"Welcome back readers! Slim A Lou Prime has yet again brought you more of this stuff you guys seem to like! Interesting chapter for your viewing pleasure, now with some comedy to shake things up a little bit."
"Now a few of you, like three or four, have been asking in PMs what this ship and crew I keep talking about are. That's just our fancy way of saying the Discord server that we run. I throw story update stats every so often and if you don't want to be on a Discord server you can just pop over to the old fanfic profile, I have story status semi-regularly up to date. If you feel like joining the Discord the link is also on the profile page. Not a lot happens and most of the people there don't talk so don't feel like you need to be active to stay on the ship! We do a little bit of everything there! From FOUL smuttery to mechanical talk you name it we might have it!"
Anyways enough of that let's get to those guest… review as in one alright then! To all those statements/encouraging reviews thank you for your continued support!
Kuro (reply by Slim): This is not really a big spoiler so I will say that Artoria is already in the universe… but she did not get in like Medusa got in. That's all I'm going to say on that! Don't want to give you guys too much and ruin the big reveal. I only have so many of those. So you're gonna have to wait and see ;).
"Only one guest review to answer. Not a bad thing given that if you guys leave a signed review I can answer your questions sooner. Oh, if I missed your review and you want your question answered just send me a PM as there are a lot of you and I might have missed you or failed to hit the send button."
Anyways, onto the story!
Rider took a sip from her drink before she placed the mug back on the table beside her. She had been enjoying a book that caught her eye when she was perusing through the library. It was a fiction set in the not too distant future where an invasion of aliens had forced most of humanity into its deep underground network. The last of humanity were protected by the remnants of a military experiment that was attempting to create a super solder using a substance that could bind bio and mechanical material together.
The story followed the son of the leader of these super soldiers, who ventured back to the surface to find a prospering humanity. He would discover how the alien invasion was thwarted by another alien force that helped fight off the initial alien invasion. The second alien force helped rebuild what was lost in the invasion as well as uplifting the rest of humanity. Upon his return the leader of the super soldiers reprimanded his son for going to the surface. An argument ensued as to the path the humans living underground should take.
In a fit of anger, the son snuck back to the surface only to be captured by the local police forces. He was interrogated by a semi-young detective who attempted to speak with the son despite the language barrier. Despite being unable to overcome the language barriers the son managed to communicate through the use of old toys left in the building for children that so happen to still be used by the underground humans.
Meanwhile the father would come to learn that his son had snuck back off to the surface. The father would journey to the surface himself to retrieve his son only to find out that he had been captured. Worrying for his son's life the father attacked the police station and returned with his son back to the underground, despite his son's protests.
Which led her to where she was now. The son argued with his parents that they could return to the surface and live in the sun again. While the parents and the rest of the underground humans felt differently. Many believe that the prospering humanity above was simply a ploy by the aliens.
Rider sympathized with these biomechanical super soldiers. Their bodies were described as unpleasant to look at because their uncompleted project made them look like monsters, an unholy mash of mechanical and humanoid parts. Each super soldier had a vast array of weapon systems attached to the mechanical bodies along with battle armor that protected their still humanoid parts. Much like she had become as she let herself slip further and further into her monstrous side.
The father reasoned to the son that the only reason the rest of the normal humans that they were protecting liked them was because of the protection they gave. That if not for the threat of the perceived threat of the aliens on the surface that they would have driven them out long ago. Rider remembers all the humans she had killed in order to protect her sisters, much like these super soldiers had protected the underground humans. Most of all she sympathized with the father, only wanting to keep his family safe no matter the cost. The father had to kill many humans and a few alien officers that had gotten in his way to save his son. The book clearly hinted that a force was attending to follow their retreat back into the underground. Rider knew that if the two sides could not come to some form of agreement, blood would be spilled.
As the reborn servant continued to read, she suddenly felt a semi-familiar energy wash over her. A sense of anger began to well up within rider, though she did not know where. She considered that these feelings were coming from this other version of herself. Standing, the servant walked over to the railing of the second floor of the library. She began to scan the aura blow trying to find the source of the oddly familiar energy. It did not take her long to find the source of the energy and the person it was attached to.
It was a woman, long blond hair, blue eyes, very beautiful, she had the figure just about every woman wanted. Yet, she was too perfect. There was not a sign of blemish on her body, absolutely nothing was out of place as if the woman standing there was an artist's sculpture come to life. If the energy the "woman" was giving off was not a dead giveaway, Rider could tell from looks alone that this person was using some body modification magic or was the form a god chose to take. The energy alone confirmed it was the latter.
The goddess was seated at a table with a man, the man being of average looks and build. Dark hair, hazel eyes, he had a bit of a gut but other than that would be considered skinny if not for the gut. All in all he looked to be a man who worked outside but enjoyed eating food without worrying about how much he might be eating.
