sweethymns | ғaтe/alт.dιѕтorтιon

[ As much as he knows not to enjoy fighting for the sake of fighting, the rush of adrenaline and the hum of his own blood in his ears is a welcome change of pace; not because "kill or be killed" is his motto, but because he has genuine appreciation for someone with craft, someone with principle. His sincerity is his downfall, really— Diarmuid of the Shining Face, steadfast and trusting to a fault— and it's perhaps because he approaches these battles with all due seriousness that he contributes to his own demise.

Not today, though. Today, he doesn't intend to have those swords pierce his heart, no matter how much respect he may or may not have for his enemy. His lances flick through the air like bullets, heavy weapons handled as if they're weightless, but he's careful— he has a feeling that the other Servant still has something up his sleeve. ]

[Whether he does or not, it's safe to say that there's something rough about Saber's swordplay. He's strong and fast, but there's something unrefined about his style as if he's learning and adapting to the fight as it goes on. Normally, that would be the death of lesser fighters, but it seems he's got a handle on it so far.

As neither fighter is about to give in, Saber leaps back, sword poised in the air and with an all around genial expression on his face.]

... Diarmuid Ua Duibhne is it? I have to say, it pleases me to know I can have a fight with a dyed in the wool warrior.

[He caught on fast. Clearly, this Saber was someone who was born long after Diarmuid's era.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ai notices there's someone watching from afar in the safety of the temple building. At first she panics, thinking it's a normal passerby. It's a young boy though and he's keeping a firm eye on Saber, his hand gripping the wall tightly as if trying to decide what to do.]

... Is that??

[She murmurs to herself suddenly feeling uneasy. The boy ducks back into the temple to hide himself. Ai falls silent and then pulls her attention back to the two combatants.]

Edited 2015-02-04 00:40 (UTC)

[ Feet skid against the ground, and he rests for a moment with his lances poised on the ground. The fact that the other Servant knows his name now poses a mild inconvenience, but not enough that he feels threatened; a curl of his lips, and Diarmuid cants his head to the side in mind scrutiny. ]

I should be flattered that I have a reputation that precedes me.

[ A twirl of his lance, to point Gae Dearg at his opponent. ]

But this is far more convenient. It may be the rule of this war, but to be a knight without a name is tiring.

[ His gaze flicks towards Ai, just to make sure she's alright. ]

I struggle to think of another well known hero whose skills with his lances are matched by such a face that's been charmed by magic.

[When he sees Lancer glance over at his Master, he directs a wink towards Ai's way and without skipping he beat he jokes.]

Mademoiselle, fret not! I very much prefer you over him.

[HEY, HEY, HEY!! Ai's cheeks flare up and her expression is a mixture of annoyance and... Well. It's a compliment?? She could accept it?? Maybe?? He's teasing Diarmuid and her again!! But he's saying she looks nice sorta?? That's a nice thing she can't say she doesn't like... GODDAMMIT her cheeks puff up and she retorts.]

I-I...!! Just do your job!!!

[Saber laughs and faces Diarmuid, his katana gleaming in the moonlight.]

Your move, Monsieur Knight!

[Well, he's aggravating AND dangerous, what an irritating combination of a Servant! Despite his teasing and jest, he hasn't let his guard down at all and invites Diarmuid to take him on directly.]

Edited 2015-02-04 03:21 (UTC)

[ How is he supposed to take this seriously when his enemy is flirting with his Master!!! It's a good thing he's so dedicated, though, because aside from a raised brow and a sigh— yes, a sigh from Diarmuid himself— he doesn't comment, just takes a moment to look vaguely disapproving. He's not sure if the compliment is supposed to be patronizing or not... he should reasonably be offended if his Master is being spoken down to, but she answered the enemy Servant for herself, so it's not his place to make her arguments for her. ]

...If you're done.

[ He takes a deep breath, easing himself back into concentration (this guy makes it so hard). His eyes close for a precious moment— which may be foolish if his senses weren't so honed— and when they open, he's already moved, spanning yards in a second with one kick to drive his lance forward. ]

[Saber quickly blocks and his blade scrapes against his enemy's lance driving it away from himself. The blow is strong enough that it makes the earth around them scatter into pieces that fly into the air and he pushes forward with several more blows.

Ai's getting nervous, mostly because so far, Saber's been able to level the fighting ground. He's not overcoming Lancer, but he's not letting Lancer overtake him either.]

Lancer, please overtake him...!

