Saber (FSN) 3

Saber grit her teeth as Excalibur clashed with Berserker's blade. The two Servants stared at each other, neither giving an in. Gravity eventually forced the two down, causing a crater, but the blades remained locked. The instant they hit the ground, Saber moved into action. She pushed the blade back. Immediately, Berserker was on the attack once more, the two trading attacks at lightning speed.

"Incredible," Rin gasped, "Even with her Master's poor performance, Saber can match this monster."

Shirou didn't dignify that with a response, simply staring at the two warriors. Saber dodged several attacks, circling around Berserker. He swung down, and she did a short leap, causing the blade to impact the pavement. She stomped her feet onto the sword, digging it into the ground.

"She's got him!" Rin cried out.

Saber swung Excalibur, aiming for his neck. However, Berserker released his sword, and leaned back, avoiding the blade. He then spun kicked her several times, Saber having just enough time to block it, but was sent off the blade. Just as quickly, he picked up the sword, and continued the attack.

"Geez!" Rin exclaimed, "Archer, what's your status?"

'In position. Simply waiting for your command.'

"Alright. Once you see an opening, hit this guy."

'As you wish.'

The two traded even more blows, and, when Saber blade locked with Berserker, he used a free hand to try to punch her. Keeping her left hand on Excalibur, she used her right arm to block the attack. She grit her teeth at the pressure, but remained firm. She then pushed the hand away, summoned her helmet to her free hand, and bashed it against his face before quickly putting it on. Roaring, he kicked her into the air, and leaped after her. However, before he reached her, a flash of red light appeared briefly from the city several miles away, then an arrow hit Berserker, engulfing him in a blue explosion, and sending him down the hill.

Unfortunately, Saber was also caught in the explosion.

"Saber!" Shirou cried out.

'Archer!' Rin cried out, 'What the hell?!'

'I had an opening.' Archer replied dully.

'And risked Saber.'

'Please. If her strength is as true as Shirou says they are, then flames alone won't stop her.'

True to his words, Saber fell out of the flames, skidding against the ground. Her armor singed, but showed no sign of pain. Saber saw as Berserker landed, forming a crater. He looked no worse for wear either.

'He's strong and fast,' Saber thought. "To be able to maintain his skills, even in the grip of madness. He must be a warrior of great renown." She summoned a green orb, the size of her finger, and launched it at Shirou faster than a bullet. Caught off guard, he had no time to react.

"Gah, what the hell!"

"Shirou," Saber calmly said, "Do not fear."

"Wait, what did you do!?"

"There is no need to yell, Shirou. The spell I hit you with is, in simple terms, a communications spell. When I speak, it will sound as though I'm standing next to you, and you, I. Normal Servants and Masters can do this easily, but, until we fix our contract, this is the best we can do."

"Okay," Shirou said more calmly," Tohsaka, Saber just did a telepathy spell, so there isn't a need to worry me."

Rin sighed, her cheeks pinkish when she realized she had been worried about what Saber did. She turned her attention back to Berserker, who stood unfazed.

Growling, Rin cried out, "Archer! Fire support!"

A couple seconds later, several flashes of red streaked from the city, as a dozen arrows impacted where Berserker was, creating a massive explosion. The shockwave alone nearly sent Shirou to his feet, and forced Rin a step back. However, Illya simply sighed in boredom. Saber noted her lack of enjoyment briefly, before turning back to the smoke. Berserker stood, the only indication that anything happened to him was his head being to the side, the scorch mark of an arrow point being the cause. Berserker charged once more, but Saber didn't give him an inch.

'I need space.' Saber thought, leaping above him. When Berserker slashed at her, she blocked it, sending her higher up. At the same time, she dispelled Excalibur, summoning her bow, and nocking a Fire, Ice, and Electric arrow. Firing all three,they impacted, causing an explosion, and Berserker briefly went down on one knee.

Rin and Shirou both were horrified that barely anything had fazed him.

"You do know it's hopeless," Illya said from the street above them, "Berserker can't be beaten. Berserker, you can stop playing with her now."

Berserker growled, and charged at Saber. Saber made no move to defend herself, even as he was within feet of her.

"Saber!" Shirou cried out as Berserker lunged at her.

