Some fair exchanges, and backstory of the world coming through! The story will spice up in a couple of chapters. But anyway, hope you enjoy the lore and wanna stick around for the next chapter!

ooooo

Sam took in a small breath of the blood tainted air. It wreaked of the demon that she just killed. Cu Chulainn was standing behind her, probably wondering, maybe already knowing what just happened. She glanced at him, and his handsome face is blank, unreadable. His long, blue hair, swaying in the summer breeze.

She turned to face him, and pivoted her sword in front of her. Its silver gleam, reflected off lowering moon. She played with the strings that flowed from the golden handle. Burying the tip in the dirt, its wide blade making a crunch, she began to explain exactly what he was getting himself into.

"Lancer, this is my Sword, Miroku," She tilted the blade, "The sword is from one of the Spiritual Warriors oldest legends. Would you like to hear the tale? It should help you understand my world just a bit."

Lancer folded his arms behind is head, "If it will get me up to speed, do tell. I am curious about the powers you have, along whatever the hell a, Spiritual Warrior is."

Sam shifted her weight from one foot to the other, and a strand of hair clung to her high cheekbones, "Spiritual Warriors are humans gifted with high spiritual energy and super natural gifts that center around their soul," she nodded to her blade, "Talented warriors make deals with Spirits and the like, becoming stronger with their cooperation. I, have contract with a Titan, who is my sword."

Was that the overwhelming presence that flared around her when she summoned the sword form the clouds in the sky? Lancer's gazed dropped to the weapon nestled in dirt. He himself had a demonic spear but it was not an actual creature transformed into a weapon, if he understood her correctly. "So the sword is a God of some sort?"

She nodded, and more of her long hair collapsed over her shoulder as the bow undone itself and disappeared, "Would you like to hear the History? It should give you enough of what you're missing."

Lancer clicked his tongue, "Let's hear it."

In the world of old, lower Gods of the elements, known as "titans" ruled spirits and humans in 6 different kingdoms. Humans served them, battled for them, and loved them. In an attempt to rule all others, the Titan of Fire, Fenrierd, waged war against the four other kingdoms, promising the titan of water, a sub land should he aid him.

The Titan Gods fought, each with their own objectives. Some worked with each other, while others betrayed the other. The battles between the titans was aging on, so to decipher a winner faster, they opened gates to other worlds evil and spiritual to aid them. However, the humans and lesser spirits were suffering from their foolish fight.

Of them all, the Titan of Ice, Miroku refused to fight. He had no interest in power or glory, he only wanted to protect those he cared for. As clever and amiable as he was, he failed in concluding their senseless war. He encountered loss on a grand scale, God, spirit and Human alike. After his his best friend, the Titan of lightning fell to the Titan of Fire, he has lost all mental control. In his fit, he destroyed everything around him in a terrifying blizzard, including the final, remaining titan of Fire.

The aftermath of their war left a great deal of destruction and confusion. Demons were now running a muck in the world, along with other supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, and dragons. With humans and spirits being the only one of God's creatures left, He gifted them with magical circuits and spiritual power. This way, humans had a means to take control of their fate, instead of being the aftermath of the creatures they were succumbed to.

Miroku seeing the kingdoms, laced in ash, pools of blood and lost lives, and begged the God above them all, to forgive them for their unjustifiable deeds.

However, that God was appalled by their behavior and punished their scattered souls instead. The souls of the Titans would be forged into weapons, and they were to serve the terrorized world they left behind. Gifting their abilities to a human of choice for centuries to come, they would be the sole protectors of order among the 7 continents that were once, kingdoms of the Titans.

"I see... so you were chosen by the Gods to wield a sword that holds the power of that God. How interesting," Lancer strides over to Sam and pulls her thick hair through his fingers and lets the strands fall through. "I seem to have a warrior as my master this time around if she is talented enough to be blessed with such a divine source of weaponry."

His attention flickered to the weapon with curiosity. His hand lifted to examine the gift of legend she possessed,

"Do not touch it." Sam waved her hand, and the sword immediately disappeared.

"Hmm? Why not?" He asked, gripping the hemline of his suit.

"God weapons reject anyone that is not their owner. Depending on your intentions; it'll either blow you to bits, or create a gigantic sink hole and disappear. Best not destroy my yard, yes?"

Lancer threw his hands up, "You know my legends, I am a demi God. Is that not enough for your sword?"

Sam tossed a grin in his direction, and it was accompanied by a laugh, "That's adorable. But no. As I said, he knows only my touch. I can't even ask him to let someone touch him."

Another question tickled his mind. She said there were, six titans of the elements, "So, there are other weapons just like it. What're the chances they are part of the Grail War?"

"Yes, but they have duties just like myself to protect their continent.. So the chances of another Master being a God wielder is very slim."

"But it is out of the question?" he pressed, thinking about the strength in his adversaries should they also be accompanied by the same power and being excited by it.

