Battle scene coming up! And one more Servant is introduced in this chapter!
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Chapter 3- Lancer vs Saber
"I ask you," The Servant began, her dark violet blue eyes focused on Cleo's green ones. "Are you my Master?"
"Uh..." Cleo swallowed. This was more than a bit intimidating. "Y-yes I am, I'm your Master. Are you... my Servant?"
The Servant nodded a sudden smile appearing on her face. "A Brat like you? Really?"
Cleo gaped, stunned. "W-what?! Of course I'm your Master!" The Servant had appeared so regal only a second ago! How'd that change so fast? "And you haven't answered me! Are you my Servant?"
"Seeing as you're the one who did the summoning, of course I'm Servant." She said, her dark blue eyes looking around carelessly, staying on Arthur and Gawain a moment before looking over at Lancelot who had pulled Guinevere firmly behind him. Her eyes rested on Merlin, head tilted curiously before her eyes went back to Cleo.
"Well, I will give you this, Brat. You've gotten yourself into quite the situation." There was a hint of amusement in her face as she looked down at her.
"Who are you calling Brat?!" Cleo could feel her frustration boil over. "Shouldn't I be Master?"
The Servant shrugged, "Just so you know, In this Grail War, I am the Servant Saber." She then turned to look at Lancer and Antoinette, her eyes narrowing. "Master, what are your orders regarding them?"
Cleo looked at Saber in stunned silence, now Saber spoke in that calm tone again! Had she somehow summoned a bi-polar Servant?
"What?" Antoinette asked, disbelief in her voice. "You think you're going to beat me? Lancer!"
Lancer nodded and lunged for Saber, expecting to be able to scratch her Armour, but Saber quickly turned around and parried Lancer's blow with a dark silver and black sword that actually looked like an over-sized halberd.
"You're just not a fan of playing fair are you?" Saber asked, a smirk on her lips as she easily pushed Lancer away and started her own offense, she quickly delivered blow after blow to Lancer, forcing the blonde to go defensive instead of offensive. "Not bad." Saber said, as her sword clashed once again with Lancer's spear.
"Not bad yourself." Lancer smiled back as she struggled to gain ground against Saber. Lancer suddenly relaxed her stance, leaping back and causing Saber to stumble forward at the sudden lack of force against her blade.
Lancer then lunged forward again, trying to take advantage of Saber's shock. The point of her spear was aimed at Saber's chest and she was certain she could deliver a damaging blow; but Saber did something that Lancer didn't expect. She dove forward, allowing gravity to bring her down instead of trying to catch herself like Lancer thought she would. As she fell towards the ground, Saber twisted, so that her back faced the floor instead of her front and her sword arm swung out, the blade of her halberd-sword swinging for Lancer's legs.
This caused Lancer to jump into the air to avoid Saber's strike and at the same time leaving her unbelievably exposed since the tip of her spear flew harmlessly over Saber's body and the Saber was now directly under the shaft of her spear.
Saber rolled onto the ground before quickly pushing herself back up , her body only inches away from Lancer's and too near for Lancer to properly counter with her spear still thrust out. Saber met Lancer's stunned blue eyes before viciously swinging her sword towards Lancer's abdomen; Lancer would have been gutted then and there if she hadn't used her eight-pointed star shield just in time to block the blow; but she still ended up flying into the wall by the entrance, leaving an indent in the wall before she crumpled down to the floor
While they were doing this, everyone else in the Throne room was staring at the fighting Servants stunned. Antoinette especially looked like she might faint when Lancer flew past her to crash into the wall.
Saber stood and smirked, "The problem with being a Lancer class Servant," She mused, "Is that if you can get pass the blade it's easy to strike them since a lance or spear is all shaft after the tip. It can be hard to quickly adjust to block."
"Amazing..." Natalya breathed out, glancing at Cleo, who was also staring as her Servant de-materialized her sword.
"Merlin, could you see them?" Arthur asked, his green eyes narrowed. He didn't think he saw every single strike the two females gave each other. They had been fighting at a speed where his eyes couldn't follow every movement.
Arthur honestly didn't know what to make out of this situation. Were these really the beings that had been summoned all over his Britain? They looked human but, they couldn't be. Not with that much power and speed. Even he, who always had confidence in the abilities of all his Knights felt doubt.
"I managed too." Merlin said, a smile on her face as she looked at the battle. Lancer had gotten back onto her feet and had charged to attack Saber. Lancer had sped up her movements and attack, using her faster speed and agility to force Saber on the defensive. "This is interesting... the Lancer has more speed and is more flexible in her attack while the Saber definitely has more overall strength. Saber also has surprise on her side."