"FusRoDah!" Saber shouted, Unrelenting Force sending Berserker flying away, back up the hill. Rin, Shirou and Illya covered their ears in pain.

"Gah," Rin exclaimed, "I guess that's one of her Shout magics."

"Ow, ow, ow!" Illya cried out, "That hurt, you meanie!" She looked to her side, seeing her Servant getting back up. "Berserker, are you alright?"

'Yes, my Lady. I was simply not expecting it.'

"What about your ears? If it hurts for me, then…"

'They will be fine, my Lady.'

"Which means that it hurt you."

Illya turned back to Saber, scowling. "Berserker, tear her apart."

Saber dispelled her bow and began casting Conjuration.

"Wait, she can use Magic besides her shouting!?" Rin cried out. An expert warrior, bowman, and magic wielder?! Rin might start to have a migraine. Unfortunately, Illya heard her words.

"Berserker, stop her."

He threw his sword at her, but it was knocked to the ground by another of Archer's arrows. Berserker ran down the hill, grabbing the sword, and swinging down at her.

Just before it hit her, a golden metal axe blocked it. Metal seemed to form out of thin air as a towering machine, twelve feet tall, was formed. Purple mist came off as it stared down Berserker.

"What," Shirou exclaimed, "Rin, what is that?"

"I~I don't know. I've never seen a golem like that."

"Centurion, engage." Saber commanded calmly. Without a second thought, the Dwarven Centurion attacked, forcing Berserker back. It seemed that she was wrong. Normally, a Centurion wouldn't be this fast or agile, but, as Saber was enhanced due to her Servant status, the Centurion was keeping pace. Berserker was able to easily hit the Centurion, but it ignored the damage to continue attacking him.

Saber then clutched her hands together, beginning a Destruction spell. When she had an opening, she casted Lightning Storm, sending a beam of lightning straight into Berserker, sending him once more back up the hill. The Centurion didn't give Berserker time to breath, though, as it attacked him rapidly, the two moving the fight into the forest.

Saber was breathing heavily after unleashing the spell. She didn't expect to have taken such a toll.

'It seems I overestimated how much Mana would be needed to maintain me with Shirou. Any more magic, and it'll be too risky to continue.' Saber looked to Shirou, who remained stunned. She dematerialized her helmet, and gave a solemn smile. 'If he sees that I'm fine, then his resolve shouldn't waver.'

Saber summoned Trueflame and Hopesfire, and charged up the hill, going after Berserker. Illya, her eyes showing a little concern for the first time.

'Berserker, stop playing around!'

'I'm not, my Lady. Saber is clearly more formidable than I expected.'

Despite the growing concern, Illya calmly walked towards the battle, while Rin only stood there, her mouth slightly ajar.

'Archer, be honest with me. Do you think Saber can beat Berserker on her own?'

'If she had a proper Master, it's likely.'

"Then we can't afford to lose her." she muttered. She turned her head slightly, seeing Shirou, and the sweat coming off his head. 'And this guy.' "Listen to me! Get away from here, now!" And Rin ran ahead, trying to catch up.

'Was that wise, Master?'

'Of course it was. Saber will be able to sustain herself without her Master. The boy will only get himself killed.'

In the forest, the Centurion and Saber continued engaging Berserker, with Saber using the blades to attack his legs. While they did cut into him, Berserker barely registered them as he continued to attack the two. He gripped the Centurion's head, then slammed him to the ground, destroying a tree in the process.

'Damn. He certainly has the tenacity of his namesake.'

Through the spell she casted on Shirou, she could hear him gasping for air. She didn't know what his state of mind was, but, given how he's reacted so far, he must now fully understand the danger this war will bring.

"Damn it," Shirou exclaimed, "I'm useless. I couldn't even move."

She deflected a swing from Berserker, though the force sent her several meters back. The Centurion continued it's attack, but, as it swung the hammer arm across, Berserker ducked, gripped the arm, then chopped it off. In response, the Centurion burning the axe in his back, but he kicked the Centurion away.

"What can someone like me do against a monster like that?"

Saber sighed as Berserker charged at her. "Shirou."

"?"

