Excalibur, Caliburn and the King of Knights

[Amaterasu]

"Perhaps you were there at a different time than me, then? I have traveled across most of the lands and never once heard of any Holy Grail like what you mentioned, nor of any other item that could grant wishes. And had you been there at the same time as me, you would have heard of Yami, of the serpent Akuma who plagued the lands and of the many other beings that came to Earth." She hmmed at the idea. "I'm getting curious... perhaps there is some way to find out about this. I would love to hear what has happened in Japan since my last visit - or if you were there before me, what it was like prior to my arrival." She hmm'ed and shrugged. If there was some way they'd eventually find out, or Arthuria might have some idea. Otherwise they couldn't really do much about it.

"The world always has its problems, be they big or small. No single person can solve all of them, and even if they could they would just create more. I myself feel pained at the thought that I have passed by thousands of people who needed help in their own matters, but which I passed over because I didn't know or had no time to help. Or issues where I wasn't there in time to prevent the problems from unfolding." She sighed at the thought. "I need to remind myself in these times that, had I helped even a fraction of these people, Yami's subordinates would likely have tracked me down and defeated me before I could have lifted his curse. I had to choose the lesser evil, sacrifice a few for the good of all. Though of course, that's not to say that I liked taking my decisions." At Arthuria's next remark, she gave a shrug and smiled again, in that heartwarming manner she usually did. "I have done my work, meddled enough... I've planted the seed, Saber. Whether it withers away again or blooms into a tree is a matter that I can't control. That part is up to you." Obviously that was a metaphor, but she trusted that Arthuria would understand that. And she felt like she had done enough already, if she did too much it would not be Arthuria's own decision anymore.

"This place appears to have some odd laws of nature, I admit... this Omnilium that we were given appears to allow us to will things into existence, like my beads and clothes, or indeed your sword. My Prayer Beads, the Yasakani no Magatama, are the same... when I was on my journey they were unbreakable, but now they appear to be more brittle, like Jade." She made a motion with her hand, causing the beads around Arthuria's neck to float higher and spin in circles for a bit before returning. "And I was never able to control them to this extent, only fire them or use the chain as a lengthy whip. It is quite useful, I must say. But as for your sword... I cannot say, since I did not witness you drawing it from the stone you mention. Perhaps you willed it into being without realizing such, or perhaps some greater power placed it there for you. It may just as well be the very same blade that once shattered as you fought, reforged and given to you on here, as a sign that you are needed one more." She turned around to look at the mountain that they now stood at the foot of. "In which case, it may just as well be a sign to me, if I woke up in the same place I was once reincarnated in for my previous life. Or it may be that our minds shaped these place from our memories. Perhaps other individuals will know more about this." She turned back to look at Arthuria. "I would be happy if I could accompany you for a while, Saber. You know more about this Holy Grail war than I do, and if indeed it is one such war I would like to learn more - and I have no place to go to right now in either case, so I have no reason to part ways with you. Until I learn of where the kami of the brush have their resting places, or that my other tools are around here somewhere." She thought a moment, then added: "I'll also rest the matters of your kingdom unless you wish to bring them back up, I realize that you may want to think of it for yourself for a while. As for where we want to go... Camelot sounds as good as anywhere, really. But you have reason to explore that place, so we can get headed there."

[2B]

Arthuria listened as the other spoke about the possibility, that the two of them might’ve existed in a different time, yet had ended up here, in the Omniverse at the same time somehow. “That does make sense. For I have heard naught of the demons you speak of, nor of yourself. It could also be, that you are a deity of different people. The world I lived in was vast, and I am certain I knew not of all the possible civilzations.” the woman spoke calmly, as she offered a slight nod of acknowledgement to the other.

As the other spoke, Arthuria pondered and nodded.. “You may be right, Shiranui. Perhaps I helped some, and saved my country, even if my reign came to an end abruptly, and together with the blood of those that served me. Maybe so. Yet that is something I wish not to decide today, nor tomorrow. Perhaps the future shall tell me how I should think of it.. Yet I thank you for your comforting words and support, Shiranui. They have aided me in ways you may not think of.” the knight pondered aloud. “And whilst I am not glad that you have had your own share of suffering and hardships… I’m glad that you understand.” the King of Knights finished as she returned to the role of a listener, pondering about where they would head at the same time as she did so. She knew well that she’d suggested they would set out to a journey to Camelot to satisfy her curiousity, yet it was still something that the Knight considered as only an option. As something, that could be substituted with something else, if the logical conditions for such were met.

