Knight of Avalon
Chapter-7
Kay, Artoria
Kay had just thought Sheffield couldn't get anymore of a workload, but then…
"How in the bloody hell are you standing before me?" Kay spoke, flabbergasted.
Helga giggled. "Glad to see you still hold me in high regard if you missed me that much."
"Ooh, are you Kay's friend?" Artoria asked.
"Of course I am!" Helga spoke. "Kay and I go a long time back."
"Does that mean you're like Kay?" Artoria asked excitedly.
Da Vinci frowned. "That…should not be possible. Someone needs to have made enough of an impact on human history to be remembered by many in order to become a heroic spirit…"
"...And I do not fit the qualifications, that is true."
"So…how are you here?!"
Helga smiled. "Flotsam."
"Huh?"
"Things that float over to Britain from different worlds, they say. A lot of Faerie britain's society has relied on the knowledge gained from these Flotsam." Puck pitched in.
"Indeed. It's practically the reason why I disappeared."
Kay's eyebrows rose.
"You remember my desire to look further into Tír na nÓg after the Mages Convention?"
"I mean, yes. You did say you would be leaving for Alba to find a way to Tír na nÓg and understand its effects?"
"I…well, lost my way." Helga spoke sheepishly as Kay slumped.
"Of course you did." He spoke drily.
"I took a boat off the Pictish coast, but when I tried to experiment with runes in order to guide my way to the Otherworld, my surroundings got misty and I had to return to Alba…"
"...Except you didn't."
"That I did not. Instead of the Alba I left, with humans in wode paint moving through the highlands on their horses…I instead find this Britain."
"Hm, so you are another outsider." Puck spoke as Helga nodded.
"You could say that."
Kay sighed.
"When will you ever develop a sense of direction, Helga."
"Really, Kay? Not even a few minutes and you've started insulting me?"
"Don't blame me that you are like that!"
Artoria looked between the two of them.
"Kay, who's your friend?"
Kay looked at Artoria with a sigh. "This…is Helga Eiriksdottir, a mage from the Northlands who'd come to Britain along with the Saxons. We once worked together due to special circumstances and…became friends after that."
"Ooh, a Scandinavian in Sub-Roman Britain?" Da Vinci spoke.
"Yes, yes. I am aware of my people's actions 300 years after my time. The Víkingrs garnered the world's attention, but really, they're just the overexcited sections of our society. Before the age of Víkingrs, we were just content living in our icy homeland and I was one of the few who'd ventured out of our lands."
"But anyways, I think we should have this discussion at the inn. Come on, let's go." Helga spoke as they started walking, the Silent Knight walking beside Da Vinci, Artoria and Puck walking at the front, while Kay and Helga were at the back.
"So, Kay? You're wondering how I'm still here, aren't you?" Helga asked with a grin as Kay nodded.
"1500 years have passed since our time. You can't blame me for being a bit curious." Kay spoke as Helga nodded.
"Indeed. I was frozen in ice, hence I did not age, until I broke free only a month back."
"Who broke you out?"
Helga simply smiled and Kay scoffed.
And she's back to her secretive games again. Kay thought shaking his head.
"Alright fine. So you broke free from your slumber and spent a month in Sheffield?"
"...I was at the Lake District, actually. Again, studying the corpse of Albion before I came to Sheffield. It's nearby, by the way." Helga spoke.
Kay shook his head. Albion, the same dragon whose heart had been implanted into Artoria. Again, Kay did not really know what to feel about that. Maybe a little apprehension that it had been Merlin and Uther's idea to further remove any possibility of Artoria not ascending to the throne by putting the heart of Britain's last true dragon into her, but in the end, it had mostly been Merlin's and Uther's actions, not that of Albion's who had died shortly before Artoria's birth.
"I see. And…who's your companion, Helga?" Kay asked as Helga looked at the Silent Knight.
"Oh, we actually met only a month back. I don't actually know him very well. But he is a nice person."
"That's…interesting. He's never shown his face?"
"Never shown his face, never spoken a word. The most we did was forge a sword for him at Norwich that was enchanted with my runes and consecrated with the soul of its blackmisth, since his old sword got lost." Helga spoke as Kay looked at the simple looking sheath by the Silent Knight's hip.
"Hm, and is he strong?"
"Very."
"That's good. Another powerful ally will do us good."
"That's assuming we join your group." Helga spoke as Kay gave her an exasperated stare.
"Helga…you know I won't be fooled by that." He spoke as Helga laughed softly.
"Woops, looks like you've grown used to my tricks, hehe…" Helga spoke before looking at Artoria.
"Speaking of which…quite an interesting master you have, Kay." She spoke. "Does she know?"
"She does not." Kay spoke coldly as Helga nodded.
"Very well, but I do hope you're not thinking of hiding the truth forever, are you?"
Kay sighed tiredly. "No, she's going to figure it out."
"Good. That's better than last time. I remember you writing me off as a Saxon witch who had come to Canterbury to help your enemies."
"And you wrote me off as a Briton Brute who wasn't worth wasting your time on for preparing for the Mages' convention and later on as your errand boy. It went both ways, Helga, and I won't let you claim the moral high ground here." Kay shot back as Helga frowned at him.
