Fate/RP

---

Hello and Welcome to my first RP. I'm sure many of you are familiar with the Fate series or have at least heard of it, so I hope you enjoy it. I've been wanting to make this for a while now and I finally decided to knuckle down and work on it. In the RP each of the PCs will play the "Masters" of the Holy Grail war and will be given a "Servant" of one of the 7 classes; Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Caster, Assassin or Berserker, of whom I will play. The end goal is to win the Holy Grail and have your wish granted by it.

I have tried very hard to stick with certain rules the nasuverse has laid down about the grail war, but please forgive me if I have not quite managed to stay 100% faithful.

Rules:

• Please do not post anything in this thread not entirely related to the RP. if you have a question just drop me a PM

• Stay in Third person when writing, otherwise it looks awkward and doesn't make sense.

• Please use proper english. While we all make mistakes from time to time, the RP wouldn't work if everyone used slang or internet phrases.

• I would like it if everyone was available to post everyday (even if they don't need to) between 4-11PM GMT as that is when I am most widely available.

Character Creation:



Mechanics:



Terminology:



Wrap up/About



Locations:


Characters:
NPCs:

Basic Information:

Name: Hiroomi Yutaka

Sex: Male

Age: 31

Alignment: True Neutral

Appearance:
He is told he looks much younger than he actually is. It may have something to do with his magic origin slowing down the aging process slightly. He does not think this will last as he has very little magical energy.

Personality: Friendly and pragmatic,Yutaka is commonly referred to as someone who shouldn't have to hide away in the Fuyuki church by those he knows, however he doesn't feel burdened in the slightest. As he was trained to become the overseer for the church in Fuyuki, he feels it is his duty to be impartial, which he has managed very well. He will accept requests from people if he feels it is his duty, however he won't help everyone as he realises it is impossible. He is prepared to do anything he has to without doubt or question.

Background: The second generation of priests to take over after the Kotomine family, he was cared for, after being orphaned, by the church, however, he never planned to become a priest. at the age of 20 he got married to a beautiful woman and a year later he had a healthy daughter. He could not have been happier. Happiness did not last long as a disease that had spread around Fuyuki, claiming some few lives, afflicted his wife and child, killing them. He blamed himself and cursed that he had not been the one to die in their place. Turning back to the church he sought salvation in becoming a priest for the churches purposes and prays diligently for the return of his wife and children. Having been taught the secrets of the grail war and the intricacies of the church, as well as honing his body to near perfection and learning some few magics, he has taken over from the older priest that once was the overseer of Fuyuki. With the Grail War soon to take place he has readied himself for what is about to happen and what he will do when the time comes...

Statistics:

Strength: 4
Agility: 3
Endurance: 3
Magical Energy: 2
Luck: 1
Intelligence: 3
Unused: 0

Magecraft:
Healing:
Yutaka utilises healing magecraft, he has some basic understanding of its workings and can use it to augment his already more than proficient knowledge of the workings of the human body. He can use this to augment his own or anyone he is touching's natural healing ability, in that sense it is safe to say his origin lies within acceleration and deceleration

Fighting Style:
Yutaka has trained his body to be many times more powerful than the average person. Not quite a fighting style in itself he calls upon various knowledges and techniques within over 100 different martial arts and fighting styles, making him quite unpredictable.

---

Name: Matou Shinzu

Sex: Male

Age: 26

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Appearance: With blue hair indicative of his Matou lineage, and a slim body, as tall as 6 foot he boasts a complete lack of outstanding muscle instead, he has a chiseled face that his wife loves. He wears casual clothes almost always as he feels no need to be formal. Recently he has been looking rather crazed and disheveled, his eyes and veins not almost about to pop out of his skull.

Personality: while generally a nice person, he is the kind of person who will hold grudges and can be extremely spiteful when bothered. Recently this has changed as he has become more and more obsessed with the grail war, largely shouting at anyone who talks to him and getting annoyed at almost everything. His wish is to regain the matou family crest and make himself the most powerful magus in the world.

Background: With being born of the recently deceased magus bloodline of Matou, Shinzu found that he could actually utilize some little magic, despite the family crest being forever lost. He felt that it was his duty to continue the magus legacy of Matou, despite being warned by the Tohsaka's as well as his family
that he was better of not worrying about magic. Incensed by knowledge of the impending Grail War, shinzu did everything in his power to try to become a master, he succeeded, however, not knowing or understanding completely how to complete the summoning ritual, he incorrectly summoned the servant Assassin as soon as it was possible for the grail to manifest it, taking a huge toll on his physical and mental condition.

Statistics:
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Endurance: 1
Magical Energy: 2
Luck: 1
Intelligence: 2
Unused: 0
(Incorrectly summoning Assassin has taken a massive toll on his physical and mental state impacting on his stat points permanently)

Magecraft:
Water Magecraft:
Unable to use his family's magic, the crest having died out a few generations ago he uses water magecraft. He can manipulate water, using it as a weapon or a shield, but as he hasn't studied magic properly he cannot use it to its full potential. Keeping Assassin materialised has been a real toll on his magical energy as the contract hasn't been properly formed, meaning using any magic would be impractical for him.

---

PCs

User: Cinia Pacifica

Name: Isisviel von Einzbern

Age: 18.

Gender: Female.

Alignment: Lawful Evil.

Appearance:

Personality: Prideful and arrogant, is the usual description given by the maids of the Einzbern Manor; it was the facade she was taught to display, after all. Isisviel may sometimes be cheerful, this side of her's is rarely ever seen as her pride disallows her to show such a shameful side of herself. She is also very curious about the world as she had been living a sheltered life for the most of her life. She spent most of her time in educational sessions which made her far more curious about the outside world due to all the references made during her times of studying.

Isisviel is necessarily not an evil or harmful person, but killing other masters and servants in the Holy Grail War has been taught to be a 'natural thing' for the sake of glory and victory. It's what she's taught; it's the reason why she exists, or so she was told. Which is why it is possible for her to kill without experiencing the feeling of remorse.

Background: Isisviel von Einzbern - also referred to as 'Isis' in short sometimes - is a person created and raised by the Einzbern family solely for the purpose of having her participate as a Master in the actual Holy Grail War, which may soon occur. Her father and mother has been known to her only through notes and portraits, and were rarely addressed by her grandfather - the head of the Einzbern family. It was told to her that they died in the previous Holy Grail war in the past, and that her life-span has been magically made long in order to be alive to face the next war. What she doesn't know, is that her existence itself is still an experiment - no one knows when her body could begin to decay and her death before said war could occur.

Isisviel is a homunculus - like the other created masters of the Einzberns - made for the sole purpose of participating in the Holy Grail War. When she was still inside her mother's womb, and even after she took birth, her body was repeatedly modified via magical and alchemic techniques that the Einzberns were so famed for, to be the homunculus with the ultimate magical capabilities. As such, she was always secluded from the outside world and was trained to be a magi capable of performing magic that can be made possible due to her body.

Her appearance is also childlike due to the aforementioned modifications, as the development of her body has significantly decreased due to these changes made to her from before her birth. Her grandfather commented that she possesses mature facial features, only her height is that of a younger teenager. Hence, she is eighteen years old despite the fact that she looks like a young girl. However, as a homunculus made with greater magical capacity; her magical potential is far greater than that of most magi.


Statistics:

Strength: 1

Agility: 2

Endurance: 1

Magical Energy: 6

Luck: 2

Intelligence: 4

Unused 0


Magecraft:
Alchemy spells.

---

User: nooby2

Name: Kuhouin Shinra　(空峰陰 真羅)

Sex: Male

Alignment: True Neutral

Appearance: Slim Asian Man in his Early 20s. Short-Medium length Black Hair, angled cut towards right side. 5 foot, 11 inches in height.

Ordinary: Jeans and whatevers trendy. Prefers clothes which are easy to move in. Occasionally has to wear suit and tie since he's heir, mostly tailored clothing due to his position.

Battle: Loose trench coat, think of a mix between Albert Wesker and Shinto outfit. Threading and motifs are noticeable traits. Fingerless Gloves.

Personality: Shinra has been taught since young to preserve the balance, the yin and yang of the world, both physical and spiritual. As such, his decisions are usually impartial or do not tend to cause disorder in any direction. He adopts a wait and see approach often, contemplating the next course of action.

Nonetheless, it's because of this impartial attitude that he tends to cut loose in other areas not related to work. Business is Business and Pleasure is Pleasure, so to speak. Outside of his position as Heir of the Kuhouin Family, he spends his time indulging in his hobbies. He tends to keep people at a distance due to his nature and has very few close friends but those he considers real friends are held dear to him.

He has an amazing sweet tooth, often having candy/sweets/gummies/chocos on his person. He also carries a fox keychain around...

His Wish: To be given the power or knowledge to determine the balance, rather than be dictated by it.

Background: The Kuhouin are primarily Onmyouji and were formerly a branch family of the Tsuchimikado Clan. Their roots can be traced back to Abe no Seimei and although most of them have forgotten their lineage, they have never ceased in their duties.

Their duty was to Maintain Balance, both in the material and spiritual realm and have takens steps to ensure that they would be in a position of power to do so. In the current age, they function as the Kuhouin Zaibatsu. Members are split according to talent or lack of and those with spiritual prowess are taught Onmyouji, ranging from curses and divination to shikigami control and elemental magecraft. When the situation required, they could always function as a Demon Hunting Organisation.

Born as the eldest son of the current head, Shinra was thrust into a position many admired but few wanted. Since birth, he was groomed to be the next Keeper and head of the spiritual side. Possessing great sensitivity to the spiritual realm and more spiritual power than most, he was trained extensively in the Onmyou arts.

His life was always dictated by balance as he was to represent it as the heir of the family and has few friends. In mundane life, he scored higher than most in academics but is incapable of prolonged periods of strenuous activity. His nature of distancing himself from people compounded with his position as next heir of the Kuhouin group led to a mostly solitary lifestyle, being unable to truly connect with many others apart from a select few.

During his small amount of free time, he engages in things most would not associate with the next head of association such as going out to arcades or engaging in hobbies the "common" folk have. These were the only small liberties he had as heir and he greatly cherished the time spent on them.

As he grew older, he was dispatched on various missions and was tasked to remove spiritual disturbances to maintain order and balance. These were the foundation of his current skillset and what he chose to learn as an onmyouji.
After witnessing the aftermath of these disturbances, Shinra wondered if there was a way to prevent these occurrences, rather than to just react or rely on the divinations of his clan.

Due to the current Holy Grail War, he and many others of his clan have been dispatched to various locations around Japan to investigate and determine the next course of action, with Shinra being selected to head to Fuyuki City. To restore or break the balance, that will be decided on the battlefield.

Statistics:

Strength: 1
Agility: 3
Endurance: 2
Magical Energy: 4
Luck: 1
Intelligence: 3
Unused: 2


Magecraft: Houjutsu (Kuhouin Style： 九法陰術氏)
Shikigami Exertion

---

User: Sabers Praetor

Name: Regulis Felis Arknor

Sex: Male

Alignment: Neutral

Appearance: Slightly above shoulder length unkempt blonde hair, emerald green eyes, fair complexion, stands about 5'11, he is a toned but you cant tell through his clothing.
While in the clocktower he wore a red suit with a black tie, a memento of his fathers, with the coat unbuttoned he can always be found with a pair of headphones around his neck.
While outside the tower he wears loose fitting t-shirts and blue jeans. If its cold the most he will do is put on a hoody.

Personality: Analytical and Quick Witted, but a bit on the laid back side.

Background: His family was a new family in magi history with himself only being the 3rd generation, As oft is the case his mother died while giving birth to him leaving his father, a member of the clocktower, to raise him. about the age of four his father was killed during some incident or another the details were never disclosed the only thing brought back was his father's arm bearing the family crest. After having the crest transferred upon himself he began attending classes at the clocktower and studied diligently, but for what purpose? He had no thoughts of vengeance, no goal in life, and knew nothing outside of his learnings. so upon turning 17 he left the clock tower and traveled learning all that he could. He retuned 2 years later now 19 and still saw no set path for himself. Shortly after he stumbled upon an old book in it were brief mentionings of a ritual known as the Holy Grail War. He began searching for more info and after obtaining it he was satisfied that this was the answer to his concerns. He spent a year hunting down relics related to Heroes of yore. After 6 months, now almost 21, he obtained the mark of a master and made preparations for the war. After noticing his behavior and the crest he was called forth to represent the clocktower and their goal.....he accepted with the terms of necessary funding arranged he could now further his own goals and if possible pass over anything remaining afterwards
to the clocktower with little care.

Wish: to find his purpose in life and of course the usual goal of Akasha

Statistics:

Strength: 4

Agility: 2

Endurance: 2

Magical Energy: 2

Luck: 0

Intelligence: 5

Magecraft/Fighting style: Flame Thaumaturgy/Aikido

---

User: TheLoneGentleman

Name: Yui Tohsaka

Sex: Female

Age: 16

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Appearance:


Personality: Despite her appearance Yui is a very awkward girl who avoids being the center of attention. But in the face of supreme injustice she will do all in her power to completely stomp out the evil. When provoked she can snap into an oppressive force that is impossible to deal with using mere words. She hates the evil that the Grail pulls out in people,and her wish if she obtains it will be for it to disappear for all time.

Background: Yui lost her father to enemies of the family that were trying to uncover family secrets. For a long time she was raised by her mother who did her best as the head of the household, but she held a deep depression following the death of her husband. One day her mother left and never came back leaving Yui to be raised by the help. Full of anger towards her mother she never cared enough to look for her. At the age age of 15 she was now the new head of the Tohsaka family. She wasn't very good at the job she was given, but she did the best she could despite her personality. Somehow she still manages to keep the family afloat, albeit in a lazy fashion.

