The Gardener,
Going for a Stroll
Rider listened to his Master explain his understanding of the Grail, nodding with each point made.
"Your second point is correct, for the most part. I may be a 'fake', but I assure you I have not had the wool pulled over my eyes completely. I am perfectly content to experience the now in this fake body, if you understand my meaning. For now, I will say the Grail is not exactly what your understanding pictures it as, and leave it at that. I say this as one of the few Servants who actually has quite a bit of understanding of the Grail, outside of what we're granted upon summoning. Give it a chance, Master - exceptions and loopholes to the 'rules' do exist in this world of ours, after all."
He shot a glance to William from his peripherals as they walked, his gaze a knowing one. Rider didn't mention the part about how things usually end for people seeking Root. William could figure that bit out on his own, he was a big boy after all. Lucky for William, Rider was not one of the servants to get worked up from his words - he just saw the thought behind them. Indeed, his Master was an intelligent one to actually acknowledge how Servants were summoned.
"My nature...hm." Rider brought a hand to his chin, contemplating.
"I like to think I'm a peaceful man. Not too interested in conflict, but that's the name of this game, isn't it? I have a love for reading and writing, with a hobby for gardening. I actually used to be a lot more introvert and shy, but my wife and children helped a lot in bringing me out of my shell." The dark-skinned servant smiled, turning his focus to the skies once more. For a few moments he became lost in reminiscion before moving onto the next point.
"My abilities! Good point. Should have told you about that the moment I arrived! My bad, Master." The kindly Servant chuckles, scratching the side of his mouth. "As you have summoned me as Rider, I am capable of Riding at an A Plus rank, and my Magic Resistance is at B rank. Outside of that, I gain a high rank in Charisma and Military Tactics for all things naval, and I'm incredibly well read; Librarian of Stored Knowledge at rank A Plus makes me versed in essentially any walk of life."
The Servant paused, considering his next words. This personal skill was powerful, but dangerous in the wrong hands. Indeed, someone like William could undoubtedly make the best of it, but it was for that reason that Rider was hesitant. Rider hummed. This man was his Master for this war, and it'd be poor form to keep it from him - not like William could not find out eventually anyway.
"My final skill is called Culture Hero. I can give you - or any other person whom I feel fit - up to three skills at rank B. The limitation on this is that they cannot be unique or skills which replicate several other skills, such as my Voyager of the Storm. I'll save the Noble Phantasm for another time! Don't know who is listening, after all."
"As for my dream...well, for now it is to travel the world. I want to take it in for myself, to see the new sights! The old fashion way, though. As interesting as flying machines are, I'm sure that by foot and mount is the best way to get the most out of a journey."
"What are you working on there, Master?"
Michiko,
First Boss Fight
Michiko felt sick. The very air around her turned rancid merely because of it being here. The identity of the Plague Knight caused the girl to squint, looking to Lancer and then back to the Knight. She had faith in her Servant - she was probably not the best Master for one of her caliber, but she still believed. The best thing should do right now was give Lancer room to operate, her being there only stopped her from working optimally - especially against this thing.
'I'll run. If you're not back in fifteen minutes, I'll use a command seal to bring you to me. Is that okay?' She sent through the link. The young Master raised her hand, showing the wing-patterned command seals resting upon the back to illustrate the point.
Michiko took off through the streets of Septum, making distance between her and the inevitable conflict. Yeah, she'd definitely felt better. First battle of the War and she'd already been forced into running away to leave her Servant to fight on her behalf. Shame, embarrassment, disgrace, there were a lot of words to describe it. But that wasn't important right now. What was important was making sure she could fight on for...for some reason. This wasn't her war after all, it was her fathers.
Her destination was the only place she was mostly safe in Septum; the hotel room.
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Michiko,
First Boss Fight
"I set up a decent field when I arrived. It should keep us from harm inside."
Bounded fields was the only area she felt she was actually talented, so she'd made damn sure she was going to get the most out of it upon arriving. They'd be safe inside the hotel, for the most part. She knew who entered and left the floor they were on, and the actual room its self was bound tight. That was not here, though - here was less than safe. The feeling was definitely closer now, a Servant that clearly did not care for subtlety. The girl found her gaze drawn to a certain wall back inside the store. Seems they wouldn't be getting away with just visiting the city...
"Lancer, it's here."
She didn't even flinch, the unspoken 'get ready' carried in her words. Speak of the devil, the wall in the store came crashing down, a foul outline lurching through. Its revolting presence causing Michiko to flinch backwards. Michiko looked to Lancer as the knight approached, its intent needing to be no clearer.
"Are you ready?"
Michiko's voice did not sound as fearful as one might expect, it was rather calm actually. The girl before Lancer appeared far more 'with it' than the one who originally summoned her.
First Boss Fight
"I set up a decent field when I arrived. It should keep us from harm inside."
