Author's Notes:

Crossover with DemonG and his story Magic: the Gathering, Friendship is Magic -I think?- https://www.fimfiction.net/story/306190/magic-the-gathering-friendship-is-magic--i-think

[Midday]

As Sweetie Belle and Saber were about leave the classroom to prepare for the arena, they heard an electronic noise coming from Sweetie Belle’s pocket. Reaching into her pocket Sweetie Belle pulled out her portable terminal as she some words displayed on the screen.

: :The next combatants will be announced on the second floor bulletin board : :

“Who do you think we’re going to fight?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Let’s just hope we get an easy one, and not something that’s impossible to defeat” Saber said as she open the door to the class as they exit the room. “We’ll just have to find out and see who we have to face.” She said as the duo made their way to the bulletin board. As they made to the bulletin board they saw their names on the white sheet of paper, next to it was their opponent’s name.

Master: Shinji Matou
Battlefield: First Chimeric Lunar Sea

“So...you’re my first opponent?” said a young but male voice coming from behind them. Looking behind them, they say young male student with royal blue hair wearing the this school’s uniform walking up to them. Mainly Sweetie Belle.

“I’m fighting against some freak that looks like a mutant horse?”

“Hey! How are calling a mutant horse you jerk!?” Sweetie Belle said, glaring at the human.

“Oh, nice come back freak. I’m surprise you even managed to qualify. But I guess here, all things are possible. Hey, you might even be the most powerful magus here.” Shinji said in a sarcastic tone. “Oh who am I kidding. We’re at different levels even though I’m a human and your a horse. But still, I should congratulate you.”

“Congratulate on what?”

“I guess being a mediocre has its advantages. You get all of these handicaps and whatnot. Keep in mind that this tournament is all about true strength, so don’t get too overconfident.” Shinji said as he extended a hand towards the filly unicorn. “Well, let’s keep things clean, okay? It should be a good fight. After all, you’re a master, too.” Sweetie Belle was hesitant at first about shaking the human’s hand. But after thinking it over she was about to shake it, only for Shinji to move his hand out of the way.

“Hey!”

“When we see each other again, it will be as enemies, freak. Don’t let your emotions hold you back.” With a flick from his hair, Shinji simply laugh as he made his way down the hall. Leave an annoyed unicorn and her servant to watch him walk off.

“....Is it wrong that I’m looking forward to kicking that colts flank?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“You’re not the only one who’s looking forward to facing him at the end of the week.” Saber said as she motion Sweetie Belle to head down stairs. “Come on, let’s get something to eat before we head over to the arena this evening.”

“Yeah, maybe eating something will get my mind off of what happen now.”

[Evening]

“Hey Saber, did we get a prize or something?” Sweetie Belle asked as she found something in her backpack.

“Not that I can think of, why?” Saber replied as she walked over to the young unicorn.

“Because I found this weird looking disc thing.” She said showing the servant a weird palm size disc. It look like it was made out of stone with five gems in it. The top one was white the two below it was green on the left and blue on the right. Below them was red on the left and black on the right. “You think it’s some kind of item for you in battle?”

“No, but I think I might know what it is.” Saber said as she grabbed the disc held it up. “Oy, whoever is owns this token, make yourself useful and appear.” Saber said as she tossed the disc into the air. It flipped twice and all the gems brighten and the token broke apart making a gate way. “And now we wait for whoever it is to come out.”

They didn’t have to wait for long. After a few minutes of waiting someone walked out of the portal. He wore a blue t-shirt and sweatpants and he was holding a cup that said ‘Because magic!’ on it. He had short blue hair and beard with a scar under his left eye. He took a sip from his cup and stopped as he looked around. He blinked and lowered his cup.

“Umm… did I miss something?” He asked.

“.....Who’s the weird looking human?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“That would be a displaced human, kinda like me only different.” Saber answered. “Though I was expecting something….different then this honestly.” Saber said as it caused the human frown.

“I’m sorry that I just woke up from a long night, I should've thought better.” He said. He drank the rest of his drink and threw the cup behind him, which disappeared in a blue flash. He then bowed to the two of them. “Hello there, my name is Jace Beleren, Master summoner, caller of elements, Knight of Mana, etc etc and you are?”

