Ending the Cycle

by Tigershark431

Drake Griffin, a boy haunted by a repeating nightmare, has to travel to London to meet his birth father. While on the trip he is swept up into the most dangerous war known to man. As he fights through it his nightmares begin to take shape as a shared memory, but why they have been triggered is a secret beyond even the heroes of old.

8. Chapter 7

Okay time for chapter seven. I hope you guys enjoy, and as always feel free to review or PM if you have any questions or criticism

P.S- Still looking for a beta reader, if anybody's interested please PM

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Chapter 7

Drake's POV

"Seriously Ceinwyn I'm fine", I say for the billionth time since my rude awakening. If my current situation was different I would think her nearly obsessive concern with my well being was cute. But, of course, normality was a custom long lost to me, and there was a good chance I may never get equated with the word again. Giving of a silent sigh of self pity, I raised myself off the floor and looked out the dust covered window. The sun was nearing it's peak telling me that I had slept through most of the morning and it was almost the second half of the day.

"... Would you like some breakfast Sir Griffin?", Ceinwyn finally asked presenting to me a plate with what looked like food straight out of a survival kit. Her eyes were stilled filled with concerned.

"Don't you mean lunch", I joked trying to defuse the atmosphere in the room. The strawberry blonde however didn't seem to connect with my sense of humor and tilted her head in confusion.

"I do not understand Sir Griffin, is this not your first meal of the day?", I stared at the girl in silent confusion.

… I know I'm a bad comedian, but even a two year old would have seen I was attempting a joke. What kind of childhood did Ceinwyn have.

"Are you not hungry Sir Griffin? Or is the food not to your liking, I will try to find a more suitable meal but this was all I could fine at the moment", self disappointment filled her voice and she moved to search for more food.

"Wait", the maid froze in her tracks, while I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly, "I didn't mean to criticize the food or anything, I just made a bad joke. The maid looked on confused, "I guess I'm still out of it. I had a really vivid nightmare while sleeping", the maid seemed to relaxes at this explanation.

"That would make sense, with all the shocking events that you've been through it's only natural that your subconscious mind would present similar situations in your dreams… would you like to discuss it", I looked on at the maid, I wasn't one to talk about my inner feelings or dreams with people. Especially with a person I still barely knew.

Wait. Looking around the room I noticed the absence of Saber. This fact alone seemed to fill me with an unknown sense of fear, like somebody just took away my kevlar vest.

"Where's Saber?"

"Right here Master", appearing from thin air, literally, Saber manifested herself in the room. An entrance that caused me to jump with shock. "Sorry Master", Saber began giggling, "I do not believe I've explained a Servant's ability to go into astral form. I slowly nodded still trying grasp that a woman just appeared instantly before me. The knight opened her mouth to speak but Ceinwyn beat her to the explanation,

"It's a form that all Servants possess. It allows them to go undetected by other classes and civilians alike. Of course Servants will normally inform their Master before going in and out of the astral", the maid eyes locked onto Saber's with annoyance. This reaction only caused Saber smile to enlarge with mischief.

"My apologies Ceinwyn, after patrolling the surrounding woods and finding no other trace of enemy Servants I decided it would be best for me to choose astral form. We wouldn't want to inform the enemy of our position after all". Looking at Saber so cheerful, reminded me of her appearance in my dream, I opened my mouth to asked about it, but just before I was about to asked I stopped.

Ceinwyn right, the dream was probably caused by all the stress of the night before. Besides we have more important things to talk about.

"That's a pretty cool function Saber, it's nice to know that you won't have to be out in the open. I'm no expert on magic or the Holy Grail War, but having a girl in a suit of armor follow me around might attract some unwanted attention", Sabers playful smiles never leaves her face, but she nods in understanding, "Speaking of which", I looked over to Ceinwyn whose still wearing her maids out fit which is still tattered from the fight with dried blood covering the left sleeve, "We got to get some new clothes". As if noticing her own outfit for the first time, Ceinwyn blushes and tries to dust it off to no avail,

"I can see how this attire… may be a little out of the ordinary for normal civilians".

A little? Not even two seconds in public and we'd have a swarm of people asking why the girl next to me was wearing a maid outfit covered in blood, I shake my head to banish that mental imagine. That thought was way to weird to continue thinking about,

"Unfortunately there are no spare clothes in this safe house… and going back to the mansion is far too dangerous"

"So what are we gonna do? we can't stay here the whole time… can we?", Ceinwyn and Saber shake there head almost simultaneously.