Bounded fields was the only area she felt she was actually talented, so she'd made damn sure she was going to get the most out of it upon arriving. They'd be safe inside the hotel, for the most part. She knew who entered and left the floor they were on, and the actual room its self was bound tight. That was not here, though - here was less than safe. The feeling was definitely closer now, a Servant that clearly did not care for subtlety. The girl found her gaze drawn to a certain wall back inside the store. Seems they wouldn't be getting away with just visiting the city...
"Lancer, it's here."
She didn't even flinch, the unspoken 'get ready' carried in her words. Speak of the devil, the wall in the store came crashing down, a foul outline lurching through. Its revolting presence causing Michiko to flinch backwards. Michiko looked to Lancer as the knight approached, its intent needing to be no clearer.
"Are you ready?"
Michiko's voice did not sound as fearful as one might expect, it was rather calm actually. The girl before Lancer appeared far more 'with it' than the one who originally summoned her.
The Gardener,
Lakeside Summoning
Oh, of all the people. Rider gave his Master another heavy sigh, arching his neck to look up at the sky. Here he was hoping his Master would have something worth while to fight for. Instead, he got...this. There was nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself and to display that, but to crush the dreams of others while doing so? Merely because you can? It did not sit right with Rider. There was nothing he could do about it now, though. His Master was a grown man, it'd take more than a nice little sit down and a talk to sway him from this. Didn't mean he wouldn't try to impart some of his wisdom onto him.
"So you have come here to crush the dreams of others, rather than to pursue your own? If that is the case then I will warn you of this, Master; I have known many men with similar approaches to life, and what they all had in common beyond that was failure. When they finally have a dream, something they truly desire, they always fall short of it. After that either the illusion of grandeur breaks, or they do."
Rider shrugged, turning his back to William and starting on his walk. He hated the fact that after so long this was his first interaction with people - he loved people! They were great! Everyone had their own interesting tale and complex personalities with quirks even they themselves are not aware of, yet the one he had to be summoned by was one of the emush: Ambitious individuals, dangerously so.
"Just something to think about, Master. I'll be back later!"
At least this was an opportunity to take in the sights.
Michiko,
Streets of Septum
"I...wouldn't call them oracles. Unless your oracles were crazy as well."
She quickly moved along from the man holding the sign. As they walked through the streets, Michiko would point things out quietly to Lancer, mostly things which were considered 'normal', even pointing out that there were cities far larger than the one they were in all across the world. Septum was nice, a far cry from the type of city London was and a whole different world from the town she grew up in. It felt lively and its buildings were huge, overwhelming the wallflower. To escape from it, she entered a clothing retailer under the premise of Lancer needing non-conspicuous clothes if she was going to move about in the physical world.
Of course, Michiko knew that Lancer did not need to be manifested at all unless it was for combat, but she simply was not the kind of girl or magus to deny Lancer the modern world. It wasn't every day this happened to a Heroic Spirit, after all. She was in the middle of trying to convince her Servant that a certain maroon top with a teddy-bear face on the back would not only suit her but also be incredibly adorable, only to pause in the middle of her convincing. A chill ran up Michiko's spine, causing her eyes to widen - then her right eye glint an off colour. Whatever panic that had overcome her was subdued instantly, and she spoke to her incorporeal Servant once more.
"We should leave. Get back to the apartment - I think there are others near. "
The air around the girl was far different from the meek thing she was moments ago, Michiko had suddenly become collected, no hesitation in her voice. She made to purchase whatever clothing they had collected for Lancer up until that point, and then out to the city. She looked up and down down the streets, looking for any odd characters.
Lakeside Summoning
Oh, of all the people. Rider gave his Master another heavy sigh, arching his neck to look up at the sky. Here he was hoping his Master would have something worth while to fight for. Instead, he got...this. There was nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself and to display that, but to crush the dreams of others while doing so? Merely because you can? It did not sit right with Rider. There was nothing he could do about it now, though. His Master was a grown man, it'd take more than a nice little sit down and a talk to sway him from this. Didn't mean he wouldn't try to impart some of his wisdom onto him.
"So you have come here to crush the dreams of others, rather than to pursue your own? If that is the case then I will warn you of this, Master; I have known many men with similar approaches to life, and what they all had in common beyond that was failure. When they finally have a dream, something they truly desire, they always fall short of it. After that either the illusion of grandeur breaks, or they do."
Rider shrugged, turning his back to William and starting on his walk. He hated the fact that after so long this was his first interaction with people - he loved people! They were great! Everyone had their own interesting tale and complex personalities with quirks even they themselves are not aware of, yet the one he had to be summoned by was one of the emush: Ambitious individuals, dangerously so.
"Just something to think about, Master. I'll be back later!"
At least this was an opportunity to take in the sights.
Michiko,
Streets of Septum
"I...wouldn't call them oracles. Unless your oracles were crazy as well."
