Sorry for the long wait….currently my fics are on temporary hiatus, and will be updated as I go and have a little more time. Enjoy the next chapter, and thank you to everyone for your continued support! You have no idea how much it means to me in these troubling times!
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Diarmuid counted six outrageous beasts. In these current ages, chimeras were casted to the other side, so dumbfounded he was to the wailing creations surrounding them. Mystery aside, quickly he became keenly aware of their agony, those unnatural bellows making his heart wrench. He swore, supernatural as they might be—when Gae Dearg carved the previous malignant monstrosity with ease; the thing felt relief in death.
From where Diarmuid stood, far across the plains of the frayed woodlands, he spotted his Master. Her hair was in a tangled mess, her clothes in tatters, aiding Rin Tohsaka to her feet whilst Saber's sword raised in a twirling whirlwind.
Clutching his spears tightly, Lancer struck the monster that careened towards them, even if his chest and torso were inflamed. As a Servant, he had the natural ability to heal wounds over time but there had yet been enough. Saber—rightfully so—took advantage of how distracted he'd been during their duel, leaving a gaping wound and pain that sullied his movement.
"Master, I am in need of healing as I handle these monstrosities!"
Crashing down came the weight of a mangled construction, it's face of a wrinkled man over the muzzle of a snapping feline, tearing and ripping at him with claws too large for its marred figure. At his back, haunting hiss-like whispers crept into his head, Please, please…
His body froze at the tormented cries infiltrating his mind. They pleaded to be delivered from their suffering, and filled his thoughts with the agony that plagued their souls.
"Lancer!" Haley's pitch rose an octave, though quickly mana pooled around his injuries in a warm light, sealing away the damage as if it never was and snapping him out of his stupor. "Come back to me!"
He obeyed, breaking down into spirit form and returning to her side. Before he could manage words, Tohsaka stepped forward with jewels wedged in between her fingers glowing bright. She tossed them across the field, and they detonated in a dazzling array of colors, stunning the majority of beasts. An emerald green shield manifested, a spare chimera colliding against it with a hard slap and loud blast.
To her side, Saber adjusted her footing, magical energy increasing around her, whilst Haley raised both her hands, palms up. "Lancer, ready your spears if any remain or if more show up!"
Diarmuid blinked, while he handled the monsters after the initial explosion—they managed to devise a plan. He gripped the hilts of his lances, posed to strike if needed.
His Master inhaled and exhaled, her hands violently shaking as she gritted her teeth. Somehow she managed to halt their pursuit, but they battled the psychic energy he presumed his Master utilized to keep them in place, and bunch them together. "Hurry Rin, Saber! I can't hold them!"
Haley's chins dropped to her chest, her cheeks flushed and face slack with sweat. Lancer shifted his attention to the enemy Master and Servant whose magical energy accelerated dramatically. Saber jabbed her Holy sword through the air with that same extraordinary power he'd seen once before.
"Strike, Air!"
The collective energy of Arturia's Master and the sheer force of her wind was beyond all Diarmuid had remembered. Her elegance was highlighted by the pure, unmistakable harmony between Master and Servant. Her storm a powerful tornado, tearing the collective of vulgar atrocities Haley drew together like food in a blender.
"Her marksmanship remains untainted." Diarmuid muttered, slanting his gaze to his Master, panting like a dog with her hands on her knees, his frown curving upward. Yet Lady Haley, she continues to astound me.
That very thought felt strange. This was the first battle in which he as a Servant felt proud of whom he served. Not only had she taken to the fight in earnest, but also put aside trepidation to overcome a greater threat. Regrettably it was with someone who had betrayed the honor between two Knights but alas, her decision was well-regarded.
