Confringentur, Mk.2; a Madoka Magica / Fate/Stay Night crossover

[SVS]

[X] Go to lunch with Madoka and friends
-[X] and talk to
--[X] Madoka
---[X] ask Madoka if she wants to go out on a date next Friday or Saturday
-[X] Spend some time familiarizing yourself to the statistics and other information in your Master Vision
​

---

It's a good thing that you have your daily schedule memorized as well as you do, or else you no doubt would have been heavily distracted by everything that's happened today.

First, Mikuni Oriko went missing, later revealed to have been abducted by a witch. Then, you find out that she's been the recipient of the witch's kiss - and even how that happened has left you puzzled; you were certain that puella magi were immune to a witch's kiss - and that the witch is vastly sturdier than any you've previously encountered in this timeline. And then, just when the witch has finally been defeated, you learn that Mikuni Oriko is suffering from memory loss with lost patches stretching back almost the entire week, and that all of Archer's running about has drawn McRemitz-san's attention and she now wants to speak with you after school.

Just one day; you'd like to have just one day in this timeline where nothing went wrong.

The bell for lunch rings, and this time, you are adamant about letting nothing stand in the way of you spending time with Madoka. You're still wearing the red ribbon that she gave you yesterday, but to your surprise Madoka had shown up this morning with a brand-new set for herself.

"Mama said it'd be more romantic if we both had the same ribbons. It's almost like we're connected by Fate now, isn't it Homura-chan?"

Your hands meet, and your body greedily drinks in her warmth as you walk side-by-side to the cafeteria. Sayaka and Hitomi pull back a few paces, giving you and Madoka space just to enjoy yourselves, but "Is everything alright, Homura-chan?" Madoka asks. "You've been looking like there's something bothering you all morning."

"There was an incident regarding one of my allies," you reply. "But it's been taken care of now, so there's no need for you to worry."

"Mhm, that's good to hear. But still, I think you could use a break, Homura-chan. I know you're dealing with a lot of stressful things right now, but maybe you'd be in a better place to deal with them if you gave yourself some time to relax and re-center yourself."

"That's an excellent idea." Madoka smiles when you compliment her idea. "I think I can clear some time in my schedule sometime later in the week; how are, say, Friday or Saturday after school?"

"... I'm sorry, Homura-chan, but I've got my clubs on those days." Madoka is frowning; that's not good. "Oh- But you've got archery on Saturday, right? Maybe we could meet up Saturday after we're both done with our clubs?"

Saturday after your clubs? You smile, and Madoka smiles with you. "It's a date, then. Is there anywhere in particular that you'd like to go?"

"I'm sure I'll think of something, but anywhere's fine as long as I'm with you!"

Thanks to this morning's troubles, Archer was unable to prepare a lunch for you, leaving you no choice but to join Sayaka in the line for lunch. Archer's cooking has spoiled you, and you find yourself doubting that a cafeteria burger will satisfy you. At least Sayaka won't be inclined to take this from you, if that's any consolation.

Madoka has your usual table reserved by the time you and Sayaka have your lunches in-hand, and you make idle small talk with Madoka, Sayaka, and Hitomi. Tomoe-san joins your table shortly, with Kure Kirika being fortunately nowhere in sight. You don't need to deal with anyone or anything being a disruption that could cause you to have to pay a reduced amount of attention to Madoka.

Oh, and Archer is here too, in your head. "I've got some information about Berserker that I need to drop off for you."

Some information is an understatement- Archer gives you an entire treatise on Berserker, leaving for you to pore over every scrap of information about Kure Kirika's maddened servant that had been concealed from you. You spend what time you can afford, in-between conversing with Madoka and the others, familiarizing yourself with the particulars of Kure Kirika's servant, but you wonder; how did Archer come by this information? Yes, he knows things, many times things you wonder if perhaps he shouldn't know, but this in particular stretches your imagination to the breaking point.

Well, you can wonder about that another day.

And you still don't know who Archer really is.

[ ] Wat do?​

 

[Enetious]

[X] Telepathically ask Archer who he is. Explain that knowing more about him could help foster more understanding between them, and Archer certainly knows a whole lot about her own life already, so isn't it fair for her to know the identity of her own Servant at least? She's already been seeing many of Archer's memories during the Dream Cycle, so it's fair to assume you'll learn of his identity sooner than later anyways.
[X] During the rest of your time in School today, when you have the chance, read up on what information your Master's Vision has collected thus far.
[X] Skip to the end of School and meet up with your newly joined Club. Project the mundane bow you initially learned to project in a secluded area before going to the Archery Club.

