Disclaimers as always. I don't own anyone but Tomoko. Saber and other Fate related characters belong to TYPE: Moon and Nasu.
The theme this time is the second ending of Fate/Zero, being Soraha Takaku, Kaze no Utau. The original song or the piano/violin cover done by Theister — Anime on Piano works just fine.
I couldn't have finished if not for friends Aqui and Usagi-chan. I'm thinking of you two.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 4: Back to Zero
If there was one thing Arturia Pendragon vowed to do in her new life, no matter what the cost, it was to protect her new Master. Not merely because of their contract, but because of how pure her Master was. With her long black hair and bright blue eyes, if the colors were inverted, perhaps…
"Saber, how about this dress?"
Arturia shook her head. She was long gone. Almost as unearthly as she had come into the Holy Grail War, she disappeared too. Irisviel would never come back. Nothing truly lasted forever, but…
Art-san? A voice of timidity, accentuated with a high-pitch that has become comforting. It all made for warm kindness that was telling of only one person. Art-san?
Saber jolted out of her thoughts at the mental call of her new name, her own inner voice coming out soft in reply. What is it, Tomoko?
Oh. Uh. Hee hee. A giggle echoed through the mental link and Arturia paused her cleaning of a table to blink. Tomoko, her new Lady, was looking straight at her from the piano, a warm smile on her lips. I'm sorry for not having anything better to say, I'm just enjoying saying your name, Art-san. Tomoko inclined her head, smiling brighter. It feels like we got closer somehow and it's nice.
Arturia smiled back, warmth proceeding to flood her chest like flames never to go out. It had been a while since anyone looked at her with such pure intentions. Those blue eyes shined with unadulterated kindness, and Arturia never knew she could treasure such a small thing until now. You should focus on your work, Milady, she chided gently, holding back the urge to snicker. I am glad to hear you enjoy saying my name, but we are still in "rush hour." It is better to focus.
Even in her white and pink kimono dress, Tomoko easily resembled a child with how she puffed her cheeks. She was almost like a squirrel with how fast her smile turned upside down to look indignant. Muuuu, got it, work it is, then work we go, she grumbled unhappily, but the sparkle in her blue eyes was still present even when she had broken off eye contact. And, uh, Art-san?
Hm?
Tomoko didn't turn around, but the words were loud enough for Arturia alone to hear in her head.
Thank you, though. For being here.
That was all that was said until Tomoko gently cut the link with the start of her newest song.
It took those words alone for Arturia to feel her heart break.
The unspoken, because no one else is around as much, echoed almost painfully in the remnants of the link and the feeling was suffocating if not for Saber's Magic Resistance helping bolster her mental defenses.
The former King Arthur found herself exhaling softly while putting a hand to her chest, shaking her head. There was no point in getting worked up now. Tomoko was still alright. Her new Lady was still alive, and hopefully this would last for a long time. She would be a fool to not notice the times Tomoko occasionally held her stomach, carefully hiding it with a kind smile. Music notes were gently wafting in the air and echoing through her ears as the piano always would, but all Arturia could find on her tongue was a name she never thought she would be saying again.
"Irisviel…" Saber found herself sighing sadly. The homunculus woman deserved so much more. A Knight that would have prevented a kidnapping and death. A Knight in shining armor that would have brought her victory. "I wish you were here to see this." Perhaps it was foolish to linger on the thought, even more so since Irisviel had died years ago in Fuyuki, when Saber couldn't protect her, but if Shirou and Rin were any indication, it was about time to let the old stories lie. "You would have been taken with Milady as much as I am now."
With another exhaled breath, Arturia picked up the cleaning cloth in her hands to get back to work.
I could not protect you, Irisviel. But I will protect Tomoko. To make sure she never sees the fate you did, inside the corrupted Grail.
Never again. Never again.
When our time together numbered a month, it became obvious that Saber was not really an emotionally honest person. Sure, she was quick to answer questions when it came to work and what she could do, but it said something when she kept to herself in our private moments than do anything else. Aside from saying whatever was necessary to carry a polite conversation and the occasional inquiry about Konoha, Saber seemed more and more closed off with each day. In spite of our talk on the Grail and our shared habit of using telepathy with one another, it became increasingly common to find her silently standing at my side, attending to what she could without much commentary.