“I’m Saber, and this is my Master, Sweetie Belle.” Saber said as she point to the filly who just waved.

“Nice to meet you Saber, hello Sweetie Belle, hope you’re not bugging your sister too much.” He said.

“Of course not…..maybe.” Sweetie Belle said as her expression darken from seeing a familiar face behind Jace. “Oh great, she’s here.”

“Greetings my favorite combatants!” Ruler said as she appeared behind Jace.

“Who the hell are you?” He asked, turning around to see the woman that was almost similar to Saber.

“I’m Ruler, the overseer of the holy grail wars. You might also know me as John de arc,” She said. Jace tilted his head.

“You mean the french lady, yeah I do I never thought I would meet you but hell I’m from some place that the world where monsters are everywhere,” He told her. He then looked down and frowned. “And I’m in my pj’s, well it’s not the worse situations I been in.”

“I”ve seen worse. But this is the first time I’ve seen someone in your situation.” Ruler said as she giggled a bit.

“Care to explain why you’re here this time?” Saber asked.

“Oh, I’m here just to in form your friend here about a few rules for outsider that get summoned here.”

“Wait there’s rules? Why are there rules?” He asked with a frowned. Ruler looked him with a smile.

“Well this is a tournament/war so there are gonna be rules. Anyway for you displaced humans, here are the rules. You can assist in helping a servant and her master when it comes to fighting their opponent,.” She explained.

“That makes sense but what about other summons?” He asked.

“It depends, if they try to help the ones that summon you like give them a power boost or a way to cheat. Then I will have to kill Sweetie Belle and Saber.” Ruler said as she snapped her fingers, causing Saber and Sweetie Belle to fall to the ground as black spots started to appear on them. “Well not me, but the moon cells will kill them slowly and painfully.” Jace tilted his head a bit.

“So… no summoning creatures like this.” Jace said as he snapped his fingers. At first nothing happened. Then the roots of the ground began to come up and started to form into a begin. After a moment a creature was standing beside Jace.

“That a no-no then?” He asked.

“As long as you don’t attack anyone besides the program enemy in the arena then you can summon anything.” Ruler said as she snapped her fingers, turning Sweetie Belle and Saber back to normal. “Next rule, no hacking the system, that will get you in trouble and killed.”

“Don’t have to worry about that, I can’t hack out of a paper bag if I tried, now what about weapons what’s the rules on them?” He asked.

“Servants are allowed to carry weapons, Masters can use magic spells to help boost or attack their opponent’s servant. But you can make a weapon for the Master, just run it by the shop downstairs.” She answered. Jace nodded.

“So I can’t use spells? Spells like this one?” He asked. The creature turned to Saber and Sweetie and lifted its arm up to strike, only for it to hit a dome over them. The dome lit up and shot a blast out of it, taking the creature's arm off. Slowly the creature returned to the ground. “Or like shooting fireballs and lightning at the enemy or buffing myself?”

“You can use them, but only in the arena. Fighting outside the arena is not allowed. We’re trying to keep this building in tact without having the system fix it everytime something is damaged.” She explained. Jace snorted at that.

“Really, well if things get overboard the building might not survive long, I’m know to destroy buildings.” He said as he put his hands up. He then smiled at Ruler as if he made a joke.

“Which is why the arena is there for. Any battle outside of it will get those killed.” Ruler said as she pointed to Saber and Sweetie Belle. “You wouldn’t want the death of a eleven year old be on you consciousness forever do you?” Jace looked at her and smiled, not fazed by the idea.

“Three thing, one: No fighting outside of the arena got it, two: lady you haven’t seen what I seen and I seen shit and three,” He looked down at himself. “Give me one second.”

With a snapped of his fingers he glowed blue for a second and then there was a flash. Sweetie and Saber covered their eyes at this. When it died down Jace was standing there with a black trench coat, dark blue t-shirt, black jeans and a cane. He also had a gauntlet with five gems in it on his left hand.

“That’s better.” He look back at Ruler with a smile. “Got to look good for a fight.”

“Right…anyway. Last rule, if you kill their opponent in the arena then you all will die. The Holy Grail doesn’t like blood to be spilled before the final week.”She said. Jace frowned at that.

