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Enjoy.
'Ahhh, the Mage's Association in all its splendor.'
Kairi Sisigou mused with odd nostalgia as he walked through the halls of the institution he once revered in high standing, though that was quite some time ago. It was once a place of opportunity and wonder, but as time has gone on it has primarily turned into a source of red tape and pointless magical bureaucracy to the freelance necromancer.
Walking the seemingly endless halls looking for Rocco Belfaban's office was becoming tiresome. Apparently he has some kind of deal to offer that "I simply wouldn't want to refuse" in exchange to work with the Mage's Association once again. Considering Kairi's past, curiosity had gripped him. Fully intending to laugh at whatever offer they throw at him, it's not like they can grant what Kairi really wants.
Finally arriving at his destination, Kairi lights up a cigarette and takes a long drag.
"This shit better be worth it. I flew all the way out here, it better be a good laugh." Kairi mutters to himself as he takes one last drag of his cigarette before snuffing it out on the floor beneath his leather combat boot.
Opening the door to this stereotypical mage's office Kairi spots Rocco behind his desk writing fervently about something. Probably more mage politic crap Kairi thinks.
Looking up from his work, Rocco exclaims, " Welcome Kairi Sisigou, please take a seat. We have an important matter to discuss."
Kairi casually takes a seat in the nice leather seat across from Rocco looking his best to seem disinterested and bored. If it's about teaching magecraft or running an errand for some self-important pompous mage than getting comfortable is the last thing Kairi plans to do.
"So what's the deal Rocco, why did you request me here? Mage's Association needs my services that bad, eh?" Kairi haughtily remarks as the older man across the table interlaces his fingers together and leans forward with an eagerness that seems odd for the usual Department of Summoning headmaster.
"Quite the contrary, we do seek your help. Surely You've heard of the mage family Yggdmillenia."
"Indeed, they've succeeded from the Association if memory serves, but what does that have to do with me?"
Rocco stands up from his luxurious chair and begins to pace a bit in the office with his hands behind his back.
" I won't waste your time Sisigou, it has to deal with the next Holy Grail War. Surely you are familiar with the concept?"
Kairi couldn't hold back his interest now, taking off his black sunglasses to get a better look at the balding mage standing before him to get a better read on the man.
"Really now, that is interesting. And I'm going to take a wild guess and assume you want me to be a master. representing the Mage's Association I don't doubt."
Rocco smiles slightly while replying, " Why yes of course, how perceptive of you Sisigou. But this isn't any ordinary Holy Grail War. There are two factions in play, and Yggdmillenia claims to have the Grail already. We sent a convey 50 from the Association to retrieve the Grail, but they were slaughtered. No one came back. No Magecraft would be capable of that. This is the work of a servant."
Kairi ignores the dig at his pride from Rocco as he contemplates the news of 50 trained magi being slaughtered. Troubling news indeed, but something mentioned didn't make sense. Factions?
"What do you mean by factions Rocco? I thought a Grail war had 7 masters total, did Yggdmillenia's master make an alliance?"
"Interested in taking this job, is that what I hear?" Muses Rocco with a slight smirk on his face.
"Not quite, just need more details, now spit it out." Kairi retorts while motioning with his hand for the man to continue informing him.
"Very well. The Holy Grail here is different. this time it is a Greater Grail War. 2 factions, 14 servants and masters, and one ultimate winner. The Mage's Association has been pitted against Yggdmillinia's declaration of war upon us, and we aim to eliminate all of their masters. This is where you come in. And considering their history, let me elaborate about the last war..."
Rocco goes on to describe the events that happened in World War 2 with Nazi Germany and the Patriarch of the Yggdmillinia family, Darnic Prestone. How the betrayal of Darnic spurned a chain events that shook the foundation of the magic world to its core, and most importantly the change in the Holy Grail itself. Notably why heroes of a world different from their own are now competing for this world. A weird dimensional lapse some experts would say, but the magic community is quite divided on the subject as a whole due to lack of information, the primary source in Darnic being unavailable due to his exodus from the Mage's Association.
"I can't help but be interested, but what do I get out of it?"
