As the panic subsided, when she was pulled from the hole, Estelle caught her Servant's expression.

Her hands balled into fists and she cast her gaze towards the ground. She hated it. She absolutely hated it. She hated that she'd been taken by surprise, she hated that she'd given in to panic when her leg got stuck. She hated that she had second-guessed herself after giving the kill order. She hated the face her Rider was making. She hated it all. She was angry, furious with the other magus, who... now for some reason was attempting to defend her? Estelle didn't understand, but mostly she was just angry.

Angry with Johanna Faust, but more then that she was angry with herself. She couldn't stand how quickly she'd panicked. It wasn't how she normally acted. It wasn't what symbolized the Varianbec family. It wasn't living up to their memory, and most of all it wasn't her. Estelle knew she wasn't a fool who panicked at the slightest sign of danger, and yet... She'd given into a sudden spurt of fear when her leg was trapped. At the moment she didn't even want to argue with her Servant about leaving.

"... No, Rider, we'll go," she said, in a rather flat, morose tone, "... Next time, I won't be ordering you to kill her."

She finally turned away from the direction that the magus's Servant had taken her.

"... I'll punish her myself..."

@Blackstripe@Raineh Daze@Cu Chulainn@Feyblue

---

As the remaining two Servants both departed just as swiftly as they'd come, Mira took a moment to catch her breath. The adrenaline slowly began to thin in her veins, and as she stopped pumping Prana through her circuits, the feeling returned slowly to her extremities, while the heat in her blood began to subside. Suddenly, she was... cold? Was this sweat across her brow? How long, she wondered, had her legs been shaking like this? She found herself gasping for air, before exhaling it in a sigh of relief.

"Two Servants on the way into the city alone... Perhaps I underestimated this war," She said shakily, adjusting her hat as she tried to process all that had just happened. The Master of Rider hadn't seemed keen on continuing the fight with them herself... and Rider's last speech to them had been almost friendly. Assuming he could be trusted, then that meant... he wouldn't attack them again until the war's end, right? Not having to worry about such a dangerous enemy would make things significantly easier for them, especially if they wanted to maintain a defensive strategy. Even if he didn't have Magic Resistance, Rider's speed alone might negate all the advantages provided by her home's Bounded Field, which would make clashing with him difficult even on her own home turf.

But what Berserker's Master had said also gave her pause. All she'd heard were her last words, but... what did she mean about Rider abandoning her Master? Why would an enemy care about such a thing? And that much aside, why would Rider want to give up on the one who supplied him with Prana in the first place? It made no sense... And what was all that talk about fate supposed to be?

No matter. Speculation would only get so far, and she could already feel a chill running up her spine. She'd thought she was relatively safe before, but... Just as she'd thought, the outside world really was terrifying! She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, clinging to what little warmth she had as her blood ran cold, her fingers fidgeting and fretting with the hem of her cloak. She hadn't even had time to notice that she was being attacked before Rider had already been upon them... Which meant even now, there might be other Servants hiding around every corner, just waiting for the chance to strike. Saber had been incredible, but could she really count on her to protect her from every single possible threat? Statistically speaking, it seemed like sooner or later, someone could get her. She couldn't just stand idly around here. It wasn't safe. Where would the next attack come from? Above? Behind? The flank? Below, even? Nowhere was safe.

"S-Saber, let's hurry and go, okay?" She tried her hardest to keep her teeth from chattering as she began muttering under her breath. "The outside... The outside isn't safe. Mother was really right, we can't afford to stray too far - not for long. They might even be watching me right now... Where? It doesn't matter. Let's hurry to the church and then go back. Let's try again on a different night. I don't... I don't want... No, no, no. Ah, I should have brought my broomstick... If we'd flown, this might never have happened...!" Her voice trailed off into an inaudible, squeaking whimper as she shook her head and set her eyes on the path ahead. Normally, she'd have taken off running just to get away from this terrifying place, but... Until Saber agreed to go with her, she didn't want to budge from the cursed ground she now occupied. She didn't want to move for a second if it might mean exposing herself to another attack! Her crows' eyes darted frantically across the ground all around, looking for even the slightest sign of movement. She couldn't find anything... But that only made her more afraid, since didn't that mean that if there was someone there, they were well and truly capable of approaching her without being discovered? Witches were supposed to work best at night, and Mira had never particularly feared the dark. But...

She knew better than to not be afraid of what lay hidden within it.

The other Masters had departed just as quickly as they had arrived...