In order to defend herself she taught herself martial arts, and supplemented it with the family's Flowing/Transferring of Power and other spell arts. She has never been one to leave things up to chance, and works hard to use skill to make things go her way in a fight.

At school she has only a few friends, and usually keeps to herself. People often talk about her behind her back, or sometimes right in front of her. But she pays them no mind unless they take it upon themselves to confront her. These incidents don't usually end well for the other party involved. Though there have been instances when Yui has maintained self restraint to avoid further trouble at school. But off school grounds she has no reason to hold herself back.

Statistics:

Strength: 3
Agility: 3
Endurance: 2
Magical Energy: 3
Luck: 0
Intelligence: 3
Unused: 2

Magecraft/Fighting style:

Yui is a master of Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. Using her magical powers she amplifies her natural fighting ability. With the crystals she has obtained over the years she is capable of expending them to cause major damage in a single strike. She usually prefers to fall back to her reinforcement magic instead of using her crystals however.

While Yui can use most Thaumaturgy, the Tohsaka's speciality is the use of crystals as magic catalysts.

---

User: Katsucha

Name: Rowland Faulkner

Sex: Male

Age: 25

Alignment: Lawful good

Appearance:



Personality: Easy going,calm and likes to tease other now and then. Rowland also enjoys reading books especially those about history. He also enjoys helping others. Currently has no wish.

Background: Born in London Rowland comes from a no-name Magus family. Rowland parents hoped for their son to succeed as a Magus but after a while it was noted Rowland would be averaged at best. Rowland didn't mind from his studies he was more interested in learning the history of the world which he came to enjoy from reading books. To him discovering things from the past was far more interesting than advancing his skills in Magecraft. Though he was still interested to learn more of the history of Magecraft itself though in an attempt not disappoint his parents he continue his Magecraft studies as well.

Once he had graduated from school Rowland had decided to travel around the world. Rowland traveled to a few countries spending at least a full week as the minimum, while those he greatly enjoyed he stayed at least 2 months. After two years of travel Rowland had finally decided he would settle down for a while at least. Rowland decided he would settle in Japan since it was one of the countries he was interested learning more about. Upon arriving Rowland decided to settle at Fuyuki city once he was able to get a job as a history teacher at one of the schools there.


Statistics:

Strength:2

Agility:2

Endurance:2

Magical Energy:2

Luck:1

Intelligence:4

Unused:3

Magecraft: Flame Magecraft

---

User: HiroyukiShota

Name: Lius Derfnam

Age: 26

Sex: Male

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Appearance: Tanned from years of exposure towards the south east of Asia's climate. Lius's eyes are drooping most of the time that gives an impression of him glaring at someone or on the boarder of falling asleep. His lips have an purple-ish hue on them that led many to assume that he's a smoker when he in fact, dislikes it with an passion.

Clothing:

Combat - Don a white sleeveless with snow camouflage pattern combat fatigues covering his lower half. 3 belt clips hangs around his waist containing tools and spare magazines. A khaki muffler hangs loosely on neck. He wears a pair of military grade boots, patches of leather has worn out from years of usage.

Casual - Wears orange t-shirt with flower prints along with brown bermudas. Wears sandals and dons a waist pouch with a casio watch. A Guitar case containing his rifle lies slung on his back.

Personality: Lius has a very uncomplicated, perhaps even animalistic view towards life. He judges people by first impression labelling them as people he likes and dislikes and generally distances himself from the latter while embracing the former, allowing them access to the more humanly aspect of him than the portrayal of a anti-social he usually displays.

Lius living habits was also a by-product of his years travelling, preferring efficiency over all else. Like wise, his eating habits is subjected to his experience's verdict. Like his dislike of mushrooms due to a food poisoning incident in his travels.

Background: Born to a dying bloodline, Eclipsed by people of greater academic prowess and shouldered with lost of his mother to disease at a young age. A life that has accomplished little to none has left Lius without a direction to forge towards to. Ceasing his already bleak future with the academy, Lius decided to travel the world to seek a new direction, carrying with him a faint grudge of magecraft that he'll carry throughout his life.

Lius' travels would eventually bring him to a certain remote country, where he came across a local tale of a lesbian couple that never came to be, separated and prosecuted by religion where their spirits haunt the region. Whereas he knew that it was but a tale of propaganda fuelled by the fear of religious retribution, the tale inspired him, empathize with him and deep down reignited the flames of ambition, however small within him.

Ending a 3 years pilgrimage, he returned to his lonely estate back in Germany to explore his family's craft. Knowing full well of his half baked foundation, Lius made adjustments to suit his needs, drawing his inspiration from the tale that he heard from his travels. Finally, after months of research, practice and personalization. He was ready, Luis was ready to face the world again.

Wish: A world where hard work pays off. where talent is factored out and the playing field equalled out between all individuals with only one's capability to work hard allowing him or her to stand out from the rest.

Statistic:

Strength: 3

Agility: 3

Endurance: 3

Intelligence: 2

Magic: 2

Luck: 1

Unused: 2

Magecraft/Fighting style:
Derfnam Magecraft: Vector manipulation
Marksmanship: Barrett XM500

---

User: BlinkXPoke

Name: Yasooka Azusa

Sex: Female

Age: 16

Alignment: Lawful Good

Appearance:


Personality: Azusa is an energetic and cheerful girl. She is always exercising and training, hoping to surpass her brother. She is incredibly stubborn, even putting herself at great personal risk to achieve the goals she has set for herself. She is easily disappointed with herself. Azusa has many dog-like tendencies, being very loyal and obedient, and easily manipulated by the promise of food.

She is a poor student in school, and isn’t able to retain much of the knowledge she learns in classes. Azusa usually relies on her brother to copy notes, keep her awake in class, or help her study. It takes a lot of effort for her to receive an average score on her exams. On the other hand, she is an excellent student in the dojo, able to memorize techniques with one demonstration.
Azusa’s wish would be to defeat her brother, the next generation’s head of her family’s dojo. She has never been able to match him, let alone defeat him in a sparring match.


Background: Azusa is an adopted daughter of the Yasooka family of martial artists. She never knew her birth parents, who left her with an orphanage during the earliest stages of her life. Her childhood was an enjoyable one. She played often with the other children around her, and was rather competitive. She was also known to be a crybaby, always becoming tearful whenever she loses, or gets hurt or frustrated with something, but she always tried to stop herself and try again at whatever she was doing.

At a nearby park, Azusa met a young boy named Shuuhei, who was practicing karate. She was very curious and pestered him continuously to have him teach her. At first, Shuuhei was resistant and refused, but eventually he started to teach her basic forms. Azusa was tenacious, never giving up even as Shuuhei insulted her, saying things like “You’ll never be able to do it!” However, she was able to learn quickly, and Shuuhei began warming up to her.

They started having a sibling-like relationship. Azusa looked up to Shuuhei for his seemingly perfect technique, and was always asking for his help with various things, including her martial arts skills. Shuuhei would treat her to food and other gifts, and came to protect her from bullies on several occasions. Eventually, Shuuhei’s parents learned of Azusa, and they were impressed by her skill and willingness to learn. They accepted her as a student, and she was given special privileges within the dojo, for being such a close friend of their son.

She spent so much time with them that Shuuhei suggested that the Yasooka family should adopt Azusa. It was a proposal everyone agreed with. Azusa was officially made a member of the Yasooka family when she was 12 years old. To this day, she is still close with Shuuhei, and has earned her black belt in the family’s art, still training so that she could one day surpass her brother, and stand by his side as the assistant master when his parents’ generation passes.


Statistics:

Strength: 3
Agility: 5
Endurance: 3
Magical Energy: 2
Luck: 1
Intelligence: 1
Unused: 1


Fighting style:

Azusa has trained to mastery in the Yasooka style of karate, a more aggressive version with more precise strikes. She is also being trained in use of a staff, but she hasn’t mastered it yet.

---

Servants:





Master: Rowland Faulkner

True Name:

Sex: Female

Weight/Height: 150 CM 41 KG

Alignment: Lawful Good

Strength: B Magical Energy:B
Endurance:B Luck:C
Agility: C Noble Phantasm:

Class Abilities:

Magical Resistance: A
Cancels any Magic Below A-rank

Riding: B
Ability to ride things. She can ride most vehicles with above average skill with the exception of Demonic Beast and Holy Beast rank vehicles/creatures.






Battle Continuation: B+
Inspired by god, everything Saber does is holy, therefore she will not give up easily.
It allows for battle until Saber suffers a near fatal blow

Charisma: C
Natural talent to command an army, any army with Saber at the head will be much more effective. Rank C is enough to command a large army.

---

Master: Yui Tohsaka

True Name: Honda Tadakatsu

Sex: Male

Weight/Height: 184CM 84KG

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Strength: B Magical Energy: D
Endurance: A Luck: B
Agility: B Noble Phantasm: C

Class Abilities:

Magic Resistance: C
Nullifies magic that requires less than two verses. Reduces the effect of other magics except for great and ritual magic.




A Samurai and Daimyo in the Sengoku period Honda Tadakatsu quickly rose through the ranks of the Tokugawa shogunate. Never once sustaining a major wound or ever losing to another samurai Tadakatsu’s prowess was legendary, however after peace had been made with other remaining shogunates he became estranged, unused to how he should act during times of peace. A man of action and battle he took his undefeated reign to his grave, unfulfilled, he did not die in battle. His ability with his spear the Tonbu-Giri is the reason he has been summoned under the Lancer class and his ability was such that the spear became legendary, one of the three great spears of Japan and perhaps the finest in the east.



Battle Continuation: A
The ability to stay alive. This ability allows for battle until the user has received a clearly fatal blow.

Mind’s Eye (True): C
This ability allows for objective viewing of a battle and an enemy’s ability whatever the condition, and the consideration of the best possible path to follow. At this level chances of pulling off an action using this skill are reduced however they remain high




Tonbu-Giri – The Dragonfly Cutter
Rank: C
Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm
Range: 1-2 Meters
Maximum Target: 1 person

This noble phantasm is Tadakatsu’s legendary spear. His skill with it is unrivalled. One of the three legendary spears of Japan, it is said to be so sharp and so precise it can cut a dragonfly exactly in half. As such when Tadakatsu says its name it can cut and penetrate anything except a higher ranked Noble Phantasm

---

Master: Isisviel von Einzbern

True Name:

Weight/Height:

Alignment:

Strength: Magical Energy:
Endurance: Luck:
Agility: Noble Phantasm:

Class Abilities:

---

Master: Regulis Felis Arknor

True Name: Perseus

Weight/Height: 190CM 90KG

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Strength: B Magical Energy: C
Endurance: B Luck: C
Agility: B Noble Phantasm: EX

Class Abilities:

Magic Resistance: B
Nullifies all magic that requires less than three verses. Great and ritual magic’s power is reduced.

Riding: A+
Ability to ride things. He can ride anything, including demonic and holy creatures, however cannot ride dragons.




Perseus was born a demi-god and rightful heir to the throne of Argos. Son of Zeus and Danae, he was doomed to never be king from before he even entered the world. An oracle came to his grandfather, the King of Argos, telling him that he would be killed by the son of his daughter Danae. To prevent this the king locked Danae away from the outside world. This however did not stop the birth of Perseus and they were sent away, cast away in a wooden chest and thrown into the ocean. They survived and Perseus was raised by shepherds. However Perseus did not like the king of the land he called home, he was dishonourable, sly and worst of all he was in love with his mother. In return for promising to stay away from Danae, was ordered by the king to slay the Gorgon Medusa. Aided by the goddess Athena and other gods who sympathised with him, Perseus defeated Medusa.
On his way back he saved Andromeda, the princess of Ethiopia, from the Cetus, a serpent like beast that was sent by Poseidon because of the King’s arrogance. Andromeda married Perseus.
When Perseus returned to his mother he found that the king, had made even more violent advances on her, so he slayed him with Medusa’s head.
The king of Argos, Perseus’ grandfather was attending a funeral games for the king of Larissa, when the Oracle of his death came true. Perseus had also been invited to the games as an athlete and as such inadvertently killed him with a rogue discus.
While Perseus was later founder and King of Mycenae, he was exiled from his rightful throne of Argos. Perseus despite the love of the gods was never the king he should have been.




Divinity: B+
Shows the strength of one’s divine blood
While Perseus was a demigod he was never elevated to Olympus when he died, like the hero Hercules, therefore it is not as strong as some other demigods

Bravery: B
Negates the effect of mental interference and allows a servant to focus on the battle itself

Perseus could never have accomplished heroic deeds were he not brave.

Mind’s Eye (true): A
Calm analysis of battle situations, no matter what the circumstance, this skill allows for victory even if there is only the faintest chance
Perseus was the finest of Warriors and honed his skill to a point where he can perceive the very flow of combat and predict his opponent’s moves almost perfectly




Gifts of the Gods – 5 Sacred Treasures
Rank: EX
Type: N/A
This Noble Phantasm allows for the use of the 5 treasures that were gifted to Perseus by the gods to slay Medusa.
Perseus can use one at a time without expending a significant amount of magical energy, however use of two incurs large penalties to his prana supply
The ranks and abilities of the phantasms vary and are as follows:

Herpe – Sword that Slays Immortality
Rank: B
Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm
Range: 1 Meter
Maximum Target: 1 Person
Herpe is the sword that Zeus gifted to Perseus to slay Medusa as no normal sword can destroy and immortal gorgon
This Noble Phantasm is unremarkable as a sword, however wounds from Herpe cannot be healed.

Helm of Darkness – Armour of complete invisibility
Rank: A
Type: Barrier Noble Phantasm
Protection Target: 2 people
This is the helm given to Perseus by Zeus, it previously belonged to hades.
This Noble Phantasm completely shrouds the wearer in darkness making them impossible to perceive, even with magic of the highest order. The benefit can be passed onto anything the wearer chooses also.
It does not affect what can and can’t physically touch you though, as such it is weak as a true barrier phantasm.

