Cross Effects: Rebirth (2.0) The RP

[Elf]

Lancer whistled as Neo was thrown by Amy's elemental familiar.  "That was a mighty fine toss," he said with a chuckle, smiling in admiration.

Then he winked at Millie and said, "You can prove your boy kicking skills later.  Fiore's right, the lot of you could use rest.  I've got a tent that I live in that has room for another if they're so inclined."  He grinned at Rin when he said this.

******

Ash shrugged and said, "Well, I'm going to . . ." 

Pawn her off to Forest the first chance I get, a snide voice said in her head.  Ash wasn't a teacher, unless it was about sucking cock or whatnot.  She had changed Ellen on a whim, which wasn't fair to the girl.

"Well, Ellen, I suggest spending the day with me until you can get your apartment set up to block out sunlight and a hold of your blood lust," Ash said, trying to sound friendly but authoritative.

She smirked at Kyle and said, "And you can get yourself back to your place just fine."

[Arch-Magos Winter]

"Where are you going? You don't seem like a man with plan right now" Mordred commented, kind of sensing Lawrence's hesitation on were they should go.

Lawrence

"I think the park. Might run into someone along the way." Lawrence had the words leave his mouth as he suddenly sensed a massive spiritual presence similar to Mordred nearby. "...And we did."

[Brahmastra]

Rider could feel it, like an itch on the inside of his skin. The familiar feeling of a Servant being in his proximity.

"Little Flower, get behind me. There's a Servant nearby. And it doesn't seem like an entirely pathetic one", he said, radiating confidence, "Good."

He drew no weapon, nor did he equip any armor, he merely swerved around the corner to find the source of the feeling, urging his Master to follow. A rather luxurious car, within which sat an incredibly average-looking man and a blonde girl not even Sakura's age. The girl was the Servant of the two, to his disappointment.

"Step out, mewling one and two. You are a hostility to the presence of the greatest King."

[Knick]

Sakura

Sakura face became as stone and her circuits flared to life, a faucet spinning open in her mind as prana flowed through her body. The Matou crests glowing though her clothing on her right shoulder and collar bone for a moment before she controlled the flow and let it fade.

Shadows began to dance around her and flowed into her bow, attuning it slightly to her magecraft. It would not be as effective without the proper preparation, but usable.

“See Rider, I told you something would happen to alleviate your boredom.” She spoke, her voice lacking the teasing or joking tone of earlier. She would have preferred for something like this to not happen, but she was prepared. Her training required it from her at all times.

And so with the Bow ready and circuits open she stood slightly behind and to the right of her servant, observing the foes, ready to use her magecraft at a moment’s notice.

[Arch-Magos Winter]

Shakespeare

Day 2: Outside Golden Rule

Walking through the automated doors, Shirou Kotomine shook his head slightly in a bored manner, having just finished an hour long argument in the early hours of the morning until he finally got a reasonable price out of the businessmen he was conversing with. Truth be told, he was almost on the verge of having Assassin put something in their drinks, but  they ultimately pulled through.

"Incredible how much they can take for just dirt and stone, isn't it?", the priest said with a bored demeanor.

"Indeed. Though Assyria was a land of riches, I had not expecting it's very soil to become a luxury. The world truly has changed, hasn't it?", was the reply from his immediate left.

To the priest's side was the person he had come to know as Assassin, or, in conversations not in the public eye, Semiramis. One of the greatest rulers the Babylonian region ever saw, who stole the throne from King Ninus through poisoning and seduction. To not call her beautiful would be a sin to all women, but Shirou kept himself quiet on that matter for a long time. He had a more important goal than a woman or love and though he would not admit it, some things about her worried him a bit. Regardless she had proven herself to be one of the greatest parts of his plan, and she was quite cooperative in that regard.

"For better or worse. How long will we have to postpone our plans with the rebuilding of the Gardens?"

"The ritual will be done in two days, at which point we shall be unstoppable."

"We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves with such thinking. Until it's final stage, our plan is at constant risk. Unless we acquire some powerful pawns."

"For once I wish you would have a little faith in me", said the Queen with a slight uncharacteristic pout, the faintest of red spilling on her cheeks.

Shirou smiled a tad at her response, not taking account for her slight leak of emotion. Noticing that his second compatriot was not with them, he asked aloud, genuinely curious.

"Caster? Where did you go off to?"

