Well... Two months huh... Yea I'm not sure anything I could say would be a reasonable excuse. Because even if I did have one, that doesn't change the fact that I messed up, honestly, I know I should have had this chapter up sooner, and I'm deeply sorry for those who had to wait for so long. I hope to god that this doesn't repeat, and I fully intend for the next chapter to come out in two weeks time.
So I'm not going to bother you all with the Details on why this happened. But If you are wondering, well... I can answer that in PM if you like.
As always, if anyone spots any errors in my writing, please tell me as soon as possible. I think it clear as day I'm not gonna get them all.
Anyways on to the PMs!
VGBlackwing: Add who again? Do you mean Shirou? If so, again, I wouldn't mind adding him if he can add to the Story, but at the moment, I just can't really see any reason do so. But hey, things can change in the future so who knows? At the very least, if I can't figure out a way. Maybe I can at least give him a small cameo.
ptl: Yup, if anything was shown through this. It's that this stray is one tanky Devil. Most Servants wouldn't even be able to take such a hit and live. As for the medication and just what he would do... Well, we'll explore that more in a future Chapter.
TheAzureKnight: The Excalibur Arc is one of the arcs I'm really excited about. Honestly probably one of the arcs I'm most looking forward to. And while you can read it however you want. I do suggest actually reading the story, as I do plan for something... interesting to happen at the end of the Riser arc.
angelvan105: Well Mordred is Mordred. If I got her wrong, I would feel ashamed of myself. And honestly. i don't really think people will care if they find out who she is. I mean, that's not going to stop her from kicking their teeth in.
Evowizard25: thank you, your support is very much welcomed and encouraging Ad I'm really happy to know people think I'm using the characters correctly. It's always one of the things I'm most worried about.
Now let's get into this chapter, shall we?
Wings large enough to block the sight of the sky. The Mighty dragon stood. The darkness surrounding the destroyed land. With even the very clouds themselves as pitch as black.
And at the center of it all stood A Dark Dragon. One whose size Dwarfs the very citadel it once stood on. It is the very will of Britain itself. One that has come in defiance of the King of Knights.
The Hole in the world, Vortigern, The Brother of Uther Pendragon.
Artoira underestimated the man. She, Gawain and an elite troop of men had him cornered him in a Citadel while he was in human form after all. Foolishly believing they had already won, they let their guard down and were overwhelmed by a single attack in a moment of hesitation.
This attack was so strong, it destroyed the entierly of Artoira's elite troops, leaving only Artoira and Gawain left. But that attack didn't just destroy her troops in one go, but it's also Drained the Light in both Excalibur and Excalibur Galatine. With Galatine losing it's light completely while Excalibur glows as if it was a dying ember.
This was why Vortigern was known as the hole in the world. As his power devours the light of Holy weapons, rendering them nearly powerless. In fact, the holier the weapon, the stronger his darkness grew.
Oh, also Vortigern turned into a Dragon as he did this attack. And he grew bigger and bigger as the fight went on.
This shattered Gawain Moral, leaving him only able to watch as Artoria fight with what little light her Blade had left.
So Artoira fought Vortigern for hours on ends, refusing to give up. The King being pushed to her very limits. Her opponent far outmatches her in nearly every aspect. But she stood strong, Losing here would mean the fall of Britan, so she would keep fighting until the bitter end.
But the King was no fool, she was prepared in case something like this was too happen. She has one final Trump card up her sleeve. One that could End this battle in an instant, but she couldn't do it by herself.
"My King! You must retreat! This isn't a battle we can win!" Gawain begs his king said, finally regaining himself.
"I'm afraid that is impossible." She told him. Giving him a small hint of a smile despite just barely keeping herself from being crush by one of the Dragon's feet. "However, I would greatly appreciate your assistance Sir Gawain."
Saber wasn't one to smile, ever. So this shocks the Knight of the Sun. But at the same time, he couldn't help but wonder why she was smiled like this.
It was like she believes they could win. Which seems impossible really... But this was his King...
And if his King believes they can win, then they can win. This, Sir Gawain is sure of.
With his spirits raised back up, he grabs his Blade and rushes in to help his King...
My eyes slowly open back up as the sudden ringing of a bell...
What was I doing...? Why am I in school...? Oh... right. I was listening to some sort of lecture in class. I guess it got boring and I fell asleep.
As my eyes adjust to taking in light. I notice that everyone was starting to get ready to leave.
"Did you sleep well, Master?" I hear Saber ask me. This time I didn't forget she was in my head. So I wasn't surprised to hear her.
"Uhh... Yea I think..." I tiredly said as my mind continues to boot up. "I guess I didn't get enough sleep last night."
"You did spend a good portion of the night staring at the ceiling. So I would not be surprised if that is the case" Saber notes.
