The first dawn of the Second Holy Grail War begins, the sun rising on a tragedy about to unfold. Some Masters had perhaps summoned their servants in the previous hours- others, perhaps, were getting to it just now. But there was no doubt. The Holy Grail War had begun in earnest.

Though the dog does not understand anything of this, it instinctively knew that the end of Fall is approaching. It is a small breed, so it cannot fight for itself- a beagle Zouken had brought all the way from London.

This world is cold and dark. Those are the only thoughts 'he' can have. It had nearly been a week. A full, whole week. Since 'that' had occurred. Since a simple door being opened had changed everything.

A week of hunger.

A week of begging.

A week of cold.

A week of beatings.

A week of reality.

Yes. Certainly this cold, strange city was 'reality'. In the end, he had playfully left the Zouken estate to explore the world around him. Shinji was a growing boy, after all. His youthful vigor could still be seen in his eyes even now, despite his dirty and unclean hair. Mange and unclean- those are the words the people of this city had taken to calling him. Still, he was alive. The harbor had been easy source of fish at first, but the dock workers had nearly beaten him to death after a few days of cat and mouse.

After that, he left the docks well alone.

Even now, some seaweed and grease were knotted in the top of his head. The last few days, he had made use of the temples charity. The monks inhabiting it were particularly kind, leaving meals and drinks for him outside the gate. As a result, he had taken to laying outside of it growling and feigning attacks on anyone who may threaten his temporary home. The monks were not pleased about this, and unknown to him had plans to shoo him away.

Rarely though, a few passersby's had been kind enough to give him food, despite his almost rabid demeanor. A funny man with the face and 'feeling' of an animal like him, a kind old man who smelled of spice- they had all been lights to him like his old master had been.

Ahhhhhh, what a time that had been. Though his master had scared him at first, he had gotten past his fundamental inhumanity and learned to love him with a loyalty few could ever match. But that man had left weeks ago.

...Shortly after, the city had started to 'feel funny'. It was difficult for him to go back to his own home, to find his own bearings. But that must be put aside for now. 'Presences' that felt funny and smelled fundamentally wrong were both fast approaching up the temple stairs.

He took a proud stance in front of the Temple Gates. The Monks had not woken up yet, and likely did not hear his loud barks. He growled, ready to pounce whoever decided to attack his temporary home.

“And now I must leave. There is but one warning I must give. A western storm descends upon Fuyuki, and it is best that you are careful.” A grave voice that spoke with great concern broken up by uncivilized chewing. “Ah, these rice cakes are delicious.”

He got up.

“As tempting as it is to ask where you get them I will not ask. When I am in a time of need please prepare them once more.”

Yes, the taste of those ricecakes were in a way a ritual. Some came to the temple in hopes of spiritual guidance, some for the peace of one’s mind through the idea of giving donations as though paying for it with simple money.

For him it was to visit some people he knew, and to eat. Then at times it was for eating… that. The food he had after the encounter with that man. The food he had after defeat, when a calamity would come, and when victory rose with the sun.

Ah, this was a time to celebrate.

The greatest most western event to ever happen in Japan descended upon Fuyuki.

It was what he came west (to the east) for.

It only after they descended from the temple that ge spoke with the person accompanying him. The foreigner man taking his time both in hiking a bit across the mountain despite its anti-spirit field that was a hefty pressure against his companion, and also in feeding and playing for a time with a dog that took shelter in the temple territory.

“Saber, there are many important things in life. The first is to eat well, the second is to train well. The third is to always look west. That is why I came here to this land.” He offered a snack that they brought with them from the temple as they came into the streets, back into the rest of the city. But whether the man titled Saber accepted or not, he walked on without altering his pace. The west, nor him, waited for no man whether they be legend or a simple pedestrian.

“Already it feels different in the city…”

He smiled, his lips spreading wide beneath the mask. His voice was filled with his thoughts, conveying his feelings purely as though making up for the mask of a horse that covered his face. As the two walked down the streets it was not odd that they were given stares here and there. Yet it was not that large of a stir, and all things considered it was barely one at all considering how strange the tall and muscular foreigner who had the head of a horse was as a sight in any sort of nation. Let alone the nation of Japan.

Yet he was a man who lived here for years, who, despite his eccentricities became known. The place that they left was only one of the places that he visited often, sharing tales, labour and simply his presence. The bonds he had managed to make somehow brought him acceptance, and free lodging at times.

“Ah let us go, let us go. With the war starting I should visit my pupil. He too is a master. As such it is my place to make sure that he acts properly even as he slips into being a magus.” Yes, Tohsaka Nagato had turned to magecraft after meeting Tlilpojuan. But the roots of the Tohsakas could not be forgotten, especially with how dedicated a youth Hideyoshi was.

Tlilpojuan was a man who always looked to the west, who always walked towards the west, who always raised his fists toward the west.

In the words of a famous bodshivatta and savior, he would go west. In the actions of a certain devil who visited upon his people evils, but also attained great glory riding a great steed… he would conquer in the west.

As such he carried most of his possessions on him. A harness strapped across his body held modified saddlebags, massive and barely fitting with the image of the man due to his non-asian size. As he walked he continued to stuff his hand into one of said bags, scooping up a handful of oats that he poured down the mouth of the mask. Somehow managing to partake and consume despite it not being his true mouth.

“Saber, was the temple not nice?”

Along the way he spent a bit of money on some rice wine, inviting Saber to try it while he guzzled it down as though it were but water. As such their arrival to the Tohsaka Manor was hardly quiet, straight, or all that timely.

“Hideyoshi, oh Hideyoshi! I am hungry!” he bellowed out towards the western mansion. Hungry for food of course. But he waited, expecting even as they technically became enemies to be welcomed in with what became customary words of exchange between them.

Hungry for food, hungry for knowledge, hungry for strength, and hungry for nothing (mu)

Of all things, Roland was in awe of the world since his departure from him. Of the moment of his death he could remember in some details, but it barely mattered as he gazed out onto the world that had left him behind. The cloak he wore firmly around his body whipped in the wind, and he could smell food from all over the city curling up on steam. All this from the roof of the temple where he sat, legs crossed and seemingly enjoying life. It was his Master's leaving the temple that finally roused him from his moment of reflection. Rare for Roland, who so desperately loved battle. But this? This was fine.

He leapt to the ground, and with a thump he was by his master's side. "Well, the first two I can agree with." Roland laughed, accepting food from the strange man who wore a horsemask. It hadn't been long since he was summoned for the war, and it had taken the first few hours of their initial meeting for him to accept such a strange master. But then again, his lord Charlemagne wasn't without his own eccentricities. And the paladins? Why they were all an odd bunch!
"But that third thing... I have lived in the west. Where I would gaze east to the holy land I sought to claim in the name of god. West of course, was always home. So if I took you literally, I'd have never have left my mother's side." The holy paladin let out a hearty laugh, as if amused by the idea of what life could have been like had he not made an attempt to fill his mother's pale face with wine.

He took a bite of the snack, chewing and reveling for a moment in the taste. Food had become so sweet and exotic! His tongue rolled over the flavor, and by the time he swallowed he was already taking another bite. In a way, the two strange men couldn't have stood out more in the alleys and streets of the city. A blonde man with a cape and armor, walking alongside a man who wore a horsemask? How strange and ridiculous it must be. Thankfully, Roland had become accustom to strangeness. And while fairly strange, the man in the horsemask was still a man. A cheerful man who lived, drank, and enjoyed the company of others. There was nothing strange about that. Why, without the mask he'd probably be the most reasonable and acceptable man Roland ever had the company of. (Though considering Astolfo had been nearly mad, that wasn't a high bar to reach.)

"You know, Sir Tlilpojuan." Roland refused to call the man master. Since while he had to serve the man, he only ever had one true master. Charlemagne, His uncle who he remembered so fondly at times. "I adore how the world has changed. And this food, what is it even called?" At least the rice wine reminded him of France. At least the wine was still of quality, no matter where he went in the world. "The temple was nice, but far from the cathedrals of my home where we worship God almighty. But then again, some things can be said for moderation. Moderation is wasted on the young." With a hearty laugh, he slapped Tlilpojuan on the back. As if the two of them were old friends.

Following suit, he followed the horseman to the western temple. It stood out from all the other architecture, which said something about poor taste. "If this man is our friend, then we shall toast. If he is our enemy, than we shall toast even then as we drive swords through his heart. There is something to be said of being there for those you care about in death."

"Silver and iron to the origin-"

An absurd gathering had taken place in this city.

This was an eastern backwater with barely a shred of noteworthiness to its name. The only claim it had was that the factory known as "Einzbern" possessed their secondary base of operations in this city, but even then, any who knew of the name Einzbern knew of their true home.

The leylines were acceptable, certainly first-class by the standards of Japan. In fact, Evan would be surprised if the leylines of this land didn't rank within the top three of Japan's spiritual lands. Yes, in that regard, perhaps only a handful of eastern vagrants would come to this place. Perhaps, attracted by curiosity and the chance for opportunity to be had, two or maybe even three magi of Evan's own standing would come here, seeking to turn a quick profit.

However...for magi bearing the titles of Fes and Pride to come here? Absurdity in its purest form. Granted, placing stock in those rankings was an idiotic measure, and truth be told, the information on said magi did illustrate that all too well, but they at least gauged a measure of importance. What sort of twit would come here when they held that sort of title, even if it was undeserved?

Well, no use dwelling on that. The larger complication, then, was the fact that they were here. And for every magus Evan possessed information on, there were likely three he didn't. And judging by what he'd observed already...this city would be turned into an utter hellscape.