Ah, the beauty if this fine city! Impossible architecture pressed side to side! Elizabethan churches looming in the night next to buildings that touched the sky itself with metal fingers! I breathed deep this fine air, tasting it's strange flavor with a relish. Truly my master had brought me somewhere interesting - though why wouldn't he, considering how interesting he was to I, the servant of the story itself. Let those who are in favour with their stars, Of public honour and proud titles boast, Whilst I, whom fortune of such triumph bars, Unlook'd for joy in that I honour most. This tale was merely starting, and I could see it all!

"Why, Master, I've been merely marveling at the sights and sounds of this fair city! Truly, it's beauty is only beaten by your companion, and even then by the slimmest width of a piece of parchment."

My arms outspread, I looked up at the tall building before us. "See, how it touches the bosom of the sky itself? Caresses the gentle curves of the clouds? Pierces the heavens with unmatched grandeur? The sights and sounds all around it, why, I could write a work merely on the happenings of a honest street vendor over yonder who gave me this!"

Proudly, I shoved out my hand, a color changing ring upon it. "A ring that can predict the mood of it's wearer and change its color to match. Such an honest thing, for a cheap price. What other wonders await us here I can only begin to fathom!"

[Daiki]

They headed in the direction pointed out by the girls they had met earlier. To his relief, they didn't stumble across more dead people. Probably the inhabitants of this part had no interest in a dragon and the boy covered in gore. It did take a bit of time to reach what looked like a park.

Enkidu jumped over the fence with ease and waited for his friend to do the same. He spotted the livings beings not too far away from his location almost immediately, and, to his surprise, he saw a man hurled through the air with the strength of a mighty hero of the ancient time. The one having who did it was a sort of familiar or elemental attached to the ground.

Enkidu detected prana from the group and scowled.

"Those people are magi. But not this one."

Though, the energy he detected from him was by far the most threatening of the bunch. His eyes shifted to the poor guy but he was already too far for Enkidu to help him. He didn't know what to do of people who would throw someone to their death without apparently showing much concern for the victim. The murdered people flashed in his mind for a brief instant and he wondered if those had any hand in this. After all, who would be most likely to sacrifice people in rituals other than witches? Needing confirmation about what to do, he consulted his friend.

"What do you think, Wingless One? Should we ignore what we just saw?"

----

"And here I thought you would show some ounce of your motherly side," he said with a shake of his head. He could tell that she didn't want to be the one taking care of her progeny. It was no surprise to him and he wasn't one to judge without the full picture. Still, he couldn't just depart without saying anything. "I won't tell you to take responsibility for what you did. However, shouldn't you learn her at least some of your skills before leaving her to figure out most of the crap on her own? Don't give me that look, you know how survival works. Bedding someone might become a necessity too. And if she inherits your special brand of crazy, nobody's going to teach her how to channel it better than you. Also, bonding between sire and fledgling is important, no matter what you might think of parental figures and shit. Besides, some company different than your usual may do you some good."

Kyle turned around, repressing a chuckle.

"Take it as a friendly advice, O'Rourke. As for little ol' me, I'll be at Fore's for the day. Ring me if you need someone to bang."

His laugh lasted a good while before he disappeared in a crowd of early risers.

[Brahmastra]

"The sheer scale of the architecture of the modern world is certainly something to be impressed by, but it feels like it lacks something...", Shirou started.

"It lacks uniqueness", continued Assassin, "It lacks the touch of artisans and the feeling that a great amount of time and care went into each every part of it.  All of the buildings here look the same, and repetitive architecture is among the worst kind", she said with a disdainful scoff.

"It does have a certain lack of heart to it, does it not?"

"Indeed, though I suppose humanity must have to settle with what they have. They no longer carry with them the strength they once did. "

"But are you and I both not also humans? And if that is truly the case, then is it not merely up to us to save those who cannot save themselves?"

"Of course".

Proudly, I shoved out my hand, a color changing ring upon it. "A ring that can predict the mood of it's wearer and change its color to match. Such an honest thing, for a cheap price. What other wonders await us here I can only begin to fathom!"

Shirou could not surpress a chuckle at the sight.

"I suppose the Grail really does not give us information about modern pop culture, huh, Caster? That's called a mood ring. It's something people wore a lot some forty years ago. The glass "stone" is full of liquid crystal, which changes color based on body heat. It's not exactly magic, you know?"

"How do you know this, Shirou? Did you not just say that us Servants are not given knowledge of petty baubles?"

"Well, unlike the two of you, I've been incarnated for quite a while, as you already know. It's incredible how much free time I had even while I was planning and searching for clues as to the whereabouts of the Grail. I saw quite a few people my age wear those things."