The man was looking to an open book with the goddess across from him pointing out things written in the book. It was as if the goddess was tutoring the mortal across from her, the man most likely unaware of the true nature of the goddess across from him.
Yet for some reason she felt anger towards this goddess. Clearly it was coming from her other self that existed in this reality. Rider began to search her other self's memories attempting to figure out why her other held such hatred for this goddess. As if she were being guided, she quickly found the source of her rising anger.
She recalled being the beautiful daughter of Phorcys and Keto in ancient Greece. She was a priestess of Athena and a man would often come to see her. She had strong romantic feelings for the man and slept with him on many different occasions. One time however they were engaging in another round of romantic activities in the temple of Athena when she suddenly found her body began to change appearance and her hair turned to snakes. She would later discover her sisters were turned into monsters as well and the man she was with was the god Poseidon. She swore her undying vengeance against Athena for turning her into a monster.
A stark difference from Rider's own past. Mainly the origin of how she became a monster. Rider herself held no hatred towards the Athena as she was never aware of any instance where the god slighted her. Yet it would seem that in this world Athena had a primary role in turning her other self into a monster. Yet she imagined Poseidon might have only been with her to get back at Athena for one reason or another.
Rider assumed that this goddess must be Athena if her other self was reacting to her. She felt a desire to kill the man Athena took an interest in to spite the goddess. Yet killing someone for such a small reason did not sit well with the reborn servant. An idea popped into her head, it was clear some the will of her other self was still in her. She could force herself away from the railing and back to the book she was reading, but she had a feeling that the remainder of her other self would not approve. So she would take the middle ground.
Rider was by no means unaware of her appearance. She knew that she was attractive, and she knew the art of seduction. She had used it on Shirou to restore her mana supply. All she needed to do here was make the goddess jealous. Given what her other self knew of Athena it would be a relatively simple matter.
Making her away down the stairs to the first floor Rider waited for the man Athena was with to get up. Her enhanced hearing allowed her to catch what the man was saying to the goddess. Apparently, they were studying for a form of test that he needed to pass for a job. He had forgotten to retrieve a book and stood up to get it from the shelves. Rider watched where the man walked and as he turned down one of the rows she entered the same row herself.
The man was focused on searching for the book he was missing and did not notice Rider enter the same row as him. Rider began to take a few books from the shelfs, she made sure to grab a few that were similar to what he was looking for. After grabbing a few books and making a stack in her arm she accidentally moved the books over causing the center of weight of the books to shift and fall out of her arm. The gathered books fell to the floor with a clatter, the man in question turned to see what happened. Only for him to see the most beautiful woman he had since laid eyes on.
As Rider had hopped he quickly moved to help her pick up the fallen books of the ground. She smiled appreciatively at the man.
"Thank you." Rider said to the man who developed a light blush at her silky voice.
"A-ah, it was nothing anyone would have done the same." He replied with a slight nervousness in his voice. "Are you looking to get your A+ too?"
Rider smiled and shook her head. "No, but my friend is. Though I think she is only doing it to have some income with the boy she likes." The lie came out as easily as she breathed.
"Oh, not very many women are interested in this kind of thing, it's nice of your friend to try and learn about it."
The two began to make small talk as they made their way back to the front of the library. As they arrived Rider caught sight of the goddess waiting for Oscar, the name of the man as Rider soon learned. Rider took the name Lexi as a cover name. Much to her other self's satisfaction Athena quickly adopted a shocked expression seeing Oscar return to the front of the library with another who. Rider knew that Athena more than likely had no romantic interest in Oscar as she was one of the three-virgin goddesses of the Greek pantheon. Yet even a virgin goddess would be jealous when the subject of her intrigue was more interested in someone else. Especially for their looks.
Shock soon turned to a narrowed and angered expression as the goddess rose from her seat and approached the two. Rider made sure to suppress her own magical energy, she didn't want the goddess to try anything just yet.
"Oscar, who is this?" The goddess in disguise asked in a fake pleasant voice.
"Oh, Regina, this is Lexi. She has a friend who is interested in learning about networking too." Oscar introduced Rider, unaware of the true feelings of the goddess beside him.
"Nice to meet you, Regina." Rider extends a hand.
Athena, or her disguise name of Regina, looked at the offered hand for a moment before finally deciding to shake. Rider noted the unnatural strength that was put behind the handshake. As it would seem the Greek gods still retained their weakness of being completely unaware then they were being led on.
Now was the time to deliver the killing bow.
Rider turned to Oscar. "It was nice to meet you Oscar, I wish you luck in your test. I'm going to check these out for my friend."
"Do you need some help?" Oscar offered just like Rider had hopped.
Athena shot Oscar a quick glare that then went unnoticed by the man.
"Oh no, I don't want to get in the way of your studying with your girlfriend."
