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Post by emiya on Jun 10, 2016 6:39:40 GMT
I knew what I saw, and I damn well wish I didn't. That shining light he saw was unmistakable. That had been Excalibur...and the wielder had been Artoria Pendragon. The day had been uneventful...and my mission had been unfruitful. Take out the people destroying Chaldea from within, namely the Servants that were too unwieldy to be of any real use to Chaldea's motive, without staking my own involvement unnecessarily or tripping Chaldea's safety wires regarding the permitted amounts Chaldea set for Servants. It was impossible. I had never been the strongest Heroic Spirit...I was frankly among the weakest. My Reality Marble covered a great deal of that inadequacy, letting me hold my own against powerhouses like Cu Chulainn and Gilgamesh, however it could only go so far, and it tended to be quite direct in it's usage. I hadn't taken the final step, using Rule Breaker on myself and going about my task with both total freedom and a very, very limited time period to work in. That needed maximum amounts of planning and a strategic target, one I didn't have quite yet. Instead, I had been following Atlas. I wondered if there was any information I could glean about the absurd amounts of mischief the Atlantean King got himself in with no response from Chaldea. Was there some resistance to Command Spells? Was Chaldea totally lax and he was worrying over nothing? Or did Atlas get special treatment, perhaps for his part in slaying the Fuyuki Dragon. In either of the last two cases, I would likely be able to use more lethal force as well. So I stalked and waited from a distance, as Atlas continued to bother someone's residence, clearly getting into a mild confrontation that skirted the edge of civility...same as always. Then all hell broke loose. I couldn't hear the shout, or the call, but I -knew- the light I saw. It was the same one that dazzled the roof of the Hyatt Hotel. It was the same one that struck the Holy Grail...Memories rushed unbidden to me, but I crush them. It wasn't worth thinking about. Whatever this was...the Servant had used an anti-Fortress rank Noble Phantasm within the confines of Chaldea. The damage had been catastrophic. He had a new target...whether he wanted it or not. But that had to wait. It was time for his shift. He'd earned a reputation for dependability in working in the Cafeteria, and while he had to take a hiatus as the fox-tailed Tamamo had fawned over him and he was all that had kept Chaldea from being at the whim of a master of curses of incredible power, he was expected. He was a Servant, of course. A tool to be used at the discretion of the summoner. So unless he feigned despair and mourning over Tamamo to try and get out, something that would definitely attract unwanted attention, he simply dealt with having work. It wasn't like he didn't enjoy it anyway. The kitchen was some place he could feel in control in. Someplace he wouldn't make mistakes, wouldn't have to make unsolvable choices, wouldn't feel his spirit bound to the goal of the Counter Guardian. It was an escape, something he would have welcomed if he didn't have work to do. The shift was overall uneventful. But I had a feeling that would soon change. |
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Post by Artoria Pendragon on Jun 10, 2016 8:37:24 GMT
Truly, honestly, sincerely... Saber regretted her action the moment she made it. At the time she had tried to justify it believing that in a structure built to house Heroic Spirits, there would be no one who would perish at the hands of a wayward blast such as the Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm Excalibur, and that the foundation would likely be able to withstand something like it. By Atlas' own words, the place was already one of disarray, in which the higher authorities did not care about the trouble-making of the Servants, so that just one more incident wouldn't bother anybody. And besides, it was not her own fault, but Atlas', for causing her to do something like that. At least, these were all things Saber told herself to suppress her more responsible side and attack the Golden Servant. Now, however, she paid the consequence for her reckless decision, and stood in the middle of her dormitory; what was left of it. Half of the room was gone, having been completely incinerated by the holy fire released from Excalibur, and the other half was smoking with cinders as collateral damage. The fact that moments ago she had been chastising the man for dirtying her room was laughable, and Saber now mentally repented for her loss of control. To fully atone, she would continue to use this room in the state that it was, asking no more of the Chaldea Organization when it came to living conditions. It was a punishment of her own artifice. But it was no time to sleep, as Saber still possessed the energy to act. With Atlas out of the picture, she decided that she would continue on her own. She ultimately needed to find Tohsaka Rin and speak with her about the truth of Chaldea and its endeavors, but along the