Fate/RP
0
(this is a joint post between Katsucha, BagMan and TheLoneGentleman)
School was about to start. 15 minutes early Rowland arrived, preparing for homeroom. The classroom already had about 10 students when he got there. With the clock reading ten to eight the classroom began to fill, the students of class 2-B greeted their homeroom teacher.
“Good Morning, Sensei!” an energetic girl waved to Rowland.
“Good Morning, Sakawa-san” Rowland said as he continued preparing some things. “Saber, was it really necessary for you to come to school with me? It’s not like anything bad will happen here,” Rowland whispered.
“I refuse to take risks, Master. There isn’t an age limit or anything on becoming a Master; anyone could be an enemy,” Saber replied pragmatically.
It was almost time for class, and still a few students hadn’t arrived.
In the few moments before class started, the door ripped open. Yui walked in and hurriedly made it to her seat. As she sat down, she let out a heavy sigh. “Safe”
A violent stillness filled the room.
“Master...”
“Master...”
“That girl...”
“That man...”
“...has a servant” Lancer and Saber said in unison.
“Huh, really? There’s no way that can be true,” Rowland said in quiet disbelief that one of his students was actually a Master.
“Rowland, you doubt your own Servant?” said Saber.
“That old dude?” said Yui quietly. “Indeed,” Lancer said regretfully. Yui knew the position she was in wasn’t in her favor, but fleeing from the scene would only show weakness. She would have to watch him closely, and stay cautious.
“It’s not that I doubt you. But she’s one of my students I never would have imagined I would have to fight one of them.” Rowland said as he tried thinking what he would do now. “Tohsaka-san, you think we can speak in private during lunch?”
Yui sighed. “For what? I was on time today teach, and my grades are fine.”
“Well, it seems an accident occurred at your home. So, something needs to be settled with the school about your living arrangement.”
“Ugh, fine.” she answered. While on school grounds she was an easy target. She would try to skip out on their little chat if she could, but if that failed she’d have to make do; History just had to be fourth period, right before lunch.
“Good. Alright, everyone settle down and listen for your name,” Rowland said as he took roll call.
“Master, are you sure that was wise?” Saber probed Rowland
“Don’t worry, I doubt anything will happen during school. According to the letter my professor sent me, we can’t involve people who aren’t Masters into this. I doubt Tohsaka-san would do something foolish as that.” Rowland said as he just had finish roll call. “So, it seems only Azusa-san and Shuuhei-san are missing. They’re probably running late again.” Rowland said with a sigh.
“We’re heeeeeeere!” Azusa’s voice could be heard from down the hallway. Shuuhei entered through the classroom doors at a running pace, and Azusa came in tumbling after him. “A-are we late…?” She asked with an almost tearful expression.
“Let’s see, about ten minutes late. Guess its cleaning duty for you two after school again.” Rowland said as he marked them late. “Now go on take your seats.” Rowland said as he looked over the material he would cover for his first period class.
“Eeeeeeeeeeeh…” Azusa whined. Shuuhei hit the top of her head lightly with a chop, telling her, “No steak for you, then.” Azusa slouched, slightly depressed as she took her seat.
Shuuhei sat directly behind Azusa, both in the back left corner near the window. He chose that seat so that he could keep an eye out for Azusa, praising her if she does something well, and punishing her if she starts doing something wrong in class, like eating or sleeping. In fact, she was already dozing off. Shuuhei pulled on her ponytail to wake her back up.
“Ah-!” Azusa kept her voice down so she wouldn’t disturb the class, but she was in pain from having her hair pulled. She stayed much more alert in class so her brother wouldn’t need to do that again.
School was about to start. 15 minutes early Rowland arrived, preparing for homeroom. The classroom already had about 10 students when he got there. With the clock reading ten to eight the classroom began to fill, the students of class 2-B greeted their homeroom teacher.
“Good Morning, Sensei!” an energetic girl waved to Rowland.
“Good Morning, Sakawa-san” Rowland said as he continued preparing some things. “Saber, was it really necessary for you to come to school with me? It’s not like anything bad will happen here,” Rowland whispered.
“I refuse to take risks, Master. There isn’t an age limit or anything on becoming a Master; anyone could be an enemy,” Saber replied pragmatically.
It was almost time for class, and still a few students hadn’t arrived.
In the few moments before class started, the door ripped open. Yui walked in and hurriedly made it to her seat. As she sat down, she let out a heavy sigh. “Safe”
A violent stillness filled the room.
“Master...”
“Master...”
“That girl...”
“That man...”
“...has a servant” Lancer and Saber said in unison.
“Huh, really? There’s no way that can be true,” Rowland said in quiet disbelief that one of his students was actually a Master.
“Rowland, you doubt your own Servant?” said Saber.
“That old dude?” said Yui quietly. “Indeed,” Lancer said regretfully. Yui knew the position she was in wasn’t in her favor, but fleeing from the scene would only show weakness. She would have to watch him closely, and stay cautious.
“It’s not that I doubt you. But she’s one of my students I never would have imagined I would have to fight one of them.” Rowland said as he tried thinking what he would do now. “Tohsaka-san, you think we can speak in private during lunch?”
Yui sighed. “For what? I was on time today teach, and my grades are fine.”
“Well, it seems an accident occurred at your home. So, something needs to be settled with the school about your living arrangement.”
“Ugh, fine.” she answered. While on school grounds she was an easy target. She would try to skip out on their little chat if she could, but if that failed she’d have to make do; History just had to be fourth period, right before lunch.
“Good. Alright, everyone settle down and listen for your name,” Rowland said as he took roll call.
“Master, are you sure that was wise?” Saber probed Rowland
“Don’t worry, I doubt anything will happen during school. According to the letter my professor sent me, we can’t involve people who aren’t Masters into this. I doubt Tohsaka-san would do something foolish as that.” Rowland said as he just had finish roll call. “So, it seems only Azusa-san and Shuuhei-san are missing. They’re probably running late again.” Rowland said with a sigh.
“We’re heeeeeeere!” Azusa’s voice could be heard from down the hallway. Shuuhei entered through the classroom doors at a running pace, and Azusa came in tumbling after him. “A-are we late…?” She asked with an almost tearful expression.
“Let’s see, about ten minutes late. Guess its cleaning duty for you two after school again.” Rowland said as he marked them late. “Now go on take your seats.” Rowland said as he looked over the material he would cover for his first period class.
“Eeeeeeeeeeeh…” Azusa whined. Shuuhei hit the top of her head lightly with a chop, telling her, “No steak for you, then.” Azusa slouched, slightly depressed as she took her seat.
Shuuhei sat directly behind Azusa, both in the back left corner near the window. He chose that seat so that he could keep an eye out for Azusa, praising her if she does something well, and punishing her if she starts doing something wrong in class, like eating or sleeping. In fact, she was already dozing off. Shuuhei pulled on her ponytail to wake her back up.
“Ah-!” Azusa kept her voice down so she wouldn’t disturb the class, but she was in pain from having her hair pulled. She stayed much more alert in class so her brother wouldn’t need to do that again.
0
This is a joint post between Katsucha and TheLoneGentleman
“You should stop looking at me as if I’m gonna attack you. I just wanna go over a few things. But to think one of my students is a Master.”
“I’m supposed to just take you on your word?” she answered. “And what of it? You think only adults can be masters?”
“Not really. It’s just I never would have thought I might have to fight one of my students. Though of course we won’t be fighting here.” Rowland said as he sighed. “Though I take it the damage done to your house was to do with an enemy servant correct?”
“Well I sure didn’t do it myself.” she replied. “It was some clocktower mage and his servant...they smashed my house, and then flew off with his stupid flying shoes.”
“He flew off with flying shoes? You mean like the ones used by Hermes?” Rowland said with great interest.
Yui thought for a moment. “Yes, like those.” she answered. “You got something you’d like to share, teach?”
“So you fought against Perseus. Incredible. To think a greek hero would be here.” Rowland said with excitement
“Leave it to a teacher to get excited about these types of things. Is that all you wanted from me?” asked Yui.
“What are your intentions for this War? I doubt you simply joined for nothing?”
“I want the cup gone. So idiots will stop fighting over it.” answered Yui.
Yui was locked on ditching her teacher, and just riding off on her motorcycle. However, it would seem that her teacher saw this strategy coming, and cut her off from leaving the building. Gritting her teeth she stared him down. She knew his servant wouldn’t be far away.
“I wonder if that’s really true. Though do you think others will let you accomplish your goal if they found that out?”
“Who cares? I’ll crush them all. If I die trying at least I was true to myself until the end.” she answered confidently. “You have some reason teach? With a brain like yours I bet its something confusing.”
“Me? I’m not really sure myself yet. There are probably a few things but what I really want, I’m not sure myself. In the mean time I wish to learn more of the servants, though I believe when the time comes I’ll know what I really want. I doubt you would let me, but can I see your servant?”Rowland said laughing a bit.
“Why, would you think I would just show you?” she said trying to avoid what the teacher probably already guessed.
“I didn’t think you would. But it doesn’t hurt to try asking” Rowland said as he looked at the time. “Well you better be going I think you want to enjoy your lunch and don’t worry I won’t cause you trouble at school.”Rowland said as he went back to his desk and sat down taking out his lunch.
Yui was glad that didn’t get more serious than it could have. For the time being she would have to be wary even at school. A smart guy like him was never to be trusted, but that could be said for most adults in her life. Heading to lunch room she was luckily able to find a spicy bread roll still on sale. Paying for it she snatched it up and at it on her way to the drink machines.
“You should stop looking at me as if I’m gonna attack you. I just wanna go over a few things. But to think one of my students is a Master.”
“I’m supposed to just take you on your word?” she answered. “And what of it? You think only adults can be masters?”
“Not really. It’s just I never would have thought I might have to fight one of my students. Though of course we won’t be fighting here.” Rowland said as he sighed. “Though I take it the damage done to your house was to do with an enemy servant correct?”
“Well I sure didn’t do it myself.” she replied. “It was some clocktower mage and his servant...they smashed my house, and then flew off with his stupid flying shoes.”
“He flew off with flying shoes? You mean like the ones used by Hermes?” Rowland said with great interest.
Yui thought for a moment. “Yes, like those.” she answered. “You got something you’d like to share, teach?”
“So you fought against Perseus. Incredible. To think a greek hero would be here.” Rowland said with excitement
“Leave it to a teacher to get excited about these types of things. Is that all you wanted from me?” asked Yui.
“What are your intentions for this War? I doubt you simply joined for nothing?”
“I want the cup gone. So idiots will stop fighting over it.” answered Yui.
Yui was locked on ditching her teacher, and just riding off on her motorcycle. However, it would seem that her teacher saw this strategy coming, and cut her off from leaving the building. Gritting her teeth she stared him down. She knew his servant wouldn’t be far away.
“I wonder if that’s really true. Though do you think others will let you accomplish your goal if they found that out?”
“Who cares? I’ll crush them all. If I die trying at least I was true to myself until the end.” she answered confidently. “You have some reason teach? With a brain like yours I bet its something confusing.”
“Me? I’m not really sure myself yet. There are probably a few things but what I really want, I’m not sure myself. In the mean time I wish to learn more of the servants, though I believe when the time comes I’ll know what I really want. I doubt you would let me, but can I see your servant?”Rowland said laughing a bit.
“Why, would you think I would just show you?” she said trying to avoid what the teacher probably already guessed.
“I didn’t think you would. But it doesn’t hurt to try asking” Rowland said as he looked at the time. “Well you better be going I think you want to enjoy your lunch and don’t worry I won’t cause you trouble at school.”Rowland said as he went back to his desk and sat down taking out his lunch.
Yui was glad that didn’t get more serious than it could have. For the time being she would have to be wary even at school. A smart guy like him was never to be trusted, but that could be said for most adults in her life. Heading to lunch room she was luckily able to find a spicy bread roll still on sale. Paying for it she snatched it up and at it on her way to the drink machines.
0
This is a joint post with: TheLoneGentlman, BagMan, and Katsucha.
“You should stop looking at me as if I’m gonna attack you. I just wanna go over a few things. But to think one of my students is a Master.”
“I’m supposed to just take you on your word?” she answered. “And what of it? You think only adults can be masters?”
“Not really. It’s just I never would have thought I might have to fight one of my students. Though of course we won’t be fighting here.” Rowland said as he sighed. “Though I take it the damage done to your house was to do with an enemy servant correct?”
“Well I sure didn’t do it myself.” she replied. “It was some clocktower mage and his servant...they smashed my house, and then flew off with his stupid flying shoes.”
“He flew off with flying shoes? You mean like the ones used by Hermes?” Rowland said with great interest.
Yui thought for a moment. “Yes, like those.” she answered. “You got something you’d like to share, teach?”
“So you fought against Perseus. Incredible. To think a greek hero would be here.” Rowland said with excitement
“Leave it to a teacher to get excited about these types of things. Is that all you wanted from me?” asked Yui.
“What are your intentions for this War? I doubt you simply joined for nothing?”
“I want the cup gone. So idiots will stop fighting over it.” answered Yui.
Yui was locked on ditching her teacher, and just riding off on her motorcycle. However, it would seem that her teacher saw this strategy coming, and cut her off from leaving the building. Gritting her teeth she stared him down. She knew his servant wouldn’t be far away.
“I wonder if that’s really true. Though do you think others will let you accomplish your goal if they found that out?”
“Who cares? I’ll crush them all. If I die trying at least I was true to myself until the end.” she answered confidently. “You have some reason teach? With a brain like yours I bet its something confusing.”
“Me? I’m not really sure myself yet. There are probably a few things but what I really want, I’m not sure myself. In the mean time I wish to learn more of the servants, though I believe when the time comes I’ll know what I really want. I doubt you would let me, but can I see your servant?”Rowland said laughing a bit.
“Why, would you think I would just show you?” she said trying to avoid what the teacher probably already guessed.
“I didn’t think you would. But it doesn’t hurt to try asking” Rowland said as he looked at the time. “Well you better be going I think you want to enjoy your lunch and don’t worry I won’t cause you trouble at school.”Rowland said as he went back to his desk and sat down taking out his lunch.
Yui was glad that didn’t get more serious than it could have. For the time being she would have to be wary even at school. A smart guy like him was never to be trusted, but that could be said for most adults in her life. Heading to lunch room she was luckily able to find a spicy bread roll still on sale. Paying for it she snatched it up and at it on her way to the drink machines.
“You should stop looking at me as if I’m gonna attack you. I just wanna go over a few things. But to think one of my students is a Master.”
“I’m supposed to just take you on your word?” she answered. “And what of it? You think only adults can be masters?”
“Not really. It’s just I never would have thought I might have to fight one of my students. Though of course we won’t be fighting here.” Rowland said as he sighed. “Though I take it the damage done to your house was to do with an enemy servant correct?”
“Well I sure didn’t do it myself.” she replied. “It was some clocktower mage and his servant...they smashed my house, and then flew off with his stupid flying shoes.”
“He flew off with flying shoes? You mean like the ones used by Hermes?” Rowland said with great interest.
Yui thought for a moment. “Yes, like those.” she answered. “You got something you’d like to share, teach?”
“So you fought against Perseus. Incredible. To think a greek hero would be here.” Rowland said with excitement
“Leave it to a teacher to get excited about these types of things. Is that all you wanted from me?” asked Yui.
“What are your intentions for this War? I doubt you simply joined for nothing?”
“I want the cup gone. So idiots will stop fighting over it.” answered Yui.
Yui was locked on ditching her teacher, and just riding off on her motorcycle. However, it would seem that her teacher saw this strategy coming, and cut her off from leaving the building. Gritting her teeth she stared him down. She knew his servant wouldn’t be far away.
“I wonder if that’s really true. Though do you think others will let you accomplish your goal if they found that out?”
“Who cares? I’ll crush them all. If I die trying at least I was true to myself until the end.” she answered confidently. “You have some reason teach? With a brain like yours I bet its something confusing.”
“Me? I’m not really sure myself yet. There are probably a few things but what I really want, I’m not sure myself. In the mean time I wish to learn more of the servants, though I believe when the time comes I’ll know what I really want. I doubt you would let me, but can I see your servant?”Rowland said laughing a bit.
“Why, would you think I would just show you?” she said trying to avoid what the teacher probably already guessed.
“I didn’t think you would. But it doesn’t hurt to try asking” Rowland said as he looked at the time. “Well you better be going I think you want to enjoy your lunch and don’t worry I won’t cause you trouble at school.”Rowland said as he went back to his desk and sat down taking out his lunch.
Yui was glad that didn’t get more serious than it could have. For the time being she would have to be wary even at school. A smart guy like him was never to be trusted, but that could be said for most adults in her life. Heading to lunch room she was luckily able to find a spicy bread roll still on sale. Paying for it she snatched it up and at it on her way to the drink machines.
0
(This is a joint post between BagMan and nooby2)
The first thing Shinra realised when he woke up was that he wasn’t in bed. The rays of the morning forcing him to squint, he looked around groggily, getting off the couch and stretching to work out the kinks and knots in his body. “Ugh… should’ve just brought in a spare bed.” Caster had taken his king size, her tiny form hidden beneath the blanket. “Get breakfast… hungry.” He fumbled for the phone, looking to get breakfast for both him and Caster.
Caster yawned, waking up. “Master… you there?” she asked sleepily rubbing her eyes.
He yawned in response, blast that stupid reflex. “Yeah… what’dya want fer brekfast? I’m callin room service...” Rubbing her eyes with the scruff of her sleeve, Caster was the image of adorable. “Den.. we can go shoppin after…”
“Hrmm… breakfast huh?” Caster wondered “Do they serve whole roast boar?” Caster asked genuinely.
“Ahhhh… no. We have BACON.” He stressed the word, already knowing what he wanted for breakfast. “I’ll have that. Would you like some pancakes? Maybe a short stack or would you prefer a Japanese breakfast? If you really wanted to eat whole roast boar, it might be difficult to get one on such short notice, but I think it’s possible for dinner.” He handed her the menu as he yawned again. He really needed more sleep after that ordeal.
“Hmmhmm” hummed Caster leafing through the menu, before deciding on a full english breakfast, if not just for its name. Shinra ordered both their breakfasts and fell back onto the bed-which-was-his. “Let’s head out after to get your clothes and sweets. Been some time since I bought anything for anyone. The shops are right outside our hotel and if we’ve still got time, I’ll visit both the church and 2nd Owner.” He felt drained and empty without sweets, oh my sugar where have you gone!?
“Sounds like a plan” Caster said “I don’t feel like fighting today” her eyes didn’t meet Shinra’s as she wasn’t prepared to tell him about the destruction of the Tohsaka household, he’d see soon enough anyway. They made small talk whilst waiting for breakfast after which they left the hotel to shop, the area of Shinto already bustling on a Monday morning.
He tried to wrap his muffler around Caster, looking around to see which brands would have one suitable for one. It wouldn’t do for her to catch a chill, the only dress she had was definitely NOT suited for winter weather. “Are you alright in that dress? Um… I think we might need to see if the stores have a suitable kids section for you… I don’t think..” Shinra trailed off, looking around for a store that had clothes for her.
Caster twitched, “Kids… section?” She said angrily “Are you mocking me?” Caster seemed upset, she turned her back on Shinra, sulking. “You dare make a fool out of me?”
Shinra waved his hands around, trying to placate his Servant. “Ahhh… well… you do look like a child unless you’re telling me otherwise?” Oh, how to deal with her? He facepalmed, feeling like he was digging himself a ditch he would never get out of. “I’m not trying to mock you but that’s what everyone around would see I suppose. Please don’t hurt me…” He managed feebly. “Kids clothes are nice nowadays too… Much better than what was allowed before anyway.” He tried to appeal to her, hoping that it would work.
“Master” She said coldly “do you want to die?” turning to face him with dead green eyes.
He could feel the blood draining from his face. Oh, not a good feeling. “Then, what would you like to shop for? I know we’ve got the candy to get but regarding clothes.. w-what would you wanna b-buy?” That gaze of hers was terrifying. To outsiders, it would’ve seemed like a quarrel between siblings though it was anything but.
Caster smiled slyly, realising that her Master was afraid. “Something beautiful and regal would suit me well, don’t you think?” She said twirling around.
“She’s going to run me into the ground at this rate…” Sighing he gave up, relieved that the invisible pressure was off him. “Yes, it would look good on you. If we can’t find anything, I’ll have the shops take your measurements. That way, it’d be fitted to you and you’d also be in control.” He watched her twirl. This diminutive girl before him already had him disarmed with wit, charm and power. “Let’s go then, I’m getting chilly here.”
Caster giggled as she followed her Master, twirling all the while, her green one piece flowing and spinning with her.
Shinra bought two taiyaki as they walked around, offering one to her. They stopped by a Hermes store, the store attendant chiming a “Welcome” as they came in. “This would be a good place to start. See anything you like?”
Caster was slightly dumbfounded by all the colours on display, from pale pinks to deep blues. “Is this… what modern clothing is like?” she said amazed.
Shinra walked up next to her, the change in her demeanour amused him but he sure as hell couldn’t show it right now. “Yes. This is one of the more renowned brands in the world but there are many others if you can’t find anything. What’s most important is that you buy something you like or at least get something custom made for you. I know it sounds weird but… you’ll have to be measured. Think of it as getting a gown for the best ceremony in the kingdom.” He waved the attendant over, whispering at her to be absolutely careful in her measurements.
“Bwahaha” Caster laughed confidently, hands on hips, “you act as if I hadn’t been measured for clothes before, I was a royal lady after all”
The attendant looked at Shinra with a perplexed expression but he pretended to not notice. “True, I hadn’t thought of that. Just carry on if not we’ll be here longer than we need to.” The pride apparent in his servant was infectious, bringing a smile to his face. He much preferred this side of her to that other, more murderous… He shivered reflexively, trying to put those thoughts away. “OK, I’ll just sit here and make a few calls while you go choose.”
Caster set off to look through the selection of clothes, leafing through rack after rack. She stopped at a long flowing robe like dress. “Oi, you, plebeian” she called out to the attendant, “do you have this in green?”. The attendant rubbed the back of her head and did her best to ignore the insult, “hrmm, this one?” she asked, “we do but… are you sure? This style has gone out of fashion, someone as cute as you would be better off with something like this” the attendant smiled holding up a shorter dress in dark green patterned with lighter green stripes. Caster mused for a few seconds before asking a question, “won’t it be a bit chilly?”. The attendant held up a pair of stockings, “that’s why you wear these” she said “they’re woolen so they should keep you warm". Caster looked at the attendant like a student would a teacher. "I see" she said, "then I shall take it. Shinra!" Caster called her Master over.
