'I guess our standing together isn't as bad as I thought' He thought to himself in surprise from the praise of Lancer, being quite out of the blue but... There was something that Lancer triggered in him but he couldn't remember what it was, shrugging off the feeling, he couldn't help but smile along with the other before heading out into the forest. Putting on his jacket that was hanging on the door in a smooth motion and sliding out the door.

The glow of the moonlight piercing through the haven which the trees provided, the wind rustled as it began to pick up a while ago during the start of the ritual. Now it was simply a steady stream of the wind which pressed against his body as he looked out, condensation was beginning to stick onto the patches of grass and the slight dampness on the earth. He began the hike from the cottage after he secured and locked the door, walking down the trail to the city. The crunching of twigs, leaves and the sound of earth being grounded up from his footsteps would continue on for quite a while...

---

It would take about a decent fifteen minutes descending the path with some twists and turns, but finally after one last and finally bend in the woods came the sight of the buildings, cement streets, and concrete sidewalks. Hopping over the fence which would of added a good 10 more minutes to move around, their entrance to the town of Redrock was greeted with a nearby quiet bar, the town presumably only nightclub which gathered customers from the front, a few people still walking on the streets and several open stores which would stay late until midnight. It was certainly a quaint town but still sizeable to provide major conveniences such as chain stores which would have been perfect if they only arrived during open hours...

Thus, the option of going to larger stores with more variety was out of the window but thankfully, one store's opening hours were just right that they had about an hour left to shop for clothes that would fit Lancer. Having a decent variety that was impressive for a store, it was a neat place in the small city like Redrock could have inside. To his surprise, they indeed had a more variety than he expected and had fun picking out several option to try out for himself before it finally smacked him in the head. 'What size does Lancer even wear?' A rouge thought that snuck up on Uriel as he was taking his time sorting through the clothes. He sighed as he randomly grabbed a few articles of clothing of various sizes and headed for the changing room. Whispering to Lancer, taking a hint of the awkwardness of the situation but was thankful that he was the only one of the few in the sore "Lancer, I am going to need you to try on a few outfits to see which one fits you, I don't know your size and I don't think you don't either. We are going to need to get you some clothes to blend in if you want to come into physical form which I'd prefer you in." He said in a hush voice as he began setting out the different outfits into piles which they would match preferably, the struggle now was to have Lancer try them on which could prove to be a hassle if he didn't like them. Anticipating this in advance, for Uriel to shoot for the sleeveless shirts and shorts which would be most similar to his default armor.

Aww, it seemed that their cute little Master didn't want to see exactly how fast a Servant could get from A to B. Well, that was fine too, if she'd recovered from the apparent strain of summoning so swiftly. Archer obediently followed behind for a minute before catching sound of something rather unexpected in the forest night, when they moved forward to whisper something to Yumiko. "Master, keep going ahead and put something red in the window."

Then Archer stepped away, dropping back into the forest and heading for the sound of footsteps. Why would someone be back here so late at night? It was a rather out of the way place for a midnight stroll and, like his Master had realised, a good spot for summoning a Servant without attracting undue attention.

Through plain but well-honed skulking, and an outfit intended to fit into this sort of environment, Archer tracked the bizarrely not at home man for a while before breaking off once he left the woodland, where their outfit would attract far too much attention. It wasn't anything conclusive, but at least when it came to people to suspect of being Masters, a tall blonde heading into town when everything was closed seemed likely.

Now they just had to meet up with their Master again.

---

The homunculus looked thoughtful whilst she waited for Lotus to complete her expected duty, thinking over Saber's preferred method of combat and her own abilities. Soon enough, the small maid arrived several minutes later with tea in hand--green, given the likely preference of the summoned Servant--before leaving the room and returning to the other task assigned before the ritual: establishing a bounded field such that the house's inhabitants would know if someone broke into it.

"I am more suited for conflict than passive observation," Izisviel said, "I doubt that other Masters are likely such inclined. For the purposes of winning this war with the highest degree of success, I would appreciate it if I can engage the other Masters whilst you keep the Servants occupied."

