Fandom Fate/Sapporo Holy Grail War IC

[ExplosionMagic]

Elrose
Location: Festival

Elrose nodded in response to Rebecca's gratitude before bee-lining for the festival itself. From Don Quixote she could already see the paper lanterns that were strung up along the longest road on the island. Crowds of people still enjoying themselves as the night carried on in full swing. The harsh light of the street lights slowly faded as they approached, replaced instead with the softer light of candlelight passing through thin paper. The sheen given off was homey and warm. The crowd too was in high spirits. Bon festival was meant as a celebration of life just as much as an occasion to honor ancient ancestors. Sapporo had plenty of those, with the islands long history being more then full of small wars and Imperial neglect.

Sweet and savory scents lingered in the air, mingling to form an array of scents that could drive anyone to indulgence in all the festival had to offer. As they passed from the side street and onto the main street, the view became much grander. Stalls lined the road, packed with games, food, sake, trinkets, charms, and small competitions held by smaller business. Tea ceremony, yukata design, the Himiko pageant, etiquette displays; the fair had plenty for the old and young alike. Further down the street was one of the more prominent events. A large section of road was roped off to form a square. Inside the makeshift barricade, two people in highly ornate armor stood, wooden swords shaped like katana held in their hands. They were both in varying stances, staring their opponent down. A samurai tournament. Elrose had always wanted to see one in person. No doubt it was a historical reenactment troupe.

Elrose motioned towards it with her chin before setting off for it. She walked at a calm pace, mostly to make sure she didn't run into anybody. The crowd was thicker the closer they got to the arena. It was a highly popular event. Japan had a deep love for its history and pulled no stops in making sure they presented themselves in the best way possible. The armor they were wearing was real. Samurai families had lived, fought and died in that armor. Just by wearing it they were honoring centuries of ancestors. Fighting in it, doubly so. As Elrose grew closer, she half turned to Rebecca.

"If the crowd is still big here, then the Kagura Dance probably isn't gonna start soon. They don't usually hold more then one major event at a time." She said, not having to yell as most of the crowd was quietly watching the dual before them. However, almost as soon as the words left her lips, an older woman in the crowd perked up, turning their way.

"The Kagura Dance isn't until tomorrow. The tournament is the last major event tonight." The older woman broke contact for a moment to face the two, obviously somewhat surprised by gaijin being so interested in their traditions, as her eyes widened. She hesitantly turned back to the two fighters after observing them for a moment. Elrose rose an eyebrow in confusion at the fact. Nobody had said there was a dance. She had no reason to lie, yet it would seem she had. She was about to speak again when the dual finally picked up. One of the samurai, in bright blue with yellow accents and a great helmet that had a foot long horse hair plume running down the back stepped into a swing. He was aiming for his opponents shoulder, meaning to cut from shoulder to hip in a single cutting motion. His opponent, dressed in a very basic set of red armor with a mask that hid their face, stepped into it, their own wooden blade coming up to block the blow, pushing it back upwards in a parry before coming back down and imitating their opponents swing, cutting the blue samurai down.

The crowd was silent for a moment before finally clapping and cheering. Short though the match was, the parry and follow through were expertly done. The red samurai gave their stunned opponent a bow before facing the crowd, stopping for a second once they spotted Rebecca and Elrose. A few others were murmuring around the two.

"That's the third one they beat in a row." One voice complained.
"Is the tournament rigged?" Another griped.
"No one's that skilled." A third followed with.

Judging by the way they were talking, they had no idea who it was they were losing against. The reeanctors all knew each other and were all capable of making matches last a few minutes was the vibe Elrose was picking up. She turned to Rebecca, dismissing the strange complaints of the watchers.

"What do you think so far?"

MocaPoka

 

[MocaPoka]

Rebecca (Caster)
Location: Festival
​

Rebecca was surprised when Elrose seemed to rush off to the festival. Perhaps she was also excited about seeing the festivities as well? Regardless the ghost followed her living summoner easily, and practically radiating anticipation as they moved towards the festival’s lights. There would be so much to see, learn, and experience!

In the festival, Rebecca’s ruby eyes widened in starlight wonder. With a wide smile on her mocha face she gazed at every stand, festive goer, and activity with child-like curiosity. The savory smells lingering in the air, the happy noises of a peaceful and contented people, the curious games and activities; all of it was a balm to her soul. There was tea, exotic dresses, trinkets and masks. Rebecca wanted to experience it all.

She refrained however from indulging herself. Contenting herself with just being a watcher of the festive living as she walked by Elrose’s side. She doubted any Servant would be willing to disrupt such a wondrous festivity, but it would still be foolish to leave her summoner’s side… even if she really wanted a closer look at the colorful dresses that were available for purchase that many of the woman seemed to be wearing to great effect.

The pair stopped by what seemed to be a match of some kind. Two individuals were dueling in colorful armor and wielding wooden swords. The style of match reminded her of “reenactment dueling” that the nobles in London would sometimes do for simple viewing pleasure. When she had first arrived in London in her living life, the nobles often liked to take her to viewings of “knight’s arts” seeming to think she would enjoy the display of sword skill, shining metal armor, and bowing knights that’s often asked for her favor before a match. In truth, she only enjoyed the later.

While watching the match Elrose spoke of a dance that was meant to happen later in the night, but it seemed the event was for tomorrow. Perhaps it had been delayed due to some unforeseen event? Rebecca hoped the dance was not for the appeasement of the gods; most were not understanding or forgiving of such delays in rituals.

Continuing to watch the match, Rebecca happily clapped along with the crowd as the samurai in red was victorious. It had been a quick, but obviously skilled swordsmanship match.

Turning to Elrose, Rebecca answered the taller woman’s question with the enthusiasm and happiness of an excited child going to Disneyland for the first time.

“It is wondrous! Truly a lovely affair! The dresses are so pretty! Everyone seems to be having such a fun time with the festivities as well! I have not had this much fun since I was in London!”

ExplosionMagic

 

[CatJones]

Nobody
Location: Festival

Invigorating was the only way to describe what Nobody was feeling. Her parry and stance had been perfect. Hours and hours of training that singular movement had paid off. Her first opponent had actually used the same technique but had missed the follow through, allowing her to get a throat cut while he was recovering. The second had opened with a more aggressive technique, trying to overwhelm her defense only to leave himself open to a poorly executed but well timed hip swing. And now the third was down. The sword on her hip feeling warmer and warmer as the fight continued. She didn't know if a non-mage could draw some kind of power from a summoning catalyst but the sword felt more and more life it was guiding her, even if it was just sitting on her hip. No one knew that it was a real blade. It would look like an edge-less training sword tom most people. But now that Rebecca and Elrose were here, she wondered if they would notice the energy coming off of it.

"Glad you liked it." Nobody proudly answered, bringing an armored hand up to remove her face mask, plain though it was, it still depicted a snarling mouth with jagged teeth. She gave a warm smile as she knew that Elrose would be somewhat disgruntled at her. She had lied, after all. She had told the pair she was partaking in the Kagura Dance. Which she was. Just not until the next night. She had actually left to join this tournament. Years of practice and training from Mishima would have gone to waste if she hadn't tried to show off her skills once. She had moved closer while they spoke and while her next opponent was checking their armor for the coming match.

