Kio's mind swirled with a kaleidoscope of images and emotions as he witness the Battle of Camlann. The clash of swords, the cries of warriors, and the weight of destiny bore down on his consciousness. Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, he witnessed the valiant figure of Artoria Pendragon, the glorious King of Knights, facing off against her own estranged daughter, Mordred, the traitorous knight of rebellion. Kio starts sprinting towards them, "Stop!" Kio yelled, his voice filled with desperation and sorrow. "You're family! This is not what you both want!"
But before his words could reach Artoria and Mordred, a sudden shift occurred. Kio found himself in Mordred's position, holding Rhongomyniad tightly in his hands. His heart raced, his breathing quickened, and the weight of the spear felt heavy in his grasp and his mind was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. As he looked into Artoria's pained eyes and heard groaning, Kio's entire being trembled down to his very soul. The sight before him was unbearable, and the realization of what he has done broke him.
He watched in disbelief as Artoria, now standing before him, coughed blood and yelling "Why?" repeatedly. Tears streamed down Kio's face as he struggled with the weight of his hallucination, a guilt threatening to consume him. He wanted to turn back time, to undo the tragedy that had unfolded before him.
In that moment of despair, Kio's anguish reached its peak. The dream world shattered, and the image of Artoria dissolves into mud, leaving him standing alone in a desolate void. The echoes of her pained cries lingered in his ears, a constant reminder of the consequences of his actions.
Gasping for breath, Kio woke up, his body drenched in sweat. The nightmare had ended, but the weight of the experience remained heavy on his heart. As Kio's racing heart gradually calmed down, he took a few deep breaths to steady himself. The nightmare had left him shaken, and he couldn't help but question the significance of the disturbing vision he had just experienced.
Lost in thought, Kio's attention was drawn to Boudica approaching him, a worried expression etched on her face. She held a cup of tea, her caring nature evident in her gestures. Concerned for his well-being, she gently offered him the warm beverage.
"Kio, are you alright?" Boudica asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Is everything okay?"
Kio nodded, accepting the cup of tea. The comforting aroma wafted through the air, momentarily soothing his troubled mind. He took a sip, savoring the familiar warmth that began to settle his nerves.
"I... I had a nightmare," Kio finally spoke, his voice still laced with the remnants of unease. "It was about Lady Artoria, I killed her." Boudica's eyes widened, as she listened attentively. Boudica's expression softened, her hand reaching out to gently grasp Kio's body. She understood the weight of guilt and the turmoil it could create within.
"Dreams can sometimes be windows into our deepest fears and conflicts," Boudica spoke softly, her voice carrying a comforting tone. "But remember, Kio, dreams are not always a reflection of reality. They are a canvas where our subconscious tries to make sense of our emotions."
"I understand, thank you Lady Boudica." Sipped his tea, letting its warmth seep into his soul. "Um… is Beni-Enma and Tamamo-Cat not with you? He asked. "They left to the other side to gather supplies. They be back later. She answered.
"I see, I am going to take a walk. Thanks for the tea, Lady Boudica."
After drinking his tea, Kio wiped away the sweat from his body, still shaken by the haunting nightmare he had just experienced. Determined to clear his mind, he made his way outside, feeling the cool breeze brush against his face as he walked. Unbeknownst to him, Leonardo appeared on a holographic screen, ever watchful and concerned, monitoring his physical and mental health from her observation screen. As she analyzed the data, a furrow formed on her brow, worry etching itself onto her features.
"Boudica, what happened? Kio's reading are off the charts." "He had a nightmare, about Artoria." the Celtic queen replied. Leonardo's concerned expression darkened as she listened to Boudica's response. The mention of Kio's unusual readings and his nightmare about Artoria made her uneasiness.
As Kio walked, his mind was consumed by the vivid images of the nightmare. The sight of Artoria fighting Mordred, his own hands holding Rhongomyniad, and the anguished cries of Her Majesty echoed in his mind. He couldn't shake off the feeling of a bad omen. Lost in his thoughts, Kio found himself standing near the edge of a cliff, overlooking the vast expanse before him.
