Chapter Four: Eyes to the Past

2018, September 27th

Beauty was something that Caster had thought on a great deal in their life. As they walked down the traditional halls, build in a grand echo of a legacy that had lasted longer than when he had even been born, he marveled at their design. For Caster, there was much love to be found in the subtle complexities interposed among the grander sweeps of architecture. He sighed wearily as he was pulled from his, marveling at the raised voices coming from out in the courtyard.

"This is honestly pathetic. I wasn't expecting to see someone training so pitifully just moving around the house, go train somewhere else properly so I don't have to see whatever, that is." The biting tone of mockery is the part that draws the most of Casters attentions, and sours his quite pleasant mood. This wasn't the first instance of something being not right with how the family here acted. The people here acted less like a family, and more like those distasteful political spats between nobles.

"O-of course, master Zenin, I'll do so immediately." The distressed tones of a young boy sounds as if it comes from the floor and the sounds of shuffling feet. The arrogant older man clicks his tongue as his footsteps fade into the distance.

Deliberating for a few moments as he listens to the boy not move from his position, Caster shrugs before sliding the shoji nearest to him that leads into the courtyard. Using the pleasing novelty of opening such well made new architecture like this will hopefully help to make him seem more approachable. In the courtyard stands a young boy, bruised, beaten but not yet entirely bowed. A fire in his eyes, directed towards the assumed position of where that rude individual had left.

Caster's eyes flicker towards the loosely held Katana, which had been snapped in half. It only takes moments for him to piece it all together before making his stride towards the boy. As the boy across from him notices him, he shrinks into himself as if he were but a coiled spring. Caster only has sorrow in his heart for this poor boy, but he lets none of it show.

"Hmm, well, that wasn't particularly nice of him, was it?" Caster asks.

Taken aback by the way the conversation had started, it takes the boy a few moments to gather his thoughts and cautiously answer. "I am sure master Zenin had his reasons." His attempt at deflecting rings with a falseness that he doesn't hide all that well.

Now, with a closer glance at the boy, the full picture only serves to paint an uglier scene. The callous treatment of those who should be nurtured didn't sit well with Caster. "I am sure he did." Casters tone is light, but clearly disbelieving. "You'd best not keep him waiting then, but if you wish, I could lend some aid to you?" His question trails off as he clearly takes in the sight of what he assumes to be a sprained leg.

At the offer of aid, the boy seems even more wary. "There is no need to go so far for me, but I appreciate the offer." His words are rehearsed in the manner one who is unfamiliar with formally speaking would be, with him clearly suspecting the offer of aid as a poisoned gift.

Caster found himself not particularly fond of this family. He had no right to pass judgement until he knew more, but he was certainly not growing fonder.

"Come now, this is no offer for favor or hidden malice." Making wide sweeps of his arm, he chuckles. "It should be natural that one helps ones own family. I never understood that about the main branch here."

The boy latches onto his comment, his tension lowering and being replaced with open curiosity. "Are you from outside of the compound?"

"Yes, of course, my boy." He gives an easygoing grin. "My family is a fair bit removed from the Zenin, but with my exceptional talents, the family was willing to bring me back into the fold." Despite his arrogant words, his easygoing smile helps soften them.

Some slight worry comes across the boy's face as he bites his lips in worry. "You should watch out mister, some others in the family will use you if you let them."

As if the thought had just occurred to him, he gives a sheepish shake of his head. "Oh, have no worry about that. If they get the drop on me, they shall deserve it." Caster offers a hand for the boy to take. "I'm sure you don't want to stay injured like that all day, do you? Let me help."

A moment of realization comes to the boy's face, shock and awe filling it. "You can use reverse cursed technique?!"

"I do." He answers with an exaggerated conspiratorial tone. "I might even help you learn it if you stop being so silly and let yourself not be in pain." His raised eyebrows only further emphasize his point before pointedly staring at his hand. The boy's hand hesitates a moment before meeting Casters. It takes almost no time at all as the wounds disappear all at once.

