"I did just as you said, 'Master,'" the word held venom as it was spat at Annan, "we fled to our abode to prepare as you asked." A sigh came from the snake-like woman as she sat at the edge of the pool. Annan was terrified. This entire thing was truly about to happen. He had to make his family proud, but he didn't want to die. The summoning of Al'ana's servant still sent shivers into his body and chilled him to the bone; the fear far colder than anything he had felt before.

"Did you see Al'ana and that creature anywhere nearby? Can you sense them?" He asked Rider, shaking.

"I didn't care to look honestly," She said with a smile that disgusted him. She was beautiful beyond any woman he had seen back home or in his travels, but she exhumed a feeling that every action she made, there was something behind it that was entirely for her gain. Even this phrase… He could feel it.

You didn't care? He thought to himself, before standing up and moving closer to her. "Do you have any idea how powerful that thing could be?! It needed all that… stuff to even be summoned! What the hell do you think it could be capable of?! That thing could kill us with one fell swoop!"

A scaled hand came up to Annan's throat, hoisting him upwards over Rider's head. "Now Master… are you sure you want to make me angry? I know full well the power of that… servant. It has far more fighting prowess than I, and most likely more than all of the others. He will not be taken down alone. He is not in the city, I know for certain. I have a plan. Do not worry." She let him down gently, and let go of his throat, to which he let breathe enter him again, gasping and gagging.

"I suppose I am a bit stronger in this form. I still need more power, or at least…" She trailed off, before turning to her master, eyes narrowed. "Annan, will you retrieve some parchment for me?" She said with the same smile as before, this time giving it more of a lustful look. Annan answered quickly, mostly out of fear as he ran to a small side area and retrieved a sheet of paper and handed it to her. "Good good. I'm glad you still listen. Now… I will summon a few things to help us. Do not be alarmed. Understood?"

Annan nodded, scared to speak anymore. He then proceeded to watch the ritual take place. Rider's tongue extended to the parchment, and began to leak a black inky substance as she drew the symbols she needed. After a moment, it was done. And after a few words that Annan could not place, she threw it into the pool she sat in. As time passed and the sound of the water rushing through took hold of him, Annan snapped out of his stupor, and looked to Rider once more.

"So… what did that spell do?" he asked, moving a few steps closer to Rider. "I don't see anything."

"Come closer Annan. Come look into the pool." She replied. It was an order, not a suggestion. Annan, fearful as always, came closer and saw his reflection in the pool. He could see a few bags under his eyes and a few blemishes here and there, but aside from that, he looked as he remembered.

"Look a bit closer Annan, what do you see?" She said as she moved closer to him as well.

Beneath the water, he could see the long tail of Rider whipping back and forth slowly, and the deep dark bottom of the pool. Soon however, another image came to him as two yellow eyes rose from the depths, attaching themselves over the reflections eyes. After this, it began to rise out of the pool, slowly but surely, before reaching for the edge, and pulling itself out. As it did, others followed suit. A total of ten of these water creatures came up. "Now, my Näkki, go forth and monitor the surface for me. If you can, try and hurt the others that are in this city. Find the masters and servants, and kill them."

The creatures understood completely, and gave a tilted head smile, as they all began to change their bodies. Soon, they all grew into a shape that could be considered female, then, they shaped and molded themselves to have more pleasing features. Larger lips, long hair, big bust, large rear, long legs, thin waist; the attractiveness of each of them seemed to skyrocket as the shaping and molding finished. They all looked up to their master, and all spoke in unison. "Do these forms please you master?"

"Perfect. Now go. Sway them and find out as much as you can. Come back if there is trouble." She said with a commanding voice. They all dove into the pool, giggling and laughing as they went on their errands and disappeared before them.

Annan looked up to Rider, who was deep in thought. Arms crossed, she looked down to him out of the corner of her eye. "You know that we will need to fight soon correct? If we wish to win, we must fight. There is no other way truly."

Annan nodded once more, looking back into the pool. "I have many more tricks prepared Annan. We will win this. Be prepared. Anything will happen when this war truly begins."

