Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Saber)

Arrival of Twin Swords

Kiyohime: A killer...you say?

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: Indeed.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: I know little about the workings of the “simulator,” but I do know that a mysterious killer has been appearing there as of late.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: It is fortunate that this began during Master's absence, as they were quite a formidable foe...

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: At any rate, we must remain on the alert. Would you be so kind as to inform Master?

Kiyohime: Y-yes, of course.

Kiyohime: Although, um, why did you choose to approach me about this, Lord Tajima?

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: Now then, if you will excuse me.

Kiyohime: W-w-wait! Just a moment, Lord Tajima!

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: Is there a problem?

Kiyohime: Well, um...

Kiyohime: I just wanted to make sure...

Kiyohime: You say this killer appearing in the simulator is not what they call an “NPC”?

Kiyohime: Do I have that right?

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: That is correct.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: This person possessed the aura of a true swordsman...to an extraordinary degree...

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: It was just yesterday that I encountered them.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: I was taking a walk in the simulator when...

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: ...Who goes there?

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: Show yourself. I can tell you are no mere enn-pee-see.

Mysterious Swordsman: ...

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: So, you are bereft of speech. Or perhaps, you were born without a mouth.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: I am trained in Otomeryu. Ordinarily, it is not meant to be seen by the eyes of commoners...

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: ...but now that the Tokugawa shogunate no longer holds sway, and I am a mere shadow of the true Tajima...

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: ...I see little point in letting such concerns stay my blade.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: So be warned. Draw nearer, and I will cut you down.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: ...!

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: Impressive.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: I must say...

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: ...your swordsmanship is a sight to behold. No human could make use of such a technique.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: You must be some manner of monster.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: Or perhaps...a curse that has gained consciousness.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: ...Regrettably, I was unable to settle our duel before they left.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: It appeared they were dissatisfied with my swordsmanship.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: Yes... I had the distinct impression that one blade is not enough for them.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: It was as though they were searching for an opponent who wields two blades instead.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: I imagine they were taking the form of a dead man's essence, much like we Heroic Spirits.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: But now, they must have lost sight of who they are, and so have turned on those of us who carry blades of our own. What a pity.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami: ...And so they have devolved into some mindless killer wandering the simulator.

Kiyohime: ...So it is basically rogue data that is similar to a Heroic Spirit. Understood!

Kiyohime: I'll go tell Master right now! And I'll let Da Vinci and Mash know, too!

Kiyohime: ...And that's everything Lord Tajima told me!


Fujimaru 1: I see. Thanks, Kiyohime.

Kiyohime: You're welcome, Master!


Fujimaru 2: He could've just told me himself...

Kiyohime: He said it's because he doesn't know much about the simulator...


Mash: So...does this mean there's a bug in the simulator...?

Da Vinci: Our scans haven't picked up anything, but the main point of the simulator is to project Heroic Spirits' Spirit Origins.

Da Vinci: With all that intricate data in the registry, it's entirely possible that a bit could have gotten scrambled somewhere and caused a problem.

Da Vinci: Besides, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's one of the best swordsmen who ever lived, right?

Da Vinci: If he felt like this thing wasn't just a normal NPC, I'm inclined to take him at his word. Something must be wrong.

Da Vinci: Hmm. Welp! Guess we'll just have to run some comprehensive emergency system diagnostics!

Diarmuid: ...Master.

Kiyohime: Oh, hello, Lord Diarmuid. What brings you here?

Diarmuid: If I may, I would ask that you please take me to the simulator.

Diarmuid: I think I might have an idea as to who this miscreant may be.

Mash: Okay, Senpai, Diarmuid. The simulator is up and running with no trouble so far.

Mash: I'll be monitoring the entire system from here in real time, but please let me know if you see anything amiss.

Mash: There aren't currently any NPCs in that area, so there shouldn't be anything unusual happening.


Fujimaru 1: Got it.


Fujimaru 2: Thanks, Mash.


Diarmuid: If my instincts are correct...

Diarmuid: ...we should encounter our target soon, even if this place is meant to be deserted.

Mash: Are you sure, Diarmuid? I've confirmed that your area is cut off from all external access...

Diarmuid: Yes, I'm sure.

Diarmuid: Whoever this is, they won't pass up their chance to find what they're searching for.


Fujimaru 1: ...Can you tell me?


Fujimaru 2: What are they searching for?


Diarmuid: ...Me.

Mash: What do you mean?

Diarmuid: You were wondering why Lord Tajima didn't tell you about this yourself, right, Master?

Diarmuid: I can answer that.

Mash: ...

Diarmuid: It's because our miscreant must be some kind of curse. Or rather, feelings that have degenerated into one.

Diarmuid: I just never thought it would look for me in the simulator, tracking me through the bonds we share.

Diarmuid: ...Lady Kiyohime.

Kiyohime: Yes! I'm here!

