To The Beginning IC: א

Grue · Apr 27, 2014

The sun has set over Fuyuki City.
In Germany, Kirigitsu Emiya plays with his daughter.
In the Tohsaka Mansion, Tokiomi attempts to appease his Servant.
In a hotel, Kayneth sips wine.
In the Matou Mansion, Kariya winces from the pain of the worms.
And at various points through the city, eight beings flash into existence.

-----

Welcome to the IC Thread for the first stream of To The Beginning. To summarize, ROB has dumped eight people into the Fourth Fuyuki Holy Grail War. With conflicting objectives.
Participants in the Aleph Stream are as follows:
Walker Of The Yellow Path/Wanderer
Prospalz/Nero
Ultra/EMIYA
Silver W King/Sawada Tsunayoshi
RazgrizKL/Tatsumi
SV5195R/Killy
Heaven Canceller/Reverie Metherlence
A Nations Virtue/Saber Of Black

Objectives are as follows:
Icaboze must Destroy Saber
Blackout must Protect Rider until Caster Falls
A Nation's Virtue must Destroy Kirigitsu.
SV5195R must Protect Irisvel until Saber falls.
Heaven Canceller must Protect Saber until Tokiomi Tohsaka falls.
Ultra must Protect Tokiomi Tohsaka until Caster falls.
Prospal must Destroy Kirei.
Silver W King must Protect Kirei Kotomine until Kayneth falls.

ultra · Apr 27, 2014

I wake up in an endless void. Strange. I could swear that I was out on a walk. Maybe I was only dreaming I was walking and this void means I am about to wake up.

"Ah. You've arrived."

Strange dream, but I'll play along.
"Waiting for me? What do you want?"

A human figure walks into view.

Curiouser and curiouser

"Welcome. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."

Well yes that is what I asked. If this was real, I would suspect that this is a recorded message of some kind rather than an actual conversation.

The image of a city ripples into existence.

I wonder why this image would show up. What significance does it have in my memory/psyche.

"Due to a...situation, I am relocating you to here." It gestures at the city.

Oh, this is one of THOSE dreams. The ones where you have adventures and crap. Sounds fun. Too bad it isn't real and I would have to wake up at some point.

"However, I'm not a monster. I'm not going to just dump you there with nothing."

"Go on," I say.
It is safe to say that I am very curious about this and just a little bit excited.

The city ripples out again. "Firstly, I'm forging you into a new form. Makes you less likely to die on arrival.

"Just as long as it isn't something totally humiliating" I tell it.
I shudder, imagining being put in the form of Tingle.

Secondly, I have an objective for you. Complete it, and I shall reward you with both knowledge and power."

I wonder why this dream creature thing feels the need to reward me. If it is just a part of my dream, it should realize that I know that I am dreaming. Whatever.

As even the void starts to fade, the figure leans in and delivers a final mesage.

Ultra must Protect Tokiomi Tohsaka until Caster falls.

Looks like this is going to be Nasuverse. Fate/Zero to be precise.

And with that, you wake.

I wake up on top of a rather large building. The wind is strong and cold but somehow, it doesn't bother me. A side effect of this being a dream. I look at what I am wearing. It appears to be strong, yet light and flexible armor, with a red surcoat underneath. I was also wearing black pants with a lot of buckles. I had no idea what the buckles did. I noticed that the skin on my hand was tan. Nasuverse, my clothes, tan skin. I had an idea of who I was. Now I needed to find out where and when I am. I also needed to get down from this building. I suddenly remember that I can switch to spirit form. Somehow, I know exactly how to do this. I must have all of Archer's skills and powers in addition to his appearance. I'm not complaining. Just before I switch to spirit form to start looking for the Tohsaka mansion, I suddenly get a demand.

「Find that which is interfering with the world.」

It wasn't a request, it was an order given by a vastly more powerful being. I should have expected this. Being a Counter Guardian and all. I set off to try and complete both of these request. Fucking E rank Luck...

SV5195R · Apr 27, 2014

You wake up to an endless void.
"Ah. You've arrived."

My mind, still half-asleep, registers darkness... and sound. It decides that it's a really unimpressive dream (not that I dream much - last time I dreamed was months ago).

A human figure walks into view.
"Welcome. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."

Hmmm. Something tells me that this is bound to be an... interesting dream.

The image of a city ripples into existence.
"Due to a...situation, I am relocating you to here." It getsures at the city.
"However, I'm not a monster. I'm not going to just dump you there with nothing."
The city ripples out again.

Good thing it's a dream (right?), because in real life this would be basically... a kidnapping.

Still... it's getting curiouser and curiouser. What kind of "situation" would warrant someone kidnapping and recruiting an average university student, even though it's a dream?

"Firstly, I'm forging you into a new form. You'll need it to survive.
Secondly, I have an objective for you. Complete it, and I shall reward you with both knowledge and power."

Now that's getting interesting. This reeks of danger. My subconscious is sure interesting.

As even the void starts to fade, the figure leans in and delivers a final mesage.

"Who is Irisviel? Who is Saber? Why?"

I don't hear the answer. Something, however, tells me that I'll find out soon.

Weird dream, all in all.

And with that, you wake.

***

Upon opening my eyes the first thing I see is a small summer pavilion. I'm sitting in the corner of said pavilion.

It takes me half a second to realize that it's not a dream. Once this fact sets in, I'm instantly awake.

"Что-" and then I freeze. My voice sounds... different. As in 'a different person's voice' different. And it sounds a bit... gruff.

I leap up to my feet, idly noticing that I appear to be fully clothed now. This is odd, since I clearly remember that I didn't go to sleep A) in a gazebo and B) in casual clothes. Strange. I immediately inspect myself.

I appear to wear a black jacket, black pants, black boots and black gloves. Though, to be more precise, this is more like... a skinsuit. There are no buttons, zippers, pockets, and a few experimental tugs and pokes in various places reveal that they are, in fact, a single item of clothing that covers the entirety of my body from my chin to my toes.

Then I notice that my 'jacket' and 'pants' sport several blocks, plates and ribs in strategic locations... as if this was armor plating. My 'jacket' also has a thick, but elastic and flexible, collar which appears to cover the entirety of my neck. And there is a dark grey gun (which looks strangely familiar) clipped onto my waist.

Suddenly I realise that there are various windows, graphs, text lines, diagrams and schematics superimposed over my vision, like some sort of a head-up display. Half of the contents are in Japanese (which I now can understand. Somehow.). Despite the fact that there is a lot of information (system reports, sensor readings et cetera - wait, how do I know this?) in my head now (and the majority of incoming data is streaming directly into my brain without using the HUD), I can comprehend it all and not suffer from an information overload.

I can see a small puddle of water near the exit. I walk up to it and look into it.

My reflection appears to be that of a man in his late twenties, of average height. Short, slightly spiked black hair. Pale, slightly scarred face. I've seen that face somewhere before.

And then a flood of memories - not my memories - hits.

I saw the vast, familiar cityscapes - sometimes pristine, sometimes ravaged by battle. I remembered my objective - locate a carrier of the Network Terminal Gene. I couldn't remember who (and when) gave me that mission, though. Aeons flashed by in my vision.

I remembered various obstacles encountered in my path, billions of kilometers left behind. I saw familiar faces - of friends, comrades and acquaintances I met, made, lost and left behind. Familiar faces: Cibo, Sanakan, Dhomochevsky, and many, many others.

I remembered reaching the far edge of the City - alone, beaten, damaged and broken - with the last carrier of the NTG - an embryo in a life-support incubator capsule, delivering it to safety and completing my mission. I also remembered protecting the child later and... simply fighting to survive in the cold and unforgiving reality of the City.

I saw many, many deaths... humans, Safeguard units, Silicon Life. Some were delivered by me, others - in my sight. Sometimes I was simply too late. Some deaths were deserved, others were not. Clean and painless in some cases, or gruesome in others.

I saw-

It's too much for me to handle. I black out. The last thing I see is:

[OBJECTIVE: protect Irisviel von Einzbern. Survival of Saber is irrelevant]

***

I was hoping that it was an extremely vivid, bizarre and convincing dream.

Of course, I'm proven wrong. The first thing I see upon waking up is the same pavilion. My vision still has the HUD, I still look the same, and I have more questions than answers.

Somehow, for some reason I've been transformed into Killy, the protagonist of Blame! manga, an extremely durable and resilient cyborg (or robot?), and tasked with playing a bodyguard for a complete stranger.

As the gravity of the situation sets in... I'm on the verge of panic.

Why? Who? Where am I? NononononowhycalmdownIshouldntpanicIshouldnot panic don't panic calm down - CALM DOWN.

[Emotion Governors engaged]

Oddly, I calm down very fast.

Then several alerts ping my consciousness.

[Primary power network out of range - Graviton Beam Emitter offline - external power source required]
[POWER RESERVES: 97%]

Hmmm. No use sitting here and moping. Time to go and investigate what kind of clusterfu- pardon, situation I landed in.

***

Once I left the pavilion behind, I took a look around.

The gazebo which was my... landing spot, so to say, was located in some kind of residential district. I could see various low-rise buildings The sun had already set, and there were no people in sight for now. Apparently, the part of the city I landed in was far from the busiest.

Behind me was a river. I could see modern multi-story buildings on the other side. Was this the city centre? A two-tiered bridge across the river could be seen in the distance, about [433.171 m] away.

The road signs were in Japanese, and a couple of cars that passed by were driving on the left side of the road.

All of this, in conjunction with the architecture, told me that I was nowhere near Moscow. We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

I decided to explore the area, sensors at full power. Since the name of my... 'client' appears to be German (in origin, at least), maybe I should search for references to her?

I need to hide the [Graviton Beam Emitter] too. If I remember correctly, the gun law in Japan is very strict.

[OOC: Waiting for the GM action/post.]

Silver W. King · Apr 27, 2014

Grue said:
Every Idea brings forth a Dream.

And every Dream brought forth a Tale.

Thus,

To The Beginning of that Tale, we now sing...

"I've been ROB'd"

It was something I never thought I would say, or expected to happen to me. I mean sure, I think anyone at some point in their lives, must have imagine at least once what it would be like to find themselves into one of these dangerous, yet fascinating worlds, that we all read about in books, or see in television.

I, myself, am no exception, but still, I never expected it to happen. More importantly, none of that traveling to a world from anime stuff is suppose to be real.

Except there was that odd dream, I had. I can't remember its details, or what it was about. It feels important though.

And yet it did happen. To me, of all people. I mean, I'm not anyone special. I'm not the type of guy to do great things, or be a leader, or be the cool, calm guy in a time of crisis.

Heck, I'm panicking right now. If my rapid heartbeat and loud breathing is any indication. The only reason I'm not screaming, is because I tend to keep everything bottled inside.I don't remember when I ended up learning it, but being quiet about, well, everything is kind of a habit, I found myself picking up.

It's why as I...appeared (or is it materialized?) in the world, that held the Grail War, I did nothing but stay lying on my back, as I stare into the darkening evening sky.

The place I found myself in seemed quiet. In an odd way, I could tell this place is higher than normal ground level. I kept rerunning what happened in my head.

I woke up in a place void of anything. A 'being' (Was it a guy or a girl? Was it even human?) visited me. It told me of sending me to other world because of 'circumstances'. Not explaining or telling me anything. Just throwing me into the Nasuverse with a painfully difficult task.