EDIT: Since Homura used up most of her time during lunch listening to Archer's info in-between talking with her friends, added a new portion of the vote stipulating that Homura reads up on the remaining info her Master's Vision has picked up so far throughout the rest of the School day.

 

[itrytofight]

[X] Telepathically ask Archer who he is. Explain that knowing more about him could help foster more understanding between them, and Archer certainly knows a whole lot about her own life already, so isn't it fair for her to know the identity of her own Servant at least? She's already been seeing many of Archer's memories during the Dream Cycle, so it's fair to assume you'll learn of his identity sooner than later anyways.
[X] During the rest of your time in School today, when you have the chance, read up on what information your Master's Vision has collected thus far.
[X] Skip to the end of School and meet up with your newly joined Club. Project the mundane bow you initially learned to project in a secluded area before going to the Archery Club.

 

[Roxas902]

Looks good to me. GARcher has been acting shifty about himself since the start, so I figure it is about time for Homura to really have a talk with him about it.

[X] Telepathically ask Archer who he is. Explain that knowing more about him could help foster more understanding between them, and Archer certainly knows a whole lot about her own life already, so isn't it fair for her to know the identity of her own Servant at least? She's already been seeing many of Archer's memories during the Dream Cycle, so it's fair to assume you'll learn of his identity sooner than later anyways.
[X] During the rest of your time in School today, when you have the chance, read up on what information your Master's Vision has collected thus far.
[X] Skip to the end of School and meet up with your newly joined Club. Project the mundane bow you initially learned to project in a secluded area before going to the Archery Club.

 

[Nachtigall]

[X] You have your own secrets, and if Archer has a reason to conceal his name, there's no reason to pressure him. You're more annoyed that he hides e.g. what his Noble Phantasm does, but it's probably a trump card he doesn't want to use before Walpurgisnacht, so as long as he tells you in time for that, you can accept it.
[X] During the rest of your time in School today, when you have the chance, read up on what information your Master's Vision has collected thus far.
[X] Skip to the end of School and meet up with your newly joined Club. Project the mundane bow you initially learned to project in a secluded area before going to the Archery Club.


I don't think Archer's identity matters to Homura, it's more the fact that his secretive nature implies that he might have other allegiances/objectives he isn't telling her about.
Homura is nothing if not enduring and patient, so I don't see the need to suddenly press for more personal info.

 

[WanderingTwix]

[X] Telepathically ask Archer who he is. Explain that knowing more about him could help foster more understanding between them, and Archer certainly knows a whole lot about her own life already, so isn't it fair for her to know the identity of her own Servant at least? She's already been seeing many of Archer's memories during the Dream Cycle, so it's fair to assume you'll learn of his identity sooner than later anyways.
[X] During the rest of your time in School today, when you have the chance, read up on what information your Master's Vision has collected thus far.
[X] Skip to the end of School and meet up with your newly joined Club. Project the mundane bow you initially learned to project in a secluded area before going to the Archery Club.

 

[SVS]

[X] Telepathically ask Archer who he is. Explain that knowing more about him could help foster more understanding between them, and Archer certainly knows a whole lot about her own life already, so isn't it fair for her to know the identity of her own Servant at least?
[X] During the rest of your time in School today, when you have the chance, read up on what information your Master's Vision has collected thus far.
[X] Skip to the end of School and meet up with your newly joined Club. Project the mundane bow you initially learned to project in a secluded area before going to the Archery Club.
​

---

"Archer, who are you?"

"I thought I explained all of this to you already."

"No, you've explained what you are, not who you are. Caster, Rider, Lancer, Assassin, and Berserker all have their own identities; so what's yours?"

"You didn't know? I'm Actually Satan."

"No, you aren't. Tell me the truth. No sarcastic remarks, no obfuscating, I want to know the name of the man behind the class of 'Archer'. Can you tell me that?"

"I could, but I'm doubtful that you'd actually believe me if I did."

"You've seen the kinds of things I have to deal with on a daily basis. You've seen my memories through the dream cycles; you should have a bit more faith in my ability to accept things that don't make sense. In fact, given how much you know of me, in comparison to how little I know of you, don't you think that it's only fair to tell me? Every other master knows the identity of their servant." Presumably. With how horrible Berserker is for her mental state, you aren't entirely sure that Kure Kirika knows very much at all about her servant.

