I apologize for how long this took but I think you can understand why it took as long as it did. I could not find a good place to split it up, so the final chapter of Fuyuki is one giant one. After this, I will do a short "intermission" before I move on to Orleans.
Singularity F: Grand Order
I was riding through a forest, laughing as I turned to face a green-eyed young man with platinum blond hair. I pulled the horse up to a stop to let him catch up, smiling as he brought his gentle old grey mare up alongside me.
"You are getting slower, old friend,"
"Do not blame me or my horse, you are much lighter than I," he deadpanned, stretching, "Why are we out here?"
"I needed to get away from that bloody castle," I huffed, dismounting and patting my white stallion's neck, before walking down to the creekbed, "Everyone was tense and just being a right pain. Do you know how many requests I have been given for an arranged marriage?"
"You are in a position of power," he replied, following me as I took off my boots and stepped into the creekbed...only to stand on top of the water's surface.
I got a better look at my reflection, still blonde and female...but green eyed rather than blue. I was dressed simply, a white shirt with a blue belt and soft leggings. But other than the clothes, I looked remarkably like Saber did.
"Drat," I sighed, "I had forgotten…"
"The Lady's Gift is still with you it seems," the man chuckled as I sat down on the bank, leaning against a tree trunk.
"Sometimes I wonder if choosing this life was the right decision," I muttered, "I did not have to take hold of that destiny but it was something I felt was right,"
I reached upwards, seemingly trying to reach for the sunlight filtering through the trees.
"Was I wrong?" I finally asked, "We've gone through so many battles to unite this land...but I feel as if the shadow is still looming."
"You are my oldest and dearest friend," he said, sitting down beside me, "So I will speak honestly. I believe this task is going to be a challenge. So many kingdoms, so many different people and banners uniting under one...it seems impossible. But for you? I believe you can do it...however it will require help from others. A man can lead a country, but his country is also run by many beneath him."
"You are suggesting I recruit help,"
"I am."
"Then I want you and my brother to be the first," I said, looking up at him and smiling, "The others will come...but there is no one I trust more than the two of you,"
Cira jolted awake to feel Saber's hand on her shoulder.
"Apologies, Master," she started, "But we must go. It is not safe. Caster and Lady Animusphere are waiting, as is Lady Mash,"
"Sorry," Cira murmured, rubbing her eyes as she sat up, "What time is it?"
"I am not sure," Saber admitted, "The sun does not rise or set here, there is naught but flames,"
"Ah, sleeping beauty is awake then," Olga Marie started as she walked in, "Good, that just means we can get going."
"How long was I out?" Cira asked, yelping and ducking as something flashed by her face.
There was a crunching smack as Saber snatched whatever was thrown and the Servant gave an unamused look towards Olga Marie. Cira looked at what was in Saber's hand...it looked to be some sort of granola bar.
"So it turns out the vending machines were still stocked with food," the Director shrugged, "You should eat that...you're going to need the energy,"
Saber handed the bar to Cira, who took it with a grateful nod to both women. She turned back to the Director as she unwrapped it.
"Anything to drink?" she asked as they started down the hall.
"Sadly the vending machines for those are a little harder to get open," Olga Marie sighed, "We tried to bash one open with Mash's shield but we did little more than dent it. Cu Chulainn tried as well but he couldn't pry it open with his staff and he didn't want to light it on fire by accident."
"It appears you needed something sharp," Saber chuckled, "Why did you not call me to aid you?"
"Because you looked like you were having a bit of a crisis yourself and we didn't want to bother you," Olga Marie huffed, getting Saber to stiffen.
"What is that supposed to mean, Lady Animusphere?"
"You just looked troubled, that's all I meant by that," Olga Marie placated her, "Besides I did not want to leave Cirawynn by herself,"
"For the last time, my name is Cira!" Cira groaned, "Please don't call me by my full name."
"Oh but it's just so much fun to see you react like that," Olga Marie grinned, making Cira level a glare at her, "Are you coming or not? The vending machine and such is down here. Mash and your Caster are waiting for you,"
Cira looked up at Saber.
"Shall we?" she asked, getting a nod from the Servant.
After they had reunited with Mash and Cu Chulainn and Saber had slashed the vending machine open so they could stock up on water and other drinks, the group set out once more through the burning hellscape. Cira spotted a harsh glow on the horizon to their south, but was dissuaded from going there by Cu Chulainn's warning that Berserker had haunted that area frequently. Even then she could hear his roars of fury off in the distance and each one made her blood run cold.
Fortunately, they were making their way away from the potential madman and up into the wooded hills. Cira looked up around at the trees that moaned quietly in the wind. They looked so different than the ones from her dream, the sun did not shine through them, but ash floated down between the leaves like heavy snow. Cira shook her head, sending ashes scattering in the air. The flecks of grey fell upon the party, turning Mash's sable armor dim grey and actually outlining Saber's sword for a moment before the woman dispelled the weapon in a flurry of blue sparks.
"We're getting closer," Cu Chulainn said, offering his hand to Cira, who took it and was yanked up over an outcrop, "Saber is holed up in a cave not far from here. However there might be a problem,"
"And that would be?" Cira asked.
Cu Chulainn gave a wince.
"Archer," he explained, "He's been at Saber's side for nearly the entire war. Like I said earlier...if Archer made a move on you...it's likely on Saber's orders."
"Why would she be after us?" Cira asked, "I don't understand. I know we've covered the fact she's gone a little off the deep end but...other than that I have no idea,"
Cu Chulainn's scarlet gaze flicked to Saber for a moment, seeing her fidget for a moment before returning to a completely neutral look.
"Something about you scared her, I'm not sure what," he finally said, "Maybe she thinks you're after the Grail, maybe she knows you're looking to get rid of this place, maybe she just is a jealous witch and doesn't want Servants that she can't control,"
Cira gave a chuckle as they continued to a cave, stopping just outside it. The massive hole yawned before them, seemingly radiating pure shadow. An oppressive feeling pressed down on Cira the more she looked into the gaping abyss.
"We have to go in there?" Cira asked, her eyes staring into the darkness and feeling herself drawn into it, almost drowning.
"Saber's in there," Cu Chulainn said, "Have to take her out otherwise she's just going to stay there and not let us do anything while Archer comes and picks us off,"
Mash took a step in front of her Master, looking up at the taller girl's paler than normal face. She noticed a subtle tremor wracked her hands and she gently touched the shaking fingers, causing Cira to jump slightly.
