Fate/Blackened Sugar

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Order her to follow the girl and observe. We shall watch Saber and Berserker's bout.

"Assassin. Follow the girl. I'll keep observing here," you told her with a firm tone, "Don't come in contact with her until I say so. Relay to me new developments."

"Understood, Master," Assassin replied as she no doubt went to follow the girl. You stayed perched on the tree you were on as Saber and Berserker's battle continued.

Saber leaned forward and struck with a blinding flash but Berserker managed to avoid it. The taller man avoided the follow up and swung at Saber, forcing the shorter man to block the blow.

A titanic shockwave erupted as you saw Saber strike Berserker's fist with the pommel of his blade. The two Heroes were blown away from one another as Berserker grabbed his swords. Saber waited and moved just as the two of them clashed.

Flashes of light and sparks erupted between the two of them as they sought to overpower one another. The ground cracked and the trees shattered as lightning and magical energy coursed through the air. Their strength and skill caused the very park to shudder under the weight of their battle.

You had a hard time watching as they hacked and cleaved into one another, landing no clear strike upon their flesh. Saber was ultimately pushed back by Berserker but with another flash of lightning, Saber aimed for Berserker's head.

Instead of blocking the inhuman strike, Berserker rolled beneath it, slamming his sword upon Saber's legs and tripping the samurai through the air. Saber kicked off the air itself and slashed down as Berserker swung his twinblades.

The two Heroes clashed but as lightning smashed through the scenery, Berserker's aura began to change.

"Now it's on!" He laughed as his body burned with power, pushing back the lightning with sheer strength.

He stomped on the ground and primed the sword on his right hand.

"Don't fail me now, you piece of junk," he hissed as he thrust it forward.

Saber slid and swung his sword with the same strength as Berserker. The two Heroes clashed and they continued their contest of power. They are evenly matched.

Assassin was going to have a hard time killing those two. One was a wielder of lightning and carried with him an eastern sword while the other was a cocky brute with two massive blades.

This was was finally getting good.

.....
....
...

Assassin turned to hear the sounds of clashes and explosions coming from the center of the park. She shadowed the girl as she ran through the park. The noises and violence that erupted no doubt struck fear into her heart.

As long as she didn't have the order to interfere, Assassin could only watch the child as she moved. The Servant could easily smell the desperation the child was experiencing alongside the confusion she felt.

Assassin kept silent, slipping from shadow to shadow until she paused. She raised her presence concealment to its maximum as something showed up.

The child tripped and fell but soon a figure appeared before her. A tall man dressed in a robust suited armor stood before the girl. His Cape billowed with the wind as his masked visage shined with blue light.

The girl looked up with tears in her eyes as she blinked.

"Please be careful," the man warned her as he knelt down, "Are you okay?"

The man's words were brief and cold but they were also gentle. The helmet concealing his face seemed threatening but the Grail simply stared back at him in surprise.

This man was a Servant...

Assassin rested her hand on her blade as she eyed him.

That was when she noticed something odd. The girl reached out for the man as he helped her up. However, as soon as she did, something clattered from her coat pocket.

The Servant looked down and was blasted away. Light erupted as Assassin tried to understand what was going on. An object fell from the girl's pocket. It was... A golden lamp.

Magical energy danced in the air as fire roared and erupted from the lamp. A monstrous being manifested and loomed over the armored Servant.

"Caster," he murmured behind his mask, "They got to her first and laid a trap?"

Assassin remained silent and watched as the fire demon launched an attack at the Servant, forcing him to dash back to avoid the hit. He raised his fists as his armor began to hum with power.

The flames circled around the Grail as a magic circle appeared beneath her feet. Some that looked like a carpet manifested and began to rise up.


.....
....
...

You flew into the air as Berserker slammed Saber into the ground hard, only for the latter to kick him right on the neck and roll away. They clashed and slammed into one another but it was no use.

They were evenly mat-

"Master! I'm in the presence of one Servant and a Phantasmal Beast. Caster seems to be trying to take the Grail away," Assassin reported, making you jerk to look at the direction she went.

There was an inferno rising in that direction. That wasn't good... If there was a Servant in the vicinity, it would expose Chiyome but the Grail would be lost.

Should you act now? You still held the advantage of surprise.

It was still early in the war...

"Assassin, what does the Servant look like?" You asked her.

"An armored man. His plates seem too advanced to be described as from the past but... When I look at it, I feel that it's eerily familiar," Assassin said with a hiss.

Something from her past?

"Is it from your past life?" You asked her.

"I... I do not know. But I only know that the owner of that Armor is powerful," Assassin replied in turn.

Saber and Berserker seemed too engrossed with their duel to notice the other chaos which had erupted.

The Night of Blades
​

[] Order Assassin to take her chance and grab the Grail.
[] Order Assassin to remain hidden and under no circumstances will she reveal herself. Watch and observe.
[] It's time to pull back. You don't like how this is all going. Order Assassin to withdraw from the area now.
[] If there's an opening in the Servant's fight, use everything in Assassin's arsenal to eliminate that Servant. Order her to kill the Servant when they're caught off guard.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Write in: That's Saber, Berserker, and Caster, and maybe Lancer actively in play. Archer and Rider has not made any appearance yet. Track down where the Grail is going and under no circumstances will she reveal herself. Watch and observe. The moment to strike is near.

Thinking fast, you made your decision, "There's a total of four Servants at play now. I need you to track the Grail's path. You must not reveal yourself, okay? Watch and observe as best you could. Our time to strike may be near."

"Understood," Assassin replied with a firm tone.

You kept the Scrap Bird perched where it was while you watched the battle between Saber and Berserker. They haven't activated their Noble Phantasms yet, they seemed to be still gauging each other's skills. As long as they weren't serious, you can't get anymore meaningful data on their identities or capabilities others than they're absurdly powerful.

You hoped that Assassin could do her job.

.....
....
...

Assassin hid in the shadows as the carpet rose up. The Servant in the vicinity readied his fists as the fire demon swung at him. He evaded the strike with a flip before kicking off the ground.

He ascended to the air as his foot began to spark. He then dived down with a falling kick and smashed into the fire demon's arms, breaking them apart as he landed on the ground. Infernal fire escaped the monster's mouth but the Servant clenched his fist and raised his leg, kicking aside the fire before punching the fire demon's fist to the side.

"I'm not impressed, Caster," The Servant declared as his armor burst with power and he held his hand up.

He shot towards the familiar and clashed with it. The flying carpet ascended and took off into the sky with the Grail on top it. The Servant tried to break off the but the fire demon kept him in place, grabbing his Cape and slamming him down.

"Damn you. I'm not used to fighting in this form... But it's necessary," the Servant cursed as he got up.

Assassin knew that this was her signal to move. She slipped through the shadows and stayed out of sight. She followed the Grail's tracks as the carpet flew in the air.

Jumping over the park's fence, Assassin kicked off the spikes and jumped towards the next building. Grabbing on the edge, she left the warzone the park had become and gave chase. Skipping over some vents and water towers, Assassin did her best to chase the carpet as it flew.

