Warning! This volume will cover the entire Fate Stay Night UBW event.
Obviously, this volume will contain heavy spoilers about the events of the Penacony arc of the main story. (Which may likely end up being the final arc of this story.)
If you don't like spoilers, I highly recommend against reading this volume to avoid spoiling your experience.
However, if you're like me and don't care much for spoilers, then I hope you enjoy reading this simple story of mine.
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Narrator's perspective...
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As the echoes of the Charmony Festival begin to dissipate and the ritual of the union and unbinding of Azathoth disappears into the void of the infinite cosmos, Order and Stability return, repairing the damage Azathoth caused to reality.
The barrier that separated the worlds of Ritsuka Fujimaru and Kiana Kaslana returns to normal, preventing any unexpected anomalies from happening again.
However, even with everything returning to its former state, certain "scars" Azathoth caused cannot be healed.
These scars are the eternal bond that Ritsuka Fujimaru and Azathoth share as entity and vessel.
"Hehe... hehehe... Hahahahaha~"
Azathoth laughs softly as she hugs her vessel, which has a large blade pierced through its chest. However, the entity doesn't seem bothered by the wound, much less angry.
Her laughter, to a normal person, might sound like an angelic melody that can eliminate any pain or suffering the person may be feeling. However, to those more familiar with these beings than they understand, this melodic laughter is something wrong, affecting reality itself.
"Return to your eternal sleep, Azathoth. In the abyss of oblivion."
Ritsuka's cold, empty words echo in the vacuum of space, but Azathoth still shows no hostility toward the man. On the contrary, she looks at Ritsuka, who has pierced her chest, with the gaze of a soul longing for its other half.
"No matter how many times you reject me, our eternal bond will never be broken. You can kill me, torture me, abuse me, ignore me, my love for you is unbreakable. Nothing will be able to separate us, not even the Aeons, Gaia, Alaya, Honkai, not even those damned women, Kiana and Mei, will be able to change that fact."
Azathoth extends her arms, cupping Ritsuka's face, and she uses them to push her body closer to his until their foreheads touch.
"I will always be by your side in your dreams, whispering in your ear, comforting you when no one else can, waiting for the inevitable day when you will return to my arms so that our dreams and nightmares intertwine in a chaotic union. I love you, My dear vessel, Ritsuka Fujimaru."
These are the last words Azathoth's shadow spoke after disappearing into the void along with the dream world it created.
After these great events, the world of Penacony returns to normal, and the members of the Astral Express complete their journey on this planet.
However, before the protagonists of this story continue their journey, a certain "War"—certainly organized as a result of Ritsuka Fujimaru's actions—is taking place in Penacony.
This is the tale of the Holy Grail War of dreams, which features a gathering of Heroic Spirits that Ritsuka Fujimaru meets.
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Penacony
The Radiant Feldspar
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Ritsuka entered the luxury airship after receiving a call from the singer he's close to, Robin.
"You've arrived, Ritsuka. It looks like you're dressed for the occasion. I admit you look quite good in a noble suit."
Robin begins to analyze the style of clothing Ritsuka is wearing now, a suit and black tie that is part of the Mystic Codes he possesses.
"Thank you. Being on this airship kind of requires me to be dressed well, plus this suit is comfortable for me."
Robin notices something about Ritsuka's suit and immediately approaches him, standing face to face, and begins to adjust Ritsuka's tie, which was a little loose.
Robin, a woman being opportunistic, decides to take a closer look at Ritsuka's face, which looks completely different.
"I have to admit. White hair really suits you. Including your golden right eye."
"Hmpf. Thanks for the compliment. Although I have to admit that this hairstyle distracts me sometimes. Sometimes I think about using a spell to change it back to my original color."
The moment Ritsuka made this suggestion, Robin got a cute, pouty expression, showing she was against the idea.
"I won't allow it. You're much more handsome like this. It gives you a unique air I don't want to forget."
"Hehe... Your wish is my command, Princess Robin. Now changing the subject. Why do you have the Holy Grail with you?"
After the two lovebirds finished their light flirting, they returned to the main reason for their meeting.
"Ah. That's why I called you here. This is a gift for you. Do you still remember the Holy Grail War we had in Penacony?"
"Kind of hard to forget something that's part of my world. I admit I didn't expect there would be a Holy Grail War here. Although I'm the one indirectly responsible for causing that possibility."
