[IC] Fate/Stagnant Apotheosis

[Sodium]

"What, that's all you wanted? Shoot, that ain't selfish at all. Books are everywhere - can even get 'em on a computer if you like." Billy paused as he put two and two together, realizing Musashi had probably never heard of computers either. He beckoned to the cleaners, getting one to silently approach. "Make arrangements for some books on history, moonland, computers, and the internet to be sent to my home. Also send some untreated wood and paints suitable for art." The black-robed man bowed in acknowledgement and left the room. Another man entered shortly to take his place.

"Now, I can hardly believe you don't know about burgers! They're the best damn invention to ever come out of America. Heck, a lotta people live entirely offa them and pizzas these days! Now, yer in luck, 'cause I make one mean burger. Best burgers in the state, if not the entire country, if ya ask me. Perfectly grilled meat topped with cheese, delicious veggies, and a wheat bun... Damn, now I'm hungry, too. Let's get going."

Billy motioned for the samurai to follow him through the hallways of the church to the parking deck, where his Ford F150 sat waiting. The bed sat empty aside from a large toolbox and a well-used shovel. Billy shuffled a few odds and ends from the passenger seat into the back of the cab to make room for Musashi, then climbed into the driver seat. "So, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself along the way?"

[IncredibleBee]

"A horseless carriage?" Musashi noted, staring at the truck. He'd become vaguely aware what a car was, but didn't like them. The inside was extremely cramped, and provided little room to move one's arms or even stand properly. Fighting inside one was comparable to being inside a tunnel. Musashi plucked the weapons from his hip and sat on the passenger's side. He placed his katana by his side, leaning vertically on the seat. His wakizashi was held in his left hand, sitting across his lap. It was no perfect solution, but it could be drawn quickly and used in tight spaces until he escaped the car for more preferential terrain.

"About myself? Well." Musashi considered, scratching his beard. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised if his legend was less well heard outside Japan. Likewise, info about the West was impossible to come by during his life.
"In life, I was my country's best swordsman. Number One under the Sun, they called me. I devoted my life to the Way of the Sword, and through skill, tenacity, and lots of practice, won many duels." His hand clenched around his shorter blade. Musashi relaxed his grip, and explored the car as they drove and talk, peeking inside the glove compartment and looking at the mirrors.
"And then, I realized something. After you master a Way, it becomes apparent in all other Ways. The Way of the sword can be compared to the way of the carpenter, of the artist, of the farmer, and so on. So, I spent my later years training new students, writing, and painting. More than sixty duels and not a man managed to kill me, you know that? I died of old age. Even then, everyone was too weak or too scared to fight me. Still, I suppose it can't be helped."

Musashi leaned back in the chair, staring out the window at the passing scenery. "I've already carved my way into history long ago. If my martial arts were strong, my legend will survive. I suppose we'll read if that's true soon enough. Still, it's been a long time. I would be a fool not to see how martial arts have changed in the past few centuries."

[Moonman]

Baldwin IV
Sunday Night Super Slam, Wrestlemania XXVIII
Ryuudou Temple, High Noon

Having dutifully followed his master, Baldwin was treated to his first glimpse of Japanese architecture, courtesy of the Ryuudou Temple. While he acknowledged the effort put into its construction, he was decidedly nonplussed. It was reminiscent of the thatched wooden homes from his time, and decidedly not what he'd been expecting from the modern era. Perhaps these Orientals are simply more backwards than most?

Baldwin's musings halted briefly as he took note of his master finally revealing her name. While he was no stranger to foreign cognomens, it was certainly striking. If he was of a poetic sort, the young King might have found an exotic beauty in the name. Though Baldwin was most certainly not of that inclination, he would admit that the name was oddly charming in its peculiarity.

Now, in regards to the lass and her Saxon compatriot.
"While I can see the merit in a long-standing alliance, I must concur with Sir Jackson. It would be in my best interest to acquire less conspicuous garments, so that I might more easily escort her ladyship in public."

One can only pray that the tailors of this region deal in concealing raiments. I would not wish to distress her ladyship with my appearance.

