[IC] Fate/Counter Force

[IceHeart]

Southern France - Hyères

Weather: Partially Cloudy

The alliance had been formed about a month to go. Of course even after officially starting the operation the Mage's Association and The Church tip-toed around each other which slowed things down considerably. The two entities still mostly worked separately but that was fine, as they did what they were best at. The Mage's association was handling logistics and The Church's bloodhounds had already caught the scent of vampire activity in southern France at the coastal town of Hyères on the Mediterranean Sea. The Church doubted Echidna had created a territory there but it might be their best bet to pick up the trail.

The church had already secured lodging at one of the nearby hotels through the Vatican's connections but of course no one would be sleeping there unless they needed to, after all, vampires became active at night. A church executor in his priest's robes glanced down at his watch, a cheap piece so it wouldn't be much of a loss if he lost it in combat. Certain members of the team were supposed to arrive by train in approximately 10 minutes and he had been tasked to greet them.

It seemed strange that they had sent an executor on such a trivial task but he supposed it was because he would be able to keep on his toes and prevent Church secrets from leaking to the enemy if they tried to capture him. He had been patrolling the city in the meantime and while he had seen signs of vampire activity and confirmed the loss of at least three individuals, he had yet to be able to effectively track on down, not even the dead. Sure they were probably trying to cover their tracks but the extent they had managed to do it baffled him, the logical conclusion was that the vampires were using some sort of magecraft to keep hidden.

That was probably why they had brought in mage help, perhaps their ideas of magecraft would help them see past whatever illusions the vampires had set up. The longer the vampires could elude detection the more time they had to strengthen their forces. If it had just been vampires it wouldn't be too much of a problem but since it was that vampire on the loose, more and more dangerous beasts would start appearing as well.

It would be a race against time, to end the threat before anything that could truly threaten humanity appeared.

[vancexentan]

"You know we'd probably already be there if you just let me steal that bike back at the station you know. Would've been a lot more fun too." Saber complained to Leon as he sat in his chair staring at the blonde haired 'knight' in front of him. Saber, and Leon had been through quite the journey so far. More cause of Saber's wanderlust for the new world around her, and her tendency to steer herself into confrontation. Leon still was a bit dumbfounded that after being given a shard for summoning a knight of the round he ended up summoning Mordred Pendragon. He expected Gawain. Maybe even Percival. But the betrayer knight? Not exactly what Leon expected the throne to give to him. She was frank, a bit trigger happy, and rude. But she was at least straight forward, and she was strangely cute sometimes. Leon had found that out after she ended up getting into a contest with a stray cat somewhere near the train station. But 'she' wasn't exactly fond of the pronoun. Didn't give him any alternatives to that word either. When he referred to her as a 'he' Leon had also gotten the stink eye from Mordred as well. Still in that red leather jacket, and t-shirt wearing those jeans of hers she certainly looked like someone you'd find in a delinquent biker gang so at least he figured something was right about her legend.

What was that quote? "Life was like a box of chocolates...You never know what you're gonna get."

"Yeah well picking a fight with the local biker gangs isn't going to get us anywhere. We have supernatural spirits to kill I think they will prove a lot more fun than the average rabble." Leon stated as Saber smirked and nodded. "No grail war this time around huh? Wonder how they got the ritual to work then? Whatever I don't really care at the end of the day. If I'm here I may as well enjoy myself. Kinda annoyed I got stuck with a wimp like you for a master. But you're not awful. Least you got ok head on your shoulders." Saber said as Leon shrugged the comment off. In truth they didn't know each that well. Some high jinks, and some shopping for clothes for Mordred didn't exactly leave the two of them with that much of an impression on each other. He hadn't met the other masters yet..if there were any. He found the thought daunting...he was a master now. A month ago he was a student in the middle of nowhere listening to the old man complain about how the Mage College was too focused on books, and not on adventure. His dad often told him to ignore rambling old grampa Winchester. Leon tried to listen to both but it got out of hand.

