Chapter 4 - Knights of the Kingdom
Weeks had passed since the confrontation with Woodwose, and Shirou was immersed in deep confusion. He did not know what the next step was, tormented by the feeling of having failed to save the people of Tintagel. Although he had defeated Woodwose, the price seemed too high.
In the midst of loneliness, his thoughts constantly revolved around Arturia. He cursed himself for leaving her alone and wondered how he would have faced the challenges without her help. His determination grew within him, and a clear truth was revealed: he had to find Arturia and Chaldea to end the threat that loomed over them. With that purpose in mind, Shirou prepared to embark on a journey that promised challenges and dangers, but also the possibility of redemption and solution.
"I don't want to regret anything. I want to turn all the tragedies that happened into meaningful things. All I can do is look forward" he told himself so he could continue without looking back.
While traveling alone through unknown lands, he encountered strange beasts, creatures whose bodies were made up of a black mass. They acted like an uncontrolled plague, attacking without discernment and in large numbers. Shirou, still carrying the burden of responsibility he walked in hopes of finding a nearby city to gain information on his whereabouts and the next steps to take.
On his journey, he came across an alarming scene: three goblin-like fairies and a young girl with armor and a shield were being harassed by one of those corrupted beasts. Without hesitation, Shirou acted instinctively. Projecting a katana into his hands, he rushed with astonishing speed to the rescue and cleaved the beast in two before he could inflict any damage.
The armored young woman, surprised by her timely intervention, looked at Shirou with gratitude in her eyes. The goblin fairies, initially frightened, soon showed signs of relief. Among them, one of the fairies approached and thanked his savior.
"Thank you for your help. Those corrupted beasts are a real problem. My name is Winky, and these are my companions," the fairy said, pointing to the goblin fairies and the young warrior. "Are you a solo traveler?" the fairy asked.
Shirou nodded, answering shortly: "Yes, my name is Emiya Shirou. I am somewhat new to these lands, I am looking for a city where I can stay. Could you help me get my bearings?"
Winky, the fairy, smiled and replied: "Sure, it would be a pleasure to help you! We are currently on our way to Sheffield, a city not too far away. If you want, we can take you with us."
"It would be very helpful, thank you" Shirou thanked the group for their kindness and accepted the offer.
Winky decided to introduce his classmates. "I'll introduce you to the others," he said, pointing at the two goblin fairies. "These two are my companions and they are also brothers, the eldest is called Rob and the youngest is called Wag."
In the distance they were also accompanied by a white wolf but seeing that he had no bad intentions they decided to ignore it and let it follow them.
Then, he introduced the young woman in armor: "This is Annis. We found her recently, and she has amnesia. She doesn't remember anything, so we decided to call her Annis. We are also going to take her to Sheffield so she can find a place to live."
Annis, formerly known as the Shield Knight of Chaldea, Mash. A soul vessel of the heroic spirit named Galahad. That's right, she was also like Shirou, a Demi-Servant.
She also carried with her a kind of cylinder-shaped cannon, but this cylinder was not a simple cannon, it was the Black Barrel, one of the Seven Super Weapons of Atlas, one of the seven weapons developed and maintained by Atlas of the Mage Association.
These three fairies, known to be street vendors in the region, ran into Annis. Seeing her abilities and strength led them to believe that she could be the much-mentioned Son of Prophecy, which awakened in them greed and the idea of taking advantage of the situation to obtain profit. In his mind, selling Annis as the Son of Prophecy became a lucrative business opportunity. But even so, over time they grew fond of him.
Annis, as she watched Shirou, felt confused with herself. Although amnesia clouded her memories, she felt something strange when she saw him, as if her presence awakened something deep within her.
Rob noticed that Annis was very quiet and worriedly asked her, "Annis, is something wrong?" The young warrior snapped out of her thoughts and apologized: "I'm sorry, it's just that when I look at Shirou, I feel something in my chest."
Intrigued, Wag decided to ask Shirou, "Shirou, do you know Annis?" Shirou frowned slightly as he pondered the question. He focused on the shield that Annis carried. It was something that caught his attention from the first moment he saw it, now that he had it in front of him he was able to analyze it and see her story. He was surprised to learn that the shield belonged to the Knight of the Round Table, Galahad. Then he asked himself, who was she? Could she have some connection to Chaldea?
Snapping out of his thoughts, Shirou replied to Wag, "No, I'm sorry. I'm sure I haven't seen her before. Even so, I can feel that she has great magical energy." Shirou decided not to delve further for now, preferring to maintain some level of discretion with Annis' story until he had more answers.
Rob, however, could not contain his excitement and exclaimed without thinking: "That's because Annis is nothing more and nothing less than the Son of Prophecy!" Immediately, Winky reacted by covering her mouth and whispering urgently: "What do you think you're doing? We can't tell everyone that she is the Son of Prophecy; they can take her away from us." Rob, realizing his mistake, apologized, while the fairies waited for Shirou's reaction.
Shirou, aware that Rob's statement was not true, understood that people could come to that conclusion when seeing someone so strong, in armor, and without memories. He decided to humor them for now, until Annis could remember something else. He still didn't know if she was part of Chaldea or something else, but he decided to investigate further to confirm it. With a smile, he commented: "Incredible, I am very lucky to meet the Son of Prophecy in person."
Annis, for her part, could only smile at the situation. Although she wasn't sure if she was the Son of Prophecy, seeing everyone so happy to believe in it filled her with a strange warmth. Uncertainty about her own identity was mixed with the desire to find answers, and she let herself be carried away by the current of optimism that radiated from the group.
The group continued their journey towards Sheffield in the cart pulled by Rob, whose cautious murmurs revealed his concern. "Hey, is it okay for us to take him with us? After all, we're really peddlers."
Winky firmly replied, "We had no choice. Remember that we told Annis that we helped the lost fairies. She couldn't just leave him after he helped us. Besides, we also have the option of selling him along with Annis. No "He seems to be a normal person after all." Rob, with a sly smile, added: "I see, you planned it all, huh?"
Shirou, intrigued by the strange creatures that devastated the land, took advantage of the moment to inquire "Do you know anything about the origin of those beasts?" Wag, one of the goblin fairies, took the floor to illustrate the dark reality: "Don't you know? In reality, those beasts were previously fairies who became those parasites because they lost their way. They are known as Mors, they are the curse of Britain."
The revelations left Shirou speechless, while Annis, the young warrior, searched for answers: "Is there no cure?" Winky, regretfully, replied: "Unfortunately not. It is a very contagious curse; the mere fact that a fairy is touched by a Mors is only a matter of time before they become one of them." Given the seriousness of the topic, Winky decided to change the direction of the conversation.
Curious, Winky turned to Shirou: "Shirou, you must be some kind of retired soldier, right? After all, you were able to defeat a Mors with a single slash with your sword." Shirou, with a modest smile, replied: "I...I'm just a simple blacksmith."