"...Repeat every five times."

At the same time, though, wasn't that ideal for him? War profiteers made a killing, after all. It was for that reason that he'd remained in the city even after understanding a fraction of the scale of what was about to occur, and for that reason he stood before a shoddily-made circle, incanting the ritual to bind a Servant to his body.

He was grateful he'd managed to enter the city early and lay low accordingly. If it wasn't for those preparations, performing this near-ritual would have been a significantly more...noticeable endeavor.

"-Arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance---!"

And so, as light and sound met and a materialization of Ether took form before the magus, he could only offer a wry grin.

Hopefully it wouldn't be a knight.

He didn't do well with knights.

Cool, damp air blasts Hamel’s uncovered face, a sign of the upcoming winter, and of the hardships he would have to face. Wrapping his dark cloak closer to his body, Hamel could not help but ruminate upon this fate he had chosen for himself.

He had no delusions about the upcoming war. Confident as he was in his thaumaturgy, there was no guarantee that he would walk out of this podunk backwater alive. Rumours they may have been, but the legendary figure he had just summoned was proof enough of the claims put forth.

Rationally, he understood that such high stakes came with even higher costs, yet, some part of him was still, however, ecstatic at the Servant he had called forth. And with a booming voice, brimming with mirth, he could not help but voice his musings aloud.

“It would seem fate has seen it fit to gift me the grail, no? What do you think about that, Lancer?”

A bellowing laugh filled the murky swamp after the query, a joyous tone in an otherwise colorless land. Yes, the Holy Grail War may yet still extract a high price, and there was much riding upon his back, but when had consequences stopped him?

Not when he was in Clocktower, where he had gained the derisive moniker of ‘Magpie’, and had suffered many a beating in the process. He was a selfish being, ultimately. And while he had some measure of temperance he was liberal with releasing his inhibitions.

And it had seemed the grail saw it fit to grant a servant of somewhat similar disposition. Quite truthfully he found it a bit irksome, it would be troublesome to direct a servant of such free will, and to utilize a command mantra not even a day in would be an act of supreme foolishness. No, he would have to adjust his plans around his newfound familiar.

He cleared his throat. “Lancer, as your master I must insist you stay within the confines of this swamp. It is crucial you defend this area if we are to advance successfully in this war.” A pause for understanding, before he continued onwards. “This will be your swamp, and much like anything that belongs to oneself you must defend it ferociously, else someone else decides to take it.”

Many a magus had made their way to compete for the Holy Grail. Peers and some not so equals will fight tooth and nail for their chance at this relic, for a wish.

Which was why he had come a week earlier than was necessary. To set up, to scout, to secure every advantage possible beforehand to tip the scales of battle to his favour. Because it would be a gruelling war. But Hamel would be damned if he left Fuyuki without his damn cup secured.

@Sageage

Summoning initiated

Catalyst absent.

Class container selected.

Compatibility assessment. Records scanned.

Match found.

Shaping Saint Graph to container...

The first anomaly of many, heralded by a storm of forming Ether, the crackle of condensing energy and the gusts of power running rampant in the Magus’ workshop.

‘Absurd,’ thought the manifesting beast, fingers flexing in the air as blue solidified into something akin to flesh, formless eyes observing its own movements carefully. The very act of her summoning was something of an insult, in this land. To be brought forth for something as ridiculous as a struggle of competing humans, to fight for their sake as a ‘Servant’ of theirs. It had instantly set her Master off on the wrong foot, as far as she was concerned. The first thing she did when her mouth was formed was tut.

Clothes and body manifested at the same time, the summoning not holding one as more vital than the other. It was all ‘stuff’, the weight which clamped down down her spiritual core and gave it substance in the material world.

Although the storm of her summoning raged around her, she simply regarded her crimson painted hand with a mild interest. Yes, she recalled her life quite clearly. Yet despite how she knew she usually acted, the urge to reach out and crush the human standing across from her was… minimal. Present, and something she could act upon, yet she uncharacteristically also felt the need to hold herself back from such an act.

Indeed, she was herself. Just not herself from the end of her Legend -- at least not completely. Something had spilled over into her summoning, a quality of her younger self which begged restraint….

No, not that. Restraint was the wrong word, it gave the wrong impression. A word that spoke of the infertile action and fear of consequence. It was something else she felt, and it only seemed to make her feel greater anger in turn, a quiet, iron-melting fury hiding itself beneath her pale skin.

It begged patience.

And so, patiently, the newly formed Servant rested upon the ground, sitting with one knee propped up, the other leg folded inwards. A red-painted claw of a hand brought her slightly curved, oak-red kiseru to her lips, capped off with a dark, yet ornate metal. Drawing from the pipe, a distinct nostalgia came over the small Servant. An old habit, one she abandoned a reason she could not exactly recall. Inhaling, she savored the taste of something other than shredded tobacco to her senses.

Yes, such an activity was relatively recent by historical standards, but it had existed in other iterations. As a creature of vice, it was only natural for her to be among the species which kicked it off in Japan, taking to burning the hair of women, a source of power in the ancient world. Her eyes had unknowingly shut, momentarily overcome by her memories. They opened, and peered at the magus across from her.

She lowered the kiseru from her lips, as long as the arm which supported it, and exhaled a plume of smoke in the room, filling it with the stink of something truly unpleasant, lined herbs and ancient decay, the signs of a murder many years gone.

Tilting her head, blonde strands of hair moving with her and her oversized, yellow kimono drooping further from her shoulder, she examined her would-be Master with a critical gaze, an underlying danger resting behind her golden eyes. Even without the horns which were distinct to her kind, or the tattoos lining her forehead, she nonetheless retained something simply inhuman about her, resting even in how she looked at the young man before her.

Yes, young. That was one way of describing him. He looked quite appealing, like a calf to be cooked and eaten. But once again, her better wisdom, the patience of her younger-self, stepped in. And so, she simply stared, a hunger in her gaze.

“Foolish. Utterly foolish…” she raspily declared, taking another puff of her pipe, head correcting itself. While she was without her horns, her hands and feet remained clawed and coated in red, the rest of her visible form inked crimson with intricate patterns, lining her exposed legs, arms and shoulders. The symbols of a criminal among the Culture Sphere she resided in, but also those of loyalty. To what, exactly, was difficult to see. She exhaled the smoke from her nose. “But indeed, you have summoned me...”

“Servant Assassin, Ibaraki Douji. Do not think this series of events as ‘good’, young man...” she drawled slowly, a grin slowly spreading onto her face, the hints of her serrated maw glinting through.

Indeed, he had summoned her. Regrettable, unfortunate and frankly sad. To be forced to walk among the world once more, disturbed from he rest. Yet, so too was it providence. Her desires remained the same in death as they were in life. She was not without her ambitions -- dare say, she was the most ambitious of all her kind. If she was to be disturbed for the sake of a melee for some gaudy cup, she would take part, so long as the prospect of her ambitions being fulfilled was there. The knowledge that had been grafted to her as much told her that the contest was one to be held between the reflections of ‘Heroic Spirits’, the shining lights of humanity, for the sake of a supreme wish.

And for her to be summoned into such a conflict, one between the pillars of man, was nothing short of amusing.

“It is simply foolish. So utterly, ridiculously absurd… aaah~ What revelry to be had.”

---

The circle was originally supposed to be drawn with the blood of chickens, but he had honestly forgotten to go and find the chickens. So he did the next best thing -- he just used a whole bunch of pomegranate. It was a simple matter, to pluck from the branches of the foreign tree which sprouted in a Japanese forest. One of his many trees.

Luckily, the pomegranate had a lot of meaning behind it! The supposed six hundred and thirteen seeds could actually act as minor catalysts for Kabbalistic rituals due to their association with the mitzvot! Although they were truly weak things in that regard, but enough of them could allow for some tricks and stunts --

But that wasn’t important. Ana was more focused on the fact they were seeds. Fonts of life, so many contained within one delicious shape. A pit of growth and fortune. So he slammed them into the grass until the messy, almost bloody remains took a shape akin to a ‘summoning’ circle. It was incredibly fun, just throwing fruit around like a child.

Wiping his brow after a good thirty minutes of hard work.

And so, with the ‘effort’ part of the ritual complete, he slipped into the right frame of mind, clapping his cheeks, squishing them.

Show time.

Extending an arm, he began to recite the incantation from off the top his head.

Something something, silver. Something something keeping your balance.

He was pretty sure he got it right. His memory was impeccable, after all.

Truthfully, a part of his mind wandered while he went about reciting the lines, making the meaningful connections its inventors intended and drawing on the Ether that would come together to form his own cool hero of old.

Really, he didn’t want to be there. Going all the way from another part of the world to Japan was a draining exercise of travel. It was a beautiful place, with fall beginning to set in, and the forest had been very talkative compared to the ones he was used to, but the ultimate intent was not his own.

To fight for Einnashe, to resurrect Einnashe. The theory was clear -- the most likely truth of the Holy Grail was that rather than granting a ‘wish’, it was more of a magnificent battery of magical energy which would then perform an act -- a miracle -- within the limits of what would be reasonable for a clump of magical energy in the modern age.

Basically, keeping it simple would be for the best. If you want a bunch of rocks, it’ll make a bunch of rocks. If you want to it to execute something that at first appears simply, but in actually is an incredibly complex conundrum, it would likely take a ‘quick’ route towards resolving that issue.

Not a good thing, Ana thought.

The principle would be clear to any family as old as his own. The Elders had considered it carefully, and carefully created the wish would see them and their family restored. The desire had been programmed into him, but he did not truly feel the desire. It was simply there for when victory was attained, in order for the Grail to draw on it.

