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TWO KNIGHTS, ONE BEACH
“Ah, there you are! Was looking all over for ya, little king.” Designating Saber with yet another random nickname, the toned Lancer leaned his arms against the low-rise wooden beams of the Emiya household’s walls, sliding the dojo doors open without a second thought.
“Lancer.” Enshrouded within the pale moonlight, Saber’s petite figure is illuminated by a pale glow, beads of sweat glimmering around the pitch-black dojo, as she diligently continued her training drills, calloused hands gripped tightly against her wooden sword, as she thrusted it at a speed that was unimaginable for the human eye.
“What ails you to be interrupting me during my training? State your intentions, or I shall have to duel you, by my honour as a knight.”
“Whoa, whoa, King of Knights. I ain’t here to start a fight or anything.” Lackadaisically lifting his equally-as-calloused hands up as a sign of peace, his canine teeth glimmered ominously; smirking. “Though I’m not one to turn down an offer for a good fight, if that’s what you’re in the mood for.”
Despite giving off a casual aura- in the way that he leaned lazily against the doors of the dojo, a terrifying intensity radiated from his figure nonetheless, giving off a strong air of bloodlust.
At this, Saber’s eyes twinkled ever-so-slightly, somewhat enticed by the offer to have him join her for practice. However, as ever-the-taciturn king, she coughed lightly, finally lowering her wooden sword to fully face him, soft blue skirt fluttering with every step.
“Though I would find such an offer to be enjoyable to partake in, Shirou may scold us if we destroy the house again.” Her soft laughter pealed delightfully through the vacant dojo, like the wisps of a ghost.
Their fights were known to be lethal, after all. Ever since that twinkling night, by the basement under a full moon; they had engaged in great duels as former enemies, that were now close partners. Maybe now wouldn’t be an appropriate time to re-enact such a precious rite of passage tonight.
“Aww, that’s a damn shame. Ah, whatever, I do owe the boy for his hospitality tonight, anyway.” Dinner had been akin to a feast for only the greatest of kings, cherishing all the members of the household with an endless array of warm-hearted, home-made treats. ‘Boy’s a good cook,’ He mused.
“It seems I have slightly misjudged you for an instant, for you have a greater eye for delicious food than I thought.” Rigid composure disappearing slightly, Saber cupped her face in her hands, eyes glimmering with joy at the mere thought of his food. ‘Shirou’s rice was so yummy...If only I could grab another plate right now...Or four...’
Stomach loudly grumbling, Saber’s ahoge began to dance; despite her stern outer expression.
‘How cute,’ Lancer’s carmine eyes narrowed with amusement, seeing right through Saber’s demeanor.
It was adorable how tough she was, despite having a very soft side as well.
“Haha! Looks like the little missy’s still hungry, hmm? Can’t help being a glutton, can you?” Winking cheerfully at her, Saber instinctively raised her hands to defend herself, a pink blush dusting her cheeks as she softly gasped.
“E-excuse you, Lancer!! I shan’t hold back if you tease me any further. Test me, and you’ll leave me with no choice but to correct you with my mighty blade.”
“Heh, I wouldn’t be averse to that, Saber. Not at all .” He’s sliced in two by a cutting glare-one that spoke of sovereignty and power- however he loved its intensity; Lancer’s smirk morphing into a shit-eating grin. “You’re really tempting me tonight, suggesting such enticing th ings...”
At that, Saber felt a shiver chill down her spine. Deep down, she was excited- and would’ve been fully up for a passionate face-off between the two of them. But duty reigned first, and now wasn’t the time for her to be cutting loose! Visibly frustrated, Saber sighed. “Now isn’t the time for jesting and banter. As to the topic at hand, what did you wish to broach me with?”
Flashily somersaulting within the air, Lancer landed powerfully before Saber, earrings jangling playfully-his tight clothing in full view. “So, Saber. I was thinking. Wanna go to the beach? It’s been a while since we last went out together.”