Edited 2015-02-05 01:13 (UTC)

[ Lancer is making quick judgment calls, thinking in terms of overall Class ability. He knows that Saber outclasses him in terms of endurance, so he has to act quickly before his enemy wears him out; not something that'll happen easily, but a there is a definite possibility. The disadvantage is that Saber knows who he is now, and is doing a good job of avoiding attacks by Gae Buidhe. It's smart, but inconvenient.

He needs a moment. Just a beat, where he can worm his way in.

So, in an attempt to disorient his opponent, Diarmuid drops Gae Dearg: the clatter of metal against stone reverberates in the air, cuts through the sound of battle. ]

Ah!!

[Ai Thao lets out a sound of surprise, but she doesn't object any further than that. Diarmuid's sudden and unexpected move makes Saber back off a little and he frowns.]

Hmmm? Favoring one over the other now??

[Ai glances over at the temple doors instinctively. There wasn't any sign of the boy yet, but she couldn't be too sure.]

It isn't arrogance, if you suspect me of it.

[ But here's a little smile, entirely too self-assured for comfort. He stands his ground, neither moving forward or moving back, straightening his posture in a way that screams "come and get it".

After he does, though, he looks back towards Ai and lets his gaze fall into something more reverent. ]

—Don't doubt me, Master. By my name, this victory is yours.

[She gives him a firm nod. Whatever he has planned, Ai knows that he'll follow through and readjust accordingly. Saber isn't as settled and he narrows his eyes before making his move.]

Tch.

[He goes at Lancer again, his swordplay becoming more graceful and more dangerous. He wants to keep an eye at the spear on the ground, but he can't keep his eyes off of Diarmuid either. This is gonna be a tough one.

Meanwhile, inside the temple, his young Master is sitting with his back against the wall. His body is trembling and he has his hand clutching the opposite that holds the Command Spells. He knows that the Servant told him to wait for his signal before using a Spell. But he also knows that Saber went into the fight to die.

He thought he accepted this at first. But now that he sees the fight firsthand, he doesn't know what to do anymore. All he can do is wait, wait to see what signal Saber gives him.]

[ Let it be known that Diarmuid isn't above a little play in his fighting. While Saber comes at him, he occasionally toes his red lance with one foot, tapping steel against stone in time to the sound of their blades clashing: almost like a conductor with his baton. He's waiting for the right moment to jerk his foot down on the blunt end, to send the pointed end of the fallen lance up and into his opponent with a swift kick.

Until then, he taunts with Gae Buidhe, getting his enemy on the defensive against the effects of the cursed weapon. He only needs one second to turn the tide, and he feels like he's mounting towards it. ]

[Hah. Saber thinks this could be the consequences of his own mucking about so all he can do now is take what he dished out.

This is fine. He cannot see through Lancer's game right now, but whatever it was, he'd still direct this fight as much as he could. The Heroic Spirit will fight to the end without backing off; of course that's a tall order for someone who's on the defensive right now, what with the Gae Buidhe getting up all in his face.

Just a little more time and then he'll...]

❈❈❈

"First thing's first, Master. Stay hidden. I do not know what Masters are partaking in this War, but I do know that some will not hesitate to take each other out; even if they are young, such as you."

Saber's Master nods and continues to listen.

"What will the first spell be for, Saber?"

"Ah, I've been thinking ahead about that actually. And so, Master, for the first Spell..."

❈❈❈

[Steel clashes against Gae Buidhe, sounding more like cars colliding with each other and the noise echoes across the grounds.

Saber's face is determined, unafraid, and unyielding and he prepares to make the signal.]

"... And make that command once I take the first injury of the battle."

[ There's a moment of contemplation from his enemy, and Diarmuid takes that moment to open up a path for himself: slamming his foot down on the ground, he flips Gae Dearg up and off of its resting position, letting it arc in the air right towards his enemy's flank.

If he's lucky, it'll pierce, but he has a feeling that it's only going to make a light cut. Saber is impressive, especially when it comes to speed and reflexes. ]

[Saber should have seen it coming, but he barely dodges and he gains a large wound from his side (his Instinct is not as well honed as say another one from the class...)

He grimaces, but he stands his ground and backs off. Ai is relieved at first, seeing that Lancer delivered the first blow. But then Saber's eyes light up in determination and he shouts:]

UN!!

[Ai Thao blinks in confusion wondering what he could be shouting for...

The boy hears his Servant's call; he's injured and that shout was his signal. He closes his eyes and concentrates with all his might.]

Saber... I command you to draw your second blade... Then outmatch Lancer's speed and strike back!

[There's no way to miss that surge of prana that comes from the release of the spell. Ai gasps as her fear is realized and Saber grins despite the forceful compulsion he feels and the blood that drips from his side.]