He took a seat at the edge and a deep breath, "That nightmare… It rarely happens from time to time but this one was way too real."
Kio… Are you alright? Did you have that nightmare again?" A.R.C. said concerned. The fairy plopped herself on top of his head. "No, A.R.C. I am not OK, the nightmare, it was suffocating." Kio admitted, his voice trembling with deleterious emotion. "I saw myself wielding Rhongomyniad, and I... I killed Her Majesty. The pain and sorrow in her eyes were unbearable. I can't shake off the guilt I feel."
"Dreams are powerful reflections of emotion, nightmares come from fears and anxieties," A.R.C. said, her voice filled with warmth. "But they don't define who you are. You are not the actions of your nightmare, Kio."
"But does it mean something, if it's the same nightmare repeating?" Kio questioned, a mix of fear and uncertainty. A.R.C. smiled gently. "It means that you care deeply about Artoria, and that fear of losing her is a part of you. But it doesn't mean you are destined to harm her. Your heart is pure, and you have shown great compassion and courage."
"NO, IT IS NOT." he whispered. "Did you say something?" the fairy questioned. "I said, It is rare that you are being nice" the boy retorted.
"Of course, I am nice. I am your Supporter after all. What are you going to do now?" she said.
In the distance from Kio's location, stood Camelot, the kingdom of the Knights of the Round Table and their king. "It has been a long time since I've talked with Her Majesty, let alone trained with her and the others. But every time I go there, they all say that she is busy, or she has gone somewhere. I am going back to my world later and I do not want our relationship to continue like this." Determined to do what he must, Kio got up and made his way to Camelot.
*Flashback*
"Kio," Leonardo began, her voice tinged with a mix of care and resolve. "I've been thinking about your time here. You have grown so much, over the years, but I worry that if you do not go back to your own world, you will soon stagnate. Unable to grow as a human." Kio face darkened a little, "I had a feeling that this is what you wanted to talk about, Leonardo. So, return to my own world, then what?" "LIVE. Live the life that you want. Make friends, go to school, fall in love, this is a second chance. Understand that there is more to life than just becoming stronger." She said to the boy.
As Leonardo spoke to Kio about returning to his world to living a normal life, she couldn't help but notice a sudden shift in his demeanor. His once calm and composed expression twisted a little into something more sinister, and a chilling aura seeps out from him. Muttering incoherent words.
Alarmed by this sudden change, Leonardo stood up shocked, but after that, Kio was normal. "What is it, Leonardo? He spoke. "It... It is nothing. She said nervously. Leonardo hesitated for a moment, her mind still reeling from the unexpected shift in Kio's behavior. "Was that real? It couldn't have been a hallucination." She decided not to press further about it, at least not at this moment. "Well, I think it about time I head back to my workshop. I know this is a big change for you, but you don't have to worry about anything. I had sent someone over to the other side to help you to get reaccustomed to your world. Trust me, you will be fine."
As Leonardo was about to leave, "Are you sure that you are alright, Leonardo?" Kio asked. "I am fine, just a little tired. Rest well Kio." Leonardo left the living quarter. "Tired? Spirits don't get tired or have the need to eat or sleep for that matter, Strange."
*Flashback End*
Standing there, he realized that he was close to Camelot's great wall, a majestic and imposing structure that guarded the kingdom. As he approached the wall, Kio couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The last time he was here, he had trained with Artoria and the Knights of the Round Table. But now, he was on a different mission—to find Her Majesty.
Kio used his presence concealment to sneak past the guards at the gate, and soon found himself within the walls of Camelot. The castle stood tall and majestic in the distance, a beacon of power and authority.
Moving silently through the castle grounds, Kio's heart raced with every step. He was determined, but he also knew that he had to be cautious. There were many guards, and he couldn't afford to be caught. Quickly sprinting through the grounds, he reached the main castle door. Not wanting to alert anyone by opening it, he decided to go in another way. Going along the wall, the boy overheard voices coming from a high off window.
His keen ears picked up on faint voices drifting through the air. The voices were coming from a window high above him, indicating that a conversation was taking place in a grand room. Kio leaped from ledge to ledge, scaling the wall, he reached the window and entered the throne room. He jumped to the closes support beam, hearing the group of people that are meeting among a round table.