Upon this revelation, Wag commented: "Then you must come from Norwich, the city of blacksmiths." The existence of such a city surprised Shirou, who asked in disbelief, "Blacksmith City? Is there such a thing?" Wag continued, "It seems like you're really not from around here, are you? Norwich is the city of blacksmiths, but it's currently a place affected by calamity."
Annis, intrigued, asked, "Calamity?" Wag solemnly explained: "Yes, Norwich is also known as the city where the Calamity is located, it is only a matter of time before the Calamity awakens and the city is destroyed. It is something that not even Her Majesty could eliminate."
Winky remembered something important and decided to share it with the others. "Did you hear about that Guardian in red guy, who defeated an army by himself?"
Hearing that title, Shirou became slightly uneasy. The mention of this caught him by surprise, and for a moment, he felt exposed. He decided to keep his role as Red's Guardian a secret, at least for now.
Rob nodded at Winky's comment and added his own perspective.
"Yes, I heard that he was able to create thousands of swords and defeat Woodwose's army with them. He even had a fight with Woodwose and was victorious. I'm glad he was defeated; I really hate people like him," said Rob, revealing his contempt for Woodwose.
Wag nodded and added more names to the conversation, mentioning figures that resonated in Shirou's mind. "Yes, he is most likely as powerful as the fairy knight Gawain, Tristan, or even Lancelot," Wag commented.
Shirou, recognized those names immediately. Gawain, Tristan, and Lancelot were names that, in his world, were associated with the knights of King Arthur's Round Table. However, the idea of fairy knight was something completely new to him. To his confusion, he decided to investigate further.
"Fairy Knight?" Shirou asked, questioning the nature of those beings. Wag responded patiently, explaining to Shirou and remembering that they had also shared that information with Annis.
"I suppose you don't know either. We explained the same thing to Annis before. They are the Fairy Knights of the Round Table. Gawain, the most feared Fairy Knight in all of Britain. Tristan, the most hated Fairy Knight in all of Britain. Lancelot, the most beautiful Fairy Knight in all of Britain," explained Wag. They are responsible for clearing this world day by day of the Mors.
Shirou internally reflected on the connection between these legendary names and the fairies in this world. As he listened, he thought about the possibility that these characters were different from the ones he knew. The idea of fairies emulating the noble knights of the Round Table raised many questions. What were they like in this world? Did they bear any similarity to their counterparts in Arthurian legend? These questions remained suspended in his mind, awaiting answers that only time and experience could provide.
-In Sheffield-
After a journey that spanned several hours, they finally reached Sheffield, a city of colossal dimensions that rose majestically before them. However, what stood out most was not the urban extension, but an imposing hill that rose in the center of the city, culminating in a majestic castle that stood at the top as a symbol of antiquity and power.
Wag decided to introduce them to the enormous city with overflowing enthusiasm. "Look everyone, that's the cornerstone of the North, the city of Sheffield!"
Shirou and Annis were fascinated by the imposing castle that stood on the hill. Annis expressed her amazement by saying: "It's a really imposing city. Is that castle on a hill?"
Rob added information proudly, "That's right, and the only places with a wall like that are Camelot and this place. Castle walls in the Fairy Kingdom are special, you know?" Shirou, intrigued, asked, "Specials?" to which Rob nodded, "Yes, they spent a lot of time building them, and now they act as a Bounded Field."
The magic of this castle lay in the 'Gate', where you could only enter and exit through it; It was a magic wall built by those rules. Rob continued to explain, "I heard that Boggart oversaw the construction of everything, including the castle." Annis asked if Boggart was the Lord of the City, Rob nodded, "Yes, Boggart is the Lord of Sheffield. Boggart the Big Talker! Boggart the Loveless!"
Boggart, the Lord of Sheffield, had suffered bitter defeat in the struggle for leadership of the Clan of the Fang, and was eventually exiled from Norwich. All of this at the hands of the current Lord of Norwich, Spriggan, whose machinations had led to Boggart losing his position and home.
Shirou, with a gleam of admiration in his eyes, could not help but express his impression at Boggart's story. "It's really admirable to see someone who lost everything, recover and build this enormous fortress. He must be an extraordinary man," he commented as he looked at the imposing castle structure on the hill.
Annis, sharing the sentiment, nodded with a smile. "You're right. Rebuilding after losing so much requires remarkable inner strength."
As they moved towards the checkpoint, Winky, aware of the need for caution, decided to give the signal to contact an intermediary. "Wag, Rob, we're close to the checkpoint. Let's call a middleman and get this over with." Rob nodded, adding, "You're right, it's not a good time to be in Sheffield."
Hurrying towards their destination, they met a castle soldier, who, recognizing Winky, led them to Boggart, the Lord of Sheffield.
Upon reaching the large hall where Boggart was, a lion with a humanoid body.
The soldier leading them introduced them with an eager tone, "Lord Boggart, I'm sorry to bother you, but these vendors claim to bring the Son of Prophecy for you." Boggart, seeing the supposed Daughter of Prophecy up close, exclaimed angrily, "The Son of Prophecy? That little girl?"
Rob and Wag, somewhat frightened, nodded quickly, "Yes! There is no doubt about it, Lord Boggart!"
"A shield, armor, and a dangerous-looking steel cylinder, and monstrous strength to boot. She is Annis, the Son of Prophecy, the one destined to save Britain," Rob stated, pointing to Annis.
Boggart, noticing the sellers' insistence, decided to open their eyes with the truth, "Idiots, that girl is not a fairy, she is human, I can smell it." Rob and Wag were stunned by the revelation, expressing their disbelief. "Huh? Annis is human? This must be a joke. Her body and magical energy rival that of a Fairy Knight; there's no way a human could have that kind of strength," they exclaimed in disbelief.
Boggart, while acknowledging the oddity of the situation, firmly reminded them, "Although it is strange, humans can also become powerful warriors, can't they? You, the hooded human," pointing at Shirou, whose energy did not go unnoticed. .
Shirou, for now, decided to ignore Boggart's hint. He didn't really understand what was happening, but for some reason he looked at him as if he could see right through him. Boggart, tired of the charade, addressed his guards with a firm decision, "I see, how you choose to hide it. In my city, Sheffield, liars are criminals, and fraud is a capital crime. Guards, bring them to their knees. Imprison them." that girl and hang those merchants." The room filled with tension as the guards prepared to carry out Boggart's orders.
Faced with the imminent threat of the guards towards the others, Shirou realized that he had no choice. "Trace on," he whispered, triggering his Aria to project the familiar Kanshou and Bakuya into his hands. With outstanding precision and speed, he launched both blades, aiming at the guards' swords, efficiently disarming them.
However, the situation was getting complicated, as more guards were approaching, and Annis was preparing to cover Shirou if necessary. In a reflex action, Shirou decided to remove his hood, revealing his face and triggering an unexpected reaction from Boggart, who smiled at Shirou's skill.
In a calm gesture, Boggart raised his arm, signaling his guards to stop. "Stop, don't waste his energy. Even if he brought more men, you wouldn't be able to defeat him," he declared as he addressed Shirou directly with a tone that denoted respect, "Isn't that right? Guardian of Red."