‘T-the beach?!!!’ Sparkling lights shimmied and danced within the King of Knights’ mind as she conjured up images of paddling by the seaside, enjoying powerful sporting games, and indulging herself within a hefty meal besides the comforting lull of the sea. Gulping as she wiped a solitary string of saliva from her mouth, Saber’s expression was even firmer than before.
“S-such a powerful offer that is...however...” Lancer’s eyebrows quirked in understanding, as Saber lowered her head, her calloused hands awkwardly feeling her arms-wrangling with the feelings that were scuttling forlornly around her chest. “I have duties to attend to...as a King, I-”
“Hey, even kings need rest sometimes. Warriors like us deserve a little break every now and then.” Mr. ‘I-manage-over-six-jobs-at-once' s advice was very sound; his hands now softly gripping Saber’s ones as a means of comfort. “’Sides, think of the food, the adventure, the fun! Especially the FOOD. It’s like alms for a king, right?”
His light-hearted candor belied red eyes that glimmered with concern and support, wishing to help ease the pain that he could so clearly see ruminating through her features. Fingers tenderly rubbing against her tightened knuckles, his ministrations were soothing.
‘Like alms for a king...alms for a king...Huh.’ Clear blue eyes stared into deep red ones, pooling into one another’s depths.
Finally breaking the longing that had erupted from such a uniquely sentimental moment, Saber sighed again; eyes now blaring with determination, as she passionately gripped Lancer’s hands within her own.
“Let’s do this. I have no objections to such an offer!” Stars were practically leaping from her body, Lancer struggling to hold back a chuckle at her pure-hearted response. “We shall depart to the beach at once . I shall equip myself in advance for such a special day, so I thank you for this offer, Lancer.”
“Hehe, that’s more like it. Looking forward to seeing ya soon.” Hesitantly wrapping her arms around his firm waist, as she tiptoed up to his looming figure- Saber tried to affectionately press her forehead against his own; only to knock her head so powerfully against his figure that he almost toppled to the ground.
“M-my apologies, I was just trying to reach you-” Blushing profusely, Saber tries again; only then to be lifted into the air.
“L-Lancer! You ought to put me down, rulers have no need to be carried!”
“Alright, I’ve got ya. Lemme lean down a little instead.” Carefully placing her down, so that he can lean down; the world around them ebbed into a soothing calm, as the two pressed warm foreheads together; indulging within the faintest of kisses- that yearned for much more.
Situated by the clear midnight blue skies, as Saber saw Lancer off from the comforting hues of Emiya residence, the pair couldn’t help but exchange a further few barbs; enjoying every moment.
“There’ll be way more of that to come, little missy, so you better prepare yourself.”
“Hmph, be careful with what you prod with a stick. I’ll have you know that I can strike back, as well. I ought to leash you.”
“You sure you could leash a beast like me?” Despite his overly flirtatious tone, his gaze became wistful, staring nostalgically towards the star-studded skies. “Those are fighting words...I wouldn’t mind being held down by a woman as beautiful as you, though.”
“I know,” Saber smiled to herself as well, tilting her head to the side as her eyes fluttered closed. “It’s getting late. Time for us to part ways.”
“Yeah.” A moment, holding earnestly onto one another; ripped away as soon as Lancer finally parted, leaving a trail of longing in his wake. “See ya. Don’t miss me too much.”
“I’ll assure you that I’ll be fine.”
Laughing heartily, Lancer’s figure bounded off into the sheen of night; as Saber excitedly watched on-her mind filled with anticipation for the upcoming event.
Their beach trip was going to be an utter riot!
Sun, sea, sand, swimsuits. Sunshine blared energetically overhead as seagulls cawed over the stunning blue skies, the local beach was beautiful. Feet wriggling against clumps of sand, as her ahoge danced with joy; Saber was fully equipped for the day ahead.
Stares and excited whispers reverberated around Saber, yet she was too focused to care.
Water volleyball, water guns, a picnic basket, sunglasses, beach umbrella...ever the mighty king that she is, Saber held these variety of hefty items within her tiny arms as if they were nothing. Peering around the beach for any signs of a blue ponytail, Saber’s excited irises widened at the sight of the lean yet also muscly Lancer, his bare figure sharing tales of years of tough battle, wars and training.
