Chapter 3

Where am I? Jim felt soft brushes of grass against his clothes. A warm air caressed across his cheeks and sounds of grass rustling noisily filled his ears. He slowly opened his blue eyes to the world and saw a tranquil orange sky.

"Am I…dreaming?" he thought at first. He felt unusually light, like he was a cloud floating in the sky. The Trollhunter slowly sat straight up and took notes of his surroundings. He was on a green and grassy hill. He could see nothing but vibrant greenery and trees on the horizon. The sun was setting and it was a peaceful afternoon.

Suddenly, he felt a something behind him. He stood up and looked behind him. He was not alone. There was a small teenage girl, standing a couple of meters away from him and right behind her was a tall man adorned in an all-white robe.

The girl possessed long and elegant blonde hair that was tied in a low pony tail. She was wearing medieval farmer-like clothing and she was standing in front of a rock. And on the rock, jutting from its surface, was a sword.

That girl...is that my Servant? Jim recognized the girl as the Servant that he had summoned, only she was a bit younger now. The Trollhunter finally realized that he was inside his Servant's dream. "Whoa…"

His eyes then shifted to the sword on the stone. The sword was carved in an elegant way. The blade reflected the afternoon sun, brightly, and its whole form showed its own grandeur and power to the boy.

Just like mine, then she really is King Arthur. Jim recognized the sword as the Excalibur and he had also realized what was truly happening in this dream. The girl approached the sword and then grabbed its hilt with her left hand.

"Your Majesty," For the first time, Jim heard the man's soft and soothing voice. He watched as the robbed man moved closer to the girl. "Remember my words, once you pull that sword you will no longer be human and you will experience nothing but pain and sorrow. Are you fine with that?"

Jim made a soft gasp as dread filled his chest, he could feel that something tragic will soon happen. "No, don't pull that sword." he muttered but the two didn't hear him. The girl turned to the man and cast a peaceful smile.

"Yes. All for the sake of protecting Britain, my beloved country, against Vortigern and the Saxons." The girl said with unbreakable determination, but Jim saw through the thin veil of her smiling face, her naivety. He wanted to stop her, but he was too late. The sword smoothly unsheathed from the stone and the girl, who was once a normal one, held it to the sky. She was now the King of Great Britain.

Jim gasped as his blue eyes opened to the real world. The train made a huge jolt and the boy's head softly hit the window that he was leaning into. He blinked several times as he saw the scenery outside. The City San Francisco greeted him, tall spires and skyscrapers scratched and blocked the sky. Vehicles running along the elevated highway gave the city a sign of vigorous life.

"Beautiful city, isn't it?" Jim looked in front. His Servant, King Arthur, was sitting across from him. She was no longer wearing her heavy armor, only her elegant medieval black dress.

"Indeed. Your Majesty, King Arthur-"

"You can call me Artoria or by my Class name, Saber." Artoria said as her pale golden eyes shifted to the window. Jim observed the woman. When his Servant had told him that she was King Arthur, it had puzzled him. He had met King Arthur before and he wasn't a woman. However, Artoria explained to him that the King Arthur that the Trollhunter knew was different. She also explained that Servants could come from the past, present or future and different dimensions. The dimension where the girl came from might have a girl version of the legendary mythical King of Knights.

Hmm...this really confuses me, but I guess that part was cleared up. Jim grumbled silently.

"I'm still a bit surprised that you, King Artoria, is King Arthur and a woman version too."

"Master, please do call me Saber. Saying my True Name in public might reveal my true identity."

True Name? Oh that. Jim had also learned from Artoria how to properly call her. In the Holy Grail War, if a Heroic Spirit's true name was revealed to the enemy, they would know his or her weaknesses. Not only that, their Noble Phantasm would also be exposed. Noble Phantasm, an object that was usually associated with the identity of the Heroic Spirit. It was also their secret and ultimate weapon. "Arto- I mean, Saber. I'm so sorry. I am completely new to this." Jim said in an apologetic manner as Saber glanced at him.

"You're still green, that I understand." Saber shifted away from the window and stared at her Master. Her face slowly made a whimsical grin. "So, are you okay leaving your loved ones behind like that?" she asked suddenly and it made Jim look down, crestfallen.

Before he left Arcadia, he climbed up to his room and left a letter to his Mother and Strickler. He had told them that he had discovered a way to cure his friend's cursed state. He had also left a letter on Douxie's workshop door, telling him that he would leave and no one should ever follow him.