At first, Boggart harbored doubts about Shirou's identity, but upon witnessing Shirou's ability to project weapons with astonishing dexterity, his suspicions were dispelled. A red-haired boy with a unique magic that he used to defeat Woodwose and his soldiers, this served as confirmation of Shirou's authenticity as Guardian of the Prophecy. The gleam in his eyes demonstrated not only recognition, but also a deeper understanding of the situation.
The room echoed with Shirou's exasperation as he faced Boggart's apparent decision. "It's me you want, right? He lets the others go." But Boggart's words revealed an unexpected twist. "Don't get me wrong. The fact that you are here makes the girl truly the Son of Prophecy. You two will serve me in the future," the Lord of Sheffield stated. The tension in the room remained as Boggart decided the fate of the vendors. "Give the merchants their payment," he ordered, clearing away any cloud of uncertainty over the fate of Rob, Wag, and Winky.
Boggart's attention turned to Annis, and with a casual question, he surprised her. "What is your name, young lady?" Annis, still bewildered by the situation, responded with the name she had been given. "Ah, they gave me the wonderful name Annis." However, Boggart's disdain for that name was evident. "Forget that name 'Annis', I'll give you a new one later." Then, he instructed his guards to take Annis to a certain place. "Take her to Habetrot's workshop, as soon as the preparations are completed, show her the princesses' room." But what followed baffled everyone, especially Annis. "Rejoice, young lady. I have decided that you will be my new girlfriend," Boggart declared.
Rob and Wag's surprise was immediate. "Girlfriend!? Annis is getting married!?" Annis, on the other hand, was completely confused by the abrupt declaration of engagement. Shirou, witness to the situation, could not help but express his indignation. "Are you trying to take advantage of her!?" However, Boggart's response was unexpectedly calm. He placed his hand on his chest and said: "I'm not going to do anything with her, you have my word, but you, I'm going to need your help. After all we have a common enemy, The Queen. Tell me, what is your name?" , Guardian of Red?"
This revelation surprised Shirou. Although he was not completely convinced of Boggart's intentions, the mention of a common enemy, Queen Morgan, intrigued Shirou. She responded with her name, "Emiya Shirou", and Boggart extended his hand to her in a gesture of peace. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Emiya Shirou. Now then, come with me, we have a lot to talk about," Boggart said, indicating that the conversation continued outside the room.
Although hesitant, Shirou accepted the invitation. He followed Boggart, hoping to gain more information and, perhaps, an alliance in the pursuit of him against Queen Morgan.
The cool breeze caressed Shirou's face as he ascended to the highest part of the imposing Sheffield Castle with Boggart. The panoramic view of the city, with its houses and intricate streets, spread before them like a living tapestry. Boggart, with pride in his voice, pointed down and declared: "See? This is my city, the one I built myself and swore to protect with my life."
The impressive sight caused an involuntary sigh from Shirou. Although he had heard stories about Sheffield, seeing it from that perspective gave him a whole new appreciation. The ancient architecture, twisting alleys, and vibrant energy of the city manifested before him in a way that words could not fully describe.
Deciding to address the reason behind this display, Shirou asked, "Why are you showing me this?"
Boggart, with a serious look, revealed the urgency of his situation. "I am one of the Leaders who are in rebellion against the Queen. This is why I need your help. I know what you are capable of, and that is why I brought you here. Queen Morgan's army will not take long to come; we are days away." for a battle to break out."
In this world there are three factions that oppose the Queen, we have Sheffield, Knocknarea of the north and finally the army of the Round Table.
"At first, I wouldn't have needed your help, but the fact that the Son and the Guardian of Prophecy are here, it's only a matter of time before they find out and call a Fairy Knight to ensure their victory."
The weight of responsibility settled on Shirou's shoulders. He knew that somehow his and Annis's presence had set off a series of events that threatened the peace of Sheffield. Still, this was his duty, the path he decided to follow, protecting others was his duty after all. "What's your plan?" he asked, determined to contribute to Sheffield's defense.
Boggart's smile widened. "I know very well who I am facing. About 2,000 men will come, but they will never be able to pass through the walls of Sheffield. They are made of the pure bark of the World Tree; I trust their durability. My plan is to make them spend all their energies fighting against the castle walls. We have to hold out for seven days; the third division will not be able to maintain their siege. After that, it will be up to me and my army of elites. You will watch from above, and if anything comes out of the plan, you'll take care of it."
Although he understood the plan, there was still a worry in Shirou's mind. The uncertainty in his voice revealed his unease. "What will happen to Annis? If we are going to do this, I have to tell you the truth; she is not... she is not the Son of Prophecy. I wish she would not get involved in the battle"
Boggart, his expression imperturbable, nodded. "I suspected that. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. But still, her presence here can be beneficial. She won't fight, she just needs to raise the morale of the troops, that will be her only job." "
Shirou, despite the tension in the air, felt a hint of relief that Boggart understood the truth about Annis. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but at least they shared a common goal: protect Sheffield and confront the threat of Queen Morgan.
Boggart, with a firm gesture, placed a hand on Shirou's shoulder. "That's all for today, you can stay in the guest room, my guards will take you"
"You will be very useful to me, Emiya Shirou" he thought to himself.
After a day full of challenges and strategic decisions, Shirou felt the need to make sure Annis was okay. Navigating the sprawling halls of the majestic Sheffield Castle, he embarked on a quest that took him through intricate corridors until he finally found Annis.
"Annis, are you okay?" Shirou asked, expressing his concern as he observed his surroundings. To his surprise, Annis was not alone; She was accompanied by a little fairy.
Annis' response was unexpected. "Shirou, I'm fine, but I would appreciate it if you called me Mash now. That is the new name that was given to me as the princess of Sheffield," he expressed, revealing a significant change in being able to rediscover her true name.
Mash decided to introduce her partner. "Shirou, this is Habertrot. She helped me a lot in finding my way around the castle and even says that she is going to make me a wedding dress."
Surprise flickered in Shirou's eyes. He remembered that Mash was currently Boggart's girlfriend, which he had forgotten in the circumstances.
Habertrot, curious and full of energy, directed her attention to Shirou.
"So you are the Guardian everyone is talking about. I am the spinner, Habertrot, a professional seamstress," the fairy introduced herself with a friendly smile.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Emiya Shirou. Thank you for helping Mash," Shirou expressed, appreciating the fairy's kindness.
Habertrot responded with a friendly smile. "Don't worry about it. It's my duty to help all the brides, and to be honest, she's my favorite so far." her highlighting the special bond she had developed with Mash.
Shirou was relieved to see that Habertrot had no bad intentions. Before leaving, Habertrot made an unexpected invitation. With a touch of pride in her voice, Habertrot continued, "I'll stay with Mash for the moment. If you want, you can come tomorrow to see her new dress. I assure you it will be my best work." His words resonated with confidence and professionalism.
Accepting the offer, Shirou nodded. "Okay, then I'll be back tomorrow. I have to talk about some things with Mash." He said goodbye politely
"See you, Shirou," Mash said goodbye as she walked away with Habertrot.
