Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter has originally been edited by TM11 when this chapter was originally released. On April 1st, 2020, this chapter was edited again by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, Studio Pierrot... and other people.
Fate/Stay Night is the property of Konoki Nasu, Type-Moon, Aniplex
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
Please support the official release.
"Hello." -Normal talking
"Hello." –Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Kon'nichiwa [Translation of Hello]
Chapter 33:
Scene Change: Kurosaki Household - Early Morning
Ichigo, Scáthach, Akasha, and Zealot arrived at the Fuyuki City Hyatt Hotel. Scáthach and Akasha quickly changed into their battle attire.
"Do you guys sense any magic being used?" Ichigo asked.
"I can detect a sort of wards around the hotel," Scáthach replied.
"Is there anything to worry about?" Ichigo asked, his brow furrowing.
"No. The wards are there to prevent any magic from being detected."
"Very well. Let's go." Ichigo nodded. Everyone nodded in agreement as they crossed the ward line. Immediately, they could feel the change in the atmosphere. The immense flow of mana around them was palpable. Cautiously, they made their way towards the hotel, eyes scanning the surroundings.
Upon reaching the entrance, they spotted Sloth casually leaning against the door.
"Took you long enough to get here," he remarked with a yawn. Akasha and Scáthach both drew their weapons, aiming them at Sloth.
"I'm here for one person," Sloth said, spinning his spear and pointing it at Scáthach.
"Very well," Scáthach replied calmly, stepping away from the group. Sloth followed her without hesitation.
"Scáthach, be careful," Ichigo called out.
"Don't worry about me, just take care of yourself," Scáthach responded, her voice carrying a sense of calm confidence. "Make sure Master is safe," she added through the servant link.
"I will make sure of that," Akasha affirmed.
"I will not let my god down," Zealot declared. With a final glance, the group entered the hotel, leaving Scáthach and Sloth alone in the courtyard.
"So, are you ready to die, Meistr?" Sloth taunted, pointing his spear at Scáthach.
Scáthach chuckled at his bravado. "I will never lose to someone like you," she retorted. The two locked eyes for a moment before they charged at each other. Scáthach expertly wielded her spear, aiming for Sloth's unarmored chest, but Sloth effortlessly twisted his body away from each strike.
"Is that all, Meistr?" Sloth taunted, flicking his tail at her. Scáthach blocked it with her spear, gritting her teeth in frustration.
Sloth continued his onslaught, attacking her with rapid spear strikes. Scáthach dodged and weaved, maintaining her focus. With a quick motion, she raised her hand, and fire runes materialized in front of her.
"Fireball!" she shouted as the runes transformed into fireballs, launching at Sloth. He stood still and let the attack hit him. The explosion sent dust flying into the air, obscuring Scáthach's view of him. She knew this wouldn't stop him for long.
Charging into the smoke, Scáthach thrust her spear forward—only to strike nothing. The force of her strike blew the smoke away, revealing an empty space. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain as Sloth's spear struck her side. She crashed into a nearby tree, momentarily dazed.
"Nice trick. Too bad I've seen it before," Sloth remarked, his voice dripping with mockery. He charged at her again. Scáthach stood her ground, preparing herself. Sloth leaped in front of her, his spear poised for a downward stab.
With a smirk, Scáthach waited for the perfect moment. As the spear came down, she rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. Before Sloth could react, Scáthach pressed her palm against his chest.
"Eternal Bind!" she yelled. White runes appeared around Sloth, forming a seal that restricted his movements.
"RAHH!" Sloth roared, struggling against the seal.
"Please stay there. Allow me to put an end to your cursed existence," Scáthach said coldly, her spear glowing with red energy.
"RAHHH!" Sloth growled as his body began to glow with red light. Scáthach's eyes widened as the white runes started to tremble. She leaped into the air, raising Gáe Bolg, its tip glowing with red light.
"GÁE…BOLG!" Scáthach shouted, hurling her spear downward.
"CURRUID COINCHENN!" Sloth roared as his body began to glow with power. Black armor encased his form, and he broke free from the binding seal, dodging Scáthach's attack. Scáthach took in the sight of Sloth's newly transformed form: his body was now fully armored, except for his chest, which remained exposed. His face was covered by a black helmet adorned with a single red horn. His fingers had transformed into sharp red talons.
"RAHHH!" Sloth roared, charging at Scáthach with reckless abandon, slashing with his talons. Scáthach struggled to block his ferocious attacks.
"Gah!" she cried out as Sloth's claws found their mark. Most of her armor had been torn away, and blood trickled down her body.
"I need to end this soon," Scáthach thought, raising her hand. Gáe Bolg returned to her grasp. Sloth glared at her, undeterred, and charged again. He lunged at her, claws extended. Scáthach stood her ground, and at the last moment, Sloth's claws slashed across her.
"Gah!" she gasped in pain. But as Sloth tried to lift his arm for another strike, he found himself unable to move. Scáthach smirked as the white runes appeared again around his body.
"RAHHH!" Sloth screamed, struggling to break free.
"You're not getting away this time," Scáthach said softly, her voice filled with determination. She closed her eyes, and the sky above them began to turn a deep crimson.
"The power linked to my name," Scáthach whispered. From the clouds, a massive stone gate fell behind her. "I call upon you," she continued. "Answer my voice, and open the gate."
"Gate of Skye!" Scáthach shouted as the gate opened, sucking in everything around her. Sloth, distracted by the pull of the gate, didn't notice the incoming attack.
"Gah!" he yelled as the familiar red spear pierced through his armor and heart. The black armor around him began to crack and crumble. Sloth's helmet fell away, revealing a fatigued, bloodied face.
"Despite not being from different realities, you did the same thing," Sloth muttered weakly as he spat out blood. Scáthach watched him, her gaze cold and unyielding.
"I need you to finish it. Destroy this body," Sloth pleaded.
"Why?" Scáthach asked, her voice quiet.
"My mistress modified our summoning," Sloth explained. His legs began to move on their own. "She implanted something into our bodies. She can see through our eyes and take control of our bodies."
"I see," Scáthach replied, clapping her hands together. "My magic is a Cage of Flames... A Flaming yet verdant giant."
Scáthach saw Sloth's veins bulging as he struggled to move. "Retribution... A shrine that purifies the evil of human affairs... The one who destroys."
Sloth let out an inhuman roar, ready to charge at her. "Wicker Man!" Scáthach called. A massive wooden giant erupted from the ground beneath Sloth's feet. Its chest was an enormous empty cage. With a swift motion, the Wicker Man seized Sloth in one hand, opening the cage with the other, before tossing him inside. The cage slammed shut, and the Wicker Man collapsed, combusting into flames.
Scáthach stood motionless, watching as the flames consumed Sloth's form. Just as she was about to turn away, she sensed an overwhelming surge of energy emanating from the top floor of the hotel.
Without hesitation, Scáthach raced into the hotel.
Scene Change:
Ichigo, Zealot, and Akasha opened the lobby doors. The room appeared empty, and they cautiously stepped inside.