She quickly moved along from the man holding the sign. As they walked through the streets, Michiko would point things out quietly to Lancer, mostly things which were considered 'normal', even pointing out that there were cities far larger than the one they were in all across the world. Septum was nice, a far cry from the type of city London was and a whole different world from the town she grew up in. It felt lively and its buildings were huge, overwhelming the wallflower. To escape from it, she entered a clothing retailer under the premise of Lancer needing non-conspicuous clothes if she was going to move about in the physical world.
Of course, Michiko knew that Lancer did not need to be manifested at all unless it was for combat, but she simply was not the kind of girl or magus to deny Lancer the modern world. It wasn't every day this happened to a Heroic Spirit, after all. She was in the middle of trying to convince her Servant that a certain maroon top with a teddy-bear face on the back would not only suit her but also be incredibly adorable, only to pause in the middle of her convincing. A chill ran up Michiko's spine, causing her eyes to widen - then her right eye glint an off colour. Whatever panic that had overcome her was subdued instantly, and she spoke to her incorporeal Servant once more.
"We should leave. Get back to the apartment - I think there are others near. "
The air around the girl was far different from the meek thing she was moments ago, Michiko had suddenly become collected, no hesitation in her voice. She made to purchase whatever clothing they had collected for Lancer up until that point, and then out to the city. She looked up and down down the streets, looking for any odd characters.
Xiang,
Marianne's Safehouse
Well, when it's put like that it just makes her feel bad. Xiang sighed, rubbing her chin in thought. It wasn't particularly relevant, but this kind of conversation was good for breaking the ice a little. Better to have a Partner you can openly talk with after all.
"Can't be helped then..." She lowered her head, defeated by her Masters reasoning. "If that's how you stay strong, then eat as you wish. I will not impede you in doing what you must do." Xiang nodded. It wouldn't be the first time she'd allowed something unsavoury to happen under her watch. Such was the reality of the life she lived, nasty things happened and sometimes you just had to go with it.
She cleared her throat, going back to the matter of planning. It was a relatively simple idea, one she'd used plenty of times in life in situations similar to this. However, it was not entirely a tactic of her making - a certain war philosopher had that credit. Xiang had merely refined it. The Rider turned to face her Master, a mischievous smile tugging at her face.
"Tell me, Partner, how do you feel about the work of-"
Michiko,
Apartment Summoning
"Hnaaagh..."
Things were going well for Michiko. A few seconds past summoning her servant and Lancer was already making her look absurd. The girl flailed her hands a little in protest, unable to form whole words as her cheeks were tugged, pulled and pushed to make an arrange of silly faces. Lancer found it hilarious, Michiko just found it embarrassing. Upon release she cupped her face with a groan, taking in her servants words as she spoke.
"I-I was just being polite! I'm unsure what's appropriate when talking to a Heroic Spirit..."
"We can do that tomorrow when it's safer. We should just...look around, I guess? How much do you know about the modern world?"
In truth, Michiko just wanted to get outside for some air, this was just a good excuse for it. The summoning had sort of exhausted her, and being inside certainly wasn't helping the approaching mother of all headaches. Getting the lay of the land was the more productive option for the night. She continued to speak to the incorporeal form of Lancer, making her way towards the door.
Admittedly she also wanted to hang around to spend some time with her Servant. The older woman was undoubtedly cool - and she hadn't even done anything yet!
"A lot has changed, and I've never been to this place before. It'd be nice to check out the city a bit."
The Gardener,
Lakeside Summoning
"Mmh?"
Rider rubbed the back of his neck, looking at their surroundings for a while in silence other than the occasional hum and glance to William.
"That will be a very long walk." He said with a heavy sigh, closing his eyes. His hands came to rest at the back of his head, closing his eyes. "You do have a point though, Master. There's a map and then there's getting a feel for the land."
His Master was an eager one, perhaps overly so. Who could blame him? The promise of the grail was grand, but it was that prize which could draw out the worst in people. Then there was the laughter... definitely reminded him of someone, but he couldn't place who at this exact moement. Rider would not go as far as to call the man in front of him a fool, he could tell there was brilliance at work in his mind, but possibly overinflated. The type of personality he could handle in small doses - but hopefully the Gardener could work that out of him.
If not...well. That was a thought for another time.
"Is that it for introductions? I was hoping for something a little bit more social." The servant snapped his fingers. "Lets shoot questions back and forth, just so we know who we're working with!" Whoever Rider was, he was the happy sort, a jovial eagerness carrying on his voice.
"I will start. What do you wish from the grail, Master?"
Marianne's Safehouse
Well, when it's put like that it just makes her feel bad. Xiang sighed, rubbing her chin in thought. It wasn't particularly relevant, but this kind of conversation was good for breaking the ice a little. Better to have a Partner you can openly talk with after all.