Haley caught his eye, and he lowered his head in response. With haste she adjusted herself upright and lobbed over to him, resting the palm of her hand on his chest. She spoke anxiously under her breath, "I'm sorry I didn't notice sooner. I rushed to help Tohsaka and…are you still wounded? If I missed anything…"
He removed her searching hand from his sternum and held it delicately in his. The amount of worry for a mere Servant such as himself was humbling as always, "You have done well. I am fine, you have my thanks and need not worry."
Her shoulders sagged in relief, while she glanced in the direction of their enemies who investigated the battle's remains, "Looks like these were all they could manage!" Rin called with a wave.
To Lancer's worry, Haley staggered, "Thank goodness, I—" she began, just as her eyes rolled closed and she collapsed into his arms.
—
Well, this night certainly wasn't going as Rin had anticipated. Her entire plan to exploit Diarmuid's clear unresolved conflict with Saber was shot to hell by the ghastly interruption. Maybe having Saber flaunt her need for battle was in poor taste as it attracted the attention of…others.
It did answer whether or not a Master was involved in the missing Magi, (something vastly similar to what she'd witnessed as a child with the kidnapping of Fuyuki) but really, that was bold of their enemy to say the least.
And Haley—that bizarre girl protected her, even though the explosion clearly targeted Rin to expel her from the battle. One thing she definitely hated was owing anyone a debt, but after Haley fainted from overexertion to defeat the synthetic beasts in one shot without revealing Saber's Noble Phantasm—in her debt she became.
Which is why now Rin held a platter of four cups, and she approached the presently conscious Haley casually—who kicked her feet nervously under her wooden table—with steaming mugs of tea.
She had been comatose long enough to transport her in Lancer's arms to Tohsaka's temporary estate. Her awakening was a shock as she fumbled out of his grip, yapping like a dog about some vow he made never to hold a woman. Now Diarmuid sat next to her, his arms folded over the table top, shooting his Master concerned glances every so often.
Rin set the cup in front of her. "Don't look so scared, I won't bite you during a ceasefire. At least not much." She winked with her notorious, wicked smile.
Haley only stared at the cup and a moment later, brought it to her nose and swirled the brown liquid before taking the smallest of sips. Rin's tone was incredulous, "It's not poisoned."
Haley's hands trembled, "I-I don't mean to offend. I'm sorry, I just…" She turned her face to Diarmuid, her eyes pleading.
Lancer set a reassuring palm on her shoulder and weighed her a heavy look, before he leveled his stare on her, "I believe it just a safety precaution. One cannot be too certain during war, though we thank you for your hospitality."
Rin angled her head to the side, "I see." Her answer was curt, as she brought her cup to her lips.
At the awkward silence, Rin analyzed Haley's expression, seemingly disparate as she swirled the tea in her cup. "It's…a habit for me to test all drinks and food before consuming it. My father…would poison my food and water."
"What?!"
Haley fidgeted in her chair. "He would make me ingest various toxic potions so I could detect or be resilient to them in the future, and punish me for not catching it. I really didn't mean to disrespect you…I'm sorry." she bowed her head, ashamed.
Sighing, the Magus looked to Arturia—now dressed in her favorite black suit gifted to her ten years ago—as she pulled a chair next to her and propped her cheek onto her fist, elbow keeping her upright. Really, Rin didn't know what to make of the girl's demeanor. As far she could tell, she was nothing like the bounty reported.
Her disposition showed no trace of malice or manipulation, nor did she seem so dangerous that rendering her unconscious before she could speak was necessary. Was that instruction to keep Haley silent not for protection, but instead to keep Adranga's teachings secret? Magi had lied for lesser reasons, but who was she to question how a household passed down their family crest? It certainly wasn't her business, and didn't excuse the threat the Magus Association wanted execution or return anyway.
"It's fine," Rin waved her hand dismissively. "So, let's talk this alliance we have."
Nearly dropping her glass, Haley swallowed hard. "We have an alliance?"
"It's either that or we fight again and I send you to the Association when I win."
Gaze lowered, Haley sat quietly for a moment, and Rin shook her head. "What, you didn't think it would be that easy to get rid of me, did you?"