"And that is it for my report." said the young maiden wielding a giant lance. "Thank you, Lady Gareth, you many stand down. If no one has anything else to report, this meeting has ended." said the blond young man wielding the holy sword. "I have something to say and it does concern everyone here." said the white-haired man wearing a red coat. "You may speak, Sir Shiro." said the holy king.
"Its about Kio. He is returning to his world by the end of the day." Shiro's words echoed. Silence has fallen into the room. "GRRRRR, ARE YOU FUCKEN KIDDING ME? For eight years we had to avoid Kio for his sake, banish him from Camelot, and now you are telling us the he is going back." said the blond female knight with a fiery temper. She pounding the table with her fist.
"Calm yourself Lady Mordred, you are a knight in the presents of the King." said the man in black armor. "I apologies Your Majesty. Forgive me for that sudden outburst and this one as well. Shut the Fuck Up, Agravain. You are the one that was very adamant about Kio being exiled. Even before Father was…"
Before Mordred finished her sentence, the red-hair man started pulling the string on his bow, his movements rhythmic and deliberate. The room was filled with melancholic melodies, the sound of a harp resonating through the air. "I'm so Sad." he said while continuing to play. Amidst the melodic lament, He abruptly stopped playing.
"It seems that there is a rat upon the rafter," he said, his voice calm but alert. In one swift motion, he pulled the strings on his bow and drew it back, his aim directed at the ceiling above. Kio prepared to jump from the spot he was in.
A sharp twang filled the air as he released, slicing through the space where Kio had been hiding in the support beams. The room fell into stunned silence as the area was hit with a blue light, inches from its intended target.
"You dare enter the holy grounds of Camelot. Reveal yourself." said the man with purple hair and silver armor. Knowing that he has been discovered, Kio dropped down from the ceiling. Landing on the opposite side of the throne room, he dusted himself off, "Yo everyone." said with a nervous grin.
Surprised by the revelation of the intruder, they all shout-out "Kio!"
Kio kneeled on the floor, "Greetings Your Majesty, Arthur Pendragon, it has been a long time." he said showing respect to the King of Camelot.
Arthur regarded Kio with a warm smile, a glint of recognition in his eyes. "Indeed, it has been some time, Kio," he responded, his voice holding a gentle quality. "And in that time, you have grown into a fine young man."
Kio's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions at Arthur's words. The compliment from the legendary king held a weight that he couldn't ignore, and he met Arthur's gaze with gratitude. "Thank you, King Arthur," Kio said sincerely. "It's an honor."
The rest of the knights: Lancelot, Mordred, Gareth, Gawain, Bedivere, Tristan, Perceval, and Galahad gather around the boy. As they take a look at him, they conversed with each other. Laughter was heard among them, praising on how much the boy grew. As the knights gathered around Kio, his heart swelled with a mixture of emotions. The collective recognition and acknowledgment from these legendary figures filled him with a sense of joy, reconnecting with them.
Arthur's smile remained, his eyes holding a depth of understanding. "You've undergone training and challenges that have shaped you," he continued. "Your growth as both a warrior and a person is evident. "Kio nodded, a sense of pride welling within him. "I've learned so much during my time here," he admitted. "And I owe a great deal of that to the guidance and teachings to everyone of my masters."
"Kio, you know that you are not supposed be here without being summoned." Galahad interjected. "I know, but something important came up and I need to resolve it." the boy said.
Their conversation lingered in the air for a moment, the unspoken connection between them. "Why are you here?" Agravain's voice cut through the air, his words sharp and laden with disdain. His gaze was fixed on Kio, his features contorted with evident displeasure. Kio rose from his kneeling position, his expression composed despite the sudden tension. "I have come to Camelot meet with Her Majesty, Artoria Pendragon. One more time" he replied calmly.
His eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with scorn. "To meet her? You dare show your face here after we told you to never come back?"
"Stand down, Sir Agravain. Now is not the time to let your anger take control, and you know that what happened that day wasn't his fault." Arthur's voice interjected; firm yet measured. "Wasn't my fault?" Kio whispered confused.