"But if you are amazed by so little, Caster, then I don't think you, or indeed I, will be bored", he continued. Truth be told, no matter how forward-minded Shirou was, Caster's overt reactions to everything was quite entertaining.

Assassin emitted a short scoff at the sight. Her business-minded self could not be said to be amused by Caster's antics. Something about him was entirely off to her. Perhaps it was the lack of ability to control him? Or that he was gaining the attentions of their Master more than her. Not that she particularly cared about the latter, or so she thought.

[Kat]

"I think the park. Might run into someone along the way." Lawrence had the words leave his mouth as he suddenly sensed a massive spiritual presence similar to Mordred nearby. "...And we did."

Rider could feel it, like an itch on the inside of his skin. The familiar feeling of a Servant being in his proximity.

"Little Flower, get behind me. There's a Servant nearby. And it doesn't seem like an entirely pathetic one", he said, radiating confidence, "Good."

He drew no weapon, nor did he equip any armor, he merely swerved around the corner to find the source of the feeling, urging his Master to follow. A rather luxurious car, within which sat an incredibly average-looking man and a blonde girl not even Sakura's age. The girl was the Servant of the two, to his disappointment.

"Step out, mewling one and two. You are a hostility to the presence of the greatest King."

"I am hostile. There is a Holy Grail War going on, after all", Mordred glared at the man. She could also feel that he is a Servant, but she was puzzled as to why the enemy would approach them in daylight. Fighting in the presence of the mundane would be breaching the rules of the War. "Why are you coming forth with a challenge in broad daylight? You should know that it's not the right time or place, so are you here just to ruin my mood?"

Ash shrugged and said, "Well, I'm going to . . ." 

Pawn her off to Forest the first chance I get, a snide voice said in her head.  Ash wasn't a teacher, unless it was about sucking cock or whatnot.  She had changed Ellen on a whim, which wasn't fair to the girl.

"Well, Ellen, I suggest spending the day with me until you can get your apartment set up to block out sunlight and a hold of your blood lust," Ash said, trying to sound friendly but authoritative.

She smirked at Kyle and said, "And you can get yourself back to your place just fine."

"And here I thought you would show some ounce of your motherly side," he said with a shake of his head. He could tell that she didn't want to be the one taking care of her progeny. It was no surprise to him and he wasn't one to judge without the full picture. Still, he couldn't just depart without saying anything. "I won't tell you to take responsibility for what you did. However, shouldn't you learn her at least some of your skills before leaving her to figure out most of the crap on her own? Don't give me that look, you know how survival works. Bedding someone might become a necessity too. And if she inherits your special brand of crazy, nobody's going to teach her how to channel it better than you. Also, bonding between sire and fledgling is important, no matter what you might think of parental figures and shit. Besides, some company different than your usual may do you some good."

Kyle turned around, repressing a chuckle.

"Take it as a friendly advice, O'Rourke. As for little ol' me, I'll be at Fore's for the day. Ring me if you need someone to bang."

His laugh lasted a good while before he disappeared in a crowd of early risers.

Kyle was too frivolous when talking about intimate stuff. Ellen had urge to 'teach' him how properly behave like an obedient dog, not some wild animal, but repressed that in herself. There was more important stuff to do.

"I don't want to be a bother, so I'll take up your offer and stay until I can get my apartment into working condition." she nodded, not wanting to intrude on her sire's unlife too much.

[Brahmastra]

"What champion of the sun would cower and hide in the day? My radiant glory is not something to hide away. Also, I'm bored", expressed Rider, as if his opponent was merely a chew toy for the mighty lion that was himself.

"Furthermore, if you have not already noticed, this place is quite used to exposure to the abnormal. Showing my shining self to these peasants will truly prove that I am the greatest Heroic Spirit."

"Unless of course, you and your scared-stiff Master are cowards, mice who cannot face the lion of the sun", his smirk widening as he challenged the brat.

[Kurogami]

"Normally the entire district is safe for humans and the human friendly; one of the safest in the Nexus, if you believe the people around here."

Minato shrugged.

"But every few months someone figures out how to get by the security and decides that they are invincible, you can see the results."

"That being said, I can explain the basics of Nexus City on the way; It's a half-hour walk."

Minato then began to walk in the direction of his dorm all the while explaining the basics of the Nexus and survival in it.

[Arch-Magos Winter]

"What champion of the sun would cower and hide in the day? My radiant glory is not something to hide away. Also, I'm bored", expressed Rider, as if his opponent was merely a chew toy for the mighty lion that was himself.

"Furthermore, if you have not already noticed, this place is quite used to exposure to the abnormal. Showing my shining self to these peasants will truly prove that I am the greatest Heroic Spirit."