"Can either of you detect anyone?" Ichigo asked.
"It seems there are people above us, possibly on the higher floors," Akasha replied.
"Is there any way to save them?"
"I don't think so. Elizabeth would have likely turned them into her minions."
"I see."
"Shall I kill these foul monsters who dare defy you, my God?" Zealot asked.
"No. We don't know how powerful our opponents will be," Ichigo said. "Besides, I don't want to destroy this hotel." They found the elevator. Ichigo pressed the button, but when the doors opened, they found the elevator had been destroyed. "I guess it's the stairs, then." They moved toward the stairwell.
Akasha had her guns drawn.
"Are you ready, Ichigo?" she asked.
"I am." They began their ascent up the stairs. Suddenly, a wave of ghouls came charging down toward them. Akasha immediately aimed her pistols, quickly eliminating the threat. Zealot manipulated Ichigo's shadow to shield him from any blood or gore. They reached the fourth floor and paused.
"There's a servant here," Akasha said.
"I see," Ichigo said. "Should we take care of it?"
"Allow me to be of service, my God," Zealot said.
"Very well. My order is simple: Extract as much information as possible from the servant, kill it, and then return to me."
"Yes, my God," Zealot responded as she left Ichigo's shadow and pursued the servant.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to send her?"
"Have some confidence in her abilities."
"Very well," Akasha said as they continued up the stairs.
Scene Change: Zealot vs. Wrath
Zealot moved through the dimly lit halls, using the shadows to her advantage. Occasionally, she saw the bodies of those who had fallen, all bludgeoned to death.
"My enemy uses a blunt weapon. Likely a Berserker," Zealot thought. She soon arrived at a ballroom. In the center stood a stone throne, and on it stood a massive servant. The servant, towering over two meters tall, had light tan skin covered in scars from countless battles. He held a small shield on his left arm, and beside him lay a red and black ax. "Looks like he's sleeping," Zealot mused as she approached. She took out her blowgun and aimed carefully.
"Zabaniya Sweet Dreams," Zealot said, firing a dart. The servant's left arm shot up, blocking the dart with his shield. He sprang out of the throne with a roar.
"RAHH!"
Zealot melted into the shadows, observing him closely. The servant grabbed his ax and began tossing furniture around.
"He's trying to find me," Zealot thought. "Zabaniya Delusional Heartbeat." Her right arm began to stretch, skin turning red as she manipulated it under the influence of Zabaniya Void's Abyss. Zealot extended her arm at the servant with great care, making sure to avoid detection. As he turned, she struck. Her arm made contact with the servant, swapping his heart with one she had created using Zabaniya Delusional Heartbeat.
"RAH!" the servant yelled in confusion. Zealot retracted her arm, examining the black, beating heart she had retrieved. She devoured it quickly.
"His heart tastes disgusting. Filled with garbage and demonic energy." Zealot thought as the servant's memories flooded into her mind.
"Eric Bloodaxe, Berserker, alias Wrath," Zealot muttered. She floated out of the shadows.
"RAHHH!" Wrath bellowed, charging at her.
Zealot stared at him, unfazed.
"Zabaniya Umbra's Blades," she said calmly. Shadows around her morphed into whips of shadowy blades. They flew toward Wrath.
"RAH!" Wrath roared, swinging his ax to destroy each blade, only for two more to appear in its place. Soon, the blades surrounded him, closing in.
"Bloodbath Crown!" Wrath yelled, spinning like a tornado, destroying the blades as he spun. When he stopped, he slammed his ax into the ground to regain his balance. From the shadows, more blades shot out and pierced his body.
"RAHHH!" Wrath screamed in pain as Zealot snapped her fingers. The remaining blades shredded the servant's body, leaving nothing behind.
Mission complete, Zealot used Zabaniya Void's Abyss to return to the shadows and sped back to her God.
Scene Change: Ichigo and Akasha
They reached the top floor of the hotel, where Rider awaited them.
"Rider. What happened to Chad?" Ichigo demanded.
"I'm sorry, niño," Rider said, charging at them. Ichigo and Akasha dodged to the sides as Rider summoned her macuahuitl and rushed toward Akasha.
"I've got this," Akasha said.
"Are you sure?"
"I am."
"Very well," Ichigo said, heading down the hallway.
"I'm sorry, but I need to do this," Rider said, her voice tinged with regret.
"Very well," Akasha responded, pointing her guns at Rider. She fired, but Rider deflected the bullets with her macuahuitl. Akasha nimbly dodged, jumping to the side to reposition. She fired again, and Rider blocked the bullets, sending them to her right side. The back-and-forth continued for several minutes.
"Why does she keep deflecting the bullets to my right?" Akasha wondered, noticing the pattern. "Is there something there... something watching us?"
"I hope she notices," Rider thought, continuing her defense.
"I hope I'm right," Akasha thought, deciding to act. She closed the distance, standing just inches from Rider. Akasha pointed her guns at Rider once more, firing a barrage of bullets. Rider used both her macuahuitl and shield to block them, but Akasha heard a distinct pop—one of her bullets had hit something small. She turned around and saw a bat fall from the air.
"You managed to figure it out," Rider said, lowering her macuahuitl and shield.
"I did." Suddenly, a massive explosion of reiatsu shook the room.
"Ichigo!" Akasha yelled.
"Maestro!" Rider yelled. The two servants ran toward the final room.
Scene Change
Ichigo walked down the hallway, his eyes catching sight of the lifeless bodies of young girls. All their necks had been slit, their heads twisted unnaturally backward. Ichigo entered the room carefully and spotted more dead girls, all arranged in the same gruesome way. He noticed that the bodies had been dragged there. Following the trail of blood, Ichigo traced it to the patio. He summoned Yorugetsu, ready for anything.
Pushing the patio door open, he saw a young woman sitting in a hot tub filled with blood. Right next to her, Ichigo saw Chad, draining the blood from another girl.
"Chad!" Ichigo called out.
"Be a dear and kill this fool," Pride commanded.
"Yes, Mistress," Chad replied as he stood up. He turned to Ichigo and charged at him. Ichigo dodged the attack. Chad activated his powers and threw punch after punch, each strike much stronger than before. Ichigo managed to dodge his punches.
"What did she do to you?" Ichigo wondered.
"I believe she is possessing him," Kyōka explained.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked as he dodged another attack from Chad. "Is it like how Pegasus possessed Seto?" Ichigo pushed Chad back.
"Similar. The ghouls you encountered had no souls. She took their souls and replaced them with a fragment of hers, allowing her to control them. But they can only understand simple commands. Since Chad can still use his abilities, I think she didn't fully take his soul. Instead, she likely restrained it, allowing a larger fragment of her soul to control his body and soul," Kyōka theorized.
"What can we do?" Ichigo asked as Chad charged again.
"We need to overpower her control over him."
"How?" Ichigo sidestepped Chad, making him crash into a bed.
"I think we need to force Chad to regain control and purge her influence over him," Kyōka hypothesized.
"What do I need to do?" Ichigo asked, preparing himself as Chad stood up and charged again.