"What's wrong?" she asked as Cira repeatedly shook her head.
"I can't go in there," Cira whispered, taking a step backwards, "I can't...it's too...I can feel the dark crushing my chest the longer I look…"
She turned away and wandered to a rock, sitting down with her head in her hands as her heart hammered in her chest.
"I can't go in there. It's too enclosed, it's too dark, it's like a mouth wanting to snap shut on me…" she thought as her breaths turned panicky, "I can't. What if it closes? What if the rocks fall on us? What if there are things in there trying to kill us? What if it's a trap? What if there's poison gas in there…"
"Fou!"
Cira startled as she felt hands on hers and she looked up to see Mash kneeling in front of her.
"You're claustrophobic, aren't you?" she asked.
Cira gave a small nod.
"I'm sorry…"
"The Albion family are light mages,"
Cira looked up at Olga Marie who gave a slight smile.
"It's not just the enclosed space, is it?" she asked, "You're afraid of the dark...your light can't thrive in shadow, can it?"
Cira slowly shook her head.
"I...am surprised you know," she finally said, "I thought you larger families did not care for us smaller ones,"
Olga Marie snorted.
"We look to see the potential families for our bloodlines. The Albions have been out of the loop for a very long time," she said, "But there have been ties with the Animuspheres and the Albions. Light and stars once worked together...but there hadn't been a mage in the Albion family for a long time. You would be the first Albion mage in what...two generations? Three?"
"...Four," Cira mumbled, as Fou hopped up on her lap and she started to pet him to keep her hands from shaking, "We...don't know why I started exhibiting magic, just that I have."
"Perhaps by a higher power you were called," Saber said gently as she and Cu Chulainn approached, "Hope needed rekindled and it was started with you,"
"Maybe...but I'm not showing that very well now, am I?" Cira sighed, "I can't even go in a cave,"
"Maybe we can lure the enemy Saber out?" Mash suggested, "That way we can set up a trap,"
"Perhaps," Saber nodded, "But how would we lure her and Archer o-"
All three Servants froze, Fou gave a hiss as his fur stood on end. Mash darted between Cira and the upper cliffs, shield at ready.
"Speak of the devil," Cu Chulainn sighed, leaning on his staff, "The disciple is here,"
Cira's eyes flicked up to see a white-haired man in a red cloak standing above them, veins of dark red, almost black streaked up his neck and over his left eye as well as tracing over his left arm. Sable armored boots clanked against stone as a bow materialized in his hand. His silver eyes were almost hollow, the life sucked out of them and leaving them the same color as pencil lead.
"That's the one that shot at us?" Cira asked, "That's Archer?"
"Unfortunately," Cu Chulainn growled, frowning as he glared up at Archer, "Protecting the holy sword wielder as always then?"
Saber started at the comment, her green eyes confused as her invisible blade reappeared in her hands and she stood next to Cu Chulainn. Archer's silver gaze was equally confused as he stared at her.
"I have no memory of being a disciple," Archer finally said, "But I can at least do the dirty work of chasing off unwanted visitors,"
"Yeah, yeah, cute. Protecting your girlfriend in there," Cu Chulainn jeered, "Look I don't know what you're protecting her from, but let's cut to the chase,"
"Master, I know you do not want to go, but you must," Saber said firmly, "Caster and I will hold Archer here. You, Lady Animusphere and Mash must get to the enemy Saber. I do not know what you will face in there, but I trust Mash to keep you safe."
"Saber…" Cira started.
Saber turned to face her and gave a soft, almost sad smile. The same smile she had seen reflected in the water in the dream.
"Go, we shall hold this one off and return to your side when we are finished," she said.
"Don't worry, kid, we'll be alright," Cu Chulainn grinned, patting her on the shoulder.
Archer raised his bow, what looked to be a sword materializing in his hand as he nocked it to the bowstring, drawing back. The sword suddenly shimmered with a crimson and sable light, transforming from an elegant blade into a wickedly sharp and cruelly jagged piece of metal.
"MASTER! GO!" Cu Chulainn and Saber yelled, the former pushing Cira towards the Cave.
Archer fired his arrow, only for it to burst into flames as Cu Chulainn cast a rune that exploded against it. Archer, undeterred, simply materialized another arrow and fired, only for it to get cut down by Saber's blade. Mash grabbed Cira's hand and ran, bringing (read: dragged) Cira inside. The young woman's eyes were squeezed tightly shut and her hand seemed to latch on to Mash's in an iron grip.
"We need to get further in," Olga Marie said, "It's likely it's going to open up and we can get further inside without her fear crippling her,"
Mash nodded and gently squeezed Cira's hand, reassuring her it was alright. Cira still did not open her eyes, though her breaths were a little less shaky. With that, the trio of women walked further into the cave.
Upon seeing the three run into the cave, Archer leapt down from his perch to pursue. He dashed forwards only to stop as he hit a barrier created by Cu Chulainn.
"Not bad, eh?" the Caster grinned, "Figured while Master was having her little spazz session I'd do some work,"
Saber shook her head in slight annoyance, but did not let her eyes leave Archer. He aimed his bow once more, only for a massive explosion of fire runes to burst in his face, sending him flying down the mountain into a temple courtyard.
"Y'know...part of me just wants to stand here and hold this position," Cu Chulainn hummed, "Would certainly be easier than runnin' down there and trying to kill him."
"But that would not be any fun, now would it, Ireland's Child of Light?" Saber chuckled.
"...Oh you are so much better than that dark Arthur," Cu Chulainn grinned.
Saber looked at him with a slightly amused expression, though there was some worry in her eyes. Was her vision real? Was what was in that cave truly her? Some dark reflection twisted and broken by a corrupted Grail? She shook her head, whatever it was...right now her duty was to keep that Archer from getting to her Master. That was all that mattered.
"Come now, Child of Light! Let us show that Archer what it means to serve a true master and not some broken Sword!" Saber called, dashing forwards and making the scorched earth beneath her feet shatter as she moved.
"Right behind you, King of Knights," Cu Chulainn laughed as he gave chase.
"The cave opens up ahead," Olga Marie called as the three dashed forwards.
Cira's breaths were still shaking as she kept her eyes squeezed shut, counting on Mash's guiding hand to lead her through the narrow passageways of the cave. Cira did not want to cause more of a fuss for her friend, knowing that the moment she opened her eyes and saw the crushing dark and close halls she would be wracked with paralysis and a complete shut down. So she would wait for this opening before she attempted to open her eyes.