Politely ending the call he was on, Shinra walked over. He had thought that this shop would’ve been good and it was spot on. “Have you decided?”
Caster nodded her head. “Ok, We’ll take them and that long dress.” He indicated Caster’s first choice, if she liked it then he was ok with paying for it. “Anything else? Accessories? Do you have anything to adorn her hair with?” He looked through what they had to offer at the countertop, nothing really catching his eye.
“I don’t want anything in my hair,” Caster replied, “Isn’t it fine like this?” she ran her hands through her long black hair and flicked it to show Shinra.
“And here I thought the queen would want a crown. Alright, if you’re fine as it is.” He took out his card to pay, shopping was good and all but sometimes it tended to run a little too long for his liking.
The first thing Shinra realised when he woke up was that he wasn’t in bed. The rays of the morning forcing him to squint, he looked around groggily, getting off the couch and stretching to work out the kinks and knots in his body. “Ugh… should’ve just brought in a spare bed.” Caster had taken his king size, her tiny form hidden beneath the blanket. “Get breakfast… hungry.” He fumbled for the phone, looking to get breakfast for both him and Caster.
Caster yawned, waking up. “Master… you there?” she asked sleepily rubbing her eyes.
He yawned in response, blast that stupid reflex. “Yeah… what’dya want fer brekfast? I’m callin room service...” Rubbing her eyes with the scruff of her sleeve, Caster was the image of adorable. “Den.. we can go shoppin after…”
“Hrmm… breakfast huh?” Caster wondered “Do they serve whole roast boar?” Caster asked genuinely.
“Ahhhh… no. We have BACON.” He stressed the word, already knowing what he wanted for breakfast. “I’ll have that. Would you like some pancakes? Maybe a short stack or would you prefer a Japanese breakfast? If you really wanted to eat whole roast boar, it might be difficult to get one on such short notice, but I think it’s possible for dinner.” He handed her the menu as he yawned again. He really needed more sleep after that ordeal.
“Hmmhmm” hummed Caster leafing through the menu, before deciding on a full english breakfast, if not just for its name. Shinra ordered both their breakfasts and fell back onto the bed-which-was-his. “Let’s head out after to get your clothes and sweets. Been some time since I bought anything for anyone. The shops are right outside our hotel and if we’ve still got time, I’ll visit both the church and 2nd Owner.” He felt drained and empty without sweets, oh my sugar where have you gone!?
“Sounds like a plan” Caster said “I don’t feel like fighting today” her eyes didn’t meet Shinra’s as she wasn’t prepared to tell him about the destruction of the Tohsaka household, he’d see soon enough anyway. They made small talk whilst waiting for breakfast after which they left the hotel to shop, the area of Shinto already bustling on a Monday morning.
He tried to wrap his muffler around Caster, looking around to see which brands would have one suitable for one. It wouldn’t do for her to catch a chill, the only dress she had was definitely NOT suited for winter weather. “Are you alright in that dress? Um… I think we might need to see if the stores have a suitable kids section for you… I don’t think..” Shinra trailed off, looking around for a store that had clothes for her.
Caster twitched, “Kids… section?” She said angrily “Are you mocking me?” Caster seemed upset, she turned her back on Shinra, sulking. “You dare make a fool out of me?”
Shinra waved his hands around, trying to placate his Servant. “Ahhh… well… you do look like a child unless you’re telling me otherwise?” Oh, how to deal with her? He facepalmed, feeling like he was digging himself a ditch he would never get out of. “I’m not trying to mock you but that’s what everyone around would see I suppose. Please don’t hurt me…” He managed feebly. “Kids clothes are nice nowadays too… Much better than what was allowed before anyway.” He tried to appeal to her, hoping that it would work.
“Master” She said coldly “do you want to die?” turning to face him with dead green eyes.
He could feel the blood draining from his face. Oh, not a good feeling. “Then, what would you like to shop for? I know we’ve got the candy to get but regarding clothes.. w-what would you wanna b-buy?” That gaze of hers was terrifying. To outsiders, it would’ve seemed like a quarrel between siblings though it was anything but.
Caster smiled slyly, realising that her Master was afraid. “Something beautiful and regal would suit me well, don’t you think?” She said twirling around.
“She’s going to run me into the ground at this rate…” Sighing he gave up, relieved that the invisible pressure was off him. “Yes, it would look good on you. If we can’t find anything, I’ll have the shops take your measurements. That way, it’d be fitted to you and you’d also be in control.” He watched her twirl. This diminutive girl before him already had him disarmed with wit, charm and power. “Let’s go then, I’m getting chilly here.”
Caster giggled as she followed her Master, twirling all the while, her green one piece flowing and spinning with her.
Shinra bought two taiyaki as they walked around, offering one to her. They stopped by a Hermes store, the store attendant chiming a “Welcome” as they came in. “This would be a good place to start. See anything you like?”
Caster was slightly dumbfounded by all the colours on display, from pale pinks to deep blues. “Is this… what modern clothing is like?” she said amazed.
Shinra walked up next to her, the change in her demeanour amused him but he sure as hell couldn’t show it right now. “Yes. This is one of the more renowned brands in the world but there are many others if you can’t find anything. What’s most important is that you buy something you like or at least get something custom made for you. I know it sounds weird but… you’ll have to be measured. Think of it as getting a gown for the best ceremony in the kingdom.” He waved the attendant over, whispering at her to be absolutely careful in her measurements.
“Bwahaha” Caster laughed confidently, hands on hips, “you act as if I hadn’t been measured for clothes before, I was a royal lady after all”
The attendant looked at Shinra with a perplexed expression but he pretended to not notice. “True, I hadn’t thought of that. Just carry on if not we’ll be here longer than we need to.” The pride apparent in his servant was infectious, bringing a smile to his face. He much preferred this side of her to that other, more murderous… He shivered reflexively, trying to put those thoughts away. “OK, I’ll just sit here and make a few calls while you go choose.”
Caster set off to look through the selection of clothes, leafing through rack after rack. She stopped at a long flowing robe like dress. “Oi, you, plebeian” she called out to the attendant, “do you have this in green?”. The attendant rubbed the back of her head and did her best to ignore the insult, “hrmm, this one?” she asked, “we do but… are you sure? This style has gone out of fashion, someone as cute as you would be better off with something like this” the attendant smiled holding up a shorter dress in dark green patterned with lighter green stripes. Caster mused for a few seconds before asking a question, “won’t it be a bit chilly?”. The attendant held up a pair of stockings, “that’s why you wear these” she said “they’re woolen so they should keep you warm". Caster looked at the attendant like a student would a teacher. "I see" she said, "then I shall take it. Shinra!" Caster called her Master over.
Politely ending the call he was on, Shinra walked over. He had thought that this shop would’ve been good and it was spot on. “Have you decided?”
Caster nodded her head. “Ok, We’ll take them and that long dress.” He indicated Caster’s first choice, if she liked it then he was ok with paying for it. “Anything else? Accessories? Do you have anything to adorn her hair with?” He looked through what they had to offer at the countertop, nothing really catching his eye.
“I don’t want anything in my hair,” Caster replied, “Isn’t it fine like this?” she ran her hands through her long black hair and flicked it to show Shinra.
“And here I thought the queen would want a crown. Alright, if you’re fine as it is.” He took out his card to pay, shopping was good and all but sometimes it tended to run a little too long for his liking.
0
(This is a joint post between nooby2 and BagMan)
It was around 4PM. Caster had enjoyed shopping with her Master, thoroughly. This was clear from the big uncharacteristic grin on her face as they walked through the Shinto shopping district. She was cutely dressed up in her new stripy dress and stockings.
“Things like this… they’re not so bad once in a while” Caster said.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. There're not many occasions where I can indulge myself as well so this is a good break. We're going to visit the 2nd Owner of Fuyuki. I intended to do so yesterday but..." He trailed off, the close shave with berserker still fresh in his mind.
“I hope, whoever they are. are better than that wretch in the basement” Caster said.
"That light yesterday was from their house. If anything, I hope they're alright."
“There were two powerful releases of energy, one would think they negated each other” Caster observed.
He waved his driver over as the car rolled around the corner. "I see... So that was the result of clashing powers?" He opened the door for Caster, smirking as she got in. The girl really liked her dress.
Taking a seat in the car, Caster noted, “No… that white light was only one phantasm, the other was fundamentally weaker, and yet…” She trailed off, unsure how a weaker phantasm could match one much stronger. The contradiction confused her.
Shinra reached over and smoothed out the creases in her dress, "One phantasm? I suppose we will get to see the extent of the damage. I brought a gift too, hopefully they will accept it." The driver sped up, aware of the schedule Shinra had planned.
When Shinra reached the Tohsaka mansion something was clearly wrong… the hole where the front of the house should have been was clearly out of place.
"Well! It appears someone had more than a little trouble." The only people he could see around was security. "Excuse me, might the owner of this property be around?" He asked one of the guards, hopeful.
“No” the guard said curtly, not even turning towards Shinra.
“Leave this to me, Master,” Caster said closing her eyes and muttering an incantation, “Found her,” Caster smiled.
"So? Wait... she? Ok... Where is she right now?" Shinra asked expectantly, the gift heavy in his arms.
“Urmm” Caster smiled deviously, “You know our hotel?”
Shinra stared back at her, his brow twitching. "Our hotel...? WONDERFUL!" He threw up his hands in frustration, the gift dropping to the ground with a thud. "What the hell is she doing there!?" He headed back to the car, his pace quick.
Caster giggled, following Shinra. “All I know is that she’s there, I traced her magical energy, it wasn’t hard” Caster said.
He fumed, "At least one of us is having fun." He flipped out his phone, speaking calmly into it despite his displeasure. "See if anyone with the name Tohsaka checked in last night till this morning." He put a hand to his forehead, already feeling a migraine coming.
“Should we get going Master? You dropped your gift over there” Caster said, her evil grin not subsiding.
With a sigh, he walked back and picked it up. Melons were expensive after all. "Yeah let's go..." He crawled into the car wearily, exhausted by how the war was going for him. Only the second day to boot.
“What’s up, Master?” Caster said, popping up close next to Shinra.
"Too many things not going right for my taste."
“Plans don’t always go right, deal with it” Caster told her Master, bluntly.
"Of course not. It's just that things tend to blow up in my face. It affects more than just us, the manpower I control and demands... I have much to explain when I next report in to my father." He smiled wryly, glad Caster was around, no one in his family would give him proper counsel due to his position.
“Reports are boring” Caster said, for some reason pouting, “why bother?”
"Part of the reason I'm heir. No one else gets the "fun" of doing it. Because I'm of the spiritual faction, it's hard to tell who takes me seriously in this age. At least they make the effort to put up a false front." He popped a gummy, the stress was too much every now and then. Shinra passed a few to Caster, knowing that she would be eyeing them.
Popping the gummies into her own mouth, Caster munched on them happily. “You need to relax Master, no one can hurt you with me around” She said, clicking her fingers. As she did so Shinra began to feel very calm for some reason.
"Mmm... I don't know what you did... But keep it up, I haven't been this relaxed in ages..." He gave Caster a short hug, the spell turning his mind to putty. "Fuahhhh......"
Caster smiled, “Just a little mind manipulation, my speciality” she said, “Come on Master, we should go” she directed him into the car.
"Right... I suppose we should." He wasn't sure what Caster had tinkered with but was that light headedness part of the spell? "I'M GOING TO WIN THIS, I'LL PROVE MYSELF!" He yelled to no one in particular, the nearby guards turning to look at him incredulously.
Caster burst out laughing at this, “hahaha… Master you’re an idiot…. hahaha, this is too funny” she said trying to catch her breath. She clicked her fingers and returned Shinra to normal, “I don’t think I could take much more of you like that, I might die of laughter” she said still laughing slightly.
Feeling the spell fade away, Shinra could already feel himself missing it. "Please. Please cast that more often." It felt like heaven, having tasted it he could no longer go back to other forms of stress relief. "Just once in awhile? Please?" He begged her as they walked to the car.
“You don’t want to get addicted to that feeling Master, or there might be no returning you to normal” she warned, “maybe I shouldn’t have used it after all.” Caster opened the car door and jumped inside. “It’s a powerful enchantment spell, I’ve broken lesser men completely with it” she noted.
"B-but... It made me feel free, even for just that moment. I've never felt that way before." Truly, the traditions of his clan were too restrictive. "I'll buy you more dresses~" Enchantment or not, he wanted to feel it at least once more. Shinra climbed in after her, hoping she'd accede.
Caster looked deep into Shinra’s eyes, her gaze was relentless. “Master, there are countless dresses out there” she said “but there’s only one you.” Caster sighed slightly, “I suppose every once in a while won’t hurt though” she relented, “I’ll teach you the spell, it’s safer if you use it on yourself, oh and I’ll make sure when I teach it to you there’s a timer built in, for safety”
He hugged her tightly at her declaration, tears of joy almost streaming down his face. "You're going to teach it to me!? Oh Kami-sama, THANK YOU." Apparently, the spell hadn't returned all of his senses, he was nuzzling the top of her head affectionately with his cheek.
“Master” Caster said, “you’re hugging me” it was noted.
"So I am, so I am." He pulled back, laughing to himself. He felt like a child again, back before his parents had pressured him into upholding the family. "Thanks, again. I needed that."
“The hug or the spell?” Caster asked
"Both. I don't have much in the way of personal affection nor spiritual teachers." He shrugged again, looking out the window and losing himself in memories.
It was around 4PM. Caster had enjoyed shopping with her Master, thoroughly. This was clear from the big uncharacteristic grin on her face as they walked through the Shinto shopping district. She was cutely dressed up in her new stripy dress and stockings.
“Things like this… they’re not so bad once in a while” Caster said.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. There're not many occasions where I can indulge myself as well so this is a good break. We're going to visit the 2nd Owner of Fuyuki. I intended to do so yesterday but..." He trailed off, the close shave with berserker still fresh in his mind.
“I hope, whoever they are. are better than that wretch in the basement” Caster said.
"That light yesterday was from their house. If anything, I hope they're alright."
“There were two powerful releases of energy, one would think they negated each other” Caster observed.
He waved his driver over as the car rolled around the corner. "I see... So that was the result of clashing powers?" He opened the door for Caster, smirking as she got in. The girl really liked her dress.
Taking a seat in the car, Caster noted, “No… that white light was only one phantasm, the other was fundamentally weaker, and yet…” She trailed off, unsure how a weaker phantasm could match one much stronger. The contradiction confused her.
Shinra reached over and smoothed out the creases in her dress, "One phantasm? I suppose we will get to see the extent of the damage. I brought a gift too, hopefully they will accept it." The driver sped up, aware of the schedule Shinra had planned.
When Shinra reached the Tohsaka mansion something was clearly wrong… the hole where the front of the house should have been was clearly out of place.
"Well! It appears someone had more than a little trouble." The only people he could see around was security. "Excuse me, might the owner of this property be around?" He asked one of the guards, hopeful.
“No” the guard said curtly, not even turning towards Shinra.
“Leave this to me, Master,” Caster said closing her eyes and muttering an incantation, “Found her,” Caster smiled.
"So? Wait... she? Ok... Where is she right now?" Shinra asked expectantly, the gift heavy in his arms.
“Urmm” Caster smiled deviously, “You know our hotel?”
Shinra stared back at her, his brow twitching. "Our hotel...? WONDERFUL!" He threw up his hands in frustration, the gift dropping to the ground with a thud. "What the hell is she doing there!?" He headed back to the car, his pace quick.
Caster giggled, following Shinra. “All I know is that she’s there, I traced her magical energy, it wasn’t hard” Caster said.
He fumed, "At least one of us is having fun." He flipped out his phone, speaking calmly into it despite his displeasure. "See if anyone with the name Tohsaka checked in last night till this morning." He put a hand to his forehead, already feeling a migraine coming.
“Should we get going Master? You dropped your gift over there” Caster said, her evil grin not subsiding.
With a sigh, he walked back and picked it up. Melons were expensive after all. "Yeah let's go..." He crawled into the car wearily, exhausted by how the war was going for him. Only the second day to boot.
“What’s up, Master?” Caster said, popping up close next to Shinra.
"Too many things not going right for my taste."
“Plans don’t always go right, deal with it” Caster told her Master, bluntly.
"Of course not. It's just that things tend to blow up in my face. It affects more than just us, the manpower I control and demands... I have much to explain when I next report in to my father." He smiled wryly, glad Caster was around, no one in his family would give him proper counsel due to his position.
“Reports are boring” Caster said, for some reason pouting, “why bother?”
"Part of the reason I'm heir. No one else gets the "fun" of doing it. Because I'm of the spiritual faction, it's hard to tell who takes me seriously in this age. At least they make the effort to put up a false front." He popped a gummy, the stress was too much every now and then. Shinra passed a few to Caster, knowing that she would be eyeing them.
Popping the gummies into her own mouth, Caster munched on them happily. “You need to relax Master, no one can hurt you with me around” She said, clicking her fingers. As she did so Shinra began to feel very calm for some reason.
"Mmm... I don't know what you did... But keep it up, I haven't been this relaxed in ages..." He gave Caster a short hug, the spell turning his mind to putty. "Fuahhhh......"
Caster smiled, “Just a little mind manipulation, my speciality” she said, “Come on Master, we should go” she directed him into the car.
"Right... I suppose we should." He wasn't sure what Caster had tinkered with but was that light headedness part of the spell? "I'M GOING TO WIN THIS, I'LL PROVE MYSELF!" He yelled to no one in particular, the nearby guards turning to look at him incredulously.
Caster burst out laughing at this, “hahaha… Master you’re an idiot…. hahaha, this is too funny” she said trying to catch her breath. She clicked her fingers and returned Shinra to normal, “I don’t think I could take much more of you like that, I might die of laughter” she said still laughing slightly.
Feeling the spell fade away, Shinra could already feel himself missing it. "Please. Please cast that more often." It felt like heaven, having tasted it he could no longer go back to other forms of stress relief. "Just once in awhile? Please?" He begged her as they walked to the car.
“You don’t want to get addicted to that feeling Master, or there might be no returning you to normal” she warned, “maybe I shouldn’t have used it after all.” Caster opened the car door and jumped inside. “It’s a powerful enchantment spell, I’ve broken lesser men completely with it” she noted.
"B-but... It made me feel free, even for just that moment. I've never felt that way before." Truly, the traditions of his clan were too restrictive. "I'll buy you more dresses~" Enchantment or not, he wanted to feel it at least once more. Shinra climbed in after her, hoping she'd accede.
Caster looked deep into Shinra’s eyes, her gaze was relentless. “Master, there are countless dresses out there” she said “but there’s only one you.” Caster sighed slightly, “I suppose every once in a while won’t hurt though” she relented, “I’ll teach you the spell, it’s safer if you use it on yourself, oh and I’ll make sure when I teach it to you there’s a timer built in, for safety”
He hugged her tightly at her declaration, tears of joy almost streaming down his face. "You're going to teach it to me!? Oh Kami-sama, THANK YOU." Apparently, the spell hadn't returned all of his senses, he was nuzzling the top of her head affectionately with his cheek.
“Master” Caster said, “you’re hugging me” it was noted.
"So I am, so I am." He pulled back, laughing to himself. He felt like a child again, back before his parents had pressured him into upholding the family. "Thanks, again. I needed that."
“The hug or the spell?” Caster asked
"Both. I don't have much in the way of personal affection nor spiritual teachers." He shrugged again, looking out the window and losing himself in memories.
0
(this is a post featuring Katsucha and Moi
The night was black. Illuminating it was Saber, her silver armour shone even now. It was the time they had arranged to go on patrol, unable to gather information any other way. Saber’s deep purple eyes looked into Rowland’s. She hadn’t said anything to him since his conversation with Yui. They both stood in the traditional part of the Miyama residential district, where Rowland lived.
“Hey Saber, are you mad that I was talking to Yui? Cause you haven’t said anything since then.”
“I’m annoyed that you approached another Master, without consulting me” Saber said irritably “Who knows what servant they had, if it was Assassin, you might have been dead by now”
“Sorry about that. I just thought getting some info would be good for us, since we don’t really have a way to identify other Masters unless we are near them.”
“What kind of idiot…” Saber sighed “Anyway, Master, we should begin our search, anywhere you would care to look first?”
“Should be happy I got us some info at least about one of the servants.” Rowland sighed.”Well, lets check Shinto”
Saber and Rowland set off across the bridge. Halfway to Shinto Saber turned to Rowland, “Master, is the only reason you joined this war to meet servants?” Saber asked, remembering what he had said to Yui.
“Not really though you can call it an added bonus. Though to you that might seem like idiotic reason to join.” Rowland said laughing. “I have my own reasons for joining though I’m not sure really if thats what I truly want or if its their wish. I probably seem like incompetent master to you right now don’t I? Joining a war like this not sure of what he wants and for joining it not being prepared for it. But one thing I’m certain of I don’t want to lose. I want to win and I believe you have your own wish to make to the grail no? So all I ask is bare with me until the very end and let us win this war together Saber.” Rowland said as he extended his hand towards Saber.
Saber blushed slightly as she took Rowland’s hand, “of course” she said, “of course we’ll win”
“Thank you” Rowland said happily “Alright then lets start our patrol of Shinto. Let’s just hope not all Masters some how end up in Miyama Town.”
The night was black. Illuminating it was Saber, her silver armour shone even now. It was the time they had arranged to go on patrol, unable to gather information any other way. Saber’s deep purple eyes looked into Rowland’s. She hadn’t said anything to him since his conversation with Yui. They both stood in the traditional part of the Miyama residential district, where Rowland lived.
“Hey Saber, are you mad that I was talking to Yui? Cause you haven’t said anything since then.”
“I’m annoyed that you approached another Master, without consulting me” Saber said irritably “Who knows what servant they had, if it was Assassin, you might have been dead by now”
“Sorry about that. I just thought getting some info would be good for us, since we don’t really have a way to identify other Masters unless we are near them.”