"I need you to stab Chad with your Zanpakutō and inject him with your reiatsu."
"King, make sure you give him your raw reiatsu, along with a pinch of Hollow reiatsu," Zangetsu added.
"Why?" Ichigo asked, sidestepping Chad again as he crashed into the wall.
"I can't believe I forgot about that," Kyōka said, smacking her forehead. "Chad's reiatsu is mostly human, with a touch of Hollow reiatsu. If you give him anything else, it might harm him."
"But what about the pinch of Hollow reiatsu?" Ichigo asked as Chad pulled himself out of the wall and charged at him.
"Chad's power is partially Hollow," Kyōka explained.
"I see," Ichigo replied. He raised Yorugetsu and began to fill the blade with pure reiatsu, mixing in a small amount of Hollow reiatsu. Chad charged with a right punch, and Ichigo stood firm.
"STOP!" Pride ordered as she stood from her blood-filled hot tub. But it was too late. Ichigo stabbed Chad with Yorugetsu and pushed the reiatsu into his body.
"GAAHH!" Chad screamed. A blinding light enveloped them, and when it died down, Ichigo withdrew Yorugetsu from Chad's body.
"Chad, are you all right?" Ichigo asked.
Chad didn't respond as he stood up, now facing Pride. She climbed out of the blood bath, equipping her armor.
"You," Chad said, staring at Pride. "You forced me…" he muttered, recalling the things she made him do.
"Oh? So, you remember," Pride sneered.
"You made me do all of that," Chad said, looking at his hands.
"Which things?" Pride taunted. "Capturing the young girls? Dragging them here? Slitting their throats? Or casually discarding their bodies?"
"All of it," Chad said, his body trembling. Magenta and white reiatsu swirled around him. "I remember everything," he said, closing his eyes.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
"All their screams…" More reiatsu gathered around him.
"PLEASE STOP!"
"Them begging me to stop…"
"SOMEONE HELP ME!"
"But I couldn't," Chad's fist tightened.
"Goodbye, Mom…"
"Even now, I hear it all in my head," Chad said through gritted teeth.
"Oh, boohoo," Pride scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"GRRAAA!" Chad roared, his reiatsu exploding in all directions, kicking up a cloud of dust. As the dust settled, Ichigo's eyes widened in shock at what he saw before him: Chad had evolved.
His body was now covered in magenta and white armor. His right arm, once black and magenta, now bore white armor, with a shield around his right hand. His left arm was entirely white, with a red stripe running down the center, and red diamond-shaped marks on his fingertips. Spikes protruded from his shoulder, and two more claw-like extensions sprouted over his chest. His head was now a white mask, with six magenta spikes running down the length of it—two by the forehead, two stretching past the eyes and teeth, and two around his nose. The mask featured two long horns with magenta stripes running toward the tips.
"RAHH!" Chad roared. Ichigo could sense the immense rage and killer instinct radiating from him. Reacting quickly, Ichigo cast a barrier kidō around Chad and Pride, containing them. But Chad ignored the barrier and charged at Pride, landing a punch directly in her face before she could react.
Rider, Akasha, Zealot, and Scáthach entered the room, witnessing the brutal attack on Pride by the now-demonized Chad.
"What happened?" Rider asked.
Ichigo quickly explained the situation.
Scene Change: Pride vs. Chad
Chad pummeled Pride with relentless punches, his speed overwhelming her. She stood, taking blow after blow from the demon before her.
"RAH!" Chad roared as he grabbed her by the body and hurled her into the barrier. "Come on! Fight back!" he taunted.
Pride could feel her body regenerating, but it was a slow process.
"Very well!" she yelled, pointing her staff at Chad. "IRON MAIDEN!" she cried, summoning a metallic cage that closed around Chad. The cage was lined with sharp, metallic spikes.
"DIE!" she screamed as the Iron Maiden opened wide and flew toward Chad.
"NO!" Chad yelled as he grabbed the Iron Maiden's open jaws and hurled it at Pride. Forced to cancel her Noble Phantasm, Pride staggered.
"Take this!" Chad shouted as he charged at her. His left hand began to glow magenta while his right hand glowed white.
"My love!" Chad punched Pride with a left hook.
"My hatred!" He followed with a right hook.
"And all my sorrows!" Another left hook landed on Pride.
"Demonio Gigante Huelga [Demon Giant Strike]!" Chad bellowed, delivering a final punch to Pride's face.
Pride's body flew through the barrier, breaking it as she crashed outside the patio. Ichigo approached Chad.
"Are you all right?"
"I am," Chad replied, his new armor dissipating into reiatsu. Suddenly, a black arm shot past them and touched Pride's body. They turned to see Zealot holding her heart. Before they could question her, she ate Pride's heart and activated her Zabaniya Umbra's Blades, effectively killing Pride.
"Um…" Chad murmured as his armor disintegrated, and he collapsed unconscious.
"Rider, why don't you take Chad back to my house to recover?" Ichigo suggested. Rider nodded and swiftly carried Chad away.
"I have returned, My God," Zealot said, kneeling before Ichigo.
"Rise, Zealot." She stood at Ichigo's command.
"Did you complete the task I gave you?"
"I have My God," Zealot answered.
"Very well," Ichigo said.
"I will take care of the cleanup." Akasha volunteered.
"Very well. Scáthach, please go to the school and see if they need any assistance."
"Very well."
"Zealot, return to my shadow."
"Yes, My God," Zealot said, disappearing into Ichigo's shadow.
"Akasha, meet me back at headquarters."
"Ok, Ichigo." Ichigo headed to Ryuudou Temple.
Scene Change: Fuyuki High School
Shirou, Rin, and Saber vs. Archer
Archer fired more arrows at Saber, but she easily blocked each attack. As the servants fought, Shirou rushed over to Rin, who was bleeding.
"Rin, are you all right?"
"I am," Rin replied, with Shirou helping her to her feet.
"What happened?"
"We were walking down one of the hallways when, before I realized it, Archer pulled out a strange dagger and stabbed me in the hand. That dagger removed my command seals." Rin showed Shirou her right hand, now devoid of the command seals.
"So… what can we do?" Shirou asked, glancing at the stalemate between the servants.
"Nothing."
"Rin…"
"Emiya-kun, what can we do against a servant?" Rin questioned. Shirou sighed.
"You're right." They stood, watching the two servants locked in combat.
"Why are you doing this, Archer?" Saber asked. Archer stopped using her bow and drew two pairs of blades.
"I'm doing this to save my future," Archer replied, blocking a downward strike from Saber.
"Future? What are you talking about?"
"You wouldn't understand," Archer muttered, continuing her attack. Saber was forced to the defensive, struggling to block Archer's rapid strikes.
"Grr," Shirou muttered to himself. "I… need to do something. I need to help Saber." He thought hard. "I need a weapon. A weapon to help Saber." He focused on Archer's weapons, analyzing them subconsciously.
"Trace On," Shirou said, extending his hands. His magic circuits lit up as he summoned a replica of Archer's swords.
"Emiya-kun!" Rin shouted, but Shirou ignored her and charged at Archer.