So that was great. But what was even greater…?

Summoning really old legends, of course! And the circus. And food. But mostly the circus -- legends. Yes, the legends. Not the circus.

The system of summoning ‘Servants’, as he had been informed, was in and of itself something to be valued highly. Ana himself held it above the Grail wish itself. Its principle was too simple, if the theory he and his Elders had considered was true. But the Grail’s ability to access a different pocket of existence to call upon Heroic Spirits was just awesome.

Mystery and Miracles, manifest history and myth. If anything, he was there for them alone, just to see them. If he got to study the Servant system, one of the only things to really catch his eye in the whole War idea, he’d be happy, but he was content with just the idea of taking someone like… Heracles? Yeah, Heracles -- to lunch.

Ana would talk his ear off, and he’d love every second of it.

"...Arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance--!"

Light and wind filled the opening in the opening of trees -- the heart of his workshop -- and excitement filled young Ana’s heart, a genuine energy. It was not the excitement of one who sought victory, but one simply wanted the experience.

He kind of hoped his Servant could fly.

Perhaps on the advent on things that might result in ones death, a person would flee. Build up walls between the event as to keep distance between whatever they ran from. It didn't necessarily have to be lethal from the get go. Anything that could, at some point, lead to the eventuality that was death, would fall into the category; people had a natural diversion from danger, and did their best to avoid it at every turn.

However the same couldn't be said of the present. To describe the up and coming event, the words "A battle that could easily result in the loss of a Mages' life" wouldn't be far from the truth. She had done a lot of research into said event, making sure to keep detailed notes in between studies, whilst schooling her compatriot on the what inner workings she could glean, as well as the proceedings they would come across. To say this was uncharted territory for her would be apt. What was coming up was something she couldn't say she had much experience in, but, at least in her imagination, the same would apply to most others.

And by others, she meant those that had already arrived. They came in droves, seeking fortunes, and riches, and their varying little obsessions, seeking refuge under the common banner that the battle would make it all come true. At the very least, the number of high ranking Magi that had flocked to the site surprised her. Multiple Festival ranked men and women sought their desires granted, however their sheer number, far outweighing any over classification, left her, at least partially, in surprise. They had all come seeking the Holy Grail. The miracle wish granting vessel of infinite Mana that every Magus in the world, apparently, was willing to fight for.

And Serafina was one of them. One of those Fes ranked Magi, on her journey to partake in the large scale battle known as the Holy Grail War. She might have disliked the Three Families for the most part, but at the least she could commend them on their dramatisation. Summoning heroes of the past to partake in bloody combat? It was a novelty idea, and she appreciated as such. Much like the other Fes ranked Magi her name would no doubt spread, but that much didn't matter.

After all, she was a Whitehall. One of the greatest Runic families in the world. Their skill with the art was unparalleled, especially in recent years as they assimilated Old Runes into their combat repertoire. It could be said, then, that Serafina was confident in her chances, dragging a suitcase behind her along the cobbled road of Fuyuki Proper, stocked with clothes and materials. Mostly materials. Setting up a workshop would be paramount, and as luck had it, she'd the perfect location planned out.

To her left, just a tad behind, with shorter hair and a slightly shorter stature, was her sister. Sofia Whitehall. Other than the grey eyes, short hair and discrepancy in body shape, the two looked incredibly similar. Sera wasn't necessarily happy with that Sofia had accompanied her on the journey. Much like people avoided danger and death themselves, the same went for their family members and loved one; people took exceptional care to keep those close to them out of danger, and while she had tried to, her sister wouldn't listen. Always the rebel, though she was grateful for the company.

Already Fuyuki city was an oddity. On their way to their lodgings, the two had passed a man in a horse mask - or Sera assumed they were a man - and another in full armour and a cape. The eccentricities and customs of Japan weren't exactly lost on her, but for what purpose people could have to dress in such an absurd fashion she couldn't tell. Regardless she continued on past them, making idle and small chatter with her sister, until they began to climb the stairs to the Temple.

"Try and remember that this isn't a holiday, Sophie. And, please, don't show us up... the Ryuudou's are family friends, we want to make a good impression as the next generation." she turned, speaking to her sister before the two began the climb towards the temple proper.

“Yes yes, I’ll lay low while you do your thing.” Sofia said, adjusting the backpack on her back while slogging behind Serafina. “I still don’t get why you put so much faith in our family and their friends.”

”Well for one, since we’re members of the family, they’re our friends too.” she gave a glance behind her as she spoke, but continued to walk at a steady pace, ”But if we don’t have faith in somebody, we won't be going anywhere. We don’t have many connections in Japan; this is the best place we can get, and we should be grateful.” her eyes drifted upwards, towards the gate they were approaching, ”This is the most powerful Leyline in Fuyuki. To be able to secure it as outsiders to the city is a miracle, quite frankly.”

Sofia pouted. “I don’t like relying on them...but if it helps us this much.” she quickened her pace to catch up to Serafina. “Have you met them before, are they nic- oeh! There’s a dog over there.” Before she could finish her question, she was already hopping up the stairs towards the dog.

The sight of animals in the street was far from unusual; the siblings had passed multiple cats and dogs on their way to temple. In that vein Sera could only sigh as Sofia sped in front of her to play with whatever animal had placed itself at the top of the stairs. She followed suit, though at a slower pace, before coming onto the landing in front of the gate behind her.

”I doubt it wants to be played with, Sophie. We don’t exactly have all day to set up.” she took a step around her sister, standing over the growling and barking dog, ”Pretty sure it isn’t friendly either. Does it belong to anyone?”

“See the the collar? I think it’s a guard dog, guarding this...gate?” Sofia’s eyes turned a shade of aqua as she looked at the temple beyond the dog, visibly narrowing her eyes as if looking at something bright. “You’re totally right sis, this place is brimming with magical energy. We’ll definitely be able to work with this.” Her eyes went grey again upon looking at the dog. “So, where’s your master buddy? shoo shoo, get your master!”

Instead of running off to fetch someone, though, the Beagle simply stood its ground, continually growling as Sofia spoke. Considering the early hour they found themselves at, it was doubtful the monks would be awake yet, but if the dog kept up its attitude, that would surely change.
”Hard to imagine the temple needing a guard dog when it’s supposed to be open to the public.” she said, letting her suitcase stand while she approached it. Then in a split second…

It jumped at her. It’s legs left the ground quickly, and though it achieved little ground clearance, it was able to get close to her hand as she reached out to touch it. But in the split second between the two events, she grabbed it by the collar, lifting it from the landing to eye level, where its barking only continued to increase in volume.
”...Shinji, huh? Please stop barking. It’s not going to help either of us.”

“Be careful Sera! You might hurt the poor thing.”

”Hurt the thi--” she turned back to face her sister, still holding the dog five feet above the air, ”It did just attack me, I’d like to point out.” she let out a sigh, and started walking back towards the gate, grabbing her suitcase along the way, ”Come one, lets just…” but the dog was still barking, ”Is there an off switch for this thing? Can I, like, press a button or something, cause that’d be great.”

“Well, you could uhh, put him to sleep. But I won’t be held accountable!” Sofia said as she moved closer to the dog, trying to pet it to no avail. “Come on Shinji, play along will you?”

Sera watched as Sofia attempted to silence the thing, but without success, as it continually snapped at her in attempt to remove the hand feeling its unwashed, dirt ridden coat. Instead of allowing it to continue, though, she pulled the dog away, and pushed on into the gate and temple courtyard. All she could really hope was that the thing hadn’t made such a loud racket as to awaken the entire complex.

And while she couldn’t say that hope was dashed, she found herself face to face with a person, stood, waiting for them to enter. The boy looked at least in his late teens, with short, finely cut blue hair, wearing what could only be assumed as the typical attire of the temple.
”Ah, Yoshiki Ryuudou. I’m glad you’re the only person we awoke. I’m Serafina. Serafina Whitehall,” she gave a small bow, before motioning to her sister, ”And this is Sofia, my sister. We thank you for allowing us stay within the Temple - I understand it is far from customary to do so.”
”Not at all, our families have been friends for many years now. You are welcome to stay here for as long as you are in Fuyuki. And, anyways, I was awake already; I’m happy I was, too, now that you’ve arrived.” his gaze turned towards Shinji, still barking beside her, ”Is… that dog yours? It’s been troubling us for a little while now.”

“We thought the dog belonged to the temple. If it’s not yours it must be a stray.” Sofia casually responded before whispering in Sera’s ear. “Think we can just leave it?”

As Sofia whispered to her, she let her suitcase rest once again. The dog was still barking and struggling, but against her rune empowered strength there was little it could do to escape. Thusly, she reached down to the tag on its otherwise negligible red collar.
”Matou…” she read aloud, turning the tag around, revealing a faded mark where a word might once have been.
”As in the Matou family?” Yoshiki said aloud.
”Yup. Do you have any food for it? I dunno what your policy is on keeping pets, but I think it’d be nice to return him to them. A gesture of goodwill, as it were. What do you think, Sophie?”

“You always think so tactical, it wouldn’t hurt to consider your own feelings for once. But you’re right, we should return Shinji to his owner...But I'm doing it for the dog! Not to gain a favour or something.” Sofia pouted once more.