Back at the Inn, Paul Bracken brought out the food that was delivered that morning from the King's men. He had spent the morning preparing something for the two girls once they returned from their meeting. However, once the door opened, he saw the girls in his care, as well as two new faces before him. A tall man of brown skin and white hair, and the daughter of the ruling mage family, Rin Tohsaka, both clad in gear befitting hunters in stories or those that live in the wilds far off. He stumbled back a little in shock before welcoming them. "Welcome back you two. Who're those two with you?"

Assassin moved over to the table and slumped into a seat, dejected somewhat due to the forwardness of the two with them. "They're Sophia's friends… Or something…" She laid her head down and looked away. "I can't believe they just walked up and talked… I was ready for a little fight at least… Prey that complies is never fun." She mumbled away with more things as food was set in front of her.

"They aren't prey Anna. Rin's my friend, and Archer her servant," She huffed at her, as Assassin turned her head still resting on the table. "and we are here to discuss a few things. The same things we both wanted to. Now… sit up straight like a proper woman, please?" She said in an authoritative voice.

Assassin reluctantly straightened herself up, placed her hands in her lap and let out a sigh. "Fine fine. Now, let's eat and get down to business. I'm sure all of us want to end this war quickly, correct?"

Mr. Bracken set the rest of the food down as Sophia sat next to her servant. Rin and Archer still stood at the door. "Excuse us sir," She said with a bow before stepping in, "All we must do is speak with Sophia and her guest. Your hospitality is much appreciated. I've been told much of the Lone Drake from my father and his subordinates. Why are you still here Mr. Bracken?"

She knows who I am? He thought to himself before clearing his throat and answering. "Well when I was told that the city'd be home to a battle of mages, I couldn't think of anything else besides of staying. If anything were to happen to this old Inn, I'd be heartbroken. She's all I have really. I'll defend her in any way I can. There's more than one way to fight and defend, that's for certain. If anything this here will be the last building standing in Melephast even if I gotta hold up the support beams myself." He finished with a grin of pride.

"I have no doubt to that sir. You are a strong fighter, and a gifted individual, that is certain. I look forward to coming here once the war is over under better conditions." Rin replied giving another bow. She was every bit the noble woman that Paul had heard of and seen. In her time with the citizens of Melephast, she was always looked to as a gentle individual who respected the townsfolk as they should be. They were people after all. As Rin said to her father when she was young, "They are just like you and I. Money and power should not matter."

"Please have a seat ma'am. I'll fetch some more food for you and your companion. It's the least I can do." He said before scurrying off to the back.

Rin took her seat next to Sophia, as Archer sat next to Assassin. "Don't try anything dumb, you… brown… person." Assassin said, squinting at Archer with all six of her eyes. Sophia kicked the legs of her servant, a calm demeanor plastered on her face as she did. Assassin received the punishment and halted the rest of her words, and apologized. "Let's… get this over with please… I wanna eat in peace." She said as she rubbed her legs beneath the table.

"Of course. We don't have long," Rin said, turning to Sophia, "Sophia, this… war… do you know much more about it? All we truly know is what was in the letter sent to us. Or… father rather. We've trained for some time and tried to research about the other houses some but… we never really thought of what all this is. Do you have any inkling of an idea about how this all came about?"

"We are in the dark as much as you Rin. Grandfather said that he couldn't participate in this… tournament of show, so I had to. I had no objections but still… I didn't think we would actually be fighting one another." Sophia replied, taking a small sip of water.

"Perhaps we don't have to. An alliance was never in the rules, nor against them. We could always form some sort of truce before things get out of hand. I'd rather not face off against you Sophia. We've been friends for so long, and I've finally got to see you again. We can win this war together, right?"

"It's what Assassin and I were discussing before the Advisor and the King came to talk to us all. It would increase our odds of winning for certain."

"Then… we'll help each other?"

"Of course!"