There were a lot of times I wanted to ask more about her life. About what it was like to be a Servant, to be King Arthur in her past life. Still, as much as I thought about it — to ask, I mean — there was something about her demeanor every time I approached her that made any sense of talking sputter out long before I could even muster the courage.
It was like Saber was waiting for something to happen, standing on guard for some kind of invisible threat. Like when Kei was waiting with Team Minato on a stake-out for an enemy to come trying to kill.
Today, it seemed, was no different.
A gentle hand always shook my shoulder to signify morning, and once I opened my eyes, Saber's bright green ones stared at me. "Good morning, Milady," she said dutifully with a smile, and I rubbed my eyes once she moved the futon cover off my person. "It is time to get up."
"Ayeeeeee…" was the sleepy reply, and then I don't know what came over me. A yawn left my lips, I sat up in my futon and then in my sleepy haze, I found myself making a trust fall. Kinda. Maybe it was my unconscious mind acting on my desire to know Saber better, or a part of me just wanting a hug. Thankfully, Saber merely jolted once before wrapping an arm around my shoulders, holding me up while letting me lean on her.
"Tomoko?" she went gently, questioningly over my head.
My heart was beating against my chest now, but I shook my head, scooting closer to take in Saber's presence. "I'm sorry, Art-san, just let me have this a bit, please?"
I want to do more for you, but I don't know what to do.
I want to help you, but I don't know how.
I wanted to say it like I could in my thoughts. Maybe then, Saber could answer in reality. Still. My mouth opened, but the words just wouldn't come out. I ducked my head and rested my nose against Saber's shirt, taking in her scent for a bit. Laundry detergent. She smelled like laundry detergent. It was nice.
I didn't want to break the peace, as fragile as it seemed.
Saber hummed as if to acknowledge the nickname before raising her free hand to wrap around my front, completing the impromptu hug. "Alright, Milady." Something was gently brushing my hair, and it took a second for me to realize that it was actually Saber's hand, working with the tangles that came with bedhead. "Just a bit."
"Thankie, Saber." I closed my eyes, inhaling the smell that was becoming a signature of sorts for my Servant. My heart was still beating hard against my chest. I couldn't stay here forever. "And Saber? Or, um, Art-san?"
Saber hummed again, gentler as her chin sat atop my head now. "Either name is fine. What is it, Milady?"
The familiar three words were on my tongue. "Um." But it felt different this time. It felt like I couldn't say it now, especially when I truly didn't know Saber as a person yet. Sure, I said it after our talk about the Holy Grail, but right now, in the early morning? It didn't feel right. I raised one of my arms to hug her back, squeezing. "Y-You don't have to keep waking me up like this," I floundered with instead, my voice high-pitched and uncertain. "I'm happy being with you normally, Art-san. You don't have to constantly look out for me."
"But you are my Master, Tomoko." Saber was still brushing through my hair, a clicking noise echoing above my head. Did she click her tongue? "It is natural as your Servant that I look out for you."
That definitely was an answer, but my heart beat unhappily. My gut twisted in on itself too, and a frown played with my lips. My voice must've reflected it too, because Saber jolted again when I spoke up. "Is that the only reason?"
I don't even know why I asked the question. It felt intrusive, almost nosy if I could say that much, but before I could take it back, Saber tightened the hug. Eh?
"…No," she said after a moment, and I looked up to see her eyebrows crinkle in what I could've labeled a fond expression just from how her green eyes seemed softer somehow. Loving, even. Or was it just me? I could see myself reflected in her eyes, and I didn't know what to make of it. "I have my own reasons too, Milady, and it is nothing you should worry about." She smiled and a hand was brushing my bangs back. "Merely accept my actions as a gesture of gratitude in return for your kindness."