@Hantu Kongkek@Black Alice@vFear

[Turboshitter]

Wes Downgate

@KoL @Lonewolf685

---

"That's my line," Wes said, somewhat irritated. "I know you haven't forgotten Caster is here because you literally just explained why this 'take command of the situation' attitude you seem to have here isn't fooling anyone, so stop trying it. This isn't the Clocktower, you know."

He sighed.

"But," he said, fully resigned to the forbidden things he was about to say. "Because I am such a kind, generous soul, I will keep an open mind to your proposal. Provided of course you listen to mine first."

Wes held up one finger.

"One. As of right now, this is a hostage situation. Not a partnership. You're going to tell us everything you know then swear under oath that you'll help us instead of selling us out the moment it becomes convenient. Then I'll consider making you an equal partner in this instead of just locking you in a closet for the rest of the Grail War. Two," he said, holding up another finger. "I make the rules. And by that I mean 'I make the rules and Caster enforces them'. Very strictly. We do this my way or not at all, so you'd better ready to get down and dirty with some serious heresy. Once you've agreed, I won't accept any objections or take-backsies. Three-"

Wes' eyes became dark as he outlined the third and final rule of his counter-proposal.

"At the end of this, the wish is mine. Caster doesn't want it, and I'm not sharing it. This is something we need to be in total, unambiguous agreement on if we're going to work together."

[kusanagifire]

Lancer

He did not react towards his Master's off hand comment about him being a fruit. Twas but words, and their Servant-Master relationship would at least allow for that sort of transgression.

"All the same, the Japanese will likely be out of our hair for a while, wondering how we plan to accomplish such a feat. They are simple creatures in this way. Now, first step in our master plan, you are needing some clothes. Taking care of one's appearance is the first step in making a miracle!" His Master paused a moment, before continuing. "Now, essentially, here is the great Rasputin's brilliant master plan: I have no plan. What I do have, however, is a list of great evils that lay within this world. It is our duty as men of faith to purge these evils, and I am thinking the Fuyuki City church is being an excellent place to start, yes? And before you are answering, this was rhetorical yes, so do not actually feel that you must be answering."

"If that is what my Master desires," Lancer replied. "Then I too shall come to desire it. However, Master, the fake priest there could be much more trouble than he looks."

The fake priest emanated an aura of danger, not something a normal priest would have. Then there was the speech he had about him being the Overseer of this war, plus having several command seals on top of that. No priests would ever associate themselves with magic, the thing they abhorred as heresy.

---

Kurokiri Hyuuga

“I think that your well-being is our priority now, Hyuuga. I can come back later, it’s not like this Church is really akin to the ones from my lifetime, to begin with.”

"I see, then shall w-" Before Kurokiri could finish her sentence however, Saber scooped her up in a bridal carry as if she was naught but a bundle of sticks. "Ah, w-wait, S-Saber?"

“You look like you need some rest and we need to plan as well. Most likely the enemy want to draw us out of Fuyuki so that I’m unable to use my Noble Phantasms, at the very least. We shall discuss it better when we are back home.”

"I.. but this.. p-people are s-staring..." Kurogiri was already blushing a deep shade of red. It was hard not to, to be carried so in such a way in broad daylight. She was sure people can see her panties if they were in the right angle too.

“That said, Hyuuga, you shouldn’t let that man’s words get to you. The fact that you stood there despite everything and not only that, but also believed in me, is what makes you a great Master. As of the present I swear that I’ll be your sword, no matter the outcome of this war. Now…” Saber made a pause as the rather solemn expression she had on before melted into her usual laid-back smile, “What do you Japanese usually have for lunch? I know that food is irrelevant for a Servant, but still I’d like share some with you. Also, if you think I’m going to be a burden on your finances, I can always try to find one of those things they call part-time jobs while this war lasts.”

Kurokiri felt like dying right then and there out of sheer embarrassment, but the mention of food perked her up somewhat. "I.. uhm... I can make some food if you want. I've been practicing my cooking, but I've no one to test it on?"

With a big, slightly hopeful, smile, she spoke again. "Would you like to try some?

[Zobozun]

"No doubt, he is a dangerous beast... but even beasts must rest from time to time, my friend! Which reminds me, exactly how much do you have in common with the creatures of the night, comrade? I am thinking of a good way to be going about this, but I will be admitting, it relies heavily upon you and your... unique abilities. For example, can you climb walls like the treacherous spider? Change yourself into fog? Can you put men to sleep with a glance, and move without making so much a sound as a moth's fluttering, like the stories say? Do you command the creatures of the night, as a man does his faithful hounds? I must know these things, if we are to succeed."

