Hell.
That's how most would describe it, but for Twilight the closest thing would be Tartarus, and that would be leagues above the horror taking place around her.
She had never thought she could feel such fear and horror before. Around her was an inferno and homes were burning. Humans were nothing more than charred husks, and the few that survived fared little better.
As she tried to understand what was going on, she noticed a small human colt. He was walking on his own through the flames. His eyes were hollow as he stared ahead, forcing his horribly injured body to move forward.
Is that Shirou? The bright red hair was her only clue, which was now grimly illuminated by the raging fires. As she approached the colt, she noticed that the flames didn't burn her yet had an insidious feeling to them. It was as if they relished in the suffering and sought to consume more than just the flesh of their victims. She hurried to the boy as she felt the malevolent flames try to reach her too. Even in a dream their hunger was palpable. How could such a disaster like this happen? Why would anypony allow such a thing, and why is no one helping these poor humans?!
She avoided the cursed fire as she navigated through the rubble and bodies. Her desperation to reach the only human still standing wouldn't be enough as she saw the colt fall over before she could reach him.
"No! Shirou!" She screamed, fearing the worst as she forced her way through the flames even as she felt them cling to her hide, trying to ensnare her. As she finally reached the redhead she noticed a second human, this one far taller, possibly a human stallion, also making his way through the ruined city.
The stallion was weeping as he looked for survivors, digging through the rubble and shouting out "Anyone! Please someone be alive!" Though she didn't understand his role in this mess she was glad at least somepony was trying to help.
"Please help Shirou! He's the small red-headed human colt!" Though she shouted out, it didn't seem like the stallion heard her. To her immense relief he still made his way to Shirou all the same.
Upon reaching Shirou, the stallion quickly clutched the arm Shirou had raised as he clawed at the sky. The man's teary face changed from one of despair to one of immense joy. He looked as if he had been saved instead of Shirou. He placed a strange object into Shirou, but a light blocked a clear view of the object. The results were obvious as Shirou's wounds began to heal and his pain subsided. This only spurred the man's elation further.
Why is he smiling? Twilight stopped, she hadn't expected to hear Shirou's thoughts. Why is he thanking me? Am I not the one who is being saved? Though she felt Shirou's confusion, she also caught a hint of jealousy in these thoughts. He looks so happy, has he found salvation? Was saving a life all he needed? Can I smile like him?
Hearing that final thought the world around Twilight shifted, from the burning ruins to a quiet porch. The change was jarring but welcome. As Twilight acclimated to her new surroundings, she saw a slightly older Shirou sitting next to the strange Stallion. The Stallion looked tired as he gazed at the moon. Twilight was astounded by this moon, so similar to her the one she knew yet there was no mare on it, just many craters dotting its surface. Her thoughts on the moon's beauty were interrupted as she heard Shirou speak.
"Hey! Hey old man! If you're gonna fall asleep, go to bed."
"Huh?" the Stallion paused, sorting his thoughts, "right, I'm fine."
A comfortable silence fell over them as Twilight approached the pair to sit next to Shirou. As she sat there gazing at them she made the connection that this Stallion must be the adoptive father Shirou had mentioned. Suddenly the silence was broken once again, but this time by Shirou's father.
"You know, when I was little I had a dream. I wanted to be an ally of justice."
"You wanted to be one?" Shirou questioned, "did you give up?"
"Yeah, being a hero is a limited time thing you see. As you grow older, it becomes harder to call yourself one."
"I see," was Shirou's response, "I guess there's nothing you can do about it."
"Yeah, right," was his father's reply, "I guess not"
As Shirou's father took a deep breath, Twilight began to process what she'd heard. Shirou's dad wanted to be a hero? That sounds like a wonderful dream, he certainly proved himself when he saved Shirou, so why is he speaking as if he had given up long ago?
"It really is a nice moon tonight" The father broke Twilight's train of thought with his comment as she resumed paying attention. She noticed that Shirou had begun to smile, as if content with a conclusion he had come to.
"Fine, since you can't do it," Shirou began, "I'm gonna be a hero in your place."
"Hm?" A look of surprise found its way onto his father's face as he turned to Shirou.
"You're an adult now so you can't do it anymore, but I still can. Just leave it to me, your dream. I'll make it happen." Shirou smiled, he truly believed he could be a hero in his father's place.