"Who are you?" The boy asks, much more timidly, as he tests his footing. Caster idly notes in his head that being grateful does not seem to be a trait that comes naturally to this family.

Now for the perfect answer that he had been preparing for this moment. His little prank. "My name is Kenjaku Zenin, but feel free to call me what you wish." With a force of will, Caster tries not to let his amusement show through. "And your name?"

"Kuramoto Zenin." The boy answers immediately. "Does that mean you are going to be part of the Hei then?"

"The Hei?" Caster asks. "You flatter me, but I am destined for the Kukuru instead. My induction will be tomorrow."

Kuramoto brightens at the mention. "Oh, then I will see you there as well. Sometimes they let me train with some elders if they have the time."

"That's wonderful! I'll look forward to it then." Taking stock of the sky, Caster shakes his head. "I might as well continue getting myself familiar with this place. It was wonderful meeting you, young Zenin, and if you ever need help, never feel it is too much to ask." He leans down to pick up the broken piece of the blade still on the ground, before offering it to Kuramoto.

Sorrowful eyes take them from his hands. With a mournful sigh, Kuramoto slides the broken piece back into the sheathe while placing the other half over the top. "Grandpa is going to be so mad at me..."

"You know..." Caster muses out loud. "If you will show me around, I could fix that for you."

The way Kuramoto's eyes light up only vindicates Caster further. "Really?!"

Solemnly, Caster nods. "It's a promise."

"Thank you so much!" Kuramoto bows fervently.

Nonchalantly, Caster waves it off. "Think nothing of it."

The two spend the rest of the morning together, visiting all throughout the Zenin compound.

2018, September 27th

"Your friends are certainly free spirited master." Archer says, his lips curling in amusement. Both of them are in Megumis room, early enough in the morning that first light had only appeared, but Megumi had already started doing some light exercises. Watching from the side, Archer sits on the edge of Megumis' bed.

He doesn't stop his crunches as he replies. "Unfortunately." The words escape him in a huff as he sits up before lying down again.

"There is no need to be like that. Levity is important to have between the moments where one needs to be serious." His voice turns wistful at the end.

Megumi frowns, but doesn't disagree with him. Instead, he changes the subject. "What did you think about those curses?"

His answer is not immediate, as he takes the time to think it over with a hum. "I could certainly see why they were called low rank. Most warriors back when I was alive could handle them, but I didn't think there would be so much differences in how they look." He crosses his arms in thought. "Personally, If I was to fight them myself, I would use range as much as possible, or spears for the extra reach if I had no other choice. Some of those curses seem dangerous to be close to."

Megumi nods. "Typically, curses that we fight aren't so... strong for how much cursed energy they had. They all seemed to have abilities based on fire or earth." His eyes narrow with concern. "Sometimes curses can have techniques themselves, but not so many in such a small place."

"And people make curses based on collective fear, right?" Archer asks.

"Yeah. Although not on purpose," Megumi corrects. "I just don't remember any big earthquakes, fires or natural disasters that fit and would have made these."

They both think on the problem is silence before Archer makes a sound of recognition. "Perhaps they work similarly to your ability? If a cursed spirit had an ability to make weaker curses, perhaps this might be what you are seeing?"

"Shikigami?" Megumi asks himself. "It could be. I've never heard of one who can make them before, but it's not impossible."

"We will just have to keep our eyes open, then." Archer says.

Megumi nods before switching to do pushups.

Megumi and his servant had met with the other two of their group before heading for the forest just outside of the school itself. Once out of clear view, Archer reveals himself once more. Yuji to the side does some stretches, as Nobara has her hands on her hips.

"So." Nobara says. "I expect you to know all about curses now."

A nod is her response from Archer as he seems more amused by her than anything.

"Then what is it you can do?" She demands, eyes narrowed in his direction. "Saber was strong, but being able to be away from your master more does not tell me all that much about you."

