To The Beginning IC:ג

[SlugSLinger]

It is, indeed a child's play to open, considering what it wasn't locked.

Because It's a door to the larder, not a prison cell.

As you step out, door opening surprisingly silently despite years of disuse, you gaze stops upon the very familiar figure sitting in the corridor.

It's Kuro. And it doesn't looks like she noticed you, yet; in fact, she looks very distracted, eyes blindly turned to the floor.

Click to shrink...

...Should blast her with a spell now?

Wait, fuck no. Where did that come from? Strange.

I dismiss the Keyblade and walk up to Kuro, being mindful of my shell clanking from the movement. I admit, I did like prying into someone elses business, but I just couldn't help it. Though this is a trait Ling disapproves of greatly.

"Something on your mind?" I call out, careful not to show any hostility.

 

[Lealope]

You are now hanging awkwardly upside-down.
Those tentacles that actually touch the gem get burned, but the ones holding your arms aren't actually touching the Silmarills.

Click to shrink...

Oh for fucks sake. Of course this bullshit is happening. Summoning the third Silmaril on my foot, I bring the edge to the tentacles, aiming to sever the tentacle.

 

[Prospalz]

Just before you wake up

Click to shrink...

The abominable eyes of the Grail blink, and focuses upon your two, before shattering into non-existance together with a rest of the world.

"Something on your mind?" I call out, careful not to show any hostility.

Click to shrink...

Twitching slightly from surpise, she re-focuses her attention on you.

"For a person who got most of his body destroyed, on sure got back on your feet fast. Do you regenerate faster in the frosty enviroment?" she deadpans, and stands up, leaning on the wall. The sword-axe is nowhere to be seen. "Nothing special, just a small existential crisis."

A moment of silence goes on. It's visible what she doesn't exactly want's to talk about whatever is on her mind right now.

"Sooooo, you are not going to go on rampage again, or anything? Just asking. Not really sure what's up with "We are suddenly friends" attitude anyway... Mind enlightening me?"

 

[Sinsystems]

The abominable eyes of the Grail blink, and focuses upon your two, before shattering into non-existance together with a rest of the world.

Click to shrink...

A shiver runs down my spine as I remember that last brief instant before waking. There was something behind those eyes, an...intelligence that unnerved me greatly.

I needed to be strong, mom and dad need me along with so many others. I only had to find them to get started.

 

[Narcissist]

I wake up differently from how I normally do. Usually it takes me a bit to get into action, here I just snapped right awake. Wonder if its healthy to go from sleeping to alert within a few seconds. Now I can't justify staying in bed for thirty minutes longer than I should

Funny though, I feel pretty well rested for having fallen asleep on the stairs. I guess that weird dream thing did give me some answers, and maybe a little peace of mind. I'm still not sure if I'm supposed to be Alter with someone else's memories, the opposite, or just an amalgamation of the two. But still, at least I know that what I've been experiencing is real.

There's something soothing about that.

I sit up from my position on the stairs and head down to Illya.

"So… that happened."

 

[SlugSLinger]

Twitching slightly from surpise, she re-focuses her attention on you.

"For a person who got most of his body destroyed, on sure got back on your feet fast. Do you regenerate faster in the frosty enviroment?" she deadpans, and stands up, leaning on the wall. The sword-axe is nowhere to be seen. "Nothing special, just a small existential crisis."

Click to shrink...

"...You know what? Yeah. I do heal faster in the cold. Like how a snowman stops melting when he's put into a fridge." I say with as much sarcasm as I could put in. God, I hate her. "And an existential crisis? Well, it's not like I have the right to pry into other peoples lives. But, it helps when you have someone to talk to."

A moment of silence goes on. It's visible what she doesn't exactly want's to talk about whatever is on her mind right now.

"Sooooo, you are not going to go on rampage again, or anything? Just asking. Not really sure what's up with "We are suddenly friends" attitude anyway... Mind enlightening me?"

Click to shrink...

I shrug and walk over to Kuro's left, leaning on the wall and letting myself slide down.