"hmm?"
Kairi leans forward in his chair a bit and elaborates, "Look, I'm interested in participating, but i'd like some insurance. I am a freelancer after all."
Rocco seems to mull over his offer, "Very well, what would you consider proper compensation?"
Kairi stands up from his chair and starts to browse some of the reagents and magic material on the selves in the office before finally pointing to a jar.
"I want this. Give me this, or no deal."
Rocco looks a bit stunned, but recovers his composure quickly and replies, "Hmph. FIne Kairi, it is yours. Take the reagent. But accepting that you are now representing the Mage's Association in this war. Let me give you the catalyst to summon your servant."
Rocco walks back to his desk and opens a drawer pulling out something covered in a musty, dark and old looking cloth. Kairi can't help but look interested as he tries to figure out what the antique is.
Rocco hands over the catalyst to Kairi and explains, " This is your catalyst, I trust you know what to do with it. Also, please register at the Holy Church In Romania, that is where the other masters are located as well."
Kairi nods as he handles the oddly heavy clothed relic before stating, " Sure thing. Anything else I should know before getting myself into this mess?"
"Oh yes, the last little detail is I've heard that the servants are quite...unique this time around." Rocco slowly deliberates before sitting down once again and pulling out his paperwork.
"Unique how?"
Rocco looks up with an arrogant gaze replying,"You're an experienced mage, figure it out." Rocco ends chuckling to himself gently as Kairi frowns at that answer. Unaccounted variables spelled trouble when dealing with magic, especially when considering the Holy Grail and how it interacts with magic as a whole.
Kairi doesn't say another word to the Head Mage and departs from the office, calling up someone on his phone.
"Hey. Yeah, it's me. I need you to book me a flight to Romania as soon as possible. I'll have my assistant send you a dossier on your fellow masters that you'll be working with. Farewell Kairi"
(3 days Later)
Kairi stands in a graveyard isolated from much of the local community and perhaps about 50-80 miles from Yggdmillenia territory admiring his summoning circle. He painted it down in about 30 minutes and had most the summoning materials. Not bad in a day's work, but what was the top curiosity was the relic. Kairi had plenty of time to investigate it on the plane ride over, but it still vexed him entirely. The relic is a simple a little bell that has been heavily rusted and doesn't produce a sound, quite an odd catalyst for whatever heroic spirit it correlates to.
"Enough waiting, time to find out who awaits me." Kairi says to himself as he positions himself outside the summoning circle after depositing the bell in the center, and begins to chant.
"Heed my words, My will creates your body,And your sword creates my destiny. If you heed the Grail's call, and obey my will and reason, then answer my summoning! I hereby swear, That I shall be all the good in the world, that I shall defeat . . . all evil in the world! Then let thine eyes be clouded, with the fog of turmoil and chaos, thou, who art trapped in a cage of madness, and I, the summoner, who holds thy chains! Hear my great words of power, and come forth from this circle of power!"
The air feels heavy as the chant comes to its end and magic pours from the local leylines, powering the summoning circle with great energy.A final torrent of magic unleashed upon the area pushes Kairi back forcing him to brace himself from falling over, and as soon it happened it was over and in the circle now stood a person. A newly summoned heroic spirit.
Kairi takes immediate notice of the new arrival, and has to say to himself that he is quite impressed. Standing before Kairi appears to be a women perhaps between the age of 20-30 clad in a simple yet finely crafted black trench coat with a slight older Victorian style to it. Upon her head rested a crested hat that had almost a similarity to a pirate tricorn hat. For being a legendary warrior the women possess very fair features, very pale skin complimented with dull blue eyes and white blonde hair tied back into a braided ponytail. At her hip rests a weird blade seeming to be dual edged with a grip in the middle.
The women looks around briefly before her tired looking eyes gaze upon Kairi and in a soft yet strong tone asks, "I take it you are my master?"
Kairi shacks himself out of his initial daze of seeing the strange women and replies," Yes, indeed I am. My name is Kairi Sisigou. What class are you, may I ask?"