I joined this war in hopes of getting my wish granted. I should be the only one who will suffer its fallout, if there is. Jim thought of his friends back home. He could imagine that a lot of them were already panicking from his disappearance.

"It's very admirable that you're doing this just to save your best friend, Toby, from dying." Saber said without blinking at her master.

Jim suddenly froze. I never mentioned my friend's name nor told her the reason why I'm joining this war. His surprised face made the Servant chuckle softly in amusement. "When a Servant forms a contract with his or her Master, their subconscious mind will be connected and with that, the Master and the Servant can see each other's memories." The Trollhunter's blue eyes widened in shock. He clearly wasn't expecting this. Saber continued. "I also know that you have an Excalibur in your arsenal, though it is a childish version, and that you're a Trollhunter that hunts bad trolls." She gazed out of the window and wondered. "I have never seen Trolls, though I heard that they are quite smelly. Am I right?"

Jim, who was still dumbfounded, couldn't find any words to answer her. He only nodded.

"Hmm, then I also noticed a very puzzling part of your memory." Saber rested her back on her seat and cast her eyes at him. "You went back in time and you changed everything. You gave the amulet to your friend. Why is that?"

And she arrived at that part. Jim gave up. He knew that his Servant would eventually arrive at the dreadful part. A rock-like feeling formed on his guts and it began to sink more inside of him. "On the previous timeline, Toby was killed. I went back in time just to save him." He paused, the image of his friend's untimely demise flashed and it made him frown in sadness. The girl only stared at him, contemplating. "I thought that, by giving him the amulet, making him Trollhunter instead of me, he would be safe because he would have enough power to protect himself."

That's it. That's my reason in a nutshell. The Trollhunter made a deep but exhausted sigh as he sunk to his blue sweater.

Saber, on the other hand, snorted softly and her looks changed into a dark frown. "Fate is cruel, isn't? Despite all of your efforts, it still chose you again." She moved her head closer to him and sinisterly whispered. "By the way, I found your decision completely stupid."

Jim looked at her and his brows connected.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked in an irate manner. The train entered a tunnel and, just for a split second, the Trollhunter saw Saber's sinister grin grow more.

"You gave your amulet to your friend, hoping that he could defend himself. However, you also gave him an enormous responsibility, one that would require him to suffer more." Jim's eyes widened in doom realization. He knew that Toby would face danger, but he had helped him overcome it easily. He had avoided many dangers thanks to him, knowing how it would happen. His hands gripped tightly on his thighs and reasoned out against the King's words.

"I helped him. We avoided many obstacles. I kept him safe."

"Really, then why is he dying?"

Jim went silent. He knew how Toby went into a comatose state, but he didn't know why it happened. Why did his friend still have to suffer such a cruel fate? The unanswered question made him grit his teeth as anger rose from inside of him.

"Karma, Master." Saber muttered as she crossed her right leg over her left as she continued her merciless barrage. "You've paid the price for being a coward. You should've left him dead on that timeline."

The Trollhunter slowly raised his head and showed his bloodshot furious eyes to her. He didn't like what Saber said, so he replied with a raspy growl. "I am not a coward. Watch your tone, Servant."

The King of Knights noticed the hostility growing on him and it made her smirk in delight. "No, I am free to say and judge your actions, Master, and with that I judge your incompetence. And because of your incompetence, your friend will die in six-"

Jim had enough. He already knew it all and he didn't need to be lectured nor judged by anyone, and that included this Heroic Spirit Servant. "Shut the fuc-!"

However, before Jim could curse, Saber sprung forward. The Trollhunter gasped because his Servant's face was so close to his. "I know you're angry...so why don't you vent it out during the battle later?" Saber said and moved back to her seat with a satisfied grin on her face. The Trollhunter only scowled at her as if she was a disgusting person.

How dare she!? The boy thought in bitterness as his Servant crossed her arms over her chest. "But…I couldn't help but feel amused. You might be a greeny Master, but you certainly have a strong determination." Jim ignored her, knowing that she might criticize him harshly again. "Tell you what, why don't you use me fully tonight on the battlefield. Command me to go all at once against the enemy." She tilted her head while retaining her mischievous grin. "I promised to you that I would win this war and give you the grail."

Jim glanced at her. This time he didn't notice any malice in her voice. She was telling the truth, but he retained his dismal frown. "Make sure of that, Servant Saber."

Saber made a half bow, hiding her wide and excited smile. "Of course, Master."

The train hissed as it slowly stopped on the platform. The door opened and a sea of passengers began to disembark. Jim stepped down to the platform and calmly breathed the California air. After almost eight hours of travel, he was finally out to an open space.

