Elias Leywin POV
"...It is not power that defines a mage," Director Goodsky's voice echoed through the air, "But what they choose to protect with it."
I stood at the edge of the courtyard, leaning against a cool stone wall, half in shadow. The crowd of students was gathered ahead of me in a wide circle, facing a shimmering projection of the Director, her image towering above the square like a statue of light and grace. Her white robes shimmered, impossibly pristine even in illusion.
The Director's voice rolled on like wind over still water. I watched her illusion move gracefully and deliberately, every gesture flowing into the next like she was casting a spell with her words.
"Here at Xyrus Academy, we do not demand greatness. We nurture it, we allow for your curiosity to flow. We value the failures you may face, rewarding the growth each and every one of you may achieve."
I didn't even realise I was holding my breath until I let it out in a quiet huff.
It didn't matter that I wasn't part of the ceremony due to 'Not officially being a student'. I wanted to hear this. No, I rather needed to listen to my master.
The projection of the Director extended a hand, and a soft ripple of gold light unfurled above the heads of the students like the petals of a glowing flower.
"This academy is not a stage for performance," she said. "It is a forge. You will be tested, and you will be refined." She started earnestly, raising her fist.
"And if you let yourself be changed, you will emerge stronger than you were before."
Slowly, a shimmer spread across the open sky above, forming a great circular seal traced with symbols I couldn't quite read. The glyphs pulsed gently, like a heartbeat manifested in light.
One by one, tiny motes of golden mana sparked to life within it. They shot up slowly, one by one, into the vast blue above us, each one detonating into an array of colours as they floated up the morning sky.
"You are here because someone believed in your potential, and now, it is your turn to believe in yourself." She encouraged, her voice booming with the kind of wisdom one gets from a lifetime of challenges.
"I will not lie to you," she delivered. "This journey will be hard. There will be days when you question whether you belong. That is normal."
She paused, and in the stillness, even the wind seemed to hush.
"But you do belong. Not because of your birth, nor your background. But because you are here. Because you are willing to learn. That is all the proof you need."
With that, she lowered her hands, and the light around her began to dim.
Her illusion started to unravel, first from the feet, then rising like smoke. Her final words echoed as her image faded into the breeze.
"Welcome to Xyrus Academy. May your first step be one of many towards your future."
A quiet applause started, then swelled across the courtyard, growing louder as the students rose to their feet.
'Fairplay master, that's one way to inspire a crowd.' I think to myself with a nod, turning to leave.
Not looking where I'm going, I walk into a large creature.
A deep, startled grunt left the beast, followed by a sudden fwomp as a heavy paw planted itself to keep balance. I stumbled back instinctively, blinking up at a wall of shaggy fur.
The creature before me was massive, at least twice as tall as me. Deep, intelligent amber eyes regarded me from beneath a heavy brow, and his sleek body rippled with restrained power. Four massive paws, each tipped with curved claws, stood planted firmly on the stone.
"Grawder, easy!" came a familiar voice, and a boy jogged up beside the creature, holding out a hand to calm him.
I blinked as the beast gave a low, echoing harrumph, then slowly sank back onto his haunches, still watching me with those golden eyes.
"Sorry about that," the boy said, giving me an apologetic grin. "He gets curious."
I stared at him, then back at the lion. "I think I just walked into a mountain."
The boy chuckled. "Grawder does tend to have that effect. You're okay, though, right?"
"Yeah. Just... surprised."
He studied me for a second, squinting. "Wait... You're my sister's friend, right?"
I nodded slowly. "Elias Leywin."
He bends down slightly, offering a hand. "Grawder's not usually that nosy, but I guess you caught his attention."
Grawder gave a low rumble, as if a distant thunderstorm was approaching. I hesitantly reached out, and he lowered his enormous head enough for me to touch the warm fur along his cheek. His breath brushed over my hand like a gust of wind from a canyon.
"He's incredible," I murmured.
Curtis puffed out his chest a little. "Isn't he? He is a World Lion" Grawder blinked slowly, as if agreeing with his master.
Curtis turned back to me. "Are you doing anything right now? There are a bunch of stalls and exhibitions set up for the new term, games, food, and magic stuff. Want to walk around?"
I hesitated for a moment. I wasn't technically a student, and I didn't want to intrude. But I wasn't eager to stand alone, either.
I nodded. "Sure."
"Awesome. This way."