"Hehehe... Then I can consider you a veteran if a second Holy Grail War were to happen. However, every time I try to remember our adventure, some details get hazy. That so-called "Holy Grail" is such a bizarre curio."
"Old Oti gave me this "Holy Grail" as a token of gratitude for everyone who participated in the war. I wanted to display it on the Radiant Feldspar. He completely agreed, saying... "Hohohohoh! What better decoration for the Radiant Feldspar than a cup said to grant any wish? Talk about grandeur!"
Robin's imitation of Old Oti's response made Ritsuka laugh lightly.
"Mr. Screwllum was tasked with neutralizing the powers of the 'Holy Grail.' Now it's just an ordinary dream bubble, stripped of its wish-granting priorities."
"It's a good thing Screwllum did it. If he weren't tasked with dealing with this, I would have sent BB to keep the Grail. Even if it's only in the dream world, having an object of power like the Holy Grail can be dangerous."
Ritsuka's words sound like someone with plenty of experience with the Holy Grail and the wars that have occurred, which isn't surprising coming from a Master who has participated in several anomalies that had a Holy Grail as a battery or cause of the problem.
"I sometimes wonder. If the Grail could truly grant you a wish, what wish would you make?
Robin's curious question catches Ritsuka off guard, and he smiles slightly as if he's been asked the same thing before.
"My wish? I don't have a wish for the Holy Grail, Robin."
💭Even if I had the Grail, I wouldn't be able to grant it, especially not with this cheap copy of Old Oti's. Although I have to admit, this war was really good for me, after all... I was able to reconnect with old friends.
Looking at the Holy Grail, Ritsuka begins to reminisce about what happened in the Holy Grail War in Penacony with a nostalgic smile.
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Penacony
The day of the announcement of the Holy Grail War of dreams
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Old Oti, who in this Holy Grail War can be considered the administrator of the War, a position normally held by members of the Catholic Church.
As the administrator and person in charge of this war, he sent out invitations to participate to everyone he considers to be excellent competitors, including the group he dislikes: the IPC.
The competitors in this Holy Grail War who are masters are Stelle, Robin, Aventurine, Boothill, Pom-Pom, March 7th, and Ritsuka Fujimaru.
Although Ritsuka's situation is very special, as he is both a Heroic Spirit and a Master at the same time, he ends up managing both the competitor and Servant categories.
"Arghh!! Why? Why did I accept this invitation?! It's my curiosity for adventure!"
The person groaning in agony and rage and kicking their legs on the bed like a child is March 7th, one of the Masters of this Holy Grail War.
In her room sits Ritsuka Fujimaru, dressed in white armor with blue details and a cape bearing the Chaldean symbol. Next to him is a beautiful cross-shaped shield.
This new appearance, which gives him the air of a paladin knight, is the new class he's taking on due to the events of his first arrival in Penacony and the inevitable battle he had with Azathoth.
"You can't say it wasn't for lack of warning, March. But you ended up falling for Stelle's litany, and now you're a Master. Congratulations."
"Arghh! I know that! You don't have to rub it in my face anymore. Next time, I won't listen to Stelle's crazy ideas."
Ritsuka smiles at what March 7th said, knowing she's lying through her teeth, but he's listening to her anyway.
"Anyway. You can't run away from this War anymore, whether you want to or not. Lucky for you, you have me to help you out."
Ritsuka's words remind March 7th of his suggestion that she accepted Ritsuka as her Servant in this war—that's why she now has the Command Seals.
"Are you sure this isn't breaking the rules? After all, you're BB's master."
"March. One thing you have to keep in mind is that no one strictly follows the rules of the Holy Grail War. This is a fact that happens in my world, and I don't doubt it's happening in this war."
Considering Ritsuka's knowledge of the Holy Grail Wars that took place in his world, none of the candidates followed the rules. It's no wonder the extra class "Ruler" exists for this very reason, even though Ritsuka himself broke this very rule by summoning several Ruler-class servants.
"You're saying old Oti is breaking the rules? But isn't he the organizer of all this?"
"Since when do the rules say the organizer can't participate in the rules? The fact that he's responsible for creating this War gives him a huge advantage in manipulating those rules."
"Hmmm... You have a point there. So. What are we going to do? Do you have a plan?"
"Me? If I'm not mistaken, you're the Master and I'm your Servant. Aren't you in charge of coming up with the ideas?"