Right... I guess I did do that. Well, it wasn't my fault. I had a lot on my mind to think about. I mean, anyone would do that same thing in my shoes...
That said, I'm probably going to have even more on my mind now. Especially with Keichi-kun...
"... By the way, Saber, have you fought any Dragons during your time as a King?" I ask her, to her, I guess that would seem out of nowhere.
"I slew a couple during my lifetime yes. Why do you ask?" Saber wonders to me.
"Well, I just had a dream about you fighting a giant black dragon," I said.
"A Black dragon...? Ah, you must mean Vortigern." She said as if she just remembered it. "He was certainly one of the most formidable opponents I've ever face. And the closest I've ever came to defeat."
"Ah..." Is all I could only say. I keep seeing more and more of her past... Would that be considered an invasion of privacy?
My attention then suddenly shift as I notice Issei approach me. With Aisa following behind him.
"Fell asleep huh?" He asks me, in which I nod. "Can't blame you. I could barely stay up myself."
"You shouldn't fall asleep like that." Asia chips in.
"Yea, I know... I just didn't get much sleep last night." I admit. It sucks because it's been a while since I came to school.
"Can't really blame you," Issei said. "A lot has been happening lately. Even I have been some trouble sleeping these days."
Really now?
"I bet it's because you're thinking of breast." I jokingly said to him.
"Well yea, but that's beside the point," Issei replies.
. . .
I'm not sure what else I was expecting. I can only assume that my expectations are set too high.
"So what do you plan to do for today?" Issei asks me.
"Oh, I'm going to go talk to Ai-chan," I told him as I stood up. "We still need to straighten some things out. Plus I need to tell her about Keichi-kun."
"Right... But are you sure he's going to summon a Servant?" Isei has to ask me.
"It sounds far too familiar to my nightmares for it not to be connected somehow." I point out. "I'm also hoping that Ai-chan can give me a clearer picture about it."
"That does make sense." Aisa quiets says. "Uh, but what about training with Yuuto?"
Yea, I guess I have been skipping that lately too... But still.
"I'd rather resolve this sooner than later. I'm sure he'll understand." I told them. Yuuto is the understanding kind of guy right? I'm sure of it really.
Speaking of the Devil, Yuuto just happens to comes in as we were talking about him.
"I don't mind it," Yuuto said, overhearing our conversation. "But expect you to be training a lot harder tomorrow."
"Eh, can't be too bad," I said, shrugging a bit. "But anyway, why are you here? I highly doubt you came here just because."
"But before you go, Buchou would like to talk to you alone Isai, if you don't mind," He said.
...Eh? Talk to me? For what reason?
"Uhh... Sure, but why does she want to talk to me?" I ask, in which Yuuto shakes his head.
"I'm not sure myself, But I believe it's rather important." He told me.
It's strange that wants to talk to me alone but I'm a bit curious on to what she wants to talk about.
"Would you like me to take you there?" Yuuto kindly asks me with a smile, a smile that not only blushes but also my heart jumps a bit . . .
Stupid pheromones. Can't a girl just go one day without them getting in the way?
I can also tell that Issei didn't like my reaction.
"Oi! Stop that you damn playboy! How am I going to add her to my harem if you keep swooning her over like that?!" Issei protests.
. . .
You know, as much as I want to just stop him there. I'd feel pretty bad if I senselessly crush his hopes and dreams, especially since he been helping me cope with my problems. So I'll a just let him stay in his little fantasy.
"Uhh... No, I can go myself" I ket out. Before turning my attention to Issei. "That being said, why are you so interested in me anyway?"
"Well, there the first girl to accept my pervertedness. so why not?" Issei excitedly answers. "Besides, it's not only you. I want to add Buchou and Akeno as well!"
I stare at him blankly for a second. Also, I could have sworn I heard Asia mutter something.
"... I wish I could have big dreams like you Issei." I said, patting his shoulder a bit. I like to think that I'm an idealist. But even I can't imagine that.
"Thanks!" Issei said right before the gears in his head start to work. "...Hey, wait a minute! What do you mean by that?!"
"It can mean whatever you want it to mean," I said as I shrug. "For now. I'm going to start the rest of my rather Busy day."
I also have to make up for those missing days of school after all. So I might be up as late as I was today, only for different reasons.
Honestly, a part of me is happy that I have a lot of school work to make up for. I can focus on my mundane problems rather than my supernatural ones.
. . . God, what is happening to me? It's come to the point where I'm actually happy to have a lot of homework. No one should ever be happy to have homework.
"I must slowly be going insane," I told Saber.
"I do not see any reason or signs to that master, perhaps you are still tired and need to rest?" Saber replies. Yea, I should expect an answer like that from her.
"... Never change Saber, Never change." I told her as I said goodbye to the three and start to head towards the occult club.