She stuck to the darkness, moving silently and without making the slightest sound. She stalked the carpet as it shot through the city at an insane speed only a Rider could keep up with. The girl on top of it seemed unfazed by the wind, denoting some manner of protection against the incoming air.

The child did look fearful of the height beneath her.

Assassin moved and jumped from building to building, canal over canal until she hit the street and slid to the side. She ran up the wall, taking to the air and struggled to keep up.

She stopped just as the carpet gained speed and vanished from sight.

Caster has the Grail.

The Master will not be pleased.

.....
....
...

The fight between Berserker and Saber ended only when the latter pulled back. He jumped away and sheathed his blade.

Berserker frowned and called him out, "Hey! We're still not finished yet!"

"Better to retreat now. Our quarry has already escaped," Saber advised as he glanced at Berserker, "You're a fine foe. Your reckless attitude may just cost you this war. Be wary of foes in the shadows."

"What's that supposed to mean?! Hey!" Berserker said as Saber vanished in a curtain of gray.

The man was left on his own before noticing the commotion happening nearby. He smirked before turning away from it. He must have chosen to go with Saber's advice.

Now that the Grail was gone, they had no reason to stay. Chiyome better be all right... You flapped your wings and ascended to see what was going on at the other end of the park. Gliding towards that direction, you looked down to see a fiery monster being held back by a man in dark armor.

He seemed to be trying to escape it but it wouldn't let him. You watched as the man flipped back before he landed and summoned a weapon.

A flash and the creature was cut.

You didn't catch what weapon he used but his cape swayed with the wind as he watched the monster break. He moved and vanished from sight soon after. You flapped your wings and exited the area.

"Master, I deeply apologize. Caster has the Grail. The carpet she was flying on was too fast to chase."

You figured as much. No matter, as long as she wasn't discovered, this night was a net gain.

"Return to the hideout. You've done enough for the night," you told her as you flapped your wings to perch the Scrap Bird to a safe building.

This war had a lot of big players.

.....
....
...

You sat on your bedside, on your second candy wrapper while you waited for Assassin. You raised your gaze as she stepped out of the shadows and immediately fell down to kneel before you.

"I've returned, Master," Assassin said as she lowered her head, "My failure is a result of my inadequacy, I will accept punishment in exchange."

You blinked as you raised your eyebrows.

"It's not really a failure, you know? I don't think a punishment is necessary," you told her as you tossed your trash in the bin, "We found out what sort of Servants we were dealing with and that's enough for me. I won't ask you the impossible, Assassin. One wrong move could easily put you in danger."

That and any real chance of winning this war goes down the toilet if she dies.

"Still... I believe I could have done better, My Lord," Assassin said as she grimaced.

You unwrapped another piece of candy and pondered a bit, "Well that's true. But I believe we made the right calls considering the circumstances."

You stood up unsteadily. It was quite difficult with your cane but you hobbled over to Assassin as she came up with a reply.

"But..." Assassin began as she raised her head, only for you to stuff her mouth with the candy.

"You sure love beating yourself over this, huh?" You noted as you watched her eyes widen from the sweetness. You rested your hand on her head and ruffled it, "It's fine, Miss Mochizuki."

Assassin simply lowered her head and ate the candy.

You stood up and walked to your desk, "Well, while it's problematic that Caster has the Grail, I can guess how things will go next. The other Masters would surely decide to turn their attention to Caster and the threats they encountered tonight. We're low on their priority list."

"Do... Do you wish to hunt them while they're preoccupied by the Grail?" Assassin asked you with a surprised look.

"That's one way of doing it. The other is forming alliances," you replied as you looked down your study to look down the map.

"The one who holds the Grail the longest will have the most influence over it. Is this wise?" Assassin asked.

"Either we help another Master or we let them track down Caster for us while we kill them," you told her as you sat down on your bedside, "We can't make any rash decisions. Those Servants are more likely to kill each other than us having to lift a finger though."

Though tracking down Caster's hideout and exposing them would be a good move too.

Assassin looked at the ground with a difficult expression and said, "I... I'm sorry."

"Did it taste good?" You asked her as you studied her.

Assassin blinked before realising that her candy was gone. She nodded her head, causing you to crack a smile.

"The sweetness isn't half bad. I take them when I need to think hard," you told her as you glanced at the Map of the city, "If you ever feel bitter, I have some in stock. You did well tonight, Assassin."

"Understood, My Lord," Assassin said as her shoulder relaxed while she bowed her head, "Thank you."

And so the first night ended. You had a lot of work cut out for you.

.....
....
...

You dreamed.

Of loss.

Of Grief.

Of self loathing.

This curse will never wash away. This curse of her ancestor... And her children too...

.....
....
...

Opening your eyes, you were greeted by the smell of food being cooked. You held your head and blinked before you noticed that someone was working in the kitchen.

A person stepped with a tray of a rice bowl and some fried fish. A pair of chopsticks and a cup of water was also on it.

Assassin has brought you breakfast.

"My Lord. Good morning," Assassin greeted you as she set the tray on your study before stepping back.

"Right. Morning," you told her as you rubbed your eyes, "You made food?"

Assassin looked different today. She was wearing a blue parka labeled 'Arts' over her usual... Can you even call that outfit? Well at least it was more modest now.

You need to give her some pants.

"Yes. I did my best. However it would seem that my skills have deteriorated ever since..." Assassin caught herself before shaking her head, "I-It has been long since I have cooked for someone."

You took one look at the food and it looked all right.

"Oh it can't be that bad," you said as you walked over to your desk and sat down. You took your chopsticks and took a piece of fish and rice.

Taking a bite, the taste hit you with the force of a truck.

You paled.

It's horrible.

"My Lord?" Assassin asked with a worried look.

Oh god it's bad. The presentation was fine and it looked and smelled edible but what was this taste and powder-like consistency?

Was it an illusion?

No it can't be.

What do you say? You... You have to say something. Anything!

Your bond with Assassin is too low. You'll need to increase that bond for her cooking to improve.

First Night's End
​

[] "This... This is pretty good. Assassin."
[] Say nothing. Just eat it all. Suck it up and finish what she made.
[] "Um... Do you want to try pasta instead? There's a restaurant nearby."
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Say nothing. Just eat it all. Suck it up and finish what she made.

You... You steeled yourself. This was nothing compared to the training you endured as a child. Not only that but Assassin worked hard on it. It would incredibly rude were you to push it away now. You decided to suck it up and brace yourself.

Taking your chopsticks, you began to eat in earnest. You didn't know what happened after that. You must have blacked out but by the time you came to your senses, you finished the bowl and you were downing the water, washing down the horribleness you just experienced.

You felt like you just ate Gu itself just without the toxic properties or the cursed effects. Ah, you weren't a coward! No!

You're no coward, you can eat a cute girl's homemade breakfast. Your made of sterner stuff, Hans Derrinsmith, you will not vomit.

Oh god. You needed to shed your... Humani-

.....

Ah.

You turned to Assassin and gave her a thumbs up.

"Not bad," you breathed as you smiled at her. You wanted to die now.

Assassin blinked before cracking a smile, "Thank you. I was always told that I wasn't cut out for it..."