"Can't be helped then..." She lowered her head, defeated by her Masters reasoning. "If that's how you stay strong, then eat as you wish. I will not impede you in doing what you must do." Xiang nodded. It wouldn't be the first time she'd allowed something unsavoury to happen under her watch. Such was the reality of the life she lived, nasty things happened and sometimes you just had to go with it.
She cleared her throat, going back to the matter of planning. It was a relatively simple idea, one she'd used plenty of times in life in situations similar to this. However, it was not entirely a tactic of her making - a certain war philosopher had that credit. Xiang had merely refined it. The Rider turned to face her Master, a mischievous smile tugging at her face.
"Tell me, Partner, how do you feel about the work of-"
Michiko,
Apartment Summoning
"Hnaaagh..."
Things were going well for Michiko. A few seconds past summoning her servant and Lancer was already making her look absurd. The girl flailed her hands a little in protest, unable to form whole words as her cheeks were tugged, pulled and pushed to make an arrange of silly faces. Lancer found it hilarious, Michiko just found it embarrassing. Upon release she cupped her face with a groan, taking in her servants words as she spoke.
"I-I was just being polite! I'm unsure what's appropriate when talking to a Heroic Spirit..."
"We can do that tomorrow when it's safer. We should just...look around, I guess? How much do you know about the modern world?"
In truth, Michiko just wanted to get outside for some air, this was just a good excuse for it. The summoning had sort of exhausted her, and being inside certainly wasn't helping the approaching mother of all headaches. Getting the lay of the land was the more productive option for the night. She continued to speak to the incorporeal form of Lancer, making her way towards the door.
Admittedly she also wanted to hang around to spend some time with her Servant. The older woman was undoubtedly cool - and she hadn't even done anything yet!
"A lot has changed, and I've never been to this place before. It'd be nice to check out the city a bit."
The Gardener,
Lakeside Summoning
"Mmh?"
Rider rubbed the back of his neck, looking at their surroundings for a while in silence other than the occasional hum and glance to William.
"That will be a very long walk." He said with a heavy sigh, closing his eyes. His hands came to rest at the back of his head, closing his eyes. "You do have a point though, Master. There's a map and then there's getting a feel for the land."
His Master was an eager one, perhaps overly so. Who could blame him? The promise of the grail was grand, but it was that prize which could draw out the worst in people. Then there was the laughter... definitely reminded him of someone, but he couldn't place who at this exact moement. Rider would not go as far as to call the man in front of him a fool, he could tell there was brilliance at work in his mind, but possibly overinflated. The type of personality he could handle in small doses - but hopefully the Gardener could work that out of him.
If not...well. That was a thought for another time.
"Is that it for introductions? I was hoping for something a little bit more social." The servant snapped his fingers. "Lets shoot questions back and forth, just so we know who we're working with!" Whoever Rider was, he was the happy sort, a jovial eagerness carrying on his voice.
"I will start. What do you wish from the grail, Master?"
Xiang,
Alleyway Summoning
"Ooh? My Partner is a Jiang-Shi? That'd explain why you're so good at jumping."
Yeah, okay, she wasn't expecting that her Master could be a cannibal but there were worse things. Possibly...not really. Xiang let out a sigh, throwing her legs over the side of the couch and standing once more at full height. She approached her Master with slow, deliberate steps. Xiang wasn't exactly the sort to give a flying pigs ass about these kinds of things, but if it was her Partner then she felt she had a duty to at least do or say something about this. So she did what came naturally.
Xiang leaned down to eye height with her Master, and brought a hand up menacingly...only to flick her lightly on the forehead.
"Eating people is bad manners, incredibly rude. Not to mention how bad that looks if you're intending to go somewhere good after you die. You should really think about these kinds of things!" That was the voice of a mother chiding her child, a very experienced mother at that. Xiang huffed, shaking her head at her Master's antics. "I'll let it go for now, because you did it before I arrived - but from now on, at least make an effort to pick a scumbag or something." She wasn't mad, just disappointed. With that she focused on the clearly more important matter, the War.
"Getting a lay of the land - good idea." Upright once again, Rider moved to look out of the window they'd jumped in from, taking a deep breath. "I'm not the most magical of individuals either, believe it or not. Don't believe I ever met a magus in life. Seems we're a bit out of luck in that department then." She brought a hand to her chin, the other arm acting as a rest for the elbow. She remained silent for a few moments, thinking.
"I have a plan, if you'd here it. It may be a bit risky, but if played right we can make up for our inability to immediately identify Masters."
Alleyway Summoning
"Ooh? My Partner is a Jiang-Shi? That'd explain why you're so good at jumping."
Yeah, okay, she wasn't expecting that her Master could be a cannibal but there were worse things. Possibly...not really. Xiang let out a sigh, throwing her legs over the side of the couch and standing once more at full height. She approached her Master with slow, deliberate steps. Xiang wasn't exactly the sort to give a flying pigs ass about these kinds of things, but if it was her Partner then she felt she had a duty to at least do or say something about this. So she did what came naturally.
