|
Post by anton on Oct 5, 2015 2:10:59 GMT
Anton was not the happiest person when he got the notice that was now eligible as a Provisional Master. He had been told he'd be working on the labs, that he'd be helping with the research and for a couple of weeks that was his job, one that he was pretty happy with and feeling rather useful. But perhaps he was to useful or someone really disliked him and suggested he'd do a pretty good job as a field agent. He'd be more useful for Chaldea in this manner.
Yeah right...
Then he got his first assignment. It sounded pretty standard and definitely not dangerous. Going to a designated location, planting a device, gather data and come back. On paper that sounded ok, but then additional information was provided. The probability of hostiles was high, on the plus side he was getting three bodyguards. That at first was a relief, he read enough about Servants to generally qualify them as being just as or more powerful than a regiment of soldiers, which was good and comforting. But Anton was too much of a thinker for his own good and then had to consider. I'm assigned to work with three servants, three. The obvious conclusion wasn't so good, he was being sent somewhere really dangerous.
With that idea in his head, Anton couldn't get it out for the remainder of the day, night and the following day up to the point he was Ray Shifted.
Great, just great.
The process wasn't exactly comfortable but success was assured and he'd take that over comfort any day. Where he appeared wasn't a nice place, he could live with the smoke, debris and as long as the fire wasn't in his immediate vicinity he could survive. What he could definitely do without was the red sky, stench of decay and the feeling of rotten magical energy. He was lightly comforted by the feeling of his bodyguards materializing and more importantly the Diviner Probe appearing as well, it would be a literal hell to accomplish his mission without it.
Anton scanned his ruined surroundings. It was hard to believe that he had once lived here, he could honestly say he didn't recognize a thing among the debris. They were transported near the remnants of the gates of the area they were supposed to gather data from, a school building of some sort. Alright, not a lot of time will be wasted on setting up, this is good. Anton thought, then he heard a very threatening howl not too far away. Aaand hopefully not attract attention...
Anton checked his Lyra gear and also checked for his pocket grimoire. Check and check. He turned to address his companions. "Well, hopefully we'll get this over with soon and return to base." He said, then thinking about it for a second more decided it was best to get to know the people he was working with before they moved on. "I'm Anton, hope we all make it through in one piece, ha..ha..." He tried to be humorous but quickly regretted it. "Uhm, as for our objective... it'll be quicker if we get the device inside that ruined building."
The probe now looked bigger than Anton would have liked, and not something he'd be able to lift on his own.
|
|
|
Post by Oda Nobunaga on Oct 5, 2015 3:03:06 GMT
His first official assignment. Jekyll had been a bit of an odd one for Chaldea when he was summoned; they couldn't help but wonder if they accidentally teleported one of their researchers by mistake. Those that weren't present for his summoning always assume him to be a researcher, and treat him as such. He's never really minded it, though in this case it was very much clear that he was a Servant. After all, he was siphoning prana from the proxy Master. So it would be best if he did not bother with the "Master" act.
"It is a pleasure, Master. Feel free to inform me of when you desire my full strength, though until then I shall retain my current self." He responded to his Master's introduction, nodding and moving his gaze towards the device. It was quite bulky, and not likely something that the magus could lift. While in this form he could not express the full strength of his Servant form, this much he could at least do. Giving a slight tug of his gloves and adjusting his glasses, the doctor knelt over and hefted up the probe in both hands, struggling for a moment but then easing into it. "I shall carry this for now, since my combat ability is limited."
With the probe in hand, Jekyll took a moment to assess his surroundings. He had already gotten the obvious impression of a lifeless wasteland upon their arrival, but with a second survey, it felt...wrong. Was this what they meant by it being a singularity? The land was cursed, the earth ablaze and no life to be found, but Jekyll couldn't help but feel there were supposed to be people here. The lack of children at play, of families going to the store, of young couples experiencing their first love; it was tragic. He couldn't help but feel a pang of familiarity though, having caused such scenes on a smaller scale himself. Perhaps it was a good thing though that he came on this mission, as the resolve in his heart could only grow stronger at the thought of preventing such an event from becoming reality.
Another howl brought his focus back to the school. He shifted his grip on the probe slightly, and looked to his comrades with a kind smile on his face. "Shall we be off, everyone?"
|
|
|
Post by topiltzin on Oct 5, 2015 3:11:25 GMT
After rematerializing in a physical form in the past, Ce Atl had thought it would be more strange than it had been. Just a flicker, and a change of scenery, as if he had simply turned into spirit form with his eyes closed, turned around, and beheld something no human being should ever need to. It was suffering, pure and simple. There were no things to be said about what was beheld, and no emotions to hold aside from grief.
