All in all, Shirou's battle against Precia went pretty well. I mean, if you compare the Shirou from the first chapter and the one from this one, they can't even be pronounced in the same sentence. It's just that, despite his humongous progress, it's still not enough.

The only reason Shirou held out as long as he did is that Precia didn't know Shirou's battle style, and more importantly, how weak and sickly she currently is.

But it's okay. Shirou may be weak, but that's a good thing. It means he has just that much room for progress. The path of a hero is littered with pain, loss and failures, but it's also filled with perseverance and development. Shirou needs to experience weakness and despair to become truly strong and rise through the challenges.

Usually, in those situations, I would have been frustrated by the limiter on the Jewel Seed, but in this case, I'm afraid he would truly have damagaed his body beyond repair had he forced himself to continue.

« It wasn't enough just to get stronger. There was no amount of physical strength that could have helped him in that moment. He had pushed himself to the limits of the human body. »

That was one sentenced that I found weird. Unless I'm wrong, Shirou doesn't yet reinforce his body. Sure, when he copies a weapon, he gets the experience and skill of the previous wielders of that weapon, and it considerably increases his own physical stats, but not to the point reinforcing his body would. Of course, reinforcing his body is dangerous. When he pushes too much mana into an object, it implodes. The same could happen with his bdoy, so it requires finess and a lot practice. But he doesn't seem to have even considered it.

Thanks to the Sealing Device, I believe Shirou may not have a single scar. I mean, I know he got scars and everything, he even got through surgery, but I'm confident Avalon will be able to heal him completely, fading even the scars and burns away. Avalon can do at least that much, even if I still fail to understand why it sometimes activates with so much potency, and others times, remain utterly passive. Avalon is one of the reasons that allow me to enjoy the adventures of Shirou without hesitation. I hate scars, and so love when the protagonists have some kind of strong healing factor or outright regeneration. Naruto (Kurama), Ichigo (Shirou), Eren (Attack Titan), Peter Parker (Spidey Powers) and such are exactly what I love. So unless you explicitely say he has scars that will be permanent, as far as I'm concerned, his skin is unblemished.

Sorry, I don't know why I went through this tangent.

« Fire and steel. That was how the ferret and Takamachi described Emiya's reaction to the Jewel Seed. »

That's also how I would describe it. Though to be fair, the fire side is more about forging the swords than anything else. He's never used any actual fire in a fight. But considering how many times fire has been mentioned in relation to Shirou, be it the Fire where he lost everything and found a new family in Kiritsugu, or the fire in his veins when creating new weapons, or when the excess energy of the Jewel Seed feels like fire burning him inside out, it's quite possible this Shirou might actually gain some kind of fire related skill.

Anyway, Shirou has once again failed and it will serve as strong motivation to grow stronger and never experience that feeling again, and I'm truly looking forward to see how much he'll grow.

Thanks for the chapter.

I know I say that in basically all my reviews, but it's because Shirou's awareness of his weakness grows with each chapter. The more he becomes stronger himself, the larger he realizes the chasm in power between him and Nanoha truly is.

And to be fair, he won't catch up until he's finally able to access the blueprints of Noble Phantasms that went through his head when he first absorbed the Jewel Seed. Even then, it would depend on whether the Jewel Seed can indeed act as a mana generator for him or not (for now the energy is breaking his body, but I expect after some adaptation time, he might be able to use it as his own).

Last chapter, I loved how you depicted how despite finally knowing the steps of Tracing, Shirou still struggled a lot to actually picture the blueprints of his swords in his head, both in totality and in details. That he's not being acurate enough and that it impacted the existence of those weapons, making them frail and imperfect.

Not only will it be another way to show Shirou's growth in his vendetta against Precilia, but it's also a lot more realistic than him just suddenly being able to do everything.

It's also nice that he finally learnt of his register and copy skill, even if he's still a lot weaker than even Chrono.