Keeping pets isn’t exactly… allowed. You’re not even supposed to bring them onto Temple grounds, let alone into the building.”
Serafina looked at him, then the dog, and finally towards Sofia as she pouted in her typical manner. It was a habit she had developed early on in her life, and quickly became one of her staple expressions; Sera was more than used to seeing it.
”Well, it was staying outside the Temple.”
”That it was. We’ve been feeding it- him some small things every now and then, but my father has been getting frustrated at its constant growling and people coming and going by the gate. There’ve been plans to locate it elsewhere, unfortunately…”
”I see, well, is there any way to could postpone that, at least for a couple days? I’ll need to get in contact with the Matou Family, which might not be too easy.” she gave him a small smile, to which he smiled back.
”Of course, I’ll see what I can do.”

For a moment he seemed content, but then his focus snapped back to the real topic, and he quickly redirected himself.
”Ah, but, you two must be tired, right, coming all the way to Fuyuki? I need to show you where the two of you will be staying, please, come with me.” he started on, moving towards the main complex of the establishment, gesturing for the two girls to follow. In response, Sera placed Shinji back down on the ground, where he scurried back along the ground towards the temple gate, allowing her to follow their host unimpeded.

Sofia followed close after, occasionally staring in awe at the temples’ architecture. “This place looks so pretty; Japan sure knows how to praise their Gods.”



It hadn’t taken the longest for the two to become acquainted with their accommodations, as the room in question was, for the most part, relatively bare. The space was relatively small, with Tatami Mats making up the floor. A door on the Eastern wall held a minuscule space for storage, and beside it resided an area for burning incense, just below a scroll. Two futons already lay pre-made along the floor, bearing a similar aesthetic to the rest of the room.

”We’re going to want to find a place somewhat away from the temple to summon a Servant. It’d be pretty hard to do it here, even if people are still asleep.” Sera started, keeping herself seated before a small, elevated area in the room, using it like a table, ”We can probably head into the forest to do it; that should be far enough away from any people.” as she spoke, she folded a letter, and slid it into an envelope, and took out a piece of wax, and a small stamp. At the tip of the wax was a single Rune, ᚨ, Ansuz, which, abruptly, began to glow, melting the tip of the wax until it dripped onto the envelope.

From there, Sera pressed the stamp into the molten wax, sealing the letter. The seal was simple - a ring of the entire Runic alphabet. Those versed in Runic Arts would know it as the same chain used to create a Shield of the Alphabet; the Whitehall family was known for using different seals for different occasions, with this seal meaning one of protection, and alliance. Finished with her work, she stood, and handed the letter to Sofia.

“What’s this for? Want me to send this lovely letter to mom and dad? Or is it for the monks?”

Sera gave a small smile, then turned back to her luggage.
”What makes you think I’d want to send a letter to them?” she replied, pulling out varying crafting materials she had brought along for both her and her sister, ”No, It’s for the Matou’s. I told you on the way here, they’re one of the Three Families who started the Grail War, along with the Tohsaka’s and the Einzbern’s. I’m confident in our power to deal with them, but…” she trailed off, pulling from the bottom of the suitcase an item wrapped delicately in protective cloth, ”This is our ticket to winning the Grail, Sophie. If the Matou’s agree to an alliance we’ll have double, maybe even triple the power. We’ll be an unstoppable force, and when the time comes, we’ll take the Grail.” and then she looked over and smiled, ”And we’ll make you wish come true.”

With her explanation done, she unwrapped the cloth, revealing a gleaming blade.
”History isn’t exactly my forte, but with this… I’ll summon Troy’s greatest hero.” her smile dimmed into thought, until she looked back towards her sister, ”But that comes later. For now, you find a way to get that to the Matou’s. I’m gonna scout us a good place to summon this bad boy, then we’ll meet back in… a little while, to summon ‘em. Sound good?”

“Alrighty Sis, I’ll make sure this letter gets there.” She said as she pulled a small white bird from her backpack. In a small spark of light, the bird familiar sprung to life and Sofia gave it the letter. “Get this to the Matou family for me please.” She patted it’s head before releasing it in the air; eventually it would find its way there.

As Sofia did so, Sera wrapped the sword back up, and placed it into the suitcase once again. All that was left to do was scout the surrounding forests for suitable summoning locations.
”Right then, let’s go.” she said, standing from the floor and opening the door, motioning for Sofia to follow her on. It was still early morning - most of the monks likely wouldn’t wake up for at least a little while longer. It was the perfect time for reconnaissance.

Japan was never on the list of places he needed to be in before he died. yes he had heard of the majesty of it's landscape and the properties of some of the artefacts and herbs there. Yet, it had never drawn him there. Perhaps it was the rustic nature and the fact that they held such a past of conflict and ever changing culture.

Truth be told he did enjoy the atmosphere, although that didn't change the fact that foreign disease was around him. In any other scenario he would not even come here, he would send out for someone to visit for him. yet here he was, the heir to the Krauste family was here in person. No one else would dare enter this war, the rest of the familyw as convinced it was a death sentence. Hence why he was here. They needed to put him in a situation where he could prove himself or not. if this didn't go well, the family wouldn't have to worry about him anymore. So, success was a must.

In any other scenario, he would have had every thing already planned, every scenario and singularity in his mind would've been added up and planned for. Everything would have been predetermined. But without any guarantee who he would behold to be his ally...well he couldn;'t decide.

Legs crossed and head in his hands, he sat atop an old chair within an old bar. None of the residents were there anymore, he had booked this place out after his grandfather had paid the owners to find somewhere else to be located. Around him were some hastily set up conical glasses full of liquids and in the middle of the room was the symbols drawn in a dark crimson liquid some would connect to blood, yet Ludwig would say it was a chemical.

"Fill Fill Fil.." he muttered the incantation, eyes wide and set on the floor, beads of sweat on his forehead. he couldn;t afford to mess this one up. Around the room were variations of alcohol, just in case his servant was one who enjoyed the activities of drowning ones sorrows with liquids.

A mask over his mouth. Ludwig chanted it more and more. "-Arrive from the ring of deterrence, keeper of the balance!" he called out and watched as the symbols glowed.

So this was what destiny and ruin looked like.

@Kyoka

He had to restrain his initial surprise, admittedly. The proceedings of the ritual itself were interesting to watch, to say the least. Call it his own nature as a member of the Clock Tower speaking, but he'd been somewhat suspicious of this whole thing up until he saw the Servant actually manifesting. A place like this claiming to have created an omnipotent wishgranting device was still the height of hilarity, but at least now it was just a bit more plausible.

Now that he thought about it, if it was the Einzberns who were behind this, then maybe that was at the root of this ritual. If that was the case...

Ah, a matter for another time. Though the chance to experiment on it would be excellent if he had the chance. It was famed for nothing if not its potential for riches, after all.

Still, the surprise that came with seeing that the ritual was not a complete sham was only amplified when Evan properly looked to his newly-contracted Servant. Not even addressing her appearance, from what he knew of Heroic Spirits, he was expecting something that emanated a certain...radiance, to it. The being before him had a thread of that, but in greater measure was something else, a thick undercurrent that nearly caused his hair to stand on end, like prey being looked on by its predator.

This confusion was resolved a moment later, when the girl uttered her name. Servant Assassin, Ibaraki Douji. Not a hero of humans, but a "monster", a ruler of Oni-kind. And yet, she had been summoned as an Assassin, and even that presence he would expect of one who had led a race of monsters felt muted from what it should have been. A consequence of being summoned by a vessel meant to summon heroes, or a consequence of being summoned in the Assassin container rather than another? Both were possible, from what Evan knew, and even making use of his Master's clairvoyance didn't answer that question.

Still, there was some sort of humor that brought the barest trace of a grin to the edge of the magus's lips. It made sense, he supposed. He was no hero, he was merely an opportunist. While the oni before him no doubt had a reason for being here, some wish or desire she wanted realized, the fact that she'd been the one summoned meant that he aligned better with a monster than those heroes of humanity.

Well, that stung just a bit, 'Holy Grail'. What sort of assessment mechanism does a cup even use to work that out?

"Mhm, got it, won't say that it's nice to meet you, then. Evan Strauss, alchemist. Unless an accident happens, I'll be your Master for this ritual."

There was no doubt that the magus was intimidated, the slight dilation of his pupils gave that much away, but not even a shred of that filtered in to the words he said. It was more as if that, while his body was undoubtedly fearful, his mind seemed content to speak the same way one might talk to a familiar friend. Albeit, he visibly had to hold himself back from coughing as smoke washed over the room.

"Welcome back to Japan though, I guess. Not sure how much information you're summoned with, since this ritual seems like it's still working out and defining its own system, so if you have any questions then let me know. I'd also like to talk over some plans for how to conduct ourselves during all of this, if you're fine with something like that. If you'd rather drink, eat, or take a look around first though, then go crazy."

He shrugged, a sharp exhale leaving him as he straightened up in place. A glint entered his eyes in that moment, an almost feral light that signaled nothing more than deep obsession.

"This is good, though. I was worried I'd wind up with one of the knight classes, someone who let things like honor get in the way of their decisions. It'd have been an obstacle to me trying to plunder this city and the magi in it for all they're worth, so this honestly works better for me. I hope we can get along."

If nothing else, that at least seemed to be genuine.

Gin wiped away the sweat from his brow as he looked down to the summoning circle he had created. Walking backwards a few paces, Gin stretched his fingers out with a satisfying pop, a small bit of pride brimming up within him at the arrangement he had set up. Gin normally hated performing rituals like these, not out of the effort it takes to gather the resources or the time they normally consume, but because he always messes up on drawing the lines out at least once. Not messing up once this time around, however, made Gin feel today might be his big break.