“This mustn't happen. I...I cannot allow this to happen.”
At the sound of a voice, Ce Atl turns, smiling at the person who could only be his Master. “I will endeavor my utmost to ensure that will happen. Though it might be burdensome for you, I hope you will be willing to rely on me.”
As the other Servant begins to lift the heavy device, Ce Atl, without a moments hesitation, bites his thumb hard enough to draw blood, and then dabs it on Jekyll's neck. With the focusing power of his more commonly used Noble Phantasm in place, he fills Jekyll with increased strength with a mild reinforcement spell. “That should make your burden easier. Thank you for taking the task upon yourself, my friend.”
|
|
|
Post by Ashwatthama on Oct 5, 2015 3:48:15 GMT
Unlike his companions, Ashwatthama was not particularly moved by his surroundings. He felt only somewhat morose at the scene, and for entirely different reasons. He had known his next coming would be at the end of days-- The Archer had long been prepared to see sights such as this, of destruction wreaked and havoc sown across a land that did not ask for nor deserve it. The only feelings he held for the seen were an uncomfortable familiarity, as the absolute waste of the area reminded him all too much of one night so very long ago, where the servant himself had wreaked a terribly destruction all too familiar to what now laid before them...
Shaking his head, he dispelled such thoughts. Now was not the time.
Despite the time they were in, he made sure to respect the proper courtesies, as his master introduced himself to them. Although The other servants did not give their names-- A rude slight towards Anton in his eyes, but forgivable given their differing cultures and the nature of the situation--, Ashwatthama wasted no time returning his Master's introduction.
"I am known as Ashwatthama, although Archer will work fine, as we do not know who may be listening."
Regardless of whatever enemies may be overhearing their conversation, it would be rude not to reveal his name in return, even if their master might have already known whom he was summoning. He would not compromise on his moral code, whatever the consequences. But enough about that. The Indian Servant looked dimly at the massive structure in front of them, examining it just as quickly as he did his teammates. While he trusted his team mates each deserved their place here, he was not entirely pleased with their composition. A berserker, and a caster, one of whom he could not even tell was a Servant.
"Before we depart, I feel I should comment on our strategy. Simply put, it will be more effective for me to reach a vantage point and cover the rest of you from there then accompany the party to the objective and defend it directly. However, I must have an estimate of your direct combat capacity, as if I depart from your sides I must be sure you two can physically fend for yourselves. Otherwise I will be forced to accompany our Master directly."
It was not so much an insult as a needed instruction, after all, he didn't want to break away from them only for them to be overwhelmed and killed as he found a proper high ground to cover them from.
"Additionally, I will need some means of communicating with you all. Is this something you can manage?"
The second question was aimed directly at Caster, as he was probably the most likely bet for such a feat.
|
|
|
Post by anton on Oct 5, 2015 4:16:44 GMT
Anton began to rewind information on his head. He had three Servants with him, two were just as he expected the other one not so much. Obviously the one that attracted the most attention was the Berserker, Anton wasn't so sure how mad the otherwise average fellow was, he was under the impression that Berserkers were big, angry and liked to smash things. Was this Berserker possibly a compulsive obsessive butler? Anton shook his head, actually now that he thought about it he had seen the Berserker before, on some of the laboratories and workshops... strange.
Even stranger was how quickly the Berserker lifted the large apparatus without much trouble. Anton smiled ever so weakly and a small baffled Ha..hah... noise escaped his lips, though he quickly recovered with the reminder these guys were not normal people. They were legendary figures, heroic spirits, the strongest familiars.
Anton shook his head "Well, Uuuh Berserker, this shouldn't take long." Anton managed to mumble, then turned his attention to who he believed to be the caster of the group. A Magus of the ancient past, probably the class Anton had the most admiration for. Anton watched the Caster work his magic on the Berserker, an interesting appliance of Reinforcement. Probably sixty times more potent than anything he'd managed as well.
Then there was the Archer, the one who more or less gave the presence Anton had expected an Heroic Spirit to be. Somewhat aloof, definitely powerful and dangerous looking. Anton wouldn't even try to pronounce his name "Using your class names works." He nodded, then shifted his attention to a falling piece of debris and the noises it made.
Anton then again shifted his attention towards Archer, he frowned but not really to the suggestion but more or less because he was shifting gears and thinking strategically. He came to the same conclusion as Ashwatthama, it was the best use of their numbers and strength. Also a vain attempt at showing leadership skills, he should really just follow what they say, they are heroes after all.