"Unless of course, you and your scared-stiff Master are cowards, mice who cannot face the lion of the sun", his smirk widening as he challenged the brat.

Law gritted his teeth.

He's strong, but he is nothing compared to what we are.

The Driver's confidence was not shared by his host. 'Even with Mordred, I don't know if we can take him. He's old, older than dirt. I don't know if my shit will even make him blink.'

You never know until you try. Besides, you could always take out the Master.

Law was, in fact, preparing to do that. In his minds eye the Industrial Key was grasped, prepared to turn open the lock that held back it's Curse. She wouldn't know what hit her - likely a piano judging by the moving crew nearby. But, talking might prevent slaughter here. "Everyone, just chill, alright? Even you Saber. This doesn't have to get ugly." Law didn't move to get out of the car, not yet. Concealed by the door, he readied the .45. Just in case. "So, uh... Master chick..." Law struggled to find a decent question that wouldn't get his face stabbed by the servant in front of him. "...Need a ride?"

[Knick]

Sakura

Sakura watched the master and servant pair that had arrived.

A Grail War? Here? Interesting, if there really was a Grail War it was her duty as Heir to the Matou to be victorious.

‘Rider, try not to kill the master ok? If we can capture him I will be able to remove his command seals for our own use.’ She spoke through their mental link.

The man is probably trying to hide a weapon, which is why he is not stepping out most likely. I do not detect Prana though, is he not a magus? There was something though, it was in the air, it felt almost like a spiritual presence of some kind but she could not pinpoint it.

She did not even both responding to the enemy master. Her spell was already forming, it would bind him in place the moment she cast it. There were enough shadows near him to manipulate. She made sure to tell Rider of her preparations, it would be best for him to know she was prepared.

[Brahmastra]

Rider saw it clear as day. The man still in the car meant trouble, reaching for a weapon, perhaps a firearm hidden in his car while spouting a weak attempt to lure Sakura in. His Little Flower however, was quite insistent on joining this battle herself. That wouldn't do, especially if he had to fend off the blonde peasant in front of him.

'Sorry Little Flower, but you'll not be joining this fight. I need some elbow space, you see, Ha-ha!'

As it was there to begin with, a massive white sperm whale sprung out of the pavement as if it was water and swallowed his master whole, before diving into the pavement again. The Divine Beast, Moby Dick, would spit her out somewhere safer. The King of Kings did not want to bother with protecting her overconfident self right now. If she got back here before the fight was over, then that would be her own problem.

At once, a bright flash of light encompassed Rider, and then immediately faded.

"Prostrate yourselves, bastards, for you are poisoning my radiant glory with your mere presence. For that reason, I shall cull you. Take knee and make it easier for me" His smile radiated bloodthirsty confidence as he hefted the overly long khopesh fashioned in the colors of the Pharaoh in the direction of the Servant.

[Kat]

Mordred was not impressed. She donned her armor in reaction to the Servant donning his and jumped out of the car. Damn the rules, he started first! "Hey, cut the trashtalking. My brother had same attitude, but with less overblown ego. Maybe." In her hands appeared Clarent, the Servant of blade ready for the combat. "Master" she said, her back turned to Lawrence "Stay clear of the fight, you will jusst get in the way."

[Lycodrake]

Lycodrake Aptera
Shawnee (?)

He didn't know what to do of people who would throw someone to their death without apparently showing much concern for the victim. The murdered people flashed in his mind for a brief instant and he wondered if those had any hand in this. After all, who would be most likely to sacrifice people in rituals other than witches? Needing confirmation about what to do, he consulted his friend.

"What do you think, Wingless One? Should we ignore what we just saw?"

Scaling the fence in a way most would liken to a gecko and climbing down just as well, Lycodrake turned his attention to where his companion was looking. A human being tossed away by an elemental was cause for concern, but none of the group smelled like fresh blood and guts. Truly, he and his companion aimed to find a place to stay: away from the crowded streets and buildings aiming to pierce the sky. However, he also wanted to know more about the situation in this strange city that amalgamated worlds together.

He debated, though: ignore something that was someone else's problem and move on or question the group for more information? Information would be helpful, especially from a group that didn't seem very organized, which meant more points of view usually. Moving on when they had an opportunity to learn more about their situation? That would be foolish, and folly helped no one.

Rather than nod "yes" or shake his head "no", the wingless dragon leaned his head in the general direction of the group and took slow steps forward, hoping that his intent of "let's see if they know anything" would be communicated.