|
|
Post by Astolfo on Oct 15, 2015 23:41:10 GMT
“The Ryuudou temple facility in Fuyuki City was attacked and captured by ghouls; led by unknown beings. You’ll have two mission objectives. First, you’ll need to scout the complex and execute any notable threats. Secondly. You’re to investigate whether Rokkenjima has the potential to actually project a full anti-spiritual field – and stop it, if it can.”
"What’s the insertion method?”
“We’ll approach the facility by ray shift.”
"And then?”
“You’ll use your mount to close in, but once you reach the gates you’ll need to dismount it. From there on, you’ll have to move on foot. The facility covers the whole mountain. I’ll instruct you by contact once you reach your target.”
"Anyone going with me?”
“As usual, this is a one-man infiltration mission.”
"Weapons and equipment OSP?”
“Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don’t expect any official support.”
With a quiet thud amongst the rhythmic flapping of its wings; a black-clad figure stepped off their hippogriff mount; virtually undetectable in the thick forest. Dropping to one knee from the fall as their mount flew off once more with nary a sound, the Servant raised their head – their face was obscured by a thick pair of goggles; which flickered green in the darkness of the night. "An anti-spirit field…?” grumbled the admittedly short man, carefully surveying the area around the temple. He was standing only a few metres from the stairs that led to the main gate… his only way in, by the looks of things. "The direct approach… just like old times.”
“Rider? Are you on location?” chirped the Servant’s earpiece, buzzing with slight static – messaging people across time wasn’t really ideal; but with a spirit like Astolfo it wasn’t wise to just leave the mission in its sole member’s hands. “What’s the situation? Were you detected on approach?”
"I haven’t been detected yet. Everything’s clear.” replied the pink-haired boy, presently lacking his cape for some semblance of stealth; "I’m at the gates… commencing the operation!”
Triumphantly looking up, Astolfo tore the goggles off; revealing his beautiful features once more – albeit plastered with an obnoxious smirk. He’d never done a stealth mission before! It was going to be so exciting! To be a hero one more time … he wouldn’t give up this chance for anything in the world. Not even having a second birthday each year!
"Kept you waiting, huh?”
|
|
|
|
Post by ??? on Oct 16, 2015 2:09:36 GMT
In a city that embodied literal hell, the stairway was like an entrance to heaven.
The walls that linked the gate, while cracked with wear, remained structurally solid. The forestry, while desolate and shaggy, did not smell of charcoal and was in fact free of flame. The lack of excess destruction here was an oddity, if anything in this domain could be called it.
Yet to be tarred by the calamity, the temple - the crowning landmark - was a place of fiction. Unlike the rest of the city, where the air burned with the remnants of life, hardly a soul lingered here.
That "hardly a soul" was none other than the man who stood at the top - the gatekeeper. Needless to say, he did not really fit the scene at the moment. The chill in his gallant form was ruined by the state of the sky, as well as his lustrous purple hair; they just didn't complement with all this crimson. His eyes watched the scenery below. The moon had grown orange and pitiful, so he distracted himself with the seas of flames that danced at the bottom of the mountain. But following the appearance of an intruder that appeared to be quite... enthusiastic about their role, he found himself with no more need for any such distraction.
"Yes, it was quite the long wait."
Sighing those words, the swordsman struck his stare away from the calamity and towards the infiltrator - his tall weapon glimmering in the moonlight. His physical form manifested, and his calm demeanor released enmity. In a swift cutting motion, the blade aimed straight for the opposition's neck.
He was the gatekeeper, after all; it was within his every right to behead all that attempted to pass him on a moonlit night, especially if they happened to be a pretty bird.
|
|
|
|
Post by Astolfo on Oct 16, 2015 12:13:51 GMT
The appearance of the flowery-dressed warrior earned an eager wave – albeit one quickly cut off by the blade zooming towards Astolfo’s neck. Clueless as he might be; that very ignorance gave him enough warning to take a step back… maybe it was just an instinct honed by all the other combat-loving Servants in Chaldea rather than any kind of superhuman skill, though. "Whoaa, whoa whoa whoa; heya! No need for such a warm welcome!” squeaked the Rider, slowly backing up while he waved his hands in submission; "I didn’t hear any other Servants were sent here by Chaldea. Or, is this some kind of test?”
"Oh well! Doesn’t matter! I’m Astolf- err, I’m Agent Rider! Chaldea Elite Operative! I’m on site and ready to work, sir!” chirped the ever-chipper Servant, just about bouncing on the spot – woohoo, a compatriot! He’d do anything not to have to do a solo mission! Having no one to talked to suuuucked; so this was a gift from God. Well, he could always just talk to command, but they whined a lot if he used the connection too much, sooooo not worth the trouble. Giving another friendly wave, Astolfo just began to trot around in place as he looked the other spirit up and down.
