Once again I would have had the next chapter done and posted a while ago, but life takes first priority and most times I really just want to chill and relax with the small amount of free time that I have after a work day. That said, it's a little shorter than usual, but I'm aiming to make the chapters longer the further I get. I've also been keeping up to date on Fate Apocrypha, and enjoying the hell out of it so far. On that note I will say I was originally considering characters like Quelaag or Lothric for the role of Caster, but I have my reasons for choosing the one that I chose. Anyway, onto the chapter.

Chapter 4:

'Invitation to Fight'

Kiritsugu Emiya had arrived at the hotel earlier than he'd hoped, much to his satisfaction.

The more time he had to spare to get ready, the better, as it would allow him to remain ahead of the opponents he would soon face.

A few knocks on the door of a room on the top floor, and Kiritsugu is let in by his assistant Maiya Hisau.

"The equipment you requested arrived a little while ago." Maiya said after locking the door behind her. "Madam Irisviel and Saber have just arrived here in Fuyuki aswell."

She made her way across the room and kneeled down in front of a piece of recording equipment. "All the other masters will likely assume that she is Saber's master, and act accordingly."

"Understood." Was the only word that came out of Kiritsugu's mouth.

"There was an incident last night at the Tohsaka estate." Maiya said as she reached down and pressed a switch on the recording equipment. "I recorded this footage."

Kiritsugu looked at the screen as the footage began to play.

The footage showed what appeared to be an armoured man with a pointed steel helmet and a large sword, quickly struck down by a large hail of glowing arrows. He tried to dodge, and even tried to use his sword to block the incoming attacks, but his attempts to defend himself were ultimately futile, and was brought down in seconds.

"What's your analysis of this?" Kiritsugu asked.

Maiya looked at the Magus Killer with a stoic expression, "It seems too good to be true. There seemed to be insufficient time between Assassin's infiltration and the Tohsaka servant's attack. Assassin has a skill that masks his presence, making it improbable he was detected in advance. It is my opinion that Tohsaka was expecting an intruder."

Kiritsugu looked at the footage again and tried to figure out what those glowing arrows were. "In a battle among servants, learning their identities is quite critical. Why would Tohsaka expose his servant like he did?"

"He must have had a very good reason. I suppose he had to." Maiya replied.

Looking at her with an equally stoic expression, Kiritsugu asked, "Tell me, what became of Assassin's master?"

"He took refuge in a church last night. The overseer declared him to be under his protection." Maiya replied. "Assassin's master is...Kirei Kotomine."

For a brief second, Kiritsugu's stoic expression broke into a look of shock before it returned, "Maiya, send a familiar to watch the Fuyuki church."

Maiya faced him, "Are you certain of that? Masters are forbidden to take action inside the neutral zone. That's been established around the church."

"Place it just far enough away, that the priest won't be able to spot it." Kiritsugu replied.

A nod was his response. "Very well, understood."

Kiritsugu got to work checking his equipment, rifles and grenades, scopes and attachments for the weapons, everything he needed for the upcoming battle. As he continued to look over the rifle, a thought entered his head, "Maiya, you've seen Saber haven't you?"

Maiya nodded, "I have."

"He isn't King Arthur, and I know I didn't mess up the summoning ritual. Do you think it could be a glitch in the Grail's system?" He asked.

His assistant shrugged, "I couldn't say. Either way, a servant is a servant, we can assess his strength after we see him fight."

Kiritsugu finished checking the rifle and placed it back on the bed with the rest of the equipment. "Fair enough." He gave his equipment one more check before asking, "The item I left you, where is it?"

"Right here." Maiya approached, placing a small case on the bed next to him.

Kiritsugu opened the case up, revealing an old but mint condition Walther pistol.

The Magus Killer removed the pistol from the case, giving it a good long look, before clicking the gun open, removing one bullet to insert another, clicking it shut and aiming it ahead.

He took a moment, then spoke up, "Approximately two seconds. I've slowed down."