Diarmuid: There is the faintest trace of this curse still lingering on your shoulder.

Diarmuid: It is from when you spoke to Lord Tajima, after he encountered it here.

Diarmuid: That is almost certainly why he tried to distance himself from Master. To keep the curse away from [♂ him /♀️ her].

Mash: Really!?

Mash: But, our sensors didn't pick up anything when she entered the Command Room!

Kiyohime: Now that you mention it...I do think my shoulders feel a little heavy...

Kiyohime: I'd better burn that curse away later, just to be safe.

Diarmuid: Impressive.

Diarmuid: Lord Tajima must have come to you because he knew you would have been able to handle it without difficulty.


Fujimaru 1: That...makes a lot of sense.

Kiyohime: ?


Fujimaru 2: Kiyohime and curses do kind of, uh, go together...

Kiyohime: Master?


Diarmuid: That curse...

Diarmuid: No... Those feelings are directed at me.

Diarmuid: I can still detect the scent of Danaan on them. I have no doubt that it is searching for me.

Diarmuid: I considered trying to quietly handle this myself, so as not to trouble the rest of you...

Diarmuid: ...but that is not a decision I can make on my own.

Diarmuid: I am sworn to serve you now, Master, and cannot take up my spear without your permission. That is why...


Fujimaru 1: That's why you came and told me.


Fujimaru 2: Thanks, Diarmuid.


Diarmuid: You are too kind, Master.

Diarmuid: Please be careful. This scent... The curse is drawing near!

Mash: I can't see anything on our monitors...

Mash: No, wait! I'm picking up a hostile headed your way!

Mysterious Swordsman: ...

Kiyohime: Oh my, he just radiates animosity!

Mash: There is no way this is NPC data! These numbers shouldn't even be possible! Senpai!


Fujimaru 1: I'm going to give it a shot.


Fujimaru 2: I'll do my best to be careful!


Diarmuid: Worry not, Master! Virtual space or not, I will make sure no harm comes to you!

Diarmuid: I, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, shall be your opponent!

--BATTLE--

Diarmuid: Damn! I can't finish him off with this Spirit Origin!

Mash: Senpai! Diarmuid!

Kiyohime: Master!

Mash: The hostile shows no signs of disappearing! It's going to be fiendishly difficult to defeat them in battle!

Mash: I think you should–


Fujimaru 1: Hold on.


Fujimaru 2: They're trying to say something...


Mash: !?

Mysterious Swordsman: ...You are not the one.

Mysterious Swordsman: You are not the one.

Mysterious Swordsman: Your spear is not enough.

Mysterious Swordsman: Show me your true power. Show me the power of a knight raised by the sea-god Manannán.

Mysterious Swordsman: Show me the sword of Manannán!

Diarmuid: Master, stand back!

Diarmuid: Hraaaaaahhh...!

Diarmuid: Gáe Buidhe!

Mysterious Swordsman: ...You are not the one.

Diarmuid: (My demonic spear didn't work?)

Diarmuid: (No, that's not it...!)

D:Voice: ...That's right. He wishes to duel with swords alone.

D:Voice: No other weapon will lay him to rest.

Diarmuid: !!!

Mash: I'm picking up a powerful magical energy reading! It doesn't appear to be hostile, but...

Diarmuid: Are they here to fight too? No, wait. This feeling...

Voice From The Shadows: ...I'm sorry for the trouble. He is indeed looking for you, but he is also looking for me.

Diarmuid: You're...

Diarmuid: Now I see...

Mash: Diarmuid!?

Kiyohime: You're lowering your spear...? Isn't that dangerous to do in the face of an enemy?

Diarmuid: It's fine. This shadow is different.

Diarmuid: If anything...I would say he's here to back us up.

Voice From The Shadows: Indeed I am.

Voice From The Shadows: However, I currently lack a corporeal Spirit Origin, and thus would like to make use of yours.

Voice From The Shadows: If that is acceptable to you, Master.

Diarmuid: ...Master, I would ask you to grant his request. We must do this if we are to defeat this opponent.


Fujimaru 1: I trust you, Diarmuid.


Fujimaru 2: (Nod)


Voice From The Shadows: Understood!

Mash: They're resonating with each other...!? It looks like Diarmuid's Spirit Origin is changing!

Diarmuid: ...Servant, Saber. My True Name is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, of the Knights of Fianna...

Diarmuid: ...and my two demonic blades are at your service!

Diarmuid: Now! Curse who has taken form in our simulator!

Diarmuid: No... You are a pure, honest giant–a Giolla Deacair! But I also know you as the Fairy King Ábartach of the Danann!

Diarmuid: Why have you come to Chaldea!?

Mash: Fairy King Ábartach of the Danann!?

Kiyohime: Wh-who's that!?

Mash: He's a king who ruled over one of the fairy kingdoms in Erin!