As you wish Master.

[The second the blade is drawn, Saber has already rushed past Lancer. Rather than lightning, it was more akin to the speed of light. The command was as good as executed and Saber takes a beat before turning to see the results of his endeavor.]

[ Lancer may be fast, but there's a limit to how much he can reasonably respond to: the speed of light is unfortunately not, especially at this proximity. He hasn't lowered his guard, even with the slight victory of that earned fist strike, but a Command Spell is a powerful thing.

Instinct tells him that he shouldn't block, that trying will mean death.

So, instead of pulling his lances up to parry the blow, he attempts to jump back away from range, or as best as he can manage under the circumstances— he knows it won't be good enough, knows that that surge of prana isn't something to laugh about, and he isn't surprised when he feels the cold edge of a sword go cleanly through his side.

Ah, that'll sting. ]

Lancer!!

[She sees the result of the hit and it upsets her. Ai Thao makes a start as if to go to him, but stops because Saber is nearby and in her way. It doesn't look like he's letting her pass which agitates her more.]

You...!

[Saber shakes his head.]

A blow for a blow, Mademoiselle. It's only fair that we continue our battle like this until the very end.

[The Servant narrows his eyes.]

That is unless you plan to go back on your word about my Master...

[Ai glares at the enemy. Of course she wouldn't go back on her word and they all knew it. After all, there was never agreement about what the other Master's actions would entail. The utilization of Command Spells was a part of this War after all. Ai Thao grits her teeth and glances at Lancer with a look that says, "Please hold out a little longer..."]

Edited 2015-02-09 03:56 (UTC)

[ For a moment— just a moment— the feeling of steel in his skin seems to surprise him, as if there's something about it that seems eerily familiar. But it passes (what kind of warrior is afraid of getting hit, every now and then?), and grinds the heel of his hand against the open wound, stemming the flow by adding pressure.

Despite it all, he smiles. ]

Just a scratch. Don't trouble yourself, Master.

[ There's a red stain spreading through jade-green fabric, but Lancer shakes his head and gives an encouraging tilt of his head. ]

A Command Spell used, and yet I'm still on my feet. This is a good sign.

[Saber makes a clicking noise with his tongue as he turns to face Diarmuid. He has both of his blades out now, one somewhat shorter than the other. Ai takes note, however, that there isn't anything actually spectacular about the blades themselves. Maybe this guy was just really damn good at adapting to a fight.]

Troublesome, troublesome. This just means I'll have to try much harder to make you bleed a second time.

[In fact... Was he really spending any mana since the fight began? And that's not including the Command Spell.]

Edited 2015-02-11 01:19 (UTC)

[ There's something off. The lack of prana is strange, but there's no sense that Saber isn't trying to win— that would be insulting to both parties involved, and Lancer would catch on to something like that immediately.

There's an irregularity about all of this, but everything up until now has followed the same trend of breaking preordained rules, so Lancer doesn't do his opponent the disservice of treating him lightly. Instead, he smiles again, eyes narrowed but lips twitched up, and speeds forward as if the gash in his side isn't affecting him at all.

(It hurts, but even the hurt seems gentler in comparison with something else, he doesn't know. How strange.) ]

"Try" would be the prevailing sentiment there, Saber!

[Saber positions himself with both of his swords ready for action again. And suddenly there's another wave of prana and it vibrates throughout his very being. Ai murmurs to herself getting a little distressed.]

Already?!

[What was Saber's Master thinking, using another Spell and so quickly?]

❈❈❈

"... For the second command, use it immediately after the first. Make it so that I am strengthened and that I do not return to you until the battle ends. It's the one way I can make the best of it without using your energy, Master."

"Ah, now don't make such a face! I wouldn't want to lead our prospective enemies to you! And I already told you."

He doesn't meet his Master's gaze.

"I'm not coming back."

❈❈❈

[Saber feels his new strength flowing throughout his body. If nothing else, this ought to cause some trouble for Lancer and he even fancies about taking the spear master down with him. It's a fun thought although, Ai Thao would definitely be mad and Saber isn't the type to make a woman cry if he could help it.]

En garde, once again, Lancer!

Edited 2015-02-11 01:40 (UTC)

[ Trouble is the right word. When their weapons lock again, Lancer can tell that the enemy is stronger and faster, which does a good job of throwing off his initial calibrations and adjustments.

It doesn't help that he has to nurse his fresh wound as he's fighting, but that goes for Saber as well; they're both at a disadvantage in that respect.