Bold red divinity tattoo arching around his taut muscles like a clingy lover, Lancer attracted many stares as well.
Blushing slightly, as he bounded cheerfully towards her; Saber spared him with a fellow compliment, from one warrior to another. “Impressive...I can sense just how unparalleled a warrior you are from those scars and esteemed shape of yours. You have truly honed your skills to their maximum potential, Hound of Ulster.”
“Hehe, thanks.” Such high praise left him feeling rather bashful, reservedly streaking his hands through locks of rich blue hair.
Eager to turn the tides in his favor, red eyes rake up and down Saber’s petite form. Taking in her frilly two-piece bikini- that was clipped together with cute little lion decorations and surrounded by an adorable lion-design float that hung around her waist, he feasted upon the sight laying before him. “Hmm...”
Aware of his perverted ogling, Saber nervously wrung her hands together, fiercely blushing. After so many decades of dressing herself within ferocious, indomitable armor, wearing such cute clothing could be embarrassing at times.
“S-staring at a fellow knight in such a wanton manner is of a grave offence...besides, wearing the clothes of a maiden is something I’m still adjusting to...”
If only she added a crown, or a cape to her outfit. Or could find a way to maintain her kingly aura; even when vulnerability creeped its way into her mind...being stripped bare by such a perceptive stare was a bit intense for the Saber.
“Huh, it’s cute though. I like it.” Lancer replied instantly, not hesitating for a single moment. Hand poised reflexively upon his chin, as he continued to stare; Lancer’s expression was appreciative.
“I think you look adorable, Saber. I’m lucky to see such a pretty sight.”
“Y-you do?” Saber inwardly cursed herself for the expectant words that tumbled out of her mouth, frustration burning within her chest at how nice his compliment was to hear.
‘Curse these wretched feelings!’ Repressing them didn’t seem to be working well today.
“Hell yeah, I do. However,” His regular teasing tone bleeds back into his demeanor, eyebrows quirked with mischief. “If only I could see what’s hidden beneath all of those frills-”
“H-how dare you!” Like an erupting volcano, Saber’s emotions finally exploded from their deeply entrenched chains; fully exposed. “You’ll pay for mocking me with s-such...such lascivious words!” Arms poised for battle; the once breezeless sky picks upon a Mighty Wind ; Excalibur materializing from Saber’s quick incantation.
Eyes blazing with wrath, her back stiffened; rippling muscles unleashing themselves for combat.
“Prepare yourself, Lancer! Your gaudy neon attire shall be ripped from you thus, as a punishment for debasing my special frilly lion bikini!”
“Hold up, hold up- I was only joking -” Briefly pausing, Lancer seemed to blank out for a moment; only then for a feral grin to replace once-confused stare, body crouched into a fighting stance; as the cursed Gae Bolg’s blood-red form revealed itself within his hands.
“Hey, it’s not like I’m one to refuse fighting you, but if ya wanna see me strip, you only have to ask me, little missy. No need to rip my trunks off with your sword.” However, he’d be lying if he denied that such a threat was much to his liking as well.
Sighing blissfully as aching thrills of adrenaline danced through his body, arousal pulsating through his now dilatating eyes- that expanded to a point that made him immensely aware of all his surroundings, like a hound prized for war.
The heat burning off Saber’s figure multiplied at such a crude response, her once dainty form further hardening into a body filled with ridged muscles; as she clenched onto her weapon for dear life.
“Ready your spear, Lancer.” Her hands were shaking a bit from embarrassment, but she refused to let him win. “Showcase your honour as a knight!”
“Heh, oh shit. This is exactly the kinda thing I like. You’re a woman after my own heart, king.” Lancer seemed to be getting a bit too invested into the mood of things, as the two rivals heatedly eyeballed one another, lines of non-verbal communication radiating from their forms.
By this time, a crowd had gathered around them, people whispering things such as ‘Are they hired actors?’ , ‘This is just like the power rangers and Kamen rider!’ amongst other things, as an aura screaming with vehement bloodlust rippled against the now stormy tides of the sea.