Gin began to think of what sort of Servant he'll be summoning, this time around. He took the liberty of placing his bokken before the summoning circle, hoping that would help him draw out a true warrior, or at least someone who could kick ass. He had also taken the liberty of having his men secure him a bottle of one of the country's most premium and expensive Junmai Daiginjo sake, to serve as both a gift and a potential icebreaker. Can Heroic Spirits even get drunk? Gin began to ponder, believing that he, himself, would want a good drink or two after being pulled out from resting and relaxing in the afterlife... at least, after being reincarnated as a bear.

Sinking down to the floor, Gin sat down, cross-legged, placing the sake on the ground next to him before loosening the right half of his yukata, pulling the sleeve down to reveal some of his tattoos, one of the many telltale signs of Gin's association with the Yakuza. Clearing his throat, Gin stretched his right arm out towards the circle, attempting to recall the chant he had spent a week practicing. As nearly a minute passed, Gin's expression changed from that of concentration to that of annoyance, angry that he couldn't recall the incantations. In retrospect, it may have been a better idea to actually make himself a workshop within that timeframe...

"Alright, screw it," Gin growled, before beginning to pour his own mana into the circle. At this point, it would be a waste of time to think of another chant, so Gin decided to do what he had always done when it came to magecraft; wing it. "I am Gin Yoshiyaki, enforcer of the Fujimuras, and I think you chose the wrong place to have your stupid war at! Luckily, for you, I can't beat up a damn cup, so instead, I want the best Servant you can throw at me! I can't have my turf trampled on by some damn foreigners just because you can grant them a damn wish, so give me your best shot, grail! Let's go!"

Eh, it was close enough...

...I saw it, you know? Even after you tossed me away, I saw all of it. I saw you devise that plan, I saw you succumb to that pain, I saw you look to our greatest pride and assure him that it wasn't his fault.

I saw you die. We were never meant to be able to die, but you did. You gave up what made us "us", you split us from one to two, you tossed me into one throne and consigned yourself to another. In that moment, there wasn't an "us" anymore. There was you, and there was me.

We could have struggled through it, we could have found a way to repair it, but you were too weak and too old and too self-righteous to do anything besides what you did.

You...you really do disgust me.

In all regards, you disgust me.

...but, I can't be angry with you. Separated from you, I'm free to be mangled by those minds that deified us. Since you're not around to hold me back, I can embrace it. I'll accept everything and parade myself around with our name. I'll laugh at honor and malice in equal measure.

If you seek to reunite with me, I'll seal that own nature of mine away.

If you call us wise, I'll be lost to our kind's foolishness.

If you have the audacity to die, I'll live until the stars grow dim.

If you stretch your arms out towards the future, I'll return to who we used to be.

Well, anyway, let's get to it. Place your bets.

This isn't revenge. Something as petty as that is boring to me. But, I always aligned better with the person we used to be, and humanity seems to agree with me. It's like getting a job you genuinely enjoy doing, so you never work a day in your life.

So, go ahead and watch. I'll be sure to enjoy myself regardless of what you do. If you learn a lesson from watching, all the better, but I can't be bothered to care.

After all, this is so much more fun than that veneer of false tranquility you keep up.

...eh?

...

...

Yeah, sure, we were the same existence then, so technically the split-up was both of our ideas. You didn't need to come out and say it, though.

Fuck, here I am trying to hype things up, make it seem like there's something meaningful underneath all the bullshit, but then you go ahead and ruin the mood.

Would it have killed you to play along? For dad's sake, you could have just smiled and nodded and not said anything, and then we'd been good to go, but noooo, the wise teacher-man always needs to have the last word.

No, it's fine, screw it. Mood's already dead, no saving it, I'll stop pretending like this has depth.

Fuck.

---

In the center of the summoning circle, amidst a roiling swirl of Ether brought about by that spell which neared the realm of ritual-class, a figure appeared. A body formed around the spiritual core, a figure created out of Ether to house the information of a hero. A figure who stood among those exalted figures of mankind, those heroes made immortal by human imagination.

"Master, I don't think you quite realize what you've got here. So why don't you just ruminate, whilst I illuminate the possibilities?"

Sound cut through the light without warning, a strange cadence to the voice as it responded to Gin’s unorthodox summoning, almost as if...

...oh.

Oh no.

No no no fuck cancel the summoning he's about to-

"Well, Ali Baba had them forty thieves,"

Goddammit.

"Scheherazade has a thousand tales,"

Please stop.

"But, Master, you in luck 'cause you just got-"

"-A ticket straight to the Holy Grail!"

"You got some power in your corner now,"

"A Servant stronger than you'd ever think,"

"You got some punch, pizazz, yahoo, and how?"

"See, all you gotta do is let me drink"

"And I'll say:"

"'Hey kid, relax, sit back.'"

"'I've got this shit, ya see?'"

"'Lemme make some booze then'"

"'Drink it down,'"

"You ain't never had a friend like me-"

The light and wind faded, revealing the figure that had been bound to this world. A figure who was currently doubled over coughing from his recent singing act. Even as his body finished forming, he raised a hand up, as though to ask for a recess.

"Hey kid. Gimme a minute, will ya? Gotta settle my stomach from summoning sickness."

In all likelihood, the member of the yakuza would notice several things about the figure in front of him.

Such as, the fact that he appeared to be a short, fat, middle-to-late-aged balding man wearing a cowboy hat.

Such as, the fact that he was inexplicably dressed in modern attire.

Such as, the fact that "summoning sickness", to his knowledge, was not something that existed.

Such as, the idea that even if "summoning sickness" did exist, it seemed dubious that it could be resolved as the figure was attempting to, by way of downing what looked to be a gallon-sized bottle of tequila at a pace that even the most hardened of fraternity brothers would feel abject fear at.

Regardless of his contractor's actions, the figure did not move from the spot until he had finished the bottle in question, unceremoniously tossing it behind him, where it met the floor and promptly shattered.

"Oh, shit, sorry, did you want any?"

---

Let silver and steel be the essence.
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation
Let black be the colour I pay tribute to / Let my great Master Einzbern be the ancestor*
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall
Let the four cardinal gates close.
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate.

I hereby declare.
Your body shall serve under me.
My fate shall be your sword.
Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail
If you will submit to this will and this reason…Then answer!

An oath shall be sworn here!
I shall attain all virtues of all of Heaven.
I shall have dominion over all evils of all of Hell!

From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three greet words of power,
Come forth from the ring of restraints,
Protector of the Holy Balance!

This incantation, she had said it only two months ago after acquiring her catalyst and conducting the proper ritual.

Only the second time an Einzbern homunculus had uttered it, and yet for Sophia she might as well have been a young preacher's son reciting a bible verse aloud for the millionth time in his life. Practiced and patient, words uttered as smooth as silk in German as if she had been practicing to say them all her life, as natural to her as breathing. Albeit, this was her purpose. The reason for her make, her existence, her very life itself dedicated to the reclamation of the Third Magic that Justeaze herself had taken with her to the Greater Grail.

....how selfish.

From what she understood, tho Tohsakas had their eyes on the Root still, which while admirable to keep to that original goal was foolish to stand before the might of the Einzberns. Even the Matou's.....ah, the family of that man. She felt sympathy, perhaps even pity, for the family member of that lot who would be taking part in this. Then again she had been taught by him....hmmm, perhaps a different approach was in order for that one, circumstances not withstanding. Then again those christian-Japanese martial artists had a sort of charm to them, an almost naive honesty in her eyes that could be ripe for use. Mmm....but these thoughts were perhaps for another time, or shortly soon after arriving.

With so many in this conflict, so much fodder, letting her guard down would be folly. Some fool or another would try if given the chance.

...but even so, perhaps strengthening the bounded field would be a good idea. Yes, quite.

Sophia walked with a calm, confident manner in her step down the dirt forest path. As much as the rickshaw that had pulled her to this point had been useful, to attach this place to civilization properly would leave her that much more vulnerable. A nasty dirt road, trodden down only by worker secretly shipped in during the nights to perform their duty, and thick trees all around. The civilians and normal humans would leave her well be here, though her face was not strange around town with the times she had visited here in preparation for this war. Haha.

But if any master dared show their face in her woods, they would be swept up much like a cockroach would be stopped abruptly under the bottom of a boot. Her servant was among the highest quality, the relic for this war for his summoning imported with care and attention. By the very light of the sun her enemies would be burnt to a crisp and left as ashen husks upon this Japanese soil.

As she finally approached the one-floor compound, a pleased expression came across her lips as she pondered the luxury she had been given here. Beautiful brick, a roof with a lovely slant, the way it ground against the buildings in town with its distinctly western architecture. It even had materials made from the finest that could be acquired, to ensure it was a comfortable and safe stay. Of course there was always the backup. Almost Gothic in appearance it was, based upon the best structure and a little on the cathedrals of Western Europe.

As one of her four familiars landed on her shoulder, sitting there like a silent guardian, so too was the homunculus reminded of a certain other thing she had following her. In particular, one used to keep tabs observe the surrounding area about her as she traveled. Sure, 5 of the best maids were by her side, and her 4 familiars, but were an enemy servant to attack? Perish the thought!

"You five, go inside and prepare the lounge with tea and proper treats to accompany it. Also prepare a brief on what information we have on the participants and information gathered so far from the library, and bring it to me once the lounge is ready. Further, tell the others as well to strengthen this bounded field, i want to ensure that nothing gets in without my knowing," Sophia said, red eyes darting over the maids as she gave swift orders, her smirk of pleasure on her face. In return the maids nodded before rushing inside....save for a pair who stayed in front of the doors like guards, halberds held in their hands as easily as a grown man might hold a light, tiny feather.