A glow lit the inside of her eyelids red and Cira cautiously opened her eyes, her breath stuttering in her chest as she looked at the massive structure in front of her. She could faintly hear the sound of water lapping against stone, but couldn't see any. Perhaps it was in the massive crater like thing in front of her.
"What is that?" Cira asked, her voice soft and hushed.
"It...looks like a reactor core," Olga Marie blinked, almost awe in her voice, "But I've never seen anything like this! Is this the Holy Grail?!"
"Oh?" a low, almost frigid iron voice knifed through the air, causing Cira's hair to stand on end and Mash immediately get between the two humans and the owner.
"That voice…" Cira whispered, "I've heard that voice but...it's different…"
"That is an interesting Servant there," the voice continued as the sound of heavy armor clanked on the stone, the air seemed to thrum with power as the speaker became visible.
It was a woman, petite in stature yet the sheer aura of command she radiated made her seem so much taller. A flash of black and scarlet as a harsh screeching ring ripped through the air, revealing a massive two handed sword in her hands. She was dressed completely in sable, a few stray glitters of crimson flickered within the armor as it caught the light, dying embers in a forge and it seemed a few of those red streaks had clawed their way up her neck and jaw...much like how Archer had been affected. She was pale as death, as if she had never seen the sun, the only thing that differentiated her hair from her skin was that it was an almost silver blonde color, but only just a shade darker than her paper white skin. Her eyes were almost as pale, luminous and golden, they seemed to pierce into Cira's very soul as they locked onto her blue ones. There was an air of regality and nobility, just like with her own Saber's gaze...but this one felt darkened, evil, tyrannical…
Altered.
"The Saber," Olga Marie hissed, fear coloring her voice as she stepped back, "Cira...what do you see?"
"Nothing good," Cira whispered, taking a step back as Mash planted her shield firmly, her gold and violet gaze diamond hard, "Her stats...they're better than Saber's…"
"A shield, is it?" the black Saber asked, almost bored as she lifted her head, "You should ready it, stranger girl,"
She ripped her sword from the rock, sending sparks of scarlet flashing into the air. She leveled the nightmare black weapon at Mash, the bloodied runes upon the blade glowing with hellish light.
"For I am going to test your resolve...see if those slender arms can hold back the light of my blade!"
The woman seemed to disappear, rock shattering from where her foot had left the top of the reactor. Mash yelped as she was sent flying into a wall, backhanded by the darkened Saber.
"MASH!" Cira shrieked, starting towards her friend, only for a sharp pain to slice her cheek.
The young Master stumbled backwards, clapping a hand to the newly opened wound that oozed blood. Her storm blue gaze was once more held by the pale gold of the Saber.
"That is your first and only warning, Master of the Shield," the Saber threatened, "Stay like a good little dog. This matter is not yours to be concerned with. Do not fear. Once I finish that girl, I shall come for your head."
Saber hit the stone pavement of the temple with a massive thud, rolling up to her feet as another arrow screamed at her from above. Vines of thick oak wood burst from the ground, immediately wrapping over her and shielding her from the brunt of the explosion. She dove through the flames as they consumed the wood, skidding into Cu Chulainn, who caught her with a steadying hand.
"My thanks," she nodded.
"Don't thank me yet, he's still pissed off," Cu Chulainn warned as Archer landed on the roof above them.
Archer fired another arrow, only for it to get cut out of the air by Saber, sending the two metal halves crashing on either side of Cira's Servants.
"Does he ever run out of ammunition?" Saber demanded as yet another arrow was fired at them.
"Be lucky has hasn't pulled the knives out," Cu Chulainn spat as he knelt down, activating a rune field and causing the arrow to freeze mid flight before shattering into sparks of mana.
"Excuse me?!"
"Yeah he's a weirdo," Cu Chulainn muttered, "I've never seen an archer prefer to fight in close combat before. Least before he was turned he liked to get up close and personal. I still have that scar from where he got my arm."
Archer tried to leap upwards only to seemingly hit a wall and crash down to the ground.
"An even playing field," Saber mused, "Tell me, Caster, how long have you had this temple marked and prepared for battle?"
"Lady, you assume I don't have the entire city marked up like a badly written schoolboy's paper,"
Saber's gaze flicked skyward in annoyance as a heavy sigh left her, resisting the urge to smack the Caster next to her. Archer groaned as he staggered to his feet, his bow dematerializing as he turned a heated glare at the two Servants before him.
"You put runes in the air," Archer hissed, spitting out some blood and what looked to be a tooth.
"Yeah, my mentor had a spell that summoned the Gate of the Underworld," Cu Chulainn shrugged, "I maaaaaybe ripped her off just a little bit,"
He pinched his fingers closer together and closed an eye, but his grin was oh so smug. He leaned on his staff and his smile turned nearly predatorial.
"I didn't think it was fair that you and I could be zapping each other while poor Saber here was relegated to defense so…" he preened, inspecting his nails, "So c'mon and let's give her a chance to fight,"
Two short swords appeared in Archer's hands, both curved and about the size of his forearm...one black with a white dot near the hilt and the other white with a black dot at the hilt. He settled into a fighting stance and gave a grim smile.
"See if she can get close,"
The bone rattling booms as the sword crashed against Mash's shield shook Cira to her very core, but Mash stood firm, digging her heels into the ground as her arms shook with every blow.
"What is wrong?" the Saber asked, "Afraid to move forward?"
She brought her blade down again, making Mash hiss as her arms jarred again.
"Afraid that if you take a step your will shall falter?" came the Saber's sneer again, "Let me show you that does not matter!"
She swiped with her blade, catching one of the arms of the cross and sweeping upwards, throwing Mash off her feet and sending her tumbling head over heels before slamming into the wall with a crash. Cira hissed as sudden pain flared in her ribs, but was gone in an instant. She heard Mash cry out slightly as her shield clanged to the ground next to her.
"MASH!" Cira cried, starting forwards only to get grabbed by Olga Marie.
"You can't," she shook her head, "You were given a warning, your want to go help her...it's only going to get you killed and you'll only get in the way,"
"She is getting killed out there!" Cira snarled, wrenching her hand out of Olga Marie's grip, only for the other woman to grab her shoulders and force her to look at her.
"You can't do anything. Got it? They're Servants, they are many times stronger than we are. They will kill us if we get in the way. Hold your head high and prepare your resolve,"
Cira didn't look at Olga Marie, she looked at her very battered and broken friend as Mash struggled to even get up to her hands and knees.