"...I've had a change of heart." I say. "The guy who wanted to go on an murderous rampage is locked up tight in here," I tap the side of my head for emphasis, "And I also realized that going against you guys will rob me of another ally that could help me. At least until my objective is completed."

I turn to Kuro. "Don't get me wrong, I still hate you and one way or another, I get you back for turning my head into a snowman's ornament, but I'm willing to let that slide for now to focus on more important objectives. Like how to prevent Angra Mainyu for being reborn."

 

[Borrowing]

"...You know what? Yeah. I do heal faster in the cold. Like how a snowman stops melting when he's put into a fridge." I say with as much sarcasm as I could put in. God, I hate her. "And an existential crisis? Well, it's not like I have the right to pry into other peoples lives. But, it helps when you have someone to talk to."



I shrug and walk over to Kuro's left, leaning on the wall and letting myself slide down.

"...I've had a change of heart." I say. "The guy who wanted to go on an murderous rampage is locked up tight in here," I tap the side of my head for emphasis, "And I also realized that going against you guys will rob me of another ally that could help me. At least until my objective is completed."

I turn to Kuro. "Don't get me wrong, I still hate you and one way or another, I get you back for turning my head into a snowman's ornament, but I'm willing to let that slide for now to focus on more important objectives. Like how to prevent Angra Mainyu for being reborn."

Click to shrink...

After a few seconds, Kuro snorts. "You really expect me to believe all of that? Some of it makes sense, but other parts..." She shakes her head. "Eh, I suppose I can give you the benefit of the doubt... for now. If you do go on another rampage, I'll kick your ass all the way to the moon and put you back in here," she says, smirking.

 

[SlugSLinger]

After a few seconds, Kuro snorts. "You really expect me to believe all of that? Some of it makes sense, but other parts..." She shakes her head. "Eh, I suppose I can give you the benefit of the doubt... for now. If you do go on another rampage, I'll kick your ass all the way to the moon and put you back in here," she says, smirking.

Click to shrink...

I chuckle, it sounds more like metal grating over metal. "I never expected you to believe that, but it's the truth. And I'll hold you to that, kicking my metal ass to the moon and back, I mean."

I stand and make my way o the stairs, sparing one last glance at Kuro. "If it means anything, sometimes its best to let go of things when there's nothing you can about them and focus on what you have now, or else you lose them as well. In the end, all we can do is move on."

With those parting words, I ascend the stairs.

 

[Sinsystems]

I sit up from my position on the stairs and head down to Illya.

"So… that happened."

Click to shrink...

I could only nod at Alter "Y-yeah....i-its unnerving but at least...he wants to help." I said looking into her eyes "W-we should go find Kuro, I think we both just need a hug."

 

[Borrowing]

I chuckle, it sounds more like metal grating over metal. "I never expected you to believe that, but it's the truth. And I'll hold you to that, kicking my metal ass to the moon and back, I mean."

I stand and make my way o the stairs, sparing one last glance at Kuro. "If it means anything, sometimes its best to let go of things when there's nothing you can about them and focus on what you have now, or else you lose them as well. In the end, all we can do is move on."

With those parting words, I ascend the stairs.

Click to shrink...

Kuro chuckles at that. "Noted." After a few seconds, she begins to ascend the stairs behind you. "...That last bit sounded kind of pretentious, though. But it had a point."

 

[SlugSLinger]

Kuro chuckles at that. "Noted." After a few seconds, she begins to ascend the stairs behind you. "...That last bit sounded kind of pretentious, though. But it had a point."

Click to shrink...

I shrug. "Make of it what you will, as my words are just that. Words."

I locate more stairs and ascend them as well, until I arrive at a window overlooking the forest and , in the distance, Fuyuki city. The sky was blue, the sun shined and birds were fucking everywhere-

Winged Abominations! Kill them all!​

No. No, no, no. Bad Ling. Bad. Don't kill the birds... While Kuro is around. The blood from those winged abominations would be hell to scrub off. I open the window and look off into the horizon.

"...Once this is over, I intend to disappear from this world." I say to no-one in particular. "But only after I've made this world right and leave proper caretakers. I wonder what the others would do afterwards?"

 

[Borrowing]

I shrug. "Make of it what you will, as my words are just that. Words."

