Introduction
I've seen people do starting stuff like this, so I guess I'll try it. I haven't been doing it with my other fanfiction work, and it kind of breaks the flow to start it there...But maybe in the next chapter of that one.
Anyways, I've recently been introduced to the world of Fate/Stay Night...and while I rarely watch anime, that one just sucked me in. See, I love myths, and finally, I have an outlet to express it in. While the first few (if 20 or so is few) chapters are going to be roughly written according to the Anime series, I am taking the fic after that way beyond Episode 24. That just left me hanging so badly, that I started reading through the translations for Fate/Zero. (Yes, I refer to the heroes in those, the events of the 4th War, somewhat in here.)
Eitherways, as I mentioned, beyond Episode 24? Where...well, just watch. This fic is Saber-centric, as you can hopefully tell by the title. I'm not promising any pairings, as romance is not my forte, (or at least I don't believe it is). Besides, Saber would probably rather I write an action fic, if it's done from her point of view, and splash the romance and humor in here and there.
Also, I probably will semi-invent characters later on. Semi-invent? Yeah, like threw in a lot more heroes. Heh, anyways, this is basically just to whet the appetite. Enjoy, and please read and review. First person is something I've rarely tried before...
Once, and Future, King
It is time, time to try again. And thank God, it comes so soon.
Once more, I am Saber. I have rarely been drawn by a summoning before. In fact, the 4th War had been her first time, and I had been somewhat naïve then. Some might say unprepared even. But even so, I was not the King of Knights for nothing, the most powerful spirit of the Saber class, with a blade that has resounded throughout history, more famed than any other. So famous, in fact, that it would not even allow me to be summoned as anything but a Saber class. How am I going to get my chances that way?
Not that I mind. I actually like the alias, and it is quite the title to live up to. And as a servant, I did my best the first time around, despite having such a master who was so…frustrating. But I failed. Archer bested me, bloodied me, beat me...And with failure, the grail remains out of grasp. Though, maybe that is not so bad. It was defiled by the touch of the unworthy, and it would probably have made a horrible mockery of my wish.
It was humbling, the feeling of defeat, especially since I have never before truly lost, though the way that ancient lusty madman had acted had rather confusing. It threw off my swordsmanship. It was also something to learn from, if I intend to seize the grail the next time and come out triumphant.
To be honest, the whole setting of the Grail War was just so…wrong, It was the first prolonged time I've been treated as a woman since my childhood…and matters were not helped that all the other servants had been male, except for some of the multiples of Assassin. Did that really count though? Actually, should I care?
And Rider, Caster, Archer…and obviously Berserker, they had all been…what was the term? Clinically insane.
Okay, well, maybe Rider had not been so bad, but he had an ego the size of a battlefield, and Archer, one just as big. Oh, I can probably be criticized as proud too, but I am bound by the Code of Chivalry. The fact that I was supposed to be King Arthur did not bother either one bit. After all, they were not only a lustful pair, but they were also both known as bisexuals. Not that either that fool King of Conquerors, or the obsessive King of Heroes had honestly interested me. The Irish Lancer hero had probably been the closest, in that regard.
That was not even the worst of it, really. That horrid French caster mistaking me for the holy saint Jeanne…I doubt I am worthy of that name. And then my first knight amongst knights, driven mad with vengeance, after he had committed adultery with my…wife. That was probably one of the acts of my life I regret the most…that twisted charade of getting married, and the unexpected case of adultery that was brought before me, in view of my entire Round Table…What could I do but what was required of me?
Enough reminiscing. If I want the grail, I better answer swiftly, or this mage might give up on a Saber class…Wait, no passage yet? This master was taking their sweet time. Mages with the power to call on me were rare, and the most powerful tended to be the sort that was always in a hurry. Well, there it is. A flicker of light…So weak, I think I would practically have to bull my way through with my own power. I do not believe it. I think I might have actually been drawn by luck…
Sighing inwardly, I composed that cold, steely exterior I was used to exuding, then focused my magic, and put my armour on. A summoning as shaky as this will probably hurt. Easy now, slowly does it. Seems there's trouble. Maybe a flash of light will by me time and space to materialize. There we go, a wider passage.
Out I leapt, and already, it seems my master is under assault. Soundlessly, like my Roman ancestors of old, I leap right into the old maneuver I had forced my troops to perfect. A silent charge, no warning given, and the spear is driven back. Enough time for proper etiquette now, I suppose.
Kid doesn't look like much, but he's my master alright. Ought to soften my glare…I think I made him piss his pants. No, that is the smell of blood. Ten years of sleep, and I have already forgotten it again. Stunned silent, then? Very well…
I am Saber, your Servant, here as summoned. And you…You are my Master, correct?
Standard enough, I think. A little stiff, yes, but I do think to myself in English. At least it's not a language I'm rusty in, this Japanese. Well? An answer, please? I would really rather not keep my back turned to an opponent. Are you…Oh, God. Why do the men always have to gape and gawk?
"W-what? Your…master?"
I will not roll my eyes. I will not roll my eyes. I…will…not…roll my eyes.
Yes, you summoned a Saber Servant. And as a Saber, I heeded your call. Your orders, Master?
I think I should hurry up with the rest of this introduction before that Lancer tries to take me out from behind.
From now on, my sword will be with you and your fate, with me. Our contract has been complete…
Trouble. Lancer is back. And he better be ready to face my blade. I turn to go, pondering if I said that last part correctly. No worries, I am here to fight, not talk. Then again, that never was my strong suit.