Xiang leaned down to eye height with her Master, and brought a hand up menacingly...only to flick her lightly on the forehead.
"Eating people is bad manners, incredibly rude. Not to mention how bad that looks if you're intending to go somewhere good after you die. You should really think about these kinds of things!" That was the voice of a mother chiding her child, a very experienced mother at that. Xiang huffed, shaking her head at her Master's antics. "I'll let it go for now, because you did it before I arrived - but from now on, at least make an effort to pick a scumbag or something." She wasn't mad, just disappointed. With that she focused on the clearly more important matter, the War.
"Getting a lay of the land - good idea." Upright once again, Rider moved to look out of the window they'd jumped in from, taking a deep breath. "I'm not the most magical of individuals either, believe it or not. Don't believe I ever met a magus in life. Seems we're a bit out of luck in that department then." She brought a hand to her chin, the other arm acting as a rest for the elbow. She remained silent for a few moments, thinking.
"I have a plan, if you'd here it. It may be a bit risky, but if played right we can make up for our inability to immediately identify Masters."
Michiko,
Hotel Room Summoning
Vision slowly returned to Michiko, rubbing her eyes every now and then as she stared up at the confident figure she had summoned into being. Eyes now corrected, she took in Lancer with a couple of slow astonished blinks. At some point along the line, she'd forgotten to close her mouth completely. Heroic Spirit indeed, being in the presence of this woman, the feeling she put out, was enough to overwhelm the bookish girl, pushing her into a stunned silence.
Lancer's words broke her out of the stupor, the introductory speech even helping the girls confidence a little. Where she thought she was destined to die in this war, now she only felt it was likely she was going to die. Better than nothing. She slowly stood, suddenly dropping into a deep bow before her Servant.
"Michiko!" She squeaked out, frowning at the sudden loss of control over her own volume. "Kuroda Michiko. You don't need to call me Master." The girl tried her best to look up at the Lancer, anxiety rising in her gut. She took a deep breath, trying to find some of her fathers nature within her.
"Welcome to the War, Lancer. Um... considering this is the first night, I guess I should go announce myself to the proctor, right? Are you supposed to come along for that?" She tried to keep things going, as not to lapse into an awkward silence which would only serve to torment the poor girl. "Unless you want to do something else, of course! I mean...this is also your first night in this world, so I can understand if you want to go out..." Now she was rambling.
She really wasn't cut out for this.
Xiang,
Alleyway Summoning
Well, that certainly was not something she was expecting out of her master. Marianne seemed to be able to walk the walk, as well as...look the look? Bleh. A pleasant surprise, one which showed she could definitely work with this Master to get things done. There was one matter which she definitely intended to bring up - that being the other girl present who Marianne had taken with her. Gave her a weird feeling in her gut, but it probably didn't matter. Anything Marianne intended to do with the girl, Xiang had probably done worse at one point.
Xiang followed her Master's lead, jumping from her standing position to a mid-way point of the alley wall, head angled to look over her shoulder to get a good glimpse at the window. She then pushed herself off, going through the air at a high angle and through the open window and into the safe house with no visible effort. She lands with a practised grace, arms crossed. Xiang took in the safe house with an appreciative nod and grin. This room hit all the right spots with her - comfy but practical.
"Two, if you'd indulge me." Xiang made her way over to the couches in the room, making herself comfy by laying her legs across with with her upper-body propped against the rest at the end.
"First, when do you want to get started? Second, what's with her?" Xiang nodded to the unconscious girl with an arched brow.
Hotel Room Summoning
Vision slowly returned to Michiko, rubbing her eyes every now and then as she stared up at the confident figure she had summoned into being. Eyes now corrected, she took in Lancer with a couple of slow astonished blinks. At some point along the line, she'd forgotten to close her mouth completely. Heroic Spirit indeed, being in the presence of this woman, the feeling she put out, was enough to overwhelm the bookish girl, pushing her into a stunned silence.
Lancer's words broke her out of the stupor, the introductory speech even helping the girls confidence a little. Where she thought she was destined to die in this war, now she only felt it was likely she was going to die. Better than nothing. She slowly stood, suddenly dropping into a deep bow before her Servant.
"Michiko!" She squeaked out, frowning at the sudden loss of control over her own volume. "Kuroda Michiko. You don't need to call me Master." The girl tried her best to look up at the Lancer, anxiety rising in her gut. She took a deep breath, trying to find some of her fathers nature within her.
"Welcome to the War, Lancer. Um... considering this is the first night, I guess I should go announce myself to the proctor, right? Are you supposed to come along for that?" She tried to keep things going, as not to lapse into an awkward silence which would only serve to torment the poor girl. "Unless you want to do something else, of course! I mean...this is also your first night in this world, so I can understand if you want to go out..." Now she was rambling.
