Fate/Zero: A Different Path

Chapter 23

In close combat, a Saber is almost unrivaled among the seven Servants

The moderately powerful parameters ensure they have decent defense and offense potential. High stability points to ease of use, which is also the reason why most Magus aims for this class. They are easily the most compatible class to which one can control

In the hand of a Master like Kiritsugi Emiya, Saber Artoria's potential shine to their brightest

The battle continued raging on

Wind exploded forward into violent torrent of Mana that wrapped around Saber's sword. The power of her Magic Core worked to their fullest, upping her speed to surpass supersonic level as she stepped forward

The ground shattered underneath her feet. Another step crushed the surrounding pebbles to sand. 

Archer did nothing but smile at that, seemingly delighted by the power excluded by her authoritive presence

"Master said to be cautious when it comes to you" She said simply "I will finish this as quickly as possible, so as not to disappoint him"

"Don't threaten me with a good time, Saber" The king of Heroes chuckled "You might regret it"

Thousands of spatial ripples spread across the sky. A blanket of golden portals opened in the darkness, facing her with their imminent danger

The swordsman swept toward her target like an unstoppable hurricane 

Golden projectiles shot past her, setting off a part of the forest on fire in the distance. Ignoring them, Saber deflected a single sword aiming for her vital and kicked it back at the smugly smirking Archer, at the same time dashing out of the way from various swords that threatened to impale her

A golden portal opened itself in front of his face and absorbed the armamanet, only to be launched out of another gate toward her a second time, causing the Servant to narrow her eyes in response

She twisted her body and bat it to the side. Saber's Instinct went into work as she backstepped from the rain of swords impaling themselves to the ground before her, blade flashing toward them moments later

The sword exploded from the strength put into her attack much to Archer's surprise, before he stepped back from the range of her lightning fast strike

She sighed in frustration. Memories of the past minute trickled down her mind like droplets in an ocean of doubt

'Hold him off for a while while I deal with this nun, will you?'

...Hold them off? Nun? Does that mean Kiritsugu is...

Saber found her grip on the sword tightening as she blocked the multitude of projectiles, feeling the ground rumbling underneath her

The Servant's mind repeated the message inside her head

Ridiculous. Not only has he ran off to fight another Master on his own, he had inadvertently attract the attention of another Master in the vicinity as well. 

"Charging head first into danger is not how a Master is supposed to operate. I thought an intelligent person like him would be aware of that" Saber snarked

"What are you talking about?"

"You shut up"

A sliver of agitation and worry coursing through her. He could die so easily. Why couldn't he just keep her by his side, like a proper Master would?

Forcing herself to concentrate, Saber tightened her grip on Excalibur and blocked a barrage of projectiles sent her way. 

With a swing they went scattering in all direction from the shockwave, lighting up the garden under them in flashes of golden light