way she had a secondary goal to familiarize herself with the premises and its occupants. Once again, regret seeped into her veins for having turned away a potential guide through the labyrinth of a base, but she would not look back upon it longer than was pitiful. She would have to rely on her natural instinct to lead her towards the correct path—that intangible lure would be her pathfinder. Saber swept her arm across her body, making one graceful motion that caused her armor to glow with stunning luminosity. Then, as she completed the gesture, that light dispersed along with her armor, replacing the ensemble of blue fabrics and argent metal plates with a more modest set of clothes: a formal white shirt with a blue ribbon around the collar, and a blue skirt that traversed down her thighs but didn't quite reach her knees. Alongside those main aspects of her outfit were a pair of brown boots and black kneesocks. This time as she strode down the hallway, there was no cacophony of battle armor—just the gentle taps of her feet along the modern floor. She held her arms behind her back as she waded through the corridors, turning her gaze from left to right, up and down, just to take in the scenery of the base's interior. She couldn't tell anybody where she was headed, for her aim was too reliant upon her instinct for her to describe it. It was like feeling one's way through pitch darkness; she could only tell what the immediate next step was at any given time. That is why she didn't hesitate, didn't turn back, and found herself moving towards an end different from the one she had declared. It was not Tohsaka she was heading towards, but... "Archer...?" |
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Post by emiya on Jun 10, 2016 16:31:16 GMT
I noticed Saber slightly before she noticed me. Her instincts were top-notch, but I had magecraft-enhanced senses on my side. And while I don't outwardly react...I rack my brain wondering just what I should do. The feeling was entirely different than how it was with Rin...speaking with the magus came so easily it was like breathing. This, on the other hand, caused me to constrict, tense up, and feel more indecisive than I had felt ever. This feeling had happened in the Grail War, and if not for the younger me's Command Spell, I likely would have been killed, or at the very least, gravely wounded. I had been beginning to get ready to leave...but I knew from that moment I'd be here a bit longer than I could have expected. In the end, I lean on the side of the noncommittal. There was no telling what experience she had...if there was one thing that service as a Counter Guardian had told me, was that the Kaleidoscope was vast and full of different possibilities. "Saber." I reply. While I don't quite smile, I nod. "You've caught me near the end of my shift." I had already been beginning to put things away, to begin the process of cleaning up for the night...but for someone like this, I could make an exception. "If you hurry up and order, I can make you something to eat." I smirk a bit, maybe I could get a jab in at her? "If you'd like, I could even go beyond the menu. Certainly in terms of portions, that would be a necessity." I left vague how I knew this. One of several answers could work, and I didn't want to expose myself if I didn't need to. This was an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss...but what tactic to go about resolving it? I could attack the point directly, either stating my eyewitness or claiming others regarding the use of Excalibur, or I could take a side track and bring that up later, hopefully after having started a conversation. After some consideration, I choose the latter. As I bustle about retrieving some cooking supplies, either to make what's on the menu or some custom order, I open with a question. "So. How long have you been in Chaldea so far? Are you settling in?" |
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Post by Artoria Pendragon on Jun 10, 2016 22:55:52 GMT
"Archer...?"That is what she had said, and the red servant only rebutted with her own class back to her. Unlike herself who was staggered by the other's presence, he was calmer about the situation as if the two had already met... While that was true, as he was the Archer of the Fifth Holy Grail War and she was the Saber, that did not mean they had truly acquainted with each other. Their interactions only went as far as her attempting to cut him in two when they had first met, and then seeing him off to die against Berserker, the opponent they could not defeat at the time. While these two had indeed crossed paths back then, Saber could not say that she really knew this person in front of her. She was more familiar with the servant she had just met, Atlas, than she was with him. So why was it that he seemed to act so casually with her? The lack of surprise was one thing but proceeding to offer her a meal? Wait... what was Archer doing? Why did it smell so good? What shift was he talking about? Is that an apron he was wearing? Seriously, what was that smell? Saber couldn't help but catch such a delectable