The new master tilted his head slightly, listening to Saber as the man's whole demeanor seemed to change. 'Bad luck?' Jigen had only known the spirit for barely ten minutes and he didn't think that was true. After all, he'd been summoned in a wreath of light by a magical ritual. What were the chances of that happening? Seemed like good luck to him, but...

"The-se-us," the student tried this new name on. It was a little familiar sounding, and judging by the rest of the foreign words the man used it wasn't hard to guess that the name belonged to a Greek hero. Once again Jigen was struck by how utterly awesome the being in front of him was, and how amazing the fact he'd appeared at all was too. Still, Theseus claimed they needed to have a talk, so Jigen listened with unwavering attention.

...

Saber's story was unbelievable. A secret mage war that involved summoning the souls of dead heroes for a battle royale, the grand prize being the winner's wish granted. It was the kind of lame plot taken right out of a visual novel. Still, it had to be true - after all, Saber was right there in front of him, and on Jigen's own right hand was a bold red mark signifying that he was a Master in said war. Whether he liked it or not, he was involved now. Suddenly learning something like that... that was a good enough reason to skip school, right? He'd already missed homeroom. Even if he did feel a little guilty about it.

That was the reason the duo eventually found themselves on the bridge from Shinto Town to Miyama Town, Jigen having subconsciously led them in that direction as Saber told him everything he needed to know. Honestly, it was scary. As they climbed out of the canal and moved closer to town in order to cross the bridge, the marks on his hand - command spells - grew hot. They were a reminder that yes, this was really real. He could be attacked at any time. He could die.

...yes, it was scary, he didn't really want to die, but... at the same time, he didn't really feel like backing down. This 'Grail War' was the most exciting thing that ever happened to him. It made Jigen feel like he was part of something big - and he was, sort of. Even if he felt a little afraid, he also felt exhilarated. Plus, he wasn't alone - he had a partner!

Jigen glanced at Theseus - who'd instructed him to call him by Saber to protect his identity. The student felt he was crazy strong, somehow. Like he could read the man's stats like he was a videogame character. It was an odd sensation but not unpleasant. Still, if Saber had been summoned by someone else, he probably would have been even stronger.

"...sorry you got paired with me, Saber," he said, folding his arms behind his head as they walked along the bridge, the sound of water moving beneath them, "but I promise I'll work hard to make your dream come true!" That was the truth, too. The boy smiled, and a thought came to his head.

"Oh, maybe we should get you a different outfit? If you're supposed to be under cover. You kind of look like a comic book hero! Really cool, but kind of sticks out."

Jigen stuck out a little himself, being a school-aged boy not currently in class on a school day. Thankfully he didn't have his uniform on so he didn't draw too many eyes, but Saber would have been the bigger draw anyway. "You're, like... all muscle, though. Might be hard to find something that fits, heh."

---

Of course, Berserker stayed by his master's side as the man rushed towards the center of the rumor. Silent, invisible to the naked eye in his spirit form, he listened as Markansas taunted the hero. Thankfully, he seemed to have the mind not to start a direct fight with "Hercules" at the moment, instead inviting the servant to battle on the city's edge. Very smart, master.

...or very dumb, considering there seemed to be many more servants in the area than just Hercules and himself. By extension he was inviting them all out there - but that was probably something the man would take joy in, heroes banding together to defeat an "evil" such as himself. Then again, the Pharaoh and his Master could simply choose not to show up, pitting those same heroes against each other. Ah, looping back around to smart. Wait... why am I trying so hard to understand him?

I had better not be one of these Calamitous Kings you refer to, Berserker thought to his master, was I not your right hand, or some such like that?

Berserker's tone wasn't teasing because he didn't do teasing, he was a majestic Pharaoh, cursed or not. Still, his voice lacked malice. That slight pitch of Markansas' voice that betrayed his bluff wasn't missed by his servant. Berserker thought perhaps it best to play along just a little, reassure the fool, and escape to fight again later. Well, he had thought that.

Then, a spell on the breeze seemed to make his master into something resembling a threat. An illusion - that much was obvious to the servant of the enchanted one, but a convincing illusion nonetheless. Funny, Markansas would probably have loved the change. However, it was dangerous. The massive yo-yo master before them might get the wrong idea, let alone the other servants that seemed to be gathering... and Berserker couldn't do anything in his spirit form.

With a growl of aggravation, Berserker manifested himself in front of the Lord of Infinite Hells for the rest of the world to see: a young tan boy draped in white, blue and gold with the stern gaze of a King. The boy was hunched slightly, and standing close by a servant many times larger than he was made the Pharaoh look a little like a guard dog. Still, Berserker stood firm and cast his eyes around the area, seeking the prankster while bracing himself for any sudden movement. It was broad daylight, there were civilians all around... how troublesome.

Talia Heigen-Schwertz

---

As soon as Talia and Rider got close to the gates, rambunctious canines rowdily bayed their cries into the air. A flash of surprise and confusion flashed across her face before once again settling down into it's usual noble scowl.

A strange precaution for a magus, but not so unsurprising. The world abhors fantasy, it would be the height of folly to waste mystery. Still, for them to exercise such caution even now, it would seem there is still much more for Talia to learn from such an august family.

"A warning, or perhaps a simple precaution." Talia muttered to herself.

"Tell me Rider, what do you feel about such a thing?"

@Aoko Aozaki @Kyoka @Gracefully

---

---

Gunnar Hámundarson

---

It was a curious scene before him. Such a person calling out into the empty air for salvation, prostrating themselves before him. Inside, Gunnar's feelings stirred uncomfortably, unsure of what to do.

Nervously, he laughed.

"I can see that," he responded, "But I think it would be more appropriate for me to say such a thing then something someone so beautiful in front of me."

And indeed, though Lancer himself was no stranger to beauty, he could not help but call his master a beauty as well. That wallflower attitude however was something he would have to be wary of. There would be many unsavory creatures who would undoubtedly try to take advantage of such a pure-hearted being.