"I do not understand why you would say that. But do not worry Master, I will not change." She seriously told me... Ok note to self: Saber doesn't get present-day social cues, and that we should work on that sometime in the future.
"I see that you came. Good, I was hoping that you would." I could hear Rias say as I came in. She where she usually sits, weirdly there was no one around, though she did say it was a talk between us two.
Her voice and tone are a bit more serious than normal, yet at the same time, it kept the usual charm that she always had.
"I was asked to come here after all. Kind of hard to say no really." I told her. "I am a part of the club, and you are the president. Only makes sense to come."
"That is true, but I hope you didn't feel forced to come." she expresses to me. I just shook my head.
"I don't feel forced at all. But with that said. I have things I need to do today. So do you mind if we try to make this quick?" I ask her.
"Don't worry, this shouldn't take too long." She assures me. "So... As you may or may not know. The world of Devils is quite a... complex place."
"I mean, the world of humans is a rather complex as well," I told her.
"Right..." She said. "I just wanted to tell you that... Things might be happening soon. Stuff that... I may have... big problems with."
I could only raise an eyebrow at her. Don't tell me she going to...
"Like...?" I could only say. I can actually see Rias get more and more nervous and unsure of herself.
"Well, You'll find out soon. But I just wanted to say..." She hesitating, a bit as if trying to buy time. She doesn't really want to say what she going to say.
"I..." She could help but pause, then hang her head low slightly as she sighs. "I only ask that don't get involved with what may happen in the foreseeable future..."
What...?
"What do you mean by that? Get involved in what? And why?" I could only ask. She not making any else.
"I said you would find out why really soon." She told me. "As for why not. Well, it's something that relates to us devils. Which you are not. I also ask that you tell Ai this as well when you can."
This... I couldn't help but be worried now.
"So you don't want me involved in any shape or way?" I say. "This sounds... strange, especially coming from you. You wanted me in your peerage for a while now."
"...So you knew about that?" She asks me. Well, at least she admits it.
"I'm not dumb." I strange up told her. "I knew what was up for a while now. But don't worry, I got over it already."
"So you did..." She mutters before shaking her head. "But don't get me wrong. I honestly would more then love your help with this, but that would only be possible if you became a Devil."
"Which is something you know I would never do. But you feel that whatever is going to happen, I would try to help you regardless?" I reply, with her nodding at my words. "What makes you so sure that I would want to help?"
"You're too nice for your own good." She told me
... I hate it when they make a good point.
"Plus, I'm more than sure you'll understand why in the coming days." She continues.
"So there absolutely nothing I can do to help then?" I ask. With her taking a couple of seconds to think about it.
"Well, you can cheer on in the sidelines." She finally says to me.
So basically moral support. I guess that's fine?
"Maybe wear one of those one size too small cheerleader outfit too while you're at it. It would certainly give Issei motivation to try a lot harder~." She then said, going back to her normal self...
I blankly stare at her for a moment. Surprised that she would even suggest that.
"Your joking right?" I could only ask
"I even have outfits especially made for you and Ai if one of you decide to do so~." She said as she pulls out one of the said outfits. It even has its own set of pom poms. "They'll really show off your curves~."
. . .
. . .
She wasn't joking.
"I will admit I am quite curious to this whole thing." Saber said.
"Yea, me too. But if she doesn't want us to get involved, then we shouldn't get involved. It's really as simple as that. Besides, she did say that we would find out soon." I said. Sighing a bit. As I look at my bag. Seeing a tiny bit of the pom poms.
"Your not actually going to wear that right?" Saber asks.
"Of course not. I only took it because she had this made for me." I told her, I mean why would I even try to wear it? And it'd be rude not to accept something specially made for you... Even something like that."
"Well if that is how you feel about it, Master."
At this moment, I've already left school and was just about to reach Ai's place. Not much really happened during the walk per-say. So I mostly just had time to myself.
Mostly about how I'm going to approach this. I mean I have some idea. But I'm not quite sure how Ai would react. And after a bit of thought. I decided to just take the more direct route.
So I just knock on Ai's door. And while it does takes a couple of minutes. Someone does answer.
In fact, is was Jeanne who answers... Who wearing a maid outfit. Which is really strange.
"Oh! Miss Isai. We weren't expecting any guest today." She said.
"I just need to talk to Ai-chan... and what's with the maid outfit? I'm pretty sure that Ai-chan isn't into maids... I think." I said. I mean, I guess she could? People do tend to hide things that they don't want others to know.
That said, I know she used to have a bunch of them when she was young, but in that case, wouldn't she hate them? Ai-chan is so weird. Maybe it has to do something with her mother. I don't know.
"She just said that I had to wear one. She didn't explain why." Jeanne told me. Well, guess I just have to ask Ai instead. "Though I don't mind it really. Reminds me of home."