“Indeed. I can’t help but to acknowledge the fact that whenever I utilize the concealed form of my sword, the blade seems to dullen.. When I was still in my own world, the wind that conceals the blade would actually sharpen it, increasing its cutting efficiency. This world works in odd ways indeed, and should we wish to understand it, I believe we should stand united.” she simply stated. It was rather simple words, really, but Arthuria did mean it. So far, they’d only known one another in this strange universe for but a fleeting moment, yet there was something between the two, that made Arthuria feel comfortable in the woman’s company. Naturally, she still kept herself guarded against the other in some senses, but at the same time, she had faith, that should they end up in a combat situation, Shiranui, no, Amaterasu, would have her back.

And then came the interesting part of Amaterasu’s explanation. How it could’ve indeed been Saber herself, whom had forced Caliburn to appear, whom had caused the Lake, as well as possibly the Lady of the Lake into existence. Perhaps momentary, but still into existence. That alone, was something that she found rather fascinating, considering that that could mean, that she had limitless possibilities, if she simply had enough of this Omnilium.. Perhaps even the technology she’d witnessed when she had last been in a Holy Grail war, would be a possibility here. But Saber didn’t know for certain, so she simply pondered. All the while Amaterasu controlled her beads, as the Knight’s eyes fixated upon them curiously before returning to the path they walked along as the beads came into a halt once more. “I think Camelot should be behind that Gate..” the girl said, raising her hand to point toward one of the gates, to point out which one she believed to be the one that led to their goal. “However, the distance there is by foot rather long. Do you have any way you can travel, on a mount? Horse perhaps? A motorbike?” she inquired, before she realized the question Amaterasu had earlier presented and responded. “Well, one of the Holy Grail Wars I was in, happened during a modern era, which had this network of information, the Internet they called it.. I currently do not have the kind of device that could access it, but if this place has a similar one, perhaps it might have some information about this world… Or the information you wished to know about ours.” she simply explained, before falling silent as she lowered her hand and awaited her newly found companion’s response.

[Amaterasu]

"It's certainly possible, just as much that we may just have lived in different times than that we come from alternate realities. That's what makes it fun - to find out the truth when you have so many options to explore. Plus, correct me if I'm wrong, I believe that the both of us were a little too busy with our own quests to learn about cultures and the like. At least I was. Who knows, there may be legends of your accomplishments and I heard nothing of them." Her smile brightened up at the thought. Unlike her demonhunts, this was a "fun" challenge, it was interesting, it was something she could do because she wanted. Find out the truth, obtain explanations and understand the world.

"If most of your life was about loading the burden onto your back that you carry now, I would be a fool to believe that I can relieve you of it in a handful of minutes and with a few words. Take your time, Saber." She put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze, then let go again. "I just want you to know that if you need more assistance or even just an ear to voice your concerns to, I'll be there." She smiled brightly once more. "I'm happy to provide any help that I can, Saber. Nobody deserves to walk around with a burden like yours, especially not someone as young as you." Well, to a kami that had existed since the time of legends, everyone would probably look young. But Arthuria looked like a young adult at best, so even by human age she wasn't very old yet. And even though everyone had their little burdens to carry, the packets that they all carried around - and some were bigger than others - a whole country to lead at a young age was everything but an easy responsability. As such she was quite glad that she could provide some aid.

