Welcome.

As a Master, you have entered this city to obtain the Holy Grail, and with it, the title of Second Owner of Paris. As a result, your goal can be said to be the elimination of all candidates other than yourself. Only through unquestionable victory may your desires be realized.

For these eight days, the eyes of the Holy See, of the Mage's Association, and of the myriad forces of the Moonlit World are all fixed upon Paris. To a magus, this land alone is enough to die for. Its prestige and history matches that of Rome and London, and its quality as a spiritual land can be considered unsurpassed in all the world. Without a doubt, any magus who were to own this land, regardless of blood or prior standing, could stand alongside even the greatest magi of the Association without a single worry.

Compared to such a thing, the device purported to grant any wish is but a mere afterthought to most.

Nonetheless...

Night has fallen. Your preparations have been made. Your status as a Master has either been cemented at this time, or shall be within the coming moments.

There is no grand mission at stake, save for that which you appoint to yourself. Do not veil over your desires with mere sophistry- your ideal future stands before you, and so you must reach forwards, and take it with both hands.

Charge forward into the night, and take this city- take your city. Burn up brilliantly in pursuit of your goals. The Moonlit World watches on with bated breath, awaiting the appearance of a new king.

Welcome to the First Holy Grail War for the 727th Holy Grail.

May your dreams give birth to a miracle.

Tenryuu Gensai
The Heart - Near Hospital Mercie

---

"Aaah... This sucks. Shoulda gone underground instead." Tenryuu shook the flask in annoyance, before stuffing it into her bag.

"Ara, the amoeba managed to use its single brain cell to think that up after I suggested it." The tall woman with the straight bobcut laughed slightly, putting up a hand towards her mouth as her sharp eyes seemed to pierce through Tenryuu's very soul. Her very outfit screamed personal maid, as well as implying wealth for Tenryuu for being able to afford a personal maid. "How great for you, Mistress. You're one step closer to being as intelligent as a monkey."

"Urgh... what sort of maid are you, Chii? Aren't you supposed to serve me?" Tenryuu turned around, mumbling under her breath. "Should just go home back to my family, if you're gonna be a pa- NYEURGH!"

"Hah? Did I hear that correctly? You, of all people, complaining about my presence?" Chii pinched Tenryuu's cheeks and pulled hard enough to hurt, only letting go when she was sure she had all of Tenryuu's attention. "Who was it that dragged me all the way out here? Oh, and that bawling as you tried to convince them to let me go with you..."

"Ah...that was.." She hugged herself as she seemed to shiver, before continuing with a pitying disgusted gaze on Tenryuu. "..truly disgusting. Well, you protozoan of a Mistress, I am here and I will not return home until after you realize this is a fools errant and return home with your tails between your legs."

"Urgh... I know that, just shut up already." Tenryuu rubbed her cheeks before moving down the streets. "Saber, anything strange yet? We might just be scouting the area for now, but there might be other Masters with the same idea, so keep an eye out for them."

Well... if they did manage to find her, she'd just have to show them what she can do, wouldn't she? She pulled on the gloves a little tighter in anticipation as she walked down the street. The streets were a little crowded, but with a little help and some creative routes, she was sure they could find a small place for them fight in if need be. Not that she was very worried of being attacked, considering how big on secrecy magus usually were and the amount of people walking around right now.

Everything had went almost smoothly, the wards and bounded fields has been set up, and the summoning went rather well all things considered. She did not really know what to expect, but it seems she managed to snag some pretty strong Servant. The war was on to a good start already, and soon she could prove to her family that she wasn't making a mistake. At the very least, she could demonstrate that she was strong enough and educated enough to be treated like a proper magus now. But if she could somehow snag the win, well, she'd be going home a hero.

"Tsc! It's time for us to get going, Berserk--" Madhisi said as she came out of her hideout -- or should she call it home now that she lost everything else? The slightly dark-skinned woman came to a halt, propping herself as she felt a sharp pain running up her arm. The after effects of summoning were still fresh and her connection to this "Servant" was way more excruciating than she imagined it would be.

Was this the stake of which a mage of this "Association", was willing to go in order to participate in this conflict? Even thinking about this made her stomach turn. Such a thing has to be stopped before anyone else loses everything they find dear to themselves. That's the only thing that mattered.

"Let's get going, Berserker. You have plenty of fighting to do before the day breaks," Madhisi said as she steadied herself and began to walk away amidst the looming dark and decadent streets, pulling the hood of a jacket she got from one of the other homeless people that lived in the same building as she over her head and clutching her arm.

This had to end and she was sure to make it to, even if it was the last thing she'd do in her life. Mahisi thought so as she went towards the Canal District, one of the parts of the city that were isolated enough that other Master would think of going there to fight away from prying eyes. Behind her were only her Servant, one of the golems she managed to finish already, and the weight of everything she lost.

---

---

---

Hemlock flicked the latch on the window, letting a dove fly in from outside and land on his finger.

"...I see. That man is entirely uninteresting."