"I can't leave her…" Cira whispered, more to herself than anyone as she watched the Saber smoothly stalk forwards, her footsteps oh so loud in her ears.
"You are that girl's master," Olga Marie continued, grabbing Cira's chin and forcing her to look her in the eyes, "That girl is your Servant,"
Cira saw Mash painfully and agonizingly slowly grab her shield, blood painting crimson streaks on the sable metal. She struggled to her feet, once more planting herself firmly, though Cira could see her legs shook and her shoulders trembled as blood dripped from myriad cuts and scrapes on the girl's body. The Saber slammed her blade into the ground, sending a shockwave of rock and dust rippling towards Mash and knocking the girl off her feet again with a cry.
"Don't look away," Olga Marie ordered as tears pricked at Cira's eyes, "You look straight ahead and hold that head high. Right now I ask you this and I expect an answer Cira!"
Cira jolted...it was the first time Olga Marie had ever called her by her chosen name. She looked at the amber eyes that were full of just as much pain as her own.
"What should you be doing as her Master."
There was a sudden burst of power that rocked Cira to her very core, a glow surrounded the Saber as her sword suddenly burst into black fire.
Cira heard one thing in the very back of her mind…
"...Please...I don't want to die…"
It wasn't her voice.
Archer leaped out of the way, but not far enough back that he was out of the reach of Saber's invisible sword. He hissed in fury as blood opened up from the tear in his clothes, he didn't even get the chance to try and stop the bleeding as the flaming staff of Cu Chulainn swung at him, singing his sleeve. Cu Chulainn maneuvered his staff so that he caught the hilt of one of the sword, suddenly wrenching upwards and forcing the weapon out of Archer's hand. Archer's grey gaze flicked up to track the weapon, only to snarl as the flash of silver caught his eyes and Saber's relentless attacks slammed down on him again.
He managed to parry the blow, getting his foot up and kicking her square in the chest, sending her backwards with a soft 'oof!'. But once again, did not have the chance to breathe as Cu Chulainn came down with his blinding staff. The two were locked in a standoff, the staff's wood creaking as the blade bit into it.
"I think you've gotten rusty," Cu Chulainn teased, "Cuz by now we'd…"
"Caster!" Saber's voice snapped over the battlefield, worried.
Cu Chulainn looked up, following Saber's point, and saw a violent black and scarlet glow blazing from the cave. Saber looked down at her weapon, and then back at the glow.
"...It is the same…" she whispered, her voice hoarse and hollow, "how…"
"How sweet," Archer sneered and causing Cu Chulainn's head to snap back, "You've come oh so far and are worried about someone else."
There was a glitter of white that caught Cu Chulainn's vision.
"CASTER!" Saber roared, starting back towards him, her eyes fixed on the sword that had been sent airborne and was hurtling towards Cu Chulainn's back.
"I shall answer those eyes. And to the heart that seeks to protect its Master!" the Saber roared, raising her blade above her head, "Vortigern, Hammer of the Vile King,"
Lightning flashed, slamming into the ground around the Saber as the light whirled around her, crackling as the power grew into an almost crushing force.
"Reverse the rising sun."
"HOLD ON MASH!" Olga Marie screamed.
"Swallow the light!" the Saber's voice rose to a deafening roar, "EXCALIBUR MORGAN!"
Two things happened at once. One, the massive tower of black and scarlet flame wielded by the darkened Saber crashed down upon Mash's shield with a howl that sounded like the screams of the damned. Two, a flash of white and blonde raced across the battlefield, diving behind Mash's shield as the massive surge of energy slammed against said shield, splintering off in a radiant display of dark light. Mash cried out as her heels were forced back through the dust as the howling light clawed at her shield, trying to find any flaws as her tired eyes fought to stay upright.
She just wanted to rest...that was it…
Cu Chulainn froze as the white blade tickled his throat. He honestly looked more annoyed than anything.
"Archer! Release him!" Saber snarled, starting towards only for Archer to shoot her an annoyed look.
"You stay right where you are, King of Knights, I'll deal with you in a bit," Archer deadpanned, "Now...Caster...I think this is the end."
"S'pose so," Cu Chulainn huffed, looking back up at the cave, "Answer me this though, will that shield resist the sword? Or will the sword pierce the shield,"
"A long time ago someone said something similar to that," Archer admitted, sighing.
"And what was the answer?" Cu Chulainn asked.
"A paradox," Archer stated, his voice 110% done with everything, "Only a contradiction is produced,"
"Eeehhhhh I dunno about that," Cu Chulainn chuckled, "What say you, Saber?"
"If both things are equal," Saber stated, "Should it not be to the skill of those that wield them,"
She kept her distance from Archer, though she was slowly moving her way around him. Archer kept a wary eye on her, though he did not release Cu Chulainn nor stab him.
"For, if you are losing because of the weapon's performance," her green eyes never left the gray ones of the Archer, "Then it is up to the wielder to compensate for that performance,"
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Cu Chulainn beamed as he flicked a rock up into the air.
Archer's eyes tracked the sudden movement, only for the rune to burst into white-hot fire, blinding him and causing his grip around Cu Chulainn to slack. The Caster neatly elbowed him and started forwards, only for Archer to reflexively stab him in the back.
"ARCHER!" Saber roared, starting forwards as Archer grinned…
Only for the grin to suddenly fade as the Caster's body suddenly turned into wood and vines, causing the blades to get stuck fast. The front of the simulacrum split open and Cu Chulainn climbed out, grinning.
"Oh you really are that stupid, whodda thought!" he smirked as he leaped out of the way.
There was a blaze of gold as Saber leaped upwards, her armored feet springboarding off the simulacrum as she brought her blade overhead for a heavy chop. Archer wrenched his swords from the fake and raised them to block the oncoming Saber. She hit the ground and rolled up back to her feet. Archer standing still a moment only for his swords to suddenly shatter, sliced cleanly in two, the blades clanged to the ground as a strip cleaved from his armor suddenly spat a great amount of blood. He fell apart, his top half going one way as his bottom half went the other...only to disintegrate into embers of pale blue light.
Saber flicked her weapon, ridding it of blood, and was silent for a moment.
"Perhaps in another life we could have fought side by side, Archer," she said solemnly.
"Time for that later," Cu Chulainn pointed out, nodding towards the cave.