"All right." Twilight noticed now how strained Shirou's father sounded. "You do that." It was then Twilight understood what this memory truly was. "Perhaps you could save her as well. Illya I'm sorry papa never got to see you again." Shirou barely picked up the last words as his father spoke in a near whisper, yet he wouldn't be able to think on it as he saw his father shut his eyes.
Twilight's heart sank as she saw Shirou realize his father had fallen still, his breathing stopped.
"Dad? Hey dad! Wake up!" Shirou panicked as his father simply sat there unmoving.
Tears streamed from Twilight's eyes as she saw Shirou futilely try to wake his father up, not wanting to accept that he was dead. Enough! Please! Now I realize what these moments are. They're Shirou's memories, the fire he spoke of and the man who raised him. Why did he have to suffer like this? No pony should have to endure such hardship. How did you make it through this Shirou? Alas she wouldn't get an answer in this dream, and it wasn't long before she began to awaken.
She opened her eyes, feeling the dried tears marking her face. She sniffled remembering the dream that was more so a nightmare from the memories she witnessed. She did her best to wipe away the remaining tears that had begun to form once again.
She needed to get up and talk to Shirou, but she wasn't sure how to approach this subject. It felt like too private of a topic to suddenly bring up. For now she needed to focus on just getting ready to take Shirou to meet Celestia. Though she had been unable to notify Celestia of Shirou's summoning. She knew her teacher would be awake by now. Since it was still plenty early she may be able to sneak Shirou past the ponies of Canterlot before too many of them were up and about.
Quickly washing her face and grabbing her pack, she made her way upstairs. Upon reaching the top of the stairs she noticed that not only was Shirou awake, he was finishing up a series of morning exercises.
Due to still being a regular human and not a full fledged servant, Shirou decided that it was best to keep up his early morning exercise routine so he'd be able to stay at his best when defending his Master. Finishing up the final set, he spotted Twilight leaving the stairway.
"Good morning, Twilight" He greeted as she made her way over to him.
"Good morning, Shirou," responded Twilight, a bit flustered as she noticed the sweat dripping from Shirou's form. So that's what he looks like under his shirt she thought as she realized he was only wearing his pants.
"You wouldn't happen to have a place I could wash up?" Shirou asked sheepishly, realizing that while he had worked up a sweat he hadn't exactly noted if there was a bathroom for him to shower in.
"Uh, yeah," Twilight forced down her embarrassment at being distracted by his body. "I have a bathroom you can use on the first floor, although it might be a bit cramped for you."
"It's fine, I just need somewhere to wash up. Thank you for letting me use it." Shirou picked up his clothes as he proceeded to the bathroom.
"Oh, by the way I wanted to take you to meet Princess Celestia as soon as possible. Don't wanna scare any ponies so I thought it'd be best if we got there as early as possible."
"That's fine Twilight, I'll make sure to wash up quickly so we can head out."
As soon as Shirou managed to make himself comfortable in the tight confines of Twilight's bathroom, he washed up and changed back into his armor as fast as he could. Once ready, he joined Twilight at the door and they proceeded to head out. Due to the need for speed, Twilight had elected to leave Spike behind so he could get some proper rest.
-{/}-
Shirou was able to spot how troubled Twilight was as they hurriedly walked through Canterlot. He didn't know what was causing her such distress but decided that she'd tell him if he needed to know. Unfortunately, he was unaware that he was the very reason she looked so concerned.
Twilight's thoughts raced as she tried to broach the subject of what she saw last night. Before she could ask Shirou anything, she would hesitate and rethink how to ask him such personal questions. This would continue as she led Shirou through Canterlot until they reached the gates to the castle.
"Halt!" stated a guard. He recognized Twilight due to her status as Celestia's student, but he'd never seen a strange creature such as the one accompanying her. "Twilight Sparkle, please state what your business here is with this unknown accompanying you."
"Ah! This is Shirou, he's somepony I met yesterday that I really need to present to Princess Celestia." Twilight hoped that would be enough to assuage the guard's worries. Fortunately, after some thought the guard relented and nodded to another guard to open the gates for them to pass.
"Understood, the Princess will be happy to see you then, but please be aware that your guest must be on his best behavior before her Highness." With that final warning given, the guard moved back to his post as Twilight and Shirou made their way into the castle.