'It seems Shirou had already forgotten the spell.' "Shirou," she repeated, ducking under an attack, and slashing across his chest, before running around him, "There is nothing you can do to face Berserker. But there is more to a fight than simply fighting. Where is Berserker's Master?"

"She's walking away, following your battle."

"And Rin?" Saber leaped away from an attack, landing in the cemetery neighboring the church.

"She followed as well."

'She might be trying to take out Berserker's Master.' Saber narrowed her eyes. 'I wouldn't wish for that. Not until I know what happened.' "You see, Shirou. Even something as small as that is helpful."

"But~"

"Shirou," Saber interrupted, blocking an attack from Berserker's sword, "I was a ruler of two kingdoms. Do you think you're the only person that felt they were useless in a fight," Saber dropped one of the swords to cast Elemental Blast, forcing Berserker back a couple feet, "There was a boy, Erik, who had dreams of becoming a legendary adventurer," Saber picked up the blade, "SuGrahDun!"

"OW!"

"Sorry, Shirou," Saber, now empowered with Elemental Fury, charged at Berserker, her attacks now at blinding speeds, the force of her movements alone causing upheavals in the dirt, "I paid for Erik to get armor and weapons, and, days later, he decided to join me as a traveling companion. He reminded me of one of my knights, so I allowed him," Berserker attempted to attack, but her Dragon Shout made her almost a blur to even his eyes. He could see where she was, but only barely blocked her attacks, "I fought against creatures that he had no chance of surviving against, and yet he stood by my side regardless."

She could hear Shirou gasp. "...Why?"

"Because," the Centurion, having an opening, buried the axe into Berserker's back, but he simply counter attacked, giving a large gash across the Centurion's chest, "He knew that, even if he could never reach my level of power, by fighting alongside me, he could grow stronger, so that," using the opening the Centurion created, she dispelled the curved swords, resummoning Excalibur, "The next time we fought such creatures, he could fight harder, and start to help me. So, I ask you, Shirou Emiya. What will you do?" Elemental Fury's effect ended, and Berserker renewed his assault with vigor, taking a piece of her left shoulder armor off, "Shirou, my spell's effect is almost up. Whether you run home, or stay and support, I will understand. I will return to you shortly."

With that, dull green mist came off Saber briefly, signifying that the spell had ended.

Meanwhile, with Archer, he observed Saber's battle, scowling at what was happening.

'How is Saber this powerful? She wasn't~Hopefully this won't affect my purpose here.'

Archer clenched the hand not holding his bow. "Dammit. I knew that things might change, but I only thought Rin's Servant would change, not everything."

Inside the church, Kirei Kotomine, Overseer of the current Fifth Holy Grail war, and surviving Master of the Fourth Holy Grail War, stood at the altar. Sitting on one of the benches stood a blond haired man. Gilgamesh, the Archer Servant of the Fourth War.

"It seems that she has been summoned once more." Kirei stated, "However, something is clearly different."

"That much was obvious that even worms could notice." Gilgamesh casually chastised.

"Oh? Perhaps this is a different version of her. It is not uncommon for the same Heroic Spirit to have multiple versions of themselves."

"While true, Saber is clearly the same one. Only now, she has somehow been tainted."

"Yes. Quite intriguing."

"..."

"..."

"Well, fake priest, do you know how this has come to pass?"

"Unfortunately, my liege, I do not."

Gilgamesh huffed in annoyance. "I figured not. Either way, she is no longer worthy of my love."

"What will you do?"

"While she is no longer worthy, this new form may provide some modicum of entertainment. I will wait and see, before I strike her down."

"Very wise, your grace."

Saber and the Centurion stared down Berserker. Both sides had sustained injuries, but Berserker was the only one who barely looked fazed. From the side, up on the hilltop treeline, Rin coming out, alongside Shirou. Illya had also arrived, though in a separate area.

'So, he decided to stay and support me.' Saber gave a smirk. 'Once again, you are different from Kiritsugu. He wouldn't run away, but he certainly wouldn't stand on the front lines.' She casted the same communication spell, launching it at Shirou, who didn't freak out this time.

"Saber, can you beat this thing?"

"Do you believe I can?"

"...Yes."

"Then I shall. Say the word."