"Very well," replied Saber, gently taking a teacup in both hands. She took a small sip, and was quite pleased with the flavor of the green tea within. Needless to say, she could certainly look to the maidservants to supply her with excellent tea. Her Master's desire to fight... well, she would not at all attempt to stop her. The thought did not even cross her mind. However, Saber's mind could not help but drift to that moment. Her last failure. The final one. The shame and sorrow she had felt in that moment, the words he had spoken... Her final failure had been utter and complete. Saber refused to let such a thing happen once more. Honorable service to a lord she could respect was her desire in a war for the Holy Grail. She held no wish. She simply wished to never again experience anything else like her last failure.

It would remain her final failure. It had to.

"... If you are to be overwhelmed in combat, however, Einzbern-sama," Saber continued, "I will not refrain from ceasing combat to ensure you are safe. Your life is my priority, above all else."

"...Eh?"

Before Yumiko could ask what Archer had meant when they had said to 'keep going,' the Servant had disappeared. Confused, the young woman stared blankly at where Archer had last been before sighing. What was it again? 'Independent Action,' right? That class skill could prove to be... An issue. In more ways that one, given her Servant's first action after being confirmed.

"Erm... Well, I don't think it can be helped. Hopefully, I don't get ambushed or something walking home like this..." she sighed, continuing down the path as she went over what was in her room in mind. Red... Red... Red...

Wait, don't a lot of people hang red stuff on their windows anyways?!

---

"...You are... A rather brusque girl, aren't you? Though I guess that is a correct analysis, do not categorize me with such vague terms. Please."

Lancer, for the most part, was not amused by the girl's confidence. Though he did appreciate the fact that she did scout, at the very least, her attitude left something to be desired. That courageous cockiness was annoying, and quite frankly he'd have preferred if she was willing to at least show some modicum of restraint, but...

"...But regardless, as you are my Master, I will trust your judgement on this one. May I request, though, that you consult with me from here on out in regards to which enemies we face first? Though nothing is truly predictable, I would prefer duels to unpredictable battle royales, so picking the right opponents is a necessity."

"Oi oi, I'm not an idiot," Fio said, waving her hand. "We're fighting together, aren't we? It only makes sense to talk to one another and plan out strategy, right?"

The blonde girl cocked her head to one side, one eyebrow raised, her long hair swishing. Obviously, who just... ignored their Servant in these kinds of things? You had to know how they fought, know how they wanted to conduct battle, all that sort of stuff. They were all the sort of people who knew how to fight, too, so they could only have good advice. Unless they were actively trying to mess with their master or something, in which case they weren't a very good Servant, now were they?

"Going for one-on-one, especially if you're not very fast, is a good idea," Fio added, after some though. It only made sense, didn't it? "If you can take on the Servants, I'm a Magus Hunter. I can disable enemy Masters or even kill them if I have to. After all, there's no way that this war only drew in proper, upstanding magi."

It was true, in her mind. A opportunity like this would draw in the types of people who would haphazardly use magecraft on unaware people and threaten its secrecy. And even if she was up against people who weren't like that, well...

It was her or them. And Fio was a Magus Hunter.

@Lost Cause

Catherine regretted ever informing the Mother Superior of her Command Seals. That had brought her nothing but months of pain, the like she hadn't felt since she began training as an Exorcist, fitting as it was the Church that had brought both hellish experiences onto her. Two representatives came to visit the monastery a week after her reveal, one from the Church and one from the Mage's Association. After confirming the stigmata and testing her powers, she was handed a papal bull, which ordered her to pursue the path of a master. she had nearly refused, until the mage gave her an offer she couldn't refuse, damn the slimy connard.

Now she stood in the middle of the convent's damnably drafty abandoned chapel calling forth some hero of yore, instead of reading to the orphans a story before bed like she had promised. Catherine slowly wheeled herself to the center of the chapel, to the center of the seal. Scowling, Catherine leaned down from her wheelchair, and placed the catalyst, a glass bottle with some indeterminable liquid sealed within, in the center of the of the summoning circle. Said circle took up the better of the church's floor, scarlet circles and runes covering every inch of the ground. Wheeling her self out of the seal, Catherine positioned herself in next to the entrance and in front of the seal Beginning the incantation, she could feel the alien burning sensation spreading through her body, wracking her with nearly unbearable pain. Nearly being the key word. If she had been a lesser woman, Catherine mused, she might have succumbed to the pain, but her will held fast, and she stoically continued the ritual.