"Ouch, Kay. Sharp-tongued as always, are you?"
"I'm much more polite to people who are not witches." Kay spoke with a smirk as Helga gave a dark grin.
"Ansuz…" She muttered, quickly inscribing a rune on Kay's lips as Kay's mouth clamped shut.
"Mmph!" Kay tried to open his mouth, as Helga gave an evil laugh while the others looked at the two of them.
Da Vinci chuckled while Puck flinched violently as his hand touched his lips, clearly remembering a bad memory. The Silent Knight's expression couldn't be seen, but Kay noticed a slight twitching to indicate he was softly laughing behind his helmet.
Oh, perfect. And here I thought they were just a normal, stoic knight who didn't show much emotion. Glad to see they enjoy my suffering. Kay thought in irritation.
Artoria gasped and ran up to Helga. "Did you just shut Kay's dirty mouth?!"
"Why, yes, I did. Do you want to learn, Artoria?" Helga asked with a smile as Artoria nodded vigorously.
"YES! Please teach me! I've always wanted to shut that annoying brute's mouth!" She spoke before looking at Kay.
"Ha, ha, Kay! Now you can't insult me!" She spoke as Helga twisted her fingers and Kay suddenly found his mouth opening.
"Come again, you fat pig who bathes in human shit?" Kay spoke as Artoria's eyes widened in horror and anger.
Helga then shut Kay's mouth again as Kay watched Artoria's face nearly turn red as she reached her boiling point.
Oh, dear…looks like I couldn't resist. Well, time to head to the river. Kay thought.
"KAAAAAAY!" Artoria screamed in rage as she ran straight at him, raising her staff to whack Kay over his head.
Kay immediately turned to spirit form as Artoria passed through him and tripped.
"GET BACK HERE, KAY!" Artoria yelled as Kay immediately turned back and made a run for it.
Da Vinci, Puck and Helga laughed loudly as Artoria chased her servant across the streets of Sheffield, waving her staff angrily while Kay kept out of her reach.
The Silent Knight shook his head as Helga looked at Da Vinci.
"Come. Let's go on. Kay's most likely heading for the river so that he can escape from his enraged master."
"You're not waiting for him?" Puck asked as Helga smiled mischievously.
"He brought it upon himself. Let him figure it out." She spoke.
That evening, Kay and Artoria found Helga's inn and entered with their clothes soaked, smelling of dirty river water.
"I hate you, Kay…" Artoria spoke as Kay looked at her.
"Mmmph." He spoke, still under the effect of Helga's rune.
"Oof, did someone here take a swim through the sewer?" Puck commented before yelping as Artoria pinched his arm and sat down.
Kay sat down beside the Silent Knight and stared at Helga, who was again reading some runestones.
"..."
"..."
"Mmph." Kay spoke, getting Helga's attention as she looked at him.
Kay flicked his finger as a jet of water splashed on Helga's face.
"Gwak!" Helga shook her head before Kay pointed at his mouth.
"Hmph, you didn't have to be so rude, Kay." Helga spoke before the rune dissipated from Kay's mouth.
"Did you have your fun, Helga?" Kay asked with a glare as Helga smiled, while the Silent knight simply sat between them.
"Anyways, master. We have a meeting with Boggart tomorrow. That of course means one thing." Kay spoke.
"Another bath?" Artoria spoke with a groan.
"Yes."
"But besides that, I won't doubt that Boggart will see you as a tool for his soldiers, in which case, you will have to prove you are a useful tool."
"Uh…"
"Don't worry about that. I won't actually let him use you like a tool."
"Whatever the case, we'll have to expect a fight at Boggart's castle tomorrow." Da Vinci spoke with a frown.
With that, the group discussed plans for the meeting with boggart before retiring to their respective rooms.
As Kay walked out of putting Artoria to bed, he went to the roof, as he usually did to reflect on the day's proceedings alone.
However, this time, he found he was not alone.
"Hm?" Kay spoke as he noticed the Silent Knight sitting on the roof, looking up at the starry sky.
"I didn't expect someone else would be here." He spoke as the Silent Knight turned to look at him.
"Do you want me to sit? Or do you prefer being alone?" Kay asked as the Silent Knight stared at him before gesturing to sit beside him.
Kay sat down, before lying down and looked up at the starry sky as well.
He then let out a sigh.
Tomorrow was going to be important. Aurora may have rejected them, but Boggart would not, as long as they proved they were of use.
However, he was still concerned about how Artoria was going to perform. It reminded him of when he and Artoria Pendragon had walked through the hallways of King Lot's court in what was their first diplomatic mission to gather allies against Vortigern and the Saxons.
Back then, Kay was a but a mere 19-year-old and Artoria had just hit 16, although her body had stopped aging after she pulled out Caliburn. Both of them were young adults who seemed tiny compared to the towering statue of King Lot, and Artoria's elder sister Vivian by his side, no longer sporting the warm smile she'd given Artoria whenever she visited with Merlin, but a cold scowl as she glared at Artoria. Back then, Kay had still called her Vivian, not knowing She'd already become Morgan by this point.