"Agreed," Saber nodded, "Come, let us return to our Master,"
Mash's eyes were starting to close from exhaustion. She'd lost so much blood and even trying to stand was burning through whatever energy she had left. She did not want to take any from Cira because she was sure that Saber and Cu Chulainn would probably need it in their fight against Archer. She could hold on just a little longer...no one would care if she died here. She was just a doll, a tool to be discarded if no longer useful. She should have died in the command room, He should have just let her go…but there was a spark that reached out and pleaded…
"Please...I don't want to die…"
The energy from the enemy Saber's Noble Phantasm crashed against her shield, shoving her back and creating furrows in the dirt from where her heels dug in. She was so tired, her head started to fall as her vision started fading around the edges.
And that's when she felt a hand on top of hers.
She jolted, looking up just to see Cira standing next to her, holding on to the shield with her hand on top of Mash's, showcasing the crimson seals that glowed brilliantly. Cira put her other hand on Mash's back, bracing her and reassuring her that this was not a dream. The Master's storm blue eyes were bright as she looked ahead, focused on the dark light before her.
"Master…" Mash breathed, relief bleeding through her voice as Cira looked at her from the side and smiled.
"I believe in you," she nodded as her hand over Mash's tightened slightly, "Now, let's end this, ok?"
Cira's seals burned with a light that was nearly blinding and a surge of almost electrical energy rushed through Mash's limbs. She felt her wounds closing up and strength washed back into her limbs. The Shielder got back to her normal stance, her arms no longer shaking and her heart bolstered once more.
"I can't lose. I won't let anything happen to her. I must protect my Master!" Mash thought.
At that moment, something clicked. Her shield felt lighter, it nearly vibrated under her touch.
"Please watch me, Master," she ordered as her own inner magic surged.
The shield suddenly ignited with a brilliant blue-white light. A ghostly form bloomed from it, almost like walls, smooth, chalk-white bricks that shone brighter than the sun. The enemy Saber's pale gold eyes widened slightly as the walls of a long forgotten memory once more took form before her eyes.
"...That shield…" she whispered, "You can't be…"
Mash let out a battle cry, shoving forward as the wall surged brightly and the dark light of the sword reflected off it, racing back to it's origin and kicking up a massive wall of dust. The Demi-Servant leaned heavily on her shield, panting.
"I did it…" she breathed, "I did it!"
And her knees gave out.
"Mash!" Cira yelled, catching the other girl around the waist as the wall flickered and started to dim.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw the enemy servant raise her sword again.
"...Oh God…" Cira breathed, eyes wide with terror, "Come on, Mash, you gotta get up, come on!"
"I'm...fine…" Mash grunted, struggling back to her feet, "It's not...over yet…"
"My Magecraft is a cage of flames…" a new voice started.
A flash of royal blue and brilliant glowing gold streaked by Master and Servant, sending up a cloud of dust as the sudden clang of metal on metal sounded through the air. Cira covered her eyes for a moment to block out the onslaught, only to look back up to see a furious Saber dueling the enemy Saber...wielding a golden and royal blue blade rather than something cloaked and unseen.
"A flaming yet verdant giant," the voice continued, "Retribution. A shrine that purifies the evil of human affairs."
Another flash of light blue came from Cira's left and she looked to see Cu Chulainn darting forwards, a smirk on his face.
"I'm proud you hung on this long," he nodded before a surge of energy pulsed from him and he continued forwards, "Fall back, Saber!"
Saber did seem to hear him, and kicked the enemy Saber in the chest, sending her staggering as Cira's Saber lightly got away from her...she did not look amused at all.
"The one who destroys!" Cu Chulainn roared as he slammed his staff into the ground, "WICKER MAN!"
The ground erupted in flames and a massive creatures of wood and metal erupted from the ground, grabbing at the black Saber. She snarled, her sword gleaming darkly as she dodged and darted around the creature's arms, hacking and slashing to destroy the creature but not being able to get a breath to fire her own.
"Are you alright?!" Saber demanded as she finally made her way back to Cira.
"I'm fine," Cira nodded, "Mash is a bit worse for wear but…"
"I'm ok…" the Shielder shook her head, "Just...tired…"
Saber gave a hum, turning back to watch the fight between Cu Chulainn's Noble Phantasm and the darkened Saber Servant. Cira noticed her own Saber looked...unnerved...by the whole thing, as if she were watching not an enemy but someone close to her being attacked. The young Master noticed that there was a remarkable resemblance between the two, even down to their own fighting style. She looked at her Saber and opened her mouth to question only for a roar of rage to catch her attention.
The darkened Saber had been grabbed by the creature, she struggled and thrashed as she tried to get out of the creature's grip...but was thrown into a cage like structure within its chest. The creature suddenly keeled over, bursting into flames and sending a wave of intense heat over the witnesses. When the smoke and ashes cleared, however...the darkened Saber still stood...however she was very badly hurt. Her right arm was missing below the elbow, chunks were taken out of her side and her pale skin was now covered in horrific burns.
"Victory for the power that protects," she coughed, blood dribbling past her teeth as Cira's Saber immediately stood before her Master, her blade raised in readiness, "I see...so much like that innocent one...would you not agree?"
Emerald eyes bored into topaz ones, seemingly asking each other questions and receiving no answers besides a sharp, curt nod from the emerald eyed Saber.
The golden eyed Saber lowered her sword and sighed...before giving a bitter, mirthless laugh.
"No matter how much fate changes...I always face the same end when I am alone," she murmured.
She held up a hand, watching as golden motes of light splintered off and faded.
"I never wanted this," she finally sighed.
"What's that supposed to mean," Cu Chulainn demanded, "Do you know something about all this?"
"Perhaps you will come to know that, Ireland's Child of Light," she smirked, a cold and cruel thing, "Grand Order,"
Cira saw Olga Marie start in surprise.
"The battle for the Holy Grail War has begun," the Saber finished as more and more of her cracked and splintered into golden light.
Almost out of morbid curiosity, Cira's Saber wandered slowly closer.
"How…" she whispered, "How was this possible...who did this…"
"You would know that answer better than anyone," the altered Servant chuckled, "Do not be a stupid, idealistic child and perhaps you will not end up like me."
And with that she faded into sparks of golden light that slowly and surely faded to black, a loud clanging sound rang through the cavern as a golden cup fell to the ground. Saber gingerly picked it up, handling it like it was going to bite her.
"...I guess that's my cue too…" came Cu Chulainn's voice.
Cira turned to face him, watching as his own body seemed to fade and flicker with golden light.