"Right. So can I just talk to her please?" I ask her.
"Well actually... she was going to leave to talk to you," she told me.
Well, that makes things easy... I think.
"So come in. I'll tell Ai that you're here." She told me.
I did so, giving my thanks I head into the house and just stay around the entrance a bit.
It's still strange to think that Ai has a Heroic Spirit working for her now, one of the Rulers too in fact. I haven't even asked what happened to cause this. But if I were to make a guess... I would probably assume it has to do with money.
Besides Ruler, The only other maid I can think of currently is...
Uh, anyways. It didn't take long for Ai-chan to come. And... well...
"... Uh, hello." Ai-chan said. Not making any eye-contact. And I can't blame her... I'm pretty much doing the same.
"Hi..." I say back... Man, this is a lot harder now that I'm actually here. I having trouble saying what I want to say.
Also, she seems to be holding something. I can't tell what it is, however, since it's covered in cloth.
"So... What's bring you here?" She asks me...
"Oh, just wanted to talk... about recent events is all. Nothing too serious really." I couldn't help but say.
"Not really serious?" She asks with a raised eyebrow.
"... Yes! or well... It is but... not really?" I try to say to the best of my ability. I just shake my head when I realize I was making no sense. "Ok look, we just need to talk alright? I think it's best to get this over with."
"Right..." Ai-chan said to herself before nodding. "Yes, I completely agree... We have a lot discuss. In fact, I was going to go to your place and talk to you there."
"What if I wasn't there?" I ask her.
"I'm more than willing to wait." She tells me... Well, I'm not surprised, since it sounds like something she'd do. Though...
"You sounded a bit weird there." I point out. Noticing her tone and her.. out of place it sounds.
"So do you." She simply replies.
"I mean, of course I do. We haven't really talked much since that fight." I said. Laughing a bit nervously. Ai-chan nods, agreeing with my words.
"Well come on, let's go to a more comfortable place, I'll have someone get us something to drink while we talk." She told me.
"Sure," I said as we start to walk. "By the way. What's with the maid outfits? I thought that they would be something you would hate really."
"Oh, so you noticed that?" She said. Though she doesn't sound surprised by my question. "It was a deal that I made with mama. As long as any servants that work for me wore butler suits or maid outfits. I could stay here instead of going overseas with her. She was always obsessed with maids specialty."
Huh...
"That... makes a lot of sense actually. That also explains why you refused to hire any servants. Way to abuse a loophole by the way." I jokingly told her
"I guess that is one reason if you look at it that way, but honestly I just prefer to do things myself rather than having others do it for me." She told me.
You know, I haven't really thought about it like that. Most of Ai-chan's childhood was spent with her having others doing nearly everything for her. And the feeling of having to do it on your own now might give her a strange kind of satisfaction. Like a gamer finally completing that one level that they could just never beat.
That being said, it doesn't excuse that fact that she'll overwork herself if she keeps going like that. But that's a problem that will hopefully be resolved now that she has others working for her.
Thought instead of going to the main living room, we actually go into Ai-chan room instead. That being said... there actually.. not much in her room.
I mean sure it has the fancy traditional Japanese look to it like the rest of the place, but honestly... it's kinda bare. They're not really much going for it aside from the large futon and the corner full of stuffed toys.
That not to say there nothing special about the room. For one, it looks a bit darker than any of the other parts of the Ai-chan home. Not that is actually darker per se. It just the color scheme of far darker than anything else here. Though I will admit that it does lack any form of artificial light. Still, plenty of natural light can actually get through to the room through thin windows near the roofs, so it's not that it's not well lit, during the day at least. At night it might as well be pitch black unless it's a full moon.
Also, a part of the room flooring looks like it could be moved or opened. I often ask Ai-chan about it, but her answers are always vague. Like 'It's where I keep some very special things.'. It's annoying, to say the least. And while I often tell her that, I never really questioned it beyond that point. I just assumed it was where she hides all of her things for 'alone time'.
Though now with everything I know. I kinda wanna see what's in there. But I'm still sure she's not going to tell me. Even with everything that happened recently. It's an upsetting thought. But hey, I'm here to mend the relationship, not possibly break it more.
We both sat on her futon. I went cross-legged while she sat on her knees.
"Alright, let just get right too it. I will admit. I went overboard there. I overreacted, let my anger get the better of me." I told her, Ai-chan looks away. "But that doesn't mean you're in the right either. You've kept so many important things hidden from me, things that I should have really known."
"I know..." She hesitantly said. Suddenly unsure what she was going to say. "I know shouldn't have. But... I don't know. I wasn't sure what to do, and I've already kept it form you for so long. I knew you would have burst out like that and-"
"But have you thought that maybe It wouldn't have been as bad if you told me yourself? Sure, I'd be angry. But at least I would have known that you trust me enough with such information. And don't get me started, I know you weren't going to tell me any time soon." I said, sighing sadly. "Look, I'm not angry about it anymore, I'm just disappointed that you don't trust me."