Standing alone for a moment, Sophia then let out a sigh. What a trip it had been to come back here those damned steam ships. But it was better than normal sailing, and she had to admit those barbaric Americans really had that much going for them. Technology. How much it opposed the existence of magecraft, but as one who found humans interesting she inevitably felt some sense of amusement at it all.

"Rider, we're here. Considering we have not had trouble as of yet, i assume our enemies haven't followed us. Do come in with me and let us enjoy some tea in the lounge as i look over our information to plan the events through tonight," the doll continued, before the doors were opened before her as she moved to walk inside, expecting her servant to follow.

However, she then lowered her voice and let out a small mutter of words.

"I might even take a bath after this....such hot accommodations on those ships....,"

@Lord Antares

---

---

---

To breathe in the air of this world once more, to bask in the glorious light of the sun made possible by the Lord. Twas' something the saint had enjoyed very much of after being summoned by the Grail to protect this conflict. Indeed, his very role was split among the two of them to guide this conflict to its end without intrusion from forces bent on breaking its tenants or seeking to harm the Grails themselves. Personally, beyond this he would not allow this place to become the wholesale slaughter of the unknowing people here, Ruler or no, rules or not. Such was the nature of the soldier who had become a saint, who would act without hesitation in both his role as Ruler and by his moral character as a follow of the Messiah. Though if the need came....hard sacrifices might very well need to be made, even if it meant his own life, without hesitation.

Though that "other" one among the two of them seemed interesting regardless, and he wished he could see their face to speak with them. But...it seemed this was not to be so. Patience was indeed a great virtue, according to the words of the Savior himself, and so he would work within the bounds of his role.

Sighing to himself, he remained in spiritual form, his vigil continuing as he had gone about the town day and night since his arrival here back into this world. Though sitting by in this rather ascetic hall of an eastern temple was an odd thing, albeit comforting and calming in a sense. As a monk, he felt such accommodations were perfectly sound, lacking in the same....pomp local governors of the Empire had been like. However, as much as it could be spying, listening to the Whitehall sisters' banter about the war, planned strategy, he just wanted to make sure they were not seeking to break the rules. And from all appearances, they were not. Simply getting ready to start the war.

As Sera opened the door to the doorway, the Ruler-class servant materialized before them suddenly.



Light brown hair and a a pair of calm yet experienced eyes, alongside his Caucasian skin, were easy to see as being strange to this, and his nature being that of a servant to boot. His armor was like that of an old Roman centurion, though he wasn't wearing common clothes for a reason. He had made sure there were none else here to see him. Were he in any danger of exposing things, he would have acted otherwise.

"Be not afraid, masters who seek to attain the Grail. I am but one of the two Rulers of this war. I have merely come to check in with the war's participants before the start, and to ensure the rules remain followed," the man said where only the three of them could hear, voice as smooth and gentle as far eastern silk, but a sort of charisma and kind nature that could only ever elicit a response and smile from most human beings in return. Yet, there was a gravity to his presence that could not be denied, the pressure of the presence of a powerful being dubbed a 'servant' with any doubt, "To this end, have you both sought catalysts in preparation, or are you summoning without catalysts?"

He had made sure no monks would be around when he came to speak with these two. As among the seemingly most recent arrivals, he was wanting to check in with them first, to be sure they understood things as well. With a glance he would be able to tell what he needed to about them as well, such as if they were lying. Such was the content of this saint's character. Though he also wanted to ascertain what sorts of servants were to be summoned, if possible. As a Ruler he could tell whom any servant was, but being able to keep in mind ahead of time about potential troublemakers among masters AND servants had it potential value.

@Vocab@addamas

“Hmm, my swamp, huh? I guess you’re right master. My swamp is my swamp, so I have to protect it. Well, that just means my swamp is somewhere I go back to after a hunt. Isn’t that what a grail war is like? You hunt other servants, you end up killing them and then you get a wish! Killing a boar or something is nicer because you get the meat and stuff immediately, but I went off on a hunt that wasn’t quick because I met some knights. I got what I wanted, and found something I wanted more than just a boar too. So, there’s nothing wrong with going out.”

He smiled. “I feel like I shouldn’t go to some places, but I don’t feel anything about staying here. Besides, you’ve seen my skill right? Master. So you have nothing to worry about.”

The youth leapt to his feet, surprisingly not stumbling or sinking even as his legs plunged deep into the murky mud. Nonplussed by his already uncomfortable and unsightly hide leggings getting completely soaked.

His Noble Phantasm, the symbol of a hero was quite unsightly, and in a sense it looked more reasonable after being covered in mud if one assumed they were disposable clothes meant to handle staining and disgusting work. But no, Lancer was summoned like that, summoned with that outfit adorning him when he appeared.

Further non-chalantly he held his hand out, a wooden-stick like “spear” appearing in his hand that he then thrust into the murk to lean on. “It is a bit like home, and you definitely can’t beat most of the masters or servants yourself.” He spoke without malice, simply citing what he saw and thought. “But there’s nothing to worry about. Besides, I’m suppose to leave home, aren’t I? I have to win the war after all.”

Without another word he leapt out of the swamp, bursting out of the mud with the full power of a servant. Hamel was covered head to toe in muck that flooded over him due to Lancer. The marsh he created shifted, waves spreading across the mud as though it were an ocean as it tried to reach equilibrium from the hole Lancer carved in.

The only solace then was Lancer reassuring his master over their link as he swiftly departed for the city.

“Bye master! I like our swamp. I’ll be back when I need to, but since I don’t need to be here there’s no point in being here. They say that a person should be where they should be right? I don’t feel that right there so I’ll leave.”

Running at inhuman speeds out of his spirit form he traveled through the city without restraint. A foolish thing to do, all the more if he was trying to hide himself. But in the first place he held no desire to keep conspicuous at all. He simply ran as he pleased without thinking of the consequences. His path was strangely devoid of people or watching eyes, as though taking the best path he could.

-Go right, he heard.

So he did.

Stop, go back and go around.

So he did.

The voices he heard, the instinct he simply felt. He entrusted himself to it as he pursued his goal.

*Splash*

Lancer dived into the river of Fuyuki, nothing but smiles as he slipped seamlessly from running in the streets, shattering the roads when he came to abrupt violent stops, to hunting fish with the stick of a spear he held.

Mother always said that fish helped make one smart. But more importantly... a good fish roast always tasted good and there weren't many boars or deer in Fuyuki from what he saw outside of that mountain or those forests. But something told him not to go there.

Well, fish it is!

Those first few moments were the most important moments for their budding partnership. Too much fear from Evan meant that Ibaraki would not view him as something to be worked with. Not enough fear would have lead to an immediate breakdown. Too formal a tone would have been nothing but fakeness, but being disrespectful was a fast-track to the grave. The monster regarded her Master evenly as he spoke, her eyes uncomfortably, inhumanly not leaving his own. There was no natural urge for her to only maintain eye contact for brief intervals like with the human mind -- instead her beastly golden eyes bored into Evan, taking one more draw of her disproportionately large pipe.

Then, a flicker caught her eye. A fire deep in Evan's gaze, something distinctly inhuman, a desire that surpassed the bounds of acceptability among his kind.

'A good look.'

"You need not concern yourself. Honor, pride, there is no place for such things when one has a goal. You either attain, or you do not. You wish to be the thief, as do I. Although what we intend to steal are likely different things, we can nonetheless reach an agreeable partnership with that idea as the basis," she said in an almost professional manner, painting a dissonant image with her small appearance. No place for honor or pride, she had said. For that reason, she accepts a human as her Master. That look of his was enough to earn her momentary favor.

Naturally, she had her questions about their circumstances -- the Grail did indeed seem to be in a 'growing' phase, not quite yet well defined in its own system, yet even still, should something such as herself be summonable within the system? A minor conundrum. The opportunity was there, but the fact it was present at all was something to be on guard about. She pressed on anyway, pushing her thoughts to the side for the moment.

"I will not prioritise my comfort in this moment. We are both here for a reason, and even with our conflicting natures, I will not demand you attend to my comforts before the job before us. You have your schemes and conditions, Magus. I would hear them, so I can respond in kind."

She was not a 'king'. The presence about her was all wrong, as likely noticed by Evan. It was more like an oyabun, or a mafia boss. Careful in her wording, but not imperious, an undercurrent of fear-inspiring ferocity lining her otherwise perfectly calm voice, an ever-present threat of violence. It could not be said to be directed at Evan, as much as it was everything, regarding the world around her as an obstacle towards her goal.

Her goal of 'Fortune'.

Once robbed of her kind, a dire fate imposed upon them, but it was not one which she would allow to dictate her. She would be an Oni, but an Oni who rejected her fate, who would find riches among an existence of poverty, even if it is only a slum fortress.

"We shall get right to business, Master."

"Fantastic."

That glint in the alchemist's eyes had remained even after he stopped speaking, nodding slightly in response to the Assassin. It was for the best that she seemed willing to work with him. His mind was already running with thoughts. Yes, this partnership certainly had potential, especially when considering those preparations he'd made. Provided negotiations didn't break down at a point, this could be very much a lucrative venture.

"In that case, I'll start by clearing up my priorities." He spoke back up, his tone not changing from that almost airheaded flow that it possessed initially, but with a manic steel behind it. "My goal's to turn a profit. Obviously the end goal's the Grail, both so I can use it to do that and so that you can get whatever your wish is, but that does mean I'll have secondary goals around that. This place is one hell of a business opportunity, we've got high-rank magi from across the world all assembling here for some reason. Their Mystic Codes, their Magic Crests, their bodies, all of those are valuable to me if we can get our hands on them. And it's probably impossible, but if we can somehow steal these 'Noble Phantasms'? Ideal."

