Archer was in the middle of smiling widely, until Joan took a step forward. She gave off a look of interest as she sensed the energy, and the confidence, that Joan emitted. As she was going to remark towards her, she noticed David's Greatest Treasure, and gave off a laugh.
"Ha, a puny worthless little box like that a treasure? Don't make me laugh..." Standing up, the golden long-haired servant's clothes glowed brightly, and were replaced by golden armor, and a slightly revealing shirt. "That treasure is nothing more than a toddler's toy... and Woman," spoke Archer as she looked at Joan, "I'm not afraid of the likes of you... Gates-"
"Archer, that is enough!" barked Lucas, as he turned angrily towards his servant. He was not about to have his servant unleash whatever she was about to do, nor was he about to have her fight this maiden... she was...dangerous. "Miss Joan, I apologize deeply for my servant's behavior today," said Lucas as he bowed his head. "We will be taking our leave now, please have a wonderful evening."
"Just what the hell do you think you're saying!?" exclaimed Archer as she looked at her master move from the wall, and walk towards the door.
"Archer, do you really want to want to waste your time on these simpletons?" said Lucas, who was starting to understand how his servant worked.
Archer clucked her tongue, and mumbled to herself as she followed her Master out of the cathedral, but not before shooting Joan another glance.
edited 24th Oct '11 9:59:35 PM by Wolffang
"What the hell are you doing?" "I'm playing a role, sir, what are you doing?"As surprised as Tsubame was with the humble appearance of her Servant... that was nothing compared to his next actions, particularly hugging her. She leaned back on his embrace, rendered speechless for a moment by the sheer bizarreness of the situation
Only after a few seconds was she able to get some words out of her mouth "Are you sure you're a Heroic Spirit?"
Janice's expression turned into quite a satisfied smile once she got a look at her Servant. His sheer appearance was quite imposing on its own... and she was sure that his abilities would more than match it.
"Indeed I am. As stated in the contract, tell me your true name and class" Lady Janice said, following the protocol for the moment.
Joan was quite glad to see the bothersome golden woman retreating from the premises. At least her Master seemed like a good man and far more respectful than the prideful woman.
She then had time to turn and appreciate the great gift that King David offered to the Cathedral. The young maiden got to her knees, tears almost coming to her eyes from it's sheer magnificence "Do not worry, Noble King. I am humbled by this task... and shall make sure, to the best of my ability, that the Ark is not disturbed"
Unfortunately for Mark, seeing such a treasure made the Maid of Orleans momentarily forget to answer to his query.
— Asteon —
Despite the highly emotional exchange David and Joan had just had, Asteon wasn't emotionally moved. He was too busy contemplating the repercussions of what the overseer had just told him.
— "No longer is this merely an engagement with the end of satisfying the greed of a few magus." —
He tapped his heel in a hypnotic rhythm, waiting for his servant to return to his side. Eventually, David stood from his knees at the Altar and walked back to his master.
"We're going Archer."
"Of course Asteon."
Like a dog with its master, David was metaphorically dragged out of the church. As they pushed open the door, they found that the 'other' Archer and his master were nowhere to be seen. A fortunate turn of events. Asteon unlocked his bicycle and kicked off down the slope.
"Where're we going Asteon?"
"Home. I need to plan."
Asteon launched himself onto the couch. A rough landing resulted in Asteon's face being smashed into the cushion while his legs were dangling off the end of the sofa. He seemed content with the position and refused to crawl into a proper resting posture.
"Hey... David... About your noble phantasm."
"Yes?"
"You can take the noble phantasm of any hero you defeat with your slingshot, right?"
"Hamesh Avanim: The Five Stones. Yes, indeed any Hero I strike with a stone will be knocked unconscious and I will take possession of their main weapon. However, I will be giving each servant four chances to give up and surrender. I will refuse to strike an opponent immediately."
"If I order you with a command seal?"
"Then I will comply."
Asteon went back into thought. About his fiancee and what costumes he'd get her to wear the next time they went on a date.
Time passed. David had decided to start playing his harp. An unusual tune that Asteon had never heard before. It sounded classical but the time signature was completely different from anything he'd heard before. Setting aside musical thoughts from his head for a moment, he shifted through mental possibilities in his head. From the information he had gleaned from the church, he was to be facing a severe uphill battle. Gilgamesh's statistics were through the stratosphere. Beowulf was also stronger than David and would likely defeat him in a straight up engagement.
"David. Do you think you can defeat Gilgamesh?"
"If The Lord wills it to be so, yes."
"Alright, I have a plan."
Archer and Lucas finally arrived at home after much time had passed. Giving off a sigh, he took off his jacket, and proceeded to the fridge.
"Jeez... you sure know how to piss people off, you know that, don't you?" spoke Lucas as he rummaged through the fridge.