I wonder just how much the Jewel Seed will help Shirou grow now that he has an objective beyond just being Nanoha's sidekick (especially as he realized she truly didn't need him with how much stronger she is). This time, he will help Fate.

And Fate... that's another thing. When I realized the similarities between Shirou and Fate in their gaze, I suddenly grew wary that they might eventually become a thing. And indeed, Shirou managed to completely charm Fate, however unintentionally, in this chapter, with how much he cares for her and wishes to save her. And it's not that I don't like Fate. After Nanoha herself, she's my favorite (it would have been Yuuno had he been more prominent in the following seasons, because I truly love the kid, but as it is, Fate is above him) character. It's just... I had truly hoped for Shirou and Nanoha to get together. And Fate x Shirou will never reach that awesomeness in my mind. It's because Nanoha's the best, and I want the best for Shirou. Of course, I'm aware of the similarities between Shirou and Fate in their tragic past (though it's still a present for Fate), but that's not enough for me to change my prefered pairing.

No matter, it's won't be relevant before a long time. They're only nine years old and many things can change in the future.

Let's just watch whether Shirou will be able to change something with the help of the Jewel Seed or if he'll still be too weak for that.

Thanks for the chapter.

Poor Shirou. Being used as mere bait. No can do, he's just too weak still, despite his vast progress.

And stronger he's gonna become. Already, he's familiarizing himself with his new technique. I just don't think he'll be soon enough to make a difference during the Jewel Seeds arc.

I once again want to praise my Yuuno. He's awesome! A genius really, and so mature too. He's expertise in barrier and sealing magic is unparalleled, and he even managed to hold of a storm by himself. He's the best. I love that kid.

And Yuuno and Nanoha finally learnt some more about Shirou's background. And they learnt more about each other and I feel like their bonds strenghtened. I'm glad.

I was surprised Nanoha's parents were told that Nanoha was in a somewhat dangerous situation right now. I didn't remember them learning about it so soon, but then again, I didn't watch Nanoha in years.

Fate is now torn between her mother, and her rivals/friends/saviors along with Arf, and though she doesn't know it, she's screaming for help. Nanoha and Shirou just need to be strong enough to provide it.

Thanks for the chapter.

Shirou is nothing if not adaptable. XD

I don't have any memories? I'm in an unknown place with unknown people? My memories black out every so often? Okay, so what should I do? I know! I'm gonna clean and cook. *nodding wisely*

He's truly inimitable. *chuckle*

Concerning his Reality Marble, while I'm sad he hasn't retained any of the innumerable weapons that went through his mind, besides the very normal (if possibly, well forged) swords of the Takamichi dojo. It's... well, it's an uncontountable loss. But I also know, that that source of knowledge is still inside of him. The Jewel Seed is still there, and I know there will be many more opportunities for him to record more swords.

I also know there will be many moments where he will intentionally break the seal because he'll need the power, or it'll break off itself due to the intensity of some battle. Basically, I'm not worried.

In two chapters, the level of power up he did is beyond my wildest expectations. Not only did he finally forge his own method of tracing, he's also able to learn and use from the history of the weapons he uses. And he managed to fight pretty well against Chrono, even if he lost. I'm proud.

During the fire though, he said he was losing things and gaining others. I wonder what he lost. He regained the memories he lost, so is it more of a losing innocence kind of thing, or something similar? He did seem to maybe absord some of EMIYA's memories though, I think. I'm not sure at 100%, but it's quite likely.

He somehow touched Fate's heart, and I have no doubt in the future, Nanoha, Fate and Shirou will be best friends (ideally I'd love Yuuno to be with them, but I know he has his own path to follow). The fact Fate helped the TSAB to find Shirou is certainly a big step forward.