It's going to be like Orkney all over again. Kay thought. Back then, they'd been turned away by Lot on the account that they didn't seem like they could drive back Vortigern and the Saxons. It was only through Artoria's charisma and her status as the wielder of Caliburn as well as Kay's own silver-tongue that had ensured Lot remained neutral for the time being.
Unfortunately for him, things were going to be much harder in this case. Artoria caster was not like Artoria Pendragon. She lacked the will and drive, she lacked the charisma, and unlike his sister, this Artoria was pathetically weak by fae standards.
But Kay smiled. Didn't he and Artoria plan their talk with Lot only the night before while watching the stars like they always did since they were children? Even if this Artoria was too sleepy to go see the stars with him, he'd spent a lot of the evening coaching and talking to Artoria how to approach Boggart and talk to him. That will have to do.
All Artoria needed was the utmost loyalty from her group, and strength of the rest of the group, and Boggart would be convinced to accept her.
Kay turned his head to look at the Silent Knight, who was staring at the sky, lying down beside him.
"...Do you like watching the stars?" Kay asked as the Silent Knight nodded.
Kay snorted. "Well, I suppose we're same in that regard." He spoke as a warm smile came on his face.
The Silent Knight gave him a questioning tilt of their head.
"Hm, my sister and I used to watch the stars every night."
"..."
"Now, she's no longer with me anymore. So…I-I always am alone in this. Really, you are the first companion to watch the stars with me since my sister stopped." Kay spoke.
"..."
"You want to know about my sister? Heh, I could go all night describing her to you…but I'll keep it brief."
"..."
"My sister was the kindest person I've ever known. In the dark times we were born in, she carried within her a heart of gold that wanted to see her people happy. She had the will and the courage to see things through."
Kay's eyes grew somber.
"But she pushed herself to meet expectations she could not fulfill. And…it drove a wedge between us. Eventually, we parted ways, and I've never forgiven myself for what I did."
"..."
"And I don't think she's forgiven herself either."
Kay imagined Artoria there, lying, happily pointing at the constellations at the sky. As much as he did not like the fae, he was happy he would be having his adventure in the blissful green fields of Britain than the damned desert of Jerusalem.
Kay then remembered the Lion King as her emotionless eyes flashed in his mind.
Kay felt his eyes grow slightly watery.
What happened to you, Artoria? Kay thought. What happened to turn the sweet innocent sister he'd raised into a cold, emotionless monster.
Kay let out another sigh. Every single time he sat down to look at the stars, Artoria's absence always created a void in his heart. Even after Artoria stopped going with him, Kay never stopped to lie down and look at the stars.
…In the hope that one day, Artoria would come back, lie down beside him and look at the stars as they used to in the old days.
The Silent Knight nodded and went back to watching the stars.
"What about you? Did you ever watch the stars with someone?" Kay asked
…
…
…
*Nod*
Kay hummed. "Then we both are missing our companions, aren't we?"
The Knight simply stared at the stars.
"Well, good talk, even though I was the only one speaking." Kay spoke.
"Good night."
"..."
Kay then closed his eyes, and slipped back into the happy memories of him and Artoria playing in the woods, the last time they would ever do so before Artoria pulled out Caliburn.
Artoria found herself in a woodland with lush green trees, being pulled at the hand by…
Not her again! Artoria thought, as she found herself looking at her maniacal doppelganger once again.
The doppelganger was again wearing a white tunic with blue trousers, with a basket filled with flowers in her hand, along with a wooden sword slung across her back. She also had her hair tied up in a bun and was about her age now. The doppelganger still had that annoying cheer, but there was a sense of sad mutedness about it.
"Come on, big brother! We need to get back quickly!" She encouraged as Artoria shook her head.
There she goes again with that 'big brother' things. I'm not a boy! Artoria thought angrily as she tried to get out of the doppelganger's grip, but she wasn't letting go.
"You're not getting away, big brother! I've got you in my grip!" Her doppelganger spoke.
"We need to get back before father catches us!" She spoke. "Both of us know how angry he got the last time we came here."
"..."
"I know! The Goblins were very rude, pelting us with curses. Good thing I'm resistant to them…"
"..."
Her doppelganger winced. "Okay, Okay! I get it! I'm sorry one of the Goblins got you with a paralysing curse. I promised we won't go through their burrows again!"
"..."
Her doppelganger scoffed as Artoria shook her head.
"I didn't even say anyth…" Her doppelganger froze before she dropped her basket and brought out her sword.
At that moment, a bunch of black dogs emerged, their glowing blue muscles spewing the Dark Magic of Britain from their bodies.
"Black Dogs! I'll handle them first!" Her doppelganger spoke running at the black dogs.
"Wait, don't!" Artoria yelled, knowing very well of the rotting curse that Black Dogs cast upon those who touched them.
A black dog growled and shot its curse, the dark blue blob of mana heading at her doppelganger, who merely swat it away.
Artoria gasped in surprise as her doppelganger smashed her sword against the black dog, smashing its skull and killing it.
Artoria also went into, throwing discs of light that embedded themselves into the black dogs, taking them down.
"LOOK OUT!" Her doppelganger yelled as Artoria noticed a black dog jump out of her shadow, opening its jaws towards her neck.