She really wasn't cut out for this.
Xiang,
Alleyway Summoning
Well, that certainly was not something she was expecting out of her master. Marianne seemed to be able to walk the walk, as well as...look the look? Bleh. A pleasant surprise, one which showed she could definitely work with this Master to get things done. There was one matter which she definitely intended to bring up - that being the other girl present who Marianne had taken with her. Gave her a weird feeling in her gut, but it probably didn't matter. Anything Marianne intended to do with the girl, Xiang had probably done worse at one point.
Xiang followed her Master's lead, jumping from her standing position to a mid-way point of the alley wall, head angled to look over her shoulder to get a good glimpse at the window. She then pushed herself off, going through the air at a high angle and through the open window and into the safe house with no visible effort. She lands with a practised grace, arms crossed. Xiang took in the safe house with an appreciative nod and grin. This room hit all the right spots with her - comfy but practical.
"Two, if you'd indulge me." Xiang made her way over to the couches in the room, making herself comfy by laying her legs across with with her upper-body propped against the rest at the end.
"First, when do you want to get started? Second, what's with her?" Xiang nodded to the unconscious girl with an arched brow.
Oh dang, missed this thread.
Names! He was absolutely terrible with names. Amjad took headcount from his chair, nodding at each individual as he tried to recall those present. Iwajima-san was the smallest one, that was easy. He wasn't absolutely sure what his role was in the picture of things - when Amjad was ten he wasn't all that entirely useful or intelligent, so he had a hard time placing Jun within the group. Did he even get paid? What does he need with that money? Amjad squinted, his imagination entering overdrive and creating several rather absurd scenarios. Taking into account Jun's impressive vocabulary (for a nine year old), the Artisan selected the most likely story for the day - man in the body of a child seeking to return to his prime. Amjad blinked at Jun, his face contorting in a way which was hard to read. Suspicious. Amjad put that aside for now and looked to the next person, racking his memory for a name.
Tachibana-senpai; the joker of the group. Amjad hates jokes, they never make sense to him. Many ask the question 'why did the chicken cross the road?' with the obvious answer of 'to get to the other side.' Apparently that is funny to some degree. Amjad initially saw the meaning of the joke as 'the other side' being the afterlife and the implication being the chicken was hit by a car and then died. 'No,' he was told, it just crossed the road. Amjad hates jokes. After that tangent, the Artificer had forgotten what he was initially thinking about - oh, yes. Names.
This one, the one polishing ammunition, was a quiet sort and that was something Amjad could relate to - can't be said for everything else though. Amjad acknowledged his condition, something which was arguably of his own making, but he did not attempt to be 'cold' in any sense of the word. He came across that way sometimes, yes, but that was unfortunately part of the package of excessive Severing. There was definitely a harsh air about that boy though, a maintained one. If Amjad had to describe it in a word then 'Darwinian' would be the first thing to come to mind - emotions had been forced from him as a means to an end, rather than a side-effect. Akiza-san was his name. Dangerous.
Tomoe-san. Nice family name, easy to remember. Helped that he had qualities in him which Amjad respected, made him far more memorable as far as people go. The familiar helped as well. The white haired youth turned his gaze to the familiar with a squint in his crimson eyes, bushy brows furrowed. As part of his education Amjad had been taught that the likes of familiars were tools hand-crafted by people like himself to fulfil an end. 'They are not people,' he was told 'but they can replicate people very well.' This one was very person-like, but like all things created for a reason you could discern some hint to its purpose through its design, and as a designer Amjad was unsure if he liked what he saw. Dangerous, suspicious. Eika was its name.
New guy. Did it matter what Amjad really thought? He had food and he was not one to turn down grub. A-okay guy, ten out of ten. Oh, right. Conversation was happening.
"Good afternoon, everyone." He spoke flatly, reaching down to place the clay jar on the floor next to the chair.
"When there's a drought we usually make sure to use water only when it's necessary..." He directed at his boss with a tilt of the head. He understood the comparison between the absence of work (also money) and a drought, but Amjad knew a thing or two about making your way through one relatively comfortably. You didn't drink all the water in the first few nights, for starters.
Tachibana-senpai; the joker of the group. Amjad hates jokes, they never make sense to him. Many ask the question 'why did the chicken cross the road?' with the obvious answer of 'to get to the other side.' Apparently that is funny to some degree. Amjad initially saw the meaning of the joke as 'the other side' being the afterlife and the implication being the chicken was hit by a car and then died. 'No,' he was told, it just crossed the road. Amjad hates jokes. After that tangent, the Artificer had forgotten what he was initially thinking about - oh, yes. Names.
