Well, this was supposed to be posted last week, as my birthday was that week, but something came up and I had to wait to post it till now.
Well, it doesn't matter, I'm just happy that I got this chapter out!
It's another shorter one. But I promise the next chapter is going to be a long one for sure! So don't worry.
As for what been happening lately. Well, my birthday was last week, so there that. Not much happened on it because you know... I did get Super Mario Maker 2 though, and I'm having a blast playing it. I've always loved Mario so I'm really enjoying it. I don't make levels, as I prefer playing them. But I plan to dip into that at a later point.
As for F/GO. Eh... I got a lot of money due to the event. But that was it.
So let's get onto the reviews!
Maxim7: Interesting theory. And I kind of like it. And the affinity system is similar to what you're saying. But I'm not going to go into full detail. You can get some hints from looking at some of the other masters in previous chapters.
DT3: Nah, that isn't the case. But I do like the idea.
angelvan105: Thanks! Isai already trusts Saber a lot, especially since as far as she knows. She is the only person that is being completely honest with her. As for her wish... Well, It'd be best to save Isai's reaction when she understands what Saber wishes for.
UA1991: Thanks! and as usual, I answered this in PM. I might have to ask a question or too soon though. If you don't mind.
Ronin nexus: As I said before. It mostly myself for not being clear about it. You don't have to beat yourself up over it. And I'm happy that you enjoying my story. Also, I know I need to speed it up as it is a bit slow going. That should happen in the next coming chapters.
Well, that's it for now. let get it to the actual chapter!
"Speaking."
"Thinking."
"Servant Speaking."
Artoria sat quietly, her eye close and focus. Ai already left her alone, going to get Rias and the others. She could tell that Ai was not happy with the King. Not at all, it seems that Ai already has some sort of idea on what happened, and she could tell how much she hated her then.
She couldn't blame her. As it was her fault that this even happened. Even though she couldn't predict that something like this would have happened.
Admittedly, it was better that they found out about this now than in the middle of a heated battle.
In the end. it didn't matter what Ai thought of her. Right now, the only thing that Saber did care about was her own master.
"Master." She calls out in the depths on her mind
No response.
"Master!" She calls out again.
No response.
"Master..." Saber thought to herself.
Saber had no club on what she could do. She already tried to give Isai her body back, but she just couldn't.
On the bright side, she can still faintly feel her master dwell within her. So she isn't gone. She's just unreachable. All the times' Saber tried to reach out to her, she felt as if she was forcefully pushed back, not being allowed to go any deeper in her Master's mind.
It wasn't like when Ai and Archer Switch places. It felt like Isaiviel was asleep, and she didn't want to wake up. With Saber's mind taking control of her body in the meanwhile.
At least, that was the closest thing Saber could think of to the current state of her Master.
As for why this happens. Saber now knew it was due to the Dragon in Issei's Gauntlet and how it resonated with her. Being born with the Element of the Red Dragon, it makes sense she would connect with this world's version of the welsh dragon. Though she didn't speak with it. It sort of just happened...
But the question now was how would she wake her?
Saber glances at her hand, felling the dragonic energy within blood hums with power. The Dragon somehow enhancing her Dragon blood even further.
She quickly suppresses and contains this power, like she always did with her dragonic energy before. Such power cannot and will not be used recklessly, especially now.
She would also have to warn her master when she wakes her.
Saber stands up and wobbles a bit, not only is she not used to the body she's in but she also hasn't needed to control a body for a while. But she's sure it wouldn't take too long for her to adapt.
She first thought was to leave the room and get used to moving around again, or she could stay and wait for Ai to return.
She opted to leave and find someone herself. Sure Ai told her to stay and wait. But Ai isn't her master, she has no reason to listen to her. It's not like she would know any more then she does.
Besides, Saber could tell that this body has been asleep for a couple of days at the least.
Walking out of the room she explores the place. Looking around the mansion. Thought she was more focused on getting out, towards the place they usually train at. Hopefully, she can run into Yuuto, Issei, or Asia.
