righteous and genuine their loyalty toward America is, and for that, I hold them dear." His sadness evaporated, and the anger he felt earlier reignited.
"Which is why it is... infuriating and disappointing to witness those born, raised, and died on American soil forsake their homeland so easily!"
"No. You're wrong. I didn't betray America!" Paul interjected, she pointed at Edison, "You did!"
Edison bared his teeth at the little girl, "What was that?!"
"America is for the people, by the people! I left because you lost sight of that and declared yourself a King!" Paul declared.
"PresiKing! It's completely different!" Edison roared, "It is a much more grand and majestic title than a mere president or king!"
"It's also un-American! There's a reason America's leaders are known as presidents Edison, you should know that by now!"
"Why you!"
Seeing the argument escalate, Helena intervened before it derailed the purpose of their presence before the invaders.
"Alright enough. Break it up, you two. Look, you are all confused about what the word betrayal means. Because as far as I can tell, you abandoned us at a crucial time and significantly hurt our cause. We trusted you, and you took that trust and abandoned us and turned your blade against us for the sake of that witch!" Helena said with a scathing but hurt tone.
"We are not helping the Witch Queen!" Mash intervened with her reasoning, however, Helena scoffed.
"Hmph, then how do you explain the appearance of a magical medieval army assaulting our stronghold? Last I checked, such archaic armies weren't part of conventional human history," Helena remarked with a hint of sarcasm.
"We could say the same about your sci-fi mechanized infantry," Gudao quipped back at Helena which just elicited another scoff from the woman.
"Touché. Yet that doesn't negate your connection with the Celts. Our intelligence revealed your assassination attempt failed. Your continued existence seems rather unnatural... unless you've allied yourselves with them."
"Associating us with the Celts is a jest taken too far," Nightingale asserted.
"Et tu, dear Angel of Crimea?" Edison's anger once again died down and was replaced with disappointment, but it lasted much less than with Paul.
"The attempt failed. However, if your intelligence is as accurate as I remember, you should also know that the heroic spirit who assaulted Mebd left her with profound facial lacerations. That woman would never tolerate anyone who disfigured her to remain alive, let alone join her ranks."
"Alright. You have a point. Still, your assault on our fortress means we won't disregard it either," Helena conceded to the red nurse's reasoning.
"Yes, we understand, and on that note," Nightingale looked at Edison in the eyes, even with his new appearance, the woman did not flinch at his inhuman visage," Edison, you are unwell. Immediate treatment is imperative!"
"What?!" Edison exclaimed.
Helena winced at Nightingale's bluntness, murmuring, "Ah... you said it right to his face."
Nightingale proceeded to give a full medical diagnosis of Edison, stating that his newly enhanced body was unnatural and inhuman, and as Thomas Alva Edison was human, that meant his body was ill.
Edison disagreed body was not ailing; it was a perfect vessel to contain the power bestowed upon him! A truly splendid specimen representing the pinnacle of physical and intellectual greatness!
"But worry not, simply take a moment to rest. I will be there to attend to you shortly. I may have failed Rama, but I won't let you down, Edison."
Hmm, wait, Rama was dead? Was he not standing behind Gudao and in front of that blonde-haired boy? No. That must be Sita, Rama's wife. They looked so similar, yet they were not the same person.
The momentary distraction Edison had when observing Sita prevented him from noticing Nightingale as she traversed past his holographic representation in complete disregard for the opinions of her comrades. Her departure was so abrupt that it caught him off guard, leaving an awkward atmosphere between the two parties.
Hence, the only recourse left for Edison was to disconnect the call.
0-0-0
Karna stood resolute at the end of the hallway, his gaze fixed on the entrance, anticipating the arrival of the Chaldeans.
"So, you've returned."
"You are also unwell," The red nurse Nightingale remarked as she stood before him.
Karna was already aware of how Nightingale views the world and those around her, so her eccentricity didn't bother him, "I don't deny it. My ailment is loyalty, and I fear it is chronic. The King of Inventions knelt before me, beseeching assistance from a man of little worth like myself. Hence, that is what I shall provide."
"That is a depressing and sad way to view yourself, Karna," The gentle voice of an unfamiliar woman caused Karna to shift his gaze next to Nightingale. The voice was different, but her hair, eyes, and aura just screamed Rama, yet it was also not. The heroic spirit before him was the same, yet also different from his fellow Indian Hero.
"Ah, you must be Sita, Vishnu's, or rather, Rama's, wife. Indeed, you could interpret it as such, but I doubt my self-esteem compares to the tribulations you have endured. If you're here, it would imply that your husband has departed this world, am I mistaken?" Karna inquired.
Sita's eyes wavered slightly, before looking at the ground in obvious sadness before she gave a solemn reply, "Unfortunately, that is the essence of the Curse of separation. No matter our efforts, beneath the heavens, Rama and I can never be united."
"I understand. Please accept my sympathies." Karna raised his weapon toward the group. "However, do not misconstrue my intentions. While I may be reasonable and compassionate, I will not permit you to advance."