Eh? "S-Saber, I didn't do anything—"
Words failed me once Saber leaned in to press a kiss to my forehead. I didn't even know if she meant it in a sisterly manner like Kei or if it was in a jesting kind of interaction to quiet my worries. Instead, it was like everything, from time to space itself, it had all stopped. It didn't even occur to me that the subsequent weird squeaks echoing in the air were actually coming from me and that Saber was chuckling.
"Fweh—? Nyeh—? Ehhh—?"
I could've been a broken record.
Even then, Saber didn't seem to mind if her chuckling was any sign. Why was she doing this? What was going on? "You did so much more than you think, Milady." The words were gently whispered against my forehead, and I tried not to shiver. "Do not delude yourself otherwise."
Another kiss pressed against my head before the hands on my back withdrew and I found myself unintentionally reaching for Saber's touch before she took both of my hands instead. "Now then, it is still morning, Milady." With almost no effort at all, she pulled me to my feet, the glint in her green eyes never fading. "Let us get started on the day."
My face probably must've looked like a heater, because Saber guided me out to the bathroom and kitchen, never letting go of my hands the entire time.
I couldn't help but wonder what I did to deserve this kind of treatment from the former King Arthur.
Kei absently stirred her water cup with a straw before fixing a hard stare at me. "Tomo, have you been taking care of yourself?"
"Mm?" I blinked the stars in my vision away to look into Kei's eyes. "What was that?"
Instead of responding, Kei rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair to cross her arms against the front of her green flak jacket. She paused. "Knew it. You spaced?"
Heat flooded my cheeks as soon as reality caught up with my thoughts and I ducked my head, fidgeting with the hem of my dress. "I'm sorry. It's been a bit. Adjusting to new things, I mean."
"Ah. You talking about Saber?" Kei adjusted her sitting posture to look at me seriously and I couldn't help but avoid her eyes. "It has been a month, Tomo, and it's why I wanted to ask." With a dry voice accentuating the words, I found myself squealing from surprise once she reached over to poke my cheek. "Are you taking care of yourself?"
Trying not to recoil from the poke, I puffed my cheeks and tried to look as nonchalant as I could. "I mean, I've been doing alright? The cafe is fine and Saber is a nice person to be with. So I think it's okay."
Kei pulled back and tapped the table with her pointer finger, the sound coming off disbelieving and suspicious. "I get that, Tomo, but you're coming off more tired than usual. Chakra reasons included." Without warning, she then reached over with the same finger to poke me again. "Are you really sure?"
"Um," I said, feeling weird because it wasn't every day Kei prodded. She usually would take things in stride. Then again, after all that we had been through together, I could understand to some extent. At least, it felt like that. It wasn't just the two of us fighting for a better future in the Narutoverse. We had family. We had friends. We had to stick together. Kei was just being Kei in looking out for me, even more so because someone had literally dropped into our shared lives a month ago without any prior warning. Even if I was starting to treasure Saber as someone close to my heart, ninja paranoia could be justified to an extent here. Kei had seen far more than I had when it came to the outside world. So I kept my answer honest. "I think. But judging from the look on your face, you're not believing it, huh?"
"Nope." Kei nodded knowingly while giving me a lopsided grin. "Tomo, you overwork yourself. You care a lot for other people, me included. It's something I admire about you, so I'm not gonna stop you from caring about Saber, but hear me out." Her hand was still poking my cheek, but once I reached out to grab it, she quickly avoided my grip and reached over to pinch my cheek instead. Of all things — Ow! "You need to look out for yourself too, okay? Give yourself a break."
Oh.
I could tell in her stare that she also meant, because I'm not around as much to make sure of that.
I did my best to smile back while trying not to roll my eyes. "If it helps anything, Saber's been making sure I get enough sleep?"
Kei quirked an eyebrow at me while retracting her hand. "How much have you been sleeping this past week?"
Uh. "6-7 hours every night? With a nap every now and then between work shifts?"
Kei put her face in her hands. I could already guess I said the wrong thing. "Um," I continued instead, filling in for her sudden silence, "if it helps, Mama and Papa have been giving more breaks?"
There was a sigh. "Workaholics," Kei complained quietly through her hands. "I need to take you out more often. Mom and Rin will kill me before anyone else if they hear about this."