"You're absolutely right; it would be fair if you knew my identity. Truth be told, I'm well aware that the only reason you're asking me now, and so directly at that, is because you're worried that my being secretive indicates that I'm following some other agenda besides your own."

"Well, you are; aren't you?"

"I will tell you my true name, before this is all over, but on one condition- It will be at the time of my choosing."

You think you're beginning to understand now. According to Archer, a servant's Noble Phantasm is the symbol of who they are as a hero- Their name and their Noble Phantasm are inextricably linked, and revealing one is enough to reveal the other. That Archer is so hesitant to give you a straight answer about either says that "... You've got a trump card that you're saving, just for Walpurgisnacht; and you're afraid of what might happen if you reveal it too soon."

"Let's leave it at that." And with that, Archer terminates your link; like it or not, that's where you'll have to leave things for now.

"Homura-chan, is something the matter?" There you go again. Somewhere, as your mind wandered from the information Archer sent you, to your conversation with Archer only moments ago, you've once again succeeded in letting your problems get the better of Madoka.

You smile, taking her hand into yours as you say "It's nothing. Just life being life, that's all."

You spend the rest of the day collating and familiarizing yourself with all of the information that your master's vision has shown you about each of your allied servants. The first of kings; the greatest hero of a famous war; the child of an old god; the strongest of storied knights. Each of them are varied and powerful combatants, and even one by themselves would be enough to shift the balance of power in any area they visited; but to have all of them gathered in one place... Perhaps that explains why everything else feels like it's become so much more difficult for you; that's just Fate's way of compensating for their overwhelming power advantage.

In time, as your examining of the assembled data of your allied servants comes to an end, you find that the day is spent. Classes are over, and now it's time for the first meeting of your archery club.

You wave goodbye to your friends, and go to join Mochizumi-san as she walks you to the archery shed out behind the track. "I know we seem like we're a pretty run-down bunch, but trust me Akemi, you're gonna love it. I just hope you, uh, remembered to bring a bow from home, 'cuz like I said, your joining was kinda on short notice and we didn't have time to get you one."

You nod. "Yes, I remembered. If you'll just give me a moment to go get it, I can join you at the shed."

"Sure, no problem!"

Hurriedly, you duck behind the nearest corner. After waiting for a minute, or so, once you're sure that there's no one in sight, you Project your bow. You've decided not to go with your actual combat bow, instead opting for the far less conspicuous Ming reproduction that Archer had lent out for you to practice with. And, hedging your bets on the likely chance that there won't be enough arrows for you either, you go ahead and Project a handful for yourself.

Your gear is a far cry from anything that could be considered competition-acceptable, but for club practice on school grounds it will have to do. "Oh wow," Mochizumi-san says, as you return with bow and arrow in-hand. "That's a cool-looking bow; where'd you get it? Oh! And you brought arrows too? Smart thinking!"

"It was a gift from my guardian, when he found out that I had taken an interest in archery." It's not a complete falsehood.

"Akemi, glad you could make it," Kasuga-san says, waving you down as you and Mochizumi-san approach the archery shed. "I see you remembered to bring your own bow; that's good, but once the season gets underway it's not going to pass muster. But don't worry, we're trying to get regulation gear for you in time for our first big event."

"And when will that be?"

"May eighth; it's a Sunday, so be sure to clear your calendar if you've got anything else planned for then."

May eighth; if everything goes the way it always has before, you won't even be around to see that day. "Right. I'll be sure not to schedule anything for that day."

"Good."The four prior members of the club part, leaving nothing standing between you and the row of targets at the end of the line. "Now, before we decide what to do with you, we need to see how good you already are. So, why don't you show us what you're made of?"

Taking a deep breath, you turn and face your targets; bow in-hand, your first arrow nocked and ready to loose.

Pick a number
[ ] Four
[ ] Six
[ ] Eight
[ ] Ten
[ ] Twelve
[ ] Twenty

[ ] What do you do after club is over? (write-in)​

 

[NMS]

[x] Ten

[jk] Go clubbing with Madoka.

[x] Check in with Oriko to see how she's recovering.

 

[Enetious]

[X] Ten
[X] Try and arrange a meeting between yourself, Kirika, Kyoko, and McRemitz. Either Mikini's place, the Sakura Church, or your own would work.