Now he was some sort of mercenary/ward of the mage association due to his lineage more so than his actual ability. But he'd live up to their expectations. And Mordred's. Saber stared at him weirdly, "What are you lookin' at?" Saber grumbled at him as Leon shook his head, "Just trying to think about what's ahead of us. Wondering how life got me to this point. Sorry Mordred." Leon stated as she shrugged. "Whatever master. Just stick close to me alright? Can't protect your butt if you get killed running away from my side. I'm not going to let you die anytime soon." Mordred said confidently. Leon smiled wondering what would be worse: Mordred's way of protecting him, or the actual mission. Both were going to be rough. "Will do I'm depending on you."

[Floch]

'It feels as though the world has given me another chance, indeed thou knowest endeavor was thy Holy Grail but I sense an ominous will aheadeth thy paths, it is as if thou purpose is neither desire related, but protecting the world from a threat, very well; I answereth my Lord's calling. ' Lancer has been summoned into the mortal realm, reminiscing his past and caught up momentarily by his alienating surroundings. The mere fact that his Master is a woman greatly baffled him.

FYI
'' Thoughts.
"" Conversations.

As long as his Lady resists his infamous Love Spot, Lancer would be fine,
indeed, he had been giving his Lady the silent treatment by staying in the spirit form for quite a while now all because this Master is a woman.

"Milady While I am thankful of your calling, frank will I be to you as much as it pains you to comprehend the truth, as a matter of fact it pains me more. I have experienced treacherous Lords and women whom I may specifically say, morons." Lancer expressed his thoughts about the consequences of summoning him and his displeasure towards his Master.

"...though I sayeth nothing but the truth, if you know the legend of I, Diarmuid of the Love Spot, I do not promise you our survivability in this quest even though it is not a Holy Grail War. You will only embark on a tragic journey with me, Milady and I grant you these two options: Break your contract with me and find another servant or walk with me through the deepest hells and if you still insist, my loyalty is to you but I do not promise life afterward." Lancer further expressed his disappointment and mixed concerns towards his Master, it is just because she is a woman.

'...If only she summoned me as a Saber.'
@Pie Flavor

[LukasVolkov]

On unsteady legs Maria stumbles her way off the pier. She’d landed in Marseille that day on a boat that had no right to be afloat much less carrying passengers across the Mediterranean Sea. She normally avoided travel across water but this trip had the flavor of urgency to it. The few friends she had in the Church had informed herbof the growing threat in southern France, dead apostles of all things. Why they didn’t call them vampires was beyond her. She’d been doing work in Africa when she’d heard and felt it her duty to stand against the hellspawn. But a week aboard that damn boat.... Maria crossed herself before clinging to the nearest trash can. She felt her stomach still churning like an angry ocean of nerves and regret.

“Dios mío, never again,” she muttered. Her lips were horribly chapped and she hadn’t been able to keep anything solid down in days and curse the ships owner he wouldn’t quit flirting with her; the experience had been as close to hell as she ever wished to be. After several minutes dry heaving into the bin Maria stood up and smoothed her hair back. To business, she decided.

She hurried across the road and into the city proper. The midday sun blazed down on her neck. She looked like a tourist, and partly felt like one. Marseille was stunning. The old buildings made her a tiny bit homesick but were no less beautiful to look at. Maria headed toward the center of town where her contact waited with a room, a meal, and transport.

She found him smoking a pipe outside a cafe, an empty coffee cup sitting on the scarred wood. Señor Aaron Zapata was a barrel chested man with arms like tree trunks covered in thick black hair. His face was covered in a beard and his skin was darkly tanned and weathered in a way only the desert sun can. He waved over to her, smoke stained teeth flashing in a friendly grin.

“Your trip was good I trust?” He called to her in Spanish. “I hope the boat didn’t capsize too much?”

The two met in a hug. Maria punched his arm and channeled the prim demeanor of of a Sister of the faith. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were paying back for that business in Roswell.”

“You dragged me into that girlie,” he laughed. “And you know it.”

They sat down. Maria ordered a black coffee. When it arrived they got to work. Aaron pulled out a map and pointed to a small city east of Marseille. “We’ll be going here. The Church has set up base there. I even hear they’ve accepted aid from the Association.”