Protect Kirei Kotomine until Kayneth falls.

Truly, it was a Bastard Random Omnipotent Being.

How the hell could I do that? Me? Protect Kirei? Kill Kayneth?

Disregarding the fact that Kayenth, for all that I hate the asshole, is a powerful Magus and can wipe the floor with me. And disregarding his stupidly loyal Servant (who Kayneth really doesn't deserve).

How am I expected to kill someone?

Hell, I couldn't imagine killing a cat, let alone a person.

"...Might as well get up." I mutter with an tired sigh. There was no point in doing nothing. For now, I should...walk around, I guess.

I got up and had my first view of my surroundings. I really was some place high up. I was standing on some rooftop, overlooking the numerous buildings and places in Fuyuki City.

I went to the handrails, leaning on them as I stared at the setting sun. I couldn't enjoy the view. My mind running itself in circles trying to rationalize and find ways for me to go back home. I already accept that all of this was real. It was too, well, being redundent here, real for me think this was a hallucination or a dream.

It was then, that it hit me.

Memories of a life, I didn't live. Ordinary, peaceful days in Namimori. Being a no good loser at everything 'I' attempt (Dear god, some of that stuff was bloody embarrassing). Being thrown into the realm of the mafia by a baby. Gaining the most of unexpected friend and acquaintances. Life and death fights. Skills that 'I' cried, sweated and bled for. Traveling to the future. Coming back to the past. Fighting for the sake of a mentor I cared about and slightly hated at the same time. Saving the future of the planet.

The last one made me pause for a bit.

Then the memories started to be clear, from their intense emergence. It wasn't 'me'. Those weren't 'my' memories, and yet I remember them as if I had lived them.

...Holy crap was Tsuna scared out of his mind, half the time. Then again I can't fault him for that. I would have been pissing my pants, if I was in his place. Although, some of the stuff he did was pretty awesome.

I looked at my hands. They were covered in warm mittens (how the heck did I miss that!?). I also felt the odd ring-chain-thing on my right hand. I took off the mitten on my right hand, and stared at the Vongola Gear with no small amount of awe and fascination.

It finally sets in. I am now Sawada Tsunayoshi. I am in Fuyuki City with a weird convoluted condition to fulfill, and hopefully get home once it is done. However at least now, I had a chance.

It was small. I don't think I can take on a Servant, especially someone with a Noble Phantasm like the ones Lancer has, but...there was still a chance. That thought was my only hope. The rope of sanity that I held onto.

I closed my eyes, and focused. I could easily feel overwhelming power in me. The warm, gentle, yet roaring Sky Flames lying in wait, within my body. Burning softly, only waiting for my command, to be ignited and rage intensely in my resolve.

Yes, there was a chance. It wasn't hopeless.

I felt myself slowly calm, and my heart rate no longer bumping in my ear. I looked at the sun, finding it slightly funny and now it had truly set. The sky had a purple color which was slowly getting darker and darker.

I took off both mittens, folded them and placed them in my pocket.

"Let's see if I have anything else." Talking to yourself isn't exactly good, but being quiet for so long can be aggravating.

Wait.

"What did I just say?"

I covered my mouth.

"What did I just..."

I was oddly surprised. Not by my young and slightly feminine voice, but...I was speaking Japanese.

"Heh." I couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm speaking Japanese."

It was silly, but I couldn't stop the smile that came to me. I was speaking Japanese. From my memories, I could even read and write it.

I don't have to wait for manga to be translated, or for anime to be subbed.

I giggled at the thought.

"Okay, okay. Stop, stop." I muttered again, while shaking my head. I needed focus on more important stuff. I needed to plan my moves. This was a life and death situation, I'm in.

I still couldn't stop the smile, or my brighten up mood from leaving. I was fine with that.

"Okay, so now..."

I continued to make a quick check of everything on me.

I had a wallet with my, well, Tsuna's School ID Card (Not sure if its gonna be helpful, since it's for Namimori Middle School). It also had 30,000 ¥. (Nice!)

I had a gum case with 20 Dying Will Pills (Sweet). Although, I don't think I'll need them, as I feel like I could enter the Hyper Dying Will Mode, just by willing it. Guess these are the abilities of End Series Tsuna.

I also had a small rectangular box that had, the Contact Lenses for the X-Burner technique, along with the X-Headphone (It easily fits in an inner pocket, inside the jacket. Maybe I should put it over my heart, as some chenkory? item or something). Not sure, when I'll need those, since I know from Tsuna's memories, that I could now use the technique without the Lenses. Also, I had no one to talk to, in order to use the headphone. My mood soured a bit at the thought.

"Not now." I didn't have time to get depressed.

I looked around some more and...

I had a hidden pocket in my jacket (which looks badass by the way). It had two rings.

One was the Lancia Boss Ring. A Sky Ring with a high rank, if I recall. Not important though. At least not as much as the other ring.

The Shimon Ring.

"This..." I felt a bit giddy at that.

I could now use the Oath Flame. I now had, one hell of a advantage multiplier. That's not even taking into account the Ultimate Dying Will Mode.

Maybe, I could beat Kayneth. I actually have a chance against Lancer. I placed the implication, that I need to murder someone at the back of my mind. I'll worry about that later.

My smile grew to a grin.

I placed the ring on my left hand, to keep it close. I don't want to search my pockets mid-battle, to bring it out. Or for it to rip itself through my clothes. I don't think I can replace them.

Alright. So to summarize. I have all of Tsuna's skill and fighting ability.

I have the Ring of the Sky Version X.

I have 20 Dying Will Pills for Ultimate Mode (I think, they could be used that way).

I have the Lancia Boss Ring. Not sure if it will be helpful or not.

I have the X-Headphones and the Contact Lenses for the X-Burner. Again, not sure if I will need them.

There was obviously also my clothes (which look badass, even if they are just plain pants, shirt and jacket).

Finally, I have the Shimon Ring.

"Yeah." I said for the first time with some weight to my voice. "I can do this."

GROWL.

My stomach however seems to disagree.

"After lunch." I said with conviction. "Now how the hell do I get down from here?"

I looked around to find the fire escape.

"And here we...go." I said to uselessly hype myself.

On second though, quoting The Joker probably isn't a good idea (even if it's the best viewed version of him).

I finally reach the streets below, and walked out from between the buildings, into what appeared to be a shopping district.

Nice. Finding a pizza place, shouldn't be so hard around here.

Walker of the Yellow Path · Apr 27, 2014

A blank void. Nothing around. Just me. Where am I? Where is my golden road? My King?

"Ah. You've arrived."

"So I have." I comment dryly. I look around for this voice.

A human figure walks into view.

He... She... It is indistinct. I can't get a grasp on what it looks like. And I thought the form of my King's companions were odd.

"Welcome. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."

"Of course. One does not just remove the Walker of the Yellow Path from his ordinary existence."

The image of a city ripples into existence.

Fuyuki city? What is this?

"Due to a...situation, I am relocating you to here." It gestures at the city.

"What! But my king! I am his servant! You would rip me from my path for this!"

"However, I'm not a monster. I'm not going to just dump you there with nothing."

I grasp for power, the Eldritch might that my King granted me. Nothing. I'm cut off. This being has ripped me from my home universe. My King does not exist here.

The city ripples out again. "Firstly, I'm forging you into a new form. Makes you less likely to die on arrival.

A image. Of a feminine looking man, a sword at his side and a bow over his shoulder.

Secondly, I have an objective for you. Complete it, and I shall reward you with both knowledge and power."

Knowledge and power? I can use that.

As even the void starts to fade, the figure leans in and delivers a final mesage. Walker Of The Yellow Path must Protect Rider until Silver W King falls.

Silver is here?

And with that, you wake.

------

I see a boy, training with a bow, the movements coming naturally.

I see a boy, learning to handle occult forces beyond imagination.

The second is discarded. Who was he?

I see a man, walking out into the plains, and returning with a horse both loyal and hardy.

I see a man, casting his mind into the Aether, and connecting with a group of beings far greater than him.
Again, the second is discarded. What purpose did that image serve?

I see an archer, returning from battle, finding his wife dead from disease.

I see a mage, bored with life, searching for his path.
The mage is discarded. Why do I care?

The archer takes a sword. Though he does not know its use, he strives to find a wish.

The mage takes up his books. He explores other realms, but his mind is filled with a golden path.

The mage is discarded. When did that matter to me?

The archer confronts titans of myth, and wins. Though he dies, his quest is fulfilled, and his love lives again.

The mage submits to a golden king, and walks the path he was given. He is content, having never amounted to much.

The path crumbles. The mage is erased. How does that matter in the grand scheme of things.

I am Wander. An archer. A self-exile form the clan of Lord Emon.

That name doesn't feel right. Something has happened to me.

I should be dead.

But that figure....

It promised power and knowledge.

Maybe.....

I could use that. Return to Mono.

------

I'm in an alleyway.

Surrounded by tall buildings.

This is all new to me. Before today, I had never seen buildings like this. Just endless rolling plains and a few mountains and forests.

What kind of world is this?

My world, you fool!

It doesn't matter. If I can find this Rider, the man known as Alexander the Great, if I can complete my objective.

The King damn you! Why did that being even bother reformatting me? Why not just conjure you?

I whistle. I hear a whinny, then clops of hooves on pavement as Agro comes into view. I pat my horse, then mount up. I can better find Rider mounted.

You have your fucking horse too?

There will be titans on this battlefield. I best be prepared.

Of course! It's the 4th Holy Grail War! Titans is barely a descriptor for the kind of monsters you'll have to face!

No matter. I've killed the Colossi. I can handle them. I give the reigns a kick, and set out.

You're doomed

Prospalz · Apr 27, 2014

I had a rather strange dream today.

You wake up to an endless void.
"Ah. You've arrived."

A strange person talked to me about some sort a strange stuff; Like I am going to be sent on some sort of a dangerous mission, what my body is going to be changed, and what I have an important objective...

Really, strange dream. So, as I feel what I am going to wake up, I just turn on the other side, and continue sleeping instead.

***

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Fyuyki Airport. Local time...

The pleasant female voice hit me like a ton of bricks; like a ton of very pissed off, malicious bricks what have personal issues with my head and desire to solve them by making it explode.
Ugh... What I have been drinking yesterday? Body feels really strange...

"For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign."

Waitwhat. I try to stand up and...
ARGH
... Hit something with my head. What?

Despite the suspicion what my head is going to crack in two from migraine if I so much as twitch, I try open my eyes... And close them again. Too bright.

"Somebody, please fetch me some aspirine." - I barely manage to groan, while trying to relax and not to die from the pounding pain in my head.

"Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight."

This is familiar... I am on the some sort of the airplane? Wait

"If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.

W-What?!

THAT WASN'T A DREAM?!

On behalf of Best Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice stay!"

Alright... No need to panic. I can keep yourself calm... At least outwardly. Deep breaths. A ruler always should be able to keep calm and regal appearance.

Imperial Privilege activated: "Bluff Rank C acquired."

Somehow, that worked.

...Fuck you, BROB. Fuck you with a rusty spoon.

A a few seconds later, I urge myself to stand up, collect my bearings, and proceed out of the plane like zombie in a stream of faceless human bodies and luggage.

Thankfully, it's evening outside; the air is fresh and helps me to collect my bearings. Surely, something like a little headache can't stop me!

