Dutch
Bored Spearman of the Wind
- Location
- CET
Fate/Impetus (An AU Fate quest)(On Hiatus)
- Thread starter IKnowNothing
- Start date
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Curent Vote Standings:
A Black Graveyard, forgotten by all but one.
No. of Votes: 2
Voters: Bondo and Kyrina
A Saint, riding across the land helping and saving all who he came across.
No. of Votes: 1
Voter: Yun
A treasury, filled with jewels and gems that the world has long forgotten.
No. of Votes: 1
Voter: veekie
Still going to keep the vote up for another day, so maybe someone out there will vote.
And so the shipping Begins!
I want to tell you how that would end up, but I don't want to give any hints.
A Black Graveyard, forgotten by all but one.
No. of Votes: 2
Voters: Bondo and Kyrina
A Saint, riding across the land helping and saving all who he came across.
No. of Votes: 1
Voter: Yun
A treasury, filled with jewels and gems that the world has long forgotten.
No. of Votes: 1
Voter: veekie
Still going to keep the vote up for another day, so maybe someone out there will vote.
And so the shipping Begins!
I want to tell you how that would end up, but I don't want to give any hints.
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Well, I'm supposed to put the next story post here but complications with my Beta and my own stupidity of trying to push this out during the holiday season is causing the next post to come a little later than expected. Sorry for the inconvenience everyone.
The Black Graveyard
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
[X] A black graveyard, forgotten by all but one.
You open your eyes, and you find yourself in a place that even dead gods would damn.
It was a field, nothing but the flat open plain that looks like it stretches on forever. The ground was was pure white, like perfect polished marble. The sky was a sea of pure black obsidian with a silver moon providing the only light over the forgotten plain.
You turn in place, looking for something, anything.
And the world shifted to meet your desire. Without moving an inch you feel the world fly by you, the only indicator of movement being the silver moon disappearing behind the endless horizon. When the world stopped spinning, something finally greeted you. There, a few meters away, was a stone. It looked unremarkable, just a simple slab of stone carved in an arch and set upright. Fear or something on the same primal level crawled up your back.
It wasn't a simple stone.
It was a head stone.
A Good man gave everything here
You take a step back and something catches your foot. You look down and broken on the ground was pieces of another headstone. Something was carved onto the side of the stone, but you couldn't tell what it read. It was some ancient, forgotten language that was beyond anyone's capability of reading.
He was Strong, but weak when he needed to fight
The world rumbled and all around you, the stones grow from the ground. The white substance seemed to liquify as the stones emerged, like someone was pushing them out of the water. First there were a few, then many, soon the entire expanse of what you could see was covered in the headstones. They piled atop one another until they created a mountain of stone that threatened to touch the heavens. They were the same, with the same cut, and the same old words. And they just kept coming, another and another they just kept coming as if everyone of them wanted to be seen and acknowledged by you. In the distance what looked like broken skyscrapers came up from the ground. They came from the ground and fell from the sky to create a barrier circle around the field of headstones.
He was wise but nothing but a fool when he needed to give the answers
Something crushed the stone behind you and you turn to see.
A demon.
He was brave but a coward when he needed to stand against the silence
That was the only phrase to describe the thing that you saw. You don't know why you knew it was that kind of creature, something deep, primal and very very afraid told you it was so. It was clothed in baggy dark robes that covered his entire form. In the space where logic demanded that you see into its face was a pit of darkness. You couldn't pin down how big it was, in terms of build or height. Each time you blinked it changed shape. Once it was a tall imposing figure. The next, a small child barely able to walk. It's robes dragged behind it as it walked by you like you weren't even there. It lumbered towards the first stone that you saw before the mountains appeared.
He was a Savior but a demon when he needed to show mercy
It leant down and from its robe took out a short blade. Like a knife, but bigger and bulkier than any you'd seen. It looked more along the lines of a spearhead. The dark figure carved another set of words into the stone but this time the words were in Japanese.
It read "I am the-" It moved to continue the sentence but it stopped. It moved with painful forcefulness to put the hand holding the knife down. Then, with a single punch of its other hand, it shattered the stone into a million pieces. It was so unexpected and loud it made you jump slightly. It let out a few exasperated breaths before letting out an inhuman roar in anger. It spread its arms and began bashing the stones around it to dust. But with each on he destroyed, another rose from the ground to take its place. Soon, the figure gave up its useless struggle and calmed down. It lumbered over to the site of the first stone that it destroyed and sat down next to it.
"You've been very busy." You say.
Your hand claps over your mouth faster than you expected. You didn't want to say anything, but something else took your voice and used it. The dark figure turned and tilted its head, as if just now noticing you were there. It might have but you weren't going to dwell on that. Nevertheless it regarded you with both respect and...disgust "What do you want now?"
"Oh nothing much." Then something passes through you.
It felt like that cold feeling you get when you think something's behind you. You know there isn't anything there, but something just feels like it was breathing down your back. It looked like a mass of black energy that shifted and danced around the figure "I was only wondering, when do we leave?"
Leave? What was it talking about? There was nothing but blank white space that goes on forever and ever. But this thing, whatever it was knew they could go back to the normal plane of existence.
"I don't chose that, you know that *****."
There was a name there, but to you it sounded like someone put muffler over that sound, blocking it out so that you couldn't here "I haven't chosen a damn thing since I came here. We wait for the light like always. So sit down, and go back to hell."
The dark mass stopped for a moment and shrugged with formless shoulders "Well that's not exactly true and you know it. You chose all of us."
The black mass then flew through the air and into the shadow of the black figure. For a second nothing happened but then the figure grew a second shadow. The second shadow moved on its own and it laughed in high pitched, glee filled madness. The black figure didn't say anything, it just went back to the broken headstone. It bent down and uselessly tried to put the stone back together. Each time it put the pieces together it just fell apart again but it just kept trying.
It went on like that for what seemed like forever, failing to put the stone back together again and again. At first it was strange but you soon came to the only word that defined this perfectly, pitiful. The shadow laughed at each failed attempt, and each time it failed the shadow's laughter just grew and grew until it was more of a scream than a laugh. The scream continued to blare until it threatened to rupture your ears. You cup your hands over your ears in a desperate attempt to block out the sound but it was just too loud.
"So then, what do we get to do with the visitor?" the shadow asks the figure.
Your eyes widen, it knew you were there! "Oh that's just precious! All of us knew you were there, well, except this poor soul." The black figure didn't move, it just kept picking up the crumbling pieces.
From each of the headstones, black mass started bleeding from under the stones. They bubbled and formed together to create hundreds of thousands of shadows. From the mountain of headstones the black masses formed together to create a giant shadow. It was a titan, so huge that it blocked out the moon. Twin red eyes appeared in the place where the head should be. As soon as it looked down at you, natural instinct overrode every rational thought you had. There was only one single thought going through you.
Run.
With each step the ground seemed to move to stop you. No matter how fast you ran you didn't move a step. A dark mass reached down, titanic fingers crashed into the ground, sealing you in a cage of darkness that blocked out the light of the moon. As the darkness washed over you the sound of laughter echoed all around. From the darkness, thousands of white eyes sprang out to stare at you. You couldn't see them, but they were all smiling cyclically, you just knew. Something grabbed your right arm, than your left, then your legs. It felt like the grasp of a giant made of ice. A scream escaped your lips at the grips suddenly tightened. It felt as if your bones were going to break under the strain, but whatever was holding you wanted you completely intact, or else it would have crushed your bones to dust. The echoes of laughter from before got closer and closer until it sounded as if the only sound in the entire world was the mad laughter. You wanted to scream, to plug your ears but the icy grips were keeping you from moving. You wished, no, prayed for something, anything, to drown out the sound of this infernal laughter. The icy feeling spread over your feet and to your horror, you watch as you start to sink into the white floor. It was slow but with each second that passed the cold and pain spread over each inch of you. When a part of you went under, it was like a thousand more hands grasped onto your body, dragging you down faster. You struggled, but the grips were too tight and strong to break out of. You tried to word a spell but something sealed your lips together and the ice cold fear clouded your mind to the point that you didn't even remember what magic you could use.
He was something great, but he just couldn't remember
Your legs passed through first, than your torso before only your head and your arms were above the ground. As your neck started to go under the grip on your arms forced your left down under, leaving you just your right above the ground. You searched for someone to save you. Saber, where are you!?! You scream inside.
Just before your head goes under your lips and voice become yours again for a bare second. In that second you scream "Help me! Please!"
For he had forgotten what it was to be good
The cold ground enveloped your head and everything went black around you. You only saw black, you only heard the same mad laughter, and the only thing that didn't feel of the painful cold was your hand. But soon, that was going to be gone as well. You couldn't move, you could barely think and you couldn't even move your lungs to breath. You felt your senses darken as your body shut down from lack of air, and the sweet embrace of the afterlife was coming for you. The last thing you could see before everything shut down, was a light over your heart.
Just then, something grabbed your hand and pulled you free from the cold. You take a deep breath in and sweat relief washes over you as air rushes into your lungs again. You blink away the dots in your eyes and you look up to see your savior. It was the black robed figure, but his robed hood was gone, allowing you to see his face. He was handsome, incredibly handsome actually with almost textbook perfect features and messy, unkempt hair that was split down the middle. One half pure white like the ground, and the other obsidian black like the sky. His eyes were also strange. They held the fierce gaze of someone whose entire life was filled with battle but that wasn't the strange part about them. It was their color.
His left eye was black with a red iris while the other was multicolored. The longer you looked at it, it turned different shades like an entire rainbow was trapped in the space of his eye. Apparently under that robe of his, he kept a set of silver and obsidian metal armor that covered his entire body like a second skin. The metal was designed like the knights of old, simple, clean and no designs to make it stand out from any other suit of armor. Over the metal dark energy shifted over it, creating the illusion that he wore a second set of armor over the leather. You tried to ask who he was but the giant black mass lifted its hand, allowing you to see the light of the moon once again. The giant mass rose to its full height before bringing its fists together so it could come down with the full force of its titanic might. You would have shook in your boots if you were still able to completely control your body but your savior only had one expression. Boredom.
He reaches out his hand and the dark energy around his armor condenses over his hand. When the energy was finished, he was holding a lance about as tall as he was. It had a jet black blade that seemed darker at the area around the tip than anywhere else on the sharpened end. The rest of the spear looked like it was made by a master with three separate silver and gold grips over a golden shaft with an black marble end. It emanated the power and age of something from beyond mortal comprehension, it was something more than a normal spear. It was a Noble Phantasm.
The giant black mass brought its hands down, a thousand shadows descending from the sky with the sole purpose of crushing the two of you. Your savior spun the lance in his hand as easily a toy as he waited for the shadows to come closer. When the giant's blow came close you waited for your savior to do something but he didn't move. It came down closer but in the instant before the giant mass hit the two of you, your savior struck. He lashed out with the lance, the tip slicing clean through the shadow like it was nothing more than a trick of the light. The slice somehow cut the hands off at the wrist and the giant stumbled back in apparent pain. Your savior didn't waste time on pitying the poor beast. He brought his spear back before thrusting into the air at the giant. From the black tip of the spear, a beam of white light shoots out at the giant. The light crashes into the center of its chest and it didn't even scream before it exploded in a flash of white light that lit up the world like a sun.
When you could see again, hundreds of thousands of black orbs floated in the air. The man held out his other arm and snapped his fingers. The snap sounded like a gunshot in the silence of the world and the dark orbs responded to the snap by flying straight at the two of you. You thought they were going to go to the two of you but they funneled into a single line and went straight into your saviors chest. His eyes bulged out in surprise and pain and he doubled over, dropping his spear in the process. He barely managed to catch himself on his knees before he fell straight to the ground. His brow was drenched in sweat but you couldn't do anything to help in your current state. For a few minutes he was bent over taking slow, painful breaths as he worked to stand up again. Once those few minutes were done he stood up and took another long breath in. He looked up to the sky before glancing back at you. He picked up his spear from the ground and walked over to you. You looked up at him as he towered over you. He raised his spear over his head and your voice comes back to you again "Please wait!"
Too late, he brought the spear down and you close your eyes, you don't want to see the end. The sound of the blade impaling something.
Next to you?
You slowly open your eyes before another wave of relief rushes through you. Above you, your savior twists the shaft of his spear making the blade turn as it drove itself hilt deep in your shadow? Your shadow let out a blood curdling scre-Wait, your shadow was screaming?
You look down and sure enough, you shadow was convulsing around itself as if it was human struggling on the end of a spear. "Begone!" your savior orders.