Shirou was a bit perplexed at how easily the guard had allowed a stranger like him into the castle, but as he followed Twilight in his confusion became wariness as he sensed a massive source of magic nearby. At first he thought it was some sort of powerful artifact sealed within the castle, but as they got closer to the throne room and a scent of warm summer air assailed him, he quickly realized the true source of the magic.
Before them was Princess Celestia sitting upon her throne as she prepared herself for the toils of Day Court. She was surprised that Twilight had not sent her an update on how the spell had gone last night, but she was confident in her student's ability and believed she'd report to her early the next day. So when she saw her enter with another odd figure accompanying her, she assumed the spell had worked and was ready to congratulate her student as well as ask her who this new individual was. Their form was familiar as she had seen beings like him before, but even then they felt different from those beyond the mirror.
"Greetings Princess Celestia!" Twilight bowed before her teacher and ruler, and Shirou made sure to follow suit. Partly out of respect, but mostly out of fear as he started to realize the true extent of Celestia's might. He knew she had to be quite the capable individual to have ruled for over a thousand years, but he hadn't prepared to meet what was the closest being to a goddess he had ever met. The sheer scale of power she radiated and her overwhelming magical scent was sending Shirou's senses into overdrive. He tried to recall any weapons within his reality marble that may allow him to at least survive a confrontation with this powerful being.
"Good day my dearest student, Twilight Sparkle," greeted Celestia warmly as she smiled at her protégé, "I assume by our guest here that the spell you tried out yesterday was a success. Now if you would be so kind as to introduce him so that I may better understand why he has become so tense."
At this, Twilight looked towards Shirou recognizing the hidden panic beneath his impassive expression.
"I was indeed successful, and I apologize for not reporting my results earlier. As for my companion here, his name is Shirou Emiya and he says he is a human. As for his sudden change in demeanor… I am not quite sure." Twilight was stressing now at Shirou possibly having offended the Princess with his mannerisms. "Shirou, why are you panicking?" She asked him softly, "you are standing before Princess Celestia, she would never harm an innocent pony." She tried to calm Shirou down, and thankfully it appeared to work as his tensed muscles began to relax.
Shirou felt like an absolute fool. Sure Rin had called him an idiot plenty and most of the time it had been warranted, but this was on a league of its own. Why had he overreacted violently as if preparing for a fight? If Rin or, worse, Saber were here I'd get more than a few choice words he thought as a shiver passed through him realizing how horribly either one of those would've punished him for his foolishness. Leave it to me to possibly offend the royalty of a foreign nation I had just been summoned to, fortunately all he heard was a light giggle as Celestia observed his change in emotions as his face did little to hide how embarrassed he felt. Man, even the way she giggles sounds classy, he schooled his features, briefly thinking of Luvia. He looked towards Celestia.
"I am deeply sorry for my lapse in judgment upon meeting your highness, Princess Celestia. I was simply overwhelmed by your presence as back home I have never met someone who radiates power such as you. I am indeed called Shirou Emiya and my species is human. I have been summoned to be Twilight's Servant"
"Oh my, I accept your apology dear Shirou, and I appreciate your compliments of my presence as you put it." Celestia couldn't help but smile at seeing a light blush appear on Shirou when he realized how his explanation could be perceived. "I am happy to welcome you to Equestria and hope you find your stay here enjoyable. Now, for your role as Twilight's servant, I'd like an explanation assuming this has to do with yesterday's spell."
"Of course Princess," answered Twilight as she recalled all Shirou had told her about the summoning ritual, "you see the spell I discovered was a summoning ritual that was meant to summon a powerful being known as a Heroic Spirit to serve as the summoner's, or Master as they're called, Servant. The ritual would then bind the Servant to their Master with these command seals I now possess on my hoof." Celestia observed the strange markings on Twilight's hoof curiously sensing the connection between them and Shirou. "This Servant would then serve their Master as required with these command seals. Being absolute commands should the Servant refuse to follow an order. I find this quite appalling, but Shirou assured me that they can also be used to empower the Servant or have the Servant teleport to their Master's location in an instant."
"How very intriguing. I had never heard of such a ritual before and no spell I can recall performs any similar feats. I would like to see for myself this page you found. When possible to look further into it. From the sounds of it, I would rather no one else use such a spell. Binding another being in such a manner can be abused in the wrong hooves." Twilight accepted Celestia's reasoning and would ensure the page got to her for safe keeping. "Now I would like to know more about you Shirou, after all it sounds like you shall be accompanying my dear student. It would be remiss of me to not better know the human who is now bound to her."
