WARNING: This story has not been edited for grammatical errors. You have been warned.
Author notes 2.0: Thanks for the update regarding Leopold guys! The previous chapter 3 that was uploaded was an older draft back I was fixing up some issues timeline wise! Thought I uploaded the proper version but I was wrong. Keep me up to date with any other mistakes like that! I am posting the ages of our heroes here for easier reference. I didn't make mention of their ages in the dialogue or story simply because Mereleona and Archer would never naturally discuss this. It appears I have to work harder on making timeline transitions more obvious in regard to where they are currently. I have made it more obvious in this version (at least to me) but please let me know of any issues.
Mereleona's Age: 17-19
Archer's true age: God only knows. Physical age: 17-19
Fate/Clover Chapter 3: A whole new world.
In a cave located deep within the very edges of the Clover Kingdom, was Archer tending a flame. He projected a metal poker and shifted the logs to help feed the fire. A small hog-like creature he had found near the cave entrance was roasting, its meat having an odd savory smell. Wrapped around his shoulders was a thick fur-lined cape, a hood obscuring his now snow-white hair and darker skin. His eyes remained their brilliant gold. An annoyance for Archer, but one he could live with.
His clothes were thicker, more suited for the cold weather he found himself in. Even than the cold filtered into his bones, his mana inert for now. The sound of crunching snow was ignored. Archer already knew who it was. As if from nothing, Mereleona burst from the rabid storm of hail and snow. She was wearing her usual outfit. The flames of her magic doing more than enough to shield her from something as simple as the cold.
"You're not wearing your coat" stated Archer.
"I'm fine" grunted Mereleona.
"If you get cold,"
"I know I know. Jeez you're like my mother."
Archer smirked.
"Your mother would be worried for you. Me? I'll just laugh. But honestly. There's no sense in wasting your mana on keeping yourself warm, just wear a coat and conserve it."
"It's training Archer, something you should try!"
Archer rolled his eyes. The two have them have been training constantly since their excursions began.
"I'm nowhere near close to sensing mana zone Mereleona. That training is just for you."
Mereleona dropped a few crystals and a sack of unknown items at Archer's feet. She grinned as she stared at the boar.
"Smells good."
Archer whipped out a book from the confines of his cape/coat. He projected a pen and began studying the crystals that Mereleona brought with her.
"Where did you find these?" asked Archer.
"Up on that ridge we found the other day."
Archer stilled and stared beyond the crystal.
"Without me?"
Mereleona growled.
"Don't need you protecting me?"
Archer rolled his eyes.
"I'm more concerned with you getting trapped somewhere than you are getting hurt."
"As if!"
"Remember-"
"Shut up!"
Archer caught the rock Mereleona chucked at him without even looking nor stopping his writing in the journal.
"It's interesting though" stated Archer "these crystals are calcified mana."
"Never seen mana stones before?"
"I have…but none of such purity. Are these common for your kingdom?"
Mereleona shrugged.
"They're the only kind I've seen but to be fair I'm a royal, can't say what the less fortune are used to."
Archer shrugged, stashing a stone in the pockets of his coat…or rather what was supposed to be Mereleona's cape, curtesy of her family. Inside the cape was special magic, creating a cape that could store many times its own size. It oddly left the weight completely unaffected, making it perfect for bother weather and combat. If Archer was honest, he was starting to get attached to the helpful clothe. It was in his color too, Red with a white fur lined hood.
"What is this?" asked Archer, staring at a lion symbol on the back. When it circled Archer's form, the cape's symbol fell just above his heart.
"It's the winter uniform for the magic Knights."
"Ah. I can see why it has such qualities than. Any reason why they gave it to you?"
Mereleona sighed and began tearing off chunks of the animal. She thankfully chewed her food before answering.
"My mother wants me to become the head of the Crimson Lions. Again."
"She's not taking your answer well I take it?"
Mereleona shrugged.
"She never stopped asking the six months I was back home from that war. She's been…excited lately. Apparently having a friend means I've developed leadership qualities or something."
"She's that desperate?"
"You have no idea. The year that I was stationed and those sixth months back home must have finally worn her down."
Archer blinked. He remembered Mereleona describing that war, though calling it such was a bit of a misnomer. A number of large-scale border skirmishes that led to nothing was hardly a war to Archer. Still, it had delayed Mereleona's adventures with Archer for another year and a half.
"You were gone for while."
"The other kingdoms were annoying. The Wizard King kept me stationed on the northern front for a few more months than he needed to but…hindsight can be a bitch sometimes. Spent all that time at home with my mother."
Mereleona took another chunk of the pig. Archer scowled as he tossed a few vegetables at her feet, hitting the cloth that was placed on the ground as their bed mats. Archer took his own piece, intent on at least getting some food before it was too late.
"Wasn't a war, no matter how much those political assholes back home like to call it."
"….It went on for a year correct? Would that not classify as a war?" asked Archer, though he internally agreed with Mereleona "especially if your leaders invested resources and personnel to the fight?"
Mereleona shrugged.
"Was barely any death. Not a war if people think they'll live simply because they lost."
"A fair point" admitted Archer "wars are generally fought for survival and resources. There's literally no other reason that can offset the costs. A war for pride or nationalism isn't sustainable, at least normally. Not to mention the resources and costs of war mitigate most other reasons as well."
Resources of all types were spent in war. Unless the end results were worth that expenditure, war was a stupid decision. Perhaps there was more to it, but that was for minds other than Archer. Mereleona smirked.
"You get it."
"Knowing the way you've described your family, you had to offer something to stay out in these wild regions?"
Mereleona sighed.
"Yea. If I find one of those ancient dungeons, I must give the loot to the kingdom. I mean I'm not in it for that but it's the principle at this point."
"You don't care. You just don't like being told to do something."
Mereleona wilted a bit and glared at Archer.
"Bite me."
"You'd enjoy that wouldn't you?" smirked Archer.
He had just come out. There was nothing sexual to his tone or actions, but Archer realized it could be taken that way. Thankfully it wasn't something he had to worry about. Because the next thing Archer knew he was in a headlock courtesy of Mereleona.
"Well aren't you a smartass! Were you not the one to take my hand for mana resonance."
Archer scowled. That had not been amusing. Apparently mana resonance was an act that was normally done between family members. It was to help the young get a feeling for their mana and to help direct them in the proper usage. Most families tended to have the same type of mana so it wasn't unusual to learn control from ones relatives. The only other time mana resonance was done was between lovers. A means of becoming more intertwined with your significant other. It was apparently kind of a big deal in this society.