The simple thought of Miyako-bachan's disapproving stare echoed in my head and I shivered. But, but, Ricchan. Ricchan could be worse. The last time, she gave everyone pamphlets. This time…?
Oh no. I'm so doomed.
A voice suddenly echoed in my head. Milady?
It took all I had to clamp down on my instinctual squeak to reply. Saber…? What is it? Wait, wrong question, why was she talking, did she actually hear me—
Please accept this criticism in good grace, but you require a break. Both for yourself and for my concerns. It takes energy to sustain a Servant, and a young lady such as yourself should not pride herself on overwork.
Yep. She heard me. Goddammit. S-Saber…
I shall make sure to accompany you back home, Milady. For plenty of rest. Had Saber ever sounded so… final before? Or was it just the first glimpse of King Arthur I was getting from her?
I don't know what prompted it, but my mental voice came out meek in comparison to hers. Don't you always do that…? Take me home, I mean?
Is there a problem with my behavior?
N-No. Just, uh. It felt like both blood and chakra were racing through my entire being, and I took a breath. Why did replying seem harder now? Saber, you… My thoughts stopped and I found myself tongue-tied. The mental link seemed to feel shaky now, of all things. Was it my heart? You…
Milady?
Kei's chuckling threw me out of the mental conversation and the next thing I knew, an arm was pulling me in by the shoulders. A cheek gently bumped the top of my head, more chuckling brushing my hair. "Space? Or Saber?"
My heart almost immediately calmed down and I took a breath. Oh. Of course. Social energy. I was getting low on it.
Milady?
Give me a minute, Saber. Please?
…Alright.
I had a strange feeling that, even with my heart in another place, Kei would find me. She could already tell, even without me thinking on it, that something was going on. Saber was getting close to doing that too. If I wasn't going to die to rampant and insensitive missing-nin, I would certainly die to these loved ones of mine. Instead of voicing those thoughts, I quietly admitted into Kei's shoulder, "Telepathy is a nice thing. I'm sorry for spacing, though."
Kei paused in her laughter, and the hand on my shoulders moved up to start brushing through my hair. "Hm," she considered airily, absently tapping the end of my braid, "well then. Now you know how Isobu and I always get around things."
That made a lot of sense, as personal and almost… well, strange it was to hear Kei admit that. "Does it get any easier?"
"Hmmm." Kei paused again, and this time, the cheek on my head rubbed my hair softly. "It does," she admitted finally with a quiet breath I wouldn't have questioned if not for how her chest heaved through her flak jacket. "But it takes a lot of work. You had to help me with Isobu, remember?"
"Isobu-san still hated me in the beginning, Kei," I pointed out, poking her free hand in return before opting to rub her arm. "You did all the good work."
"Heh." There was no mistaking the small smirk in her voice. Kei squeezed my shoulders and I leaned into her a bit more with a small smile. "You help too, Tomo. So do me a favor and love yourself, alright?"
I breathed. "…I'll try," I said, because it still felt so far away and my mistakes could come back at any moment, but I still nodded and closed my eyes to it. "I can't promise anything, but I'll try."
Nothing could really escape the atmosphere that screamed, Don't die, please live, so a moment passed in silence before Kei asked a nearby waitress for more drinks. We still had lunch to finish.
"Kei… reminds me of someone."
Out of anything Saber could've said when she met me on the way back home, that wasn't it. "What do you mean, Saber?" I probed gently, feeling vulnerable. This was, after all, my best friend and reincarnation buddy we were talking about, and for Saber to say that meant something was up. "Is it a bad thing…?"
Immediately, Saber swiveled around to look at me, green eyes wide with confusion before she shook her head, golden blond ponytail swathing her neck with the gesture. "No, I didn't mean it in a 'bad' manner, Tomoko." But her voice became softer somehow as her eyes focused on me. "Rather, it was a passing thought. We have been together for only a month, but the way you opened up to Kei reminded me of two people I once knew."
I did not miss how Saber looked away to direct her stare towards the orange-tinted sky. The sun was setting. "…At least her eyes aren't dead."
"Eh?"