" I am the class servant Saber, and you may refer to me as Saber. I doubt we have much to gain by you knowing my true name. It won't mean much to anyone in this world." Saber calmly elaborates.
Kairi can't help but notice how Saber's words and tone betray how she holds herself. On the outside she appears to be a well seasoned fighter, considering stance and how she has a relaxed but ready posture. Though through her words, she seems...tired? Defeated? Hard to figure out this cryptic women so quickly, but from the look in her eyes she seems distant, as if she isn't looking at Kairi himself, but right through his soul and past him.
"Very well, we can get to know each other later I suppose. We must go register at the Holy Church nearby."
"I'm familiar with formalities of the such as the Grail granted me such information, but before we depart, what is it you want from the Grail? Why engage in such an cycle?" Saber almost eerily whispers out.
Kairi holds down a shiver that wants to work it's way down his spine and answers," Alright, but I expect you to tell me your desire as well. Mine is to bring someone back to me that I lost."
Saber seems to think on Kairi's words for a brief moment. She looks almost sad, but seems to fight her emotions enough to remain impartial looking.
"A fair wish. Mine isn't as honorable. I wish to bring an end to something. Have certain things forgotten. That's all I'm willing to divulge. For now that is until I get to know you better. Hope you understand master."
"I suppose that's alright with me. Now let's leave the cemetery here, if we cut through we'll make it to the church faster than going around."
Saber looks around ponders why her master choose a grave site as a summoning. It's unsightly but does seem to possess a adequate amount of mana in the area. No matter, nothing to dwell on for now Saber reasons. She looks back at the circle with the small bell in the center. The Old Hunters Bell. Such a small fragment of a world that seems so distant. Saber quickly walks over and picks up the bell putting it away.
"Such is a trinket I suppose. A reminder of one's grim past." Saber exhales as she briskly walks after her master.
After a very quiet 45 minute walk to the Holy Church where the man named Shirou Kotomine would be running the place, a fellow master as well. The Dossier provided to Kairi didn't really provide much information on any of his fellow masters, just names, a picture and a brief synopsis of what they are known for. No real relevant information sadly.
Finally arriving at the church with his servant Saber in tow, Kairi opens the large double doors of the church and enters the candle lit area. The pews are all empty save for one man and women at the center of the church seemingly talking to each other, though seem interrupted by Kairi's entrance.
Shirou Kotomine, being the spiky white haired man in priest's garb to look up first, greets his new arrivals cordially.
"I welcome you both to the Holy Church. I trust you are the last one from the Mage's Association to register. And next to me is my servant Assassin" Shirou evenly states as he smiles slightly. The blonde haired women in an elegant golden and white evening dress keeps a rather neutral look upon her face has she silently stares down the new arrivals to the church. Kairi can't help but feel uneasy underneath the women's stare, as the energy she gives off clearly marks her as a servant, but something he can't quite place bothers him in the back of his mind. Saber appears aloof on the outside looking around the church but she quickly observed the woman next to the priest taking note of her presence, after all, she will be future competition in this elaborate Hunt created by the Holy Grail.
"Indeed, I'm Kairi Sisigou and this is my servant 's skip all the pleasantries if you don't mind"
"No I don't mind at all, glad you could arrive. I offer the hospitality of the church for you to stay as a safe haven during the war. Many of the other masters are here as well."
Something about how the priest strangely worded his offer didn't sit well with Kairi, so he decided it would be his decision to go against the grain, but before he could speak up Saber surprises everyone by speaking out in her hushed but steady tone.
"I don't think that'd be wise." Saber states plainly which garners an odd look from Kairi, seeing his reserved servant speak up.
Assassin looks at Saber in a condescending gaze that could only beholden to someone of royalty and stating, " Oh? And what would you know about battle tactics in a situation like this Saber? Hmm?"
Saber looks up slightly at the taller regal women, not backing down doesn't back down and maintaining her firm upright posture doesn't miss a beat saying, "I know plenty. We are legends after all."
"...Very well. Though it is expected that you wouldn't recognize me, but know I am Queen Nashandra, Assassin of Red. A name you shall come to respect and obey."