"Ah, Regina is not my girlfriend. She's like a big sister." Oscar responded quickly.
"Ouch, friend zoned." Rider heard a girl off to the side murmuring to her other female friends.
The goddess directed a death glare at the gathered girls yet they had gone back to speaking amongst themselves again. Athena turned back towards Rider and took a step closer to Oscar.
"Yes, we are in the middle of a study session. One we should get back to, Oscar." Athena reiterated, speaking the man's name with pointed force.
Yet the pointedness went right over the man's head. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to spill your books again."
Rider smiled at Oscar. "You're so sweet Oscar, I'm sure you're a hit with the ladies."
Applying an ever so low-level illusion to the man, making him appear more attractive to the woman around him. As Rider had hoped it went unnoticed by Athena.
"So nice."
"What a ladies' man."
"I wish my boyfriend would help me with my books too."
Came comments from the woman around them, causing Athena to become increasingly angry. Grabbing Oscar by the arm and pulling him into her, causing Oscar to look over to the goddess. She put on a dangerous smile. The mortal was completely unaware that the goddess beside him had greatly assisted in the downfall of a city because their prince had found another more beautiful than her.
"Come now Oscar we have a test to study for." Athena declared before practically dragging the poor man back to their table.
With that Rider's other self was satisfied. Allowing the reborn servant to fake her checking out the books she had gathered. As she left the library she caught a glimpse of Oscar watching her leave causing the goddess across from him to karate chop his head. Rider let a real smile appear on her face, it had been a while since she had some fun… it was nice.
Brian had led Shirou to the ship's cafeteria. A single room with multiple rows of long table benches with an area where the food was being set down from the door to the kitchen. Samuel was seated at his own table with a few throne looking chars around the table, one of which he occupied. Upon seeing the two enter the cafeteria he raised his drink towards them.
"Ah, there you are! Get over here and join me!" Samuel called joyously.
The two walked over to the captain's table and took a seat. Food was soon placed in front of them along with a large mug of ale.
Samuel took a long drink from his own mug before slamming it on the table. "Ah, nothing like a good drink after a day's work! It's been a while since I had you on board Brian, besides the shat that you've gotten into now what've you been up to uh?!"
"Nothing interesting." Brian answers by digging into his own food, a fish with potatoes and green beans. "Just been running the shop and living really."
"Ahhh, you should know you will never retire until you kick it. When was the last time you really drew on the powers of old' muder Earth uh?"
"Uhm, Only recently and a few times when I'm feeling weaker than normal."
Samuel leaned over to Shirou and whispered to him. "Don't let the anorexic scarecrow appearance fool ya, when he is drawing on the Earth, he can get some monster killing meat on those bones."
"Oh we're smack talk'en now? Well how about I tell my apprentice about the time dear Samuel was started crying when-"
"NO NEED TO TELL THE LAD ABOUT THAT!" Samuel cried out frantically waving his arms around. "Also, did you just say apprentice? What happened to the last one being the last time uh?"
Brian smiled at Samuel's outburst before answering the question. "Like you said old friend, you don't retire until you die. Speaking of where is your daughter? Thought you said one of them was traveling with you."
"Oh, she's around." Samuel answered. "I'm sure she'll turn up at some point."
"I do have a question." Shirou spoke up.
Samuel smirked. "About me daughter? Well, she might like ya, you've got that handsome rogue about ya and she likes that type of thing. But what do I know? This one doesn't tell me anything."
Shirou nervously winced at the obvious attempt Samuel made to get him interested in his daughter.
"Anyways lad what's your name? Can't just keep calling you lad in my head."
"Shirou Donovan-" Shirou began but was swiftly cut off again by Samuel.
"Yikes lad, you need to come up with a less eye catching name I'll tell ya."
"Shirou Donovan is my real name." Shirou answered, a half-truth.
"Na it's not." Samuel cut in. "I get it though you differently got some Japanese blood in you but throwing together a name and surname with different county origins means people might remember you on name alone. Given what we know about our world that is not always a good thing. Someone searches you up on some government file system and they find you right quick. Git with some like… Jack Michel. Yeah, there is a common name, plenty of Jack Michels out there. Name magic is rare and all but it's a pain in the ass to fight I'll tell ya."
Shirou sent his new sensei a questioning look.
"He's powerful and mystically knowledgeable Samuel, not so much community knowledge." Brian informed to friend
"Gods thats even worse lad, your lucky to have some like Brian as an intro into the magic world."
Brian looked back to Shirou after Samuel made his comment. "It's like when I asked for your name after you were done clearing out that man eater tribe. I was asking for what we call in the magic community a mystic name. "Mystic names'' are the names we use when we are associating with other people aware of the magical world." Brian explained. "My real name is not Brian Ó Briain, it's what some call a "civilian name" name used when we speak with people we may not know or just when we are dealing with normal people."