Her mage tutor had been delighted when she had shown the small chapel to him, a natural leyline he had called it. She knew it as the place where a priest saw a vision of the Virgin Mary, and the cause of an uncomfortable burning sensation whenever Catherine walked past. Her tutor had then condescendingly told her that, "Even a fake like you could summon a decent Servant here." with a sneer.



The catalyst had come from the Church representative, from the relic coffers of the Vatican. An investment he had called it, she considered it a chain to the wretched institution. Just as the mage's gift was a pair of chains as well, given under the pretense of helping her.



The begins glowing, and a sphere of light begins enveloping the chapel, blinding the nun as she continued weaving the summoning. The pain was burning now, and Catherine's arms were beginning to shake on the armrests of her wheelchair.

---

@Pie Flavor

Lancer trailed behind his master in his spirit form as he made his way out of the forest. He paused however when he felt a presence arrive, another servant Lancer noted grimly. Standing still, he threw his spiritual form into the earth, and waited for the faint presence to leave. As he waited, he mused to himself, "An enemy, and so early as well. What class are they? An Assassin? No, their presence was more like his when we scaled the walls." Lancer grinned savagely as the presence finally left. Ghosting back up to the surface, he began floating towards his master, appearing by his side in an instant. "If the servant was who I thought it was, this is going to be an interesting war." Lancer thought as he looked back at the woods where the enemy servant disappeared, his grin still on his lips.

Turning around, he began admiring the strange buildings around him, his memories feeding him pieces of information on the purpose the buildings served. How strange it was, for the streets to be so bright at night. Even in his kingdom, walking in the city at night was a dangerous prospect. When his master finally entered the building, Lancer circled the building as a spirit, before slippping through the wall to stand follow his master through the store. Eyeing some of the strange new garments around him, his eye was drawn to a strange ensemble of a deep purple dress shirt, cream tie, smokey grey vest, slacks and black leather shoes, all clothed on a featureless mannequin next to the changing rooms. Studying the outfit with interest, he ghosted through the wall to stand behind his master, whom he saw enter a few minute later. As he entered, he noticed his master appeared to be mumbling to himself with a large bundle of clothes in his hands. Hearing him asking for Lancer to appear, Lancer stepped back into the corporeal world. Materializing, Lancer stood in the nude with his arms crossed his chest. His body was hairless, save small patch of blonde curls. His bare muscles rippled as he shifted his stance, before he cleared his throat to draw the other man's attention.

Collab with me and @Pie Flavor



"Hmpft... That was certainly more blunt that I expected" Was the thought that came to Uriel's mind as he saw Lancer in all of his glory. It was unexpected as he gave a slight grin, looking away briefly with his eyebrows raised and lips loaded with a sly remark ready to be fired but refrained, no need to ruin a good view right? Pulling out the first article of clothing, a pair of black fleece shorts, the only thing he didn't account for despite thinking ahead was the lack of undergarment Lancer would have to go commando.

Taking the top piece of clothing from the stack, which was a plain red shirt styled with a low v-neck, he slid the garment down Lancer's broad, firm chest. His hands pulled down the shirt through his arms and down his muscular limbs with his thumbs on the shirt while the four other fingers glossed over the surface Lancer's surprisingly smooth muscles and down his sides as the shirt was pulled down to waist level. Looking down Lancer's lower torso for a mere moment, licking his lips as his face was hidden from the other's gaze as he finished putting on the shirt. It was a unique experience to say the least for Uriel to be dressing Lancer but he didn't mind if the other didn't complain as he continued.

Grabbing the next piece of clothing which was a black hoodie and slid it onto Lancer frame quite easily, the hoodie exposed Lancer's muscular arms and shoulder with no sleeves from either the two pieces of clothing, along with revealing part of his muscular torso with the v-neck of the shirt dipping further down than normal. He didn't bother zipping up the hoodie as he liked the contrast of the red with the black in front hoping that was a good choice.

"So far so good, hm?"

He said out aloud to mostly himself as he took several steps back to observe Lancer. Looking at Lancer with a grin, he did indeed look pretty good as Uriel broke eye contact glancing away from him as bite his nipped his lips. Picking up the final piece to the outfit, it was a set of black shorts long enough to reach just slightly above the bend of the knees. Coming in front of Lancer, Uriel got him to move into the shorts as he pulled the clothing up from the ground. Pulling the more muscular and taller man 'just a tad closer' before he was stopped.