For a few moments, Saber gaze had remained on the spot that Rider had occupied earlier. Yes, she would like to continue their battle. She felt she had discovered the key to forcing him on foot. But that could wait. Indeed, she wanted to resume their battle with no chance of interruption and no concerns about her Master being attacked while they fought. After moment, the black-haired swordswoman turned to face her Master.

"While he is somewhat unscrupulous, I have no reason to doubt Rider's word. He is an honest fi-..." she trailed off when she noticed just how much her Master was shaking. Had this experience terrified her so much? She found herself frowning. Saber had worried her Master was somewhat unprepared for battle, even with all the defenses she had prepared, and this confirmed her suspicions. After a moment's pause, she approached her Master.

"Master, this is but a single battle for the Holy Grail," began Saber, "You must prepare yourself for more. This will not be the end, and it will not end until each of the enemy Servants has fallen. Steel yourself for this future, Master, for this is what we both face."

For a few moments, the short girl hesitated. She was perhaps not the best at comforting others, but she had to say something... something from a place of honesty.

And so, a very small smile came to her lips.

"Besides, fighting to protect someone gives me a warm, nostalgic feeling," she said, immediately feeling somewhat embarrassed to be voicing such a thing, her cheeks coloring. It wasn't something that she would have otherwise said, but she had to say something to her Master, did she not? Ah, but it was so embarrassing to just voice something like that with a smile! Being embarrassed was horribly, terribly impractical! "... Regardless, I do agree that we must proceed quickly."

Unwilling to allow her Master to leave her sight, Saber quickly did the first thing that came to mind. Certainly, it was embarrassing, but in the end it was necessary.

The black-haired swordswoman grasped her Master's hand and began to guide her towards the Church.

@Blackstripe@Raineh Daze@Cu Chulainn@Feyblue@Crusader Lord@WanderingSpirit

Edward had considered his command spells... but doing that wouldn't be friendly and it might give off the impression that he's a cruel person who makes people he commands do whatever he wants whenever he wants it. Sure, he's a spoiled brat from a rich family but the man has some integrity at least and the fact if he wants something he could just buy it and earn it in the most honest or honorable means.

...besides, it's a stupid thing to waste Command Spells on. He could use it power up her Noble Phantasms if he has to and he believes it's more useful than forcing someone's secrets out.

He sighed when he nodded about her little conversation about secrets... his expression changed into one of surprise, turning to her with a twitchy brow.

"HUUUUUH?!" his voice was a little audible than usual, causing the seats in the nearby tables to turn their heads to them before he shook off his head of the thought. "You mean to tell me you don't have a "best friend" or rather... a companion you party up with before?".

He was genuinely surprised, he cleared his throat and retracted himself and his statement. Fearing that he may have offended her from something she might be reminded of in her past. "S-sorry... if I offended you. It's just surprising is all.". His voice was a little cracky but he meant well.

...

In the distance, the faint shuffling of hard rock could be heard, leaving a miniscule dirt trail towards the table Edward and Lancer were in, at first knocking on the wooden chair and then passing through it to bump into her feet... as if it triggered something.

@Feyblue

---

Lancer couldn't help but giggle at her Master's rather excessive reaction. Even if his initial assumption of her meaning was wrong, his end conclusion wasn't necessarily inaccurate. But, even so, that was no reason to abandon all semblance of decorum, was it? Her Master should have kept his status in mind, and demonstrated restraint. Then again, she supposed, it wasn't unusual he'd be surprised. After all, it was preposterous to think someone as beautiful and amazing as herself had nobody to divert her attentions away from their rightful object, was it not? He must have been blessing his good fortune at that very moment! Hmm... In that case, she'd pardon his outburst, even if it was a little childish and embarrassing, because it was endearing and cute in at least an equal measure. She grinned to herself. Even Edward's faults had charms of their own! He really was just so unbelievably, unfairly adorable!

"Now, my dear Master, that isn't at all what I said," She all but wagged her finger at him to demonstrate that he was mistaken. "Of course, there were certain people from whom I was inseparable, such as my sisters, and a certain man of peerless bravery and virtue." She stopped herself from going any further. It was dangerous to give out such secrets, even to- no, especially to her Master. "But, although we shared in many revels, hunts, battles, victories, defeats, triumphs, and sorrows... Well, I imagine that things have changed somewhat in this more peaceable era, have they not?"

She might have said more, but at that moment, a faint pulse of prana came to her attention right as something tapped against her foot. A tiny stone shifted uneasily under the tablecloth, and she sighed in disappointment and frustration. They had only just been seated! And here she'd been looking forward to a nice meal with her Master. Oh, well. She'd just have to drag him out some other time. For right now, orders were orders.