"Hold up lad, if you didn't know that does that mean Shirou Donovan is ye birth name?" Samuel asked, a slightly surprised and worried look. When Shirou said nothing, Samuel leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes with one hand. "Oh boy, lesson time."
"You see Shirou," Brain began his voice becoming serious. "The small reason we use all these different types of names is just to make it a little harder for people and or beings to find. The real reason is avoid having our true names fall into the hands of a person or being that is adept in Name Magic. Name Magic is one of those magics that can bring down brings like gods and beyond if the user is power enough."
'And the fairies had his birth name.' Shirou realized soon after, somehow somewhere he knew his future servant self was laughing at his expense.
"We'll go into more detail about Name Magic later but now let's start with some basics. Name Magic is a type of language magic, and its users are very rare but powerful, their power lies in the ability to have absolute control over anyone or anything if they know their true name. Now a birth name is not a true name, but it definitely helps them find your true name."
"They speak in a language commonly referred to as Origin Language." Samuel added on. "It's not said language's real name but the word itself has power like every other flip'in word in its lexicon. Basically, when a Name Magic user gets a hold of your real name its game over in every sense of the word. You are the absolute slave of whoever name magi gets your real name even after death."
"Even I don't know any words in Origin, and you know how long I've been around. Yet your birth is probably not Shirou Donovan given who one of your parents is." Brain commented, sounding relieved.
"Wait is he a-" Samuel began but stopped when Brian gave him a look. "Right mums the word."
"Most likely Shirou Donovan is the name your mother told your father considering where she was send'en ya and how little your father knows about the world we live in. So if anyone dangerous has your fake birth name then they probably only know as much as what your government file says. Nothing magical to worry about just yet."
'Yet they have half of my first name…' Shirou thought to himself before pausing. Though he did not know if Shirou was his birth name before the fire. If it meant anything now considering his rebirth.
"But hey, it's just a precaution people in the know take." Samuel cut in. "Name magi are rare as in you can probably count the number that exist on one hand and even that's being generous. So, at this point we are just scaring ya so you be careful with how much you tell someone. Better safe than sorry as they say. So now that you know, what's your name lad?"
Shirou thought for a moment trying to come up with a "civilian" name. Yet one came to him upon reflecting on the conversation he had with the other two men at the table.
Smiling Shirou answered. "Jack Michel."
A wide smile took shape on Samuel's face followed by a heavy laughing fit from the captain. "Oh Brian I love this boy!"
Brian had a smile himself. "Now "Jack", who are you?"
"You can call me Archer."
"AHAH, wonderful now lets get drunk!" Samuel called! "Laman break out the rum!"
"Uhm, I'm not really a drinker." Shirou mummer but it went unnoticed as the crew went crazy.
After that, things got a little hazy.
Shirou was standing topside leaning against the railing of the ship looking out into the ocean around him. He was still recovering from the splitting hangover from last night. Brian came up beside him holding two cups. He handed one to Shirou who happily took it and began sipping from it. Already his hangover was fading.
"Samuel said we would be arriving in the States come tomorrow after noon or noon of the following day." Brian started learning up against the railing with his apprentice.
"Fast ship." Shirou commented. "Which state will we be arriving in?"
"Boston, there is a port there for magical knowledge. From there we'll go to Wichita, Kansas. There is a druid enclave there and after that we will begin your training you in the ways of the magic community."
"I have a workshop in New York with my equipment if we can make the stop."
"That's right on top of Greek territory, right under mount Olympus."
"Last time I checked Mount Olympus was in Greece."
"Hmm, back in ancient times, yes. In the modern age most pantheons go about different ways of staying in existence. The Greek gods choose to attach themselves to the center of western ideals. That center currently being the United States. Yet having the Greeks and the rest of their ilk in the States brings along the suffering that the Ancient Greek had to deal with. The funny thing is that the monsters don't really go after normal humans anymore, the real problem are the gods."
"Most of them let their libido rule them. Last time I looked at intelligence reports they had around one hundred to two hundred demigods. Yet their demigods' loyalty is not always clear as the Greeks have rules about interfering with their children. Among mortal body counts Artemis, Ares, and Zeus have the highest body count."
Unsurprising yet Shirou still tightened his fist in anger. "In what way?"
"Ares getting into fights and not holding back is his main cause. A slight lesser one being him finding out which mortal Aphrodite slept with. Though it's next to nothing compared to the main cause. Zeus being overprotective of his domain and shooting down airplanes that have demigods on board earn him the highest body count. For Artemis is those poor lucky bastards that come across her, if her followers do not outright kill them they get turned into jackalopes and used as hunting targets."
A slight chuckle escaped Brian's mouth.