"I would gladly share more about myself Princess, and I assure you I am sworn to protect Twilight as she is my Master. I am from a world called Earth, I assume this is not my world due to the amount of mana in the air. Back home mana is scarce in comparison and magecraft is hidden from the public. Here it seems your ponies practice the magical arts freely and it has become public knowledge." At Celestia's nod confirming his observations, Shirou proceeded with his introduction. "As such I am known as magus, albeit a third rate one at best due to my circumstances. Normally I wouldn't have been summoned as a servant due to not qualifying to be a Heroic Spirit . After all, I was never regarded as a hero by the collective human conscience." Though he might be giving up quite a bit of information. Shirou felt it was fine to trust in Twilight's mentor. From what he'd seen she really did care for her. "It seems whoever left the summoning chant here made adjustments to it, but for what purpose I am unsure. Normally there would be a Holy Grail to aid in the summoning and to serve as the goal for which Masters and Servants fight for. I have sensed no such thing."
"The page did mention that the one summoned would help protect Harmony," Twilight quickly interjected. "Although the threat it alluded to seemed to be similar to the legends of the Mare on the Moon." At this Celestia's countenance became slightly strained. She knew well of the tale and also knew that soon she would have to confront the consequences of her actions. While Twilight didn't pick up on her change, Shirou's sharp intuition told him that something was off about her before she regained her composure.
"Hm, while I am unsure of what the real threat is, I can assure you that I will do my best to stop it. I simply cannot allow myself to stand by when there are people to be saved." Shirou hoped to assure both Twilight and Celestia that he did mean well and that he would help even if they weren't humans like him. He had never really cared who he saved before. So why draw the line here? All he needed to do was to save others. After all, saving others is all Shirou Emiya was made to do.
"While I trust the honesty of your words, I must mention that your appearance may frighten some of my little ponies. Normally I would introduce you and your kind to my little ponies to assure them you mean them no harm, but I am currently far too busy with preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration. I must ask you to allow me to place a brief transformation spell upon you so you may pass a fellow pony for the time being. I assure you this will only be temporary and you may return to your human form whenever you wish. I will make sure to introduce you to ponykind as soon as the Summer Sun Celebration ends."
Shirou was shocked by this turn of events. He was a bit skeptical about being turned into a pony of all things. He also understood the Princess' worries, he'd seen what humans did to each other over minor differences in appearance, he could see how Ponies may react to his own more intimidating form. He decided it'd be better to follow the ruler's request and if anything went wrong, well hopefully Rule Breaker would be enough to get him out of that bind.
"I accept your request Princess Celestia and will allow myself to be transformed into a pony for the time being." Upon his acceptance, Celestia began to weave the spell's energy with her horn carefully preparing it so that no errors may occur. Once ready she cast the spell and a brilliant light engulfed Shirou.
Shirou opened his eyes after the flash of light. He looked around, realizing he'd shrunk. He looked down as his hands, now hooves, and saw that he'd been turned into a light bronze colored pony. His mane still appeared bright red, yet a streak of white could be spotted running through it and his tail. Twilight also noted the horn on his head meant he was a Unicorn much like her.
"Well that form certainly suits you." Twilight looked over Shirou. Her curiosity peaked when she saw his cutie mark. It was composed of three swords standing on a curve that had the form of a hill. Between the middle and side swords were small gears. That's certainly a unique cutie mark.
"Thanks, although it might take some time getting used to walking on all fours and the height difference." After looking over himself and performing structural analysis on himself, Shirou was finally settling into his new form. He also felt the mental command available to him so he could regain his human form.
"Now I must apologize for rushing you, but I must return to my duties." Celestia prepared to dismiss Twilight and Shirou with a few parting words when Twilight spoke up.
"Actually Princess, if it's not too much to ask, can I speak to you privately?"
"Well I can spare some time for you dear Twilight, what is it you wish to speak about?" Shirou took it as his cue to leave as he sensed that Twilight only wanted Princess Celestia to hear what she had to say. He'd just wait outside of the doors to the throne room and acquaint himself with his new hooves.