I locate more stairs and ascend them as well, until I arrive at a window overlooking the forest and , in the distance, Fuyuki city. The sky was blue, the sun shined and birds were fucking everywhere-

Winged Abominations! Kill them all!​

No. No, no, no. Bad Ling. Bad. Don't kill the birds... While Kuro is around. The blood from those winged abominations would be hell to scrub off. I open the window and look off into the horizon.

"...Once this is over, I intend to disappear from this world." I say to no-one in particular. "But only after I've made this world right and leave proper caretakers. I wonder what the others would do afterwards?"

Click to shrink...

You hear the steps behind you stop. "Ha. For me, there'll probably be no afterwards," Kuro scoffs bitterly.

 

[SlugSLinger]

You hear the steps behind you stop. "Ha. For me, there'll probably be no afterwards," Kuro scoffs bitterly.

Click to shrink...

I keep silent and watch the clouds roll by. Strange. I don't feel so angry anymore. I wonder why?

"...Not going to last long?" I turn to her slowly, careful as to not produce any sound from grinding steel. "Or too many regrets?"

 

[Narcissist]

I could only nod at Alter "Y-yeah....i-its unnerving but at least...he wants to help." I said looking into her eyes "W-we should go find Kuro, I think we both just need a hug."

Click to shrink...

I nod back at Illya and wave her off. I roll my shoulder to work out some of the stiffness as I reply, "Lead the way. You probably know the area a bit better than I do." I hope she does at least, otherwise things are going to get awkward.

 

[ChiefTurtle117]

"This has taken long enough, kill the creature and finish this" Imperius commanded

"Yes well I'm trying but it's not making it easy for me" I responded as I cut down yet another tentacle blocking my way to the head.

If I can get to the head I can kill the thing and leave this place already, I feel like I've been dealing with this thing for weeks but the trouble is that the creature knew that it's head is my target and it's doing everything it can do stop me from reaching it.

Fighting underwater is somewhat restraining but I made due, using my wings to move around and dodge the attacking tentacles, less than a day and already the tendrils of energy are making my life whole lot easier than it could have been.

By summoning Solarion to me I unlocked another of Imperius's powers, Telekinesis. It was easier to mentally move the spear through my connection but application of the power into other subjects has now become possible to other subjects.

Mentally grabbing hold of a tentacle I threw it into the path of another one, the collision jarred the limbs and before they could recover I cut them up with ease. Split from the main body the pieces dissolved like the rest but black blood poured out from now the harmless remnants. I'll have to clean that up later incase they are poisonous or toxic.

As I cut down two of the creature's appendage more come at me eager for angelic blood. "Yeah, this is going to take a while, unless you have a way to get in close" I queried

"... Very well, prepare yourself. I'm going to teleport us to the head" he stated.

"Wait giv"... I started before being interrupted by a sudden change in location. Time and space warped as Imperius jumped us right next to the monster's head. I'm right next the damn things head.

"Strike now as ONE". ​

 

[AMCS]

"Anywhere will do." I reply. "Try and keep it near the roof of the sewer, and don't let it be seen until you check everywhere."

Click to shrink...

Combat Unit JSN-117 "Jason"
Mark XXX Bolo

For 0.12 microseconds, I imagine myself doing a face palm. Then I speak once more.

"I presume the section of the sewers we will want to investigate is not accessible from 'anywhere,' unless you mean to imply that the entire sewer system of Fuyuki has come under enemy control."

"If the latter, I will commence investigation, but I would advise the group find a location where civilians may not spot us until it is complete."

 

[Sinsystems]

I nod back at Illya and wave her off. I roll my shoulder to work out some of the stiffness as I reply, "Lead the way. You probably know the area a bit better than I do." I hope she does at least, otherwise things are going to get awkward.

Click to shrink...

"Well partially, mom only took me here a couple times and back than it wasn't nearly as well kept" I said rubbing my head with an awkward laugh "But I think I know the way, Kuro was headed towards the kitchens if I'm not mistaken."