After hearing Ritsuka's provocation, March 7th throws her pillow at Ritsuka, who takes the harmless attack calmly.
"You idiot! If I'm asking, it's because I have no idea what to do. Besides, you're the strategist of our group, and you hold the title of "strongest Master" in your world."
"Hehehe. No need to get mad, Master. I was just joking a bit. Anyway, I suggest we look for allies to help us."
"Stelle is the obvious choice to help us, but she still hasn't summoned her servant just now, didn't she?"
"Yes. BB told me the war is already underway, so it's not ideal for her to be exposed without a Servant to protect her. Regardless of which Servant she summons, having someone else to help is always good."
"Hmmm... Right! Then as your Master, I order you, my powerful servant knight, to go and protect my ally, Stelle, until she can summon her servant!"
March 7th said this, striking a pose like a noble princess ordering her loyal knight around. The problem is that, in Ritsuka's eyes, March looks cute and pretty, since she's doing all this while still wearing her pajamas.
Deciding to humor her, Ritsuka decides to kneel before March 7th, one hand holding his large shield and the other holding her right hand, obviously imitating the lessons of chivalry he learned in Chaldea.
"As my dear lady commands. I swear, as your wandering Paladin, that I will ensure that Stelle is safe."
March 7th's face is a little red, already accustomed to Ritsuka's antics, but she is happy inside to see him participating in this little act show.
With these words, Ritsuka disappears from her room, entering spirit form to reach Stelle's location.
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Some time later...
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It wasn't difficult for Ritsuka to locate Stelle, after all, the announcement of her summoning had become quite public, as the entire process was being broadcast on television.
However, when he arrived at the scene, Stelle was unable to summon her Servant, and as a result, she was attacked by Skott.
"Huh? Skott? Why is he... Don't tell me he's the master of this war? You've got to be kidding me. Of all the people who could participate, it has to be a pathetic guy like him?"
Seeing that the person is someone as irrelevant and annoying as Skott, Ritsuka decides to let Stelle handle it alone. After all, Skott isn't someone who needs reinforcements.
However, since Skott is a master, that means his Servant is nearby, so Ritsuka decides to stay nearby, waiting for Skott's Servant to appear when he eventually gets cornered by Stelle.
After a easy fight, Skott tries to escape from Stelle, but she manages to corner him. However, to Ritsuka and Stelle's surprise, Skott's servant summons a group of enemies.
Because Skott is full of arrogance, he ends up revealing his servant's class, which is "Assassin."
"Hmmm... An Assassin who summons enemies using a film reel? That's certainly not something any Assassin I know can do. Although they seem quite weak, does Stelle really need help?"
Ritsuka decides to continue watching the fight, waiting for an opportunity to attack Skott's servant.
Eventually, Stelle manages to defeat the enemies the Assassin summoned, but more of them return with even greater numbers.
"Until I shout 'cut,' these extras will keep performing forever!"
A voice echoes in the area they're in, catching Ritsuka's attention, who overhears it.
"Bwahahahah!!! If I can't kill you, I can exhaust you!"
Skott, seeing that he's winning, becomes even more arrogant, assuming victory. Ritsuka lets out a sigh, already fed up with watching this amateur show.
But before he can go help, everyone hears a voice that's all too familiar to him.
"Unbelievable. Amateurs playing in a Holy Grail War? This isn't a future world, it's the end of the world."
"Huh?! That voice..."
Ritsuka, who was at a safe distance using the Assassin class ability to cancel presence, is temporarily paralyzed because he recognized the voice's owner.
"Who the hell are you?!"
Skott, on the other hand, is furious at having someone meddle in his plan.
"Watch and learn, rookie. In times like these, you should be doing... This!
At the same moment, a flash of scarlet light strikes Stelle's enemies, causing an explosion.
For the Masters present, it was too quick for them to notice, but for Ritsuka, he immediately recognizes the owner and guardian of this Noble Phantasm.
"That was... Gae Bolg. I have no doubt! Then it must be Cu chulainn. So you're here."
A huge feeling of happiness fills Ritsuka's heart, overjoyed to know that one of his servants is in this war.
However, the joy of seeing an old friend and comrade is short-lived when Ritsuka sees Lancer attacking Stelle, who is certainly not capable of facing a Heroic Spirit like him.
Ritsuka would immediately intervene, but another Heroic Spirit appears on the scene, saving Stelle just in time.