Arthur's gaze shifted between Agravain and Kio, a clear indication that he would not tolerate any further escalation.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. But that is one order I will not follow"
As Agravain's hostile gaze bore into him, Kio's thoughts raced. He realized the severity of the situation, recognizing the anger and tension that radiated from his every word. And then, in a sudden turn of events, the atmosphere shifted. Agravain's presence seemed to expand, an aura of authority that exuded power.
Kio felt killing intent saturating the room, a sensation that sent a shiver down his spine. He felt a mixture of confusion and alarm as Agravain's power swept over the room's occupants.
"Look Out!" screamed Shiro.
They were bounded by black chains surrounded the entire room, "IRON COMMANDMENT" Kio and Shiro where the only ones that were not caught. The king and his knights struggle to break free from the chains, but it was no use. Shiro chanted "TRACE ON" creating two short swords in his hand and took a fighting stance. He faces Agravain preparing to attack, he yells at Kio who was frozen from the knight's deadly aura. "RUN! GET OUT OF HERE, GO FIND HER"
The boy broke out of his stupor, his instincts kicking in. He nodded, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. Without wasting a moment, Kio turned and dashed toward the exit, his every step fueled by urgency and adrenaline. Behind him, he could hear the clash of swords, the grunts of exertion, and the crackling of energy as Shiro confronted Agravain.
"What do you think you are doing, Agravain!?" Shiro asked enraged.
Agravain's eyes bore into Shiro with a cold intensity, his lips curving into a distasteful smirk. "What I should have done all those years ago."
Agravain's sinister aura radiated from him like a palpable force, as he and Shiro stood locked in a tense confrontation within the throne room of Camelot. Their gazes locked, each man's resolve burning brightly in their eyes. With a sudden burst of movement, Agravain lunged forward, his sword swinging in a deadly arc aimed at Shiro's midsection. Shiro's reflexes kicked in, and he deftly parried the strike, the clash of their weapons ringing through the air.
The two warriors danced around each other, their movements a blur of speed and precision. Shiro's swords glinted as he struck with calculated strikes, each blow aimed at exploiting Agravain's weaknesses. Agravain, in turn, responded with vicious slashes and thrusts, his movements fueled by a fervent determination to end a boy's life. The clash of their energies created shockwaves that rippled through the room, slash marks appeared on the walls and the floor. The air crackled with the intensity of their battle, as sparks of energy erupted with each clash of their swords.
Shiro's face was that of concentration, his eyes never leaving Agravain's. He read the knight's movements, anticipating his strikes, and countering with a fluid grace that showcased his years of training and experience.
Agravain's attacks were relentless, his strikes fueled by a dark fervor that seemed to feed off his hatred. He pressed Shiro with an unrelenting assault. As the battle raged on, the room itself seemed to bear witness to their clash, the walls and pillars trembling from the sheer force of their blows. With a swift motion, Shiro disengaged from Agravain, creating some distance between them. With his hand stretched out, a bow and many swords appeared as if conjured by his will. He took one of swords and notched it into his bow.
Agravain's eyes narrowed as he observed Shiro's actions. Before he could react, Shiro released the sword with pinpoint accuracy. It whizzed through the air, a streak of deadly precision aimed straight for the knight. Agravain's reflexes were sharp, and he deflected the projectile with a swift motion of his sword. The sword clattered to the ground, but Shiro was already in motion, releasing a salvo of swords in rapid succession.
Agravain's expression shifted from surprise to focused determination. He raised his sword in a swift arc, deflecting the swords just as he had done with the first. But Shiro was far from over. Shiro conjured a sword that had a form of a drill, the sword glowing with a blinding light. "Caladbolg," It soared through the air, its brilliance illuminating the room. Agravain's eyes widened as he realized the potency of this attack. He used his chains to form a shield, but the energy proved too much to handle.
The impact created an explosion, engulfing Agravain in a blinding radiance. The shockwave rippled throughout the hall, shaking the very foundations of Camelot. When the light finally faded, Agravain staggered back, his armor scorched and battered. Shiro seized the opportunity, his swords gleaming as he closed the distance between them.