The familiar left the way in had come, and its creator closed the window once more. The last remnants of the wind that had been let it caused the curtains to sway back and forth, as well as the cloths covering a few easels stationed around the room. Hemlock turned around and looked over his recently-created workshop. It was beautiful, and that was what mattered. Beauty was necessary to create beauty. Aside from candles, the only source of light in the rather high-quality venue he had procured was the moon shining in through a massive window, which also gave a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower. One of the covered easels was just next to that window, a barely-started project in which he would be pushed to his limits to portray one of the greatest constructions of mankind. The magus moved to a fine wooden desk and took an object wrapped in white cloth from one of the drawers. Unfolding the wrappings revealed a chunk of wood that had once been part of a certain city's gate.

"Which side will my hero hail from? I wonder..."

Hemlock walked to the centre of the room. The many canvases were arranged around this spot, making it simply perfect, and before him was a complex marking made with drops of mercury. He placed the chunk of wood at his feet and extended one arm towards the circle, which began to emit light.

"Fill, fill, fill, fill, and fill..."

As the chant continued, that light grew brighter with each verse, and fog began to waft from the mercury.

"...Raise a wall against the wind that shall fall. Close the four cardinal gates..."

That fog completely obscured the summoning circle, where the body of an ancient hero began to take form.

"...An oath shall be sworn here! I shall attain the beauty of Heaven, and cast aside the unsightly evils of Hell..."

A powerful wave of air threatened to blow Hemlock off his feet, but he stood strong.

"...Come forth from the ring of restraint, Protector of the Balance!"

And with that, the summoning was complete.

...Did it work?

West End of Montmartre: Family-rented house.

---

Wynter's mind was going 100mph as it finally began to sink in that she was a part of the now started war. She thought back to the preparations she had made on her father's behalf to begin working out a plan. It was common knowledge that three powerful mages would be participating, but she didn't have access to their names, which scared her greatly. Since Archer was summoned with his own weapon(s), she decided to take the gun used as the summoning catalyst (a Colt 1851 Navy Revolver) and hide it on her person. Taking the lead on things was new to her and although she was a fast learner her inexperience only brought more worry to her.

... She should probably learn to use it soon, but that was pushed aside in favor of scoping out the local area for other Masters and Servants. Then again, perhaps they should simply use the night catching Archer up on details of the city?

"Hey, Archer? What do you think we should do?" She didn't want to just force him to go along with her nor did she have the confidence to do so, so she simply gave away the decision making to him. She was far too stressed to make a sound decision.

---

Saber marched silently by his Master's side, in spiritual form. Of course, he could always materialize, but a construction worker walking with a maid and an armored knight may raise some questions. Either way, being seen did not matter to Saber, at least in this sort of situation. It's better that his Master had little attention to herself, anyway. It would be troublesome if she was one of the first magi outed, after all.

As he surveyed the streets of the city while Tenryuu conversed with Chii, Saber began to muse a bit about his current situation. The one who had summoned and made a contract with him was very strange for a magus, expecting someone more lordly to bring him about. At the same time, Saber was also a bit pleased by the outcome, his Master's direct, headstrong attitude aligning with his own. The maid, on the other hand, was a bit of a curiosity. Sporting the personality of a snarky woman with a colorful vocabulary, Saber would sometimes wonder if the maid was the "true" Master, and not the stubborn young woman who had brought him to this world once again.

... and for some reason, the maid seemed awfully familiar. Whatever the case may be it probably doesn't matter, now.

"I don't see anything strange so far. If we do find someone, how should I engage?" Saber asked, curious about his Master's plans. It was the first night of the Holy Grail War, and they have only little knowledge of who they may be facing. Tonight would best be used to gather as much knowledge they can on their enemies, lest they risk swift defeat. "If we're going to fight, we should aim for small skirmishes, at least so we can learn about who we're up against. If this is truly a battle of heroes, then those we face shouldn't be weak enough to be killed on the first night." Indeed, Saber wished that he would find a worthy opponent tonight, one that he could even call his rival. If this war was truly one fought by the brightest stars of humanity, then crushing them all underneath his boot will definitely earn Saber a victory he could be proud of.

---

...the chance is minute. I will likely die here. What descends upon this land is a swarm of genuine magi, of storied families bred for research and war. The theory behind what they utilize certainly has me outclassed, the refinement of their foundations is likely leagues beyond the parlor tricks I throw around, and even if they are magi, I am certain no shortage of them have learned of combat. That young girl is not one I had information regarding, and even she had a presence mired in 'death' enough to make my eye sting.

Pale hands wrung together, the visage of an elderly man walking forwards, lines of thought creasing into his face.

Not to mention, the Servants. My own Servant is mighty, to be sure, but we could not prepare a catalyst. What if another had managed to obtain a scrap of the Nemean Lion's pelt, a shard of the Round Table, a chip of the grand Oliphant? I should hope that my partner, for all his abilities, is not at the bottom, but nor should I expect him to accord me any advantage that is not canceled out by those of the others'.

Yes, there was no doubt- if one looked at this objectively, coming here had been a fool's decision. However...

"The odds are against you. You know this. You'll be going up against killers. They won't care about you as a person, they'll just seek your death for their own goals. Are you certain you are comfortable with being selected?"

"We must send someone, after all. The youngest are too inexperienced, and ones like you are too important."

"...You're a good father, Cerzelium. Better than I."