Lancer had placed a hand on his master's shoulder, applying a little pressure. "That is fine, I am capable of clothing myself." Hooking his fingers under the shorts, Lancer pulled the fleece over his hips. The pants hung loosely from Lancer's hips, accenting their sharp bones and muscles.

The tight red t-shirt was slightly to small for Lancer, leading to the contours of the Servant's tight abdominal and pectoral muscles coming into sharp relief. Lancer's V-shaped torso would have made models envious.

"Are you sure of this?" Lancer looked over himself, while beginning to stretch and flex to test the feel of the clothes. Lancer's lean, hard muscles seemed to ripple as the Servant flowed from one exercise to another. His arms flexed, biceps and triceps contracting and relaxing slowly.

"I do hope you like the clothes I picked out for you. It matched the closest to what you were accustomed to." Uriel said as he picked out the shirt and hoodie to be the same style as the bronze armor that Lancer normally wore without sleeves and shorts which was similar to skirt that they wore.

Snorting slightly, Lancer nodded his agreement,

"Great, lets see if you see anything else that peeks your interest then" Uriel said before snapping the visible tags off the clothing and collecting them so he can pay upfront latter. For now, Lancer could travel with him in the store in his physical form as they looked for more clothes for the other to wear.

Raising his eyebrow slightly, Lancer quipped, "Isn't this similar to the behavior of people you would call 'Sugar Daddies?" As he finished his joke, he walked out of the changing room, immediately turning left.

Uriel smirked at the question that Lancer asked of him, pondering not even for a second before he answered under his breathe, "Perhaps...", as Lancer disappeared from the vicinity, following him soon after he exited the changing room and turned to the left to explore the clothing store some more.

Lancer was standing in front of a smartly dressed mannequin, stroking his chin in contemplation.

"You like these glasses Lancer? Considering how you look right now, they might just match." Uriel said playfully as he wiggled the black-framed glasses on the mannequin as he popped up behind the prop.

Lancer shook his head solemnly, before patting the vest oh the shoulders, then running the cream tie between his fingers.

"The vest and tie then? That an interesting choice, a formal outfit huh..." He said in surprise, Lancer's taste in clothing perhaps wasn't outdated as he thought. Taking a peek at Lancer, as he checked up out from the bottom all the way to the top. "I think it would look nice on you."

"A King must look the part no? Being able to move seamlessly through different social classes is a useful skill, a skill that is only helped by the clothes you wear."

"A noble may wear the clothes and look the part Lancer, but to gain respect they have to have the confidence to wear and pull it off at the same time. But knowing you Lancer, I don't think you have to worry about that."

"Oh? The mage speaks to the king on confidence, how the tables have changed," Lancer joked while chuckling slightly, before becoming serious once more. "Yes, I think I would be able to 'pull it off' as you say."

Uriel could only grin mischievously as he could only agree with the statement in more ways than one. "Do you wish to try this on in the dressing room? Just to... make sure" He asked Lancer, memorizing his different sizes that fitted him when he was dressing him.

Lancer heard the tone that ran underneath his Master's voice, and cocked his right eyebrow at the question.

"Daw, does that mean I can't accompany you to the dressing room anymore? They grow up so fast..." Uriel said with a smirk as he faked the sadness in his voice.

At that moment one of the store employees walked by, and froze behind the pair. A young woman, her eyes were wide, like a deer caught in in the headlights. Her face was beginning to turn a deep red. "A-Ah-A I'M SORRY FOR INTERUPTING!" The girl quickly dashed away, covering her face with her hands.

The girl and her sudden appearance sent jitters down his back, but Uriel recovered quickly and turned to face the girl. Right before she left, he winked to her as he cocked his eyebrows at Lancer with quite the devious smirk on his lips at the moment. Smoothing over his facial expression as Lancer's noticeable muscles began to contract and move as he turned to face him.

Lancer turned his head to face the loud scream as well, before dismissing it as a threat and looked back at his Master, "That was your fault."

