51- Sons of Devils
…..
Most of Irisviel's focus was on trying to keep Leysritt alive. "Bring me more blood bags."
"None of those is the right blood type." One of the men in a suit said before Maya grabbed him by his clothes.
"Don't waste time and do it!" There was no salute as the man raced to one of the coolers they had brought for the operation. All around them men laid hurt but not dying thanks to the efforts of many and EM's creation. Liz had no such luck. "How is she?"
"I have purged most of the curses but the damage has already been done." Irisviel worked with her hands to heal internally as externally her fellow homunculus was mostly fine. "Too many organs were damaged but some of those were to make her sick with fatal conditions. Kidney stones, liver failure, heart ready to explode, teared blood vessels, the whole shebang." One of the improvised nurses, because the real ones they brought were busy elsewhere, stopped with a cart full of blood bags. "Thank you."
"Is this really going to help her?" He was one of those in their organization who only knew the basics of the moonlit world.
Most of their organization was like that, foot soldiers who knew how to defend themselves but were unable to learn much else for either lack of skill or disposition. But working with them there were always magicians of many types to cover their weakness. It was a system that used one as the muscle and the other as a brain whenever necessary.
Even with operations like security it was common for pairs to work together but this one was rushing everywhere with supplies, selected by Maya to help with Liz in anything required.
"I am an alchemist." Irisviel and Maya separated the blood types quickly, the black haired woman prepared for a transfusion when she found the right one while the Emiya Matriarch opened a bag carefully to not spill it. She lifted Liz's head and began to pour it on her throat. "With the right materials, fixing organs is possible but mostly because blood is rich with mana." She didn't comment or even want to think about how it lost most of its property once frozen. Liz didn't need that and with great quantities even old blood would help.
More than once Irisviel hated her condition of a homunculus and that was one of those occasions. With her mana capacity she should be able to save Liz easily if not for the fact she also needed mana to function. Just giving it to the maid either wouldn't be enough as she also needed power for repairs.
Blood was the only thing she had on hand to use and was glad that Kuoh was turned into a fortress ready for a siege because that meant they had plenty. Not the most rich material and for a homunculus, it was a poor substitute from a direct transfusion from a magician of any kind, but the only one that Irisviel had on hand.
Guiding the blood Liz had already drank, the Matriarch felt it travel through her stomach and manipulated it to stop before reaching the acid. Had she not been an homunculus Leysritt would have already been dead with how much damage she had taken but Irisviel worked quickly on fixing the most grave spots she could until Maya finished.
And finished she did quickly, the Left Hand of the Magus Killer knew exactly where the right vein was and preparing a IV transfer was a habit for someone in her business.
When Irisviel noticed Maya was done her hands moved to the arm and she began to move the blood at her leisure to fix the blood vessels and then the other organs. Maya knew what needed to be done so she began to crush the blood bag to accelerate the process as Liz needed everything fixed as quickly as possible.
Usually things wouldn't be as smooth as they were on this occasion but once more Leysritt's existence as a homunculus came to her rescue as Irisviel was intimate with her body unlike anyone else.
She knew how things should be and so reversing the process was only a matter of skill. "Good thing her brain wasn't affected by the curses. Everybody would be sad if we had to restart her memory."
"At least she would be alive." Maya turned to one of her approaching subordinates who whispered something in her ear.
Only her experience with her husband and because Liz would die otherwise kept Irisviel working when her boundary field warned her of danger but not for her. Her connection with the boundary field allowed her a perception that came close to omniscience as it was possible for a magus to reach.
She wasn't aware of everything that was happening or every life lost but for the people she cared about it was like Irisviel had a third eye watching them constantly. It was for that reason she felt when Shirou began to step away from the school towards the White Dragon Emperor.
Quickly she closed her eyes for a moment to figure out why her son and the White Dragon Emperor were throwing hostile intent at each other. When she got the view of what was happening, when she heard the conversation, she knew there was going to be a fight and that was the message Maya just received.
The woman seemed to hesitate. "Shirou just picked a fight with the White Dragon Emperor." Irisviel spared the woman by stating the message bluntly.
"Did it already start?" Maya noticed how Irisviel still had her eyes closed and deduced she was keeping an eye on it.
"It is about to." She opened her eyes to focus completely on Liz. If the situation was a little different she would rush to get her son out of the line of fire.
Someone else had a similar idea. "I can get some of our men moving to give Shirou support." If the White Dragon Emperor was now an enemy Maya wanted him dead as soon as possible.
"They would just get in the way, unfortunately." Her words sounded cruel and some of their subordinates around heard but didn't challenge the statement.
Albion, sealed or not, was an adversary they doubted even their leader, the Magus Killer, could challenge. Especially if his host was already fully realized which reports stated Vali was.
Neither woman liked it but Irisviel looked more at peace with the idea of Shirou fighting than Maya was. "I will go there and-"
"Also get in the way?" Irisviel asked with a raised eyebrow. "Have a little faith, Maya."
"I have faith in plans and strategy and letting Shirou fight a fully realized Vanishing Dragon isn't one." She didn't want to admit she also would be sad if Shirou died and not only because Kiritsugu would.
Inside the infirmary everyone began to feel Vali powering up preparing for combat and only Irisiviel looked absolutely relaxed, or at least as much as she could while saving Liz's life, at the prospect of the Vanish Dragon fighting.
Maya found the notion odd since the opponent was her son. "Aren't you worried?" Usually she was the cold one.
But this time it was Irisviel who was controlled, no if anything she looked a little amused even if the emotion was buried under concentration and the effort of keeping Liz alive.
Few could notice it and Maya was on their number. "His opponent this time is the Vanishing Dragon. Even someone like me, with no magic talent, can feel his power."
"But Maya, you are forgetting something important." Despite still working on Liz, Iri looked relaxed, way more than she should considering everything. "He is also Kiri's son. I have no doubt that if Shirou is fighting the White Dragon Emperor then he has a plan to win."
…
"Ascalon!" The plan was simple both on paper and execution; strike first and strike fast.
A competition of speed to finish the fight early, that was all Shirou's opening move bowled to and unfortunately for him he lost as Vali moved his neck back just enough to dodge the blade as his hand moved to grab Shirou's arm.
With his feet firmly still on the ground the redhead managed to hop away and avoid having his limb seized but the Vanishing Dragon wasn't done yet. Unlike the magus who needed proper posture to move, Vali just needed to shift his wings a bit and he could easily counter attack.
He was about to grab the red shroud when Ascalon came close to cutting off his hand. 'So I am faster in pure speed but he has faster reactions.' Vali smiled behind the helmet as the magus ran away to reposition. 'Interesting.'
Accelerating, Vali moved in a zigzag pattern to approach Shirou and tap his shoulder. The fight would be over once the Divine Diving ability activated so he still held back a little to see what the magus would do.
Shirou didn't disappoint as he kept up with Vali's pattern and managed to swing Ascalon just when the White Dragon Emperor was about to reach him. Vali was impressed but not enough to give up so he flew back a little before moving to the right and then charging straight at Shirou much faster.
There was little indication that the redhead could keep up with his speed but Vali found himself surprised again when he had to suddenly stop or else Ascalon would have cut right through his eyes.
But just because Vali stopped didn't mean that Shirou did as he brought his sword for a back swing and kept trying to hit with quick slashes. Those were without a doubt faster than most humans could pull off and full of power both physically, as the redhead used his two hands, as well as magically, Ascalon pulsing with a blaze-like aura.
That aura was so focused around the sword that even with its size it didn't exceed the blade itself and except by a trail of 'flames', Ascalon was extremely efficient on the use of energy, superior even to Caliburn in that aspect.