"Hmm, so this is San Francisco. It looks ancient and modern at the same time," Saber trailed closely behind him and it made the boy groan. "Let's go, Saber." he ordered coldly as he began to walk. However, the King of Knights made a mischievous smirk again after she sensed his hostility against her.

"By the way, Master, do you have a plan of attack right now?"

"I don't have one, not yet."

The answer of the Trollhunter made her frown. This was no good. She had been expecting the boy to already have a plan at least. She cleared her throat loudly. "Master, I think it's unwise for you walk into uncharted territories. Not to mention we aren't sure what Servant we are going to face."

"I am not dumb, Saber. I will conjure a plan." Jim retorted. He paused on his walk and glanced behind him, towards his Servant. He noticed that a lot of people on the platform were looking at him, but then he realized that their eyes were locked on the girl because she was wearing bizarre clothing. Oh, so much for stealth and blending in. Jim made a heavy, exhausted sigh and suggested to Saber. "Look, we still have eight hours before the battle. I'll think of something by that time." He then moved closer to her and whispered. "And I think you need to change your clothes. You're sticking like a sore thumb."

Saber stared at him with a deadpan look before she replied with a strong sarcastic tone. "Took you long enough to notice it, Master."

After exiting the station and finding a thrift dress store nearby, Jim was now sitting on a waiting chair outside the dressing room of the store. His face was serious as his blue eyes were locked onto the magic pocket watch – the Spiritron Kaleido. The gadget had more use and he was just discovering it.

Saber's affinity. Jim swiped the image that was projected on the surface, showing him information regarding his Servant. "Sabers are strong against Lancers and Berserkers, but weak against Archers."

"Indeed, I dislike Archers." Saber said from behind the curtain, making Jim glanced at her. Then that means we should avoid facing Archers. The Trollhunter gulped down, tense. He couldn't help but imagine if they faced an Archer-Class in their first battle. They might lose.

"Done studying?"

"No, just a bit." The curtains opened and his Servant walked out. Jim glanced towards her and his blue eyes widened in shock. Saber had completely changed. She was now wearing a black leather boots and very tight fit shorts. A black leather jacket was on her shoulders over his black sando-shirt with the words 'NO LIVES MATTER' imprinted in front. Her head was covered with a red hat, bearing the words 'AMERICA ISN'T THAT GREAT.' Her looks, demeanor and beauty had all increased dramatically. No, Jim, think about Claire. Jim tried to not to blush and show his attraction to Saber but the Servant noticed his reaction and it made her chuckle.

"Need not to worry, Master. You can cheat on your beloved girlfriend just once. I allow it."

Jim snapped as his face reddened more in embarrassment. "I-I dunno what you are talking about. If you're finished, let's get out of here!" The boy stormed towards the counter.

Saber made a malicious grin as she thought of her Master's reaction and she liked it. How cute.

-Golden Gate Overlook Park-

After hours of moving around the city, the duo found themselves in the park. The view in front of them was the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. The superstructure stood proudly, connecting the city to the mainland. The sky was already orange-red and the wind was growing cold.

Where could the battle happen? Are they going to turn the whole city into a battlefield? Jim was sitting on a bench, his brows crossed in worry. The pocket watch had told him that this city would be the location for the first round. His plan was to look for the location where it could possibly take place. His search, however, bore no fruition.

"What's the matter, Master? I noticed you haven't eaten anything yet." Saber, who was standing beside him, asked as she gave her choco-mint ice cream a lick.

The Trollhunter looked up to her and glared. "And you've been eating quite a lot, Saber. The bank card might run out of money."

"The bank card contains one hundred billion dollars and its one of the items inside your box. That amount is a necessity for your survival, Master."

It's a lot actually. Jim touched his right sweater pocket where he put the bank card. "You might get fat, Saber. Aren't you worried? First, you eat two shawarma, then three hotdogs, then five corndogs...and I'm pretty sure that's your tenth choco-mint ice cream." he rebutted, but the King of Knights only shrugged her shoulders as she ate the last of her sweet morsel.

"And, what are you worried about?"

"This city won't become a battlefield, right?"

The question hung loosely in the air. Jim didn't want innocent civilians getting hurt in this war. This war should have been between the participants. It shouldn't involve the whole world.

"I do not partake in needless violence. However, this is the Holy Grail War. Innocent civilians will get hurt and collateral damage is unavoidable." Saber shifted her golden eyes at him and a calm smile spread on her lips. "I admire that you don't want to hurt innocent people...but this is war, Master. The best you can do is to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

Jim understood what she said. He must now be very careful with his actions for he didn't want to hurt innocent people. The Trollhunter then took out the pocket watch and looked at the time.