Walking away, Habertrot took the opportunity to investigate a little more. "Is he your boyfriend or something?" he asked with a smile, somewhat provocative.
"No, it's not like that. We met recently, I still can't remember anything, so I don't know if I've seen him before, but he's a good person, he didn't hesitate to help me when I was in trouble," Mash responded with a smile. .
"I see. Well, we should go rest." Habertrot decided not to continue with the topic, seeing that Mash was someone very innocent.
"I'll take you to Boggart. If he does anything strange, don't hesitate to tell me," Habertrot offered, showing his concern for Mash's safety.
The new day in Sheffield brought with it the anticipation of the moment Mash had been waiting for. Summoned by Habetrot, the enthusiastic seamstress, Mash headed towards the workshop where the magic of fashion came to life.
"Good morning, Habetrot. How can I help you?" Mash greeted, showing her readiness for the experience ahead.
The spinner, beaming with excitement, responded, "Good morning, Mash. I called you to tell you that your wedding dress is now finished. First of all, close your eyes. I want to be the one to put the dress on you. I'll let you know when you can." open them."
Mash, slightly nervous but eager for the outcome, nodded and closed her eyes as Habetrot dove into the finishing touches.
"Alright, I finished the last arrangements. You can open your eyes, Mash. Take a look in the mirror," Habetrot announced when the masterpiece was complete.
At the reflection, Mash could not contain her amazement and joy. "My! What a beautiful dress, Habenyan!" he exclaimed, using the pet name they used for her in the castle.
"It allows me to move easily, it's warm, and best of all, it's super soft. I feel like a lucky bride to have prepared this for me, despite my sudden arrival here!" Mash expressed, turning around to admire the garment from all angles.
Habetrot, pleased by Mash's reaction, shared her joy. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it".
With the dress as a symbol of a new phase in Mash's life, her story as the Knight of the Shield gave way to becoming known as the new princess of Sheffield, being envied by everyone in the city. A time of peace settled in the castle, a pause before the real story began. However, the shadow of war loomed on the horizon, reminding everyone that the short-lived peace would soon give way to challenges and adversity.
-Throne Room—
Boggart summoned Mash along with some guards, seeking to clarify the expectations and responsibilities she would have as a princess in Sheffield.
"Just so you keep in mind, I do not recognize you as the Son of Prophecy. You have most likely heard the rumors of the town, but I allow people to speak because it is convenient for me," Boggart stated, clearly stating the position of he.
He added firmly, "Strength is not enough to defeat Morgan. It takes the dignity and grace of a King to achieve it. You need not be more than just an ornament. Stand by my side and represent the image of a good Princess. That is what that I promised your Guardian."
Mash nodded respectfully, understanding the role expected of her. "I understand, Lord Boggart. You mean the dignity expected of the Princess of Sheffield, don't you? I will do my best not to disappoint you."
Boggart, satisfied with Mash's response, turned to his guards. "Okay, guards, I'll leave for the barracks right now. I have to see what condition the soldiers are in. Keep an eye on the princess and make sure she doesn't leave the castle."
The guards responded with a determined commitment, "Yes! We'll take care of that, Lord Boggart!"
Despite the cold image Boggart projected, it was evident that he had become the ideal leader for Sheffield. Facing the upcoming confrontation with the Queen's army, Boggart organized mercenaries, trained soldiers, and fortified the castle walls. His underlying fear transformed into a motivation to become an excellent King and protect what he had left.
Meanwhile, Mash immersed herself in her new role as a princess, practicing the gestures and attitudes expected of her. At that moment, Shirou arrived to greet her.
"Hello, Mash, is that the dress that Habetrot made for you? It looks great on you," said Shirou, surprised by Mash's elegance.
"Thank you, Shirou. She certainly put a lot of effort into it, and I'm very grateful to her," Mash responded gratefully.
Just then, an agitated guard interrupted the conversation. "Excuse me, Lord Shirou, Lady Mash, we need her help. For the sake of the village, I have a request to make of you." Mash and Shirou exchanged glances, acknowledging the call to action, and nodded in silent determination. Without needing words, they both understood that they had to help the people. The guard guided them to the outskirts of the town, where the source of the problem was.
The outskirts of the town were in a tense silence, broken only by the murmur of the wind. The Fairy Guardian urgently explained the growing threat of the Mors in western Sheffield. Frequent sightings were spreading panic among citizens, and the situation demanded action.
"There have been many Mors sightings in Western Sheffield recently. According to the merchants, you two are the only ones who can touch the Mors and not become corrupted in the process," the guard reported with a worried tone evident in his face. voice.
"We of the Fang Clan are relatively more resistant to the Mors toxins but it is still too painful, for that reason...please lend us your strength!"
Shirou nodded in understanding, remembering the stories about the curse surrounding the Mors. "I see, I had heard about that curse before. Well, leave it to me! You stay here, Mash," he decided, aware of the dangerousness of the task.
Before Mash could voice her objection, the quiet night was interrupted by the arrival of Habetrot, who angrily burst onto the scene. "What are you doing with Mash, guard!? When did the Kingdom become so dangerous that it required the strength of a Princess!? Do you want me to tell Boggart!?"
The guard, visibly intimidated, tried to explain: "But the protection of our lands is the duty of your Lord and his wife...besides, Queen Morgan is also his enemy."
Habetrot's anger did not stop. "Do you think my girlfriend is someone with an evil heart, you bastard!? Just look at how beautiful she is! She couldn't even hurt a butterfly, or trample even a flower!" he exclaimed vehemently, showing a fierce loyalty to Mash.
Shirou intervened to calm the growing tension. "Okay, Habetrot, I'll go alone, don't worry." Mash, in a gesture of determination, summoned his armor, surprising even Habetrot. "Why are you wearing armor!? You didn't rip my dress, did you?"
With a smile, Mash reassured Habetrot, "No problem! I put the armor on over the dress, and it fits perfectly." Turning her gaze from him to Shirou, Mash firmly expressed, "Please, Shirou, let me come with you. I too have a duty to protect the Kingdom, let me be your shield."
Shirou, facing Mash's insistence, saw himself reflected in her, remembering her own past struggles and compromises. With a warm smile, he replied, "Well, you're right. After all, a sword needs its shield."
However, the surprise was not over yet. Habetrot, determined to be by Mash's side, exclaimed excitedly, "Then I'll go too! Someone has to cover for you." Mash, surprised and worried for Habetrot's safety, tried to dissuade her, "Eh... you shouldn't, Habenyan! If you touch the Mors you'll be infected!"
With confidence and determination, Habetrot asserted, "Exterminating the Mors just requires some creative thinking, I've been waiting a long time to use my new gadget and today is the time to try it out. Most importantly! My name is Habetrot! Even you You are forbidden to call me Habenyan, Mash!" This revelation sparked laughter between them, dissipating some of the tension.
Ready to face the threat looming over the kingdom, Shirou, Mash, and Habetrot prepared for the task ahead. Shirou, looking at his companions with determination, said, "Okay, then let's go!"