Saber turned back to me with another smile, but even I knew that the gesture was forced. "It is nothing, Milady. Now," she offered an open hand to me while slightly bowing her head, "shall I escort you home?"
"…Okay." I took her hand and politely decided not to question it.
The way her emerald eyes were staring at me spoke volumes of how much I still didn't understand.
It was hard trying to fall asleep that night. Even though I could feel Saber's presence nearby from the red lily markings on my left shoulder blade above my chest — Saber called them "Command Spells" for some reason — what happened earlier still lingered in the air. Or could I even call it that?
The thoughts of Saber's eyes, how she looked, Kei's words — it all swirled around in my head to make for lots of tossing and turning in the futon.
My scalp felt itchy and the breath escaped me before I realized it. "Saber…?"
It didn't even take a second. The door opened to let in a single whoosh of something foreign to gently blow through my room. Before I knew it, Arturia Pendragon herself was kneeling at my right bedside, her green eyes narrowed questioningly. She could've been a bodyguard. "Milady, what brings me here to your side at such a late night?" Her arms tensed in clear disapproval and I found myself gulping. Was there… was there a crown on her head? "You should be asleep."
"I…" I slowly sat up in my futon, feeling awkward with all the long and tangled hair on my person in comparison to the eerie, almost godlike glow Saber had. My answer could've been said so much better, but it came out the way it did anyways. Honest, befuddled, and to be frank, almost awestruck. Not exactly matching the kind of answer she would've wanted. "I'm sorry, Saber. I was just thinking about you."
"Eh?" But just like that, the visage of King Arthur I saw in that moment was gone, exchanged for the confused look of a teenager as a hand reached over to press against my shoulder. "Tomoko, milady, you shouldn't be lost in thought. You will lose more sleep like this." A small, minute smile graced her face though. "Although, judging from the pink on your cheeks, I should be honored to have a lady like you think about me."
"Muuuu," I found myself saying out of embarrassment, lowering my head while reaching over to touch the hand resting on my shoulder. Why did Vy's old history books not prepare me for the real King Arthur? He — no, she — was far more noble than those old words could do justice in describing. "I don't know how I should feel about you calling me a 'lady', Saber. I'm not exactly a noble." After all, I couldn't exactly compare to those days Saber must have shared with the Knights of the Round Table in Camelot. So then, why—
"That doesn't mean your heart is any less kind, Master." The hand under my fingers shifted and gripped them instead, returning the gesture. I couldn't help but look up in that moment, and Saber's emerald green eyes were still soft. Still focused on me, like I was the only one she was seeing. "'Milady' is merely an inflection I find fitting for you, considering you defer to 'Master' otherwise."
A soft noise I could only approximate as a shy "Fwaaaaah," left my throat before my heart took control to make me jump forward. Saber merely grunted once my forehead collided with her shoulder and in the little space of time I had, I wrapped my arms around her waist, hugging. "You silly Knight," I muttered, more heat slowly climbing up to my cheeks. "If you say things like that, I don't know how to react."
"Oh," Saber said gently, and although it took an extra minute or two, she proceeded to hug me back, her fingers brushing through my tangled hair. She was getting used to this. "Does my behavior displease you, Tomoko?"
"No, it doesn't." I don't think it ever could. Still, I hugged her very tight, breathing in the scent of laundry detergent that was just becoming Saber in my mind. "Just, Art-san?"
"Hm?"
"Am I really making you happy?"
Saber's fingers froze mid-stroke in my hair. Her chest heaved through her long-sleeved shirt and I tucked my nose into her neck, trying to hide. "I-It's just, there's a lot of times, like tonight, that I just don't know what to do. You tell me that I'm a Master, that you're alright with being my Servant, but it's times like this when you come to me, looking ready to battle even when there's no danger that makes me feel so unsure." I took a breath to keep away the eventual tingle in my nose that signaled the start of tears. "Because you deserve a lot more, not just being a Servant, and there's still a lot I don't know about you and I want to help, but, but, I don't know."
I still don't know anything. When it comes to you being King Arthur, your previous Masters, your previous Wars. I don't know anything, and for some reason, it hurts. It hurts so much.