00:00:01:00:30

One Hour. The Trollhunter couldn't help but feel very tense. The hour of the battle was drawing near and his mind couldn't come up with a plan. His heart began to race in panic as his eyes widened in fear.

"Master, please be relaxed." Saber whispered the words to him, her right hand on the boy's left hand. It seemed to lessen the pace of his raging heart. "I know that you don't have a plan. Trust me instead. I can win this and you will eventually save your friend." Her words were so reassuring that it quelled the fear building inside the boy.

You're right. I must not live in fear. For Toby, I shall believe in you." Jim said as his determination returned. "Come on, Saber. Let's win this round."

Saber noticed the strong will of the boy. She liked it and made her feel excited. "As you wish, Master."

-One Hour Later- Golden Gate Bridge-

After they talked in the park, Jim and Saber decided to walk across the famous landmark bridge of San Francisco. The road was packed with vehicles that were all stuck in traffic. The Trollhunter glanced at the cars while he trekked the pedestrian lane beside the bridge.

"Master, it's almost time."

"Yes." Jim looked at his pocket watch. Fifteen Seconds… He gulped down, terrified, as he watched the numbers counted down to the battle.

10-9-8- The boy took a deep breath and calmed himself down. 6-5-4- He turned to his Servant, Saber, who made a confident smile.

3-2-1

First Round Start!

The pocket watch changed its orange light into a deep red as it announced the start of the battle.

"Here it goes," Jim closed his eyes in anticipation while his Servant changed her clothing. Her armored dress appeared from the glittering red lights that burst all over her body. Her eyes started scanning her whole surroundings.

Nothing happened. The Trollhunter took a peek and the bridge was still noisy from the traffic. Nothing out of the ordinary had appeared. Eh, nothing?

"Saber, I think we should move. We're a sitting duck here." Jim said as he took a step.

"Master, watch out!" The boy didn't have time to react as Saber pulled him by his blue sweater before she made a large leap backward. The sidewalk exploded into a raging fire and the bridge shook wildly, pushing the two back more. Saber landed and dropped her Master to the ground.

"Wh-What the-!"

"Over there, Master, our enemy!"

Jim followed his Servant's gaze and looked up. He saw it, the other Servant. The Servant was standing on top of the bridge's support tower. He was clothed in a black tight suit with golden armor that adorned his body and a red jewel that was sticking out of his chest. His hair was unkempt and white. His eyes were pale green, but sharp as a blade. His right hand held an elegant looking golden spear.

"Whoa...it's a Lancer-Class!" Jim exclaimed as the Servant shifted his eyes at him.

"Very observant, kid.'' the Lancer Servant said in a cold voice. He then announced his true name to the world. "I am Karna, a Lancer-Class Servant. Who is my enemy!?"

The Trollhunter's eyes widened Karna. Wait, where did I hear that name before?

"Master, the Servant has just announced his true name." Saber gazed at Jim and asked. "Shall I reveal mine? It seems he wants a fair fight."

The Trollhunter already knew the importance of a Servant's true name and, since the Lancer-Class had revealed his, it would mean that the opponent wanted to battle them on an even level. He gulped down and proclaimed. "Go, Saber."

Saber smirked and announced with a booming proud voice. "I am King Artoria, King of Knights and a Saber-Class. I am your enemy!"

The Lancer-Class looked down on her and said, "Very well. Let's start!"

The Lancer-Class leapt down from the tower while Saber bent her knees and jumped high, towards him. Their weapons made contact. A flash of dark red and gold sparked brightly on the night sky as it was followed by a tremendous wind that forcefully shook the bridge again.

The First round of the Holy Grail War had just begun.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Trollhunters, Fate/Stay Night, and Invincible cartoons. All events and places on this fanfic is purely fictional, if one exists in real life then its purely coincidental.

Special thanks to Pure Red Crane for beta-reading.

WOO-HOO! New Chapter guys! I would like to thank everyone who read and like my fanfic. So guys, we're now on the first round! Its Lancer VS Saber and the Lancer Servant is Karna, form the Indian epic of Mahabharata. In FGO and Fate/Apocrypha he was the Lancer servant of the red team and his noble phantasm, Vasavi Shakti, was an anti-unit! He's an absolute beast. Do you think Saber and Jim could stand a chance? Stay tune for more! Thinker out!