With Shirou gone Twilight finally spoke what had been eating away at her, "Princess I need your advice. I think there's something very wrong with Shirou." Celestia was certainly surprised at Twilight's admission, she had felt the human was a bit strange, but she hadn't expected him to trouble Twilight so much.
"Certainly my dear student, advice on what exactly?"
"Well, he told me once about his past... It was very tragic. I think I've also seen parts of it in my dreams last night." Twilight hesitated, she couldn't quite look at her mentor as she recalled the dream and considered if she should share what she saw. "I'm sorry Princess, but I don't think I can share what I saw without Shirou's permission. What I can tell you is that Shirou has lost many of the closest ponies in his life. When he talked of his loss he was so... unphased. It was like he was simply commenting on the weather. I don't understand how he's able to be so nonchalant about the matter, and I don't think he has come to peace with it in a healthy manner either. He doesn't show he's processed his grief. In fact, I think he chooses to ignore the matter altogether as if it can't be helped."
Celestia had patiently listened to her student, and as she continued to speak she also began to grow concerned for Shirou's mental stability. To have lost so many close to him, I can understand the grief of losing those you cherish most. I wish I had more time to help Twilight and Shirou, but soon I will have to face the consequence of my greatest failure.
"Perhaps you should give him some time to acclimate himself. To understand that he can find peace here. That way he will finally take the time to address his past properly. Then you may be able to help him, Twilight." Celestia's advice clicked well enough for Twilight to consider it her best course of action.
"In that case I'll make sure to have Shirou experience the wonder of living in Equestria. Princess, what about the prophecy of Nightmare Moon's return? It would do little good to make sure he feels safe and comfortable if there is a looming threat."
"I understand your concern about the prophecy my dear student, but you mustn't let such old tales worry you so much. I believe your concerns will be better suited assisting with the preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration at Ponyville. Your accommodations have already been arranged, I do hope you find the Golden Oaks Library to your liking. There you may also find a far more peaceful life for Shirou to experience. I hear Ponyville is quite the friendly and relaxing little town. On top of that I have a very important task to give. Originally it was just for you, but I believe Shirou would benefit as well. Twilight Sparkle, make some friends and help Shirou in doing the same." With this final directive Celestia motioned for Twilight to depart on her new assignment.
Her momentary confusion at Princess Celestia's final task for her and Shirou allowed Princess Celestia to gently guide her to the exit. Upon recovering her train of thoughts, Twilight realized she'd already exited the Throne Room and could not question Celestia further.
"I hope you got what you needed from the Princess," remarked Shirou upon spotting Twilight. He had spent the time waiting outside the Throne Room scanning his surroundings including the guards. He even used Structural Analysis on their armor, though it momentarily caused a scene as the guards had been unsure why their armor had begun to glow. It surprised him when his horn began to glow in response to his use of magecraft. He now understood that a unicorn's horn served as their foci, but it unfortunately meant any use of magecraft in this form had to be done through the horn. He managed to calm the guards after mentioning how he was simply trying out a spell to study objects like their armor, though they still kept a close eye on him after that.
"Not to sound ungrateful, but I really wish Princess Celestia would let me properly address the Nightmare Moon problem. She did give me some pretty good advice." Twilight was still frustrated by the manner the Princess kept avoiding the topic of Nightmare Moon. Why won't the Princess just acknowledge it! Still I don't want to disobey her orders, although making friends is the least of my worries. She is the Princess I trust in completely and I know she means the best for me.
"So what now? If we have no leads it'll be hard to even know where Nightmare Moon may appear." Shirou wracked his brain for anything he could recall that may give them some edge over Nightmare Moon. While Twilight had told him of the threat it seemed even she knew little more than the fact Nightmare Moon had been banished by Celestia nearly 1000 years ago. Nightmare Moon would most certainly be a threat on par with Celestia's power and he was unsure of his chances against such a being.
"Now we have a new task. Princess Celestia wants us to head to Ponyville to help them prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration."
"Are you sure that'd be a good use of our time? I don't mean to question the Princess, but I would think preventing a major threat to the world would take precedence in a time like this."
"I get your point, but Shirou you have to understand. Princess Celestia has ruled for over 1000 years and it's been prosperous for a reason. The Princess would never lead us astray, so please just follow her orders. Even if it's just for now."
