Chapter 8 - Saber Is Wound!

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The battle between Saber and Lancer was now reaching its climax. Each warrior focused on his opponent, trying to detect the slightest sign of weakness.

Lancer was the first to attack. In a swift charge, he tried to hit Saber with his twin spears. The blonde gracefully dodged, as if dancing to the melody of the fight. She then retaliated with a precise blow from her invisible sword, aiming for her opponent's ribs. He barely avoided it by rolling across the stone floor. 

The two exchanged more blows, producing sparks and metallic clangs that echoed through the night. They fought with mastery and concentration, combining strength and precision with each attack.

"Enough! Lancer! Finish her off. You must use your Noble Phantasm," echoed an arrogant voice imbued with a magus.

Lancer then discarded his yellow spear (Gáe Buidhe). And then, when the spear that was covered in cloth was uncovered, it showed a red and strong color. Lancer did not wait a moment and charged at Saber with the red spear (Gáe Dearg).

Gáe Buidhe is one of the two magical spears used by Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, a legendary hero from Irish mythology. It is known as the Spear of Incurable Wounds, as any wound it causes cannot be healed by natural or magical means, unless the spear is destroyed or its wielder relinquishes possession of it. 

Gáe Dearg appears in the Fate/Zero light novel and its anime adaptation as the Servant "Lancer", wielding his two spears, Gáe Buidhe and Gáe Dearg. While Gáe Buidhe retains its mythic ability to inflict wounds that can never heal, Gáe Dearg instead is depicted as having the ability to pierce magical defenses and negate the effects of mystical skills and weapons.

Quickly striking with his spear, Saber could do nothing but block with her "invisible" Sword. 

Invisible Air is a magical ability that allows the creation of a wind barrier that makes something invisible to the eye. It is used by some characters in the Fate universe, like King Arthur, who possess the sacred sword Excalibur. It is considered a rare and powerful ability, as it allows hiding the identity and power of the Servants, as well as protecting them from magical or physical attacks.

Upon contact, the invisible sword almost lost its invisibility. Saber's eyes widened in surprise. And she almost lost her focus at that moment. It was the moment Lancer took advantage of and made contact. In a flurry of attacks in which Saber was clearly on the defensive. No matter how much Saber tried to stand her ground, she was clearly becoming apprehensive about the revelation of her sword.

Quickly they clashed, Saber with her Instinct skill. She foresaw the future trajectory of Lancer's blow, but at the same time, she still received the wound to her stomach where the armor plate did not protect. 

"Saber!" Irisviel cried out, seeing Saber being cut by Lancer. Irisviel, knowing her ability, decided to try to heal Saber. "I will heal you, Saber!" said Irisviel using her support magic. 

It was when, in a quick movement, Lancer managed to graze Saber's arm. A trickle of blood ran down the silver armor of the warrior. She showed no pain, but her blazing gaze revealed growing irritation. 

On the other side of the city, Shirou nervously tapped his fingers on the table. His mind swirled with images of what might be happening at the port. Fearing the worst, the young man could not settle down. He jumped up on impulse, determined to run to his beloved's side and help her however he could.

**

Back at the fray, Saber and Lancer were barely catching their breath. Their limbs trembled from the exhausting effort and superficial wounds marked their previously unblemished skin. 

**

At the same time, on top of the containers was a figure dressed in a black overcoat, and a high precision rifle. (Walther WA2000). Aiming at the arrogant mage.

"Maiya, Northwest of Saber and Iri. On the warehouse roof. That's Lancer's master. Can you see him?" Said Kiritsugu.

"Negative. Not from my position." Maya said seriously in her mission. 

"Understood. I'll take care of him from here." Said Kiritsugu who would finish off Lord El-Melloi. 

"Assassin?" Said Kiritsugu, knowing that Assassin should have been killed before, he was surprised to see him alive at the site.

**

Apparently Assassin was reporting everything that was happening at the port to his Master and his master to his superior. Making an already complex situation even more so. Kirei Kotomine, Master of Assassin and apprentice of Tokiomi Tohsaka. As well as the more complex situation of the Holy Grail War.

A group gathered in the Church and another in a mansion in the Tohsaka house.

"Apparently, the fight at the port has started," said Kirei Kotomine reporting to Tohsaka. 

"Not the first of them, this would be the second for them. Kirei," said Tohsaka talking about the false death of Assassin. After all, Assassin is Hassan of the Hundred Faces.

"It seems that Saber and Lancer are the fighters," Kirei finished confirming the facts.

"Can you easily tell their classes and abilities with Assassin's eyes?" asked Tohsaka slightly surprised.

"Easily. Saber's abilities are all especially high, most of her parameters are A or higher," said Kirei talking about Saber's status.

"I understand. She is probably considered the strongest class. Saber is likely a greater threat than Lancer," Tohsaka affirmed, assuming their abilities without knowing their noble phantasms.

"Can you see the Masters?" Asked Tohsaka.

"There is only one person other than the servants who is not hidden. Next to Saber... this silver-haired woman," said Kirei Kotomine. 

"So Lancer's master is wise enough to stay hidden. He is no amateur. That person understands the rules of the Holy Grail. Calm down, a silver-haired woman?" Asked Tohsaka already thinking a little about who this person could be. 

"Yes, and pale skin. With silver hair and red eyes," Kirei Kotomine affirmed.

"That does not look human," Tohsaka stated, already thinking of homunculi. 

"An Einzbern homunculus? Are they creating an artificial master? I thought what Jubstacheit had for us was Emiya Kiritsugu? It seems I was mistaken," Kirei reiterated. 

"So that woman is the Einzbern family's master? In any case, she will be a critical factor for the rest of the Holy Grail War. Kirei, keep an eye on her," said Tokiomi Tohsaka.

"Understood. I will keep an Assassin on her account," said Kirei.

**

"I can see them. But Assassin should be dead, why is he here?" said Maya. 

"I knew something was strange. Let's see how this will follow. Keep watching Assassin. I will watch over Lancer," said Kiritsugu.

"Let me attack Assassin and draw his attention. While you take care of Lancer's master," Maya said seriously. 

"No, Maya. We are not equipped to face Servants yet," Kiritsugu told her. 

"Understood."

**

The fight between Saber and Lancer progressed accordingly. Saber had no choice but to discard the armor to face Lancer. And use one of her other noble phantasms. Using Mana Burst to propel herself. Saber throws herself towards Lancer who faces Saber head on.

There is no exchange of blows. As this was a feint that Lancer had created. Pulling his spear capable of dealing a mortal wound and rendering one incapable of recovering. Lancer pulls the spear he had hidden from the ground. 

At the last moment Saber dodged, but unfortunately in her case, this injury cannot be recovered by Irisviel. 

Irisviel apprehensively tried to heal her, but it had no effect. It was at this moment with all the knowledge of the two spears, the ability to charm women. That Saber discovered the name of her rival - Diarmuid Ua Duibhne the Loyal Knight of Fianna.

KABOOMMMM!*

It was at that moment that a figure emerged from the shadows, ghostly floating above the containers: RIDER! His eyes blazed as the flame of conquest echoed in his heart. Saber and Lancer felt the power of the approaching servant, but had no time to react. 

Lightning enveloped the scene, dissipating the tension that permeated the air. When it dissipated, Rider had appeared... mounted on his "stylish" steed.

It was at this moment that Jeanne also approached the site.