Despite her Master's insistence. She still can't bring herself to trust Rias or Akeno. It wasn't that there bad people. But Saber's no fool, she knows they're still holding back information, something big.
Also adding on to the fact that Rias is still trying to turn her Master into a Devil. Something Saber could not accept.
That said, she's not going to act hostile towards them either. After all, they aren't bad people. She knows that they have good intentions for the most part.
Though in a way, it could be a bad thing. Saber herself especially knows this. After all, all she wanted was to keep her people safe and happy. To bring peace to her Kingdom and reach the Utopia that she dreamt of. Yet she single-handedly bought her kingdom to ruin. She thought she was doing things right. But she was wrong. She failed her Knights, Kingdom, and people.
...
"Ah, Isai, your finally awake." Artoira could Yuuto say behind her. "You've been asleep for a couple of days, Everyone was starting to get worried."
"... I'm sorry to say but Isaiviel is not in control at the moment." Saber told him as she turns around to look at him.
A realize that this wasn't her Master. It only took a second for Yuuto to stop staring at her Green eyes. He bought up a sword that came from nowhere, keeping his guard up.
"... The who you are?" Yuuto asks, narrowing his eyes.
"Be calm," Saber told him. Her voice commanding respect. "I am the Servant of Isaiviel. You may refer to me as Saber."
Yuuto contuies to eye her.
"I can understand your uneasiness, but if you attack. I will be forced to defend myself." Saber told him. That wasn't a warning by the way. That was a promise.
"..." Yuuto looking at her for a second longer. Then sighs, and males his sword disappear. "Right. Of course, you would be her Servant, I hope you will forgive my rudeness just now."
"No need," Saber told him. "You've have done nothing wrong. Now tell me, what has happened while my Master was asleep."
"Oh. Not much, aside from training, everyone else was worried about you, especially Ise." Yuuto.
By you, Saber assumes he means Isaiviel.
"Well, rest assured, Master is fine," Saber told him. Making Yuuto sigh in relief.
"That's good, though that does make me wonder why you're controlling her body," Yuuto said out loud.
"I do not know why, but all I can tell you is that she is safe." Saber said. "I can still feel her inside me."
"Well, that's good. If not a bit confusing." Yuuto said.
"Yes, I am still not fully sure of how it works," Saber admits as she thinks about it. "Where is everyone else?"
"Ai was supposed to be with you," Yuuto said. "Ise is training with Koneko, Akeno, and Aisa. And Rias is doing paperwork."
"Paperwork?" Artoria asks, raising an eyebrow. "A rather busy woman is she not? But still, I am confused. Should she not be training with the others? Because judging from our encounter with Riser, she is not strong enough to face him."
"You make it sound as if was some sort of fight." Yuuto points out. Getting defensive "Besides, Bunchou is plenty strong. So how would you know that? They didn't even fight."
"I have no doubt your king is powerful. But that man is either overconfident or he knows he is stronger than her. They seem to know each other rather well, yet he does not seem worried about her at all. So I am more than sure it's the latter." Artoria explains. "It is not hard to come to such conclusions."
"And...?" Yuuto asks.
"At this rate. Your king will lose. And she will lose badly." Artoira flat out tells him.
"... You don't know that." Yuuto told her, starting to get upset. "If we all get stronger then-"
"'A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.' That is a saying in your time is it not? That applies here. Surely you know this too? You are no fool after all." Artoria explains without a hint of emotion.
Yuuto just stares at her.
... Perhaps she is being a bit too harsh? At least that is what Saber is thinking.
...
No, they need to hear this. As harsh as it sounds. Thought she should be saying this to there king...
... Admittedly, she does feel a bit bad for not being able to help them. But this is an affair she shouldn't be a part of.
She also by no means as any attachment to them...
But her Master would be very sad if they lost... And in a short time, they have been together. Saber has become fond of her Master.
She was like Irisviel. Kind, loving, and would do anything to those she cares for...
So what would her master do...? Or better yet, what would she want Saber to do?
"What would she..." Saber mutters to herself in a low tone... Of course, it didn't take long for her to find an answer.