A brief shrug accompanied the last of those remarks. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what the nature of this sort of conflict or the beings within were just yet. He doubted even those designers of the ritual were, given the hazy nature of the ritual itself. In that regard, it was better to stay fluid for the time being, spend this chunk of time trying to understand the situation properly and then move from there.

Moving for the kill immediately, especially with an Assassin-class Servant, could result in doing away with a few competitors from the get-go, but it would leave them at a disadvantage in the long term. And with the sheer number of magi in this conflict, even only the ones Evan knew about, that was something he refused to take the chance of.

"This shouldn't cause us problems, since taking from our enemies means weakening their fighting force, and weakening them means we get closer to the Grail, so the goals align in the end. I don't plan on risking the war to turn a quick buck, but I just wanna be up front about what my goals are."

The light in his eyes seemed to recede slightly in time with the shifting topics. With that having been said, the next immediate matter was to inform Assassin about what his plans for the war were, most particularly for this day. But in addition to that-

"...ah, right, there are some others I'd like you to meet."

And so, as those 'others' made an appearance within the workshop, he spoke. Of his abilities, of his preparations, of his ideas and aspirations now that he knew of the Servant he had summoned. Of the Masters they he had obtained information on, their abilities and the concerns he had for each of them. Of the considerations he had, for today as well as for the rest of the war.

It wouldn't do if he was the only one with information, after all.

The glowing symbols continued to grow until the entire room was filled with a harsh light, near the symbols a figure began to take its form piece by piece. As the light began to dissipate a woman could now be seen standing in the previously empty bar. Looking at her hand the woman appeared to be slightly confused at the summoning. Ody… Is it really you? A voice rang through her head, one that was not hers. Yeah. It sure has been a while… Athena. She greeted the invisible woman, the voice that only she could hear. Her love. The disorientated expression eased into one of relief, perhaps even one of content. A soft smile spread across her face, What’s happened to my body? It did not feel entirely foreign to her but she could tell it was definitely not hers to begin with. This vessel has been summoned in my likeness, it has connected the two of us once again despite the circumstances. With those words from Athena, her face suddenly grew serious. Right. Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, we are here for a reason after all. She looked towards the figure that had brought her to this place.

“So I take it you are my master huh?” She asked the question in a rhetorical manner, really it was just to get past pleasantries, what she really wanted to say was “Thank you.” With a gentle smile she gave a short bow of respect to the man who had summoned her, perhaps it was unintentional, perhaps he was attempting to summon someone else. It did not really matter for her as she was the result. Hmmm, how should I introduce myself...


He was in awe. he had done it! He had accomplished a feat that many magus would only dream of achieving. He had summoned a hero of legend! He was not sure from the get go who it would be but now she stood before him. A woman, the sight of which did not deter him. The masked man let out a shocked gasp as he stumbled slightly, advancing towards her before stepping back. he was silent as she spoke, breathing deeply as he looked her up and down. This was a hero of legend. he let out a slight chuckle from behind the mask, his eyes wide and his hair ruffled from the summoning.



She thought about the current situation as she slowly made her way over to what was seemingly bottles of alcohol, knowledge of this era was trickling into her mind as it settled itself. She picked up two bottles, one in each hand and silently made her way over to her master, she was aware that her purpose was to fight in this grail war, however perhaps that could wait just a moment. “I am Athena, it seems like I have been summoned into the Archer class. Shall we drink to our meeting, Master?” She held out one of the bottles she was holding, awaiting her master to take it from her.



"Ah! yes, I believe you could call me that!" he announced with enthusiasm and excitement obvious in his tone. "You don't have to call me master of course but the formality is understandable." His accent was clear and defined each word with a German hint. Athena. That name made him freeze and widen his eyes yet again. The Goddess of Wisdom. He had summoned a deity. How? He had underestimated himself clearly. Eyes glued to his hands in awe he looked up as she offered him one of the bottles. "Athena, Goddess of Wisdom! It...it's an honour to summon such a revered figure!" Although it was masked he was smiling sincerely and with clear joy. "A drink!" His mask opened up to reveal a slot to his mouth, taking the bottle up he uncorked it and poured some down. "It is a pleasure to meet you! I am just, so happy to encounter such an outstanding figure!" he looked around for something to offer. "I hope the drink is to your liking."



A-are you sure this is alright Ody? Athena was a bit worried about the choice that had been made. Of course, after all it isn’t exactly lying is it? With both your body and mind being present I think it would be fair to say that our master really has summoned Athena, I just happen to be acting on your behalf. She joined her master in their drink before responding. “The pleasure is all mine master, and this drink is more than satisfying.” She looked at the bottle in her hand, alcohol had changed a lot since she had last tasted it and the variety of the modern era was quite interesting. “It is quite nice to hear that my name is so respected even now. What is your name? If you do not mind me asking master.” She spoke softly, clearly in high spirits at her masters reaction but remaining composed and dignified. Ok, I suppose this is fine. Just don't do anything weird.

---

All wrong. There were far too many.

Reiki spun around and around in her grandfather's office chair with a troubled look on her face. At the same time, she gave the grocer a warm smile as he bagged her fresh fruit. Meanwhile, she observed the numerous magi operating in Fuyuki. Far too numerous. Surely they couldn't all have been mobilized under one Master? If so, even the mighty Matou would likely crumble. But no, each was distinct, operating in their own way or in small groups. There was only one conclusion that could be reached from her observations of the many magi and occasional heroic spirits now active in and around town. The number of participants had increased.

"This is a really awful development, Lancer." She swivelled to look at the woman who sat on top of the desk. Reiki's desk, now that the house was empty.

Just as she made eye contact with her Servant, Reiki heard the front door open and then close as "Reiki" entered the house carrying groceries. She walked into the kitchen, placed her bags on the counter, and collapsed into a mass of worms which hastily dispersed to their hiding places. "Likely so, but those without strength will quickly fall in the chaos, and just one will be left, no matter the starting number." Her Servant stood from the desk and walked to the window. In theory, such an action could be described as absent-minded, but Lancer always seemed to consciously decide on everything she did. "Make no mistake about my power. Unless my wish can be granted in the midst of battle, I will be the last one standing."

Her Servant's death-wish. Even if it was troublesome, she had to respect Lancer's desires or there could be no partnership. "Well, I hope you can get what you want, but don't forget about me, okay?" She gave the woman a smile from behind, which shrunk somewhat as the thing she had been tracking reached within a few blocks of the manor. "Anyhow, it seems like there's a-"

"-A bird familiar bearing a letter." Lancer interrupted.

Reiki nodded wordlessly. She had seen the creature approach through her worms, but how had Lancer taken notice? Did the protective runes she had placed on the property extend that far, or was she making use of "Clairvoyance" or "Presence Detection" or something else along those lines. She couldn't be sure Lancer also somehow knew that the familiar in question had originated from Ryuudou Temple, but she wouldn't be surprised. Her intent had been to summon the Hound of Culann, but she had gotten lucky and ended up with a Servant with really amazing versatility. In any case, she sent a few flying units to carefully take hold of the messenger's payload. Once the winged worms carried the letter into the mansion, the bird turned back the way it had come, seemingly having satisfied the parameters of its mission. A moment after, Lancer opened the window and received the envelope from the worms. Reiki noticed her Servant raise an eyebrow as she glanced at the seal on the front. After a moment, she handed over the item, which Reiki took to mean that it contained no dangerous magical traps. Observing that Lancer's attention must have been grabbed by the runes covering the wax seal, Reiki produced a letter opener from a drawer and laid the message flat on the desk. "We're in luck, Lancer." Her face lit up as she read over the formal letter. "A Master in a favourable position is proposing an alliance."

"Dealing with the modern is your field of work. Just remember that at the very least, their Servant must eventually fall."

Always saying things to dampen her mood, that Lancer. Couldn't she enjoy the idea of some peaceful cooperation for even-

"Oh! She's found Shinji!" Reiki broke out into a joyous smile. "Well, there's no question about it now. I'd better write her back and invite her here for this afternoon." Reiki sat cross-legged in the swivel-chair, brought out a pen and paper, and got to work.

---

---

The response, a sealed letter bearing a wax seal of her Master's coat of arms, was carried off to the Temple by a group of winged insects. Lancer stood outside, leaning against the manor's front door while Reiki- the real Reiki, arranged chairs, a table, and a tablecloth in a small gazebo in the Matous' well-kept garden. The thing was located about halfway through the house's defences, such that they could invite their potential ally in as a show of trust while still leaving space behind for a retreat where it would be difficult to follow. Once Reiki seemed satisfied with the display, Lancer quickly moved to that point and scratched a few concealed runes in select places as preparation for conflict. This was almost over-caution. Playing it safe could get old quickly, but worse still was carelessly falling to an avoidable fate. For now, this house was her Land of Shadows and the other Servants were the spirits who sought to invade it. After all, killing gods and killing heroes were two different affairs entirely, and one couldn't always be relied on to be easier than the other.

"The preparations are complete. If there's nothing else, I'll remain on watch from the roof." She stepped back toward the manor, and after a moment she tensed her legs and-

"Oh, Lancer?"

She stopped.

"I know you said you didn't like anything else in the wardrobe, but since we're having guests, do you think you could look again?"

She sighed. Her Master's potential as a warrior would be best summed up as "a negative number."

"I will make an effort."

Nonetheless, she had grown a bit fond of the girl.

A shocked expression came across Gin's face the moment the Servant appeared, Tequila in hand. Of course, Gin's expectations had dropped a moment earlier when he heard the song and dance that accompanied the howling wind as he summoned his Servant. Many questions popped up in his head, such as Did I mess up the ritual?, What kind of ass-kicking warrior is this?, and Did I even summon a warrior?. Gin's mouth tried to utter words, his eyes twitching as he attempted to actually communicate one of these questions to what appears to be his Servant.