“What kind of idiot…” Saber sighed “Anyway, Master, we should begin our search, anywhere you would care to look first?”
“Should be happy I got us some info at least about one of the servants.” Rowland sighed.”Well, lets check Shinto”
Saber and Rowland set off across the bridge. Halfway to Shinto Saber turned to Rowland, “Master, is the only reason you joined this war to meet servants?” Saber asked, remembering what he had said to Yui.
“Not really though you can call it an added bonus. Though to you that might seem like idiotic reason to join.” Rowland said laughing. “I have my own reasons for joining though I’m not sure really if thats what I truly want or if its their wish. I probably seem like incompetent master to you right now don’t I? Joining a war like this not sure of what he wants and for joining it not being prepared for it. But one thing I’m certain of I don’t want to lose. I want to win and I believe you have your own wish to make to the grail no? So all I ask is bare with me until the very end and let us win this war together Saber.” Rowland said as he extended his hand towards Saber.
Saber blushed slightly as she took Rowland’s hand, “of course” she said, “of course we’ll win”
“Thank you” Rowland said happily “Alright then lets start our patrol of Shinto. Let’s just hope not all Masters some how end up in Miyama Town.”
0
(This is a post featuring TheLoneGentleman and BagMan)
“Bah, what a cruddy day.” said Yui walking to the parking lot as the school let out. She was sure that the teacher was going to try, and pull something while she was at school, but he kept his words and up to that point she noticed nothing unusual happening. Grabbing her helmet from the box on her bike she strapped it on. Then hopping on her motorcycle she pulled up the kickstand and started up the cycle.. Walking back to back up she pulled the throttle back taking off.
She would usually hit up an arcade or two before heading home, but she decided she would play it safe. She wouldn’t do anything foolish while her servant was still recovering.
“Yui, what did you make of that man?” Lancer asked.
“He is planning something in that head of his, but I don’t think he has us in his sights just yet.” she answered. Traffic was light today so she was making great time in getting back to the hotel. It was a blessing considering how impatient Yui was.
“We ought to watch out for him, Yui, I don’t know what servant he has, but its presence was frighteningly strong, way stronger than that Rider” Lancer said.
”That just means he will be more fun to fight, but I don’t want another scene like last time. We need to be more cautious than I had planned. We are in this for the long haul,” she said
“Indeed, yesterday could have gone much, much worse” Lancer said.
“I never thanked you for saving most of my house.” she said laughing. “Rider was a lot stronger than I gave him credit for. So...Thanks.”
“Hahaha” Lancer laughed, “Gratitude doesn’t suit you, it was nothing anyway, what kind of servant would I be if I let you down”
Yui chuckled in response. “No servant of mine.” she joked. They reached the hotel, and Yui parked her bike in the garage. She didn’t have much to do besides homework, and that would be done quickly. She would have to find something to do for fun or go crazy.
“Bah, what a cruddy day.” said Yui walking to the parking lot as the school let out. She was sure that the teacher was going to try, and pull something while she was at school, but he kept his words and up to that point she noticed nothing unusual happening. Grabbing her helmet from the box on her bike she strapped it on. Then hopping on her motorcycle she pulled up the kickstand and started up the cycle.. Walking back to back up she pulled the throttle back taking off.
She would usually hit up an arcade or two before heading home, but she decided she would play it safe. She wouldn’t do anything foolish while her servant was still recovering.
“Yui, what did you make of that man?” Lancer asked.
“He is planning something in that head of his, but I don’t think he has us in his sights just yet.” she answered. Traffic was light today so she was making great time in getting back to the hotel. It was a blessing considering how impatient Yui was.
“We ought to watch out for him, Yui, I don’t know what servant he has, but its presence was frighteningly strong, way stronger than that Rider” Lancer said.
”That just means he will be more fun to fight, but I don’t want another scene like last time. We need to be more cautious than I had planned. We are in this for the long haul,” she said
“Indeed, yesterday could have gone much, much worse” Lancer said.
“I never thanked you for saving most of my house.” she said laughing. “Rider was a lot stronger than I gave him credit for. So...Thanks.”
“Hahaha” Lancer laughed, “Gratitude doesn’t suit you, it was nothing anyway, what kind of servant would I be if I let you down”
Yui chuckled in response. “No servant of mine.” she joked. They reached the hotel, and Yui parked her bike in the garage. She didn’t have much to do besides homework, and that would be done quickly. She would have to find something to do for fun or go crazy.
0
(This is a joint post between BlinkXPoke, Cinia Pacifica and BagMan)
4th period history had just finished, and lunch had just began. Lots of people left the classroom to go to the cafeteria, while others put their desks together to have their packed lunches.
Azusa dashed out of the classroom as soon as the bell rang, sprinting towards the cafeteria to receive her lunch quickly. Her favorite sandwich was a popular item that is often sold out. She didn’t want to miss her chance to have one, especially since she and Shuuhei failed to arrive on time for class, thus, missing out on her opportunity for steak at dinner. She was even punished by needing to be on cleaning duty after school. At least, the sandwich will make her feel better about it.
A girl ran exactly a meter right behind Azusa. Her height was similar to that of Azusa, in fact, she was an ordinary classmate who usually loved doing any type of sporty activities. This time however, she jogged behind the girl with an expressionless face. She had short black hair, a pair of golden eyes that strangely didn’t fit her and rather seemed boyish for a girl with attractive facial features. Despite her boyishness, she wore a white ribbon to the left side of what little hair she had.
As Azusa entered the cafeteria with glee, apparently to get her lunch, the golden-eyed girl followed suit, “Hello, Yasooka-san, are you getting lunch, now?” she coldly asked, trying to act as though she was naturally curiously asking to her classmate.
“Ah, yeah, I’m really hungry right now! I’ve been waiting forever for lunch to start!” Azusa said gleefully as she kept up her pace.
The girl gave a rather cold smirk. “Is that so? What would you be getting for lunch today, if I may ask?” She still ran by her as she asked.
“Whoa!” Azusa was shocked that the girl was able to keep up her. She was running at nearly the fastest pace she could. “I’m getting the sandwich that’s usually sold out, that yakisoba bread.”
“What a coincidence, it’s my favorite too,” she said, giving a thumbs-up at the most awkward. “I plan to buy one as well. You mind if I join you?” The girl asked with a low tone of voice as she reached the waiting line of students for food in the cafeteria.
“Oh no, there’s a line already…” Azusa’s expression dropped, but she tried to remain optimistic. “At least it’s kind of short, we may still have a chance. Sure, we can eat together!” She smiled at the girl.
“If you’re really impatient, I could steal two yakisoba breads for us,” the girl replied with a smirk unbefitting of her attractiveness. “Or would you rather wait?”
“Awawawa, you don’t need to do that! Let’s just wait, we’ll be able to get ours, I’m sure of it!” Azusa’s unwillingness to steal was two-fold, she didn’t feel it was necessary, and her brother would be very mad at her for doing so. He taught her to show integrity.
“Alright, if that’s what you want.” the girl gave a small nod to Azusa, lining up with Azusa right behind her, she stared intently towards her as she waited.
As they got to the front of the line, Azusa noticed there were still some sandwiches left. “Lucky~” She squealed as she ordered one. Sighing in relief, she said, “I was worried that they would run out! It usually is when I get here.” She looked around the cafeteria for an open seat.
“Lucky you,” the girl expressionlessly replied, then ordered the same sandwich, upon seeing that a few were still left. Azusa then looked around - her eyes faster than average - she pointed towards an empty table within a moment of scouting with her accurate vision.
“There’s a seat! Let’s go, let’s go~!” Azusa walked as quickly as she could while keeping a tight grip on her lunch, and sitting down before it was occupied. It was an empty table. There was plenty of space at other tables, and people generally like talking with Azusa, but not while she eats. She eats quickly, and focuses solely on her food. The last few times she has eaten with others, including her brother, she’s either choked on the food she was consuming, trying to talk at the same time, or accidentally ignored who she was talking to, being too busy eating.
Like now, for instance. Shortly after sitting down, she began to consume her lunch, taking large bites out of her sandwich and washing it down with water. She’d pause momentarily to take a breath and maybe utter “Delicious” or ”Soooo good…” before taking more bites. Despite being a relatively large sandwich, she managed to devour half of it within a minute.
The golden-eyed girl walked at a brisk pace - following Azusa along, almost as fast as her - and sat down opposite to her in the now-occupied table. “Do you really like it that much?” she asked, tilting her head. She looked at her own sandwich intently, pondering if it’s truly that delicious.
Azusa heard the girl’s question, but held her answer until after she finished her food. She ate her sandwich at a quicker pace, and finished it. She drank a large amount of water before she started speaking. “Ahhhhh… Yeah, I do. I really like how it tastes!” Azusa said while wiping her mouth. “
“Is that so?” The girl thought to herself. I want to have it… yet I can’t? her eyes shifted back and forth between the sandwich and Azusa. After a moment, she stretched her hand forward - bringing the food closer towards Azusa. “Want to have mine, too?”
“Are you sure!?” Azusa’s eyes lit up for a moment, but as she reached for it, she stopped her hand. “Eh, I really shouldn’t. It’s kinda unhealthy.” Due to her upbringing, she wants to keep up a balanced diet to stay in shape. She’s allowed to indulge herself occasionally, but she likes to seek out balance in her meals.
Her attraction to food, however, won her over, and she brought the sandwich to her side. Azusa stood from the table and said, “Sorry, give me a minute. I’m gonna get more vegetables and some more water.”
“Oh no,” the short-haired girl exclaimed then stood up, and deftly snatched the sandwich back without giving Azusa any time to react. “It’s rude to not politely ask me to hand it over before taking it. Besides, I’ll only give you this if you fulfill my condition,” she said, giving a smirk.
“Oh, ehehe, sorry!” Azusa halted herself and rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. “I kinda got carried away…” She sat back down, and asked “So, what do you need me to do?”
“I need you to head home, as early as possible today,” the girl immediately stated her peculiar condition, without any hint of hesitation. “If you promise to do so, I shall give you my sandwich.”
Azusa looks at the girl, confused. “That’s easy, then. I do that every day. My brother and I come straight home to train after school.” Azusa continued to stare at the girl for a moment. “Were you gonna visit the dojo today?”
“As early as possible, as in, now,” the girl replied, still with a smirk. “Yes, I do intend to visit it.”
“Ehhhh!? Now!? But… but… I have class…” Azusa was surprised by this request out of the blue. It wasn’t the class itself she was worried about, as she wasn’t a good student at all. There was another reason. “Onii-chan will kill me if I cut class…” She thought about Shuuhei being angry with her, and it was enough to cause her to shake in fear.
“I don’t care. He can’t do it if you go home, anyway?” she tilted her head, not sure what was so scary about a mere brother. “There is someone who wouldn’t allow such a thing.”
“But, later, he’ll…” Azusa was still scared stiff. She could never defy her brother. He’s helped her throughout her life. He trusted her. He trained her.
He also took her dream of having steak tonight away from her, and there was a golden opportunity for more of her favorite sandwich as compensation. Food won her over again. “Alright…” Azusa said solemnly. “But what is this †˜someone’ and what wouldn’t they allow?”
“It’s best if you look forward to it instead,” smiling, the girl answered. “You have someone waiting for you.”
Azusa tilted her head slightly, still confused. “Uhh, then, I guess I should get started then…” She gathered her rubbish left behind from her lunch and put it on her lunch tray, ready to dump it into a trash bin. “Can I get my sandwich now?” This was the only motivation she had, and the sole reason she would do this in in the first place. Azusa could still hear Shuuhei in her conscious telling her not to.
“Yes, of course,” the girl replied, handing the sandwich to Azusa. She returned to the same expressionless blank face yet again.
“T-Thanks…” Azusa felt more dirty after accepting the sandwich, but she already decided she would follow through with it. She threw away her garbage, and returned the the classroom momentarily to grab her bag. Shuuhei was still in the classroom. Evidently, a friend of his lost a bet and was gonna get his peers some bread for lunch.
“You’re back fast, as usual.” Shuuhei said nonchalantly as he stared outside the window, bored. He rested his head on his hand, looking almost as though he was going to fall asleep. “What are you doing back here, though? I thought you were going to hang out with your friends after your done eating.” He inquired.
“U-uhm… I’m just…” Azusa was stuttering. “I forgot my phone in my bag! I just came to get it, so I can exchange numbers with them. She got a new phone, so…” Her voice trailed off. She wasn’t sure if this was believable enough. She held her breath, waiting for Shuuhei’s response.
“If you need to use the bathroom, go do it. You shouldn’t hold it in.” Shuuhei said. He misinterpreted her nervousness as being antsy about needing to go.
“Y-yeah, alright, Onii-chan…” Azusa stumbled out of the classroom with her bag, as Shuuhei faced toward the windows again, sighing and mumbling about how hungry he was.
Alright, I can get out without being seen through the back gate of the school. It’ll take a little longer to get home that way, but I won’t get caught this way. She mentally formulated her plan to leave. She managed to slip past teachers as she made her way to the rear exit of the school, but was almost caught when she started approaching it. Some other students had been stopped en route to that exit, and two teachers were questioning the students.
Azusa watched on, and they wouldn’t move. They were having an argument. I can’t wait these guys out, that girl said I need to get home as soon as possible. She’d have to run. If she could run past them fast enough, they’d be too slow to react to her and she can lose them not long after she leaves the school grounds. She was familiar enough with the city to find her way through alleys.
Azusa did a few stretches, and took some deep breaths. She took off, running directly toward the gate.
Azusa steamed past the teacher. He barely even had a chance to react, and despite being a PE teacher he didn’t have a single chance of catching up to reprimand her. Azusa was clear of the school very quickly indeed. Once she was sure there were no teachers following her, she slowed her pace. “Phew… That was easier than expected.” She sighed in relief.
She walked back home to her dojo, which was located directly north of the school,in the traditional part of Miyama. To the east of it, there was a large house. It was a fairly long walk, but due to Azusa’s fitness, it was an easy one, and she arrived home without trouble or fatigue. No one was here, as expected. Many students of the Yasooka family were middle schoolers and high schoolers, so there wouldn’t be any lessons until school was let out. Her parents trained elsewhere during this time.
Azusa was told by the strange girl to arrive home as quickly as she could, but for what reason? Azusa wasn’t sure. She took out the sandwich she was given by that girl from her bag, looked at it with regret in her eyes, unwrapped it, and ate it, more slowly this time, while she waited for whatever it was that was coming. Who was that girl, though… I don’t remember seeing her in my classes. I didn’t even ask for her name… She pondered as she nibbled on her food.
“My, My” a woman’s voice said from inside the Dojo, “So you came after all?”
“E-eh!?” Azusa dropped her food and assumed a fighting stance. “Who are you!? Where are you!? What are you doing in my home!?” She called out to the voice, and scanning back and forth, trying to locate the unknown person.
“Here” she said appearing directly in front of Azusa.
Azusa instinctively jump back as the mysterious woman appeared in front of her. “What do you want…? Why are you here?” She repeated the question. Everything about this woman seemed suspicious to Azusa. She was prepared to defend herself and strike back if necessary.
“No need for that” she said putting her hands up to indicate she meant no harm, “I’m here because I need your help”
“Eh?” Azusa didn’t let her guard down, but eased some of her tension and told the woman, “I’m listening…” She kept eye contact with the woman, still prepared for anything.
“You might not have noticed but I did, have you looked at your left arm recently?” the woman asked.
Azusa did not want to break eye contact, so she only took quick glances at her left hand, until she noticed something peculiar. “Huh, what is this…?” She stared at the back of her left hand for a moment. How long has that been there…? Azusa’s eyes widened. There seemed to be a strange-looking tattoo of some sort on her hand.
“It’s something called a command spell” Assassin explained, “It’s proof you’ve been chosen by the Holy Grail to enter this war”
“The… Holy… Grail…?” Azusa repeated. She glanced back and forth between the woman and her left hand, again, before regaining her focus and staring back at the woman, telling her, “What are you talking about!? What do you mean I’ve been chosen? I’ve never heard of this war you speak of!”
The woman sighed, “Such a pain…” she murmured “if you want to know go to the church and ask the priest, I can’t be bothered explaining”
she said.
“The priest?” Azusa wasn’t very religious, she didn’t know much about any temples or churches, except for one particularly large one in the Shinto province, all the way on the opposite side of the region. Does she mean that one…? It was the only one that especially stood out to Azusa.
“Then, who are you…?” Azusa asked the woman. If she was working with the church, then perhaps she’s safe to be around, but Azusa still was wary of her, since she had invaded her house. She still had some suspicions.
“Ugh” the woman said sounding caught out, “... I’m… Assassin… I’m sure the priest can explain what that means as well”
“Assassin!?” Azusa’s guard was put up as high as it’s ever been in her life. She felt purely on the defensive. Why would there be an assassin here!? If I show any opening, she’ll kill me… I can’t let her get me... Beads of sweat rolled from Azusa’s forehead; she suddenly became very nervous from this encounter. “Why would the priest… need to send... an assassin... to my home…? Is this... part of the war? Are you going to… to kill me and my family…?” She spoke, fear breaking up her words.
Assassin couldn’t help but laugh, “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong, if anything I’m going to protect you, and the priest is unrelated to me, but you really should ask him about your current position”
“Pro...tect me…?” Azusa still wasn’t sure if she could trust this woman, †˜Assassin’, but she figured, if this woman really was sent to kill her, she would’ve done it already. She wouldn’t have revealed herself.. Except maybe to trick them into dropping their guard around her. Azusa’s instincts were screaming at her to not to, but she lowered her hands. She tried to speak calmly, asking the assassin, “Then, can you accompany me to the church? I want to know more about this war and why I was chosen to fight in it.” She was bracing herself for the worst scenario. However, there was no choice but to trust her, she felt. Azusa hasn’t felt any aggression from the woman’s side.
“Sure” She said, grinning.
Assassin led the way to the church, not saying much, wanting to get this over with quickly. She lamented the grail choosing such a Master.
Azusa kept a small distance behind the female assassin, staying on alert for any suspicious movement. This is the way to the church, right…? She’s not leading me to a place where no one can find me… right…? She couldn’t keep the dark thoughts away. What about this priest… If he’s involved in this war, can I really trust him…? What is he gonna be like? She imagined a shady fake priest who’d ramble about gods and try to extort people.
When they arrived they reached a large church, the likes of which Azusa hadn’t seen before.
“You go inside” Assassin said, “the place doesn’t sit right with me, but I’ll be listening and I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. Oh! and I’ll be around for the important bit” Assassin smiled slyly.
“H-Huh?” Azusa was pulled out of her thoughts by the Assassin’s voice. “Uh, okay!” She inhaled deeply, staring at the door of the church. She looked back at Assassin for a moment before proceeding inside. “Excuse me…” She mumbled as she opened the doors.
It seemed like a usual church, but Azusa was still in awe at it’s size. She looked around and called out for the priest. “Hello, is there anybody around?” Her voice seemed to echo throughout the church.
The church hall was seemingly empty, her voice echoed for a long time before she heard movement from the back of the church. A tall handsome man walked from the back towards Azusa.
“What can I help you with lost lamb?” he said before fully noticing Azusa, “Child, should you not be in school?”
“U-uh… Well, something urgent came up and I had to… leave…” Azusa was trying to justify ditching class. Even she felt it wasn’t believable. “I had some questions regarding what… my friend… told me.” She didn’t want to mention the assassin waiting outside. That woman had said before that the priest was unrelated to her.
“What exactly did your friend tell you?” the priest said curiously
The priest was so calm that it was intimidating Azusa. “Uh-m… well…” Azusa took a deep breath before explaining. “She said I was chosen for this thing called the Holy Grail War? And she said that I should talk to you so you could explain it to me…”
“You?” the priest said in surprise, looking at her closely he could see the command spell on her hand. He put a palm to his face and moaned.
“This is… unprecedented as far as I know… you have no knowledge of magic?” he asked with a pale face as if he had just been punched in the gut.
“Hm?” Azusa was wondering what the priest was looking at, until she remembered the mark on the back of her left hand. The †˜command spell’ the assassin was talking about. “Uhh, magic? Like those tricks people do at carnivals?”
“So it’s true… you don’t know anything…” the priest paled further, “I guess I’ll explain in simple terms. That mark on your hand mean you have been chosen as one of seven people to fight over an omnipotent wish granting device called the Holy Grail, normally the grail chooses people with great magic power, but in your case, I have no clue what has happened. The people who fight for the grail are known as Masters. You are one of them. Under the Masters, are the Servants. Servants are extremely powerful spirits of heroes from past, present, and future and each of those heroes falls into one of seven classes. Do you follow so far?” the priest asked.
“Uhhhhhhh…” Azusa groaned. “So the Holy Grail is some kind of a wish-granting thing… Anyone participating is considered a master, and contain great magic power, and Masters have servants, who were heroes of the past… right?” She repeated what she remembered. She surprised herself with how much she was able to. In class, she could never recall that much.
“Good, you’ve been paying attention” The priest smiled, “Now each of these classes has a name. Saber is the class for heroes who used swords, Lancer is the class for those who used spears, Archer is the class for those who use bows or projectiles, Rider is the class for heroes famed for their riding exploits, Caster is the class for famous and powerful magi, Berserker is for warriors enhanced by rage and madness and Assassin is for the anti-heroes who specialise in subterfuge and discrete killing. All Servants have trump cards, you could call them special or finishing moves, called Noble Phantasm. These are an embodiment of a hero’s legend or a weapon they wielded in their lifetime, like… urmm… King Arthur’s Excalibur or Jason’s Golden Fleece. You understand? I get that this must be a lot to take in but it’s important.”
“Uhhhhhhh… so…” Azusa looked up and wagged her finger as if counting to make sure she remembered enough. “Uh… the servants were…” She counted on her fingers again. “There were seven, right?” She glanced up at the priest who gave no confirmation. “Uh, there was… Saber… Archer… Lancer… Rider… uhh…” She looked at her hands again, and have counted four so far. “Mmmm… Caster? Beserker… and…?” The final one escaped her memory for a moment, until she remembered the woman outside. “Ah, Assassin. Yeah. And all seven of them had some special move called a Noble… Phantasm? A weapon of some sort from their legend? Is that correct?” Azusa looked at the priest with bright eyes. She seemed proud of herself for being able to memorize all of that. Her brother would usually pat her on the head for doing this well on a test of some sort.