Maia had had little interaction with the Association herself, the few times she’d met a Mage it’d been a brief exchange of words at the most. What little she’d seen she hoped the two organizations would act like adults and not act like the squabbling children she’d lnown them to act like. This would be a most interesting experience to say the least. “Have there been many casualties?”

Aaron’s tone turned somber. “More than I care to say aloud.” He crossed himself and pressed his lips to the rosary wrapped around his forearm. “God rest their souls. This situation isn’t like anything we’ve dealt with it’s gotten so bad Servants have been summoned.” When Maria raised an eyebrow he clarified. “Souls of the dead summoned like familiars; heroes of the past bound by seals.”

Maria felt disgust and pity wash over her. “We fight the undead and they go about desecrating the sanctity of the dead themselves.” She shook her head. “Is nothing sacred.”

“With what we are facing I’m a little glad they have. I’ve heard of two successful summonings, both sworn knights.”

Maria sipped at her untouched coffee, using the moment to collect her thoughts. The idea of the dead being brought back to correctvthe living’s mistakes made her sick of she was honest. They’d had their journey and found their rest, let them have it. She and Aaron settled the details, and paid the bill. He led her to where they would be staying the night. They’d be heading toward Hyères at dawn.

[Pie Flavor]

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♠ ♦ ♠ ♦ ♠ ♦ ♠

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Aeris de' Medici

- - -

Past few weeks...

Aeries de' Medici was a woman who once had to carry the weight of her bloodline on her shoulders, but with the maturation of the next heir in line to inherit her position, she had already removed her magic crest. The act removed the superficial boosts to her magical capabilities, but the knowledge she had over the years were retained and was more than enough to overcome even an ordinary magus in most cases and with preparation, even superior ones.

As someone who received the permission of the Holy Church to aid their cause, there was no assistance needed from the Mage's Association and whatever method they were planning to use to interfere with the process of the Counter Force. While hearing of their idea, she took the time to develop her own ritual of contracting a spirit of humanity, taking on weeks of preparation for the task that resulted in her being one of the last to finally join the effort. It should still be considered a praiseworthy feat of accomplishing such a task, with the assistance of her family working behind the idea to make it a reality. The process was a bit rushed with the time given to them, it was with all of their effort, it was the first realized project for the new heir of the Medici.

The location that she set up was in Ireland, a place rich with leylines yet popular for tourism, it would still be suitable place to set up a temporary workshop for such a complicated ritual that required resources. She had cleared up a cabin within the woods, having 'rented' it out from its owners for a while and setting up a bounded field to hide it away from prying eyes. Being a comfortable place to stay for the weeks she was developing her ritual, with the basement it possessed was a great area to set everything up.

- - -

Perhaps the spirit knew or perhaps it didn't, but Aeris had already set up her precautions as someone who was meddling with the force's of the world. Confident in the theory and logic behind her ritual, it was sound on paper but its actual practical application meant that not everything would follow to her expectations on the very first try. But then again, she would only have one chance...

Several bounded fields on the level of High-Thaumaturgy was set in place around the ritual area, segregating the metaphysical boundaries of space to prevent physical and spiritual bodies from passing through. They were the last things to be set up as the magi community around Ireland would no doubt take notice of the magical fluctuations on their spiritual lands.

But before they could do anything, she would be done and over with it...

- - -

Summoning Ritual

" Through our consciousness as humanity, I call upon this contract... "

" For your essence, it shall be made from wisdom and reason... "
" For your anchor, it shall be made from faith and virtue... "
" For your ritual, it shall be made from wisdom and knowledge... "
" For your honor, it shall be made from respect and good-will... "

" Seal the contract that is the Consciousness of Human Order. "
" Come from the Truth, and follow the obscured pathways to the world. "
" Open. Open. Open. Open. Open. Open."
" With each path open, close them again. "
" Come forth. "

" And Listen. "

" Your body, is created through my desire... "
" My contract, is realized through your judgement... "
" Our oath, is completed from our work together... "

" Together this oath shall be sworn between two who seek to protect humanity! "
" I shall realize all the virtues which make up the Heavens. "
" I shall accomplish dominion over all evils that constitutes Hell. "

" If you seek to fulfill this agreement then answer my call! "

" Come forth from the veil and out of your bindings, "
" Guardian of Balance!