"O-of course I do!" Ai-chan responses back. She sounds so sure of herself.
"Well, You sure have an interesting way of showing it," I commented, which made her hang her head low. "...Ai-chan."
"...Yes?" She said, looking up at me slightly.
I then grasp her hand, taking her by surprise. and Hold them tightly.
"I know I may be sounding mean right now, but know that I just want you to trust me," I told her, making sure to keep eye contact. "But I also want you to know that your still my best friend. No one will ever be able to replace you. your like the sister I've never had."
"You sure don't sound like it." She quietly said.
"I guess, but tell me. Who is the one who is always trying there best to protect me? Aside from my dad." I ask.
"...Me?" She hesitantly says. I just happily nod.
"Yes! Ok, who constantly makes sure that I have my homework done?" I ask again.
"Me," She said again.
"Yup! and who always makes sure that I always have the right foods in my lunch?" I ask her.
"Me." She said, sounding a bit better.
"And finally. Who always keeping an eye on Issei to make sure he doesn't do dare to try anything perverted toward me?" I ask.
"Me..! I'm the one who does that!" She shouts out.
Sorry that I have to throw you under the bus like that Issei, but I'm sure you'll understand.
"So don't think that one little fight is going to end our friendship ok? Besides, we fought quite a lot when we were little. But those didn't change anything." I told her.
"... Yea... Maybe I've just been overthinking it." She agrees.
"Looks like someone finally talked some sense into my dear Master." I heard her Archer say. Ai-chan just scoffs at his words. "Seriously, you were being a bigger downer then me."
Right, her Archer... I don't think we've properly spook to each other yet.
"Speaking of such. Archer right? It'll be a pleasure to be working for you... Hopefully." I then said. Which funny enough. made both Ai and her Servant let out an 'Eh?' I couldn't help but laugh a bit at this.
"What? Did you think that we wouldn't? Your Servant is an Archer, right? I doubt that he'd be as good as my Saber in close combat." I told them.
"I'm pretty confident in my own skills with a blade really." Archer. "Better than you in fact."
Oh really?
"But I have a Saber, So obviously she should be superior when it comes to close combat right?" I insist.
"Your Saber? Most definitely. They would slaughter me in an instant when it comes to that. But you? Not so much." Archer said... in a smug tone.
Hey! You don't know that!
"I am pretty sure he is not lying. He is a Heroic Spirit Afterall. Even an Archer should be able to somewhat fight in close combat. Not nearly as so when compared to a Saber or Lancer Thought. Not only that but Ai and archer have been together a lot longer than your and I have. So it should be a given he would win." Saber told me...
"Geez, am I really that bad?" I ask.
"I would say more inexperienced then bad." She corrects me. Which isn't much better...
"...Ok fine. You may be better than me at the moment." I admit. "But working together is still the better option!"
"For you," Archer said... Geez, what is with this man? Is he just messing with me or something?
"Ignore him, trust me, it's for the best," Ai-chan said, unimpressed with Archer antics. "He always does these kinds of things."
"Your words wound me, Master." He said to her...
"Man. I feel bad for you if you had to put up with him all this time," I tell her.
"You get used to it," Ai-chan told me.
"Alright, as fun as this has been, We not here to just mess around are we?" I hear Archer say. "We have things to discuss."
Ah right, I almost forgot...
"If I'm going to be more honest..." She told me... but she's... pretty hesitant to say what it is.
"it's fine. You can tell me. Just trust me alright?" I encourage her. I mean, can it really be so bad?
"..." She takes a deep breath. "I... I know your Servant is King Arthur."
. . .
. . .
"I... I am pretty sure we were doing a good job at keeping it a secret..." Saber said to no one. Very much questioning herself. "Did we make a mistake somewhere...?"
"...How?" I just ask. Trying my best not to show anything... Though I will admit... it upsetting to hear this... very upsetting...
But I said I'll be fine with it... She being more honest...
"... I've seen you use it when you fought that Stray."
WHAT?!
"WHAT?!" I practically scream. She was there?! Why didn't she help me?! I could have died!
Ai-chan couldn't help shutter back a bit.
"W-wait!" She protested. "I-I'm just being honest...!" She tries to defend herself.
. . .
. . .
I take a deep breath. Just... calm down me... Calm down...
"...Ok... Not what I was expecting... But ok... So why didn't you help me?" I 'calmly' ask her.
"We only just got there by the end of it." I suddenly hear Archer say. "Besides, even if we were there on time. I could tell that we were no match for that Devil. Even with your or the girl's help"
"I wasn't asking you." I nearly snapped at the Archer. This was a question for Ai-chan. Not him.