"While this location is safe for now Master we cannot assume it will stay that way. We can't simply avoid the war until we see fit to participate, sooner or later it will come to us. It is better we gather information on our enemy now, then have them attacked us unprepared", I give off a sigh of annoyance. She was right, despite every fiber of my being screaming for me to stay away from danger, there was no hiding from what I got myself into. The second I was blasted from that bed, my life is gonna be on the line until this thing ends. As if sensing my discomfort Saber placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder,

"Do not worry Master, I will be by your side this whole time. No harm shall come to you"

Except when you leave to fight a super power warrior, and Ceinwyn and I are left with a guy who can rip me apart with shadows. With a low cough the maid interrupts my train of thought and I feel Saber's hand quickly detach from my shoulder.

"As far as clothing goes, I believe we may purchase some with this", The maid revealed the same cash she had earlier. Some of it was unusable do to large amounts of blood soaked into the paper, but more then enough was clean for us to buy new outfits, "If Saber transform to astral mode we can travel to the outskirts of London undetected. We are about an hour and half from the city, but we will still have plenty of time for us to buy clothes".

"Don't you mean me?", Ceinwyn looks up surprised but I continue, "I appreciate all your willing to do for me, but I think I'll be arrested if you're seen in the city with me wearing that. Hell, I'm already gonna get strange looks for being in my night clothes". The maid seems taken back by my explanation,

"You need protection though Sir Griffin, I cannot let anything happen to yo-"

"Do not fear Ceinwyn, I will be right by him the entire time", the maids continued to look on uncomfortable, but eventually her sense of duty gave into logic.

"Very well I will lead you to the outskirts of the city", she then sends an intense glare towards Saber, "No harm is to come to Sir Griffin in my absence. Understood". Meeting the glare Saber responds smiling.

"Understood"

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The walked was filled with silence from the very beginning to the end. Ceinwyn suggested that Saber go astral early on, which left the maid and I on our own. Every once in awhile Ceinwyn would speak up to tell me we were changing directions, but beside that no words were said for over ninety minutes. It's not that I didn't want to talk, I very much did. I wanted to find out more about magi and the war, it was just dawning on me now that, according the Ceinwyn, I could use magic and I should probably learn how to use this ability when am participating in a war with other magic users. However, the maid seemed relatively upset for some odd reason or another, and I didn't want to force a conversation. I decided I would just ask her about it later.

"Were here", I looked up past the strawberry blonde. True to her word we were in fact 'here', and the sight was astonishing. With all the emotions I had built up on the flight over here I wasn't able to take in the beauty of the city itself. But now, even with my life in danger, I couldn't help but take it all in. London seemed like a combination of the modern era and the past. Even from this distance I could make out the 18th century structures that stood out from the newly built skyscraper, yet fit in perfectly. I've visited other cities before, New York, Chicago, and D.C, but London was entirely different.

Your mood has dramatically changed in the positive direction Master. Forgive my curiosity, but what has caused your current behavior, I nearly jump to the stratosphere when I hear Saber's voice inside my head, an action that does not go unnoticed by Ceinwyn.

"Saber?", materializing in front of us, the swords women greets me with a joyous smile. Ceinwyn on the other hand seems much more cautious.

"Do you sense a Servant nearby", giving off a small laugh Saber shakes her head,

"My apologies Ceinwyn I did not seem me to scare you. It seems I forgot to mention to Master the mental link we share, and as a consequence he was a little startled when I communicated to him telepathically", Ceinwyn seems to accept this response, but stays on guard.

"Telepathically? Wait does this mean you can read my mind?", My head soon goes into a full lockdown. I am a guy afterall and the thought of having a beautiful girl have full access to my brain is embarrassing on a whole new level.

"Only emotions and what you choose to send me", I feel myself instantly calm down. Saber raises an eyebrow in amusement, but decides not to delve deeper into my question, "That being said I am quite curious to what has you so excited"

"Oh it's nothing really. This is my first time seeing London in it's full glory and I thought it looked cool", not even waiting for me to finish my sentence Saber turns around towards the city. I cannot see her expression, but, like her, I feel the emotions. The city represents something in her, shock, longing, sadness, and for a brief moment I felt her happiness. It was true happiness, almost as if the joy and loving personality she had up until this one moment has all been an act. I know Saber hasn't told us who she is but without a doubt this city has been in her life. "... Is everything okay Saber?"

"Yes", without hesitation the knight answered turning around revealing a neutral face, "It seems this city has many shops, we will have no problem finding one that will provide you two with civilian clothing".

"... Alright", I say, confused over Saber's sudden change in emotion, "I guess we should head down there", my Servant gives a sharp nod before vanishing into astral form, "Do you have any request on what you want Ceinwyn?", the maid, avoiding my question entirely, walks up towards me with a serious expression.