"No…but I thought…" Haley raised her head, unable to mask her melancholy. "That maybe you'd…extend your kindness to ignoring the bounty."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because she is innocent," Diarmuid interjected, visibly shaking before Haley could respond. "I know not your true character, Master of Saber, but I know hers. She would not be deserving of any judgment exacted upon her should she return her to the monster she must call father."
"Diarmuid…" Haley whispered, blinking back stunned tears.
Rin was unconvinced. "Innocent huh, you both keep saying that, yet you forget that I'm taking precautions. A mage who can control minds to the extent of what she's done—"
Haley buried her face in her hands, her voice sharply cutting in, "That's not fair. I was protecting myself. If I didn't…if I didn't mind control my father, I would have been…" she choked on the words, shaking her head as if what she was to say was too hard to speak, "...Please. Please believe that I had no choice. That I would never do that to anyone again. I'll be your ally, I'll do whatever you say besides betray my pact with Diarmuid, but please, please let it stop at this grail war."
The way Haley couldn't meet anyone's eyes unsettled something in Rin's gut. The woman looked so small, in a room surrounded by predators ready to take a bite. If no one said anything, if she didn't get an answer Rin was certain the girl would fall apart. Even Diarmuid looked utterly uncomposed.
"Rin, perhaps you shall reconsider," Saber started, finally contributing to the conversation, "We are honor bound at the very least."
Rin sipped her tea thoughtfully, exchanging a considerate glance with Saber before setting the cup down and pointing her index finger at Haley. "I'll think about it. But you'll do everything I say until then, got it? And you won't leave my sight until this war is over."
Haley arched in her seat perceivably about to say something before she looked at Lancer, "Lancer? Is that…okay with you?"
Huh, she needed permission from her Servant to proceed, or was she considerate of his feelings? Interesting. Diarmuid looked uncomfortable with the question, yet attentive to her and Saber's watching eyes.
"The choice is yours, my Lady. I shall follow your lead as one would expect."
The woman cocked her head, as Rin believed a silent conversation transpired between them that only they understood. It was cute, until Haley shot up from her seat and darted to Tohsaka, unsuspectedly throwing her arms around her.
"Thank you! Thank you so much! I can do that! You won't regret it, I promise!"
"W-woah! I-I didn't say I'd let you off the hook, you hear?!" Face redder than a tomato, Rin flailed her arms and shoved her away. "Off, off!"
Haley didn't seem to care, and smeared the tears that slid down her cheeks away with the back of her hand. "Sorry, but still. Just you giving me a chance is enough. Thank you."
How exasperating this ordeal was, and Saber just invoked Rin into a deal she entirely wasn't inclined to uphold. It wouldn't be the first time she went against the Association after dismantling the leylines in the Fuyuki but to do so twice and without the support of Lord El-Melloi? Well, it was something she'd worry about later, as the more pressing matters were what sparked this little alliance in the first place.
With an exasperated sigh, she took in the odd party that was the old Servants of the 4th Holy Grail War and technically, her captive, and began devising yet another plan to her many schemes.
—
This was an opportunity Haley couldn't let slide. Someone as prestigious as Rin Tohsaka might have some say in the dealings of the Clock Tower and Association. If somehow, she could prove to the Magus she was worthy of freedom, maybe she had a chance at a future .
In the end, she would fight hard against her adversaries if it meant preventing the worst. Rin was no exception, despite proving a difficult adversary. But if there was any chance to persuade her, she'd take that opportunity if it was dangled in front of her.
Lancer—notably and understandably hesitant of the proposal—did reluctantly agree so long as they were vigilant for treachery. How her Servant felt on the matter was equally if not more important than the outcome of their precarious arrangement. However, Haley assured Diarmuid telepathically that Tohsaka was notable for retaining some semblance of honor, and she would heed his warning if he suspected otherwise.