Yes, if there was even a fraction of a chance to push the family forwards, to hope that he might witness his own descendants reach Enlightenment before his soul started to rot, then he would stake his life on that claim without a moment's hesitation. He would swallow his fear at his impending death, he would swallow his apprehension at the notion of having to kill another, and he would push forwards.

"What do you think of the city, Rider? I had the chance to familiarize myself with the lay of the land at least slightly, but if there's a sight that interests you, don't hesitate to let me know."

For now, though, it would do to simply understand the city and the hero he had summoned.

If they were disturbed, they would cross that bridge upon coming to it.

---

A hooded man stood solemnly in the dimly lit tunnel under a bustling city. The soft hum of machinery filled the otherwise silent tunnel, which was occasionally broken by the distant passing subway. The only source of light in the room was the twitching lights on the sides of the tunnel's walls, dimming slowly as the life slowly died out from the antiquated bulbs. It was a dark place, meticulously scouted out by one so brave as to walk through the many tunnels of the Paris Metro by foot, a place that could not easily be stumbled upon by the average man. It was a place suitable to serve as a workshop for a magus...

... if one were to call this hooded man a magus, that is.

Isidore pulled out a metallic canister from the gym bag slung across his shoulder. Kneeling down, he pushed a button on the side of the canister, causing a glowing sky blue liquid to be produced, a compound consisting of Mercury, Actinium, and [ELEMENT UNKNOWN]. As Isidore poured the compound on the ground, he made sure to trace it meticulously, shaping it into a ritual circle. The process was slow and careful, with Isidore making sure that the circle was shaped correctly while using as little of the compound produced from the canister as possible. It would be troublesome if he ran out of fuel before the war came to a conclusion, after all.

Once that was complete, Isidore placed the canister back in his bag before producing another object, a pair of ancient leather armbands with black blotches on them, stains of blood. They belonged to his ancestor, the first Gavros to enter the Atlas Temple in a bygone age. The bands were soaked with the sweat of the first Gavros, who sought to perfect the ancient art of Pankration. Using these armbands as a catalyst, Isidore's intentions were to draw upon another master of the martial arts his family practiced. Not only did Isidore wish to compare the work of the Gavros to one who had also practiced the art in ancient times, but he had also wished to summon a shining example of humanity in order to perhaps emulate. Of course, this meant he had a specific Servant in mind. Placing the armbands in the center of the circle before stepping back, Isidore pulled his hood down, pointing an outstretched metallic palm towards the circle.

"Heed my words. My will creates your body..."

---

^{Montmarte - Sacre Coeur Basilica.
Minutes before sundown}

Mentions: Tristan (@KoL)

---

Paris. The capital city of France. The city of love, and home of many cultural heritages. An ancient place, where every stone in the streets houses so many stories that it'd take decades to learn of what happened on an alleyway. And, most importantly, a land of such an unparalleled quality for a magus that anyone would do anything for the mere chance of holding it. Anything.

Thinking in hindsight, it came to no surprise to Yazhu why her family did what they did. After all, what's a blot of blood in a family's deeds with such a reward in their sights? The Jins could even be blamed for being so careless and trusting of their subordinates with something as important as a shard of the Round Table. Generations upon generations of deceased magus must have settled on an amphitheater in the afterlife to welcome the arriving soul of the Master that never came to be with outstretched fingers and howling laughter.

Yet, it didn't sit right in any way. For her, the woman who was sent on behalf of a traitorous family simply because she was the most capable of them all, it was a stain that could never be erased and that she could do nothing about. She was roped in machinations and thrown into France with enough money to get by the following days, an apology as they had to do it all under the eyes of the Jins and a warning to stay away from the Foreign District, just in case. They may as well have given her a jacket lined with explosives.

The melancholic sound of a harp reached her ears from behind her. At least, she wasn't alone in this. Even if he was bound to her because of the nature of this war, knowing that she had one of the Knights of the Round Table protecting her was enough to calm her down. It was an odd situation, in hindsight, and Yazhu had to be honest with herself in that she didn't know what to do. This was the opposite of her life's work, and she was barely able to cope up with it.

She hoped that Tristan hadn't noticed just how much his Master was a fish out of water. The summoning process on itself was, thankfully, without any sort of damage to her room thanks to the detailed instructions in the note from her father, and the shock from having a legendary hero in front of her wasn't as great as she thought it would've, but it was nevertheless impressive. After a long while composed of introductions and Yazhu asking questions to the Archer in order to fill the blanks her family had failed to inform her of, the chinese woman had declared that they'd set out to explore the city to know the ground they'd be treading better.

That was what she had said at the moment, but there was an underlying reason for that request as well. Something that she was still trying to wrap her head around at this moment, and something that she couldn't get out of her mind as she experienced the french capital: She wasn't going to see this city the same way in the following days, or even for the rest of her life. This was her last chance to see the city with normal eyes, and take the sights it had to offer her. Tristan himself had a few suggestions as to where he wanted to go, and she was more than happy to oblige.

And now, atop the central dome of the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the highest point that the building had to offer, they were both waiting for the night to arrive. The sun, a painfully slow pendullum of the impending doom and the unseen war that was about to sully the streets of Paris, slowly pulled the thin blanket of light that it had cast over the buildings hours ago, buildings that refused to yield to the darkness and lit sparks of orange amidst the sea of darkness. Tristan played a gentle tune as the minutes until the start of the war ticked down. They hadn't spoken much since they arrived: she was absorbing her new situation whilst looking at that picture in her wallet and he was playing his harp. But Yazhu had a pit inside of her chest that she wanted to share, something she had come to realize after all of today.