"Imperial Privilege activated; "Battle Continuation Rank C acquired."

...Actually, as I somewhat disinterestedly note, it was a bit too fresh.
Maybe I should have chosen another dre...

I pause that though, and finally take note what behind raging migraine, I managed to ignore a few little details like;

1.I am wearing a dress.
2. More importantly, I have a rather large cleavage. Which wasn't there yesterday.
3. I am wearing a red dress with a rather revealing cleavage window.
4. I am a lot of shorter than I used to be.
5. My backside feels way more exposed than preferable, because I am wearing this fucking dress what has windows everywhere and basically leaves nothing to the imagination.

...I might be panicking. Just a little.

***

A few rather awkward minutes later - people, maybe you, you know, can just stop staring for a second - was presented with a another problem.

Namely, lack of any kind of identification. Or tickets. Or anything, really.

My mind at this point just stopped panicking and went into that all too familiar "You know, whatever" zone when situation is so beyond FUBAR what you actually calm down somewhat; on that note I noted what my headache was fading.

Alright, I am feeling better, I am probably a protagonist of some sort of shitty BROB or whatever, and surely there is a way out of this situation what doesn't lead to prison.

...As I move closer and close to the passport control terminal, this seems like more and more likely to happen.

Gods, I just need to concentrate. I have been BROB'ed! Surely, I have some sort of a boon what should help me get out this situation, right?! Maybe I can just magic up yourself a passport or something?
I mentally pause, and then discover what it's my turn; the seemingly bored man behind the glass window expectantly glances at me. Probably expecting my documents.
I feel like crying. There is no fucking way it all will end like this, I should be able to do something!

"Imperial Privilege activated -

...Yeah, actually, ROB did mentioned something about that. Surely this body comes with something more beyond a revealing dress, right? Surely I can magic up yourself some identification, right?! Something...
"...Your passport, please?"

...Yeah, of course I can. It's only logical. I cross my arms in order to hide a little trick am planning to do - I need to just to imagine what I need in details, manipulate my prana and...
"
-Sleight of Hand Rank C acquired!
Magecraft Rank C acquired!"

...shape it into the right form, and Et Voila! - I have a passport, which I then take out of my sleeve. My photography, my name, everything should be okay.

Hopefully.

As I pleasantly smile while the face of the man who is reading my documents takes the image of the "neutral impression" to the new, unreachable heights of the utter neutrality, I cannot get rid of a feeling what something is wrong.

"So, you are saying what your name is...Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, right?"

I twitch. My hope for bright, calm future full of not-dangerous things shatters like glass.

As I feel my headache worsen, see that Neutral Face became even more Neutral, and and understand what I was launched into a whole ocean of problems, I start cursing the source of my predicament.

Fuck you, ROB. Fuck you forever. Burn in hell, you asshole.

A Nation's Virtue · Apr 27, 2014

"Ah, you've arrived."

Zzzz....bwuh?

"Welcome. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."

"....go away."

"Wait, what?"

"Due to a...situation, I am relocating you to here."

"Whoa, wait, where the hell am I?! Have I been kidnapped?! I swear, I don't have any money! My family doesn't either!"

"However, I'm not a monster.

"Oh lord, don't tell me you want to harvest my or-oh you don't. Well, that's a relief."

I'm not going to just dump you there with nothing."

"Hmm? Wait, where? And are you giving me money or something? I..don't really fee-

"Firstly, I'm forging you into a new form. Makes you less likely to die on arrival.

"-l like I ca-wait, WHAT?"

"Secondly, I have an objective for you. Complete it, and I shall reward you with both knowledge and power."

"...can I say no?"

"Of course."

"Oh, that's good the-"

"It doesn't mean that I'll send you back though."

"....."

"Seeing as you have no more objections, here is your mission."

"..I'm listening...fuckin' slaver."

A Nation's Virtue must Destroy Kirigitsu.

"...so who is this guy?"

"Oh, silly me. I meant to say, A Nation's Virtue must Destroy Kiritsugu. An error on my part. Now then, off you go!"