Shadows danced in the gloom, several amorphous figures emerged from the darkness. Mors, purple creatures with glowing red eyes, glided forward with one purpose, to eliminate the fairies.
Shirou took the lead, unsheathing his sword projection.
"Come on, Mash," Shirou urged as he prepared to face the approaching darkness.
"I'll cover you, Shirou!" Mash summoned her shield and stood in front of Shirou, ready to repel any attack. The Mors, in their malevolent advance, unleashed balls of dark energy that cut the air in the direction of the two warriors. Mash, using her shield, intercepted the dark spheres, creating a protective barrier.
Shirou, taking advantage of the cover provided by Mash, advanced with precision. His sword projection cut through the air as he headed towards one of the Mors. With a well-aimed blow, he managed to banish the shadow, dispersing it into dark fragments.
The second Mors, however, had begun to surround Mash, looking for an opening. At that moment, Habetrot, from the safety of Mash, launched a pair of illuminated threads that headed towards the remaining Mors, completely entangling it until it exploded. The explosion created a curtain of light, destabilizing the Mors and allowing Mash to engage it directly.
"Well done, Habetrot!" Shirou exclaimed as he dodged a ball of dark energy.
Habetrot, with his new gadget in his hands, smiled confidently. "Don't underestimate the power of creativity," he said as he pointed his string again.
While Mash kept the Mors at bay with his shield, Shirou continued his assault. His sword projection moved gracefully, cutting through the shadows with surgical precision. Habetrot, from a distance, adjusted his sights to make sure he didn't accidentally harm his companions.
The battle reached a critical moment when one of the remaining Mors, in a desperate act, launched a sphere of dark energy towards Shirou, who was in the middle of attacking the second Mors.
In that tense moment, the air vibrated with the imminent threat. Shirou, realizing the danger ahead, urgently shouted, "Mash!"
Mash's response was instant and determined. "Yeah!" he exclaimed, and with surprising speed, he moved towards Shirou. In an act of pure timing, Mash expertly placed his shield right behind Shirou, creating a protective barrier just in time to repel the deadly sphere of dark energy.
The sphere slammed into Mash's shield, unleashing a blast of dark, glowing energy. The shockwave spread in all directions, but thanks to Mash's quick and coordinated action, Shirou was left unharmed. The light faded, revealing Mash holding his shield steady, protecting his companion.
Shirou, relieved and grateful, turned to Mash with an expression of gratitude. "Thank you, Mash. That was an impressive action."
Mash smiled beneath his armor, nodding humbly. "We're in this together, Shirou. I'll be your shield."
However, the Mors were no ordinary enemies. They twisted and reformed, defying logic and foresight. One of them managed to momentarily evade Shirou and Mash's attacks, launching himself towards Habetrot.
"Careful, Habetrot!" Shirou shouted as he rushed to intervene.
Habetrot quickly threw a thread to a nearby tree to climb on it, maneuvering nimbly in the air, avoiding the Mors. Wasting no time, he launched some additional magical explosives that exploded in a flare of light, scattering the Mors and leaving only dark fragments floating in the air.
The battle had come to an end. The Mors, dark threats that sought to reach the town, were defeated by the coordinated skill of Shirou, Mash and Habetrot. The three of them looked at each other, sharing a mix of relief and determination.
"Thank you, girls," Shirou expressed, acknowledging the importance of collaboration.
Mash smiled. "We did it, we were able to stop them all."
"What I told you, even in the darkness, the light of creativity can prevail," Habetrot added with a playful laugh.
Mash, still somewhat shaken by the recent victory, could not contain her admiration for Habetrot. "Habetrot, that was incredible. I have never seen a fairy with such striking movements," she expressed, his eyes shining with genuine fascination.
The little fairy, although timidly, replied, "You think so? That was the special touch of a craftsman." Habetrot gestured toward the weapon he carried with him, an ingeniously designed contraption that appeared to be powered by strings. Habetrot's modesty only added charm to his unique ability.
At that moment, the Guardian Fairy, an incredulous witness of the skills displayed, approached the group. "I never thought I would have the honor of being able to see the Guardian in Red in action. In the end, the rumors were true; you are like a walking army," he praised, leaving Shirou somewhat embarrassed as he scratched his head.
"With you we can defeat the Queen and take back Norwich," the Guardian Fairy continued, displaying fierce determination. The mention of "taking back Norwich" left Shirou confused, and he couldn't help but ask, "Take back Norwich?"
The Guardian Fairy, with seriousness in her gaze, shared the story that had furthered his cause. "Yes, originally, we were citizens of Norwich, but we were banished by Lord Spriggan and had nowhere to go, so we came to these lands. That's why we can't ignore what's happening in Norwich."
Mash, knowledgeable about the history of the Calamity affecting Norwich, added regretfully, "The Calamity..."
"That's right," the Guardian Fairy confirmed. "The Queen has taken no action against that Well of Calamity that gushed over the city. We may have been exiled, but Norwich is still our home. That is why Lord Boggart raised the flag of rebellion against the Queen. "
The arrival of night painted the Fairy Kingdom with a palette of soft colors and twinkling stars. Shirou, positioned at the top of the imposing castle walls, contemplated the city while his mind was immersed in thoughts of the upcoming battle. At that moment, Mash appeared with a friendly expression and greeted him enthusiastically.
"Oh, Shirou, you too come to enjoy this beautiful scenery," Mash commented as she joined him in the panoramic look.
Shirou, with a wry laugh, responded, "hahaha, something like that," revealing in his tone the duality of his thoughts. As they approached, Mash noticed the concern hiding behind the young man's facade and asked tenderly, "Are you worried about something, Shirou?"
"Is it that obvious?" Shirou replied, blurting out his thoughts. Mash smiled knowingly, "Yeah, I can see it in your expression." Shirou, taking a deep breath, shared openly, "I'm worried about the upcoming battle, the people of the city...I understand their reasons, they just want to take back what's theirs, but still, I don't want to see anyone dead." .
Mash, showing understanding, responded warmly, "I understand. Everyone who came to this place, everyone in Sheffield, wants to live here. They want to live in this city, no matter how difficult it is, but...that's why we're here." , to help them," and concluded his statement with a comforting gesture, gently patting Shirou's head.
The simplicity and support expressed by Mash managed to ease the tension on Shirou's face, who, gratefully, decided to share something else. "Thank you, Mash. There's something else I need to tell you. You...does the word 'Chaldea' ring any bells?" The mention of that word caused a peculiar reaction in Mash, who tried to remember intensely. "I'm sorry, I can't remember, but I feel deep down that it's something important to me," he responded with some melancholy.
Shirou apologized, "I'm sorry, I would tell you more about Chaldea, but that's the only thing they told me, that I had to find them. But now I can be more sure that you are somehow connected to Chaldea, so I will stay with you until you manage." remember it." Mash apologized for not being able to offer more information, but Shirou comforted her, "It's okay, don't worry."