A wicked smirk curved Agravain's lips as Shiro charges at him. In a swift and unexpected move, he sank into the floor itself, his form seemingly merging with the very stone. His presence became ethereal, as if he had become a part of Camelot itself. "Come on out, you bastard." Shiro yelled. Agravain's voice reverberated throughout the castle " I have wasted too much time dealing with the like of you. That accursed child must pay for what he has done."
"I swear if you lay one hand on him, you will regret it!" Mordred voice cut through the tension, her fiery resolve evident.
With no response from the knight, the chains tighten around the room, locking the king, the knights and Shiro inside. The young man rushed to the door slashing with his blades, not a scratch visible. Realizing that breaking free was nearly impossible, Shiro shifted his focus. He abandoned his initial attempts to free himself and instead rushed toward the others who were captured by the chains. His movements were swift and precise as he reached the others, assessing their situation.
Meanwhile on the other side of the castle, Kio's heart raced as he dashes through the corridors of the castle, his instinct on high alert. The weight of the situation bore down on him, driving him to push past his limits. Agravain's ominous presence lingered like a shroud, a constant reminder of the danger that surrounded him. Using his sixth sense, he tries to locate the one he is searching for.
"KIO!" A.R.C. yelled out. The boy's body responded automatically, twisting around as he summoned a sword breaker and a double edge short sword into his hands. The metallic clash of chains filled the air as he deflected the incoming chains from all directions. The sound of clapping resonated through the hall, its echoes bouncing off the stone walls, creating an eerie symphony. Kio broke into a cold sweat, his attention immediately drawn to the source of the sound. Before him, multiple chains burst forth from the ground like serpents, their metallic links writhing and weaving in a symmetrical dance.
In a surreal display, the chains seemed to take on a life of their own, circulating around themselves in intricate patterns. The very air seemed to vibrate with their energy, creating an otherworldly aura that sent shivers down Kio's spine. As he watched, his heightened senses alerted, a feeling of foreboding settled over him. From the midst of the chains, a figure emerged—a figure that was all too familiar. Agravain stood there, his face etched a look of distain , a wicked puppeteer controlling the very chains that encircled him.
But he was not alone. As the chains continued their movement, more figures emerged from their midst. Black knights, clad in armor as dark as the night, materialized one by one. Their presence was menacing, their eyes cold and devoid of emotion. The boy feels the tension in the air, the intense aura of danger that surrounded them. The chains and the black knights were an extension of Agravain's power, a manifestation of his will.
The situation had taken a dire turn, and Kio's heart pounded in his chest. He knew that he was facing a murderous enemy—one who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Without a word, the man signaled his pawns to attack. The black knights moved with calculated precision, their movements synchronized and efficient. They advanced on Kio with deadly intent, their weapons poised to strike. The clinking of their armor filled the air, a haunting symphony that echoed through the hall. Kio's grip tightened on his swords as he braced himself for the onslaught. He could feel the presence of each black knight, their individual energies distinct yet melding into a unified force. His heightened senses worked in overdrive as he assessed the situation, calculating his moves with split-second precision.
As the first knight lunged forward, Kio reacted with lightning speed. His blades clashed against the knight's sword, steel ringing against steel. He parried the attack and swiftly countered with a well-aimed strike, his movements fluid and graceful. The clash of weapons reverberated through the air, a testament to the intensity of their battle.
But there were more adversaries to contend with. Kio's senses were kick into overdrive, allowing him to anticipate the movements of the other black knights. He ducked, weaved, and sidestepped their attacks, each motion executed with an unyielding drive. His blades became an extension of himself, a lethal instrument that met every threat head-on.
The next black knight lunged forward, with a massive double-headed battle-axe. The blade glinted ominously in the dim light of the hall as it swung down with a resounding force. The boy's instincts kicked in, and he sidestepped the strike just in time, feeling the rush of air as the axe narrowly missed him. With a swift movement, he parried the knight's follow-up swing, their weapons clashing in a shower of sparks.