So Vali had no other choice but retreat again but this time Shirou pursued, Reinforcement and Ki helping him keep up even as Divine Dividing made things more complicated. It not only eliminated any need for movement normal wings would have but got in the way when Vali threw it as a shield to stop Ascalon.
Predicting his opponent's next move Shirou pushed with all his strength while relaxing his stance which resulted in him getting thrown away when Vali pushed back with the intent of advancing.
The Vanishing Dragon tilted his head in a real show of curiosity and to let his opponent know he was intrigued.
Exactly what Shirou didn't want. 'So far everything has been following my simulations but only because he is playing around.' And Emiya knew the moment Vali stopped playing that his predictions would grow more imprecise. 'How long do I have until-'
There was no time for the redhead to finish the thought as Vali accelerated much more than before in a charge that surprised Shirou. He was already on guard and even if Vali's speed was greater than before it was still on the same level as when he fought Yoruichi so it was expected.
Besides, Shirou was used to much faster sparring partners to the point he could at least see where Vali was going. Which made less sense because the White Dragon Emperor went all in a frontal assault directly to Ascalon.
For all intents and purposes Shirou prepared himself, holding the blade for a stab while keeping to his sides to minimize Vali's target. He was still slower so he had no choice but wait for Vali to approach of his own volition.
Only then Vali, without losing momentum or giving any indication before the act, made a sharp turn left and began to move around to attack Shirou on his back, the redhead in a bad position to use Ascalon.
Other measures were necessary. "Trace on!" Various copies of his Wyvern Sword fell around Shirou's position.
[Dragon Slayer weapons!] Albion warned his host just in time and Vali stopped just short of the first sword.
Compared to Ascalon the Wyvern Sword lacked any real power to harm a dragon of Albion's magnitude. However there were more than twenty of them and Albion was sealed inside a sacred gear. Even if the original White Dragon Emperor's senses were sharp, thanks to Ddraig Shirou knew he wouldn't be able to notice the swords were weak immediately.
It gave him one of the many openings he planned for as one of his hands separated from Ascalon to grab one of the Wyvern Swords. Still he needed some reach so the magus kicked another sword in Vali's direction and the Vanishing Dragon was still cautious enough to pay attention to it and dodge to the side.
Shirou took his chance and began to swing Ascalon towards Vali's chest as the hybrid rose a magic circle to stop the attack. "Surprised?" Asked the Vanishing Dragon.
"Not really." As Shirou brought his other sword to bear, Ascalon's aura covered it as well and the Wyvern Sword broke the magic circle and managed to connect on Vali's chest with a stab. 'Got-'
The Mage of Swords had to let go of the sword as Vali almost grabbed him, his hand returning to Ascalon to finish the job only for the Vanishing Dragon to fall back in a fast flight to avoid the Holy Sword.
Only when he was thirty meters of distance from Shirou did Vali stop. "Interesting, really interesting." The hybrid grasped the sword with his hand, no blood had been spilled but the Vanishing Dragon was no less interested. "Looks like he duped you, Albion?"
[A fake Dragon Slaying sword? No, it is clearly made from the bones of a subspecies of dragon… Ah ha, wyvern bones.] Shirou gritted his teeth as the dragon chuckled. [Fufu. Cunning, Mage of Swords. Very cunning.]
Vali broke the blade in his hands, noticing that his gauntlet had no damage. The gap on his chest piece closed and he chuckled. "I have to say, Shirou, if that is the extent of your preparation I am disappointed. Then again, you almost had me there."
"Lying really isn't your strong suit." Shirou mocked a little to see if he got a reaction.
"So you noticed my Dragon Slayer measures?" A magic circle appeared in front of Vali, blue as his wings but already the magus could tell something was missing. "Bet you can't figure out what I am doing?"
"Usually a dragon's aura is also weak to Dragon Slayer weapons." Shirou held Ascalon carefully as he knew the fight was about to change. "However, your magic circle has no dragon power in it, just… demonic energy, the power of devils."
"Woah, got it on just a look. Not bad." Vali sounded sincere and that worried Shirou more. "It seems this will really be a fight to remember. Don't you think, Albion?"
[If all he has is tricks then it will be a short memory indeed.]
The magic circle vanished and Vali took flight once more. "Doesn't change the fact that the wyvern sword managed to pierce my shield. I suppose Ascalon has something to do with it?" Shirou didn't reply but both of them knew Ascalon's aura was on the Wyvern Sword at the moment of impact. "So you are using the Holy Sword's aura to empower other weapons? That is new, especially since you aren't using its power on yourself."
Taking a few steps back to stand surrounded by his swords, Shirou prepared. "Heh, don't underestimate Ascalon."
"I am not, even if it is the weakest of all recorded Dragon Slayer weapons." This time Vali's tone was mocking and he quickly flew to the other side of the battlefield, forcing Shirou to turn around. "But the fact it broke my magic circle showed that you are far stronger than on that day. Did Shihoin Yoruichi teach you Ki? What is your element?" He didn't expect a reply but found it amusing how tighter Shirou's stance became.
For a second there was silence, then Vali charged again, this time from above as Shirou raised Ascalon above his head for a more efficient defense. He didn't need to have bothered as Vali stopped just short and flew to the side just before Shirou could cut him, Ascalon failing to make contact.
Another attempt came as Vali moved to the right and Shirou took a swing only for the Vanishing Dragon to already be moving to the other side. This time to try and get him, Shirou drew another Wyvern Sword from the ground, Ascalon's aura being transmitted seemingly without loss as he spun in his heel for a slash.
It was for nothing as Vali retreated further away and moved to the other side, always starting his advance from Shirou's back. 'Is he trying to gauge my reaction time?' If so then the redhead knew he needed to act so he threw the Traced sword towards his enemy. Only when Vali didn't move did he realize he fell into a trap. 'Shit.'
Because the Vanishing Dragon stood there and took the blade right on the chest only for it to not reach him. "So this trick of yours doesn't make a sword as strong as Ascalon. It is still a weak sword." This time the magic circle was smaller, the size of a baseball, and it was intact as the empowered sword broke apart. "But what it gives is still a dragon's aura. Is it because Saint George slayed a dragon?"
[A weak one no doubt. This power is irrelevant compared to mine.]
"Comparing any dragon with you is unfair, Albion." They were taking their time and acting casually even as Shirou grew more nervous.
'An opening, I just need a good opening.' A familiar presence voiced his concerns in Shirou's mind. 'Not until we can catch him completely off guard or I have no choice. Vali isn't an idiot and I need to avoid making mistakes.'
Feeling slightly irritated that Shirou was absent from the conversation, Vali approached a little and folded his arms. "You should quit now if this is the extent of how much you prepared. Things will probably be more fun once you have you-know-what." At least he made the courtesy of not saying 'Reality Marble' before thousands of witnesses.
Still Shirou knew that he was the one with the best chance of victory if he played his cards right. "Aren't you underestimating me too much?" The tone was provocative and clearly confident. "So far I have managed to damage your armor and almost kill you, yet you haven't even touched me."
"Because the moment I do, the fight ends. That would be no fun." As expected, that was the same attitude he showed with Yoruichi. Unlike that time, Vali looked to the side with excitement. "Besides, you are just the entree dish. After this I will have an angel for the main course and perhaps a devil for dessert."
A really cocky smile, or at least the best one Shioru could give, made its way on the redhead's face. "Saving energy? Fine by me." He changed his grip on Ascalon to a more aggressive one by holding it lower and ready for a stab. "That just gives me more chances to cut you down."
"Believe me, Shirou, the difference between our powers is the same as Heaven and Earth."