Kids raised their cameras, snapping photos as well; yet Saber and Lancer were within their own little world, focused solely upon topping the other in battle.
With a ferocious roar from both sides, both rushed into battle- a dangerous wind rippling through the sands and knocking visitors to the ground as they sped at one another-
- Only then for a burly Berserker lifeguard to clamp his hands on both of their shoulders at once, stopping the battle within an instant. Basilisk eyes glaring at the heroic spirits as if he’d transform them both to stone, they are left with no choice but to yield.
“Geh, Berserker...of all the damn guys to dampen our fight...” Lancer wasn’t in the mood to clash with Berserker, not when he was on a date. Saber came first today. “Dammit. I was looking forward to it, as well...”
With an expression like a kicked puppy, Saber also looked in the direction of the retreating Berserker (who was splitting watermelons for families), expression drooping, as she looked to the ground. “I suppose we shall have to settle this another way, Lancer.”
It was an unfitting ending for such a lofty knight’s duel. “How humiliating...”
“Hey, it’s okay. We can fight another time. Your honour is intact.” Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, Lancer leaned against Saber, as she settled into his warmth, sighing all the while.
“But my heart will not be able to rest until I mete out justice-oh.”
Both heroic spirits’ eyes suddenly narrowed into the ball float tucked under Saber’s arms, as she dashed the rest of her gear onto the warm, golden sands.
Like a bunch of overexcited children, Lancer whooped and cheered as Saber lifted the ball and her water guns into the air, almost as if she was christening them.
“LET’S SETTLE THIS VIA A WATER FIGHT!”
They certainly were on the same wavelength this time.
The abundant seas spread even further than the scope of the human eyes, sunlight reflecting softly upon the coral-blue waves. Perched above the waves, Saber calmly walked upon the water; as Lancer stared in awe, grinning from ear to ear.
“Whoa...you can really walk on water, huh? That’s awesome.” Though Lancer was packed full of skills of his own, he found it fascinating to see Saber gliding over the waves as if they were nothing. Casually floating backwards upon the cooling seas, Lancer loved the feel of the sunshine tickling his skin.
“This is paradise...”
“It is an innate skill. My enchantments blessed me with the ability to roam above bodies of water, yet my swimming skill is yet young.” Hands clutching onto the lion float hugging her waist, she looked enviously towards Lancer, who was swimming as if it was nothing. “Though I can swim now, I do occasionally feel like a fish out of water.”
Though Shirou had taught Saber the very basics in the swim park, and she had swum many more times since that fated day; she still felt a little nervous at times.
“No worries, that’s a natural part of getting used to things,” Showing off a variety of unrealistic yet awe-inspiring capers within the water, he was certainly trying to get Saber’s attention.
“Hey, Saber. Look to the left.”
“I won’t fall for such obvious-” He splashed water at her regardless, a mixture between amusement and frustration now lighting up Saber’s features. “What a nefarious strategy!” Volleying a massive wave of water right back at him, she dunked the ball into the sea, filling up her water gun with as much of the liquid as possible.
“So those are the rules you wish to play by... Lancer ? I have yet to forgive you as well. Prepare yourself!!” Despite her harsh tone of voice, Saber’s expression was cheerful, laughing as she smashed an entire river of water square into Lancer’s face.
“Fuck! My eyes! Holy shit, Saber. You really don’t hold back, huh?” Now he had cupped a bunch of water into his own hands, dashing it straight against her side, which accidentally sent her toppling into the water. “Ah damn, are you okay?”
Lancer’s concern was greeted with a volleyball thrust right against his chest, thwacking him so hard that he sunk underneath the waves- red eyes sparkling with joy as he thrust it back at a speed fast enough to knock a person’s head off- yet Saber perfectly caught it, floating neatly as her lion float gracefully spun her body into neat circles.
“Oi! What was all that talk about ‘nefarious strategies’ , huh? You’re a sly king!” Despite his words, Lancer was heartily laughing at Saber’s revenge, sending waves of water flying away as he stalked closer towards her perch, flaying his hands as if to drive Saber into a circling tizzy- which sucked her into a massive tidepool of water.