"My fault? You said that you were capable of capable of dressing yourself, I was only offering a final chance before you set off on your own. You never know when you will leave the nest one day for good." He said to Lancer with a mostly innocent grin, as he turned around to fetch the clothing that Lancer was eyeing earlier and picked up almost the right sizes for the heroic spirit to try on in the changing rooms. "Don't blame me if you get stuck with a sleeve or button" He said to Lancer, internally chuckling to himself as he picked a size smaller which would look interesting for the muscular build the other possessed... and other parts.

Lancer replied, "I was not going to change here you know, it would be to suspicious for me to leave dressed so formally."

"Of course you wouldn't change here, you'd be showing everyone in public your extras, so go try it out in the rooms. You can practice changing out of these clothes while you switch bettered outfits. Come show me how you look once your done changing our though"

Lancer looked at his Master with a slightly disdainful look, before saying, "The Grail provides us Servants with information on how to interact with the world, and I am perfectly capable changing my clothes."

Uriel gave out a sigh of his own as that was the most he would get out of this situation, huh... "Alright Lancer, vamos then! Lets go pay that girl a visit so we can pay for these clothes then." He said with the formal vest, tie and pants that were in his hands as he headed to the register to pay for them. Looking at the nervous woman, who he surprised he set down the clothes onto the counter, picking up several more pieces of clothing along the way to the cashier giving her a coy smile upon meeting again. Paying for the clothing in cash while taking note of the woman's stare at him when he presented the snapped price tags and the clothes Lancer had in him right now. He could only offer her a silly grin which was hidden from the Heroic Spirit as he left the store, as they were done shopping.

Lancer facepalmed at the change his Master went through between the forest and the city. Turning to the cashier, he shrugged helplessly before flipping his hoodie over his head. Jogging over to catch up with his master, he slowed to match the other man's stride.

"It is considered rude to not give your partners your name, Uriel." Lancer said to Uriel as he scanned the crowd for threats.

"You know what else is rude Lancer? Not thanking someone when they have gifted you something very valuable. As you said right? A King must look the part but he also has to act the part too."

Rolling his eyes, Lancer sardonically replied, "Yes, thank you my most gracious benefactor."

With a smirk Uriel answered, "No worries, now what should I call you then? For if I keep referring to you as Lancer I'd be giving away my status to other masters. Implying the fact that other servants don't notice you. Would you prefer another name or keep to these traditions?" He asked Lancer, wondering if he had a nickname go by or if he preferred to leave it as simply Lancer like previous Grail Wars.

"Call me a different class every time you refer to me vocally, so we can fuck with the others."

"Oh explicit language Lancer, I guess this is a situation for that yes. We'll indeed 'fuck' with the others." He said contently, as he tapped his foot on the cement sidewalk. "Anywhere else you wish to explore? If not perhaps the catacombs would be a good idea to head back to our cottage."

"Do you have any other bases in the area? I felt another servant in the area when we left. I don't think they found our base, but they definitely saw you leaving the woods." Lancer replied.

"I do indeed have another building which we can reside in, although it would be a shame if they discovered us there. It is such a nice beach house, a bit secluded like the cottage but a bit more noticeable."

Grinning in respnse, Lancer responded, "I knew you'd be a good partner, Uriel. Still, I think we should use the cottage, since only one servant is aware of our location as far as I can tell."

Nodding in confirmation with with Lancer, "Then lets take precautions and travel through the catacombs then, I don't want to risk revealing or base of we were detected by a another servant then"! He said with a sigh, tying the plastic bag which held Lancer's clothes before taking the long way back to the cottage. Travelling through the catacombs required a sewer with a manhole to be opened first before they could travel through the various tunnels. The catacombs and sewers presented many opportunities for one to get lost, though there was only one would lead back to the cottage. Thankfully, the path became easier to navigate with Lancer scouting out paths with his spirit form, and the pair returned to the cottage within a few hours. which both Lancer and Uriel took.

Yumiko slid her right hand into her pocket and pulled out a key ring as she neared her home: a small house that would probably be meant for a family, but was hers to use instead. Nobody else lived here, which was convenient for her; no having to worry about tricking any inhabitants or anything. Granted, as far as she knew this was illegal, but if worst came to worst there was always the option of just using Archer as a face guardian. It wasn't as if that was entirely untrue, anyhow.