"GAH!" Shirou yelled as he stabbed Archer in the back.
"You!" Archer growled, turning to face him. Saber seized the opportunity, raising her blade and bringing it down on Archer.
"Rah!" Archer screamed as she tried to grab Shirou's weapon. Shirou inadvertently grabbed her hands.
"Gah!" Shirou gasped as random flashes of scenes filled his mind. He saw a desert, two figures—one lying on the ground, the other on their knees. Before he could comprehend what he saw, Archer grabbed him and threw him at Saber. Saber caught him effortlessly.
"Archer!" Shirou shouted as she vanished.
"Master, are you all right?" Saber asked.
"I am. Thank you for catching me."
"No problem, Master." Suddenly, a flash of black and red appeared from the nearby window.
"Artoria!" Saber exclaimed, leaping out the window.
Scene Change: Artoria vs. Envy
Artoria and Envy locked eyes, their weapons raised against one another.
"RAH!" Envy screamed, charging at Artoria with a strike aimed at her side. Artoria waited until the last moment before leaping away, narrowly avoiding the attack. She raised Excalibur and brought it down on Envy with a powerful downward strike. Envy could not dodge in time, and the attack sent her crashing to the ground.
Envy glared at Artoria, getting back to her feet to continue the fight.
"What are you?!" Envy growled. "You're not the father I remember."
"You're right," Artoria responded, swinging Excalibur with a Mana Burst.
"Grr!" Envy growled, blocking the attack with Clarent.
"I'm based on a question from your father."
"What question?"
"What if I ruled differently?" Artoria answered, charging at Envy and attacking rapidly with her sword.
"Die, Fake Father!" Envy screamed in pain as she tried to block the onslaught. Artoria surprised her with a powerful kick to the chest, sending Envy crashing into the school building. Dust and debris exploded from the impact.
"Had enough yet?" Artoria asked, watching Envy struggle to stand.
"RAHH!" Envy yelled, charging back at Artoria and attacking with her own Mana Burst-infused strikes. Artoria gritted her teeth, struggling to block Envy's relentless attacks.
Envy kicked Artoria in the chest, sending her flying toward a nearby sports field. Artoria managed to recover just in time to see Envy glowing red.
"Clarent… Blood Arthur!" Envy shouted as she swung her sword down. A massive blast of red mana erupted, throwing dirt into the air.
"Did I do it? Did I kill Fake Father?" Envy muttered, waiting for the dust to settle.
Slowly, the dust cleared.
"NO!" Envy screamed as she ran toward the empty crater.
"Where could Fake Father be?"
"Ex-." Envy turned to see Artoria high in the sky. "CALIBUR!" Artoria shouted as she swung her blade downward, releasing a massive blast of black and red energy. Envy was forced to stand still, taking the full force of the Noble Phantasm. The explosion blinded everyone who witnessed it.
Envy opened her eyes to find herself standing in a familiar scene: two armies charging toward each other.
"This was the Battle of Camlann," Envy thought, watching intently. She saw Artoria leading the charge on her black horse, wielding her black lance, Rhongomyniad. Envy realized that she was on the opposite side, watching herself in complete armor. Artoria dismounted and confronted Envy.
"Mordred. What are you doing?" Artoria demanded. Mordred didn't reply, instead swung her sword at Artoria. Artoria deftly dodged and countered with a spear strike.
"What caused you to betray us? Betray me?" Artoria asked.
Mordred silently blocked the attack and attempted to strike Artoria's side. Their battle continued, neither landing a decisive blow. Artoria managed to stab Mordred in the chest, but Mordred countered by stabbing Artoria in the chest as well. Artoria dropped Rhongomyniad, causing it to fall from Mordred's wound. She reached down and removed Mordred's helmet. Artoria gasped, seeing Mordred in tears.
"I'm... sorry, father," Mordred whispered, collapsing to her knees. Clarent fell from her grip, tumbling to the ground beside Artoria.
"What happened?" Artoria asked, her voice filled with concern.
"Mother... she cursed me," Mordred cried. "I'm sorry... my king," she sobbed. Artoria pulled her closer as they both wept. Suddenly, a sharp pain struck Artoria's back. She turned to see Morgan standing behind them, holding Clarent. In the end, both Artoria and Mordred died in each other's arms, lamenting their tragic fate.
Envy opened her eyes, now back in the crater. Excalibur was pointed at her neck.
"Wait," Envy asked, confused. "What... what did I just see?"
"My end," Artoria answered softly. "I died holding my child, whom I was forced to kill because of my sister's insane desire for the throne."
"I see..." Envy said, processing the painful memory. Suddenly, Saber landed beside Artoria.
"Hello, Saber," Artoria greeted her.
"Father," Envy whispered. Saber pointed her blade at Envy, but Envy paid no attention.
"Did you ever regret what happened to us?" Envy asked Saber, her voice trembling.
"I do," Saber replied solemnly. "I regret that I couldn't explain my actions to you."
"I see." Envy closed her eyes, letting go of Clarent. The sword clattered to the ground. Artoria and Saber slowly retracted their blades. Suddenly, Envy's veins bulged, and her body began to shake uncontrollably.
"GET AWAY!" Envy screamed, her voice laced with desperation. Artoria and Saber leaped back. A pillar of violet-black mana erupted from the crater. Envy soared out, her skin marred with bulging growths on her arms and legs. She raised her right arm, and Clarent shot toward her open hand. She looked up, her insect-like eyes crawling with darkness.
"H-help me, f-father," Envy stuttered. She pointed her sword in front of her, violet-black mana gathering around it.
"She's about to use her Noble Phantasm," Artoria said urgently.
"We need to help her," Saber said, concern in her voice.
"We need to kill her to set her free," Artoria argued, her grip tightening on her sword. Saber sighed deeply, gazing at her child as more corrupted mana poured from Envy. Blood began to drip from Envy's eye sockets.
"Very well," Saber finally said. Artoria and Saber raised their swords high. Artoria's Excalibur glowed black and red, while Saber's Excalibur shone gold.
"EX-" Artoria and Saber called in unison.
"CLARENT..." Envy growled.
"-CAL-"
"BLOOD..."
"-I-"
"AR-"
"-ER!" Artoria and Saber shouted, their swords swinging down.
"-THUR!" Envy roared. The three attacks collided in midair, locked together for a tense moment. Slowly, Artoria's and Saber's strikes began to overpower Envy's. Envy was swallowed by the attack, and for a brief instant, Artoria and Saber thought they saw a smiling Envy whispering a silent "thank you" before their attacks faded.
The smoke cleared to reveal nothing—Envy was gone. Saber stabbed her sword into the ground as Artoria embraced her.
Scene Change: Gluttony vs Genji and Raikou
Genji and Raikou stood poised, staring down Gluttony.
"Here's the plan," Raikou began. "I'll fire my arrows at her to get her attention. While she's distracted, you attack."
"Got it," Genji replied.
"Raikō Breaker!" Raikou yelled, letting losing a barrage of violet lightning arrows at Gluttony.
