//in a world that repeats itself

[croibhristeoir]

Who: Lancer and Saber.
Where: Roof of the hotel.
When: Sunset on Saturday, 10/21.
Summary: Finishing what was started. Also should I warn for F/Z spoilers?
Rating: T for violence, UST, and...flirting?
Log:

["I have spent the whole day searching the city, and everyone simply hides away in their little holes. You alone have accepted my offer."]

[For her, it had been ten years since that night. He didn't know how clearly she could recall it or what kind of an impact he had on her. That was fine. He hadn't been expecting her to remember every detail after so long.]

[But it hadn't been nearly so long for him. And Lancer remembered everything about their encounter, even after months spent in Prospero. That first confrontation between them had been thrilling, an evenly matched fight against a truly great opponent. He remembered the strength of her blade against his lances, the carefully choreographed technique with which they had both moved...it had been exhilarating.]

["That pure energy surrounding you...You are Saber, I presume?"

"Indeed. And you are Lancer."]

[Had he ever met an opponent that could match him so well before that night? Lancer seriously doubted it. Even among the Fianna, combat skill at her level would have been well respected. Possibly even feared.]

[The faintest tremor of anticipation went through his shoulders as he recalled that first night, and his grip tightened on the lances he held to calm himself. He'd waited this long, a few more minutes would be nothing. In silence, the former heroic spirit of the lance watched the sunset from the hotel's roof.]

[Even when his own Master hated and scorned him, he had been able to find a measure of joy in meeting Saber in combat again. Somewhere in the clash of blades and flying sparks laid Diarmuid's true reason for living, the reason he had lost sight of upon his death as Lancer. The reason he still couldn't fully comprehend, and the resolution to the inner turmoil coming with that lack of comprehension.]

["Glory shines from within the sword of the King of Knights. It is truly great that I have been able to meet you."]

[...No. That was his purpose right there. He would never be loyal to Kayneth or Sola again, never raise his lance in service to anything but what he believed was right. Lancer had sworn an oath of loyalty to Saber and she to him in return. And they were equal, which was more than he had ever been to Fionn or to Kayneth. Especially Kayneth. They trusted each other--understood each other. She knew the honor of knights better than any other, and Lancer knew full well he had no reason to fear betrayal a third time. Not from her.]

["Head knight of the Knights of Fianna, Diarmuid ua Duibhne———attacks!"

"That is well. King of Britain, Arturia Pendragon meets battle——!"]

[No more interruptions. No more of Kayneth, Fionn, or anything else that would trouble him. His mind had to be perfectly clear to face this opponent; anything less would disrespect her.]

[There was a path laid out before him now, one that he could only take as himself. Not as as subservient to any other knight or Master. The only person he would answer to now was himself, a concept beautiful in its simplicity.]

[But first...there was a fight they both needed to see through to its end.]

Comments

[ex_cashcow493]

[ Sleep didn't come easily to Saber the night before. Uncertain if it was due to the place in which she slept (Gilgamesh's bed was large and a bit too kind to her body than she cares to admit) or if it was due to the lingering excitement that came with this. To do battle against Lancer once more and this time without interruption. While they were on par in terms of combat, Saber suspects that it wasn't going to last for the five hours leading up to the Dark Hour. If they were safe (which they should be), the fight will be concise and swift, with enough time to duck inside their respective homes to rest in.

Home. It didn't feel all too great of a word to Saber. When it came down to it, she never truly had a home. Even Camelot, her stronghold within Britain, was hardly a home. It was a place she shared with several strangers that she had to stay away from. Unemotionally bound and distant.. how was she ever to feel at home in a castle that made her feel uncomfortable? Even her own bed chambers, with Gwen, was awkward and uninviting. Even when she was in Fuyuki City with Irisviel or Shirou, people who were closer than others, she still was anxious due to the war that hung over her head. In Prospero though.. it was alright, she thought, when she was in the same room as Lancer. At first she thought it to be the result of the pain killers and the need for a person to cling to another as they struggle to survive. Later on though.. when she was able to walk and run as free as she was before, she chose to stay.

Was that why she was so eager to leave when the hotel staff asked her to? Fear of some normality in her life? It was possible even if it was impossible. The King of Knights simply cannot feel fear so why did she? Yet, the thought lays dormant in her mind. Why else would he choose now to invite her to a duel? Because she abandoned him and he wanted to make her see him again. It was a bold move and she's hardly one to back down from such things.

