I let out a deep breath, electricity arcing across my arms. I had several cuts, but they were healing at an obscene speed, even considering my Aura. There was also a feint sound of crackling coming from them, my new additions having the unforeseen side affect of boosting my healing capabilities.
I don't think the creator of the spell did it justice, or perhaps I brought it to the next level with my additions. It didn't simply 'add' lightning to me, it more or less made the element part of my DNA, to put it in simple terms.
"Again." Artoria commanded.
I looked up to see her squaring off against me, there were a few instances of her armor being scuffed, her clothes looking a little disorganized. The telling signs of our sparring for the past few hours, that had been the lesser part of several days at this point.
Mirage in my hand, my feet dug down into the ground and I pushed off, the crackling of lightning left in my wake as a new speed, dwarfing my previous self's, took over and I met her, blade to blade.
Every swing of my sword, it felt like a clap of thunder baring down on her own. I wasn't even trying to bring out my elemental nature and yet, there was a clear indication of my new alignment.
"You are letting it go out of control." She stated, unperturbed by the arcing bolts that jutted out randomly.
I grit my teeth, reeling in the new, but still strange, sensation that enveloped my body. My fingers twitched slightly, gripping my sword, the snapping of lightning through the air slowly fading.
Artoria swung her sword, a blur of speed as I moved to blow. I met it head up, my own sword deflecting it to the side as I followed up. The trading of attacks as neither of us gave each other an inch, gradually becoming quicker and quicker.
"Good." Artoria stated, knocking my sword away one final time, before dropping her guard. "I believe you have a good handle on this new ability now."
My arms dropped to my side. "Yeah, I got used to how it felt under stress and fatigue." I put away Mirage into my ring, moving to stretch my arms a little. "Feels a little odd still."
"It is impressive how much you improved these past few days." She noted.
[Might be because of your nature. A dragon reacts to desires, so that could be a facet. But then again, Devils operate similarly on a smaller scale. And humans are a race with the most potential.]
I can also heavily lean on my past life's memories. That was no doubt giving me a huge leg up. I mean, how long had it been since I left that house? A bit over two years and I'm already at this point? Hell, the last time I actually went all out and fought like my life was on the line was...Scáthach. Even with Harkon, I could have ended it earlier, but I didn't pull out some of my bigger stuff. Of course, I didn't feel majorly threatened at any point until Molag Bal showed up, and then I was just on guard and didn't want to tip my hand.
I shook my head. "Well, I had amazing help." I gave her a smile.
"I suppose you did." She smiled happily.
"Up for a break?" I asked, though the way her weapon hung at the side pretty much gave away her thoughts.
"Yes, please." Artoria replied, casting her gaze over towards our two onlookers. "I admit, I am a mite famished."
"You're always hungry." I deadpanned.
"I am not." She puffed up. "I merely required a certain amount of sustenance to fill my stomach." She looked away.
"Uh huh." I looked at her dryly. "I need to take you on another date to the states, I want to see you have a go at an 'All you can eat' buffet."
She paused her steps. "Does such a place exist?" She practically had stars in her eyes.
So cute.
"Well if there's something American's do right, it's food." I would admit I'm a bit of a glutton myself. "Come on." I gently pulled on her free hand. "I think the others have been waiting for us." We began walking towards a little table set up behind the house.
We had essentially been using the 'back yard' as a sparring area. And by back yard, I meant the tundra of Skyrim that was wide open and for free use.
"Hey girls." I greeted both Meridia and Jinn chatting at a table under a tree in the shade.
"Wilhelm." Meridia gave a smile, looking rather happy. "Jinn was catching me up on what I had missed. I have been told you acquired an Elder Scroll?"
"Yup, didn't want to do anything with it yet, thought maybe you would have an idea?" It was apparently very dangerous to use, and while I did act recklessly sometimes, that was more in a calculated manner.
"You used common sense for once." She drawled. "I am honestly surprised."