"Ah!" Artoria screamed as her doppelganger tossed her sword at the black dog, knocking it off course as Artoria blasted a hole through it with a shot of mana.
The last Black dog pounced upon the doppelganger, who grabbed its jaws and fell back.
Artoria rushed to her doppelganger in concern as she wrestled against the Black Dog for a brief moment before kicking it to the side, getting on top of it.
With one grunt and a swift motion, her doppelganger tore the Black Dog's jaw open, killing it.
Woah! She just ripped it apart with her bare hands! Artoria thought. She didn't know if even strong Fang Clan fairies would be so brazen as to engage in close combat with a Black Dog and rip it apart with their bare hands.
"Phew, that wasn't too bad compared to the goblins!" Her doppelganger spoke, laughing as if she hadn't killed a Black Dog with her bare hands only moments ago.
At that moment, Artoria heard footsteps and her doppelganger pale slightly as she turned back to see…
"Ector?!" Artoria spoke, seeing a familiar face looking down upon her.
Artoria recoiled at the fact that Ector was towering over her, instead of being only slightly shorter as she remembered. He also looked younger, having brown hair instead of the grey he had.
Ector was not looking at her, but at her doppelganger, who was standing with her head down.
Ector merely sighed. "I'm not going to punish you. You're 15, Arthur, and you're strong enough to defeat phantasmals on your own. But you should know the longer Vortigern rules, the more dangerous it will get for us."
"..."
"In that case, you know you can't keep doing this forever." He spoke, his voice rough but spoke with gentle words.
"Sorry, father." Her doppelganger spoke.
"Don't apologize. Go back to the house and make sure the horses are fresh. Tomorrow's a big day."
"Alright, come on…"
"He'll come later. I need to have a talk with your brother." Ector spoke as her doppelganger nodded and walked off.
Ector was silent.
"I know you're still here, Arthur!" He called out.
"What?!" A voice came from the bushes.
"Go home!"
"...Fine…" The doppelganger spoke, rising up from a nearby bush and walking off.
Ector was silent again before staring right at Artoria.
"So, not even a week being a knight, and you're already back to playing with Arthur…" Ector spoke before snorting.
"Not that I mind. I was concerned when I first revealed his real parentage, but I'm glad things are still warm between the two of you. But still…you're a knight now, boy. You'll have a lot more responsibility on your shoulders, and things like this wouldn't last long as well."
Is he…talking to someone else? Artoria thought.
"But even leaving you aside, it won't be anything compared to what Arthur will have to face."
"..."
"Don't give me that face, boy. Tomorrow Merlin's going to choose Uther's heir, and you know it's going to be Arthur."
"..."
"Listen, son." Ector spoke placing a hand on Artoria's shoulder.
"I want you to make me a promise."
"..."
"When Arthur pulls out that sword…I want you to stay by his side. No matter what happens, no matter how angry you get…"
"Promise me you'll never leave Arthur's side."
Artoria sat up with wide eyes, a storm of thoughts going through her mind.
But one was highlighted the most.
"Ector called her 'Arthur'..." Artoria spoke.
Her doppelganger was called Arthur Pendragon.
Arthur Pendragon.
Artoria.
…
…
…
Artoria Pendragon.
"KAY!" She screamed jumping out of her bed.
"Master?" Kay spoke materializing into existence.
"Kay, what did King Arthur look like?" Artoria spoke.
Kay's face fell into a serious frown.
Soon, Artoria's group was moving towards Boggart's castle. Puck and Da Vinci were discussing the Nameless Woods and Ritsuka, Helga and the Silent Knight walked with a smile…
…But Kay and Artoria had frowns on their face.
Artoria was thinking of what Kay had told her. About the fact that King Arthur was her counterpart in Proper Human History.
After hearing so much about hi…her, all that she did…
I look pathetic in response. Artoria thought.
Even before she'd pulled out the sword, Artoria had seen how strong Artoria Pendragon was. While Artoria herself was scared to go near Black dogs, Pendragon had just ripped through them without a hint of fear.
But even despite that, Artoria also felt a sense of disgust as Kay further talked about the other Artoria.
The way she simply threw her own life away…just for the sake of people who would never understand or empathize with her. That she would try to fulfill everyone's expectations even when she wouldn't be able to…
…Artoria herself could not imagine being able to do that. Especially not with the fae.
Kay walked silently beside her.
Artoria could remember Kay's disillusionment with Arthur as he talked about him. It was odd…after hearing Kay showering praise upon Arthur, but even then, Artoria did notice a sense of disappointment behind Kay's words even when he praised Arthur.
But the fact that King Arthur was another Artoria…it meant a lot of things.
The prophecy…the age…they all were more or less similar.
Does that mean I truly have to do this? Artoria thought.
Does that mean she was fated to fight against Morgan?
Such a thought sent shivers through Artoria's spine. She really had no choice. No way to back out.
She would actually be going to war against Morgan.
Kay must have known. Artoria thought. There was no way he didn't realize from the name connection what she would have to do.
What else does Kay know? What else is he hiding?
The group reached Boggart's castle, where the guards made way for Kay as soon as they saw him.