Your shadow gave one last scream before it faded away into nothingness. When it was gone, you felt control of your body come back to you. You quickly stood up and your savior let go of his spear letting dissolve into a mass of shadow. It went into the ground traveled along the white surface before joining with his shadow, causing the dark outline to become even darker. The two of your starred at one another for an awkward minute that caused you to fidget but your savior seemed unaffected by. The minute was over when you finally got the courage to say "Thank y-."
"Leave." He orders turning away. He went over and began doing the same process of trying to put the headstone back together like he did before.
You blink before looking around the white expanse. Ok, how to put this "To where exactly?"
"Anywhere other than here." He answers, clearly angry with your very presence "Wake up and leave my prison."
"That would be wonderful," you say in the most respectful tone you can manage, it's not a good idea to anger the man who just saved you from a giant black monster of death "But I don't know how to leave."
He glanced back at you like you were an idiot. It reminded you of how Adam used to look at you when you didn't get one of his jokes. But this man's stare looked forced, like he was acting like someone normal should in this situation but was going a little too far. He picked up a stone on the ground before crushing it into dust.
Hopefully he wasn't going to spend his time trying to put the dust back together.
"You opened the door, open it again and go through." He says finally.
You shake your head "What door? What did I open?"
He rolls his eyes and points to your chest. You follow the path that his finger made and it centered on something glowing under your shirt. You place your hands over the light and clasp it. It was the necklace that Adam had given you. You felt around your neck for the chain and slowly you brought it out and it's shine grew until it was almost blinding. The man's face moved to make the barest hints of a smile but it was quickly forced away "Perfect. Now leave!"
"Again, how?" you ask.
He rolls his eyes again "Unlike me , you are not bound to this place. The pure can come in and out of this place whenever they wish. If you wish and pray for the light to take you away, away you shall go."
Cryptic, unoriginal, and cliché, but at at least it was something you could do. You nod in thanks and you close your eyes, wishing, hoping, praying that you are taken away from this place. Behind your eyelids, you see the glow of your necklace grow stronger. "Is it working?" you ask.
"Well you're fading from sight like some sort of ghost, so I would say, yes." He says, like he was pointing out the obvious "Will you leave now?" he asks.
You frown slightly, his attitude was really starting to annoy you. But instead of voicing your distaste something far more important needed to be said "Thank you, you saved me from that black creature."
He only let out an annoyed humph in response but you didn't let that discourage you "Can I ask who you are?"
Silence met your question and as the glow of the gem grew, you feared you would never hear it.
"I am the Guardian, that stands before the silence."
"I am no one that you need remember. So be like the rest of this world, and forget."
"I am the Demon, that sets the world ablaze."
You shoot your hand up as if to grab something in the air. You look around you and you sigh as the sight of Troy's guest room greets you. You rub the sleep out of your eyes "What kind of dream was that?" you ask no one.
You pull the covers off your body and the smell of something cooking causes something in you to growl in complaint. Before you step out of the room you reach around you neck to grab the chain of Adam's necklace. It looked the same as it did when he first gave it to you. A simple emerald with no power whatsoever. But it was something more than that, isn't it Adam? You think. Just what exactly?
Hunger eventually won out over curiosity as you made your way out of your room and down the short hallway to the kitchen. Sitting at the table was Rider and Saber, both of whom had changed their choice of attire from their armor. Saber now had on a white and orange long sleeve business shirt with black suit pants. Along with that, his hair was drawn back in a pony tail. Rider on the other hand now wore a white sweatshirt like his master with a gold shirt underneath. Completing the look was a set of loose fitting baggy sweat pants that barely reached his ankles. In front of the two of them were several plates of finished food, from what you could see there were the remains of a steak, some mashed potatoes and sweet corn. Saber was clearing the table while Rider was reading the local newspaper.
As you approached the two, Saber raised a hand in way of greeting "Afternoon master."
You rub the last of the sleep of your eyes "It's afternoon already?" you ask as you sit down next to Saber.
"Yeah," Rider says from behind his newspaper. "You masters do sleep a lot don't you?"
"Well some of us aren't living prana ghosts that don't need things like sleep."
You look down the hallway and Troy gives you a lazy hello wave.
"Who also raid my fridge while I'm asleep," he takes a seat next to Rider "Prick."
"Hey don't get angry with me," Rider says defensively "Saber was the one who did all of the cooking."
You glance at your servant "You can cook?"
Saber shrugs "Traveling was a bit of a hobby of mine. I met many a people who taught me a great deal, cooking for a family happened to be one of them."
"Do you dress in drag and do the hula?" Troy asks, hopeful.
Saber narrows his eyes at that statement "No."
Troy deflated "Well there goes a good half of my possible plans."
"Really?" you ask.
Rider looks at you from behind the newspaper while Saber and Troy raise eyebrows "No, not really. That was sarcasm." Troy says. He then switches tones, seeming genuinely curious. "Has anyone ever used that on you before?"
You don't meet Troy's gaze and an awkward silence settles over the table. Saber folded his arms and closed his eyes in contemplation. Rider looks blissfully unaffected by the situation but his master fidgeted nervously "Uh...have I touched a nerve?"
You didn't answer but thankfully Saber saved you from having to "My master's family was," he pauses, searching for the right word "An interesting case."
Troy didn't even look confused or curious, with that one sentence his look of worry morphed into one of...was that understanding? He stretched. "So we have about four hours till sunset and everyone else comes out to play."
He glances around "Anyone have a nice way to spend the evening? How about we follow the rules before the church decides our heads look good on a plate?"
"Meaning?" Saber asks.
"We go and check in with the overseer," Troy deadpanned "Once that's out of the way we can get to talking about alliances, plans and all that good stuff." He takes a sip of his coffee "Ah, that hits the spot, anyway. The church is also a neutral ground for anyone in the war, so the chances of us getting sneak attacked isn't going to be very high while we're on the grounds."
"What happens when we're not on church territory?" Saber asks.
Troy shrugs "Anything and everything. Put a toe over the boundaries that signals the churches ground, and you're fair game. The journey there is another matter entirely, of course. I wouldn't put it past Caster or Assassin, wherever they are, to set up traps or an ambush right outside the property."
You pick up the cup in front of you and Saber pours you some coffee. You didn't drink coffee often but this was desperate times so desperate measures to stay awake were sorely needed. After a quick sip of the hot, pungent liquid you ask "Why do you say that?"
Troy shrugs again "It's what I would do."
"You would stoop to such methods?" Saber asks glaring at the mage, his tone ripe with disappointment and a hint of warning.
Troy was unfazed by Sabers glare and opened his palms in a surrendering gesture "Riddle me this: what was I doing while you fought Berserker?"
You thought back to last night, where you met him sitting in the Oldsmobile and waiting "You were setting up explosives to take out the winner."
Troy claps his hands together and points at you like you won a prize "Got it in one!"
"So you willingly admit to go to such lengths just for victory?" you ask.
Troy's smile slowly faded as he put his cup down "Sigyn, don't get me wrong you seem like a honest, hardworking Homunculus but the Einzbern didn't teach you too much on how to really win the war did they?"
You tilt your head in confusion "I'm not an Einzbern homunculus. My name is Sigyn Hildebrand, heir to the Hildebrand family."
Now it was Troy's turn to look confused "Wait. Wait wait wait." He held up a finger. "Wait."
He set down his cup of coffee and waves his hands about "So you're not an Einzbern Homunculus?"
You shake your head "No."
Troy scratches his right hand and twirls his wrist with the other "And you said your name was?"
"Hildebrand."
Troy sat there, uncharacteristically silent, and soon the room was brought into another uncomfortable silence. This time however, Rider put down his newspaper and was actually paying attention to everything. Troy leaned back and looks at the ceiling for a few seconds before rubbing his temples "Okay...how to put this delicately? I've never heard of the Hildebrands. Which means they aren't big enough to guarantee a spot in the Grail War. That privilege belongs to the three founding families; the Matous, the Tohsakas and the Einzberns. "
You nod "Yes, everyone knows that. The Matous made the Servant contract system, the Tohsakas gave their land to the ritual along with writing out the basic magic formula, and the Einzberns constructed the Grail vessel."
"Which is always a Homunculus." Troy interrupts. He holds up a finger to stop you from going on until he's finished taking a sip of his coffee "Anyway, back to the history lesson. The Einzberns are probably the foremost house for the creation of Homunculi. In particular their creations made for the Grail War are magical siege engines, in essence, though they don't live very long."
You nod "Which makes you...two, three years old?" Troy guesses.
Again, you tilt your head in confusion "Of course I'm not that young. I'm nineteen years old."
Troy rolls his eyes before picking up his coffee again "I can see you're physically nineteen I meant age. Chronological. Days, weeks, months, years. A birth date would be nice if you can manage it."
You glance at Saber questioningly but the knights face was filled with just as much confusion as yours.
"I understand the question, and I say again, I am nineteen years old. In both the physical sense and mentally. I was born on July third 1989, I've been living in the Hildebrand manor for all these years."
Tory's eyes shot open as wide as dinner plates before he did an almost comical spit take, spraying his coffee all over Rider (or rather the newspaper) who had the unfortunate luck of being closest to him. The servant of the mount simply drops the now soaked newspaper he was reading before slowly turning his head to face Troy "What. The. Hell. Mas-."
Troy put a finger over Rider mouth stopping him from talking any further. In hindsight, not the best idea to do to a reborn heroic spirit capable of flicking you through a wall.
"That'snotimportantrightnowRider!" Troy's mouth was on rapid fire at this point, you barely understood a word he said he said it so fast. His head snaps to look at you so fast it looked almost inhuman "You're not pulling my chain or whatever metaphor you use for feeding someone shit. You are a homunculus, and you're nineteen years old. You're sure?"
You slowly nod "Yes, how would I not know what I am? I was born, I remember grew up with my family and now I'm here."
Troy blinks and looks at you like he just encountered an endangered species while Rider got up to find himself a towel to clean off all of the coffee. He sets his now mostly empty coffee cup down and straightens an nonexistent tie and extends a hand in greeting "Greetings! I am Troy Forthill, magus at large and I come in peace."
You look between the hand, Troy and Saber, who was trying his best not to show emotion but was failing horribly with a grin tugging at the edges of his mouth. You look back at Troy "Ah? Troy," you start "We already know one another?"
Troy nods "That's right, but it customary for a normal person to introduce themselves when they find something that's impossible. Like an alien, I have to make a good first impression."
You put a hand to your head, fighting a rapidly growing headache "Troy, what are you talking about?"
You jump slightly as Troy slams one hand down on the table and use his other hand to point an accusing finger at you "YOU! YOU SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO EXIST!"
"I fail to see the problem." Saber interjects "In my time, it was common for homunculi to live the same lives as a normal man. They were shorter yes, but for one to live a full live of twenty wasn't uncommon. They didn't have the same magical ability but they still lived full lives."
Troy nods in agreement "Yeah, well that was the good old days wasn't it? But magecraft doesn't work that way anymore. It's been weakening since the end of the Age of Gods - you may have missed a few things while you were, you know, dead. Einzbern homunculi made for battle live about three years, tops. Period. And now I get a master who says not only she, but her entire family are fully grown, perfectly functioning, twenty year old homunculi?"
"Well, Megan and Morgan are getting close to thirty."
"Who?"
"My handmaidens. They've been taking care of me since I was little."
Troy did another double take "Ok then, shit if we're just crushing the rulebook this bad we should put something stupid like fusing people with Noble Phantasms or some other bullshit to make them overpowered." Troy looked thoughtful for a second "Dibs on Excalibur, there's no way that's not a bullshit strong-"
Ok, this was getting out of hand "Troy!" you yell getting the other Master's attention "Focus, please."
"Oh, right," Troy slaps himself in the head "Sorry, just didn't expect to hear something like that."
He took a deep breath in before forcing a smile on his face "So," he starts "Nineteen year old, functioning homunculi. Sorry for insulting your family name like that, clearly you guys are closet geniuses. Are you guys from Japan?"
You nod "My father migrated to Japan with his family when he was very young. He set up his manor in the mountains to the east and prepared for this war."
"Do you know where he was before hand?" Troy asks "Hildebrand sounds Germanic or Scandinavian to me."
You start to explain but Saber puts a hand on your shoulder stopping you "Master Forthill, you mentioned something about an overseer we must see. Where exactly would they be residing?"
There was a flash of annoyance in Troy's eyes "They're in the church on the outskirts of town. Should be a few minutes walk from here. It was one of the reasons I chose this place, easy route to safe zone in case of emergency."
You let out a slight chuckle "You always plan everything out don't you?"
Troy smiles his wide grin and holds a thumbs up "When in doubt, shoot a way out. Only plan you'll ever need. Anyway we should get going. Rider! Prepare the Oldsmobile!" he struck a dramatic pose- positioned right in front of a lamp so he was appropriately silhouetted by its light.