"Indeed." Maiya replied, her stoic look remaining.

Kiritsugu kneeled down and sighed as he placed the pistol back into the case. "I was just thinking...Illya, weighs a lot less than that Walther. She's...eight years old already."

Silence went by for a moment, before Maiya approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around his neck, causing Kiritsugu to look over his shoulder at her for a brief second before getting back to his feet to face her, Maiya keeping her arms around his neck as he did so, quietly replying to him, "Focus on the matter at hand. Just empty your mind."

Leaning in, Maiya pressed her lips to Kiritsugu's, then pulled away slightly and stared into his eyes. "Think of nothing else, except your plan."

Again, she leaned in and continued to kiss him, she didn't mind that he wasn't returning her actions.

The time spent in the city couldn't have been any better for Irisviel and Saber.

Despite receiving the occasional stares from various people they walked by, which had Saber nearly on edge the entire time, their walk around the city was nothing but fun for the two.

Irisviel had spent tons of time checking out clothing shops, trying on various outfits and getting Saber's opinion on how she looked, much to the servant's slight embarrassment, which was due to his lack of knowledge on women's fashion in this world.

At some of the clothing stores, Irisviel would even offer Saber to look at some outfits he would be interested in. However, the servant was very insistent that his current attire was more than sufficient, but made sure not to kill the mood by assuring Irisviel that he would inform her if he was ever in need of spare clothing, much to her delight.

When they were done shopping for clothes, Irisviel decided to check out the book stores and libraries they came across.

Saber was interested more so here, as there were many things in this world that fascinated him, and he couldn't help but feel the need to want to know.

He picked out various books on history, books on war, books on famous heroes and, amongst all the books he required, the one that had his eye the most was a book on Greek mythology, and he made sure to pick that one out first.

Irisviel picked out books on fantasy, romance and comedy novels, very different from the kinds of books Saber was looking to read.

With the number of things they were carrying slowly increasing overtime, Saber agreed to Irisviel's suggestion to sit down at a small café for a drink and snack.

The two ordered the same thing, a cup of hot coco. Irisviel had never had one before but Kiritsugu mentioned they were tasty and worth every penny, especially with cream and marshmallows, which Irisviel made sure to order with hers.

When their orders arrived, the two wasted no time in taking in sips of it, mindful of the hot steam coming from the cup.

Saber expressed his opinion on the drink, stating that he would drink it all in one gulp were it not for the fact that he'd risk burning his throat beyond recovery.

Irisviel's opinion was near enough the same, she blew on it a few times every now and then to cool it down to allow her to drink some more.

After nearly finishing their cups, they decided to order some slices of strawberry cake.

Very simple slices of cake, icing with cream and strawberries on top, Saber couldn't take his eyes off of it for a second.

Irisviel had to order another plate just to satiate Saber's hunger for another.

When they were done, cake and coco both, the two noticed that it was getting late, and though Saber suggested they get to the hotel, he couldn't refuse Irisviel's plea to walk around some more.

Soon enough it was night time, and they had arrived at a small beach, where Irisviel was treated to the sight of a full moon and an endless ocean, glowing under the moonlight.

"It's wonderful. Almost like a mirror that reflects the night sky." Irisviel said, taking in the calm breeze of the wind and the view of the ocean.

Saber stood close by, watching Irisviel in silence as she removed her boots and danced about on the sand with the ocean waves.

While she was having fun with the waves, Saber couldn't help but look out into the distance of the ocean. "This world is so, different from my own." He quietly muttered to himself.

"Everything is so, quiet, and peaceful. It is very...soothing." He smiled a little to himself. "I've never felt this relaxed before, not once. It's a feeling, that I think I could get used to." He quietly added.

"I really enjoyed today, Saber. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun." Irisviel said, getting the servant's attention.

Saber looked over at her, a questioning look on his face, "Really? What about whenever Kiritsugu is with you?"