Winged Sandals – Flying Sandals of Hermes
Rank: D
Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm
Range: N/A
Maximum Target: N/A
These were the sandals gifted by the Messenger god Hermes and are Perseus’ main form of transport. They allow for much faster movement and flight.

End of Gifts of the Gods – 5 Sacred Treasures

Bellerophon – Reins of the Heroic Cavalry
Rank: A+
Type: Anti-Army Noble Phantasm
Range: 2-50 Meters
Maximum Target: 300 people
All abilities increase a rank when in use.
A physical attack that utilises the Pegasus to reach high speeds and destroy its opponent with powerful charges.

An extremely powerful phantasm noble phantasm that is almost unstoppable.
While Bellerophon is the hero who rode the Pegasus originally, Perseus also had his own Pegasus that was born out of Medusa’s neck. Thus there is a confusion between the two’s legend.

This is the only Phantasm that Perseus truly owns

Aegis – The ever changing, never aging protection
Rank: EX
Type: Barrier Noble Phantasm
Protection Target: 1 person
The Aegis, while never being in his possession is arguably Perseus’ true noble phantasm. Without his legend it could never have come about.

The Aegis can take any shape, however it most frequently is armour or a shield.

Being made by the gods it is indestructible therefore grants an ultimate protection from physical and magical attacks. The Aegis can only be damaged by another divine instrument or something created to destroy god-forged things.

Having the Medusa head at its centre it has weak petrification power equivalent to a rank C skill.

---

Master: Kuhouin Shinra

True Name:

Weight/Height: 110cm 35kg

Alignment: Neutral Evil

Strength: E Magical Energy: EX
Endurance: D Luck: B
Agility: D Noble Phantasm: ?

Class Abilities:

Territory Creation: A
Creates an area that is advantageous to oneself as a Magus. Allows for creation of a Temple, superior to a Workshop

Tool Creation: A
Allows for the creation of tools that carry magical energy. It even allows for the creation of something close to an immortality serum

---

Master: Matou Shinzu (deceased)

True Name:

Weight/Height:

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Strength: D Magical Energy: C
Endurance: D Luck: C
Agility: B Noble Phantasm: ?

Class Abilities:

Presence Concealment: D
Hides ones presence as a servant. Suitable for spying.






Independent Action: B
Independent Action allows servants to function even after the magical supply from their master has been cut off or withdrawn. Rank B allows servants to stay in this world for two days without a master.

---

Master: Lius Derfnam

True Name:

Weight/Height: 200CM 110KG

Alignment: Chaotic Insane

Strength: A Magical Energy: B+
Endurance: A Luck: B
Agility: B Noble Phantasm: ?

Class Abilities:

Mad Enhancement: B
All parameters are increased, but sanity is lost. Berserker however mysteriously retains his abilities of speech and leadership.

February 9th

Winter had come to Fuyuki city, an unnaturally cold february towards the end of the season, as if to foreshadow the coming events. The trees were laid bare and some small amount of snow had settled on ground. The blue haired man's breath was visible in the cold as he darted through the streets of Miyama town, two bundles held under his arms. If anyone had seen him, they might comment on how he was clearly trying to avoid being seen, however it was because of this that he only took the side alleys where no one would have any chance of seeing him. Miyama had been busy, he thought, but that had worked in his favour as he had managed to obtain the two lumps that lay under his arms. Reaching his home in the foreign side of Miyama, Matou Shinzu opened the door.

"Darling?" His wife called out, from the living room. How annoying he thought, he wished she would just leave him alone. Ignoring her, he headed down into the basement. He was unsure what this dank stone room had been used for when the Makiri were a prominent magus family in the area, but it had served him well in summoning Assassin.

"Ah, my master does return" Said a woman's voice, sarcastically, which was almost deafened by the clinking of chains. So good of you to grace me with your presence".

In front of Matou Shinzu was the woman in question, his servant, Assassin. She had unblemished tanned skin, and beautiful black hair, you could have mistaken her for a goddess she was that pretty, in fact many had. She had been chained up to prevent her from doing anything troublesome. He was enraged by her tone of voice, but restrained himself. "Quiet, you" he sneered, dropping the two bundles from his arms. "How dare you speak to me like that, you are in the presence of a queen, plebeian, show some respect" Assassin said haughtily. At this Shinzu's already short temper went wild, he slapped the woman in front of him, "I said quiet, bitch"

Assassin was silent for some moments before laughing, maniacally. "You touched me" she laughed, her laugh becoming quite scary at this point, "you actually touched me" She abruptly stopped her incessant laughter, now glaring at her Master. "I'm going to kill you Master, you know that?" She said, matter of fact.

It was Shinzu's turn to laugh at this. "Such a shame you're bound not to hurt me by the command spell, isn't it?" He seemed to find this incredibly amusing. He rolled up his sleeve to reveal a snake like tattoo on his forearm, two segments of this tattoo had faded. He had found her personality annoying from the get go and bound her to this room with his first command spell. The second had been used when she attempted to kill him, to make sure she couldn't do the same again.

"You only have one of those left master" She smiled broadly, although there was clearly some hidden murderous intent. Shinzu walked up to her and grabbed her face, moving it around as if to examine it, before slapping it once again. "I won't need to use another one skank, if you want the grail, you'll cooperate with me from now on" He said in a superior tone. "Is that so, Master? Asked Assassin her composure not shaken by the slap, "ok, I'll hear you out" She said with a sly smile.

Sinzu smiled at this. "It seems you're finally recognising who is the Master" He said bending over to unwrap the bundles he had been carrying with him. When he did so he revealed two small children, one boy and one girl, still breathing. "You can use them right? With that Phantasm of yours?"

Assassin began laughing again, harder than before "Ahahahaha, I knew you were sick, but children? That's got to be a new low Master" She said her laugh slowly subsiding. At this Matou Shinzu punched her with everything he had, which wasn't much. "I don't want to hear that coming from you, bitch, I asked you a question A mad glint took over Shinzu's eyes as he reprimanded his servant.

Yes i can use them" She said, again, seemingly unfased by her Master's abuse. At this a golden shadow crept from Assassin and towards the children. Shinzu's eyes gleamed as he witnessed the Noble Phantasm in use. Reaching the small girl, the golden shadow crept into her from every orifice. The small girl's eyes opened, her Irises now golden.

"See? that wasn't so hard was it? Said Shinzu, visibly happy, however, his Servant did not reply.

"Master, can I confirm your second command spell?" She said, her head bent downwards "I cannot harm you can I?"

Shinzu looked confused. "What are you talking about bitch? Of course you can't.". At this Assassin lifted her head and smiled. "Then this shouldn't be breaking any rules"

Matou Sinzu suddenly found his right arm violently grabbed, his eyes widdened and pupils dilated when he realised what had happened. Yo-" Shinzu was unable to continue his sentence as he suddenly found that his entire forearm was missing, cleanly broken off by the little girl he had brought with him. Assassin laughed, without Shinzu's command spell he was powerless.

"Oh dear, it appears you are no longer my Master, wretch" She said playfully, ripping the chains that bound her apart. Shinzu was still unable to react as he was punched hard in the stomach by the small girl, who was now many tens of times stronger than a normal human. He reeled over on all fours but his back was then stamped by Assassin, who then proceeded to rub his face into the dirty stone floor with her feet. "I do not forget insults to my person, serf, you would have done well to keep that in mind, a Queen does not take orders from one so lowly as you. But don't worry, I'll be keeping you alive" She said coldly "after all, I would do well to keep you as a source of magic energy, although I do suppose you'll be exhausted quite soon". As Assassin said this, hundreds of snakes slithered from the shadows and crawled inside Shinzu's body. He Screamed, although it was barely audible, it still contained the sound of desperation; Assassin loved that sound.

(This is a joint post between Katsucha and BagMan .)


“Now lets see, I guess this goes over here and this part goes here. I guess I should have studied this magic circle better.” Rowland said as he continue to draw a magic circle in his study room. “Wish the professor would have told me about the Holy Grail sooner, drawing this here really sucks.” Rowland sighed. “I believe that’s all for the circle now lets see what’s next” Rowland said as he grabbed a letter on his desk.

“To believe such thing existed in the world... too bad there’s fighting involved but the idea of seeing historical figures from the past is too much to pass on” Rowland said with great excitement coming from his voice.

“Hmm, so all that’s left is the incantation according to the professor letter. Though still hard to believe even I can do this. Well whatever for one seeking to learn more I can’t turn back now.” Rowland said as he then made a final check to see everything was in place.

“Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone. The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg. The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.”

The circle Rowland had so painstakingly constructed, began to glow, his magic was working.

“Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled.

I announce.

Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer. “

He began to feel his magical energy flow into the circle.

“You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!”

All at once, there was a blinding flash of light, and the sound of a loud thump and a girlish yelp from behind Rowland, when he could finally see again, his magic circle was empty.

Confused by the sudden yelp he heard. Rowland turned around from where he heard the yelp from. On his desk he could see a young girl laying down on it. “Umm, are you my servant?”

Rising from the desk, the girl rubbed her head, “Ouch” she said in a soft voice. It was then that Rowland noticed she was fully armoured, like a knight, a sword at her hips. Hopping off the table she stood facing Rowland and answered his question, “Yes Master, I am yours to command,” she knelt down on one knee, “I am the Servant of the class Saber, at your service”

“Amazing to think it actually worked.” Rowland said happily though then he walked up to Saber “Though are you okay you seemed to had taken a hard hit on your head. Did I mess up in the summoning for that to happen?”

“Hrmm…” Saber thought for a while before speaking “While it’s true this was by no means a masterful summoning I can’t sense any problems in my own abilities, this should be fine enough Master” She said stretching as if to warm up for a race.

“Well that’s good to hear. Though now lets see a female knight. Don’t think there were many of you though according to my professor letter you probably won’t tell me who you are. Though I don’t think it will hurt to ask. Would you let me know your actual name?” Rowland asked not being able to hide his curiosity.

“While, in normal circumstances it would only be fair for me to give you my name, something tells me that would not be wise, call it divine intuition if you will Master” Saber spoke.

“Understood, though I guess it will be just as fun figuring out who you are seeing you in action.” Rowland happily replied. “Though you’re quite small would you be okay?”

At this Saber frowned, “Don’t underestimate me Master, just because I’m small and a girl doesn’t mean I can’t fight” To prove a point and partly to demonstrate how she didn’t like getting looked down on as a warrior, she punched a large dent into Rowland’s desk.

“You know a simple yes would have been enough.” Rowland said shocked at what Saber just did. “I guess I’ll be buying a new one tomorrow” He sighed.

Saber looked flustered “Eh…” she said “Yes would have been enough? But… I… All the men before…” Saber was having trouble forming a coherent sentence. Pulling herself together she said, bowing “I appear to have underestimated you Master, please forgive me.”

“Don’t sweat it. I should have worded that differently. Though I take it men before wouldn’t take you serious cause of your size. Anyways call me Rowland being called Master is a bit embarrassing for me.”

“As you wish Rowland” She smiled.

“Alright then, since that’s settle lets go eat or do servant’s not eat?” Rowland said as he walked towards the door.

“We don’t have to… but since you’re offering” Saber blushed slightly as she followed Rowland.

“Alright, I hope my cooking is to your liking Saber” Rowland happily said as he headed to the kitchen.

(This is a Joint post starring: BagMan and TheLoneGentleman)

“Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone. The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg. The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.”

The magic circle beneath the dark haired girl began to glow.

“Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled.

I announce.

Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer. “

Her right forearm had begun to throb. She couldn’t tell if it was painful, but it was incredibly hot.

“Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.”

The glow the the circle completely filled her vision, but she wouldn’t let that get in the way of her summoning.

“You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!”

As Yui finished the spell her servant rose from the center of the circle in the center of the living room. She had moved a few things around to make things simpler. The couches were easy enough to move, but the antique wooden table was almost destroyed do to frustration. In the end she was able to clear the space however.

Looking upon her servant she smiled jumping up on the table that she hated so much. “Welcome to my side, Lancer” she said proudly.

Rising completely from the circle and standing his full height, Lancer was clearly a japanese man with long black hair and armour that would fit some noble warrior. He carried, as his namesake might suggest, a long lance. The tip of the lance was so sharp that, just by it moving around the room, the air was visibly cut in two by its presence.

“You are my Master then?” Asked Lancer, becoming aware of Yui’s presence.

“That’s right!” she said stepping off the table. Walking towards her servant the first thing she noticed was he was taller than her. Yui stood at about 5’7 and her servant was probably near the 7 foot range. Walking around him she gave him a full evaluation. “Yes you should do nicely.” she said stopping in front of him and looking him in the eyes.

Bending his head downwards to reach his Master’s gaze, Lancer looked troubled. “But you are so young” He commented “and a girl, this war is dangerous you know?”

“Psh, life is dangerous.” Yui said moving over to sit on the couch. “What’s the trouble with me being a girl anyways? Boys aren’t anything you write home about nowadays either.”

“You’re telling me men have lost their way as warriors? Unforgivable!” Flames rose in Lancer’s eyes.

“They lost their way a long time ago. I could take any of the boys at my school in a fight. Easy Peezy.” she said laughing. “You aren’t like them though. Obviously. So I’ll allow you the pleasure of my company. We are going to flip this war on its head, you and I.”

Lancer nodded his head thoughtfully. “I like the sound of that Master, it is fortunate you have summoned me, who has never been bested in combat” He said in agreement “Who is it that we are flipping first?”

“Well those Matous jumped the gun, and claimed a servant already. We will wait for them to make a move, and strike without mercy.” she answered.

Lancer arched his back and let out a large, warm laugh, “I like you already girl” His laugh still hinted in his voice, “What is your name?”

“Yui Tohsaka” she answered simply.