We started walking down one of the wide marble paths that branched off from the main courtyard, flanked on either side by students and stalls. The air buzzed with excitement, young mages demonstrating spells, vendors hawking enchanted wares, instructors chatting beneath floating banners. Grawder was tagging along next to us, his sheer presence parting crowds with respectful distance and the fear of the unknown.
"So Prince Curtis wh-"
"Just Curtis Elias", the redhead interrupted, looking over his shoulder at me.
I nod slightly "Why did you want me to come along with you... Curtis?"
He spins around and walks backwards "My Sister seems to be a pretty big fan of you and wouldn't stop talking about you at dinner."
I probably shouldn't have been told that...
"Father also spoke highly of you, so I thought I'd see you out myself, see what all the fuss was about," he declared, being brutally honest with me as he faced forward again, running a hand down the Lion to his left.
We walked a few more paces before I spoke up. "And what do you think of me?"
He turned back around, hands folded behind his head as he whistled casually. "So far, you've passed the 'didn't scream when Grawder looked at you' test."
I blinked. "Is that a common problem?"
"You'd be surprised," He grinned at me.
We passed a stall where two third-year students were showing off synchronised flame spells, fireballs spinning in orbit between them like juggling pins. A cluster of first-years watched in awe, gasping every time the fire shifted colour or burst into sparks.
I watched the lights before I looked at the teenager. "Hey... can I ask you something?"
He glanced over at me, raising a brow. "Go ahead."
I kept my eyes ahead. "What exactly is a Lance?"
The older boy stops in his tracks as he squints his eyes. "What...? How do you even know about the Lances?" he questioned, whispering just barely audibly over the crowds.
"When I visited your sister the other week, a white-haired woman introduced herself as a Lance", I explained, holding my chin.
"So you met Varay, huh?"
I nodded slightly "Would it be anyone else?" I questioned, half asking, half answering his question.
"Well, there is Bairon..." he said as he leaned against his now sitting bond.
I frowned. "Another Lance?"
"Yup, Bairon Wykes", he said proudly, then continued with his explanation.
"He's a Lightning Deviant specialist and far less subtle than Varay, more zap-first-ask-later. He's been training me since I awakened."
"For real?" I blinked. "Is that normal?"
"Not really," Curtis admitted. "But Father insisted since we're both Augmenters with a base fire attribute, and Bairon owed him a favour. At least, that's what they tell me, but I think Father is forcing him to, I'm pretty sure Bairon doesn't mind as he has someone to fry."
'You probably shouldn't be telling me that' I thought to myself as I imagined Curtis getting zapped by lightning.
"That sounds... painful."
"It is. But also kind of thrilling, once you get used to it." He grinned, then raised a brow.
Or that...
"Are you even allowed to tell me stuff like that?" I asked with concern that seems far more inline for someone the age of the prince before me.
"Well, Elenoir and Darv also have their own Lances, so it's more of an open secret." He says, thinking intently for once.
"You're like my sister's boyfriend, so I'm sure it's fine", he added, betraying his previous appearance.
What a- What a... What a stupid...Uhhhhhh
"I see, b-but I'm not-" I stammered, slightly red-faced at the thought.
He interrupts me, "Most of the Kingdom's Nobility also know, since that's where the lances are typically chosen from," He continued with his explanation.
"I see..." I murmured, my embarrassment leaving me barely able to speak up further.
"Elias, is everything okay? You've gone red." He asks with genuine concern.
"Yup, A-okay", I reassured, showing my teeth in a false grin.
"You're training under the Director, right?"
I nodded slowly. "Something like that..."
Curtis let out a thoughtful hum. "Makes sense. Goodsky's a Conjurer through and through. A true Master of control and mental clarity. She's picky about who she trains, though. So either you begged really well..." He grinned, "Or she saw something special."
I shrugged, trying to downplay the knot forming in my stomach. "I think she just didn't want me destroying anything by accident," I said, leaving the existence of my brother out, and the role he played in my's being the director's disciple
He snorted. "That's a valid concern, to be fair."
We stopped near a booth where enchanted ribbons floated through the air, weaving together into intricate designs whenever someone cast a spell beneath them. A student tried to summon a gust of wind, only for the ribbons to explode into a chaotic tangle that knocked his hat off. Grawder let out a snort that might have been laughter.
"I've heard she hasn't trained anyone in decades," Curtis continued, watching the ribbons fall. "So if she's helping you, that's a big deal. You must've done something to impress her."