"You mean the pile of metal shavings in the driveway?" Ride deadpanned.
Troy's entire form deflated and he fell face first to the ground "How did I forget about that?" he asks from the floor.
"You're an idiot." Rider deadpans again.
Troy's looks up and grins at his servant "You are learning! OH YES!"
"Can we just go?" You ask, this was getting too weird too fast for your liking. Again.
"Fine, fine," Troy says "I'll meet you two outside."
Saber bows his head slightly and not so subtly guides you from your seat to the door. The two of your go out into the summer afternoon and Saber closes the door behind you.
"Saber, why are we out here? Couldn't we just wait for Troy?"
"Yes, we could have." Saber agree "But I wished to talk to you about something personally."
Your gazes shifts around nervously "What about?"
"Master Forthill."
You raise an eyebrow "What about him?"
Saber looks behind him, as if he was afraid that the door was going to tell the secrets he was about to share with you "He acts with the sense of a child, but his soul is one of a killer."
You shake your head, you didn't have a servant's senses but you could have told Saber that. You say as much as well "Saber I could have told you that. He's a master in the war, now saying he has the soul of a killing is a litt-"
"A murderer, that has made mountains with the corpses of his victims." Saber finishes, stopping your sentence dead "I don't know how many, but he has killed enough that it scares me."
Well, that's news.
"So then, we need to leave now." You think through your options. On one hand you needed to get to the church, on the other according to Saber you needed to get away from Troy as soon as possible. Saber held up a hand in a calming gesture "I never said that. While yes he has made his mistakes, Master Forthill is in this war to right those wrongs. I believe if one were to look inside his soul, you will find a man using every option he has to return to the path that the Lord wishes for him. Every man can be forgiven if they truly wish to be."
You nod "You say that, but you still don't trust him nor do you want me to."
Saber nods "Correct master, if you wish to help him on his path I will serve you in completing that wish to the best of my ability. However, until he puts the lives of others before his own, I will not trust him or Rider."
The door behind Saber slid open and Troy stepped out along with Rider "Ok, everyone ready?" he asks.
Outwardly you let a grin grace your features, inwardly however conflicting thoughts were crashing together. He saved you and Saber yes, but only because he was setting up a trap for the winner. You were alive on a whim of his, nothing more. Because you had power, you had Saber the greatest servant and therefore the greatest chance of being the most powerful enemy or ally in this war. Troy took a chance, and he got you as an ally just because fate played right into his hands.
"Lead the way Mister Forthill." You say. If he was going to betray you, you'll be ready for it. Saber said that he was a evil man, but this war was his one path to redemption. He let you into his home and whether for his own benefit or your salvation, he did save you. If he wanted to be forgiven, who were you to deny him that forgiveness.
Troy grins "Excellent! Onwards fair maiden! For the castle await our arrival!"
"You need better jokes master." Rider smirks.
"When you come up with better, I'll gladly stop."
With that, the four of you start on your way to the church. On the way you...
[] Tell Saber about your dream, maybe he knows something about the black Lancer
[] Ask Saber what he and Rider talked about last night
[] Talk to Troy, try to see what you can from him
[] Write in
A/N: Well apparently its not that long until the next post after all. Again, sorry for the wait.
You open your eyes, and you find yourself in a place that even dead gods would damn.
It was a field, nothing but the flat open plain that looks like it stretches on forever. The ground was was pure white, like perfect polished marble. The sky was a sea of pure black obsidian with a silver moon providing the only light over the forgotten plain.
You turn in place, looking for something, anything.
And the world shifted to meet your desire. Without moving an inch you feel the world fly by you, the only indicator of movement being the silver moon disappearing behind the endless horizon. When the world stopped spinning, something finally greeted you. There, a few meters away, was a stone. It looked unremarkable, just a simple slab of stone carved in an arch and set upright. Fear or something on the same primal level crawled up your back.
It wasn't a simple stone.
It was a head stone.
A Good man gave everything here
You take a step back and something catches your foot. You look down and broken on the ground was pieces of another headstone. Something was carved onto the side of the stone, but you couldn't tell what it read. It was some ancient, forgotten language that was beyond anyone's capability of reading.
He was Strong, but weak when he needed to fight
The world rumbled and all around you, the stones grow from the ground. The white substance seemed to liquify as the stones emerged, like someone was pushing them out of the water. First there were a few, then many, soon the entire expanse of what you could see was covered in the headstones. They piled atop one another until they created a mountain of stone that threatened to touch the heavens. They were the same, with the same cut, and the same old words. And they just kept coming, another and another they just kept coming as if everyone of them wanted to be seen and acknowledged by you. In the distance what looked like broken skyscrapers came up from the ground. They came from the ground and fell from the sky to create a barrier circle around the field of headstones.
He was wise but nothing but a fool when he needed to give the answers
Something crushed the stone behind you and you turn to see.
A demon.
He was brave but a coward when he needed to stand against the silence
That was the only phrase to describe the thing that you saw. You don't know why you knew it was that kind of creature, something deep, primal and very very afraid told you it was so. It was clothed in baggy dark robes that covered his entire form. In the space where logic demanded that you see into its face was a pit of darkness. You couldn't pin down how big it was, in terms of build or height. Each time you blinked it changed shape. Once it was a tall imposing figure. The next, a small child barely able to walk. It's robes dragged behind it as it walked by you like you weren't even there. It lumbered towards the first stone that you saw before the mountains appeared.
He was a Savior but a demon when he needed to show mercy
It leant down and from its robe took out a short blade. Like a knife, but bigger and bulkier than any you'd seen. It looked more along the lines of a spearhead. The dark figure carved another set of words into the stone but this time the words were in Japanese.
It read "I am the-" It moved to continue the sentence but it stopped. It moved with painful forcefulness to put the hand holding the knife down. Then, with a single punch of its other hand, it shattered the stone into a million pieces. It was so unexpected and loud it made you jump slightly. It let out a few exasperated breaths before letting out an inhuman roar in anger. It spread its arms and began bashing the stones around it to dust. But with each on he destroyed, another rose from the ground to take its place. Soon, the figure gave up its useless struggle and calmed down. It lumbered over to the site of the first stone that it destroyed and sat down next to it.
"You've been very busy." You say.
Your hand claps over your mouth faster than you expected. You didn't want to say anything, but something else took your voice and used it. The dark figure turned and tilted its head, as if just now noticing you were there. It might have but you weren't going to dwell on that. Nevertheless it regarded you with both respect and...disgust "What do you want now?"
"Oh nothing much." Then something passes through you.
It felt like that cold feeling you get when you think something's behind you. You know there isn't anything there, but something just feels like it was breathing down your back. It looked like a mass of black energy that shifted and danced around the figure "I was only wondering, when do we leave?"
Leave? What was it talking about? There was nothing but blank white space that goes on forever and ever. But this thing, whatever it was knew they could go back to the normal plane of existence.
"I don't chose that, you know that *****."
There was a name there, but to you it sounded like someone put muffler over that sound, blocking it out so that you couldn't here "I haven't chosen a damn thing since I came here. We wait for the light like always. So sit down, and go back to hell."
The dark mass stopped for a moment and shrugged with formless shoulders "Well that's not exactly true and you know it. You chose all of us."
The black mass then flew through the air and into the shadow of the black figure. For a second nothing happened but then the figure grew a second shadow. The second shadow moved on its own and it laughed in high pitched, glee filled madness. The black figure didn't say anything, it just went back to the broken headstone. It bent down and uselessly tried to put the stone back together. Each time it put the pieces together it just fell apart again but it just kept trying.
It went on like that for what seemed like forever, failing to put the stone back together again and again. At first it was strange but you soon came to the only word that defined this perfectly, pitiful. The shadow laughed at each failed attempt, and each time it failed the shadow's laughter just grew and grew until it was more of a scream than a laugh. The scream continued to blare until it threatened to rupture your ears. You cup your hands over your ears in a desperate attempt to block out the sound but it was just too loud.
"So then, what do we get to do with the visitor?" the shadow asks the figure.
Your eyes widen, it knew you were there! "Oh that's just precious! All of us knew you were there, well, except this poor soul." The black figure didn't move, it just kept picking up the crumbling pieces.
From each of the headstones, black mass started bleeding from under the stones. They bubbled and formed together to create hundreds of thousands of shadows. From the mountain of headstones the black masses formed together to create a giant shadow. It was a titan, so huge that it blocked out the moon. Twin red eyes appeared in the place where the head should be. As soon as it looked down at you, natural instinct overrode every rational thought you had. There was only one single thought going through you.
Run.
With each step the ground seemed to move to stop you. No matter how fast you ran you didn't move a step. A dark mass reached down, titanic fingers crashed into the ground, sealing you in a cage of darkness that blocked out the light of the moon. As the darkness washed over you the sound of laughter echoed all around. From the darkness, thousands of white eyes sprang out to stare at you. You couldn't see them, but they were all smiling cyclically, you just knew. Something grabbed your right arm, than your left, then your legs. It felt like the grasp of a giant made of ice. A scream escaped your lips at the grips suddenly tightened. It felt as if your bones were going to break under the strain, but whatever was holding you wanted you completely intact, or else it would have crushed your bones to dust. The echoes of laughter from before got closer and closer until it sounded as if the only sound in the entire world was the mad laughter. You wanted to scream, to plug your ears but the icy grips were keeping you from moving. You wished, no, prayed for something, anything, to drown out the sound of this infernal laughter. The icy feeling spread over your feet and to your horror, you watch as you start to sink into the white floor. It was slow but with each second that passed the cold and pain spread over each inch of you. When a part of you went under, it was like a thousand more hands grasped onto your body, dragging you down faster. You struggled, but the grips were too tight and strong to break out of. You tried to word a spell but something sealed your lips together and the ice cold fear clouded your mind to the point that you didn't even remember what magic you could use.
He was something great, but he just couldn't remember
Your legs passed through first, than your torso before only your head and your arms were above the ground. As your neck started to go under the grip on your arms forced your left down under, leaving you just your right above the ground. You searched for someone to save you. Saber, where are you!?! You scream inside.
Just before your head goes under your lips and voice become yours again for a bare second. In that second you scream "Help me! Please!"
For he had forgotten what it was to be good
The cold ground enveloped your head and everything went black around you. You only saw black, you only heard the same mad laughter, and the only thing that didn't feel of the painful cold was your hand. But soon, that was going to be gone as well. You couldn't move, you could barely think and you couldn't even move your lungs to breath. You felt your senses darken as your body shut down from lack of air, and the sweet embrace of the afterlife was coming for you. The last thing you could see before everything shut down, was a light over your heart.
Just then, something grabbed your hand and pulled you free from the cold. You take a deep breath in and sweat relief washes over you as air rushes into your lungs again. You blink away the dots in your eyes and you look up to see your savior. It was the black robed figure, but his robed hood was gone, allowing you to see his face. He was handsome, incredibly handsome actually with almost textbook perfect features and messy, unkempt hair that was split down the middle. One half pure white like the ground, and the other obsidian black like the sky. His eyes were also strange. They held the fierce gaze of someone whose entire life was filled with battle but that wasn't the strange part about them. It was their color.
His left eye was black with a red iris while the other was multicolored. The longer you looked at it, it turned different shades like an entire rainbow was trapped in the space of his eye. Apparently under that robe of his, he kept a set of silver and obsidian metal armor that covered his entire body like a second skin. The metal was designed like the knights of old, simple, clean and no designs to make it stand out from any other suit of armor. Over the metal dark energy shifted over it, creating the illusion that he wore a second set of armor over the leather. You tried to ask who he was but the giant black mass lifted its hand, allowing you to see the light of the moon once again. The giant mass rose to its full height before bringing its fists together so it could come down with the full force of its titanic might. You would have shook in your boots if you were still able to completely control your body but your savior only had one expression. Boredom.
He reaches out his hand and the dark energy around his armor condenses over his hand. When the energy was finished, he was holding a lance about as tall as he was. It had a jet black blade that seemed darker at the area around the tip than anywhere else on the sharpened end. The rest of the spear looked like it was made by a master with three separate silver and gold grips over a golden shaft with an black marble end. It emanated the power and age of something from beyond mortal comprehension, it was something more than a normal spear. It was a Noble Phantasm.
Master: ???
Class: Lancer?
True Name:???
Strength: ?
Enderence: ?
Agility: ?
Mana: ?
Luck: X
Skills:
???
Class: Lancer?
True Name:???
Strength: ?
Enderence: ?
Agility: ?
Mana: ?
Luck: X
Skills:
???