"I only told them the truth..." said Archer as she took a seat by a table, "All those other heroes are nothing compared to me."
A few minutes passed, and Lucas returned with a bottle of wine, and two glasses. Placing a glass at the ends of the table, he took a seat. "Even if you do say that... What exactly can you do Archer? You haven't really told me anything about your Noble Phantasm, nor do I know what it is." As Lucas spoke, he popped open the bottle of wine, and poured some for Archer and himself.
"When the time comes commoner... when the time comes..."
"Jeez, I guess I'll just have to wait and see then... Oh," Lucas nodded towards the glass of wine, "This may not be the most fanciest of drinks, but it's not the worst either."
Archer looked at her glass, grabbed onto it, and brought it to her lips. Taking a sip she raised an eyebrow, and looked up at Lucas. "What exactly is this?"
"Wine brewed from my father, he sent me a few bottles, so if you want some more, then go right ahead," spoke the young man as he drank from his glass.
"This peasant's brew is dreadful..." said Archer as she stared at the liquid in her glass.
"Then don't drink it if you don't like it, King of Heroes," spoke the young man again as he drank his own glass.
A few minutes later, Archer silently brought the glass back to her lips, taking a few more sips.
Time passes, and Lucas and Archer walk out from the house. Lucas looks up, and closes his eyes as he breathes in the cool air. "Ahh... A shame we can't enjoy a day out like this doing stuff other than examining our surroundings."
"Petty Mongrel... if you're going to relax, at least keep your stupid eyes open," spoke Archer as she proceeded to walk down the street.
"Alright, alright, I'll be on the look out for any enemies also... sheesh..." said Lucas as he followed his servant, his hands deep within his pockets and gripping onto rubber balls, just in case anyone dared to assault them.
edited 25th Oct '11 6:28:03 PM by Wolffang
"What the hell are you doing?" "I'm playing a role, sir, what are you doing?"The Berserker moved through the forest with greater stealth than might have been expected from his class. There were auras everywhere, many clustered around certain spots that pulsed like beacons. Prana came off them in waves.
He rounded a hill and looked out onto the city. Inadverdantly he shied back in shock- The city burned in the night! Light filled its streets, and... He stopped, his newly given memory patching up some gaps, and Berserker cursed himself for being so on edge. Of course a city this advanced would be lot at all times! Foolish.
Then he smiled, and said to the air, "Truly, a sight worthy of an earthly paradise. But alas, not yet..."
Berserker turned his eyes north, and was surprised at what he saw. One of those mana centers pulsed nearby, but it was obscured partially by stone and wood... Then he used his real eyes, sharper than an average man's, and saw a blessedly, damnably familiar sight. Stout stone walls, a hall... A Frankish castle. Ancient, too, when in his day it might have been new or not built at all.
That will be mine, he decided. What better place to put a throne?
But he could sense the faint presence of Servants there. He would have to fight smart, and he didn't know the territory.
Planning as he ran, Berserker approached the keep, keeping lowand using his dark barsark to cover him amongst the trees.
The servant let go of Tsubame and took a few steps back. "I can't blame you for wondering whether I am actually a heroic spirit, some people had the same feeling because of the way I acted outside battle. Like it's harder to doubt me when you meet me like this for the first time rather than your first sight of me taking down one of those two dragons I fought in my lifetime."
edited 25th Oct '11 7:33:35 PM by JustaUsername
Some people say I'm lazy. It's hard to disagree."The Maid of Orleans...." That title sounds familiar... Wait a minute. It couldn't be, could it? "Jeanne D'Arc? You are the supervisor?" I immediately walk up to her and kneel before her. "It is such a great honor to meet you in person!"
"M-Master..?" Lancer seems upset....
Aaaaah, but now isn't the time! "Not now, Lancer! I'll pay plenty of attention to you later! This may be my only chance to have a conversation with Saint Joan!"
—Lancer: Tomoe Gozen—
Ahh, I've been summoned by a peculiar girl. She means well, but indeed she has... odd fascinations.
"Master, don't you think we should try and learn more about the other servants?"
"What more is there to learn? They all blabbed their identities, I've committed every one to memory. So could I pleaseplease pleeeeeeeaase just have this moment with Saint Joan?"
I sigh heavily. "Fine, so be it."
TVTropes Nuzlocke Thread. - Arceus Help Us All.— Asteon —
David and Asteon wandered into Brunestudland, looking more like two friends than a master/servant pair for the Holy Grail War. Asteon had bought David some clothes during a quick stroll through the mall. They had since gone through the heart of the city, covering the most populataed areas. All part of the supposed "plan", one which David had no clue about.
"Asteon, why are we at this recreational centre? Are we not supposed to prepare for the Grail War?"
"Just keep quiet and keep looking out for servants."