Without missing a beat Archer tickled the back of Mereleona's ear with one of his free hands, making the woman jump. She jumped so high she hit the cave above her as well. She landed, flat footed and on her ass. She stared at Archer, her face bright red.
"The…the hell!? How did you know about that!?"
Archer grinned.
"Only so many places on the human body that can be ticklish."
Mereleona growled.
"Smart ass."
Archer smirked as he helped Mereleona up.
"So does this count as a win?"
The lioness grinned at Archer and shrugged.
"Why not. 14 me, 13 you. You're catching up Archer."
Archer rolled his shoulders, shifting the cape off his back and onto the ground.
"You were distracted a few times, high on your victory over that rival of yours."
"Damn right I was! Finally beat her ass! Should have seen her face when I punched right through her defenses!"
Archer, for the third time, listened to Mereleona's invigorating tale of her victory. For the third time, Archer gave his full attention. The year that she was gone seemed to have brought results. Apparently her victory of Acier was enough that her mother was now insistent on making Mereleona the head of their group of Magic Knights. At least that was what Archer was gathering in this third explanation.
"So what now?" asked Archer "since the rival is defeated and all?"
Mereleona burped loudy as the last of their meal was digested.
"I'm not slowing down, that's for certain. I got everything I need to keep getting stronger and besides…I'm content where things are right now. I'm away from the capital and with you. Things couldn't be better. I ain't going back for a few years if I can help it."
Archer smiled slightly…only to frown not a moment later. A part of him wanted to ask, to make sure of something. Yet, he also didn't want to overstep. Still…her words concerned him somewhat.
"Mereleona…is everything alright back home?"
She stilled, staring at Archer. The man didn't retreat, but he did explain himself further.
"I enjoy our time together, as much I am confused as to why. But…the way you talk about your family…are they…is there a reason you choose not to return to them?"
Mereleona blinked. She turned somber as she shook her head.
"Nah. Nothing like what you're thinking. My mom, dad, and siblings are fine. It's just the rest of that society I have a problem with. The expectations and rules are annoying…so I don't bother with it unless I have to."
"Even at the expense of your family?"
She grimaced.
"I admit…it's not exactly ideal…but mom understands. Dad even encouraged it."
Mereleona grinned as she looked at Archer.
"My dad was a commoner you know."
Archer blinked, a smirk of his own growing.
"Is that so? How did your mother get engaged to such a man than. If what you've described to me is even remotely accurate, your mother would have had her title stripped and your father executed."
Mereleona grinned.
"Technically speaking my father is a noble. The oldest lineage in the kingdom. Just so happens his own father is a piece of shit and ejected him to die in out in the edges. He survived and returned to take over his house…only to dismantle it into pieces for the vermillion family to absorb. My dad understands why I hate my fellow royals…nah, hates a strong word. More likely incredibly annoyed with."
"It hurts you from the inside?"
Mereleona nodded.
"The lack of freedom is suffocating. I feel like I'd wither to nothing if I stayed there. My mother is grooming my brother to take over the family, a role he seems good at."
Archer smirked.
"You don't talk about your siblings much. How many do you have?"
Mereleona grinned.
"Just the one. But my parents are intent on having a third."
"Ah. So what's your brother like."
"Fugoleon? He's weak."
Archer rose an eyebrow.
"What? He is. The poor excuse for a lion is barely up to the vermillion family standards…still, he's a genuine leader. People like him, thought I don't know why. He's a scrawny baby."
Archer shrugged.
"Everyone is different. Even I am not overly muscular. Perhaps Fugoeloan will be the same?"
Mereleona gave Archer a droll stare.
"Your built like a brick house you liar. Sure you're not overly jacked like that Yami freak, but your muscles are more clearly defined."
Archer shrugged. He'll take her word for it.
"My mother won't shut up about you though."
Archer ginned as Mereleona blushed.
"Shut it. She's just wondering if I'll bring you by to meet her."
Archer shrugged.
"told her the same thing. If it happens it happens. Though it's been a few months since we've headed out. "
Archer looked into the raging storm and rose an eyebrow. They were twenty now and Archer kind of understood her mother's concerns. Two young adults adventuring the wilds? Novels have been successful with a less promising set-up. The fact that Mereleona's witch book was glowing
"I asked this before but what reason are we here again?"
"It's the shortest route to that hot spring I was telling you about. There's a safer route from the Clover kingdom but we're fine…your friggen baby."
"I can perform mana skin just fine; I just don't see the point in doing so unnecessarily."
Mereleona rolled her eyes as she used her hands to mimic him speaking.
"Blah blah blah, you just don't like the cold!"
Memories of a time trapped in an endless blizzard, his skin blistering from the cold, sustained only by Alaya as he combated an embodiment of frost. His fingers black, his eyes blurring, the frigid feeling of your liver being pierced by ice. Yes…Archer did not like the cold. Mereleona's hand touched Archer's arm. He turned to her.
"Archer…you alright?"
"I am fine."
"You ain't fine, but its also none of my buisness. Sorry if I made you remember something."
"….you are annoyingly observant."
"You are annoyingly closed off."
Mereleona grinned though.
"But that's alright. I don't care about your past. What we got now? That's all I care about."
Archer understood it. This…rabid grip on their friendship. To the two of them, this was the first genuine relationship the other's hand outside of family…well in Archer's case outside of Sakura and Rin…possibly that one male friend he had whose name escapes him even now. He couldn't explain how…content this connection made him. How relaxed. Insanely enough he was even contemplating telling Mereleona the truth, to some degree. The idea that he lied to her everyday was…slightly irritating. There was also the fact that he trusted her. The final nail, there was literally no reason not to.
"I do care" muttered Archer "I just don't think you'd understand it."
"….are you calling me stupid?"
"Yes. At least for this."
It was no joke. Archer's entire existence here centered on a concept of science that he was sure wasn't even an idea here. Summoning demons was one thing. Travelling to different planes of existence that had entirely different histories, rules, and humans was another matter. This entire society seemed like a magic charged medieval Europe. Who knows if Mereleona would even understand it? Or was that another case of Emiya lying to himself?
"That bad?" muttered Mereleona "well fine, whatever. Still kick your ass later though. So, what's the plan?"