"Well with that said I believe we should leave. I work best alone anyways and it appears so does Saber. Bottling us up won't help at all." Interjects Kairi trying his best to dissipate some of the building tension in the air.
Shirou seems slightly ruffled by the response but sighs replying, "Very well, but I cannot force you to meet the other masters. But do return if you need sanctuary. Do please reconsider when you can."
"Oh I'll remember. Let's go Saber." Kairi says as he turns on his heel with Saber de-materializing. Shirou watch quietly with his servant Assassin.
After the door to the church shuts Shirou turns to the second row of the empty pews, "How long have you been there, Lancer?"
Materializing out of thin air along with a chill in the wind a women in an plain grey ordained dress befitting a cleric and a hood obscuring much of her face, hiding most of her face sans her mouth, released herself from the prayer position she was holding to look up and face her other two allies.
"For quite sometime, but do not fret. I just wish to remain as I am. But do be forewarned Shirou Kotomine, that servant and master are quite capable. I would recommend a close watch on events to cometh." Lancer advises, which in inadvertently gouges Assassin's pride slightly.
"We did not need input from a failed cleric, Lancer. It twas quite obvious." Assassin of Red quips, but Lancer shows no remorse for her opinion nor any indifference to Assassin's attitude.
"Of course Assassin. I shall leave ye be, for surely you must be eager for more orders from thy master to guide your subjects." Lancer concede before disappearing in a small whirl of frost.
Shirou looks to comfort his prideful servant insisting, " Worry not Assassin. What Saber does is little concern to us now, for our war is already underway, and we shall have the Grail."
Exhaling a breathe she didn't know she was holding, Nashandra now reassured disclaims, "Of course Master. I do not doubt you. I shall return to my work on Castle Drangleic. It shall be done soon, a castle fit for a Queen and her subjects."
As Assassin is about the depart to the courtyard, A women with jet black hair and tanned skin enters the room from one of the doors near the back of the church, dressed in a uniform suitable for a woodland ranger topped off with a elegant yet small tricorne hat atop her head.
"Some news, Berserker and Rider have flown the coop it seems. Rider is wanting to take the offensive and scout while also persuading Berserker to go along, which was no big task. A warning Shirou, but what is our action since you are our intermediary?"
Nashandra curses under her breathe, something about 'impatient dragon humper' as Shirou calmly replies, " Thank you for the heads up Archer. Assassin can track Berserker due to abilities so retrieving them shouldn't be an issue if they need extraction. We must wait a few more days before our assault may begin."
Archer nods before turning to the golden haired Assassin asking, "Where are they now?"
"It seems that Rider is heading East quite quickly. Rider's mount no doubt."
Shirou nods acknowledging the information before stating, "Simple enough than. Archer, go find Lancer and follow Assassin's instructions on ensuring we don't lose any pieces yet. Its still a bit premature."
"As you wish Shirou Kotomine." Archer says with a bow before disappearing.
Outside the church walking back into the town Kairi questions his servant about what caused her to speak up, " So why did you intervene? I was going to refuse his offer anyways, you know."
"I apologize. My vested interest and instincts in keeping us alive determined it'd be best elsewhere from that place. Especially that supposed Queen. Her blood smelled something foul."
More unknown servant abilities becoming revealed from his servant, Kairi can't help but ask more questions and delve deeper. Her skills and name being unreadable must be some kind of effect of a passive skill she possess to maintain anonymity.
"What do you mean 'something foul in her blood'."
"An old hunter that is well trained as I can sniff out traces of corruption in beings, and it is a skill here. And the servant is rife with corruption. As if it is naturally a part of her. It's odd to say the least."
"Hmmm. Something to worry about later I suppose. Say let's explore the town a bit, and get a bearing on our surroundings? And to get you some more modern clothes to blend in" Kairi offers as he begins to light up another cigarette.
"Certainly master, lead the way." Saber replies as she smiles slightly. Her master's calm aura relaxes her a bit, though even they are scouting in enemy territory it feels refreshing to the nightly grind of the hunt. It's almost a foreign feeling that it can be so casual and serene, but the secrets still nag in the back of her mind about the Holy Grail. What is it exactly? It's purpose? Is this some twisted dimension of the Hunter's Nightmare? Too many possibilities and yet not enough evidence. Sighing to herself mentally she observes in her spirit form as her master enters a department store and begins looking for something complimentary to the almost-albino woman.