The keys jingled as Yumiko unlocked the front door and stepped inside, locking it back up as she took off the light coat she had been wearing that night and hung it on the rack near the door after taking off her shoes. Her home was fairly drab, all things considered, but she had no reason to funnel extra money into furniture or anything of the sort here; after all, once this war was over she'd probably be on a one-way trip back to Japan. That didn't mean that electricity or gas weren't an issue, though, but her family back home, at the very least, had that covered.

A wave of fatigue rushed over the girl as she began walking up the stairwell to the second floor, reminding her how much summoning a Servant had sapped her reserves. In all likelihood, she'd probably turn in after hanging up something red in the window. Right.

Walking up to the nearest window on the second floor, Yumiko hooked one of her charms up near the windowsill before walking to her bedroom and promptly falling on top of her bed.

"Mmm... Tomorrow's going to be busy, isn't it...?" she mumbled as she pushed herself off her bed and went to take a shower before changing into something more fitting for a person trying to go to sleep.

---

"...You seem to have a tendency towards boasting about your ability to kill those who use magic, I've noticed," Lancer said, shaking his head. "Though I am in no position to talk, I recommend you not speak of that too much, else our enemies deem you to be the biggest threat and ally themselves to kill you. Nevertheless, I am in agreement; if you are so confident that you can kill the Masters with ease, then I shall do my best in preventing their Servants from aiding them. However, do not hesitate in calling to me for aid if the situation becomes too dire. Though I may not be quick, I shall not stop at anything if you so desire."

With a bow, Lancer looked around the household that his Master had found for herself and, at once, returned his gaze to her.

"In the meantime... Would it trouble you if I asked for an overview of the area around our current location while we wait for information? Treading unfamiliar ground is much too dangerous in times of war, after all, though this is admittedly of a much smaller scale than I am used to..."

Now free to do whatever they wanted, Archer considered the best way to serve their Master in the coming war--regardless of how the girl that summoned them decided to go about this conflict. It would be best if nobody knew that Yumiko was involved in the war, which meant concealing their own status as a Servant--and crafting a suitable disguise needed resources. That meant that they'd have to spend some time getting money... it wasn't like they were going to just rob a store with no compensation.

As a result, the Servant spent some time lurking in the dark alleyways, constantly on the lookout for trouble. It paid off, with an attempted mugging resulting in a net loss for the would-be criminal as the Heroic Spirit rescued their victim and the villain's wallet.

The next day, a local department store--closed for the night--would report an inexplicable break-in with no apparent perpetrator... and more money than the cost of the stole merchandise left neatly by the tills. Not that Archer terribly cared what the news had to say, finishing adjusting their outfit. Boots, gloves, a peaked cap... and more pockets than even they knew what to do with. Even with the camera and miscellaneous accompaniments they'd have to learn how to use.

Now that nobody could recognise them, let alone as a Servant, Archer set about finding their Master's residence. Come to think of it, even their Master wouldn't... that might be one confusing conversation.

---

The homunculus sipped at her own tea, thinking over the request. Obviously, she would like Saber to step in if some other Master inexplicably overcame her... but her Servant being pulled out of position for something that Izisviel could handle on her own would be detrimental in a heated battle, "Only if actually overwhelmed. Merely getting hit should not need such involvement, I imagine that my protections would hold up against most magi long enough to put the battle to an end."

Because forgetting how to be athletic and avoid the huge axe when your spell was cast to no avail happened to be a terminal flaw out of what was a rather sedentary lot.

"On the table beside this couch, there should be a map of the city."

Fio brushed off the first portion of Lancer's comments. Certainly, he had some insight into that matter, but it wasn't as if many magi were not among those who could be called arrogant, now, was it? Fio just felt her ego was firmly, firmly justified in every respect. Absolutely every one. Her focus, instead, ended up on Lancer's agreement to her arrangment. Of course Fio was going to call for his aid if needed. She just didn't think it was going to be needed, not against magi. She could handle herself in that kind of fight, no doubt about it.

"Perfect, Lancer," she began with a grin. "As for the area, I've got a map right here. But there's no way that will compare to seeing this place first hand."

As she spoke, she headed over to a nearby desk, gesturing to a map that one might expect would be given to the average tourist. Not that Redrock's tourist industry was exactly thriving, but it got visitors from time to time. It was decently accurate, as one would expect.

"My familiars will be returning soon, and if you want, we can go out and get a good look at the battlegrounds."

