Saber wasn't the sort of person to look a gift horse in the mouth, the possibility of getting summoned on its own was already a once in a blue moon occurrence, but a dystopian future where the world was on a constant countdown to its eventual demise should they not interfere with these so-called singularities in history… that in itself was already far more than she or any other servant bargained for upon their death.
Why fight for and risk their skin for those whose fates had no bearing on their lives? Especially when there was no obvious incentive as all these grails that they'd seek out would only ever be collected and stored by Chaldea. Personally, she still hadn't come to her own answer as to whether or not this battle was really worth her time, really the only thing keeping her from for terminating her contract was that her current master the people surrounding her were quite amenable
At present Artoria and Kojiro were escorting their master and Mash to the summoning room, a task Chaldea performed regularly through some complicated mix of science and magic could somehow summon a servant at regular intervals.
"Yet another summoning huh, let's hope this next one is a nice fellow," Assassin said as they walked, his arm occasionally twirling his drying pole between his fingers. Saber would merely give a light nod in response, armour lightly clanking against the light fabric of her antique dress as she matched his long strides. His words rang true as due to the randomised nature of Summoning's in this world there was no telling what would happen, especially when it came to Berserkers who often lacked a clear mind of their own. There had been at least two occasions where the rest of them had to kill a freshly summoned Berserker class simply because they had made a beeline for their master as soon as they were summoned.
"As long as you guys stick close I'll be fine," Ritsuka said as she stepped up to the summoning circle, a calm focused look in her eyes as the command seals on her wrist began to glow. An unsurprising response from the young girl though it did little to reassure Mash who visibly tensed up at the sight of such a glow, Saber and Assassin, on the other hand, were much more relaxed yet ready to strike at a moments notice should the servant make any suspicious.
It was always pleasant to have a master that had full faith in their servant's ability to protect them in any scenario, but Ritsuka's history of arguably reckless battle strategies made it easy to be apprehensive as to whether their confidence was as a result of complacency or legitimate strategy. She gave Assassin a glance and noted his hand was hovering more closely to his blade hilt, no doubt under that unflappable demeanour he was ever ready to draw that blade in a single breath.
A familiar bright ray of blue magic began emanating around the massive summoning circle and Arturia instinctively took a step forward to more closely observe the summoning. The first was Craft essence, then another, and a third. The fourth time a summoning card showed up, and her invisible blade was immediately materialised in her right arm, her eyes watching the servant class that appeared and only relaxed slightly when it came up as Lancer.
The card dissolved into blue energy and in its place a young man materialized at Ritsuka's feet, his body clad in green battle attire and slick dark hair that was brushed back with the exception of a single strand that hung on his face. He stood on one knee and had his head bowed in Ritsuka's direction so she couldn't see his fate, but the two spears slung on his back and hip were reason enough to keep her guard up.
"That powerful mana flowing through you…" the lancer said gazing up at her. "I sense it in abundance. That pact is made, from this point on I Diarmuid Ua Duibhne will act as your lance through the coming battles even should it cost me my life" he said his tone and posture bearing much similarity to that of a chivalrous Knight. He appeared to be well-meaning, and so she allowed her blade to dematerialise as she crossed her arms and watched Ritsuka's reaction.
The ginger laughed sheepishly with a light blush on her cheeks. "Ah, welcome to Chaldea Lancer. I'm glad your eager to help I'm Ritsuka Fujimura, and I hope we can learn to work well together."
"I would like that… Out of all the Grail Wars I've participated in this is the oddest era" he said as he stood up to take in his surrounding, the outline of his lean muscular build showing through his green vest. "I am not at all accustomed to sharing a master and being in the presence of three other servants doesn't put me at ease, my apologies," he said as he glanced over at Mash who averted her gaze uncertainly, then Assassin who returned his look with a polite smile
"You will grow accustomed to it with time, Lancer," Kojiro said reassuringly. All of them with the exception of perhaps Mash who was only a demi-servant felt the uncertainty of sharing a master, in any conventional grail war their instincts told them to strike the other servants down before they could get to their master but in this case, they were all on the same side. Very off-putting to put itlightly.