Hm, so the numbers just so happen to correspond with the types of roll-able die (aka d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, & d20).

 

[WanderingTwix]

[X] Ten
[X] Try and arrange a meeting between yourself, Kirika, Kyoko, and McRemitz. Either Mikini's place, the Sakura Church, or your own would work.

 

[Nachtigall]

[X] Eight

The event is on May eighth, and we'd be lucky if we get to that date, so eight might be our lucky number


[X] Try and arrange a meeting between yourself, Kirika, Kyoko, and McRemitz. Either the Sakura Church or your own apartment would work.

Letting McRemitz through Oriko's bounded fields would go against magus behavior, and both Oriko and Kirika aren't at their best, so I'd rather not invite her to the mansion.

 

[Enetious]

[X] Try and arrange a meeting between yourself, Kirika, Kyoko, and McRemitz. Either the Sakura Church or your own apartment would work.

Letting McRemitz through Oriko's bounded fields would go against magus behavior, and both Oriko and Kirika aren't at their best, so I'd rather not invite her to the mansion.

Click to shrink...

Bazett has already been let into Oriko's home and Oriko isn't a Magus, nor is Lancer. The real deciding factor in organizing this meeting is where we can convince Kirika to host this thing as it's quite probable that she won't want to be away from Oriko at all while she's recovering. It's why it's the first option listed.

 

[Roxas902]

I agree with @Enetious here, knowing Kirika she won't move an inch away from Oriko atm unless she absolutely has to. This is likely going to have to happen at the Mikuni home if we are going for this right now instead of waiting until after Oriko has recovered.

[X] Ten
[X] Try and arrange a meeting between yourself, Kirika, Kyoko, and McRemitz. Either Mikini's place, the Sakura Church, or your own would work.

 

[Enetious]

I agree with @Enetious here, knowing Kirika she won't move an inch away from Oriko atm unless she absolutely has to. This is likely going to have to happen at the Mikuni home if we are going for this right now instead of waiting until after Oriko has recovered.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, pretty much this. Though Homura and co have been putting off Bazett for days, so it's probably best to get things over with before Bazett pulls anything drastic thinking they're avoiding her.

 

[SVS]

[X] Ten
[X] Try and arrange a meeting between yourself, Kirika, Kyoko, and McRemitz. Either Mikuni's place, the Sakura Church, or your own would work.
​

---

"Now, before we decide what to do with you, we need to see how good you already are. So, why don't you show us what you're made of?"

Taking a deep breath, you turn and face your targets; bow in-hand, your first arrow nocked and ready to loose. You're participating in this club in order to improve upon your existing skills, not to excel by cheating your way to victory through your puella magi combat training. You're going to be doing this without any form of magical assistance; just you, your hands, and the form you learned from watching Madoka so many timelines ago.

Your first shot goes high, missing the target by a wide margin; and your second shot only just lands a glancing hit. But the third, fourth, and fifth shots you take are all solid, with the fourth even being a bull's-eye. "Not bad," Kasuga-san says to you. "Your form is pretty good, too; I take it you've had some prior experience in archery?"

"A little bit." You have to lie to sell the rest of your excuse. They wouldn't believe you otherwise. "Mostly I watched competitive archery on television and copied what I saw; this is actually only my second time picking up a bow with my own hands."

"Well, for a second-timer you've got a real knack. Work at it and you'll be a pro in no time."

"You mean like you'll never be, sensei?" You hear the voice of one of the other boys on the team- The third-year Tanaka Haruo, if you remember correctly.

"Aw, can it Haru!" Kasuga-san snipes back at his teammate. "Besides, at least my aim's not as bad as your luck with women!" There's a noticeable pause that hangs over the club, before both boys break out into laughter.

"You got me there, Shin. Damn, what was I even thinking, asking Sora out?"

"You were thinking about as much as we all were at Kobe last year." Kasuga-san's response brings with it another chorus of laughter. You stand there, unable to wrap your head around the members of your new club. Mochizumi-san can only offer you a shrug when you look to her.

"Eh, you get used to it," she says, clearly trying to stifle a few laughs of her own. She ultimately fails, and joins in with the rest of the gang, barely managing to sputter out "Oh my god, I still can't believe how badly we beefed it at Kobe. Geez, that was legendary!"