“Ah” He sounded pleased “A fine Japanese name, Well Yui, I am in your care” he smiled.

(This is a joint post between Cinia Pacifica and BagMan.)

"Jeez," was whispered into the air for less than a moment, as the wind ruthlessly carried away the sound of her utterance. A silhouette of a person walked - trudging past a sea of white snow. The figure was that of a young lady who possessed shiny silvery long hair. Her white aristocratic Victorian dress was wet from all the cold snow that caught themselves against the soft fabric of the dress. It's color was slightly darkened, as it dampened from the snow soaking into the dress. Her crimson red eyes gleamed through the blizzard as she ignored the continuous feeling of coldness to her skin, or the fact that her favorite attire was ruined. Instead, her face was wrecked with her constant frown mixed with her cranky expression; all of which displayed her irritation caused by the harsh cold weather.

Holding onto the briefcase, the seemingly young girl looked up - after crossing through a bunch of dead and frozen trees - to the icy castle before her. On a mountain district close to a river - the Einzbern's mansion stood gracefully atop the snowy land. Her lips stretched slightly; covering her pretty porcelain face with a cold smile. Not knowing the meaning of the word 'fear', she pushed the large door open without a spec of hesitation. The unfolded scene before her as she entered the chapel was always an astounding view to her. The beautiful stain glasses, and the light that came past it made it a more 'worthy' place when she considered every other places of the Einzbern castle.

Walking up to the center, she came to a cessation - opening the case. What lied before her was known to be an ancient blade. Despite this fact, light reflected over it’s shiny steel - it didn’t seem rusty or old, one single bit. It really made her feel that this was indeed the item she required for the special familiar - who'd possess glaringly visible differences when compared to a normal familiar - that she had to summon sooner or later. She mercilessly threw the container aside, and placed the sword over the podium. There was already a black magical circle drawn before it over the floor, it was decorated with countless tiny runes and magical symbols. Facing the circle, she'd begin the summoning ritual.

"Let silver and steel be the essence," she began reciting with her beautiful clear voice. Pulling both arms to their limits left and right - as if welcoming someone grandly - looking down at the work of art before her.

She continued, "Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation."

"Let red be the color I pay tribute to," witnessing the light glow emanating from the magical circle on the floor, she smiled; pleased.

"Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall," she paused for a moment, watching the glow transform into an intense radiation of azure blue light. She could clearly feel her prana flowing into the epicenter of the star-shaped figure enclosed with a circle - that was littered with many runic letters - before her.

"Let the four cardinal gates close," she started to feel the gust of heavy wind brush against her face. It made her hair roughly flap around despite it being somewhat wet still. The wind felt warm rather than cold despite the state of the weather.

"Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate," the wind that originated from the magical circle seemed to get faster and heavier as she continued chanting loudly. She could only feel more excited; filled with expectations.

"Let it be filled. Again. Again. Again. Again," a shining figure seemed to be welling up from the floor itself; manifesting into this world.

"Let it be filled fivefold for every turn, simply breaking asunder with every filling!" with the bright light reaching it’s peak, the summoning ritual came to a spectacular end with a cacophonous noise - she claimed internally after the light disappeared; proud. Looking at the person who was shrouded with heat and steam, she could clearly see that the person too, had long hair. The hair was long and blond and a large ornate sword hung from her hips. The woman was gloriously bright, but at the same time darker than a lightless night.

“Are you my Master?” The woman called out, in question, to the girl with piercing red eyes.

”Yes, I indeed am,” she replied in response to the question inquired by the woman before her. She carefully tried to examine the figure, but due to the lingering smoke, her vision was too clouded to make anything out other than the length of the hair.

“I am the Servant Archer, at your service, my master.” The blurred figure of the Servant did not move.

”I am Isisviel, Isisviel von Einzbern. Your master from now onwards, it is a pleasure to meet you, Archer,” Isisviel introduced herself, her voice sounded comparable to that of a younger girl, but her mature facial features spoke a completely different volume regarding her. Then came the issue with her strangely low height… she could no longer be bothered about her appearance these days. She’d simply pin all her blames at her old grandfather.

“It is nice to meet you, Isisviel” Said Archer, moving towards her Master, “From what I can surmise, you are a very skilled magus, I am truly lucky to be your servant, it seems.”

”My, my, flattery won’t get you anywhere. Not with me, anyway,” Isisviel extended her right hand towards her newfound servant.

Archer smiled, rather than a smile of happiness, a smile of obligation. She took Isisviel’s hand, “What is the plan, Master?” Archer asked abruptly.

”Before that… “ Isisviel almost whispered, ”I’d rather rest, summoning you is really making me want to laze around now,” she honestly stated, letting herself rest herself over the body of her newly summoned servant; hugging her, ”Mnm, what silky hair you have!” she mumbled as she felt the slick and smooth hair that her servant had.

“Master…?” Said Archer holding the small body tight to her own. Not quite understanding but able to feel the weariness in the girl, Archer let Isisviel rest.







”Jeez,” Isisviel begun, ”To think he’d throw me into the wilderness on my own,” Isisviel spoke derisively; complaining to no one in particular, ”I had to walk back to the castle and summon you there as it had the best for the summoning ritual,” she murmured, ”I’d love to stab my mean grandfather, but I was taught that killing is only legitimate a deed to perform in the Holy Grail war… “ Isisviel sat on a chair beside a window. Before her was a cup of tea - lying in wait for Isisviel to drink it. There were no snow outside unlike before, the sky here in the outskirts of Fuyuki city felt distinctive somehow. This was a feeling Isisviel felt for the first time. It was the same feeling she felt when she was in the airplane. Her adventurous spirit shouted from within her as she witnessed so many wondrous things recently.

”That airplane was something, huh?” Isisviel remarked cheerfully, ”It’s my first time seeing the outside world like this, I had no idea so many different things existed!” she could see her servant close by in the room, as she tried to talk to her about something, out of boredom. Albeit her earlier words were no lies brought up for simply a conversation, the memories still fresh in her mind disallowed her excitement from dying out.

“I did not realise that flying could bring about such emotions in people” replied Archer honestly “Especially flying in a machine,” picking up on some specifics she asked, “You have never before seen the outside world?”

Isisviel’s face was plastered with a pinkish hue as she frowned, feeling displeased, ”Hmph! Heroic spirits who can go in spirit form and cross great heights sure don’t like a lot of things!” she claimed, facing the other direction for a moment, but looked back shyly, ”Well, I’ve been confined in the Einzbern castle for all my life, it’s the first time I ever left my home country. So, yes.”

“That is unfortunate” Archer said her face remaining stoically in place “Were there not a war, I would suggest we make time to explore the outside world but sadly it is currently a place filled with enemies.”

”Well, I couldn’t come out if not for the war, either,” Isisviel stated, ”Perhaps I should go out once soon, and visit and the town,” she said, pondering how well it’d go, ”No one would fight in the day at crowded areas… or would they?” she added, feeling somewhat confused because she wasn’t quite sure how the world worked due to being a sheltered young lady. However, from what she was taught, most battles indeed took place at night, which is why she could conjure the idea of going out in the first place.

“It would be illogical to fight during the day” Archer concurred, “After all the grail war is a battle between heroic spirits, not innocent people”

”So it is as I was taught, mn? I felt like I was being taught gibberish, sometimes,” Isisviel replied, ”I suppose we’ll take a trip to the city today.”

“Hmm” mused Archer, “It will be informative for me as well.”

”Then it’s decided. I doubt I’d want us to fight much at the moment, so we’ll preserve our strength and take part in the later stages of the war. If that’s alright with you,” Isisviel added, ”Or are you aching for combat, Archer?”

“As a warrior I can’t deny that I would like the chance to fight with others of equal ability, but I am happy with whatever plan you decide on Master.”'

Isisviel considered, then answered, ”Hm, perhaps we’ll have you fight once in the early stages, which is the current status. I’d love to see you in action at least once, after all,” she nodded to herself as she spoke.

“If that is your wish Master” Archer smiled softly.

This is a joint post between Praetor and Bag



Regulis looked over the incantation before him one last time, and then closed his book with a small thud. He gazed at the intricately drawn circle on the cold stone floor of the dimly lit basement of the old western manor he had acquired.

He pushed his blonde hair away from his emerald eyes and let out a slight sigh.

Regulis walked over to the circle whilst rummaging in his pocket. He pulled out a piece of cloth and began unwrapping it. From within he removed a metal object of which he sat in the center of the circle. He then stepped back to examine his work once more.

"Okay then lets do this..."

Out of habit he placed the headphones he wore around his neck over his ears as his world became silent he began chanting.

“Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone.

The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg.

The alighted wind becomes a wall.

The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.”

The circle began exuding a faint glow as if to show it was working.

“Repeat every five times.

Simply, shatter once filled.
I announce.

Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.

In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer. “

The energy of the room seemed to converge upon the circle as its power swelled Regulis called out the final lines.

“You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!”

The bright light that was emitted momentarily blinded him. After what felt like an eternity a vague figure became apparent.

In the centre of the circle stood a man, built tall and muscular, his slightly curly dark brown hair fell to his shoulders and his eyes were a piercing golden yellow. Dressed in a regal cape and ornate armour, he smiled out of the corner of his mouth upon seeing Regulis.

“Master” he spoke with an air of confidence “you should feel lucky to have summoned a servant so great as I”

“Is that so?” Regulis looked the servant up and down once more.

“Well luck really had naught to do with it, but you are here none the less” Regulis gestured to the relic he had acquired showing that his summoning was all but predetermined.

“ah but do forgive me I have failed to introduce myself” Regulis gave a slight bow

“I am the clocktower mage Regulis Felis Arknor its an honor to make your acquaintance”

The tall man looked his Master up and down before speaking. “Well, at least you are respectful” he again smiled out of the corner of his mouth “I am Rider, no doubt the strongest Servant in this Grail War”

“hmmmm while I know your true name if you wish to go by Rider I will call you thusly and you may refer to myself as you see fit…..I'm not exactly fond of tedious things such as honorifics and what not.”

Rider nodded his head slightly. “I agree, one should not have time for trivialities, they waste time. I consider myself a man of action” He said, “so on that note Master what is our action to be?”

Regulis let a small smirk pass his lips

“well I was thinking we might pay a visit to the host of the land we are to fight on”

Regulis strode over to the fire place in the northern wall as he turned to face his servant once more the fireplace roared to life as flames licked the interior.

“After all it is only courteous to do so right?”

Rider sighed. “I suppose” he started “but observing all the courtesies can be boring, unless… this host is also a Master” he smiled slyly.

“Ah but of course the Tohsaka, Einzberns, and Matous, according to my info, have summoned servants...although the Makiri(Matou) seemed to have jumped the gun a bit.”

Regulis walked to the only chair in the room and sat down .

“The Tohsaka household are the current host, and I hear she has yet to grow into the role…..besides it would be a good opportunity to size up our opponents. I mean after all there is little doubt that the others are already observing her.”


“I would very much like to see what kind of Servants the other Masters have summoned” Rider said, his eyes following his Master’s movement. “If I am to fight them it only makes sense that I learn as much about them as possible, not that I have any doubt that I couldn’t best them all in this instant”

Regulis stared at Rider fixedly.

“Your confidence is rightly placed, but lets not rush things here I already have familiars in vital locations so let us gather data and analyze before we start our fight. After all I intend to end this in one fell swoop should the option present itself.”

Regulis stood and put on his coat of his suit.

“Shall we head out now? Getting a first hand feel of the city would probably be most beneficial.”

Regulis began leaving before receiving an answer.

Rider smiled. “Hrmph! And he questioned my own haste!” he laughed as he followed behind his Master in spirit form.

This is a joint post between nooby2 and Bagman

February 9th. 4am.

A young man stood on a rooftop, staring out into the night sky. The cold February winds whipped at his coat and he pulled his muffler tighter around his neck. The Fuyuki skyline all around, he was in the midst of thinking when a soft ringing came from within coat.

“So it begins...”, he sighed as he whipped out his phone.

“Yes Father, everything's in place. I've received the package from Hisamitsu and Murata earlier and I've instructed them to inform the other members to converge on my location to observe. There is much we can learn from this. Alright, I won't disappoint you. If I require more assistance, I'll let you know. Goodbye.”

With a beep, he ended the call and took a good look around before heading back into the building. The building was empty as he headed for his room. Slipping the keycard into its slot, the light turned green and he quickly entered.

“Right. I told him everything's ready but there's a few bits and pieces left... He even called me at this hour to make sure.” He frowned as he looked towards the ancient tome lying within his safe. “Damn it. I don't even know who it belongs to... They said they procured it overseas but didn't say anything else about it. Those two will get it from me later.” He picked a gummy from within its pack and popped it into his mouth, chewing as he thought about the sequences.

He picked up one of the other volumes lying on his desk. “Western Magecraft... I wonder if I'll be able to pull it off?” Opening the book, the words were all in a language he could barely recognize and he grimaced.
“From our Grand Library and nobody even bothered to do anything about it. Guess I'll have to wing it.”

Looking at the clock, he noticed it was 4.35am. “Ugh. Better get started quickly. Only got a bit of time left.”
He walked towards the largest room in the penthouse, the floor etched with a wide mixture of runes. He raised his right hand and drew a symbol in the air. “Kimon Tonkou.”

A large glowing asian board appeared in front of him, many segments revolving and ticking in different tempos. The numbers 444 appeared right in the center as Shinra twisted his arm, the segments moving in tune with his arm movements. He waved once and the the circular board disappeared. He sighed yet again. “444 again, it really couldn't get any better than this and why in the morning!” He quickly plucked the tome from within his safe and placed it into the circle and stepped back. Taking a deep breath and popping another gummy into his mouth, his eyes hardened with resolve.