- - -

The execution of the ritual was certainly an impressive one as it began collecting magical energy, pulling from the ground as it pulsed underneath her feet, collecting from the air as it became coalesced into a dense mist, and flaring within her own circuits as she continued.

The magic circle that served as the foundation of the ritual glowed a pale blue as it steadily grew brighter and brighter upon speaking the words. Surging with energy as each phrase was said and each meaning was conveyed, it hummed with potential near the end of her chant before it was releasing like a flood gate. Being a wave of energy that came forth from the ritual as it completed itself and calling a figure from the Throne of Heroes like originally planned, but with a modification...

With the completion of ritual, it resulted in Aeris catching her breath despite the reserves she originally had in place to mitigate the costs, having fell to knees momentarily for the effort she exerted. Her eyes wandered around the room for the sight of the individual that she called from the ritual, having no sight of them despite confirming the existence of the magic symbols on her hand and the contract she could feel bound to her.

But is seemed her investigation into the whereabouts her summoned Hero was thankfully cut short, listening to the disembodied voice as it spoke to her. She gave a small smile after listening to its words, finding their reaction interesting before speaking.

" I appreciate the concern you have over my being, while I did not think the stories to be true, you already act like someone who is considered to be a hero of humanity... "

She said, nodding to herself as if thinking the words over and agreeing with them. Being quite comedic of a response given, but it was hiding an underlying sense wariness. Offering her own diplomatic response in return to the individual.

" While I cannot offer any reconciliation for your past experiences, the only recourse that I can afford to give you is my good will. With your voice to reveal any displeasure or disagreement you have in the actions or ideas that I have, I believe we should be fine. "

Making a request after attempting to smooth over the other's concerns, recognizing the name that it was claiming to be. She bolstered her magical circuits as she fluctuated the magical energy within her body to prevent any malign effects that could be placed on herself. Unsure of the capabilities of the spirit, it was best to be safe after denying it's request of free itself.

" May I ask you to reveal yourself? I wish to know who I shall be working with for the duration this contract. "

@Indra

[IceHeart]

Southern France - Hyères
(unknown location)

In what seemed to be a dark room, a ragged looking man with a white button shirt and black slacks looked at what appeared to be a pulsating orb. Attached by what appeared to be fleshy vines that reached up to the ceiling, the orb fluctuated like a live heartbeat. Every second he could hear the orb give out another thump of life, though an inhuman life at that.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. SPLAT! Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. SPLAT!

The man watched with disgust whenever a chunk of what looked like some dark mud ejected itself from the orb and stuck the ground with a sickening sound. The strange substance would then scurry off into the darkness and out of sight. This cycle had been continuing for almost two weeks now and it was feeding off of the blood he was collecting.

This orb was an EGG of the dead apostle Echidna. The EGG was connected to the man through a magical ritual, the man was a vampire, albeit a rather unhappy one. The reason he was so unhappy was that he had a new master now, one that was using him like a tool. He had happily remained quite inconspicuous, blending in with the local populace to live a quiet but fulfilling life. That life had been shattered when that overbearing woman had appeared and bit him, replacing his blood with her own in order to control him.

"If I ever get the chance I'll make sure to murder that woman for what she did!" The man seethed in rage, his eyes turning a dangerous yellow in his anger. Frankly it was impossible to kill her, he knew that, not at his current level anyway, but until her EGG could fully hatch that would have to wait. At the moment all of the blood he and his Dead collected went straight into nurturing her EGG, and since he couldn't keep any excess blood except the minimum needed to keep his body from degenerating it was impossible for him to increase his powers. Still he could at least imagine killing that abomination in every painfully slow way possible.

He glared at the pulsating egg wishing he had the willpower to go against Echidna's domination to smash the EGG on the spot but the contract was in place and he was helpless to resist. He had tried smashing it before but as soon as he got close enough to potentially damage the EGG his body was paralyzed with helplessness until he moved away. Until it was done producing offspring the EGG would remain intact.