"To die and to be killed..." she spoke out to her red-haired compation, lifting her gaze from the face of her niece towards the last remains of sunlight and safety disappearing in the horizon. "At first, they seemed like the same thing to me. But they're much more different than I thought. Before this, I could've died because I was meant to protect someone. Now, I'm gonna be killed because of who and what I am." Her gloved hands folded her wallet and placed into one of the pockets of the voluminous black coat she was wearing, her only protection from the cold winds of such a high place.

The former bodyguard turned to face her Servant before making her request. "It feels odd asking for this, but could you please protect me from that fate? There's someone I have to get back to later". His answer came alongside the moonlight, prompting Yazhu to pull out a watch to check on the time. "I'll be counting on you... Archer" she responded. The use of the term was necessary, but it left a bad taste in her mouth. It made him feel alien to her and, despite all, it reminded her of just how truly alone she was in this war. "Lead the way, I'll be with you. At the very least, I'd like to be of use to you".

@Unoedipal


“Paris is a lot different than when I was walking the world. To think that humans had tamed what was once thought impossible; from the skies to the ocean’s great waves. I’m genuinely impressed with the modern man. I care not where we go. I am just satisfied we have left that dreary place.”

Though the tone which Sylvester stated his claim seemed monotonous and without much conviction, he seemed genuine in his appreciation. After all, the story of Sylvester II was a story of sacrifice to obtain knowledge and power. Though to him, he cared not about the power for himself.

A scholar who worked tirelessly to obtain what was the “truth” of the world. Perhaps, then, he could empathize with the magi who had summoned him and his Heroic Spirit ensemble to the world once more to take part in the Grail War. After all, to reach the swirl of the root was something all magi strove for, just as ravenous for knowledge as Sylvester had been in life.

“I had promised to win you a Grail War, Master. And that is what I’ll do. With my own two hands, I shall grasp victory for you. After all, I have a stake in this war as well. Toget-”

That was when a sound had cut off Sylvester’s train of thought, coming from seemingly nowhere, yet apparent all the same.

“You mean our hands, right?”

After a few moments of contemplating the voice’s words, closing his eyes in thought for but a fraction of a second before shortly opening them.

“Of course. Our hands.”

Taking but a few moments to get back to the topic he was previously on, and the question that his Master had asked of him, Sylvester continued.

“I suppose I care not where we go, Master. I am content almost anywhere. Though my wife might not particularly care much for “anywhere”. Perhaps you know of a nice place we could enjoy ourselves? I do have to take the missus out occasionally, right?”

Tristan’s words came out in a gentle and yet unbearably sad voice, melancholy carrying on the same wind that took out the notes from Failnaught’s strings as he listened to his Master’s thoughts. He didn’t play or recite this story for his own good. The sadness and melancholy in his heart could never be soothed no matter how many ballads he sang, but the unrest that plagued his Master’s mind could and Tristan’s song was certain to bring at least a sliver of reprieve for her.

Furthermore, his song was also an elegy. A Requiem for those who forsake the tranquility of the modern world to join this war. To kill or be killed; and to the Heroic Spirits who gathered here, answering the call of the Grail, beyond the veil of time and space.


After his Master said all she had to, Tristan’s song came to its end. It was time for them to depart but first, he had a question to answer. “I do not claim to know the weight of the burden you carry. However, as one who knows the pain of not being able to see a Loved One as the breath of life left me, I make a pledge under my honor of a Knight of the Round Table,” Tristan said as he knelt by his Master and lowered his head in the same way he would do before his King. “I swear I’ll not fail you. I shall be your sword and your shield, as well as the arrow who fells your foes and carry you through this war, even if I have to forsake the chance to seek atonement by fulfilling my King’s wish,” he said as the wind blew by them.

As soon as Tristan finished his pledge he got back to his feet, once again towering over his Master. “Now it’s time for us to depart. Let us find out what manner of songs will our opponents have for us…” Tristan said. The knight excused himself before picking his Master in his arms, like one would carry his bride, before leaping away from the Basilica with all the inhuman speed and grace expected of a Servant of his caliber.

With his Master in his arms, the Archer Servant began to their search for an opponent, leaping and bounding across the streets of the Business District, always trying to take hold of the highest vantage points possible among the roofs of the many buildings that dotted the area. Their search carrying them in a zig-zag as they made their way to the Champs-Élysées, halting only if Yazhu or Tristan noticed the presence of an enemy nearby.

---

---

@SubjectVision

---

"Yes, the world truly is a beautiful place. Humanity continues moving forwards. Innovating, dreaming, casting off evils as they grasp for a reality that grows nearer and nearer. Ah, but such lofty things are a digression; forgive me, Rider, I'm far too used to speaking of such things with my family. Indeed, we have a mission in the here and now, but so too do we have a duty to enjoy our lives. I would be remiss if I did not take aims to allow you and the Lady to enjoy your life in this world to the best of my abilities."