He pulled a stack of papers from within his cloak as he walked towards the circle and tossed them into the air and began chanting. “Kyoka.” The talismans moved into the positions he desired with one in the center of the circle and began circling. As he continued the chant, they started spinning faster until those in the outer edges burned up and changed into a yin-yang form with the central talisman as its axis. White light began emanating from the hybrid summoning circle as he poured more prana into it.

“Fu, Ho, Moku, Sui, Rai, Jin, Metsu, Ketsu, Tenketsu. Senmon Tenkai.” He continued chanting as the clock struck 4.44 and the summoning ritual began proper. Placing both hands in front of him, he recited the words.

“Let Silver and Steel be the Lifeblood. Let Earth and the Emperor of Contracts be the foundation. The ancestor is my great master Abe no Seimei. Let Grey be the color I pay tribute to. Let the four guardian beasts howl and the tri-forked road from the Throne reaching unto the Kingdom revolve.”

The talismans became a blur and the yin-yang symbol started to fuse, the black and white merging together to form a continuous motion. The circle glowed even brighter, seemingly urging him to finish the chant.

“Let it be filled. Again, again, again, again. Let it be broken once filled. I announce.”

“Your self is under me, my fate is within your hands. In accordance with the coming of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this resolve, then answer.”

The sweat beaded on his forehead started to fall away and his hair whipped around him as the gale within the room grew stronger. The tome had opened and its pages had flipped such that it was dead center.

“The Oath of my Ancestors is as mine, let the balance of the world be maintained.”

“You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance.”

Without so much as a dramatic puff of smoke, a small girl appeared in the middle of the circle. “You people call that magecraft?” She scorned. She was young, she could be no younger than 10 years old, but her face was pretty and her long black hair nearly reached her feet. “I suppose you are my Master then?” She looked up at Shinra, her eyes were cold and held knowledge that Shinra could never possibly acquire.

Feeling slightly drained after the ritual, all Shinra could was stare at the petite girl in front of him incredulously. “It’s… It’s what I was taught. Yes, I’m your Master.” He managed as he took in the sight of his Servant. He hadn’t expected someone so young to be his Servant but he wasn’t one to judge a book by its cover.

“Hrmm…” The girl looked at him with eyes of scrutiny, “you’ll have to do I guess” she sighed. “Magecraft really has been watered down if that little ritual drains you so much” she spoke insensitively.

Shinra straightened up and wiped the sweat from his brow, grabbing yet another gummy to munch. “It’s 4am in the morning and you’ll have to forgive me, it’s my first attempt at a school of Magecraft vastly different from my own.” Shinra wasn’t sure how to deal with her and let out a frustrated sigh. At this point, he just wanted to crawl into bed, Grail War be damned.

At this, the small girl walked closer to Shinra and poked him in the ribs. “Oi, Master, aren’t you at all curious as to what kind of servant the wonderful woman before your eyes is” she sounded somewhat hurt.

Shinra smirked and raised an eyebrow when the child said woman. “Yeah, I’m curious alright. You’ve got to be pretty spectacular to be considered a Heroic Spirit at such a young age.” He dug his hand into the pack of gummies and offered one to her, smiling as he did so. “Pretty sure people in your time didn’t have these confectionaries so this shall be my first offering to you.”

Tilting her head, the girl looked questioningly. “Are you patronising me?” She asked “I’ll have you know I’m one of the greatest Magi of all time!” She said already chewing greedily on the offered gummy.

The Master continued smiling at her as she ate the sweet with glee. “Slow down, there’s more where that came from. Loads of different kinds too. It’s not that I don’t trust you but we’ve barely met. You can tell me all about yourself once you’re done with the sweets. My name’s Shinra, Kuhouin Shinra.”

Swallowing the sweet, the child looked at her Master. “Hrmph, if you keep providing me with things on that level, maybe I’ll acknowledge you as something more than a waste of space” she spoke arrogantly, “I am the Servant Caster and I shall be winning this Grail War.”

Shinra chuckled at her jibe, “If that’s what you were expecting then it’s a mere drop in the ocean to what else I have to offer you. Caster… We’ll see what we can do about the war. I’ll make arrangements later today for the rest of the war and I’ll need your input.” He absent mindedly plucked out a couple more gummies and plopped them into his mouth as he pondered.

“Arrangements…? Yes I suppose we will need to find out the names of the other Masters so I can curse them to death,” Caster giggled.

“Yes, arrangements.” Shinra mumbled through a mouthful of sweets, “We can’t be staying here any longer than I have to and I intend to procure a household for us to stay in.” He had choked a bit earlier on hearing Casters declaration. “The other Masters… I would like to observe the war as it plays out first rather than take direct action but it would do us good to know the players in this war. I’ll have my assistants keep a look out.”

“A house would be nice, preferably somewhere nice and big, maybe a castle where I could set up my workshop” Caster grinned. “And why rely on your assistants when you have me” As she said this several birds flocked to her, “these familiars can handle spying no problem”

Shinra found her precocious attitude adorable. “I’ll let you pick where we’re to stay then, it’s your workshop after all but I doubt we have many castles around here… And I wouldn’t want you to risk any exposure. After all, my assistants can do other things than just watch. You can send out those familiars if you want to, I’ll just utilize my shikigami to do likewise. The faster we find out the better.” He began pulling out talismans from within his coat for later and filed away that line as an afterthought. “So she used to stay in a castle…”

He felt sleep overtaking him so Shinra flipped on the Television for Caster to watch. “Here, this should keep you amused until I wake up. Also, there’s food in the fridge with more of these candies. Help yourself, I can always get more later.” He crawled into his king size and wondered, “What the hell did I just get myself into?”

With a “Hrmph” Caster sat down and watched the screen, still feeling like her master wasn’t taking her seriously. It was strange, she thought, that she had manifested in this form. However something caught her eye on the screen, maybe this wasn’t all that bad.

(This is a joint post between nooby2 and BagMan

Caster stood next to her Master’s sleeping body as she wondered what would be the most fun way to wake him up. Clicking her fingers bucket loads of water fell from thin air onto Shinra’s sleeping countenance. “Master,” Caster said in an annoyed tone “resting is all well and good, but this is too long.”

Shinra woke up sputtering as the water soaked the bed linen and everything around him. "Gahh- whaaaa- what the hells happening!?", he glanced to his bedside to see Caster with a smirk on her face. "Oh. It's you." He deadpanned.

“Oh it’s you.” She imitated her Master mockingly, “Is that all you have to say after being asleep for so long, and leaving your servant to watch mindless entertainment for over twelve hours.”

Despite being rudely awoken and feeling very much like a wet dog, albeit a well pampered one, Shinras eyes widened at her mention of the time. "I've been out for 12 hours..?" Quickly glancing at the clock, it read 5pm. "Shit. I haven't contacted the rest about our objectives tonight. Sorry Caster, just give me a bit longer to get ready." Shinra said as he got out of bed, water falling everywhere from his movements.

“Hrmph!” she pouted “I’ll forgive you this time Master, but next time it will be something worse than water.”

Shinra looked down at himself and the waterlogged bed, unsure of how to react to her declaration. "I'll try not to let it happen again. Was my phone ringing throughout the day?" He asked as he began picking clothes to wear. "We will be moving out either tomorrow or the day after depending on how soon we can find a place you like." Shinra still couldn't get angry at her child-like behavior but exasperated was another story.

“It rang once or twice, it bothered me so I placed a silencing spell on it.” she admitted.

"Must've been my attendants." Shinra mumbled, in the midst of brushing his teeth. "We will leave as soon as I'm done here. I have business to attend to. You can follow along in physical or spiritual form, whichever you fancy."

Caster smiled. “Spirit form is so boring, being all floaty and stuff doesn’t suit me at all.”

Putting his things in a bag, Shinra ran through a mental checklist as he prepared to leave. "Well then we will have to go shopping first. If you're going to be with me, then you can't be wearing anything but the best and I'll have to- YOU ATE ALL MY CANDY!?" He shouted as the now-very-empty minibar stared back at him when he reached for a gummy refill. "I had enough for a week!"

“It certainly didn’t last a week, did it Master?” she questioned rhetorically, “Maybe you should sue someone for false advertisement, if it makes you feel any better they were very nice.”

"I suppose I'll have to get more then. Importing these takes time and japanese sweets aren't as good. I'll have to pack enough sweets for a family at this rate... Shikigami, Kaihou!" Shinra threw some of the paper that wasn't drenched by Casters wake up call into the air. "Clean up the mess on the floor. Oh Caster, will you be needing your tome?"

Caster examined the relic that had been used to summon her, the old book was very worn and it brought back memories of the first times she had used the spells written inside of it. “Nah,” she said curtly “that old thing is completely out of date, I don’t even know where you got it from but it’s practically trash at this point.” clicking her fingers she completely burned the book in a matter of seconds. “All of the spells I need, I have safely stored in the banks of my own memory.”

Shinra could only watch as the tome was reduced to ash, slightly disappointed at such flippant disposal of what to him was irreplaceable. The shikigami floated around sucking up both smoke and the ash, oblivious to the conversation. Shinra scratched his head as he looked down at Casters attire. "You'll catch a chill without a coat. We will get that first." He slipped his own on and picked up his phone. "Fun and games ends for now. I'm sorry but it's business till we end the day. Shall we, my oh-so-wonderful Servant?" He quipped as he gestures towards the bedroom door.

“If that hadn’t been sarcasm I might have praised you for finally seeing my worth.” She commented turning her back on her master and walking through the door.

"I apologise if it sounded like that. You truly are something else." Shinra said as he walked with her to the lift lobby. "I had never imagined that I would ever have a connection to a heroic spirit in my lifetime," He smiled as he pushed the call button. "And yet here I am."

Caster thought for a few seconds before saying anything. “Although” she said, “technically I never did anything particularly heroic.”

"You must've had your reasons. Nonetheless, that doesn't change who you are now." The lift arrived with a soft ding and both entered.

This is a joint post between: nooby2 and BagMan

It took about an hour from the Hotel to get to the foreigner's district in Miyama. When they arrived Caster was quite clearly on edge. “Master, I feel the presence of three servants in this area, are you sure it’s safe?”

Shinra looked up at her, engrossed in reading reports that he received from the driver. “Three servants?” He furrowed his brow and put the reports aside. “Are you able to discern which classes they are?”

“No, but I can tell that one is displaying a huge amount of hostility” she replied somewhat worried, “I don’t think it’s directed at us though”

Looking out of the window, the scenery flashed by as he took a moment to compose his thoughts. Shinra clicked his tongue at the scenario, unhappy about the turn of events.“I don’t think it’d be advisable to go in. Something isn’t right, even more so since you can feel it, your thoughts?” He ran through possible outcomes in his head, trying to determine the best course of action. He absolutely had to get to the workshop.

Caster thought, she closed her eyes and muttered something under her breath, most likely an incantation. “The spirit doesn’t seem too strong, if we do encounter it” she smiled now “I think I can take it”

“I don’t intend to fight. Revealing our cards so early on in the war is detrimental to us but if push comes to shove, I suppose we’ll have to be prepared for that. We haven’t selected a place for your Temple yet, are you sure about this?” Shinra said as he plucked a bundle of talismans from within his coat and chanted a short mantra, taking a deep breath after.

Caster nodded. “If you’re so determined not to be seen, I can hide both of our presences as magi” she stated

Shinra tucked the small bundle away, the talismans now charged with prana. “That would be good. I wouldn’t want anything to come back to us from tonights venture.” He plucked a single talisman out and prepared a simple spell. “Let my sight be clear, my hearing sharp, let none escape my mind. Divine blessings onto your vessel, may my blood be the sacrifice. Let the winds shroud the body from danger.” He cut his finger with the talisman, letting his blood flow and drew runes with it on the talisman. It dissolved as soon as the spell was complete, empowering Shinra ever so slightly. “Is there anything else I should know before we head in?” He tilted his head towards his Servant, uncertainty written all over his face.

“Other than how pointless that spell was? No.” Caster replied cruelly as she opened the car door and hopped out.

Shinra followed suit but not before frowning at her flippant dismissal of his magecraft. Then again, she was Caster for a reason… He looked to the driver and called out, “Murata, get the men ready to shift Matou’s workshop. I want everything done by tonight, this is urgent.”

The two walked up the hill to the Matou household, Caster, walking faster than her Master, reached it first but stopped as soon as she saw what awaited them standing at the entrance to the house. She was frozen still, not by fear, but anticipation.

“Hmm…?” Shinra slowed down as he noticed Caster had stopped, looking at her object of interest. He let out a deep sigh once he realized what she was focused on.

“My my” the woman at the entrance exclaimed, she was wearing a pure golden dress that gave off the air of royalty, with her sleek black hair loose. “What have we here,” she smiled.

“Assassin,” Caster said through her teeth

Assassin laughed, “Is it not past your bedtime little girl?” she mocked

Caster, turning to Shinra asked, “Master is it OK if I blow her apart?”

Shinra struggled not to lose composure at the sight of another Heroic Servant, looking at Caster as she questioned him. “If she stands between me and my objective then yes.” He glanced at Assassin and asked her, “I’m here for Matou’s workshop. Will you let me through or shall I let Caster have her way with you? I’m not interested in a fight right now.”

Assassin smiled, “Perfect, I do not feel like dirtying my hands with the blood of children,” she taunted

Caster began trembling in anger, “One more word and I will educate you on all the different ways you can dismember a human body, obviously you’ll be the test subject” She said in response.

“How frightening, but it is not becoming of a Lady to lose her composure” She said to Caster, “now if you don’t mind, unless you’ve got something more to say to me I shall be taking my leave, it wouldn’t do well for me to stay around here too long”

Shinra took the moment to memorize her appearance before placing a hand upon Caster’s shoulder, trying to placate her rage. “Don’t lose yourself in anger to her words, I won’t have be led around so easily.” He narrowed his eyes at Assassin, letting his annoyance be known to the opposing Servant. “Hold your tongue. You’re starting to give me reason to let Caster have her fun. Any more mouthing off about my Servant and we’ll see how well yours works after we’re done with it.”