“Correct” the priest said, smiling, thankful that she picked it up so quick, “Finally, once only one servant remains, the holy grail is summoned and, as they say, to the victor the spoils. Now here’s the important part, firstly, have you already summoned a servant, and secondly do you want to take part?” the priest asked, bending over to reach Azusa’s height, a hand on her head.
Is he patting my head? Azusa smiled at this sensation. She liked it whenever someone patted her head, especially after she did something well. “Uhm… I don’t think I’ve summoned a servant, unless…” Her voice trailed off. Is that woman outside…
“Unless what?” the priest asked kindly.
“Uhh… a woman guided me up here. She called herself †˜Assassin’, and I wondered if that was related in some way…” Her voice trailed off again. Does this mean I’m a part of this war no matter what…?
“AH!” the priest yelled in surprise, “So you have a servant… I assume you made a contract?”
“She hasn’t” Assassin’s voice rang out at the doorway.
“Hrmm? Is that so?” the priest said “Don’t step any closer Assassin, this is neutral ground and you appear to be Masterless.” He turned to Azusa, “Listen, you can still back out now and go back to living your normal life, you just have to reject the command spells, if you mean to partake in the war I’m going to have to ask you to leave, other than announcing your presence, it is forbidden to enter the church unless you have surrendered”
“Ehhh? Can I at least have some time to think about this…?” This was a heavy decision for Azusa. She still didn’t know much about the nature of the Holy Grail War, but having any one wish granted was a very intriguing offer. She thought about what her definite goal was: to surpass her brother as a martial artist. She wanted to be as strong as him, and stand by his side as Assistant Master when he is chosen after his parents’ generation to lead the family’s art as Master. But to reach that goal, she’d need much more strength than now.
Was all this worth fighting this war, however. Azusa knew a war implied people dying. Was she prepared for that? Was she prepared to kill people for her own goals?
“Think about it, Azusa, the grail could grant you as much strength as you like, it can grant anything you want” Assassin said, “And I need your help as much as you’ll need mine, as much as revoking the command spell no longer makes you a Master, other Masters may not feel the same way, they could still come after you, but I’ll protect you Azusa” Assassin smirked but tried to hide it.
“Really?” Azusa thought back to her home at the dojo. Assassin was able to find her, but fortunately, she wasn’t hostile. It seemed she sought Azusa as her Master. But, if she was able to find Azusa’s home, what would stop other Masters and Servants from trying to find her, as well? She couldn’t put her family in harm’s way. “You’re right… I need your protection…” Azusa convinced herself. She turned to the priest and told him, “I’ll participate in the war. I can’t let trouble come to my family without Assassin’s protection.”
“Then, you’ll have to recite the contract,” the priest turned around for a second, leaning on a pugh, he scribbled something. “These are the words, use them when you see fit” he said passing a piece of paper over, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare for some house calls, that Tohsaka has gone too far, not contacting me”
“That’s all I need to do…? There’s no special magical set up I need to do?” Azusa asked, unsure of this process.
“If you were summoning a servant, sure, but Assassin has already been summoned” the priest said matter of factly.
“Oh, so then this contract simply makes me officially her Master… okay.” Azusa looked back at Assassin, then to the paper containing the contract. “T-Thank you, Father.” She bowed in his direction before stepping out of the church, reviewing the contract.
“Have a safe trip” the priest called out nonchalantly.
Once she was outside, Azusa told Assassin, “I’ll do it, now.” and took several deep breaths before reading off the contract:
“L-let silver and steel be the essence.
Let stone and the... archduke of contracts be the foundation.
Let r-red be the color I pay tribute to.
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall.
Let the four... ca-cardinal gates close.
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate.
Let it be filled. Again. Again. Again. Again.
Let it be filled fivefold for every turn, simply breaking as-asunder with every filling.”
Ohhhhhh… I hope this worked… Azusa whimpered after she finished reading the contract. She nearly bit her tongue several times while reading it, and wasn’t sure she pronounced everything properly.
Suddenly Assassin’s presence filled the area, she seemed much stronger than she had a few seconds previous. She breathed a sigh of relief, “I really thought I might disappear without a Master, I’m glad I found you so fast” Assassin said seeming genuine.
Azusa responded with a nervous laugh. “I wish you didn’t scare me at my house, though… I thought you were an intruder.” She commented, sighing while reminiscing about their meeting. She realized something. “Wait, if you’re my Servant, you’d need to be around me to protect me… How am I going to explain this to my family…?” Azusa paced back and forth as she thought about a solution.
“Don’t worry, I need not take physical form” Assassin said disappearing into spirit form.
“Wait, what do you me- WHOA!” Azusa exclaimed as he saw Assassin vanish. “That’s cool! And that makes it easier. How long can you stay like that?” She wanted to know, in case she needed to remain hidden for extended periods of time.
“As long as I need to, honestly it’s less of a strain on me to stay like this” Assassin commented.
“Really? Alright, then,” Azusa replied. She fell into her thoughts for a moment. If I’m part of this war, I need to watch out for other Masters and Servants… I wonder who they are? Are they all in Fuyuki City? Hmmm…She scrunched her eyebrows as she thought of the possibilities. “Well, whatever…” she she shrugged before telling Assassin, “Shall we go home, then, Assassin...san?” She paused after calling her Servant that. “What is your name? I’m not sure I feel comfortable calling you †˜Assassin’…”
“Honestly, you’re such an airhead you’ll give it away if I tell you, it’s better to keep my identity secret. Assassin is fine” Assassin said.
“I’m… not allowed to know…?” Azusa’s head drooped down in disappointment. “It’s fine, then, I’ll just call you †˜Assassin’, then… So, let’s go home then, Assassin-san.” She suggested.
“Ah, not yet” Assassin said, “I have something to do to prepare for tonight, you can go ahead”
“Ehh? Really?” Azusa wanted to ask in curiosity, but she held herself back, in case it was another thing that needed to be kept secret. She didn’t waste her breath. “Then, I’ll see you at home, then.”
4th period history had just finished, and lunch had just began. Lots of people left the classroom to go to the cafeteria, while others put their desks together to have their packed lunches.
Azusa dashed out of the classroom as soon as the bell rang, sprinting towards the cafeteria to receive her lunch quickly. Her favorite sandwich was a popular item that is often sold out. She didn’t want to miss her chance to have one, especially since she and Shuuhei failed to arrive on time for class, thus, missing out on her opportunity for steak at dinner. She was even punished by needing to be on cleaning duty after school. At least, the sandwich will make her feel better about it.
A girl ran exactly a meter right behind Azusa. Her height was similar to that of Azusa, in fact, she was an ordinary classmate who usually loved doing any type of sporty activities. This time however, she jogged behind the girl with an expressionless face. She had short black hair, a pair of golden eyes that strangely didn’t fit her and rather seemed boyish for a girl with attractive facial features. Despite her boyishness, she wore a white ribbon to the left side of what little hair she had.
As Azusa entered the cafeteria with glee, apparently to get her lunch, the golden-eyed girl followed suit, “Hello, Yasooka-san, are you getting lunch, now?” she coldly asked, trying to act as though she was naturally curiously asking to her classmate.
“Ah, yeah, I’m really hungry right now! I’ve been waiting forever for lunch to start!” Azusa said gleefully as she kept up her pace.
The girl gave a rather cold smirk. “Is that so? What would you be getting for lunch today, if I may ask?” She still ran by her as she asked.
“Whoa!” Azusa was shocked that the girl was able to keep up her. She was running at nearly the fastest pace she could. “I’m getting the sandwich that’s usually sold out, that yakisoba bread.”
“What a coincidence, it’s my favorite too,” she said, giving a thumbs-up at the most awkward. “I plan to buy one as well. You mind if I join you?” The girl asked with a low tone of voice as she reached the waiting line of students for food in the cafeteria.
“Oh no, there’s a line already…” Azusa’s expression dropped, but she tried to remain optimistic. “At least it’s kind of short, we may still have a chance. Sure, we can eat together!” She smiled at the girl.
“If you’re really impatient, I could steal two yakisoba breads for us,” the girl replied with a smirk unbefitting of her attractiveness. “Or would you rather wait?”
“Awawawa, you don’t need to do that! Let’s just wait, we’ll be able to get ours, I’m sure of it!” Azusa’s unwillingness to steal was two-fold, she didn’t feel it was necessary, and her brother would be very mad at her for doing so. He taught her to show integrity.
“Alright, if that’s what you want.” the girl gave a small nod to Azusa, lining up with Azusa right behind her, she stared intently towards her as she waited.
As they got to the front of the line, Azusa noticed there were still some sandwiches left. “Lucky~” She squealed as she ordered one. Sighing in relief, she said, “I was worried that they would run out! It usually is when I get here.” She looked around the cafeteria for an open seat.
“Lucky you,” the girl expressionlessly replied, then ordered the same sandwich, upon seeing that a few were still left. Azusa then looked around - her eyes faster than average - she pointed towards an empty table within a moment of scouting with her accurate vision.
“There’s a seat! Let’s go, let’s go~!” Azusa walked as quickly as she could while keeping a tight grip on her lunch, and sitting down before it was occupied. It was an empty table. There was plenty of space at other tables, and people generally like talking with Azusa, but not while she eats. She eats quickly, and focuses solely on her food. The last few times she has eaten with others, including her brother, she’s either choked on the food she was consuming, trying to talk at the same time, or accidentally ignored who she was talking to, being too busy eating.
Like now, for instance. Shortly after sitting down, she began to consume her lunch, taking large bites out of her sandwich and washing it down with water. She’d pause momentarily to take a breath and maybe utter “Delicious” or ”Soooo good…” before taking more bites. Despite being a relatively large sandwich, she managed to devour half of it within a minute.
The golden-eyed girl walked at a brisk pace - following Azusa along, almost as fast as her - and sat down opposite to her in the now-occupied table. “Do you really like it that much?” she asked, tilting her head. She looked at her own sandwich intently, pondering if it’s truly that delicious.
Azusa heard the girl’s question, but held her answer until after she finished her food. She ate her sandwich at a quicker pace, and finished it. She drank a large amount of water before she started speaking. “Ahhhhh… Yeah, I do. I really like how it tastes!” Azusa said while wiping her mouth. “
“Is that so?” The girl thought to herself. I want to have it… yet I can’t? her eyes shifted back and forth between the sandwich and Azusa. After a moment, she stretched her hand forward - bringing the food closer towards Azusa. “Want to have mine, too?”
“Are you sure!?” Azusa’s eyes lit up for a moment, but as she reached for it, she stopped her hand. “Eh, I really shouldn’t. It’s kinda unhealthy.” Due to her upbringing, she wants to keep up a balanced diet to stay in shape. She’s allowed to indulge herself occasionally, but she likes to seek out balance in her meals.
Her attraction to food, however, won her over, and she brought the sandwich to her side. Azusa stood from the table and said, “Sorry, give me a minute. I’m gonna get more vegetables and some more water.”
“Oh no,” the short-haired girl exclaimed then stood up, and deftly snatched the sandwich back without giving Azusa any time to react. “It’s rude to not politely ask me to hand it over before taking it. Besides, I’ll only give you this if you fulfill my condition,” she said, giving a smirk.
“Oh, ehehe, sorry!” Azusa halted herself and rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. “I kinda got carried away…” She sat back down, and asked “So, what do you need me to do?”
“I need you to head home, as early as possible today,” the girl immediately stated her peculiar condition, without any hint of hesitation. “If you promise to do so, I shall give you my sandwich.”
Azusa looks at the girl, confused. “That’s easy, then. I do that every day. My brother and I come straight home to train after school.” Azusa continued to stare at the girl for a moment. “Were you gonna visit the dojo today?”
“As early as possible, as in, now,” the girl replied, still with a smirk. “Yes, I do intend to visit it.”
“Ehhhh!? Now!? But… but… I have class…” Azusa was surprised by this request out of the blue. It wasn’t the class itself she was worried about, as she wasn’t a good student at all. There was another reason. “Onii-chan will kill me if I cut class…” She thought about Shuuhei being angry with her, and it was enough to cause her to shake in fear.
“I don’t care. He can’t do it if you go home, anyway?” she tilted her head, not sure what was so scary about a mere brother. “There is someone who wouldn’t allow such a thing.”
“But, later, he’ll…” Azusa was still scared stiff. She could never defy her brother. He’s helped her throughout her life. He trusted her. He trained her.
He also took her dream of having steak tonight away from her, and there was a golden opportunity for more of her favorite sandwich as compensation. Food won her over again. “Alright…” Azusa said solemnly. “But what is this †˜someone’ and what wouldn’t they allow?”
“It’s best if you look forward to it instead,” smiling, the girl answered. “You have someone waiting for you.”
Azusa tilted her head slightly, still confused. “Uhh, then, I guess I should get started then…” She gathered her rubbish left behind from her lunch and put it on her lunch tray, ready to dump it into a trash bin. “Can I get my sandwich now?” This was the only motivation she had, and the sole reason she would do this in in the first place. Azusa could still hear Shuuhei in her conscious telling her not to.
“Yes, of course,” the girl replied, handing the sandwich to Azusa. She returned to the same expressionless blank face yet again.
“T-Thanks…” Azusa felt more dirty after accepting the sandwich, but she already decided she would follow through with it. She threw away her garbage, and returned the the classroom momentarily to grab her bag. Shuuhei was still in the classroom. Evidently, a friend of his lost a bet and was gonna get his peers some bread for lunch.
“You’re back fast, as usual.” Shuuhei said nonchalantly as he stared outside the window, bored. He rested his head on his hand, looking almost as though he was going to fall asleep. “What are you doing back here, though? I thought you were going to hang out with your friends after your done eating.” He inquired.
“U-uhm… I’m just…” Azusa was stuttering. “I forgot my phone in my bag! I just came to get it, so I can exchange numbers with them. She got a new phone, so…” Her voice trailed off. She wasn’t sure if this was believable enough. She held her breath, waiting for Shuuhei’s response.
“If you need to use the bathroom, go do it. You shouldn’t hold it in.” Shuuhei said. He misinterpreted her nervousness as being antsy about needing to go.
“Y-yeah, alright, Onii-chan…” Azusa stumbled out of the classroom with her bag, as Shuuhei faced toward the windows again, sighing and mumbling about how hungry he was.
Alright, I can get out without being seen through the back gate of the school. It’ll take a little longer to get home that way, but I won’t get caught this way. She mentally formulated her plan to leave. She managed to slip past teachers as she made her way to the rear exit of the school, but was almost caught when she started approaching it. Some other students had been stopped en route to that exit, and two teachers were questioning the students.
Azusa watched on, and they wouldn’t move. They were having an argument. I can’t wait these guys out, that girl said I need to get home as soon as possible. She’d have to run. If she could run past them fast enough, they’d be too slow to react to her and she can lose them not long after she leaves the school grounds. She was familiar enough with the city to find her way through alleys.
Azusa did a few stretches, and took some deep breaths. She took off, running directly toward the gate.
Azusa steamed past the teacher. He barely even had a chance to react, and despite being a PE teacher he didn’t have a single chance of catching up to reprimand her. Azusa was clear of the school very quickly indeed. Once she was sure there were no teachers following her, she slowed her pace. “Phew… That was easier than expected.” She sighed in relief.
She walked back home to her dojo, which was located directly north of the school,in the traditional part of Miyama. To the east of it, there was a large house. It was a fairly long walk, but due to Azusa’s fitness, it was an easy one, and she arrived home without trouble or fatigue. No one was here, as expected. Many students of the Yasooka family were middle schoolers and high schoolers, so there wouldn’t be any lessons until school was let out. Her parents trained elsewhere during this time.
Azusa was told by the strange girl to arrive home as quickly as she could, but for what reason? Azusa wasn’t sure. She took out the sandwich she was given by that girl from her bag, looked at it with regret in her eyes, unwrapped it, and ate it, more slowly this time, while she waited for whatever it was that was coming. Who was that girl, though… I don’t remember seeing her in my classes. I didn’t even ask for her name… She pondered as she nibbled on her food.
“My, My” a woman’s voice said from inside the Dojo, “So you came after all?”
“E-eh!?” Azusa dropped her food and assumed a fighting stance. “Who are you!? Where are you!? What are you doing in my home!?” She called out to the voice, and scanning back and forth, trying to locate the unknown person.
“Here” she said appearing directly in front of Azusa.
Azusa instinctively jump back as the mysterious woman appeared in front of her. “What do you want…? Why are you here?” She repeated the question. Everything about this woman seemed suspicious to Azusa. She was prepared to defend herself and strike back if necessary.
“No need for that” she said putting her hands up to indicate she meant no harm, “I’m here because I need your help”
“Eh?” Azusa didn’t let her guard down, but eased some of her tension and told the woman, “I’m listening…” She kept eye contact with the woman, still prepared for anything.
“You might not have noticed but I did, have you looked at your left arm recently?” the woman asked.
Azusa did not want to break eye contact, so she only took quick glances at her left hand, until she noticed something peculiar. “Huh, what is this…?” She stared at the back of her left hand for a moment. How long has that been there…? Azusa’s eyes widened. There seemed to be a strange-looking tattoo of some sort on her hand.
“It’s something called a command spell” Assassin explained, “It’s proof you’ve been chosen by the Holy Grail to enter this war”
“The… Holy… Grail…?” Azusa repeated. She glanced back and forth between the woman and her left hand, again, before regaining her focus and staring back at the woman, telling her, “What are you talking about!? What do you mean I’ve been chosen? I’ve never heard of this war you speak of!”
The woman sighed, “Such a pain…” she murmured “if you want to know go to the church and ask the priest, I can’t be bothered explaining”
she said.
“The priest?” Azusa wasn’t very religious, she didn’t know much about any temples or churches, except for one particularly large one in the Shinto province, all the way on the opposite side of the region. Does she mean that one…? It was the only one that especially stood out to Azusa.
“Then, who are you…?” Azusa asked the woman. If she was working with the church, then perhaps she’s safe to be around, but Azusa still was wary of her, since she had invaded her house. She still had some suspicions.
“Ugh” the woman said sounding caught out, “... I’m… Assassin… I’m sure the priest can explain what that means as well”
“Assassin!?” Azusa’s guard was put up as high as it’s ever been in her life. She felt purely on the defensive. Why would there be an assassin here!? If I show any opening, she’ll kill me… I can’t let her get me... Beads of sweat rolled from Azusa’s forehead; she suddenly became very nervous from this encounter. “Why would the priest… need to send... an assassin... to my home…? Is this... part of the war? Are you going to… to kill me and my family…?” She spoke, fear breaking up her words.
Assassin couldn’t help but laugh, “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong, if anything I’m going to protect you, and the priest is unrelated to me, but you really should ask him about your current position”
“Pro...tect me…?” Azusa still wasn’t sure if she could trust this woman, †˜Assassin’, but she figured, if this woman really was sent to kill her, she would’ve done it already. She wouldn’t have revealed herself.. Except maybe to trick them into dropping their guard around her. Azusa’s instincts were screaming at her to not to, but she lowered her hands. She tried to speak calmly, asking the assassin, “Then, can you accompany me to the church? I want to know more about this war and why I was chosen to fight in it.” She was bracing herself for the worst scenario. However, there was no choice but to trust her, she felt. Azusa hasn’t felt any aggression from the woman’s side.
“Sure” She said, grinning.
***
Assassin led the way to the church, not saying much, wanting to get this over with quickly. She lamented the grail choosing such a Master.
Azusa kept a small distance behind the female assassin, staying on alert for any suspicious movement. This is the way to the church, right…? She’s not leading me to a place where no one can find me… right…? She couldn’t keep the dark thoughts away. What about this priest… If he’s involved in this war, can I really trust him…? What is he gonna be like? She imagined a shady fake priest who’d ramble about gods and try to extort people.
When they arrived they reached a large church, the likes of which Azusa hadn’t seen before.
“You go inside” Assassin said, “the place doesn’t sit right with me, but I’ll be listening and I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. Oh! and I’ll be around for the important bit” Assassin smiled slyly.
“H-Huh?” Azusa was pulled out of her thoughts by the Assassin’s voice. “Uh, okay!” She inhaled deeply, staring at the door of the church. She looked back at Assassin for a moment before proceeding inside. “Excuse me…” She mumbled as she opened the doors.
It seemed like a usual church, but Azusa was still in awe at it’s size. She looked around and called out for the priest. “Hello, is there anybody around?” Her voice seemed to echo throughout the church.
The church hall was seemingly empty, her voice echoed for a long time before she heard movement from the back of the church. A tall handsome man walked from the back towards Azusa.
“What can I help you with lost lamb?” he said before fully noticing Azusa, “Child, should you not be in school?”
“U-uh… Well, something urgent came up and I had to… leave…” Azusa was trying to justify ditching class. Even she felt it wasn’t believable. “I had some questions regarding what… my friend… told me.” She didn’t want to mention the assassin waiting outside. That woman had said before that the priest was unrelated to her.
“What exactly did your friend tell you?” the priest said curiously
The priest was so calm that it was intimidating Azusa. “Uh-m… well…” Azusa took a deep breath before explaining. “She said I was chosen for this thing called the Holy Grail War? And she said that I should talk to you so you could explain it to me…”
“You?” the priest said in surprise, looking at her closely he could see the command spell on her hand. He put a palm to his face and moaned.
“This is… unprecedented as far as I know… you have no knowledge of magic?” he asked with a pale face as if he had just been punched in the gut.
“Hm?” Azusa was wondering what the priest was looking at, until she remembered the mark on the back of her left hand. The †˜command spell’ the assassin was talking about. “Uhh, magic? Like those tricks people do at carnivals?”
“So it’s true… you don’t know anything…” the priest paled further, “I guess I’ll explain in simple terms. That mark on your hand mean you have been chosen as one of seven people to fight over an omnipotent wish granting device called the Holy Grail, normally the grail chooses people with great magic power, but in your case, I have no clue what has happened. The people who fight for the grail are known as Masters. You are one of them. Under the Masters, are the Servants. Servants are extremely powerful spirits of heroes from past, present, and future and each of those heroes falls into one of seven classes. Do you follow so far?” the priest asked.