So before the sun finishes setting, she steps through the door that led onto the roof. A cursory glance to take note of Lancer and anything else, if there was something to notice. Saber herself was dressed in a dark suit, perhaps to help her have an edge in the dark of the night or perhaps it was for nostalgia's sake. Ponytail and all. ]

Lancer.

[croibhristeoir]

Saber.

[He'd wanted to see her again. Lancer could not deny that. Was there jealousy in knowing she was now living with Archer? If there was, Lancer didn't realize it. How would he have known what jealousy felt like, having never truly experienced it before in his life?]

[What she did and who she chose to live with was her business. Even as her equal it was not Lancer's place to dictate such choices for her. But the fact of the matter was that he had ceased feeling truly at home in that room since she had left it. One who had never truly been alone in his lifetime was left seemingly isolated, and that caused a dull ache deep in his heart.]

...We've not yet begun and already I feel I should apologize. I may need a moment or two longer before I can face you with a truly clear mind.

[Lancer refused to disrespect her honor or that of her blade by fighting distracted. When he finally looked over his shoulder at her, however, there was an honest smile on his face. Unguarded, calm, and for the first time possibly truly happy.]

[ex_cashcow493]

Granted.

[ Simple as she often was, Saber moves to climb up on one of the railings on the roof, looping her legs and feet through to ensure she doesn't fall. Sitting there calmly, she looks him over, all while remaining silent.

He wasn't any different, was he? It's strange to go from seeing someone most of the time to barely seeing them at all. So she stares. There's a certain fondness in her gaze, as difficult as it was to make out between her solemn demeanor. ]

Have you been well, Lancer?

[ She's permitted to ask him that much, wasn't she? It was strange to inquire about your opponent's well-being, but she can't help it. ]

[croibhristeoir]

Quite well, actually. [He leaned on the railing with that same smile, looking remarkably pleased. He could wait, if it meant fighting her as she deserved.]

And what about yourself? [His tone was light and casual, despite the fact that they'd be fighting each other momentarily. He had no grudge against her, no reason to be anything but friendly and respectful.]

[ex_cashcow493]

[ Quite well? Did that meant he was faring better now that she wasn't around? Why did she even jump to that conclusion in the first place? If Lancer held any strife towards her, he would confess to such.

So why? ]

I have little to complain about. [ Because the hell if she's letting Archer think he's worth her time. ]

[croibhristeoir]

That's good. Though I would be happier to hear you had nothing to complain of instead of even just a little.

Should anything be troubling you, you know that you're welcome to tell me.

[And he would beat the everloving hell out of Archer if he'd done anything to upset her.]

[ex_cashcow493]

I have a little problem that cannot be ignored easily.

[ Archer. ]

It is insignificant though and hardly worth the discussion we have devoted to it thus far. Since you do not want this to be a battle to the death, shall we assign new terms to it?

[croibhristeoir]

As you wish. What terms would you consider acceptable?

[ex_cashcow493]

Something for sport, yet it needs to be something that we both take seriously.

[croibhristeoir]

Yes, I agree with that. So what should we consider proper conditions for victory? The last of us able to stand?

[ex_cashcow493]

I do not think that will be good enough. [ A light chuckle. ] Neither of us will refuse to stand.

[croibhristeoir]

Ah, true enough. My mistake--so what else is there?

[ex_cashcow493]

Out of bounds?

[croibhristeoir]

...We're on a roof, I think the only real out of bounds would end in death regardless. Besides, would that not be a distraction from the fight itself?

[ex_cashcow493]

True. Allow me a moment to think.

[croibhristeoir]

Of course. Take as much time as necessary.

[ex_cashcow493]

How about restraint, Lancer?

[croibhristeoir]

What are you suggesting, exactly?

[ex_cashcow493]

Whichever one of us restrains the other. It is the safest route, yes?

[croibhristeoir]

Yes, but would that not put me at an unfair advantage?

[saber you don't even come up to his shoulders]

I would not have us on anything but equal ground, Saber.

[ex_cashcow493]

Are you insinuating what I think you are?

[croibhristeoir]

If you believe that I am insinuating that I'm notably taller and would have less difficulty with such a thing, logically speaking?

Yes, I am. Is that incorrect?

[ex_cashcow493]

[ This face. ]

[croibhristeoir]

...If I offended you, I do sincerely apologize.

[ex_cashcow493]

[ Sprinting off towards him, she'll try to tackle him. By leaping up and attempting to grab at his shoulders while wrapping her legs around his waist. ]