"If anything is to happen I will rush to your side immediately Sir Griffin", before I have time to respond Ceinwyn grasp my arm and places something in my hand, looking down I notice it's one of her daggers, vibrating against my skin gently with a light green glow. Immediately I try to give it back to Ceinwyn. I've never used a weapon in my entire life, I'd probably end up causing more harm to myself then my enemy if I had to use it,

Take the knife, I hear Saber's voice, it seems she sensed my discomfort with the weapon, It is better to be safe than sorry. Sighing I look back down at the knife and reluctantly place the piece of steel in my pocket,

"I'll be back in no time Ceinwyn, I promise nothing bad will happen", beginning my descent down towards the outskirts of London, I turn my head around briefly to see the maid knee down with her hands clasped together. It seems she going to wait in that position until I return. Taking a deep breath I return my eyes forward

I hope nothing bad will happen

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Finding a clothing store was surprisingly easy, and I did not have to travel to far into the city to find one. This was probably a good thing because it meant I could get back to Ceinwyn sooner, but a part of me felt disappointed because I wanted to see more of what London had to offer. Nevertheless I went into the first store I could that had mannequins showing of the latest fashion trends. Of course when I entered the store, the clothes began to appear more normal. Picking mine out were quite easy, I just went and grabbed a dark blue t shirt with some khaki shorts, Ceinwyn on the other hand was proving to be more difficult,

Do you think she'd like this? I asked my Servant knowing full well I'd receive the same answer I got from her the last three times I asked.

You really are struggling to grasp the concept of astral form Master. All my senses are taken away, including sight. But judging from the emotions you are displaying I would advise taking a look elsewhere.

You're probably right, giving off a sigh of defeat I walk away from the neon pink and green shirts I was just looking through

If I may give my opinion Master I would just go with the most normal attire for a girl this age. You yourself said the plan was to blend in with the normal population. Blushing at my own stupidity I rub the back of my neck.

That's probably a good idea, Looking around I notice girls from all over the store wearing somewhat similar attire, although I'd be shot if I ever said that aloud. For the most part they wore mini skirts and tank tops with t shirts over them. When picturing Ceinwyn in that clothing the blush on my face only increased, and action Saber picked up on

Oh my. What type of thoughts are going through your head? Her voice was filled with amusement but also had a hint of anger. Maybe thinking about cute girls in front of other cute girls isn't such a good idea

It's nothing like that! I just finally found out the outfit to get Ceinwyn. Rushing towards the girls section I quickly grab some black mini skirts and white tank tops, then head over to pick up a pink t-shirt. While grabbing I also catch sight of a some dark blue t-shirts. For some reason I think of Saber and her emotions towards this city and an idea begins forming in my head. Hesitating for just a moment I grab the extra shirt and head towards the check out.

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Are their any other Servants nearby Saber?

I do not sense any Master. Why? A slight blush creeps onto my face but I continue with my plan.

I just want to talk to you face to face for a sec. In an instant the knight stands before me, and I learn quickly that these changing rooms were simply not built for two people. Saber was only a half a foot from me, and her battle skirt was hitting my legs.

"What is it Master?", A part of me admires the Servant for not being phased by the situation we're in, but a larger part wants me to answer the question as quickly as possible to get out of this ever shrinking room. Awkwardly pulling out my arm I reveal to Saber a mini skirt and the same blue t-shirt I took earlier.

"I thought you might wants some clothes as well, after all it will be pretty obvious that something's up if a girl in a suit of armors walking around the streets of London", I give of an awkward laugh, but Saber only eyes me suspiciously.

"Ceinwyn has made it quite clear that I should remain in astral for when in a public area. I do not require such clothing", I give off a sigh of defeat and neither of us talk for what seems like hours.

"Listen Saber, I didn't want to pry, but I felt all your emotions when you looked at the city", the knights eyes immediately shot down in disappointment before I even finish my sentence.

"Forgive me Master, I will try to keep my personal feelings in check from now on"

"... Saber you're allowed to have feelings, the only reason I brought any of it up is because I thought you might want to wears those clothes to look around the city with me. I know you don't want Ceinwyn and I to know who you are, but it's clear this city means something to you and I feel you should be allowed to act on those feelings", Saber's head tilts back upwards, and I'm met with a smile that sets my heart racing.

"Thank you Master, I would love to explore some of the city with you", my face quickly becoming more and more red I turn my head and make towards the door, but when I grab the knob I remember one more thing,

"Saber can you call me by my name instead of Master",, one of her eyebrows raise in curiousity.

"Whatever you wish… Drake", I smile

That feels much better

"... I believe that it is inappropriate for men to watch women change in this time. Could it be my Master is perverted", her voice is filled with mischief, but it only cause me to rush out of the closest size room blushing.