To his left, another black knight wielded a pair of slender, curved scimitars. With their deadly elegance contrasted with the brute force of the battle-axe, and the knight moved with an agile grace that belied their armored form. Their attacks came in rapid succession, a flurry of slashes that forced Kio to focus on both defense and evasion. He deflected their strikes with precision, his sword forming a defensive barrier against the onslaught of blades.
A fourth black knight advanced with a long polearm, its bladed tip gleaming dangerously. The polearm's reach gave the knight an advantage, and they utilized it to keep Kio at bay, forcing him to maintain a distance. With each sweeping strike, the polearm's blade cut through the air like a deadly sweep, and Kio had to use his agility to dodge and weave, all while seeking an opening to counterattack.
Meanwhile, a fifth black knight brandished a pair of heavy maces, their spiked heads poised to deliver crushing blows. The knight's movements were deliberate, each strike calculated to exploit openings in Kio's defense. The maces swung with a deceptive speed, forcing Kio to remain vigilant as he parried and deflected the attacks, his muscles straining against the force of impact.
The final black knight held a slender rapier, a weapon of finesse and precision. Unlike the brute strength of the others, this knight relied on agility and quick, precise strikes. Their rapier danced through the air with calculated elegance, probing for weaknesses in Kio's defenses. He met their strikes with calculated precision, his swordplay a delicate balance between offense and defense.
"You don't need to hold back. They are NPC's, puppets, extensions of Agravain's power. Burst thru KIO." A.R.C. yelled. "On it, I was just building up energy and waiting for the right moment" The knights surrounded Kio on all sides, rushing into strike together. Kio released the two short swords and summoned a two-handed great sword, that resembles a dragon's wing, in its place.
With a swift, a fluent motion, the blade glowed as he swung it a full three hundred and sixty degrees with full force.
The blade radiated power as he swung it, a brilliant arc of energy trailing in its wake. With a mighty force, he cleaved through the ranks of the black knights, his blade cutting through their forms as if they were mere illusions. The clash was a whirlwind of steel, Kio's every strike a testament to his growth as a warrior. The black knights fell one by one, their forms dissipating into shadows as the power that bound them was shattered. The hall echoed with the clash of his blade and the fading remnants of the black knights' existence.
However, amidst the chaos of battle, Agravain's malevolent intent remained. In a sudden twist, the knight lunged forward, his grip like a vise as he seized the back of Kio's head. The force was crushing, and Kio's head was slammed into the floor with a sickening impact. Pain radiated through his skull as Agravain's relentless assault continued. He started by placing his foot on the boy's head and started stomping with full force. Each stomp felt like a hammer blow, smashing his head into the ground, leaving an indent in the stone.
A.R.C's voice resounded not only within Kio's mind but also in the ears of Agravain. Her words carried an earnest plea, a plea for mercy and reason amidst the chaos. "Agravain, STOP, this has gone too far. You're KILLING him, stop this madness." Argavain reached out his hand and grabbed the small fairy.
"Madness? No, this is retribution. A fitting end for a wretch like him, for the one who brought about our king's suffering," Agravain roared, his voice laced with malice. Kio's voice trembled with both pain and confusion. Struggling to gather his thoughts amidst the relentless assault on his senses, he managed to force the words out, his voice weak and strained. "What... What are you talking about?"
Agravain tossed A.R.C to the wall, he bent down and lifted Kio by his neck. Blood coming out of the boy's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth "You really don't remember, you little shit! Then let me tell you of your sin. YOU KILLED ARTORIA PENDRAGON, OUR KING!" A display screen appears in his mind.
- SYNCHRONIZATION: 25%-
Images flashed in his mind, fragmented recollections of moments he couldn't fully grasp. Artoria's smile, training, the time spent together, and a black arrow piercing her chest —all shown by the revelation that Agravain had just delivered. "No..." Kio managed to choke out, his voice barely audible. "I can't... It can't be true. You're lying."
Agravain's grip tightened around Kio's neck, his fingers digging into the boy's flesh. His resentment was cold and merciless, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within Kio's heart. "Oh, but it is true," Agravain scoffed. "You may have forgotten, or perhaps you've chosen to bury the past, but I have seen it all. The betrayal, the downfall, the agony of our king as she fell into eternal slumber because of you.