Assassin laughed, colder than before, “Very frightening, but like I said I must be off now” She walked past Shinra and Caster and down the hill before disappearing.

Letting out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, Shinra looked back towards the Matou mansion. “That wench. I’ll let you have her the next time we run into her. The workshop is more pressing to me right now.” He looked at his partner at her lack of response. “Caster…?”

“Sorry Master” She responded, “But that Servant was strong, it caught me off guard, next time won’t be the same”

“Quite alright. It’s good that you got a gauge on her strength anyway, we’ll be better prepared to deal with her if she proves to be troublesome. Though, to think you’d let the little girl jokes get to you…” The tip of his mouth curved into a small smile, relieved that his Servant had calmed down. “Let’s head inside.”
Caster nodded, slightly annoyed at the smile on her Master’s face, however, she let it pass for now.

As they wandered within the manor, Shinra took note of what a (former) notable Magi’s household was like, this being his first time in one such home. “Hmm. No workshop, not much magical energy I can discern from our location. No one around and Assassin’s master didn’t leave with her either. Caster, can you detect any traces of a summoning circle?” Shinra took two talismans out, chanting once more.

“Shikigami Kaihou.”

The talismans folded and formed into wisps, floating around weightlessly. “Find the library.” The wisps whistled away, illuminating the house with thin trails of light.

“Rather than a summoning circle, there’s someone in the basement” Caster noted.

“Could be a victim? Let’s head down I suppose.” Shinra lazily dragged a hand through his hair. “I’d rather not come back again to this place. The spiritual energy feels… wrong. I’ll have to purify it somehow later.”

Caster made a noise of concurrence before leading the way to the basement.

The first Shinra noticed about the basement was the heavy stench in the air and the oppressive atmosphere almost made him think twice about going in. It was dark but no problem to him. He descended the stairs with Caster, wary of his surroundings.

What he saw there was not pleasant at all. In the centre of the room lay Matou Shinzu, his right arm about a meter away from the rest of his body. He was writhing in pain as several snakes bit and violated his body.

“Ugh, what a mess. Are you the Matou master?” Judging the man to be no threat to his person, Shinra approached him. Stopping just shy of the snakes range, he took in the sight in front of him. Picking up the dismembered arm, he checked it for command seals. “If you can’t answer then you’re as good as dead to me.”

Matou Shinzu screamed, he was unable to do much else as as soon as he opened his mouth, snakes poured out, attempting to attack Shinra. Caster snapped her fingers and a blast of lightning disintegrated them. “Idiot” she scolded Shinra, “be more careful, and stand further back, these snakes are her noble phantasm”

Dropping the arm and jumping back as soon as the snakes attacked, he regained his composure, putting away the talismans he had pulled out within that split second. “Sorry, I’ll be more careful.” He looked down at the ashes on the floor. “That bitch said she wouldn’t get in my way. I suppose we’ll have to dispose of her now, it was foolish of me to try and reason with Assassin anyway.” The smell was choking him and he had to leave this place. It was foul and he wouldn’t allow himself to be in this place much longer. “Let’s go. The library awaits…” He paused, looking back at Caster, “and thanks.”

“Hrmph!” Caster replied haughtily, leaving the room.

With a last look at the crippled man, he continued on with Caster in tow. He willed the shikigami to search faster, disturbed by the presence below him. Plucking out his cell, he sent the signal. “The men will be here shortly. Just a quick in and out. We’ll take as much as we can and leave. I… I hate this place, the balance is distorted here.” Shinra picked up the pace as if to accentuate his point. The image of the Matou master on the floor flashed in his mind. Biting his lip in displeasure, he hissed at the person responsible. “Assassin…”

(This is a joint post between HiroyukiShota and Bagman)


He watched. Along with the pain both physically and mentally Lius watched. Where his vision encompassed nearly all of the matou's residence, his physical self was far away, nearly 2 kilometers separating his targets and him. Two servants and a master. From body language, expression and postures, it didn't take Lius to know they were coming to blows. Still, Lius was contented to watch for now. The man moved away from his scope, his aching body giving little cooperation and eyes dry with weariness. He allowed himself a quick stretch to ease the pain, as he did so, the bundle of papers he left unattended by his side fluttered. Of the dozen, the front page was pasted with a picture of an unremarkable man along with it the name "Matou Shinzu" written beside it.



He don his armor.
Like the knights of old he did it with calm, careful slowness that reflected reverence and respect. But where the former covered themselves with plates of metal and leather he did with kevlar. The action itself was largely redundant for the coming act, but to Lius, the symbolism itself had worth.


Once fully equipped, he finally turned to the magic circle prepared beforehand, already it glows red with potency, painting the sealed room a ghastly feel. In the circle's center laid a single metal stake of half a meter. The thought amused him as Lius surveyed the ritual circle a last time. The circle was crudely drawn, also red from the life fluids of a human, the victim still twitching behind the shadows.


Such an act was beneath him. But with the victim being a terrorist leader helped made the weight on his mind a little lighter. It was the symbolism that mattered, he reminded himself.


The clock struck 12. With that he began the ritual.

"Silver and iron to the origin..."
As Lius went further into the ritual, so did the strength of the glow, from it's original stagnant red to a vitalized crimson. The words seem to curve and swim about like serpents with gales of wind trashing about making it hard to concentrate. As he chanted Lius walked step by step backwards towards the previously abandoned person. The person groaned as Lius pulled him by the collar, dragging him closer to the ritual circle


"Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword..."


His chants continued without pause the entire time, the terrorist leader too blood drained to struggle effectively. From behind him, Lius drew his combat blade and planted it to the person's neck. Symbolism, he reminded himself. All along still keeping the chanting unbroken, if anything has sped it up as he strengthen his grip to the terrorist leader, fueled with strength bestow by desperation after figuring what is going to happen. Lius' face too displayed discomfort towards the upcoming act.


"You, seven heavens clad in three words of power,...!"


Metal met flesh in a flash of steel, the act committed faster than originally intended to.

"Arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper
of the balance!”


finishing the last phase, Lius slammed the head into the metal stake. His catalyst presented. A invisible force slammed him back to the wall as the light reach it's peak, along with it came a plume of smoke.


"I...i did it..." Lius said through breathless lungs. The silhouette that presented itself is no mistake.


Standing there stood something huge, something powerful and something insane. The beast that was a man stood silent but in his presence the silence was louder than a roar. His eyes robbed of intelligence, the man wore heavy armor with ease and dominated the room.

Lius was torn. Both from the pain in his back and mentally as he found it increasingly hard to stay awake. Biting his lips, he surveyed his servant. Yes, HIS servant. He was as how he perceived how he should be like. Big, strong and so very... "glorious." Lius let his heartfelt words voice out in a small whisper.

"Ahem." He conducted himself, falling to a knee despite his body's protest. "If you are as i suspect. Would you give me the honor of your name warrior king?"


The large man tilted his head down at Lius “Gragh kagh” it screamed in its own insanity


Doubt clouded Lius for a brief moment. Surely the ramble of noise that invaded his ears just seconds back was a mistake of sorts. "I beg your pardon warrior king?" Lius enquired once more. Inside he prayed his speculation will not come to light.


Again the Servant standing before him send nothing but a mindless roar.


"No." Lius uttered. "No...NO!" "NO! NO! NO! This can't be happening!" All manner of previously shown respect was gone like the morning mist, replaced with rage of intensity not unlike a inferno. Lius thrashed about in uncontrolled anger with everything around him left unspared , table, chair,his television. Everything.


"...no." He had pictured him a mighty servant, riding on his horse at speeds rivaling the wind as he slayed foe after foe like history pictured him as. The servant before him only resembles his expectations ever skin deep. Inside is but a storm of madness!

Lius cried out in anger to the night sky as the last bit of conscious slipped from him.

...

He returned to reality. How long he was away from it, he didn't know but the three was missing, gone as he was distracted by the recent dreadful event. The doors to the mansion is wide open as he returned his attention to his scope. That had him running a few possible scenarios, all he'd see himself on the losing end if he lets it go uninterrupted. He turned to the documents of Matou Shinzu and smiled. Packing his stuff, he exited the vacant apartment he humbly "borrowed" for it's vantage point.


"Berserker!" He called as a small smile creeped on his lip.

The armoured Servant did not reply, instead moving to his side.



"Such a big mansion..." Lius said to himself as he surveyed the area.

The journey from his initial location to the matou's estate had taken him little under 10 minutes, made possible by a preplanned route and good stamina. Lius was pleased at himself for despite his body's protest he was able to will it to action, Sweat drops drenched his sleeveless as it clung to his skin. Slowly he approached the mansion, his side arm, a Beretta M9 already drawn and positioned at high alert.

He's here, Lius thought. The smell of magic practically infused the place. Did it belong to the master? Or perhaps the servant? Lius didn't know but that feeling of lost seated well with him, it gave him focus borrowed from caution that he sorely needed. His decision to come to the Matou estate was a bad one at best, done at the wrong time, wrong condition and wrong gear. Still, ignorance is a deadlier predator than any as his experience have taught him.

Lius reminded himself of details he assembled while rushing here.

1) The area held the presence of at least 1 servant and a master. One of them at least a wielder of great power. The other servant could be around.

2) Secure the information of Matou Shinzu

He didn’t need to fight, Lius enforced himself. But he was unable to suppress the prospect of fighting a strong, GIFTED mage entirely. With such a mentality, he went through the gates.

“Oi. Madman.” He called out to his servant

Berserker materialised in response to his Master’s summons, he looked at him in question, waiting for an order.

"Listen here." Already annoyed from the jab of pain at berserker's entrance. "Nod once if you understand me. Do nothing if you don't."

"Do you feel the presence of the servant?" Lius asked.

Berserker grunted and nodded his head slightly in response.

"Good. At least there's still that little use for you." Lius said, "Now then. Listen as to what's going to happen..."

Berserker listened as Lius explained his plan.

"NOW GO." Lius commanded after relaying his desires. Already he sprinted for the entrance, pistol at the ready.

Inside the Mansion Berserker took spirit form to conserve energy, as he patrolled he noticed snakes in every corner of the mansion as well as a woman completely asleep in the living room, however none of these pertained to his objective.

This is a joint post between: nooby2, HiroyukiShota and BagMan

Shinra thumbed through the various volumes in the Matou library. “This had all better be worth it…” Dropping a tome he was holding onto growing a stack, he turned toward his Servant. “Blasted snakes all over the place. I’m surprised that they didn’t get the innocent in the building. It’s not safe for my men either so I’ve instructed them to wait down at the curb. Any good tomes here? I’ll need your input for what’s valuable.” He silenced a snake that he had missed on the way in with a spell, uneasy at the fact that they were practically everywhere.

Caster looked at her master, “this all looks worthless to me” she said, her knowledge of spellcraft and rituals far exceeding any book, “maybe that one” she pointed at a book that illustrated fine details of the Holy Grail war, its front cover worn down.
“Well, one man’s meat is another’s poison I suppose. Not everyone can be so well versed with Magecraft in our day and age.” He picked up the book she singled out, brushing its front cover to remove the dust. “We should make a move.” He indicated the small pile of books, “these should be enough to last me for now. The men’ll come back when it’s safer for them for the rest.”

Suddenly Caster’s eyes widened. “Master, this house is not safe for us anymore” She tried to pull him out of the room by force as soon as possible, but it was too late. Standing in the doorway was an armoured giant
"Found you." Lius smiled as he felt what his servant has discovered. Lady Luck was with him this time around as he was on the polar opposite direction of the house. Snakes, fragging snakes everywhere, he thought. Well, not that it matters if they can't survive a boot pressing down to their fragile bodies. Lius has already lost count how many he stepped on as he travelled, the silent scream each reptile made already lost him. He smirked as the latest victim tried to seek purchase on his flesh, finding it's fangs unable to pierce the kevlar underneath Lius's combat pants. Brave fellow, it deserved a well intended stomp.

Still, the air was foul. The snakes was bad, yes they were, but nothing compared to this. If given a description, Lius would compare it to spoiled eggs. He followed the source since entering and found his way to a basement. Wearing an unwilling expression, Lius pulled up his muffler, however little it helped as he proceeded downwards into it.

“Gah” cursed Caster as she noticed the Mad Monster that blocked their path. “This just ain’t my day… The divination was right when the numbers turned out so horribly…” Shinra visibly paled at the sight of the armoured titan. “CASTER! LET’S GO!!” He hurriedly pulled out talismans, the books forgotten in the face of such a threat.

Berserker hammered through the doorway, however this slowed him down. As he swung his blade down towards Caster she had already backed up enough so that the blade crashed down and imbedded itself into the floor.

Caster giggled. “I guess this is the best a rabid dog can do” she said and fired off a blast of pure magical energy down on Berserker

The giant shrugged the blow off like it was nothing, pulled his sword from the ground and advanced towards Caster and her Master.

“Get out of the way Master” said Caster readying herself for the fight.

(This is a Joing post with: TheLoneGentleman, Sabers Praetor, and BagMan.)

“Seems like the party is really getting started out there.” said Yui relaxing on her couch. The summoning took a bit out of her, but she was starting to feel like her old self again. As a Tohsaka she knew that a lot of people would be gunning for her. At this stage she couldn’t be too cautious. but neither did she have a reason to be afraid. After all she had a fine warrior by her side. With all this going on Yui was growing anxious. Standing up she stretched with her arms high in the air.

Lancer, then materialised, “Is everything alright Master?” he asked.

“I got a feeling is all.” she answered. “Nothing for you to be concerned about. If someone does come we just bash their head in right?”

“If someone does come I will slice them in half” laughed Lancer swinging his spear in jest.