Rasputin adjusted his mirrors as he awaited a response, catching... was that a bird? No, it had a metallic gleam to it, and the movements were too jagged, too inorganic. Furthermore, it was making a beeline directly for Rasputin's car, at fairly low altitude, no less- though it seemed to be falling behind. Rasputin looked around with brow furrowed, making sure there were no observers present on the small road before slowing to a leisurely 15 miles per hour. He pinched the bridge of his nose and leaned back a little in his seat, chuckling. Was this a joke? A test? Given that Saber had been projecting her presence, giving off a far stronger signature, odds were good been sent by the cowardly Japanese in an attempt to learn his secrets. Whatever it was, Rasputin wasn't letting it go unanswered.

"Ah, but before you are answering that, comrade, I must ask something else of you."

Rasputin jabbed a thumb behind him.

"There is a bird following us. A very unsubtle bird. Please teach it some manners.", Rasputin said as the car slowed to the point that Lancer could easily exit the vehicle, "-Ah, and do bring me the remains; it has been some time since I have tasted living prana."

@kusanagifire

[Sodium]

"Number One under the Sun? Sheeit, that's amazing." Billy kept his eyes on the road as he drove. They passed a wreck on the opposite side of the road - thankfully no emergency vehicles had arrived, so traffic wasn't beginning to pile up. "It'll probably help over in moonland, since it's called the Land of the Rising Sun an' all. Quite the resume you've got there, friend!" They turned onto a side road just as a set of flashing lights crested the hill ahead of them.

Inside the glove compartment, Musashi found the truck's maintenance manual, a Bible, a couple tools, and a loaded Smith&Wesson Governor revolver. Oddly, not a single glove was present, though a few odds and ends were also stashed inside, most notable being mints and sweets. By watching the mirrors, Musashi might notice a black van that had been parked in the church's parking lot when they left. It stayed a few cars back, doing nothing suspicious outside of following the truck.

Billy took another turn, this time onto a road that seemed to be in need of repair. The F150's suspension took the brunt of the bumps, though the cab vibrated and jerked occasionally. "Well, if you wanna see how fighting's changed, I've got cable back at the house. Plenty of fights on TV, so you'll probably find somethin' worth watchin'. Lotta stuff's faked, though."

[IncredibleBee]

"I would like to see it. Thank you." Musashi said. It would be good to study foreign martial arts. If what he knew of the tournament held true, he was liable to come across fighters from far across the sea, and knowing their techniques would be advantageous.

Musashi pulled the revolver from the glove compartment. "This is..."
Musashi examined it. It was a gun, but smaller than the rifles of his time. Carefully, he ejected each bullet. This gun held six. The hammer didn't carry a fuse.
Musashi aimed the unloaded revolver forward, and fired. Click. The hammer pulled back on its own, and the cyclinder turned. He pulled it a second time, carefully examining the weapon.
He was not at a military barrack. This type of weapon was common.

"...Warfare sure has changed since my time, hasn't it?"

[Scrapula]

Hector Cavala

Hector briefly tried to recall what an "Assassin" did. They.... snuck around, didn't they? They snuck around and didn't get noticed by other people. Hector could probably replicate that with five of his men and some burner phones, but Assassin was probably more mobile than them. Beyond that, Hector's assets were stretched fairly thin, what with the Yakuza deals over in Kamurocho. Perhaps, Hector reflected, it would have been better to come into this expecting something more than a temporary diversion from actual business. Regardless, Hector was stuck with only one person on-hand and limited assets. He'd need more men and more money, before he could start to do anything worthwhile. Money was easy to get, but easier to track. Men, however, would be difficult. The only person who'd be of any use in a Grail War would be a Magus, and Magi were particularly difficult to find. Playing the long game would simply not work.

"Aight, I understand what you're saying. We ain't in a good situation right now, an' sittin' still ain't gonna do nothing but fuck us. Thing is, there ain't much we can do that won't get us caught right in the open." Hector laughed out loud at the situation he'd gotten himself in. The Sublimated Elixir worked its magic even in the face of panic. "I got a change of plans. First, we gotta figure out who's got who. That's gonna be fuckin' hard, 'less we dealing with nothin' but shitheads. I worked with a guy who did this "tracking" shit 'fore, so I got a little idea on what we gotta do. Listen close, now..."