"Your lances shall help in this regard, Lancer," Saber said, pointing to the magical diagram laid out on the table as they discussed Rin's other reason for infiltrating the Grail War. "With these beasts being as they are, Gae Dearg's curse is capable of dismantling them without limitations. Do you not agree?"
"Indeed, and subsequently, after perceiving what I had upon their disposal, I think it a must, and shall agree to these terms."
Saber's hardened expression wavered slightly, "What have you perceived?"
"Those…beasts, upon their defeat at my spear I felt…relief, one would say. As if some dark curse or pain was relieved of them in death at my spear. I cannot say I felt such a thing at the dismemberment by your sword."
"I'm not surprised," Rin said, leaning back in her chair, "Aside from making sure this Grail isn't corrupt like Fuyuki's, this Master is more reason we join this Grail War. The fusion of actual Magi, and other living animals creating these things…What this ass of a Mage is doing defies all the laws of magic and we can't let it stand."
Haley nodded, one thing she was grateful for in the realms of magic was that even Magi had rules they adhered to. Even if the outlook for her situation was bleak aiding Tohsaka, if Diarmuid's spears could assist those demented, tormented beings respite in the afterlife if their was one—she would help.
Diarmuid leaned forward, "Excuse me, but you said to ensure the Grail is not corrupt as Fuyuki's? How do you mean?"
Everyone in the room stiffened, Haley slapping herself inwardly for not briefing Lancer of the events that ended his war. Not that she had the time, after recently learning of his involvement in it, anyway.
"Your Master has not told you?" Arturia looked at Haley with suspicion, which she returned with an aggrieved look.
"I only found out recently that the 4th war had any relevance…I'm sad to say we haven't had much time to talk about it."
"Anyway, keeping it short, Lancer, Fuyuki's Grail was inhabited by a Servant that was cursed with all the evils of the world," Rin vanished the map, "Saber destroyed it in your war, and it shed those curses and destroyed an entire city. In our war—"
"Your war? There had been another? Even after the Grail was destroyed?"
Rin's heavy sigh filled the room as she looked at Haley with irritation for having to explain what should have been discussed during his summons. Which she would have, but what purpose did it serve? She had no intention of joining the war; it was thrust upon her by chance, Diarmuid by the grandest odds, too.
Still, she continued where Tohsaka left off, going over every last bit of detail of Fuyuki Holy Grail Wars, with Saber or Rin filling the gaps of her knowledge. As they spoke, she took note of the way Diarmuid grew increasingly despondent.
"But if this is true and the Grail from my war destroyed…should…should I not have been as well?"
Diarmuid's question felt like a bullet to the heart. It was natural he wondered—and Haley did too—but she feared it would only deteriorate his pride further. The 4th war, (given his experience with it) was already a sensitive topic for him to begin with.
"You would think," Rin said thoughtfully, talking softly, as if noticing Lancer's downcast mood, "Typically a copy of the Hero is summoned from the Throne of Heroes, which records the historical figures legend. Once they're defeated and absorbed into the grail, that copy ceases to exist, which is why servants don't have memories of past Grail Wars if they are summoned again."
"But Saber remembers too, so how can that be?" Haley asked, eyeing the King Of Knights.
Rin shrugged, "Saber is an exception for reasons I won't tell you, but Lancer's case is in fact strange."
"I am…just a mere copy? But I've…was it all for naught? All I've…" Diarmuid struggled to speak. Clearly he was deeply affected by this. Was it because his existences both had been suffering, and he felt it for nothing?
Haley couldn't stand to see that inner turmoil come to light, and immediately clasped his hand in hers and gave a supportive squeeze. His mild surprise pinned her place, but she looked him in the eyes with understanding, "Lancer, is it okay if I tell her what you told me about what you remember after your defeat?"
Diarmuid contemplated it and swallowed, looking away, "If you think it'll help, Master."