As they went in further, they noticed Mash waiting for them with a bright smile.
"Hello!" Mash spoke as Da Vinci blinked at her.
"Why, hello, Mash…"
"Mash? I'm afraid you're mistaken, miss. My name's Anice!" Anice declared.
Kay and Da Vinci exchanged concerned looks.
"Alright then. Take us to Boggart, Galahad…I mean, Anice." Kay spoke as Anice nodded.
Artoria and Anice walked beside each other as Artoria looked at Anice.
So she's a demi-servant who's got one of Kay's colleagues inside her… Artoria thought before frowning.
"So, Anice? Where are you from?" Puck asked.
"Oh…I actually don't know where I originally was from. You see, I went into the nameless woods and lost my memories. After that, I was found by three Changeling brothers named Rob, Wag and Winky. They gave me this name, you know! I should introduce you to them some time!" Anice spoke excitedly.
"Anice…Does the name 'Mash' seem familiar to you?" Da Vinci asked her.
Anice frowned and closed her eyes. "Well…I do feel a strange itch in my head at that name, but no…I don't remember anyone named 'Mash'."
"And how has your time been with Boggart?"
"Very good. Lord Boggart is a very funny man, but he is good-natured, so I feel really bad when I accidentally throw him out the window…"
"You threw him out the window? That sounds like an interesting story." Helga spoke.
"Yes. I didn't know how, but I accidentally pushed him."
"You…pushed him?" Kay spoke.
"Yes…I felt so terrible when Lord Boggart when flying out. But he didn't mind, and I was so relieved!" Anice spoke.
As she talked, Artoria began looking at her. Anice was so…confident. She had a lovely voice and looked like a very polite and kind person, yet also had a lot of strength, as when she blocked the assassin from attacking Boggart, and her story of throwing a massive figure like Boggart so easily.
For some irritating reason, Anice felt more like the Child of Prophecy than her.
T-That's not true! Anice doesn't carry the Staff! Artoria thought with a pout. But the more she thought about it, the more it scratched against her head.
What if Anice had fought Sith? What if Anice had faced Woodwose?
Each thought dealt a massive blow in Artoria's confidence as all of Kay's instructions started slipping out of her mind, of keeping up a strong image.
"Something wrong, Ms. Caster?" Anice asked as Artoria shook her head.
"O-O-Oh, n-nothing! I'm f-fine, Anice!" Artoria spoke nervously as Kay walked up beside her.
"Master, you're stuttering." Kay whispered to her as Artoria resisted the urge to snap at him.
"Kay…" Helga spoke as Kay sighed before stepping back, before winking at Artoria.
Entering the inner castle, Anice took them through winding hallways. Soon, the seven of them reached Boggart's throne room.
Unlike Salisbury, Boggart's throne room had stone walls with banners of the fang clan draped against the pillars, with a red carpet on the aisle. Several chairs lined up that had Boggart's advisors, while at the back, on a simple wooden throne lined with a blue carpet with golden embroidery, sat Boggart himself.
Anice happily skipped over to stand beside Boggart as Artoria and the others knelt. Artoria also noticed the same pink-haired fairy staring at her with shock.
Alright, Artoria! J-Just keep your calm! Artoria thought, trying to squash the feeling of her mouth turning to paste at the sheer nervousness of meeting Boggart. This would be her first time trying to prove herself to the lord of a city in Faerie Britain.
Artoria would not have been able to do it, had she not been with Kay. Their presence made her feel slightly more comfortable.
"Greetings, Lord Boggart." Artoria spoke as Boggart raised an eyebrow.
"Greetings, Ms…"
"A-Artoria Caster, milord." Artoria spoke as Boggart looked at Kay.
"She is your fae master, sir Kay?" He asked as Kay nodded.
"That she is. She is the leader of our group." Kay spoke.
"She looks pretty scrawny…" Artoria heard one of Boggart's advisors speak.
"How…interesting." Boggart spoke, but Artoria could see the disappointment through her fae eyes.
Hold on, Artoria! Don't let that stop you! Artoria kept assuring herself as Boggart stood up.
"Your human servant saved my life yesterday, ms. Caster. I am indebted to him for that. But I wish to ask…"
"What is it that you want to speak about?" Boggart spoke.
Alright, here it is, Artoria. Artoria thought as she stood up straight.
"Milord, me and my group came here for one purpose - to join your rebellion." Artoria spoke as Boggart raised his eyebrows.
Chatter erupted amongst the advisors as the advisors put in their skeptics.
Boggart raised his hand.
"Cease. While you may feel weak, Artoria Caster, you certainly have a powerful companion. The speed and strength he displayed yesterday would make me think he is a Slave Knight, but I wish to know more about the rest of your group."
"Of course, which is why we wish to show our capabilities." Artoria spoke, before walking back as Puck and Da Vinci stepped forward.
"Greetings, I am Puck." Puck spoke bowing down. "I hail from Salisbury, and I have a penchant for illusions."
"Illusions, you say?" Boggart spoke as Puck nodded.
"Very well, begin your demonstration." He spoke as Puck smiled.