"Or, perhaps they haven't changed as much as I'd thought. It seems some of the other Servants have made their move." She gave the stone propped against her foot a gentle kick right as she reached down, catching it midair and holding it up to the light so that her Master could see it clearly. The rune within pulsed ever so faintly, and she cocked her head towards the door. "Really, it's a sin to pass up a chance at a meal when we've already been seated, but perhaps the same could be said of passing up any... opportunity. What do you say, Master? Care for a change of the night's entertainment?"

Unlike the first time Berserker grabbed her, Johanna didn't manage to keep a hold of her cigarette on the way. Not that it was a terrible concern, as she was focused more on twisting herself into a more reasonable position; being both taller than her Servant and nowhere near as bestial as he, she was more concerned with not hitting against anything whilst being rapidly carried off. At least it seemed that the Servant, despite his madness, was taking some precaution.

"Berserker, you have some explaining to do," the mage stated once their journey had come to an end. It almost went without saying--if there was a risk of being dragged away without any forewarning, then it was something that ought to be shared. With Berserker being comparatively far more sane than the average member of the class, there was less direct sharing of information or abilities to note.

"Honestly, why did you exhaust yourself doing something like that? If either one of us has to fight low on mana, I'm better suited to handle it."

violet = speaking

lightcoral = thinking/mental communication with servant

---

Finally, things had stopped and began to break up after what was an interesting and admittedly heated exchange between the masters and servant of Saber, Rider, and Berserker. Not that this all wouldn't have drawn more attention if anyone was keeping an eye out for large releases of prana like this that came with servant combat. Ah. That could be a problem if it came down to it, especially with Elizabeth herself being the master of the most adorable, most likely to be dressed as a magical girl, most vulnerable servant when it came to open combat. Assassin. Then again, all the enemies but Saber had vacated the area seemingly, unless there were familiars creeping in the background as well. Hmm, regardless, the chances of being able to snipe another master were not good right now with Saber literally starting to drag her master in the direction of the Church.

Might as well do something else, then. Though if this girl decided to attack Jackie had a good shot at this little scared witch-looking girl if Saber did not keep her attention on her own master. Ah. Had to love that bit of strategy in moving her little girl back into a good position that was still behind the enemy for the time being.

Still, a show of good faith might help settle the startled girl eventually, at least if she tried a calm approach instead of jumping out like a boogeyman on Halloween. Yeesh, what a night though for two masters to get into such a frantic panic at some point or another thus far. But she did feel a bit of sympathy for this girl, with how she seemed to sound and look and all. And she hoped she was not making the dumbest mistake of the war right now as well.

"Hey, Master of Saber," Elizabeth said, calmly and carefully emerging from her hiding place and into plain view in front of Mira and Saber, doing her best to put on a calm air for the situation though seeming to possess a curious sort of glint in her eyes as well, while overall her position seemed to be more neutral than anything...at least, if that helped her approach at all a bit in front of the startled girl and her servant, "You did good in that fight, and your servant seems top notch to hold back an enemy like that Rider. Though it seems the nerves are getting to you right now. Ah. I'd make you a cup of fresh tea to help that, but i left my fresh Japanese tea back at my base. A shame, really."

The black-haired woman made a slight, casual shrug before continuing on speaking to Mira and Saber. Perhaps she was being stupid....perhaps she was measuring this girl's ability to respond to new event...eh, or perhaps she just wanted to avoid being found by accident and attacked out of the blue by this Saber. Still, her Jackie was still concealed, and likely would strike if this girl or her servant attempted to harm Elizabeth herself. A bonus of being the Master of Assassin, perhaps.

"Mmm, but that aside, someone probably sensed that fight that just took place, with all that prana being released and such. So you might want to book it to the Church a bit faster than this, perhaps letting your servant carry you even for speed's sake. As for me, i'm just headed back to the Church as well to take a small breather after watching that fight in that stupid crouching position," the woman continued, maintaining her calm demeanor while trying to read what the girl and her servant would do, "Since its a war and all, though, ya don't have to trust me at all. Heck, i'd understand why you wouldn't considering what just happened. But if i were in your position, i'd definitely take the advice about getting to the church fast. Consider it a friendly freebie."

And with that, Elizabeth gave a small, casual "goodbye" wave to Mira, before applying reinforcement to her own legs and blitzing off towards the Church once more. At the same time, she kept her wits about her, keeping aware of her surroundings in case this girl or her servant decided to pursue her or attack. Not that this seemingly honor-bound servant would be as willing to do so as some other servants. Then again, that was a guess in and of itself. Blarg. Regardless, as she moved Elizabeth sent a message to her servant to keep on the same page.