I'm surprised Kiritsugu willingly shared anything about the magus to the TSAB. I mean, he's the kind of man to keep any information and advantage close to his heart, and despite how kind they seem, the TSAB are still strangers. For now they may have shared interests, but nothing says they won't become enemies. Then again, depending on how much or how little he shared, it might not be enough to really give them any idea of the structure or power of Earth's magical side, or it might be so much that it can serve as deterrent. I trust his judgement.

I do wonder whether the Jewel Seed truly managed to somehow merge and be accepted by Avalon, or if it only remains stuck to it, but not merged in any fashion.

Thanks for the chapter.

« It was more than just 'strengthening' the object to make it more durable. Reinforcement added to the effect of the object too, swords become sharper and a lamp would let out a brighter light. That would be useful to remember, though he wasn't sure it would help him much at the moment. A wooden sword wouldn't really cut even with Reinforcement, especially through whatever Barrier that girl had. »

I remember saying how the next step for Shirou would probably be to learn how to reinforce his own body, but I was wrong. I assume he'll first learn Alteration. After all his tracing involves both Projectoin (Gradation Air), Alteration and Reinforcement.

emAnyways, tell me what you think./em

*chuckle* Where to start? This chapter was a masterpiece!

I must say, I had expected many things when it comes to the Jewel Seed and Shirou, the main one being a possible power source so Shirou can have more prana and fight on the same level as Nanoha, but I certainly hadn't expected him to reap such bountiful rewards.

I don't know how the Jewel Seed managed to gain all those informations. Maybe it temporarily connected itself to EMIYA through Shirou, or maybe the Lost Logia are actually connected to the Root, or maybe still, its power to realizze wishes is just that strong, but regardless, I'm delighted Shirou finally got himself a library of Noble Phantasms blueprints.

BUt what was even more beautiful was the... honestly, might as well have been called a Reality Marble of its own, or maybe a Marble Phantasm– a dream that was brought onto reality, or at least into Yuuno's barrier, of Shirou's truauma and birth. I mean, that fire might as well have been Shirou's rebirth into the SHirou we know. And you had placed all those flashbacks of the fire during all the previous chapters, and it culminated into that.

And now, Nanoha knows there's something wrong with Shirou, that he has heavy past filled with horror and loss and pain and death.

Shirou mentioned at the beginning of the chapter how he recognized Fate's eyes as the same as those he saw in Kiritsugu. He said that they're filled with resignation, but he also said he never experienced it. But that's wrong, he did during that fire. And after, he was empty. And Fate saw his gaze as the one she sees in the mirror every day.

Everything was prepared to bring forth this brilliant scene, and it was perfectly handled.

Thanks for the chapter.

I truly love Yuuno. He's a wonderful boy. Almost a pity he didn't actually become Nanoha's familiar.

Shirou once again realized how weak he is, though this time, he actually managed to hold quite well against Fate (I mean, compared to his usual stunts against the Jewel Seeds).

Looks like Avalon is indeed working quite well when it wants to.

Honestly, I didn't expect Shirou to tell Kiritsugu about the Nanoha, Yuuno, Raising Heart, Fate, the Jewel Seeds and basically, Midchildan magic.

I'm not disappointed though, quite the contrary, in fact. I'm glad Shirou is finally getting the training he deserves and more importantly, needs.

Not only does using his nerves to make magic circuits hurts them, but the lack of use of his magic circuits is atrophying them, and by the time he had starting using them in canon, they had lost most of their potential (something that couldn't be gained back again).

It'll also allow him to master his magecraft quicker, and with some luck, since Kiritsugu stopped intentionally botching his training, he will also train Shirou in bounded fields (something that even Shirou can do with both his element and attribute as sword), hypnosis and maybe runes if Kiritsugu knows some. Heck, maybe he'll even give Shirou the bit of his father's magic crest he has (Shirou truly needs as much prana as he can).

But well, I'm getting ahead of myself. For now, I'm glad Shirou's getting basic training.

I do wonder if Kiritsugu will only observe from the sidelines, trusting Shirou and Nanoha to take care of themselves, or if he'll intervene, however indirectly (he'll probably at least interrogate Yuuno).