It was kinda forced but I kept a smile on my face, needed to keep myself focused after all. Nothing good comes from dwelling on bad things in life as all the magical girl shows I watched have taught me...speaking of which "I'm probably going to need to get some new clothes, outside of my magical girl outfit i'm still in my pajama's." I said headed down the corridor in search of Kuro.

 

[Mortifer]

"I presume the section of the sewers we will want to investigate is not accessible from 'anywhere,' unless you mean to imply that the entire sewer system of Fuyuki has come under enemy control."

"If the latter, I will commence investigation, but I would advise the group find a location where civilians may not spot us until it is complete."

Click to shrink...

"My apologies." I say, annoyed. "My information is incomplete. All I know is that Caster should be setting up his Workshop in the sewers. So I can't really give you anything other then 'Anywhere' as an entry point."

I stop talking for a minute, before replying to his second point.

"You might be right about needing to go somewhere where we can't be spotted, though. Even if my Façade makes me look normal-ish, your drones and Berserker would attract attention."

I turn, so that I'm facing Frankenstein and the drones at the same time.

"Do either of you have any suggestions on somewhere to go or something to do while waiting for the search on Caster to get results?

 

[Xellos]

Wha..? Why is it so dark? And where's my bed?

...Am I on drugs or something? I'm fairly certain I'm not, but this is a rather abnormal situation.

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

Click to shrink...

Oh. Somebody is here to talk to me. Please actually explain the situation. And use small words please, I'm still tired.

"Welcome. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."
The image of a city ripples into existence.

Click to shrink...

Huh. That place looks eerily familiar... I've seen a map of it before, but I can't really recall the landmarks.

"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."

Click to shrink...

You're going to send me a machine gun robot girlfriend? I've always wanted one of those.

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

Click to shrink...

Oh. Well, that's kinda more along the lines of what I expected. Though 'forging'? Is this going o involve getting melted in a furnace? Please say it doesn't, I'm sensitive to heat.

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 message.

Click to shrink...

'Xellos must Protect Berserker until Irisvel falls.'

Irisviel... Berserker?! Oh no no nononononononono not Fate Zero! Please! Anything but that!

...Well technically if things go the canon way I accomplish that without even needing to exist, BUT THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM.

And with that, you wake.

Click to shrink...

I leap to my feet.

Well, no. I lied. I sort of spasmed, flipped forward from my position flat on my back, and then fell on my face. Note to self, do not try to be agile in a new body while tired. No matter how much you're panicking. It didn't really hurt though, which is sort of surprising. I guess the crazy void guy wasn't lying about 'forging me into a new form'. So, what have I got to work with? Something durable, evidently.

Shakily, and carefully, I get to my feet, and look down at myself. White sweater. Female parts. Purple skirt. I bring some of my hair into view. Blonde. Well, there's only one individual I know of that fits that description. Arcueid Brunestud, White Princess of the True Ancestors. The Executioner of their fallen. Well, that's uh, that's going to be fun. Hopefully no Dead Apostles won't find out I'm here for at least a week or something. Or anyone else for that matter, because there being a second Arcueid is going to throw the moonlit world for a spin.

'...Who do I think I'm kidding? There's no way my luck could ever be that good. There's going to be a dead apostle after me by tomorrow at the latest, if I'm surprisingly fortunate.'

And I have to kill Irisviel. Or at least ensure that she ends up dead. Piece of cake, if not for the fact that she's basically the single nicest person in all of Zero.

'Why couldn't it have been Ryuunosuke or something? I'd have killed Ryuunosuke. Hell, he probably would get off on it or something. Give him one last happy memory of the sight of his own guts before he goes off to get recycled.'

But enough of this. Where the hell am I? Given the water over there and the giant storage containers, this looks pretty much like the set of the crazy opening fight of Zero, with Saber vs Lancer vs Rider's Boasting vs Archer's Ego vs Berserker vs Saber again. It just hasn't been destroyed yet. With that thought, I stiffen.

"If that fights starts up directly on top of me, I'm gonna be really mad at you, Robert." I say, before wandering off to try and find something.

'Protect Berserker, right? Logically, that means Kariya... Off to Worm city, I suppose.' I think, a plan(for certain definitions of plan) forming in my head on what to do.