I play piano, but it doesn't feel like enough anymore.
How can someone help when you don't have the entire picture? How can you just be there for someone?
Maybe I was getting desperate. Maybe I was overthinking. But the words were spilling out anyways.
"And, and you and Kei and everybody look out for me so much, telling me not to overwork, so there's something I should be able to do, so, just—"
I want to help you for once—!
My stomach ached.
I didn't realize I had already failed in trying to not tear up until Saber was pushing me back and wiping the edges of my eyes. "Milady."
A hand was tilting my chin up and all I could do was look into Saber's emerald green eyes. Arturia Pendragon's emerald green eyes. "Milady. It is alright."
No, no, it's not, you're still hurting—
My face must've said something because Art-san's eyes softened and she leaned over to press a kiss to my head. Again. Another affectionate gesture I don't think I had ever seen anyone but Papa, Mama, and Kei do. Why?
"Please, Milady, get some rest. I appreciate your concern, but I am alright." Saber's free arm wound around my shoulders, squeezing as she pressed her forehead against mine, never breaking eye contact. "Your consideration is more than enough."
A sniffle left me instead. "Art-san…"
Saber's smile didn't even falter as she pulled back, shaking her head. "I am not entirely sure about being 'happy' yet. I have seen a lot in my time as King Arthur and as a Servant of the Holy Grail Wars. But, Tomoko." A hand landed on the top of my hair, petting it. Those emerald green eyes seemed lighter somehow. Brighter. Even with myself being reflected in the irises. "Being a Servant to you is one of the most enjoyable times I've ever had."
Something wet was sliding my cheek and it took a second for me to realize I was starting to cry. "S-Saber…!"
"Oh my," Saber said gently, and without warning, she pulled me into another hug, gently lying down and bringing me with her to lie on…a pillow? When had she moved us back to the futon? "This is the first time I've seen you cry, Milady."
"I-I can't help it," I sniveled, feeling petty and honestly shitty with how much the snot was starting to build up in my nose. With how much Saber was seeing me break. "I wanna help and then, and then you say things like that, and, and—" It reminded me of my 12th birthday party. Where I had so many people surprise me and tell me that they wanted me there. That they loved me. For me to find another person to say similar things in the span of a month— "Art-saaaaan…"
Even through my tangled hair, I could feel the soft smile above my head as Saber nodded. "Yes, Tomoko?"
A sniffle left me. I didn't deserve her. Instead of saying that, all that came out of my mouth was a tired phrase. "I love youuuuuuu…"
Saber jolted again, but not before nodding and pressing her nose into my hair. The blanket from before was suddenly covering my shoulders, but even with the shock, I knew it was Art-san. Heck, it felt like Saber would never go away. Like she was a rock I could rely on now. "…I know, Milady. I know. I will not leave your side. Now get some sleep. We have work tomorrow morning."
A hand was brushing the tangles out of my hair again and my eyes slowly closed once Art-san pressed another kiss to my head. "May you have sweet dreams, Milady."
The sound of a motor. Some kind of leather was digging into my shoulder and a breath made me realize that this — this was a car. I was wearing a seatbelt. Why was I in a car? Where were we going?
"What a lively place!"
A woman's voice I didn't recognize echoed on my left side and I turned to get a glimpse of long, unearthly white hair. The woman was staring out of her window, a smile on her face, and even without being able to see her directly, I could see her reflection through the glass. Long eyelashes and… and red eyes? The white fur coat and hat definitely made me think of an angel with how she looked.
"Kiritsugu should have already arrived, yes?" Saber's voice this time, on my right side, and turning to her nearly made me jump because this clearly was a different Saber than the one I knew. More poised, more serious, more… dignified almost in the black suit I could vaguely remember from our first day together in the kitchen. But huh? Who was Kiritsugu?
"Yes, twelve hours before us. He'll come find us, so don't worry." The white-haired woman replied easily, still glancing out the window and even with my sitting in the middle seat, I could vaguely make out city buildings of some kind out her window. Where were we? "We'll keep an eye on the situation for now, so we can act when the time comes. It's rare that I get to enjoy Japan, so I'd like to enjoy it before the fighting starts."