“I’m only repaying you in kind. Victory shall be mine!” Saber was cheering, as she practically tried to sink him beneath the waves of the ocean with a dangerous volley of water shots and smacks in the face with the ball float-the two playing mercilessly within the now-suffering tides of the sea.
Fully shifting into battle mode, the two of them basically smashed their water guns against one another, massive gusts of wind billowing from every attack.
What started off as a mere water fight had elapsed into a trial of combat, their strategical minds rapidly thinking up new ways to plunge one another into the depths of the waves.
The sea wished it didn’t have to deal with servants as powerful as them, yet it was rendered helpless before their overwhelming strength; the two laughing happily as they transformed the sea into a dangerous rollercoaster ride.
“Aha, got ya! Take that, little king!”
“Foolish move, Lancer. I saw through your bluff from the very start.”
“Shit, haha! Nice one, now try this on for size!”
“I absolutely shall! Haah! I’ll overcome you!”
The hours of the day became a blur, as they enjoyed their gameplay (whose rules had become a complete mess).
Drenched from head-to-toe, two entirely sopping wet heroic spirits relaxed against their deckchairs, as the ochre hues of the sunset melted into the sky. Armed with mountain loads of food, both had indulged within a hearty meal- food packaging towering towards the sky.
By this time, guests were starting to filter out, divided between watching the skies and enjoying a last snack or two before returning for the night.
“Sunset’s beautiful today.” Grumpily chewing upon a wooden kebab skewer (he had accidentally dropped his smokes); Lancer seemed at home with the sun, as it radiated off his glorious form. “I had fun.”
“So did I.” Currently munching her way through an entire boxload of meats, Saber was ravenous. “I didn’t expect our competition to last for so long.”
“Hehe, you packed quite the punch for such a little lady; something I’ll remember for a while yet.” As Saber cursed him for his taunt, Lancer chuckled softly, his gaze taking on an unreadable hue. Turning to face Saber from his own relaxed perch, she’s captivated by the emotion brimming within his carmine eyes, that the sun seems to radiate from- an unmistakable halo of energy perched around his head; just as much as he’s breathless from the sight of her cheerfully tucking into her food, rays of sunlight dancing off her blonde locks of hair- her blue eyes even more beautiful than the sea itself.
“It was cute, watching you laugh like that. Thanks for showing me that side of you.” Time slowed to a lull, as his sun-kissed arm reached out to wipe some sauce off the sides of Saber’s lips, his warm gaze contrasting against Saber’s surprised one.
“To be honest I... I could only ever dream of times such as these.” Saber’s voice is forlorn and pained; as her mighty chows of food slow down into a somber nibble. “Both as a king and a servant, my sole duty has been to serve the greater needs of others with my all. To sacrifice myself in the name of duty and carry the burden on my lonesome. I never...had any time to laugh. It’s only since the fourth holy grail that I-”
Throat clasping shut with all the emotions threatening to overwhelm her, Saber curled up into a ball, struggling to express her feelings. “...I can’t quite think of what to say anymore.”
“I see.” Scooting closer- so that he could cuddle Saber within a warm embrace if she so much as gave a sign of needing comfort- Lancer comfortingly wrapped his arm around her side, holding the tiny king close. “If you wanna talk more about it, I’m here.”
To put one’s duty above one’s own life, to witness friends become foes- killing them with your own hands- Lancer knew all too well the calamity that the binding ties behind the concepts of duty and servitude wrought upon a soldier, eventually accepting the immense suffering they brought. In a sense, he could wrap his mind around Saber’s perspective.
“I appreciate the sentiment, Lancer. But it’s fine. In return, let me offer you my aid.” Gingerly handing him a box of her prized chicken wings, a slight blush erupted onto her cheeks. “Here’s some alms for treating your king with such good faith.”
“Heh, thanks! Ooh damn, this is the good stuff!” Lancer’s smile was bright, as he happily took the box. “Now I can finally chew onto something other than this damned piece of fucking wood .”