 

[Narcissist]

"Well partially, mom only took me here a couple times and back than it wasn't nearly as well kept" I said rubbing my head with an awkward laugh "But I think I know the way, Kuro was headed towards the kitchens if I'm not mistaken."

It was kinda forced but I kept a smile on my face, needed to keep myself focused after all. Nothing good comes from dwelling on bad things in life as all the magical girl shows I watched have taught me...speaking of which "I'm probably going to need to get some new clothes, outside of my magical girl outfit i'm still in my pajama's." I said headed down the corridor in search of Kuro.

Click to shrink...

"That shouldn't be an issue. Once your parents arrive we should be able to explain the situation." I consider other options for a moment. "If things get really bad you could just use magic to get some, couldn't you? Hypnotism shouldn't be too hard for you."

Speaking of clothing, I should probably change into something less awkward. The armor may be handy, but it doesn't lend itself well to a good first impression. I'm not sure when Kiritsugu and his Servant will show up, but I'd rather not come off as hostile to them.

I'm not really a big fan of the bun my hair is in right now either. I'll have to fix that later. A ponytail would be much more comfortable.
As I follow my master, I focus on dematerializing my armor and changing into my "casual" wear. It took a little bit of focus, but I managed to switch into my little black dress.

I have to say, I'm not a fan of the corset.

 

[Borrowing]

I keep silent and watch the clouds roll by. Strange. I don't feel so angry anymore. I wonder why?

"...Not going to last long?" I turn to her slowly, careful as to not produce any sound from grinding steel. "Or too many regrets?"

Click to shrink...

"The first one," she mutters darkly.

"Well partially, mom only took me here a couple times and back than it wasn't nearly as well kept" I said rubbing my head with an awkward laugh "But I think I know the way, Kuro was headed towards the kitchens if I'm not mistaken."

It was kinda forced but I kept a smile on my face, needed to keep myself focused after all. Nothing good comes from dwelling on bad things in life as all the magical girl shows I watched have taught me...speaking of which "I'm probably going to need to get some new clothes, outside of my magical girl outfit i'm still in my pajama's." I said headed down the corridor in search of Kuro.

Click to shrink...

"That shouldn't be an issue. Once your parents arrive we should be able to explain the situation." I consider other options for a moment. "If things get really bad you could just use magic to get some, couldn't you? Hypnotism shouldn't be too hard for you."

Speaking of clothing, I should probably change into something less awkward. The armor may be handy, but it doesn't lend itself well to a good first impression. I'm not sure when Kiritsugu and his Servant will show up, but I'd rather not come off as hostile to them.

I'm not really a big fan of the bun my hair is in right now either. I'll have to fix that later. A ponytail would be much more comfortable.
As I follow my master, I focus on dematerializing my armor and changing into my "casual" wear. It took a little bit of focus, but I managed to switch into my little black dress.

I have to say, I'm not a fan of the corset.

Click to shrink...

Going down the corridor, you find nothing as you walk down them.

"My apologies." I say, annoyed. "My information is incomplete. All I know is that Caster should be setting up his Workshop in the sewers. So I can't really give you anything other then 'Anywhere' as an entry point."

I stop talking for a minute, before replying to his second point.

"You might be right about needing to go somewhere where we can't be spotted, though. Even if my Façade makes me look normal-ish, your drones and Berserker would attract attention."

I turn, so that I'm facing Frankenstein and the drones at the same time.

"Do either of you have any suggestions on somewhere to go or something to do while waiting for the search on Caster to get results?

Click to shrink...

Frankenstein thinks for a bit, putting her hand on her chin. Then, she draws in the ground 'You would meet master for an alliance?'

Wha..? Why is it so dark? And where's my bed?

...Am I on drugs or something? I'm fairly certain I'm not, but this is a rather abnormal situation.



Oh. Somebody is here to talk to me. Please actually explain the situation. And use small words please, I'm still tired.



Huh. That place looks eerily familiar... I've seen a map of it before, but I can't really recall the landmarks.



You're going to send me a machine gun robot girlfriend? I've always wanted one of those.