The rest of the afternoon's practice goes in similar fashion to this. Kasuga-san, Mochizumi-san, and Tanaka and Suzuhara aren't bad people by any means, and everyone is doing their best to make sure you feel like a part of the team; but you can't help but remember, no matter how much they try to make you feel welcome, that you are the outsider in this club. Every time someone makes a joke, you're the only one not laughing, because you're the only one that wasn't there to experience it.

Despite that, you still feel that you've managed to improve your skills somewhat. If nothing else, practice has been productive. And, as you prepare to leave school grounds, you see something that's sure to lift your spirits even higher. "Homura-chan!" Madoka calls out. "How was practice?"

At first, you're taken aback by Madoka's presence, but then you remember- That's right, her clubs also meet on Monday and Tuesday. In the middle of everything else that had happened, you had forgotten about that when you asked her out over lunch.

Not that you would have been able to make much use of knowing that, given what's up next on your agenda.

"Practice went well," you say, as the two of you lace your fingers together. You can at least walk home with her. That won't cause any problems. "But, I'm surprised to see you here so late. Does one of your clubs meet today as well?"

"Gardening meets Monday and Friday, while Crafts meets Tuesday and Saturday. That means there's two days where we can walk home, just by ourselves. Isn't that great?"

You nod, saying "Yes, that'll be nice." You check the time on your phone; she hasn't messaged you, but you can tell that McRemitz-san is growing impatient waiting for you, if she has been waiting since before lunch to speak with you. Well, there's no use in putting it off any longer. "Mikuni Oriko, I need you to hand your phone off to Kure Kirika. There's something I need to talk with her about."

"Of course. Just give me a moment; I'm still trying to regain my bearings after this morning."

You wait for a few minutes, before sending a group text message to both Kyouko and Kure Kirika.

<Homura: Sakura Kyouko and Kure Kirika; McRemitz-san wishes to speak with us at some point today. Where would be an ideal place to meet with her? I can offer my own apartment, or I can suggest either the Mikuni mansion or the Sakura church, if privacy is a concern.>

The seconds pass, and your phone explodes as the other two respond.
<Sakura Kyouko: I dont care were we meet>
<Mikuni Oriko: Then let's do it at my place. I don't want to leave Oriko alone right now.>
<Sakura Kyouko: Dafuq? Aint u oriko? Since wen do u talk in the 3rd person?>
<Mikuni Oriko: No, this is Kirika. Who's Kyouko?>
<Sakura Kyouko: Redhead. Wev met 3 times. Or is yer memory just crap?>
<Homura: If it doesn't matter to you, Kyouko, and if Kure Kirika refuses to leave Mikuni Oriko's side, then perhaps meeting at Mikuni Oriko's mansion would be best.>
<Homura: Kure Kirika, would you ask Mikuni Oriko if she would be willing to host us, as well as McRemitz-san?>
<Mikuni Oriko: Sure>

So you wait, for however long it takes Kure Kirika to ask Mikuni Oriko for the use of her mansion.
<Mikuni Oriko: Oriko says that's fine.>
<Mikuni Oriko: Bu~ut, you've both gotta bow down and say that Oriko is the best and most beautiful and most perfect girlfriend ever before you'll be let in.>
<Sakura Kyouko: Like hell i will.>
<Mikuni Oriko: Please ignore that last comment, Akemi-san, Sakura-san.>
<Mikuni Oriko: Kirika was just joking. You don't have to do anything of the sort to use my living room if you need to.>

Right, well, that settles that. Given the events of this morning, you had been guessing that Kure Kirika would not want to be away from Mikuni Oriko. In fact, despite Archer's claims to the contrary, you're doubtful that she actually showed up to school today.

Your phone buzzes once again. "You sure are popular today, Homura-chan," Madoka says with a pout. "I think I might be getting a little jealous."

"I'm sorry; it's just business taking up too much time." <Mikuni Oriko: Pardon me for asking, Akemi-san, but why does McRemitz-san wish to speak with you and Kirika?> "There's no reason for you to be jealous."

<Homura: She took notice of Archer and Lancer running around this morning to deal with the witch. I assume she wants to make sure that it's no cause for alarm.>
<Mikuni Oriko: I see.>
<Homura: If at all possible, make sure that Kure Kirika keeps up the deception that she is the only master under your roof. I'm still not entirely sure how much we can trust McRemitz-san with knowing.>
<Mikuni Oriko: Of course. I'll let Kirika and Lancer know of our intentions.>

This, then, is the last message you type out. The rest of your walk is dedicated to nurturing the relationship blossoming between you and Madoka, until at last you are forced to part ways at the main intersection before her house. From there, it's just a short walk to the train station, where Kyouko is already waiting for you.