Shirou then looked at his hand, the Command Seals etched onto it. "Rin, is there anything needed to use these? A special phrase?"

"No, but it is helpful if you do say something indicating you intend to use one of them. You don't want to accidentally use one."

"Alright," he took a step forward, raising his hand in front of himself, "Saber! I order you with a Command Seal! Defeat Berserker!" Part of the symbol on Shirou's hand glowed brightly, before fading, with only small marks indicating it was there to begin with.

Saber's body was engulfed in energy, powered by the Command Seal. Shirou ordered her to defeat Berserker, and so she shall. She used Elemental Blast just as the Centurion slashed at Berserker, the duel attack causing him to be sent back. She dispelled Excalibur, summoning a warhammer.

"Hammer of the Rourken, ye who forged the city of Volenfell."

"Berserker," Illya commanded, "Saber is using her Noble Phantasm. Stop her."

Berserker roared, charging at her. The Centurion ran to intercept, but Berserker grabbed the Centurion's head, slammed it to the ground and, as it fell, stabbed his blade through the chest, destroying the core. The red orb glowed, emanating power itself.

"Ye who flew across Tamrial, and who's landing forged a country."

Berserker was now right on top of her, and swung his blade down. Sparks of green and red lightning danced around the hammer.

"Archer!" Rin cried out, as an arrow the size of a sword impacted Berserker's sword, knocking it away. In response, Berserker went to punch Saber.

"Smite thy foe! VOLENDRUNG!"

Saber swung, the hammer and Berserker's fist colliding. For the briefest of instances, Berserker's fist held it back. But, with the might of a country behind it, Volendrung smashed through, breaking the arm apart, and hitting Berserker's body directly. The surrounding area practically exploded from the force of the impact, uprooting graves, tilting trees, and sending the three masters to the ground.

"Berserker!" Illya cried out as Berserker was sent flying away at mach speed, the wake nearly taking her hat off if she didn't grip it tightly. Berserker flew across the sky, crashing into the nearby mountain miles away. From in front of Saber, a half circle crater was all that was left of where Berserker once stood.

"I…" Rin muttered, "I can't believe what I just saw. Is…is that her Noble Phantasm?"

"Rin," Shirou replied, too shocked to stand back up, "Do you know what that means? Volendrung?"

Rin shook her head. "No. I've never heard of it. Archer?"

'I'm unfamiliar with such a name at the moment.'

"Damn. If we don't know who wielded it, we can't find out who she is, and her true strength."

Speaking of Saber, she stared at the mountain she sent Berserker to. Overall, he was certainly a dangerous opponent. She fell to one knee, keeping herself up with Volendrung's handle.

"Saber!" Shirou exclaimed, running down the hill to her.

"It's fine, Shirou," Saber replied as he reached her, dispelling her helmet, "Using Volendrung simply took more out of me. My rings should get me back up in a few minutes." Shirou steadied her when she leaned to the side.

Illya was slightly nervous. 'Saber took two of his lives? How…She looks like her, but is completely different.' She brought her hand to her chest. "Berserker, to me!"

One of her Command Seals spent, Berserker teleported to Illya's side. His entire left arm was gone, and the left side of his torso was ripped apart. Rin and Shirou both slightly gasped at the sight. However, they gasped loudly at what they saw next. Slowly, bones began to bend, flesh regenerate, as Berserker healed himself.

"Regeneration?" Saber questioned, "No, perhaps resurrection. A Noble Phantasm that activates upon his death."

"You've got to be kidding me!" Rin cried out.

"Interesting," Illya commented, returning to her sweetly persona, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you summoned such a powerful Servant, Big Brother. I think that's enough. Let's go home, Berserker. I had hoped to get the boring stuff out of the way, first. But it seems I ended up going for the most interesting event first. My mistake."

"Wait, you're leaving?" Rin exclaimed.

"Yes. I've changed my mind. I don't care much about your Archer, but Saber has certainly piqued my interest. So, while I won't be killing you tonight, you'd best be ready. After all, I've decided to save Saber for last, so that means I'll be coming to kill you eventually," Illya then looked to Shirou, "Okay then, bye bye. Let's play again sometime, Big Brother."