Irisviel smiled as she looked down at the water, "Of course, but this is the first time I've ever been able to enjoy things to their fullest outside the castle. And despite all of the things that Kiritsugu would bring back to the castle, he told me himself that, it is only outside, that I would be able to enjoy the full experience of life."

"Ah, yes, of course. That makes sense." Saber replied. "He's right you know. It is only by stepping outside that you will be able to see all the wonders and possibilities that life can offer you. After today, I feel like this is something we can do every day, if the idea is to your liking."

A smile of joy found its way onto Irisviel's face, "I'd like nothing more, Saber!"

Saber nodded, giving her a smile of his own, "As would I."

A long silence followed, the only sound in the air being the sound of the waves dancing back and forth. Soon enough though, Irisviel broke the silence, "Saber, do you like the sea?"

"That's a...challenging question to answer." Saber replied, looking ahead at the ocean. "To me, the sea represents...journeys I've made. Journeys with goals and, achievements, that I can't exactly say I'm fond of remembering."

Irisviel gave him a concerned look, "Oh...so it was something to do with your life?"

Saber looked over at her again with a neutral expression, "Lady Irisviel, forgive me but, my life is something I would prefer not to talk about."

The concerned look on her face remained, but Irisviel could see it was a question that was bringing back painful memories for the servant. Instead, she nodded, "I understand, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, don't apologise for something you were unaware of." Saber responded, forcing a tiny smile.

Of course, Irisviel could tell it was forced, but decided against saying anything else and looked back out at the ocean.

A long silence went by between the two.

Feeling responsible for, killing the mood, Saber decided to try and bring up a different subject, "So what about you Irisviel? Would you have liked to have had Kiritsugu escort you around town today?"

"Of course I would." Irisviel replied immediately, a sad frown replacing her smile, much to Saber's surprise. "But he couldn't." She looked back at Saber, smiling again, if only a little, "It would only cause him pain and suffering."

Saber just looked at her, confused, asking, "What do you mean? Kiritsugu is your husband, does he not enjoy every moment he gets to spend with you?"

Irisviel looked back at the ocean, recalling many 'happy' times she and Kiritsugu spent together. And during those times, she could always tell how he was truly feeling.

"When he's happy, for some reason, it seems to cause him pain." She said quietly, but loud enough for Saber to hear.

Saber just stared at her with a mixed look, unable to find a response, and decided to settle for silence.

A long moment went by, the sound of the wind and the oceans waves filling the air, and for a while it was a sound both of them were able to enjoy, until they began to sense a powerful presence.

Sensing it before his master, Saber was the first to react, walking to her side and gently taking hold of her arm.

"An enemy servant?" Irisviel asked.

Saber nodded, "Yes. It seems to be intentionally making itself known, as if it is calling out to any other nearby servants. A challenge perhaps."

"How thoughtful. It wishes to decide on a battlefield." Irisviel looked up at Saber with a smile. "Shall we take it up on its invitation?"

Saber was surprised for a brief second by her response, then smiled back at her with confidence, "But of course."

Somewhere else in the city, the servants challenge reached not only Saber.

Waver had followed Rider to a secluded park that granted them a near perfect vantage point.

The servant herself had made sure to discuss this vantage point with Waver ahead of time, much to his relief.

Perhaps the boy master was just glad that his servant wasn't the type to go out and do whatever they wanted without his permission.

Before now they were just sitting in silence for the past two hours.

Waver had nearly grown bored but was convinced by Rider that the wait was necessary.

Their wait eventually proved to be worth it when Rider detected the servant some distance away, challenging any nearby servants to come and face it.

"It would seem that our patience has paid off master. Do you feel it?" Rider asked.

Waver looked in the direction he could feel the presence coming from, "Yeah, I feel it. It's definitely a servant, no doubt about it. But why do you think it's revealing itself like this?"

Rider looked in the same direction, replying, "There could be a few reasons. Perhaps they seek to lure an opposing servant into a trap. Perhaps they seek to duel honourably. Perhaps they are just eager for a fight. Or perhaps they have just grown impatient waiting for an opponent and decided to try and bring one to them. We won't know unless we go there and see for ourselves."