"Took ya long enough," she says, offering you a candy bar as you approach the station. You reject her offer, and she tears into it without hesitation. "So, what's this all about, anyway?"

"McRemitz-san is a magical investigator from England. Our recent actions have drawn the attention of an important foreign magic organization, and she was sent in to make sure that we don't pose a threat to them."

"Huh. Wouldn't'a even expected sumthing like that ta exist."

"Neither would I. But apparently there's more to this world than either of us imagined." You take out your phone and check the time- The next train will be arriving from Downtown shortly. While you wait, you call McRemitz-san, and inform her of your plans and of the scheduled meeting location.​

"Understood. I'll see you and the others there, Akemi."

It's only a matter of time now.

[ ] Wat do?​

 

[Enetious]

[X] Go to the meeting
-[X] If McRemitz asks about Archer and Lancer's outing, tell some of the truth in that they were hunting down a particularly durable Witch. Let Kyoko speak on her own behalf when McRemitz asks her questions.

Not much else to add as that's what Homura and co can guess that Bazett wants to ask.

 

[Roxas902]

Sounds good to me. I can't think of anything else we really need to clarify in the vote.

[X] Go to the meeting
-[X] If McRemitz asks about Archer and Lancer's outing, tell some of the truth in that they were hunting down a particularly durable Witch. Let Kyoko speak on her own behalf when McRemitz asks her questions.

 

[itrytofight]

Same here.

[X] Go to the meeting
-[X] If McRemitz asks about Archer and Lancer's outing, tell some of the truth in that they were hunting down a particularly durable Witch. Let Kyoko speak on her own behalf when McRemitz asks her questions.

 

[WanderingTwix]

[X] Go to the meeting
-[X] If McRemitz asks about Archer and Lancer's outing, tell some of the truth in that they were hunting down a particularly durable Witch. Let Kyoko speak on her own behalf when McRemitz asks her questions.

 

[Nachtigall]

[X] Go to the meeting
-[X] If McRemitz asks about Archer and Lancer's outing, tell some of the truth in that they were hunting down a particularly durable Witch. Let Kyoko speak on her own behalf when McRemitz asks her questions.

 

[Roxas902]

Ah, I nearly forgot, there was something we should have added to that vote.

-[jk] Make sure to get everyone to bow down and say that Oriko is the best and most beautiful and most perfect girlfriend ever before entering the house.

 

[Nachtigall]

-[jk] Make sure to get everyone to bow down and say that Oriko is the best and most beautiful and most perfect girlfriend ever before entering the house.

Click to shrink...

Blasphemy! Such words are reserved for Madokami!

 

[SVS]

[X] Go to the meeting
-[X] If McRemitz asks about Archer and Lancer's outing, tell some of the truth in that they were hunting down a particularly durable Witch. Let Kyoko speak on her own behalf when McRemitz asks her questions.
​

---

Following the train ride up to the station nearest the Mikuni mansion, and the twenty-minute walk to the front gates that came after, you and Kyouko arrive, just in time to be greeted by both McRemitz-san, and by Mikuni Oriko on the other side of the iron gates.

"Weren't we just here last night?" Kyouko says, staring through the gates towards the mansion as you and McRemitz-san exchange pleasantries. "'Cuz, I'd have rather just done this then if I'd known I was gunna be back here."

"Is this her?" McRemitz-san asks, jabbing her thumb in Kyouko's direction.

You nod, saying "Yes. This is Sakura Kyouko, the only survivor of the Sakura Church from three years ago."

"'Sup?" Kyouko offers a casual wave of her hand to McRemitz-san, saying "Heard you were some kinda bigshot magic investigator." McRemitz-san nods. "So, what brings ya ta our little community here?"

Mikuni Oriko clears her throat, having unlocked the main gate and peeled back her Bounded Field. "Perhaps it would be best to continue this conversation inside."