“Really, I guess the tournaments I been to are different to this one,” He paused for a moment. “Although they are in the Plane of Valor and there it’s an honor to be killed in battle.”

“Be that as it may, just follow the rules and you shouldn’t have a problem here. Anyway, that’s all you need to know. Enjoy your stay here until you leave.” Ruler said as she vanish into thin air.

“Well she’s a bundle of fun isn’t she.” He said with a laugh.

“She’s a dick.” Saber said as Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement.

"Indeed."

“Well this is going to be fun, so what now?” Jace asked.

Sweetie Belle was about to reply, only for an electronic chiming sound coming from her terminal. Pulling out her portable terminal, she got a notice on it saying.

: : The primary cipher key has been generated : :

“Looks like we’re going to the arena to get the first key.” Saber said.

“What’s a Primary cipher key?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“One of the two trigger keys that must be retrieved by the end of each week, if you mean to participate in the tournament.” Father Kotomine said as he appeared walking towards them.

“One of the two?”

“The arena itself will be divided into two floors. And one trigger, or cipher key, is generated per floor. So obviously, that results in two per match-up. It’s the job of the Master to go and retrieve these cipher keys.”

“Is there anything else to know about getting these keys? Is there something like a challenge to get it or is it as easy as getting a cup of water.” Jace asked

“You pretty much have to find them in the arena. You will be notified through your portable computer terminal when a trigger generates.”

“Sounds easy to do I guess.” Saber said. “Thanks for the info Kotomine.”

“Remember, Combat between Masters is prohibited in the Arena and on Campus at all times. If for some reason a fight occurs, the system will shut it down within three minutes. As a penalty, the status of any Master caught fighting on campus will be downgraded.” He told them. Jace looked at him oddly but didn’t say anything.

“I have a question and it’s not about the keys or the tournament, where can I get some food I miss breakfast.” Jace asked.

“You can get food, items, or garments at the commissary downstairs on the first floor.” The man said as he walked off down the hall. “My god protect you during the war children.” Jace looked at him as he walked.

“Children, age wise I’m older than him by a long shot,” He said out loud. He turned to Saber and Sweetie Bell with a smile. “So what’s the plan, get this key or breakfast? I think we should get breakfast first.”

“It’s evening, we already had breakfast.” Sweetie Belle said as she lead Jace to the school’s cafeteria.

“By the Maker, I haven’t been in a cafeteria in so long. This brings back memories.” He said.

“Yeah it does doesn’t it?” Saber said as they reached the cafeteria, only for every student to stare at Sweetie Belle.

“Seriously? It’s like they never seen a talking pony before.” Sweetie Bell grumbled a bit.

“It’s like they have no imagination or something.” Jace added.

“You’re seeing a cartoon anthropomorphic pony walk into a cafeteria during a war where if you lose you die. You can’t blame them for acting this way when they have a bunch of other things on their minds.” Saber said as she started walking toward the store in the cafe along with Sweetie Belle and Jace. As they walked over to the commissary counter, Jace looked at the menu to order from as Sweetie and Saber just order something to drink.

“After this, we’re going to the arena to get the trigger key.” Sweetie Belle said as begun to drink her apple juice. Jace came to sit with them as he brought a lot of eggs, pancakes, and bacon with four containers of apple juice.

“This makes me feel so glad I don’t need to eat to survive.” Saber said as she watches Jace puts some of the eggs and bacon into two pieces of pancake and took a big bit out of it.

“Magic, drains the hell out of you, and the night before I had to fight demonic vamps and they don’t mess around.” He told them as he made another sandwich.

“Don’t you eat Saber?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Servants don’t need to eat. It’s more of a pleasure then a need really.” Saber said as she looks at Jace just to see him finish his meal. He smiled as he drank his juice, causing Sweetie Belle to be dumbstruck.

“How?” She asked only for Jace to shrugged.

“Again magic.” He said.

“Let’s just say magic and leave it at that Sweetie Belle. I threw logic and reasoning out the window when Caster turn the moon blue and created a castle out of lava.” Saber said as she pulled herself away from the table. “Come on, let’s head to the arena before night time comes.”

The three of them left the cafeteria and headed down the hall. Along the way Jace’s mind was burning with questions.

“So who’s the guy that we’re facing?” He asked.