"Wait, Kiritsugu as in Kiritsugu Emiya?! Wha-hey wait up, you-"

~~~~~~

I slowly wake, my head throbbing dully as I sit up. Groaning, I stand up and dust myself off. "Now where did that bastard lea-OH HOLY SHIT!!" I scream in a very manly fashion as I realize where I'm standing. On top of one of the pillars of a suspension bridge.

Promptly falling back on my posterior, I scramble away from the edge before remembering something. The pillar was only about three feet wide. Of course, I only remember this AFTER I begin to fall through the air and into oncoming traffic. I don't even have time to scream before I'm hit in the face by an eighteen wheeler.

Surprisingly, it doesn't hurt, even though the truck was moving at least 45 miles an hour. Blinking, I look up from the hood on which I landed, and stare into the face of the very frightened and somewhat overweight Asian driver. I wave weakly and say, "..hello?" Apparently that was the wrong thing to say, as the man promptly decides to swerve into the railing of the bridge.

Thankfully, the railing holds.

On the other hand, I am thrown off the hood and promptly begin a not very graceful descent into the river. I hit the surface of the river, and am promptly submerged beneath the current, water pouring into my lungs. Frantically, I begin treading water, and after what seems like an eternity, finally break the surface. Swimming as fast as I can, I reach the shore in a matter of seconds and promptly begin vomiting up the foul river water in my lungs. After a moment's rest, I lie down and look over at the bridge. I can see people milling about on it, some of them undoubtedly looking for me. "..damn that asshole. If I ever find him I'm going to strangle him to death with his spine." I say angrily, before remembering something else. The voice said that I was given a new form. Would probably explain how I survived that fall. Standing up, I walk over to the water's edge and take a look at my reflection, starting in surprise. Where brown eyes should have stared back, solemn green ones gaze back, while a mane of silver hair cascades down from his head, and a glowing green scar extends from the man's chest up to the side of his face.

"So now I'm Siegfried. This...might not be so bad after all." I say to myself, somewhat mollified by the fact that I'm now taking on the form of one of my favorite characters from the Nasuverse. This small relief lasts exactly three seconds before I remember what the voice said. "I'm supposed to kill Kiritsugu. This means I'm in Fate Zero." I say, before realization hits me. "I'm also a Servant. Oh SHIT, WHERE AM I GOING TO GET PRANA?! How do I astralize?!" And with that thought, I find myself floating up into the air. While also having turned transparent.

"..okay. That was easier then expected. Now then, I need to go make a contract. With a magus, preferably. Hmm...I have an idea." I think to myself as I rise up into the air and begin moving towards the Fuyuki Hyatt. "Let's see if Kayneth is willing to make a contract..."

RazgrizKL · Apr 27, 2014

You wake up to an endless void.

...?

The hell? What happened to my night vision? Where's my goddamn bed?

"Ah. You've arrived."
A human figure walks into view.

Arrived? You're implying I came here on purpose. Wherever 'here' is anyway.

"Welcome. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."
The image of a city ripples into existence.
"Due to a...situation, I am relocating you to here." It getsures at the city.
"However, I'm not a monster. I'm not going to just dump you there with nothing."
The city ripples out again.

...What? Why me? I'm nobody. Shouldn't you be getting someone like Superman?

"Firstly, I'm forging you into a new form. You'll need it to survive.

For- Wait! Don't you dare lay you hands on me!

M-My hands!

Secondly, I have an objective for you. Complete it, and I shall reward you with both knowledge and power."
As even the void starts to fade, the figure leans in and delivers a final mesage.
And with that, you wake.

<<RazgrizKL must Destroy Saber.>>

And then, I am tumbling end over end backwards, watching my arms shrink and shorten as the figure disappears into the distance. I can feel it over my entire body. It's like I'm melting and changing. The sensation is moving up to my neck, my

head and

br-a-i ii--------n....

------------

It was the cold that woke me. I shot up gasping for breath, only to find myself sitting on wet grass. My clothes felt rough and wet now. Something hard was in the crook of my back. I could feel an ache forming from the way it had been pressed against my spine when I was prone.

I look around. It was evening and I was in a park somewhere. There were many couples on a night out together. I could see several people casting bemused looks in my direction. The snatches of whispers told me that they were amused at the sight of a young teen who had fallen asleep on the grass.

How...How did I just do that? My hearing isn't sharp enough to catch sounds from that far away! At least, not before...that.

I get up in a hurry, almost stumbling from the unexpected lightness of my body. There was a restroom not far from where I was. I barged into the men's room and approached the mirror.

A stranger stared back at me. Brown, unkempt hair. Hazel eyes. Roughspun, yet strangely modern-looking clothing. A shortsword hanging from my lower back, sheath and all. I recognize this person, and he's not me.

Tatsumi from Akame ga Kiru

I'm Tatsumi.

I swallow heavily and apologize in my mind to the person I'm bodyjacking. No answer. I'm on my own.

Okay, calm down. I think I'm in the Nasuverse if that...being's instructions were right. Saber. I have to kill Saber. Oh, god no.

Saber? Is it Arturia? I have to kill King Arthur, and she has Excalibur. All I have is Incursio and Neuntote. Which are most definitely not on the level of Noble Phantasms. Sure, it's an evolving armor, but I have to fight monsters like that to push the armor to evolve in the first place! And it's Arturia Pendragon! I can't kill her! Night Raid's killing edge is only reserved for the sccum of the earth, not...

Woah. Headrush.

I spend a few minutes bent over the sink, trying not to pass out from the intense migraine that was shoving skills and memories into my head.

When it ended, I was left dizzy and weak. Whatever the unknown being wanted me to do, it doesn't have to be done tonight. I need food, sleep and a hot shower. I check my coinpurse.

...Okay, these are definitely not yen. What the hell am I supposed to pay for with bronze and silver coins? I might be able to pawn off the single gold coin for some cash, but it's evening now. Are the pawnshops still open?

I have to get out of here. I carefully stash Incursio's key under my jacket. There was a strap modified into the jacket I could use to hide the sword with barely a bump to betray its presence. I walk out of the restroom as casually as I could, towards the city lights. Hopefully, I'll be lucky in my search.

Blackout · Apr 28, 2014

RazgrizKL said:
...Okay, these are definitely not yen. What the hell am I supposed to pay for with bronze and silver coins? I might be able to pawn off the single gold coin for some cash, but it's evening now. Are the pawnshops still open?

I have to get out of here. I carefully stash Incursio's key under my jacket. There was a strap modified into the jacket I could use to hide the sword with barely a bump to betray its presence. I walk out of the restroom as casually as I could, towards the city lights. Hopefully, I'll be lucky in my search.

You find a pawn shop, and after some haggling you manage to exchange the silver and gold coins for a decent amount of money, but the owner refuses to accept the bronze ones.

OOC: I have no idea what would be a reasonable amount, so use your imagination, but don't go overboard either.

Silver W. King said:
I finally reach the streets below, and walked out from between the buildings, into what appeared to be a shopping district.

Nice. Finding a pizza place, shouldn't be so hard around here.

After a few minutes, you come across a Pizzeria buffet. You can eat as much as you want for a set price, and even that isn't really unreasonable costly.

SV5195R said:
I decided to explore the area, sensors at full power. Since the name of my... 'client' appears to be German (in origin, at least), maybe I should search for references to her?

I need to hide the [Graviton Beam Emitter] too. If I remember correctly, the gun law in Japan is very strict.

[OOC: Waiting for the GM action/post.]

After some time and scanning, you find out that there's a plane with several passenger seats bought under the name "Einzbern" arriving from Germany in a few hours.

Walker of the Yellow Path said:
No matter. I've killed the Colossi. I can handle them. I give the reigns a kick, and set out.

You're doomed

People gawk at you, look at you funnily and cars blow their horns at you, but nobody does anything drastic.

A few police officers eye you suspiciously, though.

After some time, you notice a red-haired man in blue shirt and jeans walking across the side-walk. He seems very... average, a first glance.

Walker of the Yellow Path · Apr 28, 2014

Blackout said:
People gawk at you, look at you funnily and cars blow their horns at you, but nobody does anything drastic.
A few police officers eye you suspiciously, though.
After some time, you notice a red-haired man in blue shirt and jeans walking across the side-walk. He seems very... average, a first glance.

Who is this man? He's ordinary, but something about him caught my eye. What could it be?

Like it's not obvious?

His hair!

Bingo

Everyone else has had dark brown or black hair. This guy has hair like that of a flame. Could he be Rider?

Doubt it. He is weird though.

I spur my horse, and move next to him. "Greetings! Are you called Alexander?"

Silver W. King · Apr 28, 2014

Blackout said:
After a few minutes, you come across a Pizzeria buffet. You can eat as much as you want for a set price, and even that isn't really unreasonable costly.

It seems my luck is brightening up.

I found a nice Pizza place very quickly. The place had an open-air area, and an inner section. It had a few people inside, so I simply ordered, paid and waited in the outer area.

As I waited, my mind wandered about random things. Like what I could do with my powers. Wondering if I can somehow munchkin them, or create new techniques. A sense of childish giddiness came over me at the though. This was like playing an RPG, or writing a Quest, only much better, because I am the Main Character.

I mentally chimed myself for the arrogant thought. I could screw myself over, if I sudden got big headed.

"Here's your order, sir." Said a cute waitress, as she placed the Pizza.

"Thanks." I smiled, and began to dig in as she left.

While I usually don't think of anything while eating. Simply enjoying the delicious mix of mozzarella, pepperoni, mushroom and bread. Or I could simply enjoy watching a good TV Series while eating.

This time though, the act of eating was minor. Something that was happening in the background, while my mind kept spinning its wheels.

The dream.

Before this whole thing started, there was this dream. I can't remember what it was about, but I know it was about...something. I kept trying to think about it. Trying to remember what it was about, but nothing came through. The only thing I could feel was this feeling of...confidence?

It was odd, but that was the only thing I could describe it as. A feeling that I shouldn't be afraid of fighting Servants, if it came to that. Of course, the rational side of me, completely protested that notion. And yet, the thought of, well, fighting, in general wasn't feeling me with as much dread as I thought. Maybe everything would work out after all.

I put the thoughts of the dream to aside for now, hoping I'll just remember the details later. Right now I had more problems to worry about.

Kayneth. More specifically Lancer.

The Knight of Fianna, is definitely going to be a pain in the ass. The guy is loyal to a fault. Never turning on Kayneth, no matter how badly he is treated. I think even when Kayneth betrayed him to save Sola, he still didn't blame him. Just Kiritsugu and Saber. Or am I remembering things wrong. Its a small detail, it shouldn't matter. Well, maybe.

The important thing is, if I wanted to succeed, I need to plan.

I can't afford to fight Lancer. Not directly. I still don't think I can match a Servant. Even worse, someone who's Noble Phantasm dispels Magecraft. For me, that probably meant dispelling my Dying Will Flames and all their effects. Let's not even get into the spear, that curses with incurable wounds. No, fighting Diarmuid would be a last resort.

In that case, what do I do?

Well, not fight Lancer. It makes sense. My target isn't Lancer but Kayneth. Kotomine makes it to the end of the Grail War, so unless there are any deviations to canon events (which I will make sure to keep to a minimum) there shouldn't be a problem. I might have been worried before, but as Tsuna, I'm pretty damn sure I can take on the up-stuck asshole Magus. In that case, how do I do it?

Well, there is the fight with Saber coming up. Or it should be, if I'm not too late. At that time, Lancer would be occupied. I could strike then.

I felt my stomach protest, from the thought of killing someone. I stopped eating, feeling that I shouldn't try to force it, right now. Thankfully, I was on the last slice, and only had the crust left. It's probably for the best, that I stop here. Don't need the stomachache or the vomit.

And at that thought, my stomach crunched up again, and I knew it was time to stop thinking.

I left out a loud breath, and put down the pizza crust. I fumbled a bit, trying to take out my wallet without greasing it with oil and left a small tip at the table, before going to the restroom to clean up.

I cleaned up, and headed out. It was time to check a few facts.

I asked around for the Hyatt Hotel. Thankfully finding out that it was still in one piece. No terrorist incident. No bombing. So the fight between Saber and Lancer probably didn't happen yet. Or at least it did, and Kiritsugu didn't act yet. I hoped it was the former.

After asking around for directions, I started heading there, when a peculiar thought hit me.

What if I wasn't the only person dropped here, like this? What if I wasn't the only one ROB'd?

To my shame, I felt comforted by that thought. An ashamed feeling of warmth, that I wasn't alone swelled in my chest. I didn't like that the thought made me, slightly happy.

But I couldn't keep it out of my head. It's possible...that I wasn't alone.

With these mixed feelings of self-scolding, happiness, guilt and content, I headed to the Hyatt Hotel.

Prospalz · Apr 28, 2014

OOC- Right. Frustrated shitpost tiem.

Prospal said:
Fuck you, ROB. Fuck you forever. Burn in hell, you asshole.

And then I remember where I am, and what I am doing and my inner rant comes to the rather abrupt stop.

Right, time for diplomacy.
...