Once inside, McRemitz-san takes the single chair for herself, and with Mikuni Oriko and Kure Kirika sitting side-by-side in their love seat, that leaves you and Kyouko to sit on the couch. Lancer enters bearing tea and snacks, which everyone but McRemitz-san partake of gladly. Instead, she stares at the offered tea for a time, eventually deciding against it. "McRemitz-san, is there something wrong with the tea?" Mikuni Oriko asks as McRemitz-san slides the cup off to the side.

"I'm just not thirsty right now." You know that tone in McRemitz-san's voice; she's hiding something. "I'd prefer if we could all get down to business, actually. To start; Akemi, Kure, I caught your servants making multiple back-and-forth runs to an alley in Uptown. Would either of you mind telling me what was going on?"

"I can answer that." You make sure to speak first; to not give Kure Kirika the chance to mess up the masquerade that she is the only master under the Mikuni roof. "We were hunting down a particularly durable and troublesome witch, and in combating it we needed to make multiple attacking runs on its labyrinth."

It's as close to the truth as you can give to McRemitz-san, without revealing Mikuni Oriko's role in the events of this morning. Unfortunately, "I see. Kure, would you be able to verify Akemi's statement for me?" it doesn't appear that she bought your explanation.

You see Mikuni Oriko's hand squeeze Kure Kirika's in support, and she says "Yeah. The stupid thing just wouldn't freaking die the first time, so we had to pull out and try a different approach."

This time, McRemitz-san smiles. "I suppose you're both fortunate that it let you get away, then. If I were an enemy in an advantageous position, I wouldn't have made the same mistake."

"Well, that's why you're still here and the witch isn't." McRemitz-san has to stop herself from laughing at Kure Kirika's comment.

A few minutes more of smalltalk pass by, tea and snacks are consumed, and by the time Lancer comes around to pick up the remnants, McRemitz-san is ready to question Kyouko. She starts by asking "Sakura, how much did Akemi tell you about my mission in this city?"

"Just that yer a magical investigator, checkin' us out ta make sure we don't pose a threat ta yer foreign bigwigs."

"There's more to it than that, but I suppose that's close enough to cover the basics, yes. So, since I don't need to waste your time explaining myself ot you, I'll jump right to it- What do you know about the Holy Grail?"

Kyouko's eyes narrow, and she stares at McRemitz-san with suspicion. "Which one? 'Cuz the one Rider told me about ain't at all like the one I grew up knowing about. So what is it; cup that collected the blood of Christ, or magic eight-ball of make-all-yer-dreams-come-true?"

McRemitz-san nods, saying "The latter. I assume Rider is your servant, then; and that this isn't their first Grail War?" Kyouko nods, and McRemitz-san moves on to asking "What else did Rider tell you?"

"Eh, just the usual, I'd imagine- Bunch'a mages summon a bunch'a servants, then try ta kill each other fer a chance ta win a wish on the Grail. Sound about right?" Again, McRemitz-san nods.

"And, what can you tell me about the Assassin servant of this War?"

"Fuck'em. They're a little piece of shit and I'd like ta see'em stomped on the ground like a dead spider."

McRemitz-san nods her head a third time, and you hear her mutter under her breath "It appears that Sakura has a personal vendetta against Assassin..." The two exchange question-and-answer back and forth for several minutes, until at last, McRemitz-san makes the mistake of saying "Alright, it appears that you know about as much as the others masters involved in this War. Now, perhaps you would be willing to answer a few questions regarding your survival after the fire, or why and how you disappeared for three years afterwards."

Kyouko's hands ball into tight fists, and you can hear the sound of her teeth grinding, as she forced her words out through clenched jaws. You can tell that negotiations have broken down, even without needing to hear the words that follow. "Listen, McDonalds, I've told ya what ya wanted ta hear about yer stupid business, but I'd kindly ask ya ta stay the fuck outta mine."

The room is silent for an uncomfortably long stretch of time, and the only sounds you can hear are from Lancer at work in the kitchen. Eventually, Mikuni Oriko clears her throat, and asks "Would anyone like more tea?"

Do you
[ ] Stay awhile longer
-[ ] And have some tea
-[ ] Other (write-in)
[ ] Leave
-[ ] And take Kyouko with you
-[ ] And ask McRemitz-san to leave as well
[ ] Other (write-in)
?​

 

[WanderingTwix]

You know that time in McRemitz-san's voice; she's hiding something.

Click to shrink...

time?

 

[SVS]

time?

Click to shrink...

I and O are right next to each other, as are N and M. You know how it goes.