"Oh, this again?" Gluttony said with a smirk, beginning to devour the arrows. Raikou grinned as Genji vanished.
"Is this all you've got? Then take more!" Raikou taunted, firing even more arrows. Gluttony eagerly consumed them, but her body began to grow.
"Feed me more, Purple Eel!" Gluttony demanded, her form expanding.
"I'm ready," Genji said, her eyes focused.
"Okay," Raikou replied. Genji reappeared behind Gluttony.
"Ryūjin no ken okurae!" Genji shouted, summoning a massive red dragon that charged toward Gluttony. She attempted to devour the attack, but—
"GAH!" Gluttony screamed as the dragon tore through her mouth.
"HEY, SNAKE BITCH!" Raikou taunted, glowing with violet mana.
"Come to me, my loyal subjects—my limbs, my arms, and my armor!" Raikou called, and the sky darkened. Four bolts of lightning shot down, revealing her retainers: Sakata Kintoki, Watanabe no Tsuna, and Usui Sadamitsu, who charged toward Gluttony. Urabe no Suetake stayed back.
Sakata Kintoki smashed Gluttony's face with his golden axe, stunning her. Watanabe no Tsuna leaped behind Kintoki and slashed Gluttony with his sword, Higekiri. Usui Sadamitsu appeared behind her and stabbed her in the back with his spear. Urabe no Suetake launched a massive green arrow at Gluttony, striking her in the chest.
Raikou's blade crackled with violet lightning. "Ox-King Storm Call—The Inescapable Net of Heaven!" she roared, unleashing a massive blast of violet energy.
"GAHHHHH!" Gluttony screamed as the violet plasma obliterated her, leaving nothing behind.
"Good job, Genji," Raikou said.
"Thank you. You too," Genji replied. They walked over to Artoria and Saber.
"You two all right?" Raikou asked.
"We are, give us a few minutes," Artoria said as she comforted Saber. At that moment, Shirou and Rin came down.
"Saber, what happened?" Shirou asked.
"None of your business right now," Artoria replied. Scáthach appeared in front of them.
"Are all of you all right?"
"No," Rin replied. "My servant betrayed me and decided to do her own thing."
"I see... Ichigo suggested meeting back up at his house."
"Good idea," Raikou said. The other servants nodded in agreement.
"Um... what about the school?" Shirou asked. "Some of the school was destroyed from the various attacks from servants, and the students are still asleep."
"I'll talk with Myrddin to see if he can handle the cleanup here," Scáthach said. Everyone nodded as they returned to headquarters. Scáthach ran to Ryuudou Temple.
Scene Change: Ryuudou Temple
Gilgamesh vs Greed
Greed stood on his flagpole, firing miscellaneous weapons at Gilgamesh, who was using Enki, her twin swords, to block the attacks.
"I guess you're a fake. You're stuck doing the same thing over and over," Gilgamesh teased.
"You're wrong, Faker. Why would I, the King, need to lower myself to your level?" Greed replied. Gilgamesh rolled her eyes.
"If you're not going to come down, then allow me!" Gilgamesh slashed the flagpole Greed was standing on. Greed jumped off the flagpole. Suddenly, Enkidu wrapped around Greed. Gilgamesh grabbed the chain and slammed Greed to the ground, kicking up a lot of dust. Gilgamesh jumped back as she stared at the dust. The dust settled, revealing Greed wrapped in Enkidu, glaring at her.
"YOU MONGREL!" Greed yelled. Golden portals began to form around Greed. Gilgamesh snapped her fingers. Enkidu shot inside the portals, wrapping itself around the weapons Greed was about to summon.
"Foolish Faker," Gilgamesh said. She used Enkidu to throw the weapons at Greed. Greed tried to open more portals, but Gilgamesh destroyed them by using Enkidu.
"GRR!" Greed growled in pain from the attacks.
"Goodbye, Faker," Gilgamesh said as she snapped her fingers. The front end of Enkidu shot out and pierced Greed through his stomach.
"Kah." Greed began to cough up black blood. His body began to glow black. Gilgamesh jumped away. Greed's armor began to blacken. Gilgamesh immediately returned Enkidu to her side. Luckily, Enkidu was unaffected by the blackening.
"RAH!" Greed yelled as a black portal opened above them. The weapons, now blackened, descended towards her.
"Shield of the Gods!" Gilgamesh yelled as a giant shield appeared in front of her. All of Greed's weapons rained down on her. Thankfully, the shield withstood all the attacks. "I need to think of something," Gilgamesh thought. Gilgamesh groaned as she realized what she needed to do. She summoned Ea. She slowly charged up Ea as she waited for Greed to stop his attacks. It took ten minutes before Greed stopped his assault. Gilgamesh stood up as she returned the damaged Shield of the Gods to the Gates of Babylon.
"Say goodbye, Faker!" Gilgamesh yelled as she pointed Ea at Greed. "Enuma Elish!" she shouted.
"RAH!" Greed yelled as he fired more weapons at the incoming attack. Despite his efforts, Enuma Elish easily destroyed the weapons and hit him. "RAAHHHHHHHH!" Greed yelled in pain. Gilgamesh looked to see Greed die. She returned Ea to the Gates of Babylon. She turned to see Myrddin being chased by a giant dragon.
"Damn, that stupid Magus."
"Why did I agree to this!" Myrddin complained as he was being chased by the giant dragon. The dragon sprayed streams of fire towards Myrddin. He jumped to the side to dodge the attack. Myrddin fired spells at the dragon, attempting to slow it down. However, the dragon wasn't affected by it. "Can anyone help me?"
"I see you," Gilgamesh said. She opened a portal above the dragon, and a gigantic sword appeared, dropping onto the dragon. The giant sword easily crushed the dragon, instantly killing it.
"Thank you, Gilgamesh," Myrddin said. Gilgamesh rolled her eyes at Myrddin's actions.
Scene Change: Jeanne d'Arc vs Avenger (Jeanne d'Arc Alter)
Jeanne and Avenger charged at each other. Jeanne stabbed her spear towards Avenger. Avenger blocked the attack with her own spear.
"Why are you doing this?" Jeanne asked.
"Why? Because I want to live," Avenger replied. Avenger swung her spear away, sending Jeanne flying to the side. Avenger charged towards Jeanne. Jeanne managed to block the attack.
"You are living right now."
"Keyword. Right now," Avenger sneered as she stabbed Jeanne in the chest.
"Gah," Jeanne grunted as she jumped back. "What do you mean?"
"You fool. I was created from Gilles's imagination. When he dies, I will cease to exist."
"I see." Jeanne looked down, understanding Avenger.
"Now DIE!" Avenger charged at Jeanne. Jeanne blocked the attack and pointed her spear at Avenger's neck.
"Why must we fight? I believe my master is strong enough to support you even after this Grail War is over."
"What?"
"Yes. My master is currently supporting ten servants right now."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"And he isn't dead?"
"No." Avenger began to laugh. "Very well. How will we deal with Gilles?" she asked.