"I agree it might be the most sensible approach, if we can move the device to what's left of the roof top or one of those windowed hallways, Archer should have a clear shot at anything coming after us. At least would give you a clearer shot than you'd get if we worked in the base floors. He looked at the building, he then thought hopefully it won't collapse on us though
"But if there are better options, I am all up for hearing them."
|
|
|
Post by Oda Nobunaga on Oct 5, 2015 5:08:31 GMT
Jekyll was slightly surprised by the Caster's action, but when he felt the boost to his abilities it all became clear. He was slightly grateful that the smell of blood couldn't trigger Hyde to appear; if it could, then they likely would no longer have a probe. The strengthening from it would actually make this mission much easier for him, and could even perhaps mean he would not require Hyde's aid. Of course the ideal is that their Master does not come under attack, but ideals are far from reality. "And I thank you, good sir, for your aid." he made sure to thank the Caster in turn, it was only proper.
"And to ease your concern, Archer, with Caster's aid I should be able to fend off anything short of another Servant. Should that prove insufficient, I will utilize my Noble Phantasm. Unfortunately...doing so will cause me to reflect my class accurately, so I cannot promise anything but the destruction of our foes." Jekyll responded to the bowman's concern about his ability to defend himself. Ideally nothing close to an enemy Servant would come along, but they had to be prepared. This was unknown territory on several fronts, and the whole point of this mission was to acquire information. He would have to see about getting some of it when they return.
Turning his gaze to the school building, he did wonder what sorts of foes they would encounter. What would linger in this land of suffering and damnation? Archer and Caster would be able to provide powerful long range attacks, but it seemed he was the best for taking down a foe face to face. He did not wish to underestimate his allies, simply to prepare for the worst. Archer would be firing from a distance, so the roof would be the best location to assure the protection of their master. Caster would likely need to remain with Anton at all times to shield him, so that left himself to seek out the enemy.
"If our Master is comfortable with being carried, I believe we may be able to piggyback on the preexisting damage to the building to quicken our ascent to the top. At the very least, it might let us skip a floor of navigating." he commented, shifting his eyes back to the group. His thoughts had too shifted to the best strategy to complete their objective, but forever in the back of his mind he ran through plans of how to protect his allies in the event of danger. Archer would be the hardest to reach, but also the least likely to need help. His efforts would focus on the other two. If it came to it, hopefully Hyde would be agreeable with this plan of action.
|
|
|
Post by topiltzin on Oct 5, 2015 5:58:03 GMT
Ce Atl smiles at the thanks he received from Berserker. “And you are most welcome.” With that, he turned to the third Servant present on this mission, Archer, or as he further explained, Ashwatthama, gave a more thorough tactical analysis on the situation. He heaves a sigh at the question.
“The question is regrettably hard to answer from my end. Though Berserker has confidence in me, I can only increase the strength of the Reinforcement about three times as much as it is currently in effect. The two of us as we are, even with such a benefit, would likely not be able to fend off an opponent of the skill level possessed by most Heroic Spirits without endangering the mission. And while it is unlikely that we will face such a foe, the risk remains.”
As the topic of conversation shifted to tactical concerns, he couldn't much fault Archer's judgment at all. Only... “What if you are challenged when you are all alone, friend? It wouldn't do to have you put in danger because you were separated from the rest of us.”
When concerns about carrying Anton up, he shrugs. “That should be a simple enough task, so long as our friend Anton proves willing.” He completed another reinforcement spell, this time focusing on himself. “Quetzalcoatl, be my strength.” With this, his strength should be more than enough to carry Anton when the time came.
Archer's request was met with a smile. “Of course, Archer. I would be happy to supply you with a method of communication.” Walking up to his side, Ce Atl breathes another incantation. “Let the wingbeats of the Serpent carry my voice across the world.” As he intones the words, something resembling a ball of thick mist forms in front of Ce Atl. “You can take it in your hands. So long as it is near you, I can hear your words and you can hear mine as if I was standing right there. I wish you the best of luck, Ashwatthama.”
|
|
|
Post by Ashwatthama on Oct 6, 2015 3:39:29 GMT
"You need not worry about my being challenged when alone. I am more than capable of handling myself. Still, I thank you for your concern, and your assistance."
It wasn't really arrogance that motivated his words, but a rather matter-of-fact attitude. After all, he was so completely foreign to "death" as it had never claimed him, that he was at this point not sure he could be allowed to die. That last bit bore a bit of hubris, and he knew it. After all, these were the end times and anything could be a fatal encounter. Still, he was confident in his abilities to defend himself, and them, without being babysat. If anything he felt quite the babysitter at the moment.
He grasped the tiny wisp, not sure entirely how to hold it, leaving it awkwardly in one hand, as he grasped his bow in the other.
"You all should take position on top of the roof of the building in front of us. I will find the highest nearby point and provide and reconnaissance from there."
