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SentinalSlice: I saw this when I was finishing up this chapter. I'll start doing it next chapter. It'll be good to stop fighting my muscle memory. Thanks.

Chapter 17: Same Game, New Rules

"Saber…" Shirou was the first to break the silence. After all this time… he's finally seeing her again. Artoria Pendragon, the woman he fell in love with during the Fifth Holy Grail War.

"S-Shirou," Saber turned to look at the young boy. Shirou could feel the tears welling up in his eyes, but he didn't fight them. He slowly approached the woman, not caring about the looks that everyone was giving him. He was surprised that Rose wasn't trying to kill him with her glare.

Artoria stood up and looked down at Shirou. He couldn't keep it in for any longer. He hugged the blond knight, sobbing loudly into her armor.

"I'm here," Artoria whispered, putting a comforting hand on Shirou's back. "I'm here."

It took a while for Shirou to calm down, but eventually, they did. Artoria then called everyone's attention.

Seriously, Artoria scowled. Merlin hadn't contacted her for over 100 years and the first thing he says is that someone found a holy grail and he's going to fuck with it with Zelretch.

"This war is an oddity," Artoria finally declared. "Due to the excess amount of mana the grail has gathered, instead of seven servants being summoned, there will be fourteen. Two groups of seven servants will fight against each other for the grail."

"So we're all allies?" Rose asked.

"Everyone in this room is a master of one team," Artoria replied with a nod. "Except for Elizabeth."

"What?" Lubelia chimed in. "You aren't on our side?"

"I've been summoned as a Ruler class servant," Artoria shook her head. "It is my job to play mediator and I am not allowed to take sides."

"That sucks," Rose muttered.

"Wait, hold up," Elizabeth held her hands up. "What the hell is going on, and how does Shiro know Artoria?"

"Elizabeth, please refer to me as Ruler for the time being," Artoria put a hand on the little girl's head. "The story about how I met Shirou is a long and complicated one. Maybe we will go over it when we have the time, but for now, we have more dire things to worry about. Right now, we are a part of a Holy Grail War, where heroic spirits like me fight to the death for a wish."

"Like… you…?" Elizabeth's face started to grow pale. "So you mean…"

"Yes, they are quite strong, which is why I will need to protect you," Artoria replied with a small smile. "I suggest you summon your servants now. Elizabeth and I will go find the other two masters of your faction before meeting with the other faction."

"Wait, isn't that dangerous?" Lysette chimed in. "We don't know what kind of people they might be. They might try to kill you."

"They can try," Artoria replied with steel in her eyes. "If it comes down to it, I have three command seals of my own, which I can use to get them to stop attacking me."

"What are command seals, exactly?" Alcia asked.

"They are three absolute orders your servant must follow. Once you use your third command seal, however, the contract between you and your servant is severed," Artoria explained.

"Good to know," Alcia nodded.

"I shall write down the appropriate incantation for you to use," Artoria said. Shirou traced a pen and paper and handed it to the queen.

"What the—" Elizabeth, Alcia, and Lysette stared at Shirou. "How did you do that?"

"There's not much time to explain," Artoria interjected as she started to write down the incantation. "Once you summon your servant, you can have them tell you about the basics of magecraft."

"Magecraft… like… magic?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes," To Elizabeth's surprise, it was Rose who answered. "Now, we need to start summoning. Since we're all here already and we have a circle here, we might as well go one at a time."

"Alright," Artoria said as she handed the paper to Shirou. "Shirou… it's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too," Shirou looked away as Artoria stood up.

"Alright, let's go Elizabeth," Artoria said. Elizabeth just dumbly nodded and followed Artoria out of the basement.

"So how do you know Shiro?" Elizabeth asked. Artoria having a physical form was something else. Kids and teachers alike gawked at them, making way wherever they went. Elizabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She would have to deal with the aftermath later.

"Shirou… he's an old soul," Elizabeth expected Artoria to look away or something like that, but the queen just looked sad. "We've met before and… he was willing to sacrifice his life for me multiple times over. I suspect he will be more than willing to tell you the full story. It is not my tale to tell."

"He better," Elizabeth shook her head. When did Shiro meet Artoria? She would have to ask later. Furthermore, she was horrified at the prospect of her friend risking his life for any reason at all. "How do you know where the other masters are?"

"I can detect the magic energy on their command seals," Artoria replied. "Since Sword Arts used energy straight from the soul rather than mana, the small amount of mana used to etch the seals stick out to me."

They continued to walk until they made it to a door. She opened the door, revealing Cassandra looking through papers.

"Wait, Cassandra's a master?" Elizabeth asked, causing the woman in question to jump. She looked up, and her eyes immediately widened.

"I…" Cassandra seemed to be trying to find the words.

"Lysette wants to talk to you. She's in the basement," Artoria said.

"Y-yes ma'am," Cassandra nodded dumbly before walking out of the room.

"Now, it seems that the other master isn't in the school," Artoria looked around before turning to Elizabeth. "Let's get you packed. We need to go."

"Alright, who wants to go first?" Shirou asked as he held the paper in his hands.