---

Saber paused for a moment. She couldn't help but be concerned, but... in the end, she would have to trust her Master's judgement. Still... if she was capable of intervening, and the situation seemed dire, she would have to. She would not let history repeat itself. She would not fail again.

"Very well, Einzbern-sama," said the Japanese Servant, nodding her head as she respectfully lowered it. When her Master told her about the map, the black-haired girl rose to her feet once more and approached the table. Gently, she took the map in one hand and raised it, eyes scanning the paper. The city had a somewhat intriguing layout, there were a few parks and areas that looked as if they would make for ideal battlegrounds. Not only for the secrecy of the Grail War, but in order to prevent harm to innocents. Saber did not desire for the involvement of those who should have no part in such a conflict.

"... The catacombs beneath the city seem like they would pose an excellent position for Caster's abode," she commented, as she eyed the map, "... And this 'amusement park' seems intriguing as well..."

The summoning circle on the floor of the chapel burst into life, filling the entire room with an unearthly light that quickly filled the void left when the blast of wind had snuffed out every candle in there.

Slowly, the light faded in intensity, and began to coalesce in the centre of the summoning circle. A pair of white boots and the tip of a white scabbard were all that could be seen under the figure's fur-trimmed white cape as it gradually phased into reality.

"This is... interesting."

The figure looked around and fixed its gaze onto Catherine.

"I am the Servant of the Rider class. And I ask you... Are you my Master?"

@Lost Cause
Catherine blinked slowly as the figure appeared, and noted it's dainty movements and feminine voice. Scowling softly, she began muttering curses at the damned priest.

"Que merde manger dégénéré. What the fuck is he trying to pull here?" The nun muttered darkly as she rolled her self closer to her Servant.

Catherine studied the hooded figure. It certainly didn't have the traditional stature of a hero, looking quite small engulfed in it's whites cloak. The figure was also quite short, Catherine would have been taller had she not been in her wheel chair. Ignoring the physically unimpressive form that stood in front of her, she noted the bulge on the Servant's hip that hinted at a sword.

"Yes, I am Sister Delacroix and your master, Rider," Catherine replied to the question while pulling her sleeve down to reveal the red, intricate star-shaped command seal, "Now, show me your true form Rider."

“I don’t think there’s any call for that sort of language, ma dame,” Rider said with a slight giggle as he threw back his hood, revealing a head of candy-pink hair with a single white streak in his fringe, and a long plaited braid trailing down his back.
“So, what would you have me do?”


Erica set the box she’d been given containing the catalyst in the middle of the summoning circle she’d sketched out in the dirt of the clearing. Retreating to the edge, she knelt down and began to recite the incantation like she’d been taught.

"The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.
Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill).
Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled."

The winds blowing through the trees seemed to strengthen.

"Your self is under me, my fate(doom) is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer.
Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead."

Erica raised both of her hands, and focused on the circle as it glowed before her.

"You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance ―――！"

@Lasrever

Caster

As the summoning was completed, the figure of a man took shape. A handsome man, in a messy sort of way, but otherwise his appearance was somewhat unexceptional to say the least. On his back, there was an ancient instrument of some sort, cast in brilliant gold. While he was indeed summoned as a servant, the man took a moment to appreciate his surroundings, dark eyes brightening at the sound of the forest birds before turning to look at the girl who had carried out the ritual.

"It would seem that I have been summoned. I suppose we should go through the formalities." he said. His voice, once he spoke, was much more unusual than his appearance. It had some quality about it, some sort of ancient beauty that made all others seem dull and toneless in comparison. Indeed, as he spoke, it seemed as though the forest itself stopped to listen.

He smiled at the girl, holding out a delicate hand towards her with a slightly theatrical flourish. "I am a servant of the Caster class. I take it that you are to be my master?"

Erica took the offered hand, revealing the command seal on the back of her own.

"Yes, I am your Master."

@Lost Cause

Catherine's eyebrow rose even higher at the strange sight before her. The boy, no, hero before her was... girly. There was no other way to describe him, his face resembling more a cute girl than that of a male. Catherine fought the urge to face palm at the priest's choice of servants.

"Of course the Catholic priest chose the pretty boy as a servant." Catherine snarked to herself silently as she glared at the servant

"I shall do as I please, Rider," Catherine replied, before ordering, "Go into spirit form and follow me. My benefactors would like to meet you."