“Uhhhhhhh…” Azusa groaned. “So the Holy Grail is some kind of a wish-granting thing… Anyone participating is considered a master, and contain great magic power, and Masters have servants, who were heroes of the past… right?” She repeated what she remembered. She surprised herself with how much she was able to. In class, she could never recall that much.
“Good, you’ve been paying attention” The priest smiled, “Now each of these classes has a name. Saber is the class for heroes who used swords, Lancer is the class for those who used spears, Archer is the class for those who use bows or projectiles, Rider is the class for heroes famed for their riding exploits, Caster is the class for famous and powerful magi, Berserker is for warriors enhanced by rage and madness and Assassin is for the anti-heroes who specialise in subterfuge and discrete killing. All Servants have trump cards, you could call them special or finishing moves, called Noble Phantasm. These are an embodiment of a hero’s legend or a weapon they wielded in their lifetime, like… urmm… King Arthur’s Excalibur or Jason’s Golden Fleece. You understand? I get that this must be a lot to take in but it’s important.”
“Uhhhhhhh… so…” Azusa looked up and wagged her finger as if counting to make sure she remembered enough. “Uh… the servants were…” She counted on her fingers again. “There were seven, right?” She glanced up at the priest who gave no confirmation. “Uh, there was… Saber… Archer… Lancer… Rider… uhh…” She looked at her hands again, and have counted four so far. “Mmmm… Caster? Beserker… and…?” The final one escaped her memory for a moment, until she remembered the woman outside. “Ah, Assassin. Yeah. And all seven of them had some special move called a Noble… Phantasm? A weapon of some sort from their legend? Is that correct?” Azusa looked at the priest with bright eyes. She seemed proud of herself for being able to memorize all of that. Her brother would usually pat her on the head for doing this well on a test of some sort.
“Correct” the priest said, smiling, thankful that she picked it up so quick, “Finally, once only one servant remains, the holy grail is summoned and, as they say, to the victor the spoils. Now here’s the important part, firstly, have you already summoned a servant, and secondly do you want to take part?” the priest asked, bending over to reach Azusa’s height, a hand on her head.
Is he patting my head? Azusa smiled at this sensation. She liked it whenever someone patted her head, especially after she did something well. “Uhm… I don’t think I’ve summoned a servant, unless…” Her voice trailed off. Is that woman outside…
“Unless what?” the priest asked kindly.
“Uhh… a woman guided me up here. She called herself †˜Assassin’, and I wondered if that was related in some way…” Her voice trailed off again. Does this mean I’m a part of this war no matter what…?
“AH!” the priest yelled in surprise, “So you have a servant… I assume you made a contract?”
“She hasn’t” Assassin’s voice rang out at the doorway.
“Hrmm? Is that so?” the priest said “Don’t step any closer Assassin, this is neutral ground and you appear to be Masterless.” He turned to Azusa, “Listen, you can still back out now and go back to living your normal life, you just have to reject the command spells, if you mean to partake in the war I’m going to have to ask you to leave, other than announcing your presence, it is forbidden to enter the church unless you have surrendered”
“Ehhh? Can I at least have some time to think about this…?” This was a heavy decision for Azusa. She still didn’t know much about the nature of the Holy Grail War, but having any one wish granted was a very intriguing offer. She thought about what her definite goal was: to surpass her brother as a martial artist. She wanted to be as strong as him, and stand by his side as Assistant Master when he is chosen after his parents’ generation to lead the family’s art as Master. But to reach that goal, she’d need much more strength than now.
Was all this worth fighting this war, however. Azusa knew a war implied people dying. Was she prepared for that? Was she prepared to kill people for her own goals?
“Think about it, Azusa, the grail could grant you as much strength as you like, it can grant anything you want” Assassin said, “And I need your help as much as you’ll need mine, as much as revoking the command spell no longer makes you a Master, other Masters may not feel the same way, they could still come after you, but I’ll protect you Azusa” Assassin smirked but tried to hide it.
“Really?” Azusa thought back to her home at the dojo. Assassin was able to find her, but fortunately, she wasn’t hostile. It seemed she sought Azusa as her Master. But, if she was able to find Azusa’s home, what would stop other Masters and Servants from trying to find her, as well? She couldn’t put her family in harm’s way. “You’re right… I need your protection…” Azusa convinced herself. She turned to the priest and told him, “I’ll participate in the war. I can’t let trouble come to my family without Assassin’s protection.”
“Then, you’ll have to recite the contract,” the priest turned around for a second, leaning on a pugh, he scribbled something. “These are the words, use them when you see fit” he said passing a piece of paper over, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare for some house calls, that Tohsaka has gone too far, not contacting me”
“That’s all I need to do…? There’s no special magical set up I need to do?” Azusa asked, unsure of this process.
“If you were summoning a servant, sure, but Assassin has already been summoned” the priest said matter of factly.
“Oh, so then this contract simply makes me officially her Master… okay.” Azusa looked back at Assassin, then to the paper containing the contract. “T-Thank you, Father.” She bowed in his direction before stepping out of the church, reviewing the contract.
“Have a safe trip” the priest called out nonchalantly.
Once she was outside, Azusa told Assassin, “I’ll do it, now.” and took several deep breaths before reading off the contract:
“L-let silver and steel be the essence.
Let stone and the... archduke of contracts be the foundation.
Let r-red be the color I pay tribute to.
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall.
Let the four... ca-cardinal gates close.
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate.
Let it be filled. Again. Again. Again. Again.
Let it be filled fivefold for every turn, simply breaking as-asunder with every filling.”
Ohhhhhh… I hope this worked… Azusa whimpered after she finished reading the contract. She nearly bit her tongue several times while reading it, and wasn’t sure she pronounced everything properly.
Suddenly Assassin’s presence filled the area, she seemed much stronger than she had a few seconds previous. She breathed a sigh of relief, “I really thought I might disappear without a Master, I’m glad I found you so fast” Assassin said seeming genuine.
Azusa responded with a nervous laugh. “I wish you didn’t scare me at my house, though… I thought you were an intruder.” She commented, sighing while reminiscing about their meeting. She realized something. “Wait, if you’re my Servant, you’d need to be around me to protect me… How am I going to explain this to my family…?” Azusa paced back and forth as she thought about a solution.
“Don’t worry, I need not take physical form” Assassin said disappearing into spirit form.
“Wait, what do you me- WHOA!” Azusa exclaimed as he saw Assassin vanish. “That’s cool! And that makes it easier. How long can you stay like that?” She wanted to know, in case she needed to remain hidden for extended periods of time.
“As long as I need to, honestly it’s less of a strain on me to stay like this” Assassin commented.
“Really? Alright, then,” Azusa replied. She fell into her thoughts for a moment. If I’m part of this war, I need to watch out for other Masters and Servants… I wonder who they are? Are they all in Fuyuki City? Hmmm…She scrunched her eyebrows as she thought of the possibilities. “Well, whatever…” she she shrugged before telling Assassin, “Shall we go home, then, Assassin...san?” She paused after calling her Servant that. “What is your name? I’m not sure I feel comfortable calling you †˜Assassin’…”
“Honestly, you’re such an airhead you’ll give it away if I tell you, it’s better to keep my identity secret. Assassin is fine” Assassin said.
“I’m… not allowed to know…?” Azusa’s head drooped down in disappointment. “It’s fine, then, I’ll just call you †˜Assassin’, then… So, let’s go home then, Assassin-san.” She suggested.
“Ah, not yet” Assassin said, “I have something to do to prepare for tonight, you can go ahead”
“Ehh? Really?” Azusa wanted to ask in curiosity, but she held herself back, in case it was another thing that needed to be kept secret. She didn’t waste her breath. “Then, I’ll see you at home, then.”
0
(This is a joint post between BagMan and Sabers Praetor)
Regulis awoke later than usual the following morning. He stood and stretched a bit looking around the room on the second floor of the manor. He dressed in his casual attire and proceeded down to the first floor. Upon arrival he called out to Rider.
“Rider whats your current condition? Also give me your take on last nights battle”
As he waited for his servants reply he began preparing tea for two.
“Not good I’m afraid” Rider replied, “That spear idiot caught me off guard, with that phantasm, and I used up a majority of my Magical energy, it’s more efficient if I don’t materialise today”
“hmmm I see while its not much….” Regulis slid on his headphones out of habit and sent a bit of surplus mana to Rider.
“Now I insist you join me for at least morning tea, and then I will tend to your wounds abit. While I may not specialize in it I wouldn't be a master if I couldn't at least do some minor healing to speed things along.”
The tea now finished Regulis set it on the coffee table in the living room and sat on one of the cushioned chairs.
“I'm told I brew a good cup of tea so do sit down”
He didn't give his servant time for rebuttal, and slowly began drinking his tea.
Rider materialised, thanks to the surplus of energy his master gave to him. Throwing himself onto a couch, he sat back and picked up the tea his Master had prepared.
“Hrmm, an interesting taste, I am not too well accustomed to this beverage” Rider said taking a tentative sip before throwing the tea back, practically swallowing it in one gulp.
“Not one for taking your time to enjoy it eh? Well theres more if you are so inclined”
Regulis slowly sipped his tea as he was accustomed to. After some time had passed he set his now empty cup down and stood.
“Shall we see what my familiars have gathered data wise.”
Regulis headed to his workshop in the basement and began sifting through the info his familiars had observed at the Tohsaka residence, Matou residence, and various other key leylines and key locations. He would spend the rest of his day gathering data this way occasionally pausing to check in with the clock tower or get some nourishment. Keeping the rest of his prana in reserve for the night to come.
Regulis awoke later than usual the following morning. He stood and stretched a bit looking around the room on the second floor of the manor. He dressed in his casual attire and proceeded down to the first floor. Upon arrival he called out to Rider.
“Rider whats your current condition? Also give me your take on last nights battle”
As he waited for his servants reply he began preparing tea for two.
“Not good I’m afraid” Rider replied, “That spear idiot caught me off guard, with that phantasm, and I used up a majority of my Magical energy, it’s more efficient if I don’t materialise today”
“hmmm I see while its not much….” Regulis slid on his headphones out of habit and sent a bit of surplus mana to Rider.
“Now I insist you join me for at least morning tea, and then I will tend to your wounds abit. While I may not specialize in it I wouldn't be a master if I couldn't at least do some minor healing to speed things along.”
The tea now finished Regulis set it on the coffee table in the living room and sat on one of the cushioned chairs.
“I'm told I brew a good cup of tea so do sit down”
He didn't give his servant time for rebuttal, and slowly began drinking his tea.
Rider materialised, thanks to the surplus of energy his master gave to him. Throwing himself onto a couch, he sat back and picked up the tea his Master had prepared.
“Hrmm, an interesting taste, I am not too well accustomed to this beverage” Rider said taking a tentative sip before throwing the tea back, practically swallowing it in one gulp.
“Not one for taking your time to enjoy it eh? Well theres more if you are so inclined”
Regulis slowly sipped his tea as he was accustomed to. After some time had passed he set his now empty cup down and stood.
“Shall we see what my familiars have gathered data wise.”
Regulis headed to his workshop in the basement and began sifting through the info his familiars had observed at the Tohsaka residence, Matou residence, and various other key leylines and key locations. He would spend the rest of his day gathering data this way occasionally pausing to check in with the clock tower or get some nourishment. Keeping the rest of his prana in reserve for the night to come.
0
(This is a joint post between Cinia Pacifica and BagMan)
It was a few hours later when Archer returned to her Master’s side, the night was well and truly dark by now, the moon glistened brightly in its crescent shape. Isisviel stood just outside of the church, waiting for her Servant.
“Master” Archer called out to Isisviel as she approached, “you must have felt some of that?”
“Of course I did. However, feeling is not seeing, so I’m still quite inconclusive about the occurrences,” Isisviel replied. Her hands were folded over her chest as she stood, facing the moonlit-sky. “May I hear your report, Archer?”
“As you wish” Archer replied “It seems to have been as we thought, a battle between Servants, namely, Rider and Lancer, both are incredibly strong. They both used powerful phantasms and the battle ended in a draw, neither of them should be able to fight for the next day or so, I was tempted to eliminate them both at the same time, however,that would have been most dishonorable.”
“I see, from the manner in which you describe, I suppose said phantasms would even outclass yours?” Isisviel replied, showing doubt, but she soon turned to face the other way. “You should have finished them off… Oh well,” she walked off with a smug face. “I suppose we’d be missing the fun in killing weaklings,” a smirk crept up over her lovely face, which was rather cold and unbefitting of a young lady.
Archer said nothing, but looked at her Master with a worried expression, following quickly after her. “What is it we are doing now?” Archer asked walking alongside Isisviel.
“I felt that it’d be rude to not pay a visit to the priest. We’ll get to see a church at the same time; a beneficial view, wouldn’t you agree, Archer?” Isisviel continued to walk, her out-of-place smirk now replaced with a more elegant smile. Perhaps her excitement changed it. Albeit, at night, there was an element of uncertainty - whether such beauty of the architecture could even be appreciated, now of all times.
“Organised religion, eh?” Archer said, unused to the concept, having been an object of worship for an unorganised faith.
As the pair reached the entrance of the church and entered, they could see a man, clearly a priest, praying at the altar at the far end. He didn’t seem to notice them at all.
“Oh?” Isisviel uttered, having taken a peek towards the altar; she found the silvery moon-light resting over a praying man via the beautifully designed semi-transparent stain glasses. This was nothing compared to what her chapel back at the Einzbern castle on Germany was like. However, it was still worth the wait to witness. “Is this church closed for the night?” Isisviel asked to particularly no one as she invited herself in. The sight before her would improve if the man removed himself from the aforementioned spot. A pitiful scene it was to her.
“The church is always open” The man said, standing up and turning around. He walked closer to Isisviel, looking her up and down. “You must be the Einzbern Master” he noted “Welcome” he said in a warm but imposing voice.
“Indeed I am,” Isisviel stopped to face the priest after giving a curt response. “I take it that you’re the current moderator of this war?” looking from down to up, she examined the man’s figure. His body seemed rather built well, perhaps a little too much? She wouldn’t know with her lack of general knowledge of the world, however. There was but a mysterious air; making her feel cautious - having her feel that she should not relax here too much.
“Indeed I am, young lady” he smiled, “Although frankly I†˜m touched that you would come here, none of the other Master’s have so much as called, despite it being in the rules to announce your participation. Ah well” the priest sighed. “My name is Hiroomi Yutaka, the current moderator of the Holy Grail war”
Feeling left out from the strange cold fad of the war, Isisviel felt rather the odd one out of the group after hearing him state the fact of unresponsive masters, but she didn’t feel the need to express such thoughts. “Such a pity, the view of the altar right now is so pretty. Who’d want to miss such a scene?,” Isisviel remarked as she looked what lied behind the priest, then continued. “I am Isisviel von Einzbern, it is a pleasure to meet you, priest Hiroomi Yutaka… san?” Isisviel uttered the very last part with a rather confused expression as she tilted her head. She wasn’t quite used to the severe distinctions in culture, the gap in difference was far too wide for her to adapt to so soon.
“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you” Yutaka replied, “Can I get you anything while you’re here, some tea perhaps, maybe your servant would like something? She’s been glaring at me for some time.” Archer had indeed been glaring at Yutaka with piercing eyes.
“Oh no, I can’t trouble you so much this late,” Isisviel slowly motioned her hand and waved; dismissing the need for him to do so much. Feeling Archer’s cautiousness through her strong gaze; it felt like a sign, or a message to her. “I have yet to take my midnight walk, after all… ” a short-lived grin showed, but she subsequently veiled it with her usual innocent smile. “Perhaps some other day, if you truly insist, Hiroomi… san.”.
Yutaka looked somewhat disappointed. “If ever you feel like it” he shrugged “I’m going to have to reprimand the other Masters anyway, that Tohsaka Master in particular, completely unbelievable” he muttered under his breath.
“I do like the church, so I may visit again, soon,” Isisviel stepped back, and gave a courteous bow elegantly, just as she was taught back home. “Now, if I may excuse myself. I shall take my leave now.” Isisviel turned, and strolled her way past the door; leaving the church.
It was a few hours later when Archer returned to her Master’s side, the night was well and truly dark by now, the moon glistened brightly in its crescent shape. Isisviel stood just outside of the church, waiting for her Servant.
“Master” Archer called out to Isisviel as she approached, “you must have felt some of that?”
“Of course I did. However, feeling is not seeing, so I’m still quite inconclusive about the occurrences,” Isisviel replied. Her hands were folded over her chest as she stood, facing the moonlit-sky. “May I hear your report, Archer?”
“As you wish” Archer replied “It seems to have been as we thought, a battle between Servants, namely, Rider and Lancer, both are incredibly strong. They both used powerful phantasms and the battle ended in a draw, neither of them should be able to fight for the next day or so, I was tempted to eliminate them both at the same time, however,that would have been most dishonorable.”
“I see, from the manner in which you describe, I suppose said phantasms would even outclass yours?” Isisviel replied, showing doubt, but she soon turned to face the other way. “You should have finished them off… Oh well,” she walked off with a smug face. “I suppose we’d be missing the fun in killing weaklings,” a smirk crept up over her lovely face, which was rather cold and unbefitting of a young lady.
Archer said nothing, but looked at her Master with a worried expression, following quickly after her. “What is it we are doing now?” Archer asked walking alongside Isisviel.
“I felt that it’d be rude to not pay a visit to the priest. We’ll get to see a church at the same time; a beneficial view, wouldn’t you agree, Archer?” Isisviel continued to walk, her out-of-place smirk now replaced with a more elegant smile. Perhaps her excitement changed it. Albeit, at night, there was an element of uncertainty - whether such beauty of the architecture could even be appreciated, now of all times.
“Organised religion, eh?” Archer said, unused to the concept, having been an object of worship for an unorganised faith.
As the pair reached the entrance of the church and entered, they could see a man, clearly a priest, praying at the altar at the far end. He didn’t seem to notice them at all.
“Oh?” Isisviel uttered, having taken a peek towards the altar; she found the silvery moon-light resting over a praying man via the beautifully designed semi-transparent stain glasses. This was nothing compared to what her chapel back at the Einzbern castle on Germany was like. However, it was still worth the wait to witness. “Is this church closed for the night?” Isisviel asked to particularly no one as she invited herself in. The sight before her would improve if the man removed himself from the aforementioned spot. A pitiful scene it was to her.
“The church is always open” The man said, standing up and turning around. He walked closer to Isisviel, looking her up and down. “You must be the Einzbern Master” he noted “Welcome” he said in a warm but imposing voice.
“Indeed I am,” Isisviel stopped to face the priest after giving a curt response. “I take it that you’re the current moderator of this war?” looking from down to up, she examined the man’s figure. His body seemed rather built well, perhaps a little too much? She wouldn’t know with her lack of general knowledge of the world, however. There was but a mysterious air; making her feel cautious - having her feel that she should not relax here too much.
“Indeed I am, young lady” he smiled, “Although frankly I†˜m touched that you would come here, none of the other Master’s have so much as called, despite it being in the rules to announce your participation. Ah well” the priest sighed. “My name is Hiroomi Yutaka, the current moderator of the Holy Grail war”
Feeling left out from the strange cold fad of the war, Isisviel felt rather the odd one out of the group after hearing him state the fact of unresponsive masters, but she didn’t feel the need to express such thoughts. “Such a pity, the view of the altar right now is so pretty. Who’d want to miss such a scene?,” Isisviel remarked as she looked what lied behind the priest, then continued. “I am Isisviel von Einzbern, it is a pleasure to meet you, priest Hiroomi Yutaka… san?” Isisviel uttered the very last part with a rather confused expression as she tilted her head. She wasn’t quite used to the severe distinctions in culture, the gap in difference was far too wide for her to adapt to so soon.
“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you” Yutaka replied, “Can I get you anything while you’re here, some tea perhaps, maybe your servant would like something? She’s been glaring at me for some time.” Archer had indeed been glaring at Yutaka with piercing eyes.
“Oh no, I can’t trouble you so much this late,” Isisviel slowly motioned her hand and waved; dismissing the need for him to do so much. Feeling Archer’s cautiousness through her strong gaze; it felt like a sign, or a message to her. “I have yet to take my midnight walk, after all… ” a short-lived grin showed, but she subsequently veiled it with her usual innocent smile. “Perhaps some other day, if you truly insist, Hiroomi… san.”.
Yutaka looked somewhat disappointed. “If ever you feel like it” he shrugged “I’m going to have to reprimand the other Masters anyway, that Tohsaka Master in particular, completely unbelievable” he muttered under his breath.
“I do like the church, so I may visit again, soon,” Isisviel stepped back, and gave a courteous bow elegantly, just as she was taught back home. “Now, if I may excuse myself. I shall take my leave now.” Isisviel turned, and strolled her way past the door; leaving the church.
0
(This is a joint post between Gent, Noobs and BagMan)
The ride back to the Fuyuki Hyatt was uneventful due to the rather light afternoon traffic, Shinra mulling over what to do once he did meet the Tohsaka Master. “Business comes first and foremost, then I’ll see if I can garner anything from her.”
“Like what?” Caster grinned sheepishly, obviously thinking of Shinra garnering something completely different to what he might be imagining.
“Maybe a non aggression treaty or even support in this war.” He had been informed that the Tohsaka Master in question was a young girl in high school. Hopefully she wouldn’t give him a hard time, being a teenager. “What were you expecting?” He glanced over to Caster, not catching onto what she was implying.
Caster giggled, not letting on. “Support from a third-rate magus? No thanks” she casually dismissed the idea.
He shrugged, “If not her support then at least no aggression on her part.” The car pulled into the Hyatt driveway, the valet coming over to open the door for them as they arrived.
Caster jumped out of the car, swinging her legs. “So boring, Master” she said slyly.
He climbed out of the car after her with the gift, the driver pulling away as soon he did. “What would you have me do? Vaporize them? Crush their family fortune? Buy over the entire family?” Shinra chuckled, the doors ahead opening with a faint swish. A faint tingling in his Command Spell alerted him to her presence as they walked into the lobby. “She’s coming.”
With a carefree attitude Yui walked out into the hotel lobby. Since her own home was destroyed she had to make the best she could with the situation.
“At Least the hotel is one of the better ones, and their food isn’t half bad.” she said to Lancer. “Do you even eat?”