And then, about a minute later, words...

"Y-You... You can summon your own alcohol?!"

Gin crumbled to the ground, burying his head into his arms as he beat the floor with the bottom of his fist. Yes, out of all the questions he could have asked, it's if his Servant can summon his own alcohol. To Gin, it was an important oversight. Nobody told him that Heroic Spirits can summon their own alcohol. If he had known that, then Gin wouldn't have spent four month's worth of his allowance on that one bottle of sake.

Finally recovering from his woes after a moment of sad rumination, Gin sat back up, dusting himself off. "So, you're my Servant, then," Gin had asked, pulling his sleeve back on. "What the hell are you supposed to be? Servant Drinker? Look, I could have used that drinking skill of yours when I was in charge of rigging that drinking competition weeks ago, but I need a Servant who can actually fight!" Once his yukata had been properly adjusted, Gin stood up, pointing a finger at his Servant. "So! Show me what you can d-d... what?"

Gin had looked to the top of his hand with a dumbfounded expression on his face as he gazed upon his command spells.

"O-o... ochinchin?"

Gin found himself crumbled on the floor, once again, softly weeping to himself. The Grail is playing tricks on him...

Seeing that his contractor didn't seem to want any alcohol, though he was crying about alcohol for some damn reason, Archer proceeded to knock back another bottle of the same class as its predecessor, treating it as he had the other in tossing it behind him to shatter once he had finished it. A satisfied moan left him as he went out of his way to force his body to absorb the liquor faster than any mortal man could have, his expression split by a lazy grin as the familiar haze of drunkenness settled over his mind.

"Theeeere we go. Testin', testin', one two three. Donnie, I got a line?"

_{"Gotcha loud and clear, Chi."}

After taking the time to converse aloud with an unknown presence by the apparent name of 'Donnie', whom Gin was unable to see, hear, or anything along those lines, Archer took a few stumbling steps forwards, looking his Master over with an almost skeptical look as the latter wept in place.

"Eh, guess you'll do kid. Alright, listen here 'cause I ain't gonna say it twice. Name's Chiron, guess ya'd call me Servant Archer. If ya mix me up with the wise teacher prick then I'll deck ya, I'm that OG god. If ya summoned the hero me, ya'd be shit outta luck."

After taking a moment to consider the fact that "OG" was not a term that existed in the nineteenth century, and another moment to feel some silent annoyance at the irrelevance of the time axis to his source's existence, Archer heaved out a sharp exhale before continuing. It went without saying that said exhale reeked of booze.

"What can I do? Kid, weren't ya listening to that musical number? Ya just got yourself a one-way ticket ta victory. I scream at people and they die, I make booze without payin' for it, I do a little dance and then shit gets real crazy, believe you me."

"These, uh, Noble Phantasm things? Easy. First one's I make ya into a hero, either ya become the fuckin' strong, or ya die. And no, I ain't usin' it on you yet. Way ya are now, ideal self's too weak, ya gotta build the fundamentals more so I have somethin' to jack up, or it's not worth it. Second one's my cave. I find a place, I make it, I hang out there. There's, uh, some other shit it does, but we'll get ta that later."

Seemingly ignoring the crisis that his Master was undergoing, Archer wordlessly hefted the poor sap up and lifted him over his short squatty shoulder. "Stop fuckin' moping. You can see what I do when we get into fights, so let's go explore. Holin' up here's boring, we'll find somewhere I can set up my cave, but till then we've gotta live a little. Gotta get a feel for the local bar scene so I know where ta set up my cave too, anyway."

Uttering these words, the Archer departed from the yakuza safehouse, Master in tow, and began his exploration of Miyama's bars.

This, for the whole, went as one would expect. He began examining Miyama for any and all bars, but after several minutes of dragging his deadbeat Master around and feeling the minute presences of nearby Servants who had likely been recently summoned, he chose to tap into his own abilities, granting himself far-sight and moving onto a building to speed this process up, ignorant to what people might think of a fat man on a building roof in broad daylight.

A mere moment later, the synthesis of his sight as an Archer and his senses as a Servant allowed him to reach the startling conclusion that in a nearby bar which looked to be anything but booming, the telltale presence of a Servant was present.

One could expect what happened next.

"Hey, kid, looks like another team's already partyin'! We ain't gonna lose to them!"

This realization stoking Archer's rampant alcoholism, he proceeded to dart off, Master in tow, towards the nearby bar. The Master and Servant within it would have perhaps a scant moment of sensing the approaching presence before the door to the bar slammed open, revealing Chiron and his Master as the former straddled in.

"Yo, barkeep, get me a bucket filled with grain alcohol, and the kid can get a sippy cu-"

Archer's voice died off in his throat mid-sentence as he gaped forwards at the interior of the bar. Not only was he shocked because there was no barkeep, but because of the individuals within this sad excuse for a bar. He was so shocked, in fact, that he dropped the yakuza who had been hoisted onto his shoulder, letting him fall to the floor haplessly, as he strode forwards and pointed at the Servant present.

Yes, after all, the person there could not be that woman. As a Divine Spirit who had been summoned, Archer knew this better than anyone else, and so facing someone wearing the appearance of that woman, he reacted in the only way that he knew how.

"Who the fuck are ya and why're ya cosplaying as my hoor niece?!"

Cold.

It just had to be cold, didn’t it?

Compared to the temperance of her home, the cold of Japan was almost inhospitable. Someone who had never seen snow in their life was almost chilled to the bone in her military officer outfit, the vivid blue standing out as if a beacon of sorts that seemed to display a degree of confidence in her actions, despite her shivering body, her arms folded upon her chest. Attached to her back, as one might expect some sort of rifle, instead was replaced with some sort of matte black bag with a reinforced sling strung around her shoulders.

However, she had to fulfill the purpose she was asked to perform. The Matou were a friend of her Father; an old “business partner” of sorts. Kindred spirits who sought the same end result. They kept in contact, and a request to participate in a “Magi’s War” was presented to the “Inheritors of the Legacy”. And selected from them, much to the shock of her siblings, was none other than herself. The “black sheep” of the project, and the one no one ever believed would amount to anything. Perhaps she would continue this perspective, but she had a degree of determination to put all descentors their place.

This was a war. And to be safe in a war is never an option. It is possible, however, to remove risk as it appears. Entering the city in her state might cause some people to turn heads; a foreigner showing up unannounced the day a backwater tournament were to occur might cause some heads to turn, though considering her rather small profile, and small profile, she might be overlooked. The risk was still there though.

So doing the sensible thing, she entered the shed of a random farmer she observed carting away grain to presumably sell at a market and made use of his rather weathered-looking shed.

Right before Benita was attempting to summon her Servant, a buzzing noise went off. An item she was given before this war had begun. A simple object resembling some sort of receiver. A mystic code of sorts that allowed for conversation between any two holding one of these devices. As per this mission, she had been given a support team that were either observing the war, or assisting in other ways. And giving the situation, she knew exactly who it would be this time.


“Howdy there,” the man on the other line stated as if it were the most natural thing in the world. However, even with his rather comedic get-up, his voice appeared to slur slightly, as if England had not been his primary language.

“I see you made it to the entry-point in one piece. Already off to a good start, ain’t ch’ya miss.”

“Yes, I have arrived at Fuyuki, currently on the outskirts near the farmlands.”

“Excellent. You’re, uhh, big musical doo-hicky should have arrived at the Matou house by now. I made sure it was in one piece before I shipped it for ya’.”

“Piano,” Benita said, rather monotonously.

“Come again?”

“It is a piano. It isn’t a “musical doo-hicky.”

“Well of course, little miss,

Little.

That word. He just had to use that word.

“I don’t have time to play your games, “Wild Miller”. If you don’t have anything useful for me, I’m hanging up.”

The word little was a rather upsetting term for someone like Benita to hear. Whereas her siblings might have been a lot taller than her, she was only 148cm tall, which did give her a rather childlike appearance. While one might expect her to perhaps grow during her life, she was at the end of her development cycle after she had been born, so it was not as if she could rely too much upon genetics there.

“Right-o. Straight to the point. Can’t say I don’t like something like that,” “Wild Miller” said to Benita, seemingly laughing in bemusement at her something befuddled state.”Now the objective of this mission is to gain the Holy Grail. I would have gotten you a catalyst, but the one we were supposed to ship from that “Lord Brittan” guy appears to have been stolen, so you will have to make due with what you have. Supplies might be limited, but if I got something I could always send it over at request. It might just take a bit of time to do that. Aside from that, you are to protect the Matou estate from any dangers, and that includes Mr. Matou’s dog. It was specifically requested, after all. Shouldn’t be too difficult, even for someone like yourself.”

“Oh? And what the hell is that supposed to mean? I’m don’t believe in playing flashy anyway, and ‘that’ Servant likely would not have been a good match for me anyway.”

“Then go, let the legend come to life.”

Infuriating. That man, according to Benita’s few moments spend speaking with him, appeared to be a nuisance, but there was no point in looking a gift horse in the mouth. Especially if that gift horse might actually have gifts.

Either way, it was time to summon. Etching upon the floor her circle, which took little more than a few moments. Standing outside the summoning circle, like you should with a summoning circle, Benita began to chant. And at the end of this chanting came a ray of life that washed over everything around her.

And standing in the middle of the circle was a tall man, whose body seemed to glow even brighter than the flash of light from her summoning.

@Breo