Ah, that's a good smile. But you can't pass out yet.

"It was fine," you lied as naturally as you breathed.

"Then, would it be okay if I made dinner later as well?" Assassin asked you with a nervous look.

"It's fine!" You gasped, startling her, a wild light in your eyes.

"Eh?" Assassin seemed confused by that.

You blinked before rubbing your forehead, "I mean, sure you're a Servant but you don't have to take it literally. You're my partner for this war, I can't treat you like some lowly maid. I'm so callous as to ask that of you."

"I... I see," Assassin said with that small smile of hers.

"Thanks for the food. I think we can begin working now," you said as you pushed the tray aside.

Assassin nodded as she took your tray to the miniature kitchen and left them on the sink. She then returned as you got your hand on your cane and leaned on it as you sat.

"So let's make things clear at the moment. The war has already started with four Servants appearing before us last night," you reviewed as you glanced at the map, "There's Saber, a Japanese man with a straw hat and katana with the ability to move at inhuman speeds with lightning trailing behind him. There's Berserker, a tall British man with two large blades and a penchant for brawling. Caster made their presence known by the fire demon they manifested and the carpet which whisked the Grail away, however they've yet to fully show themselves... And finally."

"The Servant I saw. I wasn't able to discern his class but he wore a dark armor and fought mostly with his fists and feet," Assassin recalled as she thought back.

"Yes. He was facing the fire demon alone but seemed to be holding back. He did dispatch it in one blow with an unknown weapon once I got to the area," you said as you met her gaze, "So that's three confirmed Servants, one unnamed, and two unaccounted for."

"The unnamed Servant didn't have any weapon... So it's difficult to pin him as either Lancer or Archer. But he didn't have a recognizable mount either. He was cautious," Assassin noted as she looked at her hands, "But... His appearance seemed to be familiar."

"I saw his armor. It's not one of Japanese make. It looked hyper advanced. Too advanced to make sense of," you said as you leaned back, "Perhaps you fought him in another Grail war? Memories that are powerful enough may be engraved in your Spirit Origin, even if you don't remember them in full."

"It's... Possible," Assassin said as she rubbed her arm.

"We'll make note of that man and stay clear of him in the future. Right now, we have to plan out our routine for the next few days. With Caster retrieving the Grail, the other Masters are most likely to go and track them down," you said as you got up your feet.

"So what's your plan?" Assassin asked as she followed you with her gaze.

"Well... First and foremost, I need to get some updated information. The list of Magi present in the city must have a new version waiting now. I want to go retrieve it from my employees," you said as you glanced at her, "I'll be going out to meet them just so this hideout won't be compromised."

"And what of the people pursuing you?" The Servant asked with a sharp look.

You cracked a smile, "Well, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. But don't worry your pretty little head. I'm quite good at running."

Assassin quickly glanced at your bum leg.

"When it matters. We have two priorities for this war, Assassin. That's keeping you out of sight and out of mind," you told her as you took the outdated list and burned it in your hand, "And the second will be letting the other Servants kill each other. We'll hide until we can no longer bear it but that doesn't mean we'll be idle. We still need to kill Masters and take the Grail for ourselves."

The Servant stood up from her seat and knelt down with her head low, "I will do as you command."

"Prepare for our trip. Oh and uh... You can leave that parka here. It might be too bright and mess with your stealth," you told her with a small smile.

Assassin stood up and looked at her Arts Parka. She rubbed her shoulder as she said, "It's warm..."

"We'll be back soon," you assured her with a nod.

.....
....
...

Using the phone you looted a couple nights ago, you sent your employees a message. You have taken the necessary measures to make sure you were hidden. You limped forward with your cane before finally seeing your destination.

It was a mall. It was filled with people at this time of year with Christmas being around the corner. The holiday season was in full throttle at this point. You passed by some families as they were off to do their shopping.

You entered the mall with no interruptions as you limped through the entrance. You walked all the way to the central bench before taking a break there.

You watched the people pass by while you felt Assassin nearby. She was currently in her Spirit form but you hoped to get her acquainted with these sorts of places some more, maybe she would enjoy herself more had you not had a war to fight.

Someone took their seat by your side and set down their shopping bags. It was an elderly gentleman taking a break as well, a sigh leaving his lips.

You gave Assassin the signal and she took her leave to guard the area. You drew a rune on the ground so that the conversation would only be between you and the gentleman.

"Sir Hans. It is good to see that you are well," the old man said without looking at you.

"Mr. Simon... I trust that everything is as I left it?" You asked with a relaxed tone.

"Of course, sir. Though I would implore you to finish this war quickly. We would prefer if you spoke to the investors by the start of the next quarter," Simon said with a nod.

"Ugh... I'll keep that in mind. Handle them for me for now. Do you have what I need?" You asked as you glanced at him.

"A new list of the mages that have arrived in the city," Simon said as he handed you a piece of paper. You took it and inspected it.

"Two big names are of note. The rest remain unchanged. Phamrsolone is being monitored by our intelligence group and so are these two new ladies. Intel has noted that they had visited the church just yesterday. Their likely to be participants but..." Simon trailed off at the end as you read their names.

"Shit. Edelfelt and Matou?" You blinked as you frowned. The pictures... You saw these two at the church a day ago.

You were also attacked then by something.

"I'll handle this, Simon. Thanks," you replied as you sighed.

"Sir, if I may speak my mind... Do not burden yourself by fighting alone. Your company and the people you've helped, we are all in your debt," Simon said as he stood up, "Take care of yourself, sir."

You blinked before nodding, "Don't worry. I have a capable Servant."

Your employee walked away leaving you alone with your new list. This wasn't good... But Simon was right. These two are likely to be Masters.

You knew where they were staying thanks to your network. They're likely to fortify their position... They should be working to find Caster so this might be your chance to do something.

Holiday Cheer
​

[] Order Assassin to conduct an investigation. You want to know what these two are up to and possibly find their Servant if they're participants. You need information...
[] Perhaps you can arrange a meeting. You've heard of the Edelfelt and Matou, perhaps they'll be open to working with you on this war? You can't compromise Assassin's existence though.
[] Order Assassin to look into their defenses and have her dismantle them. Once she has an opening, she needs to eliminate these two. On the off-chance they're not Masters, it should stir the others into moving. Dead Magi are sure to disturb the impasse.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Order Assassin to conduct an investigation. You want to know what these two are up to and possibly find their Servant if they're participants. You need information...

Edelfelt and Matou, to think that two prominent families had their fingers in this war worried you greatly. It was just a petty war, nothing more. While it could be destructive and chaotic, the rewards should mean nothing to families of their influence.

Well no, not the Matou. You heard that they were on deep decline over the years with their bloodline as mages dying out, bringing about off spring that are unable to use magecraft.

To think they would be able to produce a mage to fight in a Petty War, the Matou known for helping in creating the whole thing, and risk that Magus was just strange. Working with an Edelfelt, the two families must have had an agreement but to what end?

"Assassin," you murmured as you stood up from your seat, "I trust that you can accomplish a few more investigations?"