"Oh, I've already begun, milord…"
"I'm actually right here." Puck suddenly spoke from beside Boggart, who jumped in surprise as the Puck standing before him disappeared.
"Goodness!" Boggart spoke clutching his heart. "DO not scare me like that!"
Puck smiled as he walked back and bowed once more.
Boggart then looked at him in surprise before looking at his courtiers. "Did you see him cast a spell?"
"N-No, milord!" One of the faeries spoke nervously. "I did not detect even the slightest of shifts in mana in the air!"
"Same here!"
"Absolutely! How did he even cast the spell?!"
"He must have done it beforehand!"
Puck suddenly clasped his hands together, and when he removed them, the entire landscape completely shifted into a green field.
Boggart and his advisors stood up in surprise and looked around in awe.
"This is…my goodness, how far does this stretch?" Boggart spoke in shock.
Even Artoria and the others were surprised.
"It's like a reality marble, yet Puck did it as casually as one would do a spell?" Da Vinci spoke in surprised.
The surroundings then changed back to the throne room as Boggart stared at Puck.
"That was for my performance, now…"
"I will take over. I am Leonardo Da Vinci, a genius human inventor under Artoria!" Da Vinci spoke with a smile as the mechanical bird perched on her shoulder flew around the room.
"This is your creation?" Boggart spoke observing Da Vinci's bird.
"Indeed it is! I can make another one!" Da Vinci spoke before pulling out a bunch of tools and fiddling with them to create a smaller mechanical bird.
"Wow, it looks pretty!" Anice spoke as the smaller bird landed on Boggart's armrest.
"You certainly have a skill for crafting. I doubt even Norwich's best blacksmiths could make something so complex and intricate within a matter of seconds."
"I specialize in engineering and crafting, milord, and I can certainly make improvements to the castle defenses." Da Vinci spoke as Boggart nodded.
"With what you've shown, I am interest. Perhaps you can show us what these 'improvements' are that you are going to make."
"Of course, I shall demonstrate that in the coming days." Da Vinci spoke.
After that, Helga stepped up and unsheathed her short sword.
"I am a mage, milord, who primarily practices runic magecraft. I shall demonstrate the effectiveness of my runes through this blade." She spoke before inscribing a bunch of Uruz runes onto her blade.
"Now, this blade has become extremely durable and sharp. You may test it out." She spoke as she handed the blade to Boggart.
"Durable, you say…well, let's see how it works under my strength…" Boggart spoke as the advisors shivered.
"Oh, are you going to snap it in half like you do with other blades?" Anice spoke as Artoria blinked.
He snaps swords in half?! Artoria thought as Kay looked at Helga, who simply smiled.
Boggart grabbed the blade and attempted to bend it with a grunt…
…However, to his surprise, the blade did not even bend an inch, no matter how hard he tried.
"Grk!" Boggart eventually cut his hand on the blade as he looked at his bleeding hand.
"...Not even enchanted swords have been able to resist my strength uptill now." He spoke before handing the blade back to Helga.
"These runes of yours are certainly extremely powerful things…I dread to imagine what weapons could be made out of them."
"Actually, there are two weapons that are my handiwork. Kay, dear…" Helga spoke as Kay walked up.
Kay then unsheathed his blade and ignited it.
"While the fire may not have been Helga's handiwork, this sword can inflict wounds that never heal, as a result of one of Helga's runes."
Although the rune in question wasn't exactly something that belonged to Helga.
"Other than that, this shield is also her creation." Kay spoke displaying his water shield.
"Other than that, you have already seen my skills yesterday, milord."
Finally, the Silent Knight stepped up.
"Forgive him, milord, he doesn't really speak." Helga spoke as the Silent Knight regarded the courtroom before his hand went to his sheath.
The Knight slowly unsheathed a blade with a golden guard with intricate designs, along with a diamond handle.
But the blade itself had brythonic inscriptions on it along with runes that glowed purple.
Artoria suddenly felt the mana in the air skyrocket as the very air rippled around the Silent Knight's blade.
The Knight planted his sword on the ground as Artoria felt nausea wash over her, as the mana skyrocketed further.
Even the other members of Artoria's group felt uncomfortable as the knight's helmet stared at Boggart, who also had his face strained.
This mana…this is insane… Artoria thought. The level of mana the Silent Knight radiated was comparable to Woodwose himself.
"I…see now. Please put back your blade, Sir knight." Boggart spoke as the silent knight sheathed his blade and the mana levels dropped back to normal.
Artoria stepped up, trying to swallow the nausea in her mouth.
"As you can see, milord, Da Vinci is an excellent engineer for improving your castle's defenses, Puck's illusions is capable of confusing even the most perceptive of eyes, Helga's runes are extremely powerful in magecraft terms and both Sir Kay and the Silent Knight are formidable warriors. All of us have seen what Morgan's rule has brought upon Britain, and all of us wish to devote our skills to the cause of rebellion. Your rebellion, Lord Boggart."
Boggart stared at her.
"Your desire to join me is certainly good to hear, Artoria Caster. But tell me…"
"...Why? Why do you wish to join against Morgan? Why does a weak fairy like you wish to rise up against someone like the High Queen?"
There it was. The time had come.