"I got this," Jeanne said. "By my right as Ruler, Jeanne d'Arc, I order Caster servant, Gilles de Rais, with this command seal to reveal himself and allow himself to be killed!" Jeanne declared. One of the command seals on her back glowed red. A few seconds later, Lust appeared.
"My dear Jeanne, why!" Lust yelled. Avenger drew her sword.
"This is the roar of my soul, polished by hatred," Avenger said as she sent a blast of fire at Lust. The fire surrounded him. "La Grondement Du Haine!" The fire grew into a pillar and began to burn him.
"GGAAAAAHHHHH! JEANNE!" Lust cried in pain. Suddenly, three black spears shot up and pierced his body, causing an explosion. The explosion settled to reveal that Lust had been destroyed.
"Grah." Avenger used her flagpole to keep herself steady.
"Are you all right?" Jeanne asked.
"That took a lot out of me. I need to bond with your master before I run out of Mana."
"Very well. Let's go," Jeanne said, regrouping with Gilgamesh and Myrddin. "Where is Mysteria? I heard she is with you."
"She's inside the temple, maintaining the barrier," Myrddin replied. He led them inside Ryuudou Temple, where they found Mysteria meditating. As soon as she opened her eyes, she spoke.
"Ichigo is coming." Moments later, Ichigo appeared in front of them.
"Everyone okay?"
"So, you're their master," Avenger remarked.
"I am." Ichigo turned to Jeanne. "Why is she here?"
"She wants to join us," Jeanne replied. Ichigo then turned to Avenger.
"Are you sure?"
"I am," Avenger said. Ichigo raised his hand for a handshake, and Avenger accepted it.
"Heed my words," Ichigo began to chant. Avenger felt Ichigo's reiatsu begin to flow around her. "My will creates your body, and our swords will forge our new destiny. If you heed my call, obey my will and reason, then answer me…"
Ichigo's reiatsu gathered around them. "Then answer me!"
"I, Servant Avenger, Jeanne d'Arc, have answered your call. I accept you as my Master, Ichigo," Avenger said, holding onto Ichigo's hand. Ichigo's reiatsu flowed through her, binding them together.
"Are you okay, Avenger?" Ichigo asked.
"I am, Master." Ichigo nodded and turned to Mysteria.
"Can you move?"
"I can't. As long as I'm the Ward Master of Ryuudou Temple, I can't leave the temple."
"I see," Ichigo said. "Anyone at the current headquarters, please respond."
"Yes, Ichigo?" Akasha replied.
"Can you grab everyone and move them to Ryuudou Temple?"
"Why?" Artoria asked.
"It's my fault. I can't leave the temple because I became the Ward Master of Ryuudou Temple," Mysteria explained.
"I see…" Artoria said.
"Very well. Give us ten minutes, and we'll be there," Akasha said, cutting the connection.
"Master, I have some bad news," Myrddin said.
"Yes?"
"I can feel my connection to this place beginning to weaken."
"I see. You wish to complete your mission before you go."
"Yes."
"Very well." Ichigo nodded. Soon, everyone arrived at Ryuudou Temple. Rider was carrying an unconscious Chad in her arms. They all found a large sitting area and sat down.
"Rider, you can find a bed to place Chad in."
"I can show you where," Shirou said. Rider nodded, and they went inside the temple.
"Ichigo. Archer is on the roof of the Temple," Mysteria said through the peerage link.
"Thank you. I'll take care of her in a bit. Let me know if she moves toward us."
"Very well," Mysteria replied.
"So, what's the game plan now?" Caster asked.
"The current plan is to regroup and go over the information Zealot collected," Ichigo said as Zealot appeared from his shadow. Rider returned to see the new servant materialize.
"This is Zealot," Ichigo introduced. Zealot nodded. "And that's Avenger." Rin and Shirou were surprised by the appearance of the new servants.
"Zealot, can you tell us what you managed to collect?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, my God," Zealot replied, facing the other servants. "From what Zealot has gathered, Sakura is planning something big. She had her servants collect as much mana as they could while distracting all of us."
"Why though?" Scáthach asked.
"Zealot doesn't know. None of the servants know. Zealot knows that Eric Bloodaxe was tasked with digging various tunnels underground."
"Do you think Illya should be here with us?" Shirou asked. "She's the last master who isn't here."
"Yes, you're right," Ichigo said. "Does anyone know where Illya would be?"
"Her family has an estate on the outskirts of Fuyuki City," Rin said.
"Castle. They have a castle in the forest," Saber added. Ichigo nodded at Saber, then turned back to Rin.
"Do you know where?" Ichigo asked.
"I do."
"Very well then. Scáthach, you'll go with Rin to the Einzbern Castle," Ichigo instructed.
"Very well," Scáthach said, grabbing Rin's hand and leaving the Ryuudou Temple.
"Shirou, can you make us lunch?" Ichigo asked.
"Um…sure," Shirou replied, heading to the kitchen.
"Saber, Artoria. Myrddin needs to talk with you two," Ichigo said. Saber and Artoria walked over to where Myrddin was standing. Ichigo looked up at the roof.
"Do you want to come out now, Archer?" Ichigo asked. After a few seconds, Archer materialized and jumped down next to Ichigo.
"How did you know I was standing there? I made sure to hide my presence from the other servants," Archer asked.
"Simple. You had to enter from the gate, which informed me that someone entered the temple," Ichigo lied.
"I see… What are you planning to do with me since it seems you knew I was here from the beginning?"
"I just want to know your true intentions, Emiya Rin," Ichigo said. Archer's eyes widened in shock.
"How… how did you know?"
"Because I told him," Jeanne said. "As a Ruler Class servant, I can know the True names of all servants I can see. When I first saw you, I immediately knew your name, Archer."
"I see…"
"Anyways, are you from an alternate future?" Ichigo asked.
"Correct. I am a version of Rin from an alternate future," Archer began. "I was also in the Fifth Holy Grail War. Unlike yours, there were only eight servants in total: seven servants summoned for this Holy Grail War and one from the previous war. In that war, the Holy Grail was also tainted by Angra Mainyu. We managed to destroy the corrupted Grail. Afterward, Shirou and I went to London and studied at the Clock Tower. While we were there, I started developing feelings for Shirou. I upgraded the pendant I used to revive him during the Grail War. The pendant increased his mana and od. I discreetly added a locator spell to track him and a health spell to check if he was badly injured. Those spells connected to another pendant Shirou made for me." Archer revealed a small sword-shaped pendant around her neck. "While at the Clock Tower, my classes were harder than Shirou's due to my magic circuits, so we saw each other less and less. One day, Shirou vanished completely. He left a letter explaining that he had learned all he could at the Clock Tower and decided to leave. Time passed after Shirou left, and I threw myself into my studies to cope. One day, while going through paperwork, the pendant began to glow and heat up. I jumped out of my seat in shock. I remembered the health spell and quickly used the locator spell. It pointed me to Saudi Arabia."