Then, the tone of the conversation changed when Shirou decided to share an additional detail. "There's still one more thing I want to tell you. It's about the first time I saw your shield, to be more specific." The mention of the shield seemed to resonate deep within Mash, but before he could react, a deafening alarm echoed throughout the city. In the distance, Queen Morgan's army was advancing rapidly, and within minutes, they would be at the gates of Sheffield.
"Mash, you have to go with Boggart, he asked me to stay here to make sure everything is okay, they won't pass by. Now go!" Shirou exclaimed. "Yeah!" replied Mash, who hurried to go to Boggart and prepare for the impending battle.
Meanwhile in the majestic throne room of Sheffield, Boggart, the rebel leader, expressed his fury at the unfavorable situation. "Give me a full report!" "How is it possible that the Queen's army crossed the Vein Corridor in the East in just two days!?" he demanded, expressing his anger at the sudden advance of the Queen's army.
The Guardian Fairy, visibly nervous, responded, "Sir! The Queen's army is gathering outside the main gate as we speak! They delivered a message a few minutes ago. Would you like me to read it?" Boggart nodded, urging the guard to focus on the essentials. "Read it. Just the important stuff. What does Morgan have to say?"
The guard, trembling at what he was about to reveal, began to read the letter. "Hand over the Son of Prophecy. If you fulfill this request, I will grant Sheffield his freedom... That's what he says!" The anger in Boggart grew exponentially. "So you don't care about our rebellion, Morgan!" he exclaimed with suppressed rage. "Your insults to the Fang Clan know no bounds!"
A new guard rushed in with additional information. "Lord Boggart, the scouts managed to identify the banner of the Queen's army! Gawain is the one who leads! The Fairy Knight Gawain!" The news made Boggart let out a sarcastic laugh. "My, my, so sending your right hand, Gawain. This shows that you fear our army. As long as Knocknarea's army remains in the north, Sheffield will never fall."
"The army outside has no intention of fighting, no wonder they arrived so quickly. They are not equipped for combat"
However, the situation became grimmer when the guard added, with some trepidation, "There is one more thing... the banner was not only Gawain's. The enemy lines have the banner of three knights. Tristan and Lancelot.. .". The air became thick in the throne room. "The presence of the three Fairy Knights has been confirmed! They are the strongest military force in the Fairy Kingdom!" the guard concluded, leaving everyone in a worried silence.
The war had broken out in all its fury, and Sheffield found itself in the eye of the storm. Shirou, as the Guardian in Red, watched with determination the bloody battle that was being fought before his eyes. The Queen's soldiers besieged the city walls, some managing to scale them and wreak havoc within. The urgency and need to stop this imminent advance drove Shirou to go down to the heart of the conflict.
Descending through the intricate hallways of the castle, Shirou did not anticipate the attack that was upon him. A swift and lethal force slammed into him, but his training and keen perception allowed him to react in time. Deftly, he swung a makeshift sword to block the attack, though the impact was so powerful that he was thrown into the air, outside the confines of the castle.
In the midst of his free fall, Shirou acted quickly, stabbing the projected sword into the castle wall to slow his descent. Once on solid ground, the enemy that had attacked him materialized in front of him. An imposing figure stood proudly, revealing herself to be the Fairy Knight Lancelot.
"You have an admirable reaction, Guardian of Red. I see that you are not just a rumor," the fairy proclaimed with a defiant attitude. Shirou, still confused by the sudden attack, retorted determinedly, "you... must be one of those Fairy Knights."
"I am Lancelot, the Fairy Knight. Her Majesty gave me the mission to destroy you personally," the enigmatic figure stated coldly. Faced with the accusation, Shirou, undeterred, pointed out, "You call yourself a gentleman, but your actions say otherwise."
Lancelot, nonchalantly, replied, "I only follow orders. The rest is not relevant." At this statement, Shirou understood that he could not dialogue with her, but her principles would not allow the conflict to persist. "I see. That's the only reason I need to defeat you here and now," Shirou stated, ready to face the Fairy Knight and protect the city he swore to defend.
The flare of war lit up the skies outside Sheffield Castle. Shirou, with determination in his eyes, faced Lancelot, the Fairy Knight, in the midst of the chaos. Lancelot's swords glowed with magical intensity as he advanced with grace and speed.
"Guardian of Red, your reputation is just that, an exaggeration," Lancelot declared with a defiant tone.
"We'll see if you still think the same after this," Shirou replied, readying his twin Kanshou and Bakuya blades.
The first attack came quickly, with Lancelot twisting his swords like dragon jaws. Shirou reacted nimbly, blocking with the twin blades. However, Lancelot's strength propelled him back, breaking the twin blades in the process.
"Weak," Lancelot mocked as he maintained his stance.
"I'm just getting started," Shirou said, projecting new Kanshou and Bakuya before diving back into the fray.
The sword dance between the two was almost hypnotic, but Lancelot had the initial advantage. Every swing of his swords was backed by supernatural speed.
"Is that all you have?" Lancelot provoked, challenging Shirou.
"Not yet, this is just the beginning," Shirou replied, focusing his attention on the battle.
Shirou slowly adapted to Lancelot's speed, predicting his movements and defending himself effectively. The scuffle intensified, and amidst the sparks and clash of steel, the two contenders sized each other up.
"You have some talent, but you are far from my equal," Lancelot stated confidently.
"You shouldn't trust yourself, you'd be surprised what I can do," Shirou warned, keeping his determination.
In one swift movement, Lancelot unleashed his signature attack, surrounding his swords with magical energy, turning them into dragon jaws. The speed of the attack caught Shirou by surprise, and he barely managed to dodge the ferocious assault.
"Damn, if I trust myself for even a second, I'll be dead," Shirou thought.
Despite the challenges, Shirou stood his ground, learning from Lancelot's every move. With each projection of his twin blades, he searched for patterns in his opponent's attacks.
"You are strong, but I still will not lose, as long as I still have my body, I will continue fighting!" Shirou exclaimed with determination.
In the midst of the battle, an explosion rumbled through the castle, its echoes echoing across the battlefield as an ominous reminder of the urgency of the situation. Shirou, hearing the roar, frowned in concern. He knew that time was against him and that he must end this fight as quickly as possible.
"The castle! I have to finish this quickly," he muttered to himself.
"You should just die, that would make things easier."
"I'm sorry to tell you that I can't die yet, I still have people I have to protect at all costs!"
He knew he needed something more, something that would surpass his opponent's speed and skill. Then, with determination in his eyes, he decided to project something different, something more powerful: Myoujingiri Muramasa, a sword that defied the norms of existence.
The presence of this cursed sword enveloped the battlefield, resonating with a dark energy. Lancelot, for a moment, was amazed at the manifestation of this sword that should not exist. Myoujingiri Muramasa's malevolent aura seemed to writhe in the air, as if she was eager to unleash his forbidden power.
Shirou, with the new sword in his hands, felt the immensity of his power. She knew that this election was not without risks, but at that moment, only victory mattered. With renewed momentum, she advanced towards Lancelot, who was still recovering from his surprise.