Arthuria's next statement drew a chuckle from Amaterasu. "You have just barely arrived and already you are aware of such fine details of your armory? You are a more experienced swordsman then than what I gave you credit for - which I must apologize for." She added with a bow. "I would say that it sounds like some greater power has changed us and our armament. Like my Yasakani no Magatama have become breakable, perhaps this greater power has deemed that making your blade invisible and simultaneously sharpening it is an unfair advantage. I would assume that beings of many places are here, if a Ten- I mean, a King, and a Goddess have been pulled here as well as humans, like you mentioned. Thus putting us all on the same scale of power is only fair." As she spoke however, her usual smile became less bright and she even got a serious frown for a few seconds. She did not like that she had lost everything once more. The last time at least, she had had guidance in the form of Sakuya and Issun. Now, she was as clueless as Arthuria, and where might there be star constellations around here to complete her collection? And if she was so weakened, would the Yasakani no Magatama be of any use against what powerful Akuma inhabited this place? They tended to disregard the laws of a place after all - but, those were her concerns. She shook her head a bit and put on a fake smile that slowly turned real as she banished those thoughts to the back of her head. "Traveling together would be perfect. I am worried that until I re-obtain even a fraction of my Celestial Brush powers and understand the use of my Prayer Beads under the laws of this place, I would be easy prey to what experienced Akuma might roam the world. And of course, traveling with a companion is much more fun." Admittedly she was downplaying herself a little - though she only had her Prayer Bead chain as it stood, she had learned a fair amount of its utility in this world after sending them against that rock. But traveling with Arthuria WOULD be fun, and should they get into a fight their abilities seemed to complement each other very well.

She began to walk as Arthuria pointed the way, then stopped again and blinked. "You're right, the way is quite long indeed..." She murmured. "I used to travel through a series of magic mirrors in Nippon or on foot as I was a wolf before recovering my human form. I don't think I could transform, and the mirrors required a counterpart, so they are out of the question. A mount would work! A horse, maybe, though I have none at hand. And a "motorbike"... I don't know what that is, I have never heard of anything like that. Nor of the "Internet", though from the sound of it you're speaking of what our people call a "library". It was like... a big hall full with pieces of parchment that you wrote information onto, and other people could read it. We needed no device to access it outside of a library key though. It was quite useful if you could read, though not always easy to find what you were looking for. Those in charge of a library could spend their entire lives memorizing the parchments and their contents to direct visitors to the information they sook." Since the "library" she was speaking of was very similar to a european "library" her wording of it came over perfectly understandable to Arthuria, unlike some of Amaterasu's previous words.

Of course, there was no way of telling what the modern era was. She would have called her time the modern days after all. "If it is not too much to ask, could you summon this thing you called motorbike for us? Maybe it's something that I know, just by a different name. I'll repay the favour by summoning something for us later while you sit back." She was quite curious now. Perhaps if Arthuria summoned something new she would reveal more about her world's understanding of "modern" times. Or perhaps a motorbike would turn out to be the name for an animal to mount? In that case if Arthuria summoned a saddle or such that would give her some insight as well. Or it might be something entirely different.

[Amaterasu]

Meanwhile, near the Portal linking the Nexus and Coruscant...

The Coruscant Portal flickered when three Imperial Stormtroopers accompanied by half a dozen battle-droids and a vehicle to transport soldiers into battle, all armed with locked and loaded guns and ready to fire at any sign of hostilities, came through and entered the Nexus. One of the Stormtroopers that distinguished himself from the others by a series of colorings on his body, took the lead, flanked by two droids, and approached the guardsmen that stood in front of the Portal. As the latter took notice, they immediately took up position and saluted, until the individual with the markings made a dismissive wave of his hand and they returned their hands to their guns.

"We have recieved a request for backup from this outpost - there have been reports that a Wanted criminal Prime has been sighted." the trooper spoke and eyed the group before him.

"Sir!" one of the Stormtroopers from the Nexus guard post spoke and tensed his body, standing straight.

"Explain yourself. I cannot see any sign of a Prime."

"Sir, we have a suspect in the center of the Nexus, Sir. She has not approached the Gate but we have sighted her through our Thermal Binoculars."

"At the center? The Fountain of Infinity?" The man looked past the group at the Fountain, which at the moment had the shape of a massive mountain, where Amaterasu had once appeared. "Who do you believe is the suspect?"

"Sir, the suspect's physical appearance corresponds to the descriptions we have recieved of the Prime Minnie Mouse."

"Go on."

"Sir, the suspect is a bipedal being with human-like features, and has two protursions from the top of her head which we have identified as part of her body. A distance scan has revealed them to be large ears which we suspect to be a rodents's. Furthermore she wears a dress that bears a close resemblance to what she was reported to be wearing on the last sighting."

