Chapter Text
Archer stands within the Simulation of a city, arms crossed and pale gold eyes intent. The wind rustling his hair in every direction. He was only wearing his under armour, bow nowhere to be seen. They weren’t damaged per se, Archer had already rested in Spiritron form to recover after his training session with Saber. He just didn’t need it.
The source of wind was not natural. The target of his gaze was a teenage girl, dancing along the road. With each swing of her glowing sword, she left a golden trail. Azure eyes narrowed, sweat dashed from her brow with a single shake. Blonde hair fluttering in its ponytail.
Archer smiles. Saber Lily, the younger version of King Arthur, has come a long way from only using Caliburn for ridiculously large blasts. Rather than the huge beams of light her older self is infamous for, this is her far more deadly and effective style that Saber Alter favours. If one keeps the sword arcs from spreading far, it is as suitable for city combat as beating Heracles into bloody smears.
Another turn with gale force winds. Lily’s eyes catch his. Her face cramps up. Her next step isn’t steady. She falls. Golden light rips through the building beside them.
Archer rushes forward, skidding to a stop beside Lily. His hand outstretched. Rho Aias appears overhead. Seven pink petals, a seven layered shield. The building smashes into his defense. Concrete and metal crumbling as they hit the shield of legend.
Archer exclaims. The shield expands, enhanced by Mana Burst to double its size. The shattered building pieces bounce away from it. Slowly, the dust clears to reveal grey sky.
Archer lowers his hand and looks to Lily. She’s staring up at him, face bright red and trying to stammer something. It’s a face he’s only seen on Artoria Caster, the fairy version. It’s very adorable… and out of the blue.
Archer makes sure his expression is bland and softens his tone. “Accidents happen. That’s why we practice.” Archer said.
Lily scrambles back. She’s waving a hand, still bright red. “Y-yes! I-! I w-will b-be more c-careful!” Lily said.
Lily is still doing a fabulous impression of Artoria Caster. How very odd. Archer was sure she knew no shame… though that may have been learnt from Merlin. But why get embarrassed now? It’s not the first time he’s had to save her since they’d started combat in more cramped environments. Getting trapped in the cave in from an overpowered Caliburn was way more embarrassing. They’d been squished together! He isn’t even touching her!
Lily springs to her feet. She grabs Caliburn and flails it wildly. Bright red and covered in dust, she’s quite a sight. “I-I-! L-let’s g-go a-again!” Lily said.
Archer stood up and dusted his pants off. “It’s best to take a break when you’re flustered. Take 5.” Archer said.
Lily stares at him, arm still outstretched. Caliburn trembling in her grip.
Archer feels bad. He has no idea how to fix this when he doesn’t know what is wrong. So, he heads for the snacks and tea he’d left nearby and hold it out. “Let’s have a dri-.” Archer said.
The simulator flashes red. An alarm rings out as the speakers click on. “A new micro-Singularity has been detected. Master, come to the bridge.” Sion said.
Archer sighs. Already? He thought he had more time before the tomfoolery of the knights got going.
Archer places a bag of salted egg yolk cookies in Lily’s hand. He guides the other to put Caliburn away and replaces it with the thermos. “We had better get to our places. You never know when we’ll be called.” Archer said.
Lily grasped her tea and snacks tightly. Archer kept his smile up, mourning the now crumbled cookies. “Y-YES! I’LL DO MY BEST!” Lily said.
So, Archer sent Lily running back to her room. He headed in the opposite direction, to the kitchen. Someone needs to make sure Master has supplies for the start of the Singularity. Not all of them have shops. Or rather, too many have excellent facilities, so you normally only need a bento and canned food for emergencies.