Shirou's speed was now shocking, as if the same cursed sword was guiding his movements. Taking advantage of Lancelot's momentary daze, Shirou attacked with the ferocity of lightning, his movements now unpredictable. Lancelot, surprised by the sudden transformation, was barely able to react in time.
The impact was devastating. The cursed sword pierced Lancelot's defense, severing his right gauntlet and disarming him in the process. The sound of metal echoed through the air as the sword fell to the ground. Lancelot's angry gaze met Shirou's cold determination.
"You bastard, you dare to touch me with that dirty sword!" Lancelot exclaimed, his voice a mixture of anger and bewilderment.
Shirou, not letting the provocation affect his concentration, calmly replied, "It seems that you are not as calm as before, Lancelot."
The cursed sword continued to shine brightly, as if she was eager for more combat. Shirou, although aware of the dangerous nature of this weapon, knew that she must take advantage of every advantage in this desperate fight for Sheffield.
Lancelot, on the other hand, stood up straight, recovering from the initial surprise. Although he still had one arm bare, his determination did not waver.
The battle outside the castle was intense and merciless. Shirou, feeling the urgency to make sure Mash and the others were safe, was looking for an opportunity to retreat. However, before he could take a step back, a wall of fire was erected, interrupting the furious contest. From the flames emerged a familiar figure: Grimm the wise.
"I didn't want to get involved, but it seems I have no choice," Grimm stated as he approached Shirou. "Boy, you should go to the young lady with the shield, she needs your help."
Shirou, upon recognizing the warrior who was once his enemy, could not help but express his surprise. "You are... Cú Chulainn!"
Grimm, intrigued by Shirou's reaction, replied, "I don't understand how you could possibly know that name, but it's not important now. Go, I'll take care of her."
Without fully understanding the situation, Shirou accepted the suggestion. "I don't know why you do this, but thank you."
Lancelot, witnessing the conversation and sensing Shirou's intention to retreat, was unwilling to let him go. "You think I'll let you run away," she shouted as she launched herself after him.
However, Cú Chulainn, with a tone of authority, intervened. "I'm sorry, but now you will fight me. I know very well that you are stronger than me, but at least I will expel you from this castle."
Lancelot, recognition in his voice, identified his opponent. "You are Grimm, Grimm the wise. A familiar of that savior who once lived during the Fairy Calendar. You are now a servant summoned in the Queen's Calendar, apparently without having learned your lesson."
Grimm, with a touch of sarcasm, responded: "Yeah, well...that's just me. Let's fight with everything we've got!"
Meanwhile, Shirou hurried away from the battlefield, determined to find and ensure that Mash and the others were safe amidst the chaos engulfing Sheffield.
Shirou reached the castle walls where the explosion had left havoc. Seeing Mash and the others below, he did not hesitate for a moment and launched himself into the void, determined to arrive as quickly as possible. Mash, busy helping Boggart, who had multiple injuries, noticed Shirou's arrival.
"Shirou, you're back," Mash expressed with relief in his voice.
"Sorry I'm late. What happened?" Shirou inquired, his eyes scanning the scene of destruction as he approached Mash and Boggart. The Lord of Sheffield, held by Mash due to his fatal wounds, struggled to speak.
"There's no time to explain! We have to leave and evacuate all the people!" Boggart exclaimed, trying to get up on his own, but the injuries were too severe and he fell to his knees on the ground.
"I'll escort Boggart. Mash, Habetrot, I need you to cover me," Shirou stated determinedly.
Wasting no time, Shirou placed Boggart's arm on his shoulder, prepared to carry the weight of the injured leader.
With everyone ready, Boggart pointed the direction towards the back door of the castle. The small group, composed of the loyal Lord of Sheffield and his people, headed towards the less traveled exit, seeking to escape the battle that still raged on the castle walls.
Until then, Habetrot had proven to be an expert guide in leading them through the Queen's army undetected. They stealthily advanced along the street that led to the door, and Habetrot's excitement could not be contained when he saw that the doors were open.
"Boggart, we're lucky, the doors are open!" Habetrot exclaimed with a hint of relief in her voice.
Boggart nodded, acknowledging the luck that had smiled upon them. "That's right... luck is on our side. Let's go out through that door. If we stay here, we will be discovered," he warned his group. Then, she turned to Shirou with gratitude, "Thanks to your help, some of my strength has returned. We will run from here. I will guide those who still seem confused, undecided between staying or escaping the city."
Looking around him, Boggart noticed the people around him, disoriented and afraid. With a leader's shout, he tried to instill determination in them, "Why are you slacking, fools!? The castle has fallen, the battle on the main street is about to end! The Queen's soldiers are heading this way!" Escape through the back door to the twisted caves of Thistle Hill!"
The Sheffield fairies, surprised and fearful, shared their concerns. "But, the twisted caves of Thistle Hill are a place of no return," they expressed with fear. However, Boggart, demonstrating his leadership, made a firm decision, "I will go. If any of you have any other plans in mind, then do so, but you cannot stay here."
Following Boggart's orders, the fairies began to leave through the back door, one after another. However, Shirou decided to stay behind to make sure no one was trapped in the city. Ignoring Habetrot's warnings, which urged him to leave due to the imminent arrival of the Queen's soldiers, Shirou was determined. This was something he felt he had to do. Loyalty to the people of Sheffield and his personal determination were forces that kept him grounded, even in the midst of chaos and danger.
Shirou sensed the threat towards the fairies when he noticed a soldier of the Queen preparing to attack them. Acting quickly, he projected his twin blades and launched them towards the soldier, the impact stripping the soldier of his armor. Recognizing the Guardian, the soldier, knowing that he had no chance of defeating him, decided to retreat and join the others.
"Quickly, you have to get out of here! There's not much time left!" Shirou exclaimed, urging the fairies to head towards the back door and join the others. In the midst of the urgency, two familiar voices caught Shirou's attention, they were Wag and Rob, who surprised the Red Guardian after days without seeing them.
"Shirou! What are you doing here?! You should go!" Wag and Rob shouted, expressing their concern about Shirou's presence in that dangerous place.
"Rob, Wag, you guys need to go. I came to help those left behind," Shirou responded, determined to help.
"Shirou, the only way to hold them is to close the doors, so they can buy some time to escape" Rob explained the situation.
"Okay, then tell me how to close the door and I'll do it," Shirou stated, prepared to face the reality of the situation.
"You can't do it alone. To close it, you need to lower two levers, each one is too far apart for one person to do it," Wag explained to Shirou, who already suspected the plan that his friends were making. . Frustrated, he clenched his fists, cursing himself for being unable to do anything. Despite his internal resistance, Wag continued, "Shirou, this is the only way."
"Then I'll stay."
"That?"
"I will fight the army while you escape with the others," Shirou declared, offering to sacrifice himself for the sake of the others.
Rob, with a serious tone, dispelled the idea. "You yourself know that in your current state you couldn't do it. We saw you fight against the Fairy Knight Lancelot."