Sheepishly, he scratches the back of his head. "Oh, I'm not anything that major." He closes his eyes in thought. "Honestly, I'm about as stereotypical of an archer as you could imagine. I'm just a little harder to kill and can hit things at a further distance. And I can make bows and arrows if I have the right material."

Megumis brows furrow. "Will we need to get you materials in case you run out of arrows, Archer?"

Archer shakes his head. "No, not unless you want to save your energy, at least. I can materialize arrows using your cursed energy."

"That sounds really useful! Can you make other things?" Yuji asks.

"Unfortunately not." Archer shakes his head. "Not of the same level, at least."

"So, is there anything we should know about your noble phantasm? As long as your arrows can kill curses, it should be good enough, but if not, you might need to get a cursed tool." Being all businesslike, Nobara takes in Archer as if evaluating him, but clearly not happy about it.

"I'm not sure it will come up, or at least I hope not. Think of it as you would a large, explosive shot at the cost of my life. But in such a dense land like this with so many people..." Archer says. Worried, he trails off with a frown.

Yuji nods at his assessment, giving Archer a bright smile. "Don't worry, we will make sure you won't have to do anything like that." He makes a sound of realization and his expression turns hopeful. "Oh, actually, did you want to join us in coming to watch the movies together?"

"Who said I was watching a movie with you? I had other things to do!" Nobara scowls. At the same time, Megumi gives a unimpressed glare at Yuji. "I need to train some more Yuji, which you should do as well."

"I take my training seriously. I do it every day. But we shouldn't just do nothing but training. Plus, the new movie just came out!" He gives a pleading glance to Archer. "Wouldn't it be nice to show Archer here some new things that aren't just work?"

The silence stretches for a few moments, but Nobara is the first to break it. "Fine, *fine*, but you are carrying all my shopping this week. And the movie better be good." Her glare turns to Megumi, trying to peer pressure him into joining.

Still hesitant to the idea, the hand of Archer on his shoulder distracts him and shows the smiling visage of his servant. "What's the harm? It's only a couple of hours, right?"

Megumi glances down for a few seconds before relaxing and shaking his head. "Alright. I'll go, but we are all training after this. We need to be ready for whenever things eventually start for the war."

"Training?" Nobara interrupts. "You mean my stuff first, then we can train. I'm not walking back and forth all day." Her words are full of annoyance and only cause him to be unimpressed, but say nothing else.

"Thanks guys! This will be great!" Yuji pumps his fist into the air before jogging away from the two. Both Nobara and Megumi share small smiles at Yujis expense before following at a more sedate pace. Archer stays still as he watches them go, chuckling to himself in good cheer before fading away into spirit form.

2018, September 27th

"A servant," Waver says. "Is what the mages at the clock tower would typically factor in as a ghost liner, or as more locally known, a heroic spirit." His cigar waves through the air as the hand holding it waves to emphasize his points. In a small room at the Kyoto Jujutsu school, he holds his class of two, having had to create a crash course on magecraft for his new student. For the short time he had been here, he had been practically been attached at the hip as a tutor for his new student, much to his chagrin.

"Each of which can be summoned in seven classes. That being Saber, Lancer, Archer, Assassin, Caster, Rider and Berserker, right Lord El-Melloi the II?" Miwa asks. Her manners and attitude were quite refreshing for Waver in how earnest she was. His private fear had been that he would have been stuck dealing with another case like some of his more troublesome students.

"That is correct." He gives her a nod to acknowledge her point. "And there are several ways one can go about picking the servant that is best suited for them." On a traditional blackboard, he perfectly drew a circle before placing a more simplistic symbol of a sword and drawing a line between them. "Now, what do you think this is?"

It takes no time at all for her to answer. "A summoning circle with a catalyst, sir?" His answering smile is all she needs as her eyes light up. Waver catches her hands twitching in sheer joy, and has to turn his back to the board to hide his amusement. "Correct."

"Now, based on your knowledge, what do you think we shall use for your summon?" Waver asks.