“Shinji Matou, not much can be said about him but he’s pretty much a prick who’s full of himself and thinks he’s better than anyone else.” Saber said as she noticed Shinji standing in the hallway. “Speaking of him, there the prick right there.”

“Well if it isn’t the freak brigade.” Shinji said as he notice Jace. “Who’s the loser wearing that ridiculous outfit?”

“Why hello there Jackass, it’s nice to meet you.” Jace said to him. Shinji narrowed his eyes at him.

“Who are you calling a jackass nerd? I would be careful on who you insult, otherwise I’ll have my servant kick you and your servant’s ass in the arena.” Shinji said as he turned his attention back to Sweetie Belle. “So, going to get the trigger key huh? Well, it sucks to be you. I’m going in right now, too.” He said, chuckling a bit at the situation. “A total cretin like you won’t be able to find it, but good luck anyway! Hahaha!” With a cackling laugh, Shinji turned around and made his way down the hall and into the arena.

“Boy he is a prick, I can’t wait to break his nose.” Jace said as he looks at the other two.

“Immature though he may be, we cannot let such an insult pass. His lack of respect and maturity is truly disgusting.” Saber said as she cracked her knuckles. “He need to be thoroughly beaten.”

“Oh ho I like you, this is going to be fun, so we can either talk about breaking the prick body or start looking for the key or something.” Jace said as he cracked his knuckles. Sparks of electricity came of them.

“Depending how what his servant is, we might do both. Come on, we’re going to look for him in the arena.”

[Arena]

The three of them walked into the place as Jace looks around. “This place looks like something from Tron.” He saids to the other two.

“That or inside of a video game.” Saber said as she took lead. “That aura… Exercise caution everyone. That weakling Master and his Servant are somewhere nearby. But this may be a good chance to obtain information on what his servant is.” Jace nodded and bent down, Sweetie Belle looked at him.

“What are you doing?” She asked. Jace looked at her.

“Remember one of my titles, ‘Knight of Mana’ well I’m putting on my armor.” He explains. The two watched as dark winds move around him and covering him. After a moment the winds slowly stops and Jace stood up wearing armor.

“I’ve seen better armor than that.” Saber said as she summoned her sword into her hand. “Damn, but my sword is invisible as long a I’m at this level of power.” Jace looked at the sword that he was welding. Saber saw a faint white glow coming of it. Jace took a few swings from it and nodded as he shoulders it.

“Lead on Saber.” Jace said to her.

“Don’t you have some kind of spell that can find him? The arena is making it hard for me to pinpoint his location.” Jace looks at her and extends his hand out as a blue orb appear in his hand. An arrow appeared in the orb and was pointing in a direction and saw giving off a small buzzing sound.

“He’s here but not that close, the orb will start buzzing more when he gets close.” Jace said.

“He’s over there.” Sweetie Belle said pointing straight across Saber and Jace. They both look and saw him. Jace looked at the orb and shook it.

“Stupid thing, guess I can’t get a good read on him, is it the place or…” Jace muttered to himself.

“Really? It’s not that hard to find somepony when the walls are see through.” The unicorn said bluntly as she started to lead the way towards Shinji. Jace muttered something under his breath and followed, extending his magic sense to see what’s around him and the group.

“There they are; that ignoble little weasel and his Servant.” Saber said as she readies her sword.

“You’re late, freaks. While you were crawling along like the slugs you are I obtained the Trigger key!” Shinji said as he showed them the card. “Hahaha, What’s with that look? Your skills are pathetic compared to mine, so don’t be so harsh on yourselves!”

“He doesn't know when to shut up doesn’t he?” Jace asked as he looked at Saber and Sweetie Belle

“Seems like it.” Saber answered.

“And speaking of you losing, let me introduce my Servant.” Shinji said as he motion to his left as a woman with magenta colored hair with a scar running across her face wearing what appears to be an outfit that a pirate would wear during the pirate era. “I’m going to win; it’s not like it matters to me. If you can’t even get you cipher keys, you might as well accept your game over right here and now!” Shinji said as she motion his servant to attack Sweetie Belle. “Seriously, feel free to turn her into a bullet-riden corpse whenever you feel like it!”