With that, the two left, entering the forest as Saber narrowed her eyes.

'Illya, what has happened to you?' She turned to Shirou, "I thank you for your support. What do you wish to do now, Shirou?"

Shirou stuttered for a second, unsure what to do. "Well. Maybe we should head home. After what happened, I think I need a rest. I also don't think we should fight that guy without a plan."

Saber nodded, "Very good, Shirou." She stood, dispelling Volendrung, summoning her cloak, and walking with Shirou as the two approached Rin.

"Tohsaka," Shirou said, "Will you be alright heading home. That girl did say she would come after you."

"I…I think I'll be okay. Archer will be able to keep an eye on me. I doubt Berserker and his Master would attack right after this battle. I don't think Illya expected Saber to put up such a fight."

"Well, with our…'Perception' I think is what you called it, she should know that Saber and Berserker were evenly matched."

"It's 'Master's Perspective', and you're right. She should've. Maybe…maybe she was so confident in Berserker's power that she doesn't think she needs to know any other Servant's. She thinks that it won't matter, regardless."

"That seems likely," Saber commented, "If Berserker has a Noble Phantasm that resurrects him, then that, along with his speed and strength, would naturally make one overconfident. Not without reason, of course."

"Right," Shirou muttered, then turned to Rin once again, "Tohsaka, she called herself Von Einzbern. I take it you know that name."

Rin pinched her forehead. "I…If I decide to come visit you tomorrow, I'll tell you. Right now, I feel like we need to get some sleep."

Shirou nodded, saying farewell to Tohsaka as Saber and Shirou left, heading back towards Miyama.

"Saber, despite my earlier cowardice, thank you."

"For what, Shirou?"

"Like I said, I'm completely outclassed here. But, if this Erik person was able to stand beside you, even when he had no chance at winning against such foes, then what would that make me, someone who wants to be a hero of justice."

Saber raised an eyebrow, "A hero of justice, you say, in this day and age?"

"I know it sounds stupid."

"Not at all. Simply surprising."

"Saber. What you said about Erik. Did he ever get as strong as you?"

"...No. But he most certainly improved himself. Enough so that I offered him a position as one of my royal guards."

Shirou nodded. "Then, is there any way you could teach me?"

Saber stared at him, mouth slightly agape.

Shirou stammered, "If that was too~"

"No, it's no issue. Again, just surprising. A mage like you should be focused on, well, mage craft. But, if that is your wish, then I shall do so. Not tonight, of course. You need rest."

"Right."

Rin stayed near the area, staring at the crater.

"Volendrung," she commented, "The hammer that forged a country. That's what she said. Archer, are you absolutely sure you've never heard of it?"

'At the moment, no. I do not have any knowledge of the hammer, or any of this 'Rourken'. Which is odd, since this weapon supposedly forged a country.'

"Damnit. Well, I guess this is a mixed blessing."

'How?'

"I don't want that idiot to get himself killed. So it's a good thing he's got a broken Servant. However, this means my chances of winning have just dropped considerably. In a fair fight, I doubt you'll be able to win."

'Then we don't make it a fair fight.'

Rin sighed. "I had a feeling you'd say that. Archer, keep watch as I head back home."

'As you say, Master.'

Illya walked through the forest, Berserker closely behind her. "She took two of your lives. The eyes may be different, but it's clearly the same Servant Kiritsugu summoned. But, for some reason, she's far stronger."

'Perhaps, my Lady, this is a different version of her.'

Illya shook her head, "No, it's the same. When she looked at me, it was like she recognized me. Clearly it's the same Saber. Why she's so much different, though, is what interests me."

At the outskirts of Miyama lies Ryuudou Temple. Underneath the temple lies a cave system. And, within that cave system…

Ancient power responds to foreign intervention.

Author's Notes: This whole thing was just one big battle. Things are now slowly changing. Berserker was actually beaten back (kinda), and Shirou didn't get injured. Not only that, but certain elements might make this thing...a little crazier than normal.

A new PERSONAL SKILL was added thanks to a PM someone sent me. I will state this, if you feel like Skyrim Saber should have a PERSONAL SKILL, send me a PM, and I might add it. Credit will be given only if you wish to be credited.

As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.