It would not do for someone to do so.

"As for what to do Master? Well, to be truthful with you, I'm probably not the best for going out and fighting, but in terms of protection, I'm a real pro!"

Flashes of a bloody defense arrived unbidden in his mind, of a home slowly destroyed as he slayed dishonorable curs, and for a single moment his smile seemed more melancholic than it did joyful.

Still, such a thing did not sully his mood for long, as he held out his hand to his Master.

"So why don't we go decide together? With our powers combined, I'm sure we could take on the entire world if we had to."

@Phonic

Smiled confidently as she watched her Master look her over with awe. Or...was that confusion? No no, it was clearly awe at the great Archer's resplendent visage. As his eyes swung over her back to look at her bow, she saw a flicker of recognition cross over his features, bringing ease to the girl.

Ah, good, he meant to summon me. He knows who I a-...did he just call me 'Maider'? Did he just call my bow a feather duster?? I-It's pointy though? There are absolutely zero feathers on it??

Deep breath. This is fine. You can clear up this misunderstanding easily, Hou Yi.

"Pardon my interruption Master, but I think you might be mist-"

Her attempts at clarification were interrupted by his introduction as the boy continued to introduce himself. Though she would normally raise her voice to a louder volume, demanding to clear up this misconception, the serious look on her Master's face caused her to pause. Good. That was a good look - she liked that too.

She smiled as he took her hand in his, the two shaking hands as the positions of Servant and Master were established.

"It will be my pleasure to serve under you, Tohsaka-san. This humble servants name is-...I'm sorry. Did you just ask me to clean up your spilled juice?"

She stared at him incredulously, that shining golden gaze of hers seeming to dampen slightly as an understanding of what kind of person her Master was steadily dawned on her. Watching Tohsaka-san's back as he left the room before she could ask anything more of him or clear up the growing misinterpretations between them more, Hou Yi could feel that small twitch in her temple once more.

Her gaze shifted from her Master to the puddle that she was still unceremoniously standing in. Ah, no worries, he simply said to get rid of the mess. There was quite a simple way to get rid of it.

Let's see if he still dares to call me 'Maider' after seeing th-...no that's no good, Hou Yi. You should not act out of spite. You are simply following your Master's orders to the best of your abilities. Indeed! You are doing good! As a hero would!

Once more her left hand shifted away from her body, spinning as it brought her bow from behind her back to just before her body. Closing one eye, she pointed one arrow directly below her at the orange spill that coated both the floor and her feet.

A slow exhale. The silence of morning. The warmth of the sun streaming through the small window to the side of her.

The release of an arrow.

With a muted slice, Hou Yi's arrow shot directly between her feet, the force of shooting at such a close target launching the girl a foot in the air. She landed an inch behind where she was initially standing, a satisfied grin on her lips as she looked down at the 6 inch circle that she had created. The orange juice immediately began to stream down, falling multiple floors through the Tohsaka Manor before it drained into the ground underneath, where her arrow had eventually been stopped by the Earth after meeting its target.

Stepping over the hole, her bow dematerialized from her hands as she made her way throughout the house, mentally taking notes and planning out how she would 'clean up' reinforce the manor.

---

@Cu Chulainn

A voice called out, not with words but with song. A song that was not understood on the surface. But the heart of that song was understood. The song of a man who's life was so intertwined with death. A healer, a saviour from death. But also a killer, a bringer of death. His heart was good. 'On some level this man understands' is what came to mind. No matter who it was that called, an answer would have been received without a doubt. However, to have one such as this summon him. There was some relief in that alone.

A piercing flash of light signalled the agreement, and from within the circle Saber took form.

He saw his master for the first time. Unsmiling, he nodded.

"I am sorry master, I will properly introduce myself to you later if fate allows me to." Saber spoke with a voice full of sincerity, a voice of a kindhearted man who couldn't help to be disheartened by his own presence.

Saber moved swiftly in-between his master and the servant who had approached him so brazenly. With his own sword at the ready. Already his masters life was in danger. It might have been because you summoned me... Sorry master... No matter what he did, whether he was dead or alive, death would be caused by him. It appeared to be no different here. Well, that much was already known. As long as he could keep his master alive then maybe it would be worth it.

He saw that the servant had been pointing at his master with a sword of his own. Another Saber? Perhaps, there wasn't much to go off of as things were now. Battle itself should reveal more, if necessary.

"Your orders, master?"

Whether they leave or stand their ground, that was not up to him to decide.

---

Responding to:@Gracefully @Phonic

Relevant:@BB

Walter Garbury
Abandoned Shipping Warehouse, Harbour

Japan wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

At least that was what went through Walter Garbury's mind as he leaned on a chair, sighing as three of his golems stomped around him, the sound of dull earth stomping against concrete pretty obvious as they decked out his new haunt with the various pieces of decor he had found appropriate for the grand opening of his new workshop. He had been lucky enough to win an auction online to win this warehouse after the trading company that sold it to him packed their bags up and left the moment they got the money. Thank the lords for father's credit card, as Walter's own money would not have won him this establishment.

The warehouse was filled to the brim with shelves of shipping crates and boxes lined up all over the place, however, it was all very neat and tidy just how he'd made the golems make it. At the end of the warehouse were 4 metal shipping containers and at the other end a clearing with one long table, beside it an office area. Overall, a pretty solid living situation for his "vacation" over here, something he was already regretting. Feeling the sun nearing sunset, he rubbed his hands together and got off his seat, grabbing stuff from the office and arranging it on the table beside the area he had set up with the symbols and materials needed for summoning.