Darnic was having a sour day. He believed his summoned hero to be a fluke. A impossibility. A failure. But here before him was his servant Lancer, and old man that was wheelchair bound. He had the look of a fighter, but for such a combat inspired hero to be so elderly and unknown on top of that, it frustrated the Yggdmillinia Patriarch greatly. He was supposed to have a heroic spirit to rival all of the competition considering his mana and knowledge, yet it would seem the Holy Grail had betrayed him.
Wheeling after his master silently down the hall Lancer of Black was quiet. He was contemplating many different things since his initial summoning by the man known as Darnic. Lancer had since then confirmed he was indeed not in a Dream, but something more elaborate. Also sensing the doubt from his previous exchange with his master, he would have to prove him wrong. Not that would be an issue considering Lancer's own skills, but this form did seem to fit him best.
They traveled a bit until entering a large foyer with 4 other summoning circles being activated at the presence of Darnic and his wheelchair bound servant Lancer entering.
"Good, begin the summons!" Darnic declared as the 4 other mages began their chants to summon the rest of the servants of Black. Prana poured into the atmosphere of the room like a tidal wave. The strange artifacts he had gathered with his families resources responded in kind to the powerful summoning ritual, one only that could have relation to the Holy Grail. And after a resounding pulse of mana through the air coupled with a flash of light, 4 new servants now stood in the room in a kneeling fashion.
The first servant to look up is a man clad all in full platemail, black as the abyss in color save for some rune markings on his armor. Armored head to toe, this imposing 6'8" warrior's first sight of another person was a rather portly mage in front of him, grinning madly in such a way that could only be explained by a man blinded by greed and power.
The next servant to look up saw nothing, for he is blind. A large imposing man, about a foot taller than his Saber counterpart dressed all in black Iron, with a blindfold over his face and simple chain and leather armor covering him. The young girl bound in her wheelchair looked at him kindly but worriedly as well, besides what cruel fate of the Grail would grant a servant class Archer that was apparently blind?
The remaining two servants took a quick survey of the area, one being clad in gold lined black robes, a women with dark brown hair reaching the middle of her back with sharp facial features and already a look of mild disgust on her face looking at her master, a women who seemed to ooze lust with her risque choice of revealing family uniform and hungry look upon her face. The other servant in shambles of red armor, finished off with a red hood obscuring his face but not enough to keep in his rather long wispy beard in, looked into the nervous eyes of his young male master patiently.
Darnic was not too pleased, it seems his family had been granted its fair share of misfits for servants, as if some cruel joke by the Grail due to his actions in the past. Darnic quickly dismissed that thought as that would be absurd. An omnipotent wish granting device doesn't choose sides, it merely...makes things interesting.
with Lancer at his side, Darnic began his small speech, "Welcome new servants of Black. I welcome you the mage house of Yggdmillenia. We are a proud people looking to obtain the Holy Grail and defeat the enemies of the Red faction. Bring glory to yourselves in the Holy Grail war, and to our great house!"
Each of the new summoned heroes bowed after his speech as well as Darnic's subordinate family members. The wheelchair bound girl turned to balcony over viewing the foyer to ask Darnic, " Is it now that we share heroic names?" to which Darnic nods.
The large man known as Archer began his introduction with a slow and heavy tone, all the while looking directly at his petite master, "I am servant class Archer. I am also known as Hawkeye Gough. It is an honor to serve you, my lady." The large giant finishes his introduction with a curt bow, causing the girl to blush slightly at how well mannered the large giant of a man is.
"I am indeed your master, I am Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillenia. It is an honor to meet you Archer." Fiore happily replies to the humble giant.
The other heroes look around briefly before Rider tersely introduces herself, " I am servant class Rider. You may call me Quelaag. Not that I'm as renowned as a knight of Lord Gwyn himself." Rider ends with a quips that gains the attention of Darnic.