Looking into the very neutral face of the guy before me, I suddenly understood what there is no chance in hell I can form coherent answer what is not going to land me in prison, and I can't exactly stand here, all serious and busy for the whole day.

Right, I don't need to think, then. Just act naturally.

"Yes, it is." I answer quickly and easily, looking like the very image of Emperor of Rome. "Are there any problems?"

...Right. Why I though what that was a good idea, in the first place? Acting like Nero will not... Wait.

Suddenly unlocked ability to cast magic, perfect pokerface while on the edge of total panic, ability to ignore mother of all headaches - it's all clicked in my head. Oh, good, I am such a fool.

Why do I even worry this much about these little things? I can do everything. Surely I can figure out the way to get out of this situation, I just need to think harder.

"Imperial Privelege; Accelerated thought Rank C Acquired. Mental Partition Acquired. Vitrification Acquired. Librarian of the Stored Knowledge Acquired."

...Yes, I know what to do. In fact, I know everything!

" Charisma Rank C acquired. Information Erasure Acquired. "

Not that Roman Emperor; that would be silly. - I add with a smile. - Though, I am of the royal blood. Now, can... we... Urgh...

"Excuse me, are you feeling well? There is blood on your..." - the man has started to speak something, but I didn't heard him.

As my headache intensified to the point where the sensation could be accurately described as my head melting, I remembered what there was the reason why Nero never especially relied on the Mental Skills.

And then world went dark.

"Limit Exceeded. Battle continuation; Discarded. Error; critical system failure."

***

A bit later, I woke up to the rhitmic beep-ing and annoying smell of the medicine.

For a few minutes I just stared into the white ceiling, not really thinking about anything. Just staring at the ceiling and slowly enjoy the lack of mind-killing pain in my head.

I was wrong. I couldn't do everything. Even IP has limits; as I just painfully discovered. And just trying to grab all the skills like that?

...Really, I am such a fool.

"So, what now?" I murmed. I probably should get out of here before anything happens again. How is the question, though. Maybe I can use IP to...

I grimaced. Right, let's cut down Imperial Privilege abuse at least a little bit; I didn't felt that optimisic about using the ability what just almost killed me.

Well, I don't need IP for everything. All Servants have that little ability to turn invisible and intagible, I just need to concentrate a little bit and...

And then just as I vanished from the mortal perception, a lot of officially-looking people busted in my room.

Welp. Let's hope what Church can cover this up.

***

A few minutes later, invisible and intangible, I walked the streets of Fuyuki City.

So, as I am not under immediate thread of dying, collapsing, or getting imprisoned; what now? Why I am even here? Was there something...

Prospal must Destroy K-

There was an objective. There was an order to destroy somebody. Kirei? Kayneth? Kiritsugi?

...Karyia?

Damnit. I cannot remember.

I sigh. Well, ain't this a good continuation of a good start... Well, okay, as K-people die one by one, that will get sorted out, eventually. Time to take care about other problems. Like clothes I can actually wear and maybe something to eat, and...

I froze.

...Prana. I am a Servant. Gaia hates Servants. I need energy to survive. I am already feeling exhausted and hungry. And that means what my fuel tank is running dangerously low.

Riiiight, no panicking, I can fix it. There is a lot of ways to acquire prana in this city; souls of innocent people, contracts with evil Magi...

Or, on the second though, I can just go, and link yourself to the local Leyline. In fact, I'll do just that.

And so, I started walking toward Fuyuki Temple. Hopefully nothing is going to happen to me on the way there.

ultra · Apr 28, 2014

I had a strange sense of deja vu as I searched for the Tohsaka Mansion from the rooftop. I knew how it looked liked from the pictures and description in Fate/Stay Night and I knew the general direction to look in. I was in Miyami on top of a skyscraper. That meant I had to look across the river in Shinto in the Western area. For some reason, it was taking longer than expected. As I looked for the mansion, I let my mind wander.

How would I go about protecting Tokiomi?

I couldn't walk up to the mansion and announce my intentions. I would be ignored at best. At worst, Gilgamesh would execute me for being a faker who thinks he can go anywhere near him. I would have to protect him from behind the scenes. Either that or I could trust Gilgamesh, Kirie, Assassin and Tokiomi's own skills and hunt Caster instead. Why bother dealing with Tokiomi and his merry bunch if I could kill Caster while he was still weak. I decide on my course of action. The risk is high, but so is the reward. My course set, I expand my senses to locate all the major prana signatures in Fuyuki City. I could then narrow down the possibilities until I find Caster.

John Masaki · Apr 28, 2014

Prospal said:
OOC- Right. Frustrated shitpost tiem.

And then I remember where I am, and what I am doing and my inner rant comes to the rather abrupt stop.

Right, time for diplomacy.
...
Looking into the very neutral face of the guy before me, I suddenly understood what there is no chance in hell I can form coherent answer what is not going to land me in prison, and I can't exactly stand here, all serious and busy for the whole day.

Right, I don't need to think, then. Just act naturally.

"Yes, it is." I answer quickly and easily, looking like the very image of Emperor of Rome. "Are there any problems?"

...Right. Why I though what that was a good idea, in the first place? Acting like Nero will not... Wait.

Suddenly unlocked ability to cast magic, perfect pokerface while on the edge of total panic, ability to ignore mother of all headaches - it's all clicked in my head. Oh, good, I am such a fool.

Why do I even worry this much about these little things? I can do everything. Surely I can figure out the way to get out of this situation, I just need to think harder.

"Imperial Privelege; Accelerated thought Rank C Acquired. Mental Partition Acquired. Vitrification Acquired. Librarian of the Stored Knowledge Acquired."

...Yes, I know what to do. In fact, I know everything!

" Charisma Rank C acquired. Information Erasure Acquired. "

Not that Roman Emperor; that would be silly. - I add with a smile. - Though, I am of the royal blood. Now, can... we... Urgh...

"Excuse me, are you feeling well? There is blood on your..." - the man has started to speak something, but I didn't heard him.

As my headache intensified to the point where the sensation could be accurately described as my head melting, I remembered what there was the reason why Nero never especially relied on the Mental Skills.

And then world went dark.

"Limit Exceeded. Battle continuation; Discarded. Error; critical system failure."

***

A bit later, I woke up to the rhitmic beep-ing and annoying smell of the medicine.

For a few minutes I just stared into the white ceiling, not really thinking about anything. Just staring at the ceiling and slowly enjoy the lack of mind-killing pain in my head.

I was wrong. I couldn't do everything. Even IP has limits; as I just painfully discovered. And just trying to grab all the skills like that?

...Really, I am such a fool.

"So, what now?" I murmed. I probably should get out of here before anything happens again. How is the question, though. Maybe I can use IP to...

I grimaced. Right, let's cut down Imperial Privilege abuse at least a little bit; I didn't felt that optimisic about using the ability what just almost killed me.

Well, I don't need IP for everything. All Servants have that little ability to turn invisible and intagible, I just need to concentrate a little bit and...

And then just as I vanished from the mortal perception, a lot of officially-looking people busted in my room.

Welp. Let's hope what Church can cover this up.

***

A few minutes later, invisible and intangible, I walked the streets of Fuyuki City.

So, as I am not under immediate thread of dying, collapsing, or getting imprisoned; what now? Why I am even here? Was there something...

There was an objective. There was an order to destroy somebody. Kirei? Kayneth? Kiritsugi?

...Karyia?

Damnit. I cannot remember.

I sigh. Well, ain't this a good continuation of a good start... Well, okay, as K-people die one by one, that will get sorted out, eventually. Time to take care about other problems. Like clothes I can actually wear and maybe something to eat, and...

I froze.

...Prana. I am a Servant. Gaia hates Servants. I need energy to survive. I am already feeling exhausted and hungry. And that means what my fuel tank is running dangerously low.

Riiiight, no panicking, I can fix it. There is a lot of ways to acquire prana in this city: souls of innocent people, contracts with evil Magi...

Or, on second thought, I can just go and link myself to the local Leyline. In fact, I'll do just that.

And so, I started walking toward Fuyuki Temple. Hopefully nothing is going to happen to me on the way there.

Lancer Interrupt!

"Why, hello there!" A blue-haired man smiles at you, turning on the charms upon meeting a woman, even if she is a Servant. "A shame I have to battle such a beauty like you, but them's the breaks."

A red spear appears in his hand, ready to strike. "En garde!"

He attacks...

As you two fight, you notice a young boy who looks like a total loser nearby...

Silver W. King said:
It seems my luck is brightening up.

I found a nice Pizza place very quickly. The place had an open-air area, and an inner section. It had a few people inside, so I simply ordered, paid and waited in the outer area.

As I waited, my mind wandered about random things. Like what I could do with my powers. Wondering if I can somehow munchkin them, or create new techniques. A sense of childish giddiness came over me at the though. This was like playing an RPG, or writing a Quest, only much better, because I am the Main Character.

I mentally chimed myself for the arrogant thought. I could screw myself over, if I sudden got big headed.

"Here's your order, sir." Said a cute waitress, as she placed the Pizza.

"Thanks." I smiled, and began to dig in as she left.

While I usually don't think of anything while eating. Simply enjoying the delicious mix of mozzarella, pepperoni, mushroom and bread. Or I could simply enjoy watching a good TV Series while eating.

This time though, the act of eating was minor. Something that was happening in the background, while my mind kept spinning its wheels.

The dream.

Before this whole thing started, there was this dream. I can't remember what it was about, but I know it was about...something. I kept trying to think about it. Trying to remember what it was about, but nothing came through. The only thing I could feel was this feeling of...confidence?

It was odd, but that was the only thing I could describe it as. A feeling that I shouldn't be afraid of fighting Servants, if it came to that. Of course, the rational side of me, completely protested that notion. And yet, the thought of, well, fighting, in general wasn't feeling me with as much dread as I thought. Maybe everything would work out after all.

I put the thoughts of the dream to aside for now, hoping I'll just remember the details later. Right now I had more problems to worry about.

Kayneth. More specifically Lancer.

The Knight of Fianna, is definitely going to be a pain in the ass. The guy is loyal to a fault. Never turning on Kayneth, no matter how badly he is treated. I think even when Kayneth betrayed him to save Sola, he still didn't blame him. Just Kiritsugu and Saber. Or am I remembering things wrong. Its a small detail, it shouldn't matter. Well, maybe.

The important thing is, if I wanted to succeed, I need to plan.

I can't afford to fight Lancer. Not directly. I still don't think I can match a Servant. Even worse, someone who's Noble Phantasm dispels Magecraft. For me, that probably meant dispelling my Dying Will Flames and all their effects. Let's not even get into the spear, that curses with incurable wounds. No, fighting Diarmuid would be a last resort.

In that case, what do I do?

Well, not fight Lancer. It makes sense. My target isn't Lancer but Kayneth. Kotomine makes it to the end of the Grail War, so unless there are any deviations to canon events (which I will make sure to keep to a minimum) there shouldn't be a problem. I might have been worried before, but as Tsuna, I'm pretty damn sure I can take on the up-stuck asshole Magus. In that case, how do I do it?

Well, there is the fight with Saber coming up. Or it should be, if I'm not too late. At that time, Lancer would be occupied. I could strike then.

I felt my stomach protest, from the thought of killing someone. I stopped eating, feeling that I shouldn't try to force it, right now. Thankfully, I was on the last slice, and only had the crust left. It's probably for the best, that I stop here. Don't need the stomachache or the vomit.

And at that thought, my stomach crunched up again, and I knew it was time to stop thinking.

I left out a loud breath, and put down the pizza crust. I fumbled a bit, trying to take out my wallet without greasing it with oil and left a small tip at the table, before going to the restroom to clean up.

I cleaned up, and headed out. It was time to check a few facts.

I asked around for the Hyatt Hotel. Thankfully finding out that it was still in one piece. No terrorist incident. No bombing. So the fight between Saber and Lancer probably didn't happen yet. Or at least it did, and Kiritsugu didn't act yet. I hoped it was the former.

After asking around for directions, I started heading there, when a peculiar thought hit me.

What if I wasn't the only person dropped here, like this? What if I wasn't the only one ROB'd?

To my shame, I felt comforted by that thought. An ashamed feeling of warmth, that I wasn't alone swelled in my chest. I didn't like that the thought made me, slightly happy.

But I couldn't keep it out of my head. It's possible...that I wasn't alone.

With these mixed feelings of self-scolding, happiness, guilt and content, I headed to the Hyatt Hotel.

You soon encounter two Servants dueling. One a hot chick in red drag. The other appears to be Lancer, but looks slightly different. Heavier armor on his arm, for example. But still bearing the same old staff of impossible strikes.

John Masaki · Apr 28, 2014

ultra said:
I had a strange sense of deja vu as I searched for the Tohsaka Mansion from the rooftop. I knew how it looked liked from the pictures and description in Fate/Stay Night and I knew the general direction to look in. I was in Miyami on top of a skyscraper. That meant I had to look across the river in Shinto in the Western area. For some reason, it was taking longer than expected. As I looked for the mansion, I let my mind wander.

How would I go about protecting Tokiomi?