"Of course, Master," Assassin replied through your link.

"I need you to find these two women I have on file," you said as you walked towards the exit of the mall, "Sakura Matou and Luviagelita Edelfelt. Figure out if they're Masters. If they are, figure out their plans and watch out for Servants. I don't like the look of them, they seem to know what they're doing."

"Is there basis for that?" Assassin asked curiously.

"Call it a hunch. I'll hand you the file when we're out of sight," you told her as you walked out the doors.

"I understand," Assassin said over your connection with her.

Snow began to fall. Your breath smoked as you looked up the air.

You didn't like your chances in this war.

.....
....
...

Keeping out of sight, Assassin reached the address written on the document her Master had given her. Arriving at the hotel, she quickly climbed it and reached the general location of the targets. The two women were staying at a penthouse suite and upon getting there, she grimaced as she noticed the lingering presence of magecraft.

Wards and bounded fields to alert the Magi of intruders. So long as she didn't trip the alarm, she should be fine. Assassin stepped in the suite and found it to be bare.

Were the women out for the day? Silently stepping to the side, Assassin hid in the shadows of the dim room. The lights were all closed save for the lamps which cast shadows throughout the room.

Assassin remained where she was as she noticed the door open. A woman stepped into view, wearing what seemed to be a white dress and indoor slippers. The woman seemed to be busy talking to someone on her phone device.

Straining her hearing, Assassin listened close.

"Yes. Yes I'm fine, Nee-san. You don't have to worry," the woman sighed as she stood in the living room, "I'm safe. Luvia is out doing her business and my Servant is close by. I'm safe, this isn't the first war I fought."

.....

"I'm doing this because I want to help Senpai. You know that," The woman said with a sigh.

.....

"Please don't badmouth him that much. He is trying his best," the woman said as she held the phone close.
.....

"I know it's not the life you envisioned for me after Senpai saved me but, I want to give something back... To the both of you. I'm willing to fight for it," The woman said as she spoke in a gentle yet firm tone, "My wish is the same as Senpai... I want a world where Illya-chan can live without these wars. That's enough for me."

.....

"Yes. I'll finish before the New Years. I don't want to be gone for too long away from my cute niece," the woman said with a giggle, "Nee-san... I'm getting stronger every day. Thank you."

The woman hung up and slumped her shoulders. She instinctively held her hand over her heart before perking up.

"Are you there? Hello?" The woman murmured as she looked behind her.

Assassin strained her eye to see but nothing appeared. She could vaguely make out the presence of another Servant while keeping her own muted as she watched.

The woman smiled as she no doubt received a response, "Yes, I'm fine. But... I can't help but feel strange. Like we're being watched."

Assassin kept herself hidden, making sure she was hidden as much as possible. She blinked before noticing tiny familiars walking about. Tiny many eyed familiars clumsily combing the entire room. It was only then that Assassin noticed that there dozens of these tiny familiars walking about.

The woman looked around the room before rubbing her shoulder, "You don't feel it? I see. We should go. Luvia may have found a trail for us to follow on Caster's whereabouts."

Assassin moved from one corner to the other as she watched the woman come close. If she struck now, she could send this Master's head flying.

One strike. Her Servant wouldn't be able to react.

Bloomed Flower
​

[] Strike. Take the initiative and go for the kill. It only takes one step before her presence concealment weakens.
[] Stay hidden. Hans hadn't given the orders to kill yet. Assassin can investigate the room while avoiding the familiars on the ground.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Stay hidden. Hans hadn't given the orders to kill yet. Assassin can investigate the room while avoiding the familiars on the ground.

Assassin closed her eye and let the woman and her Servant leave. Not yet.

The strike to kill had not been ordered yet. Assassin didn't want to burden her Master with retribution from the other Magus. So she remained quiet and out of reach of the Familiars stumbling on the ground. Assassin stared at them and noted how they walked as they tripped over and over, not really doing a good job as sentries.

She kept her presence concealment active as she slowly stood up from the shadows. Moving through the suite's living room and towards the quarters. There were two and they were both laced with trip alarms.

Assassin knelt down and produced a sealing tag, closing her eyes and uttering a short prayer. The sealing tag glowed an ominous light before she overwrote the wards in place with the power of her god.

This unlocked the door and allowed her entry. She slipped in and looked about to find that it was empty. It didn't seem lived in and a trunk of clothes seemed to be stowed to the corner. Assassin walked in and looked about before turning her gaze down.

Chalk.

Pushing the bed, she was able to uncover the remnants of a Summoning Circle. Running her hand over it, she rubbed the chalk between her fingers before standing up.

The Catalyst should provide a description on to what Servant that woman had. According to the file Assassin looked through, that woman was Matou Sakura. The last Magus of the Matou line if the file was correct.

She will be a problem but she doesn't have to be if Assassin remained hidden. She dragged the bed back over the circle and inspected the room a bit more closely. Something sat on top of the desk, causing Assassin to look at it.

It seemed to be an old mirror of some sort, far older to be called antique. It made her frown as the Grail provided her with the information that the design was of Greek Origin, a country in the Mediterranean filled with old myths and legends.

Assassin set it down and stepped towards the trunk of clothes to look for personal effects. Rifling through them, Assassin could only from as she found nothing save for a mystic code.

It looked like a sleeve of some sort colored black and red. To the side of the trunk was another case, opening it yielded the appearance of a bow and several dozen arrows. Was the Servant an Archer? Or was that woman a bow woman?

Was she planning to fight Magi with this?

THUD

Footsteps.

Assassin shut the case and moved below the bed. Did they forget something? The footsteps drew close and a voice spoke up.

"That's strange, I thought I closed this."

It was Matou Sakura.

She opened the door and stepped in to inspect the room. Assassin slowed her heartbeat and did her best to be silent.

She walked to the mirror and picked it up.

"Um... Lancer?" Sakura called out, "Did you come in my room before we left?"

Looking at the pair of feet from beneath the bed, Assassin watched as another pair manifested out of thin air. They were facing away, Assassin used this chance to slid out of the bed on her belly.

"No. I did not, Sakura. There was no one here," Lancer replied in a cool mature tone.

Assassin got out of the bed and slipped out the door. Keeping quiet, Assassin moved low and away from the bedroom, turning her head and nearly stepping on the strange Familiars.

"Ugh!" The woman winced.

"Sakura?" Lancer asked in concern.

"Something is in the living room," Sakura said with a strained tone.

Assassin noticed that one of the familiars bumped into her feet. She jumped and attached herself to the ceiling just above the bedroom. A Servant came into view, a tall woman with flowing purple hair and a black and red hood covering her face from above.

Assassin remained quiet as she slowed her breathing upon seeing the wicked sickle the woman carried behind her back. The woman stepped forward and looked around the room, only to find the familiars tripping over one another.

"It's just the little ones being clumsy," Lancer said as she turned to look into the room.

Assassin used that chance to push herself off the ceiling down the ground. That single act made Lancer turn as Assassin moved behind the nearby piano.

"Lancer?" Sakura asked with a worried tone.