"Yeah, the others are very kind, I think you'll get along well," Ritsuka said as she stepped over to Mash and put an arm on her shoulder. "This is Mash, she's not a regular servant mainly because she's kind of, well from this era, but she's getting better with her shield every day," she said motioning to Assassin "That's Kojiro, he looks like a Saber but he's actually an Assassin class servant."
"I see" Diarmuid said with a good-mannered smile as he looked over at Assassin again. Since Artoria was the only one out of his peripheral Ritsuka pointed in her direction.
"And that person over there's Saber, she's doesn't talk much but she's really nice when you get to know her," Ritsuka said with a happy smile as Diarmuid turned to gaze at her, their eyes locking as his face fully came into view. He had revealed his name to them, so she already knew who he was, but there was something almost familiar about that gaze in his eyes that she couldn't quite place like, akin to an old acquaintance from a different life… But that couldn't be.
Their eras while not too far apart were still a few centuries removed from each other. But that intense gaze, and that mole under his eye… How was it she felt like she already knew what sort of person he was and felt so much familiarity from just a look, unless they had met in another war.
She was so swept up in her thought process that they had been starring each other down wordlessly for close to twenty-second.
Had Kojiro not cleared his throat she likely would have taken a few more seconds to realise it. "Ahem" the lavender-haired servant grunted prompting both of them to shift their gaze in embarrassment, she had the self-control to not let herself blush, but she was sure it was still a bit noticeable for both of them.
"My apologies for starring. Nice to meet you Saber" Lancer said with an apologetic smile.
"Not necessary, I stared as well" Artoria admitted despite her embarrassment.
The others gave them curious looks though no one asked the obvious question thanks to Ritsuka's interruption.
"Well, now that we've summoned you, I should introduce to some of the others, Saber and Assassin, you guys don't have to stick around if you've got stuff to do. You too Mash" Ritsuka said as she turned to the other two.
"Ah, I don't mind helping him with the tour, Ritsuka," Mash said with as she stepped up to Ritsuka who smirked in elation.
"In that case, I shall find some other way to busy myself. Perhaps find a tranquil place to practice my blade swings" Kojiro said. "By your leave then my master," he said before dematerialising.
Saber herself had a few engagements she needed to get back to with Shiki and Atilla, but she'd be lying if she said she wasn't a bit interested in speaking more to Diarmuid, preferably discern the exact place they had met prior to Chaldea. Well, she supposed it would have to wait as her sense of responsibility outweighed that curiosity.
"I too will have to head back to the training room then master, feel free to call upon me should you have need," she said as she turned to Mash and smiled, her gaze shifted to Diarmuid last. "Until I see you again then, Lancer."
"Yes, farewell then Saber," Diarmuid said with a wave as she left the room.
About a month had passed between now and the day Diarmuid had arrived and so far his time at Chaldea had been hospitable at the very least and an outright blessing at the best of times, his only real desire in this war was to serve his new master, Ritsuka well. His honour demanded he bend to her every whim without so much as a second thought, but that also came with the wholehearted belief that his master owed him nothing for his loyalty.
A point many servants who did not share his notions of loyalty enjoyed poking at to no end, the likes of Medea and Edmond had laughed at the idea, the responses usually being along the lines of "The lords of your time weren't men worth serving".
Criticisms he supposed had their worth but they who had lived a good portion of their lives being the ones that were served couldn't possibly understand. Only one who had truly lived in that era would understand the majesty of such times. Yes, the life of a Knight was often short and Lords were seldom ever truly good men that wanted the best for their soldiers, he knew that better than most… But that wasn't always true as servants like Iskandar would prove in spades.