Cerzelium couldn't help the laugh that formed in his throat at the interjection of the third voice, laugh lines carved over the course of two centuries evident on his face. At his Servant's question, though, he paused for a moment in concentration.

"I am unsure as to if we'd be able to obtain seats at this time, but if you'd care to sample the modern day's foods, I noted some areas of interest. Alternatively, this body of mine would not fit in well with 'nightlife', I am sorry to say, but if you-"

The Orchelas representative froze, his breath catching in his throat as he felt a burning sensation from the seals that had condensed when his Servant had been bound. For a moment, his heart stopped, the realization of what that meant clear to the Master. He hadn't expected it to occur so quickly, surely, but there was no doubt- a Master was nearby, and with them, a Servant likely was as well.

That terrible act, the sin of taking another life, loomed on the horizon. The mere thought made his blood run cold. His hand moved into a pocket, settling around something as if it was a security blanket, as he looked to his Servant.

"...it seems we have company. What say you, Rider? Shall we seek them out to converse, shall we retreat, or shall we begin the war in earnest?"

Raspy breathing, the click and clacking of shoes against the cobblestone street. The voice of a girl being chased, her arms and legs moving all they can to evade their pursuer.

Evil chuckles, taunts. These are things that are following her. Of course it had to be at sunset in a darkened street. A perfect place to dispose of a body.

An inhuman body.



These thoughts resounded in her head, clumsily turning a corner and lost a little bit of momentum before she nearly slid. Even though the pain in her soles became apparent with that sloppy turn, she kept running... running for dear life.

"You're not escaping me that easily, you broken doll!" The man's voice grew louder, which encouraged her to run randomly, erratically. She was scared. Passing through a still-lit lamp post, it was revealed that her arms had become steel before a dark cloak shadowed it to cover distance.



Her cottage was in sight, an old... abandoned... rickety cottage where a few slimes stood guard. In her native tongue, she commanded them to attack, one charge and nothing else while she entered the door in a hurry.

Slimes surround the cloaked man, spitting sprays of acid which burned his cloak. Forced to remove it, he proceeded to dispatch them one by one. The sound of being squashed rattled her so much more.

The interior of the cottage had a single summoning circle, thinking it best to try and summon a soul into one of her slimes so it could last a few minutes with the rogue magus chasing her. She unconsciously held her hand toward it, the hand with the Command Spells.

Before she could chant however...

...the door slams open.

With an "Eek!" the girl stumbles on her words and lies on the cold hard floor.

"It's over, girl. Might as well accept your fate." The man held his hand toward her, a finger gun. She didn't know what he planned with that but since he was a magus, she was sure it was probably a magic spell ready to execute her in one shot.



"Huh?" The man threatened, moving closer to her before he pinned her down by the neck. The finger gun he had placed was now replaced with his hand gripping on her throat. "Speak up, lady. I want you to yell it!" The man had every right to be angry. Her sister should have just killed the wife. In her rage, she killed the husband and child who were supposedly his friend.

She choked, incoherent words from her lips as she struggled but the man showed no respite. "I... don't... want... to die... please...!"

"Yeah? That's probably what he said before your own comrade decided to burn the house down! Suffer!"

Slowly, the silver on her skin turned to flesh. The light in her eyes suddenly blurring as she gripped his arm, trying to pull it away. If it meant anything, she was pinned on the summoning circle, bruised... bleeding... something that shouldn't happen to a pretty face.



"A-anyo...ne hel...p m...e."

@Indra

---

"Yes! Truly something befitting a shogun! You've outdone yourself well for a descendant who looks almost identical to me! Follow my values and you too, will become named as a Hero of Japan like myself!" Nobunaga sounded pleased, very pleased in fact. Trudging around one more lap around the embassy's yard and halls. In fact, she's kinda jealous that something this aesthetically pleasing to the eyes didn't exist in her time. Well, no time like the present! She would say.

Of course, they're under the guise of twin sisters visiting France for eight days as Foreign Dignitaries. Whatever her Shinobi of a Master did to the man in charge, it worked under their favor.

Now she sits comfortably in the soft, plushy arm-chairs of the only known place that's still Japanese in the all-Western area that is Paris, France.

"Still, it's nice to visit one of the many Western worlds. I've adapted some of their techniques and strategies but I've never really experienced or indulged in their culture before. In fact, all of them speak a language I'm not supposed to know- yet! I suddenly know it! How convenient! Convenient indeed." Nodding in her chair, probably talking to herself. Some other dignitaries might think her passionate but a little bit crazy. "Maybe tomorrow I'd like a tour of this place. One day does not satisfy me! It doesn't at all!" Of course it doesn't... but that's just one of the things that excite her.

The real excitement is after hours, looking out the window as the lights in every French abode lights up. She smiles, almost wickedly. She knows that it's during this time... the fun starts.

"Hm. It's almost time. Nobukara, I'll allow you to choose our hunting grounds this evening."

@floodtalon

Wynter Lobos

West End of Montmartre: Family-rented house.

---

Wynter's mind was going 100mph as it finally began to sink in that she was a part of the now started war. She thought back to the preparations she had made on her father's behalf to begin working out a plan. It was common knowledge that three powerful mages would be participating, but she didn't have access to their names, which scared her greatly. Since Archer was summoned with his own weapon(s), she decided to take the gun used as the summoning catalyst (a Colt 1851 Navy Revolver) and hide it on her person. Taking the lead on things was new to her and although she was a fast learner her inexperience only brought more worry to her.