"Close the door. Lock it," Lancer snapped and the Magus stood to do as she was told. The door was shut and locked, a new ward washing over it to keep intruders out.

Assassin kept silent as she narrowed her gaze.

Lancer walked forward and drew her sickle, "I know you're in here. Whoever you are. I don't take kindly to intruders."

She moved to the center of the room as the tiny familiars' six eyes turned red and they swayed their tiny arms in the air. They grew more attentive and looked around more.

"Sneaking about, it reminds me of that man with his mantle," Lancer said as she gripped her weapon tight, "But you're no man, aren't you, Assassin?"

Assassin remained where she was in the shadows as Lancer looked about.

"You could have killed us twice but you didn't. Why not show yourself, Assassin, so that there may be proper dialogue with the two of us?" Lancer offered as she turned her head left to right, "I know you're here, enough with the hiding. I only wish to speak with you."

Venomous
​

[] Assassin will reveal herself. She will make an independent decision and request an alliance with Lancer's Master.
[] Assassin will strike. Lancer has yet to pinpoint her location or presence. She can use this to her advantage.
[] Assassin will remain hidden. She will remain quiet and remain in the shadows. Her Master did not want her existence to be known to the other Masters yet.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Assassin will reveal herself. She will make an independent decision and request an alliance with Lancer's Master

Assassin hesitated upon hearing those words. Was she truly found out? She grimaced at the prospect of being discovered already and sighed. It would seem that she let her Master down on that one. But the situation could still be salvaged.

Lancer looked around and turned her back on Assassin to investigate the room, however Chiyome chose to rise up from the shadows. If she cannot slip away, then she could do something for her Master to make this trip worthwhile.

"I'm here, Lancer," Assassin said as she narrowed her gaze.

Lancer perked up before slowly turning around, "Ho... I never expected you to actually show yourself. This makes things easier."

Before Assassin could speak another word, Lancer opened her eyes and with a flash, Chiyome found herself frozen in place. This was followed by Lancer slashing her scythe and taking a chunk out of Assassin's stomach.

Blood splattered on the wall as Assassin fell down her knees.

"Shallow... You have some good protection," Lancer said as she smirked while Assassin grit her teeth. A protective rune had dulled Lancer's blow and kept Assassin from being sliced apart.

"You... Lied?" Assassin hissed as she held her stomach.

"Of course I did. Now die, idiot," Lancer raised her scythe and slashed it down.

Assassin forced her body to move and drew her sword, she gasped from the pain as her knees buckled. Strong... Assassin could feel her body growing heavy, that scythe had been laced in poison and her muscles hadn't recovered from being struck by those eyes.

She smacked aside Lancer's scythe and held her bleeding wound. She was losing blood fast...

"Don't make this hard on yourself," Lancer said as she swung her scythe and forced Assassin to block. Assassin flew through the room and smashed into a wall.

Chiyome breathed lightly as she recalled her Master's face. Lancer stalked the fallen Servant and dragged her bloody scythe on the ground.

"It's a shame, Assassin. Good night," Lancer declared as she raised her a scythe.

As the scythe fell, Assassin made a split second decision.

Bait
​

[] Rise up and fight. She will kill Lancer here to make up for her mistakes.
[] Activate her Noble Phantasm and strike Lancer mid-swing.
[] Tap into her connection with Hans and call for his help.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Activate her Noble Phantasm and strike Lancer mid-swing.

Assassin was in pain. Her wound wouldn't close properly and she was within killing distance of Lancer's scythe. Dodging out of the way was supposed to be her first priority and living was second. But an acid-like sensation burned at the pit of her ruptured stomach.

This was a foolish mistake.

Should she return without doing anything would render it all for naught. She had failed as an Assassin and she would disappoint her Lord. Tasting blood in her mouth she will not let this shame pass!

Lancer struck but the Servant felt her movements slow down. Assassin looked up to meet her petrifying gaze and moved.

"What?" Lancer hissed as she tried activating her mystic eyes.

A black mass hindered her sight, the vision of black scales returned back to her.

"This curse will be my curse. This curse will your curse. This sin will be both ours! Kuchiyose - Ibuki Daimyoujin Engi!(Summon- Omen of the Great God of Ibuki!)" Assassin roared as black snakes arose and struck Lancer sinking their fangs on flesh and pushing her back.

More spectral serpents arose, their black scales gleaming in the moonlight as they struck Lancer one after the other, her scythe useless against their assault. They wrapped around her and bound her arms and prevented her escape.

Assassin drew her blade to finish her off.

BLAM

The door to the bedroom opened and Matou Sakura stepped out.

"Hollow!" She cried out as spears of shimmering light fired from behind her.

Assassin evaded the shots as Lancer fought off the curses.

"Sakura!" Lancer yelled and the Master nodded.

"By the power of this Command Seal, Lancer, break free!" Sakura ordered as she held her flower patterned Command Seals in the air.

The curse ravaged Lancer's body but she managed to break free of its hold temporarily. She was slowed by the pain and the drain of the serpents as she moved to kill Assassin.

Assassin was ready this time and slid beneath Lancer's strike. Kicking off the ground, Assassin let out a out a puff of air before twisting her body as she descended.

Kunai flew down and tested the barrier the Matou erected before herself as Lancer realized what the other Servant was doing.

"Stop!" Lancer roars as she turned to swing her chain. Chiyome stomped the ground and bent her back, letting the chain miss her and throw an explosive bomb near the Master.

BOOM

The Matou flew across the room as dust and smoke filled the air, only for Lancer to cut through it and reveal Assassin running away with her wounds. Lancer moved to chase but her own Master had been caught in the blast.

"Assassin..." She growled as she moved to retrieve her Master.

Snakes bit back when cornered. Lancer coughed out blood as she fell down her knees. She should know this better than anyone else and it frustrated her.

.....
....
...

You were Hans Derrinsmith, disgraced Magus and worried Master.

Chiyome was late.

You expected her to be done in a couple of hours but this was too much even for her. You couldn't help but be concerned. Maybe you should have gone with her to make sure she was all right.

She wasn't a built warrior like Ferdiad was and that only worried you more. Maybe it's just that you got this weakness for girls endangering themselves that you're like this.

You rubbed your forehead as you leaned over your study. She wasn't responding to your hails either. Only the insistent itching of your command seals told you that something was wrong.

And then finally, you heard her.

You turned and stood up to find Assassin standing before you. She was a mess and bloodied up, her wound on her side being the most pressing.

"I have returned, my Lord," Assassin said as she fell forward.

You moved to catch her, supporting her body with your arm.

"Shit," you cursed as you held her steady, "What the hell happened, it was just a scouting mission. Did they find instantly? I should have been more careful. Chiyome, get to the bed and lie down."

"I'm sorry," Assassin murmured as a tear slid down her cheek while she crawled on your bed. She was bleeding, you could feel her magical energy leaking out.

"Don't be," you said as you knelt by your chest to retrieve some first aid Mystic Codes, "I'll make you better. Seems like whatever hit you won't let you heal."

"Master?" Assassin murmured as she looked at you.