"Well, If I used common sense more often, would I have such a wonderful woman be my lover?" I shot back with a grin.
"I am annoyed that this is a valid argument." She huffed, turning towards Artoria. "How was my sword?"
"Oh." Artoria perked up, holding the sword infront of her. It was my Dawnbreaker. "It served wonderfully. I admit the quality of this weapon leaves me a bit jealous, I would have been delighted to wield such a fine blade at any point in my life and trust myself to it." She gave it a few light swings. "The balance is perfect, and the weight is very well distributed. While it is a bit wider than what I am used to, I can find no faults in it." She gave her honest words.
We had been sparring for the better part of about four days now, and she had gone through several other swords in our bouts. For obvious reasons she didn't want to use Excalibur or Caliburn, but using Invisible air defeated some of the purpose of this training.
Meridia looked pleased at the honest reply. "You are one of the few I allow to touch my sword." Meridia said simply. It was a way I think Meridia was using to acknowledge Artoria.
"What about me, can I touch your sword." Jinn giggled.
"Of course." She said plainly as if it were obvious.
"Aww." Jinn bent over giving Meridia a hug.
It was still amusing, watching Meridia get affection, and awkwardly return it. She was somewhat used to me, but having another 'person' ignore her 'status' and just do something like this, it was still odd to her. Not that she disliked it, I could tell she was enjoying the attention.
"I admit, I've been tempted to look at my new Elder Scroll." Jinn stated, sitting back in her seat.
"I noticed you said 'my new Elder Scroll'." I pointed out.
"I did in fact say that." She said shamelessly
"Just checking." I chuckled.
Jinn held out her hands and the Elder Scroll seemed to pop into them. "Can you read this for me, Meridia?"
"I can." Meridia acknowledged. "I am not bound by the same rules, though I suspect the…..Divines will be upset. They do so like to control where these little toys land in situations like this."
"So they can control them? Interesting." I rubbed my chin, turning towards Jinn. "You already took over my wards an defenses?" She pulled it from the library where it was last kept, I can only assume she was piggybacking on my established bounded fields and other magical defenses wrapped around this place.
"I have an entire world's worth of magical knowledge in my head, do you think I couldn't?" She looked amused at my surprise.
"Fair." I accepted. "I admit, I forget how much you actually know sometimes."
"Magical – Divine – All knowing – Spirit." She pointed to herself. "And of you only use me for –"
"Alright, alright." I held my hands up in defeat. "I will respect your magical prowess for now on."
"I'm also interested." Artoria Chimed in. "Are these Elder Scrolls used directly by these gods as a means to interact with the world?"
"Sometimes." Meridia casually shrugged. "Most of the time, I believe they just bounce around time and space, randomly appearing. But, the prophecies dictated within tend to draw the corresponding Scroll to it. There are times when the 'Divines' give it a little push….or outright deposit them at certain locations."
"Huh...did I ruin a prophecy?" That….could be potentially bad.
"Not all prophecies dictate the completion of their contents. Some simply reveal what 'will happen' if something is done, not that it is going to happen." Meridia explained. "But it is entirely possible, I believe the term you used before was 'outside context problem'?"
"Uh oh, hope I didn't break anything."
"It is unlikely you caused any significant harm. But if you'd like, I can take a look." She glanced down at the Scroll in Jinn's hands.
"My curiosity is getting the better of me...but I believe we should wait for Rin. She did come with us on that adventure, she's just a much a part of this." I pursed my lips. I was really curious what was inside it…..but I did care about Rin's feelings on the matter. "Speaking of, where is she?"
"Meridia had requested a Kaleidophone to be created for her and offered substantial payment. Rin had commandeered an empty room for her workshop to craft one." Artoria replied. "And I am thankful you are thinking of Rin."
"Of course, she's basically my sister at this point." I smiled.
"Oooh, that means I can call her my sister too!?" Jinn perked up.
Artoria blinked in surprise. "Actually, I believe she would quite like that. I don't wish to reveal personal matters, but I do know she has felt the loss of her family much in the past."