She casually leaned on the rope boundary for the ring with one hand resting on the katana on her hip, a proud smile on her face at the fact she was cleaning up the tournament so far and now she had at least two people who she cared to impress. Rebecca seemed much more giddy then Elrose did, which for some reason made Nobody even happier. Some part of her was acting a little more fondly to Rebecca. It was probably because it was the first time someone close to her in age was somewhat appreciative of her skills. Even Mishima frowned on her learning bushi. Though part of her didn't want to admit where all of her skill came from. It wasn't all her own success. So long as neither of them figured out how she was winning, everything was okay.

"I didn't think grumpy old Elrose was going to come out to the festival. I figured you'd go back to your hotel room and brood. Glad to know that you still have some humanity. Rebecca, try and help her have a good time, please?" Nobody said with a sarcastic tint, looking to see her opponent was still being armored by their assistants. She had a minute or two more to chat with them before she had to get serious again.

MocaPoka ExplosionMagic

Berserker
Location: Sapporo Brewery

A spear. Which made her opponent Lancer. They started with a dodge, presenting their own weapon as they did so. A quick twirl and the crimson weapon was steadied in their hands and made deadly. Lancer lunged forward, making a swing at her shoulders. Berserker brought the two sections of her staff up to receive it only for Lancer to quickly redirect it towards her legs. An expert feint, done quick that a human opponent would be on the ground, wondering why their feet were still standing upright on their own. Berserker shifted her weight one leg pushing towards the third of her staff that was now dangling from her missed attack.

Her leg pushed it from the inside, letting the metal staff dull the bladed edge of the spear while her leg absorbed the impact. Years of training them for kicking logs into splinters came in handy as, despite her opponents prowess, she was fairly certain she had beat her in the strength department. A small sliver of herself though to call out to Nako through their linked connection and ask for her opponents stats. But there was no honor in that. It was a crude way to get an edge. With one leg stopping the spear, she shifted the other to let her put power into her hip as she stepped forward, one hand holding the last section of her staff while her other hand shot forward in a palm strike, aiming for Lancers chest. It had been a while since she had fought an opponent that used a real weapon rather then a training spear. It was quickly exciting her.

Soulmuse

 

[Phayne]

~Location~
The Church
~Mentions~
~Interactions~
Lucian leonhardt231

​

"Diplomacy can be accomplished in many forms" replied Rider as he listened to Lucian chastise him for his disobedience yet despite Lucian's displeasure, Rider did not feel an ounce of guilt for his choice of actions. He was a king, a man who rose to his height in legend through his own actions; not by prostrating himself as some kind of mercenary for the weak and feeble; to provide his services as some form of meagre charity. "However I will not lower myself to being a mere janitor for the church. Should they come to us begging for aide then perhaps I will consider it; however do not think for a second that I will merrily lower myself to being a muscle for hire; especially when the task is less then appealing." Once they were a distance away from the church, Rider materialised himself in front of Lucian, the servant still clad in this era's attire.

"I will fight, should the opponent be worth fighting. You do not need to worry about that. However There is no thrill in picking on the weak, nor is there excitement when fighting an opponent who stands no chance. Should these petty crimes prove to be the work of a servant, then it only goes to show how pathetic they really are, likewise is it not to our benefit if another servant reveals their hand whilst dealing with the criminals?" Rider's hand rose to the sky as a golden glow began to emanate from the palm of his hand; a strong torrent of wind sweeping the area around them almost as if a tornado had descended upon them from the clouds above.

Within seconds, Rider's mount had taken form within the swirling vortex of wind; Master and Servant floating momentarily as the mount materialised out of nothing beneath them; a smirk appearing on Rider's face as he glanced towards Lucian. "Doesn't this sound more exciting than hunting some mere criminal?" questioned Rider rhetorically as the pair of them took to the skies, heading towards the forest.

​

 

[ExplosionMagic]

Elrose
Location: Festival

The immediate inclination was to place her face in her hands. Elrose shouldn't have been surprised that Nobody was in the samurai tournament. It made sense for her, the outside viewer of the Holy Grail War, to want to find something to do that was more action-oriented then religious dancing. Though, Nobody had told the both of them only a half hour ago that she was partaking in the Kagura Dance, Elrose couldn't be completely mad at her. She was partaking in the dance, just on a different day. To make matters worse those was the bright gold sword hanging on her hip. It was an elegant weapon, made in a time period when swordmaking was an honorable skill rather then a method to maintain an ancient culture. Still, the sword throbbed with the slightest hint of mana. She had seen the sword before at the Mishima Church. Mishima had shown it to her and explained what it was.

It was the sword 'crescent moon'. It was one of the five historical swords of Japan. A national treasure wielded by several key political figures. Not adorning the hip of a high school girl who wanted to be fashionable. Elrose leaned in, grabbing the girl by the collar of the kimono where it poked out of her armor, letting her voice fall into a low hissing whisper.

"Har-Nobody. Have you lost your mind? If anyone finds out you stole that sword from the Church, who stole it from the museum in Tokyo, you'll probably go to jail for the rest of your life." She hissed, doing her best to keep anyone other then herself and Rebecca from hearing. She had also almost slipped and said Nobody's real name, something she had sworn not to do. Yet, her seething anger was hard to hide. It was all she could to keep from shouting.

CatJones MocaPoka

Mishima
Location: Mishima Church

Mishima let out a sigh of relief as the two left the church. He had what little information he could get from Zoey but didn't know what class the other mans servant belonged to. In the business that was the simply sway of things. You win some, you lose some. Mishima figured that the rest of the night was going to be rather lively. There was little chance the two of them wouldn't fight it out nearby, probably in the forest. This was, of course, assuming that no one was already fighting somewhere else in town. Loud and incompetent in battle didn't mean they would necessarily cause wanton destruction. He had to hope that they would keep their battles as secluded as possible. The festival would keep a lot more of the town distracted then normal but it didn't mean that they could act recklessly.

Mishima moved to enter the back areas of the Church, his personal quarters and the storage room of the building. The door was located behind his podium and as he let himself into the rooms he noticed something distinctly off. The main nave led directly into the dry storage room where he kept everything he needed for a basic service, but where he was also keeping a few more peculiar items. The first and foremost was the one he noticed missing. The summoning catalyst provided by the Church for their Master in the war, Zoey. He had hoped she would have come to the Church first before summoning so he could give it to her but she never arrived. And he had no way to contact her. A sense of panic over took him, his eyes widening and breath becoming ragged. Until he realized what had happened. A window on one side of the room was open. He had sent Nobody out moments before his first guest had arrived. She took the sword with her.

A sense of annoyance replaced the terror. Nobody was a child still and acted like it. He should have never have put it somewhere she could find it, especially not after he took the time to train her in swordsmanship. She would be at that tournament for samurai at the festival. He needed to get the sword back as soon as possible. If she was caught with an actual sword in a crowd of people, she would have some lengthy jail time. He couldn't let that happen. He turned to reenter the nave when something else caught his eye. The front door was open again and a figure clad in a black and red robe stood at the precipice.

The Taoist monk leader.

"Good evening, Father." Li Dan began, taking a step into the church and turning to close the door behind him. "I waited for your guests to leave, I didn't want to make a scene with them lingering about."

Mishima stood, frozen in place. He had no idea how to respond or what to say. They had been silently stalking and shadowing each other for a year now, always waiting for the other to make the first move. Mishima had assumed that he, or another member of the Church, would have to deal with the monk before he dealt with them.