'Jack, dear, follow me back to the church. Though if you see that girl or her servant try to attack me, feel free to protect Mommy, ok? You've been very good tonight, and that makes me very happy as well. And if we both live through tonight, i'll make you another special breakfast!'

And then a thought jumped into her mind. Chocolate chip pancakes. If they both lived to eat breakfast, that would be what Elizabeth made for the two of them. And really, she wanted to know how much her cute, small, adorable murderer might enjoy hot fresh pancakes with chocolate chips. With or without maple syrup though? Argh. Why were such things coming to mind at the moment for her?

So the black-haired master let out a sigh aloud to herself as she continued her breakneck sprint towards the safety of the Church.

If this were not a grail war, she'd have adopted her little white-haired cinnamon roll by now.

@VitaVitaAR@Raineh Daze@Feyblue

And then there was one. Rider's Master had gone--and she felt a little relief at that, killing a child would have been strange... it was children that wanted her to kill. It would have been an extremely uncomfortable thing to go through with; not having to strike upwards threw all her experience off. All the organs would be in the same place but her knives would be awkwardly big, too. Berserker's Master had been dragged out of the picture and that meant their... friend? Not-enemy? That one was out of the way too. If it was just Saber, then getting past to Saber's Master would be easy and--

Why was Mother being so friendly with them? This wasn't a place like the church where people wouldn't fight and both of them had already been starting fights. The Master had even got involved in somebody else's fight! Why even tell them where to go to find safety...? If she just attacked now, then there would be no Saber's Master and no Saber. Turning her back to them and running off...

She didn't understand. If they went to attack? If she didn't do something that was going to happen. Mother looked like an easy target. Saber and Saber's Master were both violent. How could you trust strangers like that?

Mental Pollution: C

We will keep you safe, Mother.

Saber and her Master would get one warning. The creak of an old lantern opening but then the air itself was thickening, a cloying choking fog descending. Seeing out to the church or even identifying its direction was blocked off, an unnatural smog extending to every direction. Within the fog, a single dark shape, incongruously dressed in modern clothing, wielding a pair of knives and moving around its targets, picking an unguarded approach.

They wouldn't know where it was coming from until it was too late. Nobody ever did.

Murderer of the Misty Night: A

"From Hell..." Assassin said, knives clasped in her hand. Not quite opposite where she started but still away from the obvious location. A perfect ambush spot, with a clear sight to Mira, "Maria the Ripper!"

All conditions were met. It was night, the target was female, and it was misty. No more a physical attack but rather a curse, death should be guaranteed. Whilst the origin might be the knives, what could a surprised magus do to respond? She would die and Mother would be safe.

For a few moments, Saber stared at the sudden appearance of another Master in confusion. Why would she reveal herself now? What was the purpose? Her Servant wasn't in sight. Did that perhaps mean that it was a long-ranged attacker? Both Rider and Berserker were accounted for, but Archer, Caster, Lancer, and Assassin were all as of yet unseen. Though, certainly, the Master of Assassin wouldn't do anything like this, would they? This was far too forward for anyone who would summon the embodiment of underhanded killing.

And then...

There was a strange creaking sound, and... nothing. Nothing was the best way to explain what had just happened, for even Saber's keen eyes couldn't pierce the fog that had abruptly rolled in. On top of this matter, while she didn't appear to move any more slowly, there was a strange weight upon Saber's body... This fog was suffocating. She could feel it. Not to her, and her Master could likely resist it as a Mage, but it was an oppressive atmosphere that felt as if it sought to choke the life out of anyone trapped within it. Perhaps, for a person without skill in Magecraft, such a terrible, choking mist would lead to almost immediate death. No matter where the black-haired warrior looked, she couldn't see a single thing. As such, she immediately pulled her Master close, and attempted to guard Mira with her body. She had no idea what Servant could be causing this and where they were.

"... Master, stay close. This mist is toxic, and it hides everything," Saber warned, as she glanced back at Mira. And it was in that moment that she glanced back towards her Master that she heard it. The voice of a girl, a young girl, crying out... There was no mistaking that! It was the invocation of a Noble Phantasm!

She could just barely detect the direction in which the assault was coming from, going only off of the sound of the girl's voice. There was no time to seek them out. No time to attempt to counter. The only shield she had for her Master was her body.