scent and be distracted by it, for the desire for sustenance was quite strong in her currently. It had been over a day's worth of time since her last meal, and she had experienced bloody conflict and her death in the time between then and now. In fact, when the man began speaking of special treatment and grander portions, she found her mind inwardly agreeing with the proposition, along with her tongue's salivation. Wait, no, no, no, no... Saber couldn't sit by stagnant while there were pressing concerns to be attended to. Tohsaka Rin was her goal, so she could not tally too long lest she miss her target. She would have a brief conversation with Archer instead, perhaps ask him if he knew the whereabouts of his former master—it was probably for him to know something like that. Still not quite picking up on the fact that he was teasing her, the golden-haired knight found herself answering Archer's question without resistance, still not sure what emotion to display on her face while dealing with such a familiar stranger. "How long? Oh... I was summoned approximately three hours ago under the class designation of Saber. I am... fine, as far as the accommodations are. It seems I have some time to myself now, but spending it on the act of dining is inefficient, considering that Heroic Spirits do not need to partake in food or drink to survive." That was the best refusal she could offer in response to his offer, especially after seeing him already go through the efforts to withdraw all varieties of ingredients, bottles, and containers filled with spices. She didn't want him to cook for her, but she wanted him to cook for her; she was fighting against herself. "I was exploring the establishment in the hopes of finding Tohsaka Rin, whom you should be acquainted with, no? I believe she is the most suitable person for helping me transition into service under the Chaldea Organization. Would you happen to know where she is, Archer?" |
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Post by emiya on Jun 11, 2016 0:40:37 GMT
She had repeated my class once more, clearly surprised to see me. I couldn't blame her. I had been initially surprised by the familiar faces I had seen in the confines of Chaldea...including several different versions of Artoria Pendragon...as well as a few choice old enemies I had to deal with. It was only after a long process that I had fully understood the situation I...and my erstwhile opponent, were in. Still...I couldn't deny that I slightly enjoyed seeing the calm and composed Saber off balance, something exacerbated by my offer to cook for her. I can see her reasonable nature conflict with her innate desire as I began to cook. At the cafeteria, especially after winding down, there wasn't exactly the best of the best materials. But I could work with them. I take the ground beef leftover from hamburgers, spread it out, combine it with mushrooms, onions, and other flavorful vegetables and oil and prepare a seasoned salisbury steak. It didn't have the eggs it needed to be true Japanese-style Hanbagu, but it worked well enough. Hopefully, it would serve it's purpose in getting Saber to stay a while and speak with me...long enough for me to confirm the facts of what happened without tipping my hand that I would be judge, jury, and exececutioner on the issue. "You'll quickly find that very little in Chaldea is done with efficiency in mind, Saber. If there's something you enjoy, you should take part in it with your head held high, especially if it's as minor as eating fine food." I continue to chat as it's sizzling. "Rin should be in the Master quarters...I don't know exactly where. I've not felt the need to keep tabs on her, though she is as fine a magus as ever when we do share mission assignments." I sigh slightly. "She does seek me out somewhat more often then I feel necessary, but I can't say I mind the company." Thus far I've spoke much but said little. I do give her a bit of information to work on, though. "She has been spending time learning from several Caster-class Servants. One of them being your old friend, Merlin. In addition, she has been helping the disciplinary official, Celenike Yggdmillenia, with her duties. Perhaps you could find her there?" She had lied to me...odd, as there was no possible way for her to hide the damage. Unless she was going to put up with a dessicated room simply to spite herself...which seemed more and more possible the more he remembered her. "Three hours ago? You will likely need some help getting acquainted. Chaldea helps a great deal initially, but it is far from perfect." I pause a bit. "I would be happy to help you find Rin, doubtless she would be happy to see you. However, I wonder if I could ask a quick question." I pause again, this would be it. "I felt a powerful tremor coming from the Living Quarters about two hours ago or so. It seemed to have explosive origins, and fire suppressant officials were dispatched to the area. Did you happen to catch what happened?" Servants didn't lie. But I hadn't lied at all...fully, at least. |
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Post by Artoria Pendragon on Jun 11, 2016 5:53:28 GMT