"I…..will make a better attempt at…socializing." Meridia said quietly, which did make me do a double take.
"Must be weird seeing Mortals as something other than 'just mortals'?"
"Yes, but it is not a bad feeling." Meridia replied with what seemed to be an honest sentiment.
"I can appreciate the sentiment as well." Artoria chimed in. "A different circumstance it may have been, but I enjoy not having to 'sit above' those I am close to like I was in the past as a King."
"I'm just happy I have friends and family now." Jinn smiled brightly.
That made us all silent. I couldn't help but walk over and wrap my arms around her. "You are precious to me, and I am infinitely glad you are here with us."
"Will~ you're making me blush." She giggled.
"He speaks the truth. We have not known each other for long, but I am happy you are here, Jinn." Artoria smiled gently.
"Indeed. I have not had a 'girlfriend', as you have put it, to chat with before. I enjoy the time we spend together." Meridia also gave her feelings.
"You both are so sweet." Jinn continued to beam happily. "But, we didn't gather to talk about me." She looked towards me.
"You are correct." Artoria agreed.
"Yes, our mutual target of affection is going to do something foolish again." Meridia said dryly, and the atmosphere was quick to change.
"I guess we're having this conversation now." I sighed. "Alright, hit me with it."
"I will not try to dissuade you." Meridia was the first to speak. "I am aware of how much you care for this Scáthach." She paused for a moment. "I wish to make sure you are fully prepared for such an endeavor. Artoria explained to me, briefly, the kind of foes you will face. I admit, many things she spoke of were foreign, but I could understand that you would be fighting foes that could even possess godhood, or other ridiculous concepts comparably."
"Well, that isn't completely accurate –"
"I fought Herakles, Wilhelm. I fought Cu Chulainn, Medea, Medusa." Artoria started listing off various Heroic spirits. "Gilgamesh." She said pointedly. "Need I go on?"
"Okay, that's fair." I acquiesced. "Divinity is a very strong source of power, but I don't lack my own means."
"Ddraig is strong." Jinn also spoke up. "I had a conversation at length about him, and his capabilities before when we were briefly roommates. But you're going to be fighting people on the same level of Artoria, possibly stronger." She glanced at the mentioned knight.
"I don't claim to be the strongest, it is entirely possible, if not probable." Artoria nodded.
Jinn accepted that and continued. "These Noble Phantasms scare me. The closest I could compare are the Relics...but I can't even bring myself to compare the Sword of Destruction to Excalibur."
"I'll also being summoning my own servant." I added.
"Should we preemptively add a new spot in our group?" Meridia deadpanned.
"It would save time." Artoria stated.
"Oh, a new sister, I can't wait." Jinn let out another small laugh.
"Why do you all think I'm going to get another woman so easily!?" I threw my hands up. "I'm not that bad."
"Salem." Jinn deadpanned.
"That was –"
"We are aware." Artoria said bluntly, but not upset.
"Well then. This became another level of awkward." And it wasn't like I did anything beyond flirting.
"As if we were not aware of your proclivities already, my lover." Meridia rolled her eyes. "Not to mention, Yasaka that I have been informed of."
"To be fair, Yasaka and I aren't in a relationship."
"It's adorable that you think that will last long." Jinn pat my shoulder. "The moment Kunou decided you were her daddy your fate was decided."
"You all aren't upset?" When pointed out like this, it was a bit….odd I guess.
"Upset? I do not believe that is the correct phrase." Artoria replied. "Mildly exasperated would perhaps be closer. I was aware of what I was getting into when I agreed to this relationship, and you were nothing but open about it. I so far have no regrets even if I wish to smack you upside the head on a few occasions."
"She expressed my sentiments well." Meridia crossed her arms.
"I have no problems." Jinn said plainly. "But I think we're moving off topic."
"Yes, the Holy Grail War you wish to participate in." Artoria redirected the conversation. "Do you have any idea which servant you are going to summon?"