A smile came across Rin's face. She felt a little more at ease as the delicious smell of breakfast wafted through the air as Paul brought out more food for the two of them. "You should be grateful," Assassin said, a playful smile forming on her face, "I mean, look at this food. We got a professional cook in our midst," She began shoveling food into her mouth as if this were her last meal. She gave a gentle hum as she ate swiftly. The others did the same. The meeting was a strange one, but one that needed to happen. Sophia and Rin both had much they wanted to discuss, but more important matters were at hand, and had to be finished today.

"I wish we could have talked more Rin…" Sophia as she watched Assassin try to rub the amenities she had been given into Archer's face while he sat there enjoying his meal; ignoring her the entire time she talked. Rin looked over to Sophia who met her gaze. "I do too Sophia. That will have to wait until after the war I suppose. How about we meet here, once the war is over? Paul can cook for us and all of the returning cityfolk?"

Sophia gave her a gentle smile, as did Assassin.

Sophia… you trust far too easily. Assassin thought to herself, watching the two masters talk. But that's what I love most about you. You care… far too much at times… but you care. Even for someone like me.

The group continued their meal and conversation. Soon, it was time for Archer and Rin to leave. They left to prepare themselves for the war as well one last time, and to leave Assassin and Sophia to their own devices.

"You still sure about this Sophia? Can we really trust them?" Assassin said, already knowing the answer.

"Of course I am sure Assassin! Stop that! Rin wouldn't betray me. Not after everything… we've been through as children." Sophia said, growing quieter as she ended.

Assassin got up and scooted over to Sophia in the seat, nudging her shoulder with her own. "Alright. We'll get through this war and we'll survive somehow. It may be hard, but I believe in us." She said with a smile, before leaning on Sophia a little more. "Is it alright if we go back to sleep for a little bit? I'm exhausted already… that food is too good."

With a gentle giggle, Sophia patted Assassin's head, before a crash outside sent them to their feet and to the door.

The wind blew softly through the trees and across the face of the woman as she galloped next to her servant. The servant was considerably larger than her, displaying his ashen skin in the morning sun as he ran next to her atop her horse. He was a terrifying sight to behold, but the woman found him to be a pillar of strength and resolve.

On they rode. Through the forest they rode towards the capital they would make their battleground.

"A cleric," the woman said, mostly to herself, "That is the role you filled. You are far from that. You… you are a warrior." She said as she looked to her servant with pride.

He reminded her of a story her father told her long ago. A legend of sorts passed down by the people of the plains, the people united under her tribe. The Sky Father and Earth Mother brought all into existence. Her tribe, the Ya'harl, come from a long line of rulers, and the Sky Father and Earth Mother were their true ancestors. Today, that tradition still holds true, as well as the facts of death and life on the plains.

When time began, the Earth Mother and Sky Father created children; Humans. These humans lived with the Earth mother for a time, tending to her fields, keeping nature in balance, and taking only what they needed to survive. Soon however, their lives with the Earth Mother grew to a close, and their soul went to the Sky Father. The Sky Father made them into warriors for his realm; creating vast armies that went against those that opposed him and the Earth Mother. Once he deemed your duty fulfilled with in the skies, you could be given a new life as a human if you did well. The cycle continues and never ends. "Humans were created to die for our Sky Father. He gives us life and grants us death. Our memories of our times with him last in our blood and bodies, but not in our minds." Al'ana said, before looking to her servant.

Tengri.

The word rang in her mind. The name of the Sky Father.

Her eyes focused on road ahead, as well as the city in the closing distance which was their destination.

"I swear on my name, I swear on my father's name, and my mother's name. We shall not fall. We shall win! THE SKY FATHER IS WITH ME!" She exclaimed as loud as she could in her native tongue. With her yelled ending, her servant let out a war cry as well, but his felt as if the earth itself would bend to his will alone.

Caster skipped and hopped down the cobbled road as Reinalt walked slowly behind. "Was there any reason why we stuck around as long as we did? You told me to wait and play along while at that… meeting." He said as he ran his hand on the rising stone wall as the slope declined.