In Archer's book was a rough map of their area, the second mana region Archer's seen. If it wasn't obvious, this was a mana region steeped in ice mana. The entire area was a constant frigid blizzard of unlivable conditions. The animals that survived in such conditions were huge, feasting on each other to create incredible mana beasts. They were about as strong as a three-star Magic Knight.
In other words, they were fodder for the two of them. Mereleona simply broke them, destroying them outright with her magic. Archer was precise, killing them with a single blow from a distance. Traversal wasn't the issue.
It was navigation.
"You've said before this mana region isn't large, correct?"
"Yea, what about it?"
"We've been here for two weeks Mereleona."
"...last time I was here I got through in about a week…and I'm stronger now than I was then."
"We're being hunted."
Mereleona stared at Archer.
"By what?"
"A blizzard this strong can't sustain itself. There would be lulls with the flow of mana. Highs and lows. But it was weaker down a specific way."
Archer turned to the tunnel behind them.
"We were led here. Cute."
Mereleona grinned.
"That's what I'm talking about! Finally, some action!"
She got up and looked to Archer.
"What gave it away? I didn't sense anything."
"I suspected something was wrong when the blizzard got stronger only when I deviated from whatever route led us here."
"Is that why you were randomly heading off somewhere?"
"Yes."
"The hell why didn't I notice anything."
Archer smirked as Mereleona scratched the back of her head.
"You didn't notice anything because you are using mana skin. The buffer from your mana made the difference in strength neglible."
Mereleona deflated.
"So, it's weak."
"Physically? Most likely. It must freeze its prey before striking. Still, it might surprise us. After all, the creatures here are adapted to the cold. It must use something else to sustain itself."
Archer gestured to the tunnel.
"Shall we?"
"Sure! Need a good work-out before we hit the hot springs!"
Mereleona created spheres of flames to light the way, noticing the claw marks that lined the tunnel. She clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Damnit. Should have noticed this."
Archer shrugged.
"You're used to the beasts attacking you in there territory. There's a difference between hunting something and killing it."
"No, you're just a freak. You're like Yami. Man's got a sixth sense for stuff like this. Says he's sensing Ki or some nonsense."
Archer narrowed his eyes. She had a point. Feeling the blizzard's difference in strength, sure. Realizing they were being hunted because of it? A bit of a stretch. Yet…there was this feeling, this sense they were being hunted that wouldn't leave Archer's senses. The fact he caught things without looking at it.
"My minds eye" thought Archer "did it migrate in this world. Ki sensing…"
"What is this…ki sensing like?"
Mereleona grunted.
"Asked Yami about it once. Said sensing Ki was using all your senses at once. Not just your sight and hearing, whatever the hell that means."
It was like something clicked. An entire world of sense erupted into Archer's awareness. He could feel…everything. The stone, the ice, the monster.
"Interesting."
Mereleona stared at Archer.
"You just figured out that Ki crap didn't you."
Archer turned to her with his signature smirk. She scowled, though she still felt happy for him.
"Fuck off."
Archer shrugged helplessly at Mereleona's swearing. Wasn't his fault he was that good. Still this was the first time in a while that Archer had made significant progress.
Unbeknownst to his companion, Archer had unlocked a majority of his arsenal, with a few finicky phantasms still eluding him for now. Still, that paled in comparison to the progress Mereleona had. The year had been kind to her. Mereleona's hair reached the small of her back, a wild mane of crimson hair. She started wearing eyeliner, a standard of the vermillion family or something. But her magic power had increased well over two-fold, a dramatic increase in strength. Archer was much the same, his own magic power increasing substantially.
"Ya know" muttered Mereleona "I've been wondering something."
"What?"
"You don't have a grimoire do you?"
"Of course not, I'm not a member of any of your kingdoms."
"Would you like one?"
Archer stopped moving and turned to her.
"….you're serious?"
"Of course. I want you at your best. You've been matching me blow for blow without one. I can't help but imagine what you'd be like with one."
"About the same" stated Archer "my magic isn't the kind to be improved upon with power, not like yours. My weapons may be more durable, but the abilities they have would be the same."
"You're more like Yami than I thought" muttered Mereleona "both of you fight with weapons, magic is supplementary."
"Are you not the same?" asked Archer "I've seen you beat bandits without magic."
Mereleona grinned.
"What can I say. There's a special kind of feeling for beating some idiot without magic, makes the defeat more satisfying…it's like I've broken both their body and their spirit."
The stupid grin spread on Mereleona's face. Archer felt a kinship with Mereleona. There was a special kind of feeling for defeating an opponent well above his weight class. It was satisfying beyond words, especially when it's Gilgamesh…the bitch. His caster counterpart is an alright person, his Archer variant is an asshole.
"We've been going down a while" muttered Mereleona.
"I believe it's avoiding us. I don't think it's ever had prey walk into its den before. It's being cautious."
"Is that instinct or Ki telling you that?"
"Ki…I think. I've always sensed it…but what you mentioned made me bring it to the forefront. Imagine that you've seen everything without color, just shades of grey. Now I see color. The image is the same, but the details have changed significantly."
"Can't wait to see how that works out in combat."
"of course you are" grumbled Archer.
They walked for what seemed like a mile to Archer. Suddenly he could feel it…it was above them.
"Mind firing something about…there?"
Mereleona launched a nameless spell straight into the rock above her. There was no warning to her strike as she launched a spear like flame right where Archer pointed. A large spider fell from the darkness of the cavern, dead instantly. It's limbs were covered in ice, it's mouth emitting a final breath of frost before dying.
"…The hell?"
"Interesting" muttered Archer, watching bits of the spider become more visible "they use magic to become invisible."
"Illusion magic, nice. At least it's not like that purple Orca douche. Man can apparently phase through magic, but I call bullshit."
"Do you ever remember names?"
"I refuse to learn the name of weaklings."
"You remember Fuegoleon's."
Mereleona scowled.
"My brother is weak but he's no weakling. A weakling is a waste of space that does nothing to better themselves. That Orca trash is all about money. Doesn't even bother training at all."
Archer ripped a leg off from the spider, studying the inside. A burst of structural analysis told Archer most of what he needed to know.
"Their carapace is a mix of chiten and what seems like calcified ice mana."
"So ice stones."
Archer sighed.
"Not exactly."
"Are they functionally the same as mana stones."