This one, the one polishing ammunition, was a quiet sort and that was something Amjad could relate to - can't be said for everything else though. Amjad acknowledged his condition, something which was arguably of his own making, but he did not attempt to be 'cold' in any sense of the word. He came across that way sometimes, yes, but that was unfortunately part of the package of excessive Severing. There was definitely a harsh air about that boy though, a maintained one. If Amjad had to describe it in a word then 'Darwinian' would be the first thing to come to mind - emotions had been forced from him as a means to an end, rather than a side-effect. Akiza-san was his name. Dangerous.
Tomoe-san. Nice family name, easy to remember. Helped that he had qualities in him which Amjad respected, made him far more memorable as far as people go. The familiar helped as well. The white haired youth turned his gaze to the familiar with a squint in his crimson eyes, bushy brows furrowed. As part of his education Amjad had been taught that the likes of familiars were tools hand-crafted by people like himself to fulfil an end. 'They are not people,' he was told 'but they can replicate people very well.' This one was very person-like, but like all things created for a reason you could discern some hint to its purpose through its design, and as a designer Amjad was unsure if he liked what he saw. Dangerous, suspicious. Eika was its name.
New guy. Did it matter what Amjad really thought? He had food and he was not one to turn down grub. A-okay guy, ten out of ten. Oh, right. Conversation was happening.
"Good afternoon, everyone." He spoke flatly, reaching down to place the clay jar on the floor next to the chair.
"When there's a drought we usually make sure to use water only when it's necessary..." He directed at his boss with a tilt of the head. He understood the comparison between the absence of work (also money) and a drought, but Amjad knew a thing or two about making your way through one relatively comfortably. You didn't drink all the water in the first few nights, for starters.
The Gardener,
Lakeside Summoning
Over many years men have come to me with a simple and honest question, one I have given many answers to and none of them completely untruthful:
'What are you?'
The completely honest answer is, of course, I am but a man! I breathe, I sleep, I eat, I laugh, I love, I think, I survive. Simple things like these which keep us anchored, are they not what make us human?
Ah, but that is not the case this time is it? The intrinsic knowledge imparted onto me tells me this - I am more than that now. In this body and time I am the thunder that rumbles across the heavens. Drawn from a throne, I am the man and myth made manifest unto a singular entity.
I stand within the eye of the storm that is my arrival, a display of light and wind which sends the dust and dirt on the ground spiralling into the air, the nearby waters rippling at my presence. Energy arcs around me as the concept of 'I', the individual, is anchored to the world. I would be a fool not to give credit where it was due, this was some impressive work. All calms, my existence is secured for now. I recognise that I am more than man, but in a few senses far less. For this time...
"I am Servant Rider and I have answered the call. So I ask - are you to be my Master?"
The Gardener had an idea of what his summoner would be like the instant he saw him. The provisional knowledge granted to him by the grail worked in conjunction with his already immense archives worth of knowledge and experience. He was no rank amateur, that was for certain, but the way he held himself left some unfortunate implications to the Servant. It could be worked on, given time.
Rider gave his new Master a slight bow of his head, a serene smile gracing his youthful features. To think that of all people, he would be summoned to fight a war.
Xiang,
Alleyway Summoning
I hear the call.
This is hell. Of all the things which could happen to me, this is among one of the worst things I could imagine. I blame not the soul who calls me from one prison into another, but the system in place - this wish granting ritual which I am to fight for. I certainly have a wish now. Like a convict, I am chained to a body - my old one recreated down to the most minute of details and then granted some more. Even my eyesight acts up, if just for a moment. The dust parts and I see her, the girl who is to be my 'Master' for this war.
That sounded so demeaning, so did 'Servant'. Maybe she'd compromise with more appropriate terms? I'd settle with 'partners', anything other than Master and Servant. Even in this constructed body, I feel ill thinking about that.
There's a glint in this girls eye, something which resonates with me - she's a dangerous sort. Didn't go a day in my business without being able to spot that. If she can follow through with how she looks, then I can work with this no problem. I don't like this war, but I can bloody well fight it none the less. Oh, shit. I have some formalities I'm meant to go through.
"I'm here, partner. Between you and me, I don't think we need the thespianism. Servant Rider at your service. You are my Master, right?"
Xiang smiles, a pleasant and warm looking thing which you wouldn't expect to see on such a tall and armed woman, but it's there anyway. Marianne might notice it though, the glint in her eye much like the one Xiang noticed in her. This woman was dangerous - one is not summoned without reason, after all. She appraises her master with a relaxed stance, hands resting at her sides.
Time to win another battle.
Michiko,
Hotel Room Summoning
Catalyst - check.
Circle - check.
Her mental state - unchecked.
Everything was ready, just not her. Before a few months ago, she had not even known the name of her father - but a few months ago she had not been drawn into the world of magi and their craft. Michiko was at least aware of it, thanks to her mother, but she never dabbled in it. Then the seals appeared, and so did her father. For three months she studied under him and other tutors, making her a 'mediocre' representative for the Yates family in this competition.