"Though that brings to mind a story that reached my ears. I once heard Ares picked a fight with a mortal and got his ass kicked. Turns out that mortal wasn't a mortal but an angel who was looking over some lad. Though there is a story that hits closer to home. During the midst of World War II Artemis' hunters killed a close friend of a demigoddess named Victra. She was a demigod of Gobannus who was visiting said friend who I'm told she was in love with. Reportedly while the two love birds were sleeping underneath the stars together. Her friend, damn near lover, goes off to piss and accidentally runs a hunting part of Artemis. Needless to say, they filled the poor boy with arrows and left his body to be eaten by the critters of the forest. It was not until the sun arises that Victra finds her friend's body."
"She sends her pain filled wails to the heavens and funny enough given the little lass was a virgin attracted the virgin goddess herself. Reportedly the goddess of the hunt attempted to comfort Victra by giving the demigoddess her spue about how all men are evil and that she would join her hunt."
Shirou looked at Brian in slight disbelief. Sure, he knew that Artemis did not care for men, but Brain made it sound like she had a personal vendetta against men in general.
"True story, now as you can imagine Victra took that personally and her cries of pain quickly turned to cries of vengeance. Of course, the Celtic gods being far closer to their demigod children than the Greeks, Victra's godly parent heard her cries and felt her rage. Her rage became his rage and Gobannus delivered one of his personal creations to her. An automaton by the name of Calaxor, who promptly slew twenty-seven of Artemis' hunters. Gobannus and Artemis have maintained a feud ever since."
Shirou hummed in thought. "So, we should get out of New York as soon as possible."
"If you must have what you keep in your workshop we can dive in, but we need to be in and out." Brian clarified before changing the subject. "So what else are you not telling me?"
Shirou looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"You said it yourself lad ya got shite luck, and a few hours in Ireland landed you in the crosshairs of a goddess then I can only imagine how much trouble you're in back home. Come on lad a few more gods chasing ya ain't gonna change my mind about ya. Let me guess you started swinging around Harpe at some point."
Signing to himself Shirou began his tale. "No, but a few years ago I helped a few children escape from a horde of monsters. Come to find out Hades had sent those monsters after them for reasons he did not go into, but I can guess why. Then I killed one of his furies who was also attacking another kid. After that the goddess Hecate came looking for me. I ran but I couldn't get away, she began firing off magical attacks at me in an attempt to get me to show off my mage- magic to her."
"I imagine that wasn't all she wanted." Brian added in, to which Shirou nodded.
"During the fighting one of her attacks hit me and knocked off my rune, after that I found myself in the care of fairies."
Brian's head perked up. "Oh they didn't give you the "cleaning" did they?"
Shirou answered with a deadpan stare.
"Ug, yeah those fairy Godforsaken shite stains do that. They have a very strong sense of smell and they are a pain in the ass to talk to no matter how nice they seem. I'll give you some advice, kill'em fast and before they know what hit them. They're good at curses and frequently use them, slight one and their your enemy for life."
"And if you slight the queen?"
Brian gave Shirou a look, almost pleading. "Lad."
"Bad luck."
"Did you offend someone in a past life lad?"
"Just a blond bastard." Shirou answered semi-honestly, he rubbed shoulders with a lot of people in his old life. He really only remembered him the most.
Thinking Shirou was joking Brian snorted. "Well, if you did slight the queen then forget what I say about kill'em fast. Kill them, their friends and their family just for good measure because every signal fairy and their mother is going to be after you now. Even if the queen doesn't bother to remember ya. On the bright side being public enemy number one for the fairies nets you some allies."
That gained Shirou's interest. He would be happy to have more allies right about now.
"Anyone in particular?"
"Well druids for one thing." Shirou returned the odd look. "What? You think just because we both hang out in nature and use it as our source of power, we don't butt heads? I wouldn't go as far to say that we're blood enemies, but we are definitely not friends. But if you are looking for steadfast enemies of fairies then look no further than the Golems, specifically the metallic variety. They have been enemies for as long as I can remember. If you're looking for a long lasting friend even after you're gone you best be looking for a Golem."
"Are there any Golems in America?"
Brian nodded. "Golems are one of those races you can find all over the world, and they like humans so I'll say being the enemy of the fairies and a human is two pluses in your favor. We can ask around once we get to the druid enclave. That does beg the question though why are the fairies after you? As much as they dislike anyone that isn't them, why would they bring you to the queen of all people?"
"They sensed that I had a connection to Avalon and wanted to know why."
"Avalon? Let me guess that world has an artifact that is related to Avalon in some way?" Brian asked, getting a nod from Shirou. "Of course. Is there anything that your world doesn't have?"
"Weapons that are made with some process that I can't understand. Simply put I need to understand the weapon's blueprint for my World to make it."
"And your world helps with this by storing the weapons' blueprints giving you the knowledge to conjure it as well as allowing you to learn about a weapon simply by looking at it."