Archer turned to Mereleona with a dry look. The woman shrugged.
"Not my problem you like to overcomplicate things. It's not calcified whatever, it's just a mana stone that's made of ice mana. So, ice stone."
Archer rolled his eyes. The sound of multiple creatures moving further within the tunnel made Mereleona grinned.
"You mind handling this? I'm a bit busy."
Mereleona cracked her shoulders, her fists blazing.
"You and you're studying. Honestly if I knew you'd be stopping all the time to study I wouldn't have bothered bringing you."
Mereleona blushed at bit at the knowing smirk Archer shot her.
"Asshole" she muttered.
Archer held out his hand.
"Rho Ais".
A translucent shield appeared in the form of pink petals. The shape shifted a bit to cover Archer behind Mereleona, allowing none of her flames to eject backwards. Without thought Mereleona touched the petals. It was an indescribable feeling. They felt so soft…weak. Yet, she saw their resilience first hand not weeks ago. The surge of spider creatures screeched down the tunnel towards her.
"Fuck your annoying!" yelled Mereleona "just disappear!"
A sea of flames shot forth in the tunnel, funneled forward in a cascade of destruction. The creatures stood no chance and simply evaporated into nothingness. Archer however was more concerned with the silk inside the creature. He managed to dig into the spider creature far enough to find the organ responsible for spinning their webs. He held the web in his hands, surprised at the lack of stickiness but as he pulled the webs apart he smiled.
"Interesting."
This material could very well be a greater bow string than his current one. Now wasn't the time for testing though. Archer and Mereleona waded their way through the corpses. Mereleona maintained her look out while Archer continued to study the beasts.
"It must be the mother, the one that's hunting us."
"Yea?"
"She must use her children as a precaution…one that backfired. Be wary Mereleona, nothings more dangerous than a cornered animal."
"Or an enraged mother" thought Archer.
Further down the tunnel they went. So far down they went that Archer wasn't even sure where they were. The mana around them was turbulent. In his old world the mana alone would have wrenched him asunder. Here? It was a tingle around your skin. This Ki concept though was…familiar if unusual. It was like he was now conscious of his mind's eye, of the breathing of the world. Yet…there was something tangible now…a current of energy within himself that ran through him. It was not mana…no…
"You alright?"
Archer turned to his friend, her worry obvious.
"I'm fine. This ki…there's more to it than I thought. Something to study when we have a moment…"
"That unusual huh?"
"Very. I never lose focus but this…it feels like a part of me suddenly became aware of everything in my own body."
"Knowing a control freak like you? That must be annoying."
Archer rolled his eyes at her petty shot but rolled with it anyways.
"The point is-stop."
The duo stopped imiidiately. Mereleona snuffed out her flames. In the darkness of the tunnel the two of them managed to make out what seemed like a smooth circular entrance. Archer looked to the ground, noticing bits of brick and mortor frozen in the ice. Mereleona's flames ignited once more, giving them better light.
"Pretty big spider" she muttered.
"….you mentioned dungeons in these mana regions?"
"Yea. Some left behind structures that house old magic. Some of it's pretty broken, the rest of them are garbage though. Why do you ask?"
Archer, using his reinforcement, gouged a piece of the brick from the ice. He tossed it to Mereleona who looked at it.
"Huh, so it's been staying inside the dungeon…interesting."
"If I were to hazard a guess, something in there is making the spider stronger. We haven't seen these creatures anywhere else on the surface…safe to say it's due to their inability to survive up there."
Mereleona grinned. She charged forward, leaving Archer behind.
"Honestly, can the woman not start a fight for five minutes?"
Archer followed leasuirely. Mereleona was the strongest person he knew, she would be fine. It than hit Archer that she was the only person he knew…
"She's fine" thought Archer "but than again…I'd rather not be buried under the ice if she causes a cave in…again."
Spurred on by nothing but his own self interests and nothing else, Archer rushed to meet her. He smirked watching Mereleona beat the ever living shit out of a unreasonably huge spider. The beast was easily larger than a house. From what Archer could sense, it was trying to use it's long legs to spring traps, its silk spread all across the odd open area. The ground was covered in ceramic like tiles, the ways long since covered by endless silk. The only thing that was open was a large pathway behind the spider.
Mereleona was relentless, driving her flaming fists deep into the hard exterior of this ice spider. The jagged ice shards were blown off blow after blow. Archer walked calmly to the battle. By the time he arrived, the spider was dead.
"Have fun?"
"Hell no. Was weak as hell."
"To be fair it was trying to trigger the traps in the area."
"Weak is weak."
"I think you should be more aware of how others can attack you. Even a weak persona can kill the strong, if given the right means and opportunity."
Archer clasped his hands behind his back, looking around at his leisure.
"Pfft, Why do I need to think of that? I got you for that don't I?"
Archer stopped and looked at her, his face blank.
"What? Nothing stops a killer better than a killer."
The word thrummed into Archer's soul, digging up memories of a time he'd rather forget. His hands drenched in the blood of the people he thought he was protecting, called from the midst of the dead to serve over and over…forever. The sight of flaming locks brought him back though, before his friend would worry.
"Perhaps" stated Archer "but I won't always be there."
"Because you live in that hut all year round!"
"Are you not the one going home for a few months out of the year?"
"So!? Just come with me, jeez! You make everything so complicated. Live a little damn it and explore this place!"
Archer grunted. Mereleona smiled and rolled her eyes.
"So, this would not be a normal dungeon?"
"Nah, wouldn't be this broken down."
"…these buildings don't degrade?"
"They're more like labyrinths really."
"Were your ancestors bored?"
Mereleona shrugged, not really caring one way or another. Archer found himself agreeing with her on that front. Who cares where these weird locations come from. Wasn't his business. The two of them dissected the ice monster, finding a large chunk of ice stone within it. Archer hefted it over his shoulder.
"The hell you plan to do with that?" asked Mereleona.
"Whatever I please. I'm interested in what I can make with it."
The woman shrugged as her friend lugged a crystal the size of a small log. Beyond the spider's corpse was a single area, untouched by all. Within it was an item that was saturated in mana, warm and glowing like the sun.
"An artifact" grinned Mereleona.
"This must have been what the spider was using. To keep the eggs warm."
"Is that really what it was used for?"
"The only things that makes logical sense."
Mereleona stared at Archer blankly. The man simply pointed upwards, to the eggs that were pulsing above them.