"I apologize. Did I catch you unaware? I don't mean to intrude but I have a question that I figure you would be the best suited to answer." Li Dan took a few more steps into the nave, surveying the room. He seemed less then thrilled with the decorations. Yet the constant smile never his face, shallow and thin though it may be.

"Then ask." Mishima answered, finally finding his voice. It felt distant and hoarse.

"So hostile. You act like I'm here as a monster. Where is the grail? I know that only one gate was open for it to arrive for the war but which family received it? Who is the vessel?" He changed the subject abruptly, without pause. Mishima eyed him as he stood at his full height, trying to appear more powerful then he was. Years of neglect and peace had left him tired and ragged; he wasn't the warrior he had grown up as.

"As if I would tell you. What do you even want with it? You're not a mage in the war." Mishima spit back, not ever trying to hide the contempt in his voice.

"An astute observation. I have no interest in that petty squabble. Let those ghosts kill each other for all I care. Hell, they can kill each other, themselves, even this town for what its worth. But I need the grail. Despite all the knowledge and wisdom I've accrued over these two thousand years, the reverse side of the world still eludes me. One cannot enter it and come back. But the grail? With it, I can enter and come back at will. Once Lao Dan is back with me, this people of this world will get their just desserts. And Alaya will be no more. " Li Dan said, shrugging his shoulders as if to personify his indifference. His obvious plan mean the death of Alaya. But the only way to kill a part of the counter force was to remove it's source. For Gaia that meant destroying the Earth. For Alaya, it meant killing the collective will of man. Mishima realized what he meant. He intended to kill the whole of humanity.

"Is that all? I can help you with that. I'll send you to the reverse side of the world. Free of charge." Mishima surged forth, his old body creaking and moaning internally as he did so. Age was the only opponent he had ever worried about, now it was reaping its rewards. He focused his Od into his fist, feeling his flesh change, hardening until it felt like he was wearing a steel gauntlet. Li Dan made no effort to move, his smile widening as the blow came. Mishima struck him in the face, his hardened fist colliding with the mans soft cheek. Blood dribbled down Li Dan's chin from the corner of his mouth. Mishima withdrew his fist, his breath coming out in gasps. His chest felt tight.

"I see. You know, the constant violence your kind is so eager to participate in is the reason I'm here. If you had kept it to yourselves, kept your killing personal, I would have had no interest in mankind. Alas, mankind had found ways to poison the Earth and Gaia in new and worse ways. In short, Mishima Isshin. I'm going to enjoy killing you." Li Dan stepped forward, closing the already short distance as he came into a low crouch. His hand came forward like a snake. His fingers and their tips, sharp and hard as a razors edge, penetrated Mishima's shirt and flesh. Li Dan stopped when his fingers came into contact with the meaty bulb that was the older mans heart. He stabbed into it and then splayed his fingers open, tearing it apart from the inside. Mishima's death rattle was low and quiet as he fell backwards, sliding off Li Dan's arm.

"Truthfully, I enjoyed that far less then I expected. Your conviction made me believe that you had a chance of actually being a threat. What a tease." Li Dan said as he crouched down, whipping the blood from his hand on the priests clothes. He had no other reason to be there, simply standing up, giving a slight bow as thanks for housing him, and walking back into the alleys of Sapporo.

 

[MocaPoka]

Rebecca (Caster)
Location: Festival
​

Rebecca was pleasantly surprised by the reveal of Nobody. She had been the samurai in red! From what Rebecca had witnessed and was overhearing from the crowd, Nobody was impressively skilled compared to her fellow competitors.

“You are truly skilled warrior Nobody! Very gallant!” The tanned skilled woman praised the armored swordswoman.

“Elrose and I are having a lovely time at the festival.” Rebecca finished with a smile. She noted that the sword Nobody held had the barest hints of magical energy. The amount was so weak compared to the sacred or blessed weapons of her time that she didn’t think the weapon strange or of concern.

Things became less pleasant when Elrose grabbed Nobody by her collar in apparent anger. It seemed the sword Nobody wielded was twice stolen. Nobody stealing it from the Church and the Church stealing from a museum. The revelation left Rebecca flabbergasted. She didn’t know what was worse; stealing from the Church or the Church stealing from anyone at all, let alone a museum.

“This! This is not true is it? Surely there is an explanation? You wouldn’t steal from the Church would you Nobody? And surely the Church would not steal at all?” Rebecca implored Nobody and then Elrose for answers. Her red eyes going back and forth between the two, disbelief and disappointment in both her eyes and voice.

ExplosionMagic CatJones

 

[Hanarei]

Zoey Moirai
Location: Just outside the Festival

A small bit of distance had been made from the Church with seemingly no interruptions. A few people were now lingering about enough that at least gave some moderate comfort given the rules of the war it was far too much of a liability to start any sort of conflict with any potential witnesses might be around. Sure measures could be taken by some Magus in order to scrub anything they might witness but it wasn't something that really seemed worth the risk. If it came to the point of needing to kill a civilian, even magus as monstrous as they seemed to be they would at the very least scoff at the idea enough to avoid it. The sin of pride was ripe within their ranks enough they would want to avoid such a tally on their record and keep their hideous nature hidden away.

She hadn't expected to come stumbling into a rather tall dark skinned man so suddenly. It wasn't as if she hadn't seen his towering figure as much as she hadn't expected him to so blatantly not budge an inch in return to shift to the side like she had. His tea seemed to of spilled on him as she looked seemingly a bit taken back. As he pulled out his weapon rather then flinch she looked up as if in a bit of surprise rather then fear. It was more as if she was more lost then anything though she knew it was a threat. The weapon appeared sharp from what she could make of it though it was still best to play ignorant. She was trained enough to look death in the face and not flinch. When one came to facing the threats an executor would... even if perhaps with her specialty it being far from the most horrific, it was important that fear never overtook your mind.

"Ah, forgive me sir." She spoke in a sincere tone despite really putting much of the blame on him. She wasn't going to verbally say such a thing, after all she learned 'forgiveness'. She stared at him keep in the weapon rather close. It wasn't going to be able to kill her without pulling back either way, and while the idea of the face she did so much being tarnished was unsettling she wasn't going to allow herself to turn into a whimpering mess because of it. While she would hate to call it 'pride' she still had self respect enough as to not demean herself fully, particularly in the way he demanded given what it meant.

"I'm sorry, but there is only one who I would so willing prostrate myself to and my loyalty for now and always is with him. I can only extend to you a humble apology, perhaps I can buy you another cup of tea? I am not really one of extraordinary wealth unfortunately to offer much else." She spoke lifting her hand up to her chest placing it over her heart. She was ready to move if he was in the slight bit ready to pull back to swing. She would have ample time to do so with a typical human granted him being a servant it was perhaps a much more dangerous stunt though she didn't know he was one. His behavior and appearance did strongly hint he could be. It wasn't at all typical of how a person would react, and the weapon he held was not something typically scene out in public never mind in Japan.

Lordxana0 Kloudy Dragonruby

 

[Soulmuse]

Servant Lancer
Location: Brewery


Grunting from the impact of spear haft on staff and flesh, Lancer spun her weapon back, already flowing back as her foe stepped forwards in a palm strike. She didn’t quite manage to redirect her momentum back in time, receiving what amount to a light tap at the end of her foe’s extension, enough to push her backwards just a tad. By all accounts it did little damage, but she scowled internally, not happy with letting herself be caught. The hand-to-hand and segmented staff weapon suggested her opponent to not be a Caster or Archer. Putting aside the question of Class for the time being, Lancer focused on the fight at hand.

