[] Head for the Church. Though you can't shake the feeling that they're bad news, you needed solid information.
Getting to the Church was easy enough since it seemed to be the largest and most obnoxious looking cathedral at the center of the city. If it wasn't the Church's base of operations then you don't know what was so you're working on pure assumption here. Never a good thing but it's all you had for now. If you were going to get anywhere it'll be prudent to start with them first.
You had grabbed some money from Medb's thrall and acquired it as your own. Well you already trespassed and mind jacked the guy, getting his money shouldn't a bigger offense. You were using a taxi to get through the city while Rider was in her spiritual form to conserve energy. You recalled her saying that your circuits were pretty high quality... Whatever that meant.
You hated not knowing things, it irritated you to no end.
"First time in the City, Miss?" The cabbie asked while glancing from the mirror.
"Yes. First time in the country at all," you admitted as you looked out at the signs, "This city's been around awhile, huh? There's some really old buildings here too."
"Oh yeah. City goes way back the first colonies that landed here. Might be tied with good ol' Quebec, you know? It's a nice little tourist spot but it isn't bustling as the other cities," the taxi driver said before chuckling under his breath, "Well if no one's welcomed you yet, then allow me. Welcome to New Rimeland. Hope you enjoy your stay."
"Thanks. I really hope I do," you managed to say as you looked at the old architecture melded with modern buildings.
"I know it's not the best way to advertise and promote the local scene but stay off the shadier places of town. Some of the more downtrodden folks have taken residence in them," the drive said with a concerned tone. He tapped the wheel with his fingers as he added, "Especially with the influx of some contraband circulating the city, people have been doing some nasty shit."
"The world isn't all sunshine and daisies. I'll keep your warnings in mind," you assured him as you looked out the stores and diners you passed by, "Though if I may ask, would you happen to have any recommendations for places to visit?"
"Well I thought you'd already know. The church is pretty much a city treasure," the driver said as he fixed his hat, "But the old Chateau over Red Rock Hill is interesting. It's once the home to some noble Frenchman in the old days but it's more of a museum now."
"I see. That's certainly something to look forward to. Thank you," you nodded with a small smile.
"Ah. Here we are. It's the Central Church, right? I'll drop you off at the front," the driver said before he slowed down to stop before the old church.
There didn't seem to be anyone around it. Was it closed? You handed the money for the fare before you stood before the stone church and glanced at the signage put up just outside it. It was just the schedule for the mass this Sunday.
"Going in?"
You didn't reply out loud but you stepped forward and walked past the gates. Taking the first step you noticed it, it was a bounded field. Alarmed based, it's going to notify the people within. You supposed that the church would employ that sort of magecraft especially at a time like this.
Rider walked beside you but you didn't feel her be fazed by the sudden yet minor alarm. You're going to be expected now. You approached the door before parting it.
Walking in you were greeted by the sight of an empty church. Not even the staff tasked with maintenance was there. You would have expected a few devotees here and there but there weren't even there. You've decided that you weren't welcome here somehow.
You walked past the doors as they immediately shut behind you. You tensed before looking to the altar to find a priest walking out from the shadows holding a small book, a Bible you would assume.
"It's nice to have visitors. In a world covered in Sin, I would not have expected a lost lamb to wander in at all," a youthful priest spoke as he gave you a gentle smile, "Seems like this world is still trying to surprise me. Greetings, Magus. I don't believe we've met. I am Father Kotomine Kinzo. How may I be of service?"
"So you don't know me, huh?" You managed to say with a trickle of disappointment.
"Well I would be overjoyed in getting know such an eye-catching flower. That is if you don't mind," the Priest said with a friendly tone. He then glanced behind you, "And I would be rude to not to greet your companion hidden behind you. There's nothing to fear here, Church grounds are neutral territory after all."
"I'd rather not. I'm sure you mean well but given my past experience I'd rather not flaunt my servant willynilly," you disagreed with a shake of your head.
"Well now! I never took you for the possessive type, Master," Rider said as she leaned on your shoulder, "You shouldn't be so stingy with others."
"I was referring more to not exposing you to spies. You're not exactly subtle," you noted as you sighed. You then glanced at the Priest and said, "I guess you know what I am now."