Miwas answer this time takes much longer to plan. "It would be the compatibility over a guaranteed servant, right?" He motions for her to continue. ''Considering I don't have any catalysts, and we need somebody who can work with us, that's our best bet?"

"You are correct in part, but you are missing something important." He takes a pointed glance at Miwa. "It is likely you wouldn't be able to support a servant, if at all normally. We do not have any baseline for what a high cost servant would even do to you."

She flinches at his words and nods shakily. Waver doesn't seem pleased at the results and sighs. "I do not say this to be cruel, but to safeguard you from the possible worst results."

"I appreciate it sir." Miwa says.

Taking stock of the time, Waver glances back at Miwa. "Now, I believe we must make haste to your next class. Come to my office once you are finished, to continue our lessons. And make sure to put in extra effort in all your classes. It would do well to take the time to be prepared as much as possible on all levels."

Miwa gracefully leaves her seat before giving him a formal bow. Carefully, she closes the shoji behind her as she exits the room and makes her way to her next class. Waver takes the time to sit at his desk and finish the last of his cigar under the careful watch of Gray.

"Sir, why did you change the subject of the class after finding out her element?" Gray asks softly, confused.

A frown and the remains of the cigar being snuffed out are the only sounds as he gathers his thoughts. "Do you remember my lesson on elements, Gray?" He moves different notes and papers on his desk back into their proper places. Her nod is silent.

"Now if I were to tell you that Miwa here had a non standard element, what would your thoughts be?" He asks.

A small gasp leaves her as she comes to a theory. "Her origin is strong?"

"It's likely to be the case, which would explain some oddities with her magic circuits." His concern bleeds through his voice as he stares at the wall in the direction she had left. "It is best that she never learns what it is just to be safe. I can teach around the element in question without her needing to know it."

Gray remains silent at her desk, taking his words at face value. But Waver can only worry. "Japan is the worst." He curses.

2018, September 27th

With a smile, Geto made his way towards Mahito who was relaxing under the shade. Between his hands are different small effigies of what used to be human. In deep concentration, he twists and morphs them around each other, making a vaguely humanoid shape that was long and thing. Mahito's anticipation builds until the figure slumps over and lies still. His abject disappointment fills his face as he crouches down and touches the lying body.

"Ah, it broke again. That was my last one too..." Mahito sighs. He pouts at the body, before turning his attention towards the man coming his way. "Geto! Do you know what I'm doing wrong here? I'm trying to combine all these souls together, but it just doesn't seem to work."

With a small jar with a pair of eyes of all things under Getos arms, he contemplates the question directed towards him. "It's not the first time such a thing has been done. There used to be such things as soul eaters. Or there is combining soul based information like the servants that we have." Geto shrugs with an air of indifference. "I can't see the soul the same way you can, but if I was to put an educated guess, I'd say don't combine the strongest souls, but the ones who have a weak rejection against being combined."

Mahito laughs in glee as ideas come into his mind from Geto's words. "I don't get why you say you aren't an expert about these things. Every time I ask you about the soul, you seem to have the right answer."

"Trust me, if I was an expert, you'd know." Geto's words are loaded with only a meaning he understands, leaving Mahito confused until Geto pulls the jar from his side to show Mahito.

"Now, I have a proposition for you." Geto says. "Just to make it more official, I was thinking I could give you these eyes here, if you will grant me the same abilities as them."

Serious almost immediately, Mahito watches Geto with an air of curiosity. "A binding vow too?" Mahito asks.

"I'm glad you understand," Geto says with a smile. "Of course. I'm sure you will need to experiment first as well."

"So what is so special about those eyes, anyway?"

"Ah, I'm sure you have payed attention through Berserker during the classes. These are what are known as mystic eyes, specifically eyes of Enchantment. I wanted to see if you could make them as well."

"Aren't those connected to those magic circuits or whatever they were?" Mahito asks as he stares blankly at the eyes. "I've been wanting to get my hands on someone who has those. They sound interesting." A grin makes its way to his face but doesn't reach his eyes. "Do you think I could convince that Bazett girl to let me mess around with her soul? At least to see what they act like."