He didn't concern himself with arguing such things with those who were already set in their ways, and so long as they could carry their own weight in a battle, he had little issue working alongside them. However, given the option, he much preferred his current arrangement fighting alongside Artoria and Achilles. Their master was currently experimenting with a different formation to test everyone's battle compatibility.
"You wield those lances well, Diarmuid" Artoria complimented as they stepped out of the training room, Atlanta had excused himself to do some other activity, leaving the two remaining servants to converse with each other. "In my experience lances are best used as two-handed weapons, yet you wield two with a level of finesse I haven't quite seen anywhere else."
"Your words do me honour me, Saber. But it is you who should be praised, your skill with that blade is unrivalled. In life, I was only ever decent with a sword, but the way you wield Excalibur I could not hope to ever match."
"Oh hush, you more than measure up. We are both simply better suited to certain weapon styles" Artoria said as her Armour dematerialized from her dress.
He laughed at her response, her words rang true. He was far better suited to the Lance and she to the Sword, yet they could each switch roles should the need arise. "True enough, well then. I have nothing left to do at the moment so would you care to join me at the local tavern?"
She let out a light chuckle at his words, prompting Lancer to raise a puzzled brow at her.
"Did I say something humorous to you?" he asked, a bit confused. She shook her head, but the amused smile lingered as she glanced off in the exits direction.
"Somewhat, but my amusement comes from making the same mistake."
"Oh?"
"The people of this era refer to it as a 'cafeteria' or 'mess hall' she explained as she motioned for them to head out.
"Ah, I shall bear that In mind," he said as they stepped out of the training room and made a beeline for the cafeteria. Once they had arrived, they'd picked out one of the 'trays and picked some random meals that looked appetising. The place was relatively open but the sight of two servants instantly had drawn all eyes to them, it wasn't unusual for servants to make use of the mess hall despite having no need for food, but they still drew attention. Nonetheless but paid it little mind. After that, the two servants picked some empty seats a fair bit away from the Chaldea workers and dug into their meals.
They'd long figured out that they had crossed blades in some other Grail War, though the actual details still eluded them. But considering how well they worked together, it felt more akin to two long time comrades fighting side by side rather than two strangers who had learned how to better complement each other in a battle.
They ate in silence for a minute or so before Diarmuid interrupted.
"So then, Artoria. Have you been able to recall anything else from our previous war?" he asked Saber who was clearly having her fill of all the food, happily stuffing herself with another slice of stake when he asked. She almost seemed a little dissatisfied from the interruption, an amusing sight though he refrained from bringing attention to it.
She took a moment to swallow and wipe her mouth with a cloth before answering.
"A few minor events here and there, though from my recollection our only interactions were on the battlefield. Most of it is just my Master and me…" she explained with her voice trailing off as placed a thoughtful hand to her chin. She looked like she had a thought at the tip of her tongue but in a single instant her eyes snapped shut and she sighed. "I was on the verge of recalling something, but the thought left me in an instant, my apologies Diarmuid," she said, Vexation clear on her face.
He shook his head. "You need not apologise, my memories are also rather vague, though you definitely remember much more than I do.". His only recollection aside from his masters name and face was Saber and her indomitable warrior spirit, he couldn't recall the actual event of that war in great detail, while Saber's memory was more like a dusty painting in need of cleaning his were just fractured recollection of moments and conversations, the chronology of which eluded him.
Without either of them pushing the matter silence fell on them again and without a word they both resumed eating their meals. A few minutes later their plates had been cleared and Diarmuid washed some of the ramen he'd eaten down with some water. He was not used to this quality of food, it was a pleasant experience to share with the king of Knights.
"Well this was a pleasant experience, the food here's much more filling than anything from my era had to offer".
His timing couldn't have been more impeccable as his line was immediately followed by an audible grumbling sound from Artoria, or her tummy to be more accurate. The heat instantly rose to her cheeks and she averted ger gaze to the side. "My… Apologies Lancer"
He smiled slightly at the sight, it was quite a humorous thing to behold the usually stoic King of Knights appear so abashed. "Are you still hungry Saber?" he asked, it tone reflected no mocking or amusement, it was a mere question.