"Indeed. The newest addition to the Masters' Roster," Kinzo replied while maintaining his smile.
"But I have questions too. I don't have any recollections of who I am or how I came to participate in this Grail War. Would the Church be able to aid me in uncovering my background?" You asked as you met the Priest's gaze.
He seemed surprised by this before scratching his cheek as he replied, "Well, I suppose that could be arranged. Perhaps an altercation with another master had severely damaged your ability to remember? Certain curses should be able to replicate the effect and once lifted, your memories should return."
"But is it a curse? If that's the case can't you help the poor girl?" Rider asked with a low whine.
"There are various ways of negating a curse. The easiest would be to neutralize the caster and prevent them from keeping the effects active," The Priest offered as he walked to a pew and set down the Bible he was holding, "Another would be performing a specific set of conditions to negate it entirely. A counter-curse. While it may be detrimental to you, it seems to be a good way of neutralizing your threat level. After all, robbing a Magus of all their knowledge, experience and memories could be a victory in itself. Such is the way of this sham of a War."
"A sham?" You frowned.
"Forgive me when I say this but this petty war of Magi will bring more harm than good. Especially the destructive results of the Fourth and Fifth Grail Wars... Don't get me started on Snowfield either," Kotomine scoffed as he waved his hand. He looked up at the man on the cross, "I can only pray that you Magi would see the error in waging in such a pointless battle."
"Then rejoice, Priest. I'm only in it to survive," you told him before you heard the sound of tongue clicking behind you.
Medb looked grumpy at your declaration, "Hey."
"But I'll still try to win. So rest assured I won't blow up a building or something," you shrugged as you crossed your arms.
"Please don't. The Hyatt hasn't been the same since," Kotomine said with a wan smile. He then added, "Now... If I may have your name, Master of Rider so that you could be registered?"
"I don't know. But for now register me as Brie," you replied with a nod. You then recalled and reminded him, "Also make sure to look at my background. I want to know who I am and I don't want to have that as a distraction while I try not to get killed."
"Yes, yes. Be sure to come back tomorrow, Miss Brie, Lady Rider. The House of God is always open for the two of you," Kotomine bowed respectfully as you took a step back and turned to the door.
Rider blew the Priest a kiss before vanishing into her spirit form. You walked out the doors and had them shut behind you. Walking towards the gate, your shoulders fell as you pinched the bridge of your nose.
"So what's your deal?"
"We'll come back tomorrow. For now, let's go buy some clothes," you decided as you crossed your arms.
"Shopping, hm? Sounds like fun! I never knew you to be one to care about her appearance."
"It's mostly for your sake so you don't have to walk around looking like..." You faltered as you tried to think of a good descriptor for her.
"Like..~?"
"A furball," you griped as you glanced to where your Servant's voice was coming from.
You walked down the street before you heard glass shatter at the distance. You turned and noticed that the sound came from within the Church. You held your breath before a chill went down your spine making you turn.
There was only silence as you stood stock still where you were.
"Oh no. Oh no, no, no," you murmured as you swallowed hard.
"Oh yes. You have a car coming at you."
You looked down the road to see a black van charge towards you. Its horn blaring loudly. You leaned back and fell into a roll, allowing the van to smash through the Church's iron fence and destroy the blockade.
You looked at the doors to see them open and reveal a bunch of armed men in white open fire at you. You hissed as your circuits flared and you cried out.
"Manifest!" You declared as the shield of light kept the rounds from reaching your body as you retreated behind a car.
"Seems like they're going for the Church."
"What do you mean they're going for the Church?! That's neutral ground!" You screamed as the hail of bullets rained on your cover, "Goddammit! Shit! Stop shooting you assholes!"
"Permission to acquire them, Master? I do like their body type."
"Not the time, Rider!" You shrieked before you noticed a grenade roll to your side. You squeaked before taking it and throwing it back.
The grenade blew in the air and cracked your shield.
"Nice throw. What now, Stray Master?"
The Church
[] "MURDER. DEATH. KILL!"
[] "Keep them busy with your Warriors! We're going for the Priest!"
[] "No! Run! We're running! I don't like being shot at!"