When you could see again, hundreds of thousands of black orbs floated in the air. The man held out his other arm and snapped his fingers. The snap sounded like a gunshot in the silence of the world and the dark orbs responded to the snap by flying straight at the two of you. You thought they were going to go to the two of you but they funneled into a single line and went straight into your saviors chest. His eyes bulged out in surprise and pain and he doubled over, dropping his spear in the process. He barely managed to catch himself on his knees before he fell straight to the ground. His brow was drenched in sweat but you couldn't do anything to help in your current state. For a few minutes he was bent over taking slow, painful breaths as he worked to stand up again. Once those few minutes were done he stood up and took another long breath in. He looked up to the sky before glancing back at you. He picked up his spear from the ground and walked over to you. You looked up at him as he towered over you. He raised his spear over his head and your voice comes back to you again "Please wait!"
Too late, he brought the spear down and you close your eyes, you don't want to see the end. The sound of the blade impaling something.
Next to you?
You slowly open your eyes before another wave of relief rushes through you. Above you, your savior twists the shaft of his spear making the blade turn as it drove itself hilt deep in your shadow? Your shadow let out a blood curdling scre-Wait, your shadow was screaming?
You look down and sure enough, you shadow was convulsing around itself as if it was human struggling on the end of a spear. "Begone!" your savior orders.
Your shadow gave one last scream before it faded away into nothingness. When it was gone, you felt control of your body come back to you. You quickly stood up and your savior let go of his spear letting dissolve into a mass of shadow. It went into the ground traveled along the white surface before joining with his shadow, causing the dark outline to become even darker. The two of your starred at one another for an awkward minute that caused you to fidget but your savior seemed unaffected by. The minute was over when you finally got the courage to say "Thank y-."
"Leave." He orders turning away. He went over and began doing the same process of trying to put the headstone back together like he did before.
You blink before looking around the white expanse. Ok, how to put this "To where exactly?"
"Anywhere other than here." He answers, clearly angry with your very presence "Wake up and leave my prison."
"That would be wonderful," you say in the most respectful tone you can manage, it's not a good idea to anger the man who just saved you from a giant black monster of death "But I don't know how to leave."
He glanced back at you like you were an idiot. It reminded you of how Adam used to look at you when you didn't get one of his jokes. But this man's stare looked forced, like he was acting like someone normal should in this situation but was going a little too far. He picked up a stone on the ground before crushing it into dust.
Hopefully he wasn't going to spend his time trying to put the dust back together.
"You opened the door, open it again and go through." He says finally.
You shake your head "What door? What did I open?"
He rolls his eyes and points to your chest. You follow the path that his finger made and it centered on something glowing under your shirt. You place your hands over the light and clasp it. It was the necklace that Adam had given you. You felt around your neck for the chain and slowly you brought it out and it's shine grew until it was almost blinding. The man's face moved to make the barest hints of a smile but it was quickly forced away "Perfect. Now leave!"
"Again, how?" you ask.
He rolls his eyes again "Unlike me , you are not bound to this place. The pure can come in and out of this place whenever they wish. If you wish and pray for the light to take you away, away you shall go."
Cryptic, unoriginal, and cliché, but at at least it was something you could do. You nod in thanks and you close your eyes, wishing, hoping, praying that you are taken away from this place. Behind your eyelids, you see the glow of your necklace grow stronger. "Is it working?" you ask.
"Well you're fading from sight like some sort of ghost, so I would say, yes." He says, like he was pointing out the obvious "Will you leave now?" he asks.
You frown slightly, his attitude was really starting to annoy you. But instead of voicing your distaste something far more important needed to be said "Thank you, you saved me from that black creature."
He only let out an annoyed humph in response but you didn't let that discourage you "Can I ask who you are?"
Silence met your question and as the glow of the gem grew, you feared you would never hear it.
"I am the Guardian, that stands before the silence."
"I am no one that you need remember. So be like the rest of this world, and forget."
"I am the Demon, that sets the world ablaze."
You shoot your hand up as if to grab something in the air. You look around you and you sigh as the sight of Troy's guest room greets you. You rub the sleep out of your eyes "What kind of dream was that?" you ask no one.
You pull the covers off your body and the smell of something cooking causes something in you to growl in complaint. Before you step out of the room you reach around you neck to grab the chain of Adam's necklace. It looked the same as it did when he first gave it to you. A simple emerald with no power whatsoever. But it was something more than that, isn't it Adam? You think. Just what exactly?
Hunger eventually won out over curiosity as you made your way out of your room and down the short hallway to the kitchen. Sitting at the table was Rider and Saber, both of whom had changed their choice of attire from their armor. Saber now had on a white and orange long sleeve business shirt with black suit pants. Along with that, his hair was drawn back in a pony tail. Rider on the other hand now wore a white sweatshirt like his master with a gold shirt underneath. Completing the look was a set of loose fitting baggy sweat pants that barely reached his ankles. In front of the two of them were several plates of finished food, from what you could see there were the remains of a steak, some mashed potatoes and sweet corn. Saber was clearing the table while Rider was reading the local newspaper.
As you approached the two, Saber raised a hand in way of greeting "Afternoon master."
You rub the last of the sleep of your eyes "It's afternoon already?" you ask as you sit down next to Saber.
"Yeah," Rider says from behind his newspaper. "You masters do sleep a lot don't you?"
"Well some of us aren't living prana ghosts that don't need things like sleep."
You look down the hallway and Troy gives you a lazy hello wave.
"Who also raid my fridge while I'm asleep," he takes a seat next to Rider "Prick."
"Hey don't get angry with me," Rider says defensively "Saber was the one who did all of the cooking."
You glance at your servant "You can cook?"
Saber shrugs "Traveling was a bit of a hobby of mine. I met many a people who taught me a great deal, cooking for a family happened to be one of them."
"Do you dress in drag and do the hula?" Troy asks, hopeful.
Saber narrows his eyes at that statement "No."
Troy deflated "Well there goes a good half of my possible plans."
"Really?" you ask.
Rider looks at you from behind the newspaper while Saber and Troy raise eyebrows "No, not really. That was sarcasm." Troy says. He then switches tones, seeming genuinely curious. "Has anyone ever used that on you before?"
You don't meet Troy's gaze and an awkward silence settles over the table. Saber folded his arms and closed his eyes in contemplation. Rider looks blissfully unaffected by the situation but his master fidgeted nervously "Uh...have I touched a nerve?"
You didn't answer but thankfully Saber saved you from having to "My master's family was," he pauses, searching for the right word "An interesting case."
Troy didn't even look confused or curious, with that one sentence his look of worry morphed into one of...was that understanding? He stretched. "So we have about four hours till sunset and everyone else comes out to play."
He glances around "Anyone have a nice way to spend the evening? How about we follow the rules before the church decides our heads look good on a plate?"
"Meaning?" Saber asks.
"We go and check in with the overseer," Troy deadpanned "Once that's out of the way we can get to talking about alliances, plans and all that good stuff." He takes a sip of his coffee "Ah, that hits the spot, anyway. The church is also a neutral ground for anyone in the war, so the chances of us getting sneak attacked isn't going to be very high while we're on the grounds."
"What happens when we're not on church territory?" Saber asks.
Troy shrugs "Anything and everything. Put a toe over the boundaries that signals the churches ground, and you're fair game. The journey there is another matter entirely, of course. I wouldn't put it past Caster or Assassin, wherever they are, to set up traps or an ambush right outside the property."
You pick up the cup in front of you and Saber pours you some coffee. You didn't drink coffee often but this was desperate times so desperate measures to stay awake were sorely needed. After a quick sip of the hot, pungent liquid you ask "Why do you say that?"
Troy shrugs again "It's what I would do."
"You would stoop to such methods?" Saber asks glaring at the mage, his tone ripe with disappointment and a hint of warning.
Troy was unfazed by Sabers glare and opened his palms in a surrendering gesture "Riddle me this: what was I doing while you fought Berserker?"
You thought back to last night, where you met him sitting in the Oldsmobile and waiting "You were setting up explosives to take out the winner."
Troy claps his hands together and points at you like you won a prize "Got it in one!"
"So you willingly admit to go to such lengths just for victory?" you ask.
Troy's smile slowly faded as he put his cup down "Sigyn, don't get me wrong you seem like a honest, hardworking Homunculus but the Einzbern didn't teach you too much on how to really win the war did they?"
You tilt your head in confusion "I'm not an Einzbern homunculus. My name is Sigyn Hildebrand, heir to the Hildebrand family."
Now it was Troy's turn to look confused "Wait. Wait wait wait." He held up a finger. "Wait."
He set down his cup of coffee and waves his hands about "So you're not an Einzbern Homunculus?"
You shake your head "No."
Troy scratches his right hand and twirls his wrist with the other "And you said your name was?"
"Hildebrand."
Troy sat there, uncharacteristically silent, and soon the room was brought into another uncomfortable silence. This time however, Rider put down his newspaper and was actually paying attention to everything. Troy leaned back and looks at the ceiling for a few seconds before rubbing his temples "Okay...how to put this delicately? I've never heard of the Hildebrands. Which means they aren't big enough to guarantee a spot in the Grail War. That privilege belongs to the three founding families; the Matous, the Tohsakas and the Einzberns. "
You nod "Yes, everyone knows that. The Matous made the Servant contract system, the Tohsakas gave their land to the ritual along with writing out the basic magic formula, and the Einzberns constructed the Grail vessel."
"Which is always a Homunculus." Troy interrupts. He holds up a finger to stop you from going on until he's finished taking a sip of his coffee "Anyway, back to the history lesson. The Einzberns are probably the foremost house for the creation of Homunculi. In particular their creations made for the Grail War are magical siege engines, in essence, though they don't live very long."
You nod "Which makes you...two, three years old?" Troy guesses.
Again, you tilt your head in confusion "Of course I'm not that young. I'm nineteen years old."
Troy rolls his eyes before picking up his coffee again "I can see you're physically nineteen I meant age. Chronological. Days, weeks, months, years. A birth date would be nice if you can manage it."
You glance at Saber questioningly but the knights face was filled with just as much confusion as yours.
"I understand the question, and I say again, I am nineteen years old. In both the physical sense and mentally. I was born on July third 1989, I've been living in the Hildebrand manor for all these years."
Tory's eyes shot open as wide as dinner plates before he did an almost comical spit take, spraying his coffee all over Rider (or rather the newspaper) who had the unfortunate luck of being closest to him. The servant of the mount simply drops the now soaked newspaper he was reading before slowly turning his head to face Troy "What. The. Hell. Mas-."
Troy put a finger over Rider mouth stopping him from talking any further. In hindsight, not the best idea to do to a reborn heroic spirit capable of flicking you through a wall.
"That'snotimportantrightnowRider!" Troy's mouth was on rapid fire at this point, you barely understood a word he said he said it so fast. His head snaps to look at you so fast it looked almost inhuman "You're not pulling my chain or whatever metaphor you use for feeding someone shit. You are a homunculus, and you're nineteen years old. You're sure?"
You slowly nod "Yes, how would I not know what I am? I was born, I remember grew up with my family and now I'm here."
Troy blinks and looks at you like he just encountered an endangered species while Rider got up to find himself a towel to clean off all of the coffee. He sets his now mostly empty coffee cup down and straightens an nonexistent tie and extends a hand in greeting "Greetings! I am Troy Forthill, magus at large and I come in peace."
You look between the hand, Troy and Saber, who was trying his best not to show emotion but was failing horribly with a grin tugging at the edges of his mouth. You look back at Troy "Ah? Troy," you start "We already know one another?"
Troy nods "That's right, but it customary for a normal person to introduce themselves when they find something that's impossible. Like an alien, I have to make a good first impression."
You put a hand to your head, fighting a rapidly growing headache "Troy, what are you talking about?"
You jump slightly as Troy slams one hand down on the table and use his other hand to point an accusing finger at you "YOU! YOU SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO EXIST!"
"I fail to see the problem." Saber interjects "In my time, it was common for homunculi to live the same lives as a normal man. They were shorter yes, but for one to live a full live of twenty wasn't uncommon. They didn't have the same magical ability but they still lived full lives."
Troy nods in agreement "Yeah, well that was the good old days wasn't it? But magecraft doesn't work that way anymore. It's been weakening since the end of the Age of Gods - you may have missed a few things while you were, you know, dead. Einzbern homunculi made for battle live about three years, tops. Period. And now I get a master who says not only she, but her entire family are fully grown, perfectly functioning, twenty year old homunculi?"
"Well, Megan and Morgan are getting close to thirty."
"Who?"
"My handmaidens. They've been taking care of me since I was little."
Troy did another double take "Ok then, shit if we're just crushing the rulebook this bad we should put something stupid like fusing people with Noble Phantasms or some other bullshit to make them overpowered." Troy looked thoughtful for a second "Dibs on Excalibur, there's no way that's not a bullshit strong-"
Ok, this was getting out of hand "Troy!" you yell getting the other Master's attention "Focus, please."