Along with the table, he had arranged a selection of drinks, which he had mixed by himself, that included Sex on The Beach, White Russian, Strawberry Daquiri, Mojito and a Hurricane. Little party sausages, sausage rolls, mochi, rice dishes and a few cheddar cheese sandwiches in little triangles were shoddily set up in plates for his newest addition to the warehouse, unfortunately, he could never mix drinks with the golems, but he wanted a good first impression with whatever hero of legend he summoned, he was expecting airs of self-importance and overwhelming confidence, so maybe giving them a little feast would start things off nice.

"alright, let's get this show on the road, so nice of the family to lend me a catalyst" The dejected career bartender announced as he began the ritual.

On the second try after messing up the first go, he got it right the second. "Let it be filled. Again. Again. Again. Again. Let it be filled fivefold for every turn, simply breaking asunder with every filling, I call upon an Assassin, to heed my call." He sighed and watched as the floor began to glow, his blue clothes flapping in the winds as they picked up, causing him to hold his hat to his head.

"C'mon, C'mon, Walter needs a new pair a' shoes...."

@Seirei No Hai

Silver smoke pools in the basement, an unbreachable fog that but for a moment carries with it the echoes of gunfire. The drumbeat of soldiers on the march. The cries of those who's lives were cut short, as a result of their actions and many others. A true pressure bears down upon Francesco's face for but a moment, the passing weight of the existence of a man who had carried the fate of entire nations and millions of lives upon his back.

The moment passes.

The fog stirs with the sound of a titanic inhalation, the remains of the summoning ritual flowing deeply into a corncob pipe. Even in the darkness, a pair of sunglasses flares as a hand comes up in salute.

"Servant Strategist, reporting for duty. I presume that you're my CO?"

A second chance has presented itself, this time with no scheming snake of a politician to stand in the way. Duty. Honor. Country.

@TehChron

A smile grew on Francesco's face widening three times in response to three distinct sounds he knew well. Ah, a military man, and a recent one going by the style of his uniform. "That I am, the name's Francesco Dimani and I'll be your partner for this War." With a gesture he made sure that the wards had not been distorted by the ritual, his other hand rising his pipe to his lips for a quick drag, then continued. "I have already begun the fortification of our base and I was planning on sending some familiars out as scouts while I did so, tho I am open to suggestions on your part, Strategist."

The Servant doffs his cap, demeanor changing entirely to something casual as he removes his hat, "Reconnaissance is the first step, boss. Can't say that you've made a bad first impression going to an expert, but if we're going to do this we need to establish our credentials. As a Servant I'm not too great at frontal confrontations, and for that we'll need personnel."

The Servants mind is flooded with information on the basics of Magecraft, and with that his eyes narrow, "Can't say that Familiars meet that requirement. How do you feel about taking a more personal approach to scouting?" Strategist follows this up with a grin, taking out his pipe and holding it towards the younger magus.

"I've got a good feeling we're missing out on something great."

@TehChron @Lucker13

Shinto Town - Copenhagen ------> Fruits of Ecstasy

Hippomenes' nose perked up, a particular shift in the fruity smell he'd been following catching his attention.

Dirt, sweat, various plants, metal and magic.

Hippomenes tensed briefly then he forcefully relaxed his muscles mentally preparing for a possible battle as the sources of the odor came into view. Their eyes met.

Mehdi paused as the predators gaze focused upon him, a thrill of danger and anticipatory heat running up his spine as he turned a confident smirk towards what he could only assume to be a Servant. With a casual flick, he raised up the sad remains of his sheaf, a pair of half-price coupons, with the back of the waving hand bearing three crimson sigils, forming his Command Seals. A sphere carved into thirds, interposed with a single thread snaking around it, terminating at the top, where its flat end faced a triangular stem.

"Yo, handsome," Despite the distance, his red eyes never left the Servants, "Want a drink?"

With a thought, he told Gunner of the situation, and to prepare the bar for him to work.

@remon @lucker13

There once was a girl who had turned weak after holding the hand of a general who did not die from her touch. A fleeting happiness befalls her, her sense of duty and oath to her Assassin's Creed fading away with each fleeting moment. Now she didn't want to kill him, she felt like spending an eternity with him.

A path to killing could end here.

A path to endless bloodshed through a facade of fake emotions fabricated by this pretty little flower.

A poison ivy in a desert that does her job like a machine.

Yes. Finally, she had found someone who could indulge in her, someone who wouldn't die.

However like all fleeting moments. They happen in a single blink.

The girl finds herself floating in the void. She didn't know what happened, it was all too fast. It was almost as if she heard the evening bell before taking one measly blink of her teary eyes... then it happened. She heard the one voice all familiar to her, a voice that even those training as for the one seat would fear if they took their teachings too easily. The title and leader of the Assassins:



"You have strayed from the Path. Poison Girl. What do you hope to achieve?

"...I believed I had a chance at a normal life... to touch someone without dying is a relief to me.

"So you have become more vocal and in turn gained emotions considered a degradation to Our Creed. Do you truly believe there's happiness at the end? What if he dies? What becomes of your family? What if they cannot resist your touch and die in the same way?"

"I...

"You have discarded your name and your entire identity so that you may become one of us and take the seat as my replacement. It seems I was wrong. Like others before you who have succumbed to desire and emotion, you are not to fit to lead.

"I apologize, Great Founder."

"I have granted you the mercy of a quick and painless death. Like your title, I hope a Serenity awaits you in the next life.

The girl sighs softly, the very image of the imposing Hassan disappearing before her like a memory... all she could do now... is close her eyes.



The girl awakens to the sound and smell of seawater, a pillar of mana bursting from the circle Walter had set up around this slightly dusty, abandoned warehouse. She stares up, down, left, right. Looking for a sign of life, the food and objects didn't matter. She was summoned as an Assassin-Class Servant and her eyes trail down towards Walter with an indifferent, neutral frown.

"You have summoned Hassan i-Sabbah. Assassin. All of your orders will be followed to the letter." Such diligence and loyalty! Although she kinda smells like a rotting corpse. Perhaps Walter shouldn't go too near.