The fact that Archer didn't stop his meticulous goings-on throughout the kitchen was both a blessing and an affront to her, for it appealed to her unspoken desires, but was also in direct conflict with her vocal statement. She had to take the proper stance in this situation and focus on her responsibilities, giving Archer a look of dejection as she resolved to it. Her heart was heavy as she brushed her wants away, giving a longing look at the meat as it hissed over the stove top. Honestly, for someone who called herself a Heroic Spirit, it was shameful to be so troubled about a trifling meal. "No, I couldn't... Not only have I done nothing to deserve such a treat, but I would also be misusing your time. I cannot assent to such selfish desires of mine like others may."Then she looked back up to the red-clad servant, focusing especially on the out-of-place white apron he was wearing. It was something else that was bothering her, but why was it Archer that was handling the kitchen duties and not one of Chaldea's own staff members? It is not as if Saber had known the man for very long, but somehow she thought that this place didn't really fit him. He was a warrior like her, wasn't he? So she envisioned him on the battlefield, wielding those dual blade of white and black... That one moment of courage and self-sacrifice as he stared down Berserker—she could only see his back at the time—that told her what kind of person Archer was, and who she expected him to be. That is why this image felt so unfitting for him. "And why is it that you are here anyways, cooking? What kind of Hero must you have been in the past to have developed such a hobby? Is it perhaps one of your Personal Skills?" Saber brought her hand up to her chin as she wondered about that , considering the possibilities. Yet, no hero's name she could come up with seemed to display any talents as a chef. The more she observed him and listened to his words, the further she drifted away from a resolute answer. Archer truly was a mysterious servant, one of three whose identity she never discovered from the Holy Grail War, those others being Rider and Caster. Given how such conflicts were over with and the Servants all now cooperated with one another, there shouldn't be any reason for him to continue to hide his name... but of course to ask him for it would be hypocritical as she was partial to the name 'Saber' thanks to a certain red-headed master. When Archer discovered that she had not been in this time for long, he told her that she needed to be familiarized with Chaldea, something she already determined previously. "Yes, that is what I had planned on doing. I wished to locate Rin for precisely that reason as she would be the most trustworthy source of information here. Of course, if you are willing, then I would graciously accept your offer to take me to her. You were her servant after all." She suggested that such would be a much better use of his time than what he was currently doing, and she was prepared to leave in that case. However, it did not seem like she would be able to get Archer to budge on this matter, for the meat continued to steam away without intervention, being mashed and mixed with other ingredients in a way that was distracting to Saber. The situation seemed hopeless. With an audible sigh, she turned away and resigned herself to one of the seats within the room, taking this area as some sort of dining hall. There were dozens of longways tables with red benches attached to either side, scattered about the stone-tiled floor in orderly fashion. Despite the room's modern atmosphere, several potted plants were placed in strategic positions to give it a more homely feel, a touch that Saber very much enjoyed over the metal and plastic artifice of this era. She could only watch Archer's upper half from across the counter separating the kitchen from the dining hall, and somehow the different angle shed a new light over him. From here... his tedium seemed a little more natural. "Huh...?" she muttered, realizing he had asked something while she was scrutinizing him. She searched her memory for the question posed, and found the answer to it easy to relinquish. Without hesitation: "Oh, yes... That was the release of my Noble Phantasm, Excalibur. There was a servant that I had come across who committed a grave indignity to my pride as a knight. At the time I felt there was no choice but to contest his provocation with my full power, but after a time of reflection I now realize that I was wrong. Luckily, Atlas seemed to possess a Noble Phantasm of his own capable of subsiding most of the damage." She did seem regretful about the matter, but she felt no need to hide it. Punishment was not only something Saber was prepared for, but expected. She would not even mind if her contract was terminated by Chaldea as a result, as it would be a suitable sentence for such a crime. "It is good to hear that Chaldea has sent personnel to handle the aftermath, though I can confirm that there were no fires left behind... What are you making? That food smells positively delightful." |