"From its creation to its present, I bear witness to every blood it split, every kill, every master it had, along with its wielder's fighting style. Everything is imprinted into my mind then stored in my World until I call for them."
"By the Creator lad, you may be stronger than name magi with this world of yours. Ever thinking about conquering the world?" Brian asked jokingly.
"I only have one goal in life." Shirou stated simply his mind drifting back to her smiling face.
"Oh? Care to elaborate so I can get out of the way."
Shirou thought of a way to convey his desire to be at Saber's side. Sure, it was simple as saying there was a girl he wanted to be with but those worlds failed to capture his desire for it. He would gladly bring down a whole pantheon of gods if it meant he could be by her side for even a second.
'If only I had the power to summon her once more.' Shirou thought to himself.
Shaking his head, Shirou cleared those thoughts from his mind. Still, he felt Brian wouldn't be satisfied with a vague answer. At the same time, giving him the real answer might generate some friction between the two of them.
"There is this place I'm trying to get to," Shirou began looking off into the horizon. "A place where someone is waiting for me."
Brian raised an eyebrow at Shirou but chose not to press the matter. "Alright lad. With the weapons of countless heroes at your disposal, I'm sure you'll get there."
As the two looked out over the Atlantic waves, Shirou's mind kept coming back to Saber. It occurred to him that it might be possible to summon a servant here. His world was akin to a lifeless desert when it came to magic - with the few still magically charged areas being like cacti and small oases here and there. This world in comparison was of wild jungle overflowing with magic.
He was thankful that his new magic circuits were not like his old ones. He felt that if he still had them he might've exploded. His old magic circuits were taking in extract as much mana from the air as possible. It would be like moving a dehumidifier that could not be switched off to an extremely humid region. It would fill up quickly and overflow if not emptied regularly. His new magic circuits acted more like a dehumidifier that remained on a low setting until he switched it on.
Summoning a servant in Shirou's old world was akin to throwing a massive party for tons of people in the desert. However, throwing one in the desert meant that either you brought your own refreshments or took from what was around you. Living in a desert with little food and water was hard enough. Throwing a massive party was near impossibility. The only way was to find a location where there were enough leylines and oases. In addition, the place must be a container that is physically able to store mana.
Given that magi in his own universe considered having forty magic circuits to being a prodigy, it would be impossible for someone like Rin, with forty magic circuits, to perform the ritual by themselves. So, to perform this they needed the assistance of the Holy Grail. This brought a powerful magic storage space as well as a direct link to the Throne of Heroes. At a leyline rich location with the grail, it made substandard magi like himself able to perform a Servant summoning ritual. This meant competing in the Holy Grail War and fighting for the right to use its power of granting wishes.
However, in this world equivalent of forty magic circuits would be considered to be significantly below average. The world was a magically rich environment meaning one could throw such a party, ritual, almost anywhere if you wanted. Hope began to blossom in Shirou as he thought it out. He clutched his hand into a fist as he forced down the hope. Yet, despite how hard he tried, he could not shake the possibility that he could be with his saber again.
"Brian, can I ask you a question?" Shirou almost whispered. He half hoped that he didn't hear him.
"Avoid my question with one of your own? Alright." He waited for Shiro to ask.
Working up his courage, he paused for a moment and then said, "Would it be . . . possible to perform a ser- familiar summoning ritual."
Brian raised an eyebrow, "Aye lad, you could depending' on how much power you put in and the location you summon it. Given that we are on the ocean, you're probably going to get a water-based familiar."
Shirou kept his gaze away. He had no idea how much mana was needed, but he did know it was a lot. However, he reasoned, other things could be different in this world and if anyone knew what it would take it was Brian. He then said, "Say I wanted to summon a powerful familiar."
"A powerful familiar you say?" Brian gave his chin a stroke in thought, "Well, that rules out your pet type familiars and such. You would have to put a lot of power into if you wanted something that could help you fight or someone akin to another person. Though, I would advise against summoning demons and things from the underworld. You never know that type of succubus you're gonna get." Brian finished giving Shirou a sly smile.
"I'm not looking for a… companion." Shirou quickly countered ever so slightly flustered as the memory of the night he spent with saber came flooding back to his mind.
"Right right, a powerful familiar you said." Brain continued, chuckling to himself a little. "So, you're looking for something that could stand with you on the frontlines?"
Shirou nodded.
"Hmm, well, being at the ocean we could get the water mages here to help supply power. Though I warn you lad, some of the more powerful water based familiars include the hydras and they are very temperamental."
"I would like to at least try."
"Alright, I'll go talk to Samuel about it then. Find some chalk and a platform around here. Keerla will be less than pleased if you start drawing all over her. Set it up on the deck just in case we summon something big." Brian answered and then headed towards the stairs.