"Didn't have to be a smart ass about it."
Archer grinned and let Mereleona torch the whole room. With the eggs destroyed the artifact was theres for the taking.
"This was easy…to easy. Damnit, where are all the strong ones!" muttered Mereleona "I swear they weren't this weak Archer."
The poor man stared at her, his expression the epitome of blank disappointment.
"Have you considered you are too strong?"
"Complacencies for the weak. I'm strong because I keep improving, not because I'm better than everyone."
"Admirable…and full of shit".
Mereleona just grinned savagely.
"You know me so well."
"I get hit by you on a daily basis, I better know you well."
The rest of the trip for the duo was simple, if rather boring. The icelands were no longer covered in a blistering blizzard, the winds calming down without the interference of the spider. As it would turn out, the creature was only capable of manipulating existing winds and snow, rather than being able to create it outright by itself. An oddity, considering the types of magic this world had to offer. Archer was more baffled by the absurdity of these mana regions. Not a couple of hours after Mereleona destroyed the spider, Archer found himself one foot in the middle of volcanic territory and the other in a frozen tundra.
Literally.
"This is absurd" muttered Archer.
Mereleona stared at her friend, her expression serious.
"It's that weird for you huh?"
"Of course, it's weird!? Do you not understand the severity of two clashing and opposing environments? The amount of mana this must take to sustain this line? Incredible."
"Nerd."
"Buffoon."
Mereleona stared at Archer, her expression contemplative.
"…do I look like a monkey to you?"
It was asked with such seriousness that Archer looked at her like the idiot she was being.
"You are not a monkey, you know this. Honestly. Now where's this hot spring you've been raving about for years?"
She of course pointed to the peak of what Archer assumed was an active volcano.
"I swear to whatever gods you worship if your version of a hot spring is molten lava…I'll kill you."
Mereleona snickered with a blush.
"Nah, there's a pool of water at the top, though it only appears at midnight."
"….the hell" muttered Archer.
Mereleona laughed out loud, her expression free of worry.
"Come on slowpoke! It's already nightfall, see if you can't beat me up the mountain!"
She rocketed forward, pushed by the explosive nature of her flames. Archer rushed after her…though he had no idea why. He wasn't usually the competitive sort, but Mereleona always managed to ring him into something. Still…the feeling of Ki never left him. The energy in his body…as he moved he could feel it resonate with his mana.
"I wonder" thought Archer.
It was if the man gained a second wind, the energy within his body that was untouched was now surging forward. It was slow at first. Using the two at once was no different. Instead, Archer collided the two energies in his body. The resulting explosion of energy was akin to a combustion engine, a surge of energy taking place that was like multiple mana bursts at once. In his old world, his old body, Archer's form would have detonated into bloody chuncks. Here though?
Well. Mereleona saw the result. To her it was like Archer had jumped multiple levels. His mana was no different, but the refinement, the sharpness of it, it was like night and day. For her it was like time slowed down as she watched Archer's broad back rocket past her. Her heart thumped loudly in her mind as a smile wormed its way across her face. He had done it again, surpassed her yet again. Over the years Archer had shown to surpass her over and over again, with each event inspiring her to manipulate her mana differently, try something new, and achieve breakthroughs to become ever stronger. That was the pattern between them. Yin and Yang, back and forth. Each of them propelling the other to greater heights.
It was the textbook definition of a rival. If anything Archer was Mereleona's true rival. Any logic Mereleona applied to their relationship made it seem like they were friends/rivals…and yet they weren't. He had helped her whenever she stagnated and she helped him. There was something more there than mere rivals. Mereleona didn't know what it was…but she knew it was irreplaceable.
"ARCHER!" She roared.
Her mana surged ever higher, the flames flickering into blue for just a moment. They were neck to neck, equals now in speed. Archer's speed was uncertain, his new found Ki being unstable for combat. Mereleona lacked that same Ki though and was unable to dodge the seemingly random bursts of lava and rock. In the end though, it was Archer's victory by the smallest of margins.
Archer rolled his neck as he sat down on a random rock, basking in the night sky.
"The hell was that" grinned Mereleona.
"Ki…or at least whatever my body produces that Ki can sense."
"I've never seen Yami do that."
"Perhaps he's simply better at it."
Mereleona smirked.
"True. Whatever you do seems to be unstable. Had some trouble maintaining your speed?"
"I've never moved that fast in my life" said Archer.
He was honest…he just wasn't including his afterlife. That and he had seen the likes of Irish Hercules move. The man was annoying but god damn was he fast.
"You've seen faster."
"Yes" admitted Archer.
"Well, just means I havn't peaked yet. Don't worry, I'll kick your ass next time!"
Archer shrugged helplessly. He than seamlessly dodged a blow to his head, striking at Mereleona with a backhanded elbow. She blocked with her palm and the two silently sparred. The use of Archer's new energy was absent in this fight, but Mereleona respected it. This was not a time to use half assed techniques after all.
They had gotten too strong. The ground beneath them erupted, the air pressure snapped and collided, creating sonic booms. The surge of pure fire was so hot it turned stone to magma. Yet, to Mereleona's private joy, Archer was unfazed. His new tool, some random sword or whatever he called it, was projecting her flames to the side. Another was a scabbard that absorbed her flames, firing back at her with equal force. The frost axe, the bloody spear, his bow, and weapons she had never seen before. Fighting Archer was always difficult. With Acier, Mereleona knew what she got. She did not have the same advantage here.
It was glorious. She could feel her instincts correcting her, her body moving in the most optimal way. A split-second punch ended the fight, Archer's jaw dislocated. As usual the man simply snapped it back in place, his pain tolerance on a godly level.
"You win" grunted Archer.
"Still can't make you use most of your arsenal" grumbled Mereleona.
Archer glared at her, his annoyance taking ona physical form behind him. It was like a hawk made of blades stared right at her.
"I don't want to here it from the woman who hasn't used a third of her techniques. Don't you have a spell that blew a hole in that mountain?"
"You won't let that go will you?"
"I was mining it!"
She shrugged helplessly. They were still improving, but the score kept between them was stagnant as usual. As they got stronger their fights became more dangerous. But Archer never shied away, nor ever pull his punches on her. Mereleona grinned as the pool became visible right before Archer's eyes. The man blinking at the phenomenon.
"How long does this spring last?" asked Archer.