"No, and I have not ruled out the possibility, so..." Sam glanced up to his towering figure. If it were anyone else in her stature, he'd probably be intimidating. She barely lined up with his shoulders. "It kinda makes our pairing pretty spectacular, no?"

A break of sunlight lit the shine in Lancer's ruby eyes, "Indeed it does. I'm truly interested to what else will unravel before me. You seem to be the powerful Master," A high pitch voiced broke his conversation with the little lady,

"Absolutely right!" A little girl emerged from the trees that lined the side of the tall house. Her frilly red dress bounced with each skip she took. He side eyed Sam, wondering if this was friend or foe. She seemed anything but the wee little girl. "Sam, it looks like you succeeded in summoning your Lancer! Congrats, congrats! Hehe, hehe, he is as handsome as you've mentioned, hmmhmm!"

Sam felt heat rise in her cheeks. Her little friend makes her appearance and blabbered her thoughts on what was once a fictional character. That may not be true, anymore, but she didn't want Lancer getting any ideas. "Really, Arulia?"

The little girl hung her head, her golden pigtails bobbing as she did, and apologized.

Lancer leaned on his knees to be at Arulias level and his eyes slanted mischievously, "So, she thinks I'm handsome, you say?" He cast his gaze to Sam, accompanied with a taunting grin.

Sam raised an eyebrow and her lip lowered at the corner. Not following in her Lancer's attempt at teasing her, she went straight to introducing her friend. She was generally outspoken, so she made sure he knew he could ignore her insignificant comments.

"She's just mad because I outed her," Arulia stated frankly, accompanied by a giggle when Sam smacked the back of her head. "Soo, did my barrier work, Sammy?"

It did. The barrier she had put in place triggered her senses much sooner to the demonic presence. It meant that her home would be that much safer from any outward interference.

Standing tall, Lancer looked between the two women, "Wait, you created the barrier I sense around this place? How does such a little girl do such a thing?"

Arulia was anything but a little girl. She was actually a demon powerful enough to shift from her true form into a humanoid one to blend better into society. She also had gifts that she could only use while in that stature.

Disbelief itched in his understanding. Didn't Sam mention her job was to fight demons?

Sam laughed at the shock that splayed across his features. Despite where they come from; Demons don't always end up having the same ideals as others. Its a tossup, for lack of better terms. "Good" demons were the evil spirits that changed their minds, altered the paths of their destiny, so to speak.

So things weren't as black and white as Lancer was expecting. Strange the only recollection he had of the world was what was given to him by his past experiences in Fuyuki. Thankfully that was enough to keep from being entirely hopeless, but the nagging suspicion suggested there was reason behind his lapse of knowledge.

Passing the time with the rising sun, Sam's suggestion to tour the parameter was a nice break from the abundant confusion that was his summoning. Her friend left from Sam's instruction and her absence replaced the waft of earthy pine with a sweet and smoky aroma.

The journey around the lot was fairly simple. She had a courtyard before her front door, and it stretched like a sea of green to the forest that circled her home until they expanded into hill. There was a single road at the end of the woodlands, the bled into a neighboring town, and eventually, the city of New York.

After their short lap, a single leap brought them to the rooftop. From there, the visuals of the surrounding area became easily apparent so he can survey for enemies. She subtly dropped it was wonderful for star gazing and enjoying the sunsets with a wink. The bounded field was also layed across the four corners of the roofing, and mingled its way to the bottom of the home.

Settling with her legs crossed on the ledge, Sam gifted him more knowledge on the current era. Magi were not uncommon - nor were they hidden attributes in society. It was fairly common to find a Spirit Arts user, or a Magus taking control of supernatural situations that threatened the mundanes. Their abilities ranged from simple magic, to elemental control (like herself) and even contracting with spirits to do their work.

There was a Government responsible for these individuals which was the Spirit Council. They were the highest authority in the world, but mainly focused their attention on the Spiritual Warriors, the Knights - or police - of the Supernatural World. There other branches in this regime, such as navy seals, military, and standard police officer for normal mortals.

She went on that straight Magi and Spiritual Warriors didn't always cooperate or adhere to the same ideals. It created a plethora of issues that Sam insisted she stood on neutral ground with. While she was not particularly fond of the ways of the Magus, (due to them being way to cold towards living beings and disrespecting the Spirits she worked too well with) she indeed was one as well given she had plentiful magical abilities.

She also added that given the world's acceptance of the supernatural - he was free to journey as he liked. Of course, remaining in secret would be preferred to avoid giving his location away to their enemies. However, if he wanted to interact or enjoy the luxuries of the world, he was encouraged to.

Their fights on the other hand, would hopefully be geared away from the city. Even if the people would assume their battles would just be another work of Spiritual Warriors or Magi, it was best to not include innocent people in their skirmishes. She made sure he knew to not target people if they were to witness their fights. The whole, "dead men tell no tales" does not apply to their specific Grail war.