"I see... Thank you, Curtis," I said, looking up at the Prince with a slight smile.
"For what?"
"Nothing. Don't worry that royal head of yours"
'I think I've grown quite fond of yo-'
I felt a firm hand smack against my back as a snout pushed against my behind, lifting me upwards, landing me square on the world Lion's back as Curtis walked to the side and looked at me.
"Lias, enough dilly-dallying, the stalls await us!"
He declared, pointing into the distance.
Shirou E. Pendragon POV
I found myself walking through the Castle's walkway as I so often have since my son was...
I shook my head, dismissing that thought away.
A heavy exhale left me as I leaned over the stone, looking on at the city that has grown over the last few years.
It's incredible that something like this was able to grow in a place like this...
"Shirou", a voice called from my left.
I turn to look at the one-armed man clad in silver, his straw-like silver hair tied up at the back of his head.
"Bedivere, what brings you here?" I asked my friend as he drew near.
He leaned against the stone and watches the shifting clouds, "Nothing really, my Queen"
E/N: I'm never gonna get used to this.
I let out a slight grumble as he continued.
"Avalon is far too peaceful for the need of a Knight like myself to do anything", he himself let out a sigh.
"I get that, as much as I love helping Artoria with the reforms that allowed for this city to grow, I must admit that I do grow bored in its tranquillity", I chatted, smiling at my friend.
He returned my smile with one of his own, though there was a tinge of restlessness behind his eyes.
"I've always respected your resolve," he said after a moment. "Few could take up arms in one life and a quill in the next."
I chuckled softly. "Don't give me too much credit. I've made my fair share of mistakes with both."
He nodded, eyes scanning the slowly setting sun on the horizon. "You've done well here. The people live without fear. Children laugh in the streets. Merchants haggle, and no blade has been drawn in anger for years."
"And yet," I said, looking sideways at him, "Here we are. Two swordsmen, lamenting peace."
Bedivere laughed, and the sound echoed lightly across the stone corridors. "Maybe we're fools, then."
"Maybe we are," I agreed.
There was a pause as a breeze ran past us, rustling the crimson and gold banners that hung along the inner courtyard. The city beyond still bustled quietly, people finishing their day's work under the golden glow of Avalon's perpetual twilight.
Then, Bedivere turned to me, the familiar steel in his voice. "How about a duel, then?"
I blinked, caught off guard by the suddenness of it.
"A duel?" I question letting it hang in the air
"We don't hav-"
"Alright. But if I win, you're helping me with the irrigation plans Artoria wants finished by next week." I suggested, wagging a finger at the man.
His smirk faltered slightly. "You're truly merciless, My Queen." He jokes as he pushes off the stone of the rampart.
I laughed and pushed off myself, stretching my arms as we made our way down the walkway and into the courtyard. Several knights milling about turned their heads as we passed, recognising both of us.
We reached the training grounds, worn from years of drills and sparring. I stepped across the sand, feeling the familiar crunch beneath my boots.
Bedivere pulled his training blade from the rack nearby, an elegant but blunt replica of his original. I, however, didn't need to draw mine.
"Trace, On." I called out my aria, barely audible to anyone bar myself.
With a shimmer of light, Kanshou appeared in my grip. With a second breath, Bakuya followed into my other hand.
Bedivere raised a brow. "Dual wielding today?"
"I'm feeling nostalgic."
He laughed again, stepping into stance.
"Honestly, I leave for a month and the two of you are already trying to break each other's ribs."
Both of us froze as a new voice rang through the courtyard, smooth and laced with exasperated amusement. Bedivere turned slightly, relaxing his posture. I dispelled my blades with a flicker of light and turned to face the newcomer.
Merlin, robed in white and lavender, leaned against the stone archway with his usual grin tugging at his lips. His staff was slung lazily over one shoulder, and his long white hair was tied in a loose tail behind him.
"Merlin," I said. "Back already?"
He strode toward us, boots making no sound on the worn stone. "You sound disappointed. Were you hoping I'd gotten lost in the forests?"
"I'd say yes, but I doubt even the wildest beasts would want to deal with you," I replied dryly.
Bedivere chuckled behind me, and Merlin clasped his hands behind his back, mock-offended. "You wound me, Shirou."
"What brings you here?" I asked, wiping a sheen of dust from my sleeves.
