Master and Student

Scáthach was once a human woman known for her immense strength and battle prowess. Many sought her out as a mentor. At age 16, Cú Chulainn traveled to her domain, the Land of Shadows, to train under her. She taught him runic magecraft and gave him the demonic spear Gáe Bolg.

Scáthach had many students, including Cú Chulainn and his rival Ferdiad. The two competed to wield Gáe Bolg. During this time, they battled Scáthach's sister Aife. Though Scáthach argued with Cú Chulainn, all three eventually fought together. Cú Chulainn captured Aife and became involved with her, earning Scáthach's punishment.

Upon receiving Gáe Bolg, Scáthach lamented her inability to die by Cú Chulainn's hand, as she had ceased being mortal. She wished he had been born earlier. Cú Chulainn apologized for her fate. He and Ferdiad left the Land of Shadows together. Scáthach foresaw Cú Chulainn's death but did not see the two off, having passed on her teachings. She later trained Cú Chulainn and Aife's son Connla as well.

Due to Scáthach's nature, the Land of Shadows fully disconnected from the mortal realm, becoming a land of the dead. Still existing in modern times, unable to become a Heroic Spirit, Scáthach had not left her domain for 2000 years. Unable to die, she could only wait for the end of

 the world. 

This is the story of Scáthach, a serious, straightforward warrior who keeps her emotions tightly guarded, but has her own sense of honor and purpose she relentlessly pursues.

Once I was done taking in the information I learned about Scáthach. I brought my thoughts back to the present. The first thing I needed to do was to train. And here was as good of a place as any. So I turned toward Scáthach and spoke.

"I have a request. I need you to train me. This world is filled with powerful threats beyond anything I've faced before. I was gifted the powers of Heroic Spirits, but that alone won't be enough. I require your wisdom and experience to hone my skills if I'm to survive."

Scáthach nodded curtly. "A wise decision, Master. Very well, I shall instruct you in battle techniques and magecraft. But do not expect the training to be easy - I will push you to your limits and beyond. Are you prepared for that?" 

I straightened with determination. "I am. I'll do whatever it takes."

"Good. Let us begin." 

I walked over to a random corner and picked up a long metal pipe. "Alright let's give this a go," I said as I felt the pseudo-nerves within my body known as magic circuits opening for the first time. This happens when Magical Energy runs throughout them for the first time. Once the magic circuits have been opened for the first time the practioner can switch them on and off at will. Each practitioner visualizes the flipping of this switch in their own particular way. For Shirou Emiya the image is that of a gun's firing hammer, while for Rin Tohsaka it is stabbing a heart with a knife. 

My mental trigger is a book that opens with a burst of light that illuminates its surroundings.

A fragment of the Magic Crest on the right side of my chest which contains seven Magic Crests in one begins to glow. Usually, Magic Crests store many if not all spells that a magus learns in their life but in my case I received knowledge of attack patterns, spear techniques, tips, and a few Runes. 

My magic core was activated sending Mana all over my body and into my makeshift weapon. We locked eyes each of us shifting our bodies into their respective stances. After a while of no one making a move, she suddenly rushed toward me.

And so the grueling training commenced. Scáthach was a harsh taskmaster, but a brilliant one. She started by evaluating my capabilities in close-quarters-combat which were unpolished and sloppy, but using the Class Card I was able to somewhat make up for it.

...

"You rely too much on brute force and momentum," she admonished after knocking me down for the dozenth time. "You must learn to anticipate your opponent's moves and use their strength against them."

"I...understand" Lying on my back I responded between breaths. "Alright, I think that's enough for now, we've been at this for half a day now. I still need to find a place to sleep."

"Master, do you not have a home?" Scáthach asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shook my head as I caught my breath. "No, I'm new to this world. I only just arrived earlier today."

Scáthach crossed her arms. "Hmm. Then we should secure proper lodging. Training is important, but you also need rest."

I nodded in agreement and stood up. My body ached from the intense sparring session.

"Let's if we can find a Motel I should have more than enough for one night."

Donning my hoodie and mask to conceal my identity, Scáthach and I left the abandoned mall, emerging onto the grimy streets of Gotham. Even at this late hour, the city teemed with life - and crime. As we walked, scanning the streets for a motel, I noticed several muggings and assaults happening in the shadows.

Jesus Gotham being a shithole definitely wasn't exaggerated. Normal people would usually mind their business but I'm not sure if it's because of the 7 class cards but I feel the need to help them. It seems that Scáthach noticed as well as she seemed to want to intervene but I stopped her. 

"Wait. this could be a good opportunity for me to get some experience."

She considered me for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But do not take any unnecessary risks."

I nodded my head and approached a large man cornering a frightened woman in an alley. 

"Please, just take my purse and go!" she pleaded. 

"Oh, I'll take that and more," he leered. 

In a burst of speed, I dashed into the alley and delivered a spinning kick to the mugger's head, sending him sprawling. 

"What the hell?!" he exclaimed. 

I stood between him and the woman. "Hmm, I guess I held back too much," I said still trying to get used to controlling my strength. 

He charged at me, but I smoothly redirected his momentum, slamming him against the brick wall. He slumped down, unconscious. 

I turned to the woman. "Are you alright, miss?" 

"Y-yes, thank you!" she said shakily. 

I handed her purse back with a slight smile though it was hidden by my mask. After making sure she was unharmed, I confiscated the mugger's wallet and continued on my way. 

This scene repeated as I stopped a convenience store robbery while I was buying food. I continued to come across various crimes with each criminal, I employed measured force, careful not to kill the criminals knowing how it was frowned upon by the heroes of this world. 

Finally, we located a rundown but serviceable motel. I paid for a room using cash and we turned in for the night. 

Laying in the lumpy bed, I replayed the night's events in my head as I slowly drifted off to sleep.