She wished the mark had gone to someone else, but her path was set. Curtains drawn, lights on, the girl stood before the summoning circle of her design, drawn from chalk onto the wooden floor. She stretched her hand out, holding it by the wrist with the other.
And so she chanted, just as she practised. She had been warned about the strain it would put on her, but to experience it was another matter.
"Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone.
The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.
Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill).
Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled.
――――I announce.
Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the resort of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer.
Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.
You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance ―――!"
The dust and light blinded Michiko , sending the girl to her knees at the rituals climax. She had done it - her position was locked in. If all had gone well, she would have a servant of the Lance, just as her father wished. She knew little of tactics and battle, but what little she did know would have to do.
The Holy Grail War had begun.
Lakeside Summoning
Over many years men have come to me with a simple and honest question, one I have given many answers to and none of them completely untruthful:
'What are you?'
The completely honest answer is, of course, I am but a man! I breathe, I sleep, I eat, I laugh, I love, I think, I survive. Simple things like these which keep us anchored, are they not what make us human?
Ah, but that is not the case this time is it? The intrinsic knowledge imparted onto me tells me this - I am more than that now. In this body and time I am the thunder that rumbles across the heavens. Drawn from a throne, I am the man and myth made manifest unto a singular entity.
I stand within the eye of the storm that is my arrival, a display of light and wind which sends the dust and dirt on the ground spiralling into the air, the nearby waters rippling at my presence. Energy arcs around me as the concept of 'I', the individual, is anchored to the world. I would be a fool not to give credit where it was due, this was some impressive work. All calms, my existence is secured for now. I recognise that I am more than man, but in a few senses far less. For this time...
"I am Servant Rider and I have answered the call. So I ask - are you to be my Master?"
The Gardener had an idea of what his summoner would be like the instant he saw him. The provisional knowledge granted to him by the grail worked in conjunction with his already immense archives worth of knowledge and experience. He was no rank amateur, that was for certain, but the way he held himself left some unfortunate implications to the Servant. It could be worked on, given time.
Rider gave his new Master a slight bow of his head, a serene smile gracing his youthful features. To think that of all people, he would be summoned to fight a war.
Xiang,
Alleyway Summoning
I hear the call.
This is hell. Of all the things which could happen to me, this is among one of the worst things I could imagine. I blame not the soul who calls me from one prison into another, but the system in place - this wish granting ritual which I am to fight for. I certainly have a wish now. Like a convict, I am chained to a body - my old one recreated down to the most minute of details and then granted some more. Even my eyesight acts up, if just for a moment. The dust parts and I see her, the girl who is to be my 'Master' for this war.
That sounded so demeaning, so did 'Servant'. Maybe she'd compromise with more appropriate terms? I'd settle with 'partners', anything other than Master and Servant. Even in this constructed body, I feel ill thinking about that.
There's a glint in this girls eye, something which resonates with me - she's a dangerous sort. Didn't go a day in my business without being able to spot that. If she can follow through with how she looks, then I can work with this no problem. I don't like this war, but I can bloody well fight it none the less. Oh, shit. I have some formalities I'm meant to go through.
"I'm here, partner. Between you and me, I don't think we need the thespianism. Servant Rider at your service. You are my Master, right?"
Xiang smiles, a pleasant and warm looking thing which you wouldn't expect to see on such a tall and armed woman, but it's there anyway. Marianne might notice it though, the glint in her eye much like the one Xiang noticed in her. This woman was dangerous - one is not summoned without reason, after all. She appraises her master with a relaxed stance, hands resting at her sides.
Time to win another battle.
Michiko,
Hotel Room Summoning
Catalyst - check.
Circle - check.
Her mental state - unchecked.
Everything was ready, just not her. Before a few months ago, she had not even known the name of her father - but a few months ago she had not been drawn into the world of magi and their craft. Michiko was at least aware of it, thanks to her mother, but she never dabbled in it. Then the seals appeared, and so did her father. For three months she studied under him and other tutors, making her a 'mediocre' representative for the Yates family in this competition.
She wished the mark had gone to someone else, but her path was set. Curtains drawn, lights on, the girl stood before the summoning circle of her design, drawn from chalk onto the wooden floor. She stretched her hand out, holding it by the wrist with the other.
And so she chanted, just as she practised. She had been warned about the strain it would put on her, but to experience it was another matter.
"Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone.
The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.
Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill).
Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled.
――――I announce.
Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the resort of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer.
Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.
You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance ―――!"
The dust and light blinded Michiko , sending the girl to her knees at the rituals climax. She had done it - her position was locked in. If all had gone well, she would have a servant of the Lance, just as her father wished. She knew little of tactics and battle, but what little she did know would have to do.
The Holy Grail War had begun.
Garderner's post will be up in a few hours (when I get home).
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