I couldn't walk up to the mansion and announce my intentions. I would be ignored at best. At worst, Gilgamesh would execute me for being a faker who thinks he can go anywhere near him. I would have to protect him from behind the scenes. Either that or I could trust Gilgamesh, Kirie, Assassin and Tokiomi's own skills and hunt Caster instead. Why bother dealing with Tokiomi and his merry bunch if I could kill Caster while he was still weak. I decide on my course of action. The risk is high, but so is the reward. My course set, I expand my senses to locate all the major prana signatures in Fuyuki City. I could then narrow down the possibilities until I find Caster.

You sense a few presences, but they feel indistinct at this point in time.

RazgrizKL · Apr 28, 2014

I walk out from the pawnshop, a decent amount of money in my pocket. I guess it can sustain me for a week...if I sleep in the park. I repress a sigh. Tatsumi's body was pretty damn tough given his upbringing, but it's still an unpleasant way to spend my nights. Maybe I should get a part-time job?

...Actually, that's not a bad idea. Maybe I should rent a room tonight just for the facilities and bed. I should probably be fresh for whatever walk-in interview-

Ah crap. No ID.

I wander aimlessly. My feet take me towards the Fuyuki Temple unknowingly...

A Nation's Virtue · Apr 28, 2014

John Masaki said:
Lancer Interrupt!

"Why, hello there!" A blue-haired man smiles at you, turning on the charms upon meeting a woman, even if she is a Servant. "A shame I have to battle such a beauty like you, but them's the breaks."

A red spear appears in his hand, ready to strike. "En garde!"

He attacks...

As I approach the Fuyuki Hyatt in my astralized form, I sense two Servants some distance away. Curious to see which fight this was, I change course and begin approaching the two Servants.

I reach the location of the two Servants and keep watch. Below me are two figures, one in blue and the other red. "So Nero and Prototype Cuchulainn are the Saber and the Lancer of this war..." I muse as I watch the battle unfold. The absence of the Masters bothers me a little, especially as I don't trust Kiritsugu not to try and snipe me should I show myself.

Nero seems to be on the losing end here, although she's putting up a fairly good fight so far. Fairly understandable, as Cuchulainn is both more skilled, and possesses much higher Parameters. The only reasons she's probably still alive right now would be Imperial Privilege, and Cuchulainn dragging this out because he's a battle junkie. I drift over to a nearby building and lower myself to ground level, before materializing with my back to the wall. Leaning back casually, I wave at the two of them and smile, before relaxing and sitting down with my back to the wall.

RazgrizKL · Apr 29, 2014

Preoccupied as I was with my thoughts, I was hardly paying enough attention to where I was going. And sure enough...

"Ow!"

...I ran into someone. My head was yanked back from its lofty heights in the clouds to see...nobody?

I looked down.

A head of black hair styled into twin-tails. The little girl I had walked into had fallen onto her rump. She looked up and glared at me with clear blue eyes, her childishly round face scrunched up into an (adorably) disapproving frown. She was also wearing a red blouse and a black skir-

Holy hell, is this Tohsaka Rin?

"Hey, you! Isn't there something you should be saying?"

She's crossed her arms and is tapping her foot impatiently. Okay, maybe her personality is the same. For a second there I thought I would have to deal with some bizarro version of Rin.

"Oh, right. Sorry for knocking you down. I was distracted."

She looked me up and down. "Distracted? I can believe that. You sure look like you don't have a brain in that dull-looking head of yours. Okay, explanation accepted."

My eye twitched. "That was just rude."

"I have every right to be rude! My bum hurts and it's YOUR fault!"

Ugh. Calm down...calm down. I'm supposed to be the adult here. "I said sorry already. What more do you want?"

Then this sly look came over her face and I knew I just walked into her trap. Damn. "How kind of you to offer! Well, there's this ice-cream stall down the block back there..."

...Ah well. Gotta admire her cunning, at least. "Fine. I get it. I'll treat you to ice-cream. I'm only paying for one though! I'm just about flat broke!"

"Tch. Just my luck to bump into a beggar. "

"...Un-cute."

"W-What did you say?!"

I smirk. "I just said you were cute, chibi. Got a problem with that?"

"B-Bite your tongue!" Aw, she's gone red with anger and embarrassment. Turnabout's fair play, Tohsaka-chan.

We were walking down to the ice-cream parlour, unknowingly headed into a fight between Servants...

Heaven Canceler · Apr 29, 2014

Grue said:
You wake up to an endless void.

A feeling of coldness flows over me and I cannot help but shudder. Somehow it doesn't feel like normal coldness and more like something that I instinctively dislike. I turn around groggily, expecting the warmth of my bed and the bed sheet getting in my way. I blink in confusion and some part of me makes me feel like this has happened before, but my mind is a chaotic soup that only just tries to recalibrate. It is a place of shadows without shadows, nothingness that is more absolute than any place had any right to be. Not even the void of space was this 'Empty". There was something unnatural about this.

The strangest part was that this whole situation felt distinctly familiar. It was then that a voice broke through the emptiness of this void.

"Ah. You've arrived."
A human figure walks into view.

Dread coursed through me, but for some reason I also felt very much like punching the person in front of me. I couldn't identify its gender, size or any other thing that would help me identify the unknown later, but I somehow knew that this was bad news. The urge to growl angrily at the person bubbled up in me, but I bit down on it for some reason.

"Welcome. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."
The image of a city ripples into existence.
"Due to a...situation, I am relocating you to here." It getsures at the city.

I looked at the bustling city, skylights and people walking through it, normal everyday events taking place. I could feel my heart beating loudly and blood was coursing through my head with greater speed than just before. This place was... Fuyuki City a part of my mind told me. But I couldn't say why I knew that. It felt like there was a memory just staying outside my reach, but which was giving me clues whenever something known appeared.

I shuddered as I once again turned to the strange form.

"Why...?"

I couldn't help but ask for some reason. I understood that this was likely not a being that had any reason to answer me, but I couldn't stop myself from asking for a reason.

"Is this some kind of joke? Or are you some kind of hallucination? Why take me away from everything I care about? And also, why do I know..." But the form ignored my question and continued on as if it had no care in the world. It probably didn't care actually.

"However, I'm not a monster. I'm not going to just dump you there with nothing."

I couldn't believe that 'thing' could actually say that with a straight face and without cracking up. Did it understand what it was doing to me, or was this just some sick pastime of ROB's? Yes, this had to be a Random Omnipotent Being. Nothing else would send me to that place of all things and drop that knowledge into my head.

The city ripples out again.
"Firstly, I'm forging you into a new form. You'll need it to survive."

Survive. This being was going to send me out into a situation where I could possibly die. There was something of finality to that realization. It was like I had just discovered an unshakable but still horrible truth. One of my hands had long since curled into a fist and I really wanted to try punching the guy. But no, survival instincts go first and punching the monster goes next.

"Secondly, I have an objective for you. Complete it, and I shall reward you with both knowledge and power."
As even the void starts to fade, the figure leans in and delivers a final mesage.

Knowledge and power it was. Somehow I knew there was going to be a price and that the objective was going to be far from easy or great. A small shudder went through me at that thought for some reason and I observed as the empty void became less... real or something like that. I could see my non-existent surrounding fading away, leaving my mind strange and then something happened to me.

I could feel myself shrinking and becoming greater. Power of old flowed into me and something more, something beautiful and even more precious then all of that strength became a part of me.

Before I could really think about what was going on, the voice whispered what I had to do.

Grue said:
Heaven Canceller must Protect Saber until Tokiomi Tohsaka falls.

Saber? Tokiomi? So I was really going to Fuyuki and that meant this was going to be the fourth grai...

And with that, you wake.

My train of thought was rudely cut off as I suddenly found myself lying on a sidewalk next to a street. I opened my mouth in shock and moved to stand up with confused movements. There had been no warning as the empty void was replaced by this place and in fact, I was in a totally different position than just a moment ago. People were walking through the streets, but apparently nobody had noticed my appearance, or maybe girls popping out of thin air were nothing special around here.

Girls?

I looked down at myself and my sight confirmed what my sub consciousness had told me about my current situation. One of my eyes twitched dangerously and I had to suppress the urge to chew on my nails.

Eh.... I have no idea how to deal with this, so maybe just ignore the weirdness and try to assess the situation. Freak out later maybe?

I stood up after a few more moments went by and stepped out of the way of some people that were walking through. I looked myself over, trying to get a better understanding of exactly who I was now.

The body was female as mentioned before, also smaller than my old one and probably young. My beard was gone (I liked that one damn it!) and instead there was only flat skin I could feel on my chin. Long, distinctly blue hair was hanging down from my head down to my shoulders, held together by a ribbon of some origin. My face of course felt similarly foreign and yet somehow familiar to me. In fact, everything gave me a strange sense of déjà vu.

I was even wearing a dress in the name of all that was good. If I had to get gender bendered, couldn't it at least be a tomboy of some kind? On the other hand, it could always have been worse so maybe I shouldn't complain.

But who the heck did they stick me into?

There was something sitting just outside my reach, waiting for something. This appearance, these clothes and that...

One of my hands moved to my forehead, something telling me that this was the perfect place to find an answer. I moved away from others, hiding in a side street from the pedestrians. The ribbon from before covered the upper part of my forehead and as I moved my hand above it, I could feel something there. My hand removed the ribbon, just slightly and I felt a flat surface that was not skin where skin was supposed to be. This was a stone, a gem, an Elemental Gelade something whispered into my mind. It was not cold though, but warm, and there was a feeling of strength and greatness to it that made me pause for a moment. This appearance, an Elemental Gelade and the origin of that word.

Memories came to me, not of my own and yet mine to bear and treasure.

I remember, a little girl that grew up in a village far from civilization. Many like her lived in that small village, but she scared these her age, for she was special and they said she would bring misfortune. An old woman would scold them and a younger woman smiled reassuringly and explained to her that this was not true. This was what brought out the courage to show her anger to the other children.

I remembered the day when these without stones came to take whatever they wanted. Never again did I want to experience that feeling of helplessness, not even the discovery of my first song was worth seeing someone like family full of fear.

When another without stone helped us, one of the humans, I couldn't say whether I was happy or angry.

There was an unforgotten promise to meet that person again.

Leaving without permission and getting caught by these without a stone, falling asleep for so long.

I wake up to the face of a boy that is way too carefree.

We travelled together, him being too kind and honest to hate even with the feelings in my heart. There are battles and conflicts, people that wish to use me for their own, but there are also others which stand by my side and only wish for my safety. Friendship is found and slowly grows. The sting of betrayal comes first from one of these friends, but it is another that feels much more pain.

Sadness, fear, hate, regrets and countless tears shed. Promises held and broken, sacrifices made and new things gained.

The pain of meeting the one you wanted to see again as a shadow of their former existence and being forced to end her. I was woken from mindless rage and never-ending hate by his words.

A bond forged through conflict and necessity, held together by something more, growing stronger and stronger every day.

A promise to stay together forever, no matter the darkness or conflict we were to encounter is engraved into my heart. The absolute confidence and surety that nothing is impossible, nothing unachievable if the two of us are together burns like a shining star inside of me.

This was a life compressed into a moment, poured into me and and... It was too much. I barely could stand the idea of not returning to that place again, to see these people again. Did that thing just take the original Reverie Metherlence and stuff her into me, or mix us together or something like that?

Damn it, I already regretted not punching the damned bastard. If I got the chance again though...

I had no idea what to do now though. I should probably go and look for someone to work with. I had to protect Saber until Tokiomi falls, aka mister "I give my daughter to the ancient worm magus". I didn't necessarily hate him and I didn't want him to die, but I wouldn't scream in anger if he died. Okay, maybe that was a bad thing to say? He was Rin's father and the wiki had said something about her either becoming really could and embracing the way of the Magus, or turning another direction if she had grown up with him still around. Of course there was also the part where he apparently pranked her with that clock thing. Really, all of these confusing parts about personalities....

I am rambling stop that right now.