"Look at that, you really are Lucifer's descendant. Pride usually begets the fall, you know?" This time it was Vali's posture that grew tighter. "Something wrong? Maybe you hate your grandfather?"
"Right idea, I hate my grandfather. I also hate my father too, for the record." Vali's tone was cold and void of any trace of humor. "Good riddance to him. I will get rid of the other soon enough." Opening Divine Dividing fully once again, this time there would be no playing around. "Time to finish this."
[You made a terrible mistake, Mage of Swords.] Albion warned in a low tone as power covered the Vanishing Dragon. [Let's just hope your energy will be enough to replace what we are about to waste.]
There was no time for a reply as Shirou had choice but jump to the side and roll as Vali destroyed the remaining Wyvern Swords and the ground around them. Already the hybrid had his sights on the redhead and was charging again much faster than before on what the magus could estimate was his top speed.
'Still not fast enough.' Yoruichi was faster and Shirou lost enough games of tag against her to become a champion.
Soon Vali found himself struggling to catch Shirou as the redhead managed to always keep his hands away either with a dodge or by placing Ascalon precisely on Vali's route of attack.
Albion watched the fight with intrigue as while his host was a little upset he also was having fun. [Don't you think it is time to take him seriously?]
'After him I still have Michael and Serafall to deal with. Also there is no rush, the devils are scared, the fallen angels confused and my future opponents know they have no chance. No, only Shirou believes in victory.' He flew low to grab Shirou's leg but the redhead stabbed the ground and Vali turned to not cut in half.
That didn't stop Vali's attack who just turned mid air and kept going without losing speed. "Trace on!"
Calling more Wyvern Swords was something Vali expected. "Naive!" Divine Dividing moved almost out of their own volition and formed a magic circle above Vali who was only a couple centimeters from Shirou.
None of the spectators expected the redhead to last a second after the Vanishing Dragon began to Divide his power but that didn't happen as another Ascalon was already in Shirou's hands and moving to stab the White Dragon Emperor.
Vali was too close to dodge and the second blade pierced the defense he placed on his right hand going through the palm and emerging on the other side. Even so the White Dragon Emperor didn't surrender and pushed the sword aside even as the original Ascalon came for the finish.
Surprised didn't even begin to describe Vali's emotional state but he pushed through any confusion to summon many magic circles in front of his chest. The Holy Sword broke them apart, its Holy Aura stronger than before as it easily ripped the Scale Mail like butter.
Already Vali was retreating but they were too close and Shirou kept pushing with the intent of piercing Vali's heart. The hybrid acted swiftly and a ball of flames began to form in front of his mask much to Shirou's irritation as even if he knew Vali could use fire he didn't know the armor wouldn't get in the way.
The fire, a white flame similar to the one he showed before but bigger, exploded and threw Shirou back with some burns as Vali flew away once again.
Having no other choice Shirou began to roll around, feeling the heat destroying his armor and shroud. They were quickly mended once he got rid of the fire and as for the burns EM was Traced as an easy solution.
Didn't stop him from watching Vali examining his wounded hand with interest. 'Damned! I was so close!' He managed to lock his opponent's pace on his own and even Traced another Ascalon when he was sure Vali wasn't going to retreat. Even if it was a weak Holy Sword, two Ascalons worth of power bested both devil and dragon's defense. 'That won't work again-'
"Hahahahahaha!" Vali's laugh interrupted any further thoughts. "Shirou, Shirou, Shirou. I owe you an apology!" He closed his bloody fist tightly as the Scale Mail rebuilt itself. "Here I was, thinking you were just the appetizer when I should be fighting more seriously!"
"No, please, I don't mind. Keep going around some more. It gives me time to prepare some fun stuff." Plans and thoughts were quickly discarded as the fight had changed. 'Simulations are useless now.' Bellerophon protested. 'Only when we have a real opening and he can't suspect it is a trap.' The pegasus protested some more and the Mage didn't need words to know why.
However, unlike Vali, Shirou wasn't going to underestimate his opponent. Something the Vanishing Dragon finally stopped doing. "Not at all. From now on I will stop fighting as just the White Dragon Emperor," he opened his arms and power began to gather in his hands to form spears of Light, "but as Vali Lucifer!"
"Oh…" Lucifer had been an angel once so Light control should be expected. "Shit." Shirou had no idea what Vali could do with that.
Instead of charging like he had been doing until now, Vali threw the first spear in the redhead's direction in what could only be described as a casual throw. Seizing Ascalon once again Shirou destroyed the hard Light easily but he knew that was only the beginning as the hybrid prepared himself with the second one.
"Good! Let's keep going!" The second throw was so fast most people couldn't see the spear once it left his hand. This time there was no way Shirou could stop it without pulling off something big so he rolled to the side and watched it open a huge hole where he was. "You don't have time to admire."
Vali began to move around again, more spears appearing on his hands as he threw them at Shirou from multiple directions. Sometimes the redhead managed to dodge, other times he blocked, it wouldn't be enough however as his arm burned as the shroud failed to stop the first that passed his defense.
That wasn't the worst pain Shirou ever felt and Ascalon kept deflecting the spears with little difficulty. The Light had no weight even if it had heat and Vali's flame had been stronger so Shirou found himself easily blocking the spears while keeping the White Dragon Emperor in his sight.
"Good. Warm up is over." Vali announced and two magic circles appeared on top of Divine Dividing as another spear was formed on his hands. "Hey, Shirou, you better make more swords or a shield."
With his warning given Vali dived down towards the ground, the magic circles moving to the top of Divine Dividing and unleashing a barrage of lasers. This time it was too fast and while Shirou blocked some of the shots he still got hit on his right leg and one shot burned his ear and cheek.
Adding to that Vali who was flying even faster, spear ready to skewer the magus. Had the lasers not forced him to defend Shirou would be more confident in a fight but with his posture broken and wounds accumulating he knew there was no winning this.
So he Traced another sword and crossed it with Ascalon while the Vanishing Dragon kept getting closer. Seconds counted down before Shirou did something unexpected and threw the new sword in his opponent's direction. The hybrid didn't stop his charge and used his spear to bash the sword to the side.
It exploded and Shirou had no means to stop himself from being launched away. Same with Vali who was in the center of the Reinforced, Holy energized, Dragon Slaying empowered, explosion.
Dust was kicked up but Vali's power was still pulsing so Shirou began to prepare for another round. His shroud, restored once again, opened on his back to give space for Ascalon which was sheathed in handles from his Altered armor. While he was adjusting the Holy Sword he also Traced another EM and stabbed his leg.
'Need to do this slowly or else I will waste too much mana.' Shirou managed to think when multiple lasers flew in his direction and Vali left the smoke.
Scale Mail was damaged, the helmet was missing its left half and most of the armor was falling apart, but the hybrid was mostly unharmed.
And unhinged as the insane grin on his face was revealed to all. "Come on, Shirou! Show me more!" He threw his spear while advancing, magic circles still shooting.
Fortunately for Shirou his left hand was free and he brought it up with a thought. 'Sorry, Rias.' His circuits flared as he shouted. "Rho Aias!"
The flower bloomed, the spear broke and the White Dragon Emperor stopped on his tracks, his curiosity picked. "Heh. Let's see if that has what it takes to survive an attack that kills gods."
White energy poured from Vali as Shirou finished hearing himself but didn't dismiss EM. He pocketed it, knowing he would need it later if not soon.
It was like white lightning and light danced around Scale Mail as it finished fixing itself. Once again the White Dragon Emperor stood at full power, magic circles gaining shape all around him. On his wings, his hands, the center of his armor, shoulder, knees and in front of his head.