Suddenly the EGG started to quiver with joy as a fresh blood supply was being transferred over by a Dead's catch. He spat at the EGG but it just readily absorbed the liquid like the bloodsucker it was.

"Shit! How much longer do I have to nurture you! I can smell The Church sniffing around all over the place, even with my sense deceiving barrier in place I don't know much longer it will work on them!" The man ground his foot into the ground and turned to head out, it would be night soon and then he could increase the flow of blood into the EGG without worry of the sun.

When night fell it would be hunting season, maybe if he increased his activity he could speed up the process and be free of the cursed EGG.

[vancexentan]

The train came too a quick stop as the duo of Saber Mordred, and her Master Leon grabbed the stuff they brought with them, and prepared to head out. Saber walked with a confident swagger as she stepped out of the train and grinned. "Been looking forward to getting to work...its really cool how different modern cities are, and how different things were from where I came from." Mordred told Leon as he nodded. He checked his phone and received next to no orders from the mage's association, or the church. He was hoping they'd receive directions. "Well where are we goin'? I want to get to work soon." Saber grumbled further when Leon failed to respond. Leon shrugged, and looked around at the train station. "You want to go get some snack foods? We can patrol around while we wait for either trouble, or the church to contact us. You said you wanted to go see some sights while we're our right? Lets do it. Not sure whats around Hyeres but I'm sure there's something." Leon said as Saber brightened up once more and nodded. "Alright sounds like a plan! Well what are you waiting for let's go!" Saber said grabbing Leon's arm, and tugging him along towards the city. Leon wondered where they'd go to eat...More over he barely knew any french lucky he had a translation book, and app in his phone.

[Hawthorne]

Alexei stirred slightly as the plane came to a stop. From his seat next to the window, he was able to spot a number of similar airplanes preparing to taxi or takeoff. It seemed that he had finally reached Hyères after a grueling eighteen-hour flight. Flying first-class could only alleviate a problem like that for so long. The roar of the plane's engines slowly died down as the mechanized ramp attached itself to the boarding doors. The Russian let out a sigh as he staggered to his feet, stretching his limbs for only a moment before retrieving his briefcase from the overhead compartments.

The weather today was fair. Pleasantly warm, but not quite sunny. A happy medium, by Alexei's standards. He produced a cigarette from his coat pocket, lighting it with his fingertips before bringing it to his mouth. He took a long drag of the paper stick, enjoying the calmness it brought to his body as the other passengers walked down the boarding ramp. The good stuff. With his urge sated, the man walked towards the airport to retrieve the rest of his belongings.

The man left the airport with a single large black trunk being pulled along in one hand and an equally ubiquitous black briefcase in the other. Both pieces of luggage had some considerable heft to them, but at this point, he was more than accustomed to the weight of both. While he had booked a hotel, the man recalled that a few members of this alliance (both the Mage's Association and the Church alike) were arriving by train. Alexei held no particular love for either faction, but this threat was something he could not handle alone. With a plan in his mind, the man hailed a taxi and departed towards the Hyères train station.

"...A tourist, eh?" The taxi driver asked him in fluent English. The man was either friendlier than most, or looking forward to a tip. Either way, Alexei would oblige him. "да." He agreed. "I am here to see the sights." The taxi driver nodded in acceptance of the answer, in spite of the Russian's heavily accented English. "Well, I hope you enjoy your trip." The driver grinned. The Russian merely gave the man a polite smile in response. The transit there would not be long at all, thanks to the airport's proximity to the train station. The city entered his view as they drove past. The traditional and contemporary buildings were foreign, but nothing he hadn't seen before. As far as the man concerned, this was just another job.

When he had arrived at the train station, Alexei made sure to give the man a modest tip before leaving. He would never admit it, but it was more for his sake than theirs; they usually won't ask questions this way and see him as another tourist, rather than a stingy foreigner who haggles for everything. The mage disembarked, securing his luggage and heading towards one of the nearby benches near the entrance of the building to await his companions. He took out another cigarette and began smoking in silence.