It wasn't possible. It couldn't be. No, it was unlikely that both Diarmuid of the Lovespot and Arturia Pendragon, King of Britain, would be summoned in another Holy Grail War.

Red flooded his vision, the taste of iron building in his throat and coating his tongue as the memories of his miserable, final moments in Fuyuki strengthened the fierceness of his spears. His screams of unforgiveness to those who slighted him hauntingly repeated in the back of his mind as his heart became doleful.

Lancer shoved down the heaviness leeching on his thoughts. Despite how relevant the matter was; a familiar warriors tell hardened their enemy's face, taking priority. Arturia readied to strike, and she was amongst three Servants that have now learned of their position. He believed to be vigilant, but the number of enemies pinpointing their location became alarming. Haley was in grave danger, (more than he anticipated) his wits needed to be kept about him to not further fall for Saber's tricks.

As if they both had the same idea, the two Heroic Spirits barreled toward the other. Gae Dearg and Gae Buidhe clashed loudly against the blade of Excalibur, missing their target. Saber's head.

Diarmuid refused to allow her any breathing room, the earth ejecting dirt and rock. Agile defined the elegant way the swordswoman handled their battle, her determination to strike him down where he stood just as evident. Even so, he observed Saber's shamrock green eyes slant with resolve towards the person behind him.

Metal roared, the blades of Gae Dearg and Excalibur struggling against the other as Lancer prevented her advance. His arm quivered, Gae Buidhe coming down to her throat, yet gracefully she twirled away, her royal blue, flowy dress catching in the breeze. The petite woman's majesty and threshold seemed amplified, against what he remembered.

Lancer scolded himself for misjudging the possibility that her skills could be higher due to compatibility with a new Master. Her mastery of the sword was on full display, as sparks bounced off the continued collisions between Gae Dearg and her bright, Holy blade.

Deflecting the sharp, quick slashes proved to be trouble but he managed, increasing the velocity of his spears spins with the knowledge of how she wielded her sword guiding them. Saber traded the blow, undercutting with the sweep of her sword. She too familiarized herself with his dual-wielding style, and though he knocked her sword to the side, the open gap left room for her to make a strike for Haley.

That waiver of attention didn't fail to cross Saber, her movement like a dance as she disarmed him of Gae Buidhe, and leaped to his unguarded Master. Lancer hastily broke down into spirit form, the extra speed gifted to him enough to construct himself again in front of his unsuspecting Master as his right hand seized Excalibur. Blood pooled at his palm, painting the edges of the Golden Blade as the King of Knights shook to release it from his unyielding grip.

"Breaking another oath you've sworn between Knights yet again, Saber?" Diarmuid lectured, his tone was serious.

The slight widening of Saber's eyes hinted at surprise, and Lancer silently cursed himself for revealing he still retained his memory. It was an advantage he should have withheld, had she forgotten him . Though there was no honor, Diarmuid's pledge to keep his identity secret was broken again.

He once carelessly allowed Saber to know the name of his weapons, his true name became apparent. Lancer's disregard of the rules created an opportunity for his enemies to strategize against him. He eagerly awaited the glory and honor that would do his warrior's pride justice at the challenge, unaware the magi's thirst for victory encouraged their use of underhanded tactics to win.

Diarmuid resolved this crucial information assisted their future, as it spoke to the fact she also remembered. Ignoring his reservations towards the strength and extent of Haley's loyalty and kindness, he concluded not to allow any more strife to come her way. His agreement to conceal his identity aided in that.

Now, the perpetrator that disregarded honor between Knights—who had wanted the grail so desperately she orchestrated his demise so deviously, and crushed the only wish he had in his heart; stood stiffly, analyzing him.

"I know not of which oath you believe me to have broken, Lancer, but I assure you that the slight you have made against me is not well received. Let go, and ready your spears, as I have orders to either retrieve your Master alive or obtain her head according to her bounty, even if you shall not make that easy for me."

Lancer smiled, but it was not a friendly expression but rather curled with disgust. The King of Knights openly challenged the life of the Lady, bearing no visible objection to the matter. He shouldn't be surprised. She held his previous Master's wife hostage, defying her nobility and their mutual understanding of not wanting to end the other in that way.

"Indeed I would not, my Master shall not be added to the list of your victims."