... She should probably learn to use it soon, but that was pushed aside in favor of scoping out the local area for other Masters and Servants. Then again, perhaps they should simply use the night catching Archer up on details of the city?

"Hey, Archer? What do you think we should do?" She didn't want to just force him to go along with her nor did she have the confidence to do so, so she simply gave away the decision making to him. She was far too stressed to make a sound decision.

"Now here now." he interrupted the girl.

"First of all you need to decide if I’m your pardner, or I’m your servant. Don’t ask me what to do without offering nothing if I’m your pard. If I’m your servant be a bit more firm, yeah? Let’s start with that first. I’m not gonna be able to help make your decisions as much as you’d want when it comes down to the guns. I’ll help a’course, but servants are fast, servants are quick. Did I say they’re swifty too? Well, it doesn’t matter if it’s about magic or ghosts or just running from the law. You need to be able to trust your guts and learn to move and think."

"That said there’s a few things we definitely need."

"One, we need a good place to call home during this war. I forgot if you said that we still needed to find a good magical place, or if this house is a place you can work with but... You said you’re not much of a mage right? Well I’m not one either, so let’s find a place that’s alrady good for that kind of place. If you’re not good enough to build something from scratch then let’s find a good place that’s already up. It’s a big city right? There’s bound to be something big.”

At that he took a look up at the towering buildings and the skyline of paris, poking his head out of a window. The sight was something that took his breath away, even if it also invited a small touch of unease among the wonder. “Yeah, it really is big…” Compared to the frontier in actual volume and size it was nothing. But the overwhelming humanness and the jam packed nature of an old city and the modernity of humanity was in of itself massive.

“Second, we gotta work on your aim. You’re good at shooting with spells right? Then we’ll make that even better. You’ve never really fought much before right? I’ll drill ya until you could even outdo that old Pat Garret.”

He paused for a moment and then leaned in for a closer look at the girl that was the supposed mage that his time in Europe was tied to.

“Mhm, you said you never could cast a single darn spell save for that one? Is that even a thing? A one trick pony they’d call you. But the mistake is that maybe you’re not a horse or a pony at all. Maybe you’re a camel, maybe you’re even a coyote? Well, what I’m saying is maybe you’re going about it all wrong. Why is it that this spell is the only one that works? It’s a spell where you point at people and shoot right? And no other spell from your family works, right? Maybe all your magic’s in your fingers. Or maybe…”

He whips out his gun for a moment right before Wynter. The gust of wind blows her hair out of her face and he spins it in his hands before re-holstering it before she could see it, only her knowledge of his gun allowing her to recognize what he'd done and what happened.

“You’re a shooter? You got someone like me off a random old gun after all. You sure it even works as a catalyst? I don’t know how much studying it takes but we can try a few things. At the least I'll promise you'll hit your target with what you got even if we don't find nothing good or new. Now, want to take a look at the town? I haven't seen much yet. We can go after a quick bit of drilling... now where's a good empty can?"

The light of mercy that liberates the lost, perhaps perpetual liberation for the lost is this old man's fate?

What awaits in this second-chance of a life will always be God Given, I know it to be true, that even as a Servant: God is watching, he is waiting, and he is guiding me. O Lord, thy revelation has shown me delight!

O My Lost Child, you who is but an empty flask, thy world is unkind to you and I hear your cry!

I hear your voice howling to be saved!

I hear your heart beating and desiring to live!

I hear that you believe that God exists in the very depths of your mind!

I therefore answer your calling!

Golden dust dissipated as I took form and I have been summoned in this world once more. God has made me realize that a lost sheep is crying out from its bondage, like a bird in the presence of its enemies, unable to fly. I therefore appear before them, the presence of an innocent girl and its seemingly evil-doer, but fear not!

"Stand your ground Milady and rejoice in the presence of the Lord. I will deliver you from the presence of your enemies!

A second-chance in life, I believe not in the coincidence nor God assisting me not in this dubious Holy Grail War but let thy hopeless be blessed!

@Seirei no Hai

"Thank you my lord. I will do my utmost to follow in your footsteps." While she was completely monotone, her deep blush and somewhat bashful look betrayed how much she enjoyed hearing praise from her great ancestor. She still couldn't even look her in the eye, however that was certainly an improvement from when she initially summoned Nobunaga and she went into full prostration every time she was spoken to. To be able to not only speak to, but also work with the person whom she had modeled her entire life around was... well it was a dream beyond dreams. Even now she could hardly believe she was awake, she couldn't believe she was so close to... her. Admittedly that part had caught her off guard, she had not been expecting her honorable ancestor to look so much like her.

While Nobukara was of course listening intently to everything Lord Nobunaga was saying, she was also focused on the creation of new Odafuda. Many were quick fire curses, likely on the level of a Gandr or something similar, however others were made for more specific purposes. Such as the Odafuda she would be discreetly placing around the Embassy as she prepared a Bounded Field. Or the Odafuda she was making to suppress her Command Seals, thus suppressing her existence to other Masters. All in all, making these would probably take about ten minutes, time was always of the essence, especially in the middle of a war with stakes this high.