"Till sunlight. It's got some pretty wild quirks to it. I was fell sleep in this hot spring and I wasn't even prunny when I woke up!"
"You could have died doing that" stated Archer.
"Water can't kill me" smirked Mereleona.
"It can. Quite easily."
She bonked Archer over the head, her speed great enough to offset his ki sensing. The poor man fell into the hotspring face first, his clothes disappearing as he did so. He shook his head and was about to open his eyes but forced them shut as he heard Mereleona's clothes suffling off.
"…."
"…."
The two remained silent, with Archer subtly creating a clothe around his privates.
"You aren't wearing anything are you?" asked Archer.
"Nope."
He sighed. His shroud appeared around his eyes, tied much like a headband. Mereleona was silent for a moment. Archer frowned a bit, wondering why she was quiet.
"…am I ugly or something?"
"...the fuck?" thought Archer.
"No" he stated.
"Then why the blind fold."
"It is considered rude to look on a woman bathing" stated Archer "even close friends."
"Nerd."
"…Where do you even get the logic for that?"
"Well you are a nerd. Naked woman in front of you and you don't even peak."
"You'd kill me if I tried."
"HA! Fai-Archer."
"Hmm?"
"Why is there a scar on your chest?"
Archer stilled. He removed the blindfold and looked down on his chest. Over his heart was a pale indent in his skin. He knew this scar, though he'd was the scar on his body from when he was pierced by Gae Bolg in life. But why was it showing up now? Now that he was paying attention there were more faint lines on his body. Some bullet holes, cuts, and scraps. So many were crisscrossed on his torso, only visible now due to his darker skin.
If Archer were to hazard a guess? His body was becoming a reflection of his soul. These small scars were all the injuries that he had sustained in his existence. Whenever he was summoned to do Alaya's bidding Archer was always at his peak. His body was flawless and pristine in every summon.
Here though? The collection of injuries was visible. His own soul remembered the injuries brought by creatures and weapons of legend.
"This must have happened while we were in that tundra. Didn't have much time to bathe or shower."
It was gross, but the reality of living on the road with no access to water aside from what they drank. Thankfully Mereleona had a fire cleaning spell…ridiculous as that sounded. This world was weird. Though Archer was the weird one here, now that he thought about it. He turned to Mereleona, the silence deafening between the two. She was a tad further than Archer thought, being several meters away. Mereleona's body was covered by steam and the water, but her face was visible, her hair flowing freely behind her. The concern in her expression tugged at what little heart strings Archer still had. She moved through the water and Archer found himself routed on his side, his elbows remaining behind him resting on the rock. She lifted her hand and traced his scars.
"What happened?" she asked, her tone dark.
Archer stared at the wound she was tracing. It was a spiral scar around his shoulder. To an onlooker it would look like a torture wound, as there was no weapon in Archer's arsenal that could mimic such a scar.
"…"
"Is it that bad?"
"…."
Mereleona said nothing. Instead she sat beside Archer, the water up to her collarbone. She sat in silence, saying nothing. The silence was comfortable though…a silence of acceptance. Archer realized something very important in that moment. Mereleona was no fool. She had always known.
"You knew I was never a dark elf."
She smiled.
"Yea. Felt nice to have an excuse though right?"
Archer smiled.
"Quite the fool I was."
"You aren't human that much is true. Well, not a normal human anyway."
"Correct" stated Archer "I am not a human of this world."
Mereleona face went blank. She turned to Archer.
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"….well shit. Makes sense though. Your magic is way to weird."
"is it really that odd?"
"You're the only person I know who can completely hide their magic signature. Other's can mask it sure, but there are spells for piercing through those. I used one once on you."
"What?"
"Oh yea, on my fourth visit. You were basically magicless to my senses. Used the spell and got ziltch back. Freaked me out."
"Was that why you're face scrunched into that horrific expression?"
"Thanks asshole. It wasn't that bad."
"Is this really alright?" asked Archer, turning to her. His eyes remained locked on hers, filtering nothing but the honesty of her eyes.
"That you're from another world? Why not. I've seen weirder shit."
"Is that so?" smirked Archer.
Mereleona grinned.
"I saw a turtle with a hand growing out of its back."
"The actual hell Leona?"
In his shock Archer had forgoed the beginning half of her name. The woman stared at Archer.
"Did you just give me a nickname."
Archer sighed.
"By accident."
"…I like it."
Archer smiled as the water got warmer.
"Well than Leona, thank you for heating the water up. You'd think the water would be hotter in an area like this."
"RIGHT!? What it lacks in heat though it makes up for in healing. The water here is saturated in mana. It eases wounds and gives you stamina."
"…and you still fell asleep in this?"
"Shut up."
The conversation went on so smoothly that Archer was stuck. He had revealed that he was from another world and Mereleona took it in stride. Honestly it was surreal. The existence of a genuine friend was something that Archer had never had. Perhaps Shirou Emiya had obtained such friends, but back than he could never appreciate them as he did now. Mereleona…she was special.
"Mereleona" stated Archer.
She turned to Archer.
"Thank you."
"….I can see why you kept quiet for so long. Who would believe you. Worse yet if I believed you and took you to my kingdom for experiments."
Archer smirked.
"So that was your plan all along hmm?"
The woman chuckled and shoulder checked Archer. The water splashed over the two of them, but Archer remained stalwart. The blindfold was once again on his head. Mereleona's attitude seemed to drop just a tad, but her laugh was genuine.
"Too afraid to see a woman naked."
Archer didn't know why. But he knew he had to bug her. He smirked.
"I've seen plenty of naked woman Mereleona. I'm more than capable of controlling myself."
"Wait what?"
"When I arrived in this world, I arrived younger than I was before. I don't remember my age honestly, lived so long I forgot it. But I lived a full life."
Archer wanted to kill himself for a great deal of said life, but he had lived a full one.
"…what?"
"So, as you can see, it is inappropriate for an old man to gaze an a young woman" smirked Archer "brat."
"I am no brat and you're no old codger. You serious?"
"One hundred percent."
"…that's hilarious! You are an old man! Ha! So what the white hair is just your age showing?"
"Well that backfired" smirked Archer.
"The white hair is natural for me, unfortunately. My body just had to catch up to my soul."
"So, is it that I'm too young for an old man like you" grinned Mereleona.
If Archer didn't know better, he could have sworn that Mereleona was flirting with him. But he knew better. This was a trap. Had to be.