"...Eh?" Yuuto let out.
"Take me to Rias, I wish to speak to her," Saber told him.
"There you are!" Saber could hear the angry voice of her master's best friend. In response, both she and Yuuto turn towards her.
It wasn't just Ai either, Koneko, Aisa, Akeno, and Issei was there too.
"We had to look everywhere for you! Why the hell did you just up and leave when I told you to stay in the room?" Ai demands.
"You are not my master. I see no reason to listen to you." Saber calmly told the Master of Archer. Much to the offense of said person.
"Told you." She heard Archer said.
"Shut up Archer." Ai sharply said.
"Uhh... Ai, maybe you should cal-"
"Shut up Issei." She told him. "Listen here you damn-"
"I care not for your words Master of Archer." Saber sharply snaps back, though in a far more controlled matter then Ai. "If you truly wish to continue this, then we shall do so at a later time. For now, I must speak with Rias."
Something in her words hit Ai hard. Not in the way that would make her mad. No, it as if her words had a special air in them. And Ai wasn't the only one who felt it. It was as if... as if...
"Why do you wish to talk to her?" Akeno asks. Judging from her lack of a reaction. Ai probably told them what's going on.
"Your King is not training herself. And if she does not get stronger. All the effort you guys have gone through to get stronger will be for nothing." Artoira said. "I will change that."
"... How will you do that?" Ai asks. Her anger is pretty much gone at this point.
"... I do not know much in the way of magecraft or demonic powers." Artoira. "But I do know how to fight and lead. I will teach her these things myself."
"Are you saying Rias isn't a good leader? Because I know for sure she is" Akeno asks, her tone getting a bit darker. "And she can fight fine."
"And I do not doubt that." Saber agrees, "But tell me, do you think she is capable enough to lead you all to victory against Riser? Because I doubt it. Why do you think he even allowed this? To give you the chance to better yourselves? No, he knows he will win. No matter the effort you all put into better yourselves."
Everyone is silent. As much as Rias's peerage wanted to argue that. She was bringing up some really good points.
"But considering how he treated Ai. I doubt he taken her or Isaiviel into account. Let alone me and Archer." Artoria said.
"I'd prefer it if you didn't drag me into this Saber," Archer told her.
"Do not worry. I do not intend to drag you in this." Saber said.
"Good, I'd rather-"
"Because I am sure your Master will do that instead." She continues. "Is that Right Master of Archer?"
"... R-Right." Ai said, nodding in agreement.
A couple of the people here giggled a bit as Archer becomes speechless.
"You suddenly fell silent Archer, that is unlike you. Are you feeling well?" Saber asks.
"I'm fine." Archer let out, though, from his tone, he's anything but that.
"Good, I will go speak to your king." Saber said with a slight pause before continuing. "I would like it if someone takes me to her. The rest of you will go with Ai and keep training in the meanwhile."
"I can if you like." Yuuto kindly offers.
"Very well, I thank you, young knight." Saber said. "Let us be off."
With that. Saber and Yuuto head towards Rias's room. Leaving everyone else just standing there.
"... So, it wasn't just me that notice how she just easily took complete control, told as what to do, and then completely dissed Archer with ease right?" Issei couldn't help but say.
Everyone nods in agreement.
Rias was just minding her own business. Working on some paper to prepare everything.
She didn't expect for Isaiviel to slam open the door. Let along her being awake. Making her jump a bit.
It was a good thing she wasn't holding any papers then.
Though she quickly realizes this wasn't Isaiviel. Isaiviel didn't have Green eyes after all. Yuuto quickly came in after her.
"Saber..." Yuuto nervously said. "You didn't have to do that."
Saber? As in Isai's Servant? Isai couldn't bring out her Servant yet... Just what going on?
"I would prefer to get this over with as soon as possible," Saber told her.
"But that doesn't excuse-"
"Stop," Rias told the two. "First thing first, explain, now."
"...Yes, Buchou." Yuuto said, bowing a bit. "When Isai woke up. For some reason, Saber was in control. No one currently knows the reason. She came here to convince you to start training for us."