"Huh?" Arthur looked back and saw that Saber and Lancer were still exchanging blows, and their exchanges even seemed to be quickening, but he saw what Merlin meant. Saber didn't have that halberd-type sword in her hand anymore. Instead, the sword in her hand was a few inches shorter than a typical western sword but it was beautiful; the blade was made out of a brilliant white-gold steel, there were gleaming jewels of rubies and topazes in the fuller of the blade and on the right side of the blade there was ancient writing that he couldn't understand. Near the guard of the sword the steel was adorned with tiny emeralds and jades, the guard itself twisting to look like thick intricate flames. The handle looked as if it was molten gold, with hints of hues of fire, and the pummel was a beautiful citrine stone; and more than anything, the sword seemed to have fiery light dancing across the steel. "She... switched swords?" How was that even possible?
"She switched swords!" Cleo exclaimed in amazement, she then watched as Saber changed her blade again as she dodged the swipes and thrusts of Lancer's spear. The sword that materialized in place of the white-gold one almost looked exactly the same as the previous, but the blade was clearly a few inches longer and the color of the gleaming metal was of a pale gray and adorned with just aquamarine and diamonds. "Is that allowed?" She asked, looking at Natalya as if she might know the answer.
Natalya shrugged, "I think it should be. I mean, all the weapons that Saber has changed out have been sword-like and she is a Saber-class Servant. And who knows... this may be her Noble Phantasm."
"I'm pretty sure the rules are that you're supposed to only have one Noble Phantasm." Cleo said.
Natalya narrowed her blue eyes. "Maybe... it seems like more than one Noble Phantasm, but maybe all those swords are encompassed into one? Who cares! Saber is kicking Lancer's ass!" Natalya looked in the direction where Antoinette was supposed to be with a broad smile on her face... only to find the area empty. "Damn it! Antoinette escaped!" She scowled, she had been hoping to see the look of shock and disappointment on the Older Woman's face.
"Huh?" Cleo followed Natalya's eyes and saw that Antoinette really wasn't there.
"We'll just have to get her another time then." Saber called back, apparently hearing them, "Hey, Lancer, want to have more space outside?" Saber didn't wait for an answer from the blonde Servant, instead, her sword burst with mana, causing the steel to glow light gray as she added extra force to the attack using a mixture of pressurized air and light that seemed to explode from the sword.
The force of the blow sent Lancer flying through the Throne room window and into the grassy area. Saber glanced at her Master once before quickly following after the Lancer.
"H-hey! Wait up!" Cleo called, she glanced at the summoning circle and saw the vambrace still at the center. Without thinking, she grabbed it and ran after her Servant, clumsily climbing through the window after them; it was honestly a miracle that she didn't slice herself on the glass.
She heard laughter coming from beside her and saw Merlin happily running at her side, though, Cleo thought it could be more of a gliding. "Isn't this fun? A Holy Grail War in Camelot."
Cleo almost stumbled but kept on running to where she heard the clang! of steel against steel. "I got the impression that King Arthur believes you didn't know about the Holy Grail Wars."
"I have a gift to see into the future." Merlin said softly, her eyes looking back and Cleo looked back too. She saw Arthur and Gawain standing at the windows, probably wondering if they should follow or not. "I saw glimpses of the Holy Grail War, yes. But I wasn't going to tell my King. Especially when I saw him participating in one.
"Really?" Cleo felt her eyes widen at that revelation. So King Arthur would become... if she thought about it, it made sense for him to have become a Heroic Spirit.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell him though." Merlin added, seriousness in her eyes. "I don't know what that could do to his mind set."
Cleo nodded, "Of course. I won't tell him. But doesn't he suspect that you might be lying?" She asked.
Merlin just laughed in response, "By this point, I've caused Arthur and Camelot so much trouble with the stunts that I pull that I think he always thinks I'm lying in one way or the other. Now hush, he'll catch up to us any moment now."
Cleo looked back again to see that Arthur and Gawain had decided to follow them after all and were quickly catching up, Natalya trailing far behind them.
Those were the only three though, no one else followed. She wouldn't be surprised if Arthur had ordered Lancelot and Guinevere to somehow reorganize the lords and other retainers who had witnesses Saber's and Lancer's battle. What a horrible time for this to happen, in front of all these people. If this was a normal Holy Grail War, all of those people would have had to been killed; hopefully, the normal rules didn't apply here.
Cleo stopped a good distance from where Saber and Lancer had decided to continue their fight and much to Cleo's shock, Antoinette was standing right behind Lancer. Had Saber somehow known her location and literally hit Lancer all the way here? That didn't seem plausible.
"Lancer! Finish her already! She's just Saber!" Antoinette said, her anger burning in her eyes. It was clear that she wasn't used to losing in any way.
"Just Saber?" Saber asked, a light tone of amusement entering her voice as she leaped back to stand in front of Cleo. "Saber is the most powerful Servant class if you need reminding."