"It's curse based. Which is good, I should be able to reweave it's properties and reverse it. But it'll take a few days. Whatever hit you has to be particularly nasty," you said as you took out gemstones and wrote runes on to the paper on your thigh.

You crushed the stone over the rune and let it shine. You then placed it over her wound and hoped that it would alleviate the pain she was experiencing.

Assassin simply gasped in pain as the wound seemed to reject the healing process.

"That's... Not good," you murmured as you got up, "Fine, fine then. The old fashioned way."

You wiped the blood off your hands on your shirt and grabbed your phone. You went through the messaging app and contacted one of your employees. You needed someone with a background for dressing up wounds and from a medical background of the mundane side.

Once the message was sent, all you could do was try and stop the bleeding and-

"My Lord..?" Assassin breathed as she laid on your bed.

"You'll be fine. I shouldn't have let you gone alone. I could have pulled you out there sooner," you told her with a grim look as you sat before her.

"Forgive me. I... Failed you. But I did what I could. I hurt Lancer's Master as well as cursing her in my escape," Assassin explained as she met your gaze.

You looked down on her and spoke, "Did you get them?"

"No. But they're hurting now," Assassin said as she closed her eyes.

"I see. We'll finish them off once you're better or we find the Grail. Which ever comes first. For now, rest and focus on healing," you told her in a calm tone.

Assassin looked your way once more as tears filled her eyes, "Are you... Not angered, My Lord?"

"No. You did what you could. I've had my own shortcomings as well," you told her as you recalled the previous war.

Old habits died hard... This girl wasn't Ferdiad. You had to revise your strategy on how you worked with her.

She wasn't invincible.

Perhaps you were getting complacent. Scathach would have kicked your ass had she been around. It's fortunate that she was beating up that Cheese instead.

Assassin had her eyes closed you watched over her. She had a hand holding on to your left sleeve.

Biting Back
​

[] Wait for you Employees, hold Assassin's shoulder in the meantime.
[] Wait for your Employees, hold Assassin's hand in the meantime.
[] Get up and make sure that your hideout was still secure. Gather up everything you need for the next day. You'll be moving out now that Assassin's compromised for a few days.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Wait for your Employees, hold Assassin's hand in the meantime.

You couldn't do anything for her by yourself at the moment. You could only hold her hand and wait. You felt Assassin's hand squeeze yours as she endured the pain. You needed to do better to keep this from happening again. This wasn't acceptable by any means...

But from the looks of it, Assassin did manage to hurt Lancer's team enough to keep them out of commission. That in itself was both a boon and a problem for you. It meant that any sort of alliance with that team was not going to work out.

You were better of planning their elimination at this point. You needed to ask Chiyome about the Servant that did this to her. To inflict such wounds that can't be magically healed posed a problem in future encounters. You doubted that they'll be happy to see you with Assassin when the time came.

Assassin held your hand tight. She was still cold to touch still so you provided what little warmth you could give. You sat by her side and just kept silent as she rested.

"Thank you," she whispered as she relaxed.

Assassin seemed to have finally passed out. You just hoped that the team you asked for could work this out.

.....
....
...

Half an hour later, you heard a ping on your wards. People from your company stepped into your hideout and bowed their heads towards you before moving to retrieve Assassin. You didn't want any Luctworth agents to find you so this had to be all done in secret.

You were at your most vulnerable now, you cannot afford to make mistakes.

An employee of yours provided you with a new coat as you limped forward.

"We'll be taking her to a safehouse, sir. We suggest you come with us. It's dangerous for you to wander on your own," the employee said as you nodded.

"Right. Make it quick. Has the decoy teams run interference around the city yet?" You asked as you walked out the alley.

"Yes. Any Magi in the area would be tracking down our people than the transport we're in," the employee replied before glancing at the hideout, "What will we do with this one?"

"Burn it. I already have the things I needed," you told him as the employee nodded, calling a couple more mages to assist him.

Chiyome was taken into a van and was carried away as fast as possible while the medics stabilized her condition. A black car was waiting for you with the driver opening the door as you walked close.

Stepping in, you got comfortable as the driver put his seatbelt on.

"Good evening, Mr. Derrinsmith. We'll be going to Safehouse 7 at the fourth district. You would appreciate the view of the canals from there," the driver said as you held your hand on your cane.

"Give me a report," you sighed as you had nothing else better to do.

"Our people have spread through the city and are coordinating to draw away the attention of both Servants and Magi. This may work against the other participants of the war but more veteran Magi would see through it. The Doll Minerva will certainly recognize this but we hope that the diversion would keep her from hunting you down," the driver said as he glanced at you from the rearview mirror.

You grimaced as you closed your eyes, "I didn't want to involve you people. Not like last time."

"A noble pursuit sir. But we recognize your drive to fight for this cause of yours. Knowing that, we still wish to give you aid," the driver said as he looked ahead, "Magi and the mundane, you have extended your hand to both. You only need to accept our hand back when you need it."

"I'm not running a charity. You guys might die," you replied with a frown.

"Yes. We know," the driver said as you drove down the road.

.....
....
...

You stood in a secure safehouse owned by your company. Well, not you specifically, since you handed the keys to your secretary and Simon for the time being. You had a war to fight and you couldn't be a businessman at the same time.

Last time you tried, things went sour right quick. Your company had secretly bought several buildings to act as safe spaces for you to reside in. But they were only to be used in actual emergencies if you efforts to act independently went bad.

Given the current situation, you had no choice but to fall back to this set up early. You looked out the window and swirled the wine glass in your hand. You set it down and picked up the phone you had in your pocket.

It was a welcome back message from your Secretary.

What a hard working woman.

"Sir," a voice spoke behind your back.

You turned to face one of the medics that had tended to Assassin.

"We stabilized the Servant's body. The wound seemed to be rejecting any magical procedure to heal her. You were correct in your assessment in to perform mundane surgical methods to save her. Providing her with some pain killers and medicine to alleviate the aches is all we could do now. The rest could be left to time," the Medic said as he met your gaze.

"I see. Where is she?" You asked as you leaned on your cane.

"Resting in her room. We will leave you now. Will there be anything else you want me to pass to our Magi below?" The Medic asked you.

"Nothing. Just be alert. I don't want anyone sneaking up on us like Assassin did to the Matou. Especially now," you said as you turned to look back at the city.

The man took his leave while you sighed. You set aside your cane and picked up your phone. It was a message from Simon.

The Matou and Edelfelt have vacated their present lodgings. We will monitor them from afar. Luctworth agents have been spotted near them. We will also provide interference to prevent them from moving freely.

Click to shrink...

You pocketed your phone and took your wineglass. Taking a sip you swallowed hard and moved through the suite.

Now is just the next step.

Safety​

[] Go visit Assassin. See how well she was given treatment and be there when she wakes up.
[] You have work to do. Now that's come to this, you need to focus on the War more than ever. You need to start looking for Caster yourself.
[] You need to review what information your people had gathered so far. You'll decide what to do from there. The status of Magi in the city, odd incidents and even magical activities should be of interest.
[] Hunt down Matou and Edelfelt. Now that they lost their footing, you just needed to tip them over. With Elpis, you should be able to destroy Lancer or deal enough damage to hurt her bad.
[] Write in...