I booked a flight to Saudi Arabia. When I arrived, I used a spell to disguise myself as a local and gained the ability to speak and understand Arabic. I soon witnessed a large crowd parading a chained and starved Shirou. The lifeless look in his eyes spoke volumes. Saudi Arabia had blamed him for their troubles, claiming his magic was the cause. I managed to find his prison, where he was guarded by Saudi magi. After easily defeating them, I approached Shirou, only to find him unconscious. I freed him from his cell and dragged him out of the cage. Just as we were making our escape, an alarm blared. Another Saudi magi spotted us and began to attack. I dodged most of their attacks, but one hit me in the leg. As I fell, I threw Shirou behind a bush. The magi closed in on me and tried to capture me, but I defeated them all. Suddenly, one of the magi appeared behind me and stabbed me with a knife. I could feel my magic circuits flare up in pain before I blacked out.
I woke up to find Shirou standing over me, forcing his mana to heal me. Just then, a blast of mana erupted. I stood up and realized that Shirou had accidentally transferred his magic circuits to me. Looking around for Shirou, I found him below me, now aged to what looked like his late eighties. He smiled at me before he passed away. I didn't have much time to mourn, as the flash of light drew the attention of the Saudi magi. Instinctively, I charged at them, using Shirou's magecraft. I killed them all and escaped the country.
I returned to the Clock Tower and tried to figure out what Shirou had done. But soon, I was captured by the magi there. It turned out that what Shirou did was something many old magi had been trying to figure out—a way to safely transfer magic circuits to someone who wasn't family. I was executed so they could study my body and understand what had happened.
As soon as I died, I found myself in a white void next to the elderly Shirou. Ayala appeared before us, seeming to emerge from my own shadow. It explained what had happened: Shirou had made a deal with Ayala to gain more power, but in doing so, he was no longer suitable to become a Counter Guardian. Ayala decided to force me to take his place, as Shirou had determined that I was worth more than she was. Ayala merged Shirou's soul with mine, granting me his Reality Marble, Unlimited Blade Works, and his memories. And so, I was forced to become one of her Counter Guardians.
"I see," Ichigo said. "So… what is your wish for this war?"
"I want to force Shirou to give up his dream of being a Hero of Justice."
"And to prevent Rin from becoming you," Ichigo added
"Exactly."
"What about after?"
"After?" Archer blinked.
"What do you want once you are done?"
"I should cease to exist since my purpose will have been fulfilled."
"That's not going to work."
"Why?"
"Because you came from an alternate reality. This isn't your original reality."
"Then I will continue to be summoned until I arrive at my original reality."
"When you were younger, who was your servant?"
"It was a male version of me," Archer replied.
"That means there are countless different realities where Counter Guardian EMIYA was made."
"I see..." Archer looked down. "So, there is no way for me to escape Alaya."
"Not necessarily," Ichigo said. "After this War is over, many of my servants wish to remain here." Archer's eyes widened with realization.
"Is this an invitation?"
"Yes." Ichigo raised his hand for a handshake. Archer stared at the extended hand. "I can understand your actions weren't filled with ill intentions but were due to wrong knowledge."
"I accept," Archer said, taking Ichigo's hand.
"Heed my words." Ichigo began to chant. Archer could feel his reiatsu surround her. "My will creates your body, and our swords will forge our new destiny. If you heed my call and obey my will and reason, then answer me…" Ichigo's reiatsu gathered around them. "Then answer me!"
"I, Servant Archer, EMIYA Rin, have answered your call. I accept you as my Master, Ichigo." Archer said, her hand still in his. Ichigo's reiatsu flowed through her, forging their bond.
"Are you okay, Archer?"
"I am, Master." Ichigo nodded as Myrddin, Artoria, and Saber returned.
"They're ready," Myrddin said. Artoria and Saber nodded.
"Good," Ichigo said. Shirou walked in, carrying lunch from the kitchen to the table.
"Archer!" Shirou called.
"Shirou. It's fine." Ichigo said. "Archer is an ally for now. She'll explain her actions to you and Rin later." Ichigo pulled out his Trainer and pointed it at everyone, sending them into the Trainer.
Scene Change: Trainer
Saber and Artoria stood in an empty plain, with a barrier surrounding everyone in the distance. Ichigo appeared between them.
"Allow me to explain the two bars above you." Saber and Artoria glanced up to see two bars above their heads. One was red with the words "HP," and the other blue with "MP."
"The HP bar represents your health, and the MP bar represents how much magical energy you have left. I adjusted Saber's HP and MP to match Artoria's," Ichigo explained. "The duel will begin after a countdown." They nodded.
"3." Saber dissipated Invisible Air, revealing Excalibur in its golden glory. "2." Both Saber and Artoria pointed their respective Excaliburs at each other. "1…FIGHT!" Saber and Artoria charged at each other, swinging their swords.
"Why are Saber and Artoria fighting each other?" Shirou asked.
"Back in the Third Holy Grail War, when they were summoned, the Holy Grail split Artoria Pendragon into two halves, both with equal power. At the end of the war, the Grail was supposed to reunite them when they both died, but it didn't," Ichigo explained. "Myrddin was summoned here to reunite the two halves, but due to the interference of the Grail and Artoria's wish to rule differently, both Saber and Artoria became the true Artoria Pendragon. To determine the dominant personality, Myrddin suggested trial by combat."
"I see," Shirou said, watching the fight. "It looks pretty even."
"No, it's not," Ichigo said. "Let me ask you this: Which servant used Mana Burst more, Artoria or Saber?"
"Um… Artoria?" Shirou guessed.
"Correct."
"Why, though? They both have the same amount of HP and MP," Shirou asked.
"It's because of her honor," Myrddin explained. "During the Fourth Holy Grail War, Saber encountered a servant named Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. He managed to place a curse on her left hand, which prevented her from using it. Due to Gilles de Rais, Diarmuid was forced to lift the curse so Saber could use her Noble Phantasm. In the final battle between them, Saber intentionally refrained from using her left hand to symbolize that the curse still affected her, even though it was no longer there physically."
"In this case, she's not using her Mana because her Master can't provide her with any, which leaves her severely weakened," Archer added.
"I see," Shirou said, his expression thoughtful.
"And the second reason?" Raikou asked.
"Simple. She doesn't have the will to fight anymore," Ichigo said.
"What?" Shirou asked, confused.
"Master is right. Saber doesn't have the will to fight," Myrddin chimed in.
"GAH!" Saber screamed in pain. Everyone turned to see that Artoria had drawn first blood. Saber's blood was clearly visible on Artoria's blade.
"Why aren't you fighting me with everything you've got?" Artoria demanded.
"I am," Saber replied.
"LIES!" Artoria shouted as she fired a Black Mana Burst at Saber. Saber dodged but was struck in the shoulder. As Shirou watched Saber struggle against Artoria, his gaze shifted to his Command Seal, and he remembered something Rin had said.
Flashback
"Have you noticed a brand on your body?" Rin asked, sipping her tea.
"A brand?" Shirou replied.
"She's talking about the seals on your right hand, Shirou," Saber clarified.
"Oh—these…" Shirou said, glancing at his left hand.