Narrowly dodging a second blow, both feet braced and dug into the ground for footing, he swings and tries to go for vitals. No use in trying to wear the opponent down, if he's going to win he's going to have to win with one definitive blow. ]

[Newly strengthened he may be and adaptable was this Saber...

But the difference in skill is showing. He manages to evade the worst of Diarmuid's move, but receives another wound. There's more blood. It soaks into his robes, falls down from his side and soaks into the stone and earth.

But he keeps going. He blocks with one katana, swings with the other.

Inside, the Master hears the sounds of combat. The noise and impact imprints itself upon his mind and while he was told to stay hidden, he wants to, no NEEDS to look... And what he sees is beyond what he even imagined. Saying that it was a fight to the death was one thing. Seeing it in action was another...

Amazing. They're both so strong.

Breathtaking. They're both so swift and agile.

He's awestruck. One of them would have to die from this.

... Blood. Bleeding... More bleeding... why does Saber have to bleed, why does he have to bleed?!]

"I won't come back."

[The boy grips the side of the door tightly, he feels as if his nails were digging into the side. Why did he accept the Servant's terms so easily? What was the point of a so-called honorable battle!? He thought he understood. If he understood, it meant that he was an adult because adults could accept the harsh ways of the world.

But this wasn't it.

The boy sees Ai Thao who's standing off to the side, also a spectator in this fight... The other Master.

~~"As for the last spell you should..."~~]

Edited 2015-02-11 05:20 (UTC)

[ There's a futility about this all, a melancholy that runs under the battle that Lancer is catching on to: there's no glory for his Master, even if he should win this fight, no overarching victory they can be sure of, no definitive conclusion. He's caught on to the fact that the initial lack of prana isn't due to an ace up his sleeve, that the absence of Saber's Master isn't a plan or a scheme.

Whatever this is, it's a hollow war. But that doesn't exempt them from their duties, nor their fate.

Lancer pivots and crouches, ducking a flurry of blades before pushing up on his knees and going for what he thinks can be a definitive strike— a glow of red, energy surging from his palm up through his spear. This isn't the victory that he would have wanted, but it's a victory that he'll take, if he can. ]

[Even in spite of his wounds, Saber's senses remain sharp enough to discern the energy coming from Lancer's Noble Phantasm. He uses his longer katana to block and the shorter blade flies towards Diarmuid's side.

It's been an exciting and adrenaline rushing battle. Saber wouldn't have asked for more. And considering the circumstances, he couldn't have in the first place. The Frenchman was in a war that wasn't his, one where he would have to lose and return to whence he came with some indignity that comes from inevitable failure. He doesn't feel bad about the futility in the end and when he goes, it would be because he fought with all he had. The extra strength from the previous Command Spell is helping him to ignore the raw pain from his wounds and he prepares for another cut into his opponent, his own blood gleaming as red as the hue on Lancer's weapon...]

SABER!!!

[Ai Thao looks to the source of the voice and gasps when she sees the young boy. In an instant, she understands, understands why Saber protected his Master vehemently, why he was fighting a hopeless fight. This boy was no magus, and no threat to her except for what was on his right hand. One Spell left. Saber briefly glances over in shock and shoves himself off of his opponent to jump backwards and stand in front of the boy. There was a distance where he was in between Diarmuid and his Master due to the command where he could not fully return to his side until the battle was done.]

Master! The battle has yet to finish...!

[The boy was shaking and his eyes were beginning to fill up with tears.]

I can't... I can't believe I was going to let you...

[He couldn't believe he was sending out a friend to die. And before he would let any of them react...]

SABER!! My final command... ATTACK LANCER'S MASTER!

WHAT!? HNNNNGH!!!

[Saber's eyes widen and he nearly doubles over from the force of the final Command Spell. Against all odds, he doesn't immediately react to the compelling order, but the pain suddenly feels even more real. He's made to stand up straight, looking at Ai Thao who at first looks at him fearfully, but then activates her Mystic Eyes, already prepared to defend herself...]

Ah. C'est la vie.

[He cannot ignore the final command. His back is turned and he cannot see his Master's tears of regret and confusion over what he just made his Servant do.

The next few seconds are an eternity, the scenery blurred, and any noise is muted out. Saber rushes at Ai Thao. Her Eyes distort the ground, explicitly avoiding Lancer. The flying debris barely slows him down. He's in front of her. His blade is drawn. Saber looks into this young woman's eyes, praying that he only hurts her slightly, admiring the inner strength that was gracious to him even though he was her enemy, praying to God Almighty that her knight does not let him die with the shame of putting the blade to her throat...]

ғaтe/alт.dιѕтorтιon

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