Divine Dividing had many more as in its expansion it could hold five magic circles on each wing culminating in a total of 18 magic circles brimming with power. He floated in place as blue mixed with white again, mana pulsing constantly and steadily.
There was no warning when the first shot came or any that followed. Only the flashes of lights and the loud explosions were evidence that Vali was attacking and attacking constantly as the magic circles kept firing and firing and firing.
Nobody could see what was going on anymore, only the explosions in light that had the effect that put fireworks to shame. Devils' eyes were better for night time and so it was with tremendous difficulty that they tried to discern how much damage Vali's assault was doing.
Even the fallen angels could see nothing but light and how it kept hammering a single area of Kuoh. Dust started to pick up and blow away by the explosions that kept going as the White Dragon Emperor showed his might. If anyone had hopes of facing him or reservations of his power, these were gone.
The actual White Dragon Emperor, Vali Lucifer, was proving himself to be an existence in pair with legends. His constant and relentless attack more than proved how powerful he really was. Devils from both sides could only describe it as 'overwhelming'.
However something was odd, even wrong, Vali knew it for sure. Unlike many others his eyes worked just fine thanks to the Scale Mail. While the clouds of dust still hindered his vision, the hybrid trained hard to adapt his sacred gear against Light so he couldn't be blinded neither from his power nor from fighting angels.
So he knew that, even after thousands of blasts, the university on the horizon remained intact which meant his attacks were failing somewhere.
WIth that deduction it didn't take long for Vali to dismiss his magic circles and observe. His keen sight found nothing with so much dust on the way so he waved his arm to unleash a blow of wind, getting rid of it completely. The sight revealed shocked the hybrid and many present.
"Looks like you aren't that strong." Shirou mocked with a cocky grin, his black bow on his left hand as his right remained held high and Rho Aias still standing. Around him there were newly Traced swords. "Or maybe you are still underestimating me."
The shield was still a sight to behold as it pulsed with energy, the flower intact much to Vali's shock. "Maybe that really can survive a god killing explosion." He formed a new spear of Light and spun it a little. "But its weakness is obvious. There is no shield," Vali vanished from sight, appearing a few meters to Shirou's right, "so moving the boundary field is impossible."
Letting Rho Aias go, Shirou was already turning in Vali's direction, once again shocking the hybrid. "And you are too predictable!" He grabbed one of his swords, turning it into an arrow, while the Vanishing Dragon prepared his spear.
Both launched their projectiles at the same time as Rho Aias fizzled out from existence, the weapons clashed between them and broke apart like they were made of glass. Still none of the combatants was willing to give the other time to think, they just acted.
The Vanishing Dragon formed another spear of Light and his wings began to shine with two magic circles in each. The Mage of Swords swiped three of his weapons from the ground and began to turn them into arrows but he was slow compared to his opponent who was already shooting mana projectiles at him.
Dodging as well as he could, Shirou tried to aim only to notice Vali also was moving while also keeping up his rate of fire. It wasn't even close to as overwhelming as when he tried to break Rho Aias but the redhead lacked his shield this time. Even if he had it the White Dragon Emperor was moving in a circle, cutting the magus from any escape route.
Shirou took his shot and only ended up destroying two mana shots while the third missed when Vali accelerated before slowing down again. 'He is still saving energy.' At this point the Mage of Swords was starting to get frustrated. 'Or maybe he is just trying to not give me a rhythm.'
It was also a possibility he couldn't disconsider even as he used an arm to protect his head from more shots and fell to a knee when he was hit on the leg. Another few shots connected with his back before Shirou tried to roll and buy some time because if things kept going like that he would die from a thousand wounds.
Ki and Reinforcement were already on their limits so the redhead began to pour mana on Ascalon to activate its aura and raise his stats. With the sword on his back he had to spend more mana to coax it to action but that was not the time to worry about reserves of energy, not if he wanted to stay in the fight.
"I am the bone of my sword." A black blade began to take shape and he added Ascalon's aura to push it further. The result was volatile but the dragon element turned the weapon red and gave it an aura of flames. "With Ascalon: Hrunting!"
Vali saw the weapon and immediately identified it as a Noble Phantasm, the fact Shirou added Ascalon aura just made him more cautious. 'Just don't get hit.' He smiled at the redhead's struggle. 'Then punch him and Divide. This one is in the bag.'
Once Vali saw Shirou taking aim he knew that the time to end the match had come. Accelerating once again the White Dragon Emperor was behind the redhead before he could unleash what he considered the magus' last trump card.
This time Shirou didn't try to find him and instead used his good leg to reposition himself slightly to avoid some shots before unleashing Hrunting which began to pulse, almost like a dog happy to be off the leash.
Vali didn't understand where Shirou was aiming but charged to take the redhead's power and win the fight. Only then did Shirou turn around and shoot a couple of arrows that were easily taken care of by Vali's constant barrage.
That didn't stop the hybrid feeling a powerful presence coming from his left and turning to look, expecting someone else to have joined the fray. He definitely didn't expect the red sword to be coming at him at speeds comparable to his own.
But that was why Vali had a spear ready, to cut down any possible surprise. So he threw it at the sword without hesitation only to be surprised once again as a huge explosion followed suit. The White Dragon Emperor found himself on the ground and pushed through it with just the blast alone.
'Hrunting, Beowulf's sword! A sword that could chase monsters!' Behind his mask, Vali couldn't contain his smile of happiness. 'And he turned a sword like that into an arrow!'
[Focus, you moron. Get on your feet! He is coming!] Albion's warning had Vali kicking the ground and using his wings to stop his momentum.
The dragon was more than right in being cautious as for the first time since he pulled off his bow Shirou had time to really prepare a proper shot, this one pulsing with even more power and Vali felt Ascalon's aura pushing it further.
Another Noble Phantasm that looked like a screw gained teeth throughout all of its spiral thanks to a new dragon trait. "With Ascalon: Caladbolg!"
It was like a huge ball of rainbow fire had suddenly appeared on the battlefield directly on Vali's path, the hybrid feeling the mass of power that threatened to devour him whole.
He never felt so alive.
Still Vali had every intention of winning so his focus turned from elation to survival in a millisecond as Divine Dividing wings were thrown ahead of him with a lot of mana covering them.
It didn't matter if it was dragon type mana or not because Vali was throwing everything he could on defense for the instants he had before impact. In front of his wings four magic circles took shape before the collision as his armor was covered with a blue hue born entirely of his own mana without Albion's presence.
The explosion that came after was the biggest one of the day and managed to bring down anyone that was still flying with many of the buildings around Kuoh being damaged from the blast.
Shirou didn't dare to fool himself into thinking that it was close enough to defeat Vali. Even as contained as Caladbolg's explosions tend to be, his opponent was a True Hybrid using his full potential. Ascalon may help in countering Albion but Vali himself was the problem.
Meanwhile the White Dragon Emperor didn't show himself again, Shirou used Alteration to have his armor drop Ascalon and close the shroud again while placing his hand on the pocket with EM and stabbing himself slightly as he released his bow's existence.
The blast had pushed him a few meters away from where he was but that distance was irrelevant once Vali came out of the cloud of smoke at full speed and a damaged Scale Mail.
Once again the Balance Breaker was already fixing itself but those that still could pay attention to the fight would see Vali's grin and burns. Despite Caladbolg failing to put him down for good it was more than clear it had broken his defenses.
Still it mostly just succeeded in making Vali more excited as his power began to float the area just as he rushed towards Shirou. There was no time for the redhead to heal himself completely but now he knew his opponent was going all out and he needed to act quickly.