It was a rather simple explanation, but it still got out all the info the Rias needed to understand what was going on.
"I see," Rias said before looking at Saber. "While I would love to do that. I'm currently working on something important."
"That will not do." Saber protests. "If you wish to have any success against Riser, then you must train with the others. You must better yourselves as a group."
Rias took a moment to think.
"...Your not wrong." Rias agrees. "But what I'm doing involves getting Isai and Ai a place to watch. Not only that, but Ai wants to go visit the underworld before then. She especially wants to see the place the Rating game will take place."
Saber didn't know that little fact.
"Do you know why?" Saber asks.
Rias just shrugs.
"She said she wanted to make sure it was safe for Isai," Rias told her. "I suppose I can't blame her for being worried. She has never seen it before, and at the very least most humans would be curiosity"
"I see..." Saber ponders on the thought. Why would Ai do that...?
"Besides, I already have a plan for dealing with Riser," Rias told.
"A plan?" Saber questionable asks. "What plan?"
"Consider what happened during yours and Ise's training session. I assume you know what he is capable of." Rias said with a smirk.
Saber's thoughts go back to the Dragon.
"Well, I doubt you don't have a full-" Rias was saying before Saber opens her mouth.
"Longinus" Saber let outs. "I see. So Issei is in possession of one. You plan to use it against Riser."
"You know about Longinus?" Rias asks, actually surprised she would. "Are you not form another world? How would you know about them?"
"When a Servant is summoned. The Grail imparts us knowledge about this world." Saber answers. "Longinus was especially noted that they are on the level of other High-Ranks Noble Phasatasms."
"...I see..." Rias hesitantly said. "Well, at least I don't have to explain that."
She was pretty relieved that she didn't.
"Ise's Longinus is Boosted Gear. Which can often be mistaken for Twice Critical. It holds the spirit of the Red Dragon or more commonly known, the Welsh Dragon." Rias told them.
"It's still hard to believe Ise posses just a powerful scared gear." Yuuto couldn't help but say.
"So you plan on relying on that power to win?" Saber asks.
"Yes. We will train Issei to at least use it somewhat. To the point where he should be able to use at least one technique. Which would be more than enough to handle Riser." Rias confirms.
...That was it?
"Foolish," Saber told her. "Issei barely knows how to even use it. And with how little time he has to train, it will not be enough. Sure, he might be able to learn one or two things, but chances are he only be able to do so a limited number of times. A plan that relies on that will most likely fail."
Rias thought about it.
"... You're not wrong. But you haven't seen how strong Riser and his Peerage is." She counters. "We otherwise have no way to win. I'll take a slight chance of victory over having none at all any time of the day."
"Why do you say that?" Saber wonders.
"Riser is immortal." Rias simply told her.
That actually caught Saber off guard. She wasn't expecting an answer like that.
"Immortal? Surely you jest." Saber insists. In which Rias sadly shakes her head.
"I wish I was kidding. Riser's clan has incredible regeneration abilities. It's so strong that he can easily recover lost limbs and fatal wounds almost instantly. So any damage to him might as well be nothing. He might as well be Immortal" Rias told her.
Ah, Saber is familiar with such abilities, her precious scabbard gave her those exact powers. So she's well aware of just how bad it can be to deal with that.
With that information, Saber can understand why Rias doesn't believe they can win. Such abilities would nearly impossible to face without a way to properly counter it. And as far as she knows, none of her Peerage have any power that can do that.
Rias' plan to use Issei's boosted hear now makes a lot more sense. With it, it is possible to overcome its healing factor with sheer firepower alone.
But Saber still doubts Issei would have the firepower to do that, at least not yet. They just don't have the time.
"Is there no weakness?" Saber asks
"Well, anything holy would the trick. But as you know, we don't have that." Rias confirms.
That is indeed a huge hurdle to pass. Well, Saber wouldn't have any problem with it, As Excalibur is a Holy Sword. But she isn't a part of the fight, so there no point in that.
"That is indeed a problem. But if anything that all the more reason to train with your Peerage." Saber told her. "Teamwork will be key in this."