Go and find a partner, Archer and Tokiomi were out of course, even if I didn't dislike Gilgamesh that is. Kirei doesn't work, though it could be worth it if I can turn him away from the path of his canon-self. Saber would be cool but I didn't emphasize with her enough and a connection could probably go off rails. Team Lancer was a possibility, if Diarmud didn't screw with my head that is. Waver and Iskander were possible, though I had absolutely no idea where that Canadian couple lived, so good luck finding them. Finding Berserker and Kariya was not likely... I shuddered for some reason when I thought of the black knight.

Caster and... Oh yeah, had to murder these bastards if I run into them.

Maybe there were other people from Spacebattles around? The thing had used my name from there... and from my fanfiction.net account, but I barely used that one anyway.

Hmmmm... Without a good partner I was kind of screwed. It was like with Soul Eater but worse. I couldn't even bring out anything but the magical equivalent of a flash grenade without a partner. And to get the maximum efficiency I had to find someone that was suitable, someone that I could work together with and that thought similar to me.

I remembered that stupid carefree boy.

Okay, maybe not someone that thought similar to me, just someone that I could work together with and that could align with me and vice versa.

I stepped forward, for now deciding to just walk though the city without any specific direction. I could go for team Lancer, but I wasn't totally sure of this whole thing. I could still ask where the Hyatt Hotel was though.

Edit: Rolling for RE now.

SV5195R · Apr 29, 2014

Blackout said:
After some time and scanning, you find out that there's a plane with several passenger seats bought under the name "Einzbern" arriving from Germany in a few hours.

My search has proven to be... fruitful.

Just a few minutes in, due to a stroke of a blind luck and high-sensitivity audio sensors I overheard someone on the other side of the street mentioning that Einzberns would arrive by a plane from Germany in a few hours.

I start searching for a map of the local transport network. I need to get to the airport, and even if I knew where it was (which would still require a map), I doubt I'd be able to reach it on foot in time.

***

A few minutes later, I find a bus stop - and the map. Two maps, actually.

Fuyuki City and vicinity. Fuyuki City Transport Network: routes and fares

...what. Fuyuki City is... the setting of Fate/Zero and Fate/stay night. Just... what? Why have I been dumped into Nasuverse?

And then my brain finally caught up with the reality. All the details, all the pieces of the puzzle finally "clicked" into place.

Apparently, my objective is to protect Irisviel von Einzbern, the wife of one Emiya Kiritsugu (who is also known as the Magus Killer) and the Grail vessel.

This is gonna be... hard. But I digress.

According to the Routes and Fares map, I can get to the Fuyuki International Airport by using the X1 bus, which departs from the bus station in the city centre (located in the Shinto district, across the river) every thirty minutes.

I memorize both maps - not a hard thing when you have augmented memory and a machine's perfect recall.

Time to get going. However, I need to hide my gun-

[STORAGE CONTAINER OPEN]

Instinctively, I glance behind me. I notice that a large and thick armor block that is attached to my back above the tailbone (I noticed that armor block earlier, but didn't pay much attention then) seems... to have split open?

It's... located in an unergonomic location (it seems to be detachable, though), but I have no other choice. And I don't think openly carrying a firearm is a good idea.

I put the GBE into one of the sections of the container and close it. As an afterthought, I detach the container - a large rectangular block made of the same material as my armor - from where it was (I like to be able to sit comfortably, thank you very much) and attach it to my back at the shoulder level.

Then I set off.

***

On my way to the city centre I belatedly realise that I need money to buy a bus ticket to the airport. A few hundred yen, in fact. Money which I don't have.

And I doubt I can get on the bus without the ticket.

...well, it seems it's tough luck to me. Unless...

I notice a coin-operated payphone in an alleyway nearby. I can probably- wait, what? Since when did I consider theft as a viable option? Why did I think about it?

Still, I have no money. And I need to get it somehow.

Sighing, I step forward. I really crossed this line disturbingly easily, didn't I?. I use my sensors to check if there are any people or CCTV cameras nearby. Thankfully, there are none.

I rear my arm back and then plunge my fingers into the payphone's front panel, right where the coin storage should be. Then I easily tear the front panel off and collect my... loot: a few thousand yen, should be enough for a round-trip ticket to the airport.

I take a few seconds to put the money into my storage container, then I quickly leave. I don't want to be around when someone decides to investigate.

Exiting the alleyway, I consult my map of the city and start walking. My route will take me over the bridge into the Shinto district.

[OOC: I'm not completely happy about this.]

Prospalz · Apr 29, 2014

Prospal said:
And so, I started walking toward Fuyuki Temple. Hopefully nothing is going to happen to me on the way there.

John Masaki said:
Lancer Interrupt!

"Why, hello there!" A blue-haired man smiles at you, turning on the charms upon meeting a woman, even if she is a Servant. "A shame I have to battle such a beauty like you, but them's the breaks."

...Why this is happening to meeeeeeee?

A red spear appears in his hand, ready to strike. "En garde!"
He attacks...

"But I..."

It's happened faster than a blink of an eye.

One moment he was there, talking to me like a... old friend, then another - and I found yourself being propelled through the air by some invisible, monstrous force.

Then I crushed into something, hard. As I felt the pain, I barely managed to hold myself from curling into a ball. Everything hurt. What happened?

"You stance is pretty awful, you know? Nice block, though! "

Lancer's voice snapped me out of confused, painful haze, and I slowly stood up. There was something in my grip, surprisingly warm and familiar - a sword. Wait...

I blocked his attack with... my sword? - but force of the blow was enough to push me back...

No. The force of the attack was strong enough to make me fly through the air and then break the ground on the landing.

As I stupidly stared at the strang, surprisingly warm sword in my hands, mouth open - I realised.

That attack, it was meant to kill. He really tried to kill me.

"So, you know, if you really that weak, let's just end this right here..." - That smug voice. That damn voice.

Something inside of me started to boil.

Fuck this shit. I didn't asked for this. I didn't wanted to fight anybody, I never planned to be a participant of some sort of retated tournament... -

Then, the air around me ignited.

-...You forced me, and I am angry and who the is this guy to think what I am some sort of a toy to throw around-!

"So, you do have some strengh left." - my opponent casually remarked as, and twirled his spear - "Okay the..."

Imperial Privilege: Scream of Terror Rank C acquired.

- I am a motherfucking Emperor of Rome.

And so, I roared.

"Laaaaancer!"

Low, guttural, inhuman sound rose from inside of me; and as very air around me vibrated and burned from expelled magical energy I jumped...

He rised his spear in defense, relfexes perfect, ready to defend against any attack - but none came, as I flew through the night as a shining star of burning rage and prana.

Fuck you, Lancer. Fuck your master, fuck this war, fuck the grail, fuck everything - This fight is going to go on my terms.

"Imperial Privilege: Disengage Rank C acquired."

"If you wish to die so strongly" - I half -taunted half-roared "Then you will have to catch me first!"

And so, augmenting my every step with a streams of fire and and guided by strange knowledge, I run away. My goal is barely a few kilometers from here, and I am Servant...

Ohh. Prana. Prana. What to... I know. Energy is always energy, right?

"Imperial Privilege: Galvanism Rank C acquired. Magecraft - Acquired."

There is way too much electricity in the modern urban city. And it's okay for the Emperor to take some from her subjects, right?

At least I though so, as the nearly lamp-post one by one exploded with electrical energy which I attracted and absorbed as I run past them.

...And as I run supernaturally fast, ground breaking and baking under me from incredible force and heat - I wondered: it was a pretty calm night and then - Screams! Explosions! Fire! Drama! Lightnings everywhere!..

Yeah, that probably looks pretty great, I though. A picture worthy of such an artist as me.

ultra · Apr 29, 2014

John Masaki said:
You sense a few presences, but they feel indistinct at this point in time.

Damn. Well I shouldn't have expected much out of EMIYA. He was only a third rate magus in life.

As I thought that, I felt a sense of indignation for whatever reason. Deciding that it was unimportant, I ignored it.

Well, that way of finding Caster is a definite no. Looks like I would have to be smarter. Time to use that big brain of mine. I remember from the show that Ryu summoned Caster in a house after killing the family. It looked like a normal house rather than a mansion. That means that I was looking or Ryu in the Shinto part of Fuyuki City and he was in the middle class suburbs rather than the where the mansions were. Using my C ranked Clairvoyance, I found the general area where I thought Ryu would be in. It was a rather large area of cookie cutter houses in cookie cutter neighborhoods. I would have to hijack the Servant summoning and deal with Caster. Then I would be done with this.

As I astralized and jumped down from the skyscraper to roof jump, I wondered one thing.

"How the hell did I know that Caster wasn't summoned yet?"

Silver W. King · Apr 30, 2014

I was on my way to the Hyatt Hotel. For now, things were quiet and peaceful, yet oddly enough it felt like the prelude to a storm.

John Masaki said:
You soon encounter two Servants dueling. One a hot chick in red drag. The other appears to be Lancer, but looks slightly different. Heavier armor on his arm, for example. But still bearing the same old staff of impossible strikes.

...Fuckin Murphy. I jinxed myself, didn't I?

I quickly hid behind the corner of a building nearby and observed. The first thing that made me relieved and worried was Servant Lancer's identity. It wasn't Diarmuid, so no need to worry about his cursed spears, that can cause incurable wounds, or disable Magecraft. It was however Cu Chulainn, which meant I had to worry about a cursed spear the never missed the opponent's heart. I honestly couldn't tell which was worse.

The second thing that threw me of was the red Servant, Nero, who is obviously Saber. My mind immediately conjured up the image of Kiritsugu and Irisviel having to deal with the eccentric and narcissistic Roman emperor. I instantly covered my mouth and stopped myself from letting out any laugh. Honestly, it would be one hell of a comedy to watch, but the underline implication smacked me into seriousness.

Lancer and Saber aren't who they are suppose to be. And if these two different, then that lead to the possibility that all the Servant's summoned are nothing like canon. That meant that there is no certainty that the events from canon will happen.

No fight at the docks, which meant, no opportunity to snip out Kayenth. I mentally cursed at ROB for these deviations, because how else could things be this different?

A Nation's Virtue said:
As I approach the Fuyuki Hyatt in my astralized form, I sense two Servants some distance away. Curious to see which fight this was, I change course and begin approaching the two Servants.

I reach the location of the two Servants and keep watch. Below me are two figures, one in blue and the other red. "So Nero and Prototype Cuchulainn are the Saber and the Lancer of this war..." I muse as I watch the battle unfold. The absence of the Masters bothers me a little, especially as I don't trust Kiritsugu not to try and snipe me should I show myself.

Nero seems to be on the losing end here, although she's putting up a fairly good fight so far. Fairly understandable, as Cuchulainn is both more skilled, and possesses much higher Parameters. The only reasons she's probably still alive right now would be Imperial Privilege, and Cuchulainn dragging this out because he's a battle junkie. I drift over to a nearby building and lower myself to ground level, before materializing with my back to the wall. Leaning back casually, I wave at the two of them and smile, before relaxing and sitting down with my back to the wall.

And then the world, decided to just screw with me even more.

WHO THE HELL IS THAT?

Of course, I know who it is. Siegfried from Fate/Apocrypha. The question was, what the hell he was doing here?

This war has two Saber?

...Or maybe he's a Berserker.

Shit.

I recall that Berserker don't always have Mad Enhancement on. Usually there was a condition to it, right?

Either they activate it on their own, or their Masters can force them.

Siegfried is suppose to be one of the big hitter, right? Add in Mad Enhancement?

Yeah, I'm doomed. There is not chance for me, if I fight anyone here.

Still, maybe I can use this chance to go after Kayneth. I really, really hope there aren't enough deviations that he decided to stay somewhere other than the Hyatt Hotel. Because then, if I simply destroy the top half of the Hotel and he isn't there, I will have truly screwed myself over. No, right now, making a giant attack that might not even take out the Magus would just put me in the spotlight, and I really don't want to know what that is like. Right now, being discreet is the smart option.

Quietly, I take out the mittens and put them on. I don't think I'm going to take them off for a very long while.

Prospal said:
"But I..."

It's happened faster than a blink of an eye.

One moment he was there, talking to me like a... old friend, then another - and I found yourself being propelled through the air by some invisible, monstrous force.

Then I crushed into something, hard. As I felt the pain, I barely managed to hold myself from curling into a ball. Everything hurt. What happened?

"You stance is pretty awful, you know? Nice block, though! "

Lancer's voice snapped me out of confused, painful haze, and I slowly stood up. There was something in my grip, surprisingly warm and familiar - a sword. Wait...

I blocked his attack with... my sword? - but force of the blow was enough to push me back...

No. The force of the attack was strong enough to make me fly through the air and then break the ground on the landing.

As I stupidly stared at the strang, surprisingly warm sword in my hands, mouth open - I realised.

That attack, it was meant to kill. He really tried to kill me.

"So, you know, if you really that weak, let's just end this right here..." - That smug voice. That damn voice.

Something inside of me started to boil.

Fuck this shit. I didn't asked for this. I didn't wanted to fight anybody, I never planned to be a participant of some sort of retated tournament... -