I also hope the magus side of the universe won't be involved. While I would definitely love for Yuuno, or even the TSAB to realize the true power of Earth's mages, I admit I'd prefer if the story focused only on Nanoha's side of things. Though, I wouldn't be against Shirou participating in the Grail War in a few years (if only to get Gilgamesh and Emiya's trove of Noble Phantasm).

Thanks for the chapter.

Looks like Avalon is indeed doing its work and healing Shirou, but it's indeed curious it only seems to activate sporadically.

I know it can't run at full power without the presence of Saber, but it's still supposed to work and be pretty stable.

As for Shirou, well... it was obvious he would be weak at the start. To be honest, until he realizes the potential of his tracing, he'll remain so. But when he does... we shall see.

Yuuno is however completely underestimating the danger level of Earth and its magical society. Much like Nanoha, there are others with monster class mana like Ciel, but there are also being that could easily bring the end of the world. Between true magic, types, true ancestors, servants, dead apostles... it's a wonder the TSBA never realized the true nature of Earth.

I'm eager for Shirou to finally unlcok his magic circuits. Once that's done, I imagine the next step will be to learn how to reinforce his own body.

I didn't expect for things to get so dark. I mean, I don't think we've ever seen a civilian die in Nanoha. Not in the first season at least. And for Shirou to be the one to witness it when he wants to become an Ally of Justice and save everyone... it's cruel. It's also needed. He won't be able to save everyone after all, no matter how hard he tries.

That aside, I love Yuuno. He's gonna be a good friend and mentor for our two favorite protagonists.

Still, Shirou will once again realize just how weak he is once Fate enters the game.

Thanks for the chapter.

Sigh... I so regret never having read it until now!

I remember that, around two or three years ago, I've wanted to read a few Lyrical Nanoha crososvers, and had been disappointed by the lack of it.

And I've stumbled upon the summary of this story, but for some reason, I thought Shirou would never learn magecraft and would instead become a magical girl, so I didn't give it much thought and ignored it.

Now, I regret that decision. How many times will I miss a gem of a story because of the summary, before learning I should at least read the first chapter before judging? I make the same mistake again and again.

Two to three years ago, you seemed still active. Maybe we could have interracted or something. Now, I'm afraid my reviews will remain unanswered. I've got only myself to blame I guess.

Regardless, I want to let you know I'm completely blown away by this first chapter! I love it!

Each time Shirou mentioned forging a magic circuit, I winced. Thankfully, either Yuuno or Raising Heart might be able to put him in the right direction. "Magical pathways are unused but properly formed. Activation of pathways recommended to raise magical threshold." The device replied to Shirou's muttering."

I do wonder how Shirou will be able to get to his full potential without witnessing and stealing the content EMIYA's Reality Marble and Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon, though.

But yeah. Shirou's greatest weakness has always been his lack of prana. If he had as much prana as Nanoha, he would easily be able to spam A-rank Noble Phantasms or keep his Reality Marble active. I hope some kind of Lost Logia might be able to fix this problem and act as some sort of magical generator for him.

Great idea to have Taiga's training be replaced by Miyuki and Kyouya. And unlike Taiga, I actually like Nanoha's siblings.

Wonder if Shirou picked up that Yuuno isn't from Earth.

Thanks for the chapter.

Oooooof anyway great chapter wonderful

Great chapter

“Resignation. That was an emotion that he wasn't entirely familiar with. He had seen it, but he never experienced it. He was a person of action, well, he was now. If he saw a problem he worked towards a solution. Though working towards the solution usually involved several mistakes and accidents he didn't let himself fail or wait for failure to reach him. Resignation was only something he's seen on Kiritsugu. Why would that kind of emotion be on a girl his age?”

….the fire? Seriously man? The hell? And where’s the survivors guilt? The ‘emptiness’ Shirou has from the fire? Where is the Shirou that can only find joy and self-worth in helping others?