A moment passed between them but Diarmuid eventually got his answer in the rumble that had her several shades redder. She sighed in defeat. "I suppose I am, I apologise for my lapse in decorum. I am beyond mortified" she said, refusing to look at him in shame.
"Such things are beyond your control Saber, it only serves to aggravate you to linger on them," he said, if anything it was quite humanising to see her indulge in such idle pleasures, he was just trying to reassure her of that without accidentally being rude. He imagined that in life she had often taken up the mannerisms of a man to better hide her true nature, it wouldn't be out of the question for her to be somewhat sensitive about that since she was still woman.
"…" she held her tongue, evidently not really knowing what to say that wouldn't make this any more awkward. In that case, he would have to act for her.
"As it turns out I could go for seconds as well. Care to join me?" he asked prompting her to look up at him. She rubbed the bridge of her nose, and the glint in her eyes instantly told him that she knew what he was trying to do.
"I appreciate the indulgence, Lancer," she said as they both stood and headed back to the buffet area.
"Another summoning then?" Diarmuid asked Ritsuka as he gazed up at her from polishing his Gae Dearg.
"Yup, Saber's helping Mash train for today and since protocol says I can't summon without at least two servants present 'for my own safety' as they put it. I need you there. So, you up for it?" she asked with a pout as she glanced over at the command seals on her hand. It was odd how she cared to ask his opinion on such matter. He nodded and slung them over his back.
"Of course, Master, you only need to ask"
"Nice, Now I'll just find Sherlock. He'll probably whine though, dudes always readings" she said trailing off as he followed across the servant resting areas and found the young Caster busying himself with a book in hand.
As his master said it did take some prodding to convince the man to put away his book, he would have berated the servant if he were more adamant but thankfully he gave up relatively easily and escorted them to the Summoning room.
Once they arrived they both took their position at either end of their summoning circle, Diarmuid's twin spears held at the ready while the detective casually flipped through a small book, though he still had his staff levitating close by, enough to suggest he was somewhat paying attention.
Just as before the circle illuminated with and mana flowed through it, several flashes light and minute later an armoured servant stood through before Ritsuka.
"Hello and welcome to Chaldea" Ritsuka stated with the warmest smile she could muster. The servant snorted behind their helmet and glances around at the other two standing in the room, no doubt they were thrown off by the extra mana flowing through their master.
"Well, this is automatically the weirdest Grail War ever. You sure I won't end up killing one of these servants, master?" the voice was effeminate, yet gruff, an adolescent boy or young woman perhaps?
Diarmuid only tensed up slightly at the threat as he felt the servants intense gaze from behind that helmet. Before he could reply Sherlock spoke up.
"Master, can I go?" he asked sounding somewhat impatient as he closed the book shut, Diarmuid couldn't tell if he had finished three hundred page book in a matter of minutes or simply lost patient but from the time he'd known the servant both seemed equally as likely.
Ritsuka rolled her eyes at him. "Sure, I guess.". It was barely a second later that he dematerialised and left her with just Diarmuid and the new servant. "Sorry, he's a bit of Grump when he's interrupted, but there are lots of nice servants here."
"Yeah, the other obnoxious servant mana's kind of hard to ignore" they replied as a clanking sound could be heard behind the helmet, perhaps some kind of mechanism. "Lots of rotten servants attached to your mana and some good ones too. I only care for one though" they said as a pair of emerald eyes came into view behind that helmet. Enough to give him pause, this servant bared an uncanny resemblance to Artoria, perhaps one of her alters? No, she had her own distinct aura about her. The mana was much wilder an unrestrained opposed to King of Knights more disciplined and aura.
"Uh, you do?" Ritsuka said a bit puzzled by the immediate sense of agency this servant had.
"I'm Mordred Pendragon, the only heir of King Arthur and Britain's future king. Tell me? Is my father here?"