Taking extra caution after his declaration, Diarmuid quickly surveyed the area for Saber's summoner. Arturia's fighting spirit would not mislead him another time. The vow to protect Haley from those attempting to collect on her bounty, or from enemy Grail War participants trumped all. Saber happened to be both.

And he refused to repeat yet another sad fate.

—

Did Haley mishear, or did Diarmuid recognize this Servant? The two Heroic Spirits' heated stares locked onto each other like two Rams about to knock heads, and the ferocity Lancer struck at her with suggested it.

Regardless, she wouldn't let herself be distracted—Saber's Master wasn't in sight, and as she activated the ability to gauge the enemy's strengths as the Servants ferociously fought; Saber's parameters were ridiculously high. "Everything is A or higher besides endurance and agility."

Haley knew the class was rumored to be the strongest strategically and stat-wise, but seeing it first hand was something else to behold.

All too quickly the ringing between the Hero's weapons stopped, Saber, barreling towards her like a freight train. Haley's hand shot up to telekinetically stop her, but Lancer appeared in haste, catching Saber's sword in his right hand before it struck her. And though she believed in her Servant, she trembled with alarm at the heated words exchanged between them.

So…Saber and her Master were after her bounty. It was as the Psychic feared. The Holy Grail War would bring attention of her whereabouts to her father, and that terrified her above all else. Overcome with urgency at the sight of Lancer's blood, the quickest solution to end the skirmish came to mind.

"Wait!" Haley pointed towards the gleaming rays of sun peeking through the jagged trees that illuminated both Heroic Spirits' assiduous disposition to kill the other. "It's daylight, and Servants aren't supposed to fight!"

Lancer's focus she assumed tactfully remained on Saber, "My Master is correct. Or is your bloodthirst so strong you would defy the rules of the Holy Grail War?"

There it was again, Diarmuid spoke in a manner cold and detached like he knew this woman. Sabers declaration earlier, and how her eyes narrowed suggested she was acquainted with him, even if she hadn't outright said it.

But that didn't make sense. In the Legend of Diarmuid there was only one female enemy they'd faced. She was a queen, angry over the loss of her family. Diarmuid hadn't been present for that. He had been long dead to Fionn's betrayal. So…what was Saber's true identity, and how did Lancer know her?

"Huh, I guess you're not so much of a novice as I expected you to be, Haley Adranga."

A woman's cheeky tone rattled Haley out of her confusion. She skimmed the trees and land surrounding them but returned her worry towards the two Heroic Spirits who hadn't budged.

Diarmuid's usually soft copper hue uncharacteristically glared at Saber. His hand crimson still latched tight onto his enemy's sword. He kept her rooted in place, most likely awaiting Saber's withdrawal or his Master's orders.

"Uh-huh…it would probably be best if you called off your Servant before someone sees, I mean…" Haley pointed to the highway a few paces off, "Cars are driving by, and it's the Magus' rules to keep magecraft hidden, right?"

Underbrush crunching under her feet, a woman's appearance unblended from the trees. An unnerving smile was plastered over her young, but mature face. She had long, thick coffee-colored hair that reached her rear, and turquoise eyes that rivaled the blue sky. "Hmmm, I underestimated you. Saber, you withdraw for now."

Haley sighed in relief, looking at the blonde whose sword dissipated out of Lancer's grip. Stepping forward, she caught his hand as it fell to his side and held it. Red trickled on her palm while she let her healing magic flow. Lancer glimpsed at the laceration that swiftly sealed.

"You have my thanks, Master." He returned his dour gaze to the Master and Servant pair a few paces from them.

His actions remained strange, yet Haley would wait to inquire about it. What pressed her more was the Master of Saber, someone she recognized. "I…I know of you."

"Hmm?" The woman folded her arms against her chest, "Is that so?"

Haley nibbled her lower lip, "You're…Rin, Rin Tohsaka, aren't you?"

"Huh, you continue to surprise me, but yeah. I guess hiding that from you wouldn't do us any good, anyway. But if you know who I am, maybe you'll make it easier for me and come willingly instead."

Diarmuid side-stepped, crossing in front of Haley in a protective stance. "I will not allow such a thing to transpire against my Master." He said matter of factly, and she appreciated the gesture. Felt safer knowing he was by her side, especially with the prestigious Rin Tohsaka being on her tail.