"Alright than" thought Archer "I'll spring my own."
The blindfold disappeared as Archer leaned into Mereleona. They locked eyes.
"Leona. I don't look because I am old or because you are ugly. I do not look because you are beautiful. Does that make sense."
Her face turned a cherry red. It was a cute expression. One that Archer had never seen. Sadly, it was one that disappeared just as quick as it appeared. She grinned, fangs and all. It was a stupid grin, one that Archer was more than familiar with. It was annoying.
"Do you get all your woman like this?"
Archer laughed.
"Is that what you are concerned about Mereleona? Hmm? That I am trying to seduce you?"
Mereleona grimaced.
"It's not that it….maybe?"
Archer's smirk left his face. This was a first.
"…did you…want to talk about it?"
"…look I don't know what I'm feeling" admitted Mereleona "with you everything is so easy! So…different."
Archer leaned away; his blindfold forsaken.
"I….enjoy our time together. I enjoy our friendship and the months we've been hanging out, fighting, adventuring! It's all been…so different than I'm used to."
"And what are you used to?"
"…I'm used to be treated like I'm something else."
She growled, the water bubbling around them.
"I ain't no sapping waif!"
"….i'm shocked you know the word waif" muttered Archer.
She laughed, hitting him square in the chest.
"That! That's what it is. You aren't afraid to treat me like me! Royal blood doesn't matter. My tits don't matter! I'm just…me to you…and that is something I don't want to lose."
Archer smiled, serenely.
"I admit…you've become someone precious to me as well."
He looked up, watching the stars.
"In my old life, I was contracted to the world."
He rubbed his face, ignoring the confused expression of Mereleona's face.
"It is a long and complicated thing. But you could consider me a mercenary…one that was sent across time, if that makes sense."
"It does. Our wizard king is a master of time magic."
Archer registered the fact that there was a man who manipulated FUCKING TIME with magic, then moved on.
"I met the same people time and again. My friendships boiled down to meaningless interactions. Nothing truly mattered."
He turned to Mereleona, her face grave with the telling's of his past.
"But you…if I am being honest, you are the first true genuine connection that I've had in this life of mine. What we have has made life…brighter. I would not want to jeopardize that either. Romantic entanglements could end badly."
The silence was comforting. These last few weeks have been harrowing for Archer. He could feel the tension between them, the little touches. In all his experience these little moments added up to a mutual attraction. He found her beautiful, but their friendship?
That mattered more than pursuing whatever this was. The water began to bubble more and more. The heat beginning to become almost uncomfortable.
"Mere-GRK!"
Archer felt Mereleona's hands snake into his hair. It was comforting…until she gripped hard enough to hurt.
"GAH! Woman what do you."
His voice failed him, her face was hard, her eyes wild and fierce. Archer found his voice again though. He was not one to bend.
"What on earth are you doing!?"
"I thought about it" she growled, leaning in closer. The heat of her breath tickling Archer's nose "as I was listening to you. The whole no romantic stuff. It would be easy wouldn't it."
Her hands were hot on Archer's chest as stood out of the pool. Archer's eyes stayed on hers, but he could not deny Mereleona's body was stunning. She was muscular and fit, her hips wide with a generous chest. Mereleona placed herself right in front of Archer, her hands placed on his chest. But that was not the focus.
Her outright insanity was.
"Leona you are!"
Her hand gripped Archer's throat. There was no strength behind it, but the heat was telling.
"It would be easy not admitting anything. It would be easy to just ignore this and move on. Then I thought about it more, I'm still thinking about it."
Fire escaped Mereleona's mouth, the shadows darkening her expression. She leaned in even closer, her nose almost touching his.
"Why am I hesitating?"
"Leona" whispered Archer "this could end badly."
"So? We could die tomorrow in one of these regions."
"….point."
"I've never hesitated to grab anything I've wanted in life. I'm not hesitating now!"
Her fingers curled as she drag them down Archer's chest, her fingers around his throat tightening that little bit more.
"You are mine!" she growled.
"Is that so?"
"Yes! That's so! The thought of you with another woman?"
"Is this because I said-"
"Shut. Up" growled Mereleona.
He wisely shut his mouth.
"I don't know what this is" she admitted "I'm not going to rush it. But I'll be damned if I pussy foot around this!"
Archer opened his mouth.
"Whatever barb or joke you have, keep it in".
Her pointed stare shut him up. His eyes remained locked on her own and Mereleona felt her heat simmer slightly. She continued to trace a pattern on Archer's face and her grip lessened off his neck and settled on his shoulder.
"I don't know what this is" muttered Mereleona "but I want to find out. I want to make sure that this is what I want."
"What is?"
Mereleona simply grabbed Archer's face and pressed her lips to his own. It was slow, filled with feeling, with want. It was also a kiss done by an amateur. In its own way it was breath taking. Mereleona's eyes were filled with desire, hooded as she stared into Archer. She slid off him, settling beside him. She did not rest her head on him but instead remained close enough for skin contact.
"I don't want you to misunderstand or logic your way out of it. What we have…is more than friends. Perhaps it could end badly…but I'm not going to rush it."
Mereleona chuckled, a tint of red on her ears and cheeks.
"Maybe this is all brought on by the pool".
Archer snorted.
"You're just a jealous cat."
You could have heard a pen drop with the way the world went silent.
"Excuse me" growled Mereleona.
Archer turned to her, his own infuriating smirk present.
"You heard me" he whispered "all this? Come now you can't expect me not to notice your aggression. Does it bother you that I've been with another woman before?"
Mereleona growled and turned away.
"So let me get this straight" stated Archer, a dry chuckle leaving his lips "you have no problem with the fact that I am an entity from another world."
He lifted another finger.
"You could not care less that I've existed for such a period of time that I've forgotten my own age."
A third finger.
"Instead, you are bothered by the fact that I have had relations in the past…Leona…you are adorable."
Her face went beet red as she turned to Archer, flames spitting from her mouth.
"Shut up Archer!"
The man smirked, egging her own further.
"GAH! Why the hell do I feel this way for an asshole like you!?"
"I like the fact you feel this way" smiled Archer "so don't worry."
"WHO SAID I WAS WORRYING!?"
Archer smiled as he looked at the night sky.
"…so where to next?" asked Archer.
"…I heard there was another forest region down east."
"Back the way we came?"