​

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Go visit Assassin. See how well she was given treatment and be there when she wakes up.
[] You need to review what information your people had gathered so far. You'll decide what to do from there. The status of Magi in the city, odd incidents and even magical activities should be of interest.

You decided to go see Assassin in her room. Now that her treatment was over, all she had to do was recover. For the next few days, you'll be without a Servant which was why you had to be careful. You limped through the suite and stepped out of it, walking down a hall to the room down ahead.

You needed a new plan. Which meant that you can no longer do this by yourself. It was time to consider your options on which one to ally yourself with. It all depended on what you could offer. You had the resources, you had the manpower, you just needed a solid wall to keep between you and your Servant against all external threats.

Something to draw the attention away from the two of you.

"Something like Brie and Medb," you murmured as you leaned on your cane as you moved, "I might have to look into the other Masters. Someone I can use and dispose of in the future."

Expendable.

You stopped before a door before knocking on it twice. Opening it, you were greeted by the sight of a bare room with a single bed at the center of it and a chair. Lying on the bed was Assassin, dressed in a patient's gown and certainly wearing more cloth than usual.

That was a plus for sure.

Her wounds had been treated but that didn't mean she could step out yet. You'll be the first to put her back down if she tried to get out. Which meant that the workload would have to fall upon you, putting yourself in greater risk in this war.

But how can you get progress without a little calculated risk?

You walked up to Assassin's side and sat by her. She was sleeping well. You were looking into the documents you had on your phone when Assassin slowly stirred in her sleep. She opened her left eye and kept her right one close as she stared at the ceiling.

You decided to put down your phone and speak, "Hey, you're finally awake."

Assassin faced you with a dazed look before holding up her hand to hide her eye, "Master! I... Where are we?"

"In a new safe house. We couldn't use the last one anymore so we had this new one. You were in quite the state back there," you told her with a smirk.

"I'm..." Assassin faltered as she looked down at herself.

"Don't get too excited. You're still hurt. Your wound isn't healing properly but you should be fine in a few days," you assured her with a nod.

Assassin fell silent as she looked down at herself. You raised an eyebrow and looked her way.

"Are you okay?" You asked with a curious tone.

"I have not performed as best as I hoped for. Because of that, I feel great shame in continuing to squander your generosity," Assassin said as she hung her head, "You would be served well by a more capable Servant, for my inadequacies, I can only beg for your forgiveness."

"Then you're forgiven, Miss Mochizuki," you said as you leaned back on your seat.

"Bu-" she began but you tapped your cane on the ground.

You looked her in her eye and said, "What's important is that you came back safe. I told you didn't I? We're partners in this War. It's not about shame or generosity, but coordinating with one another in order to achieve victory. Next time, I'm hoping for your continued support."

"You really are generous, My Lord. I promise, I will not make the same mistake twice," Assassin said with a respectful bow.

"That's good. No need to feel down when we've barely started," you told her with a nod. You then leaned forward and asked, "So, what can you tell me of your excursion tonight?"

"Yes. Matou Sakura is the Master of Lancer, a woman wielding that blessed Scythe which inflicted my wound," Assassin explained as she held her side, "She was a ferocious Servant but she wasn't sensitive enough to truly break my Presence Concealment."

"So how did she find and hurt you? Did you attack her?" You blinked in surprise.

"No. I revealed myself to her when she asked for dialogue," Assassin admitted as she lowered her head, "I did so in hopes of striking an alliance with them."

Oh.

She did... Oh. That's stupid.

"You did so on your own volition? Even when I ordered you to only investigate?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"It my mistake. I deeply apologize," Assassin said but you waved your hand.

"Let's... Just not do that again. You're an Assassin, I hope you haven't forgotten," you reminded her with a worried look. You truly hoped that that would be the last time she does that, "What else can you find out about Lancer?"

"She can cause paralysis with her eyes," Assassin replied, grateful for a change in subject than her failing.

"Medusa," you breathed under your breath, "Then the thing that hurt you must have been Harpe."

Assassin's eye widened as she hid her right one, "H-How did you know?"

"She's quite famous after all. But to think she's wielding the weapon that killed her. That's annoying," you murmured as you looked to the side.

"The Gorgon. A snake goddess?" Assassin guessed as she looked your way.

"You're a Miko, right? Your patron god would be the god of Mount Ibuki, a Snake God," you recalled as you looked her way, "To think you managed to hurt Lancer and injure her Master all while escaping, it's nothing short of impressive. Especially against one that holds the same traits as your patron."

"You praise me too much," Assassin said as her ears turned red.

You smiled at her and said, "I only say what I think is right. In any case, we won't be allying ourselves with them in the future. But you've done well to sabotage their position in this war. Next time, try not to get injured."

"Oh. Yes, my lord," Assassin said as she nodded. She looked down on herself and grimaced, "I will recover. I promise."

"I know you will," you replied as you took out your phone, "For now, leave everything to me."

"Everything?!" Assassin said in surprise.

"I can handle myself while you recover. I know it's dangerous but we can't let this chance slip," you said as you waved your hand in front of her, "No rest for the wicked, as the saying goes."

"Is... Is this wise?" Assassin asked.

"Probably," you said as you took out the information your people had gathered on your phone, "Now that I'm making use of my employees more, they've neatly provided a rundown of activities happening in the city. Your encounter with Lancer and exposing her being one of them. But there's this little nugget of information I've been eyeing for awhile now."

"It's... A person?" Assassin murmured with a frown.

"Yes. She might just be a Master in this war and I'm looking to recruit her to find Caster," you said with a nod, "Kirishima Ayumi, 17 years old, a Tourist and quite possibly the civilian Master I've been looking for."

Assassin looked between you and the document before taking it into her hand to read.

You stood up as you leaned on your cane.

"Are you leaving?" Assassin asked with a worried tone.

"Yes. Information just came in on that girl's whereabouts. Every moment counts and I want to secure her help by the end of the night," you said as you smiled down on her, "Rest easy, okay?"

"Yes... But if there's trouble then please, call for me,"

You set aside your cane and pet her head, "Sure."

"Please don't do that. I'm not a child," Assassin said with an embarassed look.

"Of course, Miss Shinobi. I'll see you later," you said as you walked out the door. You needed to get ready... You really wanted to go to sleep but you'll probably regret not taking this.

.....
....
...

Riding your car through the city you reviewed more of the information you received. You decided to act on the location of this Master and strike a deal yourself properly this time but other things were happening in the city as you moved.

Cases of disappearances and bizarre deaths began to appear since before the Grail had appeared. Apparently one of the Servants was no doubt going around doing as they pleased.

If things go on, your Assassin was going to be blamed for someone else's mess. The mages in the city haven't done anything drastic either and mostly kept to themselves but they were seen gathering at certain locations.

You'll have to look out for them.

SSSSKKKRRR

The car came to a dead stop as you looked ahead.

"What's wrong?" You asked your driver as you rubbed your head.

"Seems like there's some traffic up ahead, sir," your driver replied as he fixed his glasses.