"And? As long as the question is answered it should be fine." Archer said... Which made me feel even worse.
. . .
"Master, calm down. What matters is that the question was answered, not by who." Saber told me...
Yea Yea. There's right... I'll Just... let it slide.
God, no wonder Ai-chan didn't want to tell me anything...
"Fine..." I say. "Ok ok, that's fine... But if you know mine, it's only fair that I know yours."
"... I'm sorry but I can't tell you." She sadly said, but before I could say anything else. She kept talking. "But it's not because I don't want to tell you! It's just that Archer doesn't remember. I kind of messed up somewhere in the summoning... Not sure where. But the result was an Archer with memory loss."
... Ok.
"...I don't even know what to say anymore..." I honestly told them.
"I can't blame you," Archer said. "You've been through a lot. Learn things you weren't properly prepared to learn. Then again, with how the old man raised you. I don't think you could ever be mentally prepared."
...Yea. He's right. I'm thinking like a normal high school girl. If I'm going to improve on that. I'm going to have to adopt a different mindset... Thought that is far easier said than done.
In retrospect, it suddenly makes sense as to why Issei would be able to take all of this far better then I would. He is quite the... weird personality. It just happens that weird personality helped him translate better into this than I. At least in these circumstances. You know with being around a bunch of young sexy women who don't actively push him away. Aside from Ai-chan of course.
Yea, if I was a pervert like Issei, I probably would also have taken it far better...
Oh god, now I'm envying Issei's pervertedness of all things... Better not tell Ai-chan that.
"So to make you feel better. Your father and I have a gift for you... If your willing to accept it that is." I hear Ai-chan say as she... Wait, a gift?
She then expends out the clothed Item, moving the cloth and revealing the item to be a... sword? Which I look at questionability.
It was the strangest looking sword I've ever seen. Its shape was odd and it had a diamond shape gap in the blade. There were even a couple of spikes on the edges of it.
"The two have been discussing it for a while now. Since there are quite a lot of risks to taking it." Archer said.
Risks huh?
"What risks?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Well for one... The church may come after you at one point." Ai-chan said
What?
"That said, considering your Noble Phantasm. They're might do that anyway when they find out about it." Archer chips in.
What?!
"Ok seriously?! How will this make me feel better?! Cause it doing quite the opposite right now!" I tell them. Almost standing up. But I'm able to stop myself.
"Well, since your still new to the whole Servant thing. I'm pretty sure you can't properly use your Noble Phantasm yet. So I thought about giving you something you should be able to use until then." She told me. Ok, that actually makes sense. Still doesn't make me feel better, however.
"I can't deny the logic there..." I tell them.
"Anyways. I'm sure you can guess what I'm about to give you." She said.
...Considering the information she just told me, and the fact that she knows my Servant's true name...
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking of?" Saber asks me. I merely nod at her question. Yes, both Saber and I have come to the same conclusion.
"Excalibur," I said. "Or well, the Excalibur of this world at least."
Excalibur is a Holy weapon, after all, So it makes sense that it would either be in the possession of the Church or the Fairies after King Arthur's demise. Going by the actual Legend, you'd think the fairies would have it. But now knowing that King Arthur is a she rather than a he. I'm sure anything can happen at this point.
Ai-chan nods.
"Yes, this is indeed Excalibur." She told me "Or to be more precise, Excalibur Rapidly."
But then how this Ai-chan get Excalibur...? This they steal it from the church-
Wait. What did she say?
"Excalibur... Rapidly?" I suddenly ask. "I've never heard of an Excalibur Rapidly? Is it some unknown sister sword?"
I then suddenly feel Saber feeling very concerned.
"While Excalibur does indeed have sister swords..." Saber said, her tone suddenly filled with worry. "None of them go by the name of Rapidly..."
"I assume you're pretty confused," Ai-chan told me. "Uh, so... first things first. There are seven Excaliburs. Not including yours of course."
Seven Excaliburs?! Isn't Excalibur the strongest Holy Sword that can only be wielded by King Arthur?! How are there be Seven?!
"How is that even possible?! Only should only be one Excalibur, right?" I couldn't help but ask. It's one of a kind!
"Your right, there was only one Excalibur... At first." Ai said... "But then it broke."
"It... broke? How can the crystallization of the wishes of mankind break? It's a God-Forged weapon made within the planet!" Saber couldn't help but say getting somewhat heated, not that Ai-chan or Archer could hear her.
... Wait. Wishes of Mankind? Made within the planet? Just what the heck is Excalibur?! ... No, I can ask about that later. For now, we need to focus on what's at hand.