Not giving her foe a time to regroup from the strike, Lancer allowed the momentum of the push to keep her moving, performing a full flip back to gain a little space, as well as try to land a kick on her foe in the process. Landing, she kicked off once again, this time throwing two quick blows with the butt of her spear striking for foes left arm, then the right in one smooth, twirling blow. A new foe, and an unfamiliar weapon got her blood flowing, the challenge of a proper duel only adding to the enjoyment of the moment.
CatJones

 

[CatJones]

Berserker
Location: Sapporo Brewery

Much to her surprise, the palm thrust made contact. Light contact but it was still the first actual hit of the fight and possibly the entire grail war. A feeling of pride ran through her. She had never gotten a chance to test out her martial arts on outsiders before. Now she was fighting against someone who was already hailed by the Throne and Grail as a hero great enough to be a Servant. People from her own nation considered her a country bumpkin. Such a feat filled her with such pride it was taking all of her self control to ignore the madness enchantment that allowed her to be summoned. Bits and pieces of her mental being shred itself internally. Whether it was a good choice or not, she allowed her three piece staff to dematerialize.

Going into a duel between two warriors would seem almost insane. But her true strength was in hand-to-hand. A weapon was only holding her back. Berserker let out a long, controlled breath as she positioned herself in stance. Feet shoulder width apart, standing straight up, left arm extended outward, right tucked into a readied punch under her chest and to the side. This style required her to stay close to her opponent but where was the challenge in fighting at distance?

Lancer came back at her with a series of strikes from the butt of her spear. The first two were easily dodged by simply pulling her body back a little more but with her right arm extended, it was hit by the third blow. A slight bruise began to form on her lower arm, a dark purple circle on her languid skin. It was now 1-1 for hits, though Berserker had no interest in keeping that score. She surged forward, using her heightened agility to try and sweep into her opponents guard, ready to cartwheel over any attempt to force her to keep distance with a sweeping attack. Thrusts would be easy to dodge, something she had plenty of practice with from when she had been alive. For the moment, she intended to harass her opponent and keep too close to attack with such a long weapon.

Soulmuse


Nobody
Location: Festival

Nobody rolled her eyes at the accusations levied against her. She hadn't stolen the priceless artifact of Japan. She had enthusiastically borrowed it. Without permission. Sure, there was some questions of morality that could be asked about her choices. And up until this point, those questions had been wholly ignored as they caused more uncomfortablility then aid. After all, weren't they better off being honored with use then being displayed at a museum or in a church? If anything, she was asserting her birthright as a Japanese citizen to have access to the honored history of her people. She didn't bother to pull out of Elrose's grip as she spoke, making sure to keep her head and voice low as she did so.

"Rebecca, it's not what you think. I'm allowed to borrow it now that's its just a regular sword. It can't summon anything since all the servants were summoned and besides, I'm not a mage. It's just a sword." She gave a cheeky smile. Her argument was technically correct, which was of course the best kind of correct. Thankfully, neither of them had said anything else about it. She still couldn't figure out if it was just her imagination but she could feel something coming off the blade that made her feel more relaxed. Either way, she went to put her mask back on to start her next match. She pulled out of Elrose's grip more harshly then she meant to. As she ripped out of the older woman's hand, she stumbled backwards, her mask slipping out of her hand and clattering on the floor away from her.

For the first time that night, the majority of the crowd finally had a clean look at the mystery samurai who had been dominating their tournament. Gasps and quiet murmurs rose out of the crowd. Many of the faces on the crowd turned to shock and surprise. She slowly got to her feet, knowing her secret was out. A few murmurs from the crowd slowly turned into outcry. The people closest to the ring, most of whom were wearing armor, made the largest clamor. The were yelling over each other, though anyone listening could pick out the basic gist of it; she was unwanted there. She turned back to her opponent, who simply shook his head while backing away. Her shoulders slumped down as she was being seen as an outsider.

The crowd had gone silent after a few seconds of quiet reflection from Nobody. Realizing that she was now officially kicked out of the tournament, she made her way over to the rope, away from Elrose and Rebecca. She slid under it and began to walk away in a slow shuffle. The crowd parting for her as she did so.

ExplosionMagic MocaPoka

 

[ExplosionMagic]

Elrose
Location: Festival

The answer given by Nobody left a lot to be desired. Her nonchalant reply, directed at Rebecca while ignoring her, gave Elrose even less reason to trust the high school student now samurai. As infuriating as being annoyed while discussing something so important was, the anger rising up in Elrose's chest settled quickly when the girl pulled herself out of her grip. And fell over, seemingly tripping over her own feet. A small pang of guilt resounded in Elrose instead of that growing anger. Though, in her defense, she was just looking out for the younger girl who was in the midst of doing something very irresponsible.

Though the sudden disgust that morphed through the crowd was sobering. The liveliness of the event seemed to vanish in a heartbeat. Nobody had a sordid past, but that was all that Mishima had told her. Whatever it was, the majority of the town seemed to know about it and were quite opinionated on the subject. The most vocal minority was the other members of the reenactment troupe, who probably saw whatever her sin was as a great insult to their art. The fact that her opponent even refused to face her spoke volumes on the depth of the infractions weight. Elrose watched in silence as the girl exited the ring from the other side, the crowd parting to let her through. The leers they gave her were harsh enough that Elrose considered voicing her own disgust. But they weren't there to meddle in local politics.

She turned to face Rebecca. She wasn't going to go after Nobody but had no objections if Rebecca did. The middle of a crowd of people was more then safe enough for a Master. No one would try and kill her with so many witness' around. "I'm going to get some food from a stand. If you wanna go after Nobody, I won't stop you. You seem like the 'heart-on-her-sleeve' type."

Without waiting for a response from her Servant she began to make her way through the crowd, towards one of the more noticeable stands, a Ramen stand.

MocaPoka CatJones

 

[leonhardt231]

Lucian Oliver Waters Sinclair
Location: Near the brewery in the sky


"Pathetic they are, however, crimes are still crimes, and if this war wants to drag in the unknowing masses then I will be the one to put my foot down and raise arms to stop it from happening," Lucian answers as he climbs onto Riders mount. It was a strange mount but he had to admit, it got the job done quite well. It was going far faster than anything he had ever experienced, at this speed the world was a blur, the lights of the festival flashing by his vision and the music being nonexistent along with every other noise. This mount while effective sadly lacked any proper seats or barriers for safety. He was still hanging on to it by using reinforcement and even then he was just barely hanging on. Despite the danger it posed to him and any other normal being, it was strangely comfortable, almost as if he was in of his chairs in his study. As he neared the site of magic he felt earlier the feeling of magic in the air grew stronger.

Turning to his servant who was proudly dealing with the speed with ease "Do you feel that Rider? It seems like luck may be on our side, two servants and already doing battle." Lucian knew that rider wanted a fight and hopefully, this would be enough to provide him with the entertainment he so craved. Whether Rider interrupted the fight and fought the two or waited to fight the winner was fine with him. He was confident in his servant's abilities despite some of his issues.