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Post by emiya on Jun 11, 2016 6:56:50 GMT
Her willpower was stronger than I had ever seen it, either as Archer or Emiya Shirou. Withstanding the allure of fine cooking freely given was something that I had not anticipated, hadn't planned for. Still, the response was clear. Rib her for it, but keep cooking. "Ah, but isn't your refusal something selfish as well, Saber? I go through the effort of cooking something for you, and you turn it down? I wonder if you would have done the same for Rin or the boy." I shake my head. "If you will really stand firm, I can't make you eat it. But it was made so you could. Consider it a welcome gift, if that would make it easier for you to accept." Her bafflement at his own skill and inclination to cook was amusing as well, but presented a thorn. He couldn't very well tell the truth, could he? So he once again relied on things that weren't informative, but weren't false. "I spent a great deal of time wandering from battlefield to battlefield on my own. As such, being able to cook, and cook well, was a valuable talent." I glance back down at the hamburg steak I was making. "I simply find it enjoyable. Like I said, whether people enjoy eating or cooking, finding little things to keep your morale up while waiting for the next assignment is important here." My lips curl slightly in disgust. "And besides the Chaldea staff need someone with actual skill in the kitchen. If they were left to their own devices, the food would be something that human teacher that stayed in your and Shirou's house would create. People were up in arms when I arrived and fixed things up." I continue to cook...it wouldn't be too long. The meat fried quickly on the pan, and would soon be browning well. And her request was far from a bad idea...perhaps Rin could even help me find out the truth of the matter, as well as help Saber if things were indeed simply some awful mistake or poor turn of events. However, I wanted to see what I could get first. "We can try to swing by Miss Yggdmillenia's office. I can't guarantee she'll be there, but it's worth an attempt." I press the ingredients into the meat. "But I don't like my food going to waste, you understand. If you won't eat it, then I'll prepare it and leave it on the table for someone else to have. If no one takes it by the morning, I'll accept it wasn't to be." However, it seemed that wasn't necessary, as Saber went to sit down at a table. Good. They would be able to speak. The fact that she was willing to speak so forthrightly on the issue made him feel more at ease. Saber wasn't the type to lie in any situation...nor was she good at it. She was speaking from the heart here. I begin to affect surprise, but when she mentions the cause of it, I realize it wasn't even necessary. I shake my head. "Atlas...he's a known instigator, someone that causes a great deal of the havoc in Chaldea that he complains about. It would have been better for everyone considered if you had killed him." I feel the iron edge grow in my voice, and step back slightly. "However...the usage of your Noble Phantasm in Chaldea, especially one as devastating as Excalibur would be, is something serious to consider." I smile slightly. "However, if you are truly penitent on the issue, I doubt much corrective measure would be necessary." I sigh, half in relief and half in exasperation. "No harm, no foul seems to be the rule of the day here." Of course it was possible that Celenike would take a hard line in this situation to show an example, but now that I had confirmed Arturia would not be a continuing threat, I would make the effort to prevent that from occurring. I likely had at least some clout after the slaying of the Fuyuki Dragon, after all. As the food finishes, I put it on a plate and take it to her table, after which I sit down across from her. "Hamburg steak." I answer. Just then, I realize a potential miscalculation, one that could be costly. This was far from the first time I had prepared that dish...I had made it for Saber, after all. Which was just the problem. I didn't know what memories this Saber had. She certainly didn't know my true identity, but she did recognize Archer, Rin's Servant. This meant it couldn't have been his own history...and so he should take measures to reduce the likelihood of her recognizing me as Shirou from my own actions. I couldn't even explain away it as something I had seen myself do...after all, while I could use Reinforcement to see into the kitchen, and I hadn't made it during my time prior to the assault on the Einzbern mansion. Hopefully, Saber wouldn't think as tactically or critically as I was doing. After all, she wasn't trying to hold up some insane and laughably fragile masquerade. |
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Post by Artoria Pendragon on Jun 13, 2016 22:27:28 GMT