"That's our Excalibur Saber. We don't know anything about this one. For all we know, they are only the same in name and literally have nothing else in common. Aside from the whole Holy sword thing." I try to reason with you. I could feel Saber, she was upset, very upset. Quite frankly, this is the first time I felt her like this. But Excalibur was the blade she used for all of her life. Maybe she feels some sort of personal attachment to it.
"... You are right. They may share the same name, but It is not the same blade that I was with threw out my life. I should not let this get to me. Though I am still curious on how it happened." Saber said as she calms herself down. Thought I could still feel a hint of refusal. Like she can't still quite believe it.
"...So How did it break?" I ask her. I mean.. it's Excalibur right...?
"I don't know. I wasn't there after all." She told me. "All I know that it happened during the Great War. So you could probably ask the Devils about that. Granted I'm pretty sure Rias or the others wouldn't know either."
Ok, well I expected as much. But it was worth a try.
"Alright... So why would the church go after me for having it?" I then ask.
"Well, It was stolen." Is her simply answer
. . .
"But not by me! It was by that freed Guy! I just took it from him." She quickly defends herself.
"Right... So why don't you just give it back to the church?" I say to her.
"Your father and I intended to do that. But well... Your Servant is King Arthur. I thought Maybe since that was the case. It makes sense to give it to you. As you are technically the rightful owner." She explains herself.
Small correction. Saber would be the rightful owner if she didn't already have her own Excalibur. But that's beside the point.
"You know you technically putting me into danger by giving this to me right? What if this Freed person comes back looking for it?" I reason.
"I'll protect you!" She immediately answers. Wow, she very sure of herself isn't she? "Besides, you can't even invoke your Noble Phantasm. So you'll need something that is comparable to a Noble Phantasm in case another Servant comes along. Remember that you almost lost to an Assassin, and there consider one of the weakest classes when it comes to direct fighting. Excalibur Rapidly is something on the level of a Noble Pastasm. A rather low ranking one, but still one none the less."
I... guess the logic is sound...
"But still, this is unlike you to give me something you know that would put me in danger. Normally you wouldn't even consider it." I told her... Heck, I can even see it in her eyes, Ai-chan herself isn't sure if this is the best idea.
"... Yea, your right. But..." Ai-chan closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "With recent events. It's clear that I can't always be there to protect you. And I want you to have something that will give you the edge in case you face someone you can't normally beat... Plus, you did ask me to trust you... And I guess this is one way I can show that."
"I don't know..." I hesitantly said. I mean, she's not wrong...
"And once you can use your Noble Phantasm, We can give Excalibur Rapidly back to the church, promise." She told me.
. . .
. . .
"What do you think Saber?" I ask her. If anything, I honestly think she should be the one who has the final say.
"Well, if Ai is right. Then Excalibur might draw the church toward us anyways. What can Rapidly do?" Saber asks.
I nod and ask the question to Ai.
"Excalibur Rapidly greatly enhances your speed so much so that you can even create after images of yourself. It as well increases your agility, reflexes, and flexibility," She explains to me.
That does sound pretty useful.
"Take it. If it really does such things. I have no doubt it will be of great use to us in the future. We will have to get used to its unusual design, however." Saber said.
I look at Ai-chan.
"I'll take it for now then," I said as reach out for the sword, grabbing it.
It feels far lighter than I expected it to feel. Which is strange considering what it feels
Consider what that weapon. I will admit I found it slightly odd that it just feels... well normally odd. It just feels natural for me to be holding it. As if the blade was meant for me or something.
I don't know. Maybe it has to do with Saber? She is King Arthur after all, maybe the blade can somehow tell...? Then again, she a King Arthur form another world. So the idea is a bit far-fetched...
It also feels nothing like the Excalibur I already have. Sure, both feel like I was meant to hold them. But they just don't feel like the same blade. I kinda thought they would since there both Excalibur, but that wasn't the case.
If I were to sum as the feeling of the two blades. I would say the Saber's Excalibur feels elegant and Graceful, while Excalibur Rapidly feels energetic.
"So... can I test it out? You know, see if it works?" I ask.
"Sure." She says, with my face brightening up a bit. "Just not here."
"Wow, way to be a downer," I told her. Ai-chan only rolls her eyes, though she is smiling a bit.
"I just rather not have anything happen to my home again. Rias made have fixed it the first time. But I'm not sure if she'll do it again." She explains.
"Also, we've had enough fighting into this place," Archer adds. Ok reasonable enough.
Well, it's not like I would do anything on purpose. Still, it's great that we'll able to talk like this now. It's like nothing even happened!
... Ok well, I can't say that. Honestly, even now, I can't fully bring myself to trust her. She could still be hiding a couple more things. But they're likely not related to me, and I rather not pry on things like that.
But I'm sure Ai-chan is doing all she can to make up for her mistake, and I should do the same.