“I can do” Lancer replied, “I don’t have to though, although it is nice to eat once in awhile, it’s been so long… if only I could materialise” he said wistfully.
“Well when you do you I’ll treat you to a feast.” she answered.
Lancer chuckled, “I’d like that” he said.
Shinra watched as a young girl dressed in Fuyuki High’s uniform stepped out of the lift, helmet in hand. She seemed unconcerned with the ongoings around her and he strode up to her calmly, clearing his throat as he approached her. “Miss Tohsaka?”
“Eh?” responded Yui turning to the man. “Who are you?”
“My name is Kuhouin Shinra of the Kuhouin Conglomerate. I would like to speak with you privately, do you have a moment? It concerns the affairs of your house.” He hoped that she would at least give him the time to explain and eat the melon.
“Everyone wants to talk about my house today.” said Yui narrowing her eyes at the man. She knew what he was getting at, and she didn’t trust him in the slightest. “Fine, you got an office or something?”
“As it happens, I’m staying in this hotel as well. I was quite surprised when I found you would be doing the same. I had intended to visit you earlier but your hired hands told me you had left the estate.” He raised one hand, palms out to show he meant her no harm. “Would you like to head upstairs or stay here in public?”
“Trying to get a girl you just met into your room? Confident.” Yui joked crossing her arms.
Caster, who was standing behind Shinra, burst out laughing, “Hear that Master?” she laughed “Bwahahahaha”
“T-Tohsaka-san! I-I wouldn’t t-t-think of that! Not in the slightest!” He turned to look down at Caster, “Is that what you meant earlier?” Clearly flustered, the Kuhouin heir could only feel that his first impression was breaking down. See what happens when there’s no exposure to members of the opposite gender?
“This is exactly what I was talking about, idiot” Caster continued to laugh.
“G-gah! You k-know I’m not good with these k-kind of situations…” He tugged on his muffler, the plush material feeling too tight for his neck right now. “Anyw-way Tohsaka-san, I would prefer if you d-di..” He looked away, feeling a mixture of shame and embarrassment as he completed the sentence. “It’d be good if you did.. come to my r-room…” He could feel the blood rushing as his thoughts raced, “why didn’t Father prepare me for this!?”
“Oh?” Caster said clinging onto Shinra with a sly smile, pressing herself against him. He looked down at her as she did, a crooked smile on his face.
“Fine, with how nervous you are. I doubt you’d try anything anyways.” she said mockingly. “Lead the way ladies man.”
He entered the lift and pressed for their floor, the melon in his arms feeling like an iron weight. He could still see Caster giggling, her eyes quickly darting away when they met his. Without those kind of jokes, he could function properly. “Tohsaka-san, I really do hope you would like to hear me out regarding the Grail War, I’ll explain once we’re settled down.” He wondered which Servant class she had summoned and was it the one capable of using that Noble Phantasm he witnessed the other day.
“We’ll see what you have to say, but I’m a hard girl to impress.” said Yui. She knew that Lancer was probably nervous about her going alone with the man, but she had a plan for if things went south.
The elevator soon reached their floor and Shinra opened the door, leading Tohsaka into the room and Caster following closely behind. “If anything, I’d like you to see a bit of reason in this war. Following your… scuffle with another Master and his Servant, I’m sure you would at least have a glimpse of his Noble Phantasm.” He opened the box and started preparing the melon for them to eat, setting the table as he spoke.
“You one of those sit and watch types too?” said Yui slightly disappointed as she sat down at the table. “Not enough people are getting involved in this fight.”
“You could say that. I’m more concerned with the people participating in this War and their wishes. My family and by extension, I, would not like to see the Holy Grail be used for devious purposes or anything that might cause a distortion in our world.” He set a slice of Muskmelon down in front of her and then Caster before himself. Shinra looked up at Yui, no longer the flustered man from before. “It’s in my best interest to remove any Master who has such wishes or at the very least, impair them such that someone else more deserving win. And forgive me but I have yet to hear your name, Miss?”
“Such a boring motive” Caster muttered.
“Yui, Yui Tohsaka.” she answered. “I’m getting rid of this grail once and for all. What motive is better than that?”
Caster glared, her eyes flashed darkly for a brief second and an evil aura began to exude from her person, Yui’s words clearly angered her.
“Hold on a moment, why do you want to get rid of the grail? I understand it’s potential for great destruction but good can also come out of it. You’re part of the families that set this system up, why would you see it destroyed?” Shinra moved to prevent Caster from doing anything foolish, frowning down at her earlier comment and this display of rage.
“Its a stupid object for stupid people to fight over. What good has this war ever done for anyone?” she answered. “I lost more than I would care too…”
Caster continued to glare, debating whether or not to blast Yui or not, deciding not to as she was unsure about her Servant.
“The Grail has the potential to do good in the right hands, I understand that it’s difficult as most people who take part in the war intend to use it to their own ends, for personal power no doubt. That’s still no reason to destroy it.” He looked down at his Servant, “I truly do hope that a certain someone finds happiness with her wish so I can’t exactly allow that to happen. Wishes aside, the Holy Grail is capable of true magic is it not? I’m not sure what would happen if it was destroyed but I would not stand for it if that causes an imbalance in the world.”
”I’ll reserve judgement for when I see this person you are talking about. I do not even believe these †˜right hands’ exist. They certainly aren’t my hands.” she said looking the man in the eyes. “Perhaps I won’t destroy it, but I won’t stand for more pointless blood shed. I’ll destroy anything in my way, and get my own hands dirty to make it so.”
“A kid like you? As if” Caster laughed meanly “you act high and mighty for one so young”
“You’re one to talk, short stuff.”
“Looks can be deceiving, in my case they often are”
“Then what is your opinion? I’d love to hear it.” Yui said standing up.
“If something as powerful as the grail exists, of course it should be used… by me” she said.
Yui crouched down so that she was on the girls level. “Who are you anyways? You got a mouth on you for a cute little girl.” she said looking her over closely.
Yui caught Caster’s eyes and froze… dead still, she couldn’t tell whether it was fear or some kind of magic. “Little girl? You seem to have made a mistake” Her eyes flashed showing Yui every bad moment she’d ever had, every painful experience she had had was revisited in a brief second.
Tears flowed down from Yui’s face as she was forced to relive losing both of her parents all over again. Her mother’s depression eventually leaving Yui all alone. That loneliness that made her hate the world around her. It was too much for her to take all at once.
“Do you understand, child? Just how terrifying I can be?” Caster said grinning evilly, wide eyed. Hands reached up to slowly pull Caster away, “That’s enough for today. You’ve done enough to her.” Shinra moved over to try help Yui to the couch, concern etched in his features.
“Hrmph” Caster said, relinquishing Yui.
Yui slapped Shinra’s hand away, and stood up wiping her tears. “I see now. You are the servant” said Yui. “Or maybe the other way around in this case.”
Caster rolled her eyes. “Where’s your Servant? Does he care so little about his Master that he’d let me do whatever I wanted? Some Servant you have” Caster’s grin not fading.
Yui couldn’t bluff her way out of this. They would know something was up one way or another when she couldn’t call Lancer to her side. “I screwed up, and he got hurt. You’ll have to deal with just me.” replied Yui.
“Tch, I need a better plaything when I’m in this sort of mood” Caster cursed.
“So those memories...you saw them?” asked Yui slightly embarrassed they still gave her that reaction. She hadn’t cried for a long time, and she vowed not to again.
“Tragic, truly tragic” Caster said sarcastically a bored look on her face.
“Look Yui-san, I apologize for the way my Servant has treated you. At least understand that each of us has lost something in one way or another, some more than others. I didn’t intend to bring out the skeletons in your closet and I definitely did not ask you up here for this to happen.” Shinra stood off to the side, watching her with stern eyes. “If there’s at least one thing that we have in common, I share your view that no innocents should come to harm if it can be helped.”
“No, I needed this.” answered Yui looking to the girl. “Thank you.” She was smiling back at Caster for some reason. “No one is truly innocent. We are all guilty of something. Perhaps it is time to change my views of the grail, but I’m sure as hell. Never going to let a brat like this put her hands on it!”
“Try and stop me” Caster said “I can make you miserable in innumerable ways, don’t get in my way”
“You’re on,” replied Yui smiling. She had forgotten they were enemies for a moment. This all seemed like more of competition to her.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to do something to get rid of this terrible mood you’ve put me in” Caster said opening a window
“You like games?”
Caster was about to exit the room through the window when what Yui said caught her attention, “What kind of games?”
“I have a bunch. Had to bring something to do while I had my house repaired.” said Yui smirking. “You in?”
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to crush you in a game of some sort” Caster replied.
“Can I join in?” Eyes sparkling, Shinra had walked over. It had been some time since he had let loose with video games. “We can take a look at what you have and see if I’ve got other multiplayer games.”
“I suppose,” answered Yui. “Let’s go already. I cant wait to smash you both in fighting games.”
He smirked at her as he shut the open window, “Keep that up. I’d like to see that expression change to despair when I pound you into dust.”
The ride back to the Fuyuki Hyatt was uneventful due to the rather light afternoon traffic, Shinra mulling over what to do once he did meet the Tohsaka Master. “Business comes first and foremost, then I’ll see if I can garner anything from her.”
“Like what?” Caster grinned sheepishly, obviously thinking of Shinra garnering something completely different to what he might be imagining.
“Maybe a non aggression treaty or even support in this war.” He had been informed that the Tohsaka Master in question was a young girl in high school. Hopefully she wouldn’t give him a hard time, being a teenager. “What were you expecting?” He glanced over to Caster, not catching onto what she was implying.
Caster giggled, not letting on. “Support from a third-rate magus? No thanks” she casually dismissed the idea.
He shrugged, “If not her support then at least no aggression on her part.” The car pulled into the Hyatt driveway, the valet coming over to open the door for them as they arrived.
Caster jumped out of the car, swinging her legs. “So boring, Master” she said slyly.
He climbed out of the car after her with the gift, the driver pulling away as soon he did. “What would you have me do? Vaporize them? Crush their family fortune? Buy over the entire family?” Shinra chuckled, the doors ahead opening with a faint swish. A faint tingling in his Command Spell alerted him to her presence as they walked into the lobby. “She’s coming.”
With a carefree attitude Yui walked out into the hotel lobby. Since her own home was destroyed she had to make the best she could with the situation.
“At Least the hotel is one of the better ones, and their food isn’t half bad.” she said to Lancer. “Do you even eat?”
“I can do” Lancer replied, “I don’t have to though, although it is nice to eat once in awhile, it’s been so long… if only I could materialise” he said wistfully.
“Well when you do you I’ll treat you to a feast.” she answered.
Lancer chuckled, “I’d like that” he said.
Shinra watched as a young girl dressed in Fuyuki High’s uniform stepped out of the lift, helmet in hand. She seemed unconcerned with the ongoings around her and he strode up to her calmly, clearing his throat as he approached her. “Miss Tohsaka?”
“Eh?” responded Yui turning to the man. “Who are you?”
“My name is Kuhouin Shinra of the Kuhouin Conglomerate. I would like to speak with you privately, do you have a moment? It concerns the affairs of your house.” He hoped that she would at least give him the time to explain and eat the melon.
“Everyone wants to talk about my house today.” said Yui narrowing her eyes at the man. She knew what he was getting at, and she didn’t trust him in the slightest. “Fine, you got an office or something?”
“As it happens, I’m staying in this hotel as well. I was quite surprised when I found you would be doing the same. I had intended to visit you earlier but your hired hands told me you had left the estate.” He raised one hand, palms out to show he meant her no harm. “Would you like to head upstairs or stay here in public?”
“Trying to get a girl you just met into your room? Confident.” Yui joked crossing her arms.
Caster, who was standing behind Shinra, burst out laughing, “Hear that Master?” she laughed “Bwahahahaha”
“T-Tohsaka-san! I-I wouldn’t t-t-think of that! Not in the slightest!” He turned to look down at Caster, “Is that what you meant earlier?” Clearly flustered, the Kuhouin heir could only feel that his first impression was breaking down. See what happens when there’s no exposure to members of the opposite gender?
“This is exactly what I was talking about, idiot” Caster continued to laugh.
“G-gah! You k-know I’m not good with these k-kind of situations…” He tugged on his muffler, the plush material feeling too tight for his neck right now. “Anyw-way Tohsaka-san, I would prefer if you d-di..” He looked away, feeling a mixture of shame and embarrassment as he completed the sentence. “It’d be good if you did.. come to my r-room…” He could feel the blood rushing as his thoughts raced, “why didn’t Father prepare me for this!?”
“Oh?” Caster said clinging onto Shinra with a sly smile, pressing herself against him. He looked down at her as she did, a crooked smile on his face.
“Fine, with how nervous you are. I doubt you’d try anything anyways.” she said mockingly. “Lead the way ladies man.”
He entered the lift and pressed for their floor, the melon in his arms feeling like an iron weight. He could still see Caster giggling, her eyes quickly darting away when they met his. Without those kind of jokes, he could function properly. “Tohsaka-san, I really do hope you would like to hear me out regarding the Grail War, I’ll explain once we’re settled down.” He wondered which Servant class she had summoned and was it the one capable of using that Noble Phantasm he witnessed the other day.
“We’ll see what you have to say, but I’m a hard girl to impress.” said Yui. She knew that Lancer was probably nervous about her going alone with the man, but she had a plan for if things went south.
The elevator soon reached their floor and Shinra opened the door, leading Tohsaka into the room and Caster following closely behind. “If anything, I’d like you to see a bit of reason in this war. Following your… scuffle with another Master and his Servant, I’m sure you would at least have a glimpse of his Noble Phantasm.” He opened the box and started preparing the melon for them to eat, setting the table as he spoke.
“You one of those sit and watch types too?” said Yui slightly disappointed as she sat down at the table. “Not enough people are getting involved in this fight.”
“You could say that. I’m more concerned with the people participating in this War and their wishes. My family and by extension, I, would not like to see the Holy Grail be used for devious purposes or anything that might cause a distortion in our world.” He set a slice of Muskmelon down in front of her and then Caster before himself. Shinra looked up at Yui, no longer the flustered man from before. “It’s in my best interest to remove any Master who has such wishes or at the very least, impair them such that someone else more deserving win. And forgive me but I have yet to hear your name, Miss?”
“Such a boring motive” Caster muttered.
“Yui, Yui Tohsaka.” she answered. “I’m getting rid of this grail once and for all. What motive is better than that?”
Caster glared, her eyes flashed darkly for a brief second and an evil aura began to exude from her person, Yui’s words clearly angered her.
“Hold on a moment, why do you want to get rid of the grail? I understand it’s potential for great destruction but good can also come out of it. You’re part of the families that set this system up, why would you see it destroyed?” Shinra moved to prevent Caster from doing anything foolish, frowning down at her earlier comment and this display of rage.
“Its a stupid object for stupid people to fight over. What good has this war ever done for anyone?” she answered. “I lost more than I would care too…”
Caster continued to glare, debating whether or not to blast Yui or not, deciding not to as she was unsure about her Servant.
“The Grail has the potential to do good in the right hands, I understand that it’s difficult as most people who take part in the war intend to use it to their own ends, for personal power no doubt. That’s still no reason to destroy it.” He looked down at his Servant, “I truly do hope that a certain someone finds happiness with her wish so I can’t exactly allow that to happen. Wishes aside, the Holy Grail is capable of true magic is it not? I’m not sure what would happen if it was destroyed but I would not stand for it if that causes an imbalance in the world.”
”I’ll reserve judgement for when I see this person you are talking about. I do not even believe these †˜right hands’ exist. They certainly aren’t my hands.” she said looking the man in the eyes. “Perhaps I won’t destroy it, but I won’t stand for more pointless blood shed. I’ll destroy anything in my way, and get my own hands dirty to make it so.”
“A kid like you? As if” Caster laughed meanly “you act high and mighty for one so young”
“You’re one to talk, short stuff.”
“Looks can be deceiving, in my case they often are”
“Then what is your opinion? I’d love to hear it.” Yui said standing up.
“If something as powerful as the grail exists, of course it should be used… by me” she said.
Yui crouched down so that she was on the girls level. “Who are you anyways? You got a mouth on you for a cute little girl.” she said looking her over closely.
Yui caught Caster’s eyes and froze… dead still, she couldn’t tell whether it was fear or some kind of magic. “Little girl? You seem to have made a mistake” Her eyes flashed showing Yui every bad moment she’d ever had, every painful experience she had had was revisited in a brief second.
Tears flowed down from Yui’s face as she was forced to relive losing both of her parents all over again. Her mother’s depression eventually leaving Yui all alone. That loneliness that made her hate the world around her. It was too much for her to take all at once.
“Do you understand, child? Just how terrifying I can be?” Caster said grinning evilly, wide eyed. Hands reached up to slowly pull Caster away, “That’s enough for today. You’ve done enough to her.” Shinra moved over to try help Yui to the couch, concern etched in his features.
“Hrmph” Caster said, relinquishing Yui.
Yui slapped Shinra’s hand away, and stood up wiping her tears. “I see now. You are the servant” said Yui. “Or maybe the other way around in this case.”
Caster rolled her eyes. “Where’s your Servant? Does he care so little about his Master that he’d let me do whatever I wanted? Some Servant you have” Caster’s grin not fading.
Yui couldn’t bluff her way out of this. They would know something was up one way or another when she couldn’t call Lancer to her side. “I screwed up, and he got hurt. You’ll have to deal with just me.” replied Yui.
“Tch, I need a better plaything when I’m in this sort of mood” Caster cursed.
“So those memories...you saw them?” asked Yui slightly embarrassed they still gave her that reaction. She hadn’t cried for a long time, and she vowed not to again.
“Tragic, truly tragic” Caster said sarcastically a bored look on her face.
“Look Yui-san, I apologize for the way my Servant has treated you. At least understand that each of us has lost something in one way or another, some more than others. I didn’t intend to bring out the skeletons in your closet and I definitely did not ask you up here for this to happen.” Shinra stood off to the side, watching her with stern eyes. “If there’s at least one thing that we have in common, I share your view that no innocents should come to harm if it can be helped.”
“No, I needed this.” answered Yui looking to the girl. “Thank you.” She was smiling back at Caster for some reason. “No one is truly innocent. We are all guilty of something. Perhaps it is time to change my views of the grail, but I’m sure as hell. Never going to let a brat like this put her hands on it!”
“Try and stop me” Caster said “I can make you miserable in innumerable ways, don’t get in my way”
“You’re on,” replied Yui smiling. She had forgotten they were enemies for a moment. This all seemed like more of competition to her.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to do something to get rid of this terrible mood you’ve put me in” Caster said opening a window
“You like games?”
Caster was about to exit the room through the window when what Yui said caught her attention, “What kind of games?”
“I have a bunch. Had to bring something to do while I had my house repaired.” said Yui smirking. “You in?”
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to crush you in a game of some sort” Caster replied.
“Can I join in?” Eyes sparkling, Shinra had walked over. It had been some time since he had let loose with video games. “We can take a look at what you have and see if I’ve got other multiplayer games.”
“I suppose,” answered Yui. “Let’s go already. I cant wait to smash you both in fighting games.”
He smirked at her as he shut the open window, “Keep that up. I’d like to see that expression change to despair when I pound you into dust.”
0
(This is a joint post between Gent, Noobs and BagMan)
Yui’s room was now a mess of games and snacks, but Yui didn’t care for messes as long as she was having fun. So far she was enjoying teacher Caster about how to play game, and right off the bat her sense of competition made her a fun person to play against. Judging by how their first meeting went it was hard to believe that they ended up in this situation.
“You are getting there. Just work on your combos.” instructed Yui.
“Combos?” Caster asked curiously, slightly infuriated at finding something she wasn’t amazing at.
“See like this.” she said showing her what she was doing on the controller. “Easier ones to do are like this.” Despite Caster not understanding a few things she was surprisingly a quick learner. She would feel sad when her house was finished. The maid and butlers were terrible at all games.
“AHAHAHAHAHA DIE” Caster shouted, finally getting the hang of the game, “I’LL GRIND YOUR BONES TO DUST.” Caster, unsurprisingly got really sucked into things like this.
“Not today Caster!” she said as she found herself self defending for once.
“Fufufu” Caster laughed, “Bow before your queen plebeian.” Caster mashed buttons on the control pad to keep up with Yui
Yui laughed, “But there is one thing more to teach you your highness” she said as she made a quick movement with the controller. The character on the screen pulled out a enormous cannon and filled the screen with lazers. A finishing that read K.O flashed on the screen. Yui smiled mischievously.
“Eh!?” Caster sounded upset, tears were forming in the corners of her eyes, “Yui… you cheated” she said dejectedly.
“No, simply an ace in the hole.” she said smiling. “You want to learn how to do that as well?”
“Uuuuu...” Caster wiped the tears from her eyes “Teach me”
Yui smiled and went to the tutorial to try and teach Caster to use special moves. While she was practicing Yui could help, but notice how innocent she looked. ’I will have to fight you at some point huh?’ she thought as she looked on to Caster try her hardest to learn her video game. The controller barely fit in her hands.
Shinra looked at the two, now unsure of what to make of the situation. This Yui Tohsaka, she had much more backbone to her than at first glance. He walked over to them, looking at his own small pile of games on the floor, a stash he had tried best to keep under wraps from the rest of his family.
“Would you like to have a match, Tohsaka-san?” He tried to keep his emotions of the question, a struggle between person and heir.
“That a challenge? Didn’t think you had it in you.” said Yui. “As soon as Caster is done I’m game for it.”
As Yui said this there was a knock at the door.
Yui stood up and walked over to the door. Her hand was in a pocket ready to be used if needed. “Who is it?” she asked.
“Open the door Tohsaka, I need to talk to you, seeing as you won’t come to me” a recognisable male voice said calmly.
Yui reached for the nob hesitantly, but she knew that voice from somewhere. Opening the door she prepared herself for the worse.
Standing at the door was a tall figure, even with the black trench coat and sunglasses, she instantly recognised the priest who had been visiting her for four years.
“Jeez, not a single word” he said walking in, “bit rude, y’know?”
“I, uh. I’ve been busy.” answered Yui scratching the back of her head. “House got blown up ya know?”
[/b]“Phones are a wonderful thing”[/b] he said, “anyway, I assume you made a contract?” he walked in and sat on the sofa without asking.