One of the best students of the Clock Tower, she transcended magical power, even dismantled the leylines in Fuyuki, Japan, to prevent any further Grail Wars in that Country. Haley assumed that was part of the reason America—despite being a country low in magic—would attempt to create a Grail.

"I guess a Servant wouldn't make that easy, but it's her choice, isn't it, Lancer?" Rin's smile and tone bled confidence. To challenge a Heroic Spirit in that way was something Haley admired.

If only she could mirror her achievements. Rolling her lips together at how pathetic she felt, Haley grabbed her arm and squeezed, "No. I doubt you'd believe me…but that bounty is wrong. I didn't do the things it says, I'm not…the kind of person it suggests I am."

Rin planted her fist on her hip and cocked her head inquisitively, "Hmmm? If that's true, then why not go back with me and plead your case? If you're innocent, I'm sure—"

"No! I swore I'd never go back. If I go back, I'm to be returned to his custody, and I swore that my father could never hurt me again."

"That's too bad. I'm sure you know that I'll be coming for you again. I have a job to do, you know?" Even if the threat lingered in the air, Tohsaka had spoken softly, contemplatively.

Despite that, Haley's hope of remaining anonymous had been erased. Rin's stubbornness contributed to the talent attributed to her reputation, meaning she would stop at nothing to capture her. For any chance of respite, they had to defeat Saber, which did nothing to shake off Rin.

"Enough," Lancer sharply cut into their conversation, "Any more and I will consider your open threats to my Master an invitation for battle."

Saber's stance shifted defensively, the tension in the air unnervingly tangible. Rin's hands shot up in mock surrender, "Easy Lancer, we've already called it quits for today, haven't we? Or is Haley unable to control her servant?"

Shifting uneasily from embarrassment, Haley's head lowered in disquiet. It was the first time she was unsure Diarmuid would listen, given how apprehensive he'd been since coming across them. "Come on, Diar—Lancer, let's just go. Please." She hated how small she sounded, thankful that Lancer obliged, steadily following behind her as they cautiously passed Rin and Saber.

The two remained in the woods, Haley catching Rin chuckle before they were shadows behind them, her and Lancer following the road to the town in a heavy silence. It was welcome. She needed to think and was grateful Diarmuid returned to Spirit form to avoid any hassle by pedestrians.

There were so many questions she needed to ask the Heroic Spirit. It was hard to pinpoint where to begin. Every way she structured her inquiry sounded accusatory. With how distant her Servant had become again, it made things more complicated than they needed to be. That saddened Haley since he finally started giving her more than Knighly obedience.

Arriving at the hotel, Haley looked at the luxurious building with awe. Forgetting about her troubles, she opened the sliding door gaping at the large lounge decorated with comfortable-looking sofas, a guest's kitchen, and a gym in the corner. At the front desk, she scooped her damaged phone from her pocket, flashed the ticket Briscella texted her, (along with a secondary message she'd reply to when she had more energy), and apathetically traveled to her room.

With a beep and a click, the keycard opened the heavy door, unveiling a basic room with a full-sized bed at the center of it. To both sides were end tables with lamps, a charging station, and a bathroom to the far left.

Taking it all in, Haley dragged herself to the bed, her shaky hands hovering over the bedding. "A bed…" Tears brimmed her eyelids, finally braving to smooth her palms over the silken sheets. "When was the last time I…"

Horrific flashbacks of a frigid dungeon floor, painfully tight shackles and the pungent smells of excrement knocked at her senses. She wanted to vomit at the thought, the haunting pain that infiltrated her deepest thoughts threatening to sever her sanity. Her screams were unheard, her cries for help unanswered as her body was unmercifully torn apart—

"Try it, Master." Diarmuid materialized on his knee, his head lowered and his timbre oddly gentle, snapping her back to the present.

Gulping down the remnants of the images harassing her, Haley blinked away the tears, "R-right…" and climbed onto the bed. It was as luxurious as it appeared, plush and comfortable as she sunk into the mattress, the pillows cradling her head. The back of her hand covered her eyes, surrendering to the tears.

"It's amazing."

"I am glad, Lady Haley."