@Scallop

Jack couldn't help but burst into applause at Mr. Tree's actions. He really was a great partner, the two were already working in sync! His mind was overflowing with ideas for what he could do with the power of Mr. Tree- the bean-related possibilities were endless!

Approaching the now-bloodied bean plants, Jack's eyes lidded shut as he extended a hand out towards them, opening his Magic Circuits and calling upon his magecraft with the same ease as breathing. The beans themselves thrummed lightly, before seeming to absorb the blood that had been splattered onto them, glowing lightly in the moments that followed before returning to simply looking like normal beans. A few seconds passed where Jack was looking at the beans in earnest concentration, before he turned back around to face Mr. Tree.

"■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■, ■■■■■."

Jack's mouth didn't move, simply smiling impassively at his Servant. No words were said. However, given his existence and his connection to Jack, Remus might feel it. The sensation that 'something was being said', even if he himself couldn't hear the words. After that moment had passed, Jack blinked a couple of times, seeming to realize something before speaking up.

"Oh, sorry about that, forgot to switch back! They said thanks, they really seem to like that!"

Mr. Tree probably couldn't hear the ■■■■■ ■■■■■■, could he? That was sad, but it made sense; even if he was Mr. Tree, he was shaped like a person. It was sad, but oh well! At least Mr. Tree and his friends were getting along. Speaking of-

"Oh, right! So for this war thing, I had some ideas, Mr. Tree!"

And on the two idiots went.

---

A boy had come forwards in the aftermath of his great battle, speaking of All the World's Evils, of Kings of Calamity, of heroes and villains. Roused from his thoughts, he now noticed the presence of other Servants and the reek of magecraft. Others had come to witness the grandeur of Hercules.

Very well, then. It would not do to refuse the show this boy had offered. He would seek out and strike down these Kings of Calamity, a labor of his new life.

...however, before he uttered those words, something changed. The flare of magical energy, the casting of magecraft. His eyes flitted over to the source of the ripple, to a man who had dared to paint over that boy with light and sound. To interfere in a conversation between adversaries? Foolish, yet commendable. However, even that was only a prelude for what came next.

Another boy materialized besides the one who declared himself All the World's Evils. This one was a Servant, one Commodus had been able to see before materialization, and yet one he paid no mind. When the boy materialized in full and was given that moment of credence, though, the expression worn by the emperor tightened.

"You...?"

He looked at the boy, at the Servant saddled by a curse from the moment of his birth, a fate handed down to him due to the sins of his father as ordained by the world. This bears repeating, but Commodus was no magus nor Consecrator. What he was, however, was a person. Like understands like, and so, in this moment, he saw something in that Berserker.

Not knowing his name, not knowing his wish, not knowing that he was cursed, he could feel it. That boy's eyes told him everything he needed to know.

He turned to face the Berserker, momentarily dismissing the rest of the world.

"...one who rebels against the fate that the world forced upon him. A blessing and a curse, one chosen by men and gods before you could speak. Is that the case?"

Gone was the laughter, gone was the absurdity. His words were not screamed. His tone was level, steeped in a weight that was so far distinct from his attitude of moments earlier that one might wonder if he was replaced with an identical doppelganger moments earlier.

"Boy, you who call yourself the embodiment of humanity's evils. You and your Servant, would you care to join me?"

It was not a demand. It was not the edict of an emperor or a god. There was no trace of a threat beneath his words. Whatever the sight of the Berserker had done, in this moment, Commodus was speaking merely as a man.

"The fate that the world shoulders us with, I will crush it with these hands. If your desire is of the same cloth, I would implore you to stand with me."

Altera's brow furrowed as her Hun questioned her name, less from frustration and more out of confusion. "That is what I said. My name is A͘t̍̈ͩͣ͂ͤ̚҉̤ī̸̪̩̺̟̪̠ͤ-͕͉̙͖̽̊̎̓ͧ̇̐̕ Altera. And I am a woman, not a girl. I will not tolerate such disrespect, however I shall let it pass this once." What a magnanimous ruler she was, so kind to her loyal Huns. Even if they sometimes asked silly questions, she would lead her children onward to glory. Any further questions would be disregarded as Altera walked over to Cordula and picked her up, tossing her over her shoulder as they exited the warehouse.

"Now then child, I presume you have scouted the area around us. Tell me, where shall we strike first, what civilization shall we raze to the ground first?" Altera asked as she leapt to the roof of the warehouse with ease, surveying the city far and wide as she gently set Cordula on the ground. "Are there any Romans here? If so, they are a priority, a very sinful civilization that cannot be allowed to stand."

Cordula couldn't help but feel a chill right then and there but offered some relief when Altera decided to let it pass. For some reason she thinks that Altera and Attila are the same thing. She wonders why that is...?

Before she could continue to question her nature and hopefully not get her killed, Altera has some surprising patience for a Hun and she has the kind of strength that she could carry Cordula easily like a ragdoll and leap several feet in the air to reach the roof of the warehouse with ease. To be completely honest, she didn't quite expect this kind of exceptional abilities from a mere familiar... on the other hand she seemed to get paranoid.

Thank goodness she didn't try to question her. Altera wouldn't need to use a weapon to rip her into pieces. It'd take a few seconds.

With a gentle drop, the blonde beauty stood on her feet while the great Hun War God surveyed her surroundings with her All-Seing Servant Eyes or something. Cordula didn't know too much about how this ritual works after all it's the first of its kind. With a smirk she took to the challenge, pointing at a city of skyscrapers to their West. "There's a town called Shinto and it's the nearest one. I... uhh... don't have a car and it's considered weird if people see you carrying me like you did earlier in the Day so... why don't we just take a cab? There was a road a little further away from the Railyards where cabs and buses wait for workers in the Railyard to move into town or back at home.