"I thought we'd agreed I'd be Drake".

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"Where would you like to head first Ma- Drake?", Saber asked while looking down at her new attire. She was able to pull of the look incredibly well and her natural beauty has already turned a few heads since we left the store.

"I don't know… we can't explore to long because I don't want to worry Ceinwyn. Just go where it feels right". I almost slap my head do to my own stupidity, "Where it feels right" what kind of idiot am I, she's a hero who probably hasn't seen this city hundreds of years.

"Very well", not even second guessing my response Saber grabs my hand and starts dragging me through the streets. Her pace is fast, but nothing that over exhaust my lungs. What astonishes me the most is the turns she is making. Every couple blocks or even feet, the Servant makes a sharp turn in an odd direction, leading us to do complete U-turns through some lanes of traffic.

So much for being incognito, I thought as car horns blaired. My adventure through the crowded streets continues on for a good five minutes, but just as I begin to get comfortable with being dragged around Saber suddenly stops. My inertia almost causes me to fly forward but luckily I regain my balance. Looking around I'm surprised by the sudden emptiness of our current location. One moment we're making our way through crowds of people, and now were back on on the outskirts of the city.

"How far did we g-", I'm suddenly stopped when I see Saber looking directly ahead towards the heart of London. A small smile is on her face, and her eyes looked lost in memories,

"Do you see it Drake?", I look forwards but see nothing but building a few yards away, "the battlefield it's so peaceful right now, it's like I was never here"

"Saber?", snapping out of her trance the knight looks at me still smiling,

"It's nothing. Just an remembering an old forgotten town that was in the wrong place at the wrong time…", we both stare a head in, an awkward silence falling between us,

"An old forgotten town? Sounds intriguing, London must have been different when you were here"

"You could say that", the Servant chuckled, "I only entered this city once… and the circumstances were quite similar to what I find myself in now", it takes me a moment to put two and two together, but I frown when I do,

"For war", she nods still looking forwards,

"...What do you think the most important factor to winning a war is", countless ideas run through my mind at once numbers, strategy, resource. Anyone I think would be a respectable choice, but I don't say anything. For some odd reason I don't think Saber is looking for any answer I could give at the moment. Realizing that I wasn't going to reply, Saber sighs and continued looking forward.

"Maybe the answer will dawn upon you some day. When it does please inform me, I would like to hear it". We stand in silence for a few more seconds, but eventually my Servant breaks the tension, "Shall we head back Drake, your maid already distrust m-", her voice all of sudden comes to a stop and with no warning Saber is suddenly engulfed in a flash of bright light, I see her sword quickly form in her hands, and her armor replaces the clothes I just bought, "Do not move from the sport you are in Drake, no matter what happens nexts your area to stay where you are unless I instruct other wise, do you understand", it wasn't a question and I could tell immediately from the voice. It was a voice that had been through countless battles, a voice that command hundreds of troops when in the thick of battle , a voice used for war. Shocked and frighten by the sudden change in personality I froze, moving only my eyes I followed Saber's glared. Standing maybe one hundred yards from us stood a man on top of a small building. I couldn't make out much detail from this distance, but in his hand I could see what was undoubtedly a bow, that began glow brighter and brighter in a white blinding light. Closing my eyes from the harsh rays, I heard Saber only whisper one word,

"Archer".

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Third Person POV

A little more than three miles away, Ceinwyn remained kneeling on top of the hill Drake had left her on. It had been well over two hours since the boy had said he'd be "right back", and the maid eyes were growing in concern and confusion.

What if he was killed by Assassin? Or another Master snuck up on him?, The maids mind raced with these unpleasant thoughts, but no matter how hard she tried she could not stop producing them, … What if Saber betrayed him?, Her concern eyes switched to hatred. Ever since her summoning Ceinwyn had been uneasy of the swordswomen, even when she started acting more friendly towards her and Drake. In fact, whenever the Servant offered Drake help or support the maid grew… jealous.

I am Sir Griffin's servant not her, she rose from her kneeled position with new found determination, even if I defy his order it is my duty to ensure his protection. I do not care about my outfit or my wounds. If need be I will search the planet to find him. Walking towards London the maid reached into her pouched and kept three daggers locked in her hand.

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Archer! Looks like we're finally going to see an actual fight between Servants in this fanfics. I'm sorry if I did a bad job portraying London, I did some research on the city before writing the chapter but I'm sure I screwed the description up completely. That being said stay tune for the next chapter in two weeks.

Remember all constructive criticisms and questions are encouraged and welcome. Please comment or PM if you have any.