After they parted ways, Shirou eagerly began his search. Keerla was kind enough to direct him through the ship to the items he needed. Once he had everything, he found a place towards the bow. Once he set up the wooden platform, Shirou began to draw the summoning circle. Around the time he finished Brian, Samuel and…
'No she does not have hazel eyes.'
The red haired magus shook his head as he saw the woman with them. For a moment, he almost said Saber's name, but stopped himself when he noticed the woman standing beside Samuel wasn't actually her.
She was wearing a type of shoulder-less brown and copper outlined jacket. It was held in place by two buckles that ran over her stomach. Underneath was a shoulderless white shirt and brown shorts that hugged and highlighted her curves. Brown wavelike tattoos peaked out on her arms and legs between cloth wraps matching her jacket and shirt. She looked to be around his age, if not slightly older.
The woman smiled at him and said, "Take a picture, it will last longer."
Shirou quickly turned back to his work, "Sorry, you just look like someone I know."
"Oh? I'll keep that in mind." The woman replied, maintaining her smile.
"Sara, this is Jack Michel." Samuel introduced him using Shirou's newfound "civilian name."
"Wow, "Jack Michel" that's a civy name if I ever heard one." "Sara" laughed. "But to be fair Sara is up there with common names. Real names Saoirse-"
"Sara!" Samuel called in a lowered authority lased tone.
"What? I don't want him to be calling me by my real name when we're going at it tonight." Saoirse replied nonchalantly.
Shirou on the other hand almost fell forward at the casual admission to desire to bed him.
'This is getting out of hand.' Shirou thought to himself. He had come across three woman who wanted to have sex with him and the week wasn't even out yet. 'I best he does have to deal with this.'
"You need to get your children's Libido under control, old friend." Brian commented, shaking his head in disapproval.
"It's not my fault! All my kids only listen to their mother!" Samuel defended in frustration stomping his feet like a kid.
"To be fair dad it's hard to take you seriously when you look and act like. I know mom is partly to blame here but you can at least act your age. You also sound kinda pathetic when you and mom are going at it like rabbits." Saoirse shrugged. "Besides, it's not like it's my first time anyways, just a quickly or three and I'll send him back in the morning."
Shirou on the other hand was not about to sleep with anyone besides Artoria.
"Thank you for the compliment but I'm not looking for a relationship." Shirou cut in while making sure the summoning circle was correct.
"I'm not looking for a boyfriend, just someone to warm my bed tonight." Saoirse countered learning in an attempt to show off her breasts.
They were bigger than-
Shirou mentally slapped himself.
"I would rather have my first time with someone I love." Shirou semi-lied.
"Your first time?" Saoirse asked, a little shocked. "With a face and bod like that and you haven't gotten any yet? You're one of those no sex before marriage guys are you?"
"Not exactly." Shirou answered standing up and looking over towards his new teacher. "I'm ready."
"Alright Samuel and Saoirse will act as a conduit for the ocean's magical energy. They will channel it into you. Make sure not to overextend yourself lad water magic can feel odd at first if you're not used to it."
"Aye especially when channeling it from the ocean itself." Samuel added taking a position to Shirou's left. The smell of spring and salt water coming from him becoming more pronounced. "If you have never felt small before, get ready to."
"Right, let's stretch those magical mussels." Saoirse commented, taking her own position to Shirou's right. The smell of the ocean began to become more pronounced on her as well.
"And I'll be ready to restrain your summon should it prove hostile." Brian said, readying a set of runes.
'I'm ready to laugh at you when you fail.' Keerla jeered before retreating from his mind.
Shirou prepared himself as he stood at the front of the summoning circle. If he had stronger religious ties he might have offered a payer to God. Seeing as he was not, he simply steeled himself.
All that was left was the catalyst. There was only one that would guarantee Saber's summoning. Reaching into Unlimited Blade Works, Shirou drew forth the sacred scabbard Avalon into reality. The blue and golden scabbard appearing in a brilliant golden light.
"Ooo, shinny." Saoirse observed.
"Just another trinket then?" Samuel added, looking at Brian.
"I should stop being so surprised at this point," Brian commented.
'Saber, please answer my summons.' Shirou thought as he began speaking, "Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone." He felt the mana begin to drain from him quickly. "The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg."
Yet, just as quickly as it left more poured into him as he kept on, "The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulates."
It was like he was a conduit. At one side an empty vacuum and the other a massive wellspring of power that made him feel inconsequential in comparison.
"Shut (fill)." His circuits began to burn
"Shut (fill)." Then cool.
"Shut (fill)." Then burn again.
"Shut (fill)." He ignored the pain.
"Shut (fill)." He would see her.
"Repeat every five times." He would not fail.
"Simply, shatter once filled." Not when he was this close.
"I announce." She was his sword.
"Yourself is under me, my fate(doom) is in your sword." He would never let her face anything alone again.
"In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer."
Someone was calling him.
"Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead."