"No." Geto says, not amused. "You'd be better off finding a different mage than possibly damaging our own allies."

Mahito puts their hands up in surrender. "It was only a joke." His giggle doesn't make his statement seem all that truthful.

"But if you wish, I can point you in the right direction to find a mage for your tests." Geto leads.

"Tell me more." The raw interest in Mahitos voices has Geto furrow his brows, but it is not long before they plan.

2018, September 28th

Bazett leaned down to offer a hand to the figure lying in the sand. A man in black and red ornate armor lies there, his tattered red cloak fluttering from where it isn't stuck underneath him in the wind. His face is pale, with his hair and eyes being a deeper red as well. He has a side fringe at the front of his head that goes all the way to his chin, while his hair spikes up at the back. To the side, his black sword and red shield lie on the floor.

Eyes closed in frustration, he opens them with a sigh before taking the offered hand. Pulled up, he dusts himself off and shakes his head. It is not long before his posture slouches and misery takes its place.

Awkwardly, Bazett watches as her sparring partner falls into a slump. "Is there... something wrong, Rider?" She asks.

"Oh no, it's fine. I just..." Rider trails off. "You are really amazing. I was worried about you getting hurt since you said we should spar with full weapons. But I wasn't expecting you to beat me so quickly." His disappointment is palpable to the point Bazett feels bad for him. "And with your bare hands too..."

She had never experienced her sparring partner being so dejected at losing a spar before. She takes a few seconds to process before leading with a probing question. "Is that bad?"

"No, of course not." He denies quickly. "It's impressive truly." He gathers his thoughts. "I was hoping with this second chance at life I could be a bit more... impressive?" He sounds sheepish even as he says it out loud.

"No one is impressive day one, right?" Bazett says. "So don't be so down on yourself. You're just learning some of your new abilities, right? We can just slow down to see what they would be like in a fight."

Rider nods before going to pick up his sword and shield again. "Do you mind if I practice it first before we spar again?" He hesitates before soldiering on. "And if you are up for it, could I have some pointers?"

"Sure" She agrees easily. She waits for any actions or movement from him, in part from curiosity. At first, he has some difficulty as he swings his sword, and water trails behind. Bazett watches in fascination as cursed energy is used to create water that stays in the air before eventually dropping. Amused, she watches as Rider points a finger and a slow stream of water comes out.

"That seems surprisingly easy and versatile." Bazett says. Rider pauses, pleased at her words and giving a shy smile. "Thanks." He says.

"So what made you ask me for a spar?" Bazett asks. With the sun so hot, she motions for Rider to follow as she walks towards some cover from the sun. "It wasn't exactly something I expected when I first came here."

"I thought it might be a good way to pass the time?" He says sheepishly. "I'm not that great of a fighter or anything, but I thought I should be able to keep up with you, at least. And everyone else was out except for master."

"Your master is that red curse, right?"

He nods his head before realizing she can't see behind her. "Yeah, that's my master."

Taking the time to take her seat under the umbrella, Bazett mutters a quick spell and rune on herself as she glares at the heat. Her suit was not great for such a place, especially considering no one had told her about them having an artificial sun for some reason in this bounded field. Privately, she griped in her head about why they even have it set to be this hot by default.

"So, what are your thoughts on the curses?" She asks. Across from her, Rider hesitantly takes a seat at one of the other free shaded areas.

"It's different." He says in the tone of voice of someone who is trying to make something seem better than it was. "I'm hoping I might eventually convince my master to... have some more positive goals. But for now, saving their people seems reasonable enough."

To Bazetts eyes, he seems torn about her question and not the happiest, but she doesn't push further. "Hmm, if we are going to be working together, how far does that ability of yours go? The one where you can make any weapon powerful."

"It's only whatever weapon I use. And it doesn't make them harder to break or anything." He waves his hands as if to dispel any confusion she might have. "That's why I was so thankful for Caster making me such a durable practice sword. It's hopefully going to be a long time before I break this one."