Fighting? Japan? Wait. Saber said she had participated in two Holy Grail Wars before meeting me, so was this… was this Saber's memories I was experiencing right now? How?
"That's dangerous." Saber had turned her head to look at the woman on my left side, and for some reason I felt naked because Saber was only looking at her. Like I wasn't there. "We should secure our base of operations, meet up with Kiritsugu, and discuss our plans."
"I suppose you're right…" The white-haired woman seemed a bit down with the statement though, but Saber didn't seem to visibly react as she continued. "But wouldn't it be a waste? We've come all this way. And…"
Saber stayed quiet. I opened my mouth, but found nothing coming out of it, so I was forced to be quiet too.
The white-haired woman turned to look at Saber, a light pink brushing her cheeks and I jolted. She was looking through me too. "It's my first time."
Saber inclined her head with a confused, "Hah?"
"What I mean is that," the white-haired woman looked down at her lap, both hands resting over her white fur cap, "it's the first time I've ventured into the outside world."
I took in a breath and in that moment, it was as if all time had stopped once the woman started and raised her head to look at Saber. Wait. She—
She was looking at me.
"Then again," she said gently, red eyes searching and reflecting my image, "it's the same for you, isn't it, young Master?"
Something tugged, and before I could respond, the woman smiled and everything turned white. "Please take care of Saber for me, young Master."
"WAH!"
I found myself jolting out of the futon with a start and the next thing I knew, Saber was there, pressing her hands into my shoulders and her green eyes boring into mine. Green. Emerald green. Art-san's green. "Milady!"
"S-Saber?" My throat felt dry and I sucked in a breath while leaning into her touch. "Art-san…" It was Saber. It was my Saber. No suit, no stern expression. Just warm, soft green eyes.
"Milady," Saber said urgently and she pressed her forehead to mine. A hand was barely grazing my stomach through my nightgown and I exhaled. "You… You are alive."
Huh?
"I-I am," I said, and I reached over to rest a hand against her cheek, even if my hand was shaky and sweaty. "I-I'm here, Art-san."
Saber took a breath and leaned into my hand, closing her eyes. "Yes," she murmured quietly, still pressing our foreheads together. Her other hand had flattened against my stomach, her palm barely even tickling it. "You are."
Something happened last night when we were asleep.
"A-Art-san?"
She opened her eyes to look at me. "Yes?"
"Who is… Who is Kiritsugu?"
Saber's green eyes widened and her jaw slackened, at least a little. "Ah," she said gently before pulling back. "That, Milady, is a name I wish I didn't hear from you."
Oh no. For some reason, I could see the visage of that other Saber over her and my voice came out squeaky. "I-I didn't do something wrong, did I?!"
"Milady."
I shut my eyes, trying to shrink into myself. "B-Because, that is a weird question, I don't even know why I know that name, Ijustdreamedofawhite-hairedlady—"
"Milady."
"Andyouwereinasuitandinacarwithher, talking, so—"
"Milady." Saber's forehead was pressing against mine again, and I looked up only to see Art-san's familiar green eyes waver for the first time while looking at me. "You are alright. You did nothing wrong. You merely…" she exhaled. "You merely unearthed a story I have not told anyone in full detail. And I need to confess something to you too."
"Eh?"
Saber took another breath before raising her head to press her lips against my hair. "Dreams are a frightful thing between Master and Servant. And I wish to never see you impaled again."
How did she— that was years ago, back on Naruto's birthday—
We had taken a new step in our lives and for the first time, I felt scared. No one was supposed to see that. Only my family and Team Minato had seen that day. So, for Saber—
How?
Saber kept her lips close to my head, even when not kissing me anymore. "Milady, no, Tomoko. I believe it is best I tell you more about the relationship between Master and Servant. Let us get out of bed and I shall explain."
A/N: Inspired by Fate/Zero episode 3 and the few clips I've seen of El-Melloi's Case Files. I just need to finish Fate/Zero the anime at this rate…
See you all at the next update!