"What?! A wind sword... Wait! It can't be... Saber!"
"I ask you. Are you my Master?"
Artoria said, in Saber's form, looking at Stelle after saving her from Lancer's attack.
Seeing it was time to meet with his servants, Ritsuka decided to approach Artoria and Cu chulainn, who immediately sensed his presence.
"I expected a lot from this War, but I didn't expect to see you again, Saber, Lancer."
Artoria/Cu chulainn:Master?!
Seeing that the two Heroic Spirits recognized him immediately, Ritsuka was even happier to see that these were indeed his servants in Chaldea.
"It seems you are the versions that contain Chaldea's memories. Great. That makes things much easier. Lancer, since you are my friend and my servant in Chaldea, I will ignore the fact that you were about to kill my friend if Saber hadn't arrived. So, to avoid being jumped by two Servants, I recommend you to retreat."
Ritsuka says this with his arms crossed and a friendly smile. Lancer is briefly shocked to see Ritsuka, but he quickly smiles and puts away his spear.
"Tch. Okay, okay. I'm not in the least bit in the mood to fight without a plan, especially against you, Ritsuka. You're very lucky, girl, to have him as an ally."
With these words, Lancer retreats, entering spirit form. Ritsuka shifts his attention to Saber, who is looking at him with surprised and longing eyes.
"Ritsuka... Is it really you? That armor and your class..."
"Yes. It's really me, Saber. Now about my class... it's a long story, but the important thing is that you're here. I'm so happy to see you again."
"I feel the same... It's good to see you're doing well, Ritsuka..."
However, their loving atmosphere is prematurely ended by Stelle, who makes her presence known to both of them.
"I'm here to, you know?!"
Stelle said, jealous, and stood in front of Ritsuka, pulling his cheeks in retaliation for being completely ignored.
"Okay! Okay. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to."
Ritsuka grabbed Stelle's hands, making her stop pinching him, and pouted Stelle to face Saber, who was watching their interaction with a curious expression.
"Hehe. Saber, this is your Master, Stelle. Stelle, this is one of my Servants in Chaldea; her real name is Artoria Pendragon. The wielder of the legendary sword, Excalibur."
With this, the first phase of the Holy Grail War of dreams begins with a reunion of old friends and acquaintances.
To be continued...
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Ritsuka's lines with the Servants of the War...
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About Saber: Seeing Artoria enjoying her time in Penacony makes me very happy. Seeing her smiling more and being a woman instead of the "King of Camelot" is very good to. She deserves this moment of happiness, even if it's temporary.
About Archer: Hahaha! I had a plan to summon Archer here, but it seems Fate beat me to it. I'm glad I won't suffer alone anymore, carrying this curse I endured. If Archer sends you a message complaining about the "female attention" he'll surely receive eventually, please let me know. I want to record this moment before he decides to flee to the Throne of Heroes.
About Lancer: I think it's funny that Lancer's master is Boothill, but I have to admit the two are perfectly matched. The difference is that Lancer can't finish his battles, unlike Boothill, who doesn't have this problem. Another thing, I'm surprised he hasn't died yet.
Regarding Archer and Aventurine's relationship: Archer and Aventurine are two peas in a pod. The difference is what they do to achieve their goals and the circumstances that shaped them into the people they are now. But overall, I'm not surprised they get along so well. I just have one question: if Aventurine fails a high jump, will his luck be reduced and will he inherit my curse? Hmm... that's an interesting thought.
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Servants' Quotes about Ritsuka...
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Saber: I'm relieved to see Ritsuka smiling more often. After what happened in the second Ordeal Call, the sparkle in his eyes has darkened even more. Which is no surprise, after all, he lost something very precious to him that day. Anyway, as his servant and lover, I'm happy to see him recovering on this journey.
Archer: Ritsuka is a man with an annoying habit of keeping his bad feelings to himself, not wanting to worry us, but that's precisely what makes us worry even more. *Sigh*. As much as I want to scold him for continuing these bad habits, I'm happy to see him well and around friends like you.
Lancer: Ritsuka is one of those men who has the guts to face anything thrown at him. After all, he's the Master who commands over a hundred Heroic Spirits like me. It's no surprise he became a powerful Heroic Spirit. Heh. Talking about it makes me want to fight him again. Now that he's no longer a weak human, I can see him using his true potential! As a warrior, that makes my blood boil with excitement!