As they were minutes from the battlefield, Lucian prepared himself to land on one of the nearby rooftops. "Do what you like Rider, but remember to keep innocents out of the battle and don't leave the area in total ruin, we need to leave some sort of semblance secrecy when it comes to magic."
Phayne
Soulmuse
CatJones
Lordxana0

 

[Phayne]

~Location~
The Church
~Mentions~
~Interactions~
leonhardt231 CatJones Lordxana0 Soulmuse

​

Rider raised a brow at Lucian's claim of putting his foot down yet chose to remain silent on the matter. It was quite clear that on this subject the two would hold completely different opinions and would more than likely not see eye to eye on it. To Rider, it was little more than a distraction, one that did not merit the time of someone of his status or calibre, not when there were opponents of far higher quality out there to fight. Just like his legend depicted, Rider was a man who only sought to challenge only the highest of authorities and then have the audacity to spit in their face when they fail to show him the respect and honour he deserved. A man such as this would only be doing the service of ruining his own honour if he lowered himself to dealing with the petty acts of rebellion that Lucian seemed to be so concerned about.

Taking to the skies with Lucian upon his mount, Rider took great amusement in the fact that Lucian required reinforcement magic to remain upon his stead, an obvious requirement for the mere mortal yet nonetheless amusing to the heroic spirit. At speeds almost imperceptible to the human eye the pair of them flew towards the forest; the passing scenery around them little more than a blur for those not accustomed to the speed at which they flew.

"Yes, the hair across my body dances with excitement" replied Rider as his casual attire quickly evaporated into the night sky, only to be replaced by the set of golden battle armour that he had been summoned in. " It seems that the Holy Grail has indeed granted my wish!" shouted Rider, a new glimmer in his eye as they neared their destination; the sound of battle already reaching his ears as he spurned his mount faster. The only cause for stopping was to allow Lucian to to disembark upon a nearby rooftop.

"Lucian, I would have you summon me should you feel threatened. I will not have my time on this realm shortened should another Master and Servant choose to thread the cowards path and attack you while I am away. However, I cannot make the promise of leaving the surrounding area unharmed. I have been known to be quite wild when I am enjoying myself. " spoke Rider, before he rose to the sky once more and headed towards the sources of combating mana.


It was not long before he arrived above the scene of the two combating servants, the cloud that he rode upon quickly descending towards ground level; Rider leaping off of it with the grace and nimbleness of a professional acrobat; the heroic servant landing upon the ground adjacent to where they were fighting, a large staff vertically balanced upon the ground as Rider stood upon it, a wide grin upon his face as he stood above both Berserker and Lancer. The opportunity for an ambush did not even cross his mind. He was no coward and would not resort to such tactics.

"So which one of you wants to be my first opponent?" he questioned, stretching each arm to either side as he waited for their answer.

​

 

[MocaPoka]

Rebecca (Caster)
Location: Festival


​

Rebecca looked at Nobody with unsure eyes. Even if the weapon had been intended for a catalyst for a Servant, that didn’t mean its valued had been lessened because it could no longer summon a Servant currently. It may have just been a sword, but it likely had history that meant something to the people of the land. It wasn’t right to treat it casually. The fact that Nobody wasn’t a mage was a non-factor and Rebecca was confused why the girl even tried to use that as a reason for her actions. Regardless it was not her place to protest further, she didn’t know the signification of the sword or its meaning.

The next events confused the ghost greatly. Nobody’s masks fell and the surrounding crowd looked at her. The reaction was not cordial. People began yelling and the Princess of the New World felt rage for the first time that she had been summoned to the present world. Nobody’s opponent refused to face her; a disgrace and slight that Rebecca fully understood the significance of. Nobody left the ring and fled, while Rebecca pooled with rare boiling rage.

Few things could upset the Princess, but slights and disrespect to her friends were one of them. Her anger built until she lost controlled of her condensed mana. The powerful force of mystery seeped though her body, Servants and magus nearby would feel the power, ones well versed in the flow and color of mana would be able to tell it was product of righteous outrage. In comparison to the sword Nobody carried, the mana held in the sword was like a flickering candle to a raging campfire compared to ooze of hot mana Caster was releasing.

She was able to regain control after a few seconds. Elrose gave her permission to go after Nobody. Rebecca was grateful, giving her summoner a small smile before going after the fleeing warrior.

Moving through the crowd she reached the black-haired girl’s side. She glared at anyone still looking in an unfriendly manner at Nobody before she caste a soft gaze to the girl.

“I would have loved to see your next bout. It is a shame that the other warriors were cowards!” Rebecca huffed, puffing out her cheeks in righteous indignation.

CatJones ExplosionMagic

 

[Dragonruby]

Edwin could only shake his head quietly to himself as his Servant continued their acts of petty crime throughout the festival. Taking items without pay, walking through crowds without care for others, all disrespectful in their own ways, but things that his Servant took for granted due to his status and pride. He'd yet to actually refer to his Servant as a 'King', though that was mostly because he had done his best not to say anything to the man, simply taking on the role of a caretaker of sorts. He paid for him when he could do so without losing track of him, and apologized to those that were unfortunate enough to cross his path, but speaking directly to the man? That was a chore he wasn't willing to do quite so publicly.

"Don't you think you're drawing a bit too much attention to yourself?" He asked mentally to his Servant now, as he rushed to catch up to them. "There could be other Masters or Servants in the crowd-"

His warning was cut short as his Servant walked into someone, making plain an open threat. There wasn't anything to do but step in now, something he inwardly groaned at as he pushed himself inbetween the Servant and the woman. "Hey, hey now, come on, it was only an accident." He says, attempting a calming voice as he focuses most of his attention on his Servant. "Look around, it's a crowd, it could've happened to anyone. There's no value in doing this here and now."

Edwin flicked his eyes towards the woman, scanning her briefly. There was little fear in the way that she spoke, at least outwardly. The way they watched his Servant's weapon wasn't unusual, but they didn't do it without purpose. There was a clear calculation in her eyes. Confident and guarded, but that was all he could really tell before he looked back at his Servant with a sharp gaze, one fist clenching tightly behind him as he readied a command spell if necessary.

Kloudy Hanarei Lordxana0

 

[CatJones]

Nobody
Location: Outskirt of Festival

Nobody had at least managed to keep enough composure to walk away from the festival in an orderly fashion. Inside, she was seething with rage. Outside, she was calm and collected. They had no right to bar her from her own heritage just because of her parents mistakes. She understood where they were coming from. The stigmata of her parents actions had made Sapporo look like an island of hillbillies and back woods nobodies. The mainland had even publicly shamed their entire tourist industry because of it. Now, they were her burdens, unprepared as she was for them. She had been walking at a slugs pace, shuffling her feet as she went. Every part of her wanted to go back. But even if she did, she didn't know what she would say.

She peered over her shoulder at the approaching Servant. Rebecca. It figured that Elrose wouldn't have followed. The older woman would easily see it as interfering with the locals politics; something the Church frowned on for its Executors. Though her own unwillingness to act friendly towards the islanders was probably a bad idea. Whether she meant to or not, she was making Elrose's life harder. Acting out in such a tight knit community with hostility was a quick way to find the island closed off to them. Then again, being associated with her wouldn't help them out in the long run either. She maintained her sullen expression as Rebecca spoke to her, at least as much as she could. Rebecca was an outsider to their ways. Nobody's lips quivered. She knew that Rebecca was trying to cheer her up but it was having the opposite effect.