Kio became unresponsive, his body limp and battered, hanging from Agravain's grip. "Pathetic" he said as he releases his hold, with a devastating kick, the boy was sent into a wall, then ricochets into the ceiling, to the other wall, and to the floor. Kio soared midair before the next impact; a figure moved with astonishing speed. A Strong arms reached out, catching Kio's battered body before it could collide with the unforgiving surface. The impact of the catch was gentle, though still forceful, as Kio was cradled against a broad chest.
"Lady Barghest!" the fairy cried as she flew to them, tears dripping from her face.
A giant woman clad in armor stands firm, holding the boy in her arms, looking at him with much concern. Then she sets her sights on the knight that caused his pain. Anger exploded in her eyes, "I was sent by Her Majesty to investigate the commotion inside the castle, and what do I find? You, Sir Agravain, attacking Kio with the intent to kill. HAVE YOU LOST YOUR GODDAMN MIND!?"
"Black Dog! If you are here, then that means she is not far behind," Agravain's voice dripped with scorn as he addressed the giant armored woman. His words were laced with a mixture of disdain and unease, a recognition of the formidable opponent he is facing.
However, his proclamation was soon followed by a sudden surge of magical energy, a brilliant flash of blue light that enveloped the area. In the wake of the magical display, two figures materialized, their presence commanding attention. Two women emerged from the arcane radiance, their forms exuding an air of power and nobility. They stood as a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded moments ago. One of the women bore a regal aura, her posture and demeanor radiate authority. The other carries a chaotic personality yet keeping herself serene with imperial energy.
Agravain's eyes blazed with anger and frustration as he caught sight of Morgan Le Fay. "Morgan!" he spat, his voice laced with malice.
Without wasting a moment, Morgan issued her orders, her voice carrying an undeniable authority. "Barghest, leave Kio to me. Deal with Agravain," she commanded, her words leaving no room for dispute. Barghest nodded in solemn agreement, her gaze locking onto Agravain with an intensity that promised a fierce confrontation. The knight captain drew his sword and summoned more pawns, preparing for the battle. The giantess drew her sword and rushed at them, the sound of swords and chains flickered though the hall.
As Barghest engaged in battle, Morgan turned her focus to the injured young man before her. Kio's body lay broken and battered, his breathing shallow and labored. Morgan cradled Kio in her lap, her expression softening as she gazed down at his bruised and broken body. With a tender yet resolute expression, offering him a moment of respite amidst the turmoil. Her heart filled with concern and determination.
"Kio," Morgan's voice was a soothing melody, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and affectionate instinct. "You've endured much, my dear husband." She turned to A.R.C, the fairy who had been by Kio's side. "A.R.C, do you have any healing potions left?"
A.R.C nodded, producing a vial of healing potion with a sense of urgency. Morgan accepted it with a nod of gratitude. She attempted to feed the potion to Kio, but the extent of his injuries made it impossible for him to swallow. In a swift decision, Morgan took the potion into her own mouth, her lips curving into a determined yet gentle smile.
Leaning down, she pressed her lips to Kio's, transferring the healing potion with great care. She whispered soothing words to him, her touch a comforting embrace amidst the chaos. The magic of the potion began to weave its healing energy through Kio's body, alleviating his pain and restoring some semblance of vitality.
"Mother!, what are you doing? Sullying you lips with this boy. It's vile." the young red-haired girl said to the sorceress. "Baobhan Sith, calm down," Morgan replied, a playful glint in her eyes. "I am just administering first aid. My, my, are you perhaps jealous, my sweet daughter?" The princess sputtered in response, her cheeks flushing crimson. She vehemently denied her mother's teasing accusation, though the unease and jealousy that had flared within her were difficult to ignore.
Meanwhile, the sounds of battle had reached an end, signaling Barghest's decisive victory over Agravain and his puppets. The knight, defeated and on his knees, was a shattered and broken figure. Barghest raised her sword, poised for the final strike that would end it all. However, in a dramatic turn of events, her sword halted in its descent. King Arthur, standing resolute between them, had intervened. His commanding presence silenced the chaos, and his words held the weight of authority. "Stand down, Lady Barghest. It's over."