Lancer smiled back, "This is amazing, as a Knight, I have nothing but praise and admiration for your abilities Saber. There's no doubt in my mind that you are a perfectly trained Swordsman, but," She twirled her spear in her hand, stance ready. "I'm also a Knight and for the sake of my King and my pride, I won't lose."
Both Servants braced themselves for another round of battle, but a stern and authoritative voice stopped them. "Enough." The voice vibrated through the air causing Saber to step closer to her Master and for Lancer to stiffen.
There was a shift in the air as it rippled to reveal another Servant started to materialize. This Servant was dressed in a mainly white and black tunic with bright blue accents, black pants, thigh-high armored boots, and a short white cape with a black edge. Aside from his boots, his left arm was covered by a white gauntlet, and he wore a set of faulds at his waist. There was also a sword Scabbard hanging at his left side, and strange red marks coated his right arm. The Servant also had fair skin, spiky black hair that had streaks of white in it and bright blue eyes.
"Antoinette. Lancer. My Master told you to observe the court of Camelot. Not attack it."
Antoinette glared at the new Servant. "There was a Master without a Servant in front of us! Two in fact! How could we not take the chance to wipe out enemy Masters when such a chance offered itself?!"
The black haired male Servant crossed his arms over his chest, brow raising as he looked at Antoinette. "Yet, you were unable to do so before a Saber class Servant was summoned right in front of you." He laughed suddenly. "Talk about pathetic."
"I'm sorry my King!" Lancer said, bowing hurriedly at the other Servant who waved her off.
"No need to apologize, Lancer, you fought well." There was no malice in his eyes as he looked at her, smile on his face.
Natalya inched closer to Cleo and Saber, who were keeping their eyes on the new Servant and Lancer. "What class is he?"
Cleo shook her head, "The only answer that comes up should be impossible. He looks like a Saber class Servant but-" She was cut off when the new Servant looked over at them, shoulders relaxed.
"I am a Saber-class Servant that is correct." He said, "I'm surprised that you don't know, but there have been ten summoning rituals before your Servant, making her the eleventh Servant summoned for this war, Milady."
"Ten?!" Cleo demanded, looking over at Natalya, who rose her hands in a surrender position.
"Don't look at me like that! So much has happened in this short amount of time! Of course, I didn't have a chance to tell you!" Natalya defended herself. "So, if there are two Sabers for this war..."
"Then that means that the other Servant-classes have doubled as well." Saber finished, glancing back at them. "Fourteen Servants will fight in this Holy Grail War and three more must be summoned before the War can fully start."
"That's right." The Male Saber said, nodding his head, a smile gracing his face at their understanding. "Though, I must admit, I would never have thought you'd be summoned... Queen of Guardians."
Saber stiffened at his words, but her own smile graced her features. "I can say the same for you, King of Paladins."
The Male Saber straightened, his smile growing pleased. "I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd remember me."
"Wait!" Antoinette suddenly snapped, looking between the two Sabers, "You know each other! As in, know each others true names?!"
"Of course. That's why I know that if the Queen of Guardians had gotten serious, my Knight wouldn't have stood a chance."
Lancer looked down at that, "I can still beat her." She was pouting, not liking the idea of her King thinking that the Female Saber was stronger.
"You will not." the King of Paladins said sternly, "My Master wants you both to retreat. Now. He says we must regroup."
Saber raised her sword, "Running away? How unlike you."
"Oh, Celestial Queen of the Heavens, I ask that you allow us to regroup. If I were to join Lancer in battle now, you know you would lose. I'd rather fight when our numbers are even." His eyes then went to the blonde regal man behind her. "King Arthur. I've always wanted to meet you." He bowed and Lancer protested, saying that he had no reason to bow to another King.
Arthur stepped forward to stand next to Saber, despite Gawain's protest, his green eyes on the new Man. "I wish I could say the same. However, if there is anything I understand about this situation it is that you do not reveal your names to each other."
The King of Paladins nodded, "Yes. It is unfortunate. I grew up reading about your adventures and tales... for many of us later Rulers, I dare say that you were what we hoped to achieve and base our rule on. It's a shame, truly."
"My King!" Lancer insisted, walking up to him with her head bowed, clearly in distress. "You should not talk as if you achieved nothing in life!"
There was a pause, the Male Saber closing his eyes for a few seconds before opening them again, "Lancer, take your Master and go." He said, looking at the blonde Servant. "My Master has allowed me a few minutes to speak freely and I wish to converse with Saber without you or Antoinette around."
"But she's not alone!" Lancer protested, "What if she-" She grew quiet when the Male Saber glared down at her.