”Of course, who do you think I am?” she asked as she just looked at him walk past her companions and sit on the couch. “This is Shinra and Caster by the way.”
“Which one is which? There appears to be a small child here…” he said. Caster puffed her cheeks up but said nothing.
“The short one…” answered Yui hesitantly. “You should probably stop calling her a child though.”
“She’s so cute” He said patting Caster on the head and rubbing, ignoring Yui, “She yours?” he asked.
Caster uncharacteristically again said nothing, as if having to put up with it.
Yui looked at her strangely. She would have gotten an earful if she said that. “No, she is Shinra’s. Mine is…indisposed at the moment.”
“You mean to tell me this cutie is Caster?” Yutaka laughed, “no way, no way.” Caster’s cheeks were being stretched. Yui felt herself try to reach out and stop him, but the priest was already playing with the poor girls face.
“What have you come for?” she asked her hand on her forehead.
“You know how I said to definitely tell me when you had summoned a Servant? Well you didn’t.” he said picking Caster up into the air.
“Ya, I forgot with all the things that happened. Sue me.” she replied. “You know now right?”
“Well I don’t have any proof, but I guess I can trust you” he said putting Caster down and walking over to Yui, “Sorry, that girl just reminded me of my own kid, I got a bit worked up, I’ll go now.”
Yui looked him in the face as remembered what Caster did to her as well. She figured the man just shared the same fate.
"Excuse me, Father?" Shinra called out to him just as he was leaving the room. "You just came here to confirm our summons?"
“Oh, it’s you. I was wondering whether you could speak or not” Yutaka smiled, “What seems to be the problem?”
Shinra returned the smile, every bit the heir. "I had wanted to confirm with you a few matters regarding the Grail War as it's my family's first time participating. We have much to learn."
Shifting himself to stand by Caster, "Also, I can understand parental love for your child but please keep your affections to a minimum with Caster. At least ask her or better yet, bring some candy."
“Sorry about that” Yutaka said bowing, “It’s just been a while since I’ve seen such a cute kid. What do you want to know?”
"Just a few matters, I'll compile a list. I apologize for not paying my respects as required but I felt the Second Owner would have come first." He returned the bow, "Caster has been nothing less than what I expected. Her cuteness is one of her charm points." He let out an unintentional smirk, the corners of his mouth curving ever so slightly.
“Master…” Caster sounded irritated, “you’re treating me exactly the same as he did.” Her eyes rolled and she had an annoyed face.
"It's a compliment, a lady should accept it with grace. Anyway, I thank you for making the trip down Father. It saves me a trip to meet you." He extended his hand, "Kuhouin Shinra, pleasure to meet you."
Yutaka took the extended hand, “Hiroomi Yutaka, at your service.” His grip was incredibly strong, no doubt he could crush Shinra’s hand if he wanted to.
"Would you like some musk melon? I had prepared a couple as gifts but since you're here, why not bring some home?" Shinra could feel his hand going numb ever so slowly, what kind of priest had this much strength in a mere handshake?
“I’m good, thanks” Yutaka relinquished his grip, “it would be a pain to carry on my bike.”
"Then I'll have it sent to the church, please share it with your family." Shinra flexed his fingers a bit, letting the blood back in. "If there's anything the Kuhouin Conglomerate can do, please inform me."
Yutaka twitched at the mention of family, swallowing hard. Just thinking about his family choked him up. “My family… is gone, don’t bother with that melon” Yutaka said quickly leaving the room, slamming the door hard behind him.
“You can be pretty dense Master,” Caster scolded.
Shinra gripped his head with the non bruised arm, walking over to the couch. "I didn't know his family was no longer around. Now I've gone and offended the man."
He felt like scum, the look on Yutaka’s face at that moment was all Shinra needed to know that he had hurt the man deeply. "I'll... need to make it up to him somehow."
“I thought it was obvious… the man looked close to tears when he was messing around with me” Caster said, still telling Shinra off, “Why did you think I let him get away with all that?”
"My apologies. I was... never one to notice these gestures." The guilt weighed heavily on him but he tried hard not to show it. "Human interaction was never my best trait." He let Caster tell him off, he deserved it anyway.
“Ugh, this isn’t the sad corner!” said Yui. “I don’t want to remember this crap.”
Yui’s room was now a mess of games and snacks, but Yui didn’t care for messes as long as she was having fun. So far she was enjoying teacher Caster about how to play game, and right off the bat her sense of competition made her a fun person to play against. Judging by how their first meeting went it was hard to believe that they ended up in this situation.
“You are getting there. Just work on your combos.” instructed Yui.
“Combos?” Caster asked curiously, slightly infuriated at finding something she wasn’t amazing at.
“See like this.” she said showing her what she was doing on the controller. “Easier ones to do are like this.” Despite Caster not understanding a few things she was surprisingly a quick learner. She would feel sad when her house was finished. The maid and butlers were terrible at all games.
“AHAHAHAHAHA DIE” Caster shouted, finally getting the hang of the game, “I’LL GRIND YOUR BONES TO DUST.” Caster, unsurprisingly got really sucked into things like this.
“Not today Caster!” she said as she found herself self defending for once.
“Fufufu” Caster laughed, “Bow before your queen plebeian.” Caster mashed buttons on the control pad to keep up with Yui
Yui laughed, “But there is one thing more to teach you your highness” she said as she made a quick movement with the controller. The character on the screen pulled out a enormous cannon and filled the screen with lazers. A finishing that read K.O flashed on the screen. Yui smiled mischievously.
“Eh!?” Caster sounded upset, tears were forming in the corners of her eyes, “Yui… you cheated” she said dejectedly.
“No, simply an ace in the hole.” she said smiling. “You want to learn how to do that as well?”
“Uuuuu...” Caster wiped the tears from her eyes “Teach me”
Yui smiled and went to the tutorial to try and teach Caster to use special moves. While she was practicing Yui could help, but notice how innocent she looked. ’I will have to fight you at some point huh?’ she thought as she looked on to Caster try her hardest to learn her video game. The controller barely fit in her hands.
Shinra looked at the two, now unsure of what to make of the situation. This Yui Tohsaka, she had much more backbone to her than at first glance. He walked over to them, looking at his own small pile of games on the floor, a stash he had tried best to keep under wraps from the rest of his family.
“Would you like to have a match, Tohsaka-san?” He tried to keep his emotions of the question, a struggle between person and heir.
“That a challenge? Didn’t think you had it in you.” said Yui. “As soon as Caster is done I’m game for it.”
As Yui said this there was a knock at the door.
Yui stood up and walked over to the door. Her hand was in a pocket ready to be used if needed. “Who is it?” she asked.
“Open the door Tohsaka, I need to talk to you, seeing as you won’t come to me” a recognisable male voice said calmly.
Yui reached for the nob hesitantly, but she knew that voice from somewhere. Opening the door she prepared herself for the worse.
Standing at the door was a tall figure, even with the black trench coat and sunglasses, she instantly recognised the priest who had been visiting her for four years.
“Jeez, not a single word” he said walking in, “bit rude, y’know?”
“I, uh. I’ve been busy.” answered Yui scratching the back of her head. “House got blown up ya know?”
[/b]“Phones are a wonderful thing”[/b] he said, “anyway, I assume you made a contract?” he walked in and sat on the sofa without asking.
”Of course, who do you think I am?” she asked as she just looked at him walk past her companions and sit on the couch. “This is Shinra and Caster by the way.”
“Which one is which? There appears to be a small child here…” he said. Caster puffed her cheeks up but said nothing.
“The short one…” answered Yui hesitantly. “You should probably stop calling her a child though.”
“She’s so cute” He said patting Caster on the head and rubbing, ignoring Yui, “She yours?” he asked.
Caster uncharacteristically again said nothing, as if having to put up with it.
Yui looked at her strangely. She would have gotten an earful if she said that. “No, she is Shinra’s. Mine is…indisposed at the moment.”
“You mean to tell me this cutie is Caster?” Yutaka laughed, “no way, no way.” Caster’s cheeks were being stretched. Yui felt herself try to reach out and stop him, but the priest was already playing with the poor girls face.
“What have you come for?” she asked her hand on her forehead.
“You know how I said to definitely tell me when you had summoned a Servant? Well you didn’t.” he said picking Caster up into the air.
“Ya, I forgot with all the things that happened. Sue me.” she replied. “You know now right?”
“Well I don’t have any proof, but I guess I can trust you” he said putting Caster down and walking over to Yui, “Sorry, that girl just reminded me of my own kid, I got a bit worked up, I’ll go now.”
Yui looked him in the face as remembered what Caster did to her as well. She figured the man just shared the same fate.
"Excuse me, Father?" Shinra called out to him just as he was leaving the room. "You just came here to confirm our summons?"
“Oh, it’s you. I was wondering whether you could speak or not” Yutaka smiled, “What seems to be the problem?”
Shinra returned the smile, every bit the heir. "I had wanted to confirm with you a few matters regarding the Grail War as it's my family's first time participating. We have much to learn."
Shifting himself to stand by Caster, "Also, I can understand parental love for your child but please keep your affections to a minimum with Caster. At least ask her or better yet, bring some candy."
“Sorry about that” Yutaka said bowing, “It’s just been a while since I’ve seen such a cute kid. What do you want to know?”
"Just a few matters, I'll compile a list. I apologize for not paying my respects as required but I felt the Second Owner would have come first." He returned the bow, "Caster has been nothing less than what I expected. Her cuteness is one of her charm points." He let out an unintentional smirk, the corners of his mouth curving ever so slightly.
“Master…” Caster sounded irritated, “you’re treating me exactly the same as he did.” Her eyes rolled and she had an annoyed face.
"It's a compliment, a lady should accept it with grace. Anyway, I thank you for making the trip down Father. It saves me a trip to meet you." He extended his hand, "Kuhouin Shinra, pleasure to meet you."
Yutaka took the extended hand, “Hiroomi Yutaka, at your service.” His grip was incredibly strong, no doubt he could crush Shinra’s hand if he wanted to.
"Would you like some musk melon? I had prepared a couple as gifts but since you're here, why not bring some home?" Shinra could feel his hand going numb ever so slowly, what kind of priest had this much strength in a mere handshake?
“I’m good, thanks” Yutaka relinquished his grip, “it would be a pain to carry on my bike.”
"Then I'll have it sent to the church, please share it with your family." Shinra flexed his fingers a bit, letting the blood back in. "If there's anything the Kuhouin Conglomerate can do, please inform me."
Yutaka twitched at the mention of family, swallowing hard. Just thinking about his family choked him up. “My family… is gone, don’t bother with that melon” Yutaka said quickly leaving the room, slamming the door hard behind him.
“You can be pretty dense Master,” Caster scolded.
Shinra gripped his head with the non bruised arm, walking over to the couch. "I didn't know his family was no longer around. Now I've gone and offended the man."
He felt like scum, the look on Yutaka’s face at that moment was all Shinra needed to know that he had hurt the man deeply. "I'll... need to make it up to him somehow."
“I thought it was obvious… the man looked close to tears when he was messing around with me” Caster said, still telling Shinra off, “Why did you think I let him get away with all that?”
"My apologies. I was... never one to notice these gestures." The guilt weighed heavily on him but he tried hard not to show it. "Human interaction was never my best trait." He let Caster tell him off, he deserved it anyway.
“Ugh, this isn’t the sad corner!” said Yui. “I don’t want to remember this crap.”
0
(This is a joint post between Katsucha and BagMan)
As Rowland and Saber walked across the bridge to Shinto, they noticed two silhouettes standing in their way, gleaming golden eyes pierced the darkness.
“Master, something feels wrong with those people” Saber said, cautiously.
“Really? I can’t really tell.”
The two silhouettes drew nearer, walking faster than it looked they should be able.
“Alright, you’re right about that, something is wrong with them,” Rowland said, coming to a realization as he saw them walking faster towards them.
The two silhouettes’ eyes gleamed as they whizzed towards Rowland. They drew knives and aimed for Rowland’s neck, faster than Saber could react.
“Flamme” Saber said, having to do something to prevent her Master’s quick end.
Fire erupted from nowhere, at a speed even the assailants couldn’t keep up with, the fire burned them completely, leaving only ash.
“Rowland, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” Saber said worriedly.
“Yeah I’m fine…”Rowland replied, feeling shocked at what he just witnessed. ]“What… what just happened?!”
“An enemy attack, they were fast” Saber said “It isn’t safe here, those men were unnatural”
“Hohohoho” A woman’s voice rang out, “It seems you dealt with my pawns.” It was impossible to tell where the voice was coming from, Saber closed her eyes trying to ascertain the position.
“Troublesome people should just die” the voice said again.
“Hey Saber any clue where she might be?” Rowland asked as he looked to around though also watching to see if any other pawns of her appeared.
“Above? No!” Saber’s eyes widened.
“Right here sweetie,” the woman said appearing before them both.
“Assassin” Saber said, spitting out the word.
“Careful what you say Saber, wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt” Assassin said. A small snake had come be rested on Rowland’s shoulder without him realising, poised to strike.
“What do you want?” Saber asked.
Assassin smiled slyly, “Some more troublesome Servants out of the way. As Assassin I can only do so much” she said confidently.
Rowland stood still not really sure what to do as the snake stood still on his shoulder ready to strike at any second. “I see so you go after the Master to have much easier time. Or do you have something else in mind?” Rowland said as he tried to stay calm fearing the snake would instantly bite him if he moved.
“After all, I’m the weakest servant” She replied.
“Hrmph” Saber sounded annoyed, quickly slicing the snake in half off of Rowland’ shoulder.
Saber dashed to strike Assassin down, who was unable to react in time. Saber connected cleanly, slicing Assassin in half. Or so she thought. However, all she sliced was snakes, Assassin seeming to disappeared
Snakes came from every direction, filling the bridge completely with a sea of scales and Saber cut them down one after the other to protect Rowland.
“Ugh” Saber said, a snake biting into her leg as another began to constrict her arm tightly. “Surement pas!” she shouted.
“Saber are you alright?!” Rowland asked as he was not sure how effective the snake venom would be on her. He then quickly try to concentrate his prana, fire then cover his hands. “Damn it let her go!”
Rowland’s fire scorched the snakes on and around Saber, clearing space for her to strike.
“Uwaaa!” Screamed saber, seemingly scared of the fire, however she quickly pulled herself together cleaving through the endless snakes.
“Is this enough for you?” Assassin asked, sounding as if she was enjoying herself.
“Coward!” Saber shouted to the implacable Assassin.
“Saber we need to find her quick if not I think it will be a better idea to retreat she has the complete advantage over us right now. But are you okay? I’m not sure how much venom has an effect on you.”
“I’m fine, her snakes won’t kill me, but how are we to escape like this?” Saber asked, striking another lot of snakes.
“Well it seems my fire works on the snakes so I might be able to create something to hold them back for a bit at least hopefully. If it doesn’t work well we need to find her somehow.” Rowland said as he tried to relax and concentrate on his prana again.
Rowland’s inner fire roared, blasting forth a large fiery shield. The two ran behind the shield in an attempt to escape.
Saber ran lethargically, the poison of the snakes slowing her down slightly, just enough for Assassin to stay ahead of the game: appearing in front of them amidst the sea of snakes.
“Too slow Saber” Assassin laughed cruelly, “If you want to live you’ll do as I say.”
“Tch” Saber cursed, “Master, what do you say?”
“She sure does have a way with words” Rowland said jokingly. “But looking at her closely, she seems really familiar. Oh well I’m an idiot and to think I call myself a historian. Well Saber I believe I know who we are fighting at least, but to think she would be an Assassin. Take it those parts of history where true then. But such a role doesn’t fit a queen like you; don’t you think Assassin?”
Suddenly the snakes stopped dead in their tracks.
“What did you say?” Assassin asked, fearful.
“I just said a role of an Assassin doesn’t fit a queen like you. Unless those stories of you were actually true.” Rowland said starting to feel nervous.Stay calm, I just need to make sure I say the right thing. Hopefully it helps, we can’t keep fighting those hordes of snake forever. Rowland thought. “Why don’t we make a deal Assassin? Let us go and your true name stays between us three, or you can make it hard on yourself and I’ll reveal your true name to another Master I know. Pretty sure you don’t want your identity to be known by all Masters so soon do you?”
“Devious…” Assassin said smiling, “I like it, fine I’ll let you live for now, I’ll retreat, but remember I am always watching.” she said jumping into darkness, her snakes vanishing.
Rowland gave a big sigh of relief “Can’t believe that actually worked” He said in a low voice. “Saber are you alright it seemed like the poison was taking some effect on you back there?”
“I… am fine” Saber said, wincing, “nothing that won’t heal soon.” It did indeed seem Saber’s wounds were already healing.
“That’s good, should we go home for the night?” Rowland asked feeling a bit worn out after having cast the fire shield.
“That’s probably for the best, unless you know exactly where another Servant is, there’s no point wondering about when we’re not at full strength” Saber said nodding her head thoughtfully.
“Alright but the first thing will do once home is look for anything strange inside and outside, I don’t like the fact that Assassin said she’s always watching.” Rowland said worried that she might appear at his house.
“You seemed to know a lot about her,” Saber said, sounding slightly annoyed.
“Well there’s quite a lot of textbooks about her, I’m pretty sure almost anyone who hears her name will know who she is right away, well, at least in the western world. But you know once I learn your name Saber I might know more about you.”
“You’ll have to figure it out yourself” said Saber, starting to walk quickly back in the direction of Rowland’s house.
“Hey wait up Saber” Rowland said as he started walking behind Saber. “Oh yeah I just remembered something. Saber are you scared of fire? I thought I saw you panicked for an instant when I burned that snake off you” Rowland asked remembering hearing her scream for few seconds.
“Forget you saw it” Saber said her sword pointing at Rowland’s neck, face completely red.
“Alright then, but should you really be pointing your sword at your Master” Rowland said calmly as part of him wanted to tease her. “Though we should get going, we don’t want to run into another Servant now do we?”
As Rowland and Saber walked across the bridge to Shinto, they noticed two silhouettes standing in their way, gleaming golden eyes pierced the darkness.
“Master, something feels wrong with those people” Saber said, cautiously.
“Really? I can’t really tell.”
The two silhouettes drew nearer, walking faster than it looked they should be able.
“Alright, you’re right about that, something is wrong with them,” Rowland said, coming to a realization as he saw them walking faster towards them.
The two silhouettes’ eyes gleamed as they whizzed towards Rowland. They drew knives and aimed for Rowland’s neck, faster than Saber could react.
“Flamme” Saber said, having to do something to prevent her Master’s quick end.
Fire erupted from nowhere, at a speed even the assailants couldn’t keep up with, the fire burned them completely, leaving only ash.
“Rowland, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” Saber said worriedly.
“Yeah I’m fine…”Rowland replied, feeling shocked at what he just witnessed. ]“What… what just happened?!”
“An enemy attack, they were fast” Saber said “It isn’t safe here, those men were unnatural”
“Hohohoho” A woman’s voice rang out, “It seems you dealt with my pawns.” It was impossible to tell where the voice was coming from, Saber closed her eyes trying to ascertain the position.
“Troublesome people should just die” the voice said again.
“Hey Saber any clue where she might be?” Rowland asked as he looked to around though also watching to see if any other pawns of her appeared.
“Above? No!” Saber’s eyes widened.
“Right here sweetie,” the woman said appearing before them both.
“Assassin” Saber said, spitting out the word.
“Careful what you say Saber, wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt” Assassin said. A small snake had come be rested on Rowland’s shoulder without him realising, poised to strike.
“What do you want?” Saber asked.
Assassin smiled slyly, “Some more troublesome Servants out of the way. As Assassin I can only do so much” she said confidently.
Rowland stood still not really sure what to do as the snake stood still on his shoulder ready to strike at any second. “I see so you go after the Master to have much easier time. Or do you have something else in mind?” Rowland said as he tried to stay calm fearing the snake would instantly bite him if he moved.
“After all, I’m the weakest servant” She replied.
“Hrmph” Saber sounded annoyed, quickly slicing the snake in half off of Rowland’ shoulder.
Saber dashed to strike Assassin down, who was unable to react in time. Saber connected cleanly, slicing Assassin in half. Or so she thought. However, all she sliced was snakes, Assassin seeming to disappeared
Snakes came from every direction, filling the bridge completely with a sea of scales and Saber cut them down one after the other to protect Rowland.
“Ugh” Saber said, a snake biting into her leg as another began to constrict her arm tightly. “Surement pas!” she shouted.
“Saber are you alright?!” Rowland asked as he was not sure how effective the snake venom would be on her. He then quickly try to concentrate his prana, fire then cover his hands. “Damn it let her go!”
Rowland’s fire scorched the snakes on and around Saber, clearing space for her to strike.
“Uwaaa!” Screamed saber, seemingly scared of the fire, however she quickly pulled herself together cleaving through the endless snakes.
“Is this enough for you?” Assassin asked, sounding as if she was enjoying herself.
“Coward!” Saber shouted to the implacable Assassin.
“Saber we need to find her quick if not I think it will be a better idea to retreat she has the complete advantage over us right now. But are you okay? I’m not sure how much venom has an effect on you.”
“I’m fine, her snakes won’t kill me, but how are we to escape like this?” Saber asked, striking another lot of snakes.
“Well it seems my fire works on the snakes so I might be able to create something to hold them back for a bit at least hopefully. If it doesn’t work well we need to find her somehow.” Rowland said as he tried to relax and concentrate on his prana again.
Rowland’s inner fire roared, blasting forth a large fiery shield. The two ran behind the shield in an attempt to escape.
Saber ran lethargically, the poison of the snakes slowing her down slightly, just enough for Assassin to stay ahead of the game: appearing in front of them amidst the sea of snakes.
“Too slow Saber” Assassin laughed cruelly, “If you want to live you’ll do as I say.”
“Tch” Saber cursed, “Master, what do you say?”
“She sure does have a way with words” Rowland said jokingly. “But looking at her closely, she seems really familiar. Oh well I’m an idiot and to think I call myself a historian. Well Saber I believe I know who we are fighting at least, but to think she would be an Assassin. Take it those parts of history where true then. But such a role doesn’t fit a queen like you; don’t you think Assassin?”
Suddenly the snakes stopped dead in their tracks.