In the aftermath of the battle, as the dust settled and the echoes of conflict faded, the focus shifted to Kio. His battered form remained in Morgan's lap, the healing potion gradually taking effect. The pain began to recede, and consciousness beckoned him back to the world. "Oh, my head." he said groaning in pain. "Well, good morning, Kio. Enjoyed your nap? You've caused quite a commotion, my boy." said the man in white robes.
"Oh god, why does the first person I speak to after waking up with a massive headache has to be you, Merlin?" the boy said. "Don't be like that, you'll make big brother cry. Since when did you become a delinquent." the mage retorts.
"Where is everyone?" he asked. "They are gathered by her side. Come, time is of the essence" Merlin said enigmatically.
Kio followed Merlin through the hidden passages of Camelot, his mind a full of questions. The secret location Merlin led him to was a chamber shrouded in an aura of profound reverence. At its center lay Artoria Pendragon, the once and future king, encased in an ethereal slumber. The Knights of the Round Table and the Fae Knights, in their resplendent armor, stand-by watchful and solemn around her. Shiro Emiya, stood closest to her, alongside Morgan, face full of concern.
"W… what is this? Agravain said that she was dead." He spoke. "To some this is true death, but she is in a coma. Five years she has been like this. Agravain spoke half-truth, my young friend," the mage replied, his voice low and filled with gravitas.
Kio's thoughts raced as he tried to process the enormity of the situation. "Five years... What happened?
"Kio," Merlin began, his voice carrying the weight of ages, "There are truths that have remained hidden from you, buried deep within the recesses of your mind. It was a new and terrifying experience. Chaos possessed you, but it was not of your own making. You must remember, and you must understand that it was never your fault." everyone nodded in agreement.
Kio's brows furrowed as he tried to make sense of Merlin's cryptic words. Flashes of memories, fragmented, flickering in his mind. An old man, a sense of foreboding, and a gift—a burden that had turned him into a monster. "I... I remember," he said, his voice trembling with the weight of revelation. "An old man... He gave me something, something that changed me."
"Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, that sly old fox." Morgan said with a hint of distain. Kio walked up to the sleeping king; he placed his hand upon her cheek and tears started to fall from his face. "It may not have been my fault, but it was my hands that committed this sin. Her light still shines and the day you wake up, I'll make up the five years we missed." Kio kneeled and spoke "I promise you and to everyone present here that I will not let that thing control me every again." Everyone smiled at how much this child has grown, he accomplished something that which a few rare individuals could achieve. As they leave the silent chamber, a twitch of the slumbering king's finger goes unnoticed, a miracle ye to be realized
As the weight of his words hung in the air, the scene shifted to a more lighthearted atmosphere—a going-away party for Kio. Shiro and the others worked their skills and a bit of magic, making an assortment of foods and alcohol that they can enjoy, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone gathered to bid Kio farewell. It was a moment of unity, a testament to the bonds that had formed amidst trials and challenges.
Kio was surrounded buy all his teachers and friends, cheering him on, some with tears in their eyes, others blessing him and giving advice to survive. A small girl with purple hair and two horns protruding from her forehead "My my, that little boy I used to tease is all grown up," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. She poured a cup of alcohol and handed it to him. "Have a drink with me. I have been aging this for a while." "Thank you, Shuten." Kio chugged the drink and in a momentary bliss, he stood calling everyone's attention.
"To all my teachers, my friends, and my comrades, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. I wouldn't be the person I am today without your guidance and support. As I embark on this new journey, I carry your wisdom with me and carry you all in my heart. I promise to make you proud. Cheers!" With the cheers of his friends and mentors still ringing in his ears, Kio stepped forward, ready to embark on the next chapter of his journey. Leonardo, opened a shimmering portal before him. Its swirling energies held the promise of new adventures, challenges, and discoveries.
Kio turned back at his friends, a bittersweet smile on his face. "Until we meet again," he yell out, his voice filled with determination.
Without hesitation, he stepped through the portal, leaving behind the Throne of Heroes. Ahead lay the unknown, and Kio was ready to face it with courage and the lessons he had learned.
*CHAPTER END*