"Oh, right," Troy slaps himself in the head "Sorry, just didn't expect to hear something like that."
He took a deep breath in before forcing a smile on his face "So," he starts "Nineteen year old, functioning homunculi. Sorry for insulting your family name like that, clearly you guys are closet geniuses. Are you guys from Japan?"
You nod "My father migrated to Japan with his family when he was very young. He set up his manor in the mountains to the east and prepared for this war."
"Do you know where he was before hand?" Troy asks "Hildebrand sounds Germanic or Scandinavian to me."
You start to explain but Saber puts a hand on your shoulder stopping you "Master Forthill, you mentioned something about an overseer we must see. Where exactly would they be residing?"
There was a flash of annoyance in Troy's eyes "They're in the church on the outskirts of town. Should be a few minutes walk from here. It was one of the reasons I chose this place, easy route to safe zone in case of emergency."
You let out a slight chuckle "You always plan everything out don't you?"
Troy smiles his wide grin and holds a thumbs up "When in doubt, shoot a way out. Only plan you'll ever need. Anyway we should get going. Rider! Prepare the Oldsmobile!" he struck a dramatic pose- positioned right in front of a lamp so he was appropriately silhouetted by its light.
"You mean the pile of metal shavings in the driveway?" Ride deadpanned.
Troy's entire form deflated and he fell face first to the ground "How did I forget about that?" he asks from the floor.
"You're an idiot." Rider deadpans again.
Troy's looks up and grins at his servant "You are learning! OH YES!"
"Can we just go?" You ask, this was getting too weird too fast for your liking. Again.
"Fine, fine," Troy says "I'll meet you two outside."
Saber bows his head slightly and not so subtly guides you from your seat to the door. The two of your go out into the summer afternoon and Saber closes the door behind you.
"Saber, why are we out here? Couldn't we just wait for Troy?"
"Yes, we could have." Saber agree "But I wished to talk to you about something personally."
Your gazes shifts around nervously "What about?"
"Master Forthill."
You raise an eyebrow "What about him?"
Saber looks behind him, as if he was afraid that the door was going to tell the secrets he was about to share with you "He acts with the sense of a child, but his soul is one of a killer."
You shake your head, you didn't have a servant's senses but you could have told Saber that. You say as much as well "Saber I could have told you that. He's a master in the war, now saying he has the soul of a killing is a litt-"
"A murderer, that has made mountains with the corpses of his victims." Saber finishes, stopping your sentence dead "I don't know how many, but he has killed enough that it scares me."
Well, that's news.
"So then, we need to leave now." You think through your options. On one hand you needed to get to the church, on the other according to Saber you needed to get away from Troy as soon as possible. Saber held up a hand in a calming gesture "I never said that. While yes he has made his mistakes, Master Forthill is in this war to right those wrongs. I believe if one were to look inside his soul, you will find a man using every option he has to return to the path that the Lord wishes for him. Every man can be forgiven if they truly wish to be."
You nod "You say that, but you still don't trust him nor do you want me to."
Saber nods "Correct master, if you wish to help him on his path I will serve you in completing that wish to the best of my ability. However, until he puts the lives of others before his own, I will not trust him or Rider."
The door behind Saber slid open and Troy stepped out along with Rider "Ok, everyone ready?" he asks.
Outwardly you let a grin grace your features, inwardly however conflicting thoughts were crashing together. He saved you and Saber yes, but only because he was setting up a trap for the winner. You were alive on a whim of his, nothing more. Because you had power, you had Saber the greatest servant and therefore the greatest chance of being the most powerful enemy or ally in this war. Troy took a chance, and he got you as an ally just because fate played right into his hands.
"Lead the way Mister Forthill." You say. If he was going to betray you, you'll be ready for it. Saber said that he was a evil man, but this war was his one path to redemption. He let you into his home and whether for his own benefit or your salvation, he did save you. If he wanted to be forgiven, who were you to deny him that forgiveness.
Troy grins "Excellent! Onwards fair maiden! For the castle await our arrival!"
"You need better jokes master." Rider smirks.
"When you come up with better, I'll gladly stop."
With that, the four of you start on your way to the church. On the way you...
[] Tell Saber about your dream, maybe he knows something about the black Lancer
[] Ask Saber what he and Rider talked about last night
[] Talk to Troy, try to see what you can from him
[] Write in
A/N: Well apparently its not that long until the next post after all. Again, sorry for the wait.
Dutch
Bored Spearman of the Wind
- Location
- CET
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
A certain demon has his/her eye on Sigyn. I personally, fail to see the problem.
Yee of little faith.
Kyrina
A Simple Merchant of Mirrors
- Location
- England
I have faith answers will come from the option, I just have no faith in my ability to figure out what the heck's going on
Now shush I need to write!! *frantic typing sounds intensify*
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
*Awkwardly pokes thread*
Well, so far we have a straight split between the two votes.
So right now we need someone to either change their vote and or someone else votes. I would prefer the second option.
If none of these options are made, I'll just roll a die. And I'd rather not do that. And I'd rather not ping people who have stopped voting in this quest as well. I just need one more vote, come on guys.
So few votes and so little time, I'm dying here people.
Well, so far we have a straight split between the two votes.
So right now we need someone to either change their vote and or someone else votes. I would prefer the second option.
If none of these options are made, I'll just roll a die. And I'd rather not do that. And I'd rather not ping people who have stopped voting in this quest as well. I just need one more vote, come on guys.
So few votes and so little time, I'm dying here people.
- Location
- England, unfortunately.
- Pronouns
- She/They
[X] Ask Saber what he and Rider talked about last night.
T-T-T-TIEBREAKER!!!
T-T-T-TIEBREAKER!!!
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
THANK YOU, THAT MAKES MY JOB SO MUCH EASIER! THANK YOU!
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
So I discovered finals week is right around the corner, and I haven't studied at all.....In other words
So I'm just going to put it here, Impetus is going to be on a little Hiatus until I get everything with finals sorted out. Sorry for the inconvenience but make no mistake, I have no intention of letting this quest die. It's just going on a little break.
Again, sorry and where ever you guys are. Happy Holidays.
So I'm just going to put it here, Impetus is going to be on a little Hiatus until I get everything with finals sorted out. Sorry for the inconvenience but make no mistake, I have no intention of letting this quest die. It's just going on a little break.
Again, sorry and where ever you guys are. Happy Holidays.
The Captain
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
[X] Ask Saber what he and Rider talked about last night.
As you walk through the city of Fuyuki, a part of you wanted to just stop. Just look around and see the sights that the city had to offer, but now wasn't the time to indulge in the dreams of a child. You need to stay focused on what you're really here for: getting to the church, follow the rules of the war and then start planning for the rest of the night. Nevertheless, the sights beckon you with each passing step. You're filled with hope for the freedom that now called tempered by the sting of realization that it was still so far away.
A painful mixture indeed.
Troy and Rider were laughing and making jokes at the other's expense but you didn't hear them. Your thoughts were on last night, the graveyard and the Black Spearmen. That place, he said it was his prison. If it was a prison, what did he do to deserve being trapped in that black hell? If he was a criminal, then why did he save you? And his prison, it was a pale reflection of what the real world was. It was as if it was built to be symbolic of something. Destruction of the world, solitude of the forgotten. Whatever it was, no one deserved to live in such a way.
The feeling of a hand tapping your shoulder snapped you out of your thoughts. Saber looks down at you with a concerned expression "Sigyn, are you well? You look as if you have been staring into the abyss."
You blink before looking around. You were about to walk straight into the street where the mid afternoon traffic was barreling along at full force. Troy and Rider were already on the other side of the street; you didn't even notice them crossing. Troy waves to you and beckons you across but sees the lights changing and holds up a hand to stop you from coming.
"You have a voice, master, use it." Rider says rolling his eyes.
Troy did a series of fast hand motions that you were pretty sure was sign language. Rider looks between his master, and at the wall next to him. His expression looked as if he was contemplating bashing his head against the wall. He glances back at Troy, who was currently doing the same series of hand motions "Master if you don't stop that, I'm going to hit you."
Troy stopped the hand gestures instantly " Take a joke, Rider."
"I enjoy jokes, " Rider says defending himself "Practicality however, is something I like even more."
As the two continue their banter, you turn and put on a thankful smile for Saber "It's fine Saber, just lost in thought."
"And those thoughts trouble you greatly, do they not?" Saber asks.
You try to hide any emotion from appearing on your face. It wasn't your place to look worried, to look weak, and Saber is...He's not just a Servant is he? He's a chance, and from how he looks at you with a fatherly smile, he just wanted to help. You start to think it through, I mean, it's not everyday that you fall asleep and end up in someone's prison before wishing yourself away like a bad fairytail.
If you remember me, you'll scream at what I became.
"I'm no one you need remember. So be like the rest of the world, and forget."
If you forget, you'll cry over something that should have been yours forever.
The memory of the Black Spearman hit you, stopping any words from coming out. You wanted to tell Saber, but the very man who you wanted to talk about didn't want you. You could almost picture yourself back at that white expanse. The Spearman sitting atop one of the millions of gravestones, destroying the stones around him only to try again and again to put them back together.
"What did you and Rider talk about last night?" You ask.
Saber expression flashed to something else for a moment. Whether it was disappointment for not trusting him or concern that you want to keep it hidden,you didn't know. Thankfully Saber didn't dwell on it "We spoke of a great many things." Saber starts as the two of you walk across the street to Troy and Rider, "He of his master and resources, and I of my vow."
"His resources? Was he try to make an alliance with you?"
Saber nods "Yes, he was very adamant about my joining, almost demanding even. But in exchange, he has agreed to give any and all information to us regarding the other masters and Servants."
You had to stop your jaw from surprise "Are you sure he was serious?"
Saber nods "Few men could be more sincere. After we felt you and Master Forthill fall asleep we entered more," a pause "Interesting conversation. It's best if I just explain everything as it went. Do you care?"
You shake your head "If it helps explain everything better."
Saber bowed slightly in thanks "It helps immensely, now it started when you and Master Troy fell into your respective dreams."
You flinch slightly at the mention of dream but you keep it from showing pretty well if you say so yourself. If Saber saw he didn't do anything to indicate it, he only starts his tale of last night.
Saber waited silently, waiting for Rider to speak. The servant of the mount was drumming his fingers on the table, impatiently waiting for something. Both servants turned their heads to the rooms of their respective masters as they felt them enter sleep. Rider sighed in relief "Finally, I thought that man would never stop listening in."
Saber turned back to Rider "So then, what else did you wish to discuss Rider?"
"Just a few things, nothing too serious. First of all, how long do you think this alliance between your master and mine will last?"
Saber shifted slightly in his seat but if he was surprised by the question he didn't show it on his face "We agreed to an alliance until the twenty four hour period has expired. Until that time has passed, I wish not to think of seeing men such as yourself and Master Forthill as enemies. Those that save others, they should be thanked for their service."
Rider let out a slight chuckle at Saber answer, prompting the servant of the sword to raise an eyebrow in question "Did I say something funny?"
Rider nodded "Yeah," he reaches behind his back and sets his short sword on the table causing Saber to rest his hand over the hilt of his own blade. The action made Rider's smirk to grow "We didn't do this because we wanted to be thanked. It's just simple tactics Saber. When outmatched by your enemy you cheat. You wait for them let their guard down, like - just an example - when they're asleep. There isn't a better chance to take out your opponents then when they fall asleep now is there?"
As soon as Rider finished his sentence he found himself on the receiving end of Saber's glare. If looks could kill, this one could put down dragons and gods. Rider lifted both hands in a surrendering gesture "Just saying that kind of planning works for most people."
"For cowards and traitors."
Rider shrugged "Or winners. It worked for Troy - I mean the city, not my Master. But I can totally see him building a-."
"Rider," Saber said cutting him off "If you have something you want to ask of me say it now, before you further drain me of my patience for your childish jokes."
Rider's expression hardened until the intensity of his gaze matched or even exceeded that of Sabers "My apologies, I only wished to confirm my suspicions."
"And what would those be?"
Rider smiled, and Saber felt a shiver go down his spine. Not from fear for himself, his life was expendable. But the smile Rider now wore was one he associated with the tyrants of his age. Strong, commanding, and with absolutely no remorse for the lives they might put in danger.
"You're like me Saber, I'm no saint like yourself but one thing is clear." Rider reached forward and pushed his sword to the other end of the table in front of Saber "Our loyalty to our masters, is absolute. Both of us would be willing to go any distance to keep them safe and insure that their enemies fall before them."
Saber glanced at the sword "I do not cut down my fellow man indiscriminately. If they wish to surrender, they will be spared."