“Okay, but are you sure you’re done gloating? I found myself enjoying your meaningless chatter.” The Servant said as she turned her attention that the group. “As you can see, when it comes to talking to others, my Master is a total social retard, right? Seeing him actually having a conversation with you, I thought we could settle this peacefully.”

“Where the hell do you get off analyzing me?! They’re my enemy! Will you hurry up and maim them already?!”

“Look at the tough guy! I have to admit I admire the fact that you’re evil enough to even have me attack a little child as well. The darkness of your grubby little soul is impressive, Shinji. Oh yes, I expect a generous reward later!” The woman said as drew out her pistols and fired at Sweetie Belle, only for Saber to block the bullets with her sword.

“You’re gonna have to get through me if you think I’d allow that to happen.” Saber said as she charged at the dual wielding pirate while deflect a few of her bullets.

“What do you think you’re doing!? Take this fight seriously or else you won’t be paid in full!” Shinji yelled.

The pirate simply rolled her eyes as she parried the oncoming attack, and countered with a shot to Saber’s leg arm. Saber pulled away only for the pirate to close the distance and delivered a powerful kick to her wounded arm and sent her flying into the arena wall.

“That’s more like! Keep kicking her ass!”

“Come on Saber, you can do it!” Sweetie Belle cheered as Saber tried to pull herself up from the floor. Jace stood there watching the fight with his arms crossed. He looked at Shinji.

“Can’t I just go over there and punch him in the face or is that against the rules?” He asked

“You can’t fight the master or kill him in or out of the arena idiot.” Ruler said as her voice echoed through the arena.

“This is what I get huh? Oh well.” He muttered as he watched the fight. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

“Ruler said that you couldn’t fight the master, she didn’t say that you couldn’t fight their servant. Just as long as you don’t kill him or her.” Sweetie Belle said.

“It’s true, though be warned. You strength and powers are reduced inside the arena. Can’t have a bunch of displaced human cheating the system.” Ruler said. Jace looked down at his hand and looked at the fight.

“Well that means that I don’t need to worry about keeping tabs on my power so…” He took his sword and whistled to the Pirate to get her attention. “Hey you bottom feeder!”

“Go fight a program or something. I’m busy with my target.” The pirate said as parried away another one of Saber’s attack and counter with another bullet to Saber’s leg.

“Seriously!? What is with you pirates using guns!?” Saber yelled as she lunged toward her opponent. The pirate smirked as snapped her fingers as four small doors appeared. As they open the barrel of a cannon appear out of them and fired upon Saber at point blank range. “Oh son of a-,” Before she could finish, Saber was engulfed in a barrage of cannon fire and explosions. She blinked just to see that she was standing somewhere else. Looking around Saber saw that she was standing beside Sweetie Bell looking at her in surprised.

“How?” She looked back at where she was standing and saw as the smoke cleared that Jace was standing there with his sword out, blocking some of the cannon fire.

“SWITCH!” He yelled as he swung at the pirate. She blocked it just for her to get punched in the stomach.

“Oh? A new challenger huh?” The pirate said as she dodge Jace’s sword with ease. “Let’s see what you’re made of little boy~.”

“Alright,” He went into a stance with his sword on his shoulder. “Let’s dance,” He said as he swung. The pirate dodge out of the way and pointed her gun at him but saw that Jace shoulder her in the chest and spun around for another strike.

“Nice trick, but you should know better than to try something like that.” With a flick of a wrist, a door appeared under Jace as a cannon ball shot out and hit him at point blank range. She smiled for a moment just as she got hit in the back of her head with a fist.

“You got to be faster than that,” Jace said in a mocking tone, “I seen kids move faster than that.” He said only for the pirate to aim her pistols at his face.

“Yet you have no idea about how stuff like you’re doing won’t help you when face a servant like me.” Just as she was about to pull the triggers, a loud air horn sound echoed into the arena as the color changed from blue to red.

“Crap...It looks like the SE.RA.PH has its eye on us. Oh well, there’s no need to take them out right now anyway.” Shinji said as he order his servant to his side while he walks past the group, only to stop for a moment near Saber and Sweetie Belle. “You know, I like seeing you grovel in the dirt like trash. Be hard enough and I might make you my underling. Who knows...I might even share some of the prize money with you. Hahahahaha!” Having saying that, both Shinji and his servant disappeared from out of the arena.