"Because…" Artoria faltered for a moment.
Kay had told her to expect mockery and doubt after she made her declaration, but even then, Artoria still felt a little fear.
Once she spoke the words, there would be no turning back.
Once she declared her title, she would finally begin her journey.
A journey that would most likely end with facing Morgan.
Artoria could already imagine Morgan sitting on her throne, looking down upon her with cold eyes.
Right now, Artoria could not imagine being able to defeat Morgan.
…But she would at least begin her pilgrimage.
Artoria breathed deeply before giving Boggart the most determined stare she could muster.
"...Because I am the Child of Prophecy." Artoria declared as everything…stopped.
Pin drop silence fell across the throne room as Artoria stared at Boggart, doing everything she could not to break eye contact as Kay had told her.
But Boggart was flabbergasted, as he immediately looked at Anice, who was also staring at Artoria in surprise.
"The…Child of Prophecy?" Boggart spoke before his eyes narrowed.
"Another has come upon my court?" He spoke coldly as Artoria's eyes widened.
Behind her, Kay also recoiled.
"Another child of Prophecy?" Artoria asked in shock before it hit her.
Boggart looked at Anice when Artoria made her declaration.
Why Anice was lady of the castle despite being an amnesiac.
Wait…
No… Artoria thought.
Boggart shook his head. "This castle has pushed back the forces of Mab during the Summer War, it had responded to the Fang Clan's call against the Round Table in Londinium during the Autumn war, it had been subjugated by the Ashen curse during the Winter War, and it had almost been consumed by the horrors of the Mors…And now, it finds itself already in a conundrum as it marches onto war against Morgan. My people are afraid, afraid of the so-called 'destiny' that Sheffield would be destroyed if it stood against her a second time. Which is why my people needed the Child of Prophecy to reassure them. This creates a problem with that."
"Other than that, there have been news of different children of the prophecy running across Britain." Boggart spoke as Artoria shook her head.
Wait, there's another? She thought.
"One tried to assassinate the High Queen herself and was thrown into the Primordial Void, before clambering out and being captured by Murian in Gloucester. Another ran away to the Nameless Woods after Woodwose burnt down Tintagel. And the other…is my wife, Anice." Boggart spoke.
"Now…there comes a third one, claiming to be a Child of the Prophecy. Yet, I doubt it." He spoke.
"Your fairy patterns…you show so little mana compared to your companions that I am surprised a weakling like you is leading the group. The fact that they accept your leadership confounds me."
"Tell me, Sir Kay, why do you think she is the Child of the Prophecy?" Boggart asked as Artoria looked at Kay.
Artoria gulped.
None of them were expecting Anice to be an alleged child of prophecy. And Kay…he couldn't tell the truth without talking about Arthur Pendragon.
Please, Kay, don't do it. Artoria thought pleadingly as Kay's gaze flicked to her.
…
…
"Because she is strong, milord." Kay spoke. "She may look weak, but in the end, she is a pillar that all of us flock to. All of us have nowhere else to go, and Artoria is the one who gives us the purpose and a destiny to march towards."
Artoria's eyes widened.
"She is not a leader who speaks with fiery speeches. She is not a leader who stands above all of her supporters. She might not have the power and status of a noble or the capabilities of a warrior. No…"
"She is the child of the prophecy from Tintagel…she has watched Morgan's soldiers destroy her home in front of her eyes. She has been chosen by a former companion of Aesc the saviour herself named Ector the Immortal." Kay spoke as the pink-haired fairy's mouth fell open.
"But above all that…she is a leader with a good heart. She is the one who lays the path for us, she is the one who shows us the way. And she does…simply because of what she does that she believes is right."
"And trust me, Lord Boggart…as anyone well versed in politics would know, leaders with good hearts are rare among the masses." Kay spoke.
"Kay…" Artoria spoke as she heard Kay's voice grow louder and louder the more he talked about her.
"That is why…I see Artoria Caster as the Child of the Prophecy. She is young, and she needs guidance…but she has that potential, which can only become reality with support and nurturing from all those around her."
Kay then gave a smirk to Artoria as Boggart stared at him.
"I see…If you believe in Artoria's strength…then I shall give her a personal test."
"Hm?" Artoria spoke.
"There are two children of prophecy among us. Let them decide who is the true one in a duel." Boggart declared as Anice looked at him.
"Artoria. Anice. The two of you were brought to my courts by people who had seen you as a Child of Prophecy. And your existence puts doubt in my mind. As such, the only way I will further accept your claims is through a duel."
"Huh?" Da VInci spoke.
"The both of you will fight each other. Whoever wins, I will acknowledge them as the true Child of Prophecy. The loser…it is simple. You will remain a citizen of Sheffield, but you will not be accepted into my rebellion, no matter what you have done for me in the past."
Anice and Artoria looked at Boggart, before Artoria looked at Kay.
Kay merely nodded to her. "This is your test, master."
"B-But…"
"She is stronger. Not sneaky, though." Kay spoke. "We're all counting on you, master. Beat Mash, and we'll get started." He spoke before stepping back.
"And remember. That shield can't protect her from all sides. Good luck."