An idea comes to Bazetts mind that has her break out into a wide grin. "I think I have a great idea." She says, excited. "With how curses and everything can do Jujutsu? What if we get you some weapons in your hands?"

"What do you mean?" Curious and wary, Rider raises his eyebrows.

"Anything is a weapon if you are creative enough. And I have a couple of ideas." She muses. "Have you ever heard of a cestus?"

2018, September 28th

The flight back home had been earlier than he had expected. He would ever need to do. As far as Yuta was aware, not even the elders knew about his return, either. Only Gojo and his possibly new teachers were going to be here for this meeting. He had kept mostly low profile, as his teacher had asked. But their meeting location being a bakery of all things surprised him.

The bell chimes above him as he makes his way inside, spotting the forms of two women he was unfamiliar with and a poorly disguised Gojo. Both women seemed unimpressed with Gojo, which likely meant they were familiar with him instead of being strangers. Yuta gives a smile to the old lady at the counter before taking his own seat at the table.

"It's good to see you again, Gojo." Yuta says. His smile shows he truly means it. "And it's nice to meet you two. My name is Yuta Okkotsu."

The women give him cordial smiles before Gojo jumps at the opportunity to talk. "I'm glad you are here now. These two are Tohsaka Rin, and the younger short one is Saber." He motions to them in order, as he rushes the introduction face filled with childish glee. "So you have the marks, right?~"

With a fond sigh, Yuta pulls down one of his gloves enough to show a glimpse of red marks on his hands to Gojos unsealed eyes before covering it once more. "Is that enough for you?"

The expression on Gojos' face is only more pleased, and he nods his head. Rin to his side has closed eyes in exasperation before plastering a smile on her face. "It's nice to meet you as well, Okkotsu."

"Indeed, well met." Saber adds.

"So, now that we have the marks confirmed, we can summon the servant today. Actually, we have it all prepared and ready to go. It was going to be you or Yuji, anyway."

"Yuji? That's my underclassman, right?" Yuta asks.

"Yap." He pops the end of the word. "I'm honestly super excited to see what you get. All these summons have been amazing, and I can't wait to see more. The spars sound great too."

Embarrassed by proxy, Yuta sighs in exasperation. "Am I summoning for something serious or your entertainment...?" He muses to himself.

Gojo waves it off nonchalantly. "It's a bit of both, so don't worry about it."

Saber sternly glares in Gojos' direction in annoyance. "Have some tact. This isn't something to be taken with a light heart. This is quite a serious battle for one to be drawn into."

His grin doesn't leave his face, even as he turns to face her in amusement. "I certainly hope so. I wouldn't want this to be boring. And I have quite a few important things I need to be doing that are having their time being eaten up here."

Her unimpressed stare has him shrug.

"Oh, is that you young Gojo?" Having made her way to their table with a plate of pastries, the old lady gives a fond smile to the man in question, causing him to blink owlishly at her for a few moments. "Why, it feels like almost yesterday you and your friends came here. How have you all been?"

There is a brief floundering from Gojo as he reenters himself. "Ah Akari, it's felt like forever. They are, uh." A moment of grief crosses his face before a much more plastic grin covers it. "We've all been busy lately, you know?"

"Oh you scoundrel you, are you still calling ladies by their first name when you meet them?" She says with a laugh in her voice. Her questioning gaze turns to the other women at the table who seem more curious about the interaction. Rin nods at the silent question, causing the old lady to laugh. "Well, that's a shame, then. You should reconnect with your friends while you still can, young man. Time waits for no one." Sternly, she gives him a look before placing a large plate in front of him. "And eat up, I don't want you becoming skin and bones." She turns on her heels and slowly makes her way back to the counter.

Gojo is speechless for a few seconds before chuckling. "I'm more muscular than most men will ever be. I don't need help to stay fit! He says after her in good humor, before taking one pastry and eating it. His face fills with nostalgia, and he shows a more genuine smile. Gojo, who offers the plate to others, breaks the awkward silence at the table. "Go on, take some. They taste better with others."