You frowned as you took your cane and opened the door, "You can go now. I'll go see what this is about."

You limped forward past the traffic and came upon the road ahead. Someone was standing on the road, glassy eyed and as if in a trance.

Cars were honking all around her and tired drivers were yelling at her to get off the road.

"Hey get off the road! I want to go home!"

"What's the hold up! You're keeping people in line!"

"Someone get her off there or I'll run her over!"

The girl simply stood there just as some police officers were about to approach her. You noticed her left hand was marked by a familiar red tattoo.

"Is this fortune or misfortune?" You wondered as you leaned on your cane.

You felt your own command seals burn beneath your glove.

Beneath the Moonlight
​

[] Walk forward and stop the police. You can smooth talk them into letting you speak with the young lady. And by sweet talk, a little hypnotic suggestion to be exact. This girl can't be left out here on her own.
[] Walk to the sidewalk and remain at a distance. You don't know what this was about but you could see how it progresses. You want to see how the cops will handle this one.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Walk to the sidewalk and remain at a distance. You don't know what this was about but you could see how it progresses. You want to see how the cops will handle this one.

Seeing the commotion, you elected to stay out of it for now. The stinging sensation on the back of your hand was testament enough on what that girl was. You blended with the crowd before you saw the nearby officers approach the girl.

"Hey, you. Get off the road, you're gonna get run over!" An officer said in alarm.

"She looks Japanese. You reckon she understands us?" The second officer asked with a wary look on her face.

"Worth a try. Excuse me. Are you lost? We can help you," the police said as he placed a hand over the girl's shoulder.

The moment he touched her, sparks came off her body as she gasped and held her head. She pushed away the police and the second officer held up her hand.

"Miss are you okay?" She asked the girl as the latter fell down on her knees clutching her head.

"I... It hurts... Help," she whimpered before gasping and becoming still.

The two officers decided that it was time to move and grabbed the girl. They supported her as they dragged her to their police vehicle and placed her inside. You frowned and watched as traffic continued on as normal.

Your car drove by and your driver honked the horn for you. Well, it would seem that you needed a set of wheels for this.

.....
....
...

Dropping off once more, you stood before the police station. On your way here, you recognized the girl as Kirishima Ayumi, the same girl you were looking to find and investigate. It would seem that she was indeed a Master in this war but her actions have been nothing if not puzzling.

You limped towards the station and recognised the patrol vehicle she left in. You climbed up the stairs and tapped your cane on the ground once, hiding your presence from the nearby officers and changing their perception of you as a fellow officer coming in.

It seemed that even at this time of night, the law never rested. You traced the presence of magical energy as your command seal stung over and over before coming upon an officer guarding a door.

"Hey, this is restricted area. Better turn back," he said as he looked at you.

"Oh I think I won't," you said as you waved your cane between his eyes and tapped it on the ground.

His vision became unfocused as he stepped aside to let you through.

No sign of a Servant or anything. That only made you suspicious. You walked through some cells and eventually came upon the one you were looking for. You looked up at the security cameras and tapped your cane once to turn them off.

Now there were no peepers.

"You haven't caused much trouble now, have you? I can only surmise that you're the careful sort on not making a commotion. I never took an ordinary girl to act that way," you said as you stood between and her cell bars.

The girl was young and was left without the backpack she carried before. She looked of Japanese descent with hazel brown hair and striking blue eyes. She looked frail but there was strength in her frame, the sort of quiet power her type would have.

She was by all means, a normal girl according to your file. Accidentally chosen as a Master, she now found herself in a Holy Grail War.

"My name is Hans Derrinsmith. How about we start by getting you out of here, hm?" You offered and the girl raised her head, nodding at your words.

.....
....
...

Leaving the station was a simple task, it only needed you to apply an amnestic charm throughout the station and expel an entire hour from their memories. No one dared stop you from stepping out there with the girl and what recording there were would be fixed by your people.

It was convenient.

Now you were stuck following this girl as she walked down the street.

"You're a nice man, Mister," the girl said as she spread her hands and turned to glance at you, "Helping out strangers is a good thing, isn't it?"

"Well, I did have a few questions I need answered from you," you admitted as you followed her, "I didn't think you would be comfortable in that cell."

"It didn't really matter. I was still getting used to this body after all," the girl said as she gave you a serene smile.

Body?

"Let me ask you straight," you said as the two of you stopped by a fountain area in a wide open space. Cars drove by in the nearby road but it was just mostly the two of you at this point, "Where's your Servant?"

"Are you sure you're fine with that question when you're all by yourself?" The girl asked as she tilted her head curiously.

"Try me," you offered as she faced you.

The two of you stared each other down before the fountain came to life and pushed water into the air, creating a curtain of water. You stood your ground as you felt a heavy presence step into the vicinity making you tense.

"So you were here after all, Berserker," the girl said as a large man appeared behind you, bare chested and carrying with him two large swords.

His body was scarred and he had a rough and brutish look about him but one cannot deny the air of regality around him. You knew this man from the night the Grail was found.

His red eyes weren't looking at you however, he was glaring at his own Master.

Berserker gave his Master a look and pointed his sword at her, "Now let me be clear, you sure as hell are not yourself, lil' missy."

"That's true. But you just have given this girl quite the scare the first time," the girl named 'Kirishima Ayumi' said as she looked at her hands, "But it's all good now."

Berserker took a look at you, "You got my thanks taking her out of that cell and getting her off trouble, but this is a bit more complicated you see."

"Well, seems like a normal thing for me. So then, would you mind introducing yourself, miss?" You asked as you faced the girl before you.

The girl smiled at you, her cold blue eyes meeting your own, "You're a nice man, Mister. And I want to be your friend. I don't know why, but I found myself in this body that isn't my own. All I could recall... Was that I was dreaming."

The girl looked at the command seals at the back of her hand.

"It was a gentle dream of numerous possibilities. But something must have gone wrong. I don't remember much about myself. Perhaps I could remember more if I stayed around," the girl continued as she faced you.

You suddenly felt chills sink down your flesh. What was this feeling?

"This war seems fun. I'll give this girl a boost during my stay. If only Berserker weren't so scared of me," the girl chuckled as she looked at the mountain of a man.

Berserker snorted at that but tightened his grip on his swords.

"An irregular of irregulars," you murmured as you gave the girl a skeptical look, "Then, is it safe to say you're not 'Kirishima Ayumi' but someone else in that body? What should I call you?"

"Call me Manaka," the girl said as she placed a hand on her chest, "Let's be friends, okay?"

The air suddenly turned colder than it was a moment ago.

Split Side
​

[] "Friends, huh? Then I can take that as you not being my enemy? Sorry, I just have to make sure. I have a bad experience with body snatchers."
[] You have a baaaaaad feeling about this one. Even Berserker seems wary of her. Make up an excuse and beat a hasty retreat.
[] "Hey Berserker, was it? Any advice here? Is this normal? She's looking at me weird."
[] "Friendly, aren't you? Is that really wise? We just met after all. Plus I didn't free you for charity, just dialogue between us. Though, this isn't that bad either."
[] "How... How much do you exactly remember, Miss?"