“That’s the spirit! No one messes with us.” answered Yui laughing with him. Yui was glad that she received a servant that was easy to deal with.

Regulis casually left his manor, with Rider in tow, and headed for the Tohsaka residence. The chill air of the night didn't seem to faze him much as he strolled along. While he was wearing a suit he had left the coat buttons undone, as if he was to bothered to do them up.

"It would appear something is afoot at the Makiri residence...well I’ll leave it to my familiar to observe so let us press forward"

Regulis strolled for a bit before reaching within detection range of the Tohsaka household. He made no notion to conceal his presence and strolled boldly up to the front gate where he stood taking in the large western manor.

“Yui, do you feel that?” said Lancer to Yui.

“Oh ho ho ho! My feeling was right?” said Yui boasting a little. “Why don’t we go greet our guests?” Yui patted her jacket pocket confirming that she had her stones. This wasn’t the time to be forgetful.

Lancer nodded as he walked to the entrance with Yui following closely behind him.

Opening the door Lancer greeted the man standing there with a broad smile.

Regulis gazed upon the man standing before him instantly recognizing the peril this man could cause. He gave a small smirk before proceeding on.

“Good evening to you sir, might your master be home?”

Regulis spotted the girl approaching behind the servant, but waited for a response.

“Indeed she is” Said Lancer moving aside slightly to give full view of Yui.

”ah pardon me for not noticing sooner.” he lied.

Regulis gave a courteous bow before introducing himself.

”I am Regulis Felis Arknor, a clocktower mage” he stood and continued speaking.

”It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance young lady of the Tohsaka lineage. I hope to get along fairly in this war.

”What’s with all the formalities? Isn’t this supposed to be a brawl.” said Yui raising a brow at Regulis. “The name is Yui Tohsaka, but a smart guy like you already pieced that together I’m hoping.”

Regulis let out a small laugh. “A †˜brawl’.....I suppose you might call it that among other things, but pardon the formalities it is something I must do as a representative. I promise you won’t see them from me on the battlefield.”

Lancer frowned at the man standing outside. “Everywhere is a battlefield, boy” he spoke “think yourself lucky I have not struck you to the ground where you stand”

“You are quite right good sir, but then civility makes one stay their hand these days.” Regulis gave a half smirk whilst the words passed his lips.

”So what you are telling me is…” said Yui placing both of her hands behind her head in a relaxed pose. “That you came all this way to make a simple greeting? That’s soooooo boring!”

Regulis laughed a bit “I suppose it would be boring if that was my only goal, but I'm afraid I wish you no harm this eve….not to say I wont defend myself should you feel otherwise.”

“If you didn’t you wouldn’t be a master for very long.” said Yui smirking. She didn’t care for his other goal. Secret plans and tactics weren’t things that Yui spent time on.

Lancer looked at his Master. “Yui, shall I kill him?”

Before Yui had a chance to respond a man, Larger than Lancer, in both muscle and height appeared next to Regulis, “Stand down Lancer, or this will not end well for you” he said.

Regulis scratched his head “....well I would really rather not do this now, so if you dont mind Ill just take my leave and call it a night.” Regulis awaited a response.

“Ugh, why must people always be like this. Take him out Lancer!” ordered Yui.

Lancer struck out at Regulis but Rider intercepted before Lancer made it even close. Wielding an oddly shaped sword Rider and Lancer’s weapons creating sparks as they clashed.

“Not bad” Lancer commented as they stares each other down.

“Too slow Lancer, I expect better” Rider jeered as they both jumped back.

Lancer moved in for a second strike with his spear, cutting away at the air as he aimed for Rider’s neck

Lancer’s strike hit home, or so he thought, in reality grazing his opponent’s shoulder.

“Now who’s too slow” Lancer laughed moving again to attack, but was parried by Rider, who felt insulted by the fact rider had even come close to landing that blow. They exchanged blows, evenly matched.

While the servants were duking it out Yui reached in her pouch grabbing a stone before holding it in her fist. “I’m not going to let you have all the fun Lancer.” said Yui as she took off running for Regulis.

As the fight began Regulis readied himself into his stance. “Have at you then!” he began regulating his prana.

Yui hit Regulis before he was ready and caught him off guard with a reinforced punch, smiling as her punch connected. To Yui’s dismay however the man barely flinched upon contact. “Not bad.” she said giving him credit.

Regulis was surprised by his opponents speed but sought to soften the blow, he then proceeded to circulate his prana properly and took up his martial stance. “is that all you got?”

Yui closed in for the second attack again hitting into Regulis, however, the blow was soft and before Yui noticed Regulis’ body was extremely hot, she was forced to pull back her hand. “What the hell?” said Yui as she shook the heat from her fist. She was getting annoyed at how well the man was taking her hits, but that heat was something else entirely.

Regulis smirked “what’s the matter? You don’t look so hot”

Lancer and Rider continued to exchange blows, neither of them moved an inch. Rider was becoming slightly irritated at the lack of budge in his enemies stance. Lancer smiled, however it was at this point Rider completely disappeared.

“What?” Lancer said, unable to sense his opponent’s location.

Rider smiled out of the corner of his mouth, his arrogance would be clearly visible were he not shrouded in darkness. He moved quickly behind Lancer before swapping shadow for sword making a direct hit on Lancer’s back. Or so he thought, however for some reason the attack appeared not to have reached its mark. It was as if reality itself wouldn’t allow it to hit.

“Impossible!” exclaimed Rider, wide-eyed.

Lancer turned to face his opponent with a confident grin. “Do not think cheap tricks will work against me, Rider,” he said “A true warrior relies on pure strength.” His Lance aimed directly at Rider’s head as it soared through the air.

Rider began to dodge out of the way, too late as Lancer’s spear hit him square in the chest piercing his armour… or not.

It was Lancer’s turn to be surprised, he was sure that had been a killing blow. “Guh” he grunted jumping backwards so as to not let Rider counterattack.

“Heh” Rider chuckled, “To think I would have to use it so soon. Master, the odds do not seem favourable at this point.”

Hearing Rider speak, Yui wasn’t about to let her opponent escape, but getting past his defense was troublesome. Taking proper stance she stared down her opponent.

Having heard Rider’s declaration Regulis merely shrugged “Do as you see fit” Regulis honestly didn't care about his servants identity being exposed; they would just have to crush all who found out, simple as that. Regulis waited for the opponent before him to make a move.

Yui dashed in hoping that somehow she could break through his defense.

Yui hit home yet again, this time her hit landed cleanly, knocking Regulis back slightly.

Rider laughed at the battle between Masters, he felt that it was meaningless now that he was no longer going to hold back. “Move out of the way Master” he said throwing a magnificent armour towards Regulis, “wear the Aegis, I don’t want you dying on me” he smiled.

Lancer realised what was about to happen, his spear was readied.

The two servants looked each other down, Rider facing the Tohsaka mansion, before they began to activate their last ditch trump cards.

“TONBO” Lancer shouted.

“Ballero” Rider began casually.

“GIRI”

“Phon”

A flash of indestructible white light soared towards Lancer as he cut the very atoms in the air, the two immovable phantasms clashed. The white light pierced Lancer as his Lance pierced Rider.

The two foes’ clash lasted only a few seconds, but to onlookers it would have felt like eternity. After the light subsided to figures were visible. Lancer stood, battered by Rider’s Phantasm, without his spear which could be found imbedded into Rider’s chest. The two stood there for maybe minutes before breaking out into hearty laughter which seemed to fill the very city.

The whole front portion of the Tohsaka estate was missing however Lancer had deflected the worst of the Pegasus’ onslaught.

The two servants turned to face each other after their laughter had subsided.

“I underestimated you Lancer” Said Rider, acknowledging the Spearman’s skill.

“Next time I will defeat you, Rider” Spoke Lancer “I joined this war precisely so that I could fight people like you”

“To think you could withstand Bellerophon” Said Rider in awe, before turning to his Master. “Come, Master, I no longer have any desire to fight this opponent and I am wounded, we would do best to depart” Lancer’s spear disappeared from his chest.

“You idiots blew up my house!” shouted Yui looking at the devastation in awe. She was so focused on her own battle she didn’t put into account the damage that could happen to her home.

“This is why I didn't want to fight here….collateral damage can be such a pain” Regulis looked to Rider “If you insist you cannot continue then we shall withdraw.”

Rider’s shoes grew wings and, lifting his master up with ease, he flew in the direction of his Master’s home.

As they departed, Lancer collapsed, his meagre magical energy taking its toll as he healed his wounds. “What am I going to do with you?” asked Yui as she walked over to him. reaching for his shoulder she tried to carry him into her house which was in serious need of repair. As she walked towards the house she trod on a snake, crushing it, without realising. She thought nothing of it.

(This is a joint post between BagMan and Cinia Pacifica.)

“To think someone had the gall to place a familiar around my castle.” It was thirty minutes past seven - almost evening - when Isisviel cursed under her breath, her porcelain face was in a mess due to her frown that widely displayed her irritation for what happened some time ago. So far, Isisviel and Archer went together in a few places of the Miyama district - namely the Fuyuki Temple and the School, currently at the shopping district - of the Fuyuki city as a part of her sight-seeing trip. Every time Isisviel would see a new view that was completely unseen to her before, she’d make an angelic smile, but soon after she’d be back to making a pouty face.

“Master, that face is unbecoming” noted Archer upon seeing Isisviel’s pout. Archer had followed along, commenting when prompted. She too was fascinated by the current age, however not as much as Isisviel, but seeing her Master smile seemed to be infectious as Archer would find herself grinning whenever Isisviel did. The Einzbern was pure, like untrodden snow. Archer felt that she would protect her for as long as she could. As they approached the Archer stopped in her tracks. “Master, there are powerful Servants nearby, can you feel that magical energy?” she asked abruptly.

“I’ve been trying to avoid that, we barely bought anything here!” Isisviel sighed, she had been feeling lumps of mana from afar - they lied to the south-east direction. “Servants being that close to each other can only mean one thing,” Isisviel replied with a smug face. “However, this is a good chance, if anything,” she calmly stated. “Up for some flashier sightseeing, Archer?” a smirk crept up over her face as she said, an excitement of a different kind welled up in her. One of the most entertaining aspect of this trip was to watch a battle unfold, or fight. Both had their own good elements from Isisviel’s perspective. “Then, let us depart.”

Archer disappeared, taking her place, instead, was a jet black raven. The raven flapped its wings and headed towards the Tohsaka mansion, determined to learn much about the servants that battled close-by.

(This is a joint post between: nooby2 and BagMan)

Berserker moved to close the distance between him and Caster, a Battle Cry filled the air.

“Ugh, mindless beast” Caster looked at him distastefully as she readied a spell “know your place”, the spell was cast before Berserker even reached halfway to her.

Berserker reeled as the blast hit him square in the chest, were he not armoured no doubt the blow would have taken away most of his flesh. He roared in pain viciously lashing out at anything in front of him.

Through sheer luck, Caster managed to push her Master out of the way as books and bookcases were splintered by Berserker’s rampage. ”WHOA!!" Shinra shouted in alarm as the bookcases began a chain reaction, still trying his best to get as far away from Berserker as possible.

He launched his talismans at two locations, at Berserkers feet and the wall that obstructed his way to freedom, his escape. “KYOKA. I beseech thee, destroy that which obstructs the path to Truth, ZAN!!” Shinra clenched his right fist and punched forward, “CRUSH!!!” The talismans consumed themselves instantly, warping the air as they flew out with bone crushing force. He hoped it was enough.

Shinra just barely managed to pull it off ducking under Berserker’s wild swing. The floor beneath Berserker was blown away, as was the wall behind him revealing an open night’s sky. Berserker roared as he fell to the floor below.

“Hurry Caster! We don’t have much time!” Shinra leapt through the gaping hole, feeling the cool night air against his face as he prepared a spell for his landing. Pulling out his mobile as his feet touched the ground, he called his attendant. “Get the car around. Now. We’re getting out of here. Leave one car for me, the rest will move on ahead first.” He looked back at his Servant as he ended the call, fearful of how this would’ve turned out had that first swing from Berserker connected.

“So brash” Caster sighed, jumping down from the second story height, almost floating in her descent. Following her Master’s retreat she let out another small sigh, this time in relief.

As Caster stood next to her Master she felt an overwhelming release of magical energy, followed by a blinding white light. “Looks like we’re not the only ones who got into some trouble already” she commented absent mindedly. Shinra could only nod, hands shielding his eyes as he watched the light flare and wane.

That shaking just now... Thought Lius as he descended further and further below. Light wasn't plentiful here so he reached out for his torchlight light to provide illumination. He relinquished his arms back to the holster to opt for extra support on the nearby wall. The prospect of exploring the unknown unarmed made the mage feel naked, insecure.

The space was wider than he expected. Lius didn't consider himself a fan of fantasy, but the limited books he read of a witch's den was spot on in every speck of detail. Well, minus the snakes. Lius paused as his light caught vision of an human's arm at the ground level, shortly next to it, the owner - Matou Shinzu. Lius drew his pistol.

"...Christ." Lius gasped. This was a sorry excuse of a person. Given a skull wrapped in skin and the latter might've looked better. Further inspection had Lius moving a few paces back as he spotted snakes around him. No.It nested within him. The sight sought to make him gag, encouraged further by the awful smell but the man swallowed it down.

"Matou Shinzu." Lius called out. Doubting he'd even be replied at all.

The man, recognised his name lifted his head, his eyes seemed to be pleading. Instead of replying with words, when he opened his mouth snakes spewed forward, not quite reaching Lius.

"You sad frag..." Lius pointed his pistol at Shinzu, aimed squarely at the head. Inside, he debated with himself. A man of (former) prestigious family, master even has clearly fulfilled the conditions to pull the trigger. But the sight that greeted him spoke a different story, one of betrayal of self and from its fruits. Lius knew such pain. He experienced it himself.