And so she moved, placing herself between the sound of that voice and Mira. She wouldn't fail. She wouldn't allow herself to fail. Saber had not been summoned, she had not sought a place in the Holy Grail War as a Servant, she had not responded to the voice of this girl just to allow her to die so quickly!

And her desire to protect her Master was answered by agony beyond anything she had ever experienced before. Not once in battle had she ever felt such excruciating pain, as a set of knives materialized in her body and cut their way through her flesh, tearing her up inside. Her dark green eyes bulged and she let out a strangled gasp, nearly dropping her sword as one hand clutched at her stomach and she bent double. She could feel something rising in her throat. Clasping her hand over her mouth, gurgling, she couldn't stop a torrent of blood from pouring from between her fingers and splattering on the concrete ground. And yet...

Magic Resistance: B

Saber fell to her knees, spitting blood as she felt her insides torn apart by the knives, but they did not complete their deadly curse. They weren't able to. The final step of their horrific duty was halted, at the last possible second. But in spite of that, the Saber class Servant was still vomiting blood. Had she been human, she would likely have died on the spot.

But she wasn't. She couldn't fail. In her position, now... Her Master was vulnerable! No matter what happened, she wouldn't fail. She couldn't fail again. She wouldn't allow herself to ever fail again!

Blood dribbling from her mouth, Saber gripped her nodachi and forced herself up. Her legs were shaking. Her grip wasn't as tight as it once was. Her body was damaged from the inside. And yet...

"... I... I won't die... not so soon."

Her left hand snapped up and joined her right in gripping her katana's hilt, even as her body trembled with the agony that burned through her entire frame.

"I won't abandon my Master like this!" she cried, even though simply speaking brought her pain, "Reveal yourself, you cur!"

---

Estelle leaned on the side of the chariot and sighed, watching the scenery pass by. She was still angry with herself. How could someone like her, the Varianbec family's greatest achievement, have let herself give in to panic so easily? She felt so angry about it she didn't say a single thing as they returned to her manor. It was particularly a long time until both Master and Servant arrived, passing the bounded field in place around her Mansion's grounds. Quietly, in quite a contrast to her cocky attitude before, Estelle hopped off the chariot and began to quietly approach the doors.

A few moments before she simply entered her home, the tan-skinned girl paused, and turned towards her Servant.

"... Next time I won't allow myself to do something so... so stupid," she said, simply, frowning, before she turned back towards the doors...

@Blackstripe@Raineh Daze@Feyblue@Crusader Lord@WanderingSpirit

---

Mentally, Mira cursed herself. She'd been momentarily shamed into silence by Saber's chiding words when it happened - something moved out of the corner of her eye, and she practically jumped out of her skin as, to her surprise, another Master appeared and... Offered her advice? Mira frowned, peering uneasily out from under the brim of her hat, her earlier thoughts rushing quickly through her brain.

This was a Master who lacked a Servant visibly present. That, coupled with the two Servants they'd already identified, only left three likely possibilities: the Servants who favored distance and subterfuge to direct confrontation. Caster, Archer... or Assassin.

And yet, this woman was simply offering her a suggestion, warning her of the danger posed by other Masters. What was more, knowing of that very danger, surely, she herself wouldn't linger longer than she had to... right? She wasn't a danger... She wasn't going to-

What happened next was a blur. The only warning was a metallic click coming from behind her, but by the time she could so much as turn her head, the source of the sound was already gone. In the darkness of her heart, the lid lifted upon a cat's golden eye, and the creeping numbness poured back into her extremities as her circuits burst open instinctively, pouring forth their prana in anticipation of... Of... what?

All of a sudden, a choking fog rolled over the clearing. It was as if the air itself had become solid and was trying to force its way down her throat, deeper into her very lungs, where it burst and roiled into her blood. The oxygen carried by her veins had become naught but a murderous curse, an entity within her bloodstream that screamed with rage against all that she was. No matter, she'd just erase the curse with her Prana, and then-

A voice cried out amidst the smoke, and the next thing she knew Saber was in front of her and then-

A sickening squelch of flesh rang all too clearly in her ears as her eyes went wide in horror, scarlet ichor splattering over her cloak and face. She could feel the warm liquid dripping onto her cheek as Saber staggered, nearly falling to her knees. The blood... The blood was... her Servant was... She had...

The enemy was here, somewhere. Another attack would come. Where? Behind? The front? The left? The right? It didn't matter. Lies, tricks, deceit - she should have known, why hadn't she been ready? Of course her enemies would do whatever it took to win. They wanted her life, would stop and nothing to take it. The outside wasn't safe, nowhere was safe, the whole world wasn't safe! The enemy was everywhere, she had nowhere to run. Fight or be killed, kill or be killed! Saber was going to die, and once they finished her off, then they would...