She interlocked her fingers together and neatly folded her hands into a ball in her lap, having reconciled with the red servant well enough to sit still and be patient. Who was she to prevent a man so insistent on feeding her out of pure good will? It was not as if there was an ulterior motive to the man's action, as far as Saber was able to tell. She would go by his word, accepting that this was his role at Chaldea and that it was only natural for him to serve her like this. With both her implicit craving alongside Archer's sound logic, she folded her arguments away. She could accept a single pleasant diversion from her objective, thanks only to the stubbornness from a boy in her past softening her up. "Really now? A battlefield cook... would have been useful to have in my time. Those who prepared my men's meals were no virtuosos of their craft. I would have liked to have you serving in my army in their stead." She chuckled like an old king reminiscing of her times on the fields of war. Back then, there was no emotion to it—only bloodshed for the sake of victory. It did not matter to her that the meat was tough and tasteless, so long as it filled her stomach. She did not know the thoughts of her fellow knights, but she did presume that they must have found the food uninspiring as well. A more flavorful meal may have risen spirits higher and saved a few more lives... It was still hard for her not to wish for a better result than what legacy she had left behind, even after resolving to accept her own rule as king. As a knight, she had bound herself to leave the past as it was, and thus she would no longer try to change fate while she lived in the present. However, it would be many more years before she truly found peace in such a decision. Her kingdom had come to a mortifying ending as it tore itself apart from the inside out, and she knew it was an end brought about by her own hands. She had to be less than human to cause such a tragedy, and she had to be more than human to later come to terms with it. She would cease such woeful thoughts in front of Archer for now, burying that past deep within her where it would not disturb her. When Atlas' name was brought up, she found her face turning to one of sheepishness, for it was the first time she had ever been so careless with her holy sword. Perhaps it was simply that she had found her opposition both worthy and reprehensible enough that she thought of no better way to handle the situation... but she chided herself mentally again as another excuse impulsively rose into her mind. She had activated her Noble Phantasm, and there was no reasonable justification behind it: Accept it. "For now, I will remain in the dormitory I have consecrated as it is until a more suitable punishment comes to mind. Do not pity me nor relieve me of this; lest my self become disgraced by my wrongdoing."She thought back to Atlas' warning about Celenike and how she was able to utilize Command Spells to control the servants summoned in this organization. Saber was told that she would use them to restrain the Heroic Spirits while she experimented upon them, and thought that such an experience may serve as satisfactory discipline for her behavior. Before her imagination about what this unseen stranger could possibly do to her got the better of her, the overpowering scent of meat obliterated such thoughts. Saber looked down with a sparkle in her eyes as her mouth formed an 'Oh' shape of wonder. The rich brown patty settled in a lustrous marinade, giving it that glistening outer that only made a wonderful dish more appetizing. Saber couldn't comprehend fully what a craft this meal was, but she knew its taste would be nothing short of an A rank Divinity. Archer would have to excuse her for her poor manners, for there was no prayer before the woman drove her utensils into the steak and began eating. Only the first bite would be savored, her tongue taking delight in the various flavors that accentuated the main essence of the meat. Proceeding that, her appetite took hold and she would shed the pretense of her gender while she devoured the rest like a true King. There were no words to be said, but hopefully her gratified expression and the pace at which she ate served to show him how much she loved what he had made for her. For several minutes, the only sounds were the clashings of silverware and glassware in between the chewing of food. Even though Archer said he had made additional portions for her, she thought what was on the plate before her was nothing more than the standard for a king, and she was able to finish it all in record time. Her fork and knife were cast down with a resolute clank, and Saber would sit straight up as she released a content breath of air. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling, and she would pause like this as she allowed herself to settle. "Archer... I had not realize you were so talented in this area. It is of no wonder you work in the kitchen. Please continue to work dutifully at your post." Like that, Saber had taken a complete one-hundred and eighty degree turn on her stance. There was a tinge of selfishness in her voice as she requested this of him, no doubt looking to enjoy many more meals just like this one during her time in Chaldea. |
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