"Just to see if the others would do something. I left them a little gift in the water…" She said, bouncing on the stones that were jutting upwards out of the road more than the others.

"Just like the stuff you made for me at our base?" His voice cut through the air with a sense of anger. "I don't like being deceived Caster. What did you do?"

She stopped her hopping and spun on one of the rocks. "I'm trying to win this war and protect us by any means. I'm here to win and to keep you safe. I needed you resting and asleep in our base so that I could… do the work I did. I'll tell you all about it later. I promise. If you are strong enough to know what I did to you… you may be more use than just my little mana pot." She said with an honestly happy smile. "I can't to tell you… truly."

Reinalt didn't understand. Did she not trust him at all? Was there something he wasn't getting about this war? He'd seen battles happen in the mountains. Creatures fighting and dying to each other's hands, and men doing the same to themselves; it was life in the mountain. He'd taken the lives of savage creatures starved on the mountains before, and he had brushes with death quite often with the risk of falling ever present. What was it that she feared he would not understand?

"Come. Let's hurry home. We are going to go back to bed. The magic I have is far more effective at night. We'll be able see where everyone else is as well." She said, turning back around and heading towards their home once more. As they trotted along nearer they home, they could see a few people sitting directly next to their house. "What are those Caster?"

"Nuisances. That's what," Caster uncrossed her arms, and seemed to move her fingers in soft slow circles. "Be ready for anything Reinalt. These things… aren't human."

Reinalt could only see women whom he only fantasized about. Pure white skin, hair of varying colors, and voluptuous bodies moved as fluidly as water next to their abode. Was his mind deceived? They appeared human to him.

"Looks are deceiving. Look at me. I have far more power than almost all of those servants combined, but I sure don't look it. Just ignore them if they come by. We'll need to divert somewhere else and then circle back after we lose them." She said quietly to him, before twisting her pinkies in the counter direction to her other fingers.

Yunda looked down to her, noticing her fingers. She's casting a spell… this must be serious. I should… I should ready something. He thought, before placing his hands behind his back.

"I don't think we need a full on fight here… we may just need to get away," Caster said, her fingers still in a flurry, "But if we must, are you ready?"

"More than ready. I have been waiting to try these spells off the mountain." He gave her a smile.

Their walk continued as the creatures began to take notice of them. As they neared, the women began to stand, or move towards them, giggling or coos of want coming from them. Charm spells. Who the hell uses those?! Caster thought, before seeing her Master's eyes rolling around in his head as he looked them up and down. A harsh hit to the ribs sent an exclamation of pain into the air, as well as signaled their pounce.

The duo began to run down the nearest alleyway with Yunda at the lead. The alley was a long shadowy crevasse between two high buildings connecting to a small open of sorts that then ran through to the middle road through Melephast. The light could barely pierce the alley as Reinalt stumbled over his own feet towards the clearing. Caster gave a large audible sigh, jumping sideways through the shadows on the wall, passing Yunda and appearing in front of him. "God you are slow! Pick your feet up!" She said, before rushing forward, creating some distance between her and Yunda. Looking behind, he could see the creatures now changing and moving in strange ways. Their arms stretching farther than normal or extra appendages coming to meet the ground or wall to keep themselves moving; they began to look more and more inhuman like as the distance between them all increased.

Into the clearing now, Caster was already on the other side in the shadows, still rushing through, running at some speed Reinalt had never seen. Shadows danced around her as each foot hit the ground, and as her hands danced down the side of the walls, more shadows began to creep up the wall. The clearing had a few back doors to the large buildings, and a small well for those coming and going, as well as a few old stalls now abandoned. A small market is all this could have been, with the back doors of larger establishments or even inns pouring into here. Some chalk marks could be seen on the ground where a child had been playing some sort of game or simply drawing. Now however, the only inhabitant was a young man running for his life from creatures he thought before to be women of lust. He dashed around the small well, losing his footing a little and stumbling into one of the stalls. It held fast as he caught himself from the fall, and looked back to see the creatures moving as water through the alley, coming towards him as a tidal wave of faces, body parts and a myriad of sounds. He looked to the next alley. It was much farther than what he expected, but he should be able to make it. The creatures were much faster than what he had previously thought. If he could make it to the street where Caster was, surely they could beat them if they funneled out. He shot up, and began to make his way again to the entryway. The next alley looked nearly pitch black with darkness as he rounded the corner around it. What magic am I stepping in!? How can caster do this!? He thought, before he plunged into it. He felt his body rush through a cold expanse, and felt something like sand below his feet before he was on the other side of the alley, Caster waiting with her hands on her hips. "That took you a while. How close were they?"