"The soldiers are being led by the Fairy Knight Gawain. As you are now, it would be suicide to confront them."
Shirou already knew this, he is aware that, in his current state, his options were limited. The helplessness of not being able to do more to save everyone weighed on him.
"Okay Shirou, we'll take care of this, let us be the heroes," Rob and Wag stated with a confident smile on their faces.
"Just promise us that you'll take care of Mash," Rob asked Shirou, establishing a connection of trust and responsibility.
"You have my word. Thank you for everything, Rob, Wag," Shirou replied before walking through the door and joining the group.
With determination in their hearts, the brothers prepared for their task.
"Well, come on, Wag. This will be the first time I've done something exciting since we came to the Fairy Kingdom," Rob commented, encouraging his brother.
"Yes, you're right, brother. We've made a lot of people angry, we've been scolded and hated, but in the end, I'm glad I came all this way!"
"Alright, brother, let's get this over with."
The brothers pulled the lever in unison, and as the doors closed, they managed to see Mash and said goodbye.
"Hey, hey! I'm glad you're okay! Take good care of yourself! Thank you so much for everything, I mean it!" exclaimed Wag to Mash.
Rob looked sadly, but also proudly, at his younger brother, who gesticulated as he said goodbye to him. The sound of boots echoed through the lower floors, marking the beginning of the end of the two brothers' journey. Although Rob didn't usually say goodbye while he was doing his duty, he made an exception this time.
"Ah, screw it, I'll say goodbye too! I don't care about the Queen's army anymore! See you later, and good luck, Mash! Don't worry about us, we already received our payment! It was a great trip ! This is my most precious memory, and I will never forget it!"
Mash, visibly affected, watched into the distance and heard all the brothers' words. Although she found it difficult to say goodbye, she knew it was necessary. "Wait! Please wait! Wait...!" she screamed frantically, but the distance grew.
"Goodbye! Goodbye! Thank you very much for saving me that day... for giving me a name and making me smile!" Mash expressed with tears in her eyes. Shirou, understanding her pain, hugged her, offering her comfort and support.
Thus she concluded the story of two brothers who became heroes for an entire kingdom, leaving an indelible mark in the memory of those who had the privilege of knowing them.
Thistle Hill Cave, once feared for housing the Fairy Deadlord, became a safe haven thanks to the sagacity of Boggart, who removed the threat and allowed his people to find respite. After the intense flight, some soldiers persisted in their pursuit, but Boggart's cunning and knowledge of the terrain allowed the people of Sheffield to escape undetected.
Panting and visibly exhausted, Boggart searched for Mash, the Son of Prophecy. Mash, with concern in his eyes, waiting for him to catch some breath.
"Son of Prophecy, where are you?" Boggart exclaimed, struggling to stay upright in the middle of the dark cave.
"Here I am, Lord Boggart," Mash replied calmly, careful with every word as he helped settle Boggart into a more comfortable spot.
"This place is known as Odovena, the Vein Corridor of the East. Odovena is the leyline cavern of Britannia... you can get anywhere without going to the surface. If you want to escape, make sure you make good use of it."
With palpable effort, Boggart rose to his feet, his gaze directed at everyone present in the dim light of the cave.
"Everyone, listen to me. If you wish to seek another refuge, do not go to Knocknarea in the North. She is generous to those who come to her, but merciless to those who leave. If you need help, go to the Round Table in the South. Ugh...!" Boggart spat out blood, his body already reaching the limit.
A worried guard ran towards him exclaiming "Lord Boggart! Please, you must rest! Let us, the people of Sheffield, protect you!"
Boggart, in the middle of the dark cave, let the memories of him slip through the folds of his mind, like a vibrant retelling of the story that led to him becoming the leader of Sheffield. His thoughts flowed, and his voice, weakened by effort, wove a narrative of struggles and aspirations.
"...The people...of Sheffield...In these 100 years, I came to this place, stirred by anger at having been expelled from Norwich. Come to think of it, those times were much better than I thought. I had it all."
The air resonated with the gravity of his words as, gasping for breath, Boggart continued to reveal the layers of his story. "Certainly, I hated Morgan, Woodwose, and Spriggan. My desire was the throne of the Fairy Kingdom for revenge, but... more than anything, I wanted to protect Norwich. I wanted to live up to the expectations of a Lord. "I wanted to save my people, but more than anything... I wanted to return to my homeland."
With a broken sigh, he addressed Mash with a question full of melancholy. "Do you know this feeling, Son of Prophecy?" Mash, empathetically, nodded. "Yes, it's called homesickness. All you wanted was to go back to Norwich."
A soft laugh escaped Boggart's lips as he realized that Mash understood his motivations. However, the reality of his physical condition hit him again, and a more intense cough marked his fragility. But there was still one last will to express.
"Emiya...Shirou," he barely uttered, drawing the young man's attention. "I know I don't have the right to ask this of you, but still, I want you to -" Boggart's words were interrupted by the realization of Shirou, who already knew what he would ask of him.
"I know, leave it to me, I will take care of saving him, so that all these people can return to their home," Shirou stated with determination.
Boggart, with a serene smile, accepted Shirou's words. It was at that moment that Boggart's life came to an end. The fairies, now lost in lament, mourned the loss of their lord, as the uncertainty of the next day loomed over them.
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, Mash directed a determined gaze toward the horizon, gripping his shield tightly. Habetrot approached her with a curious expression and posed a question that weighed on the tense air.
"Well, you're not Boggart's wife anymore. So what do you plan to do now, Mash?"
With a determined look, Mash responded with determination, revealing his future plans. "I am going to accompany Shirou to Norwich. It is not simply because I am the Son of Prophecy. I will go to save Norwich from the danger he faces; that is my duty, my wish." Shirou accepted his words without objection, aware of Mash's motives.
At this moment, a guard walked up excitedly and exclaimed, "Then, we will accompany you! We have a duty to protect Lady Mash!"
However, Habetrot intervened, to open his eyes to her request. "Your duty is to protect these people. I understand your wish, but if you abandon them, Boggart's spirit might haunt you, don't you think?" Trying to calm him down, he added, "Don't worry, I'll go with her too. Besides, that way I can show you her way."
Shirou, faced with the prospect of the trip, turned to Habetrot with an important question. "Habetrot, how long will it take us to get to Norwich?" She responded thoughtfully, "Well, if we use the Vein Corridor, it will take us at least a week to get to Norwich." Shirou assimilated the information and made a decision. "I see, then we should leave."
At this moment, all the guards lined up, expressing their good wishes in a synchronized manner. "We wish you all good fortune! End this calamity!" Mash responded with an infectious smile. "Take good care of yourselves. We are the knights of Sheffield, right, Shirou?" He smiled in response, nodding. "You're right. Count on us to save Norwich!"
And so the journey to Norwich began, carrying with it everyone's hope and determination.
End of the chapter, I just hope that the chapter is understood well, as I said before, I am using a translator to convert them to English. I saw your comments and appreciate the advice, I will respond with a private message if you have anything to say. See you.