His finger rested on the trigger. "Look away. It'll be painless."

“This won’t” Said a woman from behind Lius as snakes bit into his legs. “you’re the sad one now”

"Wha-?" Lius collapsed before he could finish his words, a pistol shot fired as muscle memory seeked to complete it's last task before expiring to the numbness throughout. The shot went wild as expected.

Bending over the now collapsed Lius, Assassin smiled, “too bad for you” she laughed, however her laughter was short lived.

A rumble from above, turned into an earthquake as the ceiling gave in to reveal a mad warrior.

“Damn” Assassin cursed, “I didn’t think he’d be back so soon”

Berserker looked at the woman in gold with wild eyes, as if daring her to make the first move.

“I get it, I get it, I’ll leave him alone for now” Assassin said backing off into the shadows.

Berserker turned to his Master picking up his numb body, Moving faster than someone of his size should be able to he swiftly ran up the stairs and out of the house, smashing anything in his way. As he left the house began to slowly crumble, massive damage having been done to its foundations. Berserker charged through the streets and alleyways back to the place he felt his Master would be safest.

To give credit where it was due is a simple practice Lius has taught himself since young. If one would to go to the extremes, it was his orders that his servant should save him when he was in danger as ordered. But with exhaustion and the utter lack of feeling in his body, maybe, just maybe a little feeling of gratitude was felt. Perhaps Berserker had more to him than madness. As his servant continued to it's journey back to their base, Lius allowed himself to rest.

"Thank you...madman." He whispered.

This is a joint post between: nooby2 and BagMan

Shinra sank back into the hot tub, unwilling to move. After today, it felt like heaven. He chewed a gummy ever so slowly, remembering how the Matou mansion crumbled as the car drove away. He glanced over at Caster, watching as she relaxed in the hot tub with him. “In the end, we didn’t get anything, ran into two servants and almost got caught up in another fight.” He leaned back further, thumbing his mobile as he worked out how much explaining he’d have to do. Sighing, he silenced the phone and chucked it aside. He wasn’t in the mood anyway.

"Calm down Master, there's no need to get worked up about every little thing" Caster said softly folding her legs under the water, "We're still alive, aren't we?"

“True…” He let out softly. “It was my fault we even got into that situation anyway, going after those books. You said I wouldn’t need them as long as I had you but they’re not just for me. My family will require more information if this war and others like it do happen to cause more distortions. I’m sorry…” He closed his eyes as he remembered how close he was to death today, on more than one occasion.

"Don't apologize to me, idiot" she said kicking him and splashing him in the eyes, "I don't want to hear your self pity, we can find books elsewhere I'm sure"

He wiped some of the water off his face as he thought about his position. It was such a chore to be the heir sometimes, even if it did come with fringe benefits. He absently splashed a bit of water back at her and sighed. “Self pity hmmm? Well it’d be better if you could mentor me in Western Magecraft since you’re so well versed. That way I’d have first hand experience and be able to pass it down too.” He made swirling motions in the water, enjoying how just sitting in the hot tub seemed to sweep away everything. “And I never asked but… what’s your wish if we win?”

Blocking the water that arced towards her in mid-air she thought. “If I were to teach you, you might die” She smiled evilly “and my wish huh? My wish is to inherit what was taken from me, the throne of the country that forsook me. My hopeless brother was never suited to ruling”

Thoughts of being torn apart limb from limb or being reduced to dust came to mind and suddenly Shinra wasn’t so keen anymore. “You speak as though the whole world was against you. I’d be worried if any of my siblings wanted my position as heir but… maybe I’d be able to live a normal life then…” He admitted weakly. “Feh… heck, they can have it if they think they’ll do a better job.”

Caster leaned down further into the tub. “Perhaps the whole world was against me, I was prepared to do anything for the throne, prepared to become a tyrant willing to kill their brother to get what I wanted” Caster said, downheartedly.

“Well, with what you did from the time I summoned you till now, you don’t feel very malicious to me.” He leaned over and poked her in the shoulder, “at the very least, I won’t abandon you. It seems like I’ve got everything I’ll ever need at the touch of a finger but in spite of all that, life feels empty. It’s tough to have no one by your side, I know.”
Shinra shrugged. “Well, I’ll trust in your decisions unless they’re so bad even an idiot like me can tell it’s warped, you can count on that.” He smiled at her, “Cheer up, I’ll take you shopping tomorrow.”

February 10th.

The new day shone brightly, the snow that had settled the day before and the unusual cold had all but vanished, returning Fuyuki to its usual mild winter. The day did not reflect the chaos of the previous night, instead it seemed calm, so calm it seemed that nothing could disturb it, today would be a peaceful day.

Rowland had woken up from his long sleep. As he pulled up upper portion of his body from his bed - the weight of his body felt greater than usual; he felt sluggish still. He only took notice of it now that expended a great deal of his prana due to summoning Saber. All the excitement of meeting a heroic spirit made him not feel any of the negativities of his body, "To think I’d feel this tired. Professor should have mentioned this in his letter." Rowland said, as he stretched his arms, as a part of his morning exercises. He then looked around to see where he was. He noticed how he fell asleep in his living room couch, "Well, that's a bit embarrassing; falling asleep in the living room. Hm, let’s see what time is it," Rowland said, taking a glance at his watch, "It’s five in the morning, I guess I still woke up on time. Though, now that I think about it… where is Saber?" Rowland said, looking around.

“Right here, Master” Saber said, materialising next to him, “Did you need anything?” she smiled warmly.

”Nothing really, I just wanted to make sure last night wasn’t a dream. Never thought I’d do something like that.”

Saber frowned, “You committed to this without being ready for the summoning?” she probed.

”I suppose you can say that. I just found out about the Holy Grail War a few days ago. If I knew of it beforehand, I’d have been better prepared. I don’t really enjoy doing things without being ready, but after learning a bit more, I just couldn’t let this chance escape.” Rowland said as he got up.

Saber looked slightly displeased but said nothing, instead asking a question, “I trust you have a plan for today?”

”Well, in the mornings, we’ll follow the normal routines that I follow everyday. I don’t expect other masters to make a scene during the day. During the nights, I guess we’ll be going around town to track other masters. Though, we’ll try avoiding fights till we learn more about the other masters and their servants. One can’t win a war if they know nothing about their enemies.”

“Rather than that, we should blaze forward on the offensive, once you lose momentum or stall you’ve already lost” Saber observed thoughtfully.

“Well not necessarily, though I wouldn’t really know, I have only read what many did in the past. I don’t have experience of war myself. If you do want to play the offensive card, I’ll just ask not to overdo it. I’m not a fighter myself, so for me, it’s not really the best option to go on the offensive.”

Saber shook her head, “Don’t worry about fighting Master, just sit back and watch me win this war” she grinned, “So about the plans for the morning… what exactly are you going to do?”

Rowland happily smiled at Saber’s question, ”I’ll be counting on you to help us win this war. For morning plans, we’ll first have breakfast. Then exercise a bit afterwards, and lastly, we get ready to go to work at school… well, I will, anyway.” Rowland said as he headed to the kitchen. ”By the way, anything in specific you would like to eat?”

“I’m sure anything you make will be adequate” Saber said “Yesterday’s dinner was really good” she complimented

”Okay then, I should probably show you around town after breakfast so you can get an idea of how the town is. Well, a bit of the town at least. I still have work.” Rowland said as he begun preparing breakfast.

Saber nodded her head in agreement, “Indeed, learning about the battlefield is important.”

After breakfast was finished, Rowland did indeed give Saber a tour of Miyama, showing her the shopping district, and both the residential districts, noting that two of the houses were badly damaged. Rumours were already circulating about a gas explosion as the culprit, yellow and black police tape cordoned off both the Matou and Tohsaka residences. Rowland wondered if Yui was okay, as he walked at a brisk pace to work, arriving only fifteen minutes early to set up home room, reluctantly letting Saber follow him in spirit form.

“Azusa… Come on, Azusa!”

“Nnnn… I can’t eat any more…”

“Dreaming about food, again!? Come on… Azusa!”

Shuuhei shook Azusa’s bed, trying to wake her up from her apparently deep slumber. She ended up rolling off of her bed, and knocking her head against the floor. “OWW!” Azusa simultaneously rubbed her head and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she finally sat up. “Onii-chan, I was having such a nice dream… Why’d you have to wake me up…?” She pouted childishly.

“It was about steak, again, wasn’t it? I’ll ask Mom or Dad later to cook some tonight if you hurry up and get ready. If we’re late, I’ll forget about it.” Shuuhei took a moment to check if he had all his belongings, reminding Azusa, “Make sure you bring your homework, too.”

“Geh…” Azusa abruptly paused her preparations after hearing the word †˜homework’. She had forgotten to do it. “R-right, right… Thanks, Onii-chan!” She slipped a blank piece of paper into her backpack to try to cover her fault. Shuuhei didn’t seem to notice it, so Azusa sighed in relief.

She finished packing her things and quickly brushed her teeth and fixed up her hair. She threw on her uniform, and met up with her brother just outside of her room. “Wait, what about breakfast?”

“You missed it. I tried to wake you up when it was ready. You said you would’ve been at the table in five minutes.” Shuuhei explained. Azusa was shocked, and froze in place. “Just make do with some toast. There’s no time for anything else, we’re already running late.”

As soon as the toast was ready, Azusa slapped some butter on it, held it in her mouth, and ran out of the door alongside her brother Shuuhei.

"...This sucks."Lius mumbled. His body felt like lead with every rebellious attempt to move punished with generous servings of pain. The man knew that he wouldn't be able to get out of bed today, even willpower had it's limits. He silently cursed ,for his powerless self. He truly allowed himself to go crazy last night.

Going along the path, Lius’ thoughts naturally flowed to his crazed servant. He’ll heal, no doubt, Lius quickly dismissed him. Despite returning with nothing but injuries, he did at the very least save himself from a certain unwanted fate. He's spared, at least for the day.

Still, the sortie last night was not fruitless despite it's utter lack of any success. Judging by the wounds suffered by Berserker, he was able to figure out what type of servant the japanese fellow had - Caster,and an incredibly strong one at that. Her too, that smug faced of a woman - Assassin. Just thinking of her sent needles stabbing into Lius' brain, urging him for revenge. Her choice to not inject a lethal dose of venom will be her downfall. There will be no forgiving of her, Lius promised to himself. But to do so he must rest first, a yawn that followed shortly after further encouraged it.

Thus, as Lius was almost dragged in by slumber once more, the doorbell rang.

"..." Lius ignored it.

The bell rang again.

And again.

And again.

“Grr...!!!”

HOLY CRAP! Could life ever go easy on me?! Such thoughts swarmed over him with a ferocity of a broken dam. "GRRR..." jaw clenching, Lius rolled off the bed and made a most pathetic crawl towards his door steps. "Coming!" He shouted, in a more aggressive tone than he expected. Fortunately his crawl was made slightly easier due to the lack of any extra life comforts, allowing a nearly straight path to the exit. Leg by leg, hand by hand he pushed onwards. After 5 eternal minutes, he reached the exit with an effort that'll make Atlas proud as he fought to stand and open the door.

"YES?" said Lius,not bothering to mask his displeasure. The person’s expression was hard to decipher with his eyes covered with shades.

"Who stands by the gates?" said the figure, his tone oddly monotone. Lius was dumbfounded by the sudden question before very suddenly gaining clarity of it.

“Cerberus.” He quickly answered. His exhaustion quite forgotten, replaced with a serious expression after figuring out the situation.

“Who watches it?” The man replied, equally quick.

“ Two souls.” Lius continued.

“What are their names?”

“I cannot say.” Several seconds without either of them talking afterwards, as though measuring each other. Lius was pretty sure he didn’t screw up the sequence, but as the seconds dragged on even he started to have doubt until very suddenly the man talked.

"Your delievery.” He gestured to his side, a package, initially hidden from his sights.

To call it "package" would be an understatement. A box would be more fitting, a huge one at that. Witnessing it's size and bulk had Lius confirming his doubts. The man then hastily wheeled the cargo in with a trolley and unloaded it unceremoniously to the sparse living room. He left as swiftly without a word. He should, for such business should be left with him knowing less and letting himself to known even lesser.

Lius looked at the box and smiled. Looks like heaven hasn't abaddoned him yet.

His full arsenal had arrived.

(This is a Join Post starring: TheLoneGentleman and BagMan)

Yui woke up in a hotel as the sun shot in from the open window. She had to hurry and pack the essentials before she left her half destroyed house. She hired some guards to watch the property and hired some construction on the house. It was going to take roughly a week to complete. Until then she was stuck in the hotel with the most important things taken from her house. Kicking off her blankets she stood up in nothing but her underwear and a small shirt. Stretching she held her hand to her mouth in a deep yawn. Lancer was still resting, but she didn’t care if he saw her anyways. She wasn’t that shy of a person.

Walking to the bathroom she brushed her teeth, and took a quick shower. Leaving the bathroom she wrapped herself in a towel as she went to the hotel closet where she had her clothes hung up. Dressing up in her school uniform she put on shorts under her skirt. She hated wearing skirts, but uniforms were mandatory.

Lancer quietly chuckled at Yui’s disdainful face.

“What’s so funny?” she said finishing up her appearance.

“It really-pfft-suits-heh-you” he said failing to stifle a laugh.

“Come out of that spirit form, and I’ll knock you one,” she said brushing through her hair. Then looking at the time she panicked. Grabbing her bag she made sure that she had her valuables. She wasn’t about to trust housecleaning with something like her gems. The things she left were things like clothes, and other replaceable things. “Let’s go Lancer. I don’t want to be late,” she said heading out of the room. Running down to the garage she walked up to her red motorcycle. Luckily she was just the age to ride. She would never have made it to school without her own transportation.