"You're not dying why are you leaving?!" Cira demanded, not daring to leave Mash, who still looked like she was going to fall over.
"War's over, no reason for me to stay here," he shrugged, "Oi, Saber,"
Saber turned to face him, a sad smile on her face.
"Despite you being a bloody Brit, it was good to fight alongside you," he smirked, "Keep Master and Missy outta trouble, ya hear?"
"As loath as I am to give praise to an Irishman, I enjoyed fighting alongside you as well, Cu Chulainn," she smiled, "And I will do my best to do so. Humans tend to be a troublesome lot as I have discovered,"
He turned back to Cira.
"Master...I'm leavin' the rest of it up to you guys...so uh, hey, next time? Summon me as a Lancer. I'll be able to give the Englishwoman a run for her money that way," he beamed, putting his staff over his shoulders and hooking his arms around it.
"If I'm allowed to, I will," Cira chuckled, "Don't you worry,"
Cu Chulainn saluted her nonchalantly...and then he too faded away. Cira gave a sigh as Olga Marie, Fou and Saber all three came closer to her. She looked up at Saber in confusion.
"Why haven't you faded?" she asked.
"If you wish I can leave," Saber told her, "However, I do believe that is because I was summoned by you...much as how Mash was in a sense."
"R-Right, I knew that," Cira replied, rubbing her neck in embarrassment.
"Well done, Master of Chaldea," Olga Marie smiled as Fou bounded up, jumping and scrabbling up to Cira's shoulder.
The little creature gave a worried chirp and gently nudged Mash's cheek.
"I'm fine…" she smiled, gently patting the creature's head with a finger, though her hands still shook.
"We need to get out of here," Cira said, "Let Mash and Saber rest after that fight,"
"Did we...win?" Mash asked.
"...lo? Hello! Can you guys hear us!?"
Cira jumped as Romani's voice emerged from the communication device. Saber jumped slightly, though she looked curiously at the bracelet-like device.
"A type of scrying magic?" she asked.
"...Oh...uh...I see you guys made a new friend," Romani started.
"New Servant that Cirawynn contracted with," Olga Marie said, "Back to business, Roman. What are you calling us for?"
"I've been trying to contact you guys for a long time," Roman said, "I can't see anything sadly, but it looks like the singularity is starting to actually disappear on its own. The enemy Servant is gone, the only ones in the singularity are Mash and this one here."
"Then that means that Berserker had dematerialized as well," Saber noted, "Perhaps it truly is over,"
"Uh...yeah, it's just you two, Miss uh…"
"Saber," Cira said, "I don't know her true name yet because she wasn't wanting to tell me until we were safe,"
"She's not entirely wrong. Names are important," Romani's voice agreed, "Could keep a glaring weakness from being found out due to their legend but also give out key information about their noble phantasm too."
"Speaking of that…" Olga Marie started, looking at Mash, "Even if you're inexperienced, or even a temporary servant...you made a wish and the shield opened to you,"
Mash gave a smile, her hand on her shield squeezing the handle a bit tighter out of fondness and gratefulness.
"Even if you did find out it's True Name, you don't have the slightest interest in becoming that Heroic Spirit," the Director continued, "Maybe that's why it worked for you. God, that's straight out of a fairy tale!"
She actually gave a laugh, smiling for once.
"I'm just messing with you, Mash...I'm happy really," she reassured the girl, "However...without it's true name it's just inconvenient to use it. So until then...a name to call it,"
She gave a shrug and put her hands on her hips.
"You are closely tied to Chaldea, it's your home...so why don't we call it…" she snapped her fingers and smiled, "Lord Chaldeas,"
"Lord Chaldeas," Mash echoed, smiling as she lay a hand on the shield again, "It is perfect, thank you, Director,"
"Yeah well it's not the only name that needs to be known I think," Olga Marie said, looking at Saber, "Don't you think it's about time you told Cirawynn your True Name, Saber?"
Saber's eyes narrowed slightly, her armor clinking as she crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance.
"I see...Master, remind me the next time I see Cu Chulainn to smack him with the flat of my blade," she growled before sighing, "I suppose you are right. It is safe now and I apologize for how long it took for you to know my name, Master,"
Her arms fell back to her sides, though one came back up to her chest, laying upon her heart.
"I am known by many names throughout Europe, but the name most know me by is Ar-"
She suddenly froze before suddenly dashing between Cira and the reactor core. Fou hissed, his back arching as his fur stood on end and Mash set her shield in position...as the sound of clapping echoed through the cavern. Cira looked up…
Just to see Lev Lainur standing far above them on the reactor.
"My, my, I never thought you would make it this far," he started, "This is an unforeseen element of the project that goes far beyond what my tolerance allows,"
"Lev!" Olga Marie gasped, starting forwards, joyous tears streaking down her face, "Oh thank God you're alive!"
"Director…" Cira started, taking a step forwards only to get stopped by Saber gently resting the flat of her invisible blade against the girl's stomach.
"Do not take a step further," the Servant said firmly, "Something is not right here,"
"Wait, Lev is alive?!" Romani demanded.
"Oh, Olga," Lev said, "Looks like you have had a rough time as well,"
"You have no idea!" Olga Marie beamed, continuing to race forwards, "With all the unexpected events I thought I was going to go crazy! But now that you're here...we're going to get through it somehow, right?"
"Of course," Lev purred, making Fou hiss and Saber give what sounded scarily like a growl as she shifted herself between Lev and Cira.
"What is it?" Cira asked.
"I know mages...that one feels like my uncle," Saber hissed, "A power-hungry man who would do anything to win. Nay, not a man. A monster."
"Saber, he was at Chaldea too...he probably got Rayshifted here too, right Mash?"
Mash was silent, watching the procession before her as she held her shield a little tighter.
"Mash?" Cira repeated, but once more was met with silence.
"I'm just furious with all those unexpected events," Lev finally said, a very dark and almost feral note entering his voice.
Olga Marie skidded to an instant stop, frowning as she looked up at the man she so admired.
"What?" she asked.
"Romani. I told you to come to the command room right away," Lev growled, a furious tremor wracking his hands.
"...What?" Romani's answer was slow and worried, "What is he...no way…"
"Olga, I planted that bomb right under your feet," Lev hissed, his dark eyes narrowed down at the young woman, "And yet...you lived through that. Well...at least I have some consolation that you didn't exactly survive. Oh no, no, no, you're very much dead,"
Olga Marie took a step back, her face white with horror.
"That...that can't be true," she shook her head, a tremor flitting in her voice, "You're lying!"