"As for where we are... We're in Japan, The Far East. A land chock full of culture once preceded by the Chinese now adapted in its own way. With warriors such as samurai and shinobi being one of the more popular cultures of this city. Unfortunately though... there's rarely any of that now and as you can see: you're several centuries into the future."

Cordula closed her eyes, holding one of the steel-crafted hummingbirds that she had reshaped days prior in her hand. Like a puppetmaster, her Magic Circuits open, a long, unseen thread connecting one of her fingers to the small wing-flapping bird coming to life with a metallic screech.

"I don't know anything if there are Romans here but I could reintroduce you the World as it is now. I'll just send these birds to scout for us." Doing the same thing with the other four birds, sending them off in other directions with a screech she could only hope that they didn't get destroyed before they saw anything.

One bird in Miyama Town.

One bird in Native District.

One bird in Foreign District.

One bird in Commerce District.

One bird in Academy.

A total of the five hummingbirds she created and let loose.

---

A scale of skyscrapers, shops, apartments, hotels. This was clearly meant to be a city of progress and so far it has shown itself. Stopping at one of the bus stops of the city. Both Altera and Cordula took in the air of dense population, with people coming to and fro their jobs across the city.

There's a handful of things to do here to re-introduce Attila to the Modern World and not have her speak like a LARPer in the middle of the street. It'll be a while before her familiars brought back some information via observance so right now would be okay to take it easy right? It's not like a bunch of Servants just fight while the sun is out and reveal Magecraft to society? That'd be silly even for those who aren't at the Clock Tower.

Of course, she did remember there were weirdos and psychos who have attempted it but surely the Great Families wouldn't invite them here, right?

But hold on, how does one introduce somebody to modern society? There was a library here, a shopping center, an arcade.

"I'm sure this must all be new to you, my King. If you want, let's say we have a snack? A mini-feast or something? There's some restaurants here we could try. There's also a Public Library here if you want to know where we really are and want to know more about this place."

She winced a little bit, Command Spells burning. Someone's in this district... but where?

@Flood

Miyama Town

Tempting, so tempting even with Assassins advice to just head on over if only due to a primal part of him wanting to see the mayhem up close. To maybe find that one moment and blindside a Master potentially. But it was still the first day with it far from being over, Night yet to come as well. So back to the original plan then, walking around and seeing if anything beneficial happened.

Having enough scope of Miyama town, he decided it was time for the Shinto district.

Heading Towards Bridge
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fruits of Ecstasy

Honestly something like this would happen, but it was curious for a Servant to be out by themselves and not with their Master. How idiotic, truly people who knew nothing of War were treating this as a game, his own Master included. However his Master always seemed to have a purpose beyond his actions, bombastic as they could be at times and he hinted at a plan, confident in it. Manfred could find comfort at that, so he prepared while pusing Tobi out, keeping an eye on the Servant with Green Hair. Bringing up fruit of all sorts, some even with his new Knowledge hardly recognizing.

With a knife he cut up slices and started arranging them, his Master giving short clipped messages of 'put those in a circle and those like a star about to burst with juice!' to his mind. He stares harder at the other Servant while doing so, feeling a short moment of camadire when they had the same blank look. Just like the Great War, one could find empathy with the Enemy.....except it was dealing with crazy Masters and not fellow Dog Fighters in those rare moments of talk.
@TehChron @ObsidianNoir @Remon

Ah, coffee. She could tell just by looking at Rahma that they had the same soul in a way. When he was brewing... When he was working... When he was casting his spells to create that perfect brew? That was passion. That was his truth. If she could, she would carry him away to the Wandering Sea. Let him make whatever he desired. To let him brew to his hearts content, and then more. After all, to deny a passion was the worst kind of crime. So, rather than interrupt, she took a seat.

Her legs kicked beneath the table. Lightly tapping that metal with each careless thunk. Just using each moment to keep track of the time. Her eyes drifted from mage to Servant, and then back to the mage. It was strange... But she didn't really care for the Servant. Sure, he was cute, and no doubt strong, but... He wasn't a man of passion. He fell to a stringent moral compass. He seemed like the sort who would be a designated driver, and not the party goer. She didn't mind folks like that... But she was enraptured by passion and truth. She wanted... To see Rahma live his truth.

Her eyes only left him from there to glance at the menu. She hadn't come for a pastry, but... It was something to think about. Her fingers brushing those folds until he returned. Carrying two cups in a tray.
"Thank you, Sir Rahma." She smiled, and stood up. Taking the tray was easy, she didn't want to spill any of it. "Though, if you're sure you want to help me more~" She trailed off a bit with that. As if teasing him with an idea. "How about you bring two of those shortcakes on your menu to Copenhagen once the sun sets." She balanced the tray in one hand as she pulled out several more yen, some of which was a very generous tip. "For showing me hospitality here, I shall return your kindness and show you the most wonderful time possible. Don't ask what for, just consider it a surprise. After all, everybody needs a little chaos in their lives."

She hardly waited for an answer, and left. She would leave him slackjaw'd at her request, and chasing after her with his mind. Though, that was the fantasy. He might be a different kind of man. Either way, she wanted to see him again. She just had to hope he didn't chicken out or something.
The bell rung as she left. Leaving Aism Muzayaf and his master behind.

Leaving Cafe' Oasis
__________________________
@Senseless@Breo
__________________________________________________________________


'Master... This is simply ridiculous.'
That was the only thing on Xerxes mind as he looked over the crowd. His only comment as he watched the mighty 'Hero' Heracles perform a show. It was degrading of a servant, much less a man of his presumed legacy. Was this really the man who was father of Sparta? He couldn't believe it. In fact, he was almost tempted not to. In fact, the spectacle on display was rather... Frustrating. It felt like watching an insult. He was actually preparing to turn and leave... When...

"The fate that the world shoulders us with, I will crush it with these hands. If your desire is of the same cloth, I would implore you to stand with me."