"You know each other, from your former lives?" Darnic questions inquisitively, knowing that farther down the road that this could lead to complications.
Archer faces towards the balcony declaring, "Not directly. Only through tales during roughly the same time it seems. I cannot say I am familiar with Rider of Black, Quelaag."
Darnic relaxes a bit mentally. It'd only be natural that heroes would have heard of others exploits if their name was dropped. He looks back over to the servants on the floor below him once more, urging for the next servant to begin.
The red hooded knight coughs briefly before a scratchy and old voice utters out, " I am servant Berserker. Gael, The Slave Knight." Gael ends his small sentence with another cough, seems that his voice had been very underused in his previous life and that he isn't much for talking, though the fact that a Berserker still has some mental capacity to form sentences pleased Darnic immensely. Another pawn to use that won't break away in the middle of the night due to their own insanity, such as to be expected of the Berserker class. The young man in front of him didn't know what to think of Berserker, he stood as knight at first glance, but his armor was patchwork compared the the black knight in the room and seems to carry himself with a slight hunch as if he had already fought numerous battles before arriving.
"Hello Berserker, I am Caules Forvedge Yggdmillenia, your master. I promise to try my best to be a worthy master." Caules answers to the man in red, who nods slowly and lets out an approving yet small grunt. Caules sighs hoping his servant isn't going to just be some grumpy old man.
The last servant standing began to speak in a low baritone, but unlike the Archer's voice his was smooth and more refined, " Greetings. I am Saber. But you may call me-"
"Don't say another word Saber!" The large portly man known as Gordes Musik Yggdmillenia shouts out.
"There a problem Gordes? We had all agreed here to reveal true names." Voices out Fiore with a hint of frustration.
Gordes looks to Darnic and states, "Well I rescind that declaration, Darnic?"
"That is fine, though any consequences from this will be yours to deal with." Darnic warns in a disciplinary tone, then continuing, "I suggest you all become acquainted with your servants skills, it won't be too long before the Mages Association sends the dogs after us and the other Servants of Red. Now, go forth and bring glory to Yggdmillenia!"
"Yes Lord." All the other masters on the lower floor reply as they shuffle out with their new servants, some carrying on light conversation with each other.
Darnic turns his attention back to his servant Lancer, who had observed quietly the whole display with his hands loosely tucked underneath his chin in a thinking pose. Before Darnic is able to address his servant once again, the double doors behind him open revealing the young Roche Frain Yggdmillenia with his servant Caster.
Caster was the first to be summoned and had immediately proven useful with his extensive knowledge, especially with his help in continuing development on the homunculi. Caster appears as a man in his early 30's with shaggy brown hair paired with an average looking face, topped off with a dress that would suit someone of a cleric or priest in older Victorian times, yet the dressage was a bit more fine of that of a simple cleric, more likely to someone of higher standing. .
As Caster walks in following his master he and Lancer lock eyes, causing both of them to stop and focus on one another. Finally Lancer breaks the brief silence as Roche speaks excitedly with Darnic about an experiment with the homunculi while Darnic expresses some general concern of not hearing back from Assassin's master yet.
Lancer expresses with joy, "Ahh, Lawrence. Old friend, it is good to see you."
"You too Gehrman. It is finally time for us to work together again. Let us praise the good blood together, and fear the old blood." Assures Lawrence with a short rendition of the trademark quote of Byrgenwerth, as he shares a firm yet heartfelt handshake with the First Hunter.
"And so the Hunt begins anew for us."
Well there is my introduction to this world. Many characters to introduce, so many interesting battles and interactions will be coming in the following chapters. Reason why this felt so broad. Next few chapters will be delving deeper into some of the more personal interactions between master and servant before we get right to some of the action.
If anyone wants me to post Heroic spirit stats at the end of chapters, I'd be happy to. Just to give the readers some frame of reference when it comes down to some of the action and my rationale of where they'd be ranked. Comment to let me know.
Update schedule is hoping to be Bi-weekly, considering I want to produce amply lengthed chapters each time.
Anyways, hope you enjoyed and have a wonderful day. Cheers.