Oh. Well, that's kinda more along the lines of what I expected. Though 'forging'? Is this going o involve getting melted in a furnace? Please say it doesn't, I'm sensitive to heat.



'Xellos must Protect Berserker until Irisvel falls.'

Irisviel... Berserker?! Oh no no nononononononono not Fate Zero! Please! Anything but that!

...Well technically if things go the canon way I accomplish that without even needing to exist, BUT THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM.



I leap to my feet.

Well, no. I lied. I sort of spasmed, flipped forward from my position flat on my back, and then fell on my face. Note to self, do not try to be agile in a new body while tired. No matter how much you're panicking. It didn't really hurt though, which is sort of surprising. I guess the crazy void guy wasn't lying about 'forging me into a new form'. So, what have I got to work with? Something durable, evidently.

Shakily, and carefully, I get to my feet, and look down at myself. White sweater. Female parts. Purple skirt. I bring some of my hair into view. Blonde. Well, there's only one individual I know of that fits that description. Arcueid Brunestud, White Princess of the True Ancestors. The Executioner of their fallen. Well, that's uh, that's going to be fun. Hopefully no Dead Apostles won't find out I'm here for at least a week or something. Or anyone else for that matter, because there being a second Arcueid is going to throw the moonlit world for a spin.

'...Who do I think I'm kidding? There's no way my luck could ever be that good. There's going to be a dead apostle after me by tomorrow at the latest, if I'm surprisingly fortunate.'

And I have to kill Irisviel. Or at least ensure that she ends up dead. Piece of cake, if not for the fact that she's basically the single nicest person in all of Zero.

'Why couldn't it have been Ryuunosuke or something? I'd have killed Ryuunosuke. Hell, he probably would get off on it or something. Give him one last happy memory of the sight of his own guts before he goes off to get recycled.'

But enough of this. Where the hell am I? Given the water over there and the giant storage containers, this looks pretty much like the set of the crazy opening fight of Zero, with Saber vs Lancer vs Rider's Boasting vs Archer's Ego vs Berserker vs Saber again. It just hasn't been destroyed yet. With that thought, I stiffen.

"If that fights starts up directly on top of me, I'm gonna be really mad at you, Robert." I say, before wandering off to try and find something.

'Protect Berserker, right? Logically, that means Kariya... Off to Worm city, I suppose.' I think, a plan(for certain definitions of plan) forming in my head on what to do.

Click to shrink...

As you walk through the docks, the hairs on the back of your neck begin to prickle. As if eyes are watching you from afar...

 

[Mortifer]

Frankenstein thinks for a bit, putting her hand on her chin. Then, she draws in the ground 'You would meet master for an alliance?'

Click to shrink...

I nod. "Yes, that would be nice. Even after Caster, I've been tasked to eliminate someone that your Master may end up in conflict with in the Grail War. An alliance with you and your Master would make things more convenient for both of us."

 

[Borrowing]

I nod. "Yes, that would be nice. Even after Caster, I've been tasked to eliminate someone that your Master may end up in conflict with in the Grail War. An alliance with you and your Master would make things more convenient for both of us."

Click to shrink...

She nods, then draws out 'Follow me.' Then, she turns, and motions for you to follow her.

 

[Mortifer]

She nods, then draws out 'Follow me.' Then, she turns, and motions for you to follow her.

Click to shrink...

"Hold on. What about him?" I ask, pointing to the Drone. "We'll need to have one of his drones nearby to alert us to what he finds in the sewers, but I don't know if your Master has any objections, or if Tank guy has plans with another Master already."

I pause, realising something. I turn to the Drone.

"Also, I just realised that I haven't asked your name. Sorry. What can I call you?"

 

[Xellos]

As you walk through the docks, the hairs on the back of your neck begin to prickle. As if eyes are watching you from afar...

Click to shrink...

...Okay, what the hell is that? I just got real nervous and jittery all of a sudden. Like somebody was staring at me from behind. Almost instinctively, Arcueid's(my) hands turn into claws, ready to rend anything that tries to attack me.

I start glancing around. Where? Where where where?

'The crane.'

Right, this is the docks area, the best place to get a good view of everything is up there. I look up, trying to spot... whatever.