She gave him another squeeze and let go, before returning her attention back to Rin, "After the 4th war, his spirit was set adrift in this vast emptiness with a silver ring above him out of reach."
Rin's jaw slacked, as she slammed her hands on the table and shouted, "Really?! That's the greater grail!"
"Y-you think…that has something to do with it?"
Rin coughed after her outburst, regaining a semblance of control. Even Saber seemed taken aback. "It would make sense. If Lancer had not been completely absorbed…it's very possible that would mean he is the exact Diarmuid from the 4th war. This is just my theory but…"
Her pause left Haley uneasy, Rin's face pure calculation as if contemplating the value of her statement. Before she could prompt the Magus to continue, she yanked Haley by the arm and dragged her far away from Diarmuid into a corner of the dining room and whispered directly in her ear, "It looks like it to me, but I want to make sure. You trust your servant with everything, right?"
"H-huh…? Of course! Why are we whispering though?"
Rin settled on something and nodded her head, still clamped on Haley's arm as they meandered back then let go. "Okay. So you know there are… two Grails right?"
Haley nodded, rubbing the burn of her arm from Tohsaka's vice grip. "Yeah, the Lesser and Greater Grail. One grants a wish, the other grants you access to the root in a rather distasteful way."
She said it with a curious look to Saber, who seemed un-bothered by the information. Did Rin tell her how Magi reached the root? If she did, respect had to be given. A Magus wouldn't reveal that information to their Servant if they didn't care for them in some way.
Diarmuid's eyes widened a little, though. "Two?"
"Yes, two. It's just as your Master said. The root is what almost every Magus strives for," Rin gave Haley a considering look, "But it requires all Servants to be absorbed into the Grail. I am sure you can imagine what that means for the Servant," at Diarmuid's solemn nod, she pushed her chair in after taking a final swig of tea, "Anyway, if you saw a ring of light, that's exactly what we saw during our war, and what was reported during the fourth when the Grail spilled its contents. If you were there, I can't imagine it impossible to traverse, instead of returning to the Throne. But, still a theory. Don't think too much about it."
She made it sound easy, but it still remained clear how bothered Lancer was, and he was just starting to perk, too. The past seemed to haunt them both, but his was more assaulting than Haley's. And even as they conversed about how involved they were to be, how to best utilize her skills alongside his, Rin and Saber's too, she couldn't help worrying.
In life, the Psychic came to realize that dwelling on the past without utilizing it to better your present and future, only leads to more turmoil, and negatively impacts others around you. It already hindered them once, driving a deep wedge into the trust essential for a Master and Servant pair to survive the war. If Lancer remained in this way, despaired and rattled, what would become of them? Haley wasn't sure.
And while that was terrifying, she only hoped somehow, some way, he could overcome it. Three lives may be two too many, but maybe not. Haley was never really one to believe in fate or destiny; but Diarmuid had been gifted an opportunity not many Heroic Spirits have, and she was determined to help him find some sort of peace before returning to the Throne. And hopefully, without any regrets, too.
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I am sorry for depressing notes. Truly. I know how obnoxious it can be reading for writers to complain and complain. I try very hard not to be that way, but I have difficulties with self esteem and such…and sigh. Anyway.
This chapter took forever because I don't like it. My writing… with life and house issues and some other mental illness issues and just… me not being well, has really hindered it I think. I do love how Rin and Haley interact, and it gets better I think as it goes on. Diarmuid is still in between how he feels about the current era and war, and it just keeps hitting him harder and harder how little he knows about being a servant. And some other stuff..
I hope what I wrote though is accurate to fate canon. I went over tons of fate text and such about how copies of servants work and stuff to make sure it works to solving the mystery of Diarmuid's memory but yeah, lol
I hope y'all enjoyed! The next chapter has one of my favorite Haley and Diarmuid moments so I'm excited at least for that. I hope you all stick with the story and enjoy it! Thank you again for reading!