After finishing, Nobukara discreetly tucked away the Odafuda and looked Lord Nobunaga in the eyes. Well, she attempted to. Another blush, another quick turn away. "Lord Nobunaga, I would suggest patrolling the 16th Arrondissement so we can lay claim to our territory. I would also suggest first taking time to set up a Bounded Field around the Embassy so nobody can strike us at our home with ease."

---

---

A low growl echoed from the knight as she followed her Master, a darkness mist flowing around the Berserker that obscured everything about her. True Name- hidden, Personal Skills- hidden, Noble Phantasms- despite the massive sword she held in her hand, a piece of art that would be clearly recognizable to many heroes, none would be able to puzzle out the name of this kingslaying sword. Everything about this Berserker was an enigma, she couldn't even tell you her name if she wanted to. All that ran through her mind was the thought of getting to slay her king, her ever beloved-



It was difficult to tell where her thoughts began and those of her Master ended. They aligned quite closely in the end, both of them embarking on quests of revenge, fueled by hate and rage against those who have wronged them. Perhaps that is why she was summoned by this Master, she answered the call of the one who reminded her of herself.

In the end nobody could know why she was summoned. Only Mordred, who had no ability to communicate just why she had answered the call. But none of that mattered now. All that mattered is that she obey her Master and tear apart everything in their path. For that is what she did, both as a Knight and as a Berserker.

The girl found herself coughing harshly, the man finally letting go of his grip and just stood in shock at a full human being summoned from the circle.

"N-no... that's not possible! You can't summon humans!" He said in disbelief, highly unaware that what he was currently standing on was part of the battlefield of an even larger war. Call him ignorant, call him stupid. I suppose that is all what most rogue magi are capable of.

The man fires Gandr shots in the direction of the mysterious spirit (Caster). All while the homunculus covered her eyes and shut her eyes so tight that all she wanted to be bathed in was the silence and eerie peace of darkness. She didn't want to know what's going on, nor she would know what awaits her.

...she wanted all the bad stuff to end...

...all of it...

@Indra

---

Nobunaga blinked, the lights ever growing in the city, the last light setting and fading away in the mountains west. Out comes the beauty of night, a necessary shade that covers what's to come. She could feel her blood boiling from the fun that was about to ensue.

Of course, when her Master suggested they patrol the area, she sighed. "A double checking of the area is a sound idea. HOWEVER!" A counter-offer, by the Servant, no less. Slamming down the butt of her rifle on the marble floor to create a slight tremor no one would even bat an eye or talk about. "The thing about war, Nobukara. Is obviously to show who's out there that you're the most threatening thing to fear, to kill on this planet."

She stands up, the coat just billowing in style against her while looking down at the city below. "Did we not already tour in the morning? I have seen no one near this place yet at all and that really gets on my nerves." she looked to the people behind them, the embassy staff and the locals below. Even at night there are still some roaming around and they are still numerous. "Then again, they're not dumb enough to use these people as collateral. Even I'm not dumb enough to use them unless they are completely necessary." Yes. That would tarnish her heroic name, then again what was heroic about her in the first place? All she did was pick a fight, a bloody fight, a chaotic fight back in the Sengoku Period and back then every samurai, ninja, and shinobi wanted her head and those that worked with her. The very feeling of being hunted seemed to affect her greatly, like she had already accepted the fact that no matter what she did. She was going to get killed eventually.

That was the fun in her war after all.

"Mages such as yourself would rather live secluded or being hidden in plain sight when they summon strong Servants correct? Strong heroes?" Nobunaga walked up to her descendant. Despite the gap in age they were the same height funnily enough. "If that is the case, why don't we patrol the ENTIRE DISTRICT instead of this small borough?! No one knows we'll be in here, besides. If my guns hurt a Servant really, really badly then they're probably Greek or Roman or someone's character in fiction which makes them easier to kill! My skill is to count for that so do not worry, yes. Nothing to worry at all!"

Looks like a little bit of her disappointing nature just slipped out there. Then again, it did seem like she knows what she's doing. "If your complaint to my suggestion is sound, then it cannot be helped."

@floodtalon

The fourth of the homunculi returned to the room, casting a glance around to take it in. Diana sat on the floor, her back pushed up against the room’s bed, fiddling with a blocky handheld games console that she held incredibly close to her face. On the bed, Ceres lay, spread as wide as possible, and staring blankly at the ceiling. Next to the bed, Minerva stood, leaned against the wall. She glared at Venus as she walked in.

In the centre of the room, Theta stooped, putting the finishing touches on the summoning circle in the centre of the room. “Ah,” He said, noticing the homunculus’ arrival, looking towards her with the cold, black lenses of the mask he wore. “Excellent timing.” His voice was neutral - distant, but Venus had heard it enough to notice the small, almost negligible, note of affection not present when he talked to strangers.

She smiled, and casually tossed him the vial of blood that she’d collected, underarm. He caught it, almost fumbling, then held it up to the light. “Good,” He muttered, before pocketing it. On the floor, Diana coughed into her sleeve.