He paused, and for a moment... He believed that man was Heracles. The fate that the world shoulders with one... The fate to be a perfect king. To struggle against odds impossible. To rule the apex of the great Persia. Those words, despite not being aimed at him... Struck him like a hundred arrows. This man must surely be the great Heracles then. To take a shouldered destiny and crush it. To fight fate.
He admired that. But... If the choice was to shoulder the world, or to break those chains... The son of Persia's greatest heroes would bear it a hundred more times! He was King Xerxes!

But now was not the time. No, he would fight this Heracles when the time was right.
"Master, if you have any familiars, send them here. I shall keep my eyes on this Heracles as long as I can. I need to know what he and that other servant are going to discuss."
__________________________

Walter Garbury
Abandoned Shipping Warehouse, Harbour

As the smoke cleared, the feeling of an entity being present was very obvious, causing Walter to get goosebumps a little. He brushed his dusty looking white hair down as he peered into the smoke clearing before his eyes widened at the image before him.

That was not a cutthroat piece of shit scumbag he'd expect to see.

Honestly, he was sure he was gonna get stuck with something like a Jack the Ripper figure, who'd no doubt be a tall man in a top hat covered in blood, not what he had his eyes on right now, blinking wildly. His golems stood guard behind him, one of them holding the glowing blue orb that successfully masked most of their magic work but the presence of the orb itself could no doubt be detected. Walter, smug smile plastered on his face, took a few steps forward grabbing a small plate with a cheese sandwich and held it out to Hassan with a dumb grin on his face. It was a sincere smile, no lewd or malicious thoughts in it, merely the smile of someone who was happy he wasn't the only one stuck on this sinking ship.

"Pleasure to meet ya Hassan! For the purposes of "secrecy", I gotta call you Assassin around others, but if you're cool with me calling you Hassan I'll use that when we're just chilling, is that alright?" He held the plate out, the small triangular sandwich sitting quite weakly. "Sorry, only really made cheese sandwiches, so it's really the only option, but I bet being summoned could make anyone hungry, we got drinks as well! Oh shit! I'm being rude aren't I?"

He neglected to extend a hand, scared of getting smell on his gloves, obviously overwhelmed by having summoned a hero of legend he had never really heard of. "Name's Walter Garbury, you can call me Walt, or "Master" as my family tells me I should be addressed. Behind me are the Goons, Morpehus, Neo and Mr Smith, they're part of our team too, even if they are my creations" He smiled nervously again and looked around. "Lets have a good war yeah?"

@Seirei No Hai

@Reflection

Miyama Town - Abandoned Home - Jacob Ainsworth

The magus was only half listening to his servant, something about a thing being ridiculous. Well, if it was ridiculous, it couldn’t be that important. Thus, he took a deep breath, narrowing his eyes as he did so. The next steps were crucial. After preparing the gift for his yet to be born Hound, he needed to do the proper knife work now. After all, the order of one’s dishes were just as important as the dishes themselves. One didn’t eat the dessert before the main course after all.

The skin was already laid out. A fine appetizer, but nothing too high grade. The bones were also prepared. Not quite refined yet, but the prep work had to be done. But now? Oh, now he was getting to the important parts. What better to use, as a preparation for the main course, than one’s stomach itself? Something that would fan the flames of hunger and make the satisfying meal so much better.

Of course, just as he reached his hands into the woman’s stomach, he heard the next message from his servant. Jacob stopped, his body freezing up, years of discipline to avoid failure kicking in. Carefully, he stepped back, taking deep breaths. Yet the excitement was starting to cause his body to vibrate.

Heracles? The Heracles? Oh, he knew that in this war, many great heroes would appear. But to have in confirmed, to hear it, to know that one of the greatest heroes in mankind’s history might be in front of Jacob’s servant this very instance? He palmed his face, a shuddering breath escaping him.

“I will see if I have anything available... But tell me, Rider. What Noble Phantasm and Skills do you have?”

After all... if he could truly destroy the simple of heroism, the apex of its kind from the Age of Gods... ahhhh~! Just the thought! And the immense chaos it would cause! The utter confusion! It would be the most magnificent of preludes for the night to come! As low as the chances might be to succeed, if there was a possibility to make this event happen... could he control himself when the time has come?

Bridge Between Shinto and Miyama Town - Kawakami Gensai

Gensai couldn’t think of many occasions where she could see a wide body of water like she did now. Most of the time she was inland. Yet she could appreciate the beauty of nature. With the way Japan has changed, it was good to know that certain things wouldn’t change. The water seemed vibrant and clean as it flowed towards the ocean. It would make an excellent place to just take a nap at its riverbank and just forget about one’s trouble. She could just imagine herself with her wife Teiko and their adopted son Gentaro playing next to the river.

Her smile wavered as she remembered them. Due to her life as a manslayer, even after the ‘conflict’ was over, she never really had spent that much time with them. One of the few regrets she had. Shaking her head, she sighed. At the very least she made the most out of the time she managed to spend with them. Thoughtfully, she glanced at her master, still holding his arm as she tilted her head at him.

“Tell me, how is your relationship with your family?”

It was nothing more than idle talk. But if they were to work together for the unseeable future, a good relation required communication. Yet even as she waited for the answer, the hair on her neck stood up. Licking her lips, she kept the smile on her face, not looking away from Rapheal.

”Master, I am detecting another servant on this very bridge. The lack of mobility and escape routes are suboptimal in this location. Try to be casual as you look around and please tell me what the enemy’s parameters are.

As she mentally prepared herself for battle in the event of getting caught against all odds, she couldn’t help but wonder.

What kind of “luck” one had to meet three servants in bright daylight and yet be unable to do anything as an assassin of the day. How many enemies were out there? And what were her real chances in this war?

@Lucker13@Yankee@Breo

Yo-Yo Grounds, Commerce District

His arrival was a bit late, but not overly so. A quiet melody he played as he approached the site made him invisible to all eyes, ignored and unseen, hood drawn up. He had unfortunately missed the competition beforehand, but the surrounding presences and the increasing number of Servants showed that the true show was not yet over.