A wordless, desperate scream burst from Mira's lips. Erupting in a radiant display, the magic crests starting over Mira's heart and spreading across her torso burst to light as prana poured through them, spreading through the link to begin restoring Saber's body and pushing back the lingering influence of the curse, but also...

Red fury, give blood for blood, pierce and spill over!

From above, the eyes of countless circling crows locked onto the fleeing form of the enemy magus. Even if Mira herself couldn't see through the fog, she could feel the connection between herself and her familiars, telling her exactly where to fire. That was enough. Her Servant was yet unseen, but that didn't matter. Just as Assassin had aimed to achieve victory by killing Mira rather than Saber, if she could just exterminate the one giving the orders, then the danger would be gone... right? Saber wouldn't die. She wouldn't die. She'd be safe. The outside... the outside was the enemy. If she could just kill this outsider, then...!

In her desperation, Mira reached for the first thing she could use as a weapon. Placing a hand to her cheek, she felt the twinge of blood that had splattered upon it as the red stained deeply into her skin. This would do. The already prana-rich blood became a vessel, her nerves a conduit for the anger and fear that she felt. It rose up from her fingertips as if of its own accord, and she reached outward. In an instant, the numbness spread through most of Mira's body, and the electrical crackling of her nerves died down to a dull buzz. Her chances would have been better if she'd transported the attack directly to its target, but there was no time for thinking, no time for computations and formulas. The enemy would strike again any moment, unless she took this shot! But... this would surely be enough, right? This curse of overflowing blood, seeking nothing but to split open its target, sinking into her flesh and then bursting her veins apart... It lacked any sort of sophistication or elegance, any higher purpose but to inflict a messy, sudden death. It would definitely do it. Just a little more... If Saber could hold on a little more, everything would be fine again, right?

Her vision obscured by her own Servant's Noble Phantasm, Elizabeth wouldn't even be able to see the Curse winding its way rapidly out of the Mist until it was already almost upon her. Out of the darkness, it came: an almost imperceptibly thin tendril of blood tinged in darkest crimson, winding and twisting wildly like the appendage of some incomprehensible beast. This tiny needle would strike viciously, again and again and again, aiming to pierce and rip her insides apart, as though it were precisely cutting cloth at the seams, then restitching it back upon itself, as if to wring every last drop of blood from the victim's veins. This was a ruthless, simple curse, with few gimmicks, if any - it would simply continue attempting to murder its chosen target until it was either dispelled or its Prana burned out. And yet, in that one goal, it excelled. It was a display of murder honed into an art form, perfected over countless generations of Witchcraft, and streamlined through the constant refinement and perfection of the Grace clan's Magic Crest. Mira had, in her impulsive panic, burned a tremendous amount of even her own considerable Prana on an all-out attack, aiming to tear her opponent's body apart no matter what it took. In order to escape alive, Elizabeth would no doubt need that same kind of resolve.

Saber! Please, don't die! Can you move? Let's run away! Please, hurry! The Witch pleaded desperately with her Servant. She didn't want to use this so early... but if the enemy's mystery Servant made another move, she'd have no choice. A command seal... And the orders would be simple enough, wouldn't they? Saber was the strongest Servant. She had to be, if she was the Servant Mira had summoned. These enemies knew that, which was why they'd chosen to strike once and then retreat.

If that was the case, then one order would be enough to finish the fight. She just had to tell Saber to kill them both, and then she'd be safe... right?

Dialouge ❖ Colour

With an exhale of a breath, Archer looked forward as his fingers were released from the bowstring that had been drawn only moments ago. The sudden appearance of a fog emanating from another aggressor who decided to challenge Saber had announced their presence that they were one of the remaining two Cavalry Servants. It did not seem to suit Caster who would build their resources, so his guess was that the aggressor was the Assassin class. Despite this information, it did not shake his confidence with his own bowmanship, before he dematerialized himself as his position was exposed and began moving closer masking his presence in the process. A flurry of arrows had been fired...



To call it difficult for Archer to see through this fog wouldn't be a lie but it wasn't exactly correct either, for his eyes was capable of piercing somewhat through its magical nature even from the distance he was from the scene of the fight. Combined with the skills he had, it made such a thing possible for him to partially ignore abilities like this for him. But was that to be unexpected for someone of the Archer class? However, it was beyond normal means that made such a fog which had surprised him the least and made him wonder what its capabilities could do. It would take a moment for him to adjust to its potency but he'd be fine once he took the moment to do so, he was indeed curious about this Servant.