"Saber is too noble to do such a thing as attack me after I asked for a reprieve on your behalf. Now go and take that annoying Old Woman with you." The King of Paladins said.
Lancer didn't say anything else, she quickly scooped up Antoinette who was fuming at being called 'Old' and quickly disappeared into the distance.
Saber watched Lancer disappear into the distance before de-materializing her sword, causing Cleo to gasp and Arthur to give her a doubtful look. His hand was still clenched around Excalibur after all.
"King of Paladins, what do you want?" Saber asked, her stance relaxed, but her eyes alert for any traps.
"My Master has allowed me to tell you this because you'll find out eventually. But it is as you said, there will be two Servants from the same class, fourteen Servants in all. The Holy Grail War cannot properly begin without all Servants being summoned, so how Antoinette tried to kill your Master before hand was stupid and uncool." He began.
"Uncool?" Cleo blinked, looking at the Male Saber in confusion. How did a Servant know such a modern word? It wouldn't be strange if he had been summoned into the modern world... but they were in Britain, probably around late fifth century. 'Uncool' definitely hadn't been invented yet.
"Yes. I know uncool and cool. But more importantly, Heavenly Queen, there are three villages near here where people have been drained of their mana or magical energy and have become ill. My Master and I believe that it is Caster's work."
Saber narrowed her eyes. Caster, huh? "That's a shame, do you expect me to deal with it?"
"I'm just giving you a Servant to beat. All three villages had people drained at the same time. I honestly doubt a Master could pull off three mass drainings all at once and no other Servant besides a Caster could do it properly. I just figured you'd be in this area more, so you'd be the one to deal with Caster. Besides, you'd probably get King Arthur's gratitude." He added.
Saber scoffed, narrowing her eyes at the Male Saber, "And at the same time, take a load off your hands. If a Caster can do such a thing, then they're powerful. Besides, if Caster is as powerful as you believe, then there's a more likely possibility that Caster is draining the villages farthest away from his or her lair." She cast a look sideways at Arthur and found him looking back, a frown on his face; he probably didn't like them talking like he wasn't there. "And you'd probably like King Arthur's gratitude more, the way you sounded just now, it's like you worship the ground he walks on. Like an idiotic Fanboy. What are you going to do next, castrate yourself at his feet?"
The Male Saber burst out laughing, no malice in his face, just pure amusement. "You're great Queen of Guardians! I missed talking to you." He wiped tears from his eyes. "But, of course I worship King Arthur! He's really cool! Anyways, I must go now, I hope to see you again, Queen of Heaven! Us oddities need to stick together." He de-materialized then, leaving the group from Camelot to stare at the space he'd been.
"Was he... really a King?" Cleo asked, looking at Saber, doubt in her green eyes.
"He was a brilliant King." Saber nodded, "You must know who he is right?"
"No." Natalya shook her head, leaning in towards Saber, her blue eyes serious. "We do not know who he is so spill! It's rare for Servants to know each other at first glance!"
Saber blinked at the both of them, before shaking her head, "I gave you the biggest clue there was and you don't know? I won't tell you his true name since he didn't use my true name either. Doing so now would be disgraceful and I know for a fact he won't be telling his allies who I am either."
"If you can stop your useless squabble." Arthur looked beyond upset. His green eyes were cold as glaciers as he gazed at them. "I would greatly appreciate it if you told me what this Holy Grail War was. I demand to know what is happening in my Britain. Now."
WISE UP!
Class: Male Saber
Master: ?
True Name: ?
Sex: Male
Alignment: ?
Hidden Attribute: ?
Noble Phantasm: ?
Parameter
Strength: A
Endurance: C
Agility: B
Mana: A
Luck: A
Noble Phantasm: ?
Class Skills
Riding: A- All vehicles and all creatures but those of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast-rank can be used as mounts. This rank is high enough to have an aptitude for the Rider Class
Magic Resistance: A- Cancel spells of A-Rank or below, no matter what High-Thaumaturgy it is. In practice, the Servant is untouchable to modern magi
Personal Skills
Holy Knight Emperor: EX- is a title skill bestowed to Male Saber as the one who leads the holy knights. It provides a tremendous Charisma, improved attacks against the demonic, improved defences against Divinity, aptitude for weapons of the holy attribute and others.
Mana Burst (Light): A- is a subspecies of Mana Burst that is allowed only to saints, holy maidens, and holy knights. It endows him with an advantage against the evil aligned.
Over The Royal Road: C- is a self-admonition type skill that displays its effects by having the user stick to the attitude of wanting to be a king. It contributes to the improvement of a portion of their parameters, but weakens them upon taking a conduct that violates that kingship.
Noble Phantasm
?
Well? Any idea who Lancer and the other Saber are? If you can figure one out, it should be obvious who the other is.
Please review!