Pandarus Express
That crazy ear to ear grin vanished. His hand pulling to his lips as he let out a slight, cough, suddenly self-conscious from both Assassin's comments, and his brother's question. Thankfully Hector seemed silent. Strange, but he'd judge that later.
"Well... My hand slipped. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to see you. But I guess we lucked out with my aim being poor. Bouncing off your armor and all that." His eyes flicked from side to side, as if hoping that would end the... Subject.
"Besides, that one time my hand slipped wasn't my fault. We both know Athena was involved, so you can't really blame me. She always gets what she wants in the end after all." A sigh escaped his lips.
"Except... Not this time." He placed his hands on his hips at the question of a safe space, and couldn't help but let his grin back.
"Ah yes, the... Goo. It hasn't gone away, but as long as you don't step in it, you'll be fine. When Rider sees you three, he'll be excited for sure. He thought his attempts to call on others heroes was a failure, but you three? More than enough proof. And you even have a civilian!" He gestured to Marietta with a hand.
"Now, I'll lead you to camp. Guess I'll have to fill you in on the alliance, huh?"Pandarus began to walk away, gesturing for the group to follow.
"After the grail was destroyed, those of us that remained couldn't help but be... Shocked to say. I had lost the chance to remove my mistake. Then, Rider showed up! He told us we could still have our wishes! He gathered each of us who would follow, to help the world." The way he spoke... It was dripping with enthusiasm. Idolization for this unnamed Rider.
"And now each of you is here. Soon, all of us will be summoned. The Acheans, and the Trojans. Putting aside our differences to save this world! Oh, but I make it sound... Well too good. You'll have to hear it from Rider's own words."Ahead, the dust was clearing. Into sight drifted several soldiers. They seemed to be a collection of soldiers from all over the world. Greek and roman armor was all to visible among their ranks, as they shuffled about with sword and shield in hands. Yet, the closer they got, the denser this army became. An army of nations. As if... The whole world was here.
"The general will be more than happy to see you lot. Especially the civilian. Does she have any particular talents?"____________________________________________________
Diarmuid ua Duibhne
Once more, his blade was raised. Striking between Gawain's blade and Diarmuid's neck. Blocking with a clang of steel as he rolled with the strike. Leaning his head back, and watching as the Rider sailed overhead. Impressed would be too subtle a word. He was thrilled. His blade raising again in Gawain's direction, mana coursing through his body, preparing to ch-
"That's enough." The voice that echoed down from above was simple, but as soon as it spoke, Diarmuid lowered his blade.
"But Caster, I am n-" Diarmuid began, but he was silenced in response.
"Saber, the others are coming. We shouldn't be greeting them with violence. You both will wait here, I shall greet them personally. They're already lost." With that, the man who had been observing both servants vanished. And with his vanishing, so too did the strange pressure that had been building upon Gawain.
"He is indeed a strange one... But, he is the only one able to protect the world right now." Diarmuid hissed out.
"But thank you for that fight. If you have any questions, let us wait for Caster to return with your allies."Caster
It was... A Maze. A maze of buildings that seemed to stretch forever in all directions. A near endless cascade of confusion that heralded a growing pressure. As if the buildings themselves were exuding pain down upon them. Was this pain? Their presence here might as well have been unwanted.
As Olivier turned a corner, there standing at the far end... Was the man responsible. A fairly pleased looking youth, with a smile on his lips. But his eyes. They showed wisdom of ages.
"Finally you three arrived. I was worried you'd spend forever simply taking that leyline. I hope you don't mind, but I'll have to be asking for permission to use it. It's for the world, you see." The strange caster said, as if that explained everything.
Then all of a sudden, the pressure was gone. No worries, as if they had just stumbled upon a guide to take them through hell.
"My name is Zhuge Liang. I am the Caster servant of the Fourth Holy Grail War, and right now, you are the very people I've been waiting for. I was worried that Chaldea wouldn't be able to come, so I may have wrung a few wrists to make sure you all arrived properly."He did a slight bow, as if waiting for each of them to bow back.
"Now, if you would, your ally is waiting for you just ahead. Or behind. This is a maze, and you did make a few wrong turns."