With hardly another word, Ashwatthama leaped into the air, pressing against the wall of the building in front of them and moving up it vertically in a way far too reminiscent of a bad bollywood movie. He rather ignored the comments about transporting Anton up-- He assumed they'd just lift the poor boy and ascend to the top themselves. Even if they were physically unable to scale the building, Caster should be able to devise a method to get them to the top. They could work it out between the three of them, and in the meantime Ashwatthama could survey the area for potential threats.
Reaching the top of the roof, Ashwatthama surveyed the broken building. There did not seem to be any direct threats on the roof as of yet, but there were so many points of entry. Not only could the walls be easily scaled by anything super-human, but the roof itself was riddled with holes that could be used as means of access. Even the solid portions of it did not seem particularly thick-- Any Servant could probably rather easily move through stone structure, so it was no guarantee of protection.
Wasting little time, he advanced across the roof, bounding off of it towards one of the other buildings of the campus, slightly taller and directly adjacent. Taking a look at the campus as he moved, he could not spot any enemies directly, even with his Clairvoyant vision, but the innards of the school provided a large deal of cover he could not scry into. And he could swear he saw hints of movements in the shadows of the halls...
|
|
|
Post by anton on Oct 6, 2015 18:06:11 GMT
Communication seemed to be going smoothly so Anton was not as worried as he had been. In particular one of his mains worries about becoming a Master and handling missions that involved more than one Servant (Besides the obvious danger he'd be thrown in) was that they were heroes, people that naturally had strong personalities and when a lot of people of that nature gathered you'd get friction at the very least and trying to "order" them around was not a good idea in his head. But thankfully, at least the Servants he had been saddled up this time seemed to more or less be a good match up.
Of course then the topic of actual fighting became a thing it restored Anton's anxiety. He'd been in dangerous situations before, he had thrown himself into one or two for the purpose of research but this was the first time he was in a situation in which something might actively be trying to kill him. Regardless, the strategy that Archer had proposed was conceivable and sound.
"Alright, I guess that settles it." Anton, didn't enjoy the idea of being carried but he enjoyed it more than walking through a decrepit ruin full of unknown dangers. At least he had the consolation that no female Servant was present in the team, he'd die of embarrassment if there was one. Not that he was against being carried by a woman.
Anton quickly pushed the idea out of his head by furiously scratching his head as Archer left. He breathed in and out, his expression more serious now. "Let's move in closer and then go up." Anton spoke, he began walking toward the main school building and waited for whoever that was gonna pick him up to get to it.
|
|
|
Post by Oda Nobunaga on Oct 7, 2015 19:51:15 GMT
The topic of magecraft was an interesting one to Jekyll, but not a field he was particularly proficient in. His thoughts couldn't help but drift to his alchemical research as he watched Caster produce the orb of mist to communicate with Archer, the basic magic terminology that came up in the course of his readings. What was in effect on him right now was a strengthening effect, reinforcement he believed it was called, though he wasn't sure what to classify the mist as. Divining, may be? It wasn't important either way, he concluded as he readjusted his grip on the probe.
"See you again soon, Archer." he said to the Archer has he left to find his perch. Archer had confidence in his own abilities, though Caster seemed concerned about the two of them being able to defend their Master. Jekyll himself had little concern, as in a one-on-one melee fight he believed he could take on most Servants. His primary failing was in those that could strike from afar, but with a Caster and an Archer on his side that flaw was well covered. Beginning his own approach to the school, he gauged the three stories they would be scaling. Archer was able to scale it rather easily, unhindered, and the two of them should be able to do it even with their burdens. It just would not be as graceful.
"I'll be going up ahead, then. Caster, I leave the transport of our Master to you."
And with a single leap, he propelled himself up to a caved in section of the outer wall just above the first floor. Normally with such a load as the probe, he could not make such a leap as Jekyll, but the aid from Caster improved his limited strength enough to accomplish it. As he prepared for his leap to the second floor, a small rock was nudged by his foot and tumbled into the hallway. Jekyll paused, making sure the ground was stable beneath him, though out of the corner of his eye he saw them. Red, glowing eyes fixated on him with a primal hunger, attached to a rotting body. The suspicion they had all believed came true; the enemy was inside of the building. "Make haste! I've spotted a ghoul, no doubt there are more inside!"
And so he leaped up once more, clearing the next floor and then the third. Upon reaching the roof, Jekyll immediately moved to the spot furthest from any of the possible entry points for the ghouls and set down the probe. If he could set it up to start, he would, but its nature prevented him from doing so. Taking up a defensive position, he kept his eyes open for ghouls while he awaited the arrival of the others.
|
|