Mash: In the Fenian Cycle of Celtic legend, he was said to have formed an alliance with the Knights of Fianna...

Mash: ...and in the process of forming that alliance, Diarmuid ended up fighting one of his knights...

Mash: Although some accounts of that legend say that Diarmuid actually fought the Fairy King himself!

Mysterious Swordsman: Yes... Yesss...

Mysterious Swordsman: That is the knight of Fianna I have been searching for. At last, you have shown yourself before me.

Mysterious Swordsman: I saw your swordsmanship in my dreams. I saw your swords shining brightly atop the earth once again.

Mysterious Swordsman: Thus did my consciousness cross time and space to arrive in this digital domain...

Mysterious Swordsman: ...At last, I have found you again, Diarmuid!

Mysterious Swordsman: Not the invincible knight Fionn, with his demonic sword Móralltach and demonic spear Gáe Dearg!

Mysterious Swordsman: Nor the figure of the Lancer with two demonic spears! No, at last, you have become a Saber wielding two demonic swords!

Mysterious Swordsman: A far cry indeed from the Diarmuid I saw at the spring on that fateful day...

Mysterious Swordsman: ...who was the only one able to leap beyond that precipitous cliff!

Mysterious Swordsman: Ahh, I want nothing more than to defeat you and your two swords, Diarmuid!

Diarmuid: ...What a self-centered king you are.

Diarmuid: Nonetheless, I understand how you feel, and I accept your challenge!

Diarmuid: I am Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, First Spear of the Knights of Fianna! But now I stand before you armed with two swords, not spears!

Diarmuid: Now, you shall know defeat!

--BATTLE--

Holmes: Fascinating.

Holmes: So two different versions of the same Heroic Spirit now coexist in one Spirit Origin? Hmm...

Holmes: I suppose it is not totally dissimilar from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde's case, though for you it seems to be a more temporary phenomenon.

Holmes: Especially given how the Saber version seems to have made his way here via the connection he made to Ms. Miyamoto in a parallel world.

Holmes: That particular Spirit Origin has, of course, been registered in our database by now...

Holmes: ...but I'm afraid that your current self can only maintain its manifestation for so long.

Holmes: Therefore–

Da Vinci: You might as well enjoy yourself while you're here. This should be fun!

Da Vinci: So, I'll put a little more in the way of resources into the simulator while you're here.

Da Vinci: After all, we're Chaldea, the Security Organization for the Preservation of Humanity. You won't find this many Servants anywhere else! Ever!

Da Vinci: There ought to be plenty of badass heroes here for you to cross swords with!

Diarmuid: I, um... Are you sure about this? I never belonged to this world, after all.

Diarmuid: Are you certain it will not be a problem to keep me here, even temporarily?


Fujimaru 1: It's fine! Don't worry about it!


Fujimaru 2: What's Lancer Diarmuid think?


Diarmuid: ...Oh. Well...

Kiyohime: Go on. What's he saying?

Diarmuid: ...The Lancer within me says we should accept Master's generosity.

Kiyohime: Then listen to him! Please, enjoy yourself.

Diarmuid: ...

Diarmuid: You are all very kind. Very well then, I shall do my utmost to enjoy what time I have here!


Fujimaru 1: Great! Then let's get started!


Fujimaru 2: Four consecutive battles coming right up!

Mash: Go!


--BATTLE--

Diarmuid: ...I almost feel as though I am dreaming.

Diarmuid: Yet I doubt even the gods or the Fairy King could ever have conceived of something so wondrous as this.

Diarmuid: Truly, I could ask for no better parting gift.

Diarmuid: You have my deepest thanks, Master of Chaldea.

Mash: Senpai... Diarmuid's Spirit Origin is forcefully reverting to its Lancer form!


Fujimaru 1: ...Did you enjoy yourself?

Diarmuid: Of course, Master.


Fujimaru 2: I wish you could've stayed longer.


Diarmuid: It would seem this is it. It won't be much longer now until I disappear.

Diarmuid: But please, do not worry about me. My Lancer Spirit Origin is perfectly capable.

Diarmuid: I am still me, whether I carry sword or spear, and I will continue to wield them for your sake.

Diarmuid: Now then, I–

Diarmuid: ...!

Diarmuid: That golden sword! Are you...the King of Knights?

Altria: Forgive me. It would seem you no longer have time to spare for a duel.

Altria: Perhaps we can remedy that some other day, Sir Diarmuid.

Altria: As I see it, it may be best simply to summon your new Spirit Origin here...

Altria: ...but it is only through fate that we may have another chance to duel.

Altria: And so, while I cannot give you my word, I can at least say this much:

Altria: I hope we will meet again some day, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne of the Knights of Fianna.

Diarmuid: ...Yes. I'd like that very much.

Diarmuid: Should that day ever come, King of Knights...we will have a battle for the ages!