Haley turned her head to peer at Diarmuid, whose supernaturally handsome face held a tender expression. It was strange, what that look did to the beat of her heart before she buried her face in the pillows.

Despite that warm feeling, there were pressing matters that made her chest ache just the same. "Lancer…I need to ask you something, but I don't know how."

The atmosphere in the room shifted, trepidation distinguishable in the way Lancer answered, "What is it?"

The metaphorical wall she had thought Diarmuid lowered rose again, and she sensed his intention to hide it. This change made the Psychic uncustomarily awkward, but she needed to ask about Saber. So she pushed herself up and slid her legs to dangle over the bed to observe his reaction, "What happened between you and Saber? It…seemed like you knew her, somehow."

Whatever warmth the Irishmen had was whisked away, Lancer failing to hide the distress twitching in his eyebrows and the sullen countenance. Whatever happened between them must have been bad. Maybe she shouldn't have asked.

Lancer hesitated as if battling how he was to answer. Haley almost thought he wouldn't.

"Forgive me, Master. I…have not been so forthcoming with you." Diarmuid lowered his head with remorse, his voice carrying a sorrowful tone that twisted something in her gut. "I have been summoned to this era once before, in the 4th Holy Grail War of Fuyuki where Saber…had been an ally and enemy."

Haley ogled at the Heroic Spirit. Diarmuid had been summoned in a Holy Grail War…specifically speaking, the Fourth War , the one her father rammed into her head—It was insane. The unlikelihood of being summoned twice was one thing, but two of them? Lancer also had come to her without a catalyst or summoning circle. None of this made any sense.

Those shocking details aside, the 4th Grail War had ended in tragedy. The devastation from the corrupted Grail took the lives of many innocent people, and her Servant had somehow partaken in it. She wasn't aware of how far he advanced, but whatever transpired must have been awful to keep this vital information from her.

However, being aware of that didn't absolve the sting to her confidence in Diarmuid. Her Knight, which she asked nothing from but to be forthcoming of anything that could endanger them, ignored that one, pivotal request. That decision left her oblivious and pessimistic about their future working together.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I had not thought it important, nor useful stating it, as the chances of coming across another Servant from that war was significantly low…"

"But Diarmuid, when we were discussing our plans, you agreed to share anything that could have been helpful. I wasn't aware of the history between you and Saber and...that could have ended badly."

"I…I am sorry." Diarmuid's shoulders began to shake, "It was not my intent to endanger or keep things from you, Master. I swear it on my honor. I had merely…" With downcast eyes, he said softly enough that Haley had to lean in to hear, "Wanted not to ruin your perception or faith in me."

It was something about Lancer's delivery: his voice raw and void of the heroic disposition he'd proudly wore. Instead, it faded to pure misery and compelled Haley to sit up with concern for Lancer. "Why would I lose my faith in you?"

He paused as if gathering his thoughts. "I had failed at my duty as a Knight and Servant to protect both my Master and his betrothed. Due to my incompetence, his wife had been captured, her arm severed and his ability as a Mage gone. We… had lost. Despicably so. Saber and her previous Master had devised a plan that distracted me from my Master…putting him in a position where he commanded my suicide."

Haley Nearly fell off the bed from his recollection of events. An outcome such as that, when her Servant's only wish was to serve loyally and have that loyalty returned…

…It all made sense. Diarmuid's detachment, the repression in his intentions, and the emotions she sensed that she didn't pry to learn about. He'd been so reserved and distant; she thought it was because of his lovespot and the way he died. Maybe it still played a part but after what he'd been through—

"That's so…horrific…" She barely managed the sentence.

"Are you angry that I had not told you, Master?" Lancer spoke in a way that sounded broken, his natural beauty struck down by the pain associated with his failures.

His regret was heartbreaking, and Haley was not the type of person to see his suffering and be angry for why, even if he should have disclosed it sooner. At this moment, he was being honest despite what could come of it, and she needed to convey how she felt—but in a way he could see it from her perspective and trust that he could continue to be open with her. Their collaboration hinged on them coming together in understanding.

So Haley bent down onto her knees to be at eye level with her Heroic Spirit. She would rectify this and build a stronger bond with her Servant. If that hope was too far-fetched, she'd deal with it. In front of her was a person who'd been through hell and had to live with being haunted by it. If anyone understood how that felt, it was her and she was determined Diarmuid had someone he could confide in about it. The Holy Grail War be damned.