Rider raised a finger "But you're also willing to make the world your enemy if you have to. I simply threw out a nice interesting fact and showed you my sword. You didn't even hesitate to make me know how horrible it would be to work those facts around your master. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought you were about to take my head off with one swing."
Saber followed Rider's gaze and it lead to his hip, Saber relaxed and took his head off of the holy blade.
"Someone willing to cut off ties that easily for the sake of their master. That's...someone I can rely on."
Saber folded his arms and leaned back slightly "How so?"
Rider leans back and copied Sabers posture "Simple, if you're watching every possible angle for an attack that might kill your master. That's another set of eyes doing the same job you're doing."
Rider pointed at the sword "Here's my offer Saber, we continue to be allies passed the twenty four hour mark and in return I give you a little piece of information."
Saber kept his expression neutral "And what little piece of information would this be?"
"My name."
Saber's eyes widened in surprise, causing Rider to chuckle "A good trade, right? You get to know everything about me besides my Noble Phantasm, and you get an ally to help you protect every single silver hair on your master's head. And if that's not enough for you, I'll sweeten the deal even further."
Rider leaned forward so that he need only whisper to allow Saber to hear him "My master and I know where Berserker and his master are as well. Hell, bring me a map of the city, and I'll give it to you free of charge. No alliance needed. If you say no, the sword's right there for you to use whenever you want to. My neck is quite soft you know."
Saber's brow furrowed in thought. It was too good to be true "And you would give all of this to my master and I, without consulting your own master first and for nothing but our word of alliance in return? Rider, some miracles are so grand that men mistake them for gifts from god, but instead they are traps engineered by the devil. Why give everything to us?"
Rider shrugged "I've been given one permanent order from my master. Give anything, and take everything to gain victory. A simple thing like a name isn't going to be something I'm going to hold on for long. Far from it actually. I want the other servants to know exactly who they're dealing with. So then Saber, what do you say? Partners?"
Saber sat in silence for a moment, looking between Rider, the sword in front of him and then finally at the hallway where Sigyn was resting. The moment didn't last long "I accept, but only under the condition that my master will be removed from any and all plans. Not a single hair on her head is to be harmed. And if she wishes to end our alliance, I will remove your head from your shoulders."
Rider put his hand up in mock surrender as he took his sword and put it back on his hip.
He cracked his fingers and got into a comfortable position in his seat "You know I'm surprised Saber, I didn't think you'd agree. You don't look like you trust me."
"I don't," Saber said "I trust you as much as an ant does the boot over its head. But you need us, and you won't kill us until you have it."
Rider smiled "And what do you think makes you so special?"
Saber smirked "Between the two of us, I can actually kill Berserker."
Rider's smile dropped instantly "What makes you think I can't?"
"Simple really, if you could you would have already done it. If you truly know where Berserker and his master where, you would have launched an attack and destroyed them. Neither you nor your master are the type to let a chance to take out an opponent pass you by. I realize now that my original thoughts on Berserker were wrong. He cannot simple just let all attacks phase through him, all attacks phase through him don't they? After all, it is impossible to kill a shadow when the body remains to cast it."
Rider didn't say anything, confirming what Saber had suspected "You need a holy weapon to counter his demonic body in order to hurt him, a weapon that you don't posses while I on the other hand do."
Saber's confident smirk faded as his eyes narrowed "You didn't stop yourself from detonating the bombs out of any kindness or mercy. You realized that you could gain an ally capable of killing Berserker, and you wanted both the servant and the master to survive so that they could be of use later. A brutal tactic disguised as a friendly face."
Rider and Saber glared at one another for a few tense moments before Rider lowered his head "I'm not going to say that we didn't do it out of the kindness of our hearts. I'm also not going to say that we did it just for our own benefit either. The enemy of my enemy is my friend Saber, and we share the same enemy."
"I know that," Saber said, his hand going back to his sword "I will never trust you until you prove yourself before myself, my master, and the lord. But, having said that I'm not foolish enough to think I can protect my master from everything while I am simply near her. I made that mistake once, and I don't intend to repeat it." Saber leaned forward slightly "I will die in fire before a single hair on her head is hurt, that is a promise. But an army can protect a queen better than a single knight."
Rider nodded "Fair reasoning, one that I can agree with." His grin returned to his face and he held out his hand "Anyway, it's good to be allies with you Saber. My name is…"
"Jason, Captain of the Argonauts." Saber says.
Your eyes widen as the meaning and power of that name comes to you. In front of you, only a few meters away, you watch the captain of the greatest ship in greek history - perhaps all of history - joke and laugh with his master.
"Jason. The Jason." You mutter.
Saber nods "Quite the ally to be with. But also a terrible enemy to fight against."
You can't doubt that. Jason, the man who lead the ship that carried some of the greatest legends of Greece on the mission for the Golden Fleece. Someone who could command the likes of Hercules with nothing but his charisma. It made you wonder why he was acting like a kid here? You would expect someone of Jason's caliber to act more like a captain, but Troy did say he was summoned by compatability. As soon as that thought passes through you, another, even more horrifying thought goes through you head. If Troy summoned Jason by compatability alone, what was he really like inside that head of his and behind that smile? A thought occurs to you and you turn back to Saber "Wait, weren't you the one who said that I shouldn't trust them?"
Saber looks confused "Yes, and?"
"And you just went and made an alliance with them without even talking to me." You said with a smile of your own.
"Ah," Saber didn't meet your gaze "I ah, well I don't trust them but until we defeat Berserker, Rider and Master Forthill need us. So I took a calculated risk. If they truly wish to help us in our quest, who am I do judge them?"
Your smirk would have made Adam proud as you look at Saber. The knight of the sword looks at your face but quickly looks away "Stop it."
"Hypocrite."
"Stop it"
"Nope."
"I'm begging you Sigyn, please stop."
"Not until you admit you're a bit of a hypocrite Saber."
Saber blinks a few times before his eyes widen "You're secretly sadistic aren't you master?"
You drop the smirk and laugh so hard you need to hold yourself together. It wasn't a fake laugh to make someone feel better, it was an honest to gods laugh. You don't even remember how long ago it was since you laughed like this, maybe Adam got you to laugh as much as that but it was a while ago if at all. When you could breath again Saber pierced his lips while he looks down at you "Are you done?"
"Haha," Deep breath in, sweet oxygen filling your lungs "I think so yeah."
Saber raises an eyebrow "Really?"
You snort "Maybe."
Saber sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose "Please master, try to be serious about this."
You straighten up "Don't worry, Adam must've rubbed off on me a bit too much. But next time, do what you say and not something else."
Saber frowns but says nothing, prompting you to snicker a bit. You look over to Rider and Troy. Troy was currently striking poses while Rider was trying to ignore him and ask a passerby a few questions. Troy notices you looking, waves, and you wave back.
"But in all seriousness, I know exactly what I'm dealing with here Saber. Rider is Jason, and he no doubt has the Argo as his Noble Phantasm. If it has it's entire crew with it, who knows how powerful something like that could be."
Saber nods in agreement "Against Rider himself, I would have no trouble. But against an army, I'm afraid I am but a single man with the lord. All of my Phantasms are designated by your scale as Anti-Unit, powerful as they might, be there is more than just one man in an army."
Well...That was reassuring. But on the plus side, you were allies until Berserker was taken care of. And if what Saber said was true, no matter what Troy's real intentions are he has to keep both you and Saber around until that time comes.
Good thoughts about the future right?
"Are you two coming!?" Troy calls out from ahead "This trip is supposed to be only a few minutes not an hour!"
"Sorry Troy!" you answer.
You and Saber pick up your pace slightly and soon the four of you were walking down the street. If someone were to look at the four of you, they would probably think of a set of friends. Well, maybe a set of friends and their grumpy father that got dragged along. You look at Saber as you think about that last one. It doesn't take long before he notices "What?"
"Nothing." you say quickly.
Troy and Rider tense up and Saber clears his throat drawing your attention "Master, we have a problem."
You tense up, was it Berserker again? You wouldn't put it by the mad servant to do something as crazy as attacking you in the middle of the day. It could be another servant whose master saw the four of you walk around? Well they're either a powerful opponent capable of taking the four of you on at once or-Wait. What the hell kind of smell is that? You take one quick whiff before regret settled in and you're forced to plug your nose "What is that smell?" you ask no one.
Troy's hand was in a hidden pocket in his hoodie, presumably where his code was kept. He stopped any motion with his hand and took a few whiffs of the air "It smells like," another whiff "Really bad cologne? It's three in the afternoon, who wears cologne this earily? On that note who wears cologne period?"
"Bad cologne? I'll have you know sir that this is the greatest scent money can buy."
You turn towards the source of the voice and a combed mop of blue hair greets you. You blink once before you look over the rest of the blue haired form. Turns out it was a boy, about your age wearing a school uniform. He had a bit of a pompous look to him, like he wanted to be the king of the world but the world was too busy laughing at his attempts to take him seriously enough. After a few seconds you realize that this is Shinji Matou, one of the other masters mentioned in William's notes. It said that he was so little a threat that you might as well shoot him now to get it over with.
When you look back at this moment, nothing I say will stop you from regretting.
"Nice technicolor wig." Troy remarks, folding his arms. At least he didn't shoot Shinji.
Shinji fumed with anger but he kept himself, mostly under control when he saw you. He straightened his collar before clearing his throat "We haven't even met sir, and you dare insult me in such a manner." It sounded like he really didn't like that, and that Troy would regret doing it again.
"Well how would you like me to insult you?" Troy asks, the threat going completely over his head "I take requests, fifty yen per customer though. And some rates aren't valid in the US or Canada."
You suppress and smirk, someone needed to be respectable. Rider on the other hand wasn't too keen on being respectful "You mean I can't return it if it breaks?"
Troy hangs his head in shame "Quite sad, I know. It's this damn economy."
Shinji rolls his eyes at the two of them before looking at you.
And you don't know what it's like to be on the receiving end of a predatory stare, but now you do. Although, you don't know if it's because you look like food. Or, something else entirely.
Shinji goes down in a deep, exaggerated bow before taking a hold of your hand "Good afternoon my dear," he kisses you hand, a little overly friendly isn't he? "My name is Shinji Matou, and what would be the name of the angel that I see before me?" At that last sentence you swear his eyes sparkled.
Well...okay, you don't really know how to respond to that so might as well go with the automatic response "S-sigyn."
"Sigyn, a beautiful name for a divine sight."
You blink, not quite sure how to take this "Ah, thanks?"
In the corner of your eye you see several different sights. Saber was trying to keep his cool but he was glaring at Shinji like he wanted to kill the man. What did Shinji do to deserve that? He was a little overly friendly but that was it right? We're you missing something? Rider, on the other hand, was glancing between you and Shinji with a look that barely concealed his amusement.
Troy, surprisingly, looked almost neutral about the whole thing. His entire demeanor was one of a casual observer, watching nature at work. That said, his hand was fumbling around in his hoodie trying to look for something. Hopefully it wasn't his code, that thing didn't need to be fired off in the middle of the street.
Shinji inclined his head slightly "Any time my dear, any time." another kiss and you get your hand back. A small voice in the back of your head suggested you wash your hand as soon as possible.
"Now," Shinji says looking you over again "What brings you here? A trip? Fate? Or that certain tattoo on the back of your hand?"
You glance down at your command seals, and you quickly hide your hand by cupping it with your other. You awkwardly tuck the hands behind you, the action making Shinji chuckle slightly "Oh don't worry about that, actually, it makes my next action far easier."
You take a step back "And what would that be?"
Shinji waves a hand "Oh nothing so bold as to make you scared my dear. I simply wish for you to walk with me, us masters can have some...interesting conversations."
You blink and shake your head. He wants you to walk with him? Is there some sort of hidden meaning that you're missing or are you just reading into things a little bit too much? Maybe it's a trap.
Shinji looks at you, awaiting your answer so you…
[] Talk to him, you're in no hurry and it doesn't hurt to be polite. If it's a trap, well, I'm sure you can handle it.(Even if he's a little….Out there)
[] You really need to get going and you need to leave but that's no reason to be rude. Tell Shinji sorry but you need to get going, hopefully you can get through this without things going south.
[] Brush him off, you didn't need to talk to this creep, get away now!
If he doesn't leave?
[] Saber, sic 'em
[] Rider, sic 'em
[] Troy, sic 'em
[] Who cares who sicks em', just get him away!
A/N: Wow that was really really stupid. Damn you Finals!!!