"First things first, take the most obvious route: Check the news and the police radio. 'less you know Japanese, we ain't gonna get much. Anybody hopping 'round with their superman, the police're gonna know about it, and they're gonna talk about it. Anybody's disappearin' off the streets 'cuz fuckin' La Llorona is workin' for someone, it's gonna show up."

"Next, we're gonna start checking out shit like a private dick. Ask chemical suppliers, blood banks, an' the like if they got any suspicious shipments. Somebody's got bright ideas on settin' traps, they gonna order shit for making bombs, and they gonna get their asses on a watch list. We get in with the cops, we get that list, and we get our names."

"Last up, after everything fails, we just gotta get sloppy. We're gonna have to look around for suspicious shit ourselves, an' that's gonna fuck us over if we ain't lucky. Good news is we'll get a chance to talk to these guys, get 'em to work with us if possible. If not, we ice 'em and move on."

Hector felt he had said his piece. This was going to be a risky operation, and Hector wasn't sure if it was going to work out. If all else failed, Hector had at least one contingency plan packed away, to make sure that his legacy wouldn't die with him. To win this, he'd need to be careful, and he'd need to make friends. To get one, he'd need to forsake the other. Risky, but rewarding-- just the way he liked it.

"So, now we got that sorted... what're you in the mood for? There's a ramen shop down the street, got some real nice breakfast deals. You wanna go there?"
@Flamelord

[KoL]

[vFear]

Lú Qiūyuè
Sunday - February 19, 2012

Qiūyuè quietly thinks over the vague proposal of a long-term alliance, more intently come the rewording of her servant. She had to admit, it was tempting, but she didn't know enough about either Shinobu or Jackson to make a comfortable decision; but such a short war surely couldn't be won without being bold...

Qiūyuè raises her left hand, with her right holding her quarterstaff and using it like a walking stick, to clear her throat.
"I agree with Mr. Jackson and Baldwin," she begins as she unties her blanket-backpack to produce a small tourist pamphlet, "although I do have a proposal. Mr. Jackson, Baldwin, can you enter spirit form? I have a tourist map I picked up from the information stand and I'm almost certain we'll be able to find clothes in Shinto. We should be able to get there even with the.. lacking map."

She pauses to awkwardly tie up the blanket into a backpack once again before she asks,
"Your thoughts?"

@Black Alice@Moonman@Hantu Kongkek

[Turboshitter]

Wes Downgate

@Lonewolf685@KoL

---

For a moment, Wes just stared at her in stunned silence.

"... Ummm, okayyy. Setting aside the fact that I'm actually kind of spoken for, surprise surprise, do you seriously think I'm a retard, or are you just being facetious? Because honestly, right now? It's kinda hard to tell."

He sighed.

Moreover, just what the hell is wrong with the women in my life?

"Caster, just... just get rid of her. Maybe throw her off the side of the boat or something, I dunno."

Of course he realized that an unaffiliated magus was still a valuable asset to be had (even if she was so painfully obviously trying to con him so she could stab him in the back and steal Caster later), but he also realized a bath in cold, murky seawater before 10:00 am had a way of taking the attitude out of a person. But seriously... just what the hell was wrong with the women in his life lately? Was it him or was Fuyuki just a magnet for weirdoes?

I really hope Tamamo didn't take her seriously... then again, it might be fun to see what kind of cruel and unusual punishment her jealousy can create.

Wes chuckled to himself. If nothing else, he could at least take away the happy memory of humiliating a Clocktower elite from this Grail War.

[Lonewolf685]

Having been merrily enjoying her food and not taking part in the negotiation, Tamamo was surprised by the sudden turn of events on both sides.

She couldn't have imagined that Seyrun would actually surrender herself to such a degree to her Master. Oh, the ploy was obvious, even Wes saw through it when few men really could. Tamamo felt a twinge of irritation that she hadn't considered she would make the attempt, but that quickly faded with another mouthful of tofu. Wes wouldn't cheat her on, she was well aware, but it would have been a good test of self-control to see if he wouldn't take advantage of the prostrating magus-

"... Ummm, okayyy. Setting aside the fact that I'm actually kind of spoken for, surprise surprise, do you seriously think I'm a retard, or are you just being facetious? Because honestly, right now? It's kinda hard to tell."