Something was going wrong.
His body was giving out. Even with this new superior body. It still wasn't enough. He forced himself onward. It felt like lava ran through his veins. Brian said he was a demigod now. Shirou gripped the rune around his neck. His so-called demigod side would help. As the rune fell off he shoved the divine energy into the ritual.
"You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!"
He would not fail!
Something cut off the power. A flash of light blinded him. Yet, his sword was not there.
As Shirou fell backwards, something grabbed him.
Darkness began to cloud his vision.
Someone picked him up.
He managed to look down at his hand.
There were no command seals.
He had failed again.
(Rewrite)
"Alright so I redid the last bit there to make it more of a smooth transition rather than the first time around. Kept most of the ending bits since I still wanted to show how desperate Shirou was in his attachment to succeed. As a little bonus I had two short outtakes if Shirou had succeeded… kinda. They will start at the next line break.
(older version)
"So since you guys seem to like hearing about the crazy ideas that go on in my head I will give you another one! First on the list is that I have been reading a lot of Danmachi stories and there are not a lot of good ones so like Thanos I was like "Fine I'll do it myself." And I made a Halo Danmachi crossover with all of Noble Team! NOW don't go looking for it because I have not posted or… well on fanfic anyways it's up on the discord for those Honored Readers to look at and give their thoughts… well one Honored Reader and the rest of the crew if I am being Honest. The other is a Battletech and Titanfall crossover! That one has not been going very fast because someone what's to be a murder hobo, but we'll see what happens."
Anyways God bless and send some prayers over to those peoples in Ukraine yeah?
*outtakes*
When the light died down Shirou looked to see who he had summoned. His heart began to fluder as he saw the familiar armored dress that he knew saber to wear. Though she also wore a large white cape and a lion themed helmet with white fur.
"What is this?"
Shirou's heart almost stopped. Her voice… it was her voice yet… it was devoid of any emotion. Like the being standing before him was not but a hollow shell. This… this was not his Saber.
The knight turned her head towards Shirou.
"You, you summoned me. For what reason was I summoned?" The woman with Artoria's voice demand sternly walking off the platform and towards him.
Shirou was stunned, unable to move. He came so close, yet failed again. There was some shouting and the servant turned her head towards those around him. With a simple gesture a wave mana shout out washing over Shirou and knocking back Brian and the others.
"Your king has asked you a question, answer me or you shall be punished." The servant commanded sternly.
Shirou only managed to whisper out a single word.
"Saber."
Suddenly the servant stopped as if she had just walked into someone.
"W-what is this feeling?" The servant reached up to her chestplate. "Why does my heart flutter when you say that?"
The servant each up and removed her helmet. She had her face, yet her eyes were a soulless lime color. Though, something stirred within them a fire that had dwindled but not yet gone out.
The servant approached Shirou. An armored hand warped around his waist and pulled him into her.
"I do not know how you have done this." The semi-blushing servant with Saber's face began. "But you shall not leave my sight until I have discerned its effects."
When the light died down Shirou looked to see who he had summoned. Sadness gripped his heart as the woman standing in the summoning circle was not Saber. Instead a woman that might pass for a sister. Unlike Artoria's blond and emerald green eyes this woman had white hair and cold icy blue eyes. Eyes that shot over to Shirou as soon as they opened.
She wore a type of black and white outfit with blue outlines with a black bow in her hair. In her hand what Shirou's reality marble identified as a spear, or a tower of light in the form of a spear. As it had done with every other weapon he laid eyes upon the weapons history was downloaded into his mind. Along with the name of the weapon's current wielder.
"Trace on!" Shirou chanted, causing the Married Blades to appear in his hands.
The servant regarded her summoner with slight interest. "So you wish to spar with me, my husband? Every well, it will allow me an opportunity to judge your strength."
Shirou rushed forward bringing his weapons down on the servant. Using her weapon the servant easily blocked the two blades. Mana began to build up in the weapon. Before Shirou could clear the servant's presence the magic build up in the weapon shot out sending Shirou flying back yet the attack only seemed to have been meant to repel him allowing him to easily recover and land on his feet.
"Hu, you have an interesting power husband. Yes you will be a force to be reckoned with under my guidance."
"Shirou, who is this person!" Brian called as he readied his own magical abilities.
"Morgan Le Fay." Shirou answered grimly, preparing his next weapon.
Last little thing I promise. I also made one for Cu and Irisviel (caster). Since they were even shorter then the above I just left them out. But I will tell you what happening! So for Cu is basically him appearing saying "Oh you again." and Shirou kicking into distances with people around him going "you killed lancer" but I'm sure you get the joke. For Irisviel it was kinda a quick mom of her going "I've only had my son for a few seconds now but if anything where to happen to him I would kill everyone then myself" moment... I'm sure you get that. Anyways see you next time by!