He really did have pretty clothing and hair; Astolfo was almost a bit jealous. And, a lovely voice, too! This would certainly be a nice time out and about with such a buddy to work with. Drawing his own sword and flashing a heroic pose, the paladin pointed onward towards the gate. "Alright, my comrade in arms, let’s move out! We’d best talk while we walk; command’ll get super grumpy if I keep them waiting… again.” sighed Astolfo after his brief moment of enthusiasm, seeming to cool off a little bit. "It kinda sucks we're on the job, huh? This place is really quite pretty... maybe we can slack off afterwards or something. But, I kinda wonder how it didn't end up scorched and stuff... though, I guess that's our job, huh?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ??? on Oct 29, 2015 1:25:16 GMT
The gatekeeper reeled in his sword, closing an eye and smiling for the camera in the moonlight. "Hoh. Swift, very swift," he commented - even if it was just a step, as a swordsman who very much knew what it took to avoid the slash of a sword strike, he had to comment upon it. But why just a step? Why not a backwards leap, or a graceful flip, or why did they not draw that sword at their side and counterattack? Even as they backed off, they were still technically in the gatekeeper's range, so technically, the gatekeeper could still swing at them. And the gatekeeper very much would have, if it were not for the complete lack of hostility resonating from this "foe". This was... baffling.
...Oh? Are they... waving their hands? What ilk of insanity must this be? Did they want them to be chopped off or something? Come to think of it, they were dressed up quite nice, weren't they? The vivid, feathery colors and the glamorous hair - they certainly earned this gatekeeper's approval. But... Chaldea? The gatekeeper raised a brow. It seemed this one knew more than he did.
"Well, I do not know about this Chaldea; but you could consider it a te---"
The gatekeeper frowned.
Was he just... interrupted? No, it was more like the knight hadn't even realized that the gatekeeper had begun to speak. They continued by introducing themselves, almost mistakenly blurting out their true name - Sasa... the gatekeeper did not much care for it, so despite hearing most of the syllables, he didn't try to ponder on the screw-up. What he did ponder on, however, is why the enemy Servant was saying, "Ready to work, sir!" It was as if they saw him as an ally of sorts. Another Servant, though? An ally? In this war? Well, in fairness, the vixen that had summoned him here in his gallant form was a Servant; and if you spat out every letter of the word, she could have also been considered an "ally". That is, before she left him alone, bound to the gate. And what a lovely gate it was.
Oh? Was that, were they... drawing their sword? A heroic pose? They couldn't be...?
No... instead, he got bicker about "command" and "comrade" and such; two other conceptions the gatekeeper understood, but could not comprehend. So, it seemed he was seen as an ally. Oh, well at the very least, it was not like he would have much trouble spilling the beans; while pretty of face and feather, they were quite goofy, this one - and loud. Very loud. They would not shut up, quite like a robin.
The gatekeeper raised his sword over his shoulder. This time, he would raise his voice properly. Clearing his throat, he would ensure that he would not be interrupted.
"Well now, I do not believe I am your---"
Again...? The robin continued.
"As I just tried to say, we are not---"
The swordsman sighed. The robin simply did not stop squawking. Yes, the place was pretty. He knew better than anyone. Waiting here this long, and all he desired was a worthy adversary...
|
|
|
|
Post by Astolfo on Oct 30, 2015 1:38:31 GMT
"Did you help make this place yourself? I don’t really know about this era, so maybe there’s something more complicated going on. I don’t even know this country, to be honest! It’s kind of exciting, but at the same time it’s really weird to suddenly just start talking another language I barely know. Did that happen to you, too?” blabbered on Astolfo, seeming utterly ignorant of his unlikely ‘ally’ and his attempt to interrupt him; "Oh, but the food is pretty nice now; although it’s not as pretty. Do you have a favourite food? Mine’s ice cream now; strawberry ice cream. But, cake is really good now too; though Chaldea hardly ever let people have it. Plus, it’s kind of heavy afterwards, and you feel really bad… yeah, maybe it’s not cake.”
Lost in thought for just enough time for the gatekeeper to possibly think he had a chance to step in, Astolfo’s face immediately lit up again; turning his attentions back on his newfound friend. "Let’s head in, anyway! C’mon, I’ll lead the way!” cheered the boy, trotting up the stairway with boundless enthusiasm. He had a new friend! And he was nice and polite! And his hair was wonderful! This mission was fantastic already! And such a nice outfit! He’d have to ask about that, too! Woohoo!
"Hey, monsieur! What’s the story with your outfit? That’s a Japanese thingy, right? Ooh, but your sword looks pretty silly; it’s waaaay too long. When we get back to base, I’ll see if you can’t get a lance or something instead. Or, are you just a weird Lancer in truth? I dunno, Servants are totally weird, right?’ mused Rider loudly, clearly expecting the enigmatic Servant to be following along with his lead – and continuing to hustle on whether the poor man kept up or not. "Ah, sorry! I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, right? You might be a Caster for all I know. I mean, I’m certainly not a Saber, but I’ve got a cool sword! Honestly, I think all the magical weapon stuff is a bit silly, though… I’m just happy if my sword can cut, hahah!”
"But, hey! What’s your name, monsieur? Sorry I didn’t give you the chance to introduce yourself before!” asked the boy suddenly; twirling about on a step to meet the gatekeeper once again; his smile beaming like the midday sun; "Nice to meet you, anyway! Nothing like a date on a lovely evening, right?”
|
|