Gasping a little, he replied, "When I went through, they had just gotten past that little well." He looked up just in time to see her snap her fingers. And wait. The shadows began to disperse soon after the snap rang out. Once the shadows dissipated, the other side of the wall showed no creatures of any sort, and no amorphous person shuffling through the alley. They were simply… gone.

"How about that for offensive magic? Bet ya didn't see that coming huh?" She said dancing around as she spoke, her arms thrusting into the air as she moved. She looked more akin to a child winning a game of skill for the first time than a terrifying and powerful caster of sorts.

Soon after she spoke a blob of mass about half the size of those that were chasing them, landed in front of them and began to split and form into what they once were, this time however, clawed fingers extend from their hands, and their figures change to prepare for the fight at hand. "Well dammit. I spoke too soon. Yunda, are you ready?"

Reinalt had already grabbed a rock from the ground and was halfway done with his incantation when Caster asked. The rock was just large enough to be used for what he needed. A jagged rocky line began to form from his pinky down to his wrist, and sharpen itself to a razor edge. The same happened to his other arm as well. He lowered himself in a stance, and readied himself. "It's as good as it's going to get. I'm ready…"

Caster rolled up her sleeves, and traced a few lines with her fingers before grabbing her whip from her back. "Let's make this quick please. I'd rather like to rest before we need to look around tonight."

The creatures lunged for Reinalt. As they came down with their claws, his arms caught them, rock against their strangely sharp claws. He pushed them off as Caster's whip cracked into their side, her target letting out a shriek of pain. "Ha! Take that!" She exclaimed before rearing back for another strike.

The one she attacked broke off from the other, and began to make its way to Caster. Reinalt rushed over to it, slashing with his jagged rocky arms through the creature. It cut through the creature easily, sending some of its watery flesh to the ground to die in the sun. The other took the opportunity to rush Yunda's back, digging its claws deep into him. A sharp pain shot through him, but he resisted. Caster hopped back, and cracked her whip into the creature's side, causing it to double over and have to reform itself.

"It looks like… these are the only two. The other got caught in the shadows," Yunda said, clutching his side. Caster could see the cuts in Yunda's back now. They bled a deep crimson she was used to seeing in her past. A color she was all too familiar with. She stepped up next to him, grabbing the dagger she had in its sheath behind her back as well. "Let's finish this. Those need to be looked at as soon as possible."

The creature that was more whole rushed him once more, this time aiming low to his thigh's and knees. As the strike came in, Yunda leapt forward, with his arms extended to cut through the back of the creature. His maneuver hit home, and cut down the spine of the creature, if there was one, severing it in two.

Caster turned to the last creature, still hurt and limping somewhat from Yunda's first attack. "Run home to your master. Tell her that her sickness doesn't affect us, and you all should be aware that I have already countered her little water spouts." She said as she cracked her whip. "Or would you rather stay and be taken into the Sonnimne as well?" She gave a wide eyed stare along with a terrifying smile before the creature turned to some sort of goop and seeped into the street.

With the action dying down, and the adrenaline now subsiding, Reinalt looked to his servant, amazed. "What… was that… shadow stuff?" He said between hard breaths.

"I said I will tell you everything. Not here however. We need to get home now. No one else is around for at least half a mile. We need to get home and get you treated. It seems that serpent has more nefarious tricks that what I could see." She said, getting in front of him and gripping his hand tightly. "I'll guard you. You'll survive this. I promise you that. We will both be ready for the night to come."