He sighed.

"Caster, just... just get rid of her. Maybe throw her off the side of the boat or something, I dunno."

@Turboshitter

"Master?" Meal temporarily forgotten in favor staring gobsmacked at Wes, Caster really didn't want to understand the reasoning behind that action. Can he not restrain himself around another woman? Could he be some sort of deviant? No, no, he is so innocent that he goes catatonic whenever I flirt with him! Unless...is he maybe restraining some dark impulse to ravish me? BAKA!

"Eep!" Even if it was internal, she was shocked at herself for thinking as such about her master. He likely had an ingenious plan that just didn't take in to account her own efforts to bring him a skilled ally. It wasn't like he didn't appreciate her gift to him. "Umm, Master, hasn't Seyrun given us everything she feasibly can? It seems wasteful to do so because she gave herself wholly to your service."

She might have wanted to lord herself over Seyrun as Wes' one, true beloved, but there was a familiar ring to this situation. How easy could it have been for the situations to be reversed? If he had the ally who he pledged his heart to and would cast aside the Servant who was willing to offer themselves freely to their service?

Her ears drooped as she rose more uncertain than when she had returned to the boat. Tamamo could deduce from the light jingling of metal on metal she picked up on walking with Seyrun that she wore a considerable amount of jewelry, probably enough to make her sink like a stone. While she may have said she was willing to kill Seyrun, this was not the context she had expected to be asked to do so.

But she was still a loyal Servant, shaken but not deterred. "As you say Master."

With the swiftness of a Servant with A rank Agility, Tamamo had swept the surrendering magus off her feet much the same way a certain bon vivant, the Heroic Spirit not the foreign boy, across town was doing. Certain her grip was firm, Tamamo leapt off the boat and into the cold 10AM waters.

As they descended as quickly as Tamamo had expected they would -How much metal was this magus carrying?- she gave Seyrun a playful wink that she hoped could be seen given the light's thinning as they went deeper. Ara, you are too clever for your own good. It would be better to drown you then wait for the hounds to chase you from your home.

Finding that they had gone down a few meters, enough to get the point across, she started furiously kicking to counter the weight of her burden, and broke through the surface. A short paddle over and they were back aboard the yacht.

Tamamo deposited the magus back in chair before taking her own, acting as though the both of them weren't sopping wet.

"Sorry Master, but I had offered to share drinks with Seyrun-san, and it would reflect poorly on my wifely ability if I drowned her before hand."

[Turboshitter]

Wes Downgate

@Lonewolf685@KoL

---

Wes smiled. "No no, that's fine."

In all honesty, I just wanted you to knock her down a peg, he told Tamamo mentally. Killing her really won't be necessary. I mean, I'm not that cold-hearted. At worst we should just keep her locked up somewhere. She could still be useful, after all. I just wanted to see if she'd shape up and start taking me seriously after having that gaudy boa constrictor almost drown her.

Wes smiled evilly. I mean, after all the abuse she and her "elite" magus friends put me through at the Clocktower, this much is deserved and should be expected, right?

"So Seyrun," he said, still smiling serenely. "How was the dip? Feel like having a serious conversation now or are we going to keep trying to think of ways we can stab each other in the back like a bunch of idiots? I'll tell you right now, I'm not letting you steal Caster, so you can just forget about that. She's mine. I think I'd sooner kiss the feet of Lord El-Melloi than let you have her."

[KoL]

[Lonewolf685]

"Oh my..." Tamamo gasped, seemingly looking at her master in a new light. Everything that Seyrun said was making sense, which was bizarre given that she was her Master's nemesis-turned-servant Tamamo didn't expect as such. One in particular stuck out in her mind, however. "Master, are you really such a deviant? I mean, I could try and be the sub to your dom as the people say nowadays, but I was hoping for more tenderness rather than violence!"

Wringing the water from her tail with a shake of her hips, Tamamo did her best to adapt to the situation.