After listening to more crucial information, Lancer decided to do his own private explorations of the territory that expanded further than her little legs would carry her. Knowing the Terrain was impertinent to whatever their battle strategy would be, given they had the time. According to her little Council, there were still three more Servants yet to be summoned.

After a few hours scoping the terrain, Lancer remained in spirit form, invisible to the eye, enjoying the view of what the human's considered, "Upstate New York," where his Master lived. It was far from the city that he wanted to observe next, and guessed she enjoyed the peace. A strange thing considering what lived in this world.

Lancer? Are you somewhere near? His Master's mental call echoed in the air. She was perfectly in view from his vantage point, awaiting his response with her hands on those curvy hips.

He shimmered into view, accompanied by blue speckles that evaporated once he fully came into his physical form. He shot a boisterous wave to the lady below, "Hey there, up here."

Her gaze drifted upward to the curt wave of the Servant hanging off the roof's edge. She took a step back, and lunged to meet him at his side, "Hey, so I wanted to give you something before we scope out the city."

"Hmmm?" Lancer's lip pursed.

Sam dug her hand into her mini skirt's pocket and pulled a silver necklace from its depths. She dangled the tiny, glimmering beeds and baby blue crescent moon at the end over her open palm.

Lancer inspected the necklace hovering in front of it. Was there a particular reason why she was gifting him with a trinket such as this? Before he could ask, she nabbed his hand and planted it between his fingers. It warmed slightly from his touch, and glowed the softest blue before dimming just as quickly as it lit up. "What...?"

"It's for protection. That necklace is the pair to mine," Sam pulled the chain from underneath her sweater and let it drop at the center of her sternum. "You have the moon, while I have the star. The necklaces are blessed with spiritual energy. They ward off demons, and can deconstruct demonic energy around you when need be. They've saved my tush a couple of times, so I figured you should have it. I don't need both, so..."

Sam stroked her cheek with the tip of her finger. It was a bit awkward gifting him with something so soon, and his raised eyebrows had her rethinking the proposition. The necklace was merely a safety precaution, that he should definitely take. Even the most powerful spirits - which he definitely was - can easily fall to the waves of demonic energy.

For just a second, he second guessed if he wanted the thing. It was a sweet gesture, sure, but he doubted he needed any additional protection. Still, there was an energy swirling around the piece that felt like it was persuading him to try it. He let out an exasperated sigh, and unclasped the back and snapped it back together around his neck,

"I don't think I'll need it, but I will humor you." He offered her his best smile, until his attention when to couple of pulses that exited the moon pendant. "Spiritual energy?" He said, pointing to the moon.

"Mhhmm, keep it on you at all times, okay? We'll tour the city in a few, I just gotta report a couple of the things to the Council."

"Sounds good, then."

Sam waved Lancer off before returning to her home through the front door behind them. Man, she certainly had this confidence about her. He shook his head and glanced down at the trinket she gave him. There was a power resonating within it that had him questioning what he knew about spirits. He was about test if it would dematerialize with him, when a voice sliced through his thoughts,

"So, she did give it to you."

With his amplified senses not catching he was accompanied by another presence, he cursed. There was nothing around, and he materialized Gae Bolg before giving the surprise another chance to catch him off guard,

"Show yourself."

"Relax, Servant, it's just me." Arulia appeared from the shadows a couple of meters away with a devilish smirk on her face, "Drop the lance, I am obviously no match for you." her smirk got bigger, unraveling her snaggle tooth, "I'm sure your Master wouldn't be happy if you killed her best friend."

He lost some tension in his shoulders and made Gae Bolg disappear. There was no reason to piss off the lil lady. Although... his eyes narrowed at the thought that her voice was unrecognizable when she spoke. "What is it?"

"Just... wanted to give you a message," the little demon girl peered around him, inspecting if the Master was in earshot. Satisfied she was not, she continued, "I wanted Sam to summon a Saber as her Servant.. The class matches her style of fighting and her character. Buuut, for some reason, she chose you! Not even your lancer class... freckin you.. I don't agree with it but here ya are," Arulia disappeared and within an instant of flashy black smoke, appeared directly in front of him, "You'll serve that girl to your utmost abilities! No, you'll surpass them for her and have her win this stupid war! If anything happens to her, I will find a way to make sure you never disappear and will stay here to be tortured forever."

"Well, I must certainly make sure I don't screw up, then, especially with someone like you ready to have a go at me." Lancer kid slightly, but her stare remained as serious as the tension she built between them.

"Servant,"she practically spit the word. Her distaste for him was almost tangible, "I love that girl. I swear, if you underestimate her or my warning, you'll surely regret it." She evaporated before he could muster a response.

"Phew, what a scary little thing." Lancer shook off the dread she left him idly standing about with. Stupid she doubted he him. Of course he'd fight like hell, it was what his kind was supposed to do.

With not much else to do, aside wait for his next expedition, he followed her lead and disappeared in a flurry of blue spatters.

Hunh, so the necklace did stay put... interesting indeed..