"Yes. I detect a servant... In this Millenium Castle building."
David and Asteon looked to the right. Millenium Castle.
"Woah that's close. Alright, keep your guard up. We'll be going to meet him."
The duo entered the castle of mirrors, looking out for the servant. David maintained his guard to defend his master from any attacks. Asteon strolled in like he owned the place.
edited 29th Oct '11 10:28:25 AM by neobowman
Back at the hotel, both the Master and Servant are standing at the building's rooftop, surveying the surrounding area. The height of the hotel gives the pair a great view of the buildings and streets that surround it.
At the rooftop, Gerard Heisenberg stands beside his Servant, the king Beowulf. The magus writes a rune in front of his eyes and mutters something in Norwegian. His eyes are glowing with a faint light.
"Ah, what are we doing here, Master? We have to fight the other Servants and gain the upper hand!" Beowulf pesters his Master.
"Will you shut up? Whose fault do you think is it that we got kicked out of the cathedral before we could find out anything?"
After that incident in the church, Gerard had used up one Command Spell in order to prevent Beowulf from acting rashly without any orders from his Master. Gerard had decided to use the hotel's rooftop in order to survey the city for any actions from the Servants.
"So, what is your plan, Master?"
"I already sent out my familiar to spy on the amusement park over there." Gerard points at the run-down amusement park. "It's too far to see from here, so with my familiar I should be able to gain information from it while spying on the rest of the city."
"This is such a boring and underhanded method..."
"If you think that you can fight the enemy Servants without knowing anything about them, be my guest. I can always find another Servant to make a contract with..."
A momentary silence passes.
"Well, something should be happening soon. You'll get your chance to fight soon enough."
MAL || vndb || Blog"Ah, yes. Even though the War is now under my jurisdiction, the objective remains mostly the same. Defeat the other Masters and Servants, and the last group to remain standing shall be awarder victory. However, it is no longer needed for Masters and Servants to ally with one another. In this city there are wellsprings of power which can be used by lone Servants to recover their energy and remain anchored to this era"
"Furthermore, even if you do not have a Servant a lone Master can receive the blessing of the Grail. In this case I myself shall award the prize to them and only them."
"Finally, because of the higher amounts of Heroic Spirits engaging in this war, the prize of the War might just become stronger than those seen in the past. I'm still receiving guidance of the Lord on this... but just maybe, the blessings of the Grail might be received by more than just one victorious pair"
After finishing the outlining the new rules of this new Grail Warn she turned to the peculiar young lady which now knelt in front of her "Ah, please, rise to your feet. My,, my, I'm glad to get know a Master with such good manners"
Canute would find that the presence of the Servant in the castle remained right there... It either didn't detect him approaching or it was waiting for the Berserker to get into the keep.
In front of him the main gates could be seen... wooden and tall, though one was broken and off it's hinges. The stone walls were fairly tall for the construction at hand, though the keep itself didn't seem all that big. It would probably have a main building inside, a good courtyard and remains of some minor edifications like stables and such.
As he got closer he could see through the broken wooden doors that there was a small narrow passageway leading to the courtyard, a choke-point that would force an invading force to not be able to spread out the moment the gates were breached. He could go that way or try his luck going around the keep and scaling the broken wall.
"I... I see..." Tsubame says, taking a closer look at the young looking Servant "I heard that you Heroes get lumped in classes. What does yours do?"
edited 26th Oct '11 4:04:41 PM by daltar
Thinking what he said before was a bit arrogant, the Servant said "Oh sorry...did I brag...I didn't mean to!"
After shooting out his apology, Tsubame asked her question "Oh right my class...I'm a Caster. I know that will make things tricky with the servants that have magic resistance but I promise my staff makes up for it!"
Some people say I'm lazy. It's hard to disagree.Berserker slowed and stopped at the edge of the treeline, a short ways away. Crouched behind a thin hedge, he frowned. It looks decimated. What manner of lord would let such a keep fall into disrepair? I thought Frankish architects were meant to be skilled. Of course, it had been a few hundred years, and Canute knew that his own fortresses had begun to crumble from disuse at the end of his life. But he was still human, and English by dint of conquering it.
Unfortunately, his barsark wouldn't cover his progress any more, not from mortal or otherwise eyes. And there was certainly a servant inside, who couldn't possibly have missed him. Whoever was inside the castle would be able to see his power clear as day...
No choice but a frontal attack or to look for another way in... And while I'm looking for that anything could happen.
Taking a deep breath, Berseker stood up from the bushes and strode forward to and through the gates, his sharp eyes watching for any kind of ambush in the narrow entryway. There's only one of them... But it's the individuals who are always dangerous, isn't it?
"Well, in that case the righteous should strive to fight ever harder not to allow such a thing to happen. However, this is a fair contest and the winner shall be the winner. Do not worry though, I'm sure the Lord won't favor a wicked person for earning this high prize" Says Joan.