“Well then,” Theta began, after silence resumed. “I suppose it’s time to begin.” Ceres lifted her head from the pillow in a languid motion, angling her head to get a view. “This should be simple enough. Certainly, this catalyst should be effective, too,” He said, glancing at the small diamond in his hand.

“Let silver and steel be the essence…”



The Servant appeared. A handsome, long-haired man with the appearance of some kind of swashbuckler. A figure who radiated an exceptional presence.

It was certainly impressive.

Theta glimpsed at the figure with his Master’s clairvoyance, evaluating what he could tell of their strength. Yes, the appearance of ‘health’ that his servant took was excellent.

He swept his body into a deep and formal bow, shaping the dark robes around his body. “Welcome, Hero,” He said by way of greeting.

Behind him in the room, Ceres dropped her head back onto the pillow after only a single glance at the Servant. Minerva examined them warily, and Diana, excitedly. But as Venus looked upon the Servant, a blood vessel in her nose burst. “Ah, crap!” She blurted, digging in her pockets for a tissue as the blood began to run down her face.

@Froppy

Tenryuu Gensai
Entering Latin District

---

"Heh, if they're weak, we crush them!" She clenched her hands confidently. "Just defeat them so we can move on to the bigger fishes without small fries nipping at our feet."

It was as simple as that, wasn't it? If they're weak, they get knocked out easy, if they're strong, then they lived until the second night. That would also apply to them, but she was fairly confident the one she got was strong. After all he was-

"Oh? What if someone managed summon Hercules himself? Aren't there stronger magi in this war?" Chii sighed. "Did your overinflated head deflate your brain as well? You could very well be the weakest in the war. With such powerful families in play, it would not be surprising if they brought some high quality catalysts along."

"Ngh!" That hit right where it hurts. There was nothing she could say to that, but still."W-well, that remains to be seen."

They were approaching the Latin district by now. "If there's any enemy, you're free to engage them however you like. Just... keep your identity hidden."

---

Oni no Hanzo
In a nondescript building - Bois de Boulogne -> Eiffel Tower - Core District

---

She sat silently, before a ninja appeared as if from thin air beside her.

"Hmm? A tall building? I understand."

Hanzo stood up, opened the door outside and slowly closed it, as if to not disturb anyone. Turning into spirit form, she moved, travelled, towards the tall building. For a Servant the distance from here to there would be insignificant, and they could reach it in a short amount of time. For Hanzo, it was less than trivial.

A tall building such as this was a simple advantage that could make and ruin any future decisions. With a simple flourish, she took out a telescope, eyeing the general area. Silently, 10 ninja appeared behind her, moving quickly in twos in all directions as soon as she gave them a nod. Observation, scouting, gathering information, that was very important for any war. She had no wish to fight anyone in a straight fight if she could help it, though considering her background, she wouldn't really be averse to it should there be no other way.

But when it comes to information gathering, she was confident no one could match her ability.

@The World
France-Paris. Eiffel Tower

---

Paris. Talk about the delusion of mankind. Love is meant to be everywhere not just in one corner of the world! This is so delusional and for that children of such country are blinded and adulterated by their own law. What a twisted generation indeed. Not much time has passed since I summoned Rider back in Japan, and talk about hiding on sight, damn that Ice Witch for telling me what to do even though she has a point that my safety is prioritized and with such restriction, I won't be able to do much, sadly.



"What do you think Rider, has the modern world rubbed you in? I have told you this once. The Eiffel Tower would be the perfect stage for you to set up your castle. I know a couple of vehicles that would suit your liking to mount it based on the catalog I've given you, what do you think of breaking into any vehicle shop? I assumed that your riding skill could make it better. I was thinking of you scouting to suit the vehicle you desire apart from the bothersome Masters and Servants." I simply restricted Rider from coming to contact with any servants, the plan needs to be executed as a surprise.

Demanding as I am, I waste no time to execute the plan. Something tells me, I may not get along with my servant well based on my demands. I may have given Rider the impression that I'm bossy.

---

"Such a thing does bothers me not. Jeez... my speech is starting to adapt to the modern world, I totally prefer my old pattern of speech!" I started sounding even more gibberish as I get accustomed to the modern speech.

Unfazed by the meager efforts of that Magus, I feel terribly sorry for the man who has corrupted his soul and it seems like a conversation won't be preferred. I've seen enough crap where this is going and this reminds me of a certain Egyptian who refuted God's reasoning thousands of years ago....

"SSSSSSSS" My snake hissed, the man is now wrapped around my staff transformed into its snake form, ready to devour him at any moment.
"O evil-doer. May God forgive you for the torment you have caused the lady. If my snake decides to have a meal and so shall it be but I ask you of one thing. Let my Master go."

Did I just pull a pick up-line? Which the modern people of this age call so anyway.

"I do not desire bloodshed but we could talk things out with a meal. Surely, the finest wine brewed by YHWH and manna from the heavens would give us a heart to heart talk and resolve things peacefully. You know what they say, an empty stomach rsjjsgnsgjsj." I started stuttering. Crap, I've done it now, I am such a softy. God I know if it were up to you in the Old Testament, you would have had me judge this man right here but it seemed like I am in the modern times, the New Testament. What shall I do? Hmph. Perhaps I shall wait upon your revelation to see how this pans out.
@Seirei no Hai