Waver looked back at her, asking, "So, are we going to?"

The servant looked at her master for a moment, adding, "We could. But..."

"But?" Waver turned to face her fully.

Rider went deep in thought, then responded, "Would you mind waiting a little longer, master?"

Waver recoiled, "Wait some more? But we came here to get a good vantage point of enemy servants nearby! And now one has finally shown itself! What was the point of waiting if we aren't even going to do anything?!"

Rider just gave him a calm look, "Please be patient a little longer master. I believe that another servant may answer the challenge before us. If so, I believe the clash to follow will in turn attract the attention of the other servants. If so, we will be able to observe their skills from this location, and it will give us an advantage over them. The enemy servants will weaken each other and, if we are extremely lucky, they will eliminate each other for us."

Waver stared at her in disbelief, "That...that actually, sounds like a really good idea Rider. Not only will we be able to get an advantage over them knowing their strengths and weaknesses, but we won't have to expend any prana and reveal any of your skills."

There was a slight look of disappointment on Rider's face that didn't escape Waver's attention, "What's wrong? It's a great plan!"

Rider sighed in response, "Many would think this as a cowardly strategy, even my beloved, but...I have to do whatever it takes, no matter how much I don't like it." She closed her eyes for a moment, adding, "Not just for me, but for you. So please..." She opened her eyes and looked at him again, "Don't worry master. I promise I will protect you."

Starting to understand where she was coming from, Waver himself started to look just as conflicted about their decision to stand by.

For now, the two decided to just wait and see what would happen.

After a long walk, Irisviel and Saber had finally arrived at their destination.

The Fuyuki Harbour.

Upon arriving, the presence of the servant they were looking for was extremely close.

It was only after walking out into the open that a voice finally answered their arrival.

"I'm glad to see that my call for a challenge did not go unanswered."

Saber and Irisviel stopped walking as the servant emerged from the shadows ahead, stepping into view under the lights of the lamp posts.

A golden armoured knight, with a helmet designed to look like that of a lion, wielding a long, well designed spear.

Of course, Saber was, very quick to notice that the servant, was just as tall as he was.

Thoughts were already going through his head.

Did this servant come from the same world he did?

He decided to respond to the servant, not willing to let the silence last, "Judging by your spear I'm sure I don't even need to ask which servant you are. Am I right, Lancer?"

Lancer chuckled a little, "You would be. And you, I can feel a massive power coming from you. You are the servant Saber, aren't you?"

Saber raised a brow, "You can tell just by that can you? I could be Berserker for all you know."

"Don't try and fool me Saber. I'm very much aware of the strength and power of the Saber class and you, most definitely match both of these traits from what I can sense alone." Lancer stated.

A shrug, and Saber replied, "Very well, I am Saber, yes." He looked over his shoulder at his 'master'. "Irisviel, stand back."

Irisviel backed away a little as a burst of energy formed around Saber.

Black smoke twirled around him, until it covered his form completely.

A few quick seconds after, it dissipated, revealing Saber, now armoured head to toe in his ash black armour, holding a long, sharp and rusty silver sword.

Wasting no time, Saber raised his sword and entered a stance, ready to fight.

"Saber, please be careful." Irisviel said. "I can use my healing magic to act as combat support for you. But more than that Saber..."

Before she could continue, Saber spoke up. "Just leave everything to me Irisviel. My only concern is that Lancer's master is nowhere to be seen. It's possible they may be plotting an ambush. Watch yourself and your surroundings."

He kept his sword raised, eyes completely trained on the spear wielding golden knight in front of him. "Irisviel, from here on out, I am counting on you."

Irisviel gave Saber a brave and confident look. "And I will do my best to assist you. Go Saber, bring me victory in this fight."

The two servants readied their weapons, and Saber tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword as he responded with assurance.

"I will."

Next Chapter:

"You already lost the moment you came here."

"Looks like there's been of change of plans."

"Two servants working together?!"