"Magic Resistance... right, there are some Servants who can resist that stuff?" Tsubame said, revealing only a little bit her inexperience "Well, I'm glad to know you can deal with that kind of guys"
As soon as Berserker made it past the narrow corridor he could hear haughty female voice start talking at him "Well, well, well... what have we here? A lonely hero walking into my new fortress?"
The voice seemed to come from many directions at once... high on the battlements, from the main building crossing the courtyard, the ruined stables... And also, there were quite a lot of crows gathered around, all staring at the hero.
Berserker stopped, taking in the scene. Small courtyard, but wide enough that I can swing... Excellent. But I doubt it'll be so easy. He stopped himself for reaching for a weapon at the moment, instead turning his eyes to the sky and clasping his hands behind his back... While at the same time ready to grab the barsark to use it as a shield against any projectiles.
"I'm afraid that this fortress belongs to no one, now. Not until a new king's banner flies from its ramparts. Since I saw none, I assumed it abandoned." He nodded at the crows. "But I suppose even carrion pickers have to find someplace to stay."
Something flickered in the corner of Rider's eye, causing her to quickly turn around and grip Excalibur's handle.
"Who goes there!?" she yelled, her eyes scanning the area diligently. How... How did I not notice until now? Did my nostalgia cloud my mind so deeply that I didn't sense the presence of another Servant? No, not just another... They are not alone...
"Whosoever wishes to test the might of Rider, show yourself! I had not expected a battle so soon, but the Grail War is always unpredictable!"
— Asteon —
He didn't attack immediately. Great. He seems to be a sane heroic spirit. Though, judging from the voice, it could be a girl. Or a young boy.
Asteon pushed himself in front of David to speak. "Hey, don't be so quick to judge. My servant and I are not here to fight. Actually, I'm here to offer you a deal. I am sure you and your master will feel that this is the best choice for the both of us once I explain our situation."
David was surprised, but let his master stand in front while still preparing for any aggression from Rider.
Rider eyed the newcomer, her hand not straying from Excalibur's handle. He looks trustworthy, but... This is the Grail War, after all. No matter which way I look at it, he's still my enemy. No matter how trustworthy he seems, we'll eventually have to battle each other.
Her grip loosened ever so slightly. ...However, a temporary alliance is always a possibility. And it might help me find out his identity, too.
"...State your intentions." she replied, her voice cold as ice.
— Asteon —
"I'll get right to the point. I've run into a powerful servant. I don't think my servant and I can deal with him on our own and we need help. I'm sure you understand the rules of the grail war. However, they have been altered. There are an unlimited number of servants participating. As an added bonus, servants can apparantly act independantly of masters. Having an alliance to weather whatever other servants can throw at us will prove beneficial. Tell your master about this, see what he thinks about it."
David was hurt by this comment. From what he gathered, Asteon didn't trust him to do his job. "Asteon. Are you implying that you do not have faith in The Lord to bring us victory?"
"Actually, I'm saying that we need all the help we can get to boost our chances. It's like fried chicken Archer. Think about it a bit."
edited 27th Oct '11 7:27:39 PM by neobowman
A devout Christian Archer? That doesn't exactly narrow it down much, but it's a start at least.
"I... Have no Master," replied Rider. "But I see that it is how I suspected. This Grail War is... Different from the others, is it not? Different rules call for different tactics... I suppose you are proposing an alliance, then? If that is so, then answer me this... What class is this Servant you cannot face alone? What kind of weapon does he use?"
Even if the alliance didn't work out, she could always pump these two for information. It was always a good idea to know what you were heading into, after all.
— Asteon —
Asteon pondered for a few seconds. A masterless servant. Her statistics were formidable but not as great as Gilgamesh's. David could likely take her out with his noble phantasm if he used a command seal to force him to hit the servant immediately. There was no harm in telling her information at any rate.
A masterless servant. Interesting.
"This enemy servant we face is of the Archer class. Indeed, so is my servant but as you already know, the rules for this war have been altered. I do not know what weapons she posesses but her power is unquestionable. Her statistics are all in the B and A range."
As Asteon finished his explanation, David's displeasure grew. What? Fried chicken? What does that even mean?
Asteon went further. "Here is my proposition for you Rider. Form a contract with me. I will supply both you and Archer with prana. I indeed know that you desire the grail as well. In this way, we can all be satisfied. Do you agree?"

"So you're my master" said the servant. The staff disappeared from the heroic spirit's hand and then he ran up to Tsubame and hugged her.
In a grateful voice, the heroic spirit said "Thank you! Now I can finally get my wish!"
edited 24th Oct '11 9:48:55 PM by JustaUsername
Some people say I'm lazy. It's hard to disagree.