"I'll do it," Rose stood up. "Since we don't have catalysts, we don't know who will show up. Let's just hope for the best."

"Alright," Shriou handed Rose the paper, but the girl shook her head.

"I know the incantation," Rose stood up before starting to chant, Shirou noticed the pendant on her sword start to glow. Shirou was dense, but not stupid. He immediately stood up and unsheathed his swords.

"Shirou, what are you doing?" Lubelia asked as Rin finished the chant. She was answered when a blur came from the summoning circle and Shirou was sent flying backwards. He landed on his feet just in time for a man with bronze skin and white hair swung down on him with blades identical to his.

"Not the welcome I was expecting," Shirou tried his best to emulate the nameless Archer's smirk as he heard the sounds of swords being unsheathed.

"We've… met before, haven't we?" Archer scowled as the swords vanished into blue motes of light.

"Archer!" Rose called in irritation. "The first thing you do when I summon you is try and kill Shirou? Do you really only have one thing in that empty skull of yours?"

"What a cruel and unforgiving master I have," Archer drawled as he looked at Rose. "And a small one, too."

"Don't make me curse you," Rose grumbled. Archer chuckled and looked at the other people in the room with their swords drawn.

"Well, what do we have—" Archer paused for a second and his smirk instantly faded. "So that's what's going on."

"It's alright," Shirou assured Alcia and Lysette, who still had wary glances. "Archer and I have… a complicated past, but he won't hurt you."

"Physically," Archer muttered to himself.

"What was that?" Rose put her hands on her hips.

"I was just lamenting my cruel fate, master," Archer shrugged. The two adults sheathed their swords, but still had weary glances.

"Alright, I think I should go next, then," Shirou said.

"Excuse me…" Everyone turned to see Cassandra physically shaking at the scene that just unfolded before her. "Can someone please explain to me what's going on?!"

After a quick explanation, Cassandra was sitting on the floor, currently being consoled by Lysette as Shirou went to summon his servant. When the light subsided, a man with pale blond hair, green eyes, and a prosthetic arm was kneeling before the young boy.

"By your summonings, Servant: Saber has answered your call. I ask of you; are you my master?" The man looked up at Shirou.

"Yes," Shirou offered his hand to his new servant. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person, Sir Bedivere."

"You know of me?" Bedivere took Shirou's hand and pulled himself up.

"Of course," Shirou had a smile on his face. "After all, we serve the same king."

"Ah, it's good to see those who serve her after all this time," Bedivere said with a genuine smile.

"Wait…" Everyone turned to look at Cassandra, whose face was paler than it was a few moments ago. "S-Sir Bedivere? Like… from the Round Table?"

"The one and the same," Shirou replied. Bedivere nodded. "Now, Cassandra. I think you should summon your servant next."

"M-me?" Cassandra asked. Shirou replied by giving her the piece of paper.

"Here you go," Shirou said gently before offering his hand. She grabbed his hand and stood up. "You'll do great."

"Thank you, Shiro," Cassandra took the piece of paper and started to read. When the light subsided, a beautiful man with long, white hair and a staff was kneeling before the young woman.

"For such a pretty flower to summon me… I am truly fortunate," The man smiled and winked at Cassandra, who flushed. "Now, I am Servant: Caster. I ask of you, my fair maiden; are you my—"

The man was interrupted by a prosthetic fist to the face. He was sent sprawling, sending gasps throughout those who were watching.

"Have you no shame, Merlin?!" Bedivere shouted. "Does your lecherous ways even extend to your master?!"

"M-Merlin?! The Sword Sage?" Cassandra took a step back. Before long, steam started to come out of her ears. "I summoned the Sword Sage…"

"It's nice to see you too, old friend," Merlin stood up and rubbed his jaw. "By the way, Vivian sends her regards."

"Vivian?" Shirou interjected.

"Yes. She and I were watching this come to pass when I decided to hijack the summoning ritual and bring a fake body here to assist you," Merlin explained with a mirthful smile. "Now, where's little Artoria? We've been paying attention to you, so I don't know where she is."

"My King is here?" It was Bedivere's turn to look shocked. "Master! We must go find her at once!"

"Artoria is currently looking for the seventh master in our faction," Shirou explained gently. "She will be back soon. For now, we need to finish summoning our allies."

"Understood," Bedivere said as he stepped aside. He gently put a hand on Cassandra's shoulder, snapping her from her stupor.

"S-sorry about that," Cassandra looked away from Shirou, her cheeks tinted a light shade of red. "It's just… I never imagined something like this to happen."

"I understand," Shirou had a nostalgic smile on his face. "Now, who should do the summoning next?"

"I will," Lysette volunteered. "I'm excited to see what kind of person I'll get."

"But—" Lubelia was cut off by a look from Shirou.

Shirou nodded and handed her the paper to Lysette. "You can go next."

"Fine," Lubelia said as Lysette started to chant. When the light faded, a woman was kneeling before Lysette. She had red hair and gold eyes, much like Shirou.

"Servant: Rider has answered your call," The woman looked up at Lysette. "Are you my master?"

"I… I guess so," Lysette nodded hesitantly. The woman stood up and looked around. Her eyes instantly locked on Shirou.

