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Excalibur's Chosen

Summary:

No one can reverse the damage King Arthur wreaked upon the world of magic, but many can influence what happens to mend it going forward. As Excalibur comes in contact with ancient powers, it gains spells that raise the criteria of "worthy" so that its next wielder may have a chance to create a world where magic and mortals can live side by side.

This is how James Lake Jr. earns the power of Excalibur.

Notes:

written text is after the illustration

if anyone is inspired to write something based on this, go for it! I was only invested in creating this illustration and the bit of writing that accompanies it.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

 

Jim doesn't know the gravity of what he managed to do in drawing Excalibur from the stone and awakening Douxie's amulet. But those powerful enough to remember across timelines understand.

Because for all their bickering and wars and differing methods for changing the world, they can all agree that King Arthur tipped the balance in a way none of them expected. He turned his back on magic and the world has suffered 1000 years for it.

To prevent the same mistake from happening again, new spells are stacked upon the legendary sword as each ancient power comes into contact with it.

Nimue concedes that "fighting for good" is too subjective. The next wielder will fight for balance of power. Good and Evil, Magic and Mortal. So long as they are fighting to achieve and maintain balance, they may wield Excalibur.

Bellroc refuses to allow someone who despises magic wield the sword. Therefore, the next to draw it must love and be loved by magic to ensure it can never be used against those who gifted it in the first place.

Nari's spell calls for strength of heart. The trials that will befall Excalibur's next chosen will require more than brute strength to overcome. Empathy will guide them true.

Merlin's spell criticizes those who fight by Excalibur's side and searches for a round table to stand by the next king. They must have a council of friends and advisors to keep the wielder in check. And should the wielder ever stray from the path of balance and good, should they ever become UN-worthy, Morgana's spell takes Excalibur's power away.

When James Lake Jr. decided to stand up against the Arcane Order to protect a world shared by Magic and Mortals, when he put his trust in the family he found in that world and followed his heart into battle, he proved himself worthy of every spell placed upon Excalibur right down to the amulet that tied itself to the sword.

For Hisirdoux Casperan's Champion fights for all.

Notes:

since this is a problem I see going around, I am clarifying that I do not permit anyone to use this for ai, to continue this with ai, or to write a story based on this using ai. If you are linking back to this/citing this as inspiration, then it better be to a story written by an actual person. do not associate this with any ai