They hadn't refused to fight her out of fear. If she had kept her mask on they would have challenged her until they couldn't stand anymore or until they finally won. They were excited to have a competitor that drove them to the extreme's of their training and ability. They were ashamed that someone who had forced them to be ostracized from their own people had joined in what was considered an honorable pursuit. She was without honor, born from a mistake. She grit her teeth as she tried to explain why Rebecca was wrong, keeping a strong face despite the tears welling in her eyes.

"That't not true. That's not true at all! They're not cowards. I-my family-we-it's complicated. The people of Sapporo are prideful. They were sent here to be a live-in military force in case Russia ever invaded. To them, they're the descendants of the warriors ready to die to protect Japan from outsiders." She paused, catching her raggedy breath as she took a gasping breath. Trying to hold back tears while talking was taking a toll on her, the weight of her armor not helping either. "But my family-my parents-did something stupid during an important time to the island. It made the entire island look terrible and they never recovered from it."

She finally let out a sob as a group of words pranged around in her head. It was unfair. It was unfair. She had no choice in her the circumstance of her birth.

MocaPoka

 

[Soulmuse]

Servant Lancer
Location: Brewery

Lancer felt a flicker of confusion when her opponent let her staff vanish, dropping into a low martial arts stance. That confusion lasted only a moment, as while she landed a blow, it became quite clear the tenor of the fight changed. Her foe now took this much more seriously, pressing close to prevent Lancer using her weapon to it’s fullest.

The shift of combat style added more information to Lancer’s picture of her foe. But the relentless push cut away her thoughts, leaving her only time to retreat, pulling her foe in. Mind racing, Lancer settled on attempting to get her foe to overextend, and to use that opening to score a decisive blow. From there, the time to pull back was approaching. Without going all out, Lancer didn’t think she could learn much more, and she would abide her Master’s wishes to avoid a full out battle without a surety of victory.

However, before that plan could be executed, a staff plummeted down, landing nearby, and a moment later, another figure, male, obviously a Servant, given that he was balanced keenly upon said staff. Putting on a burst of speed to dart back, using another flipping kick or two if needed to create separation, Lancer scowled deeply.

“It seems we may need to postpone our duel.” She spoke with obvious annoyance at having the fight interrupted. She’d been honestly enjoying herself, the test of her skill against an unconventional opponent, and the rising combat adrenaline. Now, this new arrival cut into that. “What do you want to do about this one?” Her eyes flickered between foes, but the words obviously were directed at her existing foe.
CatJones Phayne

 

[Lordxana0]

Abastor Cromwell
Location: Outside of Brewery

"Hm, unexpected but not all together outside of expectations, fighting tends to draw in other people who want to fight." still there would be trouble if things pushed on for too long, even with Lancer holding herself back there was a limit to the amount of mana he could give her in a single night in order to fight on that level against two enemies. "See if you can partner with the enemy against the new arrival, two against one is good odds and they did interrupt your fight," he uncorked a bottle filled with pale green liquid and drank it down, nearly vomiting from the horrid taste but feeling his circuits flood with energy. "If not cut an escape route out of there and we will return to the hotel room. There will be other days to fight that don't put us at a disadvantage." speaking telepathically over greater distances was one of the perks of their bond he could get used too. "Remember we are only testing the water today, I expect your keen combat senses to help dull my ambition a bit if I get greedy."

If he were a more combat oriented mage he might try and track down the enemy Master for either of the two Servants, but he was better off leaving the fighting to the powerful familiars.
Soulmuse CatJones Phayne

Servant Assassin
Location: Just outside the Festival

I appreciate the thought Master, but do remember that in the long run it would be better if I was never seen once by our enemies during this war unless it is while they are fading back to dust. That being said it is a gentlemen's duty to escort a lady where she wishes to go, and I won't confuse that again in this second chance at life.

Assassin left the church in spirit form and hovered ever close to his Master, looking at every shadow as if it had a hidden enemy ready to explode out of it. However even the greatest amount of caution would never be enough to prevent the inevitable, the odd man who had bumped into his Master and threatened her set his blood to boil, already moving about in his spirit form and only manifesting once comfortably hidden in shadows, preparing his own attack the moment he was given the order. His Noble Phantasm tended to be loud once used, but with the cover of the festival they would be able to explain away any noise. And the weapons themselves were imbued with a portion of his legend as well, blending into the dark almost as easily as Assassin did.

Master, give me the order and I will extract you from the rather boorish company in front of you. When it comes to fleeing the scene of a fight remember that I am one of the best for the job. Plus these borrowed tools of mine are aching to be used since I was summoned.

He waited in the dark for his Master's command, not so much as breathing to keep himself hidden.

 

[CatJones]

Nako Ito & Berserker
Location: Sapporo Brewery

Nako smiled to herself. Computers were not her most knowledgeable field but she had managed to convince the rack of servers to forget everything they had seen for the past couple of minutes. She had noticed the fight her servant was engaged in. The woman they had challenged earlier being her opponent. She could feel the draw of Od from her body increase as her servant became more and more focused on the duel in front of her. It wasn't at a level she would consider crippling but it was a steady draw. She turned back to the wall of machines she had meant to subtly deal with.

Spark and and a few wispy trails of smoke were all that were left after a few low mana gems had released their energy into them. The actual CCTV was still running, giving her a good view of the battlefield without having to get as close otherwise. Neither of them had the upper hand but Berserkers surprising level of agility had thrown her opponent off balance. Hopefully they didn't figure out that it was a skill and not the norm for the unarmed warrior. She felt a pit in her stomach form as their fight was interrupted by a third servant. A strange fellow with a staff. There was no way there were two lancers in a Grail War. Perhaps he was Assassin?

She didn't have time to focus on it. She needed to get closer to allow her mana to transfer better. She set back out to at least close the distance with her servant.


Berserker could feel the adrenaline rising as the fight went on. She didn't have the upper hand, not entirely, but she was at least pushing a slight advantage with her ability to shift fighting styles. She still had four more forms she could use if she stared to lose that edge. She was certain that she could land a blow that would at the very least tip the scales further to her favor. But it wasn't to be. The loud crack of concrete drew her attention away from her opponent for a split second to long.

Her immediate reaction was that it was either a diversion or an unexpected angle of attack. Either way, she moved aside to prepare to dodge or block what she thought was going to be a blow. Instead, it was another Servant. A staff user. She couldn't exactly limit herself to believing that a staff was exactly the same as a spear. She had trained against staff users as well, but it had never been with the same intensity as her spear training. That had culminated in preparing to fight for her life. Her staff wielding opponents had always been monks that were friendly to her. It left a level of ease that true battle couldn't overwrite without some dire straits.

Lancer broke the silence first.

"He should wait his turn, if he has any honor." She made sure that she had spoken quiet enough to not be over heard by the new arrival before addressing him directly.

"I apologize but there is already a duel underway. It is bad form to interrupt." She spoke in a low yell, making her annoyance known.

Soulmuse Phayne

 

[MocaPoka]

Rebecca (Caster)
Location: Festival
​

Rebecca’s anger was replaced with sadness as Nobody spoke.

The slight during the match had been more of a personally snub than the ghost woman had realized. Rather than an issue of being afraid to face a stronger opponent, the other warriors were enacting a form of shaming and protest for a past wrong that Nobody’s parents had committed. Rebecca had seen such things before with her own people before and the English. Blood was important to most cultures and sins were never easy for most to forget or forgive. Feuds could live on generation after generation, for crimes that weren’t even remembered.