"Oh, you're so cute!" Rider squealed and instantly rushed Shirou, pulling him into a hug. "You look like you could be my son!"

"Rider! Please step away from my master!" Bedivere stepped forward. Rider instantly froze and pulled away from Shirou, her bangs covering her eyes.

"Are… are you saying that this child is a master?" Shirou could see Rider physically shaking with rage. "You mean to say that a child has been drafted into this war?"

"I assure you that we are more than capable," Rose interjected.

"What?" Boudica whirled around, only to be faced with another child with a servant standing behind her. "What is the meaning of this?"

"If you're all done bickering, can I summon my servant now?" Lubelia asked. Rider just gaped at the young blond.

"Who is responsible for this?" Rider growled. "I swear to the gods when I find them…"

"There's no weed to worry, Rider," Merlin smiled as he sauntered over to the redheaded servant. "All three of them are quite capable, which is why I selected them to become masters any—"

"You!" Rider's fist instantly collided with Merlin's face, sending him flying to the wall. Merlin was flying so fast he caused a crater to form in the thick, stone walls. "If we weren't allies, I would have gutted you by now!"

Shirou turned to Lubelia as Rider stomped over to Merlin. "I suggest you take this chance to summon your servant."

"Alright," Lubelia stepped forward and started to chant. By the time Rider noticed another servant being summoned, the young girl had already finished the chant. When the light subsided, a woman with a white and gold elegant dress, dark green hair and minty-green eyes.

"Oh? I've been summoned by a child. How interesting," The woman put the back of her hand on her chin with a smile. "I am the last pharaoh, Cleopatra VII Philopator, and I have been summoned as Assassin. Kneel to me, master, and I may treat you well."

"Excuse me?" Lubelia put her hands on her hips and met Cleopatra's gaze. Despite the elegance the servant exuded with ease, the young girl met her gaze. "I am the master here, and you will listen to me. Is that understood, Assassin?"

"How intriguing," Cleopatra's smile turned into a predatory grin. Lubelia, however, didn't flinch. "I shall appease you for now, master, but if you dare try to overstep your boundaries, I will let you know in a… violent manner."

"Whatever," Lubelia huffed. "Now, let's move aside. We still have one more servant to summon."

Cleopatra nodded and silently made her way to the edge of the circle.

"Looks like I'm the last one, huh?" Alcia had an uncertain smile on her face as Shirou handed her the incantation. "Let's hope I get someone badass."

When the light subsided for one final time, Shirou's muscles instantly tensed. A man in a blue jumpsuit holding a red spear was in the middle of the circle now. The bloodlust emanating from the spear put everyone on edge.

"Servant: Lancer," Cu's stance was laid back as he held his spear over his shoulders as he eyed his master with a lazy smirk. "You look like an interesting one. Give me booze and a good fight and we'll get along fine.

"I like this one," Alcia said, her uncertain look vanishing for a feral grin. "We're gonna have to spar later."

"A feisty one, eh?" Cu stepped out of the circle and looked down at Alcia. "We're gonna get along great, master."

"Ahem," Shirou cleared his throat and got everyone's attention. Rider was in the middle of beating Merlin into a pulp and the Caster, despite the beating he had sustained, looked completely unharmed. The other servants and masters turned to look at Shirou.

"Artoria's still looking for the master of Berserker, but most of us are here, so we should start getting to know each other," Shirou said.

"The master of Berserker…" Shirou could see Rose repressing a shudder. "I wonder what they're like."

"Papa?" Anderson looked up from his paper to see Chloe staring at him with beady eyes.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Anderson asked with a smile.

"There's going to be a war," Chloe said, her adorable face and innocent tone not changing one bit. Anderson felt a chill crawl down his spine as he looked at his daughter. "I want to hang out with my sisters."

"Honey, there's no war, and even if there was, I would want to stay here to protect you," Anderson put down his paper.

"Papa, you seem to be mistaken," Chloe's smile widened. Then, particles of light began to gather behind the small girl until a man… if he could even be called that, was standing behind her. He was easily over twice Anderson's size and he was holding a sword almost as big as he was. He had ashen skin and his red eyes made Anderson feel like a bug.

"I wasn't asking."

Well, there are all the servants! I'll put a list down below. Sorry if this chapter was a bit all over the place. I was having problems with how to for at it. Anyways, here's the servant list.

Shirou - Bedivere (Saber)
Rose - EMIYA (Archer)
Lubelia- Cleopatra (Assassin)
Alcia - Cu (Lancer)
Lysette - Boudica (Rider)
Cassandra - Merlin (Caster)
Chloe - Herakles (Berserker)
Elizabeth - Artoria (Ruler)

Anyways, please do consider leaving a review! I would love to read and reply to your thoughts. As this is an original world, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Also please join my Discord! I would love to talk to you all and answer all your questions! I talk a lot about my thought process while writing, so if you're interested in that, do consider joining. The url is discord . gg (forego the spaces) followed by a slash and CpVs7R8KXz. Unfortunately you'll have to type the rest of the url in manually because I'm not allowed to post links. Thank you for reading and I'll catch you on the flipside.