—

Diarmuid readily accepted to be met with scorn and malice for his treachery, waiting for her reply.

"I'm not angry, but…maybe I am a little hurt. Even though I could sense that you were keeping things from me, I didn't push because I know some things are difficult for us to talk about. That said, I've been trying hard to show you that I respect and care about what you think. And it hurts that you're not confident in talking to me about something so important."

Overcome with sorrow over her truth, Lancer hung his head. He could not take back concealing his past, or distressing her, but maybe she'd offer him a chance to rectify it. "It is not that…If I could explain…"

Haley edged forward, placing her hand on his thigh, "You can talk to me, Diarmuid. I promise."

However grateful he was to his Master for letting him speak, Lancer Struggled under the weight of the despaired memory, and closed his eyes in shame. "When you and Briscella had spoken, she implied you held me in high esteem, however, I am unworthy of it. I am not proud of how I handled my end. My face…akin to a demon—I vowed to never forgive them, as I screamed curses at the Grail, my hope that the wish it granted would end in disaster…I forgot everything but hatred and disappeared with the feelings of vengeance that tore at my heart. I had only wanted to shield you from my disgrace."

Diarmuid raised his head, expecting his Master's expression to be twisted with disgust by his loss of dignity. Instead, he found compassion and sympathy reflected in those bright, crystal orbs. "I'm not going to think less of you because of your mistakes, or however you acted after being forced to…"

His Master nibbled her lip, seemingly unable to finish her sentence, and shook her head. She covered the command seals on her left hand as if their presence represented his story and disgusted her beyond all else. "I can't even say it. Just know, I would never do that to you. No matter what happens to me, I'll never betray you like that."

Recalling the 4th Holy Grail War, Diarmuid heeded Kayneth's rage with agony and upset. After saying the words out loud, the catastrophe that followed his blunder could only be blamed upon himself.

A part of him was relieved his shortcomings of the past had been revealed, despite the fear disaster would follow. Yet his Master's disposition never faltered. Instead of condemning him for keeping secrets: she opened her heart to them instead. As a Master, Haley didn't need to console him, nor proclaim fealty. But she admitted his withdrawal hurt her, and that deeply addled him in a way he hadn't expected.

"Saying that Lancer I…I'm scared. Despite the training I endured, I never wanted to fight, or be a Master. But I am, and I am really hoping we can trust each other about these things. I don't want to get hurt or die. But if we can't, we're done for."

"Lady Haley, truly, I am sorry." Diarmuid splayed his hands over his heart, a pose of pure dedication. "I do not wish for you to doubt, or be frightened like before. I will abide by my duty to uphold my oath to keep you protected, and I promise you I shall do that with my life."

Haley's smile was delicate, her visage elegant as she spoke directly. "That's not what I want. I know your time here is temporary…but I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me. I want us to work together as a team. I have your back, just like you have mine."

Lancer smiled, despite being riddled with disbelief. It was not by the power of his mole, or as his superior she spoke, but as a partner. A companion in this lifetime where their enemies baited them to fight, and a person willing to respect his desires.

"Can you…forgive me? For not being honest with you?"

The Lady reached over and squeezed his hand. "I already have."

Warmth spread across his cheeks, but Diarmuid didn't feel the need to turn away. This surprising comfort contrasted everything he'd come used to, but he welcomed it. It was pleasant, this feeling like a field of flowers gently bobbing in the wind.

"Thank you, I shall take your trust with great pride, Master."

oooooooo

Yaay, angst angst and more angst lol So many emotions, and a surprise Master! I wasn't originally planning on having Rin, but after thinking about it, she fit the role I needed for Saber's Master so much better than an OC, annnnd there is perfect reason for involvement. Haley's bounty, and some other plot points coming up very soon! I am so excited to get there, as the story should pick up the pace after chapter 7.

Anyway, I went back and forth reading Diarmuid's end in the Light Novel, over and over to make sure his grief fell into character. And Haley, well, she's trying so hard, and cares so much. She's got so much shit going on, but wants Lancer to be comfortable. I love her.

Anyhow, I hope my writing isn't...terrible, and yall like the chapter! See you next time!