Artoria looked back to see Anice's white gown disappear, instead replaced by purple armor, along with a massive cross-shaped shield that had appeared in her hands.
Anice planted her shield against the ground and looked at Artoria.
"I think you're a nice person, Artoria! And I think it's a shame we're fighting!" Anice spoke.
"Anice…" Boggart spoke.
"Apologies, Lord Boggart!"
"No hard feelings?" Anice asked as Artoria sighed before raising her staff.
First meeting…and she was already fighting against a demi-servant.
Artoria gulped, again remembering her loss against Tristan.
I can't lose this time. Artoria thought shaking her head.
The coming fight would require all her tricks and skill to be able to get through.
Artoria raised her staff as mana gathered in it, while Anice raised her shield.
After moments of silence, the two children of prophecy began their duel.
A/N: Finally! I actually felt the will to write another chapter instead of slacking around for a week. Anyways, So much to talk in this chapter, but I'm just going to talk about Kay's reflection section in particular.
I really enjoy Kay's reminiscence of Artoria, and honestly...listening to Adrian Von Ziegler's 'Beautiful Dreams' as I wrote Kay imagining Artoria beside him watching the stars, I actually got emotional. And I feel really proud when the stuff I write makes me emotional, considering I myself don't really have much reactions to a lot of emotional scenes. I think Percy Jackson's been the only piece of literature to ever make me cry. Other than that, I've not really had much of an emotional reaction to lot of the stuff I like. God of War came close, but couldn't do it. And Fate? As much as I like it, I do not think Fate will ever make me feel emotional, because of Nasu's wacky writing. I keep comparing it to Shu Takumi's Ace Attorney franchise, which also features wacky writing, but it's emotional moments hit me a lot harder than Fate's does. Maybe it's because I'm more biased towards grounded works of literature and media, and if I see any kind of dragon ball-style fighting in an animation, I just completely lose interest, no matter how beautiful the animation may seem.
Anyways that's enough rambling from my side. I'll wait for a few more days to see if I've actually got my writing groove back. And If I have, then things are going to be amazing. I might start digging back up stories I've left on hiatus (Under the Rowan's Shade and Tree of Life) and continue on with my first fanfic, Remnant: The Soulless Plains. This fanfic will tie into Soulless Plains' storyline, by the way. So by the time I end this fanfic, you might expect some unfinished character arcs that will be finally resolved in Soulless Plains.
One last thing I forgot to mention. As an Indian person, today's a special day. In India, we celebrate a festival called Raksha Bandhan, which is meant to be a festival in celebration of the relationship and bond between brothers and sisters. I sadly don't have a sister, as I'm an only child, and since I'm in college, I can't really celebrate with my family. It feels pretty sad being alone in the celebrations, which is also why I wrote the segment of Kay reminiscing of Artoria, and why I got a little emotional while writing it. And since this is the story of Kay and Artoria, I just had to post this chapter on this day. Even though you're not Indian, Happy Raksha Bandhan to you, Kay and Artoria.
Hope you guys enjoyed and constructive criticism is appreciated!
Foot Notes:
Ashen Curse: During the Winter War, Morgan had turned Sheffield's sky into a sky of ash in what was known as the Ashen Curse. due to the lack of sunlight affecting crops, the city capitulated to Morgan, and ever since then, there has been a belief that should Sheffield rise up against Morgan once more, it will meet its ultimate demise.
Response to Reviews:
NotSpecialDude: In all honesty, if Ritsuka is in the Nameless Woods, it would be a really big hassle to go rescue him. That, and with the assurance that Tristan is with Ritsuka, I think Da Vinci would be a little bit more patient. Honestly, I had a different explanation for Helga's appearance, but your review honestly made much more sense so I went with Helga coming on Flotsam.
Also, yes. I am a blasphemous FGO player for not giving a shit about collecting waifus and husbands. Considering I had very little exposure to anime culture and its...quirks in my childhood, it's really too late for me to fall down the lewd rabbit hole. Not to mention I grew up in a place during a time where anime was not very popular, and western works were more prevalent.
King0fP0wers: Yes, I suppose you know who the 'worker' is. I wonder too who he is.
THOTSLAYER9000: Well, my friend, that's the case with every single character out there. All of them start as 'SI's we don't care about' and it's the writer's job to make us care about them. Do you think people cared about Luke Skywalker in the first scene he appeared in in New Hope? Those same people now see him as one of Science Fiction's greatest protagonists. If Helga remains an 'SI', then I've failed as a writer.
Seeking The Miraculous Dream: Well, that would really ruin the whole reason I brought them to Sheffield. I wanted them to interact with Anice instead of Mash for some time before I bring back her memories.
Malik: That's the beauty of writing character flaws. Kay is very judgemental when it comes to dealing with other knights, and it shows in his thoughts about Galahad. It makes space for character growth.
Kleave Guy: Don't you mean 'Hermia'? It will be some time before Ritsuka Fujimaru joins the hero train.
Guest: Hey man. Assuming you're talking about THOTSLAYER, insults are not really going to stop him from dropping the reviews that he does. Just ignore him. As the author, he's more of my problem than that of my readers. Don't worry about him, I'm not really affected by his reviews.