It would often take her authority as a Shaman and the threat of wider community shame to end such blood feuds. She had never tolerated such hate; especially when directed at a child. It always had seemed such a foolish thing to her. The children were innocent; regardless of what sins their parents may have committed.

The emotion that was starting to leak out of the living girl greatly affected the dead ghost. When the first sob from Nobody came Rebecca wrapped her arms around the other woman, holding back her own tears.

“Their sins are not yours and the people of Sapporo are wrong for believing such.” Rebecca was able to get the small words out but was afraid of speaking more in that current moment.

Her own emotions hovering in-between lingering anger at the people of the festival and sympathetic sadness for Nobody. She had always been the type of person that was quick to share her tears for another; even if she had only meant the other person and talked to them in the span of a few minutes.

Still she doubted it would make things better if they both started sobbing in the festival’s streets. So as her arms were wrapped around the other woman, Rebecca did her best to not completely break down in tears for Nobody.

CatJones

 

[Phayne]

~Location~
The Church
~Mentions~
~Interactions~
leonhardt231 CatJones Lordxana0 Soulmuse

​

Rider remained stood upon his staff, perfectly balanced and accustomed to being up here in a position where he could easily look down upon both of his foes. It simply felt right for him to be standing above both of them, to have others look up at him in fear, awe and admiration. It was what he had wanted during his life and it was a goal that he had thought he had achieved, only to one day catch wind that his 'honored position' in the heavens above was nothing more than a mockery, the lowest position that could be granted and an insult to his prowess.

It was clear to Rider that the combatants had been quite vexed upon his arrival,the clear annoyance in both of their voices as they spoke being quite obvious to him as he remained silent for a few seconds longer, both eyes observing the two foes who only a few moments ago had been fighting each other.

"Very well. Continue your fight" he finally spoke, addressing the servant who was second to speak. There was no harm or discredit to Rider if he had let them continue their bout with one another and many would see it as being rather advantageous to him to let them continue with their fun and games. That being said, it was only after Rider had come to the conclusion that he needed to approve their fighting abilities as being worthy enough to fight him that he had finally agreed to let them continue uninterrupted. "I will merely partake in the entertainment and if the victor is perhaps still willing to fight; then I will be willing to help put them out of their misery"

With that said, Rider had leaped off of the staff, back flipping several times in the air before landing upon a large branch of a nearby tree; the servant now sitting upon it as he continued to observe the servants below him; his staff disappearing into thin air as well.

"Lucian" began Rider as he continued to observe the two servants. "I have decided to let the two servants continue their fight... I must first see if they are worthy enough to face me and what better way to decide that than to watch them fight one another"

​

 

[Soulmuse]

Servant Lancer
Location: Brewery

Lancer made no visible note of the words of her Master, doubly so when, to her immense surprise, the other Servant seemed quite content to back out of the fight, and leave her to her current foe. Still, she would need to beat a hasty retreat if the new foe pushed their luck. “Be prepared to leave Master.” She sent back. “This will not continue for much longer, and I do not intend to fight the new arrival just yet.”

Returning her focus to her first foe, Lancer took a deep breath. This had gone long enough, even if she were holding back her full abilities, a new arrival required a quick end to this battle, so she could disengage. She’d promised not to go full out without a reason, but this might warrant pulling out a few more stops.

Pushing a bit of Mana into her Runes, hoping the slight, but abrupt increase in physical speed might give her the window to land a solid, decisive blow. Giving her weapon a single quick twirl she assessed the options, before charging forwards, with the seeming into to try and land a quick thrust, before spinning into a slash at her foes right arm and torso, already half prepared to flee regardless of it her blow landed.

CatJones Lordxana0

 

[ExplosionMagic]

???
Location: Inside Sapporo Brewery

Hesitation, like the clear fluid in the vial clutched in his hand, was a poison. What had once been a quest to understand the self was now culminating in a choice he was unable to make with a clear conscious. He had been following the teachings of Li Dan for over a year now, his master and teacher having plucked him from a worthless life as a vagrant. He had spent the better part of twenty three years of life as nothing more then a bum. He had dropped out of high school to kick it with his fellow delinquents, all of them thinking they were going to make it big and join the yakuza. Instead, one by one, they started normal lives and did their best to return to society. But not him. He had chosen his path and tried to keep to it. Yet, every snatched purse and mugged teen had left a void in his chest that deepened with every act of malicious survival.

The master had been wise, strict but never over bearing. In only a year, the master had taught him self control and to be at ease with his mistakes. Yet, now, he was hesitating with an order given directly from his master. The glass vial in his hand was no bigger then his thumb. Standing on the catwalk over looking the main production of the islands only real export. Sapporo Beer. Next to him was the primary distilling vat, where the majority of the liquid was held during production. He had already gone through the trouble of opening the hatch to it, a manhole made for a person. He had been ordered to empty the vial into it.

Taking a calming breath, he did as he was ordered. He owed what little peace of mind he had reclaimed from his sordid past to the master. He had to trust him to some degree, right? Even if he felt wrong doing it, he uncorked the vial and tilted his outstretched hand. The sound of liquid splashing into more liquid echoed though the vat and into the room. It was done. He replaced the cork and began to make his way out. The easiest exit being the door leading into the courtyard near the main gate.



The door flung open to the outside and he hurriedly stepped through. To his surprise, he was no longer alone in the facility. Three people that he could see were in the courtyard. They were all dressed rather strangely. One was in a bodysuit with a veil and a red spear. One was in some manner of Chinese dress. The third, who he didn't immediately notice, was in a tree in the courtyard. His masters words kicked in as he realized what they were. Li Dan had told them all of a manner of beasts and demons that would be living on the island in the coming days. They would take human form but their evil was awesome. They would kill any who saw them in their true guise. Though he was only a monk, he knew his duty. he needed to report what he was seeing, even as one of them had already launched an attack on one of its kind. Monsters though they were, they would battle for supremacy and the winner would cause untold destruction to the world.

The monk turned and ran for the gate.

Phayne Soulmuse CatJones

 

[CatJones]

Berserker
Location: Sapporo Brewery

Berserker was pleasantly surprised with how amicable the newcomer was. She had expected for her him to be less reasonable in the decision for them finish their battle first. It did however mean that they would both need to deal a more focused blow without getting hit in the return. Getting sniped by an enemy servant just after defeating one would be rather embarrassing. Berserker began to mentally prepare herself for the rest of her own fight. She retook her stance, ready to continue.

A burst of mana from her opponent signaled this second round as Lancer rushed forward. Berserker had every intention to keep to her previous strategy and keep to close for that long weapon to be used effectively. Lancer went for a thrust, which she prepared to duck around when something caught her eye instead. A small blur of motion near by. A man in black and red robes, with short black hair, had exited the main building of the brewery and right into the courtyard they were dueling in. Regardless of the differences between the three Servants, there was still one rule that united them. The common man wasn't allowed to know of the Grail War. Her concentration broken for a second, Berserker began to duck and weave towards Lancers side only to instead be met with her opponents true attack.

Razor sharp steel slipped through her skin like it was air. Her right arm was heaved open with little effort. She managed to dart just far enough to avoid the second half of the swing. The blow would have left her with a sucking chest wound. instead the wrapping on her right arm was rapidly being dyed red with her blood. The blow was below the elbow, leaving her arm with a surging twinge of shocking pain as any movement of her hand caused now damaged nerves to react. She ducked further back, relying on one of her own skills to increase the distance between the two of them. Still, she maintained her stance with her left arm, letting her right hand limply. It could be healed with sufficient mana, but the middle of a fight was not the place to do so.