On another note, having fun trying to kill Rider later on when the Alliance ends
As you walk through the city of Fuyuki, a part of you wanted to just stop. Just look around and see the sights that the city had to offer, but now wasn't the time to indulge in the dreams of a child. You need to stay focused on what you're really here for: getting to the church, follow the rules of the war and then start planning for the rest of the night. Nevertheless, the sights beckon you with each passing step. You're filled with hope for the freedom that now called tempered by the sting of realization that it was still so far away.
A painful mixture indeed.
Troy and Rider were laughing and making jokes at the other's expense but you didn't hear them. Your thoughts were on last night, the graveyard and the Black Spearmen. That place, he said it was his prison. If it was a prison, what did he do to deserve being trapped in that black hell? If he was a criminal, then why did he save you? And his prison, it was a pale reflection of what the real world was. It was as if it was built to be symbolic of something. Destruction of the world, solitude of the forgotten. Whatever it was, no one deserved to live in such a way.
The feeling of a hand tapping your shoulder snapped you out of your thoughts. Saber looks down at you with a concerned expression "Sigyn, are you well? You look as if you have been staring into the abyss."
You blink before looking around. You were about to walk straight into the street where the mid afternoon traffic was barreling along at full force. Troy and Rider were already on the other side of the street; you didn't even notice them crossing. Troy waves to you and beckons you across but sees the lights changing and holds up a hand to stop you from coming.
"You have a voice, master, use it." Rider says rolling his eyes.
Troy did a series of fast hand motions that you were pretty sure was sign language. Rider looks between his master, and at the wall next to him. His expression looked as if he was contemplating bashing his head against the wall. He glances back at Troy, who was currently doing the same series of hand motions "Master if you don't stop that, I'm going to hit you."
Troy stopped the hand gestures instantly " Take a joke, Rider."
"I enjoy jokes, " Rider says defending himself "Practicality however, is something I like even more."
As the two continue their banter, you turn and put on a thankful smile for Saber "It's fine Saber, just lost in thought."
"And those thoughts trouble you greatly, do they not?" Saber asks.
You try to hide any emotion from appearing on your face. It wasn't your place to look worried, to look weak, and Saber is...He's not just a Servant is he? He's a chance, and from how he looks at you with a fatherly smile, he just wanted to help. You start to think it through, I mean, it's not everyday that you fall asleep and end up in someone's prison before wishing yourself away like a bad fairytail.
If you remember me, you'll scream at what I became.
"I'm no one you need remember. So be like the rest of the world, and forget."
If you forget, you'll cry over something that should have been yours forever.
The memory of the Black Spearman hit you, stopping any words from coming out. You wanted to tell Saber, but the very man who you wanted to talk about didn't want you. You could almost picture yourself back at that white expanse. The Spearman sitting atop one of the millions of gravestones, destroying the stones around him only to try again and again to put them back together.
"What did you and Rider talk about last night?" You ask.
Saber expression flashed to something else for a moment. Whether it was disappointment for not trusting him or concern that you want to keep it hidden,you didn't know. Thankfully Saber didn't dwell on it "We spoke of a great many things." Saber starts as the two of you walk across the street to Troy and Rider, "He of his master and resources, and I of my vow."
"His resources? Was he try to make an alliance with you?"
Saber nods "Yes, he was very adamant about my joining, almost demanding even. But in exchange, he has agreed to give any and all information to us regarding the other masters and Servants."
You had to stop your jaw from surprise "Are you sure he was serious?"
Saber nods "Few men could be more sincere. After we felt you and Master Forthill fall asleep we entered more," a pause "Interesting conversation. It's best if I just explain everything as it went. Do you care?"
You shake your head "If it helps explain everything better."
Saber bowed slightly in thanks "It helps immensely, now it started when you and Master Troy fell into your respective dreams."
You flinch slightly at the mention of dream but you keep it from showing pretty well if you say so yourself. If Saber saw he didn't do anything to indicate it, he only starts his tale of last night.
Saber waited silently, waiting for Rider to speak. The servant of the mount was drumming his fingers on the table, impatiently waiting for something. Both servants turned their heads to the rooms of their respective masters as they felt them enter sleep. Rider sighed in relief "Finally, I thought that man would never stop listening in."
Saber turned back to Rider "So then, what else did you wish to discuss Rider?"
"Just a few things, nothing too serious. First of all, how long do you think this alliance between your master and mine will last?"
Saber shifted slightly in his seat but if he was surprised by the question he didn't show it on his face "We agreed to an alliance until the twenty four hour period has expired. Until that time has passed, I wish not to think of seeing men such as yourself and Master Forthill as enemies. Those that save others, they should be thanked for their service."
Rider let out a slight chuckle at Saber answer, prompting the servant of the sword to raise an eyebrow in question "Did I say something funny?"
Rider nodded "Yeah," he reaches behind his back and sets his short sword on the table causing Saber to rest his hand over the hilt of his own blade. The action made Rider's smirk to grow "We didn't do this because we wanted to be thanked. It's just simple tactics Saber. When outmatched by your enemy you cheat. You wait for them let their guard down, like - just an example - when they're asleep. There isn't a better chance to take out your opponents then when they fall asleep now is there?"
As soon as Rider finished his sentence he found himself on the receiving end of Saber's glare. If looks could kill, this one could put down dragons and gods. Rider lifted both hands in a surrendering gesture "Just saying that kind of planning works for most people."
"For cowards and traitors."
Rider shrugged "Or winners. It worked for Troy - I mean the city, not my Master. But I can totally see him building a-."
"Rider," Saber said cutting him off "If you have something you want to ask of me say it now, before you further drain me of my patience for your childish jokes."
Rider's expression hardened until the intensity of his gaze matched or even exceeded that of Sabers "My apologies, I only wished to confirm my suspicions."
"And what would those be?"
Rider smiled, and Saber felt a shiver go down his spine. Not from fear for himself, his life was expendable. But the smile Rider now wore was one he associated with the tyrants of his age. Strong, commanding, and with absolutely no remorse for the lives they might put in danger.
"You're like me Saber, I'm no saint like yourself but one thing is clear." Rider reached forward and pushed his sword to the other end of the table in front of Saber "Our loyalty to our masters, is absolute. Both of us would be willing to go any distance to keep them safe and insure that their enemies fall before them."
Saber glanced at the sword "I do not cut down my fellow man indiscriminately. If they wish to surrender, they will be spared."
Rider raised a finger "But you're also willing to make the world your enemy if you have to. I simply threw out a nice interesting fact and showed you my sword. You didn't even hesitate to make me know how horrible it would be to work those facts around your master. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought you were about to take my head off with one swing."
Saber followed Rider's gaze and it lead to his hip, Saber relaxed and took his head off of the holy blade.
"Someone willing to cut off ties that easily for the sake of their master. That's...someone I can rely on."
Saber folded his arms and leaned back slightly "How so?"
Rider leans back and copied Sabers posture "Simple, if you're watching every possible angle for an attack that might kill your master. That's another set of eyes doing the same job you're doing."
Rider pointed at the sword "Here's my offer Saber, we continue to be allies passed the twenty four hour mark and in return I give you a little piece of information."
Saber kept his expression neutral "And what little piece of information would this be?"
"My name."
Saber's eyes widened in surprise, causing Rider to chuckle "A good trade, right? You get to know everything about me besides my Noble Phantasm, and you get an ally to help you protect every single silver hair on your master's head. And if that's not enough for you, I'll sweeten the deal even further."
Rider leaned forward so that he need only whisper to allow Saber to hear him "My master and I know where Berserker and his master are as well. Hell, bring me a map of the city, and I'll give it to you free of charge. No alliance needed. If you say no, the sword's right there for you to use whenever you want to. My neck is quite soft you know."
Saber's brow furrowed in thought. It was too good to be true "And you would give all of this to my master and I, without consulting your own master first and for nothing but our word of alliance in return? Rider, some miracles are so grand that men mistake them for gifts from god, but instead they are traps engineered by the devil. Why give everything to us?"
Rider shrugged "I've been given one permanent order from my master. Give anything, and take everything to gain victory. A simple thing like a name isn't going to be something I'm going to hold on for long. Far from it actually. I want the other servants to know exactly who they're dealing with. So then Saber, what do you say? Partners?"
Saber sat in silence for a moment, looking between Rider, the sword in front of him and then finally at the hallway where Sigyn was resting. The moment didn't last long "I accept, but only under the condition that my master will be removed from any and all plans. Not a single hair on her head is to be harmed. And if she wishes to end our alliance, I will remove your head from your shoulders."
Rider put his hand up in mock surrender as he took his sword and put it back on his hip.
He cracked his fingers and got into a comfortable position in his seat "You know I'm surprised Saber, I didn't think you'd agree. You don't look like you trust me."
"I don't," Saber said "I trust you as much as an ant does the boot over its head. But you need us, and you won't kill us until you have it."
Rider smiled "And what do you think makes you so special?"
Saber smirked "Between the two of us, I can actually kill Berserker."
Rider's smile dropped instantly "What makes you think I can't?"
"Simple really, if you could you would have already done it. If you truly know where Berserker and his master where, you would have launched an attack and destroyed them. Neither you nor your master are the type to let a chance to take out an opponent pass you by. I realize now that my original thoughts on Berserker were wrong. He cannot simple just let all attacks phase through him, all attacks phase through him don't they? After all, it is impossible to kill a shadow when the body remains to cast it."
Rider didn't say anything, confirming what Saber had suspected "You need a holy weapon to counter his demonic body in order to hurt him, a weapon that you don't posses while I on the other hand do."
Saber's confident smirk faded as his eyes narrowed "You didn't stop yourself from detonating the bombs out of any kindness or mercy. You realized that you could gain an ally capable of killing Berserker, and you wanted both the servant and the master to survive so that they could be of use later. A brutal tactic disguised as a friendly face."
Rider and Saber glared at one another for a few tense moments before Rider lowered his head "I'm not going to say that we didn't do it out of the kindness of our hearts. I'm also not going to say that we did it just for our own benefit either. The enemy of my enemy is my friend Saber, and we share the same enemy."
"I know that," Saber said, his hand going back to his sword "I will never trust you until you prove yourself before myself, my master, and the lord. But, having said that I'm not foolish enough to think I can protect my master from everything while I am simply near her. I made that mistake once, and I don't intend to repeat it." Saber leaned forward slightly "I will die in fire before a single hair on her head is hurt, that is a promise. But an army can protect a queen better than a single knight."
Rider nodded "Fair reasoning, one that I can agree with." His grin returned to his face and he held out his hand "Anyway, it's good to be allies with you Saber. My name is…"
"Jason, Captain of the Argonauts." Saber says.
Class: Rider
Master: Troy Forthill
Titles: Captain of the Argonauts, Sailor of the Godless Seas
True Name: Jason
Keyword: Crazy Master, Willing to give anything for victory, Trust or Leave, Captain.
Noble Phantasm: ???
Strength: C-->A*
Endurance: D+-->B+*
Agility: E-->C +*
Mana: D-->B*
Luck: A++
(Parameters with a * are affected by Affections of the Goddess and the Phantasm ****)
Class skills:
Riding (A): All creatures but those of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast-rank can be used as mounts.
Magic Resistance (C-->B): Cancel spells with a chant below three verses. Even if targeted by High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals, it is difficult for Rider to be affected. While normally at C rank, the anti magical effects of Rider's Phantasm **** increases this rank.
Personal Skills:
Rider on the Storm (A+):
The talent to sail vessels recognized as ships. Because the ability as a group leader is also necessary, this Skill also has the effects of both Charisma and Military Tactics. At this rank, Rider can command any and all modern vehicles he wishes to make as his 'mount'.
Affections of the Goddess (A+-->B):
All stats, with the exception of luck and Mana are ranked up. Rider gains this skill from the remains of the affections of both the goddess of Hera and Aphrodite. Due to his falling out of favor with the gods, this skill is reduced.
Eye of the Mind (False): D
An innate talent to sense and avoid danger based on intuition that can also be called the Sixth Sense or prescience, gained through many ordeals and adventures. As a natural talent to avoid danger based on the "perception and resolution of the current situation." Riders's rank in this should be higher, but he relied too much on his crew and his 'wife' on his adventures and not enough on himself.
Noble Phantasms:
???
Master: Troy Forthill
Titles: Captain of the Argonauts, Sailor of the Godless Seas
True Name: Jason
Keyword: Crazy Master, Willing to give anything for victory, Trust or Leave, Captain.
Noble Phantasm: ???
Strength: C-->A*
Endurance: D+-->B+*
Agility: E-->C +*
Mana: D-->B*
Luck: A++
(Parameters with a * are affected by Affections of the Goddess and the Phantasm ****)
Class skills:
Riding (A): All creatures but those of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast-rank can be used as mounts.
Magic Resistance (C-->B): Cancel spells with a chant below three verses. Even if targeted by High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals, it is difficult for Rider to be affected. While normally at C rank, the anti magical effects of Rider's Phantasm **** increases this rank.