The Servant who stood at the center, [Hercules], he called himself. And yet-



His memories told the truth. This man was not the same one as the great one he had sailed alongside.

And yet.

Yet.

Orpheus began to play. A song for those who rejected their past. A song for those who rejected their future. A song for those who refused themselves, who reached beyond, who became something else, in pursuit of a dream, in pursuit of a New Life.

The first notes fall, as the Faker turns to address the one who approaches him. This particular song- would not be more than a nudge. To let those who heard it confirm their darkest fears, their own regrets, their own goals. It would not do to paint the scene when the scene would paint itself.

@Over Illusion @Crusader Lord @Flood @Yankee @SSW @Reflection

Whatever Markansas had been expecting, it certainly wasn’t that. For his Servant to manifest in protection, and for the enemy hero to react in such a way, both were far from his fear-driven estimations. And some strange interference from a nearby master… Along with the strange and beautiful music that also began to play. Well, whatever they had been attempting to do, it seemed harmless enough.

Well, if this Hercules was speaking seriously, the least he could do was offer the same courtesy. Markansas’ tone shifted, away from his bizarre and dramatic speech, and his body relaxed, entering a neutral position after his strange poses. Behind his mask, his expression changed, too, from a fake confident grin to neutrality.

“I see. You two are similar, after all. As for myself, I chose this fate. If it were me alone, I would gratefully refuse this offer… But this is a partnership. And we both have our wishes to consider.”

There was another factor, too. Multiple masters were watching. The people who had been warned about Hercules appearing in public, who had been curious enough to attend. Markansas’ command seals burned. Regardless of whether accepting this offer was a good idea or not, it was something they would take notice of. Accepting would mean establishing the alliance as a threat - and perhaps even a danger to the secrecy of the grail war itself.

Even so, that man’s words were inspiring. If this Servant truly was the greatest hero of Greece, then perhaps none of that truly mattered. Overcoming the fate that the world imposed upon people - yes that was a desire shared by heroes and villains alike.

“Then I will accept your offer. That is, so long as my partner can accept this too. In any case, we should discuss this elsewhere.”

He turned towards the crowd, scanning it for potential enemies. If his mask had been off, he would have given an enormous smirk, but as it was, he simply settled for a bow. “Adieu, Servants and Masters of the Holy Grail War. I urge you, prepare yourselves.”

@Yankee@Over Illusion @Flood @Reflection @Crusader Lord @ReallyDumb

The heroine suddenly screeched to a halt, as a message echoed within her mind! But what would she do after such an alarming missive? The clash between the whirlwind of destiny, against the reining in of valorous reason, burned within her! Though at least that toast had been tasty along the way. Yet in the end, was she to not come and see the-?

...-wait, so he wasn't? WHAT?! Some faker was waltzing about as...as HIM?! That certainly helped narrow things down a bit, at least, and yet something within her seemed to drop into her stomach like a lead weight. It was a strange feelings, and not one she enjoyed. Yet there was reason otherwise in her servant's teacher's message. Yes. Now was not the time...

'I-I...I'm heading b-back, t-teacher...'

Or perhaps she was just utterly disappointed that she couldn't challenge the great Heracles to a rap battle.

Either way, the heroine determined to backtrack to where she'd been before! As such, it was time to move like a divine wind, blowing across the city once more to save it from destruction and danger! Yes. She totally wasn't running back and eating the rest of her food along the way, trying to choke back the sadness or anything. Nope. She would get to her practice, however, which was at least something to do for now. Teacher would communicate back with her once things were done, at least, to tell her what went on and the ilk. Or so she hoped.



@ReallyDumb

---

...Why. Why was she watching a gaggle of idiots putting on a performance? For a second she had to remember that she wasn't watching a kabuki play, not that those existed in her day and age anywho, rubbing her eyes for a moment to get her senses back. Much her wondered if she doomed to be surrounded by total fools, and if her temper would survive even the first night before she ended up cutting someone's head off in her fury. One was an idiot boasting to be the famous Greek hero, after having a yoyo match with a child of all things, which was to her either a sign of an idiot heroic spirit or perhaps this guy being some mentally-challenged cosplayer of a servant. Because he was a servant, that much was not up for debate. Further, even many masters and servants seemed to have been drawn here into the orbit of this...what could she call it? A bottomless pit of endless stupidity, pulling in all it can? A black hole of asshole-ery, crushing all common sense in proximity to it?

Perhaps she was being overdramatic, but Yamato's mood and current frustrations weren't helping her one bit in this situation. Between the angsty master, his servant who seemed to be of a better mindset at least, and Mr. Yoyo-Tricks, her blood pressure would have been through the roof if she were a normal human being. Though after her master stepped in, attempting to add "mood" to the scene in her eyes, which even Mr. Yoyo seemed to glance at like a nuisance...or something. Letting out a perturbed huff, Yamato walked over to her master before grabbing him by the ear.

The Berserker used just enough force to cause some distinct but not terrible pain, pulling back a little to yank the man away from the action before looking to the Yoyo Servant and the servant of the 'edgy mask master' (as she had determined to think of him). Her face was a mix of frustration and raw exasperation, however-

"...Please don't indulge him, he's impressionable. And a complete idiot. Apologies for letting him get off of the leash here."

Yamato spoke to the other two servants in a polite yet audibly very forced tone, one which easily betrayed a sense of underlying anger of some kind...albeit not directed at the two of them. She then turned her attention back to her master, walking away as she kept her vicegrip-like hold on his left ear. As Yamato moved back through the crowd, however, her voice could be clearly heard shouting aloud...a tiny bit of her anger erupting into a small tirade.

"I am dragging your ass back, and don't even think of another stupid-ass stunt on the way! You try it, or even so much as think about trying it, and I will knock your ass unconscious!"