The EM of his pocket vanished as the White Dragon Emperor was on him in an instant. Shirou could do nothing when the hybrid collided with him and pushed with all his power.
Ki or not, Reinforcement or not, Shirou felt his left arm break as Vali kept dragging him around. "It is over!" Announced Vali out loud.
"Trace on!" Shirou fought to keep himself steady as he Traced another sword. His boots kept sliding off the ground and his legs were starting to hurt. But the white sword heed his call and the pegasus in his soul began to stir again. "Bellerophon!"
And just like that all fatigue went away.
Vali found himself surprised once more when instead of pushing Shirou towards the school building he found himself slowing down as a white aura began to cover the redhead. Immediately he disengaged, suspecting a new sword, and finding a blade of executing a vertical slash that managed to open a gap on the Scale Mail.
There was a new wound beneath his white armor and Vali felt a slight burn unlike any other he ever felt in his life. It was a new sort of power and only his caution and instincts saved his life much to Shirou's frustration as that was the best opening he was going to get.
Still the attack had failed and the White Dragon Emperor flew a couple of meters back. "I have to admit; this fight was fun and I certainly won't ever forget it." He raised a hand in Shirou's direction, the redhead staring at him with Bakuya in his right hand. "But now is over."
With a powerful blue glow the Divine Dividing began to shine at the announcement of his victory. [Divide!] Echoed throughout all Kuoh and many waited for Shirou's aura to diminish. [Vali, something is wrong.]
"How?" Albion didn't need to say anything else as the hybrid could see it clearly when the power around Shirou didn't diminish but his wings seemed to grow dull. "Try again."
[Divide!] At that the reaction was different and this time there was no glow coming from Divine Dividing, it was still active on his back but obviously it was failing.
"Albion, what is happening?" For the first time confusion filled Vali's every word and he raised his hands to create magic circles just in case.
[I… I… I don't know. This is the first time something like this has ever happened.] His host was surprised by the panic in the dragon's voice.
'A day of firsts it seems.' That just made Vali's blood boil more in excitement.
"Something wrong?" Shirou sharp eyes were now accompanied by a smug grin. "Problems performing?"
[Watch your mouth, human! I have no idea how you are blocking my power but I will figure it out!]
At that point the aura behind Shirou had solidified in a form many had heard stories about, even if in passing. "Let's see if you can but I won't be here waiting for you to get on the uptake." The pegasus that had formed seemed more bright at the Mage's declaration as he flexed his left hand a little. The arm was broken but usable and he began to skip in place. "So you better," in less than a second he had disappeared in the eyes of many only to reappear on Vali's left, "watch out!"
A swing from Bakuya cut through the magic circles the hybrid threw in front of it but they slowed it down just enough that Vali could avoid the blade. That didn't stop Shirou or his motions as he completed the swing and went further until his hand touched the ground and he could use it for support.
Vali may have dodged the Noble Phantasm but his armor still ended with the imprint of Shirou's foot.
It was something that neither White Dragon Emperor could believe it happened but the fact Scale Mail midriff had the impression of a boot was hard to deny. Especially since it had broken through Vali's instantaneous magic circles, his aura and the armor itself.
'Divinity.' The Vanishing Dragon had no doubts his opponent had finally brought out his greatest weapon, one capable of bringing him low. His smile grew as Shirou charged again. "So you had something like that?!" He made another spear of Light and it collided with Bakuya.
The clash was so strong that the ground began to give out and a chasm started to open in the middle of the area. The two weapons kept pushing against each other but a combination of Divinity, Reinforcement and Ki involving a Noble Phantasm gave Shirou a clear advantage when the spear began to crack.
Seeing his host in peril, Albion moved to try and help. [Divide!] He felt the connection with his power and the Divine Dividing and was sure Shirou would fall for it this time. Only that he didn't and the blue of his wings grew dull again. [How do you keep doing that?!]
Vali ignored his partner and pushed more of his mana into the spear, using his wings to reposition and attack with its body. Unlike a normal weapon every centimeter of the spear of Light could either cut or burn if the user so desired.
But instead of panicking like he expected, Shirou smiled. He was waiting for a maneuver like that and relaxed his legs to duck so the spear passed by harmlessly. However Bakuya had to shift to his back as Vali brought his attack to it, the clash of weapons and the uncomfortable position making Shirou shake.
Despite feeling the pressure in all his bones the redhead focused on swiping his leg on Vali's. Even if the Vanishing Dragon was flying he felt the blow and let go of the spear, breaking the confrontation.
Once again Shirou made to pursue him only for the hybrid to open fire with two magic circles in his hands and two in each wing. It was a hasty offensive but it had multiple purposes of keeping the magus at bay while the armor recovered from any damage.
And considering how fast the Mage was since the pegasus got into the fight, Vali made the right call as the instants he had were barely enough since Shirou dodged most attacks skillfully, Bakuya and his armor denying any he considered irrelevant.
His legs and head were all Shirou was focusing on protecting and in the blink of an eye he was already swinging Bakuya at the Vanishing Dragon once more. He had no choice but make another spear to stop it while turning his wings to aim his magic circles better.
For all intents and purposes the magus was surrounded but instead of retreating he pushed forward, grabbing one of Vali's arms to stop a retreat. Even if his left arm was broken, Shirou's message was clear 'you want to blow me up? Do to us both.'
Sure his grip was weaker than it should be but with Divinity keeping his arm together and a will that refused to bend, Vali was forced to let go of the spear with that hand and use the other to stop Bakuya.
Relentlessly Shirou kept attacking with his blade, Bakuya connecting and cutting though many parts of the Scale Mail.
More and more blood was spilled in the area as the redhead kept the armored man in place despite his struggles, a thrust from Bakuya was blocked only for it to change targets and cut the shoulder instead, showing everyone the Vanishing Dragon was stuck.
Behind his helmet his smile of contentment threatened to split his face even as a jet of blood covered his back. The fight was so exciting for Vali that he couldn't help but try everything, including focus the beams of mana into tin needles and aim them for Shirou's forehead.
When the magus noticed the attack coming he raised Bakuya to save his life, almost letting go of the blade by that particular impact. He ended up letting go of his opponent, his weakened arm failing him at the last moment but that also gave him the chance to dodge when the laser moved.
The White Dragon Emperor commanded his magic circles with mastery, all four moving in sync to move from the blade to the redhead's neck. Quickly Shirou found it too risky to try and keep up with the laser so he protected his neck and rushed to the right. As he was, Vali couldn't keep up with the Divine empowered magus and separated his magic circles blasts.
He took aim and began to unleash another rain of attacks while preparing another spear. There was not a shred of doubt that Shirou would reach him in time and so he prepared for another clash.
Already both started to notice weakness brought forth from the battle and adapted their strategy to it. In Vali's case it was the fact that Shirou's left was now his weak side so he turned various blasts to the ground from an angle to make attacking with his right more complicated.
It was the Vanishing Dragon's belief that Shirou would have to circulate the area to attack with his stronger side and so he would have more time to pelt him from a range.
A repeat of what happened before occurred, this time with their parts inverted as Shirou charged off the explosion at full speed against a surprised Vali. The hybrid had underestimated the pegasus' Divinity and the protection it gave for despite being a steed the 'son' of Medusa was still considered one of the most powerful creatures of Greek Mythology.
Carrying Zeus Bolts in battle would be impossible otherwise.
So this time Vali found himself on the defensive but he already had a weapon to stop his opponent as his spear clashed with Bakuya again, and again, and again as Shirou began a barrage of attacks, not willing to give the hybrid a chance to use anymore magic.