Ah. Yes. Random girl meets random boy and yells at him to stop being depressed, thereby making him human.

Oh. There he is.

“"But we're going to have to teach you how to not burn your nerves out as you create a Magic Circuit."”

Wait…but Shirou only made Circuits because he got incomplete knowledge from Kiritsugu, not because Kiritsugu didn’t know. There’s just no way that Kiritsugu, knowing just how god damn *dangerous* making circuits is, would have Shirou knowingly make them. The only reason Shirou is even alive after doing that for years is because of Avalon. Without that…well…there’d be no Fate Stay Night.

“"Ah." Shirou remembered his injury from last night and pressed a hand to his chest. He took a deep breath.

"No pain. I guess it healed." Shirou smiled. That was great. He was worried about going to school with cracked ribs. He must have judged the wound a lot worse than it had been.”

But…how? He doesn’t have a contract with Saber, so Avalon wouldn’t be able to act as a Master’s Phantasm…

“He would have to wait until Kiristugu came home from his trip to ask about that. If he did actually possess Magic Circuits that meant that he could be an actual Magus instead of an imitator like he was. He could be a Hero just like Kiristugu.”

Wait, but…Shirou doesn’t know that some people have genuine magical circuits and don’t need to create them. At least, not at this point in time.

Mmm. Yeah. Without Archer to pass down his abilities, Kiritsugu barely teaching him Magecraft, no Saber to give him Caliburn dreams, and no servants to trace Noble Phantasms from, Shirou is in a very bad position strength-wise.

Oh god. Sakura. Poor Sakura. I just remembered. Jesus Christ, Sakura has to deal with all of that alone? Poor girl…

Kiritsugu isn’t a Sorceror. He’s a Magus. Think of it like this. One is a water gun, the other is a nuclear warhead. Kiritsugu is the water gun in this scenario.

Hm…Shirou was seven in Fate/Zero, and since the 4th Holy Grail War took place in 1994, it should be 1996 right now since Shirou is nine. The timeline adds up on Kiritsugu still being alive. Odd thing is, Shirou only learned about the Hero of Justice in 1999, the year Kiritsugu died because Kiritsugu told him on his deathbed. With that in mind, how would Shirou know about being a ‘Hero of Justice?’ Also, I get the feeling it was a *really* bad idea for Kiritsugu to leave Fuyuki.

“A rush of heat invades Shirou's body, almost as if someone shoved a blowtorch into his spine and replaced the blood in his veins with lava. His head grew heavy as he pushed past the pain.”

I remember the description of creating a Magic Circuit having been ‘inserting a hot metal rod into his spine’ or something like that, but that’s it no consequence. Doesn’t really matter so long as it’s hot and painful I guess.

“"E through S plus." Yuuno mumbled. "D is below average and A rank is something like one in one thousand on Mid-Childa. That's just magical level. Most people can't really use it right even if they have enough magical energy."”

No no, Shirou has above average Magic Circuits, they’re just atrophied. The average Magus has 20, but Shirou has 27(…atrophied)Magic Circuits. Frankly, he’s above average.

Oh, wait, you mean that’s his Magical level without activated Circuits.

I hate to say it but kind of disappointing. Every time I thought it was going somewhere it fizzled out and nothing happened. It's confusing because what is the point of this crossover? What changed? It seems like nothing really changed. The whole Jewel Seed arc basically ended exactly the same as if Shirou was not there. He did a lot of running around but in the end accomplished nothing.

The same thing seems true for Shirou. He's gained a jewel seed and yet he doesn't seem any stronger or different than he was after canon Fate got going. After a whole bunch of changes and a big crossover all that's changed is he's in a new city with new friends. That's not exactly exciting or living up to what this crossover could offer.

It seemed like a whole bunch of running around with a lot of lights and explosions that ended up with no changes of any significance to either part of the crossover. That's what makes me ask what was the point?