“Bastard.” Saber said as fell to the ground. “He would’ve been grass if it wasn’t for this place limiting my strength.” She said as she notice Jace walking over to her and Sweetie Belle. He kneeled down and pulled out a bag and shook out two white candies.

“Here, these should help.” He said. Saber took one of them and popped it into her mouth and chewed.From what Saber could tell upon eating it, it tasted just like ice cream.

“What are those.” Sweetie Belle asked, as Jace took the other one and popped it into his mouth.

“Special candies that I made for first aid, doesn't do a lot but it get you by until you get real help, it also a good treat for kids.” He said as he offered one to Sweetie Belle, the displaced then looked up to the roof and raised the bag. “Want one Ruler? Taste like ice cream!”

“Thanks but I don’t indulge during the war. I’m just here to watch as an overseer.” The voice said as it disappeared from the arena.

“Heh, idiot. Despite getting thrashed around I was able to gather some information upon that weasels Servant.” Saber said as she staggered back onto her feet while getting help from Jace, who didn’t seemed to look at beat up. Saber frowned at that.

“How is it that you look much more better then me? You took a point blank cannon shot for me.” Saber asked.

“What that blast? Please I seen worse and felt worst, that was nothing.” He said.

“You shouldn't do stuff like that.” Sweetie Belle said. “What if ruler reduce you to that of how Saber is during that fight. You should be risking stuff just because she allowed you have damage reduce upon you.”

“She’s right, you don’t want to piss off the Holy Grail or the Ruler/overseer.” Saber added only for Jace to looked at her and snorted.

“Who say she hasn't, with these limiters and me holding back is a bit of a drag but me fighting like that did come with some info that we can use.” He said.

“Really now?” Ruler said as she appeared behind him with the grail. “And here I thought the spell I placed on you would’ve weaken you to that of a Caster class at least.”

“You know, you should’ve just taken the damage and I might’ve let you hold yourself back. But seeing how most Displaced can follow the rules and stuff. I’ll have to make do this myself.” The Grail said as he appeared in front of Jace. “This count as your first strike buddy. Two more and I get to kick you out of the arena and have you just be a spectator.” He said as he turned his attention at Saber and Sweetie Belle. “I must say, you two are interesting for surviving three minutes with Shinji’s Servant. As a reward, I’ll give you some information about his servant tomorrow morning. Till then, seeya.” He said as he and Ruler disappeared.

“Well, that was something, at least this strike came with a plus side.” Jace said. He looked up at the roof. “Hey! I got one question, can me and Saber spar outside of the arena? Yes or No.”

“.......No bitch, you’re only allowed to spar in the arena.” Grails said in an echoey voice. “You think I’m gonna bend the rules and have you mess up my school? Now leave me be, I have to get the second floor arena ready in two days.”

“Guess that answered your question. Now come on, let’s get that cipher key.” Saber said as she tried to limp her way further into the arena, only to fall to the ground. Both Jace and Sweetie Belle quickly rush over to her and quickly helped her up..

“I think it would be better to get you look at, you don’t look so good.” He said.

“J-Just take me to the room on the second floor with the magenta colored lines on it.” Saber ordered as she felt herself slipping into unconsciousness. “Guess we’ll have to get the cipher key….tomorrow...then.” She said as her vision faded into darkness. Jace looked at Sweetie Belle and back at Saber. He sighed and picked her up, put her on his shoulder, and started to walk to the exit of the arena along with Sweetie Belle.

“I’m sorry,” he said out loud as Sweetie Belle looked at Jace. “You all were right, I was careless at that fight and look what happened, using my magic to port around in that fight made it easier for me but didn’t really make it easier for everyone.”

“Eh, I wouldn’t worry about. At least you learn from it. And that’s all that matter.” Sweetie Belle said as she walked through the exit. “Come on, we can try again tomorrow.”

“That’s true, and this fight gave us an edge in fighting the pirate and the prick.” .

“And that is?”

“We know what we are up against, and the grail said he’s going to give us some more info about who she is. So that’s another plus.” Jace said as he walks through the exit along with Sweetie Belle.

“Let’s just hope the info he give us is useful.”