To be a Berserker was suffering.

Hassan could tell that this dapper young gentleman was her Master for this particular War. Looking around as he held a hand out to look for an alternative to shake it, after finding nothing that helped she quickly picked whatever bits of fabric on his glove and shook it carefully. Noting the cheese sandwiches, she ate each one of them making sure that not one crumb spills on the floor or plate, a simple chew and swallow to perfection.

"There are eighteen Hassans Master. You may call me Hassan if you wish, they cannot figure out which of the eighteen has been summoned which works either way into our advantage." The girl spoke calmly and with no deep exposition as expected of a loyal Assassin.

She took a look at his golems but even Walter would be uncertain if she's even vaguely interested in interacting with them, she had a right arm stretched but hesitated... shaking her head then turned back to him. Her pretty eyes dazzling in the semi-darkness of the warehouse. "Food, drink and sleep aren't necessary for Servants, Master. While it does sate other needs you can count on my watchful eyes to protect you from any incoming attack. I'd also advise you not to stay close to me. This isn't a personal problem it is the work of my Noble Phantasm which is always active. I apologize in advance if it is an inconvenience to you already."

Ah. So that's where the smell is coming from.

@Scallop

---

“How I feel? Well, I guess you could say I feel somewhat insulted. We come all the way out here to thank them for helping host such a fine event and then they stand us up? They know we know they're there, we can detect each other. I can only assume that they’re purposely ignoring us so that we will leave.

Well, their plan is working. Master, we should go visit the other families. They must be the real hosts of this war.”

Nebuchadnezzar, King of the World, shows up at your gate, and you decide to ignore him?

Rider’s brain couldn’t even conceptualize such a thought. It is proper to greet everyone who comes to visit, but a King of his caliber especially. Maybe the Matou had summoned such a great Servant that they felt that superior? No, that could not be. There might have been heroes as great as Nebuchadnezzar, but greater? Impossible.

How can someone be greater than the King? That was against the rules.

Without even waiting for his master’s explicit consent, Rider began to walk away from the house, completely unaware of where he was going next.

@Phlogistinator @Gracefully @Kyoka

The man laughed boisterously, probably drawing the attention of passers-by as he walked with aplomb alongside his Master, utilizing the excuse of “being a themed wrestler” to the fullest in order to walk alongside the young man, at least until they acquired more proper clothing for the modern era.

“Worry not, kid, you are not as bad as you think,” He smiled. “And even if I were truly diminished, I would still be enough to take an army by myself! That is the kind of story I forged, after all.”

Yes, certainly Saber had been one of the great heroes of an age, so his confidence — while great — was not necessarily misplaced. A lesser one would certainly find him a wall nigh-impossible to overcome, and he was being honest when he said that the “loss” his Master had incurred was minor in the grand scheme of things.

Still, for all the boisterousness, he did keep an eye out — after all, he had already designated the youth as “someone that must be protected”, so it would be terribly remiss of him to simply forget about him moments afterward.

But at the same time, he was excited. After all, he had just heard something really interesting.

“Heracles, is it…?”

That titan who was worthy of being called the strongest. That invincible force of nature he had once sailed with in his younger years. That kind man that had developed Greece’s martial art alongside him.

...Who was having fun downtown if rumors were to be believed. Bench-pressing cars did not seem like his usual style — he was more the type to strangle a divine lion to death — but he supposed that one must make do with what they have in the modern age.

Still, he would have expected him to be more concerned about the supposed secrecy of the war, so…

Hm. Maybe the captain had also been summoned and dared him to do it. Those two were always close enough to goof around like that, and wouldn’t that be a sight? Argonauts, sailing together to victory once again.

But the hero simply shook his head and decided he would see it for himself. Nice as it would be to see old friends and even have a match with his cousin for old times’ sake, taking care of the kid took priority — which he would be unable to do if he got caught up in his memories of that voyage. So instead, turning toward the Master, he continued to smile in earnest.

“We will try our best,” He agreed diplomatically. “But, ah, don’t worry too much about my wish — it really is nothing special...rather, I’m interested in what you would ask for, should we win.”

He had not talked with his Master much beyond the basics, and the explanation regarding the Grail and the ritual was rather one-sided, so it was probably time to fix that.

@Yankee

---

Hands flying over ingredients, he still took moments out of preparing his brews in order to take a look at the special guest as well as Archer’s handling of the new clientele.

...Well, thankfully, it appeared that he had not summoned an oaf — and that quiet confidence of his would work well. At least people seemed to appreciate it so far, and anything that would bring more customers was welcome as far as he was concerned.

Judging from the amount of people, it looked like the opening day was shaping up to be satisfactory. Only time would tell if they would be consistent of course, but he would deliver the best service he could.

If they could not recognize that and still chose other places — well, he could fix many things, but not ‘clients do not have any sense of taste’. Alas. Work hard, Rahma, maybe one day you will achieve a miracle and show all of humanity the wonders of properly made traditional coffee.

Wouldn’t that be a sight.

His hands stilled, turning slightly to regard the other Master in the room, as she made her wishes known.

“...I cannot very well leave the place unattended considering the lack of staff as of the current time,” He replied professionally. “Not to mention, we do not do deliveries. If you place an order, we’ll have it ready on the dot for you, but you’ll have to claim it yourself.”

Yes, a perfect deflection considering current circumstances. It both clearly explained the services the establishment did and did not provide for the customer, and also cleanly deflected the fact that the invitation was the kind of clichéd pickup line people used on the good-looking waiter so many times it had gone out of style — come to think of it, considering Archer’s persona and looks, he would have to ask if he required such tricks of the trade after they closed up for the day.

Oh, right, also the ‘we are in a deathmatch and nominally enemies by nightfall’ thing. But that was honestly less concerning, all things considered.

“Ah, the mocha latte and strawberry shortcake for table five, ready!”

And so, he returned to more important matters.

@Senseless @Reflection