In the meantime, the Servant was peskier to locate despite his own skills seemingly countering such a class. The fog was really doing a number on his vision as he focused on the duo that Saber was, looking for the moment to strike. Having summoned his two quivers that sat on both his sides during the earlier engagement between Saber and Rider, the ammunition was already created and easily attainable for whatever he decided to do with them. With him earlier tempted to help the Knight Class Servant in her earlier disadvantageous position, he saw himself as an opportunistic troublemaker that made his actions decided on whatever his whimsical nature brought. Having the perfect opportunity to individually take down the Masters that were earlier present if he chose to, but that wouldn't be fun would it? Besides, Saber would owe a favor to him for assisting in a time of need, a valuable currency in such an event and who said you couldn't make alliances?

Having the task of locating the aggressor in the fog was more of a game for Archer, his eyes still trying to get themselves accustomed to this magical fog, he watched Saber for the opportunity that would present itself if he guessed correctly the nature of the two Servants. Besides, there wasn't a better chance than now with what was happening that fulfilled the condition to his own skills to work at their best. Specialized in using the element of surprise to his advantage for a brief exploitation, the two conditions he needed to achieve were to have eyes on his target and for them to be unaware before using his abilities to their full extent. After entering combat, most of his capabilities would be reduced after entering initiative but who would know the difference?



With the opportunity of attack that he was waiting for eventually presenting itself as he expected. He understood the drawback of Presence Concealment, which had the requirement to materialize oneself for physical interference with the world causing it to decrease in rank. It gave the opportunity for his arrows as they soared through the skies aiming for the general area that he thought the servant was to be after their last action. The attack on Saber enabled him to locate that general area for him as the arrows he shot flew across the sky. With her bleching blood before getting herself up once again, she must be a really formidable foe as expected of her class container... The arrows themselves, accelerating far faster than Archer himself could make his way over there, a group of three arrows had targeted the area around Saber with some power behind it.



He made sure the first attack counted always even if they proved to be trickier to handle than others, he'd at least make it some sort of a challenge for the two of them. Making sure of his action would disrupt the battle and he aimed to separate the two parties from each other. His intangible form had already moved closer to the scene of the battle, he looked for another vantage point that was half-a-mile away from the area where he took his shots. He had no reservations to attack either party if they decided to continue such a battle, for it was entertaining for him but it was the long game that his eyes were focused on.

Estelle frowned, her eyes narrowing.

"Of course not," the tiny girl said with a huff. She still didn't understand what Johanna Faust was attempting to do by saying such things. They were obviously lies. They had to be. Perhaps she was attempting to get her to drop out of the War? As if that would work. Estelle would never, ever give up. "My family didn't place me here simply to die. I was born to uphold their memory. Even if they're all gone... I won't fail. In fact, because they're all gone it's more important that I don't."

The white-haired girl nodded firmly to herself as she spoke. Her resolve, even after her moment of panic, had only become strengthened by explaining to her Servant why it was so important she kept fighting. A family she never got to meet had left her so much so she could complete her task. Her catalyst... everything. Failing would be failing the memory of the ones who were the reason for her existence. As such, Estelle wouldn't surrender. She couldn't back down. This wouldn't be a world where Estelle Varianbec failed her family. It would be one where she succeeded, no matter what.

"Whatever she was trying to do, it won't work!"

@Blackstripe

The moment Master and Servant entered the mansion, there were maids. Several greeted Estelle, but she waved them away. From that point they simply watched in silence, though several cringed when they saw Rider's shoes now resting on the coffee table. It seemed they couldn't hold back their dismay at such a sight.

Estelle, meaning, sat upon a large, rather fluffy armchair, that seemed to dwarf the tiny girl with its expanse. Needless to say, it seemed quite comfortable to sit upon, but the tan-skinned girl's expression was still rather sour. Tonight's course of events had irrevocably tainted her mood. She still didn't believe a single word that Johanna Faust had said, of course, but that didn't mean she would stop being angry about it any time soon. In fact, the falsehoods made her even angrier, but the anger at herself was still far greater.

"... My wish?" the white-haired magus hadn't been expecting such a question. For a moment, it took her out of her irritable mood. Her wish... Estelle hesitated for a few moments.

"... Once I've obtained the grail, I'll decide. I'll need to think long and hard about what my family would have desired," she said, finally. But deep down... was that really the truth?

Did she have a wish, or not?