Then, the air around me ignited.

-...You forced me, and I am angry and who the is this guy to think what I am some sort of a toy to throw around-!

The fight began, and very quickly it was obvious who had the advantage. Nero was being smacked ten ways to Sunday, and it didn't seem like things were going to look up for her.

Just then, it looked like Lancer had hit a nerve as the air around her heated. Silently I cheered her on. Mostly due to personal preference and because between the two she was less likely to kill me, if I am discovered. Also it meant Kayneth would be defenseless and I wouldn't have to worry about Gae Bolg.

Prospal said:
"So, you do have some strength left." - my opponent casually remarked as, and twirled his spear - "Okay the..."

Imperial Privilege: Scream of Terror Rank C acquired.

- I am a motherfucking Emperor of Rome.

And so, I roared.

"Laaaaancer!"

Low, guttural, inhuman sound rose from inside of me; and as very air around me vibrated and burned from expelled magical energy I jumped...

I felt the roar, echo into my very core. Paralyzing and chaining me in a prison of fear.

Instinctively I drew on my Flames, enough to turn my eyes orange, as I fought the scream's effect. Thankfully, drawing on my Flames seemed to have lessen my recovery time, and I could think and control myself once more.

Quickly, I lowered my Flames back to normal, after feeling well enough. Hopefully, everyone was too busy to no one noticed my energy signature.

I returned to observing the battle. It looked like Nero was ready to make her counterattack.

Prospal said:
He raised his spear in defense, reflexes perfect, ready to defend against any attack - but none came, as I flew through the night as a shining star of burning rage and prana.

Fuck you, Lancer. Fuck your master, fuck this war, fuck the grail, fuck everything - This fight is going to go on my terms.

"Imperial Privilege: Disengage Rank C acquired."

"If you wish to die so strongly" - I half -taunted half-roared "Then you will have to catch me first!"

And so, augmenting my every step with a streams of fire and and guided by strange knowledge, I run away. My goal is barely a few kilometers from here, and I am Servant...

Ohh. Prana. Prana. What to... I know. Energy is always energy, right?

"Imperial Privilege: Galvanism Rank C acquired. Magecraft - Acquired."

There is way too much electricity in the modern urban city. And it's okay for the Emperor to take some from her subjects, right?

At least I though so, as the nearly lamp-post one by one exploded with electrical energy which I attracted and absorbed as I run past them.

...And as I run supernaturally fast, ground breaking and baking under me from incredible force and heat - I wondered: it was a pretty calm night and then - Screams! Explosions! Fire! Drama! Lightnings everywhere!..

Yeah, that probably looks pretty great, I though. A picture worthy of such an artist as me.

The Great Emperor of Rome, with great courage and bravery, ran away.

...What the fuck?

No, seriously, what the fuck? Something is off with this picture. Nero should be too prideful to think of fleeing, right?

That just doesn't make sense. Even more, she should have more than enough abilities to wipe the floor with Lancer if she put her mind to it.

Imperial Privilege and her Noble Phantasm comes to mind.

Why the heck would she run away? The only reason I could think off, would be because she's low on Prana. Which again clashes with the prideful image I have of her.

Does that mean her Master is stupid enough to deprive her of Prana? Kiritsugu wouldn't be that stupid, would he?

And then another dreadful thought came to mind.

What if Kiritsugu isn't Nero's Master? Would that mean that all the Masters are shifted around as well?

Dammit. Dammit. Dammit.

I am completely lost and I have no information. How can I be sure of anything?

Okay, calm down. Calm down. Think.

What is the next step that I need to take?

I need to know who all the Masters are and which Servants do they have.

I think of on this.

Yes. Knowing who all the Masters and Servants are would be very helpful, and make thing more clear.

However, that doesn't mean I shouldn't check on the Hyatt Hotel. Heck, I might even be able to get a room there. Wonder how much a night costs?

Yes, checking the Hotel would be the first step, and if Kayneth is there, hopefully the last step. After all, while knowing who the Masters and Servants are, is helpful, maybe even necessary. I only need to know where Kayneth is.

With a nod at having a clear plan. I discreetly, check the battle scene once more to see Lancer staying rather than chase Nero (Tsk. Go after her, you fool.), and Siegfried still there as well.

Quietly I back away and keep moving till I reach the main streets. It was a guilt infested thought, but I should be safe in crowds right now.

Casually, I make my way to the Hyatt Hotel. Hoping, I would have no trouble along the way.

Heaven Canceler · Apr 30, 2014

Heaven Canceler said:
Edit: Rolling for RE now.

My steps took me through various streets of the city and I didn't find anything interesting to be honest. There were no battles between Servants or great energy beams blasting into the sky I could see. I was not quite sure why that disappointed me. A part of me probably wanted to think there were others from Spacebattles or something similar, but I couldn't really be sure of that. Hell, it wouldn't be impossible that the ROB just threw me in this and looked as I hoped for help and allies.

Also, if they were also here, maybe they had different objectives from me. Someone wishing to "Destroy Saber" or "Protect Tokiomi" could get really troublesome. Ugh.. I didn't even want to kill the guy, but someone seeing me as a danger could really get me into problems.

So, I couldn't really expect to find potential allies on the streets. It would really be nice to get some on my own...

Huh, that idea was not so bad.

"But how?" I mumbled to myself, ignoring some whispers of the pedestrians around me. They were talking about the strange foreigner with the coloured hair. Damn it, nobody had even batted eyes at Sakura with her hair and now you go crazy over blue hair. Hell, Ciel has blue hair, why is nobody pointing out how weird that is?

"Okay, but how could I ever summon a Servant?" The idea itself was not so bad. I had certainly enough power to summon and keep a Servant around. I had probably more power than the average Servants, if a distinct inability to use it normally. But how could I summon one with my distinct lack of knowledge on how to summon them?

I stepped into a park, only vaguely noting some street chalk that was lying on the ground. The place was mostly deserted currently for some reason. I looked at the chalk on the ground.

"Well, Ryuunosuke managed to do it and he only had a who knows how old book and used fresh blood that easily blurs.... and it took half a dozen attempts to make it work." I frowned because I didn't even have the book the serial killer had possessed. Still, it was at least worth an attempt. If only to maybe take away the chance for Bluebeard's summoning. Well, I didn't know whether the other Servants had already been summoned, so it was probably possible that another could appear.

"Kiritsugu did say that the circle doesn't have to be complicated or anything special, just a circle with some importance, then throws power at it until it works."

I took a piece of chalk and made my decision. Now how to make a hopefully acceptable circle?

I scribbled away on the ground, trying my best to get a more or less perfectly round circle with the piece of chalk. It was actually harder then I had thought and I probably looked very stupid, a teenager drawing on asphalt with white chalk. My dress was going to be ruined because of this.... not that I cared about that or anything. Why was I thinking of that anyway????

I breathed out after completing the circle and having added lines to keep track of the overall size and everything. It looked like some kind of mystical magical bullshit circle, so maybe the grail would be satisfied?

Now how was I supposed to throw some good old power at the circle? I thought about it and then had an idea.

I could only use a single chant without first reacting with a Pledger, so maybe I would just use it almost and then continue with another invented chant? It was so stupid, just maybe it would work.

My eyes closed as I tried to remember words that I remembered having spoken in a moment of pain and fear. I could feel them on the tip of my tongue. I felt the power that was lazily flowing inside of my becoming slightly agitated.

Link: Song

"As I call the chance to open,"

The power started to move, slowly but surely beginning to awaken from the slumber it held.

"the occasion prolongs..."

A light behind closed eyes, this song was meant to blind and nothing more, but if I could turn that energy into another direction.

"As this inviting call spins within the drawn attack of..."

I almost bit my tongue while forcing myself to halt the song and I could feel the strength flowing through me with surprising activity. A fine but strong wind was blasting around me.

"Hey, who is that, what is she doing?"

I didn't falter, trying to put a chant together.

"Silver and Iron to the origin. My teacher is the great ancestor Schweineorg."

My thoughts fluttered as I tried to remember as much of the chant from back then as I could. I had written down what had returned to me after some thinking, but I was sure it was not everything.

"The wind becomes as a wall and the three forked road revolves through the kingdom."

The wind that flowed around me seemed to grow agitated, but I couldn't say whether it was working.

"Ugh I don't know, but that doesn't look normal big sis. Is that a magical girl?"

"Shut, Shut, Shut, Shut, Shut. Repeat five times."

My mouth felt dry now that I was doing this.

"I declare, I am all that is good in this eternal world, I am the one to be covered in all the evil of Hades."

A burning feeling went through me, though I couldn't say whether it was from failure or if I was being successful.

"If you hear this voice, this reason, then answer my call. You shall be my sword and I shall share your fate. Come forth oh Guardian of Balance!"

There was a flash of light. I blinked in shock and then heard a scream of surprise. My eyes turned and I saw two kids, one boy and one girl, probably around 7 or 8. They looked shocked and excited, a not so unusual combination for young children.

Shit, did I just attempt a summoning in a public park without making sure that nobody could get inside? This must be the most stupid thing ever.

OOC: Well, this is so wonderfully amateurish that it could only work if the Grail decides to go with it out of amusement. Or if the Founder Families wanted to make it possible for any idiot to summon a Servant with just the barest of materials and knowledge.... But hey, it is not like I could do much better without the right techniques or knowledge. Let us see if anything happens, or if this just explosed in my face!

SV5195R · Apr 30, 2014

As soon as I reached the riverside park (which meant I was near the bridge), I decided to pick up the pace. I started running, accelerating to a pretty decent speed of [24.11 km/h].

There were few people on the bridge's walkway, which meant that I could keep running without risk of running someone over.

As soon as I reached the middle of the bridge, I heard an impossibly loud scream.

Prospal said:
"Laaaaancer!"

Low, guttural, inhuman sound rose from inside of me; and as very air around me vibrated and burned from expelled magical energy I jumped...

And this was when things became... screwy.

Without a warning, a feeling of raw, pure terror hits me.

[Emotion Governors engaged]

With a significant "effort" on the part of my machine half, I manage to ultimately calm down in two or three seconds. I was still slowed down by this... experience, though.

The other people are less lucky. I'm sure I saw two or three people who ended up in a fetal position shaking, whose faces showed animalistic, primal fear. Most people weathered this much better, however.

I start running again. I need to get to the bus station faster. Just in case.

***

Two minutes later I'm in the Shinto district.

As I'm walking down the street, I think about my situation once again.

Since my "client" is Irisviel von Einzbern, this means that I have been dumped into the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War, with all that this implies. This, coupled with Irisviel's status as a Grail vessel (and her being most probably doomed anyway) and the presence of some rather... broken Servants, makes my job much harder.

And there's also a problem of Caster and his Master. I need to neutralize those two ASAP.

Besides, given how easily the ROB is able to easily interfere with worlds and cross universes, who's to say that this Grail War will be anything like canon? Maybe the Servants are different. Maybe the ROB dropped off more hapless sods like me elsewhere. There are many unknowns, and I doubt that my (incomplete) knowledge of the canon will help me much.

Before I can think about this some more, something... odd attracts my attention.

At least I though so, as the nearly lamp-post one by one exploded with electrical energy which I attracted and absorbed as I run past them.

...And as I run supernaturally fast, ground breaking and baking under me from incredible force and heat - I wondered: it was a pretty calm night and then - Screams! Explosions! Fire! Drama! Lightnings everywhere!..

Yeah, that probably looks pretty great, I though. A picture worthy of such an artist as me.

I see a young woman in a rather revealing dress about [1833.170 m] down the street, wreathed in fire and lightning (or so it seems) and running at a speed in excess of [80 km/h]... in my direction.

According to my sensors, she also appears to be mostly an [UNKNOWN ENERGY LIFEFORM], heating the air around her (to the point of melting asphalt) and draining electricity from lampposts.

What the bloody hell. What kind of anime bullshit is thi- oh wait.

You know what? I'll pass. I get out of the way and turn to the left.

I guess I have just almost run into a Servant.

***

Some time later, as I was running down an another street and nearing my destination (the bus station was just a couple hundred metres away), my sensors registered an odd energy buildup in a park to my left.

I don't know what it was, curiosity or something else, but I decided to investigate it, against my better judgment.

[OOC: To be continued. I'll post the Part 2: Meet Heaven Canceler later, when the outcome of the attempted summoning is known.]

To The Beginning IC: א

滅亡迅雷

Crusader King

C-Weapon

King of Adventures

Ho There!

南國山河南帝居

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Ho There!

King of Adventures

Crusader King

The Guy With the Lightsaber

The Guy With the Lightsaber

南國山河南帝居

I would like to have a cool title.

C-Weapon

Crusader King

King of Adventures

I would like to have a cool title.

C-Weapon