Because Vali's use of Light was subpar compared to Azazel or even Kokabiel's Shirou knew his chance was in a direct confrontation. He finally managed to push the Light spear aside and grabbed Vali by the neck of his armor to hit the abdomen with his knee. His very empowered knee that still carried a lot of Divinity and Ki.
Normal humans would have already died if any attack in the fight touched them and the knee wasn't any different as Scale Mail cracked and broke together with his ribs. As a hybrid Vali could still keep going but the pain was distracting.
At least enough for Shirou to seize shoulder pads. "Steel is my body, Fire is my blood." His fingers sunk in the armor with the added power to make sure his prey couldn't escape as Bakuya began to pulse brighter.
Like a hammer Shirou pulled and then hit the spear of Light again. Vali was in a compromised position and failed to account for the extra power. He managed to grab Shirou's right arm and tried to push him away only for the redhead to hold him to kick his side.
[Divide!]
Meanwhile the two fought, the dragon tried to help his host.
[Divide!]
However it was in vain as Divine Dividing lit on and off like a Christmas tree.
[Divide!]
Shades of blue remained on the wings constantly but everytime Albion tried to intervene it was gone.
[Divide!]
Try as he might, the original White Dragon Emperor couldn't understand what was going on or how the redhead fought his ability back.
[Divide!]
But little by little he started to realize he was close to activating it before something went wrong and that, whatever it was, cut his connection to Shirou himself.
Finally Albion realized what was the problem. [It is Divine Dividing! Somehow he is interfering with Divine Dividing!]
While the dragon tried to warn his host, Shirou wasn't still as his position was perfect to keep delivering kicks on Vali's already broken ribs, even if he didn't know about that. Thanks to Ddraig's information he knew that restoring Scale Mail cost stamina and both fighters knew that if Vali's armor fell then the hybrid would follow soon after.
Cue to Shirou to keep kicking and breaking the same point again and again to force Vali to keep restoring it while the silver haired man fought to keep Bakuya at bay. Such a situation was unsustainable and soon the White Dragon Emperor made a new magic circle, aiming at Shirou heald with his free hand.
But his concentration was breaking and the shots were weaker compared to previous ones, his focus messed up as Divinity made every kick hurt despite his defenses. And he needed to concentrate more on his defense because the magus' kicks were fast, practically blurs to any observer.
Worse yet Shirou wasn't stopping and wasn't going to until Vali was unconscious or dead, whichever came first. And Vali knew it, it only made him smile more.
Then he did something the Mage of Swords didn't expect; he released Scale Mail, turning it into mottes of blue mana that freed Shirou's hand.
Already moving to another kick, Vali's reaction was faster since he knew the armor was going to vanish. He pulled Shirou to the side with his sword arm still in place and used Divine Dividing to stabilize himself for a kick on the magus' own ribs.
There was nothing Shirou could use to stop himself from flying away from the White Dragon Emperor as Scale Mail formed around the hybrid once again. Vali Lucifer didn't chase his opponent or pressed the offensive as he felt himself weaker than he should have been even after the beating he took.
Instead he flew higher and moved towards the center of Kuoh as Shirou rolled a few times before standing up again. "Albion, we are using Half Dimension." Azazel would know about it and Vali could already hear the panic but ignored it.
The fight was too fun for him to not give his everything.
[Let's see him counter that!] The dragon roared furiously. Divide Dividing's aura began to spread over the area as the visage of a huge dragon with a long neck and even larger wings surrounded the descendant of Lucifer. [All bow before our might! Half Dimension!]
Reality itself shifted as all people and things in the area fell under the effect of the Divide Dividing. Humans, devils, angels, plants, buildings, rocks, anything and everything in Kuoh was ready to fall and give half of their existence to the White Dragon Emperor.
However; "Bellerophon!" Shirou's aura took the full form of a pegasus.
For a single moment the pristine beast took over the battlefield, its aura not as potent as Albion's but the pegasus was more magnificent even if not as large as the dragon. Many expected a combat between such creatures.
But the pegasus only stayed corporeal for an instant as the legendary mount returned to Shirou, his body now covered in a white blaze that was nothing short of Divine.
Despite the momentary show everyone still felt the domination of Albion's power as it grew and prepared to take everything it wanted. Only for the redhead to surprise all by taking a random swing on the empty air and the Half Dimension's presence broke. The power of the White Dragon Emperor was lifted in an instant, much to the dragon's rage.
[Impossible! Even if he somehow grew immune to sacred gears, only him should be immune to an attack like Half Dimension!]
"That is because he wasn't aiming at Half Dimension or your power at all." Vali realized with a grin. "Isn't that right, Shirou?" The redhead grew a frown as his power stood ready for another attack. Instead the Vanishing Dragon folded his arms. "Hmm, you don't need to say anything if you don't want to. Just indulge me for a bit." He opened his hand and waved at him to offer a retort but the magus remained silent. "How it works is that the pegasus, Bellerophon, can affect Divine Dividing directly, either by cutting its connection with Albion or with its target."
Shirou did his best to remain calm, to not give anything away. "And what makes you think that? Maybe I just found a way to keep your dragon out of the fight." Just by replying he had already failed.
While Albion grunted at the remark he chose to remain silent and let his host do the talking. "If that was the case Scale Mail would have faded after your first hit- no, the first time I touched you with that sword, exactly when you first called your pegasus." Vali studied Bakuya curiosity as the design was certainly not Greek. "It has a connection with this Bellerophon somehow, like a sacred gear with something sealed on it. But at the same time it is different but I can't really understand the nature of it. What I can understand is that the pegasus is disrupting Divine Dividing connection with whatever it should be affecting. Most likely because the pegasus can take it away somehow."
'He already figured out this much?' Even with how much they have fought, even if it just started a few minutes ago and Bellerophon entered the fight in less time, Shirou hoped his opponent wouldn't deduce that much.
Unfortunately the redhead had seen nothing yet. "Ddraig talked a lot, didn't he? Scale Mail, Albion's abilities. But his greatest contribution probably was… helping you understand how Boosted Gear worked, its fundamental and more advanced mechanics." He closed his fist in triumph. "Did I get that right?"
Chuckling a little was Shirou's initial response. "It was like pulling teeth with him. Got only the basics because you are 'supposed to be his Rival'." Issei helped but only so much.
It would be bad enough if that was all Vali figured out but the hybrid went further. "So you figured out how to counter Divide by countering Boost? No, Gift, is that right? Same principle but in reverse?" When Shirou didn't reply, Vali had his answer. "I studied my Destined Rival capabilities the same way you studied mine but you figured out a way to go further. You found a way to steal my mana."
Cat was out of the bag. "To be fair, it was more like taking the mana used on the connection the Divine Dividing needs to start using Albion's power." There was no point in denying it. "You probably already figured out that Bellerophon is the key to it."
"Naturally, even if I can't guess how. Something to do with its Legend, if I had to guess." Vali turned to look at Medusa who was glaring in his direction. With a chuckle his eyes returned to Shirou. "Nothing to do with your goddess but the pegasus itself. Is that because it was the carrier of Zeus' Lightning? Or that it can reach Olympus?" He leaned forward. "Is that the reason why you gave it the name 'Bellerophon'?"
"That would be a bit on the nose, don't you think?" His father would lecture him in the importance of subtlety if that was the case and that fact made him smile. "He, Bellerophon, is an existence capable of reaching the Olympus by himself, something the original Bellerophon recognized. A power capable of challenging Divine Instruments, like Zeus Lightning or even Athena's Reins which allowed the first Bellerophon to ride him."