Caster

The man laughed lightly at the girl's approach, though he took her hand and span out of the circle. "Ah, you are so distant! But we are finished with formalities, and may now get to the most important business of this night!" he stepped out of the circle, smiling as his bare feet touched the grass.

"So, my young master, what do you say we find you a place where you can rest? " he said, looking at the girl before continuing. "I do hope that you are the kind to appreciate good music! Life is simply flavourless without a song to live it to, I'd say! It has been far too long since the last time I sang."

He shrugged. Of course, the girl was his master, and whatever she said, he would listen, but he certainly wanted to find somewhere safe for her to rest. He was aware, painfully so, that there were many servants who would happily try to take him on in a fair fight. While they might be surprised, for his magic was certainly usable in close combat, he didn't feel like finding out quite yet.

The catacombs were certainly something to consider as a base of operations--particularly if anyone with links to the Church got involved, because they'd have a much better time justifyiing their presence down there than the majority of mages. Seconds ticked by as the homunculus placed her tea aside and looked at her Servant, the only sound being the maids moving about elsewhere in the property. The silence, of course, had to be broken.

"How could an amusement park possibly be relevant to the war?"

---

Wandering through the darkened streets, Archer was definitely getting an idea of the town's layout--though not enough to start preparing traps. Nor would it be prudent to set up scenarios for eliminating the other Servants without at least consulting the magus responsible for their summoning; though it would be nigh impossible for the girl to be threatened if they stayed apart, it would be a poor showing of loyalty to completely ignore them for the duration of the War.

Consequently, the redhead kept their eyes peeled for the signal whilst wandering through residential areas, picking up the pace whenever they were certain that nobody--except maybe Assassin, who was hardly an issue--would notice the speed of their movement. It was a dull thing to be doing but, in the end, a certain charm in red gave the best idea of where their Master could be found.

And therefore, Archer jumped, alighting on the windowsill... and knocking on the glass. Hopefully, Yumiko would be able to put together who could possibly be at their window at this time of day... or balancing outside the window at all.

The dark-haired girl paused for a few moments, inclining her head to one side. Saber couldn't exactly pinpoint what intrigued her about this 'amusement park' but something did. She wasn't a frivolous person, though, she didn't want to go to it simply because of its purpose as something for recreation. This was hardly the time for such a thing. However, it could perhaps pose as an interesting battleground? At night, such a location would provide certain tactical advantages... and disadvantages, of course. It all depended on the execution of a strategy in such a place.

"... Do not assume that I am interested because of anything frivolous, please," Saber began. She really wasn't! ... Well, not entirely, at least... there was a small amount of curiosity. "I am not a simple fool who believes any point in the war should be spent on recreation. It could pose for a unique battlefield. I believe that an Archer or Caster class Servant could utilize the height of some of the 'rides' to their advantage."

The somewhat short girl paused for a moment, considering the situation. "An opponent could also be cornered within some of these structures for quicker defeat, if they attempt to flee."

A somewhat satisfied expression came to her face.

"If anyone chooses to go to this park of own will during the war, they are quite the fool."

That sentiment would control her curiosity, as well.

The faint sound of someone rapping against her window caused Yumiko to become incredibly wary. The noise came from near the window near which she had placed the charm earlier, but that in and of itself was something to be cautious about. The possibility that an Assassin-class Servant had manifested did exist, but... What was the likelihood of one finding her this early? The possibility did exist, but... Was it worth fretting over?

Of course, the girl soon remembered that she had failed to close the curtains, which meant that the threat of an unknown enemy was, in fact, quite low.

Also the fact that an actual Assassin would've probably slipped in without notice, anyhow.

With her fears suppressed, Yumiko walked to the window and saw... Well, Archer waiting for her. So she had been fretting about nothing after all. Okay.

Quietly opening flthe window, Yumiko beckoned her Servant to enter the household; the sooner, the better.


"Very well, then. In order to not be a burden and to conserve your energy as well as mine for when it may be necessary, I shall retire from my corporeal form for the moment," Lancer said, his body fading into the air. "I shall stand vigil and remain observant, so move as you wish, and I shall follow."

With his body now fully gone, Lancer could only muse to himself as he waited. It was a lie to say that his Master wasn't headstrong... Hopefully, that fact would not return to haunt them in the near future.