Shirou hesitated, he was torn between his need to respond to such a threat and his responsibility to ensure his Master's safety. In the end, sticking by Twilight won out. He had no clue where to even begin his search for Nightmare Moon's advent. If she did appear near Twilight and he wasn't with her he'd be responsible for putting her life at risk.
"Fine, Twilight, I shall trust the Princess's judgment."
"Thank you Shirou! Now let's gather my stuff and awaken Spike"
As they made their way back to Twilight's dorm the duo encountered three Unicorn mares who waved to Twilight in recognition.
"Hey Twilight! Surprised to see you out and about so early. Ah, before I forget, Moon Dancer is having a little get-together later today and we were wondering if you wanted to come?" It was then that Twinkleshine took notice of the Stallion next to Twilight. "Oh! Sorry I didn't see you there, who might you be? A friend of Twilight's?"
"In a way, I recently arrived in Canterlot and she's been helping me get acquainted with the place. My name is Shirou Emiya by the way." Shirou gave her a polite smile as he looked to his Master for a response.
"Yes, I've been giving Shirou a bit of a tour. Unfortunately we have other business to attend to Twinkleshine. So perhaps another time? Bye!" Twilight pulled Shirou along as she quickly left the trio behind.
"Huh, I was gonna tell her Shirou was also invited, it would've been nice to meet the Stallion who was able to get Twilight to do more than study for once. That mare needs to make some time for more than just her studies."
-{/}-
Once they'd reached the dorm, they saw Spike had already awoken and had even prepared breakfast. Shirou found the pancakes to be quite delicious. It was impressive to see such a young dragon excel at cooking.
After that Twilight gathered the materials she needed and Shirou made sure he hadn't left any of his gear behind. The new form had conveniently stored away his armor along with his human form in a manner he didn't really understand. It did feel strange to be naked, but since it seemed that was the standard here he wouldn't let it bother him.
"Alright, we've got everything packed and ready. It's time to head for Ponyville!" exclaimed Twilight.
"So are we just helping with the preparations then?" questioned Spike, he'd been given a brief rundown of the morning meeting with Celestia.
"It seems so, unless Princess Celestia told Twilight more," replied Shirou.
"Well she did mention that she wanted us to make friends, but I believe the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration and Nightmare Moon take priority," added Twilight.
"Are you sure about that?" Spike couldn't help but doubt her claims.
"Yes Spike, now let us head out. The faster we help out with the preparations, the faster I can look for a solution at the library in Ponyville."
The trio made their way to the prepared chariot that would carry them to Ponyville. Shirou found this mode of transport a bit novel.
The whole way to the chariot, Twilight considered finally broaching the subject of her dream last night. I have to ask him now, I will probably be too busy once we get to Ponyville... But Princess Celestia told me to wait and give him time to get used to Equestria. Seeing that Twilight probably needed to discuss something with Shirou, Spike decided to give them some privacy by moving to the other end of the Chariot.
"Twilight, is there something on your mind? You've been agitated for a while now. You know you can tell me if you need anything."
"It's just, I'm not sure I should ask you personal questions when you haven't even had time to settle into Equestria."
"If it's just a personal question then I'm fine with answering. Not much I don't mind answering honestly."
"Then, I have to ask, how can you be so nonchalant when talking about the fire that took so much from you?"
"Oh, I see now, I'm so sorry Twilight. I forgot that part of our connection is the Dream Cycle." At this Twilight's face lit up in surprise. "The Dream Cycle allows the Master and Servant to see parts of each other's past. This usually allows them to grow closer, but it also means that they will be subjected to whatever the Dream Cycle shows no matter how much they try to resist. I did catch brief glimpses of a young filly constantly studying and her time in a special school. I assume that was you, but I didn't get to see what happened with the entrance exam unfortunately."
"Wait! So not only will I see more of your past, but you'll also see mine and none of us have any input on this?!"
"Yeah as far as I can recall there isn't anything to be done about it besides accept it."
"Do you have any other memories I should be ready to see. That fire was horrifying!"
"Well there was my time in the Holy Grail War. While not as bad as the Fuyuki Fire, it wasn't a good time. I am sorry you had to witness the fire, I'm used to it now due to it being a recurring dream. But it would definitely be terrifying to someone not enured to the cruelty of the world."
"Um, there was one more memory I saw, it was where you spoke to your father under the moon about his dream."