"So it is part of the pegasus nature. The ability to challenge a god's Authority." Vali found the concept fascinating as he looked at his armored hand. "That explains it. Despite the hero Bellerophon having managed to ride the pegasus, he never tamed it, sorry, him. So even when his rider fell, the pegasus was capable of reaching Olympus." All that made the Vanishing Dragon curious about something. "Why Bellerophon as a name, though? It makes it a little confusing telling the story and the man himself wasn't all that exceptional without his mount."
"Heh, because he was a lot like me; a fool too stubborn for his own good." Shirou admitted with a smile. "That and Medusa wanted a Greek name."
"Hahahahaha! Because he was a fool! Hahahahaha! That is new!" Then all humor left Vali and he grew serious. "But the pegasus connection with that weapon is also a strange thing. Ever since you Traced it you have avoided making other ones. The fact we are having this conversation instead of you pressing your advantage shows it has more limits, probably sealing your other weaponry." Shirou's face showing both shock and panic had Vali chuckling. "That is why you didn't start with it. Not only were you trying to catch me off guard, cut me down fast or weaken me before I did exactly this, fly too high for you to defeat me. Once the pegasus is out, you can't just call it back without paying some sort of price."
Gritting his teeth, Shirou's posture grew tighter. "So what are you going to do? Stay up there and try to take me down with your magic? That won't work." Maybe if his opponent used more of his Light he could and the Mage would be in trouble but at this moment in time he was sure Vali wouldn't go for it. "You also don't seem like the type to 'run down the clock' and in this state I can keep Bellerophon's power indefinitely."
With Divinity supporting his present condition no one would dare to challenge Shirou on that. Not only the Divine power of the pegasus boosted all his parameters, nobody really knew what else the mount's power could do and so he could outlast Vali, who had to attack or give up in this scenario.
One only needed to look at both combatants to know that Vali would grow tired first even if his reserves were obviously superior.
Every time there was a direct confrontation the Scale Mail would break or get damaged and the hybrid would need to fix it. Or abandon a controtation where he could use his superior strength but throw more mana around to attack at a distance. All the while the Mage of Swords' power was centralized and focused on himself, a magus whose training was towards spending little to do the most damage.
It didn't matter if Vali was naturally stronger, Shirou was more efficient. Besides all that the fight had already been going for a while and the hybrid already used plenty of energy while Shirou gained a second wind of sorts with Bellerophon.
Not to mention that Shirou studied Vali, or better yet Albion and his hosts, in preparation for the match while the descendant of Lucifer only knew the minimum amount about his opponent and even less about the pegasus which was a surprise to everyone outside of the redhead's friends.
Anyone else would see the futility of keep fighting, bow out, retreat or even surrender.
Anyone else would take the loss and wait for a better opportunity to fight again, when both sides were more equal.
Anyone else would just admit that the fight was far from their favor since the opponent in front of them wasn't the only enemy round.
Anyone else but Vali Lucifer whose shoulders began to shake as he let out a slow but loud laugh. "Hahaha hahaha hahahahaha!" That grew in intensity as his aura began to shift around him.
From his Reality Marble Shirou heard Bellerophon that Divine Dividing wasn't connecting to the world, this was all Vali. 'Is it coming?' Both began to power up as Ddraig's warnings about the Heavenly Dragons' final trump rang in their heads. 'Get ready!'
Bellerophon voiced his approval as the white aura of both combatants filled the area but unlike Vali who was already preparing to go all out, Shirou held back. He refused to commit until his adversary did so first since his power was less risky but more exhausting. He needed to know if the hybrid would really cross the point of no return.
There was no need to wait for long. "Shirou, I owe you an apology!" Vali announced for all to hear as his power began to stabilize and once again Albion's figure appeared around him. "This whole time I have been treating you as an appetizer… When should I consider you the main DISH!"
Energy exploded from Vali's body as his power grew heavier and made the area hard to breathe for the weak. There was no doubt in anyone's minds that this was a power able to compete with the Original Lucifer, perhaps even his superior.
Slowly the power began to coalesce around the Vanishing Dragon and even if nobody could see his face they all knew he was smiling behind the mask. It was just the kind of aura he was letting out, not one oppressive by design but the kind that invited one and all to challenge its power.
Indeed only the weak had fallen to their knees because that was a power that only sought out those equally if not stronger. The true nature of Vali Lucifer.
"I, who is about to awaken,"
Once the Chant began Shirou knew it was 'go' time. His left hand moved to touch the gem on his chest while Bakuya began to glow and the voice in his soul shouted with joy. "Fly beyond the Heavens, Bellerophon!"
In an instant Shirou's body disappeared in a bright while Light that threatened to blind everyone in the vicinity. The pegasus form appeared above it before flying back to the star that began to expand until it became a streak of light flying straight in Vali's direction.
Things had changed so fast that to many it was like a bright flash had occurred and a huge power had descended into the world which now was brighter. The night hadn't just turned to day for a fraction of a second, it was like the first dawn after an eternity of darkness.
The number of people who could react to such an event present could be counted in a single hand. "Am the White Dragon-" And Vali was one of them. He saw the attack coming and raised his defenses as best he could.
Foregoing the Chant and his transformation, all of Vali's energy was forming the strongest magic circle he could to stop Shirou that was coming to him like an arrow of light, ready for the kill.
It saved Vali's life, just barely.
The impact made the very air of Kuoh shake as in a moment there was a flash of light in the ground and the next it was exploding midair after clashing against the Vanishing Dragon. Few knew what really happened for only they were strong enough to see when Bakuya, physically unchanged but more powerful than ever, broke the magic circle and almost took Vali's head.
But the hybrid showed his skill once again, evading the attack by a hair that still cost him his helmet, revealing his surprised face.
Finally the light diminished to reveal Shirou flying above Vali; his clothes were completely white, from his shroud to his pants and his armor, only Medusa's Gift was still red and proudly on his chest. Surrounding the gem was the image of a pegasus' head that grew around it, the gem exactly on its forehead.
However the white armor didn't limit itself to his chest anymore as it had grow and changed in ways no one would expect from a human's creation; Shirou's legs now had a belt with a diamond shape front and on the sides, his boots reached his knees and had wings on the heels, gauntlets also covered his arms until his elbows but they had no gloves.
But the feature that most caught the attention of those that could see was the helmet on the Mage's head; it was similar to the Scale Mail but also not. While the mask protecting his mouth and chin could belong to any Balance Breaker seen that day, the eyes were different in the sense they could not be seen.
Instead of a pair of glowing crystals that protected the host of anything, Shirou had a visor that hid his eyes completely, the only black part of his new armor. His hair also was hidden beneath a helmet that was connected to his back which had a pair of jets of mana made light that tried and failed to take the shape of wings.
Strangely enough, nothing was connecting the streaks of light to Shirou's back as their unstable form fluctuated behind the redhead. They were moving with him as the magus was making a curve and positioning himself.
Incomplete was how any who could see that armor would call it, obviously realizing that parts of it were missing or used for protection, compensating for the lack of whatever was needed to complete the armor. But there was also a Divinity that had been present since Shirou called for Bellerophon for the first time but more intense.
Previously it was undeniably grand but like a flower finally blooming it matured in an aura that was far gentler and not at all overwhelming. Calling it 'powerful' was a given but there was no oppression or hostility in it, anyone could look and admire that existence without fear.
If they were capable of comprehending what they were looking at in the first place. For those whose eyes and senses weren't strong enough, Shirou was nothing but a light cutting through the battlefield. A huge one, taller than himself with how the aura projected him as a greater existence, but still just a light.
Still not fast enough for Vali who began to react the moment Shirou began his turn. This time he knew magic circles were useless so he focused only on his aura and in a Light spear with no deliberation, only instinct. Every single cell of his being told him that if he didn't defend himself, he was going to die.
