TO END AS A FRIEND (CW: DEATH)

[duranduel]

The setting: Greece. A strange sort of Greece. Technologically advanced mixed in with tradition - but the land here, at least, looks very much the part, what with its columns and olive trees and lush lands.

There's a group of people. The land around them is scorched, burned - and if you follow their gaze up, up, into the dark sky, there's....something giant looming far far above them.

A man is kneeling in the middle of the group, clutching his chest and fading away into golden sparkles. The looks on everyone's faces are filled with fear, some tear-filled, some angry, but somehow all resolved. The giant thing above them seems to hum, as if it's warming up for something.

Something bad.
____________________________

Apollo gives in. He’ll turn Paris into an arrow, using Hephaestus’s design as a model for it. However, he’ll need 10 seconds to do so. Someone will have to buy him that time.

Apollo: “Mandricardo, can you do it?”

Mandricardo: “---I probably can.”

Guda: “...Eh?”

Mandricardo introduces himself to Hector, saying that he once swore that he would seek Hector’s sword.

Mandricardo: “Please, let me---”

Hector: “There’s no need to tell everyone, Mandricardo. ---I permit it. But let this old guy just give you one bit of advice. When you part ways, do it properly.”

Hector’s strength gives out and he collapses at last, disappearing completely into golden sparkles. Mandricardo turns to Guda, calling out their name.

Mandricardo: “It’s a bit earlier than I had planned, but… this is goodbye, my friend.”

Guda: “........”

Mandricardo says that he was summoned to save the world, but he’s fighting for an entirely personal reason instead: in order to help a friend. He wanted to help you. He had sworn that he would not wield a sword other than Durandal, but now that oath is complete.

Mandricardo: “...Don’t look so down. It’s hard for me too. As a hero. As Master and Servant. Even if we can welcome the moment with pride… parting as a friend, it’s painful. But, that’s why here, I’ll--- become a friend that helps you out. It’s impossible to tell you not to care about it, but if you want to cry, you can do that afterwards.”

He laughs.

 

Mandricardo: “...Well, goodbye!”

____________________________________________________


Mandricardo grabs Hektor's spear.

"In my hand, is the Promised Matchless Sword. The Unbreakable Ultimate Sword.

To protect my friend, I release that power now!"

 

The moment when the oath from his previous life came to pass.

In that hand is not a wooden sword, but is a blade.

That is, a phantom Noble Phantasm that he himself cannot perceive to exist.

 

"Second Noble Phantasm: Reve de Durandal (The Matchless Dream Sword)...Let's go!"

 

The man stood directly opposing the main cannon of the Moon Goddess Artemis.

Within a second, his sense of sight was taken.

Within another second, his sense of touch disappeared.

"URRAAAAA!"

His organs are broken, his hearing cut to pieces.

The light burned, tore his skin,his blood vessels destroyed.

...however

....even so

Artemis' main cannon definitely won't reach Guda and the others!

"I'm counting on you, Orion!"

 

To the reply that reached him, Mandricardo's face loosens.

If so, then there is no anguish.

He can leave everything, and die for his friend.

 

(Still, it's really lonely huh...)

 

Just for a bit, in but a fleeting moment.

Just a declaration, just a notion. Just... for a comfort.

Even so, the he right now thought from the bottom of his heart that Guda is his friend.

Even if, they did not have a chance to do things that friends do.

"Aah, but even so.

I can do this now, not because I'm your Servant.

It's because I'm your friend-----!"





And then, there's nothing more.

Just darkness.