"Well yea! Not much else here sides lava!"
"Might as well stay back at my place for a while to stock up. Any plans to return home?"
"At the end of the year…which defeats the purpose of going east. Damnit."
"What is it?"
"I promised my damn mom I'd go for her and dad's annivesery this year."
"When is it?"
"…in three weeks."
"DAMNIT WOMAN!"
"It's not my fault I keep forgetting!"
"It quite literally is!"
Their argument continued; the heat of the moment passed but not forgotten. Their journey from that hot spring had been no different than the journey there. They were not an overly affectionate sort anyways. But the undercurrent of their relationship was anything but the same. Especially when they returned to Archer's home.
"You have nothing?"
"The hell was I supposed to grab in the wilds."
"Anything. Literally anything. Maybe spend the money you get per month on something for your parents in the city?"
"They know-"
"It's not about whether they know" stated Archer "it's about principle."
Mereleona sighed.
"Look my parents are always on each other. Anything they want together they already have. I spent years making little things for them and they did love them but…anything I make now is just trash."
"That's not the point."
Mereleona rubbed her eyes and stared at Archer across the table.
"It is."
"What…ahh…the other nobles."
Archer shook his head.
"Of course. Forgive me. It must make it difficult for you as the first child. How does your brother manage?"
"I don't friggen know! The ass always has a gift ready, a decent one too. Fugoleon just needs to exist and that's enough for my parents."
"The boy is barely an adult."
"He's almost a man at this point!"
"Is he not also the next head of the family?"
"So?"
"There are political ramifications that he has to consider that you don't…look…is there anything your parents like? Any major interests?"
"What's got you all bothered for helping me."
"I never knew my birth parents. Both died before I was born. You don't know how much time you have left with them Mereleona, might as well make the most of it."
"…thanks for the guilt trip asshole."
"Apologies."
"Fuck you."
Archer gestured to her and Mereleona sighed.
"Fine they…they like whiskey."
"Whiskey?"
"Yea. They spend stupid money on ice magic to make sure their favorite drinks are cold. Keep them stored in the cellar."
"Do they have a decanter?"
"The what now?"
"A decanter? It's a container for whiskey."
"…so it's a fancy name for an alcohol holder?"
"Basically.'
"No, they just take the bottle out of the cellar."
"There's your gift."
"The hell am I supposed to find those?"
"Do you not have glass makers in this world?"
"We got glass creation magic."
"Then have them make it."
"If it existed don't you think I'd have found it?"
"It is literally just a large glass with a stopper?"
Mereleona shrugged.
"Can't have everything."
Now that things have been open, Archer had begun to learn more and more about the differences between their worlds. Everything was dependent on mana here. Absolutely everything. There was not a single person in the world who did not have access to magic. It was surreal but explained the lack of craftsman in this world. The use of magic streamlined a lot of crafting abilities and as such limited the development of certain goods. Glass was one of them. Aside from windows and glasses for drinks, there wasn't much use for the material. Archer turned his head to the chunk of Ice stone that he had lugged back with him. His hope was to create a fridge that wasn't dependent on a damn noble phantasm. It was doable, but it would take some time to make sure everything was perfect. Archer walked towards the stone and broke a chunk off it. The log sized stone lost about a large hand sized portion.
Archer tried using alteration and found himself pleasantly surprised at the incredible malleability of the calcified mana. By the end of it he created a long oval shape, black with swirls of glowing azure blue. The shape pulsated a bit as Archer imprinted the family symbol of the Vermillion family on the side. The bottom became more flat, suitable for placing on a stand. The top developed a stout with Archer creating a small stopper from the remaining material. He turned the now completed decanter over and the mass within it oozed out, altered to become liquid for easy removal. He inspected the inside and used the ooze to create two glasses. The glasses were see through, with the sirls of black and blue constantly moving. Archer stared at it, wondering why it did that, but decided agaisnt doing anything else.
"These good?"
Mereleona inspected them and smiled.
"They are a little cool to the touch."
"The residual mana from the ice stone, nothing more. I have no clue how long the effect will last for."
"It's…beautiful" admitted Mereleona.
"This is based on a design from a bar I worked on in life. I remember nothing of the people there, but the designs that analyzed when practicing my magic stayed with me."
Archer had a god damn motorcycle and a fucking Cotton Candy machine stored in his head, a decanter design was nothing.
"Perhaps that can be another project" thought Archer.
He looked at Mereleona and smiled.
"She would love that."
"That reminds me" muttered Archer "when is your birthday?"
"July 26th."
"I'm sorry you have the same months in the year my world did?"
"Hey, I'm not the one designing calanders across the whateververse. I was born on July 26th. Take it or leave it. You."
"I honestly don't remember," said Archer.
"Fine…April 7th"
"What?"
"That's your birthday."
"Says who?"
"Says me. Deal with it."
Archer laughed as Mereleona came up behind him. She peaked her head at the decanter itself, resting her head on his shoulder.
"It's amazing to me you know, that you can make things like this so easily."
"It's not entirely difficult. The spell, alteration, does exactly that when used with reinforcement. Altering the shape of something is easy. The design is not even mine."
"You talk yourself down a lot. I don't like it."
"Leon-OW!"
Mereleona bit his ear and gripped Archer by the hip.
"No more of that. Now, show me that ridiculous thing you call a pool."
"It's not even dug out yet woman. What's the point."
"To finish it duh, gotta pay you back for making my gift for my parents."
The man shook his head and followed Mereleona out. Life was…good for once. This was good. Archer's life had taken a turn for the better. He didn't really know what he and Mereleona were. Sure, their feelings have been expressed but a relationship was more than that.
Regardless Archer knew one thing. He would kill to keep this safe…to keep her safe. He would never verabilize this though…mainly because she would in turn murder him for thinking she was weak.
He liked his balls where they were, thank you.
-Chapter End-
I hope this chapter was to your liking! The next story in the wheelhouse is the one piece one surprisingly! Man I've been goin nuts on that one. Till next time dear readers! As a prewarning for you readers the next chapter is a time skip and the last chapter before canon events start. Things will be ramping up from this point out with the story planned for roughly 15-20 chapters. This is my shortest story by far but one you guys seem to be enjoying!
Status Update on Fate/Shield: My muse is still bland. Horribly Horribly bland. Hopefully I'll know for sure what I'm doing with it come the next update for Arcane Crafstman.