As Vali's face was covered by a helmet once again, Shirou could see the smile of elation.
There were no words, that time had passed, just movement as Shirou descended from above with his own Light as a weapon. Bakuya was bathed in it as the sword's aura danced like a flame ready to consume everything. All it needed was its owner to give it a target. The Vanishing Dragon would do.
For all intents and purposes those too weak to perceive the fighting happening on the heavens could still hear the first clash that reverberated throughout all of Kuoh. They certainly saw bright flashes that came after as Light faced Light in a contest that threatened to devour everything.
It was just a millisecond for the combatants had no time to waste, Shirou pushed through and kicked Vali on the abdomen again, this time the armor didn't instantly break, it just bent. Vali had raised his defenses to their limits in response to the magus' clear power increase.
Still the Vanishing Dragon was forced to give terrain because of the redhead's new power and he was pushed low but the Mage was already on the chase.
Bellerophon sung on his ears with joy as both finally fought together. Behind his mask Shirou also had a small smile even if the mana of their union threatened to burn him out. Had this been a friendly match he would have already lost. If he was fighting fairly there would be no way for the Mage of Swords to keep going.
Except it wasn't so, Shirou turned Bakuya down, holding it in both hands, and used his 'wings' to accelerate his new attack. Every intention of skewing and finishing his opponent was present in the blade and in the otherwise gentle aura.
However that won't be so easy as Vali sprung more wings on his back, his mark as the descendant of Lucifer. With the additional 8 wings the hybrid turned and rushed to the ground fast enough to escape the attack aimed at his heart. That didn't stop the Mage who aimed for his back.
Here was where Vali showed his greater experience in flying when, just before he would touch the ground, he made a sharp turn and avoided the collision. In his position Shirou didn't have the same luxury and he met the ground with an explosion. The impact was so great that Kuoh had a small earthquake.
Once he got some distance, Vali turned back to his opponent, fully expecting him to keep going. "Didn't-" He found himself interrupted by Shirou who was already going for the kill.
Bellerophon's power protected his rider and so the Mage ignored the impact of his mistake and just took to the sky again, Bakuya positioned to stab Vali's chest. Spear of Light met the Noble Phantasm just in time and the clash repeated itself another ten times as Shirou threw dozens of slashes in a second.
There was no time for words or a chance to stop as the Mage of Swords showed his aptitude for the title, the Noble Phantasm dancing on its owner's hand as he tried to break his opponent's guard.
But Vali was skilled and unlike the Noble Phantasm, every bit of his spear was a 'blade' with how it was created. A mistake born of hurry had Shirou almost losing half of his face as went low and managed to dodge by disengaging.
However there was no intent from Shirou's part to stop the attack and as he was beneath Vali he threw another slash that forced the hybrid to block low. With their wings the new position wasn't a bother and Emiya unleashed another flurry of attacks that needed to be defended.
This time he was also pushing Vali higher on the battlefield, soon the silver haired man acknowledged that his back would hit the boundary field. That would be terrible as he would run out of space and so one magic circle appeared on each of his 10 wings and unleashed blasts of mana at his opponent.
Shirou surprised any who could see by kicking and punching some of the blasts as Bakuya pushed the spear away. Vali tried to bring it back and rein his opponent as his fire rate grew more intense but Shirou ignored all the blasts and explosions that hit his body.
Instead he focused on punching his target repeatedly while moving Bakuya to keep the spear away and stop Vali from escaping. His arms also gained new speed with Bellerophon's Divinity to the point every punch easily broke the speed of sound.
Every time the redhead's fist connected with Scale Mail had a small, minuscular trickle of mana escaping the Divine Dividing. That was the sacred gear's attempt to connect with a target to activate its ability. Every attempt cost a little of Vali's reserves and helped with Shirou's own.
Pegasus, the steed capable of reaching Heaven, was stealing the Heavenly Dragon's power and that neither Vali or Albion knew how to stop it. The situation wasn't only worse because Shirou's arm was broken.
That aside the situation still made it extremely hard for Vali to think, his head ringing with each of Shirou's punches.
But that was where Albion came in. [We need to get away!] For even if he was sealed inside the Divine Dividing, the dragon was trusted enough that Vali didn't mind giving him control over the sacred gear. [Get ready!]
And their power. 'On your mark-' Was all Vali managed to communicate in the middle of being punched to oblivion. Scale Mail broke apart and was rebuilt hundreds of times over the last few seconds even if it was just the helmet.
But with some coordination Albion managed to direct Divine Dividing's wings just enough to shoot Shirou's head when they were about to reach the top of the boundary field. That was an attack the redhead couldn't ignore so he retreated a little, just enough to get away from the blasts.
It gave Vali enough space to fix his head and unleash a flamethrower and that was an attack Shirou couldn't dodge.
That bright white flame covered all of Shirou's body and even with Bellerophon's help he couldn't straighten himself, being pushed down as his body became a fireball. The heat reminded him of his personal Hell but all that memory did was give him strength to banish it quickly.
Albion was already taking advantage of the distance they managed to get, guiding Divine Dividing's magic circles with precision to shoot lasers to Shirou's chest. Vali had to do nothing but match his partner's moves and soon enough all 10 magic circles unleashed lasers that combined to slam Shirou on the ground.
A constant stream of mana was unleashed on Shirou and he needed a few moments to raise Bakuya to block the constant damage just enough so he could get a running start. Took Bellerophon shouting in his ear to remind him he didn't need one and in an instant he was already flying away.
Letting Shirou move freely would be a mistake so the White Dragon Emperors were already approaching when he took flight again, redirecting their attacks in pursuit. Some landed while others didn't, most managing to get Shirou everytime the redhead tried to fly up, a wing reserved exclusively to stop him.
And when one of those hit, Shirou lost balance and only the Divinity surrounding him saved the fight by blocking most of the damage. But not neutralizing it and the Mage felt more pain than he should with Bellerophon out. Trying again had a similar result and from beneath his armor he felt blood flow.
'Faster, faster, faster, faster!' Shirou began to accelerate further but while Vali's blasts struggled to keep up with him they still did. Every shoot was closer as the Vanishing Dragon also grew faster. 'Faster! I need more speed!'
So Shirou pushed further as his body burned more mana than he had by himself. In any natural circumstance that would have been his limit, doubly so because he had already spent just as much since he unleashed his full power. But he wasn't fighting alone and so he had far more to give.
Bellerophon gladly threw more of his own power as incomplete as it was without Bakuya's twin. Both knew their form wasn't complete, they knew the transformation born from the pegasus and Noble Phantasm never would be complete without Kanshou. None of that mattered as they just wanted to go faster.
Faster than Vali's perception.
Faster than the Vanishing Dragon's attacks.
Faster than anyone else.
But they were not the only ones trying to go beyond their limits.
Vali's hidden smile had grown maniacal and he was enjoying the thrill of the hunt, always flying above Shirou with mana raining on the redhead. At that point his wings were moving in independently from each other, Albion taking care of Divine Dividing while he controlled all others.
There was little coordination but one of the crystal wings always focused to keep Shirou close to the ground which was being demolished with their passing. Explosions that happened instants after the Mage was already away from their center, always avoiding their attacks.
In a competition of who had more mana, Shirou knew he was going to lose from the beginning. Even with all the help he was getting Vali was in an absolutely different category, a True Hybrid from the line of Lucifer couldn't be underestimated.
From his experience Emiya knew his time was shorter, that even if his body could last thanks to Bellerophon, mana would run short in a minute or so. From the initial call of the pegasus power Shirou knew he had already run half of his clock and Vali still had a lot in the tank.