He gave a slight shrug. "Actually, I have something to discuss with both you and Artoria."
That gave me pause. "You do?"
He nodded, all teasing gone from his expression . "It seems like something of importance has come up."
I glanced at Bedivere, who gave a small nod. "We'll pick this up later," he said, placing the training blade back onto the rack.
"Looking forward to it," I replied with a grin before turning back to the unageing mage.
As we walked through the castle corridors, a quiet stillness hung between us. It wasn't uncomfortable; Merlin was perfectly content with silence when it suited him, but something in his gaze was more serious than usual.
"You said she's in the garden?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"Mhm," he hummed in conformation. "The western one."
"She always liked that spot."
Merlin gave a knowing hum. "The apple trees remind her of home. Or perhaps they remind her of the dream she once chased. The one you helped achieve."
I stayed quiet until we reached the garden, and spotted her immediately. She stood beneath the largest apple tree, dressed in a pale blue gown, her golden hair glimmering like a flame in the fading light.
She turned as I approached, and her smile, soft and radiant, was enough to stop my breathe for a moment.
"Shirou," she said, voice gentle.
I stepped toward her, suddenly aware of how long it had been since we had just... spoken without schedules, reports, or ceremonies looming over us.
She took my hand as I drew closer, she stared up at me, a smile arcing on her lips.
A cough took us out of our own world as we turn to look at the giggling arch-mage.
Merlin stood just a few paces behind us, one hand covering his mouth in a poor attempt to stifle his laughter, the other casually resting on his staff.
"Apologies," he chirped, voice thick with mischief, "I simply didn't want to interrupt such a tender reunion. But if I'd waited much longer, I feared I'd be standing here until the next equinox."
Artoria gave him that look that promised pain, "Merlin," she said calmly, "if you brought us both here for your usual riddles, I'll have you mucking stables for the next month."
"A fate worse than death," he said with mock horror. "But no. This is a matter even I dare not trifle with."
That brought my attention back in full. I stepped forward, still holding Artoria's hand. "You said something important came up. What is it?"
Merlin's smile faded. He looked at us for a long moment, as if weighing the gravity of his words.
"It's about your son," he said at last.
The world seemed to narrow around us.
Artoria froze. Her hand stiffened in mine, my own breath catching as I heard the mention of.... My Son.
A slight smile formed on my lips upon his mention.
Merlin continued, more quietly now. "You remember what I said after... after we cast the spell."
"I do it was the worst moment of my life" My beloved states her grip tightening around my own hand.
"Well, I might've, potentially, could have, or rather did send my Sister along with him..."
"WHAT!?!"
"You've got a Sister?"
My wife and I questioned in two very different ways.
"Are you saying I could've gone with my son?" she barked at the half-incubus, in her eyes a glare that promised a fate worst than death for the man.
"We could've raised him..."I pull her close, hugging her tight as she sobded into my shoulder.
Merlin gave us a few minutes until Artoria calmed down before continuing, "My sister isn't with the boy, she's just in a segment of Avalon where she is able to peer in on him..." he explains, slightly disheartened by his former student's expression.
My wife and I look at him with confusion as he continues.
"...Her name is Nimue," Merlin stated at last, his tone softening. "I didn't tell you because... well, honestly, I didn't think it would matter. I never imagined either of them would make meaningful contact again, not in this lifetime at least."
Artoria lifted her head from my shoulder slowly, eyes red-rimmed but clear, her voice sharpened by a quiet fury that would make even Primate Murder tremble in fear. "And you decided that for us."
Merlin flinched, a rare crack in his ageless mask. "Yes, I did. And I've lived with that decision every day since."
I placed a hand on Artoria's back, grounding both of us as I turned my gaze on him. "So why tell us now? What's changed?"
Merlin drew in a breath and turned to the tree, running a hand along its bark as if it would steady him. "Because Nimue reached out to me. She's been watching the boy for some time now, your boy. Our lost prince, if we're being poetic."
"Get to your point, Merlin", I growled, growing frustrated at the court mage's riddles.
"She made contact with him", he said, smiling warmly.
WC – 3460
Thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed it. 😊
All Criticism and feedback are welcome. Any suggestions for the story or plot are also more than welcome.
Fixed the formatting, 16 is currently being edited as we speak.
Special Thanks to @LancelotDragonroad for editing this Chapter.
If we're all still alive, the next chapter will be released on Wednesday.
Rius out.