“What did you say?” Assassin asked, fearful.
“I just said a role of an Assassin doesn’t fit a queen like you. Unless those stories of you were actually true.” Rowland said starting to feel nervous.Stay calm, I just need to make sure I say the right thing. Hopefully it helps, we can’t keep fighting those hordes of snake forever. Rowland thought. “Why don’t we make a deal Assassin? Let us go and your true name stays between us three, or you can make it hard on yourself and I’ll reveal your true name to another Master I know. Pretty sure you don’t want your identity to be known by all Masters so soon do you?”
“Devious…” Assassin said smiling, “I like it, fine I’ll let you live for now, I’ll retreat, but remember I am always watching.” she said jumping into darkness, her snakes vanishing.
Rowland gave a big sigh of relief “Can’t believe that actually worked” He said in a low voice. “Saber are you alright it seemed like the poison was taking some effect on you back there?”
“I… am fine” Saber said, wincing, “nothing that won’t heal soon.” It did indeed seem Saber’s wounds were already healing.
“That’s good, should we go home for the night?” Rowland asked feeling a bit worn out after having cast the fire shield.
“That’s probably for the best, unless you know exactly where another Servant is, there’s no point wondering about when we’re not at full strength” Saber said nodding her head thoughtfully.
“Alright but the first thing will do once home is look for anything strange inside and outside, I don’t like the fact that Assassin said she’s always watching.” Rowland said worried that she might appear at his house.
“You seemed to know a lot about her,” Saber said, sounding slightly annoyed.
“Well there’s quite a lot of textbooks about her, I’m pretty sure almost anyone who hears her name will know who she is right away, well, at least in the western world. But you know once I learn your name Saber I might know more about you.”
“You’ll have to figure it out yourself” said Saber, starting to walk quickly back in the direction of Rowland’s house.
“Hey wait up Saber” Rowland said as he started walking behind Saber. “Oh yeah I just remembered something. Saber are you scared of fire? I thought I saw you panicked for an instant when I burned that snake off you” Rowland asked remembering hearing her scream for few seconds.
“Forget you saw it” Saber said her sword pointing at Rowland’s neck, face completely red.
“Alright then, but should you really be pointing your sword at your Master” Rowland said calmly as part of him wanted to tease her. “Though we should get going, we don’t want to run into another Servant now do we?”
0
“I’m home…” Azusa said quietly, so as to not disturb anyone in the house. By now, school should have been let out, so she wasn’t sure how long she had until her brother was home. She tried to sneak into her room, to pretend to be sick. She thought it was a flawless plan, except…
“AZUSA! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING!? WHY DID YOU CUT CLASS!?” The roar of her brother, Shuuhei, resounded throughout the dojo.
“Haaaaauuuuuu…” Azusa moaned. She was already caught by her brother at the doorstep. She could only cower as her brother lectured her.
Shuuhei sighed and explained to Azusa, “I ran around the school, looking for you. I had to make up some excuse to the teacher to keep you out of trouble. I had to rush home to make sure you were okay. Where did you go? Why didn’t you bring your cell phone?” His voice was gentler. He seemed to be willing to listen to her; he was genuinely worried about her.
Azusa couldn’t tell her brother about the Holy Grail War. She didn’t want him to get involved. She whimpered as she thought of an explanation. “I had to go the church…” She pointed in the direction.
“That big one in the? Why?” Shuuhei looked at Azusa inquiringly.
“A strange girl at school told me I needed to go…” She responded, telling a half-truth. Azusa didn’t want to tell him about her encounter at home.
“You came home for some time, though. There was some yakisoba bread on the floor.” Shuuhei said as he held up her leftovers from earlier.
“That was… well…” Azusa struggled to find a good excuse. She knew the real reason: Assassin had arrived, and she dropped it so she could fight properly, if necessary. “I needed to drop off my things… That church is really far away…”
Shuuhei sighed and grumbled, “That doesn’t mean you should just throw your trash on the ground…” He tugged on Azusa’s hand and told her, “Clean the dojo and think about what you did.” He said, scolding her.
“Alright, Onii-chan…” Azusa was somewhat upset, but this was a much lighter punishment than what she originally expected. Her brother was seriously worried about her; if anything, Shuuhei looked relieved to see Azusa come home after disappearing for a while. “Geh, now that I think about it, the dojo is quite large…” Azusa mumbled after gathering cleaning supplies. Her thoughts turned to her servant, Assassin, and what the priest told her about the Holy Grail War. I wonder what Assassin is doing, anyways…
“AZUSA! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING!? WHY DID YOU CUT CLASS!?” The roar of her brother, Shuuhei, resounded throughout the dojo.
“Haaaaauuuuuu…” Azusa moaned. She was already caught by her brother at the doorstep. She could only cower as her brother lectured her.
Shuuhei sighed and explained to Azusa, “I ran around the school, looking for you. I had to make up some excuse to the teacher to keep you out of trouble. I had to rush home to make sure you were okay. Where did you go? Why didn’t you bring your cell phone?” His voice was gentler. He seemed to be willing to listen to her; he was genuinely worried about her.
Azusa couldn’t tell her brother about the Holy Grail War. She didn’t want him to get involved. She whimpered as she thought of an explanation. “I had to go the church…” She pointed in the direction.
“That big one in the? Why?” Shuuhei looked at Azusa inquiringly.
“A strange girl at school told me I needed to go…” She responded, telling a half-truth. Azusa didn’t want to tell him about her encounter at home.
“You came home for some time, though. There was some yakisoba bread on the floor.” Shuuhei said as he held up her leftovers from earlier.
“That was… well…” Azusa struggled to find a good excuse. She knew the real reason: Assassin had arrived, and she dropped it so she could fight properly, if necessary. “I needed to drop off my things… That church is really far away…”
Shuuhei sighed and grumbled, “That doesn’t mean you should just throw your trash on the ground…” He tugged on Azusa’s hand and told her, “Clean the dojo and think about what you did.” He said, scolding her.
“Alright, Onii-chan…” Azusa was somewhat upset, but this was a much lighter punishment than what she originally expected. Her brother was seriously worried about her; if anything, Shuuhei looked relieved to see Azusa come home after disappearing for a while. “Geh, now that I think about it, the dojo is quite large…” Azusa mumbled after gathering cleaning supplies. Her thoughts turned to her servant, Assassin, and what the priest told her about the Holy Grail War. I wonder what Assassin is doing, anyways…
0
(this is a joint post between Cinia Pacifica, Nooby and BagMan)
It was late, coming up for midnight, the light that streamed through the window in the morning was long gone. Yui had kicked Caster and Shinra out of her room a while ago, but Caster was restless. She paced up and down Shinra’s hotel room, unsure of what was bothering her.
“What’s wrong? Need more training at video games?” Shinra was at the desk reading a novel, enjoying some quiet time for the day. “You did well for a beginner.”
“It’s not that…” Caster replied trailing off. What exactly was it? She asked herself this question. “I think I need to take a walk, something nagging me at the back of my mind,” she said making for the entrance. “Do you want me to go with you?” Shinra put the book down and looked at her, slightly concerned. It wasn’t like her to be troubled.
“If you want,” she said, still bothered by something else. Caster headed out of the doorway and to the elevator. Shinra got up to follow her, grabbing a muffler as he went out. Caster entered the elevator with Shinra, jamming the ground floor button impatiently.
A smiling, long silver-haired teenage girl stood inside the elevator. Her hands folded around her chest, she seemed to be looking nonchalantly towards the door. It seemed as though her crimson eyes shifted to the left to check the pair out, especially the younger seemingly figure known as Caster. She wore a large purple hat made out of leather, and a long violet jacket, and boots.
Caster’s eyes widened but said nothing, what a ridiculous situation. She wanted to tell herself that her instincts were wrong but there was no doubt about it. Shinra paused as he saw the teenager, the crimson eyes catching his attention. The silver hair, the crimson eyes and the childish demeanor clicked in Shinra’s head. He knew who this was.
“Ah, Lady Einzbern. So nice of you to join us tonight.” He tried to put aside that she was just there, in the elevator. Why were all these masters popping out of the woodwork near his hotel?
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, um,” Isisviel’s voice trailed off, not knowing the master’s name. “I apologize, I am quite oblivious to the no-named participants of the war.”
“Ah, where are my manners. My name is Kuhouin Shinra. Are you out for a midnight stroll? You seem to have strayed a little far from your castle.” He looked at her apathetically, trying to judge her.
“Isisviel von Einzbern,” Isisviel replied, giving a curt bow to the ostensibly polite man. “I came to sightsee. This hotel… didn’t turn out to be as luxurious as I had assumed it would be,” she commented, apparently pondering the option to simply take her leave.
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Isisviel. The hotel happens to be the best in this area, but can’t hold a candle to some that I’ve stayed in. We all make sacrifices.” Shinra shrugged, pulling the muffler tighter around his neck.
“I suppose such a hotel is more befitting of you, then,” Isisviel nonchalantly replied - then closed her eyes - still smiling. “I’d rather be off of this.”
“Scared?” Caster asked, pedantically. Her back was turned to Shinra and Isisviel, but her face was displeased.
“Oh? Surely one such as you may differentiate between low class and fear? Or are you a little innocent child - after all?” Isisviel said, her lips curled further to reveal a grin, as her eyes had finally moved towards the shorter figure of a seemingly innocent little girl.
“Pfft,” Caster let out a small laugh before twirling around to face Isis, “You dare mock me, you third rate magus?” Caster burst out laughing, “This is too funny.”
“So what does magical skills have anything to do with fear?” Isisviel shrugged. Giving a rather earnest smile. “Haha, I’ll admit, however; I am third-rate compared to you.”
“Magical skills have everything to do with fear, those who are the most powerful deserve to be feared” Caster smiled from the corner of her mouth. “Naturally, I am the most powerful”
“Debatable, Caster” A voice came from next to Isis, naturally it was her servant, now fully materialised, “and those who use their powers correctly need not be feared, only tyrants want to be feared”
“Then call me a tyrant” Caster laughed, her expression suddenly changed, “why are you here?” The question was directed at Isisviel, Caster didn’t concern herself with Servants she considered below her.
Isisviel shrugged again. “I was simply out here sightseeing, until I felt certain presences,” Isisviel stated, dropping her arms down from keeping them folded. Now assured with the presence of her servant. “I simply came out of curiosity, rest assured I have no intention for combat, yet.”
With all that had happened, Shinra was unsurprised that Archer was in the elevator with them. He tried to remember her appearance as the women exchanged words.
"I suppose an artificial life form would only know what it's taught. Nonetheless, if that's your objective tonight then no complaints from me."
“Your arrogance may be your the source of your bane,” a corner of her lip was raised. Isisviel felt disappointment for the humans for a moment - using such silly reasoning to assume that an †˜artificial lifeform’ would only know what’s taught. It was definitely not impossible to self-teach and learn things on your own, after maturing up to an extent. This is the same for anyone; humans and homunculus alike.
"That doesn't change the fact that you are a tool given sentience, similar to the constructs some magi use I suppose. I would applaud your makers for making such a fine construct either way."
“If I may ask… why are you in this war?” Isisviel asked, unfazed by the insult. He’d appear as a kind man, but looks can be deceiving.
"My family wishes to prevent the Grail from being used for any wish that might distort our world." He looked at Caster briefly before continuing, "I've been told it's a boring wish."
“See? You’re no different from me, then. A tool given birth to by your parents to do their bidding. Regardless of your ideals, you were raised and taught what you needed to be taught. Only difference between us are the quality of flesh and matter.”
Shinra chuckled softly, the homunculus had a point. "Indeed I am. I concede that point to you, Isisviel-san. I apologize if my earlier comments had displeased you, the circumstances surrounding us were so similar it struck a chord within me." What he would give to step out of his thankless position. "May I inquire as to your own wish?"
Turning to Archer, Shinra replied to her as well. "Fear goes hand in hand with power. It's people's nature to be afraid of those stronger than them, regardless of how well power is used."
“It’s… “ as Isisviel begun. However, the elevator seemed to have met it’s destination.
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the ground floor, Shinra and Caster stepping out before the homunculi and her servant.
As Caster walked away she smiled evilly, before Isis and Archer could leave the elevator the doors slammed shut and it sped up, a one way ticket to the top floor.
"Nicely done." Matching his servants smile, he watched the floor numbers increasing with satisfaction. The Einzbern master being a homunculus hadn't really surprised him but the level and quality of her construction was indeed remarkable. She could even emulate human emotion.
“She’s so fiesty,” Isisviel’s smirk was yet to vanish; uncaring. “It’s so rude to keep me in the hotel that doesn’t suit my tastes,” she stated, trying to express her lamentation.
“Archer.”
“Master?” Archer asked.
“We’re flying out. I will not take this rudeness lightly.”
Archer smiled, white wings unfurling, her sword pointing to the sky, a flash of lightning soared from her sword, penetrating the ceiling of the elevator and revealing the black night’s sky. Grabbing hold of Isis’ small body her wings flapped as she lifted up into the air. When they were clear of the hotel, Archer asked, “Where to Master?”
“Mn, I’d pay them back for what they did. However, I have stated that I do not intend to fight. We shall return to my mansion,” Isisviel answered as she glanced down towards the city lightened up with various lights, then looking up towards the starry night sky.
“Understood” Archer smiled, not only did she love flying but seeing her Master so engrossed made her feel good as well. She fell into a rhythm, her wings flapping periodically as she carried Isis back to the mansion.
It was late, coming up for midnight, the light that streamed through the window in the morning was long gone. Yui had kicked Caster and Shinra out of her room a while ago, but Caster was restless. She paced up and down Shinra’s hotel room, unsure of what was bothering her.
“What’s wrong? Need more training at video games?” Shinra was at the desk reading a novel, enjoying some quiet time for the day. “You did well for a beginner.”
“It’s not that…” Caster replied trailing off. What exactly was it? She asked herself this question. “I think I need to take a walk, something nagging me at the back of my mind,” she said making for the entrance. “Do you want me to go with you?” Shinra put the book down and looked at her, slightly concerned. It wasn’t like her to be troubled.
“If you want,” she said, still bothered by something else. Caster headed out of the doorway and to the elevator. Shinra got up to follow her, grabbing a muffler as he went out. Caster entered the elevator with Shinra, jamming the ground floor button impatiently.
A smiling, long silver-haired teenage girl stood inside the elevator. Her hands folded around her chest, she seemed to be looking nonchalantly towards the door. It seemed as though her crimson eyes shifted to the left to check the pair out, especially the younger seemingly figure known as Caster. She wore a large purple hat made out of leather, and a long violet jacket, and boots.
Caster’s eyes widened but said nothing, what a ridiculous situation. She wanted to tell herself that her instincts were wrong but there was no doubt about it. Shinra paused as he saw the teenager, the crimson eyes catching his attention. The silver hair, the crimson eyes and the childish demeanor clicked in Shinra’s head. He knew who this was.
“Ah, Lady Einzbern. So nice of you to join us tonight.” He tried to put aside that she was just there, in the elevator. Why were all these masters popping out of the woodwork near his hotel?
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, um,” Isisviel’s voice trailed off, not knowing the master’s name. “I apologize, I am quite oblivious to the no-named participants of the war.”
“Ah, where are my manners. My name is Kuhouin Shinra. Are you out for a midnight stroll? You seem to have strayed a little far from your castle.” He looked at her apathetically, trying to judge her.
“Isisviel von Einzbern,” Isisviel replied, giving a curt bow to the ostensibly polite man. “I came to sightsee. This hotel… didn’t turn out to be as luxurious as I had assumed it would be,” she commented, apparently pondering the option to simply take her leave.
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Isisviel. The hotel happens to be the best in this area, but can’t hold a candle to some that I’ve stayed in. We all make sacrifices.” Shinra shrugged, pulling the muffler tighter around his neck.
“I suppose such a hotel is more befitting of you, then,” Isisviel nonchalantly replied - then closed her eyes - still smiling. “I’d rather be off of this.”
“Scared?” Caster asked, pedantically. Her back was turned to Shinra and Isisviel, but her face was displeased.
“Oh? Surely one such as you may differentiate between low class and fear? Or are you a little innocent child - after all?” Isisviel said, her lips curled further to reveal a grin, as her eyes had finally moved towards the shorter figure of a seemingly innocent little girl.
“Pfft,” Caster let out a small laugh before twirling around to face Isis, “You dare mock me, you third rate magus?” Caster burst out laughing, “This is too funny.”
“So what does magical skills have anything to do with fear?” Isisviel shrugged. Giving a rather earnest smile. “Haha, I’ll admit, however; I am third-rate compared to you.”
“Magical skills have everything to do with fear, those who are the most powerful deserve to be feared” Caster smiled from the corner of her mouth. “Naturally, I am the most powerful”
“Debatable, Caster” A voice came from next to Isis, naturally it was her servant, now fully materialised, “and those who use their powers correctly need not be feared, only tyrants want to be feared”
“Then call me a tyrant” Caster laughed, her expression suddenly changed, “why are you here?” The question was directed at Isisviel, Caster didn’t concern herself with Servants she considered below her.
Isisviel shrugged again. “I was simply out here sightseeing, until I felt certain presences,” Isisviel stated, dropping her arms down from keeping them folded. Now assured with the presence of her servant. “I simply came out of curiosity, rest assured I have no intention for combat, yet.”
With all that had happened, Shinra was unsurprised that Archer was in the elevator with them. He tried to remember her appearance as the women exchanged words.
"I suppose an artificial life form would only know what it's taught. Nonetheless, if that's your objective tonight then no complaints from me."
“Your arrogance may be your the source of your bane,” a corner of her lip was raised. Isisviel felt disappointment for the humans for a moment - using such silly reasoning to assume that an †˜artificial lifeform’ would only know what’s taught. It was definitely not impossible to self-teach and learn things on your own, after maturing up to an extent. This is the same for anyone; humans and homunculus alike.
"That doesn't change the fact that you are a tool given sentience, similar to the constructs some magi use I suppose. I would applaud your makers for making such a fine construct either way."
“If I may ask… why are you in this war?” Isisviel asked, unfazed by the insult. He’d appear as a kind man, but looks can be deceiving.
"My family wishes to prevent the Grail from being used for any wish that might distort our world." He looked at Caster briefly before continuing, "I've been told it's a boring wish."
“See? You’re no different from me, then. A tool given birth to by your parents to do their bidding. Regardless of your ideals, you were raised and taught what you needed to be taught. Only difference between us are the quality of flesh and matter.”
Shinra chuckled softly, the homunculus had a point. "Indeed I am. I concede that point to you, Isisviel-san. I apologize if my earlier comments had displeased you, the circumstances surrounding us were so similar it struck a chord within me." What he would give to step out of his thankless position. "May I inquire as to your own wish?"
Turning to Archer, Shinra replied to her as well. "Fear goes hand in hand with power. It's people's nature to be afraid of those stronger than them, regardless of how well power is used."
“It’s… “ as Isisviel begun. However, the elevator seemed to have met it’s destination.
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the ground floor, Shinra and Caster stepping out before the homunculi and her servant.
As Caster walked away she smiled evilly, before Isis and Archer could leave the elevator the doors slammed shut and it sped up, a one way ticket to the top floor.
"Nicely done." Matching his servants smile, he watched the floor numbers increasing with satisfaction. The Einzbern master being a homunculus hadn't really surprised him but the level and quality of her construction was indeed remarkable. She could even emulate human emotion.
“She’s so fiesty,” Isisviel’s smirk was yet to vanish; uncaring. “It’s so rude to keep me in the hotel that doesn’t suit my tastes,” she stated, trying to express her lamentation.
“Archer.”
“Master?” Archer asked.
“We’re flying out. I will not take this rudeness lightly.”
Archer smiled, white wings unfurling, her sword pointing to the sky, a flash of lightning soared from her sword, penetrating the ceiling of the elevator and revealing the black night’s sky. Grabbing hold of Isis’ small body her wings flapped as she lifted up into the air. When they were clear of the hotel, Archer asked, “Where to Master?”
“Mn, I’d pay them back for what they did. However, I have stated that I do not intend to fight. We shall return to my mansion,” Isisviel answered as she glanced down towards the city lightened up with various lights, then looking up towards the starry night sky.
“Understood” Archer smiled, not only did she love flying but seeing her Master so engrossed made her feel good as well. She fell into a rhythm, her wings flapping periodically as she carried Isis back to the mansion.
0
February 11th
The day dawned, overcast and grey, clouds filled the sky. It was the kind of day that gives nothing away, it wasn’t warm but it wasn’t cold and it didn’t look like it would rain and yet, it was extremely ominous when compared to yesterday’s beautiful sunny day. The city’s routine had already began, even this early with salarymen heading to work in their corporate offices.
A grey haired man sat on a bench in Fuyuki park, his eyes sharp like an eagle’s surveying the area, a former residential area that was burned down some years previous. It still gave the impression of the horrible event that had taken place, however signs of recent renovations could be seen. He liked it here. Fuyuki would be a good stage for him to play on, but for next few hours he consigned himself to watching the performance unfold for the third day.
A suited man sat in the back of a car. His hair was short and unruly and his shirt was creased. He clearly didn’t care about his appearance. The car had tinted windows, making it incredibly suspicious as it came to a halt outside the largest hotel in Fuyuki. He smiled, “I’ve arrived brother mine” he spoke in a low, angered voice.
The day dawned, overcast and grey, clouds filled the sky. It was the kind of day that gives nothing away, it wasn’t warm but it wasn’t cold and it didn’t look like it would rain and yet, it was extremely ominous when compared to yesterday’s beautiful sunny day. The city’s routine had already began, even this early with salarymen heading to work in their corporate offices.
A grey haired man sat on a bench in Fuyuki park, his eyes sharp like an eagle’s surveying the area, a former residential area that was burned down some years previous. It still gave the impression of the horrible event that had taken place, however signs of recent renovations could be seen. He liked it here. Fuyuki would be a good stage for him to play on, but for next few hours he consigned himself to watching the performance unfold for the third day.
A suited man sat in the back of a car. His hair was short and unruly and his shirt was creased. He clearly didn’t care about his appearance. The car had tinted windows, making it incredibly suspicious as it came to a halt outside the largest hotel in Fuyuki. He smiled, “I’ve arrived brother mine” he spoke in a low, angered voice.