"Oh, that memory." At this Twilight noticed that Shirou's eyes glassed over as he stared off into the distance. "I made a promise that night as I'm sure you know. I haven't given up on that dream either. Though I know that it'll only lead me to damnation."
"Shirou, why would such a beautiful dream damn you?" This shook Shirou out of his funk, he'd gotten various responses to his dream before, but never one calling it beautiful.
"It's not as simple as it sounds. When I vowed to be a hero I wanted to save everyone. In reality this means having to make sacrifices. To save 10 you let 1 die and so forth. It can quickly become a situation where I need to kill in order to save lives."
"What?! That's horrible! Why would you need to take such extreme measures?"
"You may not be aware Twilight, but in my world there are often plenty of deadly conflicts occurring all over the planet. Being a hero meant that I'd have to kill those who threaten the lives of the most people. I've seen the end of that path and it would only end in my death at the hands of those I swore to save. It's all I deserve for taking so many lives after all."
"No! That's just not right! Shirou you don't need to go so far, at least not here in Equestria! I promise you Shirou, I won't let you continue to hurt yourself or others like this anymore!" She wasn't sure where she got such bravado from, but she felt that she had to put her hoof down. She couldn't stand to see Shirou do this to himself. They may still be little more than strangers, but she felt they had grown close enough that she was justified in caring about him this much.
Shirou was taken aback. This small pony had vehemently refused his reasoning. It should've aggravated him. For her to think she understood the difficulty of his choices and then say she knew better... It was naive. Yet a part of him, one that sounded like Illya, told him that maybe she was right. This isn't Earth. Shirou, this is your second chance to be happy. Please Shirou, that's all I ask of you. The memory of his final moments with Illya came unbidden. How she begged him to look for another path, but he knew Archer was the only end for him. Or was he? Was Archer's path really my own? How could I be happy if I couldn't be a hero able to save everyone? He simply didn't know, he wanted to reject Twilight's promise, to let his inner Archer berate her for her foolishness. Didn't he loathe Archer? Why'd he fight so desperately against Archer back then and when had he begun accepting Archer's own life as his own?
"I… I want to trust you Twilight, but how could I when you don't understand the full picture?"
"Then tell me and let me understand."
"If you are truly set on this, if you are willing to accept my past and my sins, then I'll try and listen to you. I can't promise that I'll stop, that dream is all I have left."
"That's fine Shirou. If you're willing to take a step towards change, then I'll do my part as well. I promise that no matter what I won't abandon you Shirou. I… I want you to trust in me as your friend! I may not be the most social pony, but I know that if we're going to be bound, then I would rather have you as a friend than a servant."
Shirou searched Twilight's face for any deception or hesitation and was impressed to find that her resolute expression was true.
"Then I, Shirou Emiya, promise to try and find a path where I don't need to sacrifice the lives of anyone in order to save them." Even now he found himself hard pressed to truly believe in this possibility, more than likely he'd be gone from here before it'd matter too much. But wouldn't it be nice to be given a chance for a better path? The phantom voice of Illya echoed in his head. Once again, he had no response.
"Great! I, Twilight Sparkle, promise to understand and accept you Shirou as my new friend!"
The Chariot landed softly as both Twilight and Shirou looked upon each other, unknowing the future Fate now had in store for them. As they disembarked, they both had a lot to process, but felt a bit of newfound joy at this turn of events.
"Thanks guys!" Spike made sure to thank the Pegasi that'd flown their Chariot as the other two seemed too distracted to do so themselves. "Hey you two, I don't know exactly what you were talking about, but you seem to be in a better mood."
"We just got what was on our minds off and have come to an agreement on matters," responded Twilight.
"Indeed, we have decided to work together as friends and not just Servant and Master," supplied Shirou.
"Well that's good but we should probably get started on helping out with the preparations."
"You're right Spike. Well then, Shirou we have a duty to attend to."
"Yes Twilight, let me help you with your bags. It's the least I can do."
And so the three made their way through Ponyville. For Shirou who had made his first friend in this strange world this would be the start of a new legend. For Twilight her journey had shifted. Though the struggles she'd face may have become greater, Shirou would now be at her side always willing to help her. As for Spike, he was not as aware of the changes going on, but he was glad Twilight had already made a new friend and would be happy to get to know Shirou better as well.
Let it not be said that the Princess would go unaffected by these shifts either. Everyone deserves happiness after all, even immortal rulers.