"Yes, those Command Seals on your arm mean you're a Master. They're also spells that let you control your Servant. As long as you have those seals, you can command your Servant."
"You mean I could lose these seals?" Shirou asked.
"That's correct. Once activated, the seals force your Servant to obey, even against their will. Remember how Saber broke off her attack earlier?"
End of Flashback
Shirou stared at his remaining Command Seals. "I'm sorry, Saber. You're stronger than this. As your Master, I can't allow you to die like this." He raised his left hand, and the Command Seal began to glow bright red. "In the name of Emiya Shirou, I order you with my Command Spell—Saber, defeat Artoria!" Shirou shouted. Saber glowed red and immediately began to fight back. Artoria, noticing the change, left an opening for her opponent.
"Good, now you're fighting me!" Artoria yelled, blocking Saber's strikes. It was clear that Saber was resisting the order, but her body wasn't responding.
"Master," Jeanne called out.
"Yes, Jeanne?"
"Would you like to use one of my Command Spells to make it fair?"
"Might as well," Ichigo replied.
"Wait—why doesn't Ichigo have any Command Spells?"
"The Holy Grail grants Command Spells. Since I didn't summon my Servants through the Holy Grail, I didn't receive any," Ichigo explained.
"Then why does Jeanne have Command Spells?" Shirou asked.
"Because I'm a Ruler-class Servant," Jeanne answered. "I gain two Command Spells for each Servant participating in the Holy Grail War. The Ruler-class Servants are supposed to be neutral parties, tasked with using those Command Spells to restrain Servants who break the rules of the War."
Jeanne turned to face Artoria. "In the name of Ruler, Jeanne d'Arc, I order you with my Command Spells—Artoria, defeat Saber!" Jeanne commanded. Her Command Spells appeared, glowing with an angelic motif, and one of the wings began to shine brightly as the seals activated.
Artoria's form glowed red for a few seconds before she intensified her attacks. The battle raged on for another twenty minutes. By the end, both Saber and Artoria were exhausted, their health and mana nearly depleted.
(Play Fate/Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works OST II Excalibur)
"Hey, Saber," Artoria said between labored breaths.
"Yes, Artoria?" Saber responded, equally tired.
"Let's finish this." Artoria raised Excalibur, gathering the last of her mana.
"Very well," Saber responded, her determination unwavering as she gathered her own remaining mana. Myrddin watched the two warriors, a sad smile playing on his lips.
"It's the light of the sad, but noble, dream of all soldiers—past, present, and future—dying on the battlefields," Myrddin mused. "Clutched to their hearts, with their last breath, holding aloft their dying wish, ensuring that their loyalty will not be in vain." Saber and Artoria raised their Excalibur blades high, their eyes closed in solemn determination.
"Behold, the invincible king, about to call forth the true name of the miracle she wields," Myrddin whispered, watching as the two drew closer to their final moment.
Saber and Artoria's eyes snapped open, and with one last push, they swung their blades down.
"EXCALIBUR!" they roared in unison, releasing their attacks. A massive clash of black and golden energy erupted as their strikes collided, creating a towering pillar of energy. Half of it was golden, the other half black.
"RAH!" they shouted, their power amplifying as their mana continued to drain. Both Saber and Artoria's health and mana bars were rapidly depleting, but Saber's MP gauge dropped faster.
Finally, the clash exploded, sending a shockwave of dust into the air.
"SABER!" Shirou yelled, rushing forward.
"Artoria!" Ichigo called out.
As the dust cleared, everyone saw both Saber and Artoria lying motionless on the ground.
"SABER!" Shirou cried out, trying to rush forward to check on her, but Ichigo stopped him.
"Let me go!" Shirou insisted.
"No," Ichigo replied calmly. "Their fight isn't finished yet."
(Start playing Fate Stay Night - Kishi Ou no Hokori)
"Ichigo is right, Master," Saber said, slowly pushing herself up.
"Saber!" Shirou yelled.
"I'm impressed," Artoria said as she also struggled to her feet. "I'm impressed that despite not wanting to win and being forced to try your best, you managed to push me this far." Both Saber and Artoria were barely standing now, using their respective swords to prop themselves up. Artoria turned to Saber. "Ready to continue?" she asked, pointing her sword at her.
"No," Saber said, closing her eyes. "I… think it's time for our dream to end." Saber's grip faltered, and her sword slipped from her hand as she began to fall. But before she hit the ground, Artoria rushed forward and caught her in her arms.
"You're a fool, you know that?" Artoria said to Saber. "You're not the dream. I am." Saber began to glow golden as her body began to break apart. "You're the real Artoria Pendragon, while I am your dream; a dream of a different Artoria Pendragon." Saber cracked a small smile as her body disappeared, absorbed by Artoria. At that moment, Myrddin teleported in front of Artoria and dropped to one knee.
"How do you feel, my King?"
"Myrddin, rise," Artoria said. Myrddin stood. "I feel complete," Artoria added.
"Good." Myrddin then looked at Shirou. "I think it's time for Avalon to return to its true master."
"What?" Shirou asked, confused.
"During the Fourth Holy Grail War, Kiritsugu used Avalon as the catalyst to summon Saber."
"He had Avalon?" Artoria said.
"Well, technically, Shirou has it now," Myrddin replied. Everyone turned to look at Shirou, who appeared both shocked and confused.
"Um… what is Avalon?" Shirou asked.
"Avalon is the hallowed scabbard of Excalibur; the embodiment of the utopia King Arthur seeks. It was originally stolen from her shortly before the Battle of Camlann," Myrddin explained.
"I see… how do I summon Avalon?" Shirou asked.
"Shirou," Myrddin said, catching his attention. "Take a deep breath and focus on a golden light inside you." Shirou closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. After a few seconds, something golden began to float out of Shirou's chest. He caught it just before it could drop to the ground.
"It's Avalon," Artoria said, as Shirou handed her the scabbard. She carefully held it, inserting Excalibur into it. Avalon's golden color shifted to black and the blue turned red. Avalon attached itself to Artoria's waist. Myrddin smiled as he began to fade.
"My King," Artoria called. She looked at Myrddin. "I have one last thing for you." Myrddin handed her his staff.
"Your staff?" Artoria asked.
"Look closely," Myrddin said with a smile. Artoria examined the staff and soon saw it begin to glow and grow. It became thinner and longer. The brown wood transformed into silver metal. The top changed into a black flag featuring a red lion and a red western dragon, both facing a red shield.
"This is!" Artoria exclaimed, recognizing it immediately.
"Yes, my King. The flag of Camelot," Myrddin said, his smile widening before he disappeared. Artoria closed her eyes and held the flag tightly.
"Myrddin," Artoria whispered.
Suddenly, a circle of fire began to form in front of them. Ichigo leaped forward, standing protectively in front of Artoria. The fire grew brighter before dissipating, revealing another servant. The servant appeared human, with fox ears and a tail. She turned around, revealing yellow eyes and long pink hair tied up neatly.
"Hello. I'm Tamamo-no-Mae, summoned under the Caster class," the servant said. "I ask you, are you my master?"