@Blackstripe

"Aaaah, it's just so gloomy down here! We really should decorate, Master. Maybe some more lights to start, and some flowers, and a cute little table for tea time!"

Caster had been pacing back and forth for a while now, unable to sit still. Her long, white hair bobbed about as she walked, the frills of her intricate dress swaying with each step as she glanced about the catacombs. Yes, it was way too dark and dank down here, and that wouldn't do at all. But she just knew that with the proper decorations and furnishings even this dingy rabbit hole could become a land of wonder, somewhere she and her Master and all the friends they were about to make would be able to have fun together. And of course, fun would include a tea party. Nothing would be more fun than a pleasant tea party with all her friends, after all.

...But that was getting ahead of herself. First she had to meet them all, and wouldn't that be wonderful? The very thought of it made her smile, and thus she was practically beaming as she skipped over towards Cassandra. Her Master was... Odd, to say the least, but she had to be a good person really deep down. After all, she was her Master, and that meant they were going to be the best of friends!

"Um... So the familiars saw, um..." Caster bounced onto a seat beside Cassandra, brushing back her hair as it threatened to cover her eyes. Her hands were somewhat notable, really, as despite how pale she was they were almost solid black and seemed to be segmented, almost like a doll's joints. For a moment, she closed her eyes, trying to focus on the familiars... It would've been a lot easier if she'd been allowed to send her own creations out to spy, but her Master had insisted on sending the rats out instead. Something about them being far less immediately noticable than anything Caster could produce.

"Aaah, so many new friends to make! Saber and Rider were playing together outside the church, but they were having so much fun Berserker wanted to join in too! But then Rider got bored and left, and... And then it suddenly got really foggy for some reason, and then... And then Archer used his bow on the fog?" Caster tilted her head in confusion, her long hair once more bobbing about. "Why would you do that? The fog isn't going to hurt you! What a silly billy!"

Giggling to herself, Caster leaned over towards her Master. "Anyways, it's time for tea! I demand blackcurrant flavour macarons!"

@Blackstripe

@Raineh Daze

---

Berserker stared straight at the ground, curling a fist. He was mad. Mad at how the events turned against their favor.!Mad at how he lost control. Mad at how he was laughed at and mocked for being an animal. Those heroes speak of honor and respect so highly, yet cannot even give the same respect for another just for his appearance. Is it because he's a beast that he has no right in the Throne of Heroes? Berserker knows he has done many deeds that would warrant one the status of a Heroic Spirit; Chief of them being that he conquered his own bestial nature.

Sadly, the Holy Grail had decided to summon him as a Berserker, instead. A mockery of the very thing he fought so hard to overcome... And not just his own animal tendencies, but also the stigma that came with it. One that lead him to start one of the greatest rebellions...

A rebellion against the gods.

Berserker punched the ground, leaving a fist-shaped crack, before standing up. Taking a deep breath, Berserker attempted to calm himself slowly. Still, he couldn't stop thinking of the enemy. That Rider who belittled him, who attempted to kill his Master. Berserker resolved that he will have his head. Speaking of heads, Berserker can't help but feel like there's a nagging feeling in his own...

Oh, right. That's his Master.

Berserker turned over to his Master, looking annoyed, but much less angry than before. He owes her an explanation, and yet she was the one who almost got herself killed? Ugh. As both a Martial Artist and a Taoist in his life, Berserker has enough control in his own Od to where he wouldn't have to worry too much on relying upon his Master. While he was momentarily catching his breath, it wasn't like he was in the immediate threat of demanifestation. While he could easily explain that much to his Master, he didn't feel bothered to. It was mostly out of impulse that he drew upon his own mana supply at that moment, so it wasn't like it was in his own control, either.

Berserker decided to, again, act on impulse, flicking a finger at Johanna's mouth. Of course, he controlled the strength of it so that it wouldn't incapacitate her, but rather leave a very painful lesson...

"You talk too much. It could have gotten you killed, you know..."

Berserker turned away, his staff slowly manifesting away as he rose his arms, resting his head back on his hands. He yawned, a bored expression on his face, as if he wasn't even angry earlier.

"So which way is home?"

Maybe the flick would have meant more if the adrenaline from the sudden conflict had worn off or had she been younger. All it amounted to was a simple case of her Servant being annoying... and refusing to explain anything, still. Well, if he wouldn't explain, she would just have to work around his displayed behaviour, which at least left her a sure defender... if one extremely aggrieved by it for whatever reason.

"No child should spend what remains of their life in this war. The risk was worth it," Johanna stated, looking around and through the tree-line, "I'm staying beside the beach, this way."