"But if that is what pleases my Master, then I shall be there to sate his blackest desires." She sighed and went back to her meal as though nothing significant had occurred before freezing halfway to her utensils and asking in a teasing tone. "Umm, do I need to ask permission to eat now, Master?

[Turboshitter]

Wes Downgate

@Lonewolf685@KoL

---

Wes blushed, momentarily caught off-guard at Seyrun's words, then scowled.

"Your 'word' is worth about as much to me as dirt, Seyrun. Same goes for your family's name. And believe me, that was not my intention." Wes sighed. "The bathroom is in the back."

Wes eyed her with suspicion (though notably trying to avoid looking at her bra now that she'd brought it up). He'd have to be careful around her, lest his newfound power over his mortal enemy go to his head and make him say or do something stupid.

"And stop calling me 'Master'!" he yelled back. "It's freaking me out!"

Worried about what his Servant might think of him after that little tongue-in-cheek tirade, Wes turned to Caster.

You know none of what she said is true, right Tamamo? he communicated mentally. I mean I would never... not for that reason... and not to you! Don't let her get to you. She's just trying to play the situation to her advantage because she thinks she can swindle this "boorish, unrefined commoner" out of his Servant.

And before she could say anything, Wes quickly added, And it's not that I don't trust you! It's that I don't trust her. Believe me, anyone who tries to waltz into someone else's home and immediately start saying stuff like that is plotting something. She's evil, not stupid.

Wes chuckled to himself. Her tactics, while hitting irritatingly close to home, were funny in their own way.

She's probably steaming mad the Grail didn't pick her. Don't worry, I'm not some freak who'd take advantage of a prostrating woman. Seyrun is just an exception on account of her being the actual spawn of Satan. And uhhh... you don't actually have to do any of that kind of stuff for me. I'm not actually into that... he said, somewhat embarrassed.

[Black Alice]

Shinobu
[Ryuudou Temple]

"Yeah, sure. That sounds like a great idea~" There isn't a trace of hesitation in Shinobu's voice, but at the same time, her mind hardens. This is not the correct move. Any competent Master would realize that establishing a home base takes absolute priority, especially compared to something as trivial as shopping for clothes. Then, by association with the girl's suggestion, one fact was made perfectly clear: Lú Qiūyuè was not a competent Master. If she was not a competent Master, then an alliance with her would be meaningless.

In spite of her concerns, Shinobu's voice and face betray nothing of what was actually going on in her head. At the time, she was gazing happily up at the sky, noting the pleasant weather ahead of them for the day. "It looks like it will be a great day for a visit to town. We do have to pick up a few things before we can establish ourselves, after all."

"Plus," she adds, smiling over at the pair of Servants. "With two Servants, there's no chance an enemy Master would think of attacking us rashly. It ought to be safe, even if we move in the open."

Shinobu gathers up her stuff, putting on her rucksack and lifting her suitcase without any difficulty. It looked a little heavy, but apparently she was stronger than she looked, because she didn't seem bothered by its weight at all. On the contrary, she slings it over her shoulder and starts walking purposefully in the direction of town without stopping to talk. "We'll have plenty of time to get to know one another when we're in town. For now, I have an idea of where we're going, so why not just get a good, early start? I'd like to get back to the temple before dark, just so that we can set up our fortifications before anyone else considers using it as their base."

She gestures forwards, turning her head to look at the other female Master. "Shall we?"

@vFear@Moonman@Hantu Kongkek

[Hantu Kongkek]

The Archer let go of his rifle with his right hand, holding it by the barrel from the opposite, the body of the firearm leaned against his arm. Before Shinobu could put her bag completely over her back, Jackson took it by the top strap. Picking it up, he realized it wasn't nearly as heavy as it appeared, the president capable of swinging it around with no effort whatsoever. He lay the rucksack on the ground and sat before it. His arms stuck out underneath the straps, and squatting, the president picked himself back up off the ground. It was an unnecessary process, but one he seemed apparently used to performing.

"I'll be takin' this too" Jackson said. "If nobody's gonna see us, fine. We'll get ourselves established. It's that big ol' thing made of wood and rocks right?" Before he could get a response, the servant had already began stomping towards it. With his longer strides, he caught up with and eventually passed his master.

The former president turned his head back. "Y'all comin'?"