"Oh by the way. I have a gift for you too!" I told her and I start to dig a bit into my bag. Ai-chan clearly wasn't expecting a gift of all thing.
"A gift for me?" She couldn't help but say. "But you don't need to give me anything."
"Well, That's good because the gift isn't from me," I told her. Which only made her look at me oddly. I then pull out the cheerleader outfit.
"...What?" She said before moving to grab it. After inspecting it a bit... She looks like she wants to tear it in half. "...Doesn't it look a bit small?"
"It was made that way. In fact, Rias had one who had it made for me and you. That one is yours. For moral support." I tell her.
"Moral support...?" She wasn't sure why Rias would want moral Support. But at this point, she had other problems with this. I then told her what Rias told me. She... wasn't sure how to take it. But she Accepts it none the less. In fact, I get the feeling she rather not get involved with anything Devil Related.
"Also yours better not be too small either. It's one thing to flaunt her own body. And it's another thing entirely when she tries to fault yours." She said, shaking her head as she takes another look at her outfit.
"Please, as if I would be seen in a cheerleader outfit at all, let alone one too small," I told her. "You know me, I prefer to look cute rather than sexy. And being the cutie I am. Putting on something like that would ruin my image!"
"You care about your image?" She asks.
"What I care about is looking cute, Big difference!" I reply back.
"Riggght, clearly." she sarcastically said. Oh, yea? Well, let's see about this.
"Careful, Archer might be rubbing off you," I told her. Which makes her meeps a bit.
"No he's not!" She immediately says in denial. A bit flustered on hearing that.
"It's not that bad." Archer expresses. "Being like me that is."
"Shut up Archer." She snaps at him.
I laugh a bit at this. The two might now admit that they feel pretty close. But that to be expected. Archer is her Servant after all.
That being said. there still one more thing I have to tell her...
"By the way... Uh, Ai-chan." I say.
"What? suddenly you sound so serious," she tells me
"That because it is Serious," I tell her, in which I only get a raised eyebrow in response. "Look, just... could you help me keep on eye on Keiichi-Kun? I... I get the feeling he may summon a Servant soon."
This made Ai-chan go on alert. Her eyes went sharp and she had a frown on her once smiling face.
"Keichii-kun...?" she silently asks.
"I don't think he will do it on purpose though. If anything I assume it will be much like how I summoned Saber..." I say.
"Right, you never intended to summon your Saber... I don't want Keichii-kun to get involved..." She said to herself. "But Why would you even assume that?" She asks me. Worried about our friend.
He's been having the same nightmare that I've had before I summoned Saber." I told Saber.
"Ah, those black creatures. Yes, I remember them. I made sure to destroy every one of them. I could not allow them to harm you any further Master." Saber said. Good to know she has my back, but not the point at the moment.
"... I'm not sure if that means anything really." She said. "But honestly I'm still new to this so I don't really know much more then what you know. I can say that I never experience any nightmares like that. Then again I did purposely summon my Servant. What do you think Archer?" She asks her Servant.
"This whole 'Summon the Servant inside the Master' is just as new to us Servants. So I'm sorry to say that I don't have any of the answers you're looking for." He told us. Much to our disappointment. "But if were you two, keep an eye on him. for all we know, most of the Servants were already summoned and the Grail could just be filling up whatever rolls are left."
That's...! That's just...!
"That's bullshit!" Ai-chan let out. Taking the words right out of my mouth. "If that true, then it's purposely dragging in people who aren't even aware of Moonlit world! Not to mention this is all a giant battle royal!"
We both took a second to calm down a bit...
"All the more reason to keep an eye on Keichii-kun then..." I say. "I even made him promise to come to me if anything unusual happens."
"Keichii is one to keep his promises..." Ai-chan said.
"If so then, Good call," Archer said, though, he sounds a bit odd... as if he didn't like what may happen. "Better to ensure to him that were on the same side as soon as possible."
"...Is something wrong Archer...?" Ai-chan asks him.
"It just a feeling really." He said. "But I think if he summons a Servant, it'll be someone I really don't like."
A/N: Chapter 18 finally done! Again, really sorry that I took so long! No action, but that doesn't mean nothing happened. Isaiviel learned about DxD!Excalibur and Saber was not too happy about the news. I can't blame her really. On the bright side, Isaiviel has Rapidly for the time being. Which may turn out to be a problem in the near future.
also, the two friends got over the fight they've had a couple of chapters back! Though I don't think things will completely return to normal.
Oh, and Rias has warned Isai about future events. Which will happen... next chapter. So yea, not so far into the future.
No Servant of the day by the way. I rather not reveal any new servants so sorry about this!
I mean I could make Servant sheets for the DxD characters for funnies. But I'll let the reviews decide that.
Anyways that's all for chapter 18! See you all in chapter 19!