"But I need to do this," Rias argues.
"Is this truly so important that you would have to slack off your training?" Saber asks.
"If Buchou thinks so, then it must be," Yuuto said.
"It is." Rias agrees.
... Saber took a second to think.
"Do you not have someone who can help with it then?" Saber asks the King.
"No," Rias sharply said before remembering a certain friend. "...or well, technically I do but..."
"But...?" Saber repeats her.
"... But I rather not drag her in my problems." Rias answers.
"Are they aware of what is going on?" Saber asks.
"... Yes, they are." Rias said.
"Do you think they will help?" Saber asks another question.
"... Yes, I think they would," she answers again
"If they understand why and are willing, then you should not feel bad about asking them," Saber told her.
"But again, this is my problem. I don't want to drag them into it." Rias told her again.
"...In battle, sometimes we must make decisions that do not like in order to achieve victory." Saber calmly told her. "Right now, every bit of training matters. and every second you are in here is second you could have used to get stronger."
... Rias closes her eyes and takes a breath.
"... Yea your right." Rias said, finally admitting defeat. "She does own me a favor anyway... Very well. I will join you all."
"Good." Saber said. "I assume you need some time to contact your friend. I will give you half an hour. If you are not there by then. I will come myself and drag you there, even if you kick and scream."
"Ha... your joking right?" Rias not, laughing slightly.
Saber just looked at her, and then left the room.
Her laughing became far more nervous.
Yuuto looks as Saber leaves. Before turning to his king.
"Don't worry. I will stop her if she tries," Yuuto told her.
"... It's fine. I'll make sure it doesn't come to that." Rias told her Knight. "just go with her and make sure she doesn't get lost."
Yuuto nods and leaves the room. Leaving Rias by her lonesome. Who sighs and lends back in her chair.
God, Saber was something else. The air around her and words she let out felt like they had so much weight under them. Saber was so confident and knew exactly what to say.
It was like she was speaking to a know... No. She knew she was speaking to a king just then.
Luckily, due to being a king herself. She could handle it. But it was clear Saber had far more experience than her...
...She could only giggle at it. Now she wanted Isai more than ever. She had to have her. Someone like her would be more then inviable in her peerage.
...But there was one problem...
A King who was also a Knight that wields a Holy sword...
There was now no doubt about the identity of Isai's Servant.
King Arthur.
Which means she must have her own version of... That Sword.
This was going to be a big problem. She only hopes that Yuuto can get over his anger soon...
Still, it's kind of funny that the King Arthur would be a girl in that world.
A/Ns: That's a wrap! We got to see Saber finally interact with the others. And honestly, I really feel this is how Saber would react, especially per-character development. And in terms of talking, I think Rias was able to handle herself rather well when it came to speaking to Saber. Thought Saber did ultimately won. That shouldn't be a surprise though. Saber has been a King for a lot longer then Rias has. She knows what she talking about. She does understand Rias though, given now that she now knows about Riser's powers.
Also poor Archer. Karma is finally catching up with him.
So for now, let's give you the updated Servant sheet for Saber! It should be noted that this sheet is for when Saber is in control. Not Isai.
Master: Isaiviel von Einzbern
Servant: Saber - Artoria Pendragon. (AKA King Arthur)
Stats
Strength: A
Endurance: B
Agility: B
Magical Power: A+
Luck: A+
Noble Phantasm: A++
Class Skills
Magic Resistance: A
Riding: B
Personal Skills
Charisma: B
Instinct: A
Mana Burst: A to A+(Her mana burst has been greatly enhanced due to her Dragonic energies being empowered. However, while it is technically A+ now. Saber has suppressed it, so the effects remain as if it was rank A)
Master's Skill
?
Noble Phantasms
Invisible Air(C), Anti-Unit
Excalibur(A++), Anti-Fortress
?
Yea, Saber while in control is a monster. Luckily it's not permanent. And the stats will be greatly reduced when Isai takes back control. Isai doesn't get to cheat after all.
Well, that's it for now, see you all next time!