"Well, your physical body is dead anyways," Lev corrected, his smile widened, nothing but teeth, "Think about it, girl. When you were alive, you did not have the aptitude for Rayshifting. You couldn't make the transfer...but you so wanted to do it. You so badly wanted to continue Daddy's work and make a name for yourself that the moment you died...you were able to."
"No!" Olga Marie voice cracked as she violently shook her head, "No that's not true! You lie!"
"Director…" Cira started.
"Master stay close to me," Saber ordered, "I know not what this demon is, but I'll be damned if I let him harm you,"
"Oh you know I'm not lying, Olga," Lev purred, "You know that the moment you return to Chaldea...your consciousness will cease to exist. But...that is too miserable to contemplate. After all...you did dedicate your entire life to Chaldea. So the least I can do is show you what is going on,"
He snapped his fingers and a massive portal opened behind him...revealing the scarlet glowing Chaldeas behind him, the smooth metal rings slowly revolving around the hellish red orb.
"No...that isn't my Chaldeas! It has to be a trick! That's just a made up picture..." Olga Marie shook her head, her voice panicking, "What is that!?"
"Oh believe me, Olga, that is your Chaldeas. I just simply linked space-time here so you could see it," his voice was almost gleeful, like a child's, "So take a good look, scion of the Animusphere family. This is where your family's stupidity has come! Or…"
He stretched out his hand, a wicked grin spreading across his features.
"Perhaps you would like to see it closer!"
A sickly glow surrounded Olga-Marie and she lifted off the ground.
"Let me go!" Olga Marie screeched, trying to thrash, but whatever power held her only allowed her head to move, "What are you doing! Lev! You were family to me! LEV!"
"I just simply thought I'd grant your wish," Lev smiled coyly, "Go on and touch your little treasure, Olga…"
"STOP!" Olga Marie shrieked, primal terror in her voice, causing it to pitch upwards as she slowly was drawn forwards towards the glowing Chaldeas, "LEV! STOP! THAT'S CHALDEAS!"
"No different than a black hole...or perhaps the sun," he smirked, "Either way...the moment a human touches it, they'll be torn apart on a molecular level. Experiencing living, infinite death...doesn't that sound wonderful?"
"Have to…" Cira started, taking a step forward only for Mash to grab her wrist and yank her back, "Mash! We ha-"
She stopped, seeing the terror in her friend's eyes as Mash shook her head violently.
"No, Master, we can't," she told her.
"Mash is correct," Saber said gently, "I am no mage, neither is Mash. You cannot compare to his magical power either, Master...there is nothing we can do save wait for him to turn his attention on us."
"We just stand here?!" Cira demanded.
"I do not want to but my priority is your safety," Saber retorted, her voice stern, "If I could help her I would...but there is nothing that can be done...I am sorry,"
"NO!" Olga Marie's shriek pierced through the air, making Cira whirl back towards her...horror struck across her, Saber and Mash's faces, "NO! NO PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP ME!"
Her screams turned into sobbing and begging. Cira could not understand what was being said but could feel terror as clearly as if it were her own. Tears ran unbidden down her cheeks as two armored hands, one in silver the other sable, put themselves on her shoulders...right as Olga Marie went through the portal and impacted with Chaldeas. The shrieks that erupted through the air were unlike anything Cira had ever heard and it chilled her to the core.
She watched in horror as Olga Marie slowly sank down into the living planet, the stench of burning flesh and hair assaulted her nose as Olga Marie's skin turned red and then blackened in multiple spots. Her hair ignited, melting her scalp as arcs of hot white lightning shot out of the impact point, flashing brightly on Cira, Saber and Mash's faces. This lasted for a minute but felt like hours…
And the screams suddenly silenced as Olga Marie sank completely into Chaldeas.
Cira felt sick, her stomach heaved as she collapsed to her knees and what little she had earlier that morning came back up. Her body shook as Saber and Mash pushed forwards, both in a defensive position between their Master and Lev.
If what he did to Olga Marie was indication of what he could do...they didn't want him to get a clear sight of their Master. Lev, however, just laughed.
"As expected of the Demi-Servant and a defeated King," Lev sneered, getting a 'tch' from Saber as her hands tightened on her sword's hilt, "You both could tell that I was a fundamentally different creature, couldn't you?"
Cira staggered to her feet, still shaking but ready to back both her servants up. Her seals burned, one of the three strokes faded as if badly erased by a number two pencil eraser.
"The 48th Master potential," Lev hummed, turning his gaze on her and making Cira's stomach turn even more, "I once turned a blind eye to you because you had no promise. Why is it that you humans always buck and fight against your fate given to you?"
He gave a laugh, a cold, evil thing that made Fou hiss on Cira's shoulder.
"Let me introduce myself to you, formally this time," he held his arms out magnanimously, "I am Lev Lainur Flauros, I am the charge of 2016, tasked to dispose of your human race,"
He turned back to the portal, a jeering grin on his face.
"ARE YOU LISTENING, DOCTOR ROMAN!" he called.
"Professor Lev."
Cira looked down at her communication device in slight shock. In the short amount of time she knew Romani, she had never heard him use that tone of voice. It was iron hard and cold...there was no small amount of hatred in his voice.
"As fellow students who studied sorcery together," Lev said, "I will give you final advice. The future has not disappeared, it's been incinerated. Your precious Chaldea is probably being protected by the magnetic field generated by Chaldeas. But I am very sure that the outside world is meeting the same fate as Fuyuki here did."
"...The reason we weren't able to make contact with the outside...is because there is no more outside," Romani's voice growled, "Everyone is gone."
"You will not perish from becoming the evolutionary dead," Lev continued, "Nor will you be destroyed after engaging with other races. Rather...from your own meaninglessness and incompetence! And...because you have lost the favor of our king."
The cavern suddenly rocked, making Cira grab onto Mash's shield for balance.
"An earthquake?!" she demanded.
"No…" Mash shook her head, "This...the Singularity is collapsing!"
"Ah that accursed Saber caused me more trouble than I needed," Lev sighed, "Then again, I suppose that sense of honor still persists after being corrupted. She wanted to continue this time period after I gave her that Grail...she should have just left with it and we wouldn't have had this problem...curse her…"
He turned back to Cira and gave a shark-like grin.
"Farewell, Romani, Mash and the 48th potential," he called as he shone blindingly bright, "You die here amidst the ruins of this place,"
And he disappeared.