"Berserker! We're leaving!" A sudden cry came out as her ivory haired master appeared. Nako came from one of the side buildings, heaving a few jewels as she did so. Her small frame hid how talented she was. The gems spread out in a fairly large pattern towards Lancer, glowing a soft array of colors as they began to rapidly disperse a thick smog into the arena. It quickly concealed Berserker to make a rapid retreat between the buildings. She made sure to stay back enough from her running master to intercept anyone trying to stop them. They quickly made their way to a chain link fence that separated the brewery from another group of small buildings. If no one followed, they could quickly escape that way.

Soulmuse Phayne



Nobody
Location: Just outside the festival

When Nobody had started her day, the last thing she had expected was to be standing in the middle of the street with a small Native American girl wrapped around in her a comforting hug. She had especially not expected anyone else to not only be sympathetic to her plight but to be so kind about it. Well, there was one other person but their 'friendship' had become rather rocky. Either way, Rebecca's kindness wasn't wasted on Nobody. She gently followed the natural sway of the moment, her arms snaking their way around the shorter girls waist, resting on the small of her back. She rested her chin on Rebecca's shoulder, trying to keep the side of her helmet from scraping the other girls head. It was nice being held again.

After several seconds she pulled away, mostly uncomfortable with the fact that if anyone from the crowd wandered this far from the entertainment, Rebecca would be labeled as just as much of a pain as she was. Something told her that Rebecca could care less about how the people of the island saw her. But this wasn't her burden to bear. She couldn't stand the idea of someone else having to face her problems for her. Not after what had happened with the last person to stick their neck out for her. She gave a comforting smile to the other girl.

"I'm grateful for the pick-me-up but you should focus on your Grail War. I have my stuff locked down, it was just a momentary sign of weakness." Her smile brightened to its usual self. Her cheery tone of voice returning as she reminded Rebecca of her promise to her. "Besides, didn't I ask you to take of Elrose too? She's probably already found some dark corner to sulk in. You should go check on her."

Part of her wanted to be alone for a few minutes, another part didn't want to be alone. But she would send Rebecca back for the time being. She would see her again tomorrow, she figured. Now that Elrose knew about the Kagura Dance, she would no doubt come to check on her. If not for Nobody's sake then for Rebecca's. No matter how you cut it, Rebecca and Elrose were both big softies in their own ways. Regardless, she needed to get home and replace the sword before Mishima noticed it was missing. That would be a new definition of walking into hell if he found out she 'borrowed' it. Yet she couldn't find the words to say bye to her new friend.

MocaPoka

 

[MocaPoka]

Rebecca (Caster)
Location: Festival

​

Rebecca’s soul warmed as she felt Nobody return her hug. She had always been a physically affectionate person and every hug counted as a precious gift to her. During her childhood it had been a very rare gift; most were too afraid or too respectful of her position to do something as familiar as to give her a hug. Sometimes she went months without even seeing someone smile at her. Only her father would give her smiles when she saw him, and later her older brother when he arrived.

Rebecca was saddened when the hug with Nobody ended. She did her best not to let it show; instead, smiling back at Nobody’s own grin and words. The living girl seemed to be in much better spirits now, which was a great relief to the ghost.

“I shall do that, Nobody; although I am sure Elrose is not in a “dark corner”. That would be silly!” Rebecca laughed at the “joke.” For some reason only known to her, finding Nobody’s description of Elrose’s likely location funny.

“The fighting has already started, so I don’t think the other Servants will be quick to start more fights tonight.” The Caster class Servant spoke in a more serious tone. “You should however be careful walking home and take to areas with more people. I would not like to think that someone recorded into the Throne would harm the living… but… desire and greed can poison even a hero’s heart.”

Caster looked solemnly over to the direction where the mana bursts were coming from. She was a little surprised Servants were fighting already. It would be wise to return to her summoner’s side; the other master’s could be planning to fight among themselves as well. That was not how the ritual was intended to be fought; but it would certainly make sense for a stronger master to perhaps target the weaker ones while their Servant was distracted the other Servants.

“Please be safe getting home, my friend. Have a pleasant night.” Rebecca said with a smile and began to walk back into the festival’s center, following the link of souls that connected her to Elrose.

"I am returning to your side. Elrose. Nobody is in better spirits now." Caster said telepathically through the link. The action and form of communication was familiar to her. She had many bonds with spirits that communicated this way during her living life.

CatJones ExplosionMagic

 

[CatJones]

Nobody
Location: Outside the festival

In her heart of hearts, Nobody assumed the worst of the night was over. There was no it could get any worse then being thrown out of the competition she had spent the better part of five years planning for? And being reminded that her parents constant inability to make good rational decisions was still something the majority of the town looked down on her for. But, again, that wasn't her fault. Still, she kept a brave face as she walked away from Rebecca, turning enough to wave to her new friend as she did so. Of course, once she turned away from the servant, her smile faded away and was replaced with a stoic frown. She was more tired then she had expected.

The walk back to the Church was pleasant enough. With most people at the festival, there weren't many people to sneer at her as she walked past. All in all, it had been a decent venture. She didn't do as much as she wanted, but feeling the warmth of another person for the first time in...what, two years? A small smile formed on her face again, this time on its own accord. The last few minutes to the church passed in silence. As she approached the stone building, she stopped. The front door was open. Mishima never left the door open. He was anal about people leaving it open. She placed a hand on the sword on her hip, approaching slowly.

At the door, she peered in. Her mind blanked at the scene within. Mishima was splayed out on the ground, a hole in the middle of his chest. She instantly breathed in harshly, forcing her emotions down. Someone had to have done this for a reason. It couldn't have been random. She stepped into the church proper, her head and eyes rapidly turning and inspecting everything in sight. No one else was in the room, all the windows and the door leading to the living quarters were closed. She turned back around, shutting the door. It felt like holding up all of the world, her mind hammering away with random thoughts. Who could have done this? Why would they? She had her own reasons to hate the man, but even this was to much.

She was staring at the door. Some deep part of herself wanted to believe that she would turn around and he would be standing there, a stern expression as he scolded her for stealing the sword. Hesitantly she turned around, little by little, until she was looking down at the corpse before her. She slowly sat down next to him, unsure of what to do. She had never been a certain person, and now she was more unsure then ever on what she was supposed to be feeling. A part of herself felt like an bottomless pit. Just a hole that nothing could fill. It wasn't just a part of her but the majority of her being. Just nothing.

Minuted passed before she finally snapped back into reality. There was nothing she could. She couldn't just drag him away. She was certain a servant had done the damage but she couldn't just pretend like that was an acceptable answer when someone came to ask questions. She would have to call the police. It was going to be an entire ordeal. She already knew that wasn't a choice. She was the only person on the island with a motive. How easy it would be to say that she killed her uncle in a fit of rage? He had been part of the reason that she was looked down on. He was the one who had exposed that her parents had been siblings. She would need help dragging the body down to the cellar. She could hide him the crypt for the time being. She wiped away a few errant tears she hadn't even realized had slipped out, before getting up and heading for the downstairs of the building. It would be easier with the doors open and she wanted to take the armor off.