8 Independence Day

Currently, the three of us were seated in the living room, Scathach was drinking coffee, and Katou was drinking tea, while my attention was focused on the object that was currently lying on the table in front of me. After months of searching, I was finally able to find a suitable catalyst, a relic of King Arthur 'gifted' to us by some generous smugglers. It was time to grow our ranks. 

"Let's go." 

Standing up I took the relic and walked to the basement mn with the two following close behind. Once I arrived I summoned the Book of Legends while I once again entered into a trance and began my chant. 

"Heroine unknown, slayer of dragons, Your true name a mystery cloaked. 

Cross the stars, Dimension's Daughter, Your holy quest not yet revoked. 

Though stellar deeds mark your story, No glory sought, no reward claimed. 

Strike with your sword a radiant fury, Let honor be your accolade. 

Heed the call, O Space-Farer, Your exile self-imposed in vain. 

Take your place among legends honored, Emerge from shadows, end this bane! 

By formula's power, I invoke - Shed light on your obscured renown! 

Come forth, Take up your sword for you Master, Saber!" 

The summoning circle flared brightly as the ritual reached its climax. When the light faded, a young woman with flowing blonde hair stood before me. Her eyes went wide in disbelief and she stumbled back clasping her hands over her mouth. 

"No way...I'm really a Saber servant?!" she gasped. "I don't believe it!" 

The shock quickly turned to overwhelming elation as she jumped up and down, barely containing her excitement. 

"Yes! Finally, I've done it! I knew this day would come!" she cheered, brimming with pride. Gripping her sword tightly, she swung it around testing its balance. 

"Oh, I can't wait to cross blades with the other classes and prove the supremacy of the Sabers!" Her blue eyes shone with gratitude as she turned to me. 

"Master, thank you for believing in me and giving me this chance. You won't regret it!" She gave a deep bow. 

Uhh what? I was utterly confused, but I did my best not to let it show on my face. What's going on I was sure I was going to summon Artoria Pendragon the poster child of the Fate series but she's definitely not the Artoria I'm familiar with she looks similar but closer to my age than the mature King. Now that I think about it that chant sounded a little off. 

Standing before me was a petite young woman who seemed to be in her teens with blonde hair in a ponytail and blue eyes. She wore a simple black cap on her head with what I could only describe as an ahoge sticking out of it. Wrapped around her neck was a blue scarf with yellow trim. She was dressed in a blue track jacket and black shorts with black boots. 

Searching my knowledge I soon found my answer. This was Mystery Heroine X an 'unknown' heroine who tasked herself with eliminating Saber-class heroines. It seems her insecurities over being passed over for Saber caused her to develop an unwavering drive to defeat other Sabers to prove herself. 

That explains her excitement at finally becoming a Saber-class Servant since she was originally classed as an Assassin . She seems powerful and her personality could be a nice change of pace. 

Coming out of my thoughts I nodded, amused by her energetic reaction. "Then show me the power of a Saber, Mysterious Heroine X." 

She smiled confidently, strength surging through her. "With pleasure, Master! Now, onwards to victory!" 

She sure is a bundle of energy. "So what should I call you? Saber seems too impersonal and Mysterious Heroine X doesn't really roll off the tongue." 

"Hmm, you raise a good point, Master. Mysterious Heroine X is quite a mouthful," she replied, tapping her finger to her chin in thought. 

"Unfortunately, my true name must remain hidden to preserve my mystique," she continued with a wink. "However, seeing as you were so kind as to summon me as a Saber, I guess you may call me...Artoria." 

She spoke the name as if bestowing a great honor upon me. Hmm, she actually gave me her real name, does she not realize I know her true identity, or is she just that grateful. 

"Alright, Artoria you may call me Eli when we're not out in the field." 

"Very well...Eli. I quite like the sound of that," Artoria said with a smile. 

I nodded back, pleased that we were already on a first-name basis. It seemed my instincts were right about Artoria's enthusiastic nature being a welcome change compared to Scáthach's stoicism and Katou's formality. 

"Alright, let's get you caught up on our current situation." 

… 

Once I was done updating Artoria on our situation the four of us found ourselves in the meeting room. 

"So what's the latest news in Gotham Katou?" I asked once everyone was seated. 

"Well, today the hero known as Batman as well as his sidekick Robin stopped the villain known as Mr. Freeze who was attacking parkgoers." 

"Hmm, interesting..." Checking the date it seemed to be Independence Day. 

"Any other ice-related villain attacks in the US today?" I asked curiously. 

"Yes, actually Icicle Jr. in Star City, Killer Frost in Pearl Harbor, and Captain Cold in Central City." 

"Ohh interesting, let me guess the Justice League fought against a sorcerer who tried to block out the sun, and there was also fire at the Cadmus Labs in Washington DC." 

"That's exactly right, as expected of Ma-Eli" 

"Well I have good news, I finally have a good idea of what universe we are in." 

Having confirmation that we were in the universe of Young Justice was a big relief. It meant I had some meta-knowledge of major events and key players that could help guide our actions. 

"That's great news," Katou said. "It will be invaluable knowing what threats are on the horizon and when they will emerge. We can strategize accordingly." 

Scathach nodded. "Yes, foresight is a powerful asset. How shall we proceed?" 

I leaned back, contemplating our next moves. "For now, we should focus on expanding our forces and resources. There are some powerful catalysts we could acquire that would allow us to summon additional Heroic Spirits." 

Artoria's eyes lit up at the prospect of more allies joining us. "Oh yes! More comrades in arms are always welcome." 

Scáthach gave a small nod of approval as well. "Agreed. More warriors to aid our cause can only increase our chances of victory against the dark forces ahead." 

"Exactly," I said. "Katou, prioritize tracking down catalysts connected to legendary heroes." 

"Understood, I will devote all efforts to this task," replied Katou dutifully. 

"Good. We'll also ramp up our sabotage of criminal organizations, stockpiling resources for the battles to come." I said, the others nodding in approval.