"You have friends Gojo?" Rin asks, partly curious and the other half a jab at his expense.

His silence is poignant for a few seconds before he answers with false cheer. "Yeah. Some great ones." His grin turns more pointed as he stares in her direction. "What about you?"

"I have some." Rin says with a pleasant smile.

"What time." Yuta says, interrupting the conversation with a worried look. "Are we thinking of doing the summoning?"

"Oh, I think we will open your circuits after we leave here, and then summon that very night?" Gojo says half saying and the other half questioning.

"As far as we are aware, it seems like circuits aren't needed, but it's better to be safe than sorry," Rin finishes his unspoken question. "From what I heard, you appear skilled enough in your form of healing that hopefully it should help mitigate some downsides of activating your circuits so late in life. If you have them, that is."

"Right. Anything I should expect?"

People give Gojo a questioning glance, but he remains unapologetic. "I'm not going to talk about magic over the phone, so better he learns it on the fly like this from the experts."

Begrudgingly, she nods at his sound logic. "Makes sense to me."

"So, what are we waiting for?" Gojo asks. Making his way to his feet, and goes to place several notes on the counter, but before he can slink away, the old lady accosts him. The old lady shoves two bags into his hands, which he notes are filled with dessert pastries in one and more savory items in the other. "I'm not old enough to not be aware of what you are up to, young man. Take these and give them to your friends. I expect next time I see you, all three of you will show up this time instead of one at a time." As an afterthought, she goes to grab the money, but he already has taken steps away and out of her reach. "And stop giving me too much money. My shop isn't doing so poorly I need handouts, Gojo!"

"Bye!~" Gojo says cheerfully as he makes his way out of the shop in haste, his confused companions in tow.

"Why did we even meet here? Isn't this place too out in the open?" Yuta asks.

"I used to sneak out here when I used to be back in school. Nobody really comes to this place or used to know we came here. It's a nice, quiet part of the city."

"It is quite pleasant." Saber agrees.

"Thanks." Gojo says quietly.

Maintaining consistency, they had gotten ready to summon in the same area. While Yuta had suffered some consequences of activating his circuits, RCT had indeed helped mitigate the negatives. Before starting, Yuta memorized the words of the ritual and spoke with Rika.

With a straightened back, Yuta placed his ring on his finger and started his chant. Rika, sufficiently warned, had spent the time watching the lights and Yuta with fascination.

As smoke filled the room and the lights died down, the voice of a woman filled the room.

"Hey, Ryouma, why do I feel funny? Did we get summoned wrong?" She asks.

With a fond sigh, a man comes clear to view with a woman hovering by his side. He gives a nod at Yuta before side eyeing the form of Rika. "I am servant Rider, Sakamoto Ryouma, here in accordance with your summon." He gives a reproachful glance at his summoned companion. "Oryou, that's just our energy source being different." Ryouma takes the time to bow formally. "Please take good care of me and my partner, Oryou."

"Hello human, you smell weird." Oryou says with a wrinkled nose. "Are you bad to eat?"

At the mention of eating Yuta, Rika rears up in anger. "You won't bully Yuta!" It takes a reassuring hand from Yuta himself to calm her down somewhat. Yuta has a faintly concerned expression on his face as he looks at Oryou.

To the side, Ryouma seems faintly exasperated. "Don't worry, Oryou won't be eating anyone." He says with a pointed stare at her. She seems disappointed but doesn't argue.

"I'm Yuta Okkotsu, I hope we can get along." He says formally. Rika mimics his nod, but still watches Oryou warily. "Let me get you caught up with my teachers on what is going on right now..."

End of Chapter Four:

Nice to see you all again. This time we get to see a bit more into the actions of what some of the different players are up to, and the reveal of another servant. Next chapter will of course be our boy Yuji finally getting access to his own servant. And possibly some more reveals on the Cursed Berserker? Hope you all enjoy!