Saber cut a large rock in two to keep it from hitting Cira, Mash blocked a few with her shield, but it was becoming very evident that the cavern would not hold and that they needed to get out.
"We need to go," Cira said, "The whole place is coming down and...and...and…"
She couldn't go on, her chest was tightening as her legs locked up and her fears came back full force.
"Cira! Mash! The singularity is collapsing, you need to get out of there now!" Romani yelled through the watch.
"Doctor, we need you to start up a Rayshift!" Mash yelled back, crying out as another large rock pinged off her shield where she, Saber and Cira huddled under it.
"I know! I know! I'm trying! It takes a little bit of time!" Romani called, panic rising in his voice as he tried to get it working, "The place might co...se bef...can...save..."
And the communications cut out.
"ROMANI!" Cira shrieked only for the ground to erupt underneath the three and send them all flying into the air.
Cira instinctively reached out, grabbing Mash's hand as the other girl's grip turned iron tight...right as a rock struck her on the back of the head and Cira's world began to fade…
Before it suddenly burst into silver and blue light as she felt herself falling into a swirling abyss of radiance.
"They say there's a sword that can save this land, that the person who wields it is the destined king," I smiled as I brushed the horse's mane, "Wouldn't that be nice? The Saxons and barbarians that have been attacking everyone will finally go away, everyone will be under one banner and we can actually be at peace for once,"
The horse nickered and started nibbling at my hair, making me laugh and gently bat it away.
"You are an imp!" I smiled, "Alright, alright, I know what you want,"
I pulled out an apple and held it out to the massive creature, who delicately took the apple and crunched on it contentedly. I smiled as it butted its head against my chest and I hugged it around the muzzle.
"You don't care really, just so long as you get your apples haha!" I looked up out the window and sighed wistfully, "Still, that sword has been in my dreams lately, set in a boulder in a meadow, it looks old but there's no vines or rust on it...it shines like new. Maybe I'll be the one to pull the sword. Just so that there's finally peace…"
…
I stood in the meadow as the sun sank lower in the sky. I heard something behind me and turned around to face a tall man in a white cloak and a gnarled staff of dark wood. His violet eyes were somewhat sad as he came closer.
"You are late," I told him.
"I am not late, I came precisely when I wanted to," he winked, coming closer and setting the butt of his staff on a rock, "I see you've found the place alright,"
I nodded, looking just before me at a slab of granite. Common considering it's placement, but this was not any old piece of granite. A sword, a delicate silver blade decorated with swirls of gold and blue upon the wooden hilt and a large sapphire upon the pommel had been driven deep within the granite slab. I gave a determined sigh and stepped towards the sword.
"Before you take hold of that," the man warned, "Think properly on it. If you take hold of that sword, it will bring about the worst ending. Once you take hold, that's it. You will no longer be a human."
"No," I said, turning to face him, "In the vision you showed me, many people were smiling. I believe that was not a mistake."
I stepped forwards, catching my reflection in the sapphire pommel of the sword. Same green eyes and blonde hair and determined expression. The words chiseled in the stone seemed to gleam gold in the dying light.
Whosoever pulleth this sword from the stone is the rightful King of Briton.
I wrap my hand around the warm wooden hilt and pull.
Cira shot up with a gasp, only to feel hands gently push her down back to the bed.
"Easy," Romani's voice soothed, "It's ok, you're safe...you're back in Chaldea...we got you back just in time,"
"Mash!? Saber?!" Cira demanded as her vision cleared and Romani's relieved face entered her vision.
"They're fine. Mash woke up a little bit before you did and your Saber's been waiting for you to wake up."
"She made it?"
"Little bit of a scare on some of the staff but yeah, she made it," Romani chuckled, "Shame you don't know who she is...she's been pretty good about helping people stay calm in crisis."
Cira sat back up again, wincing as she felt one of her ribs creak.
"Careful!" Romani ordered, "You've got a couple broken ribs and a mild concussion, as well as your left arm and right ankle being sprained. As well as enough scars to make a horror movie final girl jealous."
Cira gave a weak laugh only to hiss as stabbing pain knifed across her ribs.
"How long...was I out?" she asked.
"A week. Mash woke up yesterday...honestly the fact you two lived is a miracle,"
"Can I see...her? Mash...and Saber?"
"Yeah, I'll go call them. I wanted to talk to you and Mash in particular but Saber is your Servant too, so makes sense." Romani nodded, "Stay here...I'll be right back. Don't move,"
"I wouldn't...dream of it,"
He returned a few minutes later with Mash and Saber both. Mash was once more in her white Chaldean uniform, a brilliant smile broke over her face as she rushed over to the bed. Saber opted to stay near the foot of the bed...no longer in her armor, just in the royal blue and white dress that was under it.
"You're alive!" Mash wept, grabbing Cira's hand only to back off as Cira gave a hiss.
"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Cira reassured her, "It's just sprained...and it hurts...to laugh or move…"
"You weren't waking up...and I thought…" Mash stammered, tugging on her sleeves as Saber lay a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"We were unsure of when you were going to wake, Master," she said as Romani scoffed.
"Yeah, I had to chase them both outta the infirmary because that one," he pointed at Saber, "refused to leave your side for more than two seconds and kept getting in my way. And that one…"
He jokingly poked Mash's shoulder, earning a half-hearted swat from Fou as he was perched there.
"Would not stop pestering me on updates," he finished, "But you're all awake and fine for the most part,"
Cira nodded before her eyes lit on Saber...who looked relieved if not a little on edge.
"We...have unfinished business, Saber," she growled half-heartedly, "You...promised me something…"
"Master, I believe you might already know that Name," Saber said simply.
"Yeah...but go ahead...so Romani doesn't...blow a gasket,"
"As you wish, Master," Saber chuckled, "I am known by many names, though I suppose these titles are most accurate. I am known as the King of Knights, the Red Dragon of Briton and the Once and Future King...though I suppose that history has given me the name of King Arthur,"
The invisible sword suddenly became visible as the swirling blued wind shattered away from the blade...revealing a glowing golden sword with royal blue filigree. Saber gave an elegant bow.
"My True Name is Artoria Pendragon, it is an honor to serve you, Master of Chaldea," Saber, Artoria, smiled.
Singularity F.
Humanity Foundation Value: C
AD: 2004 Flame Contaminated City: Fuyuki
Foundation Restored
Order Complete
Master: Cira Albion
Servant: Shielder- Mash Kyrielight
Servant: Saber-Artoria Pendragon