"And the number of registered Primes with ears on the top of their heads is very small. I see. Good work, soldier." He gave the man a nod then turned to the group he had brought along. "We're going to move in and attempt to apprehend this Minnie Mouse by surprise as per Prime Apprehension Protocol N-9. She is a dangerous individual who has assaulted Empire Soldiers before and resisted arrest. The droids and White-Two remain inside the transporter, do not come out until the order is issued, but keep your weapons ready. If she resists capture again we may have to use force. Go." At his words the droids and one of the Stormtroopers climbed into the spacious cargo bay of the transporter which shut its doors, hiding them from view. The trooper with markings on his armor, apparently someone higher in ranks than the average grunt, then climbed onto a side seat in the transport vehicle and had the remaining trooper do the same.

Back to the Fountain of Infinity, ~10 minutes later...

Arthuria and Amaterasu had let their guard down a bit in their talking, and only took notice of the approaching transport vehicle when it was close already. Amaterasu just hmmed and eyed the machine as it approached. "I've never seen any being quite like this. It's got a metal shell, and there are... hmm, people on it, wearing armor? And quite curious items in their hands." Arthuria knew better of course and drew her sword, preparing for an attack. But neither of them made a move, they just stood there and waited, allowing the Imperial Stormtroopers to approach. After all, they had done nothing wrong.

Though the trooper that commanded the rest of the group was a little surprised at the lack of attacks from their side, he dismounted and immediately readied his rifle. Not aiming it, but he could do so in a split second. "Minnie Mouse, by order of the Emperor you are to be placed into custody and trialed for your crimes. Do not resist capture.”

"I believe you got the wrong person, stranger. I am not-"

"Silence! Lift your arms over your head where I can see them, and do not try anything! And you." He pointed at Arthuria with his hand, without taking his other hand off the trigger or his eyes off of Amaterasu. "You are in the presence of a wanted and dangerous criminal. Back away from her and you will be safe."

Arthuria opened her mouth to protest, but Amaterasu looked to her. "Leave it be, Saber. This is a misunderstanding, I have no doubt. I'll go with these men for now, everything will be cleared up without violence. Don't worry about me." She offered her a warming smile, then calmly and slowly lifted her hands to her sides, palms outward, then put them over her head. She avoided every sudden movement.

The trooper sighed with relief and brought a hand to his helmet. "You may come out now. Weapons ready. We're taking the suspect into custody." The transporter door opened, revealing the trooper and droids that had remained in hiding. They hopped out and surrounded Amaterasu while Arthuria backed away, obeying Amaterasu's request. Though she was complying with their orders the troopers only truly calmed down when they had cuffed her and placed an explosive on said cuffs that would go off at a remote button press, killing or injuring her if she attempted to escape.

"Just a moment, please." Arthuria spoke up. One of the troopers turned towards her as she sheathed her blade and took off the Prayer Bead necklace that Amaterasu had put around her neck, and held it out. "This belongs to Shiranui. I would like to give it back if we get separated. And I want to speak to her for a moment."

The leading trooper was visibly displeased by this, but getting on bad terms with a Prime was a bad idea. He nodded after a moment. "Granted. You may briefly speak to her, but only under supervision. The item you have is hereby confiscated, but if the suspect is found innocent it will be returned to her." He waved his hand to one of the droids which approached Arthuria and opened a container on its chest, allowing the Prayer Beads to be deposited into it.

Arthuria did so, then approached Amaterasu briefly under the supervision of the droids. "We'll talk again when this issue's done with. Take care of yourself. And if this place has any phones - it's a modern item to talk to other people from afar - try to buy one and contact me, okay?"

"I promise, Saber. Until then, I'll see you - be safe out there, please." She replied, then Arthuria backed away. The stormtrooper leader then approached Amaterasu again. "You've the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used in court against you. However, cooperating with us may make your judge look more kindly upon you."

"I have nothing to tell you." Amaterasu replied and bowed her head briefly.

The leader trooper shrugged and waved to the two troopers. "Take her into the transporter and remain on guard. We're going back to Coruscant." Then he turned towards Arthuria, gave her a brief nod, then climbed into the transporter and had the driver take off, leaving the Fountain and Arthuria behind. Some twelve minutes after this, they arrived at the Nexus Gate to Coruscant, briefly stopped to tell the guardsmen there that the subject had been taken into custody and that they should resume their normal duties, and finally took to Coruscant. As when they had arrived, the gate briefly flickered when they passed through, before returning to normal as if they had never been there...