His declaration caused the others around Sita to tense in anticipation, but aside from Nightingale and Sita herself, no one seemed brave enough to face him, at least that was what he thought.
A young swordswoman in a Chinese dress stepped up in defiance of him, her long green hair somehow swaying in the wind despite the lack of wind inside the corridor they were in.
"... We do not seek conflict, and I acknowledge your allegiance to your master," Lyndis asserted, before unsheathing her blade and pointing it at him, "Nevertheless, for the sake of this world, we need to progress, with or without your consent."
Karna's eyes met hers, the look in her eyes told him all he needed to know about her resolve to see such a promise through.
"I remember you, you are one of the human outsiders brought by the Last Master of Chaldea. Your conviction for your cause is admirable and I can see it has only grown stronger since last we met."
"Indeed. Our journey has been one of adversity, and to forsake it by siding with the Witch Queen would be a dishonor to the memory of all the friends we've lost."
"You needn't worry; I do not believe you align with the witch. Nonetheless, my stance remains unaltered. Neither you nor anyone else will pass without overcoming me first."
Lyndis tightened her grip on her blade and abruptly vanished into a blur of motion, her sword moving with such velocity that it shattered the sound barrier. Karna managed to parry the assault, but the force of Lyndis's attack compelled him to slide backward.
He retaliated with a quick stab, which in turn was parried, much to his surprise.
He continued to test her, probing her defenses for weak points. While he could end the battle at any moment, as a warrior, seeing a human keep up with him in terms of speed brought a smile to his face.
"Your swiftness is remarkable for a human... It's commendable that you confront me despite recognizing our disparity."
"I have been sparring with heroic spirits for the past few months, I have gotten used to your movements."
Another slash was thrown, and while such an attack would not scratch him, he still dodged away from the attack, to not disrespect his opponent.
But despite his courtesy, he still had a duty to fulfill.
"Unfortunately, speed and awareness alone do not guarantee victory," Karna remarked.
Karna shifted out of existence, causing Lyn's eyes to widen in fear. Though her body remained capable of movement, she couldn't avert the blow from the butt of Karna's lance striking her abdomen. She was propelled backward and into the embrace of Nightingale.
Lyn attempted to rise, but the sharp pain in her gut thwarted her efforts.
"Rest, child. We'll take it from here."
Nightingale gently positioned Lyn against a wall before rising to her feet and locking her gaze on Karna.
Without wasting words, Nightingale drew her gun and fired a shot at Karna's face, but swiftly evaded the bullet.
"You do realize that losing one's head is irreparable, correct?"
Nightingale dismissed his statement, "It's the sole effective remedy for the obstinate. A well-aimed strike to the head can bring clarity; alas, I lack the agility to administer it. That's why I shall pass you on to my assistant physician."
"Hmm?"
In a sudden burst, the familiar sensation he'd earlier encountered reappeared in all its splendor.
His eyes widened in surprise.
No wonder the magical energy felt familiar, the heroic spirit standing before him was a replica of himself. He was adorned in a sleek black hoodie, and an air of festivity enveloped him.
Rather than wielding a lance, his copy had his fists at the ready, which implied he was a berserker of sorts.
Karna managed to evade his doppelgänger's punch, yet his cheek grazed against the knuckles, leaving a stinging sensation.
Karna wiped his face; there was no blood due to his armor, but the sting on his cheek persisted.
"I understand... combating fire with fire? Very well. I accept your challenge, alter ego." He got into a combative stance, completely focused on his copy, only to immediately launch themselves into a brawl.
With Karna preoccupied with his Christmas counterpart, he was unable to prevent the remainder of the group from slipping past and advancing toward Edison's office.
0-0-0
"Tch. They made it past Karna. They are getting closer!" Helena said and quickly focused her attention on the door.
Edison rolled his jaw side to side while taking in the information. He severely underestimated them. Had he known Chaldea would show up with an army, he would have sent his factories on overdrive to pump out more mechanized infantry. Sadly, it's too late now, and he now has to face the obstacles that stand in his way of liberating America.
He didn't have much time to ponder, as he knew that Gudao was now an enemy of the USA and must be taken down.
*WHACK*
Edison and Helena jumped in fear when they heard the distinctive sound of an axe cutting through wood. Looking at the door, confirmed their fears as they saw what was most likely Paul's Axe buried halfway through the door.
The axe retreated and immediately after, it came down on their door once more. And again, and again, until finally, there was a face-sized hole in their door.
They were both expecting to see Paul's cute face looking into the room, but instead, it was the bored and monotone face of Florence Nightingale that was staring into the room. Her eyes immediately went to Edison, and with a faint smile that sent chills down his spine, she spoke.
"Found you."
Author's Note: Here's the newest chapter, a week late again. It's a bit closer to canon than I would have liked but I didn't want to just skip to the final fight, so hopefully you guys will forgive me for that. As an apology, I will post an omake with this to make the wait more worth it.
Thank you again for your patience and for sticking with me. Don't forget to leave a comment if you liked the chapter!