Personal Skills:
Rider on the Storm (A+):
The talent to sail vessels recognized as ships. Because the ability as a group leader is also necessary, this Skill also has the effects of both Charisma and Military Tactics. At this rank, Rider can command any and all modern vehicles he wishes to make as his 'mount'.
Affections of the Goddess (A+-->B):
All stats, with the exception of luck and Mana are ranked up. Rider gains this skill from the remains of the affections of both the goddess of Hera and Aphrodite. Due to his falling out of favor with the gods, this skill is reduced.
Eye of the Mind (False): D
An innate talent to sense and avoid danger based on intuition that can also be called the Sixth Sense or prescience, gained through many ordeals and adventures. As a natural talent to avoid danger based on the "perception and resolution of the current situation." Riders's rank in this should be higher, but he relied too much on his crew and his 'wife' on his adventures and not enough on himself.
Noble Phantasms:
???
"Jason. The Jason." You mutter.
Saber nods "Quite the ally to be with. But also a terrible enemy to fight against."
You can't doubt that. Jason, the man who lead the ship that carried some of the greatest legends of Greece on the mission for the Golden Fleece. Someone who could command the likes of Hercules with nothing but his charisma. It made you wonder why he was acting like a kid here? You would expect someone of Jason's caliber to act more like a captain, but Troy did say he was summoned by compatability. As soon as that thought passes through you, another, even more horrifying thought goes through you head. If Troy summoned Jason by compatability alone, what was he really like inside that head of his and behind that smile? A thought occurs to you and you turn back to Saber "Wait, weren't you the one who said that I shouldn't trust them?"
Saber looks confused "Yes, and?"
"And you just went and made an alliance with them without even talking to me." You said with a smile of your own.
"Ah," Saber didn't meet your gaze "I ah, well I don't trust them but until we defeat Berserker, Rider and Master Forthill need us. So I took a calculated risk. If they truly wish to help us in our quest, who am I do judge them?"
Your smirk would have made Adam proud as you look at Saber. The knight of the sword looks at your face but quickly looks away "Stop it."
"Hypocrite."
"Stop it"
"Nope."
"I'm begging you Sigyn, please stop."
"Not until you admit you're a bit of a hypocrite Saber."
Saber blinks a few times before his eyes widen "You're secretly sadistic aren't you master?"
You drop the smirk and laugh so hard you need to hold yourself together. It wasn't a fake laugh to make someone feel better, it was an honest to gods laugh. You don't even remember how long ago it was since you laughed like this, maybe Adam got you to laugh as much as that but it was a while ago if at all. When you could breath again Saber pierced his lips while he looks down at you "Are you done?"
"Haha," Deep breath in, sweet oxygen filling your lungs "I think so yeah."
Saber raises an eyebrow "Really?"
You snort "Maybe."
Saber sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose "Please master, try to be serious about this."
You straighten up "Don't worry, Adam must've rubbed off on me a bit too much. But next time, do what you say and not something else."
Saber frowns but says nothing, prompting you to snicker a bit. You look over to Rider and Troy. Troy was currently striking poses while Rider was trying to ignore him and ask a passerby a few questions. Troy notices you looking, waves, and you wave back.
"But in all seriousness, I know exactly what I'm dealing with here Saber. Rider is Jason, and he no doubt has the Argo as his Noble Phantasm. If it has it's entire crew with it, who knows how powerful something like that could be."
Saber nods in agreement "Against Rider himself, I would have no trouble. But against an army, I'm afraid I am but a single man with the lord. All of my Phantasms are designated by your scale as Anti-Unit, powerful as they might, be there is more than just one man in an army."
Well...That was reassuring. But on the plus side, you were allies until Berserker was taken care of. And if what Saber said was true, no matter what Troy's real intentions are he has to keep both you and Saber around until that time comes.
Good thoughts about the future right?
"Are you two coming!?" Troy calls out from ahead "This trip is supposed to be only a few minutes not an hour!"
"Sorry Troy!" you answer.
You and Saber pick up your pace slightly and soon the four of you were walking down the street. If someone were to look at the four of you, they would probably think of a set of friends. Well, maybe a set of friends and their grumpy father that got dragged along. You look at Saber as you think about that last one. It doesn't take long before he notices "What?"
"Nothing." you say quickly.
Troy and Rider tense up and Saber clears his throat drawing your attention "Master, we have a problem."
You tense up, was it Berserker again? You wouldn't put it by the mad servant to do something as crazy as attacking you in the middle of the day. It could be another servant whose master saw the four of you walk around? Well they're either a powerful opponent capable of taking the four of you on at once or-Wait. What the hell kind of smell is that? You take one quick whiff before regret settled in and you're forced to plug your nose "What is that smell?" you ask no one.
Troy's hand was in a hidden pocket in his hoodie, presumably where his code was kept. He stopped any motion with his hand and took a few whiffs of the air "It smells like," another whiff "Really bad cologne? It's three in the afternoon, who wears cologne this earily? On that note who wears cologne period?"
"Bad cologne? I'll have you know sir that this is the greatest scent money can buy."
You turn towards the source of the voice and a combed mop of blue hair greets you. You blink once before you look over the rest of the blue haired form. Turns out it was a boy, about your age wearing a school uniform. He had a bit of a pompous look to him, like he wanted to be the king of the world but the world was too busy laughing at his attempts to take him seriously enough. After a few seconds you realize that this is Shinji Matou, one of the other masters mentioned in William's notes. It said that he was so little a threat that you might as well shoot him now to get it over with.
When you look back at this moment, nothing I say will stop you from regretting.
"Nice technicolor wig." Troy remarks, folding his arms. At least he didn't shoot Shinji.
Shinji fumed with anger but he kept himself, mostly under control when he saw you. He straightened his collar before clearing his throat "We haven't even met sir, and you dare insult me in such a manner." It sounded like he really didn't like that, and that Troy would regret doing it again.
"Well how would you like me to insult you?" Troy asks, the threat going completely over his head "I take requests, fifty yen per customer though. And some rates aren't valid in the US or Canada."
You suppress and smirk, someone needed to be respectable. Rider on the other hand wasn't too keen on being respectful "You mean I can't return it if it breaks?"
Troy hangs his head in shame "Quite sad, I know. It's this damn economy."
Shinji rolls his eyes at the two of them before looking at you.
And you don't know what it's like to be on the receiving end of a predatory stare, but now you do. Although, you don't know if it's because you look like food. Or, something else entirely.
Shinji goes down in a deep, exaggerated bow before taking a hold of your hand "Good afternoon my dear," he kisses you hand, a little overly friendly isn't he? "My name is Shinji Matou, and what would be the name of the angel that I see before me?" At that last sentence you swear his eyes sparkled.
Well...okay, you don't really know how to respond to that so might as well go with the automatic response "S-sigyn."
"Sigyn, a beautiful name for a divine sight."
You blink, not quite sure how to take this "Ah, thanks?"
In the corner of your eye you see several different sights. Saber was trying to keep his cool but he was glaring at Shinji like he wanted to kill the man. What did Shinji do to deserve that? He was a little overly friendly but that was it right? We're you missing something? Rider, on the other hand, was glancing between you and Shinji with a look that barely concealed his amusement.
Troy, surprisingly, looked almost neutral about the whole thing. His entire demeanor was one of a casual observer, watching nature at work. That said, his hand was fumbling around in his hoodie trying to look for something. Hopefully it wasn't his code, that thing didn't need to be fired off in the middle of the street.
Shinji inclined his head slightly "Any time my dear, any time." another kiss and you get your hand back. A small voice in the back of your head suggested you wash your hand as soon as possible.
"Now," Shinji says looking you over again "What brings you here? A trip? Fate? Or that certain tattoo on the back of your hand?"
You glance down at your command seals, and you quickly hide your hand by cupping it with your other. You awkwardly tuck the hands behind you, the action making Shinji chuckle slightly "Oh don't worry about that, actually, it makes my next action far easier."
You take a step back "And what would that be?"
Shinji waves a hand "Oh nothing so bold as to make you scared my dear. I simply wish for you to walk with me, us masters can have some...interesting conversations."
You blink and shake your head. He wants you to walk with him? Is there some sort of hidden meaning that you're missing or are you just reading into things a little bit too much? Maybe it's a trap.
Shinji looks at you, awaiting your answer so you…
[] Talk to him, you're in no hurry and it doesn't hurt to be polite. If it's a trap, well, I'm sure you can handle it.(Even if he's a little….Out there)
[] You really need to get going and you need to leave but that's no reason to be rude. Tell Shinji sorry but you need to get going, hopefully you can get through this without things going south.
[] Brush him off, you didn't need to talk to this creep, get away now!
If he doesn't leave?
[] Saber, sic 'em
[] Rider, sic 'em
[] Troy, sic 'em
[] Who cares who sicks em', just get him away!
A/N: Wow that was really really stupid. Damn you Finals!!!
On another note, having fun trying to kill Rider later on when the Alliance ends
D.D. Spectator
Strongest in the land
- Location
- Unknown
[J] Kick him in the family jewels
A completely normal reaction to Shinji.
[X] You really need to get going and you need to leave but that's no reason to be rude. Tell Shinji sorry but you need to get going, hopefully you can get through this without things going south.
[X] Saber, sic 'em
A completely normal reaction to Shinji.
[X] You really need to get going and you need to leave but that's no reason to be rude. Tell Shinji sorry but you need to get going, hopefully you can get through this without things going south.
[X] Saber, sic 'em
Us? No. Someone else? Definitely.
Khawy
TITANNNNNNNNNNN
- Location
- The United States of America
[X] Talk to him, you're in no hurry and it doesn't hurt to be polite. If it's a trap, well, I'm sure you can handle it.(Even if he's a little….Out there)
I'm curious as to what your take on the Argo is. Hopefully, it's something ridiculous like being a mech.
I'm curious as to what your take on the Argo is. Hopefully, it's something ridiculous like being a mech.
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Dutch
Bored Spearman of the Wind
- Location
- CET
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
I'm curious as to what your take on the Argo is. Hopefully, it's something ridiculous like being a mech.
GOD DAMN IT!!! I NEED TO BY A BETTER FUCKING LOCK FOR MY NOTES!!!!!!
Khawy
TITANNNNNNNNNNN
- Location
- The United States of America
Awwww Yeaaaahhhhh!!!!!GOD DAMN IT!!! I NEED TO BY A BETTER FUCKING LOCK FOR MY NOTES!!!!!!
D.D. Spectator
Strongest in the land
- Location
- Unknown
Greek engineering is the best in the world!Awwww Yeaaaahhhhh!!!!!
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Awwww Yeaaaahhhhh!!!!!
*Looks at pictures*
*Looks at the Argo Phantasm Sheet*
Oh, you guys are going to have a fantastic time. I mean, it won't be a long time. But for the 0.2 seconds before you get a bad case of death with a side of explosions, it's going to be quite the light show.
[X] Talk to him, you're in no hurry and it doesn't hurt to be polite. If it's a trap, well, I'm sure you can handle it.(Even if he's a little….Out there)
On one hand we're talking about Shinji, but If it is a trap I'd rather spring it while Rider has a reason to aid Sigyn.
Furthermore with Rider already being known it would be a good idea to discern which class the Matou family summoned, because while Shinji is harmless by himself it would narrow down who the other masters could've summoned, and it is possible that under the right conditions* the Servant in question might be helpful against Rider once Saber/Sigyn are no longer needed by Rider/Troy.
Actually it is possible that part of the AU involves Shinji, and/or his living family not being complete trash as a human beings.
*Either properly supported by Sakura, or preferably working under the new management of Sigyn. Because if he summoned Servant Caster I'm entirely in favor of putting Saber's MR to good use unless the Caster in question is evil, would work terribly with Saber, or is dangerous enough that an alliance would prove a safer course of action once Berserker is dead.
On one hand we're talking about Shinji, but If it is a trap I'd rather spring it while Rider has a reason to aid Sigyn.
Furthermore with Rider already being known it would be a good idea to discern which class the Matou family summoned, because while Shinji is harmless by himself it would narrow down who the other masters could've summoned, and it is possible that under the right conditions* the Servant in question might be helpful against Rider once Saber/Sigyn are no longer needed by Rider/Troy.
Actually it is possible that part of the AU involves Shinji, and/or his living family not being complete trash as a human beings.
*Either properly supported by Sakura, or preferably working under the new management of Sigyn. Because if he summoned Servant Caster I'm entirely in favor of putting Saber's MR to good use unless the Caster in question is evil, would work terribly with Saber, or is dangerous enough that an alliance would prove a safer course of action once Berserker is dead.