[2B]

Arthuria watched as Shiranui was taken away by some kind of soldiers clad in shining white armour, decorated with black and carrying weaponry, that the knight couldn’t recognize. The armour didn’t seem like it was made of metal, but the knight couldn’t be certain about it, considering that this world had already proven her more than enough times that it wasn’t akin to her own.

Arthuria was mildly shocked as her newly gained companion was taken away, especially considering that the woman had gone willingly. Misunderstanding? Perhaps. Did Arthuria approve of it? No. It wasn’t honorable to cast such accusations, without allowing the to-be-apprehended party at least explain themselves.

And so, the King of Knights was left alone, both physically and mentally. What she had, was a mixed mess of conflicting emotions. On one hand, she wanted to rescue her companion from the so called law enforcement, yet on the other hand, she had no real knowledge of this world, so she couldn’t exactly say if the soldiers were in this case, the right or the wrong.

Not only that, but there was also the matter, that Shiranui had specifically requested her that she would not act. To simply allow her to be taken away, to allow her to clear the situation on her own. Eventually, the King of Knights reached a conclusion; She wouldn’t chase after Shiranui. Doing so would simply tarnish the other’s honor by denying her request to handle it on her own. Arthuria trusted her, despite the little time they’d known one another.

But how would she be able to connect to Shiranui later? How would they re-unite, Saber pondered as she weighed her options and the next course of action she would take. She had explained a miniscule speck of the internet and the modern communication methods she had once witnessed.. How they functioned, and that they did indeed exist. But she wasn’t certain whether Shiranui was capable of using such devices, or summoning them. And even if she was, would they function here in this realm? Did this world, or universe she was now in, even have advanced forms of communication, or any form of communication at all, at that?
‘
It seemed like a rather complicated issue and one that she wouldn’t be able to solve then and there, no matter what she did. Her best course of action was to fulfill their plan; Head out to Camelot. If Shiranui was freed, that was where she would seek out the knight from. After all, they’d agreed to go there only moments before. And that, that would require an advanced, or at least faster form of travel. Seeing how the horse she had summoned earlier had either disappeared or ran off, Arthuria decided that she would need a new mount. And because Shiranui had earlier requested it, she had one floating around in her mind already. The motorcycle she had once driven before, Yamaha V-Max they’d called it, had once served her well, and now, she would use it once more. And eventually she’d show it to Shiranui when they would meet again.

Assuming the sitting stance as she had a few times before the girl began to concentrate, imagining the curves, the mechanics and the colours of the bike. The contours of the metal, together with all the electrical circuit boards and wires that allowed the magnificent device to function. As it was more complex than what the Knight had ever summoned before, it took her much longer than before to finish the task at hand. Yet once she did, the girl opened her eyes to witness the familiar, glorious sight of her mount. It was time to move.

What was also different, was the fact that her clothing had changed whilst the girl had concentrated upon summoning. Just, this time instead of summoning the clothes in front of her, she’d directly de-summoned her current ones, and replaced them with new. Grasping the cuff of her glove she pulled upon the fabric, stretching her fingers as she did so, making sure that the gloves were fit nice and snug, rolling her shoulders a little. She’d grown to appreciate the tailor-made suit, and saw no reason to stroll around in an armour, considering she’d be able to just swap between the different types of clothing with ease.

Reaching to the right pocket of her jacket with her hand, the dexterous fingers of the knight coiled around the keys that would allow the bike to start up as she simply hopped onto the metallic steed. Kicking the bike off of the leg that kept it standing upright, the King of Knights inserted the key, turning it to a start-position, before moving her hands onto the handle bars, her right thumb flicking the ignition switch, as the engine roared to life, the fragile girl turning the handle, lifting her legs onto the pedals. In mere seconds, the girl was speeding forward across the white plain, towards the gate that had been her original destination all along. And this time, she wouldn’t stop until she’d arrive.

Thread over. Arty headed to Camelot. Ammy headed to Coruscant.