"I don't know. I was going to leave it up to chance, and allow the grail to pick one with compatibility with me." I was honest with my intentions.
"I can see the logic in your decision. A partner that you get along with is important if you are going to be fighting together." Artoria nodded.
"What about supplies, strategy, do you have any idea what you're getting into." Meridia asked with a bit of concern in her tone.
"I have things I've been preparing, but I'll also make some more preparations beforehand. I haven't read the notes the old man had ready for me yet, I'll do that before heading over though."
"Preparations? Like what? Do you need any help?" Jinn chimed in.
"Potions, Talismans, equipment. That sort of thing." I replied.
"I can do some stuff with Dust if you want. Bombs are the most simplest thing, but I can make other things with my knowledge." Jinn stated. "If I have good materials, I can weave some into some sort of Armor."
"That isn't a bad idea." I had forgotten about Dust for the moment, but I could see the uses for it. Once the old man said he was going to do some studies, I kind of left it up to him for now.
"And I can help you with your Talismans." She added.
"Are you sure you – "
"Spirit of Knowledge." She deadpanned. "Do you think I haven't read up on your preferred crafts?"
I sighed the corners of my lips curling up. "You're too good for me."
"Yup." She said without hesitation.
"I will see if I can find anything to aid you as well." Meridia spoke up. "I may have something, but I will have to retrieve it."
"Don't push yourself."
"Nonsense." She huffed. "You are my man, I will not have you lose to some common rabble."
"Never have I heard Heroic Spirits be referred to as 'common rabble'." I chuckled.
"I will help you train until you depart." Artoria also looked eager to participate. "Your new abilities could use some refinement, and I will make sure you are on top shape for your battles."
"Oh, oh!" Jinn perked up. "I forgot to ask about that! I read the book on that spell – Lighting Form – how is it? The Archmage and I had a discussion on it but he was busy and couldn't get away to see it himself."
"Well, it's really interesting. It was 'supposed' to merely imbue me with a new Element, but I think my modifications took it a step further and forced the concept through my entire person." I held my hand out and a small bit of electricity crackled across my fingers. "Healing factor increased, some abilities showing a noticeable difference, like my Power of Destruction. A noticeable increase in my physical abilities, especially speed. And I haven't tested it much yet, but my Lightning spells are a magnitude stronger than before. Not to mention, I leaned on the blessing I got form Odin, and amplified it with a Primordial Rune, so I think my connection to that cosmology was further enhanced as well."
"Fascinating." Jinn exclaimed eyes staring at me intently, as if trying to discover all my new hidden traits. "I will make notes of everything then, you just worry about training."
"It sounds like you have become partly Nature Spirit." Artoria replied.
"I wouldn't go that far, but there are some similarities." I definitely took on many physical properties of the element I had imbued myself with.
"No matter. We have plenty of time ascertain all the peculiars about your new status." She lifted Dawnbreaker up again. "We shall spar for another few hours then break for dinner. Afterwards we will spar again and continue this schedule until I believe you are at a sufficient level."
"You're choosing to wait before eating?" I widened my eyes.
"D-do not act as if that is a strange thought." She huffed cutely.
"While you are training, I will get started on my projects. I'll make sure that you have Talismans of every type in large quantities." Jinn stood up, heading for the house.
"I will also seek out a few things I believe will be beneficial." Meridia also stood up, but she quickly walked over and snuck a quick kiss. "You may come into my realm when you desire." She disappeared.
I think that was her way of saying she missed me and wanted me to come over when I had the chance.
Jeeze, with them all acting like this... "Alright, lets do this. I have a bit before I need to go, we can get some intense training done."
"Very well, I shall not hold back." Artoria nodded.
Good, I would need to be at my best.
***
Grail War on the horizon, in fact, it just started over on Pat reon! That's right, you can read 7 chapters ahead, added another to the pool and my goal is to get the highest tier up to 10 chapters soon.
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone
We have a discord, code is -- JbwkdNDt7F