Archer and Rin exited soon after they finished. Rin gave a gentle stretch as the morning sun was reaching over a few more buildings than before. "We only have a few more minutes, correct? Do we need to go back to the estate?"

"I don't believe there is much else we can do to prepare. It is the first day of the war. All we can do is ready ourselves for any enemy now." Archer replied, his eyes ever vigilant in the act of scanning the environment.

The area they were in was not far from the fountain, but just out of reach of the non-combat zone. About one hundred feet away, both of them could feel a barrier being erected as they spoke. "Must be nice being so close to that thing. Sophia and Assassin have it easy."

"They are in this war. I don't think anyone has it easy Rin."

"You knew what I meant," She gave a heavy sigh before looking down the small slope to the next flattened area. The place was deserted, but there were still many street carts, vendor stands, and various other structures that were simply left by the merchants that had set up shop on the last few days. Most were in shoddy condition, but still usable, and still some had random bits of merchandise that could not or didn't need to be taken. In the center of the area, stood a broad shouldered man with a sword in its sheath in one hand, and a shield in the other, displaying the emblem of House Champion on it. He was taller than Rin and Archer, but also much taller than any man in the city that Rin had ever seen. He looked bred for battle and ready for any fight. His skin was lightly tanned and his golden hair wavered in the wind like fields of wheat atop his shoulders as his green eyes shown a sense of courage, bravery, and pride towards the duo above them. He smiled brightly at them, and have a ceremonial greeting of the house his master was under; He swept his shielded left hand in front of him, and raised it to his right shoulder, and gave a slight bow. His young master did the same in unison. Next to him stood the youngest of the Masters; and the youngest of the Champion bloodline. A boy nearly as tall as Rin, but quite a bit younger. His lanky frame stood engulfed by the cloak around him, making him appear far larger than he truly was. He moved forward slightly, and exclaimed. "Hello! I am Ignus Champion! The representative to the Champion House! The war is to commence soon, and you shall be our first opponent. Do you agree to this?"

The duo looked to one another outside of Sophia's house, and gave each other a grin. Champion? I thought that's who it was. Rin thought to herself, and Archer as well. They aren't the best with magic. Better than the Al'ana's people, but still pretty bland and easy to follow. They do have good tactics for battle however. Most of the magic they have in reserve is used for stamina regeneration, or quick weapon enhancement.

Understood Rin. Let us be formal about this however. It seems they want a fight that is somewhat fair and expected. I have no qualms with that. Archer replied, commenting on their introduction.

They agreed, and gave the greeting from Melephast in exchange; right hand extended slightly to the side, and then swept upwards to the chest, placed on the sternum, and a slight bow with a nod. "We accept your fight," They said in unison, "Prepare yourselves!"

Once their sentence finished, a single blink and the two at the market area were gone, leaving but a whirl of dust in their wake. Rin and Archer leapt backwards quickly, and bumped into their combatants. "Hahah! You were right Ignus! That quickening spell was useful! We'll make use of it later. I'm glad to see our training wasn't all for nothing!" The large man gave a hearty laugh before setting the boy down, "However," He said, looking to the ground around him and the side of one of the buildings, which all looked as if a huge impact had just landed into them, "The displacement of the force may need some work. We'll work on that later."

"Alright Saber. Hey…" he said, looking to Rin, who was wide eyed at the destruction. "Can we go somewhere where we won't… mess up the city?"

Rin cleared her throat as Assassin and Sophia both stumbled out of the door, in awe as well at the destruction of the building. "S-s-sure… let's head over by the graveyard. There's plenty of space there."

And with that, they went. Trudging along with Saber hoisting his master up on his shoulders, as well as Sophia and Assassin following farther behind in the shadows.

Soon, Archer and Saber would face off, and the city of Melephast would shake and move with the sound of many more confrontations. Soon, the war would claim its first victim as well.