“It may be a small blessing that you lost those cigarettes today. Now you can indulge on a treat much greater. See, these chicken wings. Armed with a honey glaze, a peppered chicken skin, and cooked so that the meat is tender yet not raw, it’s not quite as good as Shirou’s- yet it is of a decent consistency.”
Saber had gone into a heavy rumble about the pros of her chicken snacks as Lancer chowed them down regardless, the two of them unwinding before the calm, beautiful sounds of the ocean and wind.
“Now, as for this caviar ice-cream, it makes for a rather strange combination. But once the caviar nibs explode within your mouth, little notes of vanilla on top...” The way Saber’s hands eagerly formed gestures, trying to communicate her ideas with Lancer. How her eyes sparkled with joy, face mimicking the feelings she had once she tasted these foods. The way that her ahoge jumped around like a rabbit, as she truly just let herself go; eagerly showing him little pieces of her world.
Lancer could have watched her forever, affectionately taking these little aspects of her to mind.
Night’s billowing curtains enclosed the skies, the beach encased within a ghostly hue. Traipsing side-by-side, both knights carried an equal amount of the items Saber had brought to the beach that day - ‘If we are to be equals, then it is only correct to share the load’ , she had said; despite Lancer’s insistence to serve her in every single way he could possibly think of.
Joyfully bounding across the damp sands, soft trickles of water tickled their feet.
No longer in their swimsuits, Lancer was now donning a flame-emblazoned shirt with his horrendous neon trunks, whilst Saber was in a velvety blouse, and lion-designed denim shorts.
“Heh, what a long walk. I’m not sure I ever want this to end.” Lancer stretched his arms back, breathing in as much of the sea breeze as possible. Nudging Saber’s shoulder with his arm, she playfully knocked him back with her body; which he responded to with blissful laughter.
“How about you, Artoria? Looking forward to tonight’s buffet at the hotel?”
“Indeed, I am. It would be to my pleasure if we could simply just spirit to the hotel, for I am extremely hungry.”
“Oho, now that’s a challenge! Wanna race?” It was incredible how he managed to transform so many activities into some form of competition.
“I would, but before that.” Saber looked up into his eyes, hands entangling with Lancer’s own; as two scarred hands became one. “Cu Chulainn. Look to your right.”
“Huh? My right ? But I’m looking at you right now-”
Before he could finish his sentence, Saber pulled him down into a lusty kiss, hands grappling with his blue locks and lengthy ponytail. Lips locked within a heady embrace; their tongues encircled one another within a stalwart french kiss. Finally pulling apart for air, Lancer’s throat unleashed a hearty growl, voice reverberating against Saber’s chest as he held on even closer than before- her ears drowned within a fierce red- as she powerfully clasped her arms around his waist.
“Well, that was a welcome surprise.” As if the moment never happened, the two were now back to knocking against one another, as some kind of competition as to who could keep this habit up for the longest.
“I agree.” Though she was embarrassedly wringing her hands together, Saber had enjoyed it too. “I feel at ease when I am around you, so it was only natural for me to kiss you. Thanks for today, Cu.”
Now he was the one to blush at that- not only was she calling him by his name instead of his title; but was also directly taking him on! Delighted by that, Lancer’s grin became unstoppable, as he winked. “Hey, Artoria. Didn’t ya say that one of your passive skills meant that you could ride anything? How would that skill manifest if you were to ride me- OOF!”
Smacking a palm right into his solar plexus, Lancer just about caught the blow at the last second, mischievously smirking at Saber’s dangerous comeback.
“Such teasing shall be handled appropriately, Cu. Don’t forget that.”
“Hahaha!! Sounds good with me! Then I’ll be teasing you even more from now on, little lion .”
“You really are a restless hound...” Saber shook her head in agony at his antics; yet looked anything but annoyed. “Now let us race to the banquet ahead. Time to dash!”
“Hey, I’m famous for my ‘